This latest addition to Genetec's existing line of IP license plate recognition cameras was engineered and designed with a specific application in mind: capturing plates of cars passing in a contained zone, for example the entrance of a parking lot.

The Sharp VGA is a lower-cost, alternative version of the Sharp XGA. Both cameras have on-board analytics processing to ensure unsurpassed capture of license plate images. The smaller VGA sensor represents a cost-effective solution, especially in applications where more than one camera is required.

The Sharp VGA was developed with access control points in mind, among other applications. The Sharp VGA is well suited for applications where vehicles are moving at moderate speeds, and the area where the vehicle plate will be seen is well defined, like at a toll gate entrance. A perfect application would be at the parking entrance of a building, venue, or stadium.

Thanks to its integration into the Security Center, Genetec's unified security platform, the new Sharp VGA can be leveraged for access control, to open a gate to a parking facility when pre-registered vehicles arrive. It can also be used as a security tool, alarming operators when known criminals, ex-employees, unwanted guests or stolen vehicles are seen.

"We are excited to offer another option for the fixed LPR market," said Chris Yigit, Senior Product Manager at Genetec. "We designed the Autovu Sharp VGA to be an ideal solution for fixed access control points. LPR is becoming more than a law enforcement tool, but an intelligent tool of convenience. We are constantly seeing new applications for fixed LPR beyond that of basic law enforcement. More and more facilities like to know who is accessing their premises, and want to take different actions accordingly, and fixed LPR is a very convenient way to do so at all hours of the day. Also, with Genetec's Security Center, LPR can easily be incorporated into a city-wide surveillance system to index LPR hits with video surveillance and access control events."

The Autovu Sharp VGA offers efficient edge processing thanks to its internal dedicated processor. Whether at high noon or in pitch black conditions, the Sharp VGA will accurately detect unwanted vehicles or detect residents of a facility and trigger a gate to open.