Container handling

3D sensors are mounted on the crane. They are controlled and evaluated by the TPS runtime software. These 3D sensors are precisely aimed at the target area.

The core of SIMOCRANE TPS is the sensor controller.
This controller performs the following tasks:

• Controls the 3D sensors
• Collects the raw data from the scanner and detects the scanned objects
• Detects the known vehicle types
• Processes logic for the operating sequences (parking procedure)
• Provides a command and data interface to the crane controller and for operation

TPS sequence

The 3D sensors acquire vehicles to be parked in their lane when they are approximately 20 m from the target point. From this point onwards, the vehicles are identified in terms of the loaded container size(s) or the characteristics of the trailer on which the container should be placed.

Once the truck/the container trailer or the container size(s) have been identified, the distance to the target position is calculated. This depends on various factors:

• Container size and spreader setting
• Characteristics of the container trailer
• Operating mode of SIMOCRANE TPS

The data are continuously transferred to the crane controller as a setpoint specification for positioning the vehicles.

Preparations for use

The SIMOCRANE TPS has a very simple operator interface. The crane driver switches the system on and makes the following settings:

• Selects the vehicle lane
• Selects the vehicle approach direction

The type of vehicle and the position of the container (front, center or rear) are determined by SIMOCRANE TPS itself.

Several factors must be considered for the use of SIMOCRANE TPS:

• Dimensions of the crane
• Mounting height of the 3D sensors
  
  Assuming that the usual mounting height of the 3D sensors is 14 m above the loading point, the range of the approach route is about 20 m on both sides.
• Container trailers used
  
  The characteristics and the dimensions of the vehicles to be detected by SIMOCRANE TPS must be entered in SIMOCRANE TPS START. The system uses the parameters to generate an object database.

Cross-section of the crane system

Typical design of a container trailer

• Number of different vehicle types
  
  The maximum number of vehicle types that can be recognized varies in accordance with the geometric dimensions. The less the dimensions between the vehicle types vary, the fewer types (models) can be distinguished. SIMOCRANE TPS V1.2 can distinguish between a maximum of 5 models of truck and 9 models of container trailer.
• Sequence of operations under the crane
  
  One or two 3D sensors will be required depending on the sequence of operations and the required reaction speed.
• Operational area with regard to contamination effects, weather effects and mechanical shocks
• Accessibility of 3D sensors for maintenance and service purposes (e.g. platform or stairways).

Note:

The system is based on optical sensors and is primarily affected by all effects that influence or impair the visibility of the target objects.

The system can only function with known vehicles. The system will only identify vehicles which are stored as models in TPS START. The system is incapable of identifying unknown vehicles.