KR20070073938A - Method and apparatus using radio-location tags to report status for a container handler - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention includes apparatus and methods using a means for wirelessly communicating, preferably a radio location-tag unit, for reporting a sensed state of a container handler. The status reporting device may include: a micro-controller module, a means for wirelessly communicating, which may include means for wirelessly determining container handler location, and a means for sensing the state of the container handler.

Description

Method and apparatus using radio-location tags to report status for a container handler}

The present invention relates to a situation reporting device for a container handler and a method of configuring such devices. A container handler is referred to herein as a device that is always operated by a human operator, which moves a container that is at least 20 feet long.

Container terminals are the point of delivery between ocean and land base shipments. These container terminals must always maintain inventory control over the increasing number of containers. The basic delivery unit is a container, which comes in five sizes, 10 feet, 20 feet, 30 feet, 40 feet and 45 feet. These containers could be up to 110,000 pounds or 50,000 kilograms when it was filled, making it impossible to move it except the machine.

In recent years, there has been an increase in the demand for real-time reporting of container activity through container terminals.

The transfer point between ocean transport and land based transport is a dock side crane or dock crane, as will be seen later. An anchoring operation involves delivering containers by one of these wharf cranes between a container ship and land transfer. In previous work there is often a need for a mechanism that creates a long lasting record of the visual states of containers and / or inspects containers. Clerks involved in these tasks can intentionally or unintentionally mislead container inventory management systems and terminal management. The contents of the containers can be damaged when they reach their destination, potentially leading to litigation and insurance claims for terminal management. Anchoring can be seen as loading and unloading containers into container ships.

Dock cranes deliver containers to a UTR truck, which carries containers on a special trailer, sometimes known as a bomb cart. UTR trucks move containers around the terminal to transfer containers between one or more yards and dock cranes. In the yard, a number of different cranes leave the containers loaded, or maybe unload or load containers from a truck used to move the containers out of the terminal.

There is an increasing need to continuously monitor the condition of container handlers around the terminals. Knowing the status and / or location of each container handler in terminal management tends to improve the overall terminal efficiency. Illegal use of container handlers can be minimized using worker identification devices. Container codes may need to be observed and recorded at various points in the terminal transfer operation. Photos may need to be taken when the containers are leaving or loaded into the vessel.

But there is a question of scale. Millions of containers enter and leave countries such as the United States each year, while there are not so many container handlers. Furthermore, there are many different types of container handlers. Some, such as UTR trucks, front end loaders (FELs), and spring carts, treat containers differently from cranes. As used herein, the front end loader is referred to as the top handler (also known as Top Loader) and the side handler (also known as Side Handler, also known as Side Picker). will be. Crane-based container handlers vary widely in structure. Some have a central control known as a programmable logic controller (PLC), and some do not. As a result, these reporting devices that enable tracking for containers show less productivity. Such low productivity includes many variations of circuitry and coupling for these different types of container handlers, with many additional configuration and manufacturing costs. Modular manufacturing methods are needed for these reporting devices, which can easily cope with changes in container handlers while reducing costs and maximizing reliability.

In recent years, various radio frequency tagging devices have entered the market. Such devices often can report their location via one or more modified IEEE 802.11 protocols, as well as provide a mechanism for identifying itself. Some of these devices rely on local wireless networks to assist them in location determination. While these devices are used, they do not meet all the needs that container handlers have for status reporting. A method of utilizing the capabilities of radio frequency tag devices that provide a solution integrated into the need for handling devices of various containers to report on container handler status and / or to provide observations of containers being handled. Mechanisms are needed.

The present invention relates to situation reporting devices of a container handler and a method of configuring such devices. A container handler will refer herein to a device that is always operated by a human operator, which moves a container that is at least 20 feet in length.

The present invention comprises an apparatus and method using wireless communication means, preferably a radio location-tag unit, for reporting the sensed state of a container handler. The situation reporting apparatus comprises: wireless communication means, which may include a micro-controller module, wireless determining means of a container handler position; And, it may include a state sensing means of the container handler. The present invention includes a method and apparatus for configuring status reporting devices in a container handler. Manufacturing proceeds in a modular, highly effective manner, which can use a relatively small number of different parts to meet the needs of a wide range of container handlers.

A container handler will refer herein to a device that is always operated by a human operator, which can move a container that is at least 20 feet in length. In international trade, containers of approximately 10 feet, 20 feet, 30 feet, 40 feet or 45 feet in length are mainly used.

The method of configuring the situation reporting apparatuses includes the following steps. A microcontroller module is provided. The program system is installed into memory, which the computer can access to command the microcontroller module.

The microcontroller module is communicatively coupled with the wireless communication means and the status sensing means of the container handler.

The program system includes program steps that reside in memory. These program steps include the following steps. That is, using the state sensing means of the container handler to generate the sensed state and using the wireless communication means in communication with the sensing state of the container handler.

In many preferred applications of the status reporting device, the means for wireless communication is associated with a container inventory management system, which is sometimes known as a terminal operating system. It is desirable that the sensed state can be communicated to another computer, preferably in conjunction with a terminal operating system.

The sensing means can include, but is not limited to, a means of combining the following in any way.

Detection of worker identity.

Detection of the presence of a container on or coupled to a container handler.

Optical detection of container cords on containers.

Radio frequency detection of radio frequency tags on containers.

Load height detection of container.

Detection of at least one element of the machine condition list of the container handler. The list of machine states may include reverse movements, frequent stops counts, collisions, fuel levels and compass readings. The list of machine conditions may further include wind speed, up-time of the equipment, and vehicle speed.

At least one detection of the crane status list. The crane state list may include a twistlock sensed state, a spreader sensed state, a sensed landing state, a trolley position and a hoist position.

Detection of container size.

Detection of container weight.

Detection of container damage.

The wireless communication means may comprise radio determining means of the container handler position. As an alternative, the micro-controller module may be communicatively coupled to the positioning means of the at least partially separate container handler. The location means may comprise an interface to a Global Positioning System (GPS). The wireless communication means may comprise a radio location-tag unit.

Container handlers include UTR trucks, bom carts, rubber tire gantry cranes, dock cranes, side pickers, top loaders, top handlers, and stretch loaders. at least one element of the container handler list, including a stacker, a straddle carrier, and a chassis rotor.

The memory may include a nonvolatile memory, which may further include at least some of at least one of the program steps of the present invention. Installing the program system may include modifying at least a portion of the nonvolatile memory, or installing a memory module that includes at least a portion of at least one of the program steps in the nonvolatile memory, thereby creating at least a portion of the memory. Which can be accessed by a computer. As used herein, a computer may be part of a microcontroller.

FIG. 1 shows three container handlers: a UTR truck carrying a rubber tire gantry (RTC) and a bomb cart.

2 shows another container handler, referred to herein as the dock side crane.

3A illustrates another container handler, referred to herein as a side picker.

3B shows a stack of containers forming what was referred to herein as the loading height.

4A shows another container handler, referred to herein as a reach stacker.

4B shows a container handler list.

4C shows the upper handler.

4D shows a straddle carrier.

5A and 5B show the sensors used on the housing of the situation reporting device and various container handlers.

FIG. 6A shows a system for configuring a situation reporting device for the container handler of FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 4A, and 4B.

FIG. 6B illustrates a flowchart of a program system in the status reporting device of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A illustrates a refinement of the situation reporting system of FIG. 6A coupled to a wireless communication means by a network interface circuit (NIC).

FIG. 7B shows a detailed flowchart of FIG. 6B further utilizing wireless communication means.

FIG. 7C illustrates another, often preferred embodiment of the manufacturing system of FIGS. 6A and 7A, which includes a second computer that at least partially supervises the constituent means of the situation reporting device.

FIG. 8A shows a flow chart of the program system of FIG. 7C, which implements certain aspects of configuring the situation reporting device of FIGS. 6A and 7A.

FIG. 8B shows a detailed view of FIG. 8A, further providing a micro-controller module in the system of FIG. 6A.

8C shows a serial protocol list.

8D shows a list of radio modulation-demodulation schemes.

9A shows an improvement on part of the radio modulation-demodulation scheme of FIG. 8D.

FIG. 9B illustrates some improvements to the means of FIGS. 6A and 7A for sensing the condition of a container handler.

FIG. 10A shows some improvement on the sensed state of FIGS. 6A and 7A.

10B shows a container code feature list.

10C shows some preferred alternative implementations of means for optically sensing a container code on the container of FIG. 9B.

10d shows another preferred embodiment of the load height sensing means, which comprises a load height sensor interface to a load height sensor on a container handler.

10E illustrates a preferred embodiment of the machine state list.

11A and 11B show an example of FIG. 10B, for a container cord that is optically visible on the side of the container of FIGS. 1, 3A, and 4A.

11C shows an example for the container code text of FIG. 10B.

FIG. 12A is a detail view of some of the crane sensor means associated with the elements of FIG. 9B. FIG.

12B is a partial detailed view of the crane state list related to the elements of FIGS. 9B and 10A.

FIG. 12C shows some detailed views of a twistlock status list related to the elements of FIG. 12A. FIG.

FIG. 12D shows some detailed views of a spreader status list related to the elements of FIG. 12A. FIG.

12E shows some detailed views of a landing state list related to the elements of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13A shows an improvement of the situation reporting device 800 of FIGS. 6A and 7A, wherein the sensing means comprises a coupling to a crane spreader connection.

FIG. 13B illustrates an improvement on the situation reporting apparatus of FIGS. 6A and 7A, wherein the sensing means comprises a combination to a programmable logic controller (PLC).

FIG. 14A shows the providing means of FIGS. 6A and 7A, which further comprise means for coupling the micro-controller module to means for positioning a container handler.

