One of the most advanced devices currently present in the domestic traffic police is Strelka (radar). For many people who do not understand such equipment, this device is better known as the "Arrow". Until recently, it was customary to use such equipment exclusively in the field of military aviation, where it was used for high-speed, and at the same time absolutely imperceptible interception of targets, since no anti-radar detector could detect it.
Today, the Strelka (radar) is actively used by modern traffic police and traffic police, and in some cases it can even be found among patrol officers who need to quickly detect the intruder at a sufficiently large distance.
How does such a device work?
The most modern police complex with the abbreviation KKDDAS is equipped with a specialized video recording camera, with which you can track violations that occur within a radius of up to a kilometer. This happens when the driver does not have the opportunity to see where the "Arrow" (radar) is located, as a result of which he does not have the opportunity to get rid of responsibility for the violation. Of course, the only choice in this case is simply to avoid the possibility of violation.
Cheaply avoiding the radar
There are a fairly large number of options on how to properly defend yourself from getting caught by Strelka (radar). Of course, such methods are different in terms of financial investments, but the simplest and cheapest is the use of a specialized film on license plates, with which one or two letters of the number are duplicated, as a result of which they become invisible. Functionally, this is possible due to the use of a specialized polymer coating with a light filter that allows you to distort the black digits of the license plate, making them unreadable. Thus, you get rid of the risk of being recorded by the Strelka radar simply because it will only see about half of the characters and numbers present in your number.
Considering how fast fines have gone up lately, and how expensive really powerful radar detectors are, the cost of using film is just minimal.
Features of Strelka
It is worth noting the fact that with the help of an automated stationary device, unlike the vast majority of other devices, not a specific car is tracked, but the entire vehicle at once. traffic flow, thus ensuring simultaneous processing of a section of the roadway at a distance of up to a kilometer around the place where the Strelka radar is located (what it is, the photo above will tell you). And these are just a few of the advantages that distinguish such a modern set of equipment.
mobile version
A modern automated complex can function not only as a stationary, but also as a mobile radar, providing simultaneous tracking of five traffic lanes and an additional lane intended for public transport. Of course, since 2012, the Strelka radar has been easily determined by the overwhelming majority of modern radar detectors, but their cost is not so affordable for many people.
How does this radar work?
This equipment constantly emits pulses that gradually spread along the roadway. The signal that is reflected from cars within a radius of about 1000 m is returned to the fast conversion block, where data regarding the speed and distance of this vehicle from the place where the Strelka radar is located (what it is, the photo above shows in all options) performance).
At the same time, with the help of a television digital camera, a separate signal is transmitted to a specialized image recognition program, as a result of which the Strelka video recorder-radar selects all moving cars, specifies their coordinates, calculates and then already deals with exact definition movement speed.
The information from the radar and the analyzer is further transferred to a specialized cross-correlation program, through which the ratio of indicators is carried out and the determination of the vehicle exceeding the speed is carried out. If such a vehicle approaches the radar at a distance of less than 50 meters, the Strelka radar signal is activated, activating the function of taking pictures of the intruder.
At the same time, it is worth noting the fact that with the help of such a complex the situation is analyzed in detail regardless of the current weather conditions (it is worth noting only the temperature range, which is from +60 ° C to -40 ° C, as well as the ability to work at 98% humidity ). Among other things, the equipment is sufficiently protected from various mechanical shocks, as it is produced in a specialized anti-vandal housing.
What are its advantages?
To date, the Strelka radar is recognized as one of the most advanced devices in the traffic police. We have already figured out how this device works, now consider its main advantages:
- violations are recognized at a distance of up to 1000 meters, which is very, very impressive when compared with similar equipment;
- speed can be measured at a minimum range of 50 meters, while the accuracy reaches 2 km / h;
- a fairly wide range of speeds is recognized (up to 180 km / h);
- using the camera, video recording of the vehicle is carried out while driving, and the quality of such video is 12 frames per second;
- V automatic mode those objects are distinguished, the movement of which is carried out with certain violations;
- a command is automatically issued to detect and further recognize the vehicle number plate in accordance with the video material in the event that the intruder drove closer than 50 meters.
