Automatic Number Plate Recognition Software: A Beginners Guide
Automatic number plate recognition software uses cameras in fixed positions or moving cameras installed on police patrol cars and trucks to detect and read the characters on a vehicle license plate. The ANPR application's output typically includes at least one recognised character string containing an alphanumeric sequence as well as geolocation data with respect to the specific time/date stamp when it was recorded.
One of the first patented solutions was created by Michael R. Cotten in 1975, called Automatic Vehicle Identification (AVI). This system converted vehicle registration plates into a digital code which could then be read electronically and linked to other information about that particular car.
Today, Automatic Number Plate Recognition software has advanced beyond early optical character recognition (OCR) techniques and now employs complex artificial intelligence to increase both the speed and accuracy of ANPR applications.
Since Automatic Number Plate Recognition software is so smart, it can use algorithms to identify patterns of numbers and letters that might represent a vehicle registration or ownership. The system also has an impressive ability to read from any angle and requires little-to-no training on the recognition capabilities for new licence plates as they are introduced into circulation.
This leads us on nicely to another important aspect of Automatic Number Plate Recognition software: speed! ANPR Systems generate results in milliseconds, reducing processing time by up to 95% compared with manual processes — meaning more cars scanned per hour!
As Automatic Number Plate Recognition software becomes more affordable, the world of law enforcement and security is set to become a much safer place.
Automatic Number Plate Recognition Systems are able to read from any angle with ease, meaning they can be installed at key junctions in order to monitor traffic flow and capture data on every passing vehicle.
Furthermore, ANPR systems never take lunch breaks or ask for wages —meaning that 24/365 surveillance will always be possible!
Key Benefits:
- increased productivity by up to 95% when compared with manual processes;
- speed - results generated in milliseconds;
- flexibility - ability to scan from any direction which allows for installations at intersections without having drivers slow down.
Many well know brands produce ANPR cameras (such as Hikvision pictured). Many of which are compatible with the Aero Ranger Dashboard
Newer AI enabled systems like the Aero Ranger module can produce demographic reports
More use cases for ANPR are popping up all the time such as:
Click and Collect Software
Prison Cameras