FIG. 14B shows the detailed flow chart of FIG. 8A, which further provides a micro-controller with coupling means for sensing the state of the container handler of FIGS. 6A and 7A.

FIG. 14C shows a detailed view of FIG. 8A, which further provides a micro-controller module with coupling means for positioning the container handler of FIG. 14A.

15A shows a wireless communication means, which includes means for wireless determination of container handler position.

FIG. 15B shows a detailed view of the program system of FIGS. 6A and 6B for determining the location of the container handler and communicating with it.

16A shows the memory of FIG. 6A with a nonvolatile memory.

FIG. 16B shows a detailed flowchart of FIG. 8A for installing the program system of FIG. 6A.

17-20 illustrate various implementations of a situation reporting device for the rubber tire gantry crane of FIG. 1 and the dock crane of FIG. 2.

21-23 show various implementations for the side picker of FIG. 3A, the stretcher loader of FIG. 4A, the top loader of FIG. 4C, and the straddle conveyer of FIG. 4D.

24 and 25 illustrate various implementations of a situation reporting device for the UTR truck and / or bomb cart / chassis of FIG. 1.

The present invention encompasses an apparatus and method using wireless communication means, preferably a radio location-tag unit, for reporting a sensed situation of a container handler. The situation reporting device may comprise: a micro-controller module, wireless communication means which may comprise radio determining means of the container handler position, and means for sensing the situation of the container handler. The present invention includes a method and apparatus for manufacturing a situation reporting device for a container handler. Manufacturing proceeds in a modular, highly effective manner, which can use a relatively small number of different parts for the need of a wide variety of container handlers.

The container handler 78 will refer to an apparatus operated by an operator who is always human here, which moves a container 2 that is at least 20 feet long. International trade usually uses containers approximately 20 feet to 45 feet long. When loaded with cargo, containers can weigh up to 110,000 pounds, or up to 50,000 kilograms. The width of the container 2 may be at least 8 feet wide. The height of the container can be at least 8 feet 6 inches.

As used herein, container handler 78 will refer to at least one of the elements of the container handler list 80 shown in FIG. 4B. The container handler list 80 includes, but is not limited to the following.

A UTR truck 10, a bomb cart 14, and a rubber tire gantry crane 20, often abbreviated as an RTC crane, are shown in FIG. 1.

Note that when the container 2 is fixed down, the spring cart 14 is also known as the container chassis.

Within the container terminal, the containers are typically tied to a spring cart.

The wharf crane 30 is shown in FIG. 2.

Side pickers are shown in FIG. 3A.

A reach stacker 46 is shown in FIG. 4A.

The upper handler 50 is shown in FIG. 4C.

A straddle carrier 54 is shown in FIG. 4D.

Chassis swivel (58). The chassis rotator is used to rotate the chassis used to tow one or more containers.

Operation and requirements are similar to other container handlers except that the straight position is fixed.

Using its location 1900 as the angular measure of container 2 orientation is further related to these container handlers.

The means 1500 for measuring the position 1900 can in turn use shaft encoding, which is probably an optical shaft encoder.

The rubber tire gantry crane 20 of FIG. 1 may be referred to as a transfer crane and / or TRANSTAINER (registered trademark). The wharf crane 30 of FIG. 2 is sometimes referred to as PORTAINER (registered trademark). The side lifter 40 of FIG. 3A is referred to as a side handler or side hauler. The upper dropper 50 of FIG. 4C is referred to as the upper lifter or upper handler.

Some container handlers have the ability to lift and / or place containers. Container handlers 78 that can lift and / or place containers are members of the load handler list of FIG. 4B, including but not limited to the following.

The rubber tire gantry 20 of FIG. 1 includes a rubber tire gantry spreader 22.

The wharf crane 30 of FIG. 2 has a wharf crane spreader, which is out of view.

The side lifter 40 of FIG. 3A includes a side lifter spreader 42.

The stretcher stack 46 of FIG. 4A includes a stretcher spreader 48.

The upper handler 50 of FIG. 4C has an upper handler spreader 52.

The straddle carrier 54 of FIG. 4D includes a straddle carrier spreader 56.

FIG. 3B shows the loading of containers, with the first container 60 to the fourth container 66 forming what is referred to herein as the loading height.

The loading height of the first container 60 is usually indicated as one.

The stacking height of the second container 62 is two.

The loading height of the third container 64 is three.

The stacking height of the fourth container 66 is four.

Such is the standard designation, but any other designation, such as the following numbering, can be used in the computer, which is the first container 60 as 0, the second container 62 as 1, 2 As a third container 64 and as a third container 66 as three.

In some situations, the loading of containers preferably comprises four or more containers stacked on top of each other, for example up to eight container heights.

5A and 5B show two examples of the housing 3000 of the situation reporting device 800 used in the various elements of the container handler list 80.

The housing 3000 of FIG. 5A has a housing mount 3002, which is preferably attached to the rubber tire gantry crane 20 of FIG. 1 and / or the dock crane 30 of FIG. 2. The housing 3000 may preferably include at least some of the means for optical container code sensing 1230.

The housing 3000 of FIG. 5B preferably includes a display 3010. The housing 3000 may preferably be attached to any element of the container handler list 80.

FIG. 6A shows a system 100 that configures a situation reporting device 800 for the container handler 78 of FIGS. 13A and 13B. Container handler 78 is an element of container handler list 80. Some preferred embodiments of the situation reporting device 800 for specific elements of the container handler list 80 are shown in FIGS. 17-25.

In FIG. 6A, the system 100 constituting the situation reporting device is provided with provision means 200 of the micro-controller module 1000.

The situation reporting device 800 includes a first communication coupling 1102 of the wireless communication means 1100 and the micro-controller module 1000.

The situation reporting device 800 comprises a state coupling means 1200 of at least one element of the container handler list 80 of FIG. 4B and a second combination 1202 of the microcontroller module 1000.

In FIG. 6A, the system 100 constituting the status reporting apparatus is provided with installation means 300 of the program system 2000. The program system 2000 is installed into the memory 1020.

Microcontroller module 1000 includes an accessible coupling 1022 of memory 1020 and computer 1010.

The computer 1010 commands the activity of the micro-controller module 1000 via the program system 2000. Program system 2000 includes program steps residing in memory 1020 as shown in FIGS. 6A and 16A.

The method of operating the situation reporting device 800 will be described as being performed by the program system 2000. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that alternative implementations are possible, reasonable, and potentially desirable in certain circumstances, including but not limited to, finite state machines, neural networks, and / or inferential engines. It will be appreciated.

Computers used herein may include, but are not limited to, instruction processors and / or finite state machines, and / or inference engines, and / or neural networks. The instruction processor has at least one instruction processing element and at least one data processing element, each data processing element being controlled by at least one instruction processing element.

Implementations of a computer as used herein may not include only what is considered peripheral circuitry, but may include communication circuits, memory, memory interface circuits, clocking and timing circuits, as well as signal protocol interface circuits. It includes, but is not limited to.

Such circuits can be manufactured in a package such as a computer, and sometimes on a semiconductor substrate such as a computer.

Some of these circuits may be described separately from a computer, but this is so as to clarify the operation of the invention and is not meant to limit the claims of the invention to mechanically separate circuit components.

Certain implementations of computer 1010 may include a finite state machine, which means using the means for sensing the state of the container handler and / or the container handler to generate the sensed state. Means for using the means for wireless communication to communicate with the sensed state of the device.

The at least one field programmable gate array may implement at least a portion of at least one of the list comprising an instruction processor, an inference engine, a neural network, and / or a finite state machine.

Implementations of the situation reporting device 800 may include determining the location 1900 of the container handler as shown in FIG. 6A.

These aspects are later described with respect to means 1500 for determining the location 1900 of the container handler as shown in FIGS. 14A-14C, 15B, 17, 18, 21, 22, and 24. Will be explained.

Another alternative may include using wireless communication means 1100 with wireless determining means 1510 of container handler location as described in FIGS. 15A, 19, 20, 23 and 25, But it is not limited thereto. These features of the invention may not require storage of the location 1900 at the computer 1010 of FIG. 6A.

Some of the following figures show flowcharts of at least one method of the present invention as process arrows with reference numerals. These arrows refer to the flow of control and will sometimes indicate the execution of data support, including the following.

At least one program operation or program thread performed on a computer,

At least one inferential link in the inference engine,

At least one state transition in a finite state machine, and / or

At least one predominant learning response in the neural network.

The operation of starting a flowchart is indicated by an oval with the letter "Start" in it and refers to at least one of the following.

Enter a subroutine in a macro command sequence on the computer.

Enter into the deeper node of the inference graph.

Perhaps pushing the restoration state, dominates the state transition in the finite state machine.

And trigger the neural list of the neural network.

The end operation of the flowchart is indicated by an oval with the letter "end" in it, indicating completion of these actions, which can result in at least one of the following.

Return from a subroutine return,

Traversal of higher nodes in the inference graph,

Popping the previously stored state and / or in a finite state machine,

Return to the resting state of firing neurons of the neural network.

FIG. 6B shows the program system 2000 of FIG. 6A, which is the installation means 300 installed 302 into the memory 1020.

Operation 2012 supports using the state sensing means 1200 of FIG. 6A to sense the state of the container handler 78 of FIGS. 13A and / or 13B to create a sensed state 1800.

Operation 2022 supports using wireless communication means 1100 to communicate the sensed state 1800 of container handler 78.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the state sensing means 1200 may preferably further comprise specific sensors and interfaces beyond those associated with FIGS. 13A and / or 13B.

17-25 schematically illustrate some variations of sensors, instruments, and interfaces that may be desirable for various types of container handlers 78, which are elements of the container handler list 80 of FIG. 4B. .