Accuracy
Automated police radar completely eliminates the possibility of error in determining correct speed cars, in connection with which it is considered very, very effective in terms of efficiency. The installation of such a device is relatively cheap, which, at the limit reliable operation makes it one of the best options. At the same time, special attention should be paid to the fact that the device does not change its indicators during its operation, regardless of what equipment it acts on.
Due to this, the traffic police or traffic police have the opportunity not only to secure fixation violations on the roads, but also providing the driver with a complete package of reliable evidence of the violation. Moreover, the use of a mobile device is beneficial for the drivers themselves, as they can be sure that traffic police officers have not made any false accusations against them and are not forced to pay a fine for something they did not do. Recently, the Strelka application (radar for Android) has become widespread, but in fact its action is not as effective as the operation of the original device.
Are there any disadvantages?
If we talk about the disadvantages that distinguish this device, then we can only note its cost, which, given the cost attachments video recording, is more than one and a half million rubles. It is the extremely high cost of this radar that is the main factor why a network of such devices has not yet spread to all police devices. Of course, over time, the number of such devices will constantly increase, because they are constantly trying to be introduced into modern system traffic police, and this is not at all surprising, given the income generated by such devices.
Also, many do not like how the Strelka radar looks, but this drawback is insignificant, because in the first place it is important to get exactly practical benefits and then think about appearance devices.
Is it possible to use anti-radar?
It’s worth mentioning right away that in the vast majority of cases, even the latest modifications of radar detectors cannot drown out the signal this device, because Strelka's pulses are short-term, and at the same time they are emitted at an extremely low repetition rate, although the Strelka (radar) frequency is in the standard range. Also, do not forget that the power of this device reaches only 0.5 W, as a result of which modern models radar detectors determine it only under the mast, that is, long after the photo fixation of the violation.
Fight Options
But of course, modern motorists have developed several effective ways, allowing to cope with such a radar:
- Somehow close the license plate. Of course, such measures are punishable by law, so it is best, as mentioned above, to use a specialized film applied to the license plate.
- Use anti-radar. Of course, today there are already some devices that can recognize Strelka, but such a pleasure will cost you a lot.
- Pass under the camera imperceptibly. If you know exactly where Strelka is located, you can drive under the camera in such a way that the license plate cannot be captured by this device. For example, many prefer to hide behind big cars or simply go around the video capture zone on the side of the road. Some even manage to get around oncoming lane, but you should not do this, since, most likely, such actions will only result in new problems.
Of course, such methods differ from each other in terms of the necessary financial investments, but in any case, the most best option- this is the application of a film on license plates.
Take precautions
It is also worth noting the fact that even if you do not have radars against Strelka, but at the same time you got into the system’s coverage area at an excessive speed, this does not mean that you will receive a receipt anyway. In fact, such devices initially take the car into circulation, that is, they determine it at the entrance to the place where the shooting will be carried out, while it sees absolutely every vehicle, guiding it from the borders of the detection zone to the zone where the shooting is carried out. That is why you can simply go around the device within a radius of more than 50 meters and not be fixed on the camera.
Stationary complex "Strelka ST"
Strelka ST is the most famous radar in Russia.
Control complex traffic automated stationary Strelka-ST is fundamentally different from all others developed by domestic and foreign manufacturers by the fact that it measures the speed of not one, but all Vehicle within the radar coverage area. In addition, it measures speeds not at one point, but at distances up to 350 meters.
Simultaneous maintenance of up to 3-4 traffic lanes makes the complex, in comparison with others, more cost-effective. The complex is carried out in stationary ("Strelka-ST") and mobile ("Strelka-M") versions.
Violations of the rules of the road, which fixes the Strelka complex
- processing signals from all lanes (up to four) at once and generating a report with data on the speed and range of all objects;
- automatic transmission ordered data into a computer for further processing;
- automatic selection of objects moving at speeds exceeding the set threshold values;
- automatic issuance of a command (at a distance of about 50 m) and the implementation of detection and recognition of the vehicle number;
- automatic formation of a freeze-frame of a car that has violated the speed limit (the state number is clearly visible);
MOBILE VERSION OF RADAR "STRELKA-M"
The mobile Strelka, as a rule, is placed on a converted vehicle and is controlled by an inspector using a computer, and the position of the sensor is monitored by the image on the monitor screen. When using mobile complex Strelka-M the inspector is bound by the need to take operational decisions and must constantly monitor the situation on the road.
