Inductive power transfer feedback in container scanning systems

Abstract

The invention relates to a container scanning system, comprising a track which can be mounted on a bracket or a cross beam of a container loading and unloading crane, the track comprising a wiring space; a sensing unit movably mounted along the track, where the sensing unit is configured to scan an outer surface of the container and configured to supply power by inductive power transfer; and a synchronous belt within the wiring space configured to move the sensing unit along the track, in which the synchronous belt includes at least one wire member. Wherein the sensing unit is further configured to generate a power feedback signal indicative of an operating state of inductive power transfer to the sensing unit, and configured to transfer the power feedback signal along the at least one wire member; wherein the container scanning system further includes a non-contact receiver configured to contactlessly acquire the power feedback signal from the at least one wire member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to powering the sensing units of a container scanning system by transmitting inductive electrical energy. Background Technology

[0002] Container scanning systems can scan containers being loaded and unloaded by container cranes. Container loading and unloading includes transferring containers onto or from ships, trains, trucks, or trailers, i.e., loading and unloading. Scanning loaded and unloaded containers allows for identification and tracking. For this purpose, container scanning systems typically include sensing units equipped with cameras or sensors for scanning the outer surfaces of containers being loaded and unloaded by container cranes. The sensing units can be movably mounted on rails that are in turn mounted on supports or beams of the container crane. This allows the sensing units to move to the appropriate position to scan the containers as they are being loaded and unloaded by the container crane. EP2730532A1 discloses an example of a container scanning system.

[0003] The sensing units typically move a considerable distance along the track they are mounted on, and may move at considerable speeds. Therefore, the conventional power cables used to power the sensing units within the track can become tangled due to movement. To avoid this, the sensing units in a container scanning system can be powered via inductively coupled power transfer (IPT).

[0004] An IPT typically needs to transmit a power feedback signal from the receiving side (sometimes called the secondary side or secondary coil) back to the transmitting side (sometimes called the primary side or primary coil) of the IPT. The power feedback signal provides feedback information about the IPT's status or operating conditions, allowing adjustments to the power or frequency of the power signal to optimize the IPT's performance and efficiency.

[0005] Power feedback signals can be transmitted via wireless communication channels, such as radio, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi. However, a problem arises because power feedback signals are susceptible to interference and attenuation, limiting their reliability, as distortion reduces the accuracy of the feedback information. This can lead to adjustment errors during power transfer, impacting the efficiency, accuracy, and security of the IPT system. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One of the objectives of this invention is to solve or alleviate the aforementioned problems and challenges by improving the reliability of inductive power transmission in container scanning systems.

[0007] According to the first aspect, this objective is achieved by a container scanning system comprising:

[0008] - A track that can be installed on the brackets or beams of a container handling crane, wherein the track includes wiring space;

[0009] - A sensing unit that is mounted in a movable manner along a track, wherein the sensing unit is configured to scan the outer surface of the container and is configured to be powered by inductive electrical energy transmission.

[0010] - Within the wiring space, a timing belt is configured to move the sensing unit along the track, wherein the timing belt includes at least one conductor component.

[0011] The sensing unit is further configured to generate a power feedback signal indicating an operating state of induced power transmission to the sensing unit, and is configured to transmit the power feedback signal along at least one conductor member; and the container scanning system further includes a non-contact receiver configured to acquire the power feedback signal non-contactly from at least one conductor member.

[0012] Container handling cranes can be any type of crane used for loading, unloading, transferring, or stacking containers typically used for freight transport (such as ocean-going containers). Container handling cranes are used in ports, rail yards, and logistics hubs to transfer containers between ships, trucks, trains, storage yards, and trailers. Container handling cranes can be, for example, ship-to-shore cranes, rubber-tired gantry cranes, rail-mounted gantry cranes, straddle carriers, or automated stacker cranes.

[0013] The sensing unit may include one or more cameras and / or one or more sensors for scanning the outer surface of the container. This can acquire information from the container surface, such as the container's unique identifier, the presence or status of seals on the container doors, RFID tags, classification markings, or International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) codes. This allows for the identification and tracking of containers being handled by container handling cranes. The sensing unit is configured to be powered via Inductively Pulsed Power Transfer (IPT) and generates a power feedback signal indicating the operating status of the IPT.

