Laser Tracking for Container Handling Machines Under Quay Cranes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current container handling systems at ports face challenges in accurately identifying and tracking the location of container handling machines under quay cranes, particularly in areas where GPS technology is unreliable, leading to inefficiencies and potential safety hazards due to human error and the inability to automate the tracking process effectively.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of scanning laser distance sensors mounted on quay cranes, combined with passive reflectors on container handling machines, allows for precise identification and tracking by emitting and detecting laser light pulses to determine the position and orientation of machines, enabling accurate lane identification and alignment without the need for separate quay crane location measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If GPS technology is used for tracking container handling machines, then tracking coverage can be extended to open areas, but tracking reliability deteriorates in areas under quay cranes where GPS signals are unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking system is segmented into two complementary subsystems: GPS for open area tracking and laser distance sensors for quay crane area tracking. Each subsystem operates independently in its optimal environment, with the laser system specifically deployed under quay cranes where GPS fails, thus maintaining both wide coverage and high reliability without requiring a single universal system
Solution Approach 2:
Passive reflectors are introduced as intermediary elements mounted on container handling machines. These reflectors work with the laser distance sensors to enable reliable detection and tracking in the quay crane area, acting as a mediator that bridges the gap where direct GPS signaling fails, allowing the system to maintain tracking reliability in previously unusable zones
2Device complexity
If manual identification and tracking methods are used, then system complexity is reduced, but human error increases and automation cannot be effectively implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs passive reflectors that require no power source or active electronics on the moving machines themselves. The reflectors automatically return laser signals without requiring maintenance, charging, or calibration, enabling automated tracking while keeping the moving components simple and reliable. This self-service approach allows automation without adding complex active systems to the container handling machines
Solution Approach 2:
Manual visual identification and tracking methods are replaced with an automated optical measurement system. The laser distance sensors automatically measure distances to reflectors on machines, computing positions and orientations without human intervention. This substitution eliminates human error while maintaining relatively simple system architecture through the use of passive optical components rather than complex active sensors on each machine
3Productivity
If multiple container handling machines operate simultaneously under a single quay crane, then productivity increases, but the ability to accurately identify and differentiate between machines deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses asymmetric positioning of passive reflectors on container handling machines, where the number, location, and spatial arrangement of reflectors create unique identification patterns for each machine. This asymmetric configuration allows the laser system to differentiate between multiple machines operating simultaneously under a single quay crane, enabling accurate identification and tracking even in high-density operational scenarios where symmetry would make machines indistinguishable
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional planar tracking to three-dimensional spatial tracking by measuring distances to multiple reflectors at different positions and orientations. This dimensional enhancement allows the system to uniquely identify and track multiple machines simultaneously by resolving their positions in 3D space, including vertical height differences and angular orientations, thereby maintaining measurement precision even when multiple machines operate in close proximity
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 solution provides reliable and efficient tracking of container handling machines, reducing human error, enhancing operational efficiency, and ensuring accurate container placement and retrieval, even in complex scenarios with multiple machines operating simultaneously under a single crane.
Implementation Method 1
emitting and detecting laser light pulses to determine the position and orientation of machines
Implementation Method 2
scanning laser distance sensors mounted on quay cranes
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system capable of determining in which lane a container handling machine is present below a quay crane or the like crane and/or capable of determining the correct location of a container handling machine in its driving direction (y) with respect to a quay crane or the like crane as containers are delivered to the crane or containers are retrieved from the crane by the container handling machine. The crane is fitted with at least one scanning laser distance sensor or the like range finder, and the container handling machines are fitted with one or more reflectors whose height profile is used for the determination of a correct location and/or for the identification of a container handling machine and for the distinction thereof from other container handling machines.