Because of the complexity of FIGS. 17-25, the label of 1200 is not shown in the figure, but a description will be made about it in the detailed description.

FIG. 7A shows a computer 1010 coupled 1032 with a network interface circuit (NIC) 1030. The providing means 200 of the microcontroller module 1000 further comprises a coupling means 210 for coupling 212 the network interface circuit 1032 to the wireless communication means 1100.

FIG. 7A illustrates an improvement of the situation reporting apparatus 800 of FIG. 6A. The micro-controller module 1000 further includes a computer interface coupling 1032 of the computer 1010 and the network interface circuit 1030, represented by the NIC.

7A also shows an improvement of the means for providing the microcontroller module 1000. The providing means 200 of the microcontroller module 1000 further includes the following.

As coupling means 210, this creates a coupling 212 of the wireless communication means 1100 and the network coupling 1104 of the network interface circuit 1030.

As sensor coupling means 220, this makes sensor coupling 222 of the sensor 1202 coupling the microcontroller module 1000 to the state sensing means 1200 of the container handler. This mechanism and process is similar to the various implementations of the coupling means 210 that make the coupling 212, which will be described in more detail.

FIG. 7B shows a detailed flowchart of operation 2022 of FIG. 6B further utilizing wireless communication means 1100. Operation 2052 is via network interface circuit 1030 and computer communication coupling 1032 through network coupling 1104 with wireless communication means 1100 to communicate with the sensed state 1800 of the container handler. Interact.

FIG. 7C illustrates another, often preferred implementation of the system (system) that makes up the situation reporting device 800 of FIGS. 6A and 7A.

The configuration system 100 may include a second computer 500 that at least partially instructs the creation of the situation reporting device 800.

The second computer 500 may at least partially command the providing means 200 of the microcontroller module 1000 as the first command 502.

The second computer 500 can at least partially command the installation means 300 of the program system 2000 as the second command 504.

The communication coupling between the installation means 300 and the second computer 500 with the providing means 200 may be a shared combination, in which the first instruction 502 and the second instruction 504 are addressed to these means. An addressing scheme can be used for communication or messages.

In FIG. 7C, the configuration system 100 further includes the following.

A second accessible combination 512 of a second memory 510 and a second computer 500.

The second program system 2500 includes program steps residing in the second memory 510.

The second computer 500 is at least partially controlled by the second program system 2500, which is provided through a second accessible coupling 512 of the second memory 510.

The second program system 2500 may be considered to implement the manufacturing method by instructing the installation means 300 and the providing means 200 constituting the status reporting apparatus 800.

Computer 1010 of FIG. 6A may be coupled 1032 with network interface circuit 1030 as shown in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8A shows a flowchart of the second program system 2500 of FIG. 7C, which embodies a particular aspect of the method according to the invention for configuring the situation reporting apparatus 800 of FIGS. 6A and 7A, which Includes the operation of.

Operation 2512 instructs the providing means 200 to provide 202 the microcontroller module 1000 of FIGS. 6A and 7A.

Operation 2522 directs installation means 300 to install 302 program system 2000 of FIGS. 6A, 7A, and 7B into memory 1020.

In FIG. 8A, the act 2512 of instructing the providing means 200 to provide 202 the microcontroller module 1000 of FIGS. 6A and 7A may include the following in certain preferred implementations. .

The act of providing the microcontroller module 1000 may include, but is not limited to, taking the module to an assembly work station and / or positioning it to attach to cables and test instruments. It doesn't work.

The microcontroller module 1000 is provided with a first communication coupling 1102 with the wireless communication means 1100.

The microcontroller module 1000 is provided with a second communication coupling 1202 to the state sensing means 1200 for a container handler.

In FIG. 8A, the operation 2522 of commanding the installation means 300 to install 302 the program system 2000 of FIGS. 6A, 7A, and 7B into the memory 1020 is as follows in certain preferred embodiments. It may include.

An accessible combination 1022 of the computer 1010 and the memory 1020 supports the program system 2000 at least partially instructing the computer 1010.

In certain preferred embodiments, program system 2000 is installed 302 from program system library 2400, as shown in FIG. 7C.

Program system 2000 may be installed 302 using wired network interface circuit 1030 and / or using means for wireless communication 1100.

Memory 1020 may preferably include at least one nonvolatile memory component.

The nonvolatile memory component may preferably comprise a flash memory element.

The installation may preferably include programming the flash memory component to install 302 the program system 2000.

The program system library 2400 may have multiple versions of the program system 2000 for use in controlling various implementations of the situation reporting apparatus 800 generated by the manufacturing processor of the configuration system 100. have.

FIG. 8B details the operation 2512 of FIG. 8A further providing a microcontroller module 1000. Operation 2522 supports the creation of a coupling 212 of the network interface circuit 1030 to the wireless communication means 1100.

In FIGS. 7A and 8B, the network interface circuit 1030 may preferably support at least one wired communication protocol over a network coupling 1104 with the wireless communication means 1100.

The wireline communication protocol may support a version of at least one element of the serial protocol list 2100 shown in FIG. 8C, which includes the following.

Synchronous Serial Interface protocol (2101), sometimes abbreviated to SSI.

Ethernet protocol (2102),

Serial Peripheral Interface (2103), sometimes abbreviated SPI.

RS-232 protocol (2102),

Inter-IC protocol 2105, sometimes abbreviated to I12C.

Universal Serial Bus Protocol (2106), sometimes abbreviated to USB.

Controller area network protocol (2107), sometimes abbreviated to CAN.

Firewire protocol 2108, which includes implementing the IEEE 1394 communication standard.

RS-485 protocol (2109).

RS-422 protocol (2111).

6A, 7A and 7C, the wireless communication means 1100 preferably supports communication using at least one version of at least one element of the radio modulation-demodulation scheme list 2110 shown in FIG. 8D. . The radio modulation-demodulation scheme list 2110 includes, but is not limited to:

Time Division Multiple Access Scheme (2112), sometimes abbreviated to TDMA.

Frequency Division Multiple Access scheme 2114, sometimes abbreviated to FDMA.

And as spread spectral scheme 2115, which may include variations in one or more of the following.

Code Division Multiple Access scheme 2116, sometimes abbreviated to CDMA.

Frequency hopping multiple access scheme 2118, sometimes abbreviated to FHMA.

Time Hopping Multiple Access scheme (2102), sometimes abbreviated to THMA.

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access Scheme 2122, sometimes abbreviated as OFDM.

FIG. 9A illustrates an improvement of the radio modulation-demodulation scheme list 2110 of FIG. 8D.

In FIG. 9A, at least one version of time division multiple access scheme (TDMA) 2112 may preferably be equipped with a GSM access scheme 2130. At least one version of the frequency division multiple access scheme (FDMA) 2114 may preferably have an AMPs scheme 2132.

In FIG. 9A, at least one version of the code division multiple access (CDMA) scheme 2116 may preferably include at least one element of the CDMA scheme listing 2150. CDMA scheme list 2150 may preferably include, but is not limited to, IS-95 connectivity 2215 and wideband CDMA (W-CAMA) connectivity 2154.

In FIG. 9A, at least one version of orthogonal frequency division multiplex (OFDM) access scheme 2122 may preferably include at least one of IEEE 801.11 access scheme 2134.

9A illustrates an improvement on a portion of the radio modulation-demodulation scheme list 2110 of FIG. 8D, which includes the following.

At least one version of time division multiple access scheme 2112 (TDMA) may preferably include a GSM access scheme 2130.

At least one version of the frequency division multiple access scheme 2114 (FDMA) may preferably include the AMPs scheme 2132.

At least one version of the code division multiple access scheme 2116 (CDMA) may preferably include at least one element of the CDMA scheme list 2150.

At least one version of orthogonal frequency division multiple access scheme 2122 (OFDM) may preferably include at least one IEEE 802.11 access scheme 2134.

At least one version of the IEEE 802.11 access scheme 2134 may include an IEEE 802.11b access scheme 2136.

At least one version of the IEEE 802.11 access scheme 2134 may include an IEEE 802.11g access scheme 2135.

At least one version of the spread spectrum scheme 2115 uses the ANSI 371.1 scheme 2138 for radio frequency identification and / or location tags.

In FIG. 9A, the CDMA scheme list 2150 may preferably include, but is not limited to:

As an IS-95 connection scheme 2152, it uses at least one spreading code to modulate and demodulate the access channel.

Wideband CDMA access scheme 2154, sometimes abbreviated to W-CDMA. The W-CDMA scheme uses scattering codes as well as spreading codes to modulate and demodulate access channels.

FIG. 9B shows some improvement of the means 1200 of FIGS. 6A and 7A for sensing the condition of the container handler.

FIG. 10A illustrates some refinement of the sensed state 1800 of FIGS. 6A and 7A.

In FIG. 9B, the means 1200 for sensing the state of the container handler preferably comprises radio frequency sensing means 1250 of the radio frequency tag on the container, which provides a container radio frequency tag 1254 (1252). can do. In FIG. 10A, the sensed state 1800 may preferably include a container radio frequency tag 1254 provided 1252 by means 1250 of FIG. 9B.

In FIG. 9B, the sensing means 1200 of the container handler state may comprise a loading height sensing means 1260 of the container, preferably providing 1262 a container loading height 1264. In FIG. 10A, the sensed state 1800 may preferably include a container stack height 1264 provided by the means 1260 of FIG. 9B. Container loading height 1264 can be interpreted as shown in FIG. 3B.

FIG. 10D illustrates a load height sensor interface 1266 for a load height sensor on a container handler as another preferred embodiment of the load height sensing means 1260.