Sho-Me: anti-radar against Strelka!
It is not easy to find an effective anti-radar against Strelka ST. Sho-Me radar detectors are capable of detecting Strelka-ST type radars, which are widely used by the police in Russia. In addition, the base of coordinates of the location of stationary radars has been entered into the memory of the device, which allows you to maximize the accuracy of the information provided.
All models of SHO-ME atiradars will tell you that you are in the range of the Strelka complex.
Not so long ago to the rescue traffic police in Russia came a very accurate and imperceptible for most devices, the Strelka radar. This complex was borrowed from aviation technology and allows traffic police officers to automatically detect and record violations of traffic rules. Until recently, no known anti-radar / radar detector / could identify this device.
Today, the choice of technologies that can see Strelka at a distance of about 1.5-2 kilometers is very wide. The sellers' offer includes both expensive universal offers and a specialized anti-radar / radar detector / against Strelka.
"STRELKA ST 01" is a stationary automated traffic control complex, which is fundamentally different from all others developed by domestic and foreign manufacturers in that it measures the speed of not one, but all vehicles that have fallen into the radar coverage area.
This eliminates errors in determining the speed of vehicles when they move at the same distance on different lanes of the road. In addition, it measures speeds not at one point, but at distances up to 350 meters.
Simultaneous maintenance of up to 3-4 lanes makes complex Strelka-ST, compared with others, cost-effective.
The complex is carried out in two versions:
stationary ("Strelka-ST")
mobile ("Strelka-M").
With the advent of "Shooter" on the roads of Russia, the lion's share total mass automobile radar detectors became absolutely useless, they simply remained silent when the Strelok passed, not reacting to them in any way. Only in 2012, new products began to appear on the market, which are this moment show the revolutionary characteristics of STRELKA-ST radar detection.
Relatively recently, mass installation of complexes began, which fix offenses without the presence of a radar installation due to photo and video recording.
For example, VIDEO BLOCK STRELKA-ST with processor and software installed separately "without radar part" is used to control one way traffic and travel freight transport, driving at a prohibitory traffic signal, violation of markings, including driving into an oncoming lane and a dedicated lane intended for public transport, for passing pedestrians and other violations, the fines for which have recently grown very much.
The radar detector will pay back its cost very quickly and serve you for many years, protecting your wallet from unexpected costs.
The radar, known as Strelka ST, operates on a carrier frequency of 24.15 GHz. The "picture" of a car's license plate is made up of 6-8 frames taken sequentially. Due to these circumstances, no need to rely on equipment inaccuracy or luck, because the degree of recognition is on the highest level. But try to cheat infernal machine Can. But how?
At what distance does the Strelka-ST radar catch? How is speed determined?
The radar starts to "guide" the car from about 400 meters, in conditions of good visibility and clear optics, but the numbers may vary. Special fans keep the lenses clean. At first, the car does not lend itself to any identification, and only license plate is photographed at a distance of 40 meters. The photo will include maximum speed for the period of observation of the car by Strelka ST (not the speed that was at the time of shooting the numbers).
At what distance does the radar detector catch Strelka ST?
Most "anti-shooter" radars can pick up the signal of the Strelka ST at a distance of 600 meters or more. But you should not rely solely on the anti-radar, because in dense traffic you will not be able to slow down sharply. You need to carefully follow the road and look for not at all compact photofixation terminals (it’s not hard to recognize them). Long work, temperature fluctuations, different weather can significantly reduce the intensity of radiation. Because of this, the anti-radar will react within the range of the Strelka, which reduces its effectiveness to nothing.
What to do with false positives?
The anti-shooter radar sometimes works falsely, because it can receive radiation from radars that you have already passed and Strelok located on the opposite lane. Often a false alarm can be seen on the ascent inside Moscow Ring Road, especially in front of the overpass through Yaroslavka.
Is it possible to deceive Strelka ST at night?
At night, Philips IR illuminators can illuminate license plates at a distance of up to 150 meters. Therefore, it makes no sense to hope to slip through this high-precision device at night.
An example of license plate recognition by Strelka ST radar at night.
Does changing lanes help?
