HTS releases 3G OCR technology

Hi Tech Solutions (HTS) has released a third generation (3G) optical character recognition (OCR) technology across its port automation and security systems product lines, including systems for automating container and vehicle data capture at terminal gates, on cranes and at rail facilities, enabling increased operational efficiency and accuracy of results.


The new technology combines the latest high resolution mega-pixel industrial cameras and ultra-strong LED illumination units running on a Gigabit Ethernet (GigE) network with upgraded software. GigE is the newest generation of Ethernet, with improved data communication rates of up to 1000 Mbps, or 1 gigabit per second, providing high-speed, highly reliable, transmission of video images and related control data from computer vision systems.


HTS 3G systems can also handle significantly higher volumes of data and information provided by the OCR imaging units. The use of new camera and LED technologies also means that 3G systems can reliably capture high-quality images in a wider range of climate and environmental conditions. This includes better management of the transition from day to night operations, as the new systems are programmed to automatically adjust to differing light conditions.


The implementation of the 3G systems on an IP platform also reduces infrastructure costs for interfacing and networking OCR systems with remote servers. For port and terminal operators with fibre infrastructure already installed, no additional cost will be incurred to place gate lane PCs in an on-site server area, as a direct Ethernet connection to a remote server is more cost effective.


According to the company, the new 3G technology enhances the all-round performance of its OCR systems for container and vehicle identification, giving higher confidence levels, better seal image and detection, sharper imaging for container damage inspection and identification of door direction, improved video clips and enhanced IMO hazardous material label recognition and classification.


The first system has already been installed on the US West Coast and HTS will now provide the 3G technology as standard on all new projects worldwide. For existing installations, the company will also provide 2G to 3G upgrades as requested by customers.


“Marine terminals are increasingly looking to automation technologies to deliver improved operational and cost efficiencies. Use of OCR technology in the ports market is well-established and growing,” said Philip Elovic, CEO and President of HTS. “However, terminals are now expecting more advanced offerings from computer vision systems, as their challenges become more complex both from a logistical and management point of view”.
(Source:http://www.container-mag.com)