[0014] A power feedback signal, also known as an IPT power feedback signal, is a control signal used to monitor, regulate, and optimize the power transfer process within an inductive power transfer system. The power feedback signal contains information about inductive power transfer conditions, such as voltage, current, temperature, frequency, power, and efficiency. The power feedback signal allows the IPT's transmitting side to adjust the frequency, phase, and power of the inductive power transfer to maintain optimal efficiency and avoid overload or overheating.

[0015] The innovation lies in that at least one conductor member of the synchronization belt serves as the transmission medium for the power feedback signal generated by the sensing unit. In other words, the power feedback signal is transmitted along at least one conductor member from the sensing unit (i.e., the receiving side of the IPT) to a contactless receiver (i.e., the transmitting side of the IPT). The sensing unit may include a transmitter configured to transmit the generated power feedback signal along at least one conductor member via a wired connection. Alternatively, the sensing unit may include a contactless transmitter configured to transmit the generated power feedback signal non-contactly along at least one conductor member. Obtaining the power feedback signal from at least one conductor member is also non-contact, i.e., through a contactless receiver. This allows the power feedback signal to be transmitted along at least one conductor member of the synchronization belt without affecting the normal operation of the synchronization belt.

[0016] Transmitting the power feedback signal along at least one wire member improves the reliability of induced power transfer to the sensing unit due to its enhanced immunity to interference. This has the advantage of improving the efficiency, accuracy, and safety of induced power transfer to the sensing unit because the power transfer process can be controlled more precisely and reliably. Another advantage is that it reduces the wiring in the container scanning system, as at least one wire member can already be present within a typical synchronization belt. Yet another advantage is that it allows the power feedback signal to be transmitted within the wiring space without significant attenuation due to the track structure, which is crucial for wireless communication signals (such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or radio) transmitted along the relatively long tracks required by the container scanning system.

[0017] According to an exemplary embodiment, at least one wire member may be embedded within the timing belt, or at least one wire member may be mounted on the outer surface of the timing belt.

[0018] According to an example embodiment, at least one wire component may be made of a conductive material or a light-guiding material.

[0019] A light-guiding material is any material that can effectively transmit light and allow light to pass through it. Light-guiding materials can be, for example, optical fibers, glass, plastic polymers, or certain crystals. If at least one conductor component is made of a light-guiding material, the power feedback signal can be transmitted as an optical signal along at least one conductor component.

[0020] A conductive material is any material capable of effectively transmitting electric current. Conductive materials can be, for example, metals (e.g., copper), alloys (e.g., steel), semiconductor materials, or carbon-based materials. If at least one conductor component is made of a conductive material, the power feedback signal can be transmitted as an electrical signal along at least one conductor component.

[0021] According to an exemplary embodiment, at least one conductor member may be a tensile core wire configured to reinforce the synchronous belt.

[0022] Tensile core wires, sometimes also called tensile members, provide strength and reinforcement to the timing belt, helping to maintain its shape, prevent stretching, and improve its durability under tension. The tensile core wires are typically embedded in the timing belt material, such as rubber or polyurethane. This allows the use of elements already present within the timing belt to transmit power feedback signals. The advantage of this is that it eliminates the need for additional wiring within the track to transmit power feedback signals.

[0023] According to an exemplary embodiment, the container scanning system may further include an inductive power transmission line in the wiring space, along which a power signal is transmitted to transmit inductive power to a sensing unit; and wherein the sensing unit may further include an inductive receiver element that is non-contactly coupled to the inductive power transmission line.

[0024] According to an exemplary embodiment, the inductive power transmission line may extend along at least a portion of the track along which the inductive unit can move.

[0025] This allows the sensing unit to be powered by inductive power transfer along the range of its movement on the track, regardless of its position on the track.

[0026] According to an example embodiment, the induced power transmission line may be a Litz line.

[0027] Litz wire consists of multiple relatively thin, individually insulated conductors that can be twisted or braided together. This allows for a more even distribution of current across the conductor surface, reducing effective resistance, skin effect losses, and proximity effect losses.

