How does number plate recognition work? 

TECHNOLOGY is constantly evolving and that’s no different in the world of motoring.

In the field of number plates, technology is developing and changing every day to progress and make things more efficient, and this is especially clear with the rise of ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition).

This is a system that registers number plates via specialist camera, so instead of drivers having to have certain pieces of kit to use a tollway or display parking tickets, the work is done for them through ANPR.

But exactly how does it work? We’ve got the lowdown on everything you need to know about ANPR and how it work. 

Specialist Equipment 

ANPR doesn’t use normal cameras that we would use to take a photo as it would not pick up a guaranteed clear image of the number plate.

These cameras are special as they are modified and use infrared light receivers to collect a clear image of the number plate which will avoid glare and lighting issues, something that can be a problem with normal cameras as they capture light across a wide spectrum. 

When a number plate is scanned, as well as this image of the number plate, a ‘normal’ picture is taken of the whole car which will be used as a way of gathering information for the next step of the process. 

Read Access Memory 

Once the image of the number plate and car has been collected it is sent to a processor which is located within the camera or at an external location.

From this point, Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology uses ‘machine learning’ to analyse the image and ‘read’ the number plate.

The machine has this knowledge build up after thousands of hours examining existing images. From this, the processor can create a string of letters and numbers which make up the number plate. 

Gatekeeper

When the processor has analysed the image, and created the number plate it is sent across to a database where the plate is checked against records.

If the plate matches then there isn’t a problem and the vehicle can continue to park or drive through the tollway freely. However, if not, the images of the plate and vehicle are sent to parking enforcement or a billing department where the matter must be dealt with. 

What’s next for ANPR? 

Although ANPR is useful in these situations, there are a world of possibilities and other uses for it. ANPR-enabled CCTV cameras have been set up worldwide which are used to identify stolen vehicles and vehicles that belong to wanted criminals.

Although this may seem like a good idea, it has sparked controversy with privacy advocates and in some countries across the world ANPR CCTV has been temporarily shut down and the databases of information have been removed. 

ANPR is also used in other forms, such as to identify when, where and how different vehicles use the roads. From here, the information is passed onto town and council planning where they are able to make decisions on how to better manage traffic flow. 

But it doesn’t stop here, technology in this area is continuing to progress and is being fitted to drones to allow police to view more of the city’s traffic movements.

Next time the cameras collect your number plate, make sure they’re taking a photo of something special and get a private number plate to add a touch of originality to your vehicle.

Visit NewReg.co.uk where you can find the best prices on second hand private number plates. 

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