AU2018440246A1

AU2018440246A1 - Draft estimation system, draft estimation apparatus, information transmission apparatus, and loading/unloading simulation apparatus

Info

Publication number: AU2018440246A1
Application number: AU2018440246A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Satoshi ICHINOSE; Yuko Kajiyama; Hiroshi Kawaguchi; Yoshihiko Maeda; Hisakazu YORIMOTO
Original assignee: Nippon Yusen KK
Current assignee: Nippon Yusen KK
Priority date: 2018-09-06
Filing date: 2018-09-06
Publication date: 2021-03-18
Also published as: JPWO2020049702A1; WO2020049702A1

Abstract

Provided are a draft estimation system, a draft estimation device, an information transmission device, and a loading/unloading simulation device with which it is possible to efficiently perform loading/unloading without interrupting the loading/unloading in order to measure the draft. The present invention relates to a draft estimation system comprising: an imaging means for imaging the vicinity of the draft on the docking side of a ship that has reached land; a slant acquisition means for acquiring the slant of the ship; and a draft estimation means for estimating the draft on the ocean side of the ship on the basis of the acquired slant and the docking-side draft, which is specified on the basis of an image of the vicinity of the draft as captured by the imaging means.

Description

Title of Invention

DRAFT ESTIMATION SYSTEM, DRAFT ESTIMATION APPARATUS, INFORMATION TRANSMISSION APPARATUS, AND LOADING/ UNLOADING SIMULATION APPARATUS

Technical Field

[0001]

The present invention relates to a draft estimation system

capable of estimating a draft of a vessel on a sea side, and to a draft

estimation apparatus capable of estimating a draft of a vessel on a sea

side. Further, the present invention relates to an information

transmission apparatus capable of estimating a draft of a vessel on a

sea side and capable of transmitting, to another computer apparatus, a

captured image of a draft vicinity, and information regarding heel, a

draft on a dock side as well as estimated the draft on the sea side.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a loading/unloading

simulation apparatus capable of estimating a load capacity of a cargo

loaded on a vessel or a remaining loadable capacity.

Background Art

[0002]

When loading bulk cargo such as grain or ore on a docked cargo

vessel, maximization of the loading quantity, minimization of loading time, and the like are required. There has been proposed a cargo handling practice support method and the like which, in order to lighten and speed up the work, and cut the cost while securing safety, for example, when loading cargo on a vessel, calculates deadweight and calculates stowage load capacity of each hold while calculating draft, stability, and stress, and edits and creates a stowage plan based on the calculation results thereof (for example, Patent Literature 1).

[0003]

By the way, when loading/unloading cargo, normally, at the start,

in the middle, near the end or the like of loading/unloading the cargo,

loading/unloading is temporarily interrupted to perform work for

checking the draft at a plurality of points of a vessel. By measuring

the draft at a plurality of points of the vessel, it is possible to grasp

whether or not there is heel generated in the vessel due to the weight of

the cargo and about what amount of cargo can be further loaded on

the vessel.

[0004]

However, in order to check the draft, it is necessary to get off

from the vessel to the quay to do a visual check. Further, while draft

of the vessel on the shore side can be grasped visually from the land

side, draft on the sea side needs to be checked from the sea side of the

vessel by moving there with a small boat or the like. Therefore, it

takes time to check the draft, thereby extending the total

loading/unloadingtime.

Citation List

Patent Literature

[0005]

Patent Literature 1: WO 2006/003708 Al

Summary of Invention

Technical Problem

[0006]

The present invention is designed in view of the forgoing problem.

That is, an object of the present invention is to provide a draft

estimation system, a draft estimation apparatus, an information

transmission apparatus, and a loading/unloading simulation

apparatus, which are capable of efficiently loading/unloading cargo

without interrupting loading/unloading for measuring the draft.

Solution to Problem

[0007]

As a result of intensive studies, the inventors of the present

invention have come to complete the present invention by finding that

it is possible to efficiently identify or estimate the draft of the docked

vessel on the dock side and the sea side. The gist of the present

invention is as follows.

[0008]

[1] A draft estimation system including: an image capturer that

captures an image of a draft vicinity on a dock side of a docked vessel; a heel level acquirer that acquires a heel of the vessel; and a draft estimator that estimates a draft on a sea side of the vessel based on a draft on the dock side identified based on the image of the draft vicinity captured by the image capturer and the acquired heel.

[0009]

[2] The draft estimation system according to the above [1],

including: a position identificator that identifies a prescribed position

on the dock side of the vessel based on a relative positional relation

between a position of the vessel and a prescribed position of the vessel

to be an imaging target of the image capturer with respect to the

position of the vessel; and an image capture controller that controls a

position and/or a direction of the image capturer such that the image

capturer can capture an image of the identified prescribed position.

[0010]

[3] The draft estimation system according to the above [1],

including: a position identificator that identifies a prescribed position

on the dock side of the vessel based on a relative positional relation

between a position of the vessel and a prescribed position of the vessel

to be an imaging target of the image capturer with respect to the

position of the vessel; and a displayer that displays, on a display device,

an image corresponding to a prescribed position identified by the

position identificator among the images of the draft vicinity captured

by the image capturer.

[0011]

[4] The draft estimation system according to any one of the above

[1] to [3], including a draft identificator that identifies the draft on the

dock side based on the image of the draft vicinity captured by the

image capturer, wherein the draft estimator estimates the draft on the

sea side based on the identified draft on the dock side and the acquired

heel.

