Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of the container management system. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to updating location of containers on real-time basis a container yard using computer vision in automatic and manual mode.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed disclosure, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Presently, the worldwide movement of products in the form of import and exports has increased tremendously increasing number of containers for inward and outward movement in a container yard. If the location for a container marked for the movement is passed wrongly to the operator of container transfer vehicle, results in additional time, reduce productivity, and prove uneconomical. This resulted location tracking, recording, and updating of container, a crucial phenomenon in inventory management and monitoring that has to be maintained on real-time basis.
[0004] However, there are limitations which prevent foolproof system to achieve ideal real-time tracking and updating of a container in the yard. Several companies operating container yards, in their prior arts made use of GPS-based tracking, updating with RFID tagging etc. but failed to provide monitoring of the container accurately. Hence, there is a need to devise a system for real-time updating for location of containers in a yard in an automatic mode as well as in manual mode managing location of containers for their movement faster and economical.
[0005] Patent Document US7961911B2 disclosed a method and apparatus of automated optical container code recognition with positional identification for a transfer container crane, the method and system providing a transfer container crane with container code recognition of a container identified by a container code to a container inventory management system capable of performing these tasks without the use of non-standard container tagging.

[0006] While, the cited reference discloses different types of managing identification of containers by container code to manage container’s inventory, there are no teachings in the cited reference related to the stated problems of identifying, updating inventory of containers on real-time basis.
[0007] There is, therefore, a need to overcome the above drawback, and limitations associated with the existing systems and methods for real-time updating of container and provide a technology-based simple, fast, cost-effective, system and method for a container yard.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a systems and methods for real-time updating of container in a container yard.
[0009] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a simple, fast, cost-effective, system and method for a container yard for updating database.
[0010] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a computer vision-based automatic system for identification and updating database of containers.
[0011] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI-ML) based system for updating location of containers in the yard.
[0012] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an automatic allotment of location for dropping of a container to avoid duplicity in the yard.

SUMMARY
[0013] The present disclosure relates to the field of the container management system. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to updating location of containers on real-time basis a container yard using computer vision in automatic and manual mode.
[0014] According to an aspect, the disclosure is a system to pick and drop function to define real-time location of containers in a yard includes a server in communication with an IOT device, and a plurality of modules. The server include at least one database, and at least one processor communicatively coupled with memory instructions, when executed, causes at least one processor to receive live images using computer vision by the IOT device for at least one container for pick from a first position to transmit them to an optical character reader to read meaningful data of the container; receive, by the IOT device, the meaningful data extracted by the optical character reader to re-transmit them to the server; receive, by the IOT device, to display the meaningful data of the container and stack details to complete pick operation. In a drop operation, the server receive live images using computer vision by the IOT device for at least one container to be dropped in a first position and to transmit them to an optical character reader to read meaningful data from the container; receive, by the IOT device, the meaningful data of the container extracted by the optical character reader to re-transmit them to the server; receive, by the IOT device, to display the meaningful data of the container in a second position and stack details to complete drop operation; and allocate a new location for the second position of the container after pick and drop operation to store in database, and to share GPS location of the IOT device continuously and automatically to the server to maintain database in real-time mode.
[0015] In an aspect, the IOT device include a camera to capture even large sets of images in real-time through photos, videos, and 3D images for retrieving meaningful data which are alpha numeric unique code of the container, from the images using computer vision algorithms.
[0016] In an aspect, the plurality of modules includes a navigation module, a reporting module, and a GPS module.
[0017] In an aspect, the GPS module provides real-time location, and the navigation module provides direction of the container in the yard.
[0018] In an aspect, the direction provided by the navigation module includes linier movement, angular movement, linear velocity data, angular velocity data, linear acceleration data, and angular acceleration data for the container under the movement.
[0019] In an aspect, the database used is a Structured Query Language (SQL) database written in Java & Python libraries.
