Atech Fire and Security Provides Solutions for License Plate Access Control

How License Plate Recognition (LPR) Works

License Plate Recognition or LPR is a technology solution that takes photographs of license plates and converts these images to text. While the idea may seem simple, the behind-the-scenes complexity that goes on is quite amazing. License plate recognition involves capturing photographic video or images of license plates, whereby they are processed by a series of algorithms that are able to provide an alpha numeric conversion of the captured license plate images into a text entry. Automated License Plate Recognition (LPR or APLR) is more than just License Plate Capture. These systems convert the image (picture of the license) to computer data that can be checked against a database. The system includes cameras designed for this application, powerful software that provides consistent and reliable results and a computer (Digital Processing Unit) designed to handle the fast processing required.

What are some applications for LPR?

License Plate Recognition (LPR) can be applied in the following situations:

Parking– the plate number is used to automatically enter pre-paid members and calculate parking fee for non-members (by comparing the exit and entry times). The optional driver face image can be used to prevent car hijacking.
Access Control– a gate automatically opens for authorized members in a secured area, thus replacing or assisting the security guard.
Tolling– the car number is used to calculate the travel fee in a toll-road, or used to double-check the ticket.
Border Control– the car number is registered in the entry or exits to the Country, and used to monitor the border crossings.
Stolen cars– a list of stolen cars or unpaid fines is used to alert on a passing ‘hot’ cars. The ‘black list’ can be updated in real time and provide immediate alarm to the police force. The LPR system is deployed on the roadside, and performs a real-time match between the passing cars and the list. When a match is found a siren or display is activated and the police officer is notified with the detected car and the reasons for stopping the car.
Enforcement– the plate number is used to produce a violation fine on speed or red-light systems. The manual process of preparing a violation fine is replaced by an automated process which reduces the overhead and turnaround time.
Traffic control– the vehicles can be directed to different lanes according to their entry permits. The system effectively reduces traffic congestions and the number of attendants.
Marketing Tool– the car plates may be used to compile a list of frequent visitors for marketing purposes or to build a traffic profile (such as the frequency of entry verses the hour or day).
Travel– A number of LPR units are installed in different locations in city routes and the passing vehicle plate numbers are matched between the points. The average speed and travel time between these points can be calculated and presented in order to monitor municipal traffic loads. Additionally, the average speed may be used to issue a speeding ticket.
Airport Parking– In order to reduce ticket fraud or mistakes, the LPR unit is used to capture the plate number and image of the cars. The information may be used to calculate the parking time or provide a proof of parking in case of a lost ticket – a typical problem in airport parking which have relatively long (and expensive) parking durations.

Contact Atech Fire and Security Today for all your License Plate Access Control Needs

Whatever your application for LPR, Atech can provide solutions. Please check out our website at http://www.atechsystems.us/, or call us at 954-957-8980, or toll-free 1-800-FL-ALERT.