Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of the cargo management system. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to the automatic identification of containers at inward/outward gates and their storage in a cargo terminal.

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] After globalization, the worldwide movement of products in the form of import and exports have increased tremendously. The movement for import and export has three routes namely through land, air, and sea route, but as the sea route is one of the cost-efficient routes, the number of containers for inward and outward movement in a cargo terminal is overcrowded. This resulted in difficulties to manage them with the conventional system. The system of manually maintaining a diary is ineffective in sharing and synchronizing information.
[0004] Typically, cargo terminals are using a manual or image-based semi-automatic system to manage the inward and outward movement and location tracking of the containers. But, many times it happens that the identification and assigning of a place in the yard is either wrong or duplicated due to one or more reasons. Hence, there is a need to devise an automatic system for the identification of all containers for inward movement, proper allotment of space for storage in the yard, and managing outward movement without making any mistakes.
[0005] Patent Document US20090108065A1 disclosed a method and apparatus processing container image and/or identifying codes for front-end loaders or container handlers servicing rail cars that include an optical characteristic system configured to couple to a container handler for transferring a container to/from a rail car. A server interface configured to receive from at least one container handler, an optical characteristic system configured to couple to a front-end loader. A container handler configured to transfer at least one container to/from a rail car and to report its container image, optical characteristic, container code estimate of the container. A rail kiosk configured to receive all data from at least one container handler to create the optical characteristic, the container code estimate, manifest for the rail car, and configuration of the manifest and/or an insurance record for the container. A method operating at least one of the server interface, the rail kiosk and a container inventory management system and the products of those operations.
[0006] Another Patent Document US20080191937A1 discloses the system and method of tracking vehicle and containers including a differential global positioning system (DGPS) reference receiver within the terminal that receives GPS signals and generates DGPS correction data. In an aspect, a roving receiver unit is carried by an asset to be tracked within the terminal. A tag transmitter transmits wireless containing GPS location data based on received GPS signals and DGPS correction data. At least one access point is positioned within the terminal for receiving the wireless RF signal from the tag RF signal and a processor from the tag transmitter. A processor is operatively connected to at least one access point for receiving GPS location data and determining the location of the asset to be tracked.
[0007] While, the cited references disclose different types of managing inward/outward movement of containers, including their location tracking, there are no teachings in the cited references related to the stated problems of identifying containers at the inward/outward gates for their correct positioning and in/out movement.
[0008] There is, therefore, a need to overcome the above drawback, and limitations associated with the existing system for container identification, movement, and storage and provide a technology-based simple, fast, cost-effective, ease-of-use, for the containers within the cargo terminal.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0009] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a simple, and cost-effective system for the identification of containers, and allotment of space/rack for their storage in a cargo terminal.
[0010] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide digitization of operations in a fast and accurate manner to address manpower problems at cargo terminals.
[0011] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an image-based automatic system for the identification of containers
[0012] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI-ML) based system for storage and managing inward/outward movement in a cargo terminal.
[0013] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an automatic allotment of storage space avoiding duplicity and congestion at the yard with accurate inventory management.

SUMMARY
[0014] The present disclosure relates to the field of the cargo management system. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to the automatic identification of containers at inward/outward gates and their storage in a cargo terminal.
[0015] According to an aspect, the disclosure is a system for identifying containers in a cargo terminal including a server in communication with a plurality of sensors, and an optical device, and the server includes at least one database, and at least one processor communicatively coupled with memory instructions, when executed, causes at least one processor to perform operation to capture, by the plurality of sensors, a plurality of images of containers from one or more sides, carried by trailer entering/exiting from one or more gates configured at the cargo terminal, and also capture, by the plurality of sensors, images of a driver of the trailer carrying containers, and one or more sides of the trailer entering/exiting from one or more gates, and compare the captured images for matching of alphanumeric codes of containers on the trailer to determine the number of containers carried by trailer based on matching of alphanumeric codes of the containers. The system further stores data automatically as single or multiple records in a database after the determination of the number of containers, and announces, through a public address system, for the driver to move the trailer to an assigned place in the cargo terminal after successful data storing of one or more containers as inventory in the database.
