Method of and apparatus for documenting and inspecting a cargo container

What is claimed is:

1. A documenting inspection system for a cargo container comprising:

imaging means for imaging different views of a cargo container positioned at an inspection station;

means for communicating signals representing each said image from said imaging means to a given location including a plurality of televeision cameras each of which is positioned to image a different view of the cargo container; and

means for receiving and recording said communicated images of different views and additionally alphanumerical information relating to said object on a single, hard copy in a predetermined format, said receiving and recording means additionally includes a plurality of video monitors each one of which is connected to a respective one of said cameras for displaying the images of the associated camera, whereby all said images of said different views are generally simultaneously displayed, said hard copy is defined by a photosensitive material of the self-developable type, wherein the predetermined format includes having the images of the different views of the container arranged in a composite manner, whereby the recorded images present the container in a manner that is recognizable by a viewer of the container as a true picture of the container being imaged thereby providing recorded images of the object from which the condition of the latter may be ascertained and identifying information relating to the object.

2. A documenting inspection system for cargo containers of the kind carried by trucks comprising:

means for defining an inspection station whereat the cargo container is positioned so as to enable imaging of the different views thereof;

imaging means for imaging different views of a cargo container positioned at the inspection station;

means for communicating signals representing each said image from said imaging means to a given location; and

means for receiving and recording said communicated images of substantially all said different views of the cargo containers and additionally alphanumerical information relating to the container on a single, hard copy in a predetermined format wherein the predetermined format includes having the images of the different views of the container arranged in a composite manner so that they are closely adjacent each other, whereby the recorded images present the container in a manner that is recognizable by a viewer of the container as a true picture of the container being imaged thereby providing recorded images of the container from which the condition of the latter may be ascertained and identifying information relating to the object, said imaging means includes a plurality of television cameras each of which is positionable so as to image the different views of the cargo container, said recording means includes a plurality of video monitors each of which is connected to a respective one of said cameras for displaying the images of the associated camera, whereby each of the monitors can display relatively detailed images of the different areas of the cargo container in closely spaced relationship so that the images can be subsequently displayed for recordation on the single, hard copy so that the images represent a true picture of the container and so that the alphanumeric images can be recorded adjacent the images of the container.

3. The system of claim 2 in which the single, hard copy is defined by a photosensitive material of the self-developable type.

4. The system of claim 2 in which the television cameras and video picture monitors are of the kind producing black-and-white images, and further including means for sequentially using primary color spectral filters to sequentially filter the images to the television cameras and for synchronously sequentially using primary color spectral filters to spectral filter the black-and-white images of the monitor to the single, hard copy.

5. The system of claim 2 wherein a first plurality of television cameras image opposite sides of the cargo container, and a second plurality of television cameras image respectively the front and part of the top of the containers; another portion of the container top; and the back and the remaining top portion of the cargo container.

6. The system of claim 5 wherein the first and second plurality of television cameras have generally equal viewing zones.

7. A method of documenting and inspecting a cargo container comprising:

taking images of different views of the container positioned at an inspection station by a plurality of television cameras each of which is positioned so as to image a different view wherein a first plurality of television cameras image opposite sides of the cargo container, and a second plurality of television cameras image respectively the front and part of the top of the containers; another portion of the container top; and the back and the remaining top portion of the cargo container;

communicating signals representing each of the images to a given location; and

receiving substantially all the communicated signals representative of the images of the cargo container and generally simultaneously displaying substantially all the images of the different container views on a plurality of video monitor so that respective images are on respective monitors and are in a composite fashion so that they are closely adjacent each other, whereby the displayed images present the container in a manner that is recognizable by a viewer as being the container imaged and displaying additional alphanumeric information relating to the container; and

recording the displayed images of the different views and the related alphanumeric information on a single hard photosensitive material of the self-developing type whereby the images recorded present a true picture of the container from which the condition of the latter may be ascertained, and recording the alphanumeric information on the single hard photosensitive material adjacent the container so that information relating to the container is recorded.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein the displayed images are black-and-white images and the step of taking the images of the object includes taking images wherein successive ones of primary color spectral filters intercept the view in substantial synchronization with matching ones of primary color spectral filters passing between the displayed black-and-white images and the photosensitive material.

9. The method of claim 7 wherein the recording step includes recording the images and alphanumerical information on a single sheet of photosensitive material of the self-developable type.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the step of displaying the images includes displaying black-and-white images of the object further including the step of converting the black-and-white images displayed into color images recordable on the photosensitive sheet by passing successive ones of primary color spectral filters in the path between the displayed black-and-white images and the photosensitive material.

