SMARTRAIL is based on the latest Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. Advanced GPS equipment in combination with RTG on-board sensors allows real time positioning of the RTG in a centimeter grade accuracy.
The main benefit of the GPS-based system is that no civil work at all is needed on the driving lanes. This feature does not only make the installation of the system extremely easy and cost-effective, but makes the system also practically service-free since there are no buried wires, transponders or painted lines on the ground to be maintained.
The GPS-based system is robust against all weather conditions and operates 24 hours a day, also in dark, rain, snow and dirty or dusty environments. The accuracy of the auto-steering, proven in the field tests, is better than +/- 10 centimeters. The system is far more flexible than the traditional technologies and, for example, configuring a new auto-steering line to the system is easily accomplished by a simple ‘teaching’ procedure.
Container Position Indication: The PLC-computer in the RTG combines the position of the RTG with trolley position and hoist height measurements. The location of the spreader is then calculated (when at least 3 satellites visible) and is converted to slot row, column and tier numbers. This information is sent to a drivers terminal via RS232 serial link. The terminal will send the data to the Yard Management System.
The measured x--y--z co--ordinates of the measured location are sent to Remote Data terminal via RS232 serial link 1) upon a container lift or 2) set down or 3) when requested by YMS
Picking a container: When the RTG spreader twist--locks are closed and the landing pins drop down, a message is generated by SMARTRAIL and sent to YMSs. The message informs YMS the slot where the container was picked from.
Leaving a container: When the RTG spreader twist-locks are opened and the landing pins drop down, a message is generated by SMARTRAIL and sent to YMS. The message informs YMSs the slot where the container was left.
