Single device as multiple solution provider

Data Sharing & Security

Over the last 15 years there has been a rise in the amount of technology deployed on our streets and highways to monitor data. Drive on a highway in almost any country and you will be captured by cameras for one reason or another, whether that is traffic monitoring, tolling or congestion charging. Police and security cameras are used to identify ‘vehicles of special interest’ for the authorities and, the enforcement cameras are used to ensure you are driving safely. This may surprise some, but often these cameras are disparate and not connected to provide a single version of the truth. In fact, in some cities you will see cameras from three different departments within a very small geographical cluster that are fundamentally performing the same task, but for different users.

As a solution provider who supplies this technology you may think we are keen to see this level of duplication continue – but this is not the case. Historically, the argument has centred on the fact that different departments have fundamentally different needs and standards as well as the concern about data sharing and levels of encryption. Technically, this dispute is no longer valid. The Sicore ll platform architecture is purposefully modular and capable of multiple concurrent interfaces. This means that from the roadside it would be possible for the ANPR data feed to be provided for police or surveillance purposes, whilst providing data to the ITS system for a multitude of applications such as journey time or modelling. Monitoring for clean air zone compliance will continue alongside.

This convergence of technologies will continue – Sicore II is just a start. Siemens is already working on integrating its capabilities in enforcement with the connected mobility (V2X) domain.

Sicore II – Built for the task at hand

Sicore II is the product of over 30 years’ experience in vision detection and analytics and builds on the company’s success in the ANPR market with the Sicore camera. Robust, reliable and built to last, it represents a significant change in performance from traditional ANPR cameras and the future of enforcement.

The Siemens Sicore ll platform is modular and scalable, and delivers the highest-quality, evidentially-secure images in all conditions, both day and night. Its powerful quad core processor and integrated state-of-the-art ANPR vision engine positions Sicore II firmly at the forefront of ANPR performance and innovation.

The product has a compact, modern and distinctive design. Integrated antennas support multiple communications options, including H.264 streaming for true multiuse ANPR, 3G/4G communications and dedicated Wi-Fi connectivity for secure and simple commissioning. In addition, the in-built Virtual Private Network (VPN) facilitates safe remote connection and delivers the highest levels of evidence data security.

The latest camera sensors with class-leading depth of field and sensitivity enable the accurate reading of plates at various distances and across a full range of speeds, even in challenging environmental and lighting conditions. Sicore ll uses large dynamic-range image sensors at up to 40 frames per second to produce very impressive image quality results for both, infrared and colour visible overview. It is also capable of three lane coverage (9.5m) with a single camera, processing up to 2500 fast-moving vehicles per lane per hour and, uniquely, it provides reliable operation at temperatures between -30°C and +60°C.

All From One Device – Sicore II

There is the capability to enforce multiple traffic laws from a single device, whilst at the same time performing ANPR on every passing vehicle. This ANPR data can be critical for security, public safety and counter-terrorism activities.

It is an exciting time in the ANPR industry. Technologies are evolving and reliable and timely communication between devices is becoming ever more essential in providing smart city and enforcement as service solutions. Sicore ll has been designed and built in Poole, UK with the expert knowledge and capability of our Global Centre of Competence for enforcement.