We have a permanent checkpoint. Do you have a version of VISOR which can be permanently installed at a gated checkpoint?
Yes, in the Standard Range, we have the VISOR-S5S and S5F models. In the Compact range we have the VISOR-C3S and the VISOR-C3F models. We designed the S5S and C3S models to be installed on the surface of the roadway and the C3F and S5F models to be installed so that the VSU is level with the surface of the roadway.
All of them use the same image software – VisorSoft – as the other members of the VISOR ranges and they have the same high quality images.
Can I operate external items from the VISOR Control Unit?
Yes, you can order the optional relay control board which is fitted into the Control Unit. This provides up to 4 volt free changeover contacts and these can be connected to control items such as checkpoint barriers, traffic lights etc.
Does VISOR use colour cameras?
All of the the VISOR range of advanced under vehicle inspection systems use high performance HD GiGE digital colour cameras. Ergonomic studies in the aviation security sector have demonstrated that colour images improve operator experience and inspection effectiveness.
The Standard range of VISOR systems: VISOR-S5S; VISOR-S5P and VISOR-S5F all have 5 colour GigE cameras which capture the underside image. A 6th camera is provided on the VISOR-S5S and VISOR-S5P models to capture the front of the vehicle and licence plate if available.
The Compact range, VISOR-C3S, VISOR-C3P and VISOR-C3F each have 3 colour GigE cameras to capture the underside and a 4th camera is available on the VISOR-C3S and C3P to image the front of the vehicle.
Can the VISOR be driven over by a truck?
Yes, the camera units of all VISOR under vehicle surveillance systems (UVSS) have been designed to ensure that they cannot be damaged if driven over by a 40T truck – they are tough! So, even if a checkpoint is laid out so that a vehicle can drive so far over to one side that the wheels drive over the VISOR Survey Unit, it won’t be damaged.
The VISOR-S5F and VISOr-C3F models which are installed level with the roadway surface, have top plates made from 25mm thick stainless steel.
Can the images produced by the VISOR system be stored and viewed at a later date?
The VisorSoft software is normally configured so that all images are stored. You can recover any image by using Licence plate, date or time. Additionally, when the same vehicle is identified, you will be shown the most recent past image of that vehicle so that the images can be compared.
Is there an Automatic Licence Plate Recognition option?
We offer two ANPR / ALPR facilities. Every system has built into it our free of charge proprietary LPRAssist facility. LPRAssist is a basic support to the operator. If at all possible, LPRAssist will recover the licence plate image, read it and display it. You can also access the image of the licence plate and enter the characters manually if necessary. In addition, we offer an optional full performance ANPR / ALPR system which has a very high intrinsic correct read of number / licence plates, a wider range of national plates and integral infra-red illumination for night time use.
What is the throughput of a VISOR UVIS?
There isn’t a simple answer to this question because the throughput is is dictated by the level of security expected at your checkpoint. You can operate VISOR in Freeflow or Single mode. In FreeFlow mode, vehicles pass over the VISOR Survey Unit (the camera unit) one after the other. You then check each image from the queue list of un-inspected images which is displayed on the LCD display. This is a very fast process. Although VISOR will produce underside images from vehicles passing over at up to 30 kph, it is unlikely that a vehicle passing at such a speed could be stopped if a suspect object was found on the image.
Is there a “Watchlist” facility and can it be updated?
All VISOR UVIS have a “watchlist”database. The VisorSoft database will accept watchlist nominations using the Vehicle Registration Number or Licence Plate as the trigger. The watchlist database can be updated externally or locally.
Can I compare images produced by the VISOR system?
Yes, it is really simple. Normally VISOR systems are configured so that when the same number / licence plate is identified, you are offered the option of comparing the current image with any of the previous ones for that vehicle. You can also link the images – main and zoom – so that when you move the Image Lens on one image, it moves in synch over the other one.
Note, we do not recommend automatic comparison because of the high variability of underside images from the same vehicle. This either leads to high false alarms or, if the comparison is desensitised, high false negative rates.
Can the VISOR system read the licence plates from vehicles with rear only plates?
Yes, the VisorSoft system configuration manager can be set to read front or rear license plates.
Are the archived records secure?
There are at least two aspects to this question: security of the records themselves and security of the content of the records. Our proprietary system software, VisorSoft, retains every frame from each of the cameras. These frames are encrypted and stored securely. In addition, any notes which you add to the record cannot be altered. Only an administrator can delete images. All of these actions are recorded.
Do you use linescan cameras?
No, we only use high performance HD digital GigE colour cameras.
Can VISOR systems be connected to a network?
Yes.
Is there a secure log-in to operate VISOR?
We provide three levels of log-in for every VISOR system. These are: Operator [the lowest level]; Administrator [can access all operational configuration parameters]; and Technician. At log-in, there is an option to record the location, shift and task. This is a useful feature for the portable models: VISOR-S5P and VISOR-C3P. When they are moved from location to location, this can be recorded in the Log-in field at start up.
What level of zoom is available?
At least 12x. You simply double click on any part of the main image to display the corresponding original frame at full resolution. The full frame which is displayed is at least 12x larger than the Image Lens view.
Can the VISOR system be operated from vehicle power supplies?
Yes, the portable models, VISOR-S5P and VISOR-C3P can both operate from 24 vdc supplies as well as the full range of mains supplies.
There is also an optional 24 dc battery pack, with integrated charger, which will run a VISOR UVIS for about eight hours.
Can the images produced by VISOR be exported as jpgs or similar formats?
Yes, you can use VisorSoft to export every image and individual frames if you wish. In addition, the optional VisorViewer software can be used on any Windows PC to view and examine the full image sequences in the same way as the VISOR Operator can.
It is also possible export a video sequence of a frame by frame scan.
How long does it take to deploy and set up a portable VISOR system?
The VISOR-S5P and VISOR-C3P under vehicle imaging surveillance systems can be transported in the boot / trunk of a car and deployed at the checkpoint by 1 person, typically in less than 5 minutes.
Is VISOR suitable for use outside?
Yes, the VSU – the camera unit – is designed and built to IP67+. That means that it can be submerged. Additionally, the connectors at each end of the interconnection cable are also to IP67.
What is the Image Lens?
The Image Lens is a tool which you use to examine the main underside image. You can use the mouse or your finger [touchscreen models] to move the Image Lens around the underside image to look at particular things of interest. You can change the amount of magnification and also the size of the area under the Lens.