[0012]

[5] A draft estimation apparatus including: a heel level acquirer

that acquires a heel of a vessel; and a draft estimator that estimates a

draft on a sea side of the vessel based on a draft on a dock side of the

vessel that is docked and the acquired heel.

[0013]

[6] A draft estimation apparatus including: a position acquirer

that acquires a position of a vessel; a position identificator that

identifies a prescribed position on a dock side of the vessel based on a

relative positional relation between the acquired position of the vessel

and a prescribed position of the vessel to be an imaging target of an

image capturer with respect to the position of the vessel; a control

signal transmitter that transmits a signal for controlling a position

and/or a direction of the image capturer such that the image capturer

can capture an image of the identified prescribed position; a heel level

acquirer that acquires a heel of the vessel; and a draft estimator that

estimates a draft on a sea side of the vessel based on a draft on the

dock side identified based on an image of a draft vicinity captured by

the image capturer and the acquired heel.

[0014]

[7] A draft estimation program causing a computer apparatus to

function as: a heel level acquirer that acquires a heel of a vessel; and a

draft estimator that estimates a draft on a sea side of the vessel based

on a draft on a dock side of the vessel that is docked and the acquired

heel.

[0015]

[8] A draft estimation program causing a computer apparatus to

function as: a position acquirer that acquires a position of a vessel; a

position identificator that identifies a prescribed position on a dock

side of the vessel based on a relative positional relation between the

acquired position of the vessel and a prescribed position of the vessel

to be an imaging target of an image capturer with respect to the

position of the vessel; a control signal transmitter that transmits a

signal for controlling a position and/or a direction of the image

capturer such that the image capturer can capture an image of the

identified prescribed position; a heel level acquirer that acquires a heel

of the vessel; and a draft estimator that estimates a draft on a sea side

of the vessel based on a draft on the dock side identified based on an

image of a draft vicinity captured by the image capturer and the

acquired heel.

[0016]

[9] A draft estimation method executed by a computer apparatus,

the draft estimation method including: a step of acquiring a heel of a

vessel; and a step of estimating a draft on a sea side of the vessel based on draft on a dock side of the vessel that is docked and the acquired heel.

[0017]

[10] A draft estimation method executed by a computer

apparatus, the draft estimation method including: a step of acquiring a

position of a vessel; a step of identifying a prescribed position on a

dock side of the vessel based on a relative positional relation between

the acquired position of the vessel and a prescribed position of the

vessel to be an imaging target of an image capturer with respect to the

position of the vessel; a step of transmitting a signal for controlling a

position and/or a direction of the image capturer such that the image

capturer can capture an image of the identified prescribed position; a

step of acquiring a heel of the vessel; and a step of estimating a draft

on a sea side of the vessel based on a draft on the dock side identified

based on an image of a draft vicinity captured by the image capturer

and the acquired heel.

[0018]

[11] An information transmission apparatus including: an image

acquirer that acquires a captured image of a draft vicinity on a dock

side of a docked vessel; a heel level acquirer that acquires a heel of the

vessel; a draft estimator that estimates a draft on a sea side of the

vessel based on a draft on the dock side of the docked vessel and the

acquired heel; and an information transmitter that transmits, to

another computer apparatus, an information regarding the acquired captured image of the draft vicinity, the heel, and/or the draft on the dock side, and/or the estimated draft on the sea side.

[0019]

[12] The information transmission apparatus according to the

above [11], including a load capacity estimator that estimates a load

capacity of a cargo actually loaded on the vessel and/or a remaining

loadable capacity from the draft on the dock side of the docked vessel

and the estimated draft on the sea side based on a corresponding

relation between the load capacity of the cargo loaded on the vessel

and the draft on the dock side and on the sea side of the vessel, the

draft changing according to the load capacity of the cargo, wherein the

information transmitter transmits, to the other computer apparatus,

an information regarding the estimated load capacity of the cargo

and/or the estimated remaining loadable capacity.

[0020]

[13] The information transmission apparatus according to the

above [12], including a loading/unloading time estimator that

estimates a loading/unloading time necessary for the loaded cargo to

reach a maximum load capacity from the estimated load capacity of the

cargo and/or the estimated remaining loadable capacity based on a

corresponding relation between a prescribed loading/unloading time

and an amount of the cargo that can be loaded on the vessel in the

prescribed loading/unloading time, wherein the information

transmitter transmits, to the other computer apparatus, an information regarding the loading/unloading time necessary for the loaded cargo to reach the maximum load capacity.

[0021]

[14] An information transmission program causing a computer

apparatus to function as: an image acquirer that acquires a captured

image of a draft vicinity on a dock side of a docked vessel; a heel level

acquirer that acquires a heel of the vessel; a draft estimator that

estimates a draft on a sea side of the vessel based on a draft on the

dock side of the docked vessel and the acquired heel; and an

information transmitter that transmits, to another computer apparatus,

an information regarding the acquired captured image of the draft

vicinity, the heel, the draft on the dock side, and the estimated draft on

the sea side.

[0022]

[15] An information transmission method executed by a

computer apparatus, the information transmission method including:

a step of acquiring a captured image of a draft vicinity on a dock side

of a docked vessel; a step of acquiring a heel of the vessel; a step of

estimating a draft on a sea side of the vessel based on a draft on the

dock side of the docked vessel and the acquired heel; and a step of

transmitting, to another computer apparatus, an information regarding

the acquired captured image of the draft vicinity, the heel, the draft on

the dock side, and the estimated draft on the sea side.