[0028] According to an example embodiment, the container scanning system may further include one or more inductive battery charging stations arranged at corresponding locations near the track; wherein the one or more inductive battery charging stations receive power signals for transmitting inductive electrical energy to the sensing unit; and wherein the sensing unit further includes a battery configured to power the sensing unit, and an inductive receiver element configured to charge the battery when the inductive charging element is non-contactly coupled to the battery charging station.

[0029] This allows the sensor unit's battery to be charged at different predetermined locations along the track.

[0030] According to an exemplary embodiment, the container scanning system may further include a controller configured to receive a power feedback signal from a contactless receiver and control the transmission of induced electrical energy to the sensing unit based on the power feedback signal.

[0031] The controller can be configured to adjust the operating frequency of the primary coil, the input voltage supplied to the primary coil, the input current supplied to the primary coil, the phase difference between the voltage and current supplied to the primary coil, and / or the cooling of the primary coil. This can improve power delivery, reduce losses, increase efficiency, prevent overheating, adapt to required loads, and avoid thermal performance degradation.

[0032] According to an example embodiment, the power feedback signal may include the battery's state of charge, and the controller may also be configured to move the sensing unit along the track to a location near an inductive battery charging station based on the battery's state of charge.

[0033] The controller can move the sensing unit along a track by moving a timing belt. This can be achieved, for example, by controlling a servo motor coupled to a pulley engaged with the timing belt. For instance, when the state of charge is below a predetermined threshold, the controller can move the sensing unit to a charging position, i.e., closer to the inductive battery charging station.

[0034] According to an example embodiment, the sensing unit may also include a wireless transceiver configured to transmit information about the outer surface of the container.

[0035] According to an example embodiment, the wireless transceiver can be configured to transmit information about the outer surface of a container via a point-to-point data bridge.

[0036] According to an example embodiment, the sensing unit can be coupled to a railcar that is movably coupled to the track.

[0037] According to a second aspect, this disclosure relates to a method for controlling the transmission of inductive electrical energy in a container scanning system; the container scanning system includes a track that can be mounted on a bracket or beam of a container handling crane, wherein the track includes a wiring space; a sensing unit movably mounted along the track, wherein the sensing unit is configured to scan the outer surface of a container and is configured to be powered by the transmission of inductive electrical energy; and the system further includes a timing belt located within the wiring space, the timing belt being configured to move the sensing unit along the track, wherein the timing belt includes at least one conductor member; the method includes:

[0038] - A power feedback signal is generated by the sensing unit to indicate the operating status of the electrical energy transmitted to the sensing unit;

[0039] - Power feedback signals are transmitted along at least one conductive member via a sensing unit; and

[0040] - Power feedback signals are obtained non-contactly from at least one wire component via a non-contact receiver.

[0041] According to an example embodiment, the method may further include controlling the transmission of induced electrical energy to the sensing unit based on a power feedback signal by modulating a power signal for induced electrical energy transmission. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1 An example of an existing container scanning system is shown for scanning containers being handled by container handling cranes;

[0043] Figure 2 A container scanning system according to an example embodiment is shown;

[0044] Figure 3 An example embodiment of a container scanning system is shown, which is further configured to power sensing units at one or more predetermined locations along a track via inductive power transmission; and

[0045] Figure 4 The steps of a method for controlling the transmission of inductive electrical energy in a container scanning system according to an exemplary embodiment are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Figure 1 An example of an existing container scanning system 100 is shown, configured to scan containers being handled by a container handling crane. The container handling crane can be any type of crane configured to load, unload, transfer, or stack containers typically used for freight transport (e.g., ocean shipping containers). Container handling cranes are used in ports, rail yards, and logistics hubs to transfer containers between ships, trucks, trains, stacking yards, and trailers. Container handling cranes can be, for example, ship-to-shore cranes, rubber-tired gantry cranes, rail-mounted gantry cranes, straddle carriers, or automated stacker cranes. The container scanning system 100 can be mounted on such container handling cranes. For this purpose, the container scanning system 100 includes a rail 101 that can be mounted on a support or beam of the container handling crane. The support can refer to a substantially vertically extending portion of the crane structure, while the beam can refer to a substantially horizontally extending portion of the crane structure.