[0016] In an aspect, the plurality of sensors are configured on the gates, and the images are captured from all sides of the containers, and the gates are an inward gate for entry of the trailer and an outward gate for the exit of the trailer.
[0017] In an aspect, the sensor is a camera unit, and the optical device is an Optical Character Reader (OCR), and the camera and the OCR are configured at the inward gate as well as at the outward gate.
[0018] In an aspect, the images captured for the trailer are from the front and back of the trailer to record the registration number.
[0019] In an aspect, the images of documents held by the driver are also captured to authenticate the movement of the right trailer with the right number of containers.
[0020] In an aspect, the determining number of containers is carried out on the basis of matching of alphanumeric codes given on the front and the rear of the container.
[0021] In an aspect, the single or multiple records for the containers are automatically stored in the database, wherein the database is SQL database.
[0022] Another aspect of the disclosure is a method for identifying containers in a cargo terminal including a server in communication with a plurality of sensors, an optical device, wherein the server includes at least one database, and at least one processor communicatively coupled with memory instructions, when executed, causes at least one processor to perform the operation for capturing, by the plurality of sensors, a plurality of images of containers from one or more sides, carried by trailer entering/exiting from one or more gates configured at the cargo terminal, and also capturing, by the plurality of sensors, images of a driver of the trailer carrying containers, and one or more sides of the trailer entering/exiting from one or more gates, and comparing the captured images for matching of alphanumeric codes of containers on the trailer. Further, determining the number of containers carried by trailer on the basis of matching of alphanumeric codes of the containers for storing data automatically as single or multiple records in a database after determination of the number of containers, and then announcing, through a public address system, for the driver to move the trailer to an assigned place in the cargo terminal after successful data storing of one or more containers as inventory in the database.
[0023] In an aspect, the matching of alphanumeric code from the front and rear of the containers confirm a single container, and not matching of alphanumeric codes from the front and the rear of containers confirms two containers on the trailer.
[0024] In an aspect, the determining number of containers and data processing is done on the basis of matching alphanumeric codes using artificial intelligence machine learning algorithms.
[0025] 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
[0026] 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.
[0027] 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.
[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram for the system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0029] Figure 2A illustrates a view of a cargo terminal gate for the inward movement of a trailer loaded with containers, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0030] Figure 2B illustrates the driver of the trailer ready for his image capturing at the cargo terminal gate, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0031] Figure 2C illustrates a view of the containers from the back side for capturing an image, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0032] Figure 2D illustrates a view of the containers from one of the long sides for capturing the image, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0033] Figure 2E illustrates a view of the cargo yard area for storage of the containers according to FIG. 1, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary diagram for the configuration of a server, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary method flow diagram, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] 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.
[0037] 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.
[0038] Embodiments of the disclosure relate to the field of the cargo management system. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to the automatic identification of containers at inward/outward gates and their storage in a cargo terminal.
[0039] According to an embodiment, the present disclosure is a system and method for identifying containers in a cargo terminal including a server, one or more sensors, and an optical device, for capturing a plurality of images of containers from one or more sides, carried by trailer at one or more gates configured at the cargo terminal, and images of the driver and one or more sides of the trailer. Then matching alphanumeric codes of containers to determine the number of containers. Further, the system is storing data automatically as single or multiple records in the database and then announces for the driver to move the trailer to an assigned place in the cargo terminal, after successful data storing of one or more containers as inventory in the database. Determining the number of containers and data processing is done by taking input from the optical device and with the help of artificial intelligence machine learning algorithms.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 1 where an exemplary block diagram for system 100 is shown. The system 100 for identifying containers 204 (refer FIG. 2A) in a cargo terminal 104 include a server 114, a plurality of sensors 110, and an optical device 112 (not shown). The plurality of sensors 110 are the plurality of camera units to capture a plurality of images of containers 204 including the trailer from one or more sides using computer vision, and for the driver, at one or more gates configured at the cargo terminal 104.
[0041] In an embodiment, the camera unit is selected from a lens camera, CCD camera, and a CMOS camera to capture images of the containers 204 in the field of view (FoV). The plurality of camera units is configured at the inward gate 106 as well as outward gate 120 covering 360° area. The images are captured from the front side, rear side, and both lengths side of container 204 ensuring none of the written data escapes. The images of container 204 are captured at the inward gate 106 as well as outward gate 120. The images also help to confirm damage, if any to container 204.
