Optical Cargo Signature Tracking for Offshore Logistics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cargo recognition and identification methods, such as visual tags and RFID, are expensive, unreliable, and prone to errors, leading to inefficiencies in cargo tracking and handling, particularly in offshore operations, with risks to personnel and increased costs due to poor logistic planning and potential misinterpretation of delivery locations.
Innovation Solution
A sensor unit equipped with a camera and/or laser/lidar capabilities, combined with image processing, captures 2D and/or 3D images of cargo units, and uses heat-sensitive cameras to recognize personnel, creating unique cargo signatures for precise tracking and identification, while maintaining updated cargo status and location through a central server service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual tags are used for cargo identification, then cargo recognition is possible, but the system becomes expensive and unreliable due to wear and tear and obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical visual tags with an optical scanning system using laser/lidar and camera sensors that automatically detect and track cargo features. This substitution eliminates the need for physical tags that suffer from wear and obstruction, providing more reliable identification without requiring complex tag maintenance infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The cargo identification system performs self-service by automatically detecting cargo features through optical scanning and creating unique signatures without human intervention. The system continuously tracks cargo位置 and updates database records autonomously, eliminating the need for manual tag application and verification processes
2Reliability
If RFID detectors are used for cargo tracking, then electronic identification is achieved, but the detection range is limited to 8-10 meters and advanced technical installations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces RFID electronic detection with optical scanning using laser/lidar and camera systems. This substitution extends detection range beyond the 8-10 meter limitation of RFID while reducing the complexity of technical installations required, as optical sensors can be mounted on existing cargo handling equipment without requiring extensive infrastructure changes
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it detects cargo identification features, tracks cargo位置, monitors personnel presence, and provides collision avoidance capabilities. This multi-functionality replaces the specialized RFID system while achieving more versatile tracking without proportionally increasing complexity
3Loss of information
If manual cargo identification methods are used, then cargo status can be maintained, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous automatic optical scanning and tracking of cargo throughout the loading and unloading operations. The system continuously captures images, updates cargo位置 data, and maintains database records in real-time without interruption, eliminating the discontinuous manual checking process that causes information loss and time delays
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where detected cargo features are continuously compared with database records, and any discrepancies trigger automatic corrections. The real-time tracking data feeds back to update cargo status information, ensuring high accuracy while reducing the time required for manual verification through automated closed-loop control
4Productivity
If personnel monitoring is not implemented, then loading operations can proceed without interruption, but safety risks increase due to undetected personnel in loading areas
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor system simultaneously performs cargo tracking and personnel monitoring functions. The same camera and laser/lidar sensors that detect cargo features also identify personnel presence and track their movements, providing dual functionality without requiring separate monitoring equipment that would interrupt loading operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary processing layer that analyzes sensor data to distinguish between cargo and personnel, and determines when personnel presence constitutes a safety risk. This intermediary intelligence layer enables automatic safety interventions without requiring direct human monitoring that would slow down loading operations
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 cargo and personnel recognition, reducing errors and risks, improving logistic efficiency, and ensuring accurate cargo tracking and handling, even in challenging environments like offshore platforms.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor unit equipped with a camera and/or laser/lidar capabilities, wherein an image of for example a top view of a cargo carrying unit, CCU, such as a container, is captured
Implementation Method 2
the sensor unit may comprise a heat sensitive camera, and the image processing features comprise the ability to recognize personnel by its temperature footprint
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises a sensor unit, and method and system for cargo and personnel detection and tracking. The method comprising the following steps:detecting, or creating for new CCUs, a unique CCU signature, wherein the unique CCU signature is constructed by analyzing images of the CCU capture by a sensor device, and analyzing the images according to one or more of predefined detection methods, and the analysis providing a combination of one or more descriptors defined by CCU feature points, contours, dimensions, weight, colour, movement pattern, neighbour CCU feature point, planned travel route or last known location.