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Using ANPR Cameras with VOLO

This article describes how to integrate Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras with the VOLO access control system for vehicle access management.

info

These instructions are based on our internal testing, which has been performed using a HIKVISION iDS-2CD7A26G0/P-IZHSY ANPR Camera.

Other cameras that offer Wiegand outputs are likely to work, if the output format can be aligned with a reader configuration in VOLO.

If you have worked through this guide and cannot get your camera to work, please contact us for support.

Overview​

ANPR cameras can be integrated with VOLO controllers to provide automated vehicle access control. When a vehicle approaches, the ANPR camera captures an image of the license plate, processes it to generate an access card number, and sends this data to the VOLO controller in a format it can understand.

How ANPR Works with VOLO​

1Image CaptureThe ANPR camera captures an image of the vehicle's license plate
2Plate RecognitionThe camera's built-in software processes the image to extract the number plate text
3Data TransmissionThe recognized plate number is converted to a Wiegand format and sent to the VOLO controller
4Access DecisionVOLO compares the plate number against authorized vehicles and grants or denies access
5Event LoggingAll access attempts are logged in the VOLO system for audit purposes

Benefits​

Automated AccessNo need for drivers to present cards or tokens
Audit TrailComplete record of vehicle access with timestamps
Flexible ManagementEasy to add/remove authorized vehicles through the VOLO interface
IntegrationWorks seamlessly with existing VOLO access control infrastructure

Hardware Requirements​

ANPR Camera Specifications​

When selecting an ANPR camera for use with VOLO, ensure it meets the following requirements:

InterfaceWiegand - the camera must offer a Wiegand interface output to work with VOLO
FormatThe camera must offer a Wiegand format supported by VOLO
caution

Please note that some cameras will require you to manually upload number plates and the token number that you would like to be linked with each of them, for example, "when you see AB12 CDE, send token number 1234567".

Others will use an in-built algorithm that generates a token number from the number plate. Using this option does not require you to upload any data to the camera.

Cable Requirements​

Data CableShielded twisted pair cable for Wiegand signals
DistanceMaximum 100m for reliable Wiegand communication

Wiring Configuration​

Connecting to VOLO Controller​

ANPR cameras connect to VOLO controllers through the reader ports. Each VOLO controller has two reader ports that can accommodate ANPR cameras.

Wiegand Wiring Connections​

Camera ConnectionVOLO Connection
Data 0 (D0)→Reader port Data 0
Data 1 (D1)→Reader port Data 1
Ground (GND)→Reader port Ground

Wiring Diagram​

Wiring Diagram

Camera Configuration​

Basic Setup​

  1. Physical Installation

    • Mount camera at appropriate height and angle for optimal plate capture
    • Ensure adequate lighting for the capture area
    • Position camera to minimize glare and shadows

  2. Camera Settings

    • Configure capture zone to focus on license plate area
    • Set appropriate exposure and gain settings
    • Enable IR illumination for night operation

Wiegand Output Configuration​

The ANPR camera must be configured to output data in a Wiegand format that VOLO can understand.

Standard Wiegand Formats​

tip

We have tested the following formats, but others may also work.

VOLO has a flexible Custom Wiegand Reader feature that will allow you to configure a wide variety of options. Please get in touch if you would like us to assist in some testing and validation of a new ANPR camera or Wiegand format.

Wiegand FormatOnline CalculatorNotes
SHA-1 26-bit WiegandConvert Number Plates to Token numbers using SHA-1Most common format - converts a number plate into a numeric value and use the low 3 bytes as the token number
NEWG 72-bit WiegandComing Soon...Extended format - converts the full number plate from ascii characters to a single numeric (long!) value

Configuration Steps​

  1. Access Camera Configuration

    • Connect to camera via web interface or configuration software
    • Navigate to output settings or Wiegand configuration

  2. Set Output Format

    • Select Wiegand output type
    • Configure Wiegand format:
    • SHA-1 26-bit Wiegand
    • NEWG 72-bit Wiegand

  3. Test Output

    • Use camera's test function to verify Wiegand output
    • Check data format matches VOLO expectations

VOLO Software Configuration​

Reader Configuration​

  1. Select Reader Type

    • Log into VOLO web interface
    • Navigate to the appropriate Site and Door
    • Edit the Door
    • Select appropriate reader type for your ANPR camera
    • 26 bit Wiegand Reader
    • 26 bit Wiegand - OEM LED Style
    • Custom Wiegand Reader (Define the format you require)

  2. Custom Reader Setup (if required)

    • If using the NEWG 72-bit format, or another format, you will need to define a custom Wiegand Reader Format
    • Follow instructions in Custom Readers guide
    • Configure bit length and data format

NEWG 72-Bit Custom Format Example​

Use the settings shown in the image below to configure your VOLO reader:

  1. Enter a meaningful name so that you can identify the reader later "72-bit NEWG Format"
  2. Set the number of bits to 72
  3. Leave Site/Facility code set to NO
  4. Set the User Data region to be 56 bits long and fully left-aligned (the last 16 characters should be X's)
  5. Leave the Parity setting set to NO

NEWG 72-bit Custom Reader Format

Testing and Validation​

System Testing​

  1. Basic Functionality Test

    • Test with known authorized vehicles
    • Verify access granted events are logged
    • Test with unauthorized vehicles

  2. Performance Testing

    • Test recognition speed and accuracy
    • Verify system response times
    • Test under various weather conditions

Troubleshooting​

Common Issues​

  • Poor image quality affecting recognition
  • Camera angle affecting recognition
  • Camera firmware bug affecting recognition
  • Incorrect Wiegand format configuration on camera
  • Incorrect Wiegand format configuration in VOLO
caution

We have encountered situations where the ANPR camera misreads the number plate and then converts the incorrect number plate into a token value.

VOLO, sees the token value based on the misread number plate and, correctly, denies access.

Connect to your camera's built-in web interface and verify that it is interpreting the number plates it sees, correctly.

Generally, we have found that everything works well together, provided that the camera can correctly recognise/interpret the number plate.

Diagnostic Steps​

  1. Confirm the Wiegand format you want to use (e.g. SHA-1 26-bit, NEWG 72-bit)
  2. Use a web browser to log in to the camera
  3. Check the Wiegand configuration settings
  4. Validate the Number Plate capture (is the camera correctly recognising the number plates?)
  5. Log in to Volo
  6. Check the Wiegand coniguration settings
  7. Is the token number displayed in the VOLO event log as you would expect?

Maintenance and Monitoring​

Regular Maintenance​

  1. Camera Maintenance

    • Clean camera lens regularly
    • Check and clean IR illuminators
    • Verify camera positioning and focus

  2. System Monitoring

    • Monitor recognition accuracy rates
    • Review access logs for anomalies
    • Check system performance metrics

Performance Optimization​

  1. Lighting Optimization

    • Ensure adequate lighting for capture area
    • Minimize glare and shadows
    • Consider additional lighting if needed

  2. Camera Positioning

    • Optimize camera angle for best plate capture
    • Ensure consistent capture zone
    • Minimize environmental interference