WO2008097015A1

WO2008097015A1 - A perceive system of harmful-gas emitting vehicles and method thereby

Info

Publication number: WO2008097015A1
Application number: PCT/KR2008/000708
Authority: WO
Inventors: Soon Hyun Ahn; Il Do Chang
Original assignee: Rexgen
Priority date: 2007-02-08
Filing date: 2008-02-05
Publication date: 2008-08-14
Also published as: KR100963279B1; KR20090000251A

Abstract

The present invention relates to system and method for automatic monitoring of smoke from a vehicle. The system includes a field processing unit including a vehicle sensing unit for sensing a vehicle, at least one camera for taking photographs of a license number of, and smoke from, the vehicle, an image data processing unit for converting an image taken thus to a data for processing an image to process the image, and making comparative operation on a reference value, and a data base for storing the data processed at the image data processing unit.

Description

A PERCEIVE SYSTEM OF HARMFUL-GAS EMITTING VEHICLES AND METHOD THEREBY

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to system and method for automatic monitoring of smoke from a vehicle. More specifically, the present invention relates to automatic vehicular smoke monitoring system and method for automatic monitoring of a vehicle which emits smoke more than a reference value and processing a data obtained thus. Background Art

[2] Recent international environmental protection trend is intending to overcome climatic change caused by environmental pollution by imposing a responsibility for reducing smoke emission. According to this, in order to reduce smoke from vehicles which are a major cause of the air pollution, a competent authority makes efforts to improve the air pollution by controlling vehicles which emit smoke excessively, continuously.

[3] In the related art, in order to measure a pollution level of smoke from a vehicle, a supervisor takes a photograph of smoke from the vehicle with a camera from a side of a road personally, and interprets the photograph with naked eyes.

[4] Then, with reference to data interpreted thus, vehicles which are suspicious that the vehicles emit smoke more than the reference value are selected and given orders to owners of the vehicles to set the vehicles in good conditions, respectively.

[5] That is, the supervisor takes a photograph of the smoke from the vehicle at first.

Then, the supervisor reproduces the image taken, and determines whether the pollution level of the smoke from the vehicle is higher than the reference value or not.

[6] In a case the supervisor determines that the pollution level of the smoke from the vehicle is higher than the reference value, the owner of the vehicle is searched by using a license number of the vehicle at a governmental network, and gives the order to the owner of the vehicles to set the vehicle in good condition. Disclosure of Invention

Technical Problem

[7] However, the related art has the following problems.

[8] At the time the supervisor takes photograph of the smoke of the vehicle, since the supervisor has to be exposed to the smoke from the vehicles all day long, it is harmful to health of the supervisor, and much time and efforts is required for the supervision.

[9] Moreover, since the interpretation of the supervisor is likely to be subjective such that the interpretation is not reliable, there have been frequent complaints from vehicle drivers.

[10] Furthermore, at the time of supervision of the vehicles, the supervision may also be made with an infrared sensor placed close to an exhaust hole of the vehicle to measure scattering of a light. However, the placing of the infrared sensor close to the exhaust hole of the vehicle is not easy. Technical Solution

[11] To solve the problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic vehicular smoke monitoring system for making automatic photograph taking, analyzing, and determining smoke from a vehicle and a license number of the vehicle without any supervisor; and a method therefor.

[12] Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic vehicular smoke monitoring system in which a reference of a pollution level is made obvious enough to be processed, not by human being, but by machines objectively without any misunderstanding; and a method therefor.

[13] Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic vehicular smoke monitoring system which can take supervisory data at a place distanced from an objective vehicle easily; and a method therefor.

[14] To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, a system for automatic monitoring of smoke from a vehicle includes a field processing unit including a vehicle sensing unit for sensing a vehicle, at least one camera for taking photographs of a license number of, and smoke from, the vehicle, an image data processing unit for converting an image taken thus to a data for processing an image to process the image, and making comparative operation on a reference value, and a data base for storing the data processed at the image data processing unit.

[15] The system may further include a communication network for transmission of the data processed at the field processing unit, and a central managing unit for inspecting and determining a class to identify an owner of the vehicle with reference to the data from the field processing unit, the central managing unit including a managing server for remote control of the field processing unit, and an output unit for providing a result of determination at the managing server to the owner of the vehicle.

