Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology is essential for various applications, including parking systems and toll control. These diverse use cases demand flexible, cost-effective solutions that can be deployed quickly. Wahtari’s neural camera addresses these needs through its innovative modular design.

Varying Requirements in ANPR Applications

Wahtari has developed a range of open-architecture solutions tailored to different application scopes and requirements. This approach allows end users to customize systems based on their specific needs without extensive development efforts. For license plate recognition, precision and speed are critical. The neural camera’s modular design ensures that it can be adapted rapidly for various applications while maintaining high performance.

Open System Architecture

The nCam from Wahtari exemplifies a flexible modular principle. This system integrates an Alvium 1800 C camera as its image sensor, along with additional components such as a carrier board, lens, image processing controller, network interface, AI accelerator, and Intel x68_46 processor.

For sophisticated deep learning tasks, the nCam incorporates up to three dedicated Intel Movidius Myriad X VPU neural processing units. These specialized hardware accelerators ensure rapid inference processing while maintaining high system performance. The Alvium 1800 C camera’s industrial-grade image sensors provide resolutions ranging from 0.5 to 20.4 megapixels, making them ideal for integration into the nCam platform.

Intelligent Traffic Solutions

As an open platform, Wahtari’s neural camera finds applications in various areas of intelligent traffic systems (ITS), particularly automatic number plate recognition. Common use cases include vehicle access control through black and white lists, automated toll and parking fee calculation, and free-flow recognition systems in multi-level parking facilities where RFID transponders are impractical.

Flexibility Through Modularity

The nCam’s modular design caters to diverse requirements by offering extensive customization options. Users can select from multiple sensor variants within the Alvium series, achieving frame rates up to 289 fps or resolutions of up to 20.2 MP. To ensure visibility in all conditions, including nighttime operation, the system incorporates white and IR LEDs extending its detection range to 50 meters.

With compact dimensions (355 x 130 x 210 mm) and an IP67-rated aluminum housing with passive cooling, the neural camera delivers reliable performance even under extreme temperatures (-40°C to 55°C). Optional sunshield accessories further enhance its usability in challenging environments.

Efficiency and Performance

The ANPR system demonstrates exceptional efficiency gains by rapidly identifying unknown vehicles accurately. Thanks to deep learning algorithms, recognition errors are minimized, effectively approaching zero. This precision enables valuable data collection that supports traffic optimization, parking space utilization analysis, and driver behavior studies.

Design Flexibility

The Alvium camera series provides extensive sensor options from 0.5 to 20.4 megapixels. This flexibility allows minimal development effort for testing different sensors or upgrading existing systems. Additional integration benefits include various housing variants (PCB and open) and lens mount types (C-mount, CS-mount, S-mount), further simplifying system implementation.

Key Advantages of the Alvium 180C Camera

  • Flexible modular design enables solutions for diverse requirements
  • Wide selection of image sensors with varying resolution and frame rate capabilities
  • SWaP (Size, Weight, Power) advantages supporting compact system design
  • Data collection potential that aids in optimizing traffic flow

Last Updated: 2025-09-04 16:39:14