Automated License Plate Recognition
ALPR (Automatic License Plate Recognition) is a proven mechanism that automatically reads license plate numbers on stationary or moving vehicles.
Using advanced camera, recognition, and database technology, ALPR license plate reader systems automatically capture images of vehicle license plate numbers and instantly check those numbers against a variety of vehicle “hot lists” held in target vehicle databases. Alarms can be triggered when a “hit” (match) is detected on any given database giving the ALPR system operator the opportunity to take immediate action.
ALPR license plate reader systems can be integrated with other mission critical systems at National, State, County and Local level to give remote notification of incident activity, vehicle movement, proactive intelligence etc.
ALPR cameras can be positioned on highways, at road intersections, toll plazas, parking lots, entry/exit points, and inside vehicles for mobile license plate recognition. ALPR systems can capture license plates on vehicles traveling in excess of 100mph. The use of infrared and color cameras enables 24/7 operation.
Where would you use ALPR technology?
- Homeland Security special operations
- Narcotics and drug interdiction
- Border Patrol / enforcement
- Covert / overt intelligence gathering
- Red light enforcement
- Stolen vehicle detection
- Airport security
- AMBER alerts
- Surveillance
- Criminal warrants
- Counter-terrorism
- Ports of entry
- Theme park security
- Perimiter security
ALPR Technology Considerations
Weather conditions
Weather conditions can affect the accuracy of license plate recognition. Inclement weather, showers, exceptional sunlight, low light or the dark can affect the recognition capability. A range of ALPR cameras can be deployed to overcome these problems. A combination of infrared, monochrome and color cameras will allow the operator to work in all but the most severe weather conditions including night time. NDI will advise on the optimum configuration for your specific requirement.
ALPR Camera Positions
The distance and angle that ALPR cameras are positioned in is also a very important consideration. Too much angle and the image can be skewed therefore inaccurate reads can be returned. From 0” to 30’ angle is recommended. NDI will train the operator in effective deployment.
Vehicle Files
Effective automatic license plate recognition is dependent on the availability of a vehicle hotlist. The ALPR system operator must have appropriate permissions and access to up to date information on suspect vehicles or vehicles of interest. This is normally achieved with an “extract” file which is loaded into the ALPR database. As an option, NDI technologies provides integration for real-time checks to any number of the live database systems to insure that the alarm is still valid. Live data constantly changes and is important to validate the “hit” prior to action being taken.
NDI Technologies