License Plate Recognition (ALPR)

In short: ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition), also called ALPR (Automatic License Plate Recognition), is the technology that automatically identifies a vehicle’s license plate from an image, using optical character recognition (OCR). At Innova Systems Group, our SIRAM OCR solution applies deep learning algorithms to recognize plates with over 99% accuracy, in both Stop&Go and Free Flow modes.

What is ANPR and what is it used for?

More and more companies are adopting automatic license plate recognition technology. The reasons behind this choice — from public parking facilities to urban traffic management authorities (free flow) — are simple: efficiency and security.

Access control in public parking lots, residential areas, or private company parking facilities is essential to keep these environments secure, and no technology is more accurate for that purpose than automatic license plate reading using cameras and OCR software.

How does license plate recognition work? The 6 steps of the OCR algorithm

OCR software follows six basic steps to read a license plate correctly:

1. Localization: locate the plate within the image and isolate it photographically.
2. Geometric normalization: adjust the plate’s angular orientation and size to the required parameters.
3. Image enhancement: correct the brightness and contrast of the capture.
4. Segmentation: separate the individual characters on the plate.
5. Recognition: identify each character using the OCR algorithms.
6. Verification: check the recognized plate at a syntactic and geometric level.

If the system has blacklists, it can also check the recognized plate against that database via IP or another protocol. Having a reliable, up-to-date database is essential for license plate recognition to work correctly.

SIRAM OCR: Innova’s ALPR technology

At Innova Systems Group we developed SIRAM OCR, an ALPR system based on deep learning algorithms, designed to optimize access control and parking facilities in both Stop&Go and Free Flow modes.

Key features of SIRAM OCR:

• Over 99% accuracy, with multi-country optimized algorithms.
• Front and rear capture, with AI functions to identify vehicle type (motorcycle/car) and brand.
• Ticketless & Barrierless: access to on/off-street parking facilities with no ticket and no physical barriers.
• Integrated TwinPlate P2P: a peer-to-peer architecture where every camera on the lane acts as a master, removing dependency on a central server.
• SCAP (SIRAM Camera Application Platform): a centralized platform that simplifies camera installation, management, and updates.
• ISO/IEC 27001-certified cybersecurity, with secure authentication, advanced user management, and Security by Design architecture.
• Over 60 available integrations with parking management systems (PMS/PARCS) and security platforms, via Web, Wiegand, and TCP/IP.
• High tolerance to angular tilts of the plate and an anti-masking mode that prevents occlusion in vehicle convoys.
• Easy configuration, with an intuitive web interface and full control from the UI.

Applications of ANPR/ALPR recognition

SIRAM OCR is used across different scenarios:

• Parking: Touchless, Barrierless, and Ticketless solutions.
• Mobility: Low Emission Zone (LEZ) control and urban traffic management.
• Enforcement: vehicle-mounted systems.
• Access and security: integration with SIRAM Access Web and other access control platforms.

If you’re looking for hardware compatible with SIRAM OCR, check out our guide to types of ALPR cameras.

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Frequently asked questions about ANPR

What does ANPR stand for?

ANPR stands for Automatic Number Plate Recognition. It’s used as a synonym for ALPR (Automatic License Plate Recognition): the technology that automatically identifies a vehicle’s license plate from an image.

How does a camera identify a vehicle’s license plate?

Through OCR software that follows six steps: locating and isolating the plate, adjusting its orientation and size, correcting brightness and contrast, segmenting the characters, recognizing them, and verifying the resulting plate at a syntactic and geometric level.

How accurate is Innova’s OCR system?

SIRAM OCR delivers over 99% accuracy, thanks to multi-country deep learning algorithms.

Does SIRAM OCR work without physical barriers?

Yes. SIRAM OCR supports Ticketless & Barrierless solutions for on/off-street parking facilities, in addition to Stop&Go and Free Flow modes.

How many systems can SIRAM OCR integrate with?

With over 60 available integrations, including parking management systems (PMS/PARCS) and security platforms, via Web, Wiegand, or TCP/IP.

Does SIRAM OCR meet cybersecurity standards?

Yes, it’s aligned with the ISO/IEC 27001 standard and includes secure authentication and active vulnerability management.

Ready to boost your project?

Contact us and find out how SIRAM OCR can maximize the accuracy and efficiency of your access control or parking system. CONTACT US!