How sensors help with vehicle recognition
When a vehicle enters the car wash, correct recognition is very important. Is it a van, a car or something in between? This way, the car wash can offer the correct wash programs. The German company TSG uses ultrasonic sensor technology, which enables precise vehicle recognition.
When van drivers select a car wash program, it can have several consequences. Some car washes are programmed so that the sensor technology adjusts to the standard dimensions of a car. “Oversizing” in such cases leads to malfunctions.
Nevertheless, van drivers may try to cut costs by choosing an ordinary car wash program, which then negatively affects the result. To avoid such problems, detecting the vehicle type with the CarwashPay system from TSG Germany can be helpful.
How does it work?
To ensure correct vehicle detection, an ultrasonic sensor is installed vertically above the vehicle under the car wash canopy. This positioning enables accurate measurement of the vehicle height.
The ultrasonic sensor detects the height of the vehicle while it is in front of the entrance to the car wash. The precise measurement determines whether the vehicle is a car or a van. The bench mark is usually 2.10 m. Vehicles below this height are classified as passenger cars and vehicles above this height will be classified as vans.
Real time
Based on the measurement results of the ultrasonic sensor, a corresponding signal (HIGH or LOW) is sent to the CarwashPay system. This signal transmission is automatic and in real time. The CarwashPay system uses the received signal to show the customer the available wash programs on a display for selection at the entrance to the car wash.
Wash offers that are not suitable for other vehicle sizes are automatically hidden. Customers with cars are only offered the wash programs for cars, while van drivers are presented with the specific wash programs for vans.
Canopy required
Precise measurement ensures that customers with vans cannot unintentionally select the less expensive wash programs for cars. This protects the car wash operator from financial losses and ensures fair pricing for all customers.
It also provides an improved customer experience, increases the efficiency of the car wash, and minimizes the risk of customer error.
One thing though: a canopy is a structural requirement for mounting the sensor in front of the car wash entrance.
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