Multifunctional auxiliary systems and methods for integrated information-based container areas

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of wharf intelligent control equipment, and more particularly to a composite information-based container area multifunctional auxiliary system and method. The system comprises a sensor system arranged on a container; the container (2) comprises a container vertical frame (1), a container transverse frame (3), and a column frame (5); the container vertical frame (1), the container transverse frame (3), and the column frame (5) integrally constitute an external frame of the container; four column frames (5) are located at four corners of the container; the sensor system is provided with sensors (9) above and below the column frame (5); the present application can determine whether the container is fixed and the approximate position by using the sensors at the four corners.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of intelligent control equipment for ports, and more particularly to a multi-functional auxiliary system and method for composite information-based container areas. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the three-dimensional positioning of containers still relies mainly on human observation, and the level of intelligence is still limited.

[0003] A search on CNKI using the keywords "container, intelligentization, location, and support" yielded no relevant literature.

[0004] On April 25, 2022, Gao Shaobo from Jiangsu University of Science and Technology published "Research on Container Pose Measurement Based on Binocular Vision";

[0005] On May 30, 2022, Kong Yuxin from Shandong University published "Design and Implementation of Intelligent Container Loading and Unloading System at the Terminal Based on Reinforcement Learning";

[0006] On June 15, 2022, Liu Rumei and Han Dongdong published "A Brief Analysis of Artificial Intelligence Safety Management System for Intelligent Container Terminals" in "Port Engineering Technology".

[0007] The above technologies share a common drawback: First, they cannot determine the container's position based on the sensor's compression position while simultaneously positioning the container's four corners; second, they cannot provide a multi-functional integrated support system.

[0008] A search of the China Patent Publication Database using "container and intelligentization and location and support" as abstract keywords yielded no relevant literature. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Purpose of the invention: To provide a more effective multi-functional auxiliary system and method for composite information-based container areas; specific objectives are detailed in the specific implementation section, which outlines several substantial technical effects.

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0011] The multi-functional auxiliary system for composite information-based container areas is characterized by:

[0012] The system includes a sensor system deployed within the container;

[0013] Container 2 includes vertical frame 1, horizontal frame 3, and column frame 5; the vertical frame 1, horizontal frame 3, and column frame 5 together constitute the external frame of the container.

[0014] The four upright frames 5 are located at the four corners of the container;

[0015] The sensor system consists of sensors 9 arranged above and below the column frame 5;

[0016] The column frame 5 is a hollow frame; a storage battery is attached to it, which can power the sensor 9.

[0017] Sensor 9 is an infrared position sensor.

[0018] A further technical solution of the present invention is that the containers are stacked on top of each other, and the sensor system of the stacked containers is turned on periodically.

[0019] A further technical solution of the present invention is that the upper edge support protrusion 4 of the stacked containers fits into the bottom groove 6 of the upper container.

[0020] A further technical solution of the present invention is that a central gap 7 is included between two rows of stacked containers, and an integral multi-purpose frame can walk in the central gap 7. The integral multi-purpose frame includes a structural whole composed of auxiliary frames 10. A container can be temporarily placed on the top of the structural whole. A front connecting plate 18 is arranged at the front end of the structural whole.

[0021] A further technical solution of the present invention is that the front of the overall multi-purpose frame is provided with a rear mounting plate 14 and a front mounting plate 17. A forward / reverse motor 20 is arranged on the front mounting plate 17. The power output shaft of the forward / reverse motor 20 is a threaded rod 16, and a threaded rod 16 is provided with…

[0022] The movable block 13 has a built-in battery and includes mounting holes 21 for mounting a camera.

[0023] A further technical solution of the present invention is that the camera and sensor system are communicatively connected to the central control system.

[0024] A further technical solution of the present invention is that it also includes a smooth rod 15 arranged parallel to the threaded rod 16, the smooth rod 15 passing through the moving block 13.

[0025] A multi-functional auxiliary method for integrated information-based customs container areas, characterized by utilizing any of the auxiliary systems described above, includes the following steps.