[0042] In an embodiment, images were captured for the driver driving trailer 108 for his credentials/identity for records. The images of trailer 108 at the inward gate 106, as well as outward gate 120, are captured for its front view and the rear view to obtain the fleet registration number.
[0043] In an embodiment, for an inward movement, the physical record regarding the movement of trailer 108 and container 204 is also obtained from the driver at the inward gate 106. This confirms the validity of the movement. The data from the physical records are also captured to digitize and for use in the server for processing. These data include various records and certificates related to import/export, insurance, movement, etc. The captured images are transmitted to an optical character reader 112 (OCR) for object detection and convert the captured images and the physical documents into alphanumeric data in digital form to send to the server 114 unit for further processing, detection, and matching of alphanumeric codes of the containers 204.
[0044] In an embodiment, server 114 is processing received images for matching the registration number of trailer 108 and other details of trailer 108 with the physical documents. Also, matching the alphanumeric code written on container 204 at the front and rear sides. The matching of alphanumeric codes helps in identifying and determining the number of containers 204 carried by trailer 108. The matching of the alphanumeric code from the front and rear of containers 204 confirms a single container 204, and if the matching is failed for the front and the rear alphanumeric codes of containers 204, confirms two containers 204 on trailer 108.
[0045] In an embodiment, the determining number of containers 204 are processed using artificial intelligence-machine learning algorithms. The processed data are stored automatically as single or multiple records in a database which is a structured query language (SQL) database after the determination of the number of containers 204. When the number of containers 204 are confirmed and the data are matched, then server 114, automatically selects and allots a place code for storage of the container 204 in the cargo yard 118.
[0046] In an embodiment, a voice announcement through a public address system (PA system) 116 is used to announce a message for the driver to move trailer 108 to an assigned place in cargo yard 118 after confirming the successful inward entry of containers 204 as inventory in the database. Voice confirmation serves as a double check for a supervisor placed at the inward gate 106 control room or in the vicinity of the inward gate 106, assisting other staff in physically verifying the container number.
[0047] In an aspect, computer vision and the AI-ML algorithm capture single or double container numbers, as well as the details of the driver carrying trailer 108, date and time, container’s 204 images, and updated data as needed for security and authorized access. The data can also be accessed for future audits.
[0048] In another aspect, when the stored containers 204 are required to move from the cargo terminal 104, the information about the asked container 204 is fed to server 114 for matching of data with the stored data. In case of matching, an announcement is made for the driver to bring trailer 108 to the respective bay in the cargo yard 118 for loading of the designated containers 204 and move to the outward gate 120 for checking and monitoring for exit from the cargo terminal 104.
[0049] In an embodiment, to reduce the cost of transportation between the port and the cargo terminal, the combinations of containers 204 are made in such a way that a 40’ trailer 108 is loaded with two 20' containers. However, only one 40' container 204 can be loaded on a 40’ trailer 108.
[0050] In an embodiment, when trailer 108 loaded with containers reaches outward gate 120, the process of capturing data is repeated. At the outward gate 120, the plurality of sensors 110 capture a plurality of images of containers 204 from the front side, rear side, and both lengths sides ensuring none of the data escapes. Also, to confirm no damage to the stored containers between the inward movement and outward movement. Images are also captured for trailer 108 and the driver driving trailer 108 for records and authenticity.
[0051] In an embodiment, the physical record regarding the outward movement of trailer 108 and containers 204 are obtained. The data from the physical records are captured to digitize for use in server 114 for processing. Further, captured images are also transmitted to optical character reader 112 (OCR) to detect alphanumeric codes from containers 204 using object detection technology. The matching between the data obtained through physical documents and the captured images is done. Again, comparing the captured images to the matching of alphanumeric codes of containers 204 for determining the number of containers 204 is carried out. The processed data are stored automatically as single or multiple records in a database which is a structured query language (SQL) database after the determination of the number of containers 204.
[0052] In an embodiment, when the number of containers 204 and all other information is confirmed and matched, then a voice announcement through a public address system (PA system) 116 is announced for the driver to move trailer 108 from the outward gate 120 for onward journey.
