Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology was developed in 1976 in the UK. ANPR is also called by other names including Number plate recognition, Automatic vehicle identification, Car Plate recognition, and License plate recognition system.

            Automatic number plate recognition uses OCR software to scan and read the number plates of vehicles. The main usage of the technology is in security and police tracking. License Plate recognition cameras are used as speed cameras as well as in traffic management.
            Vigilant Video is a provider of ANPR systems and Video Analytics Software based systems. The company’s Car Detector uses ANPR software to be able to capture and store data on unauthorized vehicles. It has two variants:
            1. Fixed Camera License Plate Recognition Systems (CDFS) is used by businesses for examining deliveries, computing correct parking fees, limiting employee access and securing border areas. The solution gathers information from still image capturing units or video monitoring units and stores it in databasese. Car Detector is used in parking access control, commercial buildings, toll collection, airport security, etc.
           2. Mobile License Plate Recognition Systems (CDMS) is used by police vehicles to automatically detect suspect or stolen cars when driving on the highway or passing through parking lots.