RoboPlate - Command Centre Software (V2022)

How it Works

The software receives recognition results and full frame images from the ANPR cameras via the network and files these in a database for future retrieval.

It checks those results against its vehicle database and, subject to a successful match, can automatically generate network triggers, emails, audio and visual notifications.

Multiple Cameras

The Command Centre software can receive results from up to 4 cameras simultaneously. A live video feed is normally displayed for the operator but this can be switched off if not needed or when unattended.

Groups, Group Memberships and Scheduling

The software supports vehicle groups, named in a friendly manner these help categorise particular vehicles, you may for example have groups for normal staff, security staff, VIPs or contractors. For maximum flexibility, vehicles may be a member of multiple groups.

A schedule can be applied to each group specifying an active time period for specific days of the week. Subject to this schedule any of the defined actions may be triggered to happen.

Vehicle Records

Day to day admin of vehicle registrations is made into an easy task for operators by using a familiar Windows interface and additional information such as vehicle make, model, colour, owner can all be appended to the record. These details are displayed on-screen when a match is detected too. Lists can be maintained using a simple upload facility.

Database Search

The Command Centre software has extensive search facilities by date, owner or (partial) plate with a snapshot captured that can be saved for later use.

Subject to Detection Actions

A powerful aspect of this software is the ability to perform immediate, or delayed actions subject to detection of a particular registration plate including:

• Audio & Visual notification via the PC
• Audio announcement via a networked VoiceOFF

• Email
• Triggering of a network attached relay

Summary

A great solution for Enterprise users offering additional list membership, advanced scheduling, easy database searching, powerful relay triggering and comprehensive report outputs.

*Windows XP, Vista and server editions or virtual machine are not supported.

*Downloads within the support period are available via your personalised Control Panel.

Can you automatically FTP upload your RoboPlate ANPR image capture results?

That’s easy, the FTP module is a simple easy to use add-on for your RoboPlate ANPR system. The FTP module automatically uploads your image captures to your server or cloud storage at set intervals between 1 and 30 minutes.

We also have a dual channel FTP module available (SOFT1042) for use with dual channel RoboPlate systems.

Can the FTP module run on a different PC to the main RoboPlate software?

Ideally the FTP module would be installed on the PC which is running the RoboPlate software to avoid any complications. The FTP software uses only a tiny amount of you computers resources and runs silently in the background.

If for whatever reason you do require the FTP module to installed on another PC our support team can help you with this. Keep in mind the PC would need to be on the same network as the PC which runs the RoboPlate software and must have read access to the image capture storage folder.

What DVRs work with the RoboPlate ANPR software?

At the time of writing RoboPlate only supports Alien branded HD-TVI or HD-SDI DVRs with a corresponding HD camera. IP cameras are currently not supported from these devices. Additional information will be made available online at RoboPlate.com in due course.

What sort of cameras do you need for the RoboPlate ANPR software?

A regular HD CCTV camera is all RoboPlate ANPR software requires but good lighting and appropriate camera settings will all help to improve image quality and therefore detection and recognition rates. A simple test is that if a number plate cannot be read by the naked eye then it is unlikely to be captured by a standard CCTV camera which means that RoboPlate will not be able to read it either.

What resolution image does RoboPlate ANPR software require?

RoboPlate can process images captured at 1280x720 or 1920x1080, for DVRs, this should be the recording resolution.

Can an analogue DVR be used with the RoboPlate ANPR software?

Not really older technology simply doesn’t have the detail required. An image resolution of 4CIF, 705x576 or below does not provide sufficient pixel density to deliver a successful result. It would need to be a very closely cropped view of the plate for 4CIF to make a reading so in reality an entry level HD resolution of 1280x720 is required. You could say that investing in ANPR software is a little wasted if you had not invested in a HD CCTV system first.

Does RoboPlate ANPR software work in bad weather such as rain, fog or snow?

Anything that prevents a clear view of a vehicle registration plate will hinder the program’s ability to obtain a successful result. This includes rain, fog, snow and other obstructions. You will need to keep the lens of your camera clean and free from cobwebs too.

Can RoboPlate ANPR software read non-standard number plate characters?

RoboPlate uses OCR / shape matching technology to identify characters by their outline. It does not look for or match to specific fonts. It expects characters to be regular upright shapes in keeping with license plate guidelines rather than fancy/italic style. Some owners of ‘private plates’ in the UK re-position mounting screws or deliberately change a character’s shape to make their plate more desirable, in doing so, they will make recognition harder.

How slow do vehicles need to be travelling for RoboPlate ANPR software to capture the number plate?

RoboPlate captures about two frames per second directly from the DVR so it is intended for slow moving traffic that stays in the field of view for a reasonable amount of time to achieve this. It is good to bear this in mind at the time of installation as you can try to position your camera facing oncoming vehicles head on where they may naturally slow down or stop such as at a gate way, barrier or narrowing of the road.

How much disc space is required when installing and running RoboPlate ANPR software?

Installing the application will require approximately 85Mb initially. As images are captured the data directories will grow by about 350KB per recognition.

Does RoboPlate ANPR software support any remote monitoring services such as Immix?

Yes RoboPlate can be easily integrated into Immix.

How can I set up my camera to avoid any false results?

Many factors affect recognition such as partially obscured or background object or signage within an image that can appear to be legitimate characters detectable by the OCR engine. Palisade fencing caught at the wrong angle can cause it, but anything that appears to be a character or impacts on a character or its outline can produce a result.

Adding RoboPlate can transform the versatility of your system by comparing data against whitelists of approved staff or visitors to help monitor and even manage physical access to a site. The ability to interrogate a log also helps you to detect any visitor patterns.