SSI serves security installing contractors providing systems and services; surveillance, access control, biometrics, fire alarm and home control/automation. Coverage in commercial and residential product applications, designs, techniques, operations.
Issue link: https://securitysales.epubxp.com/i/90752
The camera is a key component of the license plate recognition (LPR) solution. It is responsible for recognizing license plates in its fi eld of view, capturing context images of the vehicle and its license plate, and processing the image to extract accurate license plate characters using a form of analytics called optical character recognition (OCR). reason is that it is a less intensive and resource-dependent undertaking. T e second reason is that fi xed LPR is a natural add-on to video and access control systems that security integrators already off er. Some of the traditional fi xed applications include general security monitoring of vehicles on or near a property; vehicle access control, where a license plate is matched with permitted vehicle plates for facilitated entry; or revenue control, where license plates are used for payment instead of ticket stubs. RESOLVING ERRONEOUS NOTIONS So even with all these possibilities in fi xed installations, why has LPR been overlooked as a niche market simmering with opportunity? Following are the three main misconceptions that have possibly dissuaded even the most eager installing professionals. Misconception No. 1: LPR technology is far too complicated. T is statement cannot be further from the truth. Yes, there is no denying that LPR systems are vastly diff erent than video surveillance, but the installation itself is fairly similar. T e specialized LPR cameras need to be properly set up and placed at the right angle to capture the correct fi eld of view; the LPR cameras need to be connected to the network; the client software needs to be installed; and the entire system needs to be confi gured and tested. In certain instances, some customization or third-party integrations will need to be developed, but these are all tasks and expertise that are required of an integrator when deploying video surveillance or access control. Clearly, there are certain aspects of the technology that will need to be learned, and specifying the right LPR camera or system can be confusing at fi rst. But this is the case when taking on any new technology as a business off ering, and often vendors will provide the necessary training and support to ramp up installers who are willing to promote and sell their solutions. Misconception 2: LPR is based on analytics, which is not reliable. It might surprise some to know that LPR technology precedes the very fi rst IP-based video surveillance systems. T roughout the past 15 years, huge strides in research and development have been made, to the point where some of the most advanced LPR systems claim up to 99% accuracy on plate reads. However, it is important for an integrator to understand that high read rates and accuracy, in even some of the harshest weather conditions, are only possible with specialized LPR devices. Unlike standard video or non-LPR cameras that are limited in providing good license plate images due to motion blur or headlight glare, dedicated LPR cameras engineered with multiple levels of integrated illumination to capture crisp images of diff erent plate types and colors, at extremely high speeds and obscure angles. T e specialized LPR software can also provide great data mining and reporting tools to help end users get the most out of their systems. T ey sometimes off er features that let operators search license plate reads based on time, full or partial plates and more. Misconception 3: LPR is limited to very few applications. Probably the most valuable aspect about LPR technology is the fact that it can spur on some very creative and multidepartmental benefi ts in an organization. For example, casinos are using LPR to avoid negligence lawsuits from self- registered compulsive gamblers, and better accommodate VIPs. Retailers are using LPR to deter thefts from organized retail crime, and convert LPR reads into visitor statistics to justify operational improvements and market space to prospective brands. Freight companies are unifying LPR with video surveillance to keep track of incoming and outgoing trucks, and use LPR reads tied to video to disprove false liability claims when goods are late or missing altogether. Essentially, the list of unique applications is merely limited to the creativity of the integrator; more reasons why LPR technology really is a solid contender for expanding one's business. To summarize, integrators looking to step out from the crowd by expanding their off ering should take a closer look at LPR technology. With a limited pool of integrators specializing in LPR systems, the advanced capabilities of the solution, and the endless security-boosting and cost-cutting applications derived from the technology, the viability of LPR business is strong. 64 / SECURITYSALES.COM / NOVEMBER 2012