If you find the arrow late, but you are still within the license plate recognition distance, it is better to change lanes to the next lane or make multiple lane changes. When making this maneuver, there is a small chance that the radar will lose sight of your car. Does it help?
Examples of license plate recognition by Strelka ST radar during rebuilding.
But in any case, maneuvers will not save you from fixing the number. The Arrow's camera is positioned in such a way that it can read the license plate from any angle.
Hiding behind a truck or bus
You can stand in a row behind the truck - very good way"get lost". Helps? No!
We stop in front of Strelka ST
You can try to erase yourself from the CT Arrow's memory by stopping for a few minutes before taking a photo. In this case, the traffic flow should be of medium intensity. If the road is empty, then you will have to stop for a longer period of time. It is necessary that at least 10 cars pass during this time.
Pull over or just drive around
Undoubtedly, the variant of the exit to the side of the road is possible, leaving the recognition zone of the Strelka ST radar. Another way is to cover the license plate with something.
If the vehicle in front of you is moving high speed and it is within the range of the CT Arrow, do not get too close to it, because the device can “attribute” its speed to you. The developer assures that this is impossible, but the probability still remains.
Non-working Arrows and dummies
About a quarter of the Shooters in Moscow do not work. They have broken down and are waiting for maintenance work: they require replacement of the fan, IR illuminators, optical lenses, etc. And some just don't connect. Also on the roads you can find a large number of dummies, especially on the outskirts and the Moscow Ring Road. IN within the Third Ring Road the serviceability of the Strelok is monitored quite well, but sometimes some are turned off. This is done when the flow of fines does not have time to be processed in the centers.
If there is a temporary speed limit on the section, then the Arrows do not reconfigure. The only exception are Men at work on the Moscow Ring Road, but sometimes the radars may also not reconfigure.
If there is no radar unit on Strelka, which is usually located on the right, then the device only controls the exit to road lane on which public transport travels. Such a radar does not fix the speed, so you don’t have to worry. The departure of the car is determined automatically and a file with a photo is immediately generated, sometimes the fact of the departure may not be recorded. Even in such cases, the letter will come to your address. You can’t prove anything, it’s better not to drive near the public transport lane. It is possible not to receive a letter of violation only if Strelka is not working or the optics are very dirty.
Are there Arrows fixing rear numbers?
Motorists say that sometimes CT shooters are placed so that they record the rear license plates and the speed of a departing vehicle. This is probably a way to pacify motorcyclists who simply do not have a front sign. However, we do not know anything about this method of installation.
What other offenses is Strelka ST used to fix?
Here's what Arrow catches:
- Over speed
- Crossing the center line of the marking
- Driving through a prohibitory traffic light sign
- Departure to the lane for public transport
- Drive to the curb or sidewalk
How much does the Strelka ST radar complex cost?
The base cost of the Strelka ST radar is approximately 3,800,000 rubles. Add to this the cost of installation, laying communications and communications, as well as periodic maintenance, incl. replacement optics. Thus, for each complex from the treasury, you will have to pay not less than 4.000.000 rubles.
"Letters of happiness" (or, in clerical terms, protocols on administrative offenses received by mail) make many people miss the good old inspectors with hand-held radars. You can’t complain to a soulless car about a hard day, you can’t lie that your wife is giving birth, you can’t offer a “fine on the spot.” She can't be fooled or outwitted. Or is it still possible?
Alexander Shevchenko
In the memory of motorists with an experience of five to ten years or more, the image of a law enforcement officer aiming at a car from a massive “pistol” is forever imprinted. This is what the main purse hunter of all speed lovers used to look like. The principle of operation of both the old hand-held radar and modern stationary and mobile ones is based on the Doppler effect. The device continuously sends electromagnetic waves towards oncoming vehicles. When waves are reflected, their frequency changes, which is fixed by the receiver. Similar principles are embedded in laser speed measurement systems.
The main drawback of a simple radar was the impossibility of proving which particular vehicle the measurement result refers to. This problem opened up scope for abuse by inspectors, but also allowed the violator to avoid liability.
Therefore, hand-held radars were soon equipped with cameras that take a picture at the moment of measuring the speed. This step significantly strengthened the position of the inspector in controversial situations, but did not finally solve the problem. Controversial situations arose when two cars entered the frame at the same time. Not only that, being a ahead offender racer, a respectable driver had a good chance of getting into the frame instead of him.
