Property marker LPR camera

[JPmedia]

My initial solution for a Z12 is to remove the sun shade and, if possible, the armature to make it shorter. I would then cut a hole in the backside of the PVC post so that it doesn't stick too far out of the front. I would then use a box like this to both cover the hole in the PVC post and hide the back of the camera. Painted white, I don't think it would be obvious at all.

I would then also add a downlight to illuminate the numbers, which could "justify" the junction box on the back of the post, but I honestly don't think anyone would notice or care.

I took care of that, see the attached pic, you'll see a junction box on top of one of the piers. Future home of a black B52IR-Z12E when I get the green stuff. At least its wired and ready to go. Done playing around LOL

 

[d5775927]

I understand that, but I wanted to eliminate my lack of experience with settings to get an idea why IR is not working as it should, that's the reason for leaving everything at auto in all modes except for illuminator - that was in manual and at 100%.

I think your street is very dark, no other street lights except your lights.
I think the IR is working, just not in the way you expect.
To be certain, you can compare with other camera that you have and know its IR work, I see you already have a second place to mount, so no need to take down the one in the pole.

 

[wittaj]

I understand that, but I wanted to eliminate my lack of experience with settings to get an idea why IR is not working as it should, that's the reason for leaving everything at auto in all modes except for illuminator - that was in manual and at 100%.

I get that, but as I said, if the camera thinks there is enough light, the IR won't come on. And with that field of view you had, that is what was happening.

Those that run LPR as B/W 24/7 to eliminate the issue with differing sunrise/sunsets throughout the year and don't want to constantly go in and change the schedule only run 1 profile and the IR light isn't on during the day when the sensor has enough light.

 

[wittaj]

Whelp, it's an overview camera for now. We'll see how it does in this position. It needs to be leveled, and settings tweaked later tonight. Shouldn't have an issue with yard lights now.

Are you able to read any plates during the day with it turned like that?

It will be interesting to see what it looks like at night - you might have to angle the camera up a bit if using as an overview as you may get too much IR bounce off the driveway and pavement with the camera that low.

 

[JPmedia]

I think your street is very dark, no other street lights except your lights.
I think the IR is working, just not in the way you expect.
To be certain, you can compare with other camera that you have and know its IR work, I see you already have a second place to mount, so no need to take down the one in the pole.

I'm well aware that our area is dark. The original design was to use the location's proximity to the road as an advantage and HOPE that a varifocal turret camera, hidden in a PVC fence post, would work as an LPR camera. I found out that even though it is closer to the road, the camera wasn't long enough to get the ROI needed as an LPR camera.

So, the camera is now being auditioned as an overview camera looking at the road up close hopefully to see things the cams watching the driveway cannot see. Not expecting to get recognition or Identification, just to observe things normally hidden by our vehicles parked in the driveway. If anything, I should see IR light in this arrangement as there is only very little ambient light where this camera is looking at.

 

[JPmedia]

Are you able to read any plates during the day with it turned like that?

It will be interesting to see what it looks like at night - you might have to angle the camera up a bit if using as an overview as you may get too much IR bounce off the driveway and pavement with the camera that low.

No, not able to get plates, too sharp of an angle.

Tonight, we'll see what adjustments and changes need to be implemented. Other than levelling out the image, daytime seems to be better in this position vs the previous arrangement. It isn't so dark and contrasty like before

 

[wittaj]

Maybe even more straight and will be able to get drivers?

 

[JPmedia]

Maybe even more straight and will be able to get drivers?

I guess only time will tell. But they fly through here and just to the left of the camera is the 90 degree turn onto Lynbrook, they don't care.

 

[JPmedia]

Well, even though my original idea didn't turn out as planned, we learned quite a bit from the experience. I learned I have a lot of learning and experience in my future. Oh, and if you can, use a temporary setup to test your proof of concept. Again, I was unable/unwilling to do so because of the close proximity to the road and the nasty kids we have here. Could save you a bundle

 

[JPmedia]

I like it!

When do you get more stock? Are the tariffs holding them up? (in reference to your latest signature)

 

[JPmedia]

Ok, IR does work, but it is dimmer than I expected at 1/50, gain of 60. And if I put it on illuminator on auto, it pulsates like it trying to compensate for the light but never stops. On manual, it's like I said dimmer than expected and the brightness has to be at the lowest setting to get the brightest image. See attached photo

 

[JPmedia]

And when a vehicle passes the camera has a hard time levelling out the image and pulsates - like auto or smart IR is still on even though it is in manual.