[16] The field processing unit may include a control unit for controlling data and signal flows, a vehicle sensing unit for determining entry of the vehicle, and at least one camera for taking photographs of a license number of, and smoke from, the vehicle sensed at the vehicle sensing unit thus.

[17] The system may further include a governmental information network connected to the central managing unit for identifying the owner of the vehicle and retrieving in- formation of the vehicle.

[18] The image data processing unit may compare a reference image taken a state taken without the vehicle to an image taken with the vehicle, to determine a pollution level of the smoke from the vehicle.

[19] The image data processing unit may use either a white and black gray scale of the image taken thus, or a color RGB data for determining the pollution level of the smoke.

[20] The system may further include a sensor for sensing dust, and the managing server uses information on dust sensed at the sensor as a supplementary data in determining the pollution level of the smoke.

[21] The system may further include a supplementary camera for taking a photograph of surroundings of the area wherein the photograph of the vehicle is to be taken, and the managing server uses an image of the surroundings of the area wherein the photograph of the vehicle is to be taken as a supplementary data on a weather and climate in determining the pollution level of the smoke.

[22] The system may further include a thermal image camera for sensing a location of the smoke from the vehicle.

[23] The system may further include a coat of a particular color applied on a surface of a road the photograph of the vehicle on which is to be taken.

[24] In another aspect of the present invention, a method for automatic monitoring of smoke from a vehicle includes a first step for sensing a running vehicle, a second step for taking photographs of a license number of and smoke from the running vehicle with a camera, a third step for determining a pollution level and information on the vehicle with reference to information taken thus in the second step, and a fourth step for informing a result of the determination in the third step to an owner of the vehicle.

[25] The third step includes the step of obtaining the information on the vehicle from a governmental information network having information on the vehicle stored therein.

[26] The third step includes the step of classifying the pollution level in determining the smoke from the vehicle.

[27] The third step includes the step of comparing a darkness and a color of the image taken thus to a darkness and a color of a reference image in determining the smoke from the vehicle.

Advantageous Effects

[28] The system and method for automatic monitoring of smoke from a vehicle of the present invention has following advantageous effects. [29] The unmanned photograph taking of a license number of and smoke from a vehicle permits safe supervision. [30] The computerized processing permits accurate analyzing and processing of a pollution level and the like.

[31] The unmanned photograph taking distanced far from a running vehicle permits simple vehicle supervision. Brief Description of the Drawings

[32] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide further understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the disclosure.

[33] In the drawings:

[34] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system for automatic monitoring of smoke from a vehicle in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[35] FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart showing the steps of a method for automatic monitoring of smoke from a vehicle in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[36] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a field having a system for automatic monitoring of smoke from a vehicle in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention applied thereto, schematically;

[37] FIGS. 4(A)~4(C) illustrate examples of photograph taking of smoke from a vehicle with the system for automatic monitoring of smoke from a vehicle in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

[38] FIG. 5 illustrates a photographic image taken over a vehicle.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[39] Reference will now be made in detail to the specific embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[40] Referring to FIG. 1, the system for automatic monitoring of smoke from a vehicle in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a field processing unit 10 for sensing entry of a vehicle, taking a photograph of the vehicle sensed thus, and determining a pollution level of smoke from the vehicle with reference to a photograph and information, a communication network 20 for transmission of a result of the determination, a central managing unit 30 for providing a message of the result of the determination to an owner of the vehicle, and a governmental information network 40 connected to the central managing unit 30 for identifying the owner of the vehicle.