[0047] The container scanning system 100 includes a sensing unit 110 configured to scan the outer surface of containers being loaded or unloaded by a crane. The sensing unit 110 may include one or more cameras and / or one or more sensors for scanning the container's outer surface. This can obtain information from the container surface, such as the container's unique identifier, the presence or status of seals affixed to the container doors, RFID tags, classification markings, or International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) codes.

[0048] To move the sensing unit 110 to the appropriate position to scan the loaded / unloaded container, the sensing unit 110 is mounted movably along the track 101. Movement of the sensing unit 110 along the track 101 can be achieved via a timing belt 103 coupled to the sensing unit. The timing belt 103 can wrap around and engage two pulleys 121, 122 located at opposite ends of the track 101. One or more of the pulleys 121, 122 can be coupled to a motor 130 configured to adjust the rotational position of one or more of the pulleys 121, 122, for example, in… Figure 1 In this configuration, motor 130 enables pulley 122 to rotate 131. The timing belt 103 then rotates around and between the two pulleys 121 and 122. Sensing unit 110 can be directly coupled to the timing belt 103. Alternatively, sensing unit 110 can be connected to a railcar 111 attached to the timing belt 103. This allows sensing unit 110 to move along rail 101 to a suitable scanning position, enabling scanning of the container surface as the container is moved or transported by a container crane, without requiring the container to be brought to a predetermined scanning position.

[0049] Track 101 may also include a wiring space 106. This wiring space 106 can be surrounded by track 101. Therefore, track 101 can be designed as a hollow structure, wherein the hollow portion of this structure serves as an internal passage for wiring 102, 104, timing belt 103, and / or pulleys 121, 122. Track 101 can be designed, for example, as a hollow tube or hollow beam. Track 101 can be made of, for example, aluminum or stainless steel.

[0050] In order for the sensing unit 110 to move to the appropriate position to scan the container being loaded or unloaded, the sensing unit 110 can be configured to travel a considerable distance along the track 101; ideally, the track 101 is installed to extend along the crane's reach or lifting height. The lifting height of next-generation loading and unloading cranes may exceed 50 meters. Furthermore, the sensing unit 110 can be configured to travel these considerable distances at relatively high speeds to quickly reach the appropriate position to scan the container being loaded or unloaded without interrupting or slowing down the container loading and unloading process. Therefore, conventional power cables used to power the sensing unit 110 within the track may easily become tangled due to the movement of the sensing unit 110. To avoid this, the sensing unit 110 can be powered via Inductive Power Transfer (IPT) 107. For this purpose, the container scanning system 100 can include an inductive power line 104 in the wiring space 106 to power the sensing unit 110. In other words, the inductive power line 104 acts as the primary coil in the inductive power transfer system. The inductive power transmission 107 can also be controlled by the controller 140, for example by controlling the voltage, current and frequency of the power signal 141 sent to the power line 104.

[0051] The inductive power transfer 107 typically requires transmitting a power feedback signal from the receiving side (sometimes referred to as the secondary side or secondary coil) of the IPT 107 back to the transmitting side (sometimes referred to as the primary side or primary coil) of the IPT 107. In other words, the power feedback signal can be transmitted from the sensing unit 110 to the controller 140. This power feedback signal provides feedback information about the state or operating conditions of the IPT 107, thereby allowing the power signal 141 to be adjusted to optimize the performance and efficiency of the IPT 107.

[0052] This is typically achieved via a transmitting antenna 112 within the sensing unit 110, configured to transmit the power feedback signal via a wireless communication channel (e.g., radio, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi). However, transmitting the IPT power feedback signal via such a wireless communication channel remains susceptible to interference, leading to signal distortion. This limits the reliability of the feedback signal, as distortion of the power feedback signal affects the acquired feedback information. This can result in incorrect adjustments during power transfer based on erroneous feedback signals (e.g., incorrect adjustments to the power signal 141). Such incorrect adjustments to the IPT process can lead to, for example, excessive or insufficient power output, excessive or insufficient compensation resulting in unstable power output, or operation at suboptimal frequencies or voltage levels, resulting in greater power loss in the form of overheating, component thermal degradation, or improper interruption of the power transfer process. Therefore, a susceptible IPT feedback signal can affect the efficiency, accuracy, and safety of the IPT system. Thus, it is desirable to improve the reliability of the inductive power transfer 107 in the container scanning system 100.

