Method, system and apparatus for monitoring loading of a payload into a load carrying container

• US 20100110185A1
• Filed: 10/21/2009
• Published: 05/06/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 10/21/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Motion Metrics International Corp (WEIR Group PLC)
• Original Assignee: Motion Metrics International Corp (WEIR Group PLC)
• Inventors: Tafazoli Bilandi, Farshid, Ohadi Esfahani, Arya, Tafazoli Bilandi, Shahram
• Granted Patent: US 8,405,721 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/143
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/183 for receiving images from a single remote source

Abstract

A method, apparatus and system for monitoring loading of a payload into a load carrying container is disclosed. The method involves acquiring at least one image of a load transfer container during operation of the load transfer container by a first operator to load the payload into the load carrying container, and wirelessly transmitting an image signal representing the at least one image. The method also involves receiving the image signal and producing a display signal for causing the at least one image to be displayed for viewing by a second operator to facilitate monitoring of the loading of the payload.

Claims

1. A method for monitoring loading of a payload into a load carrying container, the method comprising:

acquiring at least one image of a load transfer container during operation of said load transfer container by a first operator to load the payload into the load carrying container; and

wirelessly transmitting an image signal representing said at least one image to permit reception and display of said at least one image for viewing by a second operator to facilitate monitoring of the loading of the payload.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising receiving an annunciation alerting said first operator to a loading condition observed by said second operator.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein receiving said annunciation comprises receiving a wirelessly transmitted annunciation of said loading condition.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein receiving said wirelessly transmitted annunciation comprises receiving an annunciation signal at a receiver associated with said load transfer container, said annunciation signal being produced in response to a vocal alert uttered by said second operator.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein receiving said annunciation signal comprises receiving a relayed annunciation signal from a dispatch center.

6. The method of claim 3 wherein receiving said wireless annunciation comprises establishing a two-way radio link between said first and second operators to permit voice communication between said first and second operators for alerting said first operator to said loading condition.

7. The method of claim 2 wherein receiving said wireless annunciation comprises receiving an annunciation of at least one of:

a structural condition of said load transfer container;

a hazard associated with the loading of the payload into the load carrying container;

an indication that a payload portion in said load transfer container exceeds a safe loading size;

an indication that a payload portion in said load transfer container includes undesired materials or detritus;

an indication of a non-uniform loading condition occurring in the load carrying container; and

an indication that the loading operation should be discontinued.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein acquiring said at least one image comprises acquiring a plurality of video frames representing real time movements of said load transfer container.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein acquiring said plurality of video frames comprises activating a video camera to produce said plurality of video frames, said video camera being operably configured to have a field of view within which at least a portion of the load transfer container and at least a portion of the load carrying container is observable.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein wirelessly transmitting said image signal comprises transmitting one of:

a video signal including a plurality of video frames representing real time movements of said load transfer container;

a plurality of image signals, each of said plurality of image signals representing a still image of one of a plurality of a discrete states occurring during the loading operation; and

a screen image signal representing a copy of a screen image produced and displayed on a display associated with said load transfer container.

11. The method of claim 1 wherein wirelessly transmitting said image signal comprises transmitting an image signal having transmission characteristics that limit reception of said image signal within a pre-determined radius from said load transfer container.

12. The method of claim 1 wherein wirelessly transmitting said image signal comprises transmitting an image signal having first transmission characteristics to prevent interference with a second image signal produced by a second load transfer container, said second image signal having second transmission characteristics.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein transmitting said image signal having first transmission characteristics comprises transmitting a first analog image signal having frequencies within a first frequency band, and wherein said second image signal comprises a second analog image signal having frequencies within a second frequency band.

14. The method of claim 12 further comprising transmitting a control signal encoded with information representing said first transmission characteristics of said image signal.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

receiving a first position signal, said first position signal indicating a location of the load carrying container;

determining a location of said load transfer container; and

wherein transmitting said control signal comprises transmitting a control signal encoded with configuration information for configuring a receiver associated with the load carrying container to receive said image signal when a distance between the load carrying container and said load transfer container meets a criterion.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

producing a second position signal, said second position signal indicating a location of said load transfer container and wherein transmitting said control signal comprises transmitting a control signal encoded with information representing said location of said load transfer container to permit a receiver associated with the load carrying container to be configured to receive said image signal when a distance between the load carrying container and said load transfer container meets a criterion.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein producing said second position signal comprises producing said second position signal in response to receiving global positioning system (GPS) satellite signals.

18. The method of claim 14 wherein transmitting said control signal comprises transmitting a control signal including channel information identifying a channel for transmitting said image signal.

