WO2007135488A1 - Detection system for detecing use of a mobile telecommunications device - Google Patents

Detection system for detecing use of a mobile telecommunications device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2007135488A1
WO2007135488A1 PCT/IB2006/051628 IB2006051628W WO2007135488A1 WO 2007135488 A1 WO2007135488 A1 WO 2007135488A1 IB 2006051628 W IB2006051628 W IB 2006051628W WO 2007135488 A1 WO2007135488 A1 WO 2007135488A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
camera
target
mobile telecommunications
detection
telecommunications device
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2006/051628
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Alan Grimmett
Original Assignee
Nokia Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Nokia Corporation filed Critical Nokia Corporation
Priority to PCT/IB2006/051628 priority Critical patent/WO2007135488A1/en
Publication of WO2007135488A1 publication Critical patent/WO2007135488A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
    • G08G1/01—Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled
    • G08G1/04—Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled using optical or ultrasonic detectors
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
    • G08G1/01—Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled
    • G08G1/052—Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled with provision for determining speed or overspeed

Definitions

  • Detection system for detecting use of a mobile telecommunications device
  • the present invention relates to a method and system for detecting the use of a mobile telecommunications device.
  • a detection device may be able to detect the use of a mobile telecommunications device in a vehicle, the detection device cannot determine whether the mobile telecommunications device is being used by a passenger or by the driver.
  • the present invention provides a detection system comprising: a detector configured to detect use of a mobile telecommunications device by a target in a detection zone; a camera configured to capture an image of the target; and control means configured to cause the camera to capture an image of the target when the detector detects the use of the mobile telecommunications device by the target in the detection zone.
  • the present invention also provides a detection method comprising: detecting use of a mobile telecommunications device by a target in a detection zone; and, on detection of the use of the mobile telecommunications device by the target in the detection zone, using a camera to capture an image of the target.
  • the system of the present invention is arranged to capture an image of the target, when the target is detected using a mobile telecommunications device.
  • the image can be used to identify the target, but also to determine whether the use of a mobile telecommunications device is a permissible use, for instance whether it is the use of a hand held device or a "hands free” device.
  • the image also provides evidence of the offence.
  • the camera is configured to capture the image of the target in the detection zone. Therefore, the camera and the detector are both pointed at the same area.
  • the detector comprises a highly directional antenna configured to detect transmissions from the mobile telecommunications device.
  • the antenna is a corner reflector antenna.
  • a highly directional antenna is used to eliminate detections from other mobile telecommunications devices in the vicinity, and so that the "detection zone" of the antenna coincides with the field of view of the camera.
  • the camera is a traffic camera configured to photograph oncoming traffic.
  • Such cameras are typically of the type having an infra red flash, so that the flash is not visible to the driver.
  • Such cameras will capture an image of the front of the vehicle, including the driver of the vehicle, the passenger and the vehicle number plate.
  • the vehicle number plate allows identification of the owner of the vehicle, and the image can be inspected to see whether the driver was using a hand held mobile telecommunications device or a hands free device, or whether the detected use of a mobile telecommunications device was by the passenger.
  • Figure 1 shows a vehicle entering a detection zone of a detection system in accordance with the present invention
  • Figure 2 shows the vehicle in the detection zone
  • Figure 3 shows the system capturing an image of the vehicle.
  • FIGS 1 to 3 illustrate the operation of a detection system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, for detecting and recording the use of a mobile telecommunications device in a moving vehicle 1.
  • the detector 3 includes a highly directional antenna such as a corner reflector antenna. As shown in Figure 1, the lobe of the antenna is directed at the oncoming traffic, and comprises the detection zone 4 of the system. The camera 2 is directed to allow the capture of an image of the front of the vehicle 1 in the detection zone 4.
  • a highly directional antenna such as a corner reflector antenna. As shown in Figure 1, the lobe of the antenna is directed at the oncoming traffic, and comprises the detection zone 4 of the system.
  • the camera 2 is directed to allow the capture of an image of the front of the vehicle 1 in the detection zone 4.
  • the detector 3 detects transmissions T from a mobile telecommunications device which is being used in the vehicle 1 , and sends a command signal S to the camera 2.
  • the command signal S instructs the camera 3 to capture an image of the front of the vehicle 1 using an infra red flash F to avoid distracting or temporarily blinding the driver.
  • the image is stored in the camera memory and can subsequently be analysed to determine whether the transmissions T were from the illegal use of a hand held mobile telephone by a driver.
  • the image may include an image of the driver taken through the windscreen of the vehicle 1 , which can be analysed subsequently to determine if the driver was using a mobile telephone illegally.
  • the image also includes the number plate of the vehicle 1 to enable identification of the owner of the vehicle 1.
  • the camera 2 may be a typical traffic camera of the forward facing type, such as those commonly used in systems for detecting speeding offences.
  • the camera 2 in the present invention may additionally be configured to capture images required for detection of speeding offences.
  • the system can be configured to detect and record speeding offences as well as the use of mobile telecommunications devices.
  • Truvelo Two types of currently available systems for detecting speeding offences include cameras which are particularly suitable for use in the present invention, these being the Truvelo (TM) or the SPECS systems. Both of these systems include forward facing cameras and can therefore readily be adapted to include a mobile telecommunications device detecting function.
  • the Truvelo camera is a forward facing camera, which takes pictures using an infra red flash gun.
  • Speed detection takes place using inductive loops in the road, which measure the time between compressions as the two axles of a vehicle 1 pass over the inductive loops. The time difference is used to calculate speed of the vehicle 1.
  • the SPECS system consists of pair of cameras, the first of which takes a photograph and records the time. The second camera does the same thing so that the system calculates the average speed of the vehicle between the two cameras. In the SPECS system, either or both of the two cameras may be modified to include the detection system of the present invention.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a detection system for detecting and recording the use of a mobile telecommunications device, and in particular the illegal use of hand held mobile telecommunications devices by drivers. The detection system includes a detector (3) configured to detect use of a mobile telecommunications device by a target in a detection zone (4). A camera (2) is configured to capture an image of the target when the detector (3) detects the use of the mobile telecommunications device by the target in the detection zone (4).