[41] The field processing unit 10 serves to sense entry of a vehicle, and take a photograph of the vehicle sensed thus, i.e., serves to take a photograph of a vehicle making entry to a preset area, to obtain information thereon. [42] Any combination can be used s the field processing unit 10 as far as the combination has a system that can carry out above functions. For an example, the following system is viable. [43] Referring to FIG. 1, the field processing unit 10 may include a control unit 1 for controlling data and signal flows, a vehicle sensing unit 2 for determining entry of the vehicle, at least one camera 3 for taking photographs of smoke from and a license number of the vehicle sensed thus, an image data processing unit 5 for analyzing images taken by the camera to obtain a pollution level and the license number of the vehicle, and a data base 6 for storing information on the photograph. [44] The field processing unit 10 includes the control unit. The control unit 1 controls the vehicle sensing unit 2, the camera 3, the image data processing unit 3, and the data base 6 of the field processing unit. [45] The vehicle sensing unit 2 is included. The vehicle sensing unit 2 senses the vehicle making entry into an area the camera 3 described later can take a photograph thereof, and informs the entry to the control unit 1. [46] That is, any means that can sense the entry of the vehicle to a preset area can be used as the vehicle sensing unit 2, for an example, sensing means having a laser, or infrared sensor can be used. [47] The camera 3 is included. Any means which can take a photograph of the vehicle can be used as the camera 3, such as a CCTV. [48] The camera 3 may be a thermal image camera which can take a location of smoke from the vehicle, accurately. [49] The field processing unit 10 may further include the image data processing unit 5.

The image data processing unit 5 serves to analyze and process the image taken by the camera 3. That is, the image data processing unit 5 compares the image taken by the camera 3 to a reference image, to measure the pollution level thereof, and retrieves the license number of the vehicle. [50] The image data processing unit 5 may serve to convert the image taken thus into a digital data for easy processing and transmission. [51] The field processing unit 10 may further include the data base 6. The data base 6 serves to store the image taken by the camera 3, and the information processed at the image data processing unit 5. [52] In the meantime, the communication network 20 is included for transmission/ reception of the image and information (for an example, a time the photograph is taken, a location, a speed of the vehicle, and so on) processed at the field processing unit 10 to/from the central managing unit 30 and the like. The communication network 20 may be a network.

[53] The system of the present invention may further include the central managing unit

30. The central managing unit 30 serves to classify the pollution levels in steps with reference to the information received through the communication network 20 from the field processing unit 10.

[54] The steps of classifying the result of determination may be a discipline level, a warning level, or an instruction level. Of course, the steps may be represented with numerals to determine in classes.

[55] The central managing unit 30 includes a managing server 31 for performing above function. The managing server 31 generates a result of determination with reference to the data and information received through the communication network 20. The central managing unit 30 may further include an output unit 32 for outputting and providing a letter, an e-mail, or a text message to the owner of the vehicle on the result of determination of being the discipline level or the instruction level through steps of vehicle identification and so on in connection with a governmental information network 40 which will be described later.

[56] The system of the present invention may further include the governmental information network 40. The governmental information network 40 is a giant server having all information on the vehicle, such as the license number of the vehicle, fine, and so on, and searching means.

[57] The system of the present invention may further include a sensor for sensing dust, and supplementary camera for taking photographs of surroundings of the area to be photographed. The image and information of the dust sensor and the supplementary camera can be used as supplementary data in determination of the pollution level of the smoke from the vehicle.

[58] Moreover, in order to measure and determine the pollution level of the smoke accurately, the area a photograph of which is to be taken as the vehicle runs, i.e., a surface of a road, may be coated with a particular color. For an example, a white color.

[59] The operation of the system for automatic monitoring of smoke from a vehicle and a method therefore of the present invention will be described in detail.

[60] Referring to FIG. 2, the method for automatic monitoring of smoke from a vehicle of the present invention includes a step for sensing a moving vehicle (S21), a step for taking a photograph of a license number of the moving vehicle with at least one camera (S22), a step for taking a photograph of gas from the vehicle with at least one camera (S23), a step for converting images taken thus into digital data (S24), a step for comparing the data having an image processing technique applied thereto to a preset reference value (S26), a step for storing information on an image of the vehicle which exceeds the reference value as a result of comparison to the reference value (S28), a step for inspecting and determining a pollution level of the smoke from the vehicle with reference to the image information and the photographic information (S29), and a step for providing a message according to a result of the determination.

[61] At first, a vehicle sensing unit 2 senses entry of a running car into an area for taking a photograph (S21). Though there can be a variety of methods for sensing the vehicle, the vehicle can be sensed with a loop coil or a proximity sensor on a surface of a road on which the vehicle moves. Preferably, the vehicle sensing unit 2 may include means for measuring a speed of the vehicle together with passing of the vehicle.

[62] Or, the vehicle sensing unit 2 may include means for sensing entry or a speed of the vehicle, or both. Moreover, a plurality of the vehicle sensing units 2 may be provided as necessary, and utilized as a trigger signal of the at least one camera 3 described later.