19. A method for monitoring loading of a payload into a load carrying container, the method comprising:

wirelessly receiving an image signal representing at least one image of a load transfer container acquired during operation of said load transfer container by a first operator to load the payload into the load carrying container; and

producing a display signal for causing said at least one image to be displayed for viewing by a second operator to facilitate monitoring of the loading of the payload.

20. The method of claim 19 further comprising causing a loading condition observed by said second operator to be annunciated for alerting said first operator to said loading condition.

21. The method of claim 20 wherein causing said loading condition to be annunciated comprises causing said loading condition to be wirelessly annunciated.

22. The method of claim 21 wherein causing said loading condition to be wirelessly annunciated comprises wirelessly transmitting an annunciation signal produced in response to a vocal alert uttered by said second operator for reception by a first receiver associated with said load transfer container.

23. The method of claim 22 wherein causing said loading condition to be wirelessly annunciated comprises transmitting said annunciation signal to a dispatch center for relaying to said first receiver.

24. The method of claim 21 wherein causing said loading condition to be wirelessly annunciated comprises establishing a two-way radio link between said first and second operators to permit voice communication between said first and second operators for alerting said first operator to said loading condition.

25. The method of claim 20 wherein causing said loading condition to be annunciated comprises causing annunciation of at least one of:

a structural condition of said load transfer container;

a hazard associated with the loading of the payload into the load carrying container;

an indication that a payload portion in said load transfer container exceeds a safe loading size;

an indication that a payload portion in said load transfer container includes undesired materials or detritus;

an indication of a non-uniform loading condition occurring in the load carrying container; and

an indication that the loading operation should be discontinued.

26. The method of claim 19 wherein said second operator is located in a compartment of the load carrying container, and wherein producing said display signal comprises producing a display signal for causing said at least one image to be displayed on a display located in said compartment.

27. The method of claim 19 wherein wirelessly receiving said image signal comprises receiving said image signal at a wireless interface of a portable display device.

28. The method of claim 19 wherein wirelessly receiving said image signal comprises receiving one of:

a video signal including a plurality of video frames representing real time movements of said load transfer container;

a plurality of image signals, each of said plurality of image signals representing a still image of one of a plurality of a discrete states occurring during the loading operation; and

a screen image signal representing a copy of a screen image produced and displayed on a display associated with said load transfer container.

29. The method of claim 19 wherein wirelessly receiving said image signal comprises receiving a plurality of image signals having differing transmission characteristics and causing an image signal receiver to be configured to selectively receive one of said plurality of image signals having transmission characteristics that provide for best reception.

30. The method of claim 19 further comprising receiving a control signal encoded with information representing first transmission characteristics of said image signal and wherein wirelessly receiving said image signal comprises causing a second receiver to be configured for receiving said image signal having said first transmission characteristics.

31. The method of claim 30 wherein receiving said control signal comprises receiving a plurality of control signals, each control signal including an identification of one of a plurality of load transfer containers, and further comprising causing said second operator to be prompted to select one of said plurality of load transfer containers for monitoring.

32. The method of claim 30 wherein receiving said control signal comprises receiving a control signal encoded with information representing a location of said load transfer container and further comprising:

determining a location of the load carrying container; and

causing a second receiver associated with the load carrying container to be configured to receive said image signal when a distance between the load carrying container and said load transfer container meets a criterion.

33. The method of claim 32 wherein determining said location of said load transfer container comprises receiving a global positioning system (GPS) signal.

34. The method of claim 32 wherein causing said second receiver associated with the load carrying container to be configured to receive said image signal when said distance between the load carrying container and said load transfer container meets said criterion comprises causing said second receiver to be configured to receive said image signal when said load-transfer container is closer to the load carrying container than other load transfer containers.

35. The method of claim 19 wherein receiving said image signal comprises:

causing a receiver to periodically attempt to establish a communications link with transmitters in range of said first receiver, each transmitter being associated with one of a plurality of load transfer containers; and

selecting one of said transmitters for receiving said image signal when a communications link between said one of said transmitters meets a quality-of-service criterion.

36. The method of claim 35 further comprising monitoring said quality-of-service while receiving said image signal and discontinuing said receiving in response to said quality-of-service falling below said quality of service criteria.

37. The method of claim 36 further comprising selecting another one of said transmitters for receiving said image signal when a communications link between said one of said transmitters meets said quality-of-service criterion.

38. An image signal generator apparatus for producing an image signal to facilitate monitoring of loading of a payload into a load carrying container, the apparatus comprising:

a camera operably configured to acquire at least one image of a load transfer container during operation of said load transfer container by a first operator to load the payload into the load carrying container; and

an image signal transmitter operably configured to wirelessly transmit an image signal representing said at least one image to permit reception and display of said at least one image for viewing by a second operator to facilitate monitoring of the loading of the payload by said second operator.