[0053] Figure 2 A container scanning system 200 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The container scanning system 200 includes a track 201 that can be mounted on a support or beam of a container handling crane, wherein the track includes a wiring space 202. The container scanning system 200 also includes a sensing unit 210 movably mounted along the track 201. The sensing unit 210 is further configured to scan the outer surface of a container and is configured to be powered by an inductive power transmission 207. The container scanning system 200 also includes a timing belt 203 disposed within the wiring space 202, the timing belt 203 being configured to move the sensing unit 210 along the track 201. The container scanning system 200 may also include at least two pulleys 221 and 222, around which the timing belt 203 surrounds. At least one of the two pulleys 221 and 222 can be coupled to a motor 230, which is configured to adjust the rotational position of at least one pulley 222 such that a timing belt moves about pulleys 221 and 222, thereby moving the sensing unit 210 along the track 201. Clearly, the track 201, sensing unit 210, timing belt 203, pulleys 221 and 222, and motor 230 can be combined... Figure 1 The same as that discussed in the container scanning system 100.

[0054] The synchronization belt 203 of the container scanning system 200 also includes at least one wire component 252, 262, 272. Figure 2 Exemplary embodiments 250, 260, and 270 of the timing belt 203 are shown. In the first exemplary embodiment 250, a cross-sectional perspective view of the timing belt 203 is shown. The timing belt 250 may include a plurality of guide members 252 that may be embedded within the timing belt 250. In other words, the guide members 252 are completely encased in the material of the timing belt 250 (e.g., rubber or polyurethane). Therefore, the guide members 252 may be disposed between the body 251 and the tooth surface 253 of the timing belt 250. The second exemplary embodiment 260 shows a side view of a cross-sectional portion of the timing belt 203. The timing belt 260 may include a single guide member that may be embedded within the timing belt material, i.e., located between the body 261 and the tooth surface 263. The third exemplary embodiment 270 shows a side view of a cross-sectional portion of the timing belt 203. The timing belt 270 may include one or more guide members 272 that may be mounted on the outer surface of the timing belt. In exemplary embodiment 270, one or more wire members 272 are mounted on top of the body 271 of the timing belt.

[0055] One or more conductor members 252, 262, 272 may be tensile cores configured to reinforce the timing belt 203. Tensile cores are sometimes also referred to as tensile members. The tensile cores provide strength and reinforcement to the timing belt 203, thereby helping to maintain the shape of the timing belt, preventing stretching, and improving its durability under tension. Timing belts typically contain one or more tensile cores.

[0056] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the container scanning system 200 is innovatively configured to use at least one conductor member 252, 262, 272 of the synchronization belt 203 as the transmission medium for the IPT power feedback signal generated by the sensing unit 210. For this purpose, the sensing unit 210 is configured to transmit the power feedback signal along at least one conductor member 252, 262, 272, and the container scanning system further includes a contactless receiver 205. The contactless receiver 205 is configured to acquire the power feedback signal non-contactly from at least one conductor member 252, 262, 272 (i.e., on the primary or transmission side of the induced power transmission). Therefore, the power feedback signal is transmitted along at least one conductor member 252, 262, 272 from the sensing unit 210 (i.e., the receiving side of the IPT 207) to the contactless receiver 205 (i.e., the transmitting side of the IPT 207). Therefore, it is obvious that at least one conductor component 252, 262, 272 can be a tensile core wire already present in a typical synchronous belt, or it can be specially set in or on top of the synchronous belt to transmit power feedback signals.

