Introduction
Control systems are sophisticated units that incorporate several elements and provide individuals with an opportunity to perform some processes or monitor their flow. One of the important functions is the checking procedure guaranteeing that only individuals with particular features will be granted access. Usually, there are various types of identifiers that are needed to make the system work. Additionally, the work of this type of system presupposes the existence of a database containing all distinctive features needed to conclude about the object (Matthews et al. 2017). For the control of vehicles, this measure becomes one of the popular trends of the modern world as they combine simplicity and effectiveness.
As for the case, a university vehicle access control system equipped with automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) rests on the principle that is common for many other similar methods. The machine number is used as an identifier providing access to a restricted area (Ballad, Ballad & Ban 2010). In other words, it becomes a unique code that is required to pass a test and be allowed to move. That is why a camera becomes a central tool demanded to differentiate between vehicles and collect information about their belonging to a particular group. The system has the following structure:
Principle of Functioning
The given tables outline the central operational features and the vital components of the system. From Figure 1, one can see that the camera guarantees the ability of the system to differentiate and recognize the plate number and provide information about it to other parts of the given frame. The dashboard is another vital element as it acquires information and transfers it to the server that is responsible for the access and its consideration (Puranic, Umadevi & Deepak 2016).
There is also a specific database that is needed to conclude about the existence of the permission to move into the area. Additionally, the specially designed application helps to compare images and determine the algorithm of future actions (Dorf & Bishop 2016). The interaction between all these elements takes a concise period of time, and, in the end, the decision is made. The barrier, as another part of the system, responds to commands from the dashboard and opens when the plate number on a vehicle can also be found in the database.
On another hand, if there is a negative response from the application, any vehicle that does not possess the needed qualities or identifiers, will be stopped because of the peculiarities of the program. The given scheme is an example of a simple and effective approach that can be helpful when securing various areas or regulating traffic.
From Figure 2, one can see several stages of decision-making that are part of the system’s functioning. At the initial stage, the camera starts to capture a number of the car. The image is sent to other parts of the system to make a conclusion about its validity. If the number plate recognition fails, or the database does not contain information about this very car, the rejection procedure is initiated, and the barrier remains closed. A newly arrived care cannot move further and because of its inability to meet all requirements. However, if the number is valid, the barrier opens, the vehicle comes to the area, and the entrance closes again. Another car will have to pass the same test from the beginning.
Integration of Elements
The high level of effectiveness peculiar to the system is achieved due to the integration of all elements of the system and their aligned cooperation. A camera, as one of the tools used to collect data, is linked to the application and database. It can be employed to add another number into the list or to conclude about existing ones. At the same time, the existence of a server that controls the work of the whole chain is another guarantee of reliability as it remains the place for all processes (Nise 2015). It means that the integration of all elements becomes one of the core qualities of vehicle control systems as they have to work fast and avoid critical delays.
Improvements
Any system can benefit from the application of various innovative approaches to enhance its effectiveness or eliminate some flaws. For instance, the ability to consult with third-party databases can be added as one of the possible options to guarantee more safety and avoid some problematic issues (Norman 2017). It might include parking payment machines, access control, or even some police ones to ensure that no malefactors on stolen cars will enter the area (Norman 2017).
If the plate number fails to meet some requirements or is found in some databases and associated with negative characteristics, an additional check or even prohibition procedure can be initiated (Kim & Solomon 2016). It will make the university vehicle access control system more effective and create a safer environment, which is critical under these conditions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the discussed system has some elements typical of these frames. The camera serves as the primary data input tool that analyses plate numbers and transfers them to servers where a special application is used to compare these numbers and use them as an ID that can guarantee access to the restricted area. The plate number acts as an identifier needed to monitor the traffic and control it. Additionally, the high level of elements’ integration is a critical condition under which the system functions more effectively and avoids flows that might deteriorate its work. There are also some improvement areas that can be used to increase the effectiveness of the system. For instance, cooperation with third-party databases can help to protect the location better and prevent undesired vehicles from passing the test. The system also shows how various devices can be used to accomplish many tasks.
Reference List
Ballad, B, Ballad, T & Ban, E 2010, Access control, authentication, and public key infrastructure, Jones & Bartlett Learning, London.
Dorf, R & Bishop, R 2016, Modern control systems, 13th edn, Pearson, London.
Kim, D & Solomon, M 2016, Fundamentals of information systems security, 3rd edn, Jones & Bartlett Learning, Burlington, MA.
Nise, N 2015, Control systems engineering, 7th edn, Wiley, New York, NY.
Matthews, V, Popoola, S, Ajala, A & Atayero, P 2017, ‘Smart vehicular traffic management system using RFID technology’, Proceedings of the World Congress on Engineering, vol. 1. Web.
Norman, T 2017, Electronic access control, 2nd edn, Butterworth-Heinemann, Cambridge, MA.
Puranic, A, Umadevi, V & Deepak, K 2016, ‘Vehicle number plate recognition system: a literature review and implementation using template matching’, International Journal of Computer Applications, vol.134, no. 1, pp.12-16. Web.