In FIG. 9B, the sensing means 1200 of the container handler state is preferably the sensing means 1270 of at least one element 1274 in the machine state list 1850 of the container handler, shown in FIG. 10E. ) May be included. In FIG. 10A, the sensed state 1800 may preferably include at least one instance of at least one of the machine state list elements 1274 provided 1272 by the means 1270 of FIG. 9B.

In FIG. 9B, the sensing means 1200 of the container handler state may preferably include the following. As at least one element 1280 of the crane sensor means list shown in FIG. 11A, at least one element 1284 of the crane state list shown in FIG. 11B is created (1282). In FIG. 10A, the detected state 1800 preferably includes at least one instance of at least one crane state list element 1284 provided 1282 by the crane sensor means list element 1280 of FIG. 9B. Can be.

FIG. 9B shows some refinement of the means for sensing the state 1200 of the container handler of FIGS. 6A and 7A. Note that the preferred situation reporting device 800 for the various container handlers 78 may include one or more of the state sensing means 1200 shown in this figure. The state sensing means 1200 of the container handler may include at least one of the following.

As a means 1210 for detecting worker identity, provide 1212 for the detected worker identity 1224.

As sensing means 122 of container presence 1220, which provides a sensed container presence 1224 as a second provision 1222.

As optical container code sensing means 1230, this provides optical container characteristics 1234 as third provision 1232.

As radio frequency tag sensing means 1250 of a radio frequency tag on container 2, which provides a container radio frequency tag 1254 as a fourth provision 1252.

As container stack height sensing means 1260 of container 2, which provides container stack height 1264 as fifth provision 1262. In certain embodiments the container stack height sensing means 1260 may preferably comprise a cam switch.

As at least one means of detecting the machine state list element 1270 of the container handler, this provides the machine state list element 1274 of the machine state list 1850 shown in FIG. 10E as a sixth provision 1272. .

As at least one crane sensor means list element 1280, this gives at least one crane state list element 1284 of the crane state list 1400 of FIG. 12B as a seventh provision 1282. The crane sensor means list element 1280 is an element of the crane sensor means list 1300 shown in FIG. 12A.

As means 1216 for sensing container size, this imparts container size 1226 as a seventeenth provision 1218.

Container size 1226 may preferably be displayed similar to spreader status list 1420 of FIG. 12D.

In certain embodiments, for example to be used in the UTR truck 10, the container size sensing means 1216 may be equipped with an ultrasonic sensor to estimate the container size on the spring cart 14.

Ultrasonic sensors measure the delay of an echo from the side of container 2 to estimate container size 1226.

Means 1228 for sensing container weight provide container weight 1242 as an eighteenth provision 1240.

Means 1244 for detecting container damage impart a container damage estimate 1248 as a nineteenth provision 1246.

In FIG. 9B, various combinations of some or all of the above provisions may be similarly implemented.

Among similarly implemented offerings, these offerings may share a single communication mechanism with the computer 1010.

Among similarly implemented offerings, these offerings may utilize multiple communication mechanisms with a computer.

In FIG. 9B, some or all of the provisions may be implemented separately.

In FIG. 9B, the offerings may include at least one of the following cases.

Providing 1212 of the detected worker identity 1214.

Second provision 1222 of sensed container presence 1224.

Third provision 1232 of optical container characteristics 1234.

Fourth provision 1252 of container radio frequency tag 1254.

A fifth provision 1262 of container loading height 1264.

A sixth provision 1272 of machine state list element 1274.

Seventh provision 1282 of at least one crane state list element 1284 of the crane state list 1400 shown in FIG. 12B.

Seventeenth provision 1218 of container size 1226.

Eighteenth provision (1240) of container weight (1242).

19th provision 1246 of container damage estimate 1248.

As an example, for the rubber tire gantry crane 20 or the straddle carriage 54, the seventh provision 1282 of FIG. 9B is preferably a synchronous serial interface protocol 2101, RS-232 protocol ( 2104, RS-422 protocol 2111, and / or RS-485 protocol 2109.

The crane sensor means list element 1280 may preferably have a trolley position sensing means 1360 to give the trolley position 1164 as the fourteenth provision 1362 as in FIG. 12A.

The crane sensor means list element 1280 preferably comprises a hoist height sensing means 1370 and gives the hoist height 1374 as a fifteenth provision 1372.

The trolley position sensing means 1360 and / or hoist height sensing means 1370 may preferably comprise a rotary absolute optical encoder with a hollow shaft or a standard shaft.

FIG. 10A shows some improvement of the sensing state 1800 of FIGS. 6A and 7A based on the state sensing means 1200 of FIG. 9B. Sensing state 1800 may preferably include at least one of the following.

Detected Worker Identity 1214.

Detected Container Present 1224. The sensed container presence 1224 may preferably be a boolean value of true or false.

Optical Container Characteristics (1234).

Container Radio Frequency Tag 1254.

Container loading height (1264). Container loading height 1264 may be interpreted as in the description of FIG. 3B.

At least one instance of at least one machine state list element 1274.

At least one of the crane status list elements 1284.

Container size 1226.

Container weight 1242.

Container damage estimate 1248.

The optical container characteristics 1234 of FIGS. 9B and 10A may preferably include at least one instance of an element of the container code characteristic list 1700, shown in FIG. 10B, which preferably includes Can be.

Container code character (1702),

State 1704 of the container cord 4 of the container 2 and

The compression 1706 of the state 1704 of the container cord 4 of the container 2.

11A and 11B show an example of the aspect 1704 of FIG. 10B, which shows an example of a container cord 4 optically observed on the side of the container 2 of FIGS. 1, 3A and 4A. will be. A view 1704 of the container cord 4 can preferably be observed and alternatively on any vertical side of the container 2.

Compression 1706 of aspect 1704 may include, but is not limited to, static frame compression and / or motion sequence compression for a series of frames of appearance.

Compression 1706 may, at least in part, be a two-dimensional (2-D) block transform, such as a 2-D Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) and / or a 2-D Wavelet Filter Bank. This may be a result of applying.

As an alternative, the compression 1706 may be at least partly the result of a fractal compression method.

FIG. 11C shows an example of the container code character 1702 of FIG. 10B.

The container code character 1702 can be at least in part a result of optical property recognition applied to the aspect 1704 of FIG. 11B.

The optical container code sensing means 1230 of FIG. 9B may include optical characteristic recognition capability, which may be embodied as a separate optical characteristic recognition hardware module or a separate optical characteristic recognition program system.

The separate optical characteristic recognition hardware module can reside within the optical container code sensing means 1230 and / or can be coupled to the optical container code sensing means 1230.

The separate optical characteristic recognition program system can reside within the optical container code sensing means 1230 and / or can be coupled to the optical container code sensing means 1230.

As used herein, video image device 1238 may belong to a list that includes at least a video camera, a digital video camera, and a charge coupled array. The video image device 1238 may further include any of the following: a computer, a digital memory, an image processor and a flash lighting system.

The situation reporting device 800 of FIG. 6A may comprise an optical characteristic system as the optical container code sensing means 1230 of FIG. 9, in the housing 3000 of FIGS. 1, 2, 5A and 5B.

The optical container code sensing means 1230 is at least one and preferably of the video imaging device 1238 of FIG. 10C, housed in the first housing 3100 and the second housing 3110 as in FIGS. 1 and 2. May contain two.

The first housing 3100 and the second housing 3110 may be mechanically coupled to the container handler 20 or 30 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The situation reporting device 800 may include at least one, preferably one or more lights 3120. Light 3120 may be controlled through interaction with the present invention.

Mechanical coupling of the optical container code sensing means 1230 to the rubber tire gantry crane 20 may preferably be provided with a mechanical shock absorber to enhance reliability.

FIG. 10C illustrates some preferred alternative implementations of the optical container code sensing means 1230 of FIG. 9B. The optical container code sensing means 1230 of the container cord 4 on the container 2 may preferably comprise a combination of any of the following.

Video interface 1236 receiving at least one optical container characteristic 1234 of container code 4.

At least one video imaging device 1238 for generating at least one optical container characteristic 1234 of the container code. The video image device 1238 may be in a separate housing and / or location as shown by the first housing 3100 and / or the second housing 3110 in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5A.

At least one image processor 1239 may process and / or generate at least one of the optical container characteristics 1234.

Video image device 1238 may belong to a list that includes at least a video camera, a digital video camera, and a charge coupled array.

The video image device 1238 may further include any of the following: a computer, a digital memory, an instance of the image processor 1239 and / or a flash lighting system.

FIG. 10D shows another preferred embodiment of the container loading height sensing means 1260, which comprises a loading height sensor interface 1266 for a loading height sensor on the container handler 8. One stack height sensor may be desirable, which is a draw wire encoder.

Draw wire encoders may be desirable when the container handler is at least one of the following: rubber tire gantry crane 20, side lifter 40, upper unloader 50, stretch loader 46 and / or stud. Traddle Transporter 54.

As an alternative, the load height sensor can be an absolute / hollow shaft encoder.

10E illustrates a preferred embodiment of the machine state list 1850. The machine state list 1850 may include, but is not limited to:

Reverse movement (1852),

Frequent stop count (1854),

Conflict status (1856),

Fuel level 1858,

Compass reading (1860),

Wind speed (1862). In certain implementations, the wind speed can further indicate the direction of the wind.

Vehicle speed (1864) and

Vehicle Braking System Status 1866.

In some preferred embodiments, the drive shaft sensor 1127 which detects a machine state list element, such as a machine state list element 1274 comprising a vehicle speed 1864, preferably counts drive shaft rotation. It may include.

10E illustrates a preferred embodiment of the machine state list 1850. The machine state list 1850 may include, but is not limited to, reverse movement 1852, frequent stop counts 1854, collision status 1865, fuel level 1858, and compass reading 1860. .

