METHOD AND APPARATUS SUPPORTING CONTAINER IDENTIFICATION FOR MULTIPLE QUAY CRANES

摘要

Aspects of the invention include a container code recognition system and method for each of at least two quay cranes. At least one image frame sequence for a container viewed by a camera, on each of the quay cranes, is provided to a human operator. The human operator responds to the image frame sequence for the container. Receiving the human response creates a container code for the container handled by each quay crane. The human response may be through use of a keyboard, pointing device, acoustic interface, and/or eye movement. The invention further includes at least one image frame of the image frame sequence, as well as, the container code for the container as products of the invention's process. Further, the process products may include an identification of the quay crane and/or a time-stamp. The time-stamp may either be when the quay crane transfer occurs and/or when the human operator responds. A container inventory management system may receive one or more of the invention's process products, which may be used to update the system. Archival items generated by the invention's process include the container code, the image frame, further preferably include the quay crane identification and at least one time-stamp.