Vision: FVR-MARK4 Introduction

Introducing the VISION FVR-Mark4: An Industry Game Changer

In an era where License Plate Reading (LPR) technology is critical for efficient parking management, the VISION FVR-Mark4 emerges as a revolutionary solution, setting a new standard in the industry. Designed with cutting-edge innovations, this device offers many benefits that redefine traditional LPR systems' capabilities. From its unparalleled resolution and broad Field of View (FOV) to its onboard AI processing and advanced analytics, the FVR-Mark4 addresses the limitations of existing solutions and delivers exceptional performance tailored specifically for parking applications.

The VISION FVR-Mark4 simplifies installation, reduces reliance on external processing, and enhances system reliability. Its integration of simultaneous IR and visible light technologies ensures optimal plate capture in all conditions, while its onboard CPU and advanced analytics provide additional intelligence and functionality. With real-time visual feedback and a user-friendly cloud portal, the FVR-Mark4 transforms how parking operations are managed and optimized.

Discover how the VISION FVR-Mark4 meets and exceeds modern parking management's demands, making it an indispensable tool for transforming parking facilities and operations.

Why a New LPR Device?

A new LPR device is needed because current systems, while convenient when working, can cause significant issues when they fail. Diagnosing and fixing problems often requires a highly trained technician, which can take time. Additionally, minor issues can bring down the entire system, affecting reliability. The FVR-Mark4 was designed to address these challenges by being easier to deploy, support, and maintain while offering superior performance with innovations like enhanced LPR resolution, a larger field of view, simultaneous dual illumination, and onboard analytics. 

Designed for Parking

Many LPR solution providers offer products not specifically designed for parking, focusing on multiple industries to maximize their return on investment. These generic systems often include unnecessary features, like capturing high-speed vehicles, which aren’t needed for parking. The Vision FVR-Mark4 breaks this trend by being uniquely designed and built by Flash specifically for parking analytics. Since we developed it in-house, we have complete control over the solution, to create new features, improvements, and address any issues directly, without relying on third-party suppliers.

Processing Breakthroughs

Infra-red and Visible Light

Almost all LPR solutions used in parking for years fall into two categories: Infra-Red (IR) and Visible light. IR solutions excel in low-light conditions and with reflective plates but struggle with non-reflective or damaged plates, and they often produce poor vehicle context images. Visible light solutions, which typically use standard security cameras, are better for multicolored and non-reflective plates but can be hindered by headlamps at night and struggle in low light.

To overcome the limitations of both, some systems use two cameras. The VISION FVR-Mark4 simultaneously integrates both IR and Visible light technologies into a single unit, ensuring reliable plate capture in all conditions without compromise. It processes and compares both IR and Visible light images to deliver the best possible result for parking operations.

FOV and Resolution

The VISION FVR-Mark4 revolutionizes parking by combining advanced Field of View (FOV), high resolution, and powerful processing, making it easier to set up and vehicle capture more reliable. Traditional LPR systems require careful zoom and FOV adjustments to capture license plates, often needing compromise between image quality and plate capture. However, the FVR-Mark4 eliminates this need with its unprecedented 48MP sensor, allowing for clear plate capture without optical zoom, even at wide FOVs.

Equipped with two 48MP sensors for visible and IR light, the FVR-Mark4 captures detailed vehicle and environmental data without missing plates. Its advanced embedded processing design overcomes the processing challenges typically associated with high-resolution images and wide FOVs, ensuring top performance without compromise.

Intelligent Processing

AI Processing Onboard

The VISION FVR is an Edge device processing all data within the unit itself, making it more reliable, responsive, and efficient by eliminating the need for external processors. Unlike traditional systems that offload processing to external or cloud-based systems, which add network load, complexity, and potential delays, the FVR handles everything internally.

To manage this, the VISION FVR-Mark4 uses a powerful dedicated AI accelerator module, capable of 30 trillion operations per second (TOPS). This enables the device to process and recognize everything within its Field of View without compromising performance. This internal AI processing sets a new standard in the parking industry, offering unparalleled resolution and efficiency.