11. A method of documenting and inspecting a cargo container comprising:

taking images of different views of the cargo container positioned at an inspection station by a plurality of television cameras each of which is positionable so as to image a different view, wherein a first plurality of television cameras image one side of the cargo container, a second plurality image another side of the cargo container, and a third plurality image the top and back of the cargo container;

communicating signals representing each of the images of the container to a given location; and

receiving substantially all the communicated signals representative of the images of the cargo container and generally simultaneously displaying substantially all the images of the different container views on a plurality of video monitors so that respective images are on respective monitors and are in a composite fashion so that they are closely adjacent each other, whereby the displayed images present the container in a manner that is recognizable by a viewer as being the container imaged and displaying additional alphanumeric information relating to the container; and

recording the displayed images of the different views and the related alphanumeric information on a single hard photosensitive material of the self-developing type whereby the images recorded present a true picture of the container from which the condition of the latter may be ascertained, and recording the alphanumeric information on the single, hard photosensitive material adjacent the container so that information relating to the container is recorded.

Description Submit all comments and votes

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a system of recording objects and, more particularly, to a system of visually recording multiple images of cargo containers and information relating thereto in a single, hard copy image.

It is important that cargo containers of the type used in shipping large quantities of goods on ships and trucks be free from damage. Otherwise, of course, the contents carried thereby could be damaged or destroyed. Also, since these containers are in and of themselves expensive, it is highly desirable to repair them as soon as damage is noticed. Towards this end, the containers are generally inspected before leaving the port facility, while loaded on trucks, and again prior to being reloaded onto another ship.

Presently, inspectors working at these port facilities conduct an inspection visually and then record the appropriate information such as damage in alphanumeric form. Unfortunately due to human factors, this inspection and recordation process is relatively slow and somewhat unreliable. Moreover, the process does not allow for visually recording the physical condition of the containers. Thus, there are no means for easily verifying the accuracy of the alphanumeric information recorded especially in connection with container damage. It is, therefore, desirable to provide an inexpensive and reliable system which allows for accurate verification of the container's physical condition as well as identifying information carried thereby. It is also desirable to have a system with the above characteristics yet decrease the time needed for inspection and recordation while at the same time providing for convenient, long lasting and easily handable documentation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object to overcome the previously-mentioned drawbacks regarding known inspection and documentation processes especially for inspecting articles, such as cargo containers. Basically, in accordance with the present invention, there is disclosed a documenting inspection system including imaging means for imaging different views of an object positioned at an inspection station. Included in the system are means for communicating signals representing each image from the imaging means to a given location. Included in the system are means for receiving and recording the communicated images of the different views and additionally alphanumerical information relating to the object on a single, hard copy in a predetermined format thereby providing recorded images of the object from which the condition of the latter may be ascertained and identifying information relating to the object.

In an illustrated embodiment, the receiving and recording means additionally includes means for visually displaying the images of the different views and means for recording these images so that all are presented on the single, hard copy in a manner such that the predetermined format facilitates easy recognition of the object.

In an illustrated embodiment, the system comprises a plurality of electronic imaging apparatus positioned and oriented in cooperative relationship at the inspection station. Each imaging apparatus is operable to take visual images of at least the preselected different views of the object. Operatively connected to each electronic imaging apparatus is a display apparatus. The display apparatus is operable for visually displaying the image signals from the imaging apparatus in picture image form. Included in the system is means operable for recording multiple picture images from the picture images displayed from the display apparatus onto a single, hard copy in the predetermined format.

In an illustrated embodiment, each of the electronic imaging apparatus is defined by a television camera and wherein the display apparatus includes a plurality of television picture monitors, each one of which is operatively connected to a camera. In this embodiment, the recording means includes a photosensitive material of the self-developing type which defines the hard copy.

In still another embodiment the cameras and monitors respectively take and display black-and-white images and the system further includes means for converting the black-and-white images into color images recordable on the single format photosensitive material so as to provide for color photographic images on the format.

The present invention further contemplates use of electronic storing means for storing the image signals and/or alphanumeric information for subsequent recording.

The method of this invention is for documenting and inspecting an object. Such method comprises the steps of taking images of different views of an object positioned at an inspection station; communicating signals representing each of the images to a given location; and receiving and recording the communicated images of the different views and additionally alphanumerical information relating to the object on a single, hard copy in a predetermined format thereby providing recorded images of the object from which the condition of the latter may be ascertained and identifying information relating to the object.