[0026] Each container's sensor signals are wirelessly connected to the central control system, receiving instructions for container placement and relocation.

[0027] Overhead crane movement: Move the container to be placed above the existing container on the ground for rough alignment;

[0028] Alignment mode: Alignment is considered complete only when the sensors at the four corners of the upper container are aligned with the sensors at the four corners of the lower container, thus achieving assisted alignment.

[0029] The upper and lower containers are accurately placed based on the accurate signals determined by the sensors.

[0030] Coverage determination: If the sensors at the four corners of the container do not have any signals, it is determined that there is no coverage above and no container is being squeezed from above;

[0031] The location of all containers in the entire customs terminal area is determined by the sensor array of each container.

[0032] A further technical solution of the present invention is that, when the target is the container below, the overall multi-purpose frame can temporarily store the container; the overall multi-purpose frame can serve as a temporary transfer device to transfer the container.

[0033] A further technical solution of the present invention is that the inspection camera with an overall multi-purpose frame can monitor the customs terminal area.

[0034] The present invention, which adopts the above technical solution, has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art: In view of the defects of the prior art, "first, it is impossible to determine the position of the container based on the compression position of the sensor while positioning the container itself at the four corners;", the present invention is innovative in that it can perform alignment and use sensors at the top and bottom four corners to determine whether the container is pressed down and its approximate position.

[0035] Addressing the shortcomings of existing technologies, namely "Secondly, the inability to provide a multi-functional integrated support," this invention innovatively provides a multi-purpose support. A central gap 7 is included between two rows of stacked containers, within which an integral multi-purpose frame can travel. This integral multi-purpose frame comprises a structural unit consisting of auxiliary frames 10. Containers can be temporarily placed on top of this structural unit. A front connecting plate 18 is arranged at the front end of the structural unit.

[0036] It can serve as a temporary transfer or support frame, eliminating the need for container transfer vehicles, and can also be used as an inspection frame when valuable items are loaded in two key containers. Attached Figure Description

[0037] To further illustrate the present invention, the following description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

[0038] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the temporary support structure for the invention;

[0039] Figure 2 A structural diagram showing the arrangement of the power unit of the inspection camera for the invention;

[0040] Figure 3 A structural diagram showing the layout of the operating components of the inspection camera for the invention;

[0041] Figure 4 A structural diagram of the container for the invention;

[0042] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the container layout;

[0043] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Enlarged view of the local structure;

[0044] Figure 7 A diagram illustrating the implementation steps of the invention;

[0045] The components are: 1. Vertical frame of the container; 2. Container; 3. Horizontal frame of the container; 4. Edge support protrusion; 5. Column frame; 6. Bottom groove; 7. Middle gap; 8. Protruding surface; 9. Sensor; 10. Auxiliary frame; 11. Base plate; 12. Casters; 13. Moving block; 14. Rear mounting plate; 15. Smooth rod; 16. Threaded rod; 17. Front mounting plate; 18. Front connecting plate; 19. Threaded hole; 20. Forward and reverse motor; 21. Mounting hole. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The present invention will be further illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the following specific embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," "outer," "top," and "bottom," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. In addition, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication of two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0047] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0048] This invention provides multiple parallel solutions; the different descriptions represent improved solutions or parallel solutions based on the basic solution. Each solution has its own unique characteristics. Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of this invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other. Fixing methods not described herein can be any type of fixing, such as threaded fixing, bolt fixing, or adhesive bonding.

[0049] Example 1: Referring to all the attached drawings; the multi-functional auxiliary system for composite information-based container areas, characterized in that,

[0050] The system includes a sensor system deployed within the container;

[0051] Container 2 includes vertical frame 1, horizontal frame 3, and column frame 5; the vertical frame 1, horizontal frame 3, and column frame 5 together constitute the external frame of the container.

[0052] The four upright frames 5 are located at the four corners of the container;

[0053] The sensor system consists of sensors 9 arranged above and below the column frame 5;

[0054] The column frame 5 is a hollow frame; a storage battery is attached to it, which can power the sensor 9.

