Automatic License Plate Recognition for Sharjah (UAE) University

The University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates has been able to deploy a vehicle access control system based on a system designed and created by 3Soft USA for Infinova. The Automatic License Plate Recognition (IALPR) software uses Infinova's V1044B Series 1/3-inch outdoor color camera and V1283 Series IR illuminators.

Developed to let faculty vehicles in and out of their designated parking lot, the system simultaneously captures license plates at both entry and exit gates using two video capture cards. Once captured, the license plate is compared with a database of authorized license plates and the gate barrier remains locked if the license plate is invalid or is automatically unlocked if the license plate is valid. "We needed to make sure that we interfaced with a camera manufacturer with whom it would be easy to collaborate in creating this system," says Tahm Hormozdyaran, president of 3Soft USA. "In addition, we had to be provided with reliable cameras that would be able to view license plates in all types of lighting conditions."

The system uses Infinova's V1044B series 1/3-inch outdoor color IR cameras which feature a built-in IR illuminator and 4.0~9.0 mm auto iris varifocal lens. With Infinova's V1283 series IR illuminators, the cameras can provide surveillance, even in total darkness, at ranges up to 200 m (656 feet).
"Infinova's ALPR software goes beyond simply reading and capturing a license plate," explains Mark S. Wilson, Infinova vice president, marketing. "This software, in combination with Infinova cameras, can be used in many different vehicle-based applications."

Search criteria of the software can be by license plate number, date, time and combination of date and time. Recognition is country independent, reading Latin, Arabic, Chinese and Cyrillic characters. The software alerts users regarding blacklisted and restricted plates. It also provides an option for the user to collect data on the driver via a touch screen input. Instant daily reports plus customized reports are available.

The Zio Technologies office in Abu Dhabi was the integrator for the project, coordinating with the design teams and installing the system. This is one of several projects that Zio Technologies has implemented in Sharjah.