[0020] Another aspect of the disclosure is a method for updating real-time location of a container in a yard including steps for receiving live images using computer vision by the IOT device for at least one container for picking from a first position and transmitting them to an optical character reader to read meaningful data of the container; receiving, by the IOT device, the meaningful data extracted by the character reader for re-transmitting them to the server; receiving, by the IOT device, for displaying the container data and stack details to complete pick operation. Further, the server receiving live images using computer vision by the IOT device for at least one container for dropping in a first position and transmitting them to an optical character reader to read meaningful data from the container; receiving, by the IOT device, the meaningful data of the container extracted by the optical character reader for re-transmitting them to the server; receiving, by the IOT device, to display the meaningful data of the container in a second position and stack details to complete dropping operation; and allocate a new location for the second position of containers after picking and dropping operation for storing in database, and to share GPS location of the IOT device continuously and automatically to the server to maintain database in real-time mode.
[0021] In an aspect, the method is performed for the pick location and the drop location for an assigned container in auto mode as well as in manual mode.
[0022] In an aspect, the method uses a mobile device is configured to feed data to the database in a network, wherein to locate the container, the area marked in the yard is divided in zones, section, sub-section, row, and number of position in a stack.
[0023] In an aspect, the IOT device is configured with a moving body, and the moving body is responsible to pick and drop the assigned container within the yard.
[0024] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0025] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, is incorporated in, and constitutes a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0026] In the figures, similar components, and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.
[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram for the system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary method flow diagram, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit, and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0030] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.
[0031] Embodiments of the disclosure relate to the field of the container management system. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to updating location of containers on real-time basis a container yard using computer vision in automatic and manual mode.
[0032] According to an embodiment, the present disclosure is a system and method to pick and drop function to define real-time location of containers in a yard for updating inventory in a network, and receive live images using computer vision by the IOT device configured with a moving body for at least one container for pick and drop from a first position, read alpha numeric unique code using optical character reader, and display data and stack details to complete pick and drop operation. Further, system allocates a new location for the container to store in database, and to share GPS location of the IOT device continuously and automatically to the server. The IOT device include a camera, and the modules are a navigation module provides direction, a reporting module, a GPS module for real-time location of the container, and the database used is a SQL database written in Java & Python libraries.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 1 where an exemplary block diagram for system 100 is shown. The system 100 for real-time updating of location of containers in a container yard. System 100, which is a multi-task driver assistance platform, uses computer vision which is the field of artificial intelligence that trains computer to capture and interpret information from image and video data. System 100 include a server 106 includes at least one database 108, and at least one processor communicatively coupled with memory instructions. The server 106 is in communication with an IOT device 110, and a plurality of modules in a network 130. Database 108 used is a Structured Query Language (SQL) database written in Java & Python libraries.
[0034] In an embodiment, the plurality of modules includes a GPS module 116, a navigation module 118, and a reporting module 120. The GPS module 116 provides real-time location of the container. The navigation module 118 which is supported by a gyro meter provides direction of the container 102 in the yard 104. The direction provided by the navigation module 118 includes linier movement, angular movement, linear velocity data, angular velocity data, linear acceleration data and angular acceleration data for the container 102 under the movement.
[0035] In an embodiment, IOT device 110 is configured with a moving body 114, and the moving body 114 is responsible to pick and drop the container 102 in an area within the yard 104. The area marked in the yard 104 is divided in zones, section, sub-section, row, and number of position in a stack to locate the container 102.
[0036] In an aspect, the updating of a container 102 is required means picking the assigned container 102 from a first position in the yard 102 to a second position either within the yard 104 or to a trailer for onward movement. Similarly, the dropping of a container 102 means either placing the container 102 that is picked up from a trailer to a first position or placing a picked container 102 from the first position and again dropping to a second positing within the yard 104. In both cases the location updating of the container 104 is required in the database 108 to have real-time location of the container 102 in the yard 104.
[0037] In an embodiment, IOT device 100 used is a camera unit. The application requirement of the camera is field of view (FoV) and pixel resolution. The camera can be selected for system 100 from a network (IP) camera or a close circuit television (CCTV) to capture images even large sets of images in real-time. The images include photos, videos, and 3D images for retrieving meaningful data which are alpha numeric unique code of the container 102.
