The power of artificial intelligence and deep learning has traversed various sectors of the economy, from automotive industries and gambling to manufacturing and tourism. Yet, its role in shaping ALPR, a technology in the automotive industry, has proven to be one of the most successful ventures. With this sector evolving daily, it would be best to understand this ALPR technology and its revolutionary impact.
What Is ALPR?
Automated license plate readers, alternatively called ALPR, are computer-controlled sensors and cameras that help identify or recognize license plates. This system is central to enhancing security, optimizing operational processes, and heightening intelligence. Often mounted on street poles and streetlights, this technology improves efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and safety.
With exceptional optical technology and supercharged cameras, an ALPR system zero in on the license plate to take a photo or video, read it, and interpret the digitized image. You’ll then rely on it to compare the acquired data to the information on different databases, effortlessly identifying the vehicle, its owner, and other relevant information.
Various new technologies have improved the performance of ALPR systems. First, cloud technology has made it easier for ALPRS systems to capture, record, and access license plate data. In addition, this technology makes data transmission seamless and of high quality. Besides, cloud-based image analysis is seamless.
Solar-powered cameras have also become popular. By deploying these devices, authorities can access high-quality images at any time. You are also confident of enhanced sustainability, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. You can also use ALPR systems alongside other technologies, including facial recognition, motion-sensor cameras, and biometric technologies.
Types of ALPR
Four common types of ALPR exist: stationary, semi-stationary, mobile, and ALPR databases. A system is categorized depending on how it collects, analyzes, and accesses data. Understanding how each option works makes it easier to know how ALPR technologies help and how to formulate policies.
Stationary ALPR
A stationary ALPR system is installed in a permanent or fixed location, including traffic lights, street lights, telephone poles, and building entrances. This option is standard on freeways, particularly near the exit ramps, to capture license plates. These cameras are placed facing a particular direction, allowing the authorities to monitor where the vehicle is headed. Fortunately, you can reposition them remotely.
Semi-Stationary ALPR
A semi-stationary ALPR is often installed on a mobile device, preferably vehicles or machines you can transport to particular locations. Most law enforcement agencies prefer specialized truck trailers or surveillance vans that can be placed strategically to capture the required data. This option is commonly used in political rallies, sports events, and gun shows.
Mobile ALPR
You refer to an ALPR system as mobile if it is fitted on a patrol vehicle, allowing law enforcement officers to capture and screen the license plates of specific vehicles. This mobile option is suitable for identifying license plates of cars in parking lots, sensitive areas, and political headquarters.
Databases
Suppose a law enforcement agency cannot acquire its ALPR cameras and sensors. In that case, it could outsource the task to private companies. This way, they can access all the sensitive information required through their database. This outsourced company provides such information on a subscription basis.
Where Is an ALPR System Used?
Various agencies employ ALPR systems to boost safety, security, and efficiency. These agencies could be from the public sector, the private sector, or law enforcement. Here is a breakdown of where you can use this automated license plate reader technology.
Private Sector
ALPR is used in the private sector to automate access and boost access control. Its goal is to restrict unauthorized vehicles from accessing your facility. You could also use the system to record the license plates of the vehicles entering your property.
Public Sector
The public sector relies on automated license plate readers to monitor vandalism, theft, and illegal dumping in the community. This system can also help monitor parking lots, automate parking lot activities, and supervise toll roads. Further, you can leverage this system to automate access control.
Law Enforcement
Authorities can use the dash cam or the vehicle-mounted ALPR camera to zero in on license plates. These law enforcement officers will rely on the transmitted information to identify traffic violations, vehicle owners, and specific car details when necessary.
The Role and Application of ALPR Systems
Various parties, including law enforcement, and the private and public sectors, use ALPR systems in different ways. They include the following:
Traffic Control
Law enforcement officers use ALPRs systems to control traffic flow on roadways or highways. This system provides information for video analytics, making it easier to initiate actionable decisions. At the same time, this system will help identify traffic violators, providing evidence to initiate remedial measures. You’ll use it to enforce particular traffic measures, including speed control, access control, and accidents.
Toll Collection
Excellent toll collection requires automated supervision, which ALPRS systems provide. You can install these systems on toll roads, bridges, and tunnels to monitor the entry and exit of vehicles from toll stations. This approach makes it easier to identify any violations.
Access Control
Automated license plate readers come in handy in determining who can access particular parts of the property, including highways. You can use this to control access to sensitive places, including political headquarters, prisons, and airports. At the same time, such access control is vital in parking lots. It will help automate various parking management activities, including payment and authorized entry.
Threat Mitigation
Suppose a vehicle is on the run. In that case, law enforcement officers can use the automated license plate reader to mitigate any potential threats of road rage. It also becomes easier for the authorities to mitigate threats, vehicle theft, and any other unwanted intrusion. Cross-referencing is central to excellent threat identification and mitigation. This system will work best alongside biometric technologies, including facial recognition. By combining multiple technologies, you are confident of enhanced efficiency.
Automated license plate readers have become a necessity in traffic and vehicular control. This technology has redefined traffic safety, security, and control efficiency. Yet, it is yet to be fully embraced by various sectors.