Rail vehicles usually carry an EVN number (European Vehicle Number), formerly known as a UIC number (named after the International Union of Railways, the UIC, French "Union Internationale des Chemins de fer"). This number is automatically recognized, and the vehicles are thus uniquely identified.
In closed, private rail networks, such as those used in mining, industrial parks, or ports, there are also vehicles without official number plates. They are assigned their own TRENPEX number, known as a TPID (TRENPEX Identification Number), so that these vehicles can also be automatically recognized and identified.
The cameras in the TRENPEX RailGate on site take pictures of the vehicles. This raw data (frames) is then processed in the downstream image processing (in the TRENPEX DataHub) into high-resolution images for each individual rail vehicle, which you can then view via the TRENPEX portal. Numerous details can be seen, such as lever and valve positions or damage and dirt. As standard, you receive two high-resolution images of each rail vehicle as a side view: one image shows the car in full height, the other shows the bogies. This allows you, for example, to immediately inspect the brake shoe linings or identify the numbers of the carrying cars.
The TRENPEX solution, with its IT infrastructure, is fundamentally designed in such a way that, if necessary, the view from the opposite side of the track and the view from above the rail vehicle can also be integrated. These enhancements to improve recognition performance are always useful or necessary if the numbers on one side are damaged, if you want to check the correct labeling on both sides for hazardous goods transports, or, for example, to defend against claims for damages.
Installation
Space-saving and flexible
The installation does not interfere with the superstructure of the track system, which is why no approval is required.
For the on-site connection, we only need a standard power supply with 110 or 230 volts.
The TRENPEX RailGate requires only a small distance to the track or clearance gauge (60 cm) and can also be installed between adjacent tracks to seamlessly detect rail traffic on neighboring tracks.
If necessary, a switch box can be installed on both sides of the track. If you also need a view from above (for example, to check the fill level or to inspect the cargo), cameras can also be installed above the track so that you can monitor the passing rail vehicles from all angles. Cameras can also be installed above electrified tracks with overhead lines.
Dimensions: 30 x 40 x 250 cm
Power supply: 110 or 230 volts
Distance: 60 cm from the track or wagon
Benefits
Camera system for continuous 24/7 detection of rail vehicles
The hardware with integrated camera is mounted directly outside the clearance profile and requires only a minimal distance from the track, making installation extremely flexible—even between adjacent tracks in the area of a track harp, track field, or track group. Thanks to its close proximity to the side wall of the wagon, there are no temporary obstructions between the camera and the rail vehicles, ensuring uninterrupted image capture. The system is capable of capturing rail vehicles of any length completely, without distortion, and in a single image, regardless of the direction of travel and speed.
Equipped with integrated infrared lighting, the system operates reliably around the clock without the limitations normally associated with white light illumination. The high-resolution images enable precise detection of even the smallest details and damage to rail vehicles and freight, such as screws, brake lever positions, seals, dents, and contamination.
Our proprietary OCR engine achieves an automatic recognition rate of nearly 100% for all regulatory markings. In addition, centralized post-processing through TRENPEX ensures the complete extraction of relevant information, including EVN numbers, hazardous goods markings, BIC/ILU container codes, and much more.
| Just an arm's length away from the tracks | |
| Installation between adjacent tracks | |
| No temporary obstacles between the camera and the cars | |
| Unlimited vehicle length | |
| 24-hour operation | |
| No exposure restrictions | |
| High-resolution images (up to 16k) |
Looking for a road logistics solution?
Our proven technology is not only suitable for rail. There is also a special solution for trucks and road vehicles that offers the same precision and reliability for intermodal transport.
About the TRENPEX RoadGate solution