License Plate Recognition Camera uses specialized software to read license plates and record identifying information. They’re often used to automate traffic monitoring, provide security access control, and aid law enforcement efforts.
The best LPR cameras feature a wide angle view with high contrast and low distortion, as well as headlight compensation. Using these specs will ensure that your captured images can be read even in the darkest of conditions.
For businesses, schools, government, and security organizations looking to automate and optimize their vehicle access control capabilities in new ways, license plate recognition (LPR) is an essential technology. These cameras are designed to read and identify vehicles’ license plates with about 99% accuracy and within as little as 20 milliseconds. They can be used to streamline toll collection, automate parking management, and detect traffic violations (speeding, red light running), among other uses.
These systems are based on image processing algorithms that convert and compile data from captured images of vehicles’ license plates and other key elements, such as the vehicle color, make, model, and year. They can also be augmented with other sensor data, including GPS location and speed information, and output to a variety of devices. These systems can be installed in a wide variety of environments, from gated communities and private residences to public safety services.
To deliver the best results, a license plate recognition camera must be properly configured and situated for optimal performance. It must be located at the correct height and angle, positioned to capture a full view of each vehicle, and oriented to avoid any obstructions. Additionally, the system must be able to process the captured image in a timely manner and with a high degree of accuracy. The final configuration will depend on the particular needs of the deployment.
Typically, a dedicated LPR solution will include a purpose-built Axis or partner camera with pre-installed software that runs either on the camera itself or on a server. This software converts and compiles the captured license plate data and takes an appropriate action such as opening a gate, adding a cost, or triggering an alert.
To ensure the best possible performance, look for a camera with high-contrast imaging and an infrared option for low lighting conditions. Wide-angle lenses allowing multiple lane coverage are also helpful. Additionally, look for a camera that provides headlight compensation (HLC) to reduce glare from direct vehicle headlights. This is critical to ensuring that the license plate image is clear and easy to read.
Benefits
A license plate recognition camera is a valuable asset for law enforcement teams in a variety of situations. These systems can quickly scan vehicles and compare them against official databases to track down stolen cars or vehicles with outstanding warrants. Additionally, the technology can help identify vehicles associated with dangerous people or criminal activity on private property.
While some may argue that the use of license plate recognition cameras is a violation of privacy, others point out the significant benefits this technology can offer public safety and security professionals. Unlike CCTV cameras, which need to be trained and retrained to recognize specific car registration numbers, LPR cameras can do this automatically. This allows for more accurate, consistent results and reduced operational costs.
These advanced auto-identification cameras are also incredibly powerful tools for tracking traffic patterns and high-risk times or areas, and can be used to develop more effective traffic infrastructure and police strategies. Additionally, the ability to automatically collect and analyze data from these systems can significantly reduce human error.
When installed on private property, LPR cameras can help prevent theft and vandalism by deterring criminal behavior. Often, simply knowing that an ALPR system is in operation is enough to dissuade potential trespassers. Furthermore, these systems can be integrated with other security hardware like analog CCTV and access control networks to provide even more comprehensive protection.
Most modern LPR cameras feature built-in software designed to assist business and property owners in adjusting their settings. This helps ensure that the camera is set to record clear images and can be used in a range of lighting conditions. Additionally, it’s important to note that the slower a vehicle travels when passing by an LPR camera, the more likely it will be to produce a clear and readable image.
Many modern LPR cameras also utilize a process called optical character recognition, or OCR, to produce a legible text image from the captured footage. This software uses a number of techniques, including edge tracing and pattern matching, to separate out different characters and determine what each one is. This software is also designed to eliminate confusion between similar-looking characters, such as O’s and 0’s.
Installation
There are a few things that need to be in place before license plate recognition can really work well. First and foremost, the camera has to actually be able to capture a legible image of the plate. This is surprisingly difficult for cameras since they typically have to be positioned at a certain angle and distance from the plate to reliably capture readable text. This is why the setup process for these cameras often requires a fair amount of planning and testing.
Ideally, the camera should be positioned at a choke point that vehicles pass through at a relatively low speed. This is important because the slower the vehicle, the better the images will be able to be captured. Choke points commonly include parking lot entrances, turn-offs and one-way roads. The camera can also be positioned at the gate of a private community to verify that visitors are authorized residents.
Another important aspect of installation is the lighting conditions. In order to capture clear, readable images, the camera needs to be able to detect and read the license plate numbers in bright sunlight as well as in the dark of nighttime. The sensitivity settings on the camera can be adjusted to accommodate these different conditions.
Once the camera is set up in an optimal location and has been calibrated to correctly identify license plates, it can then be connected to a recorder via a network or attached to a micro SD card for storage. When paired with our free iVMS-4200 software, it is possible to view, playback and export license plate captures on the computer as needed.
A final consideration for license plate recognition systems is the use of external IR illuminators for additional illumination when necessary. These illuminators can be used in conjunction with existing lights on the property to help make it easier for cameras to see and capture license plates. Depending on the situation, these can be very helpful for improving the performance of cameras in harsh environments or during challenging weather conditions. This is especially true for highway deployments where high speeds and varying amounts of ambient lighting can pose significant challenges for capturing images.
Pricing
License plate recognition cameras are a powerful tool for surveillance and security applications. Using advanced optical character recognition (OCR) technology, these cameras can detect and convert images of license plates into text data. They can then be viewed in real time through video surveillance systems, providing accurate information on vehicle movements.
The ability to capture detailed images of license plates can help law enforcement and private security agencies track suspects and catch perpetrators of crimes committed on property. These cameras are often installed on streets, highways, bridges, and other high traffic areas, but they can also be attached to police squad cars or mounted on streetlights or mobile trailers. They can be used to capture thousands of plates per minute and often also include data such as the make and model of the vehicle.
When it comes to choosing a camera to capture license plate information, the quality of the image is important. Ideally, the camera will have a resolution of 1080p or higher. This will ensure that the images are clear and readable. For more demanding applications, you may want to consider a camera with 4K resolution, which provides even better clarity.
Another factor to consider when choosing an LPR camera is the network that will be used to backhaul and deliver power to the device. Because LPR cameras are often located in harsh environments, the network must be capable of delivering reliable and robust performance. This will require industrial-grade networking equipment that can support data rates of up to 100 megabits per second and provide redundancy for uninterrupted operation.
Finally, you will need to decide where to place the camera. The best locations are choke points in your perimeter, such as driveways and pathways inside parking garages. You can also use LPR cameras to monitor gates at entrances and exits to a parking lot, gated community, or other high-security area.
Installing a license plate recognition camera can be done by yourself, but we recommend working with a professional to get the most out of your investment. These experts can help you to ensure the camera is properly aligned and that it has optimal settings. They can also help you to integrate the camera into your existing security system.