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License Plate

License Plate Cameras for Vehicle Monitoring

One of the most productive applications for security cameras is the use as a vehicle "License Plate Recorder". This use is consistent with one of the basic principles of visual surveillance: monitor choke points. Gated communities, hotels, parking lots, private estates, and critical infrastructure are all logical markets for license plate recorders. The benefits of this practice include improved security. Upscale businesses also find that they can better serve repeat customers. At, for example, a restaurant's valet parking area, when Mr. and Mrs. Jones arrive, the system can alert the staff so that they can be greeted personally, and their service can be tailored to their particular needs. More sophisticated systems can automatically read the license plate from a graphic to a text signal (Automatic Character Recognition). This allows automated checks against known lists.

All license plates in North America are 12 inches wide and 6 inches in height (300 mm X 150 mm). Lettering heights vary somewhat, with 2.5 inch lettering the most common. Different states use different combinations of letter and number groupings. The requirement of a license plate light has been the law in most states for more than 50 years. 19 States do not currently require a front license plate, and in our current economic environment, this number is likely to grow as states try to reduce cost (each plate cost a little more than $1 to produce).

The location of the recording camera will be dependent on the:

chosen point of monitoring,

mounting location, and

access to facilities including electricity.

The chosen point of monitoring will usually be the entrance or exit (or both) to the area. An ideal location will cause the vehicle to slow, improving the photography, but good quality can be obtained with conventional equipment for vehicles traveling at less than 40 MPH. This slowing mechanism can be a guard arm, a speed bump, or a sharp turn. It is feasible to record the license plate of a fast moving vehicle, but it is more complicated, hence the equipment is more expensive. The width of the traffic lane can complicate the job. A narrow lane reduces the variability of the vehicle and license plate location.

The mounting location will depend on the situation. If the environment is prone to vandalism, mounting the camera out of reach, and/or housing the camera in a vandal resistant enclosure, will reduce the vulnerability. A camera can be installed remote from the chosen point of monitoring by 150-200 feet. The use of a lens can compensate easily. The viewing angle, both horizontal and vertical, from the camera to the automobile should be less than 40 degrees. Larger angles distort the view and make recognition more difficult.

Access to facilities is an important consideration. With current technology, it is possible to install a security camera without any umbilical lines. Power can be supplied by solar energy, and the video signal can be transmitted via Rf signal (radio). However, if possible, keep it simple. Solar panels and Rf transmitters capable of video transmission can be expensive.

A final consideration is video storage. This hardware can be equipped locally, or a coaxial cable can be installed. If frequent review of the imagery is anticipated, the storage should be located in an accessible location, either physically or via a network. Most modern video storage systems (DVR, digital video recorder) are compatible with both LAN and Internet network protocols.

Attachment: License Plate Recorder Design Worksheet

About the Author

Brian Bradshaw is General Manager of B.V. Technology. The company focuses on communications technology, including video security. The company's headquarters is in Plano, Texas.

Website: B.V. Technology

How do I install a front license plate on a Nissan Maxima?

We got a Nissan Maxima and are required by law to put a plate on the front bumper (in the front window won't work). Unfortunately, there are no holes in the bumper on which to mount a plate, and I'd prefer not to drill holes in it. Is there any other way to attach a license plate to the front bumper?

If you look carefully at the bumper in the middle, about 1/2 way up, you will see 2 small dimples in the bumper cover. The dimples are the same distance apart that the upper lic plate screw holes are. This is where you need to install the front lic plate. The best thing to use is self tapping screws, its what the dealerships use, to install the lic plate. Usually, if you just go to the dealership, they wonl't charge you to do this because it takes about 10 seconds.

Police License Plate Scanner

Coca-Cola License Plate $10.99 Coca-Cola License Plate

California License Plate CA-101 $9.99 California License Plate CA-101

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Fender License Plate Frame $14.99 Fender License Plate Frame

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License Plate Relocator $85.99 License Plate Relocator; For PN{5650100];

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247Motoring License Plate Frame [Universal] $2.95 247Motoring License Plate Frame

James Dean License Plate $6.99 James Dean License Plate. Measures 6x12".

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U.S.A. License Plate $6.99 U.S.A. California License Plate. Measures 6x12".

Los Angeles License Plate $6.99 Los Angeles California License Plate. Measures 6x12".

L.A. Lakers License Plate $9.99 Los Angeles Lakers License Plate. Measures 6x12".

Hollywood Arts License Plate $6.99 Hollywood Arts novelty license plate. Measures 6x12".

Hollywood Stars License Plate $6.99 Hollywood Stars license plate measures 6x12".

Hollywood Reels License Plate $6.99 Hollywood Reels license plate. Measures 6x12".

Hollywood Exit License Plate $6.99 Hollywood Exit license plate. Measures 6x12".

Elvis License Plate $8.99 1*Elvis Graceland License Plate. Measures 6x12".

Beverly Hills License Plate $6.99 Beverly Hills Stars License Plate. Measures 6x12".

This entry was posted on Sunday, September 6th, 2009 at 10:22 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.