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Genetec Announces New Cloud-Based Automatic License Plate Recognition Solution

Genetec's new AutoVu Plate Reader Cloud transforms video surveillance cameras into virtual ALPR devices.

Photo: GenetecPhoto: Genetec

Genetec, a manufacturer of unified IP security solutions, today announced AutoVu Plate Reader Cloud, a new software-based license plate recognition solution for its AutoVu Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) system. This new module will allow customers to enhance standard IP video surveillance cameras with ALPR capabilities instead of requiring a specialized license plate recognition unit. AutoVu Plate Reader Cloud is expected to be available in the United States early summer 2015, with other regions to follow.

AutoVu Plate Reader Cloud will offer an accessible solution that provides the same high accuracy delivered by AutoVu specialized units in situations where vehicles are moving at speeds of up to 15 mph (25 km/h), such as parking lot monitoring, automatic gate or garage door operations, and data mining, to name a few.

The AutoVu Plate Reader Cloud ALPR engine will be hosted in the cloud, making it easy to deploy and maintain. Engine updates containing the latest improvements and support for new license plate models will be automatically applied without requiring customer intervention or system downtime. AutoVu Plate Reader Cloud connects to cameras managed by Genetec Security Center software, the company's flagship unified video surveillance, access control, and ALPR platform.

Using either software triggers, such as motion or cross-line detection, or hardware triggers, including in-ground loop and IR sensors, AutoVu Plate Reader Cloud will detect vehicles and upload a short encrypted video feed to its cloud-based engine, where the image analysis is performed. The data will be sent back to the local Genetec Security Center system, usually in less than one second, to be compared to vehicle lists and used to document arrival/ departure credentials, open gates, or trigger alerts.

With AutoVu Plate Reader Cloud, customers can benefit from the extensive set of ALPR features in AutoVu, and its full unification with Security Center. Building on the company's long experience with ALPR, Genetec AutoVu Plate Reader Cloud customers can leverage a flexible list management system, intuitive user interface, and advanced reporting engine for a complete ALPR experience.

To ensure customers get a high level of accuracy and choice, AutoVu Plate Reader Cloud will work with cameras tested by Genetec in-house experts. At launch, customers will be able to select cameras from three initial manufacturers who have completed certification, including: Axis Communications, Panasonic, and Sony. More camera manufacturers are currently undergoing certification.

"The Genetec AutoVu product line has always offered superior accuracy and advanced features. AutoVu Plate Reader Cloud will allow us to leverage our years of ALPR experience and leadership and offer customers an easy-to-deploy, accessible ALPR solution for applications where vehicle speed is controlled, such as parking or gate access, without sacrificing the industry-respected AutoVu quality and precision," said Stephan Kaiser, General Manager, AutoVu. "We're excited to offer these extended options to existing-and-new customers in addition to our line of specialized Genetec AutoVu Sharp and AutoVu SharpX ALPR units, designed to provide superior camera accuracy in any type of weather condition or speed of moving traffic."

For more information about AutoVu Plate Reader Cloud or to contact a regional sales manager, visit: https://www.genetec.com/products/unified-security/autovu or e-mail: sales@genetec.com.

About Genetec

Genetec develops open-platform software, hardware, and cloud-based services for the physical security and public safety industry. Its flagship product, Security Center, unifies IP-based video surveillance, access control, and automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) into one platform. Genetec is headquartered in Montreal, Canada, and serves enterprise and government organizations via an integrated network of resellers, integrators, and consultants in over 80 countries. For more information about Genetec, visit: www.genetec.com

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