What stands between ANPR systems and consistent accuracy? From technological limitations to external conditions and improper installation, many variables can impact Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, which must perform optimally in a variety of scenarios, not just under ideal conditions.

Over the years, AVUTEC has taken a proactive approach to address and overcome these obstacles both through hardware and software advancements. In this article, we’ll explore the key challenges affecting ANPR accuracy and how they are effectively tackled by AVUTEC cameras.

Key challenges in ANPR accuracy and AVUTEC’s solutions

1

---

Challenge: Unfavorable camera placement

The positioning and installation of an ANPR camera can be one of the most critical steps for a successful project. If the camera cannot accurately read all the characters on a license plate due to being placed too high, too low, too far or at a steep angle, performance will suffer, causing inconvenience for both users and installers.

Solution: Wide, flexible field of view

AVUTEC ANPR cameras are designed to handle challenging mounting scenarios. Their wide viewing angle of up to 40° and intelligent software ensure reliable license plate recognition, even in less-than-optimal setups where license plates are not directly aligned with the camera. This flexibility makes installation possible in locations where traditional setups would struggle.

With motorized zoom lenses, AVUTEC cameras adapt to various environments, covering reading ranges from 2 to 30 meters and installation heights from 1 to 8 meters. Given this flexibility, installers can successfully complete projects with greater ease.

2

Challenge: Variable lighting conditions

Lighting conditions vary throughout the day and become considerably more challenging at night. When a parking facility or restricted area implements ANPR, it is usually expected to work 24/7 and achieve consistent effectiveness and security. Whether it’s midday, sunset, or nighttime, smart ANPR camera systems should adapt and perform just as efficiently.

Solution: A reliable duo for continuous recognition

How does an ANPR camera continue to deliver accurate results, even when a license plate becomes difficult to read for the human eye? The answer lies in AVUTEC’s dual-camera system, which seamlessly combines color and infrared sensors for reliable, around-the-clock performance.
The color camera features a low-light sensor, enabling clear recognition of non-reflective plates during the day. Complementing this, the infrared (IR) camera specializes in detecting (reflective) plates 24/7. A built-in daylight filter blocks all visible light, including headlights, allowing only infrared illumination to enhance plate visibility.
For low-light conditions and nighttime operation, the integrated LED illumination creates the optimal environment for consistently capturing clear license plate data—regardless of external lighting.

3

Challenge: Harsh environments

Another variable that can pose difficulties for ANPR accuracy is the environment in which a camera is expected to perform. Rainy and foggy weather, salty air from a nearby shore, fluctuating temperatures, or chemicals used in car washing all require high-quality materials and components that can withstand these conditions in the long term.

Solution: Robust materials and components

From parking facilities to car wash systems and smart city solutions, environmental conditions vary almost as widely as the range of locations where ANPR cameras are used. Therefore, the high-quality automotive coatings applied on AVUTEC cameras ensure long-term durability even in harsh environments.

4

Challenge: Differences in plate designs

The variety of license plate designs, whether due to different countries of origin or personalized plates, can complicate the recognition process. Factors like rare color combinations, small characters or multi-line layouts impact readability. Some plates feature regional symbols or scenic backgrounds, making accurate LPR even more complex. While unique designs may look interesting, they can pose challenges for systems that rely on quick and precise identification.

Solution: Deep learning models for diverse plate formats

With its extensive coverage across Europe, the Americas and the APAC region, the ANPR engine of our cameras is trained to recognize country-specific plate types, fonts, and characters. AVUTEC devices are able to identify the country of origin of vehicles while delivering precise LPR for a wide range of international plate formats.

5

Challenge: Software limitations

When it comes to ANPR software, uncertainty and inconsistent performance result in low accuracy rates. Ultimately, the main challenge is to minimize errors such as false negatives (when the system fails to recognize an actual plate) and false positives (when it incorrectly recognizes a plate or detects a non-existent one as valid). Without reliable software that dynamically adapts to different circumstances, certain ANPR systems struggle to operate properly and consistently.

Solution: Expertise in AI technology

High-speed image processing and accurate recognition directly on the device are possible thanks to the embedded Neural Processing Unit (NPU) installed in each AVUTEC camera model. This eliminates any need for cloud-based LPR processing, allowing the cameras to operate independently, even in high-demand applications.

Additionally, AVUTEC’s AI-based ANPR software leverages the latest computer vision techniques to process input data and make real-time decisions. To minimize errors, the software evaluates the certainty of each recognition result, effectively filtering out false positives. By combining both hardware and software AI technology, AVUTEC delivers intelligent and efficient camera systems.

Conclusion

With a constant drive to innovate, AVUTEC understands that accuracy and reliability in ANPR are a necessity for fully functional and sustainable systems.

By addressing the key challenges presented in this article, our ANPR technology remains highly adaptable and effective across diverse real-world scenarios, and ensures that our camera systems meet the evolving demands of parking facilities, smart cities and access control systems.

About AVUTEC

AVUTEC manufactures and markets all-in-one ANPR camera systems. Our expertise encompasses both the development of sophisticated recognition software as the production of the camera systems themselves, ensuring a seamless integration between the hardware and software components.

Our ANPR systems are designed to ensure seamless integration with any system you can imagine. Our cameras are delivered to end-users through a dedicated network of partners, ensuring a smooth transition from production to practical use. Beyond delivering high caliber accuracy, we are committed to sharing our expertise with our partners, playing an active role in the success of their projects.

We warmly invite you to reach out to us and discover how our expertise and innovative ANPR systems can contribute to the success of your projects.