Stacked Container Tracking With 3D Geolocation and OCR

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional systems for inventory management facilities face challenges in accurately tracking and updating the location of containers, especially when they are stacked, leading to inefficiencies and increased risks due to manual data recording, which results in stale inventory data and unproductive movements.

Innovation Solution

A control system utilizing container handlers equipped with sensors, geolocation devices, wireless transceivers, and controllers to generate and transmit sensor and geolocation data to servers, which perform machine learning and optical character recognition (OCR) to create a database for real-time tracking and optimization of container locations, enabling AI-powered stack management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual data recording by yard checkers is used to track container locations, then the system is simple to operate, but the inventory data becomes stale and accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinventory data accuracyVSAvoiddata staleness

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical recording systems with automated sensor-based detection systems. Sensors on container handlers automatically detect container locations, IDs, and movements, eliminating the need for manual yard checker recording and providing real-time accurate inventory data without time delays

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service tracking where container handlers automatically report their own locations and container positions through onboard sensors and transceivers. This automated self-reporting eliminates dependency on manual recording and ensures continuous real-time inventory accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If manual tracking methods are used, then device complexity is low, but productivity and operational efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-functional container handlers that perform both container manipulation and automated inventory tracking. The same equipment used for moving containers also serves as the data collection platform through integrated sensors and transceivers, eliminating the need for separate tracking systems and improving productivity without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates real-time feedback loops where sensor data from container handlers is continuously transmitted to central servers, which process the information and provide immediate updates to inventory records. This feedback mechanism enables proactive decision-making and optimizes operational efficiency through accurate real-time data

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If conventional tracking systems are used, then the system is easy to operate, but reliability and accuracy of container location data worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces unreliable manual tracking with automated sensor systems that continuously monitor container positions. The sensor-based detection on container handlers provides objective, accurate, and reliable location data without human error, establishing a more trustworthy tracking system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces wireless transceivers and central servers as intermediaries between container handlers and inventory management systems. These intermediaries facilitate reliable data transmission and processing, ensuring accurate tracking information is consistently captured and maintained across the facility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12391478B2System for identifying, tracking, controlling, and/or optimizing stacked shipping assets in an inventory management facility and related methods

Publication Date: 2025.08.19 ALL TERMINAL SERVICES LLC (D B A CONGLOBAL TECH)

AI summary

A control system is provided for inventory management facility with a plurality of containers. The control system includes a server, and a container handler operable within the inventory management facility. The container handler tractor comprises onboard sensors configured to generate sensor data of at least one container of the plurality of containers, a geolocation device configured to generate a geolocation value for the at least one container, a wireless transceiver, and a controller coupled to the onboard sensors, the geolocation device, and the wireless transceiver. The controller is configured to transmit the sensor data and the geolocation value for the at least one container to the server. The server is in communication with the container handler and is configured to generate a database associated with the sensor data, the database comprising, for each container, a container logo image and the geolocation value. The geolocation value includes a latitude value, a longitude value, and an altitude value.