[0023]

[16] A loading/unloading simulation apparatus including: a heel

level acquirer that acquires a heel of a vessel; a draft estimator that

estimates a draft on a sea side of the vessel based on a draft on a dock

side of the vessel that is docked and the acquired heel; and a load

capacity estimator that estimates a load capacity of a cargo actually

loaded on the vessel and/or a remaining loadable capacity from the

draft on the dock side of the vessel that is docked and the estimated

draft on the sea side based on a corresponding relation between the

load capacity of the cargo loaded on the vessel and the draft on the

dock side and on the sea side of the vessel, the draft changing

according to the load capacity of the cargo.

[0024]

[17] The loading/unloading simulation apparatus according to

the above [16], including a loading/unloading time estimator that

estimates a loading/unloading time necessary for the loaded cargo to

reach a maximum load capacity from the estimated load capacity of the

cargo and/or the estimated remaining loadable capacity based on a

corresponding relation between a prescribed loading/unloading time

and an amount of the cargo that can be loaded on the vessel in the

prescribed loading/unloading time.

[0025]

[18] A loading/unloading simulation program causing a computer

apparatus to function as: a heel level acquirer that acquires a heel of a

vessel; a draft estimator that estimates a draft on a sea side of the

vessel based on a draft on a dock side of the vessel that is docked and the acquired heel; and a load capacity estimator that estimates a load capacity of a cargo actually loaded on the vessel and/or a remaining loadable capacity from the draft on the dock side of the vessel that is docked and the estimated draft on the sea side based on a corresponding relation between the load capacity of the cargo loaded on the vessel and the draft on the dock side and on the sea side of the vessel, the draft changing according to the load capacity of the cargo.

[0026]

[19] A loading/unloading simulation method executed by a

computer apparatus, the loading/unloading simulation method

including: a step of acquiring a heel of a vessel; a step of estimating a

draft on a sea side of the vessel based on a draft on a dock side of the

vessel that is docked and the acquired heel; and a step of estimating a

load capacity of a cargo actually loaded on the vessel and/or a

remaining loadable capacity from the draft on the dock side of the

vessel that is docked and the estimated draft on the sea side based on

a corresponding relation between the load capacity of the cargo loaded

on the vessel and the draft on the dock side and on the sea side of the

vessel, the draft changing according to the load capacity of the cargo.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0027]

According to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently

load/unload cargo without interrupting loading/unloading for

measuring the draft.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0028]

Fig. 1 is an example of a diagram showing an overview of a draft

estimation system according to an embodiment of the present

invention.

Fig. 2 is an example of a block diagram showing a configuration

of a computer apparatus according to an embodiment of the present

invention.

Fig. 3 is an example of a flowchart of a draft estimation

processing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is an example of a captured image when a draft vicinity of

a vessel on a land side is captured.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken along a plane perpendicular to a

traveling direction of a vessel, when the vessel is tilted with a sea side

thereof being floated up.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken along a plane perpendicular to a

traveling direction of a vessel, when the vessel is tilted with a dock side

thereof being floated up.

Fig. 7 is a sectional view taken along a plane that is

perpendicular to the horizontal plane and parallel to a traveling

direction of a vessel, when the vessel is tilted with the front thereof

being floated up.

Description of Embodiments

[0029]

Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described with

reference to the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, description

relating to effects shows an aspect of the effects of the embodiments of

the invention, and does not limit the effects. Further, the order of

respective processes that form a flowchart described below may be

changed in a range without contradicting or creating discord with the

processing contents thereof.

[0030]

Fig. 1 is an example of a diagram showing an overview of a draft

estimation system according to an embodiment of the present

invention. The draft estimation system of an embodiment of the

present invention includes a camera device 1, a vessel 2, and a

computer apparatus 3, for example. The vessel 2 is docked at a land

4. An automatic identification system (AIS) is placed on the vessel 2,

and data such as the name of the vessel, position, and the like

(referred to as "AIS data" hereinafter) can be transmitted wirelessly

from the automatic identification system. When the computer

apparatus 3 receives the AIS data from the vessel 2 by wireless

communication, a reference position 21 of the vessel 2 can be

identified by the computer apparatus 3 based on the AIS data.

[0031]

The camera device 1 is placed on the land 4, for example. When

the vessel 2 is docked at the land 4, an imaging position 22 to be an

imaging target of the camera device 1 is identified by the computer apparatus 3 based on the reference position 21. When the imaging position 22 is identified, camera devices la to 1c are controlled to be able to capture images of imaging positions 22a to 22c. By capturing images of the imaging positions 22a to 22c with the camera devices la to 1c, a draft vicinity of the docked vessel 2 on a dock side (shore side) can be captured.

[0032]

For example, the imaging position 22a is in the rear of the vessel

2 on the dock side, and the imaging position 22b is in the center of the

vessel 2 on the dock side. The imaging position 22c is in the front of

the vessel 2 on the dock side. The camera device la captures an

image of the draft vicinity at the imaging position 22a, and the camera

device lb captures an image of the draft vicinity at the imaging

position 22b. The camera device 1c captures an image of the draft

vicinity at the imaging position 22c. As described, the vicinity of the

draft in the front, the center, and the rear of the vessel 2 on the dock

side is captured by the camera devices la to 1c. The draft on the dock

side is identified based on the captured image data of the draft vicinity,

and a draft of the vessel 2 on the sea side can be estimated based on

the identified draft on the dock side and a heel of the vessel 2.

