Flush Floor Reference Markers for Crane Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container crane systems face challenges in accurately and reliably detecting object positions due to damage-prone and visually indistinguishable reference markers, especially in poor visibility conditions.
Innovation Solution
Integration of reference markers with defined reflectance patterns into the floor surface, using materials that absorb laser or infrared radiation, allowing for precise detection and differentiation, even when submerged or obscured, by evaluating reflectance and beam absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If reference markers are mounted vertically on the floor surface to enable detection, then they can be located by scanning devices, but they represent obstacles and can easily be damaged or displaced by transport vehicles or containers
Solution Approach 1:
The reference marker is merged with the floor surface by being integrated into a form-fitting manner, making it flush with the surrounding floor. This eliminates the protruding structure that causes damage while maintaining detectability through reflectance evaluation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical detection method (physical scanning of protruding markers) is replaced with optical detection using laser or infrared radiation. The reference marker is detected by evaluating its reflectance properties rather than physical contact, eliminating mechanical damage risks.
2Ease of manufacture
If all reference markers have uniform appearance to simplify manufacturing, then they are easier to produce, but they are not distinguishable from one another in poor visibility conditions
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the reference marker have different reflectance properties. The marker incorporates multiple reflectance values (high, medium, low) in different areas, creating a local quality variation that enables distinction between markers while maintaining a simple integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference marker uses reflectance variations (analogous to color changes in optical detection) to create distinguishable patterns. By varying the reflectance properties of different surfaces, the marker becomes visually distinguishable to scanning devices without requiring complex physical structures.
3Reliability
If reference markers are made prominent above the floor surface to improve detectability, then they can be easily located, but they become obstacles and are more susceptible to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The reference marker is merged with the floor surface to create a flush, non-protruding structure. This eliminates the harmful interaction with transport vehicles while maintaining detectability through optical properties rather than physical prominence.
Solution Approach 2:
Physical prominence (mechanical detectability) is replaced with optical detectability through reflectance evaluation. The marker does not need to protrude mechanically because it can be detected through its optical properties using laser or infrared scanning.
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 method provides robust and accurate object position determination in container crane systems, reducing sensitivity to mechanical damage and improving recognition in challenging visibility conditions.
Implementation Method 1
evaluating a degree of reflectance measured by the measuring device on a floor surface
Implementation Method 2
using materials that absorb laser or infrared radiation, allowing for precise detection and differentiation, even when submerged or obscured, by evaluating reflectance and beam absorption
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The method involves determining a distance between a position of a measuring device and a known position of a reference mark (103). Another distance between a position of the reference mark and a position of an object is determined. The position of the object is estimated from the distances and the known position of the reference mark. The reference mark is located by evaluating a radiance factor that is measured by the measuring device at an area of a container crane system. The mark is integrated into the area in a form-fit manner, where a surface of the mark has a defined radiance factor. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a system for determining a position of an object in a container crane system (2) a control program for a measuring device for performing a method for determining a position of an object in a container crane system.