Chapter 5. Number Plate Recognition Using SVM and Neural Networks

This chapter introduces us to the steps needed to create an application for Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR). There are different approaches and techniques based on different situations, for example, IR cameras, fixed car positions, light conditions, and so on. We can proceed to construct an ANPR application to detect automobile license plates in a photograph taken between 2-3 meters from a car, in ambiguous light condition, and with non-parallel ground with minor perspective distortions of the automobile's plate.

The main purpose of this chapter is to introduce us to image segmentation and feature extraction, pattern recognition basics, and two important pattern recognition algorithms Support Vector Machines and Artificial Neural Networks. In this chapter, we will cover:

• ANPR

• Plate detection

• Plate recognition