With the increased threat of terrorism, smuggling, and modification of vehicles without authorization, being able to inspect vehicles has never been more important, especially in areas where you would expect the highest security such as Airports, Military Bases, Government Buildings, Hotels, Customs, and Corporate Facilities; Under Vehicle Inspection Systems play a major role in these areas.
An Under Vehicle Inspection System gives real-time scanning capability and high-resolution images of the vehicle’s undercarriage, to identify the presence of things such as explosives, prohibited items, illegal attachments to the vehicle, or compartments hidden in the vehicle.
In this article we will look at the top three types of Under Vehicle Inspection Systems (Fixed, Portable, and Embedded), how they work, their uses, and how to select the correct system based on your needs.
What is an Under Vehicle Inspection System?
An Under Vehicle Inspection System is a security system that enables a user to capture accurate images of the underside of any vehicle to analyze those images for potential security threats. The Under Vehicle Inspection System employs Artificial Intelligence, High Definition Cameras, LED Illumination and Scanning Software to provide a high-quality visual of the vehicle’s undercarriage within a matter of seconds, without any manual intervention required.
Types of Under Vehicle Inspection Systems
There are three main types of UVIS categorized by how they are installed, their mobility, and the purposes for which they are used:
1. Fixed UVIS
Best for:
Airports, Military Bases, Government Facilities, Industrial Plants, Embassies, Corporate Headquarters, Public Events and Large Gated Communities.
What does it consist of?
- Installation: Designed to be permanently installed on a roadway or entrance gate.
- Technology: High-Resolution Cameras ANPR, AI Detection, Automated Alerts.
- How it works: When the vehicle drives over the UVIS, the system automatically scans the vehicle.
Advantages of Fixed UVIS
The Fixed UVIS system is fully automated and delivers highly efficient results in terms of scanning vehicles.
- The UVIS can continuously catch all vehicles with no manual operation.
- The UVIS may be integrated into Security Gates, Barriers and Boom Barriers.
- The Fixed UVIS is suitable for scaling into areas where there is a large traffic volume.
Limitations of Fixed UVIS
- The cost of installing a Fixed UVIS system is very high.
- Installing the Fixed UVIS system requires civil works and other infrastructure development.
- The Fixed UVIS system is not a recommended solution for temporary deployments.
Example of Fixed UVIS
As the vehicle passes over the scanning ramp, the Fixed UVIS system captures the complete undercarriage photograph of the vehicle. In addition to capturing an image, the Fixed UVIS system captures any anomalies such as Wires Hanging, Metal Boxes, Oil Leakage, and unusual modifications.
Portable UVIS
Best for: Events, Temporary Checkpoints, Hotels, NGOs, Police, Field Operations, Disaster Relief, and Military Field Camps.
What does it consist of?
- Installation: The design of the Portable UVIS is lightweight and can be readily deployed without any civil construction.
- Technology: The Portable UVIS uses HD Cameras, LED Lights, a Scanning Plate, and a Monitor that Controls the Portable UVIS.
- How it works: The vehicle drives slowly over the portable inspection pad.
Advantages:
- Quickly installed in less than 5 minutes.
- Cost savings are a major reason to consider for smaller operations.
- Also works well for temporary operations or for operations that require mobile locations.
- Also lower infrastructure requirements due to a smaller footprint.
Limitations:
- Image resolution is lower than fixed-position systems.
- Scans require manual monitoring to be effective.
- Less robust during inclement weather.
Example of use:
On the ground, the portable scanning unit will capture the live feed of passing vehicles to a laptop or tablet in real-time for analysis.
Example 2 – Under-Vehicle Inspection System
Best Positioned At: Border Crossings, Shipping Ports, Toll Booths, Metro Rail Depots, Large Logistics Hubs and Defense Installations
Features:
- Installation – Embedded into the road surface.
- Technology – Scans 360 degrees from the Front of Vehicle; Motion Detection
- Operation – Fully Automated Scanning; Detection Alert Capability
- Integration – Links to Bollards, Barriers, Alarms, and Control Room
Advantages:
- Advanced security with integrated analytical capabilities
- Suitable for heavy-duty Scanning
- Highly Discreet
- Difficult to tamper with
- Best Positioned for high-security areas
Limitations:
- The Device is Costly/Vastly Complicated to Install
- Until Long-term option for use can justify the expense, trained operators will not be engaged to maintain the device
Embedded Under Vehicle Inspection System
Best for: Border crossings, seaports, toll gates, metro rail depots, large logistics hubs, defense installations.
Features:
- Installation is seamless and into the road surface.
- 360 degree vehicle imaging, motion detection, AI analytics technology
- Fully automated scanning with detection alerts and operation
- Linked to bollards, barriers, alarms, and control room integration
Advantages:
- Advanced security with integrated analytics
- Suitable for heavy-duty scanning
- Highly discreet and tamper-proof
- Perfect for high-security zones
Limitations:
- Expensive and complex to install
- Requires trained operators and maintenance
- Needs long-term use to justify investment
Which UVIS is Right for You?
- Portable UVIS: Temporary installations for events or mobile inspections.
- Fixed UVIS: Main Gate High Traffic Areas (Office Complexes, Shopping Centres, Hotels).
- Embedded UVIS: Extremely Sensitive Security Areas (Borders, Military, Shipping Ports).
- Portable UVIS: Cost-Effective, Low Maintenance Design.
Important Features for Any Type of UVIS Include:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) Based Object Detection
- Full 1080p Or 4K HD Scanning Quality
- Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)
- Cloud-Based Record Storage
- Ability To Compare Images of Vehicles (Current & Past)
- Real-Time Alert Systems and Threat Tagging
- Fully Waterproof/Dustproof and Weather Resistant Enclosure
Concluding Thoughts
Each of the types of UVIS listed above have unique purposes. Portable UVIS will provide you with the most flexibility and convenience, while fixed UVIS solutions offer the best solution for commercial or institutional grade security services. Embedded UVIS are the best choice for high-security, mission-critical applications.
With the increasing number of threats that exist in today’s world, selecting the correct type of UVIS is not just about convenience; it is also an important step in protecting the lives and property of yourself, your family and your nation.
