titanHz | ANPR Traffic Control Solutions

ANPR Traffic Control Solutions

ANPR Cameras (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) linked to a Comet UTMC traffic management system allow live journey time information to be displayed to the operator and also to the public via the Internet. As well as providing real-time information on network performance through the calculation of journey times, the data collected by the camera network is invaluable in removing the need for expensive, manpower intensive surveys at infrequent intervals to determine traffic flows. The flexible communications architecture available with Score allows easy integration into Siemens’ Comet alongside existing ANPR Systems (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) and other devices

Technology ANPR Systems (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) essentially comprise two components

Data Capture
Data Exchange and Analysis

Data Capture

Many ANPR Systems (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) feature dual cameras: an infra-red device that captures multiple images of the specific number plate and a conventional color device that records an image of the plate in context, ie takes a snap of the car. Because much capture concerns speeding vehicles and may take place in adverse conditions such as rain and smog, multiple images from the infra-red are 'resolved' to provide a 'best fit' image that is not blurred and that can be quickly interrogated using optical character recognition (OCR) software.

Plate Orientation & Sizing

Character Segmentation

Plate Localization

Syntactical Geometrical Analysis

Optical Character Recognition

Data Analysis and Exchange

The shape of ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) data analysis and exchange depends on how the ANPR Systems (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) system was set up and how it is being used. Some applications are highlighted below. In essence, capture can provide a one-off or ongoing list of number plates at a particular location, specific time and direction. That list can be matched with other databases, which might include lists of expired number plates, plates on vehicles that have been reported as stolen or involved in accidents and on vehicles that are likely to be driven by someone of interest to law enforcement personnel. Checking may be almost instantaneous. Proponents of the UAE National ANPR Systems (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) Data Centre for example note that automated searches of several 'hotlists' by police using mobile ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) devices typically returns results within 5 seconds, quick enough for decisions on whether investigation is required (and whether particular vehicles should be approached with extra caution). The effect of that analysis may be to establish a regime of pervasive surveillance, one from which individuals cannot opt out (and indeed of which they are only partly aware) and in which there is little recourse against abuse or ineptitude.

ANPR Speed Control

ANPR Systems (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) can also be used for automated enforcement of speed restrictions and associated traffic codes, such as prohibitions on particular classes of vehicles (such as those carrying explosives or chemicals) using specific routes. Speed restriction is mechanistic, with the ANPR Systems (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) 'logging' the vehicle at two or more locations and determining whether transit between those points and times breached speed limits. A billing database can then automatically issue a fine and/or alert traffic police that a breach is underway. Attitudes to use of ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) for speed restrictions appear to vary considerable, with for example little disquiet in Australia compared to the UAE.