By: Dave Walraven
Do you know how fast a truck can drive through a Gate OCR Portal? Are you wondering if speedbumps are needed to let trucks pass the portal smoothly? In this blog we’ll answer those questions and give you insights into Gate OCR layout design..
The Gate OCR Portal is considered a “drive-through” process point. This means all data is captured in motion without stopping. The portal can handle speeds up to 50km per hour. Since Gate OCR Portals are typically deployed in facilities where speed above 30km per hour are not permitted, speed reduction is not necessary to capture the truck and container details. However, there are other factors that can influence the recognition of all features of the truck and containers that pass by.
Weigh in motion scales
Nowadays, OCR Portals are more often combined with weigh in motion scales to comply with the SOLAS Container Weight Verification Requirement from the International Maritime Organization (IMO). There are different weigh-in-motion scales (WIM) on the market, each with their pros and cons. Some types of require the truck to drive over it below a specified speed to ensure the measuring accuracy. When deploying such WIM scales, the use of speed bumps / curbstones is a easy and low cost method to reduce the truck speed before entering the OCR Portal.
Traffic separation
Trucks tailgating behind each other can block the view of the cameras capturing truck details like the front license plate. Therefore it is advisable to deploy speed bumps or curbstones in cases where traffic separation is needed. Both options will slow down the driver and create distance between the trucks.
Curbstones will not only slow down the driver by narrowing the lane, they also center the truck to the middle of the lane. This will give the OCR portal cameras a perfect view of the truck and its cargo.
Speedbumps and Curbstones are easy to install and low in cost.
Considering the above? Are you planning a Gate OCR Portal at your facility? Our engineers are happy to advise you on the best design!
About the CERTUS OCR Portal
As traffic at ports and terminals is increasing every year, efficient operations at the gate are necessary. A Gate OCR Portal is part of the CERTUS AutoGate solution and contributes to these efficient gate operations. As the cameras of the OCR portal capture every detail of the truck and cargo that passes by, terminals benefit not only from more accurate data, but this data is also automatically available in the Terminal Operating System. Meaning Gate clerks can perform inspections from a safe and secure office environment.