Automatic detection of vehicle passengers through near-infrared fusion

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 buses, car-pools, and emergency vehicles (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.