A video-based real-time vehicle detection method by classified background learning

A new two-level real-time vehicle detection method is proposed in order to meet the robustness and efficiency requirements of real world applications. At the high level, pixels of the background image are classified into three categories according to the characteristics of Red, Green, Blue (RGB) curves. The robustness of the classification is further enhanced by using<br />line detection and pattern connectivity. At the lower level, an exponential forgetting algorithm with adaptive parameters for different categories is utilised to calculate the background and reduce the distortion by the small motion of video cameras. Scene tests show that the proposed method is more robust and faster than previous methods, which is very suitable for real-time vehicle detection in outdoor environments, especially concerning locations where the level of illumination changes frequently and speed detection is important.