Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) Camera Explained

What are ANPR Cameras?

Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) is a technology that identifies and reads vehicle license plate numbers. ANPR systems use Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology to capture and interpret images, allowing them to identify vehicle license plates in real-time, even at high speeds. ANPR, ALPR (Automatic License Plate Recognition), and LPR (License Plate Recognition) cameras are essentially the same technology, but they differ slightly in their application and naming conventions. The main benefits of using ANPR include improved traffic management, optimized parking management, enhanced security control, and convenient toll collection. Learn more about Milesight ANPR Cameras.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an ANPR Camera

Superior Image Quality

High-resolution imaging, with up to 4K resolution, ensures that every detail is captured clearly, even in challenging lighting conditions. Cameras equipped with 1/1.8" progressive CMOS sensor and 140dB dynamic range (WDR) technology can effectively manage glare, shadows, and low-light environments. With the capability of a high frame rate of up to 90fps, these cameras ensure reliable plate recognition at any time of day. Boasting an ultra low-light performance of 0.002 Lux, these cameras deliver exceptional clarity even in extremely dark conditions.

Advanced Technology for Perfect ANPR Image

Frame Parity Flashing technology means the cameras take several images of the vehicle with different illumination levels, and the system will then automatically select the best image for ANPR processing. lt ensures clear capture of the vehicle body and license plate (reflective & non-reflective plates). Two different intensities of the built-in illumination may be defined for the even/odd frames.

Global Shutter technology enhances surveillance capabilities by ensuring comprehensive coverage with a high capture rate. It maintains high-quality images and enables advanced event analysis while reducing the need for manual intervention, improving operational efficiency.

Optimize license plate identification by utilizing our optional dual IR wavelengths (850nm and 740nm), enabling precise recognition across different contrast levels and lighting conditions. 850nm IR Wavelength: Ideal for High-contrast/ Non-reflective License Plate. 740nm IR Wavelength: Ideal for Low-contrast/ Reflective License Plate.

Up to 50m ANPR distance, precise recognition for ANPR processing within the range.

Frame Parity Flashing

Global Shutter

740nm/850nm Dual IR Wavelength

Long-range ANPR Distance

Accurate Recognition of Various Plate Types

It is crucial for an ANPR camera to accurately identify a wide range of license plate formats and designs, including different fonts, colors, and reflective materials. Advanced recognition algorithms must be capable of reading plates from different countries and regions, ensuring broad compatibility. Additionally, the camera should be adept at detecting and documenting traffic violations, enhancing the overall efficiency and safety of traffic management systems. Milesight Traffic X series cameras support Multi-Line License Plate Recognition (MLPR).

Advanced ANPR Functionality

Milesight ANPR cameras not only recognize the plates but also identify vehicle attributes.

Vehicle Type:

Motorized Vehicle:

Non-motorized Vehicle:

Plate Color:

Vehicle Brand:

Vehicle Direction:

Use Case of Automatic Number Plate Recognition

Urban Roadway

ANPR cameras are widely used for speed enforcement, traffic flow analysis, violation detection, and urban access management. Utilizing high-precision 3D radar technology, they monitor vehicles in real-time, capture license plate data, optimize traffic, reduce accidents, enhance enforcement efficiency, and effectively manage low-emission zones, ensuring environmental measures, while increasing revenue for traffic management departments.

Highways

Advanced ANPR cameras reduce missed detections on highways, enhance toll efficiency, read number plates, and improve safety. They cover 2-3 lanes simultaneously, integrate seamlessly with toll systems, accurately recognize multi-line plates, capture at speeds up to 250 km/h with a global shutter, and feature no-plate vehicle capture, reverse driving detection, and ADR detection.

Indoor & Outdoor Parking Lot

In both indoor and outdoor parking lots, Milesight Parking Managment Series Cameras demonstrate unparalleled capabilities. The dual-lens design provides high-definition video, simultaneously monitoring up to 6 parking spaces. Easily manage vehicle access and timing with the Black & White List feature. Built-in Wiegand interface ensures seamless integration with access control systems. Ultra-high recognition accuracy enhances parking efficiency, vehicle management precision, and overall service quality. Achieve over 99% parking occupancy rate and over 98% plate recognition rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is ANPR the Same As ALPR, LPR?

A: ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) and ALPR (Automatic License Plate Recognition) are essentially the same technology, used for automatically recognizing and reading vehicle license plate numbers. The underlying technology for ANPR, ALPR, and LPR is the same, involving image capture, image processing, and optical character recognition (OCR). All three terms are used in similar applications such as traffic management, parking management, electronic toll collection, and law enforcement. The main difference is the regional preference for terminology. "Number Plate" is more common in Europe and Asia, while "License Plate" is more common in North America.

Q: Does ANPR work everywhere?

A: The diverse formats of license plates across different countries significantly increase the difficulty of ANPR systems in recognizing them. Variations in characters, colors, sizes, and fonts among different countries' plates demand higher accuracy from ANPR cameras. Milesight LPR cameras are now in many countries like America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. See the full list of over 70 countries worldwide! See the full supported LPR list of over 70 countries worldwide!

Q: What technologies do ANPR cameras use to accurately capture and process license plate information?

A: ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras utilize a combination of advanced technologies to accurately capture and process license plate information. Key technologies include:

①High-Resolution Imaging : ANPR cameras are equipped with high-resolution sensors that can capture clear images of license plates, even from a distance or in low-light conditions.

②Infrared (IR) Lighting: Many ANPR cameras use infrared lighting to ensure that license plates are visible, regardless of the time of day or weather conditions. This helps in capturing clear and sharp plate images without being affected by external lighting variations.

③Machine Learning and AI: Modern ANPR systems often incorporate machine learning and artificial intelligence to improve recognition accuracy.

These technologies allow the system to learn from a wide array of license plate formats and styles, adapting to different countries' and regions' standards.

Q: What is the difference between regular security cameras and ANPR cameras?

A: Regular security cameras are primarily designed for general surveillance, capturing video footage to monitor and record activities within a specified area. These cameras are typically focused on providing high-resolution images and broad coverage. In contrast, LPR (License Plate Recognition) cameras are specifically engineered to identify and read license plate numbers. They use advanced algorithms and infrared technology to accurately capture and process license plate information. This technology works well even in difficult lighting conditions or at high speeds.

Q: How License Plate Recognition (ALPR) Help Law Enforcement?

A: Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology enhances law enforcement capabilities by providing real-time vehicle monitoring and recording. It helps in identifying stolen vehicles, tracking suspects, enforcing traffic laws, and managing parking. Additionally, ALPR plays a crucial role in regional and national security, and supports precision policing through data analysis, significantly improving public safety.

Tips for Selecting the Best
ANPR Cameras

Understand ANPR Technology from Capture to Recognition

What are ANPR Cameras?