An image enhancement-based License plate detection method for Naturally Degraded Images

Abstract

This paper proposes an image enhancement-based license plate detection algorithm to improve the overallperformance of system. Non-uniform illumination conditions have huge impact on overall plate detection systemaccuracy. In this paper, we propose an algorithm for color image enhancement-based license plate detection forimproving accuracy of images degraded by excessively strong and low sunlight. Firstly, the image is enhanced byMulti-Scale Retinex algorithm. Secondly, a plate detection method is employed to take advantage of geometricproperties of connected components, which can significantly reduce the undesired plate regions. Finally,intersection over union method is applied for detecting the accurate location of number plate. Experimental resultsshow that the proposed method significantly improves the accuracy of plate detection system.