SICK’s Free Flow Profiler scans vehicles on the move

The company says that the Free Flow Profiler is a “versatile and adaptable” all-weather system. It is “ideal for vehicle tolling and classification uses, especially useful in operations such as optimal weight loading of ferries or trains and for verifying vehicle dimensions to maximise revenue recovery”.  

During multilane, free road movement, 3316 SICK 2D LiDAR sensors are set up to scan traffic at a high frequency and measure vehicle length, width and height automatically. Typically, three SICK sensors will be gantry-mounted. However, the system can be enlarged to encompass multiple lanes or adapted with varying sensor layouts to obtain information for monitoring purposes. The system operates up to 40m to profile all vehicle types, from heavy road transport to passenger cars, towed vehicles and motorcycles.

Vehicle measurements are processed in the SICK Traffic Controller to produce a highly-accurate 3D model of each vehicle. The system captures vehicle dimensions, vehicle type, driving direction and lane assignment. Options to integrate vehicle classification, axle counting or detection of overheated vehicle parts can be added to meet local operator conditions and requirements.
 

The SICK Free Flow Profiler system can be incorporated into new facilities, retrofitted and even easily relocated. Capable of accurately profiling vehicles at speeds from 0-120kph, it can be integrated with other traffic management monitoring systems such as optical character recognition, CCTV and security.

Gantry-mounted, or direct-mounted on existing structures over traffic lanes, installation is non-disruptive without disturbance of the road surface. The IP67 protected SICK LMS511 Class 1 (eye-safe) LiDAR sensors have an operating temperature range of -30°C to +60°C.

The Free Flow Profiler software provides operators with easy access to the collected and processed data. Easy to commission with an installation wizard and simple to operate, data can be accessed via a standard web browser and downloaded via the TCP/IP interface to the customer traffic management control. History of the last 50 vehicles is displayed automatically.

“It offers a versatile solution whenever accurate 3D vehicle profile is an advantage,” says Neil Sandhu, SICK’s UK product manager for imaging, measurement and ranging. “For example, warnings of over height or over-sized vehicles, approaching bridges or tunnels or loading ferries so that the distribution of vehicles and weights is optimised. Up to 30 different automated vehicle classifications enable precise charging of toll fees.”