[0053] Figure 2A illustrates a view of cargo terminal gate 202 for the inward movement of trailer 108 loaded with container 204 according to system 100. The front view of trailer 108 is depicted as the driver of trailer 108 has been asked to stop for providing physical documents and facilitating capturing of images for the trailer as well as for the loaded containers 204. Registration number 206 of trailer 108 and the alphanumeric code from containers 204 from all sides are captured for processing.
[0054] Figure 2B illustrates driver 208 of trailer 108 ready for image capturing at the inward/outward gate 106/120 of cargo terminal 104. The image of driver 208 is captured for his credentials/identity for records.
[0055] Figure 2C illustrates a view of a 40’ container 204 occupying the complete length of trailer 108 for capturing an image from the rear side marked 204-R. The images are captured from the front side, rear side, and both lengths sides of container 204 ensuring none of the data escapes. The images of containers 108 are captured at the inward gate 106 as well as the outward gate.
[0056] Figure 2D illustrates a view of container 204 from one of the long sides marked 204-S1 for capturing the image. The images are captured from both lengths sides of container 204 ensuring none of the data escapes. Also, to confirm damage, if any to containers 204.
[0057] Figure 2E illustrates a view of cargo yard 210 for storage of containers 204 according to system 100. For inward movement and storage of containers 204, a space is allotted at the inward gate 106, and thereafter, container 204 is stored. In the same manner, for outward movement, the location and alphanumeric code of the stored containers 204 from the database are given to driver 208 of trailer 108 for loading the designated containers 204 and asked to clear all other formalities at the outward gate 120.
[0058] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary diagram 300 for the configuration of server 114. Server 114 is in communication with the plurality of cameras 110-1, 110-2, 110-3, and 110-4 attached through a switch 302 which is also coupled to a multi-view representation (MVR) unit 304 which stores the recording of the captured images. The captured images are sent to the central processing unit 306 where Python AWS S3 bucket unit 308 along EC2 Java server 114, which is a web service that provides resizable compute capacity in the cloud and works with Amazon elastic compute cloud, performs the processing and data is stored in RDS database 312. The RDS is a managed SQL database service provided by AWS. Java AWS S3 bucket 316 which is a collection of tools developing Java-based web apps to run the AWS cloud components. The Python AWS S3 bucket unit 308 is a storage location holding files using AWS SDK for Python to perform a common operation on the S3 bucket. The front end 314 provides requests and responses for processing unit 306. Thus using Amazon web services using Java and Python the data for captured images is managed using the cloud and stored in SQL database supported by this system 100.
[0059] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary method flow diagram 400 including step 402 of capturing, by the plurality of sensors 110, a plurality of images of containers 204 from one or more sides, carried by trailer entering/exiting from one or more gates configured at the cargo terminal 104. Step 404 further defines capturing, by the plurality of sensors 110, images of driver 208 of trailer 108 carrying containers 204, and one or more sides of trailer 107 entering/exiting from one or more gates.
[0060] In an embodiment, step 406 compares the captured images to the matching of the alphanumeric codes of container 204 on trailer 108, and step 408 defines determining the number of containers 204 carried by trailer 108 on the basis of matching of alphanumeric codes of the containers 204.
[0061] In an embodiment, step 310 defines the process for storing data automatically as single or multiple records in a database after the determination of the number of containers 204, and step 312 announcing, through a public address system 116, for driver 208 to move the trailer 108 to an assigned place in the cargo terminal 104 after successful data storing of one or more containers 204 as inventory in the database.
[0062] In an aspect, the automatic management of the trailer for its use for a 40-foot trailer to load multiple containers rather than a 20-foot trailer which can only trailer one container at a time. Thus automated management of cargo terminal 104 is reducing the cost of transportation between the port and the cargo terminal 100 and from the cargo terminal 100 to the port. The rotational movement of trailers optimizes asset utilization and operational area, driver, fuel, carbon reduction, and many others.