Like you mentioned, it may be trying to balance out but is having a hard time because of the reflection from the pavement.

 

[JPmedia]

Ok, 1/50, Gain 30 - 60. I think I need to angle it more slightly upward to help alleviate the IR bounce and crazy pulsating when a vehicle passes.

 

[samplenhold]

Showing pics of the FOV without a car driving by does not show anything on how well it might pick up plates.

Testing the location BEFORE you install it is tantamount for a successful install. You do not have to leave it unattended for any real time to do that test. I propped mine on a cardboard box in the garden for about 30 minutes and caught several cars driving by during the day. Then did the same thing after dark. I suggest that if you do try another cam, do that testing first.

As far as the IR working or not, post the camera control settings GUI for that cam and we can see if there is a problem.

 

[samplenhold]

For LPR at night, you do not want to be able to see houses and other things. You want a fast shutter speed to freeze the plate and you will only get the IR bounce on the plate and maybe some headlights, etc.

Here is one from tonight

 

[JPmedia]

Showing pics of the FOV without a car driving by does not show anything on how well it might pick up plates.

Testing the location BEFORE you install it is tantamount for a successful install. You do not have to leave it unattended for any real time to do that test. I propped mine on a cardboard box in the garden for about 30 minutes and caught several cars driving by during the day. Then did the same thing after dark. I suggest that if you do try another cam, do that testing first.

As far as the IR working or not, post the camera control settings GUI for that cam and we can see if there is a problem.

If you are referring to the screenshot I posted above your reply, I've changed the orientation of the camera 90 degrees, and it is no longer an LPR. It has been tasked as an overview "Foot" camera.

Replies from above:

The original design was to use the location's proximity to the road as an advantage and HOPE that a varifocal turret camera, hidden in a PVC fence post, would work as an LPR camera. I found out that even though it is closer to the road, the camera wasn't long enough to get the ROI needed as an LPR camera.

So, the camera is now being auditioned as an overview camera looking at the road up close hopefully to see things the cams watching the driveway cannot see. Not expecting to get recognition or Identification, just to observe things normally hidden by our vehicles parked in the driveway. If anything, I should see IR light in this arrangement as there is only very little ambient light where this camera is looking at.

Well, even though my original idea didn't turn out as planned, we learned quite a bit from the experience. I learned I have a lot of learning and experience in my future. Oh, and if you can, use a temporary setup to test your proof of concept. Again, I was unable/unwilling to do so because of the close proximity to the road and the nasty kids we have here.

As I mentioned, for my own reasons, I did not want to leave something out so close to the road, especially not permanently mounted.

Another from above:

My initial solution for a Z12 is to remove the sun shade and, if possible, the armature to make it shorter. I would then cut a hole in the backside of the PVC post so that it doesn't stick too far out of the front. I would then use a box like this to both cover the hole in the PVC post and hide the back of the camera. Painted white, I don't think it would be obvious at all.

I would then also add a downlight to illuminate the numbers, which could "justify" the junction box on the back of the post, but I honestly don't think anyone would notice or care.

I took care of that, see the attached pic, you'll see a junction box on top of one of the piers. Future home of a black B52IR-Z12E when I get the green stuff. At least its wired and ready to go. Done playing around LOL

By the way, I do have two B52IR-Z12E LPR cameras currently working great at night.

 

[bigredfish]

And when a vehicle passes the camera has a hard time levelling out the image and pulsates - like auto or smart IR is still on even though it is in manual.

Like you mentioned, it may be trying to balance out but is having a hard time because of the reflection from the pavement.

Need to see settings and a video capture when car goes by

Do you have the overexposure setting on IR on?

 

[bigredfish]

BTW, I know all the cool kids buy turrets, but 99x out of 100 the bullet version has 2X more IR and better depth of field.

Just saying

 

[JPmedia]

Need to see settings and a video capture when car goes by

Do you have the overexposure setting on IR on?

Ok, attached are the settings for Night mode. I do not see an overexposure setting on IR, just Auto, Manual or Off.

See attached screenshots:

 

[JPmedia]

And I think I answered my own questions. I didn't even see the Smart IR selection under exposure settings. What a dumb ass!