The syntax checker.

What is the syntax checker?

The license plate character font and syntax is useful in training automated LPR systems and improving the license plate reading rate. The font refers to the particular style of lettering, whereas the syntax refers to the number and placement of characters on the plate and their sequence. Each state has established rules and guidelines for license plate fonts and syntax. The syntax of license plates also can help in increasing the accuracy and reading rate of automated LPR systems. For example, one state may distribute license plates with the following syntax: “ATM123”, where the first three characters are letters, and the last three characters are numbers. Also, some states do not use numbers or characters that look similar. For example, many states do not use the letters “O” or “Q” because of the similarities to the number “0”. . The syntax of license plates can help in decreasing the occurrence of misread or mismatched license plates (source extract from http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ohim/handbook/chap4.pdf)

FAQ

Is the syntax checker an extension of the LPReditor (level 1) engine?

Yes.

Is it necessary to install the syntax checker?

No. it is possible to call the LPReditor (level 1) engine functions without the syntax checker installed on the machine.

What is the percentage that can be obtained with the syntax checker?

The accuracy will increase of 7 %.

What is wrong in using the Syntax Checker that don't have the rules applicable to my application?

The accuracy will decrease largely. NB The downloadable demo is not country independant and is provided with the Syntax Checker that only have the rules applicable to France and some european countries.

Is the syntax checker freely available?

No. But it is freely available for the customers that apply to the our internationalization improvement program.

Is the syntax checker available to the buyers of the LPReditor (level 1) engine license?

Yes.

Is it possible to download the syntax checker?

No. The syntax checker is sent by email.

Does the LPReditor demo available from the www.lpreditor.com use the syntax checker ?

No. Not directly.

Is the syntax checker protected by a password or anything else?

No.

Is the syntax checker compatible with the latest (2009) version of the LPReditor (level 1) engine ?

Yes. It is compatible with all the versions of the LPReditor (level 1) engine starting from 2006.

Is it a C++ dll ?

Yes. The syntax checker is a windows dll that is named SyntaxChecker.dll.

What are the files of the Syntax Checker ?

The main file is a windows C++ dll : SyntaxChecker.dll. The syntax rules are stored in the directory named “../CountrySyntax”. the directory “../CountrySyntax” contains all the rules that the syntax checker must apply to the registrations. The rules are stored in xml files. Each file contains the rules applicable to a given country.

Is there an guide for describing the API ?

Yes.

Are there samples codes for the syntax checker ?

Yes.

Is it possible to remove the syntax rules that are not necessary to my application?

Yes.

Is it difficult to remove the syntax rules that are not necessary to my application?

No. Just remove some files from the “../CountrySyntax” folder.

Is it possible to add new syntax rules for my application?

Yes.

Adding new syntax rules for my application requires special programming skills ?

No. It is not difficult. It doesnot require programming language knowledge.