Description

Detection system for detecting use of a mobile telecommunications device
Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and system for detecting the use of a mobile telecommunications device.
Background to the Invention
Many countries have laws relating to the use of mobile telecommunication devices in particular areas, and particularly to the use of such devices whilst driving. For instance, in the United Kingdom it is prohibited for drivers of road vehicles to use a hand held mobile telephone, or similar device, whilst driving. It is also an offence to "cause or permit" a driver to use a hand held mobile telephone whilst driving, or for a passenger to use a hand held mobile telephone whilst supervising a driver who only holds a provisional driving licence (a "learner" driver) .
Currently, the only way to catch offenders is when traffic police notice that someone is using a phone. It is likely that the offender will drop or lower the phone as soon as a police car is sighted. This makes detection by traffic police difficult. Detection will be hampered in heavily congested areas, and by the practice of having tinted side windows.
Devices are available which can detect the use of a mobile telecommunications device by detection of transmissions from the mobile telecommunications device. However, such detection devices cannot distinguish between the use of a hand held device, which is prohibited whilst driving, and use of a device with a "hands free" headset attached, which is permitted. Furthermore, although a detection device may be able to detect the use of a mobile telecommunications device in a vehicle, the detection device cannot determine whether the mobile telecommunications device is being used by a passenger or by the driver.
Summary of the Invention
Accordingly, the present invention provides a detection system comprising: a detector configured to detect use of a mobile telecommunications device by a target in a detection zone; a camera configured to capture an image of the target; and control means configured to cause the camera to capture an image of the target when the detector detects the use of the mobile telecommunications device by the target in the detection zone.
The present invention also provides a detection method comprising: detecting use of a mobile telecommunications device by a target in a detection zone; and, on detection of the use of the mobile telecommunications device by the target in the detection zone, using a camera to capture an image of the target.
Therefore, the system of the present invention is arranged to capture an image of the target, when the target is detected using a mobile telecommunications device. The image can be used to identify the target, but also to determine whether the use of a mobile telecommunications device is a permissible use, for instance whether it is the use of a hand held device or a "hands free" device. The image also provides evidence of the offence.
Preferably, the camera is configured to capture the image of the target in the detection zone. Therefore, the camera and the detector are both pointed at the same area.
Preferably, the detector comprises a highly directional antenna configured to detect transmissions from the mobile telecommunications device. Preferably, the antenna is a corner reflector antenna.
A highly directional antenna is used to eliminate detections from other mobile telecommunications devices in the vicinity, and so that the "detection zone" of the antenna coincides with the field of view of the camera. Preferably, the camera is a traffic camera configured to photograph oncoming traffic. Such cameras are typically of the type having an infra red flash, so that the flash is not visible to the driver. Such cameras will capture an image of the front of the vehicle, including the driver of the vehicle, the passenger and the vehicle number plate. The vehicle number plate allows identification of the owner of the vehicle, and the image can be inspected to see whether the driver was using a hand held mobile telecommunications device or a hands free device, or whether the detected use of a mobile telecommunications device was by the passenger.
Brief Description of the Drawings
A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows a vehicle entering a detection zone of a detection system in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 2 shows the vehicle in the detection zone; and
Figure 3 shows the system capturing an image of the vehicle.
Detailed Description
Figures 1 to 3 illustrate the operation of a detection system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, for detecting and recording the use of a mobile telecommunications device in a moving vehicle 1.
The vehicle 1, which in this example is an automobile, is travelling in direction D, and a camera 2 and detector 3 are positioned by the roadside and are directed such that they face the oncoming traffic.
The detector 3 includes a highly directional antenna such as a corner reflector antenna. As shown in Figure 1, the lobe of the antenna is directed at the oncoming traffic, and comprises the detection zone 4 of the system. The camera 2 is directed to allow the capture of an image of the front of the vehicle 1 in the detection zone 4.
As shown in Figure 2, the detector 3 detects transmissions T from a mobile telecommunications device which is being used in the vehicle 1 , and sends a command signal S to the camera 2. As shown in Figure 3, the command signal S instructs the camera 3 to capture an image of the front of the vehicle 1 using an infra red flash F to avoid distracting or temporarily blinding the driver. The image is stored in the camera memory and can subsequently be analysed to determine whether the transmissions T were from the illegal use of a hand held mobile telephone by a driver. For example, the image may include an image of the driver taken through the windscreen of the vehicle 1 , which can be analysed subsequently to determine if the driver was using a mobile telephone illegally. The image also includes the number plate of the vehicle 1 to enable identification of the owner of the vehicle 1.
The camera 2 may be a typical traffic camera of the forward facing type, such as those commonly used in systems for detecting speeding offences. The camera 2 in the present invention may additionally be configured to capture images required for detection of speeding offences. Thus, the system can be configured to detect and record speeding offences as well as the use of mobile telecommunications devices.
Two types of currently available systems for detecting speeding offences include cameras which are particularly suitable for use in the present invention, these being the Truvelo (™) or the SPECS systems. Both of these systems include forward facing cameras and can therefore readily be adapted to include a mobile telecommunications device detecting function. The Truvelo camera is a forward facing camera, which takes pictures using an infra red flash gun. Speed detection takes place using inductive loops in the road, which measure the time between compressions as the two axles of a vehicle 1 pass over the inductive loops. The time difference is used to calculate speed of the vehicle 1. The SPECS system consists of pair of cameras, the first of which takes a photograph and records the time. The second camera does the same thing so that the system calculates the average speed of the vehicle between the two cameras. In the SPECS system, either or both of the two cameras may be modified to include the detection system of the present invention.