[0033]

Next, a configuration of the computer apparatus 3 will be

described. Fig. 2 is an example of a block diagram showing a

configuration of a computer apparatus according to an embodiment of

the present invention. The computer apparatus 3 includes a control unit 31, a RAM 32, a storage 33, a sound processor 34, a graphics processor 35, a communication interface 36, and an interface unit 37, and those are connected to each other via an internal bus.

[0034]

The control unit 31 is configured with a CPU and a ROM, and

executes a program stored in the storage 33 to control the computer

apparatus 3. The RAM 32 is a work area of the control unit 31. The

storage 33 is a memory area for saving programs and data, and a draft

estimation program for estimating a draft of the vessel 2 on the sea

side and a loading/unloading simulation program for estimating a load

capacity of a cargo actually loaded on the vessel 2 and/or a remaining

loadable capacity are stored therein in the present invention.

[0035]

The control unit 31 processes the program and the data loaded

on the RAM 32 and input data from the input unit 39 so as to output a

sound output instruction to the sound processor 34 and to output a

drawing command to the graphics processor 35. When the control

unit 31 outputs a sound output instruction to the sound processor 34,

the sound processor 34 outputs a sound signal to a sound output

device 38. The graphics processor 35 expands an image on a frame

memory, and displays the image on a display device 40.

[0036]

The communication interface 36 is capable of connecting to a

communication network wirelessly or with wire, and capable of

transmitting and receiving data to/from the camera device 1 via the communication network. The data received via the communication interface 36 is loaded on the RAM 32, and used by the control unit 31 for calculation processing. The input unit 39 (for example, a mouse, a keyboard, and the like) is connected to the interface unit 37, so that a user can make operation input.

[0037]

Fig. 3 is an example of a flowchart of a draft estimation

processing according to an embodiment of the present invention. First,

AIS data is transmitted from the docked vessel 2 to the computer

apparatus 3 (step Si). Then, when the computer apparatus 3 receives

the AIS data (step S2), the reference position 21 of the vessel 2 is

identified (step S3).

[0038]

A relative positional relation between the reference position 21 of

the vessel 2 and the imaging position 22 of the draft of the vessel 2 is

set in advance, and the imaging position 22 of the draft is identified

based on the positional relation (step S4). The positional relation

between the reference position 21 of the vessel 2 and the imaging

position 22 of the draft of the vessel 2 may be stored in the computer

apparatus 3 for each of the vessels 2. Alternatively, data regarding

the positional relation stored in the automatic identification system

may be transmitted to the computer apparatus 3 as the AIS data from

the automatic identification system and used.

[0039]

Further, for identifying the imaging position 22 of the draft in

step S4, not only the reference position 21 identified based on the AIS

data but also data of tide level or the like can be used. In that case,

the position control of the imaging position 22 in the height direction

(Z-axis direction) is performed based on the tide level. As the tide level,

a predicted value of the tide level acquired by analyzing the tide level

data observed in the past may be used, and it is possible to use an

actually measured value of the tide level observed at the point of

identifying the imaging position 22 of the draft in step S4. The tide

level is observed by using a radio-wave/float type tide gauge or a radio

wave/sonic tsunami meter. The data regarding the observed tide level

is transmitted to the computer apparatus 3 by wireless or wired

communication, and used for identifying the imaging position 22 of the

draft in step S4.

[0040]

Then, a control signal is transmitted from the computer

apparatus 3 to the camera device 1 (step S5). When the control signal

is received at the camera device 1 (step S6), the camera device 1 is

controlled to capture an image of the identified imaging position 22

(vicinity of the draft) (step S7).

[0041]

The camera device 1 may be fixed at a prescribed position on the

land 4. In step S6, when the camera device 1 receives the control

signal, the facing direction of the camera device 1 in the horizontal

direction or the height direction, the position of the camera device 1, and the like are controlled. In a case where a plurality of camera devices 1 are used, each of three camera devices 1, for example, is placed to correspond to each of the positions in the front, the center, and the rear of the vessel 2 on the dock side, and the facing directions of the sight of the camera devices 1 are controlled according to the control signal to capture images of the vicinity of the draft.

[0042]

In a case where a single camera device 1 is used, the camera

device 1 is set to be movable on a straight rail placed in parallel to the

traveling direction of the vessel (or the shore), for example, so that the

camera device 1 can move on the rail and the position thereof can be

controlled according to the control signal. For example, when the

camera device 1 receives a control signal, the camera device 1 moves to

a position closest to the imaging position 22c in the front of the vessel

2 on the dock side to capture an image of the draft in the front of the

vessel 2 on the dock side. Then, the camera device 1 moves to a

position closest to the imaging position 22b in the center of the vessel

2 on the dock side to capture an image of the draft in the center of the

vessel 2 on the dock side. Finally, the camera device 1 moves to a

position closest to the imaging position 22a in the rear of the vessel 2

on the dock side to capture an image of the draft in the rear of the

vessel 2 on the dock side.

[0043]

Further, as the camera device 1, a portable type may be used.

Furthermore, it is also possible to use the camera device 1 loaded on

an unmanned aerial vehicle such as a drone.

[0044]

The image data of the captured image of the draft vicinity is

transmitted to the computer apparatus 3 from the camera device 1

(step S8). When the computer apparatus 3 receives the image data

(step S9), the captured image of the draft vicinity is displayed on the

display device 40 that is connected to the computer apparatus 3 (step

S10), and the draft on the dock side is identified (step S11).