FIG. 12A illustrates in detail a portion of a crane sensor element list 1300 associated with element 1280 of FIG. 9B. FIG. 12B illustrates in detail part of the crane status list 1400 associated with element 1284 of FIGS. 9B and 10A. FIG. 12C illustrates in detail part of a twistlock list 1410 associated with element 1314 of FIG. 12A. FIG. 12D illustrates in detail part of the spreader status list 1420 associated with element 1324 of FIG. 12A. FIG. 12E illustrates in detail part of a landing state list 1430 associated with element 1334 of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 12A illustrates in detail a portion of a crane sensor means list 1300 related to at least one instance of the crane sensor means list element 1280 of FIG. 9B. The crane sensor means list 1300 preferably includes at least one of the following.

Twistlock sensing means (1310) for providing a twistlock sensing state (1314) as an eighth provision (1312).

Spreader sensing means 1320 providing a spreader sensing state 1324 as a ninth provision 1322.

Container landing sensing means (1330) for providing a sensed landing state (1334) as a tenth provision (1332).

Trolley position sensing means (1360) for providing trolley position (1364) as a fourteenth provision (1362).

Hoist height sensing means (1370) for providing a hoist height (1374) as a fifteenth provision (1372).

The trolley position sensing means 1360 and / or hoist height sensing means 1370 may preferably comprise a rotary absolute optical encoder with a hollow shaft or a standard shaft.

In FIG. 12A, the twist lock sensing state 1314 is preferably an element of the twist lock state list 1410 shown in FIG. 12C. 12C shows a twistlock state list 1410 that includes a twistlock-on state 1412 and a twistlock-off state 1414.

In FIG. 12A, the spreader sensed state 1324 is preferably an element of the spreader state list 1420 shown in FIG. 12D. 12D illustrates a spreader including a 10 foot container spread 1412, a 20 foot container spread 1422, a 30 foot container spread 1428, a 40 foot container spread 1424, and a 45 foot container spread 1426. Represent a status list 1420.

Various implementations may support a spreader sense state 1324 that is restricted to a subset of the spreader state list 1420.

As one example, in certain preferred implementations, spreader sensing state 1324 may be limited to a subset of spreader state list 1420 consisting of a 20 foot container spreader 1422 and a 45 foot container spread 1424.

In FIG. 12A, the sensed landing state 1334 is preferably an element of the landing state list 1430 shown in FIG. 12E. 12E shows a landing state list 1430 that includes a landed state 1432 and a non-landed state 1434.

FIG. 12B illustrates in detail part of the crane state list 1400 associated with the crane state list element 1284 of FIGS. 9B and 10A. The crane status list 1400 preferably includes at least one of the following.

Twistlock detection state (1314),

Spreader detection state (1324),

Detected landing state 1334.

FIG. 13A shows an improvement of the situation reporting device 800 of FIGS. 6A and 7A, wherein the sensing means 1200 comprises a coupling 1202 to a crane spreader interface connection 1340. The crane spreader interface connection 1340 preferably provides at least one of the crane status list 1400 elements shown in FIG. 12B.

FIG. 13B shows an improvement of the situation reporting device 800 of FIGS. 6A and 7A, where the sensing means 1200 comprises a coupling 1202 to a programmable logic controller (PLC) 1350. do. The PLC 1350 preferably provides at least one of the crane status list 1400 elements as shown in FIG. 12B.

FIG. 13B also shows the computer 1010 of FIGS. 6A, 7A, and 13A coupled 1352 to the PLC 1350. Coupling 1352 may preferably include serial communication coupling 1352. Serial communication coupling 1352 preferably supports a version of at least one element of the serial protocol list 2100 of FIG. 8C.

As an example, the crane spreader interface connection 1340 of FIG. 13A may include a spreader sensing state 1324 as two signals. The two signals are "the spreader is at least 20 feet" and "the spreader is 40 feet". If "Spreader is at least 20 feet" is true and "Spreader is 40 feet" is false, the detected spreader state 1324 indicates that the crane spreader is set to 20 feet. If "Spreader is at least 20 feet" is true and "Spreader is 40 feet" is true, the detected spreader state 1324 indicates that the crane spreader is set to 40 feet.

FIG. 13A shows an improvement of the situation reporting device 800 of FIGS. 6A and 7A, wherein the state sensing means 1200 comprises a crane spreader interface connection 1340.

The crane spreader interface connection 1340 preferably provides at least one element of the crane status list 1400 as shown in FIG. 12B.

The crane spreader interface connection 1340 provides the twistlock sensing state 1314 as an eleventh provision 1344.

The crane spreader interface connection 1340 provides the spreader sensing state 1324 as a twelfth provision 1346.

The crane spreader interface connection 1340 provides the sensed landing state 1334 as the thirteenth provision 1348.

FIG. 13A shows a situation reporting device 800 with a status sensing means 1200 of a container handler 78, which is a crane of the computer 1010 of FIGS. 6A and 7A for a crane spreader interface connection 1340. Sensor coupling 1342.

The crane sensor coupling 1342 may preferably include conversion circuitry interfaced to the parallel input and / or output ports of the computer 1010. The conversion circuit may be an interface AC line through a relay.

In certain implementations, the crane sensor coupling 1342 can be included in the second communication coupling 1202 of the microcontroller module 1000 with the status sensing means 1200.

As an alternative, the crane sensor coupling 1342 may not be included in the second communication coupling 1202 of the microcontroller module 1000 with the status sensing means 1200.

As an example, the crane spreader interface connection 1340 of FIG. 13A may include a spreader sensing state 1324 as two signals.

The two signals are "the spreader is at least 20 feet" and "the spreader is 40 feet".

If "spreader is at least 20 feet" is true and "spreader is 40 feet" is false, then the detected spreader state 1324 indicates that the crane spreader is set to 20 feet.

If "Spreader is at least 20 feet" is true and "Spreader is 40 feet" is true, the detected spreader state 1324 indicates that the crane spreader is set for 40 feet.

As an example, the crane spreader interface connection 1340 of FIG. 13A may include a spreader sensing state 1324 as three signals.

The two signals are "the spreader is at least 20 feet", "the spreader is at least 40 feet" and "the spreader is at least 45 feet".

If "Spreader is at least 20 feet" is true, "Spreader is at least 40 feet" is false, and "Spreader is at least 45 feet" is false, then the detected spreader state 1324 is 20 feet to the crane spreader. Indicates that it is set.

If "Spreader is at least 20 feet" is true, "Spread is 40 feet" is true, and "Spread is at least 45 feet" is false, then the detected spreader state 1324 is 40 feet to the crane spreader. Indicates that it is set.

If "Spreader is at least 20 feet" is true, "Spreader is at least 40 feet" is true, and "Spreader is at least 45 feet" is true, then the detected spreader state 1324 is 45 feet to the crane spreader. Indicates that it is set.

In FIG. 13A, some or all of the provisions may be implemented similarly. Among these provisions implemented similarly, they can be used to provide the same of different mechanisms. As an alternative, some of the provisions can be implemented separately. The provisions of FIG. 13A include the following.

As an eleventh provision 1344, a twistlock sensing state 1314 is provided.

As a twelfth provision 1346, a spreader sensing state 1324 is provided.

As a thirteenth provision 1348, a sensed landing state 1334 is provided.

FIG. 13B shows an improvement of the situation reporting device 800 of FIGS. 6A and 7A with the state sensing means 1200 of the container handler 78, which is sometimes represented by a programmable logic controller 1350. It includes.

Programmable logic controller 1350 preferably provides at least one element of crane status list 1400 as shown in FIG. 12B.

Advantageously, programmable logic controller 1350 may provide a twist lock sense state 1314 as a fourteenth provision 1354.

Preferably, programmable logic controller 1350 may provide spreader sensing state 1324 as a fifteenth provision 1356.

Advantageously, programmable logic controller 1350 may provide a sensed landing state 1334 as sixteenth provision 1358.

FIG. 13B illustrates a situation reporting device 800, which includes a second crane sensor coupling 1352 of the computer 1010 of FIGS. 6A, 7A, and 13A with a programmable logic controller 1350.

The second crane sensor coupling 1352 may preferably include a serial communication coupling 1352.

Serial communication coupling 1352 preferably supports a version of at least one element of the serial protocol list 2100 of FIG. 8C.

In FIG. 13B, some or all of the provisions may be implemented similarly. Among these offerings, they can be used to provide the same of different mechanisms. As an alternative, some of the offers may be implemented separately. The provisions of FIG. 13B include the following.

As a fourteenth provision 1354, a twist lock sensing state 1314 is provided.

As a fifteenth provision 1356, a spreader sensing state 1324 is provided.

As a sixteenth provision 1358, a sensed landing state 1334 is provided.

In Figures 13A and 13B, container handler 78 may preferably be a version of the container handler list 80 element of Figure 4B. The container handler 78 may be an assembly of two or more elements of the container handler list 80. As an example, container handler 78 may include UTR truck 10 of FIG. 1 attached to spring cart 14. In certain situations, the UTR truck 10 may be attached onto a road chassis.

FIG. 14A shows the providing means 200 of FIGS. 6A and 7A, which further comprise means for position coupling 230. The position joining means 230 couples the microcontroller module 1000 with the positioning means 1500 of the container handler (232).

In FIG. 14A, the determining means 1500 may include one or more of the following.

Interface to satellite positioning system (GPS).

Interface to Precision Satellite Positioning System (DGPS).

Wireless positioning means, such as by use of a local wireless network that provides a signal burst that operates after a period of time from multiple antenna sites in a local wireless network.

Radio location tag unit.

As one example, GPS is a satellite communication system that supports location determination of a receiver. DGPS is an improvement over GPS reference stations that use ground-based reference stations that support position accuracy within 1 meter.

