FAQ for TimeTec Smart LPR
License Plate Recognition System
1. Is TimeTec Smart License Plate Recognition (LPR) compatible with TimeTec Parking?

Yes. It works seamlessly with TimeTec Parking, whereby users will just have to register their vehicle’s plate number into TimeTec Parking App to gain automatic access into the parking areas that implemented TimeTec Parking System.

2. What types of camera are suitable for TimeTec Smart LPR System?

TimeTec LPR uses a customized IP camera, which we will provide during the deployment process. This is to ensure that the scanning performance fits with our OCR algorithm.

3. How does LPR camera process the vehicle's license plate?

To install an LPR system, it is a must to have the vehicle's detection loop or induction loop. This is to allow the system to trigger the LPR camera and read the vehicle's plate number whenever the vehicle arrives at a certain point. The induction loop consists of the loop, loop extension cable and a detector; common in most boom gate installations. Click here for more info.

4. The scanning and plate verification in TimeTec Smart LPR is done offline or online?

It is done offline based on a pre-registered and pre-approved basis to avoid complications as well as hiccups during operation. In the upcoming version, we will be using the camera to scan and upload the car number plate into our cloud server for online verification, which can cater to more users.

5. Is it safe to adopt offline verification of the plates in TimeTec Smart LPR?

Yes. TimeTec Smart LPR adopts the same mechanism of the existing RFID card access for any barrier gate based on a pre-approved basis.

6. Why is it better to adopt TimeTec Smart LPR into the current parking operation?

This is because TimeTec Smart LPR improves automation. With this system, you will no longer need to scan your card to access the barrier gates at the entry and exit points, thus saving time as well as the need to look for your access card.

7. Is TimeTec Smart LPR access rate 100% accurate?

TimeTec Smart LPR deploys Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Technology that converts scanned images into text format. The access rate also depends on the external environment such as image quality. For example, if a car plate number is covered with mud and causes readability problem, it will thus affect the accuracy. In general, the access rate of TimeTec Smart LPR is 99% accurate in addition to being built with deep learning technology for accuracy improvement over time.

8. What kind of plate numbers that could not obtain a proper reading from TimeTec LPR?

TimeTec LPR can read the standard plate numbers accurately but as for some plate numbers which are adjusted in terms of its aesthetics, pose a great challenge to the LPR system. Below are some cases whereby the plate numbers couldn’t be identified by TimeTec LPR.

  When the alphabets are positioned too close to each other
 When a number overlaps the position of the number besides it
 When the alphabets and numbers are all joined closely together.

9. If my car plate number cannot be read by TimeTec LPR because of its font, what do you suggest I do?

The easiest way is to change your plate number to the standard size and font number in order to ensure your convenience. In case you are reluctant to do so, you can still use your smartphone installed with TimeTec Parking App to access TimeTec Parking barrier gates by scanning the QR Code placed at the entry and exit points.

10. Will TimeTec LPR continue to improve its recognition rate by reading the examples showed in Q8?

Yes. TimeTec LPR is just like all of our other products and it will definitely continue to improve as well as refine its optical character recognition capability.

11. Is there any chance that the barrier gate won't open for my car to pass even though the vehicle is registered within the system?

As mentioned in Q9, if the LPR fails to recognize your number plate, you can still unlock the barrier gate by scanning of QR Code at the entry and exit points.

12. Do we need a computer to install TimeTec Smart LPR system? If yes, what are the specifications needed?

Yes as the current TimeTec Smart LPR is an offline system, which requires a PC to perform conversion and authentication. Therefore, we recommend using a higher speed PC with processing time of 100ms (at least i5 processor, 4GB RAM) on Windows 7, 8 or 10.

13. How to integrate TimeTec Smart LPR with our existing boom gate system?

We will provide a customized relay board to link it with the computer installed with TimeTec LPR system and your current boom gate system. This relay board controls the boom gate to open/close during operation. To backup the system, the manual switches/buttons to open/close boom gate can be linked to this relay board as well.

14. How can TimeTec LPR system receive a new version with better algorithm?

TimeTec LPR system would check with the server from time to time to look for new updates. When the new version is available in our server, the TimeTec LPR system will download it to install the latest version.