ANPR technology makes weighbridge data collection simpler and faster.

• 
• 8th November 2006
• Materials Handling
 

Avery Weigh-Tronix and ADT, the UK’s leading provider of electronic fire and security solutions, are working together to offer Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology as part of a standard weighbridge system for the first time in the UK.  Using ANPR will help make data collection simpler, more accurate and faster.
 
ADT’s ANPR system is a closed circuit television (CCTV) based application that uses specialist cameras to enable identification, logging and monitoring of vehicle number plates.  Using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software the system is able to ignore all extraneous information and store only the relevant number plate data.  ADT cameras also meet the National ACPO1 ANPR Standards (NAAS).
 
When used as part of a weighbridge system, the vehicle registration number is converted into an ASC II file and saved in a database alongside weight and other data. 
 
Typically, a vehicle will approach the weighbridge and the camera will record its vehicle registration number.  Once the number plate is recognised, the vehicle will be weighed and processed.  On exiting the site, the ANPR will identify the registration number again and the weighbridge will capture the empty vehicle weight so that the amount of waste it tipped can be calculated.
 
Comments Campbell Deas, general manager for weighbridge technology at Avery Weigh-Tronix: "Developments such as ANPR technology automate data entry for simpler and faster operation.  It helps minimise input errors and reduces vehicle queuing."
 
For unmanned operations the cameras can be used 24 hours a day, since they are sensitive to infra red and have their own infra red light source.  They can be mounted on bollards or posts to suit the application and enclosed in IP67 vandal-proof and corrosion-resistant enclosures.  The cameras can be used as part of a LAN or WAN network and be hardwired or use WI/FI transmission where cabling is not possible.
 
Mobile handheld readers are also available for sites that only have one weighbridge.  This allows an operator to pre-book vehicle registrations into the system before the lorry drives on to the ‘bridge, helping to avoid site congestion.
 
ANPR can be used to prohibit blacklisted vehicles from the site.  It can also check how many times a vehicle visits and flag up a warning if this becomes too frequent.  For additional security, a second over mounted camera can be used to identify the driver.
 
For further information contact: 

Avery Weigh-Tronix,
Foundry lane,
Smethwick,
West Midlands. 
Tel: 0800 90 50061.

1 ACPO stands for the Association of Chief Police Officers

Associated Links

• Hub-4 Profile of Avery Weigh-Tronix
• Avery Weigh-Tronix Company Website