[0045]

In step S10, as a method for identifying the draft on the dock

side, there may be an identification method executed by image analysis

or a method with which an operator looks at the image displayed on

the display device 40 for identification. In a case where an operator

looks at the image displayed on the display device 40 to identify the

draft on the dock side, a supervisor who can identify the draft

identifies the draft by visual inspection, and operates the input unit 39

to input the identified draft to the computer apparatus 3. Further, as

will be described later, when there is provided a function of

transmitting information of the captured image of the draft vicinity and

the like to another computer apparatus from the computer apparatus 3

with wireless communication, the supervisor can check the image of

the draft vicinity on a display screen of another computer apparatus to

identify the draft. In that case, the supervisor inputs the value of the draft by operating an input unit of another computer apparatus, and the inputted value of the draft is transmitted from another computer apparatus to the computer apparatus 3.

[0046]

As the method performing image analysis of the draft vicinity,

there may be a method with which a display provided on the surface of

the hull of the vessel 2 is recognized and the draft may be identified

based on the display. Fig. 4 is an example of a captured image when

a draft vicinity in the front of a vessel on a land side is captured. In a

captured image 5, the hull of the vessel 2 and water are displayed. As

for a water surface 51, the height thereof changes over time due to the

influence of waves. Therefore, the position of the water surface when

the water surface 51 becomes the lowest in a prescribed unit time, for

example, can be identified as the position of the water surface 51 for

identifying the draft.

[0047]

Numerals "23" for identifying the draft are displayed on the

surface of the hull of the vessel 2, and the numeral in the image can be

recognized by the computer apparatus 3 with an image recognition

program. With the image recognition program, the draft can be

identified based on the positional relation between the position of the

water surface 51 and the numerals "23".

[0048]

In addition, as a method for identifying the draft from the image

of the draft vicinity in step S10, it is possible to use a technique of a neural network (CNN: CONVOLUTION NEURAL NETWORK) that includes a convolution layer and a pooling layer. For example, by machine-learning in advance a plurality of captured images of the draft and the actual value of the draft as a data set with CNN, it is possible to extract characteristic information from the captured images of the draft vicinity and identify the value of the draft.

[0049]

While a case of displaying numerals on the surface of the vessel

is described herein as the method for identifying the draft, the draft

can be also identified by the computer apparatus 3 with a color

recognition program when a plurality of straight lines (lines) of different

colors indicating values of the draft are provided on the surface of the

hull, for example.

[0050]

Then, the draft of the vessel 2 on the sea side is estimated based

on the identified draft on the dock side, a heel of the vessel 2, and the

width of the vessel 2 (step S12). Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken along

a plane perpendicular to a traveling direction of a vessel, when the

vessel is tilted with a sea side thereof being floated up. In Fig. 5, the

land is on the left side of the vessel 2. The draft is the distance from

the lowermost surface of the ship to the water surface. Since the

vessel 2 is tilted with the sea side thereof being floated up, the value of

the draft on the dock side is larger than that of the draft on the sea

side.

[0051]

Assuming that the heel in the left and right directions of the

vessel 2 is 0, the draft on the dock side is x, and the width of the vessel

2 is a, the draft y on the sea side can be calculated with (x-axtan0).

Therefore, the draft in the front on the sea side can be identified from

the draft in the front of the vessel 2 on the dock side, and the draft in

the center on the sea side can be identified from the draft in the center

of the vessel 2 on the dock side. Further, the draft in the rear on the

sea side can be identified from the draft in the rear of the vessel 2 on

the dock side. As described, from the draft on the dock side, the draft

on the sea side at the corresponding position can be estimated. The

width in the bow and the stern of the vessel 2 becomes narrower than

that in the center. Therefore, when the draft y on the sea side is

calculated with (x-axtan 0), it is calculated not by using the width a in

the center part but using a value acquired by multiplying a prescribed

correction coefficient k to the width a. More specifically, the draft y in

the front or the rear of the vessel 2 on the sea side can be calculated

with (x-axkxtan 0).

[0052]

In step S12, the heel of the vessel 2 is measured by a trim and

heel indicator loaded on the vessel 2, and transmitted to the computer

apparatus 3 from the vessel 2 by wireless communication. Further,

the width of the vessel 2 may be received at the computer apparatus 3

from the automatic identification system of the vessel 2 as the AIS data

or may be registered in advance in the memory area of the computer

apparatus 3 for each of the vessels 2.

[0053] Other than the method using the trim and heel indicator, it is

also possible to identify the heel from the draft of the vessel 2 on the

dock side and the draft on the sea side. For example, the draft on the

dock side and the draft on the sea side in the center of the vessel 2 are

measured, and the heel of the vessel 2 is estimated from the width in

the center of the vessel 2. Based on the estimated heel, the draft in

the front and the rear on the sea side can be estimated from the draft

in the front and the rear on the dock side of the vessel 2. In order to

measure the heel by the trim and heel indicator, it is necessary to

adjust the zero point without inclination. However, there tends to be a

large error, and it is difficult to accurately adjust the zero point.

Therefore, by measuring the draft on the dock side and the draft on the

sea side of the vessel 2 and then estimating the heel, the heel can be

acquired more accurately.

