License plate recognition, or LPR, is an incredibly useful software feature that allows you to track traffic, control entry into your business, find stolen vehicles, and much more. But do you know how LPR works and when to use it?
License plate recognition software is based on a database - your camera captures video of the license plate numbers and then either stores it for later use, or compares it to an existing database. For example:
- Secured & gated entrances, such as military bases or permit-based parking garages, will automatically compare each approaching vehicle's license plate to a database of authorized personnel, and only open the gates if that license plate number is on the list
- Parking enforcement officials can record cars as they enter and park, giving them a video to refer to if cars go over the time limit or attempt in and out parking
- Police and other law officials can review local traffic videos to search for the license plates of stolen vehicles or suspected cars in other crimes
To record these videos, however, you'll need a specialized system and camera setup. This includes:
- Video management software with advanced options for license plate recognition
- Cameras installed in locations that are at the right height to record license plates
- Low speed limits for oncoming traffic, so the camera has long enough to focus on each car as it approaches
- Proper lighting, either external or built-in IRs, to combat harsh overhead lighting in parking garages or dark shadows in underground structures
LPR is available on a wide range of video management software, including industry leading Milestone. Their Milestone XProtect LPR software includes database searching, filtering, and sorting, along with alarms if your system detects an unknown or blacklisted license plate.