The human factor, in particular, the need to "aim" at each potential violator, analyze the readings of the device and honestly write out protocols - main disadvantage hand tools. It was possible to exclude it only thanks to the development of image recognition systems on video images.
The video camera of the AvtoUragan complex can be installed at an angle of up to 20° to the direction of traffic, and the maximum vertical installation angle reaches 30°. But the most effective complex operates in the presence of several cameras. An overview of the intersection from different angles eliminates controversial situations when the intruder tries to hide behind a neighboring car or reading the number plate is difficult. Additional infrared illuminators help the cameras "see" at night and in difficult weather conditions. In the photo: wide-angle cameras continuously read the license plates of all cars that enter the field of view. The number of simultaneously recognized license plates is not limited.
Many-eyed monster
The history of domestic image recognition began in the 1960s, but the first working video camera on the roads of Russia was installed only in 1999. There are a lot of reasons for such a long development, despite the fact that the numbers of cars are of the same type. Mounting on uneven bumpers, bad weather conditions, “nets” and “films” beloved by car owners, banal scratches and, finally, deliberate damage to state signs - all this clearly does not make life easier for algorithm developers. Nevertheless, modern road equipment correctly recognizes 97% of passing cars in daylight hours days and 92% in the dark.
Stationary "many-eyed monsters", now familiar to every motorist, also use radar to determine the speed of the car. An example is the Strelka-ST video recording of violations, one of the most common and formidable law enforcement officers on the road.
Long-focus cameras record violations of the rules in "their" lanes from afar. To avoid errors associated with rebuilding, the computer not only takes a snapshot of the vehicle, but also builds the trajectory of its movement.
The Strelka's rectangular case, closed with an opaque plastic cover, hides the radar. This is not the same radar that inspectors used in the 1990s. The formidable military design uses a frequency of 24.15 GHz with a pulse duration of only 30 nanoseconds. Only the most advanced radar detectors can pick up such a signal, but they are also practically powerless against Strelka. Range best radar detectors does not exceed 1 km. It is at this distance that Strelka begins measuring speed and taking photographs. The second, "many-eyed" housing contains a video camera and an infrared illuminator, which helps to shoot at night and in adverse weather conditions.
First automatic systems video recording of violations photographed only those vehicles that were moving in excess of the permitted speed. In order for the measured speed to exactly match the vehicle in the photo, it was necessary to limit the coverage area of the complex to a small section of one lane. Improving recognition algorithms, increasing the computing power of servers and bandwidth data transmission channels made it possible to circumvent this limitation.
The urban network of video cameras is useful not only for monitoring compliance with traffic rules. With its help, you can track the movements of offenders, search for stolen cars. To do this, it is enough to put the car number in the "black list", and each of its appearance in the field of view of the cameras will be accompanied by a message to the operator. When enough in large numbers cameras on the roads, the phrase “the attackers fled in an unknown direction” loses its meaning. All radar complexes have approximately the same set of components, and this is clearly visible to the naked eye. In Strelka-ST, the radar and video camera with an infrared searchlight are located in different buildings.
Radar and camera "Strelka-ST" control the speed of vehicles passing and opposite directions on four lanes simultaneously. At a distance of up to 1000 m, the pattern recognition program generates pairs of "TS-velocity", approximately calculates the speed of the vehicle, and builds the trajectories of their movement. These data are compared with radar readings. When an intruder is detected, his car is re-photographed close-up at a distance of approximately 50 m from the camera for optimal performance of the number recognition system.
Strelka-ST, as well as its counterparts KRIS-S, CORDON, Arena and many others, have an advanced pattern recognition system that allows you to identify and fix not only violations speed limit but also running red lights, driving in public transit lanes, failing to give priority to pedestrians, and even driving with headlights off or unfastened seat belts security.
And yet, the need to compare the radar readings with the video recording, as well as to photograph the car several times at fundamentally different distances, is fraught with a small probability of an error in comparing the speed and registration plate of the car. In radar systems that have already become traditional, the image recognition system and the radar actually duplicate each other. This duplication often contributes to accuracy, but in some cases becomes a source of ambiguity.