[0054]

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken along a plane perpendicular to a

traveling direction of a vessel, when the vessel is tilted with a dock side

thereof being floated up. Since the vessel 2 is tilted with the dock side

thereof being floated up in Fig. 6, the value of the draft on the sea side

is larger than that of the draft on the dock side. Assuming that the

heel in the left and right directions of the vessel 2 is 0, the draft on the

dock side is x, and the width of the vessel 2 is a, the draft y on the sea

side can be calculated with (x + a x tan 0). As in the case of Fig. 5, the

draft on the sea side at the corresponding positions, that is, the draft on the sea side in the front, the center, and the rear of the vessel 2, can be estimated from the draft on the dock side in the front, the center, and the rear of the vessel 2, respectively. The width in the bow and the stern of the vessel 2 becomes narrower than that in the center.

Therefore, when the draft y on the sea side is calculated with (x + a x

tan 0), it is calculated not by using the width a in the center part but

using a value acquired by multiplying a prescribed correction

coefficient k to the width a. More specifically, the draft y in the front

or the rear of the vessel 2 on the sea side can be calculated with (x + a

x k x tan 0).

[0055]

Further, it is possible to capture an image of the draft vicinity at

one position selected from the front, the center, and the rear on the

dock side, then identify the draft at that position based on the

captured image, and estimate the draft on the dock side at the

remaining two positions from the identified draft. In that case, the

draft on the sea side is also estimated from the acquired draft on the

dock side. More specifically, it is possible to identify the draft in the

center of the vessel 2 on the dock side from the image captured by the

camera device 1, for example, then estimate the draft in the front or

the rear of the vessel 2 on the dock side based on the trim in the front

and rear directions of the vessel 2 and the length of the vessel 2 in the

traveling direction, and estimate the draft on the sea side based on the

draft on the dock side.

[0056]

Fig. 7 is a sectional view taken along a plane that is

perpendicular to the horizontal plane and parallel to a traveling

direction of a vessel, when the vessel is tilted with the front thereof

being floated up. Since the vessel 2 is tilted with the front thereof

being floated up in Fig. 7, the value of the draft in the rear is larger

than that of the draft in the front. Assuming that the trim in the front

and rear directions of the vessel 2 is o, the draft in the center of the

vessel 2 on the dock side is x, and the distance from the center to the

front in the traveling direction of the vessel 2 is b, the draft x' in the

front on the dock side can be calculated with (x - b x tan o). Similarly,

assuming that the draft in the center on the dock side is x, and the

distance from the center to the rear in the traveling direction of the

vessel 2 is c, the draft x" in the rear on the dock side can be calculated

with (x + c x tan o).

[0057

While the draft in the front and the rear on the dock side is

calculated herein based on the draft in the center of the vessel 2 on the

dock side, it is also possible to calculate the draft at the other positions

based on the draft in the front of the vessel 2 on the dock side and to

calculate the draft at the other positions based on the draft in the rear

of the vessel 2 on the dock side.

[0058]

In step S12, the trim of the vessel 2 is measured by the trim and

heel indicator loaded on the vessel 2, and transmitted to the computer

apparatus 3 from the vessel 2 by wireless communication. The distance from the center to the front or to the rear in the traveling direction of the vessel 2, that is, the distance between the position at which the draft is identified by the image and the position to be the target of estimation of the draft, may be received at the computer apparatus 3 from the automatic identification system of the vessel 2 as the AIS data or may be registered in advance in the memory area of the computer apparatus 3 for each of the vessels 2.

[0059]

When the draft on the sea side is estimated in step S12, a load

capacity of a cargo actually loaded on the vessel and/or a remaining

loadable capacity are estimated further by the computer apparatus 3

(step S13), and the draft on the dock side and the sea side and the load

capacity of the cargo and the remaining loadable capacity are displayed

on the display device 40 (step S14). Thereby, a series of processing is

terminated.

[0060]

The load capacity of the cargo and the remaining loadable

capacity in step S13 can be estimated from the draft on the dock side

and the sea side based on a corresponding relation between the total

value of the load capacity of the load loaded on the vessel and the

remaining amount of the ballast water and the draft on the dock side

and on the sea side of the vessel, which changes according to the total

value. For example, for each vessel, the corresponding relation

between the total value of the load capacity of the cargo on the vessel

and the remaining amount of the ballast water and the draft is stored in advance. Thus, when the vessel is identified, it is possible to calculate the total value of the load capacity of the cargo on the vessel and the remaining amount of the ballast water from the draft of the vessel on the dock side and the sea side, and to further calculate the load capacity of the cargo and the remaining loadable capacity.

[0061]

For example, a corresponding relation table showing the

corresponding relation between the load capacity of the cargo and the

draft, indicating that the load capacity of the cargo is 10000 tons when

the draft is 5 m, the load capacity of the cargo is 12000 tons when the

draft is 5.2 m, and the load capacity of the cargo is 14000 tons when

the draft is 5.4 m, for example, is stored in advance in the computer

apparatus 3 or the automatic identification system, and the load

capacity of the cargo can be calculated based on the corresponding

relation table. Further, it is also possible to store in advance an

expression for calculating the load capacity from the value of the draft

in the computer apparatus 3 or the automatic identification system,

and calculate the load capacity of the cargo by using the expression.

[0062]

When there is tilt generated in the vessel because of the cargo

loaded thereon, the draft in the front, the center, and the rear of the

vessel 2 on the dock side and the draft in the front, the center, and the

rear on the sea side may become different with each other. Therefore,

when the load capacity of the cargo is calculated, the load capacity may be calculated based on an average value of a plurality of draft values.

[0063]

Note that the remaining loadable capacity can be calculated by

subtracting the calculated load capacity of the cargo from the

maximum loadable capacity of the vessel 2.