Among the other objects of the invention are, therefore, the provision of documenting and inspecting a system for an object on a single, hard copy; the provision of recording alphanumeric information relating to the object on the single, hard copy; the provision of a system of the above kind utilizing a plurality of electronic imaging apparatus which take images of different views of an object positioned at the inspection station; the provision of a system of the above kind which utilizes a display apparatus for displaying video images of the imaging apparatus; the provision of a system of the above kind in which the images are recorded on the single, hard copy in a predetermined format which facilitates recognition of the object; the provision of a system of the above kind which documents and inspects cargo containers carried by trucks; the provision of a system of the above kind wherein the single, hard copy is defined by a photosensitive material of the self-developable type; the provision of a system of the above kind in which the electronic imaging apparatus is defined by remote black-and-white television cameras and the display apparatus by a black-and-white video picture monitor; the provision of a color conversion means which converts the black-and-white images on the display apparatus to color images which will be recorded on the photosensitive material; and the provision of a method for documenting and inspecting an object on a single, hard copy by recording different views of the object in a predetermined format as well as recording alphanumeric information relating to the truck.

The above and other objects of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like parts are designated by like reference numerals throughout the several views.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of the documenting and inspecting system of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the positioning and orienting of several remote TV cameras covering a cargo container mounted on a tractor-trailer;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the positioning and orienting of several remote television cameras covering several side sections of the cargo containers shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic view, in perspective, illustrating a monitor/photographic apparatus device of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an exploded diagrammatic view of a shutter/filter arrangement in the noted monitor/photographic apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 5A is an enlarged fragmentary view of an arrangement showing elements of an exposure control arrangement supported in stacked relationship;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view illustrating a color filter wheel in cooperative relationship with a remote television camera;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a console arrangement usable in the present invention; and,

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic view of a hard copy document made in accordance with this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference is made initially to FIGS. 1-3 and 8 for describing, in general terms, the improved documenting and inspecting system 10 of the present invention. The system 10 is arranged for automatically recording on a single, hard copy document 12 (FIG. 8) a mosaic of multiple video picture images of and alphanumeric information relating to the condition of a cargo container 14. Ordinarily, such cargo containers 14 are relatively large. For instance, they may extend from 10 to 40 feet in length and typically have alphanumeric information printed on the exterior thereof. Customarily, after the cargo container 14 has been loaded onto a tractor 16, it is inspected for purposes of creating a trailer receipt and safety inspection report. In the illustrated embodiment, inspection occurs at an inspection bay 18 (FIGS. 2 and 3) defined by and between a plurality of loading islands 20. The invention is usable in situations having inspection areas different from that shown and described.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show best a plurality of conventional television (tv) cameras 22a-i which form means for imaging different views of the container. Each one is positioned and oriented in spaced apart relation to the cargo container 14 carried by the tractor 16. Each of the tv cameras 22a-i has the same field of view, which view covers a different surface portion of the cargo container 14. In this regard, six tv cameras 22a-f (FIG. 2) are arranged to view the opposite longitudinal sides of the cargo container 12, while the top, front and back portions of the cargo container 14 are covered by the three overhead tv cameras 22g-i (FIG. 3). The overhead cameras 22g-i are suitably connected to and suspended from a ceiling structure. It will be noted that the overhead camera 22g views the back of the cargo container 14 as well as the back top portion of the container; the camera 22h views the middle top portion of the cargo container; while the camera 22i views the front top portion of the cargo container as well as the front of such container.

Since cargo containers 14 are large, use of a single camera to view the entire side, for instance, would not allow photographing much detail of the container. This is because a single camera would have to be positioned from the side by a distance such that its field angle would encompass the side. In practice this distance would be significant. Not only would the resultant photograph of the container side be inadequate in terms of detail, but the logistics of placing cameras at such remote locations would prove to be particularly difficult. In this embodiment, the container bottom is not inspected. However, this invention envisions that its physical condition can be viewed by another tv camera. The present invention also contemplates that the tv cameras 22a-i can have different fields of view. Towards this end, the cameras can be movable from their depicted positions and/or the cameras can have different lenses. This facilitates viewing cargo containers of different lengths.

In this embodiment each of the tv cameras 22a-i is of the black-and-white type. The significance of using black-and-white will be described presently. Of course, color tv cameras or other black-and-white or color video electronic imaging apparatus are envisioned for use. Each of the remote tv cameras 22a-i is connected through suitable means for communicating signals representing the image, such as cables, to a central monitor/recording apparatus 24.