Claims

Claims
1. A detection system comprising: a detector configured to detect use of a mobile telecommunications device by a target in a detection zone; a camera configured to capture an image of the target; and control means configured to cause the camera to capture an image of the target when the detector detects the use of the mobile telecommunications device by the target in the detection zone.
2. A detection system according to claim 1 , wherein the camera is configured to capture the image of the target in the detection zone.
3. A detection system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the detector comprises a highly directional antenna for detecting transmissions from the mobile telecommunications device.
4. A detection system according to claim 3, wherein the antenna is a corner reflector antenna.
5. A detection system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the camera has an infra red flash.
6. A detection system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the camera is a traffic camera configured to photograph oncoming traffic.
7. A detection system according to claim 6, wherein the camera is configured to capture an image of a driver of a vehicle, and the vehicle numberplate.
8. A detection method comprising: detecting use of a mobile telecommunications device by a target in a detection zone; and on detection of the use of the mobile telecommunications device by the target in the detection zone, using a camera to capture an image of the target.
9. A detection method according to claim 8, wherein the image of the target is captured in the detection zone.
10. A detection method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the camera is a traffic camera configured to photograph oncoming traffic and the target is a person in a vehicle.
11. A detection method according to claim 10, wherein the camera is configured to capture an image including the vehicle numberplate.
PCT/IB2006/051628 2006-05-22 2006-05-22 Detection system for detecing use of a mobile telecommunications device WO2007135488A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/IB2006/051628 WO2007135488A1 (en) 2006-05-22 2006-05-22 Detection system for detecing use of a mobile telecommunications device

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/IB2006/051628 WO2007135488A1 (en) 2006-05-22 2006-05-22 Detection system for detecing use of a mobile telecommunications device

