EyeNet Enforcement Systems has copyrighted an international automated license and number plate recognition (ALPR) standard to provide guidance in the worldwide development of Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems.

"One of the biggest problems we found our international customers face was untangling the different lists of technical features from the different providers of ANPR," according to Thomas Tarach, CEO of EyeNet Enforcement Systems. "For example, car park and access control operators were requiring reading plates at speeds of 160mph. Reading plates on cars traveling that fast is not a need that car park operators have. Companies are paying for expensive cameras and features they don't need."

The standard will provide companies with clear and simple guidelines set out in levels of 1-5, depending on how complicated the system is. Level 1 relates to simple systems such as car park number plate readers that rely on single language, infrared sensors.

Level 5 readers will be able to read Chinese, Arabic, English and Thai language characters, with high-level responsiveness from color and infrared cameras.

"The strength of the EyeNet Standard is the flexibility to match high security needs with integrated technologies for powerful solutions," according to Imad Al Sayed, managing director of DDIT. "We have integrated Arabic and English ANPR with technologies including mobile data communications, live mobile video streaming, GPS, vehicle location wireless protocols from WIMAX to Tetra for Level 5 security. The EyeNet standard is a great tool to communicate these specifications globally."

Kansas-based ICOP Digital Inc. was the first to integrate their software with EyeNet's ANPR.

"The need for a standard to unify the technology was evident," according to Laura Owen, ICOP's president. "The critical factor was to make it comprehensive, yet simple. The EyeNet standard delivers a thorough, easy to use tool for choosing ANPR and integrated solutions such as in-car video."