Video Management

Sentinel® LPR Software

How the Technology Works

Sentinel is a highly specialized, image-processing software allows the computer to read photographs of vehicle licence plates taken by video surveillance cameras. The cameras focus on the vehicle plates and, in a matter of seconds, the software extracts, reads, and records the series of numbers and letters imprinted on the plate.

Computer Vision Technology (CVT) is a new and rapidly growing field. While the process of converting digital images of vehicle plates into electronic text is extremely complex, it can be summarized in a few steps. First, CCTV cameras capture images of the vehicle.

 

 

 

How the Technology Works

From that point, the software begins the following processes:

• Plate Localization:Identifies precise location of licence plate
• Plate Extraction:Extracts image of plate from background
• Character Transformation:Transforms license plate into standardized format
• Character Segmentation:Separates Individual characters from each other
• Character Interpretation:Invokes special algorithm to "read" entire plate

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Summary of Key Features

  • Software-based system for trouble-free storage and quick retrieval
  • High recognition confidence
  • High recognition speed
  • Operates on a standard PC
  • Recognizes all vehicle types in less than one second
  • Marks entrance and exit time of vehicles
  • Adjustable to full or partial plate recognition
  • Activates alarm when unauthorized plates are detected
  • User-friendly -- system requires minimal setup

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Why Use an LPR System from i³ International?

To find and prosecute motorists who drive away without paying, you need a clear, unobstructed photo of their license plate. Whenever a vehicle enters into a facility, i³'s powerful software captures plate images at a rate of up to 30 frames per second before isolating the best picture. It then uses optical character recognition to extract the alphanumeric characters of the plate and places them into a searchable database. Once exception is incorporated into the database, the system can send out an alert whenever unauthorized plates enter the facility.

Benefits of a Software-Based Solution

Unlike many other LPR solutions on the market, i³'s LPR technology is software, rather than camera-based. In addition to capturing and identifying licence plates, the software technology offers superior capabilities of storage and retrieval. In other words, all of that valuable plate information can be stored on a searchable database for later use and analysis. The software runs on standard PC hardware, is extremely easy to use reliable, and can be linked to other applications or databases.


Cost/Performance Benefits for Retail Industry

Most LPR systems rely on infrared illuminators (lighting) to allow
the camera to take pictures at any time of the day or night.
Pulsed infrared cameras can compensate for headlight glare, low sun, and reflections, making the LPR system more reliable at night and in adverse weather. Unfortunately, these speciality IR cameras are extremely expensive and many retailers are reluctant to invest
in this kind of specialized technology.

The benefit of Sentinel is that our technology works with any standard, 480-line resolution camera. As such, retailers can perform quality automatic plate recognition without having to make a large upfront investment in IR camera-based technology. By making our system affordable and adaptive, i³DVR has ensured that retailers of all sizes can take advantage of the security and convenience provided by automated plate capture technology.

i3DVR's Sentinel LPR software gives you quality data that can be easily stored, retrieved, and analyzed. The sophistication of LPR technology combined with the affordability of conventional cameras give it a high cost/performance ratio, and make it one of the most efficient, cost-effective plate recognition solutions on the market.

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Pilot Project with Major Retail Operation Underway

i³ recently joined forces with a subsidiary of the national pizza delivery chain, Pizza Pizza, to implement an exciting new project utilizing our LPR technology. One of the newest applications for LPR technology, this upcoming venture will allow those customers who want their food "To Go", to have their orders delivered right to their car upon arrival. Similar to the convenience of a drive-through window, the system helps eliminate lengthy wait times and line-ups. Customers simply call in advance to place their order. As soon as they pull in, our LPR system reads their plate and alerts the restaurant of their arrival.
In moments, their food is delivered right to their car and the customer is on their way!