Scruit 0 Posted June 18, 2007 I know the police use them for those speed cameras that look at the driver... I would like to put up a camera right next to my driveway that would capture an image of the driver of any car that enters my driveway. Would need to work day and night. Would a standard IR bullet be able to see 'through' glass, or would it just see the reflection of it's own IR? Has anyone here done this before? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rory 0 Posted June 18, 2007 a regular camera will do it, I did it at a secu booth a few years back using vandal domes, just color domes, nothing special. Though occasionally it would not work, those times it would have been better with a WDR camera, also requires alot of light. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scruit 0 Posted June 18, 2007 Hmmm.... So, what about this... I take the camera that is in my car - it's a 480TVL indoor box camera with auto iris and an external IR filter... And I install it in an enclosure outside on a fence post and have it looking at the driver's window of any car that enters the driveway. I can remove the IR filter to allow it to work with an IR illuminator at night. I don't mind if the foliage color is off. It should give me a good color image during the day, and work with the IR at night. I'd just need to run an RG59 and 12v power out to the fence post. Does RG59 have to be specially rated for direct bury, or can you bury any Rg59? It'd have to cover about 100' Then I can get a better camera for inside the car. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rory 0 Posted June 18, 2007 we use regular PVC conduit down here, direct bury cable is expensive and hard to come by around here. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scruit 0 Posted June 18, 2007 Well, I must be doing something wrong here, because when I aim a camcorder at the driver's windows of my car all I can see if a reflection of the sky - the driver is too dark. I would need shine a really bright light in to the car to see the driver. I wonder how police speed cameras do it..? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rory 0 Posted June 18, 2007 Well, I must be doing something wrong here, because when I aim a camcorder at the driver's windows of my car all I can see if a reflection of the sky - the driver is too dark. I would need shine a really bright light in to the car to see the driver. I wonder how police speed cameras do it..? Catch it at an angle for starters ... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CollinR 0 Posted June 19, 2007 Polarization filters, you can see through shiney stuff like glass and water. Not the easiest thing to set up one shot though, so I kinda doubt it's something you'll want to do for fun. As a product though it's not as big a deal to spend a couple thousand on various filters to match your camera. You could get lucky though, might ask soneone at your local photography place. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scruit 0 Posted June 19, 2007 Meh, I can see where this is going. More touble than it's worth, and certainly more $$$ than it's worth in my application. Thanks anways. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CollinR 0 Posted June 20, 2007 Dude you built a functional LPR cam for like $50, don't quit that easy. I pro photographer may well be able to put you spot on, or let you test in their studio. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scruit 0 Posted June 23, 2007 Darnit, you had to go an say that... Ok, I have a circular polatizer filter, and I've found it's only really effective at 45deg from the glass, but when it's effective it's VERY effective. I'm going to set up an experiment with a camcorder/filter to see if a single setting of the polarizer will continue to work under varying light conditions. Stay tuned. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scruit 0 Posted June 23, 2007 I set up the camcorder and pointed it at the car. Got the same result as last time, just a reflection of the sky. The pink paper taped to the outside ont he right edge of the pic proves the reflection is being captured. Now, I put my circular polarizing filter on the camera and adjusted it for best effect. Note that you cannot see the reflection of the sky or the pink paper, and you can just make out the pink paper taped to the headrest inside - not visible in the before pic. Interesting results... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rory 0 Posted June 23, 2007 make them put the window down .. install a fake gate buzzer or something .. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
photys 0 Posted June 24, 2007 make them put the window down .. install a fake gate buzzer or something .. Works just like my STOP THIEF signs Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zmxtech 0 Posted June 24, 2007 have you tried an IR spot light aimed at the car -it will go through the glass and out do the reflection in most cases [yes in the day time also] I have gone down the polarising path and cars have many of types of glass and tinting that will keep you busy. my 2c Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