[0055] Sensor 9 is an infrared position sensor. The substantive technical effects and implementation process of the technical solution described herein, i.e., its basic functions, are as follows:

[0056] A multi-functional auxiliary method for integrated information-based customs container areas, characterized by utilizing any of the auxiliary systems described above, includes the following steps.

[0057] Each container's sensor signals are wirelessly connected to the central control system, receiving instructions for container placement and relocation.

[0058] Overhead crane movement: Move the container to be placed above the existing container on the ground for rough alignment;

[0059] Alignment mode: Alignment is considered complete only when the sensors at the four corners of the upper container are aligned with the sensors at the four corners of the lower container, thus achieving assisted alignment.

[0060] The upper and lower containers are accurately placed based on the accurate signals determined by the sensors.

[0061] Coverage determination: If the sensors at the four corners of the container do not have any signals, it is determined that there is no coverage above and no container is being squeezed from above;

[0062] The location of all containers in the entire customs terminal area is determined by the sensor array of each container.

[0063] In response to the shortcomings of existing technologies, namely, "first, it is impossible to determine the container's position based on the compression position of the sensors while simultaneously locating the container at its four corners," this invention innovatively enables alignment while also using sensors at the top and bottom four corners to determine whether the container is being compressed and its approximate location.

[0064] Addressing the shortcomings of existing technologies, namely "Secondly, the inability to provide a multi-functional integrated support," this invention innovatively provides a multi-purpose support. A central gap 7 is included between two rows of stacked containers, within which an integral multi-purpose frame can travel. This integral multi-purpose frame comprises a structural unit consisting of auxiliary frames 10. Containers can be temporarily placed on top of this structural unit. A front connecting plate 18 is arranged at the front end of the structural unit.

[0065] It can serve as a temporary transfer or support frame, eliminating the need for container transfer vehicles, and can also be used as an inspection frame when valuable items are loaded in two key containers.

[0066] Example 2: As a further improvement, parallel, or optional independent solution, the containers are stacked on top of each other, and the sensor systems of the stacked containers are periodically activated. The substantive technical effect and implementation process of this technical solution, i.e., its basic function, are as follows: periodic activation, without continuous power consumption, but capable of acquiring positional status in stages.

[0067] Example 3: As a further improvement, parallel solution, or optional independent solution, the upper edge support protrusion 4 of the stacked containers fits into the bottom groove 6 of the upper container. The substantive technical effect and implementation process of this technical solution, i.e., its basic function, are as follows: For current standard containers, the alignment effect is better.

[0068] Example 4: As a further improvement, parallel, or optional independent solution, the front of the overall multi-purpose frame is provided with a rear mounting plate 14 and a front mounting plate 17. A forward / reverse motor 20 is mounted on the front mounting plate 17. The power output shaft of the forward / reverse motor 20 is a threaded rod 16, and a moving block 13 is mounted on the threaded rod 16. The moving block 13 houses a battery and includes mounting holes 21 for mounting a camera. The substantive technical effect and implementation process of this technical solution, i.e., its basic function, are as follows: This embodiment provides a specific implementation structure for an inspection camera; similar implementation structures are all within the protection scope of this invention.

[0069] Example 5: As a further improvement, parallel, or optional independent solution, the camera and sensor system are communicatively connected to the central control system. The substantive technical effect and implementation process of this technical solution, i.e., its basic function, are as follows: it can be integrated into the central display screen for centralized management.

[0070] Example 6: As a further improvement, parallel solution, or optional independent solution, it also includes a smooth rod 15 arranged parallel to the threaded rod 16, the smooth rod 15 passing through the movable block 13. The substantial technical effect and implementation process of this technical solution, i.e., its basic function, are as follows: the smooth rod is mainly used for parallel guidance.

[0071] Example 7: As a further improvement, parallel, or alternative independent solution, when the target is the container below, the overall multi-purpose frame can temporarily store the container; the overall multi-purpose frame can also serve as a temporary transfer device to transport the container.

[0072] Example 8: As a further improvement, parallel solution, or optional independent solution, the inspection camera of the overall multi-purpose frame can monitor the customs terminal area.

