Car License Plate Recognition

I would like to know how much it would cost to create software for license plate recognition. The application would have a OCR function that "reads" a picture and uses some type of AI to convert the license plate number to ascii. Is this possible with a software-only solution or would it need special dedicated hardware to do the calculations? Similar to how a graphics card has it's own processor. It might be best if the software captures screenshots from the WDM camera interface for easier compatibility but I don't mind a capture card solution either with it's own drivers The result should be available so it can be manipulated by other software via DDE or other method. ## Deliverables 1) Complete and fully-functional working program(s) in executable form as well as complete source code of all work done. 2) Deliverables must be in ready-to-run condition, as follows (depending on the nature of the deliverables): a) For web sites or other server-side deliverables intended to only ever exist in one place in the Buyer's environment--Deliverables must be installed by the Seller in ready-to-run condition in the Buyer's environment. b) For all others including desktop software or software the buyer intends to distribute: A software installation package that will install the software in ready-to-run condition on the platform(s) specified in this bid request. 3) All deliverables will be considered "work made for hire" under U.S. Copyright law. Buyer will receive exclusive and complete copyrights to all work purchased. (No GPL, GNU, 3rd party components, etc. unless all copyright ramifications are explained AND AGREED TO by the buyer on the site per the coder's Seller Legal Agreement). * * *This broadcast message was sent to all bidders on Tuesday Jan 18, 2005 5:55:41 PM: Hi there I have included some pictures to give a better idea of what it would be like for the license plate. These images are not correct format. I will have 768 x 576 Not sure if this makes a big difference ## Platform windows 2000/xp