Fast optical recognition system devised for heavy traffic
4 July 2001
News
Devised at a UK university, a new hybrid digital/optical pattern recognition system that combines optical computing with latest digital electronic technology, is offering massive computational power for number plate recognition in high density traffic. According to the researchers, this is a task that is currently impossible to achieve using contemporary digital computer systems.
In a single camera-frame time of 40 ms, the recognition system can scan the number plates of vehicles in its field of view as they are driven along a motorway.
The optical computing system integrates with an industrial PC. The digital part of the system uses an array of Sharc DSP processors to compute the two-dimensional Fourier transform of the incoming image which is digitally mixed with the spectra of the reference template functions - data which are loaded, frame by frame, on to a phase modulating spatial light modulator (SLM). This is then addressed by the optical system that performs the recognition task at several thousand frames per second.
Professor Chris Chatwin, Head of the Advanced Technology Hub, based at the University of Sussex, believes that the system is a great advance in the application of high-speed pattern-recognition technology for demanding unconstrained problems that have, until now, eluded solution. The system may be applied to a range of complex visual recognition tasks that necessitate a realtime response and are not amenable to solution by way of conventional, solely electronic, processing methods. Other examples include recognition of bank notes, post codes on mail and security data.
For further information see www.technologyhub.org or contact [email protected]
Further reading:
Rooibos heads to space
News
A South African scientific initiative linking agriculture and space research has officially launched today with the Rooibos in Space programme at Parklands College’s Innovation Centre in Cape Town.
Read more...
From the editor's desk: Local can be international
Technews Publishing
Editor's Choice News
Welcome to the July 2026 issue of
Dataweek. As you can see from this introduction,
Dataweek’s regular editor, Peter Howells, is on extended leave and I am filling the void in his editor’s column – hopefully without being too boring.
Read more...
Landis+Gyr EMEA introduces new company name: EYKON
News
EYKON is the new company name of Landis+Gyr EMEA, formerly part of the Landis+Gyr Group. The company supports electricity, gas, water and thermal utilities in managing increasingly complex networks, improving operational efficiency and enabling more sustainable use of resources.
Read more...
Yamaha Robotics will show visitors to EFX
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services News
Yamaha Robotics will show visitors to EFX 2026, the Expo for Electronics Manufacturing, in Stuttgart from 6-8 October 2026, how advanced surface-mount automation helps companies grow their business and increase productivity.
Read more...
From the editor's desk: The art of measuring the truth
Technews Publishing
Editor's Choice News
All electronic measurements are a lie. The trick is making the lie as small as possible.
Read more...
TSE has relocated
News
The Technology Station in Electronics (TSE) has entered a new chapter with its relocation from the CSIR campus to TUT-owned building at Ditsela Place in Hatfield.
Read more...
Innovative MyLegrand app
RS South Africa
News
Legrand SA is set to launch the MyLegrand mobile application, a digital platform designed to strengthen engagement across its professional network.
Read more...
Kulani Energy acquires critical assets from Optipower
News
Kulani Energy preserves engineering, procurement, and construction capability and positions a wholly women-owned firm at the forefront of South Africa’s grid expansion.
Read more...
From Cape Town to Johannesburg
News
Würth Elektronik South Africa has taken a significant step forward with its recent relocation from Cape Town to Johannesburg, marking a new phase of growth and ambition for the company.
Read more...
Lesley Havenga: Building partnerships for Africa’s electronics future
Editor's Choice News
As Würth Electronik expands its footprint across South Africa and the broader sub-Saharan region, Havenga’s blend of manufacturing expertise, supply chain knowledge, and people-centred leadership appears well suited to the task.
Read more...
printer friendly version