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Fixed Camera Technology ‘Snaps’ License Plate Numbers
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Fixed Camera Technology
The technology of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) has been used in the UK since 1976 when the police began employing it to capture license plate images and has since moved to the US. The fixed camera technology utilizes optical character recognition software to scan the license plates and read the numbers. Since its introduction, the optical character recognition has been continually evolving.
Used as speed management, toll-collection and red-light traffic infractions, these fixed cameras increase a municipality’s chances of tracking down drivers and issuing tickets. The cameras are also capable of taking a photo of the driver in the vehicle in question. Additionally, when manned, the traffic cameras can transmit the information directly to a database which can immediately check and verify the information in the police database which can improve the chances of the recovery of stolen vehicles.
The fixed-camera devices perform two functions: mobile license plate and fixed camera license plate recognition systems. The mobile license plate systems are utilized by police to detect stolen cars or even suspect vehicles and can be used by the police when driving down the highway or through a parking lot. Businesses as well as law enforcement utilize the fixed-camera license plate recognition system devices to limit employee access to specific areas, issue computer parking fees and even to secure border areas. The car mounted detectors collect the information scanned from the license plate and transmits it to a database from which it can be retrieved for future reference. The fixed camera license plate recognition systems are also being utilized at airport security checkpoints and for corporate surveillance.
Fixed-camera technologies offer many advantages one of which is the fact that the cameras can be mounted and monitored from remote locations. The cameras can also be easily moved to new locations for monitoring different intersections.
This data is then used for enforcement or record collection and maintenance. License plate recognition system or Automatic Number Plate Recognition systems have the following components:
- License plate capture camera, which captures the images
- Lighting mostly infra-red, which the driver cannot recognize
- Framework that is a connection between the image capturing unit and the computer and the software
- A computer or PC which runs the system
- The software that is used by the system
- The proceedings are recorded on a database which includes the images of the license plate and the driver face if that option is present in the system
- The system also uses other hardware including an automatic license plate reader
Car Detector has two different models or variations:
- Fixed Camera LPR systems: Car Detector records and informs the concerned authorities regarding any unauthorized vehicles that travel through the chosen security zone, even if the vehicle is moving. The system records the time of detection, the plate number and image and the entire car image if required
- Mobile LPR Systems (CDMS): This is designed for mobile law enforcement vehicles. The system automatically detects the vehicle and extracts the plate image, which is then analyzed and matched with the existing database. This helps the police in detecting stolen or suspect vehicles.