[0038] In an embodiment, the captured images while in pick operation are sent to an optical character reader (OCR) 112 where the meaningful data of the container 102 are captured. The images are analyzed for alphanumeric code of the container 102 using object detection with X, Y coordinates to create a bounding box to extract meaningful data to further train using computer vision and the AI-ML algorithms. The computer vision processes the captured images and information is identified. The clipped histogram equalization (CHE) is used to train so that details in dark and bright regions can be reveled and read without over enhancement. The output of the OCR 112 is transmitted to server 106 through IOT device 110.
[0039] In an embodiment, server 106 receives data from IOT device 110, from GPS module 116, and navigation module 118 continuously and automatically to maintain and update database 108 in real-time mode. The GPS module 116 provides real-time location of the container 102. The navigation module 118 which is supported by a gyro meter provides direction of the container 102 in the yard 104. The direction provided by the navigation module 118 includes linier movement, angular movement, linear velocity data, angular velocity data, linear acceleration data and angular acceleration data for the container 102 under the movement.
[0040] In an embodiment, after determining the location of the container 102, server 106 stores the data in SQL database 108 for a new location in a second position after pick and drop operation. The data is also transmitted to IOT device 110 for the operator of the moving body 114 to perform movement for the assigned container 102 by displaying container 102 data and details of zone/section/sub-section, and stack.
[0041] In an embodiment, the moving body 114 which a heavy duty crane used to transfer containers from the first position to the second position that depends upon types of operation to be performed for the assigned container 102. Container 102 is primarily identified with their alphanumeric codes. Also, they are classified on the basis of their sizes like a single size container which is also called 20 feet and a double size container called 40 feet.
[0042] In an embodiment, in case of pick/drop is used for the container 102 marked as inward/outward movement, the data of the driver, driving the trailer is also fed to the database 108 using the reporting module 120 for security and authorized access through mobile device. Mobile device under the reporting module 120 is also used during manual operation for updating location. The updated data as needed.
[0043] In an embodiment, to update location of an assigned container 102 using manual operation includes picking up images manually before shifting the container 102 from the first position and from the second position. IOT device 110 display container 102 details and stack details. Allocate new location from IOT device 110 and transmit it back to the server 106. The other background services operating within the yard 104 also share location of IOT device 110 to server 106.
[0044] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary method flow diagram 200. Method 200 for updating real-time location of a container 102 in a yard 104 and is performed for the pick location and the drop location for an assigned container 102 in auto mode as well as in manual mode. Method 200, in pick operation, includes step 202 for receiving live images of assigned container 102 using computer vision by the IOT device 110 for picking from a first position and transmitting them to an optical character reader 112 to read meaningful data of the container 102.
[0045] In an embodiment, according to step 204 the optical character reader 112 receiving images sent by the IOT device 110 extracting meaningful data for re-transmitting them to the server 106, and step 206 define receiving, by the IOT device 110, for displaying the container 102 data and stack details to complete pick operation.
[0046] Similarly, for the dropping operation, method step 208 is for receiving live images using computer vision by the IOT device 110 for at least one container 102 for dropping in a first position and transmitting them to an optical character reader 112 to read meaningful data from the container 102, and step 210 define receiving, by the IOT device 110, the meaningful data of the container 102 extracted by the optical character reader 112 for re-transmitting them to the server 106. Further, receiving, by the IOT device 110, to display the meaningful data of the container 102 in a second position and stack details to complete dropping operation according to step 212.
[0047] Finally, method step 214 allocating a new location for the second position of the container 102 after picking and dropping operation for storing in database 108, and to share GPS location of the IOT device 110 continuously and automatically to the server 106 to maintain database 108 in real-time mode.
[0048] In an aspect, the automatic updating of location of containers 102 using computer visions includes operation for 40 feet container as well as for 20 feet container at a time. Thus automated management is reducing the cost of moving body by intimating exact point of operation as well as reducing manual work within yard 104 to optimize operational area in yard 104, and fuel etc.
[0049] If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic. As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0050] Moreover, in interpreting the specification, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refer to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C….and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.