Modern radar systems are produced both in stationary and mobile versions. Mobile "Arena", mounted on a massive tripod, is transported in the trunk of a passenger car and unfolds in ten minutes. Via a wireless channel, the complex constantly keeps in touch with the computer in the inspector's car, which can immediately stop the intruder and draw up a protocol. The second option is to transfer the daily records of the complex to a citywide database on a flash drive for automatic distribution of "letters of happiness".
Smart Cyclops
Specialists from the Moscow-based company Recognition Technologies told Popular Mechanics how, with the help of advanced algorithms and sufficient computing power, a radar can be excluded from the system, thereby only increasing its accuracy and reliability.
The AvtoUragan violation detection complex recognizes the license plates of all cars caught in the frame of a wide-angle video camera with amazing accuracy. With uniform contamination, the minimum allowable contrast of the license plate image reaches 10%: the system easily recognizes the license plate of an SUV that has just returned from a truck trial competition. The number of simultaneously recognized license plates is not limited.
The speed of the car is determined based on the geometric properties of the area that the camera observes. Knowing the dimensions of the roadway and the travel time of the car (determined by the number of frames in which the car number is present), it is easy to calculate the speed. Moreover, this can be done quite accurately: the determination error is only 2 km / h, and the maximum recorded speed reaches 255 km / h.
Analyzing the image of the car, it is also possible to identify the passage of a red light (including railway crossing), driving into oncoming traffic, stopping behind the stop line, and even the fact that the driver gave way to a pedestrian. Full list recorded violations is constantly growing.
Externally, the AvtoUragan complex is just an inconspicuous video camera - the same as those used in security systems. The camera can be mounted discreetly - on high altitude or at an angle to the road. Max Angle installation reaches 30° vertically and 20° horizontally. Of course, the AvtoHurricane is completely invisible to radar detectors.
If the mountain does not go to Mohammed
Brave speed-breakers find the cameras themselves, and there are more and more of them. And what about the always hiding drivers who despise parking rules on quiet city streets? The system of video recording of violations will come to them by car.
Who or what sends us fines? Information from video recording complexes is sent to a single server. Separate servers are allocated for high-traffic intersections, 6-12 camera systems on large freeways, and other busy areas. The server remotely resembles a personal computer. It does not have a monitor and peripherals, but it is located in an anti-vandal outdoor cabinet and can work 24 hours a day. On the server, a set of frames from video cameras is converted into speeds and license plates (not only violations are recorded, but also the passage of cars within the rules). This information is sent to single base data of the city where the identity of the violator is established and the decision is formed. Video recordings of violations are partially viewed to control the operation of the equipment. Formed resolutions are sent to vehicle owners by mail.
One of these complexes, called APK ParkRight, is also produced by Recognition Technologies LLC. Two video cameras (recognizing and survey), an IR illuminator for working in dark time day, touch screen, as well as built-in GLONASS / GPS receivers, Wi-Fi module and GSM modem - all this is placed in a small monoblock, which is attached to windshield patrol car. As in the case of stationary complexes, the registration of offenses occurs completely automatically, and the operator only monitors the process and makes changes. Moreover, due to their autonomy, such complexes can be found in conventional buses, ambulances and rescue vehicles.
But what to do with cars parked in "hard-to-reach" places - where you can't get there by bus or patrol car? They can be reached on foot. This year, the inspectors of the traffic police entered service with the ParkNet APK, made in the form of a tablet, capable of controlling paid parking, as well as fix violations of the rules of stopping and parking cars. Photo fixation of the fact of violation takes the inspector about one minute, and work via wireless communication lines allows you to immediately send a request for the evacuation of the car and check the state register sign for presence in the wanted database.
Perhaps in a few years, everyone will be able to record a photo or video of an offense on a smartphone, registrar or google-glass and send it to the traffic police data center. A corresponding application is already being tested in Recognition Technologies. Specialists pay Special attention photo compression algorithm. For the speedy accomplishment of justice, it does not matter how accurately the color of the car and the details of the landscape are conveyed. The clarity of the number and the size of the file come to the fore, which should be easily sent to the traffic police server even from areas with uncertain cellular signal reception.
Perhaps in the future, traffic control on the roads will move inside the car and become active: the cars themselves will interfere traffic violations. I would like to believe that domestic systems in this market will take a confident position. We have someone to work out algorithms on, because we have more than enough violators.
