Any damage recorded will be flagged to an operator

Automatic container damage detection system launched

In order to enhance the degree of automation in ports and terminals, the Visy and LASE product series has been developed to enable the automatic detection of damage to containers without disturbing the workflow.

The two companies will showcase their new joint developments at this year’s TOC Europe exhibition.

The product series can be used in conjunction with gate operating systems and crane OCR Systems. The examination of the container surfaces (roofs, side and end walls) by means of laser technology is combined with OCR container recognition and high resolution imaging to actively detect different kinds of damage (bulges, dents, tears, holes, etc.) in containers.

With a scan frequency of 100 Hz and an angle resolution of 0.5°, the data obtained by the laser scanner is forwarded to dedicated application software, which produces an intelligent profile image of the container. The detected damage category, extent and location are displayed to the operator. The system is able to work under harsh environmental conditions with a temperature range of -30° to +50° C to ensure continuous operation.

The Automatic Damage Detection System for gate operations includes the LaseCDI-Gate solution, which consists of three 2D laser scanners (LASE 2000D series) mounted on the frame of the OCR gate. This measurement system allows the container surfaces to be inspected without any delays; the laser inspection results are then combined with the container OCR recognition results.

For crane OCR, the system includes the LaseCDI-STS solution, which is used for the recognition of damage during STS operations. The measurement system includes 2D laser scanners and two 3D components (LASE 3000D series) to accommodate the different mounting positions determined by the site and nature of the operation.

During the vertical movement of the container when loading or unloading, a horizontal scan plane is emitted and outputs a 2D profile of the container sides. After being lowered towards the ground, a 3D profile of the container roof is also generated. The automatic recognition of the damage is achieved by comparing the actual container to an ideal one and combining the results.

Thus the operator receives information enabling him or her to determine whether the container is suitable to continue operations in the yard or onboard or if an alternative handling process should be initiated.