US 11,299,219 B2 · Distributed volumetric cargo sensor system

Abstract

A cargo detection apparatus installed within a cargo container includes multiple distance sensors and one or more processors in communication with the distance sensors. The distance sensors, which are configured for mounting on or adjacent to a ceiling of the cargo container, generate distance signals. Each distance signal indicates a distance between a corresponding one of the distance sensors and a surface within the interior space of the cargo container. The one or more processors are operable to execute instructions to compare the distance indicated by each of the distance signals to a distance threshold, and generate a cargo-present indication if the distance is less than the distance threshold. The distance sensors may be laser-ranging time-of-flight sensors or ultrasonic sensors.

Claims21

Dependent claims

A method for detecting cargo within a cargo container that has a ceiling, a floor, and an interior space disposed between the ceiling and the floor, the method comprising:

(a) receiving a plurality of distance signals generated by a plurality of distance sensors mounted on or adjacent to the ceiling of the cargo container, each of the distance signals indicating a distance between a corresponding one of the distance sensors and a surface within the interior space of the cargo container;
(b) determining a load state of the cargo container based on one or more of the plurality of the distance signals;
(c) for each of the distance signals, determining a cargo height value based on the distance between the corresponding distance sensor and the surface located within the corresponding cargo detection area;
and
(d) calculating a total volume of the interior space of the cargo container occupied by cargo based on the cargo height values and area values for the portions of the total area of the floor of the cargo container in which cargo is present.

2 more elements

An apparatus for detecting cargo within a cargo container that has a ceiling, a floor, and an interior space disposed between the ceiling and the floor, the apparatus comprising:

a plurality of distance sensors configured for mounting on or adjacent to the ceiling of the cargo container, the plurality of distance sensors generating a plurality of distance signals, each of the distance signals indicating a distance between a corresponding one of the distance sensors and a surface within the interior space of the cargo container;
and
one or more processors in communication with the plurality of distance sensors, the one or more processors operable to execute instructions to:
generate a load state indication based on one or more of the plurality of distance signals;
for each load state indication, determine a cargo height value based on the distance between the corresponding distance sensor and the surface located within the corresponding cargo detection area;
and
calculate a total volume of the interior space of the cargo container occupied by cargo based on cargo height values and area values for the portions of the total area of the floor of the cargo container in which cargo is present.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Distributed volumetric cargo sensor system

Life of this patent

Distributed volumetric cargo sensor system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims21