AUTOMATIC NUMBER PLATE RECOGNITION MARKET ANALYSIS

Issues related to picture quality and low recognition rates have been major restraining factors for the growth of the global automatic number plate recognition market An important function of any ANPR system is the ability to accurately capture license plate images and recognize the characters regardless of the lighting conditions, distance, angle or any other environmental factors. However, achieving excellent picture quality and high recognition rates consistently has been a challenge.

Poor image quality can be caused due to various reasons like lack of proper illumination especially during night time, dirt or debris on the license plate, damaged or worn-out plates, etc. This affects the legibility of the plate for the ANPR cameras. Additionally, factors like long distance of the vehicle from the camera, oblique camera angles relative to the plate and fast-moving plates further deteriorate the image quality. Furthermore, issues like character bumps, smears or blurring caused due to rain, low quality plates also introduce errors. All these negatively impact the recognition algorithms leading to low match rates.

Market Opportunities: Emerging potential in police operations and law enforcement

The use of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology by law enforcement agencies around the world presents a significant opportunity for the global Automatic Number Plate Recognition market to grow. ANPR systems help modern police forces optimize their operations and improve public safety through more efficient and data-driven policing methods.

As populations rise and urbanization increases the challenges of law enforcement, ANPR provides cost-effective solutions to issues like tackling crime, managing traffic flows and responding to emergencies. Police are able to monitor vehicle movements across wide areas, detect stolen vehicles and identify those being driven without registration or insurance. This allows them to deploy patrol resources more strategically. ANPR also deters criminal activity as perpetrators know their vehicle's location can be tracked.

Looking ahead, the ability to link number plate data to other police databases offering intelligence on persons of interest, outstanding warrants and watched addresses means ANPR has future potential to transform proactive policing. Its integrated use for joint operations between different law enforcement divisions, such as drug enforcement, organized crime and missing persons’ investigations offers better collaboration opportunities.