FIG. 14B is a detailed flowchart of operation 2512 of FIG. 8A, which provides the micro-controller module 1000 with a combined means 1200 for sensing the state of the container handler of FIGS. 6A and 7A. Operation 2562 supports providing the micro-controller module 1000 with a second communication coupling 1202 to the state sensing means 1200 of the container handler.

FIG. 14C shows a detailed view of the operation 2512 of FIG. 8A, which further provides a microcontroller module 1000 coupled with the positioning means 1500 of the container handler of FIG. 14A. Operation 2252 supports the provision of a micro-controller module 1000 communicatively coupled 1502 to the positioning means 1500 of the container handler.

FIG. 15A shows a wireless communication means 1100 having a radio determining means 1510 of a container handler position. The radio determination means 1510 may comprise one or more of the following.

Interface to satellite positioning system (GPS).

Interface to Precision Satellite Positioning System (DGPS).

As an alternative, the radio determination means 1510 may provide a signal burst in time to multiple antenna sites in the local radio network to support radio network determination of its location. Such radio determination means 1510 may not require the use or storage of a location 1900 estimate within the memory 1020 accessed by the computer 1010 as shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 15B shows a detailed view of the program system 2000 of FIGS. 6A and 6B that determine the location of the container handler 78 and communicate with it.

Operation 2072 supports the use of the positioning means 1500 of the container handler 78 of FIG. 14A to at least partially determine the location 1900 of the container handler 78.

Operation 2082 utilizes wireless communication means 1100 in communication with location 1900.

In FIG. 15A, the wireless communication means 1100 may further include a radio location tag unit.

In certain preferred embodiments, the radio location tag unit may act as radio determination means 1510 of container handler 78 location 1900.

The radio location-tag unit may further support national and / or international standards, which may include, but are not limited to, versions of the ANSI 371.1 standard for radio location tags.

In such implementations, local computer 1010 may not require a location 1900 that resides in memory 1020 as shown in FIG. 6A.

In such implementations, there may be no need for a program system 2000 to determine the location, thereby eliminating the presence of the operation of FIG. 15B.

FIG. 16A shows memory 1020 of FIG. 6A including nonvolatile memory 1024. Computer 1010 preferably accesses 1022 nonvolatile memory 1024, similar to the description of FIG. 6A. The nonvolatile memory 1024 may include at least a portion of the program system 2000.

FIG. 16B shows a detailed flowchart of operation 2522 of FIG. 8A, which further installs the program system 2000 of FIG. 6A.

Operation 2592 supports changing at least a portion of non-volatile memory 1024 of FIG. 16A to install at least a portion of at least one program step of program system 2000.

Operation 2602 may include at least a portion of at least one of the program steps residing in non-volatile memory 1024 to create at least a portion of memory 1020 accessed by computer 1010. Support installation.

17-20 illustrate various situation reporting devices 800 for the rubber tire gantry crane 20 of FIG. 1. Similar implementations are useful with the wharf crane 30 of FIG. 2. 17-20, the state sensing means 1200 is disclosed in terms of its contents and details of the communication.

17 illustrates a situation reporting apparatus 800, which is,

Wireless communication means 1100,

A display 3010, which may be desirable to be a liquid crystal display, and

In communication with the state sensing means 1200, the state sensing means includes:

Worker identity detection means 1210,

Container loading height detecting means 1260,

Machine state list element detection means 1270,

Crane spreader interface connection (1340),

Positioning means 1500 further comprising a precision satellite positioning system (DGPS), and

Second positioning means 1500-B. The second positioning means preferably comprises means for sensing the laser trolley position, which alternatively may comprise a drawwire and / or a rotary encoder.

In FIG. 17, the machine state list element detecting means 1270 provides a frequent stop count 1854, a crash condition 1856, a fuel level 1858, a wind speed 1862, and a vehicle speed 1864.

17 and 20, the state sensing means 1200 provides the following to the computer 1010 through the crane sensor coupling 1342.

Twistlock detection state (1314),

Spreader detection at 20 feet (1324-20)

Which may preferably include a spreader sensing state 1324-20 at 40 feet,

Spreader detection state 1324, and

Sense Landing State 1334.

18 shows a situation reporting apparatus 800, which communicates in conjunction with the following.

Preferably, the IEEE 802.11 access scheme 2134, preferably the IEEE 802.11b access scheme 2136, includes a wireless modem in which it is desirable to support a version. Wireless communication means 1100, which may support the

Display 3010, and

Communicate with the state sensing means 1200 in combination. Preferably, the state sensing means includes the following.

Worker identity detection means 1210,

Container loading height detecting means 1260,

Machine state list element detection means 1270, providing frequent stop counts 1854, collision conditions 1856, fuel levels 1858, and wind speeds 1863,

Programmable logic controller 1350, and

It includes positioning means 1500, which preferably utilizes the precision positioning system (DGPS) of FIG. 14A.

In FIG. 18, computer 1010 is coupled with the following through programmable logic controller 1350.

At least one container stack height sensing means 1260, and

It comprises a second positioning means 1500-B, which preferably comprises a laser trolley position sensing means.

FIG. 17 illustrates a situation reporting device 800 coupled with the crane spreader interface connection 1340 of FIG. 13A and utilizing the precision satellite positioning system (DGPS) of FIG. 14A.

FIG. 18 shows a situation reporting device 800 coupled with the PLC 1350 of FIG. 13B and using the precision satellite positioning system (DGPS) means 1500 of FIG. 14A.

19 shows a situation reporting apparatus 800 in communication in conjunction with the following.

Wireless communication means 1100, further comprising wireless determining means 1510 of the position of FIG. 15A, wherein the wireless determining means 1510 of the position preferably comprises a radio frequency tag device. ,

Display 3010,

Communicates with the state sensing means 1200. The state detecting means,

Container loading height detecting means 1260,

Programmable logic controller (1350),

Machine state list element monitoring means 1270, which is preferably provided with frequent stop counts 1854, collision conditions 1856, fuel levels 1858 and wind speeds 1862,

17 and 18, similar to 1210 of the worker identity detecting means 1210.

FIG. 20 illustrates a situation reporting device 800 coupled with the crane spreader interface connection 1340 of FIG. 13A and utilizing the location and data radio frequency tag device 1510 of FIG. 15A.

20 shows a situation reporting apparatus 800, which communicates in conjunction with the following.

Wireless communication means 1100, preferably comprising the position radio determining means 1510 of FIG. 15A, which may preferably comprise a radio frequency tag device,

Display 3010,

Communicates with the state sensing means 1200. The state detecting means,

Operator identity detection means 1210,

Container loading height detecting means 1260,

Crane spreader interface connection (1340),

Second positioning means 1150-B, and

A mechanical state list element sensing element 1270 that provides frequent stop counts 1854, collision conditions 1856, fuel levels 1858, wind speeds 1862, and vehicle speed 1864.

In Figs. 17 to 19, second means 1150-B for determining the position of the container handler are used. The second means 1500-B may preferably be a trolley position sensor, which may be laser based.

17-20, rubber tire gantry camshafts and hoist position encoders are shown. They interact with the cam switch for the hoist-loading position to provide a means 1260 for sensing the loading height for the RTG crane 20.

17 to 20, the loading height sensing means 1260 may comprise as many as eight individual sensor states, which may indicate whether their individual loading positions have been occupied.

17 to 23 show container stack height sensing means 1260.

Preferably, the container loading height sensing means 1260 may comprise at least one camshaft and / or at least one hoist position encoder when used with the rubber tire gantry crane 20 of FIG. 1.

Preferably, the container loading height sensing means 1260 may comprise at least one camshaft and / or at least one hoist position encoder when used with the wharf crane 30 of FIG. 2.

They interact with one or more sensors of the sensor hoist-loading position to sense the loading height for the rubber tire gantry crane 20 or the dock crane 30.

The load height sensing means 1260 may comprise as many as eight individual sensor states, which may indicate whether their respective load positions have been occupied. Containers may preferably be loaded at seven container heights.

21-23 illustrate various situation reporting devices 800 for utilizing some or all of the following container handlers 78, which are elements of the container handler list 80 of FIG. 4B.

Lateral lifter 40 shown in FIG. 3A.

The kidney loader 46 shown in FIG. 4A.

Upper handler 50 shown in FIG. 4C.

Straddle carrier 54 shown in FIG. 4D.

21-23, the state sensing means 1200 is disclosed with respect to the details of the contents and the communications.

In certain preferred embodiments, the side lifter 40, the upper handler 50 and / or the situation reporting device 800 of FIGS. 17-20 used with the rubber tire gantry crane 20. Alternatively, the situation reporting device 800 of FIGS. 21 to 23, used with the straddle carrier 54, may sense the following.

The length of time the vehicle has traveled since it started running.

Compass Reading (1860).

When the spreader has landed on container 2 as a detected landing state 1334.

When the spreader was locked in the container.

One of the elements of the spreader state list 1420 of FIG. 12D is a preferred container size 1226, of the 20 foot container spread 1422, the 40 foot container spread 1424, and the 45 foot container spread 1426. Container size 1226, which is preferably one.

It may be desirable for the height to range from 1 to 7 containers, and container loading height 1264, which may be desirable to be measured as a pit.

Reverse movement (1852).

Fuel level 1858, which may optionally be provided.

Sensed operator identity 1214, which may optionally be provided.

In certain implementations, the situation reporting device 800 can use the wireless communication means 1100 instead of the means 1500 for determining the location 1900. The wireless communication means 1100 may be sensed by an external radio system to determine container handler location. This may be desirable with regard to the manufacturing cost of the situation reporting device.

In certain preferred embodiments, the side lifter 40, the upper handler 50 and / or the situation reporting device 800 of FIGS. 17-20 used with the rubber tire gantry crane 20. Alternatively, the situation reporting device 800 of FIGS. 21-23 used with the straddle carrier 54 may be implemented to include the following.