In addition to a state-of-the-art AI Processing module, VISION FVR-Mark4 is also equipped with an Intel CPU for additional parking functionality at the edge. So even if internet connectivity is lost, critical functionality can still be done while the system is offline. These functionalities include:  

Car Counting:

A parking structure or lot can be divided into different zones including nested lots. Through the Vision Portal, the user may configure these zones and have the details sent to the FVR-Mark4. Once the configuration is done, the units can detect and count cars entering and exiting, keeping the occupancy count of the vehicles in each zone. Should the system fall offline for whatever reason, this data will be stored in the units and will eventually be transmitted back to the portal when connectivity is re-established.

Monthly Permit Matching: 

Reducing parking friction by having gates raised automatically for registered users (e.g. Monthly) is one of the main benefits of LPR technology. When it works, it’s great, but when the occasional registered guest is initially denied automatic access, it can be a source of great frustration and often a source of complaints.

 The FVR-Mark4 can download registered plate lists from the portal, and do matching on the device itself with a configurable amount of flexibility. This can greatly reduce the amount of registered guests who do not get in because their vehicle was not fully recognized. Because this matching process is done on the edge, it minimizes delays you may see with other systems that offload their matcher processing. This will ultimately improve the recognition and parking experience for registered guests, thus maximizing the number of frictionless parking sessions.

AI Engine Built for North America

License Plate Reading (LPR) technology faces unique challenges in the US due to the vast variety of plate designs across 52 states and the rest of North America, far surpassing the diversity in Europe or Asia. Many foreign LPR solutions struggle with North American plates, often performing poorly outside a few states.

The VISION FVR-Mark4 AI engine was developed specifically for the North American market. It was trained using hundreds of thousands of North American images and synthetic data to handle various plate formats and challenging conditions, such as bright lights and extreme angles. This tailored approach ensures the FVR-Mark4 meets the demanding requirements of North American parking applications.

Ease of Installation

The VISION FVR-Mark4 simplifies installation significantly. With just a single POE+ network connection, the technician mounts the device, connects it to the network, and uses a mobile device to scan a unique QR code. This allows for easy adjustment of pan and tilt, with the device’s wide Field of View minimizing the need for precise adjustments. Unlike other systems, the FVR-Mark4 does not require manual zoom or focus adjustments. This streamlined process reduces installation time and complexity, making it accessible to installers without extensive LPR training.

When complete, the units are already communicating to the back office software thanks to the initial QR code.

What is POE+

Civil work is often needed for the addition of LPR and may require separate wiring for both power and communications. In other cases, some cameras require POE++ (IEEE 802.3bt) connectivity, which reduces wiring, but can significantly increase the cost of network infrastructure to support it. 

Thanks to its refined design and choice of power-efficient components, the VISION FVR-Mark4 supports both power and communications over a single POE+ (IEEE 802.3at) connection, both simplifying installation and driving down infrastructure costs.

Real Time Feedback

The VISION FVR-Mark4 features a front LED color bar that provides real-time diagnostic feedback. This light bar indicates key statuses such as:

1. Blue: Vision is connected and operating normally.

2. Yellow: Vision is operating but lost network connectivity. 

3. Green: Vision is in setup mode.

4. Red: Vision is in an error state.

This visual feedback helps staff quickly identify and address simple issues without needing to call support, reducing downtime and maintaining efficiency.

Key Takeaways

The VISION FVR-Mark4 is a revolutionary advancement in License Plate Reading (LPR) technology, designed to elevate parking management with its superior performance and ease of use. It integrates advanced AI and onboard intelligence to ensure reliable operation even without internet connectivity, handling essential functions like permit matching offline.

Tailored for the diverse North American market, the device offers advanced analytics, including vehicle make, color, type, and EV (electric vehicle) detection. It simplifies installation with its POE+ support and intuitive setup. The Vision Portal streamlines data management, making it a powerful and user-friendly solution for modern parking needs.

In essence, the VISION FVR-Mark4 transforms parking operations with its cutting-edge technology, offering enhanced efficiency, reduced costs, and comprehensive insights.