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2007135488A1 true WO2007135488A1 (en) 2007-11-29

Family

ID=38723004

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB2006/051628 WO2007135488A1 (en) 2006-05-22 2006-05-22 Detection system for detecing use of a mobile telecommunications device

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2007135488A1 (en)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2725824A1 (en) 2012-09-14 2014-04-30 Ford Global Technologies, LLC System for detecting usage of a wireless phone in an automobile
US10469589B2 (en) 2017-11-14 2019-11-05 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Vehicle cabin mobile device sensor system
US10476967B2 (en) 2017-11-14 2019-11-12 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Vehicle cabin mobile device detection system
US11514726B2 (en) 2020-09-23 2022-11-29 Analog Devices International Unlimited Company Systems and methods for integrating cameras and phased array antennas for use in electronic toll charge

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5809161A (en) * 1992-03-20 1998-09-15 Commonwealth Scientific And Industrial Research Organisation Vehicle monitoring system
EP1130558A2 (en) * 2000-02-25 2001-09-05 Central Research Laboratories Limited Radio communications detection apparatus and method
WO2003007513A2 (en) * 2001-07-10 2003-01-23 Vanderbilt University Apparatus and methods for detecting the usage of a cellular phone by an operator of a vehicle

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5809161A (en) * 1992-03-20 1998-09-15 Commonwealth Scientific And Industrial Research Organisation Vehicle monitoring system
EP1130558A2 (en) * 2000-02-25 2001-09-05 Central Research Laboratories Limited Radio communications detection apparatus and method
WO2003007513A2 (en) * 2001-07-10 2003-01-23 Vanderbilt University Apparatus and methods for detecting the usage of a cellular phone by an operator of a vehicle

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
KLAUS J.D.: "The Corner-Reflector Antenna", PROCEEDINGS OF THE IRE, vol. 28, no. 11, November 1940 (1940-11-01), pages 513 - 519, XP003006562 *

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2725824A1 (en) 2012-09-14 2014-04-30 Ford Global Technologies, LLC System for detecting usage of a wireless phone in an automobile
US9002402B2 (en) 2012-09-14 2015-04-07 Ford Global Technologies, Llc System for detecting usage of a wireless phone in an automobile
US10469589B2 (en) 2017-11-14 2019-11-05 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Vehicle cabin mobile device sensor system
US10476967B2 (en) 2017-11-14 2019-11-12 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Vehicle cabin mobile device detection system
US11514726B2 (en) 2020-09-23 2022-11-29 Analog Devices International Unlimited Company Systems and methods for integrating cameras and phased array antennas for use in electronic toll charge

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1547047B1 (en) Vehicle identification means detection and evasion system
KR100768820B1 (en) In-car type illegal vehicles detection system while driving and method of using the same
CN105575127B (en) Driving against road traffic regulation automatic evidence-collecting punishes system
US10029613B2 (en) System and method for detecting potential accident situations with a car
CN113012436B (en) Road monitoring method and device and electronic equipment
KR101153980B1 (en) Vehicle monitoring apparatus
CN109658710A (en) A kind of inspection station
WO2017022267A1 (en) On-vehicle device, communication device, and vehicle management system equipped therewith
WO2019163980A1 (en) Dangerous behavior elimination system, device, method, and program
KR20190025165A (en) Parking enforcement Method and parking enforcemnt system by using a 3D travelling enforcemnt device
KR101394201B1 (en) Traffic violation enforcement system using cctv camera mounted on bus
JPH08202999A (en) Surrounding status monitoring device for vehicle
WO2007135488A1 (en) Detection system for detecing use of a mobile telecommunications device
WO2017022268A1 (en) Vehicle identification device and vehicle identification system comprising same
KR101986303B1 (en) Movable regulation system for stoping and parking car
KR101045300B1 (en) Vehicle Monitering System With Privacy Protection and the Method thereof
KR101042706B1 (en) A distinguishable system for traffic accidents, methods and apparatus thereof
CN109895694B (en) Lane departure early warning method and device and vehicle
JP7057074B2 (en) On-board unit and driving support device
KR200416652Y1 (en) System for illegal parking control
KR100469972B1 (en) Mobile type arrest system for wanted vehicle
KR102090386B1 (en) Automobile-specific highway management system using autonomous vehicles
KR102017855B1 (en) monitering system for outbreak situation by using vehicle driving information
JP2003141696A (en) Vehicle
KR20170033985A (en) The highway went to second for accident prevention system

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 06744999

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 06744999

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1