[0057] At least one conductor member 252, 262, 272 may be made of a conductive material. A conductive material is any material capable of effectively transmitting current, i.e., an electrically conductive material. Conductive materials can be, for example, metals (e.g., copper), alloys (e.g., steel), semiconductor materials, or carbon-based materials. Among other conductive materials, the tensile core wire of the synchronization belt is typically made of steel. It is evident that if at least one conductor member 252, 262, 272 is made of a conductive material, the power feedback signal can be transmitted as an electrical signal along at least one conductor member. For this purpose, the sensing unit 210 may also include a transmitter configured to transmit the generated power feedback signal as an electrical signal along at least one conductor member via a wired connection. Alternatively, the sensing unit may include a wireless transmitter configured to transmit the generated power feedback signal as an electrical signal along at least one conductor member in a non-contact manner. For example, such a non-contact transmitter may operate, for example, based on the principles of inductive coupling and electromagnetic field coupling, to modulate the magnetic field of the conductive conductor members 252, 262, 272 (i.e., around the synchronization belt 203), thereby generating a current within the conductor members. The contactless receiver 205 can acquire the current within the conductor component to obtain a power feedback signal.

[0058] Alternatively, at least one of the wire members 252, 262, 272 may be made of a light-guiding material (i.e., an optical material). A light-guiding material is any material capable of effectively transmitting light and allowing light to travel through it. Light-guiding materials can be, for example, optical fibers, glass, plastic polymers, or certain crystals. It is evident that if at least one wire member is made of a light-guiding material, the power feedback signal can be transmitted as an optical signal along at least one wire member. For this purpose, the sensing unit 210 may also include a transmitter configured to transmit the generated power feedback signal as an optical signal along at least one wire member 252, 262, 272.

[0059] Transmitting the power feedback signal along at least one conductor member 252, 262, 272 improves the reliability of the inductive power transfer 207 to the sensing unit 210 due to its enhanced interference immunity. This has the advantage of improving the efficiency, accuracy, and safety of the inductive power transfer 207 to the sensing unit because the power transfer process can be controlled more precisely and reliably. Another advantage is that the wiring of the container scanning system 200 can be reduced since at least one conductor member 252, 262, 272 can be present in a typical synchronization band. Yet another advantage is that it allows the power feedback signal to be transmitted within the wiring space 202 without significant attenuation due to the track structure 201, which is crucial for wireless communication signals (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or radio) because the required track length for the container scanning system is relatively long.

[0060] The container scanning system 200 may also include a controller 240 configured to receive (206) a power feedback signal from a contactless receiver 205. The controller 240 may also be configured to demodulate the power feedback signal and extract the feedback information contained therein. Based on the extracted information, the controller may further be configured to control the induced power transfer (207) to the sensing unit 210. This can improve power transfer, reduce losses, increase efficiency, prevent overheating, adapt to the required load, and prevent thermal performance degradation. This can be achieved by adjusting the frequency of the power signal 241, the input voltage of the power signal 241, the input current of the power signal 241, or the phase difference between the voltage and current of the power signal 241. In other words, the controller 240 may be configured to adjust the operating conditions of the primary coil of the IPT 207 (i.e., the induced power transfer line 204).

[0061] The inductive power transmission line 204 may extend along a portion of the track 201 along which the sensing unit 210 can move. In other words, the portion of the track 201 containing the inductive power transmission line 204 substantially corresponds to the range of movement of the sensing unit 210 along the track. Figure 2In the example shown, sensing unit 210 is capable of moving along the entire length of track 201. Therefore, IPT power line 204 also extends along the entire length of track 201. This allows sensing unit 210 to be powered via inductive power transfer 207 along its entire range of motion along the track. Clearly, the range of motion of sensing unit 210 can be less than the length of track 201.

[0062] The inductive power line 204 can be a Litz wire, which comprises multiple relatively thin, individually insulated conductors that can be twisted or braided together. This allows the current to be distributed more evenly across the conductor surface, reducing effective resistance, skin effect losses, and proximity effect losses.

[0063] Figure 3 An exemplary embodiment of a container scanning system 300 is shown, which is configured to power a sensing unit 210 at one or more predetermined locations via inductive power transmission. For this purpose, the container scanning system 300 includes one or more inductive battery charging stations 301, 302, 303 arranged along a track at corresponding locations near track 201. It is evident that... Figure 3 An exemplary embodiment is shown, wherein one or more charging stations 301, 302, 303 are located outside the track wall, but the one or more charging stations 301, 302, 303 may also be located inside the track, i.e., within the wiring space 202.