The spreader sensing means 1320 may comprise a magnetic proximity switch on and / or in proximity to the situation reporting device 800.

The reverse sensor may be communicatively coupled with a reverse buzzer in the vehicle.

The sixth provision 1271 of the compass reading 1860 may use the RS-422 protocol 2111.

The container landing detection means 1330 may comprise a proximity switch on and / or in proximity to the situation reporting device 800.

Wireless communication means 1100 may be used to provide a location of a vehicle. It may be more desirable to have multiple wireless communication means, which may more preferably implement radio frequency tag technology, including a version of ANSI 371.1 scheme 2138. Radio frequency tag technology is preferably compatible with WHERENET® products.

The first communication coupling 1102 and the micro-controller module 1000 of the wireless communication means 1100 can use the RS-485 protocol 2109.

In certain preferred embodiments, the situation reporting device 800 of FIGS. 21-23, used with the side lifter 40 and / or the upper handler 50, may be used to further include: have.

The container loading height detecting means 1260 may include a draw wire encoder. The fifth provision 1262 of container loading height 1264 may preferably utilize the RS-422 protocol 2111.

In certain preferred embodiments, the situation reporting device 800 of FIGS. 17-20, used with the rubber tire gantry crane 20, as well as the straddle carriage 54, FIGS. 21-21. The situation reporting apparatus 800 of 23 may be implemented to include the following.

The hoist height sensing means 1370 may comprise a hollow shaft or a shafted optical absolute encoder. A fifteenth provision 1372 of hoist height 1374 may preferably utilize RS-422 protocol 2111 and / or synchronous serial interface protocol 2101.

The trolley position sensing means 1360 may comprise a hollow shaft or a shafted optical absolute encoder. The fourteenth provision 1362 of the trolley position may preferably utilize the RS-422 protocol 211 and / or the synchronous serial interface protocol 2101.

In certain preferred embodiments, as well as those of FIGS. 17-20 for the rubber tire gantry crane 20, the side lifter 40, the top handler 50, and / or the straddle carrier 54. The situation reporting apparatus 100 of FIGS. 21 to 23 used in conjunction with FIG. 21 may be performed using the programmable logic controller 1350 as illustrated in FIG. 13B. The following may be desirable in such situations.

The sixth provision 1271 of the compass reading 1860 may use the RS-422 protocol 2111.

The first communication coupling 1102 of the wireless communication means 1100 and the microcontroller module 1000 may use the RS-485 protocol 2109.

In certain preferred embodiments, the side lifter 40, the top handler 50, and / or the straddle carrier 54 as well as those of FIGS. 17-20 for the rubber tire gantry crane 20. The situation reporting apparatus of FIGS. 21 to 23, used together with FIG. 21, may use the second display 3020.

It may be desirable to send a message displayed on the second display to a human operator. These messages may include instructions for picking up the container 2 from a communication location in a terminal yard.

Preferably, the wireless communication means 1100 supports a two-way communication protocol. The two-way communication protocol may preferably support a version of the IEEE 802.11 access scheme 2134.

The two-way communication protocol may further support re-programming of the inactive memory 1024.

The location tag associated with the vehicle may be instructed to blink.

21 illustrates a situation reporting apparatus 800 in communication in conjunction with the following.

Wireless communication means (1100)

Display 3010.

Second display 3020.

State sensing means 1200.

In Fig. 21, the state sensing means preferably includes the following.

Worker identity detection means 1210,

Container presence detecting means 1220,

Optical container code sensing means 1230,

Detect machine state list element 1270, providing reverse movement 1852, frequent stop counts 1854, collision status 1856, fuel level 1858, compass reading 1860, and vehicle speed 1864. Means,

Programmable logic controller 1350, and

Positioning means 1500.

18, 19 and 21, the programmable logic controller 1350 further provides the following to the computer 1010 via the second crane sensor coupling 1352.

Twistlock detection state (1314),

As an example, preferably a spreader sensing state 1324, which may further have a spreader sensing state at 20 feet 1324-20, and a spread sensing state at 40 feet 1324-40, and

Detected landing state 1334.

Spreader sense state 1324 may have different sizes, an example of which is shown in spreader state list 1420 of FIG. 12D.

18, 19 and 21, the programmable logic controller 1350 further provides the states of the container loading height sensing means 1260 to the computer 1010 via the second crane sensor coupling 1352. Programmable logic controller 1350 may preferably provide spreader sensing state 1324 from time to time.

In FIG. 22, the situation reporting device 800 supports the precision positioning system (DGPS) means 1500 of FIG. 14A.

22 shows a situation reporting apparatus 800 for communicating in conjunction with the following. In other words,

Wireless communication means 1100,

Display 3010,

Second display 3020 and

Communication is in combination with the state sensing means 1200.

In Fig. 22, the state sensing means 1200 preferably includes the following.

Worker identity detection means 1210,

Container presence detecting means 1220,

Optical container code sensing means 1230,

Container loading height detecting means 1260,

Means for detecting a mechanical state list element 1270, providing reverse movement 1852, frequent stop counts 1854, collision conditions 1856, fuel levels 1858, and compass readings 1860, and

A spreader sensing state 1324, which may be more desirable to include a twistlock sensed state 1314, a spreader sensing state 1324-20 at 20 feet, and a spread sensing state 1324-40 at 40 feet, and As a sensed landing state 1334, the spreader sense state 1324 may include other sizes, an example of which is shown in the spreader state list 1420 of FIG. 12D.

Positioning means 1500.

23 shows a situation reporting apparatus 800 for communicating in combination with the following.

Wireless communication means 1100.

Display 3010.

Second display 3020.

 State sensing means 1200.

In FIG. 23, the situation reporting device 800 supports the location and data radio frequency tag device 1510 of FIG. 15A.

In Fig. 23, the state sensing means 1200 preferably includes the following.

Worker identity detection means 1210,

Container presence detecting means 1220,

Optical container code sensing means 1230,

Container loading height detecting means 1260,

Mechanical state list element detection means 1270, providing reverse movement 1852, frequent stop counts 1854, collision conditions 1856, fuel level 1858, compass reading 1860, and vehicle speed 1864. And,

A spreader sensing state 1324, which may be more desirable to include a twist lock sensing state 1314, a spreader sensing state 1324-20 at 20 feet and a spread sensing state 1324-40 at 40 feet, and It includes a sensed landing state 1334.

Spreader sense state 1324 may include other sizes, an example of which is shown in spreader state list 1420 of FIG. 12D.

24 and 25 show various implementations of the situation reporting apparatus 800 for the UTR truck 10 of FIG. 1. In these figures, the state sensing means 1200 discloses its contents and details of the communications. The UTR truck may be attached to the spring truck 14 or the chassis 14, and the container 2 may be bound to the spring truck or the chassis.

In FIG. 24, the situation reporting device 800 supports the precision satellite positioning system (DGPS) means 1500 of FIG. 14A.

24 illustrates a situation reporting apparatus 800 for communicating through a combination with the following.

Wireless communication means 1100.

Display 3010.

State sensing means 1200.

In Fig. 24, the state sensing means 1200 preferably includes the following.

Worker identity detection means 1210.

Container size sensing means 1216.

Container presence detecting means 1220.

Optical container code sensing means 1230.

Machine state list element detection means 1270 that provides reverse movement 1852, frequent stop counts 1854, collision conditions 1856, fuel level 1858, wind speed 1862, and vehicle speed 1864.

Fifth wheel engagement / disengagement proximity sensor.

25 shows a situation reporting apparatus 800 for communicating in conjunction with the following.

Wireless communication means 1100, preferably performed using wireless determining means 1510,

Display 3010, and

State sensing means 1200.

In FIG. 25, the situation reporting device 800 supports the location and data radio frequency tag device 1510 of FIG. 15A.

In Fig. 25, the state sensing means 1200 preferably includes the following.

Worker identity detection means 1210.

Container presence detecting means 1220.

Sensing means 1270 of the machine state list element, providing reverse movement 1852, frequent stop counts 1854, collision conditions 1856, fuel level 1858, wind speed 1862 and vehicle speed 1864 .

Fifth wheel engagement / disengagement proximity sensor.

The situation reporting device 800 used on the spring cart 14 and / or the chassis 14 preferably not only detects the presence and / or identity of the operator, but also detects the engine and / or its fuel. This may be similar to the situation reporting device 800 for the UTR truck 10 shown in FIGS. 24 and 25.

For the UTR truck 10, the situation reporting device 800 of FIGS. 24 and / or 25 may preferably be operated as follows.

The micro-controller module 1000 may detect how long the UTR truck 10 has traveled.

The micro-controller module 1000 may detect when the fifth wheel is engaged.

The micro-controller module 1000 may detect when the brake is applied.

The micro-controller module 1000 can detect when the container 2 is a 40 foot container.

The micro-controller module 1000 can sense when the container 2 is a 20 foot container and is located in front of or behind the spring cart 14.

The micro-controller module 1000 can detect when the container 2 is on the chassis.

The micro-controller module 1000 may detect the compass reading 1860.

Optionally, the micro-controller module 1000 can sense the fuel level 1858.

Optionally, the micro-controller module 1000 may receive the sensed worker identity 1214.

The wireless communication means 1100 may interface with a WHERENET® radio tag system.

The wireless communication means 1100 may also be a WHERENET tag.

Communication via wireless communication means 1100 may preferably be generated when the container is engaged, when the container is acquired or when it leaves the spring cart 14, and / or when the UTR truck 10 starts to move. have.

In certain implementations, the situation reporting device 800 can use the wireless communication means 1100 instead of the determining means 1500 of the location 1900. The wireless communication means 1100 may be sensed by an external radio system to determine container handler location. This may be desirable with regard to the manufacturing cost of the situation reporting device.