[63] If it is sensed that the running vehicle makes entry into the area for taking a photograph, the at least one camera 3 takes photographs of a license number of and gas from the running vehicle (S22, and S23). In this instance, the at least one camera 3 takes photographs of the vehicle passing through the area for taking a photograph at regular intervals in succession, to utilize the photographs as a data for determining the pollution level of the gas from the vehicle.

[64] Moreover, it is possible that the photograph taking of the license number of, and gas from, the running vehicle can be made with one camera 3. In this instance, it is preferable that a rear of the running vehicle is taken.

[65] Opposite to this, for more effective photograph taking of the license number of, and gas from, the running vehicle, cameras may be used, individually. That is, a first camera 3a and a second camera 3b may be used for taking a photograph of the license number of the running vehicle and the gas from the running vehicle, respectively.

[66] In this instance, it is more preferable that, in order to sense the license number of the vehicle, the first camera 3a takes a photograph of a front of the vehicle, and the second camera 3b takes a photograph of a rear of the vehicle. In this instance, in the photograph taking of the front and the rear of the vehicle, the vehicle sensed at the vehicle sensing unit 2 such as a loop coil or the like may be identified with a counter, the vehicle may be identified with reference to the speed of the vehicle sensed at the vehicle sensing unit 2 by identifying the vehicle advanced a certain distance, or the vehicle may be identified with a plurality of the vehicle sensing units 2 put into operation in succession, to make to understand the vehicles as the same vehicle.

[67] Moreover, it is more preferable that an image is used as an image taken by the second camera 3b in a state the vehicle is passing through the photograph taking area of the second camera 3b after the second camera 3b receives a vehicle entry signal.

[68] It is preferable that the second camera 3b takes the photograph of the vehicle right over, or in a slanted position above and in rear of, the vehicle, so that the image of the smoke from the vehicle can be compared clearly to a reference image in view of colors and darkness. The reference image is an image of the area of the second camera 3b taken in a state there is no vehicle in the area.

[69] In order to enhance accuracy of the image of the second camera 3b which takes a photograph of the smoke from the running vehicle, it is preferable that supplementary cameras for taking surroundings of the area of the second camera 3b are included. That is, in general, darkness and colors of a photographic image may vary with weather and an atmospheric state. Therefore, by adding the supplementary cameras, variation of digital data on the photographic image influenced by the weather and atmospheric state of the moment the photograph is taken can be corrected.

[70]

[71] *Moreover, a plurality of the cameras 3 may be provided according to purposes of use.

[72] The image data processing unit 5 converts the images taken with the at least one of the camera 3 into a digital data (S24). The images are converted into the digital data for easy and fast transmission of the license number of the vehicle, easy comparison of the photographic image taken by the second camera to the reference image, and easy and fast transmission of data. The images can be converted into the digital data by a variety of methods and apparatuses.

[73] Then, an image processing technique is applied to the digital data (S25). The image data processing unit applies the image processing technique to the digitized image information, to compare the darkness and color of the image of the vehicle in an entered state taken by the second camera to the darkness and color of the preset reference image (S26).

[74] By comparing as described above, a basic data is prepared for making an objective determination of the pollution level of the smoke from the vehicle. As described before, the reference image is an image of the area of the second camera 3b in a no vehicle state. That is, the reference image is an image of a no vehicle state taken by the second camera 3b, taken and stored in advance, or taken right after the entry of the vehicle is sensed.

[75] In order to make easier and more accurate determination of differences of the darkness and colors between the image taken by the second camera 3b and the reference image, a particular color (for an example, a white color) is coated on a surface of the road in a photograph taking area of the second camera 3b for clear comparison of the color and darkness of the smoke from the vehicle to the color and darkness of the reference image.

[76] The data base 6 can store information on the result of determination for a certain time period, together with the information on photograph taken thus (S27).

[77] Then, the information on the result of determination and the information on photograph taken thus is transmitted to the central managing unit 30 (S28). The central managing unit 30 inspects and determines the pollution level of the smoke from the vehicle with reference to the information on the result of determination and the information on photograph taken thus (S29). However, it can be made that the inspection and determination of the pollution level of the smoke from the vehicle is performed at the image data processing unit 5.