[0064] Charging stations 301, 302, and 303 can be configured to receive corresponding power signals 311, 312, and 313 for inductive power transfer to sensing unit 210. In other words, charging stations 301, 302, and 303 are configured to act as primary coils in the inductive power transfer system. Power signals 311, 312, and 313 can be controlled by controller 240.

[0065] The sensing unit 210 may also include an inductive receiver element configured to function as a secondary coil in the inductive power transfer system. Thus, when the inductive receiver element is located near charging stations 301, 302, and 303, the sensing unit 210 can be powered via IPT. Since this would cause the sensing unit 210 to lose power at locations along track 201 where no nearby charging stations 301, 302, and 303 are located, the sensing unit 210 may also include a battery 310 or an energy storage system to power the sensing unit 210. This allows the battery 310 of the sensing unit 210 to be charged at different predetermined locations along track 201.

[0066] The controller 240 can also be configured to move the sensing unit 210 and its sensing receiver elements closer to the inductive battery charging stations 301, 302, and 303 when the battery 310 of the sensing unit 210 needs charging (i.e., its charge is too low). This can be achieved by including the battery's state of charge in the feedback information of the IPT power feedback signal. The controller 240 can then obtain the state of charge of the battery 310 from the feedback signal 206 obtained from the contactless receiver 205. Based on this state of charge, the controller 240 can provide a control signal 330 to the motor 230 to move the sensing unit closer to the charging position of the charging stations 301, 302, and 303.

[0067] The sensing unit 210 may also include a wireless transceiver 321 configured to transmit 320 information from the outer surface of the container (i.e., information scanned by the sensing unit). For example, this information may be transmitted 320 to a wireless transceiver 322 of the controller 240. Alternatively, the information may be transmitted to a wireless transceiver or receiver of another recipient. The transmitted information may include, for example, the container's unique identifier, the status of the seal affixed to the container door, information contained in an RFID tag, the container's classification identifier, or the container's International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) code. Alternatively, the transmitted information may be raw images and / or video captured by the sensing unit 210 for further processing (e.g., by the controller 240). Preferably, this information may be transmitted via a point-to-point data bridge.

[0068] Figure 4 Step 400 of a method for controlling the transmission of inductive electrical energy in a container scanning system according to an embodiment is shown. The container scanning system includes a track that can be mounted on a bracket or beam of a container handling crane. The track includes a wiring space. The container scanning system also includes a sensing unit movably mounted along the track, wherein the sensing unit is configured to scan the outer surface of the container and is configured to be powered by the transmission of inductive electrical energy. The container scanning system also includes a timing belt located within the wiring space, the timing belt being configured to move the sensing unit along the track, wherein the timing belt includes at least one wire member. The container scanning system may, for example, be... Figure 2 or Figure 3 The system shown.

[0069] In the first step 401, the sensing unit generates a power feedback signal indicating the operating state of the induced power transfer. In the next step 402, the generated power feedback signal is transmitted along at least one conductor member of the synchronization band. In the subsequent step 403, the power feedback signal is acquired non-contactly from at least one conductor member. In the next step 404, the power feedback signal can be used to control the induced power transfer to the sensing unit by modulating the power signal used for induced power transfer (i.e., the power signal fed into the IPT transmitting coil).

[0070] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that the invention is not limited to the details described in the foregoing embodiments, and that the invention can be embodied through various changes and modifications without departing from its scope. Therefore, these embodiments should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects, and the scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and all variations falling within the equivalent meaning and scope of the claims should be included. In other words, the invention covers any and all modifications, variations, or equivalents that conform to the basic principles and their essential properties are stated within the scope of this patent application. Readers of this patent application should also understand that words such as "comprising" or "including" do not exclude other elements or steps, words such as "a" or "an" do not exclude multiple, and a single element (e.g., a computer system, processor, or other integrated unit) can perform the functions of multiple devices described in the claims. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the corresponding related claims. Terms such as "first," "second," "third," "a," "b," and "c," when used in the specification or claims, are used to distinguish similar elements or steps and do not necessarily indicate an order or chronological sequence. Similarly, terms such as "top," "bottom," "above," and "below" are used for descriptive purposes only and do not necessarily indicate relative positions. It should be understood that these terms can be used interchangeably where appropriate, and embodiments of the invention can operate in other orders or directions different from those described or illustrated above, according to the invention.

