05-06. MayJun 2022 issue-v2.qxp_Pages-12-40-JanFeb WPD 01/06/2022 12:39 Page 19
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OCR latest and a first….
In the quest to increase efficiency, productivity and safety, terminal operators are opting for the use of artificial intelligence technologies and modern automated control systems for their OCR Systems. Thomas Francis reports…
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he capturing and processing of key data detected by Optical Character Recognition (OCR) systems has been in place now for many years. The data of containers and vehicles enhance the container handling process through shorter lead-time and higher data quality. It enables the automatic release and confirmation of work order from the terminal operating system to the container handling truck in real-time. Those operators who have deployed OCR systems in their terminals have quickly realised the savings and benefits of such a system, including reduced data entry errors, reduced operating costs and increased crane productivity. Over the last couple of years, we have also seen the introduction of artificial intelligence technology for OCR systems.
32 World Port Development June 2022
As containers are being handled, at speed, across multiple layers of container handling equipment, key data is being captured. This innovative method of acquiring OCR data in motion allows users to automate container identification both on the landside and quayside. Spain-based Orbita Ingenieria SL, Ports and Terminals Division, has been delivering solutions for many years by providing automation services and engineering aimed to enhance the processes of its ports and terminals customers, including through its gate, crane, and rail suite offerings as well as expertise in the ocular character recognition space (OCR). For example, one of their innovative solutions is the CraneCCR system which consists of a vision hardware controlled by an embedded software application. The CraneCCR controls the crane, ensuring a continuous monitoring of the spreader, as well as the identification of different type of movements (loading, unloading, removals, lane changes, gantry movements, etc.).
In addition, the CraneCCR hardware has been adapted to optimise image capture conditions. The cameras provide PTZ technology, combining the latest pan, tilt and zoom camera technology with state-of-the-art control algorithms. The system captures container ID numbers, container ISO code, container IMO placards presence, images of all visible container sides, internal terminal truck number (ITTI) and seal presence. It was no secret that the services offered by Orbita Ingeniera drew the attention of US-based TMEIC Corporation Americas, a subsidiary of Toshiba Mitsubishi-Electric Industrial Systems Corporation (TMEIC), and specialising in crane controls and automation including their MaxView range of advanced crane systems.At the beginning of April, TMEIC announced it completed the acquisition of the Ports and Terminals Division of Orbita Ingenieria SL (Orbita) through its wholly owned subsidiary, TMEIC Port Technologies SL. “Orbita’s expertise and experience enhances our Port Automation offering,” said Declan Daly, Vice President of Industrial Systems at TMEIC Corp Americas.