The situation reporting device for the UTR truck 10 of FIG. 24 and / or 25 may preferably comprise the following sensor interface.

The fifth wheel engagement-disengagement can be sensed by the magnetic proximity switch.

Vehicle speed 1864 and / or movement can be sensed by the number of revolutions of the drive shaft.

Compass reading 1860 may be interfaced using RS-422 protocol 2111.

The presence of a container is preferably an ultrasonic sonar with a 4-20 milliampere (mA) analog output. This is measured by the micro-controller module 1000 to measure the distance.

Alternatively, the presence of the container can use a laser to measure the distance.

The wireless communication means 1100 may be coupled to the micro-controller module 1000 using the RS-422 protocol 2111.

The determination of the location can be accomplished by the wireless communication means 1100, in particular by performing a WHERENET® radio tag.

The radio tag may be further instructed to blink.

The sensor of reverse motion may be based on a motion buzzer of the reverse of the UTR truck 10.

5B, 21-25, a context display 3010 is shown.

The display 3010 may be in direct communication with the computer 1010 or may be communicated through one of the network interface circuits (NICs).

Display 3010 may preferably be a liquid crystal display. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that there are many alternative means for indicating a situation.

Display 3010 may preferably be used to indicate a situation.

21-23, a second display 3020 is shown.

The second display 3020 can communicate directly with the computer 1010 or via one of the network interface circuits (NICs).

Second display 3020 is preferably a liquid crystal display. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that there are many alternative means of indicating a situation indication.

The second display 3020 can preferably be used to display command options, which can be used by the operator of the container handler 78.

The second display 3020 may also be used in the situation reporting device 800 for the UTR truck 10.

In such a situation, when the second display 3020 is present, the situation reporting device 800 further includes a network interface circuit that supports a version of the IEEE 802.11 access scheme 2134.

The worker may receive a message as to where to go to pick up the container 2 at the terminal yard.

Support of the network interface circuitry of the version of the IEEE 802.11 access scheme 2134 enables remote re-programming of the status reporting device 800.

17, 18, 21, 22, and 24 illustrate a situation reporting apparatus 800 including a second network interface circuit 1034.

The second network interface coupling 1036 supports the computer 1010 in communication via the second network interface circuit 1034.

The network interface circuit 1030 and the second network interface circuit 1034 may preferably support separate serial communication protocols.

As an example, the network interface circuit 1030 may support RS-232, while the second network interface circuit 1034 may support Ethernet.

Both network interface circuit 1030 and second network interface circuit 1034 can preferably be implemented as components in a micro-controller, which also includes a computer 1010.

The situation reporting device 800 and its one or more communication protocols may support the use of a TCP / IP stack, HTTP, Java, and possibly support the use of XML.

The above embodiments are provided as an example and are not meant to limit the following claims.

The present invention can be used for the operation of a container handler in a place such as a dock.

Claims (43)

As a reporting method for container handlers, Using means for sensing a state of the container handler to produce a sensed state; Using wireless communication means to communicate with the sensed state of the container handler, And wherein the container handler moves a container that is at least 20 feet long. The method of claim 1, Using the wireless communication means includes: And interacting with a network interface circuit coupled to the wireless communication means to communicate with the sensed condition for the container handler. The method of claim 2, And said network interface circuitry supports a wired communication protocol in combination with said wireless communication means. The method of claim 3, wherein The wired communication protocol, Ethernet protocol (Ethernet protcol), RS-232 protocol, RS-422 protocol RS-485 protocol, Universal serial bus (USB) protocol, Firewire protocol, Synchronous serial interface (SSI) protocol, Serial peripheral interface (SPI), Inter-IC (I2C) protocol, and A method for reporting container handlers that supports a version of at least one element of a serial protocol list including a Controller Area Network (CAN). The method of claim 1, The wireless communication means support communication using at least one version of at least one element of a radio modulation-demodulation scheme list; The radio modulation-demodulation scheme list includes a time division multiple access scheme, a frequency division multiple access scheme, a code division multiple access scheme, a frequency hopping multiple access scheme, a time hopping multiple access scheme, and an orthogonal frequency division multiple access scheme. Including, reporting method of container handler. The method of claim 5, At least one said version of said time division multiple access scheme comprises a GSM connectivity scheme; At least one said version of said frequency division multiple access scheme comprises an AMPs connectivity scheme; At least one said version of said code division multiple access scheme comprises at least one element of a CDMA scheme list; The CDMA list includes an IS-95 access scheme and a wideband CDMA access scheme; And at least one said version of said orthogonal frequency division multiple access scheme comprises an IEEE 801.11 connectivity scheme. The method of claim 1, And the sensing means comprises worker identity sensing means for providing the identity of the sensed worker. The method of claim 7, wherein And wherein the detected state includes the detected worker identity. The method of claim 1, And the sensing means comprises container presence sensing means for generating a sensed container presence. The method of claim 9, And wherein the sensed state includes the sensed container presence. The method of claim 1, And the sensing means comprises optical sensing means of a container cord on the container, which optically provides container characteristics. The method of claim 11, And wherein said sensed condition comprises said optical container characteristics. The method of claim 11, The optical container characteristic comprises at least one example of an element of a container code characteristic list; The container code characteristic list includes a container code character, a look of the container code, and a compression of the look of the container code. The method of claim 13, And the means for optically detecting the container code comprises at least one video camera generating at least one example of the appearance of the container code. The method of claim 14, And the video camera generates at least one example of the compression of the appearance of the container code. The method of claim 1, Said sensing means comprising radio frequency sensing means of a radio frequency tag on a container providing a container radio frequency tag. The method of claim 16, And wherein said detected condition comprises said container radio frequency tag. The method of claim 1, Wherein the container handler is at least one element of a list of loading handlers including rubber tire gantry cranes, dock cranes, side lifters and top handlers. The method of claim 18, And the sensing means comprises a container loading height sensing means for providing a container loading height. The method of claim 19, And the sensed state comprises the container loading height. The method of claim 19, And the stack height sensing means comprises a stack height sensor interface to the stack height sensor on the container handler. The method of claim 1, The means for sensing comprises means for sensing at least one element of a machine condition list of the container handler; The elements of the machine condition list include reverse motion, frequent stop counts, crash conditions, fuel levels, compass reading, wind speed, and vehicle speed. The method of claim 22, And the sensed state comprises an example of at least one element of the list of machine states. The method of claim 18, The sensing means comprises at least one element of the crane sensor means list generating at least one element of the crane sensor status list; The elements of the crane sensor means list are: Twist lock detection means for generating a twist lock detection state belonging to a twist lock state list; Spreader detection means for generating a spreader detection state belonging to a spreader state list; And And landing detection means for generating a detected landing state belonging to the landing state list; The twistlock state list includes a twistlock-on state and a twistlock-off state; The elements of the spreader status list include a 10 foot container spread, a 20 foot container spread, a 30 foot container spread, a 40 foot container spread, and a 45 foot container spread; The landing state list includes a landed state and a non-landed state, And wherein said elements of said crane sensor condition comprise a sensed state of said twist lock, a sensed state of said spreader and said sensed landing state. The method of claim 24, And wherein the sensed state comprises at least one element of a list comprising a sensed state of the twist lock, a sensed state of the spread, and the sensed landing state. The method of claim 24, And said sensing means comprises a coupling to a crane spreader interface connection to at least partially provide at least one of said elements of said crane status list. The method of claim 26, And the coupling to the crane spreader interface connection comprises the computer coupling to the crane spreader interface connection. The method of claim 24, And said sensing means comprises a coupling to a programmable logic controller (PLC) to at least partially provide at least one of said elements of said crane status list. The method of claim 28, The coupling to the PLC includes a serial communications coupling to the computer. The method of claim 29, The serial communication linkage supports a version of at least one element of the serial protocol list, including Ethernet protocol, RS-232 protocol, Universal Serial Bus (USB) protocol, and Firewire protocol. How to report. The method of claim 1, Using the wireless communication means to at least partially determine the location of the container handler; And Using wireless positioning means of the container handler to at least partially determine the location of the container handler; further comprising at least one of the following. The method of claim 31, wherein Using radio determining means of the location to communicate with the location of the container handler. The method of claim 31, wherein And the means for wirelessly determining the location comprises an interface to a satellite positioning system (GPS). The method of claim 33, wherein And the means for wirelessly determining the location comprises an interface to a precision satellite positioning system (DGPS). The method of claim 31, wherein And the radio determining means of the location comprises a radio location-tag unit. The method of claim 1, And said wireless communication means comprises a radio location-tag unit. The method of claim 1, The container handler is at least one element of a container handler list including a UTR truck, a bomb cart, a rubber tire gantry crane, a dock crane, a side picker and an upper handler. Way of reporting. The sensed state as a product of the method of claim 1. And a microcontroller module communicatively coupled to the wireless communication means as a first coupling and communicatively coupled to the state sensing means as a second coupling. The method of claim 39, The microcontroller module includes a computer; The computer includes at least one element of a list comprising an instruction processor, an inference engine, a neural network, and a finite state machine; The instruction processor comprises at least one instruction processing element and at least one data processing element; Wherein each of the data processing elements is controlled by at least one of the command processing elements. The method of claim 40, The computer is accessiblely coupled to a memory and the command processor is instructed by a program system comprising program steps residing in the memory. The method of claim 40, The finite state machine is: Means for using the state sensing means of the container handler to generate the sensed state; Means for using the wireless communication means to communicate with the sensed state of the container handler. The method of claim 40, And at least one feed programmable gate array performs at least a portion of at least one of the instruction processor, the inference engine, the neural network, and a list including the finite state machine.

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