As seen in FIG. 4, the central monitor/recording apparatus 24 includes a generally hollow, light-tight console 26, housing a plurality of television picture monitors 28, an exposure control assembly generally indicated at 30, a lens assembly 32, a CRT 34 controlled by a microcomputer device 36 (FIGS. 1 and 7), and part of a color converting system 38. The apparatus 24 forms in part the means for receiving and recording the communicated images of the different views and additionally alphanumerical information relating to the container on the document 12.

Also included in the light-tight console 26 is a film receiving area (not shown) which receives a film holder or carrier 39 carrying at least a large single format sheet of photosensitive film 40 that eventually forms the hard copy document 12. The film holder 39 is insertable through opening 42 and cooperates with the film receiving area so that the film 40 is located at a focal plane 44 during the exposure mode. The photosensitive film 40 is, preferably, an 8.times.10 inch self-developable type manufactured and sold by Polaroid Corporation, Cambridge, Mass., and the film holder 39 can be an 8.times.10 inch holder also manufactured by Polaroid for such film.

As shown in FIG. 4, the picture monitors 28 are arranged in a 3.times.3 matrix. The picture monitors 28 display on their respective screens 48 the video pictures transmitted thereto from respective ones of the tv cameras 22a-i. For instance, the two leftmost rows can display the opposing longitudinal sides of the cargo container 14, whereas the rightmost row will display the video pictures of the back, top and front of the container. Hence, the desired exterior surface portions of the cargo container 14 can be simultaneously displayed on the screens 48. This arrangement and matrix of mosaics facilitate multiple and simultaneous recording of images on the film sheet 40 in such a way that the recorded images can be readily recognized as the sides, top, front, and back of the cargo container 14. Such an approach enhances greatly the usefulness of the hard copy document 12. This is because it facilitates immediate recognition of the cargo container and thus aids in the identification and verification of damage.

With continued reference to FIG. 4, the lens assembly 32 includes a lens board 50. The lens board 50 is interiorly mounted on and supported by the walls of the console 26. Formed in the board 50 is a plurality of apertures (not shown) therein, one for each of the picture monitors 28. Included in the lens assembly 32 are lens elements 52, one for each aperture in the lens board 50. Each of the lens elements 52 is arranged to direct the images from a respective one of the tv monitor screens 48 to a correspondingly different portion of the film sheet 40 so that the images from the matrix of monitors are closely adjacent each other on the film sheet. Owing to this, the resulting hard copy document 12 will display the images of the display screens 48 without any spaces between adjacent images of each row. Thus, the resultant document 12 will represent the desired exterior surfaces of the cargo container 14 in a manner which facilitates immediate recognition of the cargo container. To avoid images from each screen 48 being transmitted through other than the desired lens element 52, provision is made for a plurality of light baffles 54; some of which are only partially shown for purposes of clarity. It will be noted that each one of the baffles 54 is constructed and arranged to ensure that images from one display screen 48 do not interfere with the images of other display screens 48.

As shown best in FIG. 5, the exposure control assembly 30 includes a rectangular shutter blade 56 mounted for movement beneath the lens board 50. Formed in the shutter blade 56 is a plurality of spaced apart apertures 58, one for each of the lenses 52 on the lens board 50. The shutter blade 56 is operated by solenoid 60a to move reciprocally between unblocking and blocking positions. In the unblocking position the apertures 58 are in optical registry with the lens elements 52, while in the blocking position they are out of registry. For displacing the shutter blade 56 leftwardly, the solenoid 60a is energized. As a result, a solenoid plunger 68a is extended to urge the shutter blade 56 against the biasing force of the return spring 70a until the apertures 58 are in optical alignment with the lens elements 52. Of course, such registry or alignment allows the lens elements 52 to simultaneously direct the multiple images from the screens 48 onto the film sheet 40. Deenergization of the solenoid 60a allows the shutter blade 56 to return to its unblocking condition under the biasing of the return spring 70a. Of course, movement of the apertures 58 from the blocking to the unblocking position and back again defines an exposure interval.

Referring back to the color conversion assembly 38, it includes a stacked arrangement of spectral filter blades 62, 64, 66. These spectral filter blades 62, 64, 66 are mounted for individual reciprocal movement above the lens board 50. Towards this end, a plurality of upright support posts 71 (FIGS. 5 & 5A) are affixed to the lens board and each extend through an elongated slot 73 formed in the filter blades 62-66, respectively. It will be noted that the posts 71 also extend through slots 73 formed in the shutter blade 56. A plurality of pairs of spacer rings 75 are connected to the posts to maintain each of the blades 56, 62, 64, 66 in their desired planar conditions.