[0051] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are comprised to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0052] The present disclosure provides a systems and methods for real-time updating of container in a container yard.
[0053] The present disclosure provides a simple, fast, cost-effective, system and method for a container yard for updating database.
[0054] The present disclosure provides a computer vision-based automatic system for identification and updating database of containers.
[0055] The present disclosure provides artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI-ML) based system for updating location of containers in the yard.
[0056] The present disclosure provides an automatic allotment of location for dropping of a container to avoid duplicity in the yard
, Claims:1. A system (100) to pick and drop function to define real-time location of containers (102) in a yard (104), the system (100) comprising:
a server (106) in communication with an IOT device (110), and a plurality of modules, wherein the server (106) comprises at least one database (108), and at least one processor communicatively coupled with memory instructions, when executed, causes at least one processor to:
receive live images using computer vision by the IOT device (110) for at least one container (102) for pick from a first position to transmit them to an optical character reader (112) to read meaningful data of the container (102);
receive, by the IOT device (110), the meaningful data extracted by the optical character reader (112) to re-transmit them to the server (106);
receive, by the IOT device (110), to display the meaningful data of the container (102) and stack details to complete pick operation;
receive live images using computer vision by the IOT device (110) for at least one container (102) to be dropped in a first position and to transmit them to an optical character reader (112) to read meaningful data of the container (102);
receive, by the IOT device (110), the meaningful data of the container (102) extracted by the optical character reader (112) to re-transmit them to the server (106);
receive, by the IOT device (110), to display the meaningful data of the container (102) in a second position and stack details to complete drop operation; and
allocate a new location for the second position of the container (102) after pick and drop operation to store in database (108), and to share GPS location of the IOT device (110) continuously and automatically to the server (106) to maintain database (108) in real-time mode.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the IOT device (110) include a camera to capture even large sets of images in real-time through photos, videos, and 3D images for retrieving meaningful data which are alpha numeric unique code of the container (102) using computer vision algorithms.
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of modules includes a GPS module (116), a navigation module (118), and a reporting module (120).
4. The system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the GPS module (116) provides real-time location, wherein the navigation module (118) provides direction of the container (102) in the yard (104).
5. The system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the direction provided by the navigation module (118) includes linier movement, angular movement, linear velocity data, angular velocity data, linear acceleration data and angular acceleration data for the container (102) under the movement.
6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the database (108) used is a Structured Query Language (SQL) database written in Java & Python libraries.
7. A method (200) for updating real-time location of a container (102) in a yard (104), the method (200) comprising steps for:
receiving live images using computer vision by the IOT device (110) for at least one container (102) for picking from a first position and transmitting them to an optical character reader (112) to read meaningful data of the container (102);
receiving, by the IOT device (110), the meaningful data extracted by the optical character reader (112) for re-transmitting them to the server (106);
receiving, by the IOT device (110), for displaying the container (102) data and stack details to complete pick operation;
receiving live images using computer vision by the IOT device (110) for at least one container (102) for dropping in a first position and transmitting them to an optical character reader (112) to read meaningful data from the container (102);
receiving, by the IOT device (110), the meaningful data of the container (102) extracted by the optical character reader (112) for re-transmitting them to the server (106);
receiving, by the IOT device (110), to display the meaningful data of the container (102) in a second position and stack details to complete dropping operation; and
allocating a new location for the second position of the container (102) after picking and dropping operation for storing in database (108), and to share GPS location of the IOT device (110) continuously and automatically to the server (106) to maintain database (108) in real-time mode.
8. The method as claimed as claim 7, wherein the method (200) is performed for the pick location and the drop location for an assigned container (102) in auto mode as well as in manual mode.
9. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the method (200) uses a mobile device configured with the reporting module (120) to feed data to the database (108) in a network (130), wherein the area marked in the yard (104) is divided in zones, section, sub-section, row, and number of position in a stack to locate the container (102).
10. The system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the IOT device (110) is configured with a moving body (114), and wherein the moving body (114) is responsible to pick and drop of the container (102) in an area within the yard (104).