Method of recording data on photographic film

• US 6,434,340 B1
• Filed: 04/12/2000
• Issued: 08/13/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 04/14/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Robot FOTO & Electronic GmbH & Company KG (Jenoptik AG)
• Original Assignee: Robot FOTO & Electronic GmbH & Company KG (Jenoptik AG)
• Inventors: Behrens, Andreas
• Primary Examiner(s): Gray, David M.
• Application Number:
  US09/548,070
• Time in Patent Office: 853 Days
• Field of Search: 396/311, 396/318, 396/315, 396/316, 396/319, 355/40, 355/41, 352/92, 352/6, 340/936, 340/937
• US Class Current: 396/311
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 17/24 with means for separately producing marks on the film, e.g. title, time of exposure
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 2217/243 Optical devices

Abstract

In a method for traffic monitoring, data related to a traffic situation is measured. A picture of a traffic scene related to the traffic situation is generated on a photographic film. The data is recorded on the photographic film by converting the data to a first set of binary energizing signals which is energizing recording arrangements, so as to generate a numeric or alphanumeric representation of the data on the film in a first recording field thereof. The data is converted to a second set of binary energizing signals which energizes a recording arrangement, so as to generate a neither numeric nor alphanumeric pattern on the film in a second recording field.

Claims

1. A method for traffic monitoring, comprising the steps of:

measuring data related to a traffic situation including a vehicle to be monitored;

generating a picture of a traffic scene related to said traffic situation on a photographic film;

recording said data on said photographic film by converting said data to a first set of binary energizing signals, said energizing signals energizing recording means so as to generate a numeric or alphanumeric representation of said data on said film in a first recording field thereof; and

converting said data to a second set of binary energizing signals, said second set of energizing signals energizing recording means so as to generate a neither numeric nor alphanumeric pattern on said film in a second recording field, said pattern representing said data in a format permitting reading of said data by a reading device and computer.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said recording means for said second set of binary signals comprise optical writing head means for photographically applying said pattern to said second field during film feeding.

3. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein said recording means for said first set of binary signals comprises said optical writing head means being also used for photographically applying said numeric or alphanumeric representation to said first field during film feeding.

4. A method as claimed in claim 3, wherein said optical writing head comprises an array of controllable light sources located adjacent to said film and energized during film feeding by said first said set of energizing signals in a sequence and pattern to generate a numeric or alphanumeric representation of said data in said first field and by said second set of energizing signals.

5. A method as claimed in claim 3, wherein an array of spots is defined in said second field, blackening or non-blackening of said spots represents data-dependent information by said optical writing head means, said each individual spot either being illuminated or not being dependent on said set of energizing signals.

6. A method as claimed in claim 5, wherein said second field is a substantially rectangular field having a pair of substantially parallel sides extending in the direction of film feeding and another pair of sides extending substantially perpendicular to the direction of film feeding.

7. A method as claimed in claim 6, wherein at least two corners of said rectangular second field are marked separately and independently of the data to be recorded.

8. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pattern in said second field represents said data redundantly.

9. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said data related to the traffic situation represents a speed of the vehicle to be monitored.

10. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the data related to the traffic situation represents date and/or time of taking the photograph.

11. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said data related to the traffic situation represents a location of taking the photograph.

12. A method for traffic monitoring, comprising the steps of:

measuring data related to a traffic situation including a vehicle to be monitored;

generating a picture of a traffic scene related to said traffic situation on a photographic film;

recording said data on said photographic film by converting said data to a first set of binary energizing signals, said energizing signals energizing recording means so as to generate a numeric or alphanumeric representation of said data on said film in a first recording field thereof;

converting said data to a second set of binary energizing signals, said second set of energizing signals energizing recording means so as to generate a neither numeric nor alphanumeric pattern on said film in a second recording field, said pattern representing said data in a format permitting reading of said data by a reading device and computer, an array of spots is defined in said second field, coloring or non-coloring of said array of spots representing data-dependent information, said secondary field being substantially rectangular and having a pair of substantially parallel sides extending in a direction of film feeding and another pair of sides extending transversely to the direction of film feeding;

wherein reading data recorded on the film in said second, substantially rectangular field consists of;

determining side lengths of said substantially rectangular field from spacing of marked corners of said substantially rectangular field;

determining coordinates of said spots as predetermined fractions of said side lengths; and

determining the colored and not-colored states at the locations determined by thus obtained coordinates.

13. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein said data related to the traffic situation represents a speed of the vehicle to be monitored.

14. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the data related to the traffic situation represents of date and/or time of taking the photograph.

15. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein said data related to the traffic situation represents a location of taking the photograph.