Cargo Loading Guidance System Using Depth Sensor and LED Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cargo loading systems require manual confirmation by workers, leading to decreased work efficiency and individual variability, and are not easily applicable to scenarios without cargo handling machines.
Innovation Solution
A cargo loading guidance system featuring a depth sensor, cargo compartment state estimation, and a guidance apparatus that specifies and indicates the optimal loading location within the cargo compartment using light-emitting diodes or a laser pointer, allowing workers to efficiently place cargo without manual confirmation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a transportation system is utilized to determine loading position, then loading position can be determined systematically, but worker needs to confirm with terminal which decreases workability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/terminal-based confirmation system with an optical guidance system. LEDs installed in the cargo compartment directly indicate loading positions, eliminating the need for workers to use terminals or manually confirm positions. This substitutes electronic terminal interaction with direct visual optical guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces LEDs as an intermediary between the determination system and the worker. Instead of requiring direct worker interaction with terminals, the LEDs serve as a visual mediator that conveys position information intuitively, improving ease of operation while maintaining systematic determination.
2Ease of operation
If know-how or memory of skilled worker is utilized, then loading can be performed based on experience, but individual differences arise in work efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables workers to perform loading tasks independently using visual LED guidance without relying on individual knowledge or memory. The standardized visual cues allow any worker to efficiently determine loading positions, eliminating dependence on individual expertise while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the qualitative, experience-based loading process into a quantitative, visually-guided process. By changing from memory-based decision-making to LED-based visual parameters, the system standardizes work efficiency across different workers while preserving operational simplicity.
3Reliability
If determination result is outputted to user interface, then loading feasibility can be determined, but manual confirmation is needed which decreases work efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the terminal-based output system with direct optical indication using LEDs within the cargo compartment. This eliminates the manual confirmation step while maintaining accurate loading determination, as the LEDs directly show where cargo should be placed based on the determination algorithm.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary determination of loading positions and pre-positions visual indicators (LEDs) before the worker arrives. This preliminary action eliminates the need for manual confirmation during the loading process, improving productivity while maintaining determination accuracy.
4Extent of automation
If PTL 2 system is used with cargo handling machine, then automated loading control is achieved, but it is difficult to apply to manual loading without cargo handling machine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the guidance function from the cargo handling machine system and creates a standalone visual guidance system using LEDs. This extracted system can operate independently of any cargo handling machine, making it adaptable to both automated and manual loading scenarios while maintaining automation benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED-based guidance system serves multiple functions: it works with cargo handling machines as well as manual loading operations. This universal system provides automated guidance capabilities regardless of whether a cargo handling machine is present, enhancing adaptability while maintaining automation extent.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances work efficiency in cargo handling by providing clear guidance to workers, reducing the need for manual confirmation and enabling efficient loading and unloading processes, even in scenarios without cargo handling machines.
Implementation Method 1
a depth sensor that is installed in the cargo compartment and measures depth data of the cargo compartment
Implementation Method 2
a guidance apparatus that is installed inside the cargo compartment and indicates the placing location specified by the specification section
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a cargo loading guidance system that guides loading of a cargo in a cargo compartment and includes: a depth sensor that is installed in the cargo compartment and measures depth data of the cargo compartment; a cargo compartment state estimation section that estimates a cargo compartment state from the measured depth data; a specification section that specifies a placing location of the cargo in the cargo compartment by referring to a size of the cargo, based on the estimated cargo compartment state; and a guidance apparatus that is installed inside the cargo compartment and indicates the placing location specified by the specification section.