METHOD AND DEVICE FOR REGISTERING THE OUTER CHARACTERISTICS OF A VEHICLE IN A ROAD TOLL UNIT

A method and a device for image registration of the external characteristics and the number plate of a vehicle in a road toll unit for checking the payment status relating to a toll fee, which is intended to be collected by means of remote communication. During the checking and payment operation, the vehicle is followed by successive video recordings. In these recordings, a marker is connected to the vehicle. The same marker is connected to the image of the number plate and to an image of the physical shape of the vehicle. In the event of incorrect payment, a search may be performed based upon both the image of the number plate and the associated image of the physical shape of the vehicle, which are connected together by means of the successive following of the position of the vehicle. The class of the vehicle may thus be determined, in accordance with a classification scheme based on the physical properties of the vehicle, from the image of the external characteristics of the vehicle for determining the toll fee.