[0064]

In step S14, the draft on the dock side and the sea side, the load

capacity of the cargo as well as the remaining loadable capacity, and

the like are displayed on the display device 40, so that the supervisor

can check such information in real time. Therefore, it is possible to

continue loading work and unloading work of the cargo without

interruption. For example, if it is confirmed that there is a difference

in the draft at each of the positions of the vessel 2 and that there is tilt

generated in the vessel 2, loading work of the cargo can be done in a

way to correct the tilt.

[0065]

As described above, while the computer apparatus 3 according to

the embodiment of the present invention is capable of estimating the

draft of the vessel 2 on the sea side based on the draft on the dock side

of the docked vessel 2 and the tilt of the vessel 2, the computer

apparatus 3 may include a function of transmitting the information

regarding the captured image of the draft vicinity, the tilt of the vessel

2, the draft on the dock side, and the draft on the sea side to another

computer apparatus by wireless communication.

[0066]

There is no specific limit set as another computer apparatus, and

it is possible to use a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet

terminal. For example, if the supervisor carries a smartphone or a

tablet terminal on the vessel 2, it is possible to check the information

transmitted from the computer apparatus 3 on a display screen of the

smartphone or the tablet terminal. Therefore, it is possible for the

supervisor to supervise the loading work and unloading work of the

cargo while grasping the draft on the dock side and the sea side as well

as the load capacity of the cargo in real time.

Reference Signs List

[0067]

1 CAMERA DEVICE

2 VESSEL

21 REFERENCE POSITION

22 IMAGING POSITION

23 NUMERALS

3 COMPUTER APPARATUS

4 LAND

CAPTURED IMAGE

51 WATER SURFACE

Claims

Claims

[Claim 1]

A draft estimation system comprising:

an image capturer that captures an image of a draft vicinity on a

dock side of a docked vessel;

a heel level acquirer that acquires a heel of the vessel; and

a draft estimator that estimates a draft on a sea side of the vessel

based on a draft on the dock side identified based on the image of the

draft vicinity captured by the image capturer and the acquired heel.
[Claim 2]

The draft estimation system according to claim 1, comprising:

a position identificator that identifies a prescribed position on the

dock side of the vessel based on a relative positional relation between a

position of the vessel and a prescribed position of the vessel to be an

imaging target of the image capturer with respect to the position of the

vessel; and

an image capture controller that controls a position and/or a

direction of the image capturer such that the image capturer can

capture an image of the identified prescribed position.
[Claim 3]

The draft estimation system according to claim 1, comprising:

a position identificator that identifies a prescribed position on the

dock side of the vessel based on a relative positional relation between a position of the vessel and a prescribed position of the vessel to be an imaging target of the image capturer with respect to the position of the vessel; and a displayer that displays, on a display device, an image corresponding to a prescribed position identified by the position identificator among the images of the draft vicinity captured by the image capturer.
[Claim 4]

The draft estimation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

comprising a draft identificator that identifies the draft on the dock

side based on the image of the draft vicinity captured by the image

capturer, wherein

the draft estimator estimates the draft on the sea side based on

the identified draft on the dock side and the acquired heel.
[Claim 5]

A draft estimation apparatus comprising:

a heel level acquirer that acquires a heel of a vessel; and

a draft estimator that estimates a draft on a sea side of the vessel

based on a draft on a dock side of the vessel that is docked and the

acquired heel.
[Claim 6]

A draft estimation apparatus comprising: a position acquirer that acquires a position of a vessel; a position identificator that identifies a prescribed position on a dock side of the vessel based on a relative positional relation between the acquired position of the vessel and a prescribed position of the vessel to be an imaging target of an image capturer with respect to the position of the vessel; a control signal transmitter that transmits a signal for controlling a position and/or a direction of the image capturer such that the image capturer can capture an image of the identified prescribed position; a heel level acquirer that acquires a heel of the vessel; and a draft estimator that estimates a draft on a sea side of the vessel based on a draft on the dock side identified based on an image of a draft vicinity captured by the image capturer and the acquired heel.
[Claim 7]

A draft estimation program causing a computer apparatus to

function as:

a heel level acquirer that acquires a heel of a vessel; and

a draft estimator that estimates a draft on a sea side of the vessel

based on a draft on a dock side of the vessel that is docked and the

acquired heel.
[Claim 8]

A draft estimation program causing a computer apparatus to

function as: a position acquirer that acquires a position of a vessel; a position identificator that identifies a prescribed position on a dock side of the vessel based on a relative positional relation between the acquired position of the vessel and a prescribed position of the vessel to be an imaging target of an image capturer with respect to the position of the vessel; a control signal transmitter that transmits a signal for controlling a position and/or a direction of the image capturer such that the image capturer can capture an image of the identified prescribed position; a heel level acquirer that acquires a heel of the vessel; and a draft estimator that estimates a draft on a sea side of the vessel based on a draft on the dock side identified based on an image of a draft vicinity captured by the image capturer and the acquired heel.
[Claim 9]

A draft estimation method executed by a computer apparatus,

the draft estimation method comprising:

a step of acquiring a heel of a vessel; and

a step of estimating a draft on a sea side of the vessel based on

draft on a dock side of the vessel that is docked and the acquired heel.
[Claim 10]

