Sub-GHz Cooperative Container Stack Estimation

Abstract

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) enable applications where the goal is to automate the localisation of objects. One concrete example of such application is the localisation of containers in container terminals. In this paper we explore the feasibility and describe the promising results of using sub-GHz wireless networks in localising containers on a container terminal. By placing wireless devices on the front or rear of containers, we measure the attenuation of communication signals among devices. We then classify the communication links by whether or not the devices have line-of-sight (LOS) or the number of container stacks estimated to be in between them. From these estimations, we can use the links as edges of a graph and estimate which devices group together and are on the same side of a container stack, allowing for coarse location estimation.