ANPR
The
automated optical recognition and subsequent recording of vehicle registration
plates has been something long since strived for by CCTV manufacturers. However,
it has only been until very recently that hitech camera technology has been
fused with advances in computer processing power and the development of "Smart"
algorithmic software to finally deliver such an important solution.
ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) comprises two main components - the camera head, and the software engine.
First of all an image is acquired via the ANPR camera head. This has been developed to accommodate vehicle speed, reflectivity of number plates, accurate focus in both day and night time operation, and most importantly - operation at night time with on coming vehicle headlights.
Once acquired, this image is then fed to the ANPR controller running the software engine. Once identified the number is passed to the database which in turn decides on the appropriate action to take. All information is saved to the unit's PC hard disk for later retrieval or interrogation. At this point the software can also switch to another camera and capture an additional image, providing for example an overview of the whole scene, or the driver's face.
Once the number plate has been captured, the system can provide many automated activations or generated reports. These can include:
- Automatic entry for authorised vehicles to secure areas
- Car park charges
- Operator notification of known suspect vehicles
- Vehicle speed logging
- Average length of vehicle stay
- Generate welcome messages to arriving visitors
- Logging of all vehicles entering covered areas
Careful matching of camera and lens, combined with electronic shuttering techniques and advanced infrared lighting technology, provides a solution that gives reliable image capture.
Contact us to discuss your ANPR requirements.