[0063] In an aspect, the automatic management of container 204 in the cargo terminal 104 which is located, generally outside of a city, overpowers the manual intervention that causes delays, waiting, fuel burn, and hours of waiting at the inward gate 106 as well as outward gates 120. Method 400 will substitute human intervention and manual entry verification with digital entry, which will be faster and more accurate. Assisting Trailer 108 with authorized entry and capturing all data for future audit trails, as well as reducing traffic congestion and waiting outside cargo terminal 104.
[0064] 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.
[0065] 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.
[0066] 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
[0067] The present disclosure provides a simple, and cost-effective system for the identification of containers, and allotment of space/rack for their storage in a cargo terminal.
[0068] The present disclosure provides digitization of operations in a fast and accurate manner to address manpower problems at cargo terminals.
[0069] The present disclosure provides an image-based automatic system for the identification of containers

[0070] The present disclosure provides artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI-ML) based system for storage and managing inward/outward movement in a cargo terminal.
[0071] The present disclosure provides automatic allotment of storage space avoiding duplicity and congestion at the yard with accurate inventory management.

, Claims:1. A system (100) for identifying containers (204) in a cargo terminal (104), the system (100) comprising:
a server (114) in communication with a plurality of sensors (110), an optical device (112), wherein the server (114) comprising at least one database, and at least one processor (306) communicatively coupled with memory instructions, when executed, causes at least one processor (306) to perform operation to:
capture, by the plurality of sensors (110), a plurality of images of containers (204) from one or more sides, carried by a trailer (108) entering/exiting from one or more gates configured at the cargo terminal 104;
capture, by the plurality of sensors (110), images of a driver (208) of the trailer (108) carrying containers (208), and one or more sides of the trailer (108) entering/exiting from one or more gates;
compare the captured images for matching of alphanumeric codes of containers (204) on the trailer (108);
determine the number of containers (204) carried by the trailer (108) on the basis of matching of alphanumeric codes of the containers (204);
store data automatically as a single or multiple records in a database after the determination of the number of containers (204); and
announce, through a public address system (116), for the driver (208) to move the trailer (1080 to an assigned place in the cargo terminal (104) after successful data storing of one or more containers (204) as inventory in the database.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensors (110) are configured at the gates and the images are captured from all sides of the containers (204), wherein the gates are an inward gate (106) for entry of the trailer (108) and an outward gate (120) for exit of the trailer (108).
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor (110) is a camera unit, and the optical device (112) is an Optical Character Reader (OCR), wherein the camera and the OCR are configured at the inward gate (106) as well as at the outward gate (120).
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein images captured for the trailer (108) are from the front and back to record registration number (206).
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the images of documents held by the driver (208) are also captured to authenticate the movement of the right trailer (108) with right number of containers (204).
6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein determining the number of containers (204) is carried out on the basis of matching of alphanumeric codes given on the front and the rear of the container (204).
7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the single or multiple records for the containers (204) are automatically stored in the database, wherein the database is SQL database.
8. A method (400) for identifying containers (204) in a cargo terminal (104), the method (400) comprising:
a server (114) in communication with a plurality of sensors (110), an optical device (112), wherein the server (114) comprising at least one database, and at least one processor (306) communicatively coupled with memory instructions, when executed, causes at least one processor (306) to perform operation for:
capturing, by the plurality of sensors (110), a plurality of images of containers (204) from one or more sides, carried by a trailer (108) entering/exiting from one or more gates configured at the cargo terminal 104;
capturing, by the plurality of sensors (110), images of a driver (208) of the trailer (108) carrying containers (208), and one or more sides of the trailer (108) entering/exiting from one or more gates;
comparing the captured images for matching of alphanumeric codes of containers (204) on the trailer (108);
determining number of containers (204) carried by trailer (108) on the basis of matching of alphanumeric codes of the containers (204);
storing data automatically as single or multiple records in a database after determination of the number of containers (204); and
announcing, through a public address system (116), for the driver (208) to move the trailer (1080 to an assigned place in the cargo terminal (104) after successful data storing of one or more containers (204) as inventory in the database.
9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the matching of alphanumeric code from the front and rear of the containers (204) confirm single container (204), wherein no matching of alphanumeric codes from the front and the rear of containers (204) confirms two containers (204) on the trailer (108).
10. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the determining number of containers (204) and data processing is done on the basis of matching of alphanumeric codes using artificial intelligence-machine learning algorithms.