A draft estimation method executed by a computer apparatus,

the draft estimation method comprising:

a step of acquiring a position of a vessel; a step of identifying a prescribed position on a dock side of the vessel based on a relative positional relation between the acquired position of the vessel and a prescribed position of the vessel to be an imaging target of an image capturer with respect to the position of the vessel; a step of transmitting a signal for controlling a position and/or a direction of the image capturer such that the image capturer can capture an image of the identified prescribed position; a step of acquiring a heel of the vessel; and a step of estimating a draft on a sea side of the vessel based on a draft on the dock side identified based on an image of a draft vicinity captured by the image capturer and the acquired heel.
[Claim 11]

An information transmission apparatus comprising:

an image acquirer that acquires a captured image of a draft

vicinity on a dock side of a docked vessel;

a heel level acquirer that acquires a heel of the vessel;

a draft estimator that estimates a draft on a sea side of the vessel

based on a draft on the dock side of the docked vessel and the

acquired heel; and

an information transmitter that transmits, to another computer

apparatus, an information regarding the acquired captured image of

the draft vicinity, the heel, and/or the draft on the dock side, and/or

the estimated draft on the sea side.
[Claim 12]

The information transmission apparatus according to claim 11,

comprising a load capacity estimator that estimates a load capacity of

a cargo actually loaded on the vessel and/or a remaining loadable

capacity from the draft on the dock side of the docked vessel and the

estimated draft on the sea side based on a corresponding relation

between the load capacity of the cargo loaded on the vessel and the

draft on the dock side and on the sea side of the vessel, the draft

changing according to the load capacity of the cargo, wherein

the information transmitter transmits, to the other computer

apparatus, an information regarding the estimated load capacity of the

cargo and/or the estimated remaining loadable capacity.
[Claim 13]

The information transmission apparatus according to claim 12,

comprising a loading/unloading time estimator that estimates a

loading/unloading time necessary for the loaded cargo to reach a

maximum load capacity from the estimated load capacity of the cargo

and/or the estimated remaining loadable capacity based on a

corresponding relation between a prescribed loading/unloading time

and an amount of the cargo that can be loaded on the vessel in the

prescribed loading/unloading time, wherein the information transmitter transmits, to the other computer apparatus, an information regarding the loading/unloading time necessary for the loaded cargo to reach the maximum load capacity.
[Claim 14]

An information transmission program causing a computer

apparatus to function as:

an image acquirer that acquires a captured image of a draft

vicinity on a dock side of a docked vessel;

a heel level acquirer that acquires a heel of the vessel;

a draft estimator that estimates a draft on a sea side of the vessel

based on a draft on the dock side of the docked vessel and the

acquired heel; and

an information transmitter that transmits, to another computer

apparatus, an information regarding the acquired captured image of

the draft vicinity, the heel, the draft on the dock side, and the

estimated draft on the sea side.
[Claim 15]

An information transmission method executed by a computer

apparatus, the information transmission method comprising:

a step of acquiring a captured image of a draft vicinity on a dock

side of a docked vessel;

a step of acquiring a heel of the vessel; a step of estimating a draft on a sea side of the vessel based on a draft on the dock side of the docked vessel and the acquired heel; and a step of transmitting, to another computer apparatus, an information regarding the acquired captured image of the draft vicinity, the heel, the draft on the dock side, and the estimated draft on the sea side.
[Claim 16]

A loading/unloading simulation apparatus comprising:

a heel level acquirer that acquires a heel of a vessel;

a draft estimator that estimates a draft on a sea side of the vessel

based on a draft on a dock side of the vessel that is docked and the

acquired heel; and

a load capacity estimator that estimates a load capacity of a

cargo actually loaded on the vessel and/or a remaining loadable

capacity from the draft on the dock side of the vessel that is docked

and the estimated draft on the sea side based on a corresponding

relation between the load capacity of the cargo loaded on the vessel

and the draft on the dock side and on the sea side of the vessel, the

draft changing according to the load capacity of the cargo.
[Claim 17]

The loading/unloading simulation apparatus according to claim

16, comprising a loading/unloading time estimator that estimates a

loading/unloading time necessary for the loaded cargo to reach a maximum load capacity from the estimated load capacity of the cargo and/or the estimated remaining loadable capacity based on a corresponding relation between a prescribed loading/unloading time and an amount of the cargo that can be loaded on the vessel in the prescribed loading/unloading time.
[Claim 18]

A loading/unloading simulation program causing a computer

apparatus to function as:

a heel level acquirer that acquires a heel of a vessel;

a draft estimator that estimates a draft on a sea side of the vessel

based on a draft on a dock side of the vessel that is docked and the

acquired heel; and

a load capacity estimator that estimates a load capacity of a

cargo actually loaded on the vessel and/or a remaining loadable

capacity from the draft on the dock side of the vessel that is docked

and the estimated draft on the sea side based on a corresponding

relation between the load capacity of the cargo loaded on the vessel

and the draft on the dock side and on the sea side of the vessel, the

draft changing according to the load capacity of the cargo.
[Claim 19]

A loading/unloading simulation method executed by a computer

apparatus, the loading/unloading simulation method comprising:

a step of acquiring a heel of a vessel; a step of estimating a draft on a sea side of the vessel based on a draft on a dock side of the vessel that is docked and the acquired heel; and a step of estimating a load capacity of a cargo actually loaded on the vessel and/or a remaining loadable capacity from the draft on the dock side of the vessel that is docked and the estimated draft on the sea side based on a corresponding relation between the load capacity of the cargo loaded on the vessel and the draft on the dock side and on the sea side of the vessel, the draft changing according to the load capacity of the cargo.