Multi-camera Based Traffic Flow Characterization & Classification

We describe a system that employs the use of an omnidirectional camera in tandem with a pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera in order to characterize traffic flows, analyze vehicles, and detect and capture anomalous behaviors. The framework is such that we can generate long-term statistics of traffic patterns while still monitoring unusual activity, even apart from the traffic zone. We use the PTZ in conjunction with the omni camera in order to perform classification analysis at coarse and fine levels. The omni performs the coarse classification and using information from that camera, the PTZ is able to perform refined classifications while actively moving throughout the scene.