News
News News News
Autofocus Launches New Number-Plate AS&E Awarded $2.8m
Recognition Solution Order for Multiple ZBVs
specific algorithms which enable it to process American Science and Engineering, Inc. has
borderline cases (eg. characters side-by-side, been awarded a $2.8 million order from a
damaged characters). The optical character Middle Eastern government for multiple Z
recognition utilises three algorithms for Backscatter Vans™ (ZBV™). Configured for
character identification – corrective, structural harsh environments, the ZBVs will be
and neural – all of which are employed in order utilised for counter-terrorism applications
to maximise the advantages and minimise the including securing government facilities
weaknesses of each. and mobile checkpoints. The order includes
Autofocus uses synthetic learning networks AS&E-provided operator training, service,
with which it is possible to make a neuronal and warranty.
network operational once a new character is The ZBV is a low-cost, highly mobile
known, without the need for several samples. screening system built into a commercially
A new advanced method of automatic number- In this way, changes linked to the design of available delivery van. The ZBV allows for
plate recognition (ANPR) has been launched new plates can be rapidly integrated, an immediate deployment in response to
providing enhanced recognition features important factor in deploying the system in security threats, and its high throughput
overcoming weaknesses in existing systems. new countries. Certain characters are very capability facilitates rapid inspections. The
Unlike existing systems, Autofocus allows a plate similar (“1“ and “I”, “ 8 “ and “B”, “0” and “O”), system’s unique “drive-by” capability allows
to be detected and read with colour, B/W or however each country has a number plate one or two operators to conduct X-ray
infrared cameras, removing the dependence on syntax that can be used to tell whether a imaging while the ZBV drives past suspect
expensive specific video cameras designed for character should be numerical or alphabetical vehicles and objects. For personnel safety
these ANPR applications depending on its position in the sequence. in dangerous environments, a remote
By advanced algorithms, the system is Autofocus uses the results of the unrefined console is available for operating the
capable of dealing with significant flaws in the recognition in order to determine the most likely system in stationary mode from a distance
image caused by noise, luminosity, italics, country of the plate under analysis and applies of up to 500 metres.
rotation, and size, greatly enhancing the the syntax rules for the country in order to
reliability of the overall system. remove the possible ambiguities between similar
Once the plate has been detected, each characters. The performances observed on sites Global Security
character must be isolated; this is achieved by equipped with Autofocus technology usually
classic projection algorithms and Autofocus’ own have a success rate of between 95% and 100%.
Associates Wins
Contract for Cayman
Airways
Zetes Selected for Israeli Electronic
ID Card Project
Cayman Airways has engaged Global Security
Associates to provide security services for its
flights at Washington Dulles International Airport.
The Ministry Of Interior of Israel has Zetes will feature as the know-how Global Security Associates will work closely with
selected the consortium led by Hewlett partner of prime contractor HP and is in Cayman Airways’ aviation security department and
Packard (HP) for the so-called “Telem charge of supervising the complete their Dulles management team to provide a
Tender” to produce Israeli e-ID cards. HP production and personalisation of the number of specialist functions including Aircraft
has partnered with Zetes, Gemalto and cards. To that end, the company has joined Security, Ramp Security, Catering Security and
Pitkit (a local printing house) for this forces with a number of other contractors, Baggage Security.
project, valued at around $68 million. like Allami Nyomda, a Hungarian specialist
The Israeli authorities produced very of polycarbonate cards with whom Zetes
detailed project specifications for the has a strong relationship, and Pitkit, an
production of the electronic ID cards. The Israeli specialist in secured printing. The
project was called ‘Telem’ and aims for an Israeli e-ID card will be manufactured at
extremely secure electronic ID document for Pitkit premises. In order to do so, Pitkit will
communication with the authorities and extend and rebuild part of its premises and
several public services. hire a number of new workers.
42 Register now for FREE instant access to ASI online by visiting www.asi-mag.com February 2009 Aviationsecurityinternational
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