Traffic camera diagnostics using moving test targets

A method, system, and computer-usable tangible storage device for traffic camera diagnostics via strategic use of moving test targets are disclosed. The method for camera diagnostics comprises: positioning the test target in a field of view of the camera; detecting the presence of the test target by the camera; extracting features of the test target; and, analyzing the extracted features to characterize, monitor, assess, or diagnose the camera. A test vehicle can travel periodically through traffic camera(s) of interest. The traffic camera(s) could then identify these test vehicles via matching of license plate numbers and then identify test targets in video frames through pattern matching or barcode reading. The identified test targets could then be analyzed to extract image and video features that can be used for sensor characterization, sensor health assessment, and sensor diagnostics. The disclosed embodiments provide for non-traffic-stop (i.e., non-traffic-interruption) traffic camera diagnostics.