SeeGate Container Recognition system

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SeeGate is a full turn-key system that recognizes the Containers, truck and wagon/chassis numbers, and transmits the recognized IDs to the port or gate computer. The system scans the ID numbers while the truck is in motion, based on a set of sensors. It automatically operates the illumination, takes pictures from a number of cameras, extracts the ID numbers, classifies the type of containers, verifies the results, then displays and outputs the results.

SeeGate increases automation, security and efficiency at port gates, large retail outlets, industrial sites, warehouses and other installations requiring shipping container recognition.

The system has the following major features and advantages over other automated solutions:

Handles container/truck/chassis identification simultaneously on a single computer

Covers all types of containers (20,40, 45, 20/20feet and combinations)

Easily integrated to other Windows applications, to network or to port logistics database

Has a high recognition rate, and has multiple redundancy levels

Low energy and maintenance bills (solid-state illumination operates in pulses during truck motion only)

Powerful operational, maintenance and networking utilities

A second generation system, SeeGate2, is available and deployed in several European Terminals. This system has the following additional features:

Compact footprint (single arch gantry)

Color container imagery

Movie clips (for Damage inspection, security and exception handling)

Damage inspection still images (optional)

IMO label detection (optional)

Additional top view recognition (front and rear)

Container type/size recognition

The following illustration shows a typical SeeGate1 installation, the first generation system. The system includes side and back Container camera/illumination units, truck plate LPR camera/illumination units, Chassis recognition camera/illumination units, sensors and loop detectors. The system has additional camera/illumination units on the left side.

Typical SeeGate1 Installation configuration

The following illustration shows the SeeGate2, second generation system configuration. The system includes all the components on a single gantry, thus simplifying the installation and the required real estate. The system takes multiple images from both left, right and top/rear sides.

Typical SeeGate2 Installation configuration

SeeGate is the World's leading system for container ID reading, with dozens of lanes already installed in pedestal lanes (as seen below) and in portal gate configuration (which includes integrated security measures).

Trapac - Los Angeles Port

The following photo (and the right thumbnail photos) shows the installation at exit gates (8 pedestal lanes) in one of the installations in Los Angeles port - Trapac in San Pedro. The system reads the Container IDs and chassis numbers and sends the data for data logging. Additional 5 portal lanes read the entrance and exit events at other gates.

APM's P400- Los Angeles Port

56 SeeGate lanes were installed in another Container terminal in Los Angeles port- APM's Pier400 - the World's largest port recognition project. The thumbnail photo at the right shows one of the entrance plazas (24 lanes North Gate) which record both the Container and Chassis identification numbers and pass them to the Terminal Operating System (TOS). The reading is performed in a few seconds after the truck passes the sensors and cameras array. An additional 12 lanes plaza is installed at another gate (South-In), while the exit plaza (20 lanes) records also the truck's license plate number.

An article ("Practicalities of Implementing OCR: A case study of the World's Largest Installation") describes these installations and can be downloaded and read using Adobe reader. It was presented in the TOC 2002 Americas.

You can also play or download the following video clip: "Pier 400 - An engineering marvel" by APM terminals. This video shows the new giant port and its installed SeeGate systems.

MTC terminals

Aug 2003-Dec 2005: Over 250 SeeGate portal and pedestal lanes were installed for 7 terminals in USA West Coast, in addition to SeeCrane and SeeTrain systems.

Europe terminals

SeeGate2 - second generation, state-of-the-art portal systems are ordered by 6 container terminals in Europe and Middle East, and in the process of installation.

An example of SeeGate1 system display is shown below. In this example the system captures the images of trucks, their carried containers and wagon registration number. The system recognizes the identification numbers and displays the results on the display. To see an animated screen, press here.

Each Truck & containers (captured from both sides) are displayed by the application and recognized by the SeeCar and SeeContainer software DLLs. Then the truck license plate number and Container Code are displayed above the images and on the bottom history display.

The above example is also available in executable form, and very useful for early integration of the messages or communication into your local application. You can download it here (latest simulation version is July 23, 2002.). The zip file should first be extracted to your directory, then follow the readme.txt instructions. This simulation includes SeeGateClient application that intercepts the DDE messages and writes the recognition results to a log file.

Another simulation is a Security check for 'wanted' containers, using a special Client application (SeeContTrap) that activates a 'siren' when it encounters a container listed on a 'black' list. The SeeGate 'system' runs in the background and sends DDE messages to this special client. This Client application can be added to existing or new SeeGate installations, and can also be on a central server that keeps an eye on all the lanes. You can download it here (latest simulation version is Dec 30, 2002.). The zip file should first be extracted to your directory, then activate Runme.bat or follow the instructions in Readme.txt.