Computer Recognition Systems in currently in the process of delivering a system to the University of Kentucky Transportation Center to capture images of and weigh overweight commercial vehicles. The system makes use of the CRS HawkEye™ digital high-resolution camera, a quartz piezo weigh-in-motion system, and the Windows® and PC based CRS WeighZone™ lane controller. When a vehicle passes the site, an image is captured along with its associated weight, speed and classification. All the files are time and date stamped and then transferred to a weigh station 16 miles away. Officers use a review station to monitor CVO traffic and decide whether or not they wish to pursue the vehicle. One of the great benefits of this project is that it can be installed anywhere with power and a phone line to enable CVO officers to monitor traffic attempting to bypass a weigh station.

This system has great potential for revolutionizing commercial vehicle enforcement. It allows enforcement personnel to expand their enforcement coverage beyond the fixed weigh stations. They can perform the same checks that they do at a fixed weigh station, but they can now do it anywhere, on any route in the state, for a fraction of the cost. This prototype application broadens the scope of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) by showing the potential for ITS technology to be expanded into non-traditional areas. Funding for the Virtual Weigh Station project is being provided by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the Federal Highway Administration.