39. The apparatus of claim 38 further comprising a receiver operably configured to receive an annunciation alerting said first operator to a loading condition observed by said second operator.

40. The apparatus of claim 39 wherein said receiver is operably configured to receive a wirelessly transmitted annunciation of said loading condition.

41. The apparatus of claim 40 wherein said receiver is operably configured to receive an annunciation signal at a receiver associated with said load transfer container, said annunciation signal being produced in response to a vocal alert uttered by said second operator.

42. The apparatus of claim 41 wherein said receiver is operably configured to receive a relayed annunciation signal from a dispatch center.

43. The apparatus of claim 39 wherein said receiver is operably configured to receive an annunciation of at least one of:

a structural condition of said load transfer container;

a hazard associated with the loading of the payload into the load carrying container;

an indication that a payload portion in said load transfer container exceeds a safe loading size;

an indication that a payload portion in said load transfer container includes undesired materials or detritus;

an indication of a non-uniform loading condition occurring in the load carrying container; and

an indication that the loading operation should be discontinued.

44. The apparatus of claim 38 wherein said camera is operably configured to acquire a plurality of video frames representing real time movements of said load transfer container.

45. The apparatus of claim 44 wherein said camera is operably configured to have a field of view within which at least a portion of the load transfer container and at least a portion of the load carrying container is observable.

46. The apparatus of claim 38 wherein said image signal transmitter is operably configured to transmit one of:

a video signal including a plurality of video frames representing real time movements of said load transfer container;

a plurality of image signals, each of said plurality of image signals representing a still image of one of a plurality of a discrete states occurring during the loading operation; and

a screen image signal representing a copy of a screen image produced and displayed on a display associated with said load transfer container.

47. The apparatus of claim 38 wherein said image signal transmitter is operably configured to transmit an image signal having transmission characteristics that limit reception of said image signal within a pre-determined radius from said load transfer container.

48. The apparatus of claim 38 wherein said image signal transmitter is operably configured to transmit an image signal having first transmission characteristics to prevent interference with a second image signal produced by a second load transfer container, said second image signal having second transmission characteristics.

49. The apparatus of claim 48 wherein said image signal transmitter is operably configured to transmit a first analog image signal having frequencies within a first frequency band, and wherein said second image signal comprises a second analog image signal having frequencies within a second frequency band.

50. The apparatus of claim 48 further comprising a control signal transmitter operably configured to transmit a control signal encoded with information representing said first transmission characteristics of said image signal.

51. The apparatus of claim 50 wherein said image signal transmitter is configurable to act as said control signal transmitter.

52. The apparatus of claim 50, further comprising a first controller operably configured to:

receive a first position signal, said first position signal indicating a location of the load carrying container;

determine a location of said load transfer container; and

wherein said control signal transmitter is operably configured to transmit a control signal encoded with configuration information for configuring a receiver associated with the load carrying container to receive said image signal when a distance between the load carrying container and said load transfer container meets a criterion.

53. The apparatus of claim 50, further comprising a first controller operably configured to produce a second position signal, said second position signal indicating a location of said load transfer container, and wherein transmitting said control signal comprises transmitting a control signal encoded with information representing said location of said load transfer container to permit a receiver associated with the load carrying container to be configured to receive said image signal when a distance between the load carrying container and said load transfer container meets a criterion.

54. The apparatus of claim 53 further comprising a global positioning system (GPS) receiver operably configured to produce said second position signal in response to receiving GPS satellite signals.

55. The apparatus of claim 50 wherein said control signal transmitter is operably configured to transmit a control signal including channel information identifying a channel for transmitting said image signal.

56. An image signal transmitter apparatus for use with an image signal processing system, the image signal processing system including a camera operably configured to acquire at least one image of a load transfer container during operation of said load transfer container by a first operator to load a payload into the load carrying container, the image signal processing system having an image signal output for producing an image signal, the image signal transmitter apparatus comprising an input for receiving said image signal from said image signal output, said image signal transmitter being operably configured to wirelessly transmit an image signal representing said at least one image to permit reception and display of said at least one image for viewing by a second operator to facilitate monitoring of the loading of the payload by said second operator.

57. A display signal generator apparatus for monitoring loading of a payload into a load carrying container, the apparatus comprising:

an image signal receiver operably configured to wirelessly receive an image signal representing at least one image of a load transfer container acquired during operation of said load transfer container by a first operator to load the payload into the load carrying container, said image signal receiver being operably configured to produce a display signal for causing said at least one image to be displayed for viewing by a second operator to facilitate monitoring of the loading of the payload.