Stationed immediately above the lens elements 52 is the filter blade 62. The filter blade 62 includes a plurality of red spectral filters 74, one for each of the lens elements 52. Also formed adjacent each filter 74 is an opening 76. The red spectral filters 74 and openings 76 are alternately exclusively registerable with the lens elements 52. In this connection, energization of the solenoid 60b causes the solenoid plunger 68b to move the filter blade 62 to the left against the return spring 70b. As a result, the openings 76 move out of optical registry with the lens elements 52, and the red spectral filters 74 move into optical registry with such lens elements. Thus, the red spectral frequencies of the video images from the screens 48 can be transmitted to the film sheet 40. The exposure interval of the red spectral frequencies lasts until deenergization of the solenoid 60b, whereupon the return spring 70b becomes effective to return the filter blade 62 to its original position, wherein the openings 76 are again in optical registry with the lens elements 52. It will be appreciated, of course, that while the red spectral filters 74 are operative, the shutter blade 56 is in its operative or unblocking position. Ihe duration of this red exposure interval is a function of the response time needed for the film sheet 40 to respond to red frequencies.

After the red exposure interval, there will be successive blue and green exposure intervals. Towards this end, the filter blades 64 and 66 are operated in sequence. The filter blade 64 has a plurality of spaced apart blue spectral filters 78 and associated openings 80. Energization of the solenoid 60c extends a plunger 68c to effect movement of the filter blade 64 against the return spring 70c so that the blue spectral filters 78 are moved into operative optical alignment with the lens elements 52. As this occurs, of course, the shutter blade 56 will be again operated to its unblocking position. The blue exposure interval terminates upon deenergization of the solenoid 60c. This allows the return spring 70c to drive the filter blade 64 back to its original position. In such position, the openings 80 are again in optical registry with the lens elements 52. Of course, when the solenoid 60c is deenergized, the shutter solenoid 60a is deenergized to terminate the blue exposure interval.

Energization of the solenoid 60d extends the plunger 68 so as to cause the filter blade 66 to be moved leftwardly against the urging of the return spring 70d so that the plurality of green spectral filters 84 move into operative optical relationship with the lens elements 52. Of course, the shutter assembly is again operative to permit exposure of the photosensitive sheet 40. To terminate the green exposure interval, the solenoid 60d is deenergized. This allows the return spring 70d to drive the filter blade 66 back to its original position, whereby the openings 86 are in optical registry with the lens elements 52.

Also forming part of the color conversion assembly 38 is a plurality of primary color spectral filter wheels 88. Each of the color wheels 88 is operable in front of a tv camera; one of the wheels is shown in FIG. 6. Basically, each of the color wheels 88 is identical and all are operated in successive synchronism with the successive operation of the spectral filter blades 62-66, in a manner to be explained. Circumferentially spaced on the wheel 88 with respect to each other is a series of spectral filters of the primary colors. In this connection each of the color wheels 88 includes a red spectral filter 90, a blue spectral filter 92, and a green spectral filter 94. Also formed in the color wheel 88 is a translucent element 96. Normally, the translucent element 96 is in operative covering relationship to a tv camera lens 99 when the color wheel 88 is at the start condition. The translucent element 96 allows transmission of white light to the tv cameras 22a-i. In this manner, the monitors 28 will have a light display screen 48 when not displaying the images. The color wheel 88 is rotatably driven by an electric motor 98. During one revolution, the spectral filters 90-94 sequentially pass in front of the tv camera lens 99. As seen in FIG. 6, the red spectral filter 90 is in operative covering relation with respect to the tv camera lens 99. Because of synchronization all red filters 90 will be operative simultaneously over the lens 99, followed by all the blue and green spectral filters 92, 94; respectively. A switch operating cam 100 rotates with the shaft of the motor 98. A cam projection 102 on the cam 100 will trip a lever 104 on microswitch 106 after a revolution of the color wheel 88. This tripping disconnects the motor 98 from a power supply 110 so as to halt rotation of the color wheel 88.

It will be appreciated that during the course of rotation of the color wheels 88 the red filters 90 are operative for a period of time which is generally coextensive with the red exposure interval effected by the shutter and filter blades 56 and 62; respectively. Further in this regard, the time periods the spectral filters 92 and 94 are operative are consistent with the respe