[78] The central managing unit 30 can determine the pollution level of the smoke by classifying the pollution level into an instruction level, a warning level, and discipline level.

[79] Moreover, in the system of the present invention, in order to supplement the result of determination of the managing server 31 of the central managing unit 30, a smoke sensor 4 may be provided in addition to the camera.

[80] In the system of the present invention, in order to give objectiveness further to the result of the determination of the managing server 31, a dust sensor or the like may be provided, additionally. By measuring and providing an amount and a grain size of the dust, the dust sensor enables the managing server to use the amount and the grain size of the dust as a supplementary data at the time of determination of the pollution level of the smoke. Or, a thermal image camera may be provided, for accurate sensing of a location of the smoke from the vehicle.

[81] Then, with reference to information retrieved from a governmental information network 40 by connecting to the governmental information network 40 related to the license number of the vehicle of the photograph is taken, the system of the present invention provides the result of determination to the owner of the vehicle in a letter, e- mail, or text message, automatically (S30).

[82] In order to determine the owner of the vehicle with the pollution level of the smoke higher than a preset level, the output unit 32 secures a basic data of the vehicle, such as the owner of the vehicle, from the governmental information network 40, and generates an output material at an output device, which gives notice to the owner on the result of determination, such as instruction, discipline, or so on.

[83] Next, an example having the system and method for automatic monitoring of smoke from a vehicle of the present invention applied thereto will be described in detail, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

[84] Referring to FIG. 3, the system for automatic monitoring of smoke from a vehicle of the present invention may include a vehicle 101 running on a road 100 and smoke 102 from the vehicle, a photograph taking area 104 of the second camera 3b which takes a photograph of the smoke 102, a first camera 3a for sensing a license number of the vehicle, a column 105 for mounting the first, and second cameras thereto, a control unit 1, a vehicle sensing unit 2 for sensing entry of the vehicle, and a smoke sensor 4 for sensing the smoke vehicle, provided additionally.

[85] If the vehicle 101 passes the vehicle sensing unit 2 during running on the road 100, the vehicle sensing unit 2 senses the vehicle, and transmits a sensed signal to the control unit 1.

[86] Then, the control unit 1 senses a speed of entry of the vehicle together with the entry of the vehicle. The first camera 3a sets a time point to take a photograph with reference to information on the speed of entry sensed thus, and transmits an image taken thus to the image data processing unit 5.

[87] Alikely, the second camera 3b sets a time point to take a photograph with reference to information on the speed of entry sensed thus, starts taking photographs starting from right before the vehicle enters into the photograph taking area to take a reference image 103 without the vehicle, and takes a photograph of the vehicle passing through the photograph taking area 104 and the smoke 102 from the vehicle at the same time if the vehicle enters into the photograph taking area.

[88] In this instance, the photograph taking of the second camera 3b proceeds for a preset number of times (N times) at a regular time intervals until the vehicle 101 moves out of the photograph taking area 104, completely. Then, the images taken in succession are transmitted to the image data processing unit 5.

[89] In this instance, if it is difficult to take a photograph of the reference image 103 only due to a vehicle ahead or behind the vehicle intended to take a photograph thereof, the image data may be processed by using the image data taken in succession.

[90] The present invention can provide a supplementary smoke sensor as means for sensing the smoke for making objective determination of the pollution level of the smoke from the vehicle. The smoke sensor 4 senses a pollution state of the smoke from the vehicle, transmits a data thereof to the data processing unit 5, so that the data is used in determination of the pollution level of the smoke, additionally.

[91] Moreover, a thermal image camera may be provided additionally, for accurate sensing of a location of the smoke form the vehicle.

[92] The steps for taking a photograph of the smoke from the vehicle with the second camera will be described in more detail.

[93] FIG. 4(A) illustrates the reference image of the photograph taking area 104 of the second camera right before the vehicle makes entry into the photograph taking area, FIG. 4(B) illustrates an image of a rear portion of the vehicle in a state the vehicle has entered the photograph taking area, and FIG. 4(C) illustrates an image of a rear portion of the vehicle taken after a preset time period in a state the vehicle has entered the photograph taking area. FIGS. 4(A), 4(B), and 4(C) are an example of images taken in succession within the photograph taking area.