58. The apparatus of claim 57 further comprising an annunciation signal transmitter operably configured to cause a loading condition observed by said second operator to be wirelessly transmitted for alerting said first operator to said loading condition.

59. The apparatus of claim 58 wherein said annunciation signal transmitter is operably configured to wirelessly transmit an annunciation signal produced in response to a vocal alert uttered by said second operator.

60. The apparatus of claim 58 wherein said annunciation signal transmitter is operably configured to transmit an annunciation of at least one of:

a structural condition of said load transfer container;

a hazard associated with the loading of the payload into the load carrying container;

an indication that a payload portion in said load transfer container exceeds a safe loading size; and

an indication of a non-uniform loading condition occurring in the load carrying container.

61. The apparatus of claim 57 wherein said second operator is located in a compartment of the load carrying container, and wherein the load carrying container further comprises a display mounted in said compartment, said display being operably configured to cause said at least one image to be displayed on said display in response to receiving said display signal.

62. The apparatus of claim 57 wherein said image signal receiver comprises a wireless interface of a portable display device.

63. The apparatus of claim 57 wherein said image signal receiver is operably configured to receive one of:

a video signal including a plurality of video frames representing real time movements of said load transfer container;

a plurality of image signals, each of said plurality of image signals representing a still image of one of a plurality of a discrete states occurring during the loading operation; and

a screen image signal representing a copy of a screen image produced and displayed on a display associated with said load transfer container.

64. The apparatus of claim 57 wherein said image signal receiver is operably configured to receive a plurality of image signals and to select one of said plurality of image signals having transmission characteristics that provide for best reception.

65. The apparatus of claim 57 further comprising a second controller in communication with a control signal receiver for receiving a control signal encoded with information representing first transmission characteristics of said image signal, said second controller being operably configured to cause said image signal receiver to be configured for receiving said image signal having said first transmission characteristics.

66. The apparatus of claim 65 wherein said image signal receiver is configurable to act as said control signal receiver.

67. The apparatus of claim 65 wherein said control signal receiver is operably configured to receive a plurality of control signals, each control signal including an identification of one of a plurality of load transfer containers, and wherein said second controller is operably configured to cause said second operator to be prompted to select one of said plurality of load transfer containers for monitoring.

68. The apparatus of claim 65 wherein said second controller is operably configured to:

cause said control signal receiver to receive a control signal encoded with information representing a location of said load transfer container;

determine a location of the load carrying container; and

cause said image signal receiver to be configured to receive said image signal when a distance between the load carrying container and said load transfer container meets a criterion.

69. The apparatus of claim 68 further comprising a global positioning system (GPS) receiver operably configured to produce a position signal representing said location of the load carrying container in response to receiving GPS satellite signals.

70. The apparatus of claim 57 further comprising a second controller in communication with said image signal receiver, said second controller being operably configured to:

cause said image signal receiver to periodically attempt to establish a communications link with image signal transmitters in range of said first receiver, each image signal transmitter being associated with one of a plurality of load transfer containers; and

select one of said image signal transmitters for receiving said image signal when a communications link between said one of said transmitters meets a quality-of-service criterion.

71. The apparatus of claim 70 wherein said second controller is operably configured to monitor said quality-of-service while receiving said image signal and to discontinue said receiving in response to said quality-of-service falling below said quality-of-service criterion.

72. The apparatus of claim 71 wherein said second controller is operably configured to select another one of said transmitters for receiving said image signal when a communications link between said one of said transmitters meets said quality-of-service criterion.

73. A system for monitoring loading of a payload into a load carrying container, the system comprising:

an image signal generator comprising;

a camera operably configured to acquire at least one image of a load transfer container during operation of said load transfer container by a first operator to load the payload into the load carrying container;

an image signal transmitter operably configured to wirelessly transmit an image signal representing said at least one image; and

a display signal generator operably configured to receive said image signal and to produce a display signal for causing said at least one image to be displayed for viewing by a second operator to facilitate monitoring of the loading of the payload.

74. A method for monitoring a location of a load carrying container with respect to an obstacle, the method comprising:

acquiring at least one image of a terrain surrounding the obstacle; and

wirelessly transmitting an image signal representing said at least one image to permit reception and display of said at least one image for viewing by an operator to facilitate monitoring of a location of the load carrying container relative to the obstacle.

75. An image signal generator apparatus for producing an image signal to facilitate monitoring a location of a load carrying container with respect to an obstacle, the apparatus comprising:

a camera located proximate the obstacle and operably configured to acquire at least one image of a terrain surrounding the obstacle; and

an image signal transmitter operably configured to wirelessly transmit an image signal representing said at least one image to permit reception and display of said at least one image for viewing by an operator to facilitate monitoring of a location of the load carrying container relative to the obstacle.