Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) utilizes OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology to read license plates from images. It is widely used for automatic vehicle identification, traffic control, police duties, and corporate processes. Modern infrastructure and security systems benefit a lot from the automatic data collection feature of ANPR.
In the year 2022, the approximate market size of the ANPR plates amounted to $3 billion, which is expected to touch $5 billion by 2035, an astounding growth rate of 9% CAGR. To know more about this technology and where it is headed, read on.
Evolution of ANPR Technology
Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning have significantly influenced the development of ANPR systems.
1. Early Stages: Initially, ANPR systems were based mostly on simple image processing and crude recognition algorithms.
2. Integration of AI and Machine Learning: With the integration of AI and machine learning, there has been a lot of progress in ANPR technologies. This improvement enables systems to detect a wider range of images regardless of image quality and the intensity of lighting, angle, and speed.
3. Recent Advancements: The image processing technologies used in updated number plate recognition technology are based on deep learning, particularly convolutional neural networks (CNNs), which deliver improved character recognition.
Security and Law Enforcement Agencies
Law enforcement agencies actively use ANPR systems in various ways.
1. Monitoring and Feedback on Traffic Flow: ANPR number plate recognition technology plays a key role in sustaining traffic systems and traffic control. Traffic control centers use ANPR data to collect vehicle movement data in real time. It enables them to adjust signal timing based on traffic magnitude and flow direction to prevent congestion.
2. Investigating and Preventing Crime: The role of number plate reading technologies in both crime avoidance and investigations is priceless. The ANPR devices mounted on the patrol cars are run by law enforcement agencies to keep track of cars that have been stolen or involved in illegal activities. The license plate can be checked against wanted or stolen vehicle databases by the police, thereby enabling them to respond promptly to any threats.
3. Border Management: ANPR systems act as a pivotal factor in the area of national security. This system lets border control check the car owner for stolen vehicle records. They do this by recording the vehicle’s entrance and exit from the territory.
Apps for Business and Administration
This system, in addition to the security apparatus, also helps business and civil administrations.
1. Parking Control: Electronic parking management systems, based on automatic ANPR number plate recognition, monitor vehicle entrances and exits. Parking facilities are likely to be considerably smoother due to this technology.
2. Control of Access: Gated communities, large parks, and private properties apply ANPR systems to automate the admission of approved cars, ensuring that only vehicles registered within the community can enter.
3. Toll Gathering: Toll payment systems based on ANPR read the license plates and immediately bill the toll to the pre-registered account of the vehicle owner or issue an invoice. This allows vehicles to move through the toll points without stopping, which speeds up the process.
Logistics and Transportation Systems
Automatic number plate recognition systems are also widely used in transportation systems.
1. Transportation Administration: Logistic companies are now using the ANPR system to reduce the fleet of vehicles and make their operations more efficient. The companies may manage the best delivery routes, watch real-time locations, and control schedule follow-up by taking advantage of integrating ANPR solutions data with fleet management software.
2. Monitoring of Public Transportation: These systems positioned at important locations and route stations through ANPR camera systems will capture and store potential vehicle plate numbers and will ensure that operators are on time and comply with schedules and routes. That helps in ensuring optimum fleet deployment, and the services can be changed
based on actual usage trends and passenger demands.
Conclusion
ANPR systems can help various organizations identify vehicles. This is possible because this system has a flexible nature, and thus it becomes possible to integrate different sophisticated appliances, including a high-resolution ANPR camera system, an image processing program, and text recognition software as an example. ANPR, when coordinated in a well-designed system, can fully achieve highly intelligent vehicle management environment. If you’re looking for expert ANPR solutions, connect with Oxbow Intellect, an ISO 9001:2015 certified company delivering cost-effective and efficient solutions tailored to your needs.
