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Camera recognizes license plates, runs Windows XP Embedded
Jul. 30, 2007

Appian Technology has introduced a camera that recognizes vehicle license plates, then reports the results to traffic and police authorities using integrated wired or wireless communications. The Stinger Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera is based on a 1.4 GHz Pentium processor running Windows XP Embedded, according to the company.

Appian says its license-plate recognition system operates in all weather and visibility conditions, and regardless of vehicle speeds. It is used by police forces in England and Wales for counter-terrorism, access control, journey time analysis, and enforcement of congestion charging (time-dependent tolls).

According to the company, the Stinger is a sealed unit that features single or dual cameras, an integrated light sensor, and inputs for external slave cameras. It can also control and receive data from external RFID, speed and red-light detection devices.

The unit can recognize license plate numbers, then compare them to "hot lists" stored on its internal 20 GB hard drive. It can transmit data to authorities via Ethernet, WiFi, or GSM/GPRS.

Appian notes that license plates have widely differing designs and reflectivities globally. The Stinger is said to overcome this problem by having a choice of IR wavelengths available: 810, 870 and 940 NM. Additionally, both IR pulse duration and illumination power can be adjusted by the user. The camera's optical zoom enables its field of view to be optimized to local plate sizes.

The Stinger incorporates an embedded computer from Quantum3D, the Eidetix Advanced Video Capture and Processing System (AVCPS) (shown at the right). Quantum3D says this subsystem can capture and process up to four simultaneous NTSC, PAL, or RS-170 composite video streams. Note the subsystem's heavy-duty heat sink in the photo at the right.

Specifications for the system include:
  • Processor -- Intel Pentium M, clocked at 1.4 GHz
  • Memory -- 512 MB RAM, 1 GB optional
  • Storage -- 20 GB hard drive
  • Video -- analog VGA output
  • Networking:
    • 10/100 Ethernet LAN
    • 802.11 b/g WLAN
    • GSM/GPRS cellular
  • Other I/O ports:
    • 2 x USB
    • 4 x RS-232
  • Slave camera and antenna inputs, GPS (via USB)
  • Power supply -- 12-24 VDC (110-240 VAC via external power supply)
  • Dimensions, not including bracket -- 3.6 x 7 x 14.3 inches (91 x 180 x 364 mm)
  • Weight -- 8.8 lbs (4 kg)
  • Operating temperature -- -20 to +50 degrees C
Pricing was not released, but the Stinger appears to be available now.



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