Can you turn any CCTV camera into an automatic license plate reader?

A license plate reader (LPR) is a device that can be attached to any CCTV camera to record the license plates of passing vehicles automatically. LPRs are commonly used by police and security agencies to monitor traffic and track criminal activity. But can they also be used to monitor community patrols or neighbourhood watch groups? We look at the potential uses of LPRs and how they can benefit public safety.

Dedicated ANPR cameras are great but come at a high cost

Yes, you can turn any CCTV camera into an automatic license plate reader with the right AI software.

CloudStream by Aero Ranger is a powerful solution that can turn any CCTV camera into an automatic license plate reader. Both provide AI-driven software to detect, read and record the make and model of any vehicle that passes by. CloudStream is also designed to differentiate between motorcycles, cars and other vehicles for more accurate data collection. CloudStream by Aero Ranger offers reliable plate reader accuracy, making it a fantastic option for anyone looking to get started with license plate reading technology.

Here's how to do it:

Cloud ANPR is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to monitor your parking lots and track who is coming and going. Currently, Cloud ANPR is recommended for those looking for an easy-to-install solution to security threats. You can set up CCTV in your desired areas, and you can send RTSP streams directly to your AeroRanger dashboard. Cloud ANPR does not require expensive contracts or added setup fees; Cloud ANPR can help you start monitoring right away.

Plus, it's user-friendly, so you don't need any additional technical knowledge or experience - plug CloudStream in and begin receiving streams almost instantly.

Now you can use your existing CCTV network to analyse the traffic and receive alerts from a watch-list

Choosing the right CCTV Camera

Choosing the right CCTV camera to meet your security needs can be a daunting task. But with the right research and guidance, you can make an informed decision that ensures the safety of your property with reliable video surveillance. When making such a necessary purchase, it is essential to consider features like good optical zoom, pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) capabilities, infrared illumination and other settings or add-ons that might be relevant to your situation. Good quality cameras will prove to be a significant investment in terms of preventing crime and protecting your property long-term.

So, take the time to choose wisely, so you get the exact surveillance solution you are looking for. We go into more detail on our community page here.

Next, add the RTSP stream URL to Aeroranger.

After the dashboard has been set up, users can easily add the RTSP stream URL to Aeroranger with a few additional steps. First, the user must copy and paste the URL into the Aeroranger dashboard. Then, it's necessary to add their camera's user and password for their cameras to sync with the dashboard properly. Once these settings are adjusted, Aeroranger will ingest the streaming footage and categorise the vehicles coming in. Plate, Make, Model, colour, Type and more. You will see these vehicles start to come into the dashboard right away if cars are passing the cameras.

Finally, tweak your camera settings to improve the scanning accuracy.

If you're hoping to get the most accurate scans possible, there are a few changes that can be made to your camera settings that will help immensely.

First, you can zoom in on the road you're hoping to scan so that it fills up the frame, and then make sure it's in focus. You should also ensure the shutter speed is 1/500 or quicker - this will reduce any blurring. Finally, check the night quality and adjust your camera's IR levels if necessary. By making these tweaks to your camera's settings, you can ensure more accurate results with every single scan.