[0073] Innovatively, each of the above effects exists independently, yet a single structure can be used to combine the results.

[0074] It should be noted that the multiple solutions provided by this invention include their own basic solutions, are independent of each other and do not restrict each other, but they can also be combined with each other without conflict to achieve multiple effects together.

[0075] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A multifunctional auxiliary system for a complex information container area, characterized in that the system comprises a sensor system arranged on the container; the container (2) comprises a container vertical frame (1), a container transverse frame (3), and a column frame (5); the container vertical frame (1), the container transverse frame (3), and the column frame (5) constitute the outer frame of the container as a whole; four column frames (5) are located at the four corners of the container; the sensor system comprises sensors (9) arranged above and below the four column frames (5) respectively; the position of all containers in the whole customs port area is determined by the sensor group of each container; the column frame (5) is a hollow frame, in which a storage battery is arranged; the storage battery can supply power to the sensor (9); the sensor (9) is an infrared position sensor; the auxiliary method of the auxiliary system comprises the following steps: the sensor signal of each container is wirelessly connected to the central control system, and the upper and lower containers are stacked according to the signal determined by the sensor; whether the coverage is determined: if there is no signal from the sensors at the four corners of the container, it is determined that there is no coverage above, and there is no extrusion of the container above. The containers are stacked with each other, and the sensor system of the stacked containers is regularly turned on.

2. The multi-functional auxiliary system for complex information container area according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper edge support protrusion (4) of the container above and the bottom groove (6) of the container above are matched.

3. The multi-functional auxiliary system for complex information container area according to claim 2, characterized in that, A middle gap (7) is arranged between the two rows of containers stacked with each other, and a whole multipurpose frame can move in the middle gap (7); the whole multipurpose frame comprises a structure as a whole formed by an auxiliary frame (10); the structure as a whole can temporarily place a container above; a front connecting plate (18) is arranged at the front end of the structure as a whole.

4. The multi-functional auxiliary system for a complex information container area according to claim 3, characterized in that, The front part of the whole multipurpose frame is provided with a rear mounting plate (14) and a front mounting plate (17); a reversible motor (20) is arranged on the front mounting plate (17); the power output shaft of the reversible motor (20) is a threaded rod (16); a moving block (13) is arranged on the threaded rod (16); a storage battery is built-in in the moving block (13); the moving block (13) comprises a mounting hole (21) for mounting a camera.

5. The multi-functional auxiliary system for complex information container area according to claim 4, characterized in that, The camera and the sensor system are communicatively connected to the central control system.

6. The complex information container area multifunctional auxiliary system according to claim 5, wherein The auxiliary system further comprises a light rod (15) arranged parallel to the threaded rod (16); the light rod (15) penetrates through the moving block (13).

7. The multi-functional auxiliary system for a complex information container area according to claim 5, wherein The auxiliary system comprises the following steps:

8. A multi-functional auxiliary method for a complex information-based customs container area, characterized in that, the sensor signal of each container is wirelessly connected to the central control system, and the container is placed and moved according to the signal received by the container; the crane moves: the container to be placed is moved to the upper part of the container already on the ground for rough alignment; alignment mode: only when the sensors at the four corners of the container above and the sensors at the four corners of the container below are aligned, it is considered that the alignment is achieved, and the auxiliary alignment is realized; the upper and lower containers are accurately placed according to the accurate signal determined by the sensor; whether the coverage is determined: if there is no signal from the sensors at the four corners of the container, it is determined that there is no coverage above, and there is no extrusion of the container above. the position of all containers in the whole customs port area is determined by the sensor group of each container. ​ 9. The complex informationized customs container area multifunctional auxiliary method according to claim 8, characterized in that, When the target is a container below, the whole multipurpose frame can temporarily store the container; the whole multipurpose frame can transfer the container as a temporary transfer device.

10. The complex information-based customs container area multifunctional assistance method according to claim 9, characterized by, The inspection camera of the whole multipurpose frame can monitor the customs port area.

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