Spatial Position Determination for Container Receiving Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies, such as LIDAR, lack sufficient spatial resolution to reliably determine the position and condition of receiving elements, like corner castings, on containers, which is crucial for automated container handling in ports.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing a moving sensor, such as a LIDAR or laser scanner, that collects sets of spatial coordinates from multiple positions and an evaluation unit to fuse these coordinates into a unified set, allowing for precise determination of the spatial position and orientation of receiving elements, including their condition, by using transformation matrices and algorithms like ICP or machine learning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If LIDAR technology or similar optical sensors are used to determine the position and condition of receiving elements, then the automation of container handling is enabled, but the spatial resolution is insufficient to reliably determine the position and condition of receiving elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from using a single stationary sensor to using multiple sensors arranged in a spatial array, effectively adding the dimension of sensor distribution. This allows the system to achieve high spatial resolution by combining measurements from multiple locations, enabling reliable detection of receiving elements while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the sensing task into multiple independent sensor units that each capture spatial coordinates from their local perspective. By segmenting the measurement function across multiple sensors, the system achieves comprehensive coverage and high resolution without requiring a single complex high-resolution sensor.
2Device complexity
If a single sensor position is used for measurement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the field of view and measurement coverage are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the measurement capabilities of multiple sensors into a unified coordinate system. By combining the data from multiple sensor positions and transforming them into a common reference frame, the system achieves an extended field of view and comprehensive measurement coverage while managing complexity through coordinated data fusion.
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
This approach significantly enhances the spatial resolution and field of view, enabling more precise and reliable determination of container receiving elements, thereby simplifying and automating container handling, reducing manual inspection time, and minimizing accident risks.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor can therefore be designed for distance measurement, for example, by measuring the time of flight of light pulses emitted by the sensor.
Implementation Method 2
The light is remitted by objects in the spatial region (e.g., the surface of a container) and evaluated in the scanner. The angular position of the deflection unit is used to determine the angular position of the object, and the distance of the object from the laser scanner is also determined from the light travel time, using the speed of light.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device and a method are provided for determining the spatial position of the receiving elements of a container. A moving sensor determines a set of spatial coordinates for points at several different sensor positions. The points lie within a spatial area encompassing the container. An evaluation unit combines the respective sets of spatial coordinates into a fused set of coordinates. Based on this fused set of coordinates, the evaluation unit determines the spatial position of each receiving element of the container.