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Christer Johansson

Uno Bryfors

Björn Henriksson

Bjorn Henriksson

Erik Lindeberg

Björn Holmberg

Eric Strale

Martin Aberg

Claes Heidenback

Eric Stråle

Martin Åberg

A method for automatically landing a container on a landing target using a container crane is disclosed. The container crane includes a trolley and spreader for holding and lifting the container and a crane control system for controlling movements of the container crane. A distance from the container to the landing target is measured and the container is moved towards the landing target dependent on the measured distance. A plurality of images of the landing target is made using at least one camera mounted on the spreader. The images are processed to identify one or more landing features in the images of the landing target. Distances from the container to the landing target are calculated based on a measurement of distance between the container and the landing features in the images. A video control unit, a system for controlling automatic landings of a container, a computer readable data carrier comprising a computer program and a computer program product arranged for carrying out the methods are also described.

Method and system for automatically landing containers on a landing target using a container crane

A device, method and system for automatic calibration of a container crane, the container crane being controlled by a system including a first sensor (LPS) and/or a second sensor (TPS), are provided. A calibration rig is arranged in a fixed position and includes a plurality of markers, each arranged at a known and fixed position and distance relative to one another. The markers may include a first marker with a first visual appearance, or active marker and/or a second marker with a second visual appearance, or passive marker. The active marker is preferably an illumination source, such as an IR source. A method for calibrating a container crane using the calibration device and a container control system including the calibration device and one or more computer programs are also described.

Calibration device, method and system for a container crane

A method for aligning a truck chassis with a required position relative to a crane, in which the truck is scanned by a sensor means. The laser scanner is located on the crane in such a way that it will be able to scan at least one of a plurality of loading/unloading lanes. The truck is scanned when it enters into one of the loading/unloading lanes in order to detect/identify at least one edge of the truck. The distance between the identified edge of the truck and a fixed point on the crane is measured. A signal is generated that enables a truck driver to drive the truck into a required position in the loading/unloading lane for accurately receiving or delivering a container.

Chassis alignment system

A method for handling containers in which containers are stacked using a moveable crane with a travelling part such as a trolley ( ) arranged to lift, move and land a container ( ) on a stacking target ( ) in a stack comprising a least one ground container ( ). The method is characterised by the steps of measuring the horizontal position of the stacking target ( ), determining the horizontal position of the ground container ( ), and comparing the relative positions of stacking target ( ) and ground container ( ). An overlap is developed from the relative positions of the stacking target ( ) and the ground container ( ), and compared to predetermined limits. If the overlap is within limits a desired landing position ( ) on the stacking target ( ) is selected for the container ( ). Advantages include automatic stacking, faster stacking, safer stacks and dense packing of stacks in a container terminal.

Method for handling containers and a means to carry out a method for selecting a desired position on a stacking target

A horizontal reference marker and method of using the horizontal reference marker to determine the exact position on the ground of a ground slot for a standard freight container. At least two horizontal reference markers are fixed to the ground or any substantially horizontal stacking surface and arranged in a known position relative to a ground slot on the ground. The horizontal reference markers are shaped suitable for detection by laser means mounted on container cranes. The advantage is precise and parallel positioning of a container placed on the ground, which ensures that container stacks have sufficient clearance between them and simplifies container handling.

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Västerås, Sweden

Christer Johansson