Claims

1. A container scanning system (200), comprising: - A rail (201) that can be installed on a bracket or beam of a container handling crane, wherein the rail (201) includes wiring space (202). - A sensing unit (210) mounted along a track in a movable manner, wherein the sensing unit is configured to scan the outer surface of the container and is configured to be powered by inductive power transmission (207); - A timing belt (203) located within the wiring space (202) for moving the sensing unit along the track, wherein the timing belt includes at least one conductor member (252, 262, 272). The sensing unit (210) is further configured to generate a power feedback signal indicating an operating state for the induced power transfer (207) to the sensing unit, and is configured to transmit the power feedback signal along the at least one conductor member (252, 262); and the container scanning system further includes a non-contact receiver (205) configured to non-contactly acquire the power feedback signal from the at least one conductor member (252, 262, 272).

2. The container scanning system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one wire member (252, 262) is embedded in the timing belt (203), or wherein the at least one wire member (272) is mounted on the outer surface of the timing belt (203).

3. The container scanning system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one wire member (252, 262, 272) is made of a conductive material or a light-guiding material.

4. The container scanning system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one conductor member (252, 262, 272) is a tensile core wire configured to reinforce the timing belt.

5. The container scanning system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the container scanning system further comprises an inductive power transmission line (204) located in the wiring space (202), a power signal (241) being transmitted along the inductive power transmission line (204) to transmit the inductive power (207) to the sensing unit (210); and wherein the sensing unit further comprises an inductive receiver element non-contactly coupled to the inductive power transmission line.

6. The container scanning system of claim 5, wherein the inductive power transmission line (204) extends along at least a portion of the track along which the sensing unit can move.

7. The container scanning system according to claim 5, wherein the inductive power transmission line (204) is a Litz line.

8. The container scanning system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the container scanning system further comprises one or more inductive battery charging stations (301, 302, 303) arranged at corresponding locations near the track; wherein the one or more inductive battery charging stations receive power signals (311, 312, 313) to transmit inductive electrical energy to the sensing unit (210); and wherein the sensing unit further comprises a battery configured to power the sensing unit, and an inductive receiver element configured to charge the battery when the inductive charging element is non-contactly coupled to the battery charging station (301, 302, 303).

9. The container scanning system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the container scanning system further comprises a controller (240), the controller (240) being configured to: - Receive (206) the power feedback signal from the contactless receiver (205); and - Control the transmission of induced electrical energy to the sensing unit based on the power feedback signal (207).

10. The container scanning system of claim 9, wherein the energy feedback signal includes the battery's state of charge, and wherein the controller (240) is further configured to move the sensing unit (210) along the track to a position close to the sensing battery charging station (301, 302, 303) based on the battery's state of charge.

11. The container scanning system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sensing unit further comprises a wireless transceiver configured to transmit information about the outer surface of the container.

12. The container scanning system of claim 11, wherein the wireless transceiver is configured to transmit information about the outer surface of the container via a point-to-point data bridge.

13. The container scanning system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sensing unit is coupled to a railcar that is movably connected to a track.

14. A method for controlling inductive power transmission in a container scanning system; the container scanning system comprising a rail (201) mountable on a bracket or beam of a container handling crane, wherein the rail includes a wiring space (202); a sensing unit (210) movably mounted along the rail, wherein the sensing unit is configured to scan the outer surface of a container and is configured to be powered by inductive power transmission (207); and the container scanning system further comprising a synchronization belt (203) located within the wiring space (202), the synchronization belt (203) being configured to move the sensing unit (210) along the rail (200), wherein the synchronization belt includes at least one conductor member (252, 262, 272); the method comprising: - A power feedback signal is generated by the sensing unit (210), which indicates the operating state of the inductive power transfer (207) to the sensing unit; - The power feedback signal is transmitted through the sensing unit (210) along the at least one conductor member (252, 262, 272); as well as - The power feedback signal is obtained non-contactly from the at least one conductor member (252, 262, 272) via a non-contact receiver (205).

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising controlling the inductive power transfer to the sensing unit based on the power feedback signal by modulating a power signal for inductive power transfer (207).

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