Data storing device and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for data storing with a compression coding and/or decoding device for the storing of picture data in a compressed or decompressed data format in a data memory. The compression coding and decoding device is adapted to mark or label and subsequently specific retrieve picture segments. This permits individual compression or decompression of labelled picture segments. In a method of storing picture data in a compressed or decompressed data format in a data storing memory, the picture data are divided into data segments. The location information of the data segments is stored. The method and device is preferably used in traffic monitoring installations. The picture data are camera data of a digital camera taking pictures of a traffic situation and a violating vehicle, when traffic regulations are violated such as by speeding. The device and method of the invention permits, for example, to decompress individually the picture segment showing the license plate of a violating vehicle.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A data storing device comprising a data memory and compression coding and/or decoding means, for the storing of picture data in a compressed or decompressed data format, wherein said compression coding and decoding means include means for labelling and retrieving selected data segments.  
     
     
         2 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said compression coding decoding means comprises programmed digital computer means.  
     
     
         3 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , and further including picture generating means for generating digital picture data and means for supplying said digital picture data to said compression coding and/or decoding means.  
     
     
         4 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , and further comprising a traffic monitoring installation with a digital camera, said digital camera generating camera data representing the picture of a traffic scene; and means for supplying said camera data as said picture data to said compression coding and/or decoding means.  
     
     
         5 . A method of storing picture data in a compressed or decompressed data format in a data storing memory, comprising the steps of: 
 dividing said picture data into data segments, at least one of said data segments having a location represented by location information,    storing said location information of said at least one data segment.    
     
     
         6 . A method as claimed in  claim 5 , and further comprising the steps of: 
 reading said stored location information of one of said at least one data segment, and    compressing or decompressing, respectively, selectively said at least one data segment.    
     
     
         7 . A method as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein said data segments are compressed to associated different degrees of compression.  
     
     
         8 . A method as claimed in  claim 7 , and further comprising the steps of: 
 selecting one of said at least one data segment using said location information, and    decompressing said selected data segment in accordance with its associated degree of compression.    
     
     
         9 . A method of storing picture data representing a traffic scene in a compressed or decompressed data format in a data storing memory, comprising the steps of: 
 generating a picture of a traffic scene by means of a digital camera of a traffic monitoring installation, whereby picture data representing the picture of said traffic scene are generated;    dividing said picture data into data segments, at least one of said data segments having a location represented by location information;    storing said location information of said at least one data segment;    compressing said data segments; selecting said at least one data segment using said location information, and decompressing said selected data segment independently of other ones of said data segments.