A near-infrared fusion scheme for automatic detection of vehicle passengers

We undertook a study to determine if the automatic detection and counting of vehicle passengers is feasible. An automated passenger counting system would greatly facilitate the operation of freeway lanes reserved for car-pools (HOV lanes). In the present paper we report our findings regarding the appropriate sensor phenomenology and arrangement for the task. We propose a novel system based on fusion of near-infrared imaging signals and we demonstrate its adequacy with theoretical and experimental arguments.