Pitcrew Compliance is tailor made to assist transport authorities in heavy vehicle compliance checks. Automated inspection technologies are leveraged to allow for more thorough, streamlined compliance checks, helping to keep roads safer for all users.
Background
According to Australian Government data, during the 12 months to the end of September 2019, 182 people died from 165 fatal crashes involving heavy trucks. Approximately 7.5% of all truck accidents are a direct result of brake or wheel failures, which could be detected by the Pitcrew Compliance product. On the above statistics, this equates to 14 deaths over 12 months.
The Technology
Long wave infrared (LWIR) thermal imaging cameras (TIC) display differences in temperatures by detecting the intensity of thermal radiation. The cameras used can accurately measure the temperature of more than 300,000 separate points, simultaneously.
Malfunctioning brakes, overheated bearings and other tyre risks can be detected by thermal anomalies, which are easily identifiable by the thermal imaging camera.
For example, defective or non-functioning brakes are typically colder than a vehicle's operational brakes. This difference is clearly visible on a thermal image.
Workflow
The Pitcrew Compliance platform provides a web-based user interface (web UI) for operators to view the assessment of vehicles. The live stream view is shown in the video below.
After the vehicle has moved over the camera, the results of this assessment are presented through the web UI. The system automatically detects the number of axles and individually analyses each one, returning the assessment frame as an image to show the operator the temperature differential between the brakes. An overall assessment is made and a 'Pass' or 'Fail' is assigned to each axle. The image below shows an example of a failed and a passed axle.
