Proptia LPR Installation Guide

Proptia LPR Installation Guide

This guide is designed for Proptia partners who install Proptia-connected LPR systems in the field. Follow each step carefully to ensure optimal image quality and accurate plate reads.

Your Role in a Successful Deployment

Camera hardware, placement, and configuration are fully in your control. Proptia’s software relies on the video stream you build. A strong physical setup is the foundation of accurate recognition.

Think of it this way:

• You control the hardware

• Proptia processes the video stream

Step 1: Plan the Installation

Proper planning prevents the most common failures. When selecting hardware:

• Choose a camera with sufficient optical zoom

• Ensure the camera can deliver strong plate pixel density at the capture zone

• Avoid wide views that shrink the plate and reduce clarity

Provide your camera vendor with this information:

• Proptia OCR runs on the server

• We analyze a 2 MP video stream

This ensures you get the correct camera model for LPR.

Step 2: Install the Hardware Correctly

Mounting and lighting directly impact read quality.

Mounting requirements:

• Follow the exact specs from the camera manufacturer

• Maintain proper height and angle

• Avoid glare and view obstructions

Lighting requirements:

• Use external white-light LEDs

• Align lighting at license plate height

• Prevent reflections from wet pavement or vehicle surfaces

Without proper lighting, accuracy drops — especially at night.

Step 3: Configure the Video Stream

This is the most critical technical step.

Stream must be:

✅ A dedicated stream for Proptia

❌ Not shared with an NVR

Sharing streams can alter bitrate and keyframes, causing missed reads.

FPS settings:

• 10 FPS for slow or stopped vehicles

• Increase FPS for faster-moving vehicles

Keyframe interval:

• Must match FPS exactly

  Example: if FPS = 15, Keyframe Interval = 15

This one-to-one rule is essential for processing stability.

Step 4: Validate Image Quality On Site

Never leave until you've checked the following:

These checks ensure reliable accuracy before you leave the site.

Final Checklist

✅ Stream locked to Proptia

✅ Tight framing on plate

✅ Lighting aligned at plate height

✅ Keyframe interval matches FPS

✅ Night performance validated

✅ Camera gain controlled

You’re Ready for Deployment

Following this blueprint results in:

• Higher read accuracy

• Faster troubleshooting

• Better customer outcomes

FAQ: Proptia LPR Installation & Configuration (Channel Partners)

What is the goal of a Proptia LPR installation?

The goal is to deliver a highly accurate, stable LPR system from day one.

Success is defined by:

• High plate read accuracy
• Reliable 24/7 performance
• Minimal post-install troubleshooting

👉 LPR success is determined by installation quality, not software adjustments

Who is responsible for LPR system performance?

• Dealer / Integrator: Responsible for all hardware, installation, positioning, and lighting
• Proptia: Processes the video stream only

👉 If the input is poor, results will be poor. This cannot be fixed in software

Why is installation quality so critical?

Because Proptia does not control the physical environment.

The system is only as good as:

• Camera placement
• Lighting
• Video stream quality

👉 The installer “builds the foundation,” Proptia “builds on top of it”

What is the most important phase of an LPR project?

Pre-installation planning

This includes:

• Camera selection
• Site evaluation
• Lighting strategy

👉 Mistakes here cannot be corrected later with configuration

What camera should I use for LPR?

A proper LPR camera must:

• Have sufficient optical zoom
• Capture tight, plate-focused framing
• Avoid wide-angle or scenic views

👉 More pixels on the plate = higher accuracy

What should I tell the camera manufacturer?

Provide these two critical details:

• OCR is processed on the Proptia server (not in-camera)
• The system uses a 2MP video stream

This ensures correct hardware recommendations

What are the non-negotiable camera placement rules?

• Follow manufacturer mounting height and angle specs

• Ensure plates are:

  • Clear
  • High contrast
  • Properly framed

👉 Poor image quality guarantees poor reads

How should lighting be configured for LPR?

Best practices:

• Use external white-light LEDs (preferred over IR)
• Align lighting with plate height
• Avoid glare and reflections
• Optimize for 24/7 performance

Advanced:

• Pulse lighting with shutter in low-light environments

👉 Lighting is not optional—it is foundational

Can I share the camera stream with an NVR?

No. The stream must be dedicated exclusively to Proptia.

Sharing causes:

• Bitrate instability
• Keyframe inconsistencies
• Missed reads

What are the required video stream settings?

👉 Incorrect settings = degraded performance or failure

How do I set FPS (frame rate)?

👉 Faster vehicles require higher FPS

What is the correct keyframe (I-frame) setting?

The rule is absolute:

👉 Keyframe interval must equal FPS

Example:

• 15 FPS → Keyframe = 15

This is critical for system stability

What is the minimum plate size required in the image?

• ≥ 100 pixels wide

If smaller:

• Move camera closer
• Increase zoom

How do I fix motion blur?

Adjust shutter speed:

• Day: ≥ 1/500
• Night: ≥ 1/1000

Why are nighttime images grainy?

Cause:

• Excessive camera gain

Fix:

• Cap gain at ≤ 18 dB

How do I fix poor nighttime illumination?

• Ensure light is aimed directly at plate area
• Adjust angle to avoid glare
• Use external lighting if needed

What causes glare or reflection issues?

• Incorrect lighting angle
• Wet pavement reflection
• Headlight interference

Fix:

• Adjust light and camera positioning

Why does Proptia recommend 2MP instead of higher resolution?

Higher resolution:

• Does not improve accuracy
• Increases bandwidth and processing load

👉 Pixel density on the plate matters more than resolution

What is stream exclusivity and why does it matter?

The LPR stream must:

• Be dedicated only to Proptia

If shared:

• Frames may drop
• Keyframes may shift
• Recognition fails

What should I validate before leaving the site?

Final checklist:

• Plate ≥ 100 pixels
• No motion blur
• Clear nighttime image
• Proper lighting alignment
• Dedicated stream
• Correct FPS + keyframe match
• Stream settings match server

What are the most common causes of failure?

• Wide-angle camera views
• Poor lighting setup
• Incorrect mounting angle
• Shared video stream
• Wrong FPS / keyframe settings
• Low pixel density

Can Proptia fix poor LPR performance remotely?

No.

👉 If the installation is incorrect, software cannot compensate

Does Proptia provide camera design services?

No (standard).

Optional:

• Professional Services can be purchased for:

  • Design validation
  • Installation guidance

What is the “secret” to a perfect LPR install?

Follow the blueprint:

1. Define roles clearly
2. Plan hardware and site correctly
3. Execute precise installation
4. Configure stream properly
5. Validate on-site before leaving

👉 LPR systems are won or lost before installation begins