4 Key Factors to Consider When Investing in LPR Technology

7 min read.

Author: Valérie Charlebois, Regional Sales Manager

Published on Parking Industry Insights

License Plate Recognition (LPR) systems are essential tools in modernizing parking operations and management. They leverage cutting-edge technology, primarily specialized cameras, to capture license plate details, transforming them into machine-readable data for comparison against databases. This process facilitates validation, access control, and enforcement within parking facilities, whether gated or non-gated. Integrating LPR technology becomes paramount for automating management procedures and ensuring sustained efficiency in the long run.

Understanding its fundamental components is crucial as you delve into investing in an LPR system. Let's explore four key factors to consider when investing, ensuring optimal performance for your parking facility.

1. Select a Reliable LPR Camera:

 The cornerstone of LPR technology lies in capturing clear and accurate license plate images. This requires selecting a dependable camera that captures images suitable for optical character recognition (OCR). Look for features like IP capability, which allows for operation in low-light conditions, and consider factors such as shutter type (rolling or global) based on vehicle speed. Additionally, opt for cameras with adjustable lenses, optical zoom, and resolutions to accommodate various site layouts effectively.

2. Install Sufficient Lighting Throughout Your Facility:

Lighting plays a vital role in the effectiveness of LPR technology, especially in dimly lit or underground parking environments. Proper lighting solutions, such as active infrared cameras, can significantly enhance image clarity for accurate character conversion. Supplementary lighting options can further optimize image capture under challenging conditions.

3. Ensure Accurate Camera Positioning:

 The positioning of LPR cameras directly influences their effectiveness in capturing license plate details. Choose appropriate mounting options based on your facility's layout, ensuring cameras are positioned at least one meter above headlight level to minimize glare. Adjustable cameras can improve accuracy by enabling optimal angles for capturing license plate characters.

4. Prioritize Advanced Algorithms and Accuracy:

Opt for LPR technology with advanced algorithms to ensure consistent and high accuracy rates. These algorithms, including license plate localization, character segmentation, and OCR, are essential for effectively identifying and interpreting license plate details. Understanding the variations denoted by "N" in character readings allows for efficient comparison and matching of license plates, even with minor discrepancies.

By meticulously evaluating these factors and investing in the appropriate LPR solution, parking facilities can leverage LPR technology's automated capabilities and high accuracy rates to enhance operational efficiency and management effectiveness. LPR technology offers significant advantages for parking facilities. It provides automated capabilities and over 90% accuracy in identifying license plates. By carefully considering essential criteria and selecting the right LPR solution, parking operations can experience improved efficiency and management overall.

References

Avignon Alta. Considerations when setting up cameras for license plate recognition. (2023, August 22). https://docs.video.avasecurity.com/Products/aware/lpr/lpr-cam-consider.htm?TocPath=Products%7CAlta+Aware%7CConsiderations+when+setting+up+cameras+for+license+plate+recognition%7C_____0 

How LPR Works. How License Plate Recognition Works. (n.d.). https://www.licenseplatesrecognition.com/how-lpr-works.html  

Powell, J. (2024, February 2). The ultimate guide: Everything you need to know about license plate recognition. Parking Industry. https://www.parkingindustry.ca/parking-101/everything-you-need-to-know-about-license-plate-recognition  

Ritacca, J. (2023, February 18). What to consider when investing in license plate recognition technology - precise ParkLink: Parking management services. Precise ParkLink | Parking Management Services. https://www.preciseparklink.com/news/what-to-consider-when-investing-in-license-plate-recognition-technology  

Survision | License Plate Recognition Cameras. (n.d.). Artificial Intelligence & LPR: Evolution or revolution. Survision. https://survisiongroup.com/post-artificial-intelligence--lpr:-evolution-or-revolution#:~:text=AI%2Dpowered%20LPR%20systems%20are,and%20auto%2Dadjust%20their%20parameters