[94] The images of FIGS. 4(A), 4(B), and 4(C) taken thus by the second camera 3b are digitized at the image processing unit 5, and transmitted to the central managing unit 30. The location, shape and the like of the vehicle may be identified by image processing based on the images of FIGS. 4(A), 4(B), and 4(C).

[95] FIG. 4(C) illustrates the vehicle moved forward of the vehicle in FIG. 4(B), and enables to determine an indeterminate form, i.e., diffusion of the smoke with reference to the reference image according to levels of generation of the smoke from the vehicles, even though there are no substantial changes other than location changes, such as an outline of the vehicle, compared to FIG. 4(B).

[96] In this instance, the diffusion of the smoke can be determined by analyzing a difference of darkness with reference to the reference image, or relative differences of data of RGB colors in determining the pollution level of the smoke.

[97] Such an algorithm is formulated as an image interpreting program and loaded on the image data processing unit 5, and the image to be compared taken for comparison to the reference image is used as comparative data which is many sheets of images taken at regular time intervals.

[98] The image interpreting program can interpret the pollution level of the smoke with a program in class. For an example, the pollution level of the smoke may be determined with reference to a relative darkness level difference of a background image.

[99] The system and method for automatic monitoring of smoke from a vehicle of the present invention senses a license number of the vehicle and a state of smoke from the vehicle with unmanned image camera, objectively determines a pollution level of the smoke sensed thus, and can make automatic sending of an instructive notice or a warning notice for the pollution level of the smoke to the owner of the vehicle which emits smoke higher than a reference level with reference to the result of determination.

[100] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

[1] A system for automatic monitoring of smoke from a vehicle comprising a field processing unit including: a vehicle sensing unit for sensing a vehicle; at least one camera for taking photographs of a license number of, and smoke from, the vehicle; an image data processing unit for converting an image taken thus to a data for processing an image to process the image, and making comparative operation on a reference value; and a data base for storing the data processed at the image data processing unit.

[2] he system as claimed in claim 1, further including; a communication network for transmission of the data processed at the field processing unit; and a central managing unit for inspecting and determining a class to identify an owner of the vehicle with reference to the data from the field processing unit, the central managing unit including a managing server for remote control of the field processing unit, and an output unit for providing a result of determination at the managing server to the owner of the vehicle.

[3] The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the field processing unit includes; a control unit for controlling data and signal flows, a vehicle sensing unit for determining entry of the vehicle, and at least one camera for taking photographs of a license number of, and smoke from, the vehicle sensed at the vehicle sensing unit thus.

[4] The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a governmental information network connected to the central managing unit for identifying the owner of the vehicle and retrieving information of the vehicle.

[5] The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the image data processing unit compares a reference image taken a state taken without the vehicle to an image taken with the vehicle, to determine a pollution level of the smoke from the vehicle.

[6] The system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the image data processing unit uses either a white and black gray scale of the image taken thus, or a color RGB data for determining the pollution level of the smoke.

[7] The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a sensor for sensing dust; and the managing server uses information on dust sensed at the sensor as a supplementary data in determining the pollution level of the smoke.

[8] The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a supplementary camera for taking a photograph of surroundings of the area wherein the photograph of the vehicle is to be taken, and the managing server uses an image of the surroundings of the area wherein the photograph of the vehicle is to be taken as a supplementary data on a weather and climate in determining the pollution level of the smoke.

[9] The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a thermal image camera for sensing a location of the smoke from the vehicle.

[10] The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a coat of a particular color applied on a surface of a road the photograph of the vehicle on which is to be taken.

[11] A method for automatic monitoring of smoke from a vehicle comprising: a first step for sensing a running vehicle; a second step for taking photographs of a license number of and smoke from the running vehicle with a camera; a third step for determining a pollution level and information on the vehicle with reference to information taken thus in the second step; and a fourth step for informing a result of the determination in the third step to an owner of the vehicle.

[12] The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the third step includes the step of obtaining the information on the vehicle from a governmental information network having information on the vehicle stored therein.

[13] The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the third step includes the step of classifying the pollution level in determining the smoke from the vehicle.

[14] The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the third step includes the step of comparing a darkness and a color of the image taken thus to a darkness and a color of a reference image in determining the smoke from the vehicle.