Industry
Suzuyo & Co., Ltd. - Leveraging EIZO's IP Decoding Solutions to Improve Safety with Remote Operation of Port Cranes
Since its establishment in 1801, Suzuyo & Co., Ltd. has developed a diverse portfolio of logistics solutions across domestic and international markets. As of 2020, the company has been implementing a plan to introduce remotely operated RTGs* at Shimizu Port's Shin-Okitsu Container Terminal. EIZO's IP decoding box, IP decoding monitors, and 21.5-inch touch panel monitors were integrated with the remote-control and operation system to enhance work safety. We discussed the initiative with the project lead, covering the specifics of the installation and results.
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Masamori Oba Container Terminal Department Port Business Division Suzuyo & Co., Ltd. |
*RTG (Rubber Tired Gantry crane): Cargo handling equipment that transfers containers between the container yard and trailers.
Please tell us about the remote-controlled RTG that your company is implementing.
“Since 2022, we have been introducing remote-controlled RTGs developed and provided by MITSUI E&S to reduce the burden on operators, improve the work environment, and ultimately increase the productivity of the entire container terminal. The terminal processes over 2,000 containers daily, with cargo handling operations previously conducted by RTG operators in elevated cockpits.
“The remote-controlled RTGs can be operated from a console located in the terminal's administration building. The building and the RTGs are connected via wireless communication, and a monitor displays images from multiple cameras during cargo handling operations. EIZO's IP decoding solutions were selected to support this system. Furthermore, an EIZO 21.5-inch touch panel monitor is utilized as a sub-screen, enabling operators to modify settings and toggle between displayed images.
Standard RTG Operating Environment
Remote-Controlled RTG Operating Environment
 MITSUI E&S remote-control console in the administration building (left: EIZO IP decoding monitor, center: MITSUI E&S remote-control system, right: EIZO touch panel monitor) |
Why did you choose to implement EIZO's IP decoding solutions?
“Regardless of whether remote operation is utilized or not, we have been working to prevent accidents at our container terminals. To enhance the scope of the area that can be monitored during remote operation and reinforce safety measures, we have opted to install a camera that provides visibility of the area beneath the remote-controlled RTGs, along with the necessary equipment to assess the images, in addition to the existing system. We then encountered two challenges: (1) an increase in communication load due to the rise in camera images, and (2) integrating with the existing system. However, by implementing EIZO's IP decoding solutions, we were able to successfully address these challenges.”
Deployed Products
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23-inch monitor that displays multiple camera images at a glance by directly connecting IP cameras via LAN and/or a switch. |
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An IP decoding box that connects to IP cameras directly via LAN and/or a switch and displays camera images on a monitor via HDMI. It also has a Streaming Gateway function* that can redistribute images on the network. |
Could you tell us more about the two challenges?
Challenge 1: Communication load due to the increase in camera footage
“In this installation, IP cameras and other equipment were integrated into the existing system network. We needed to prevent any adverse effects on the system due to the increased communication volume. It was therefore necessary to reconcile the conflicting requirements of reliably transmitting high-quality video with maintaining low communication volume.”
The IP decoding box DX0212-IP offers a Streaming Gateway function that aggregates video streams from multiple cameras and redistributes them as a single stream. The footage is then viewed on the installed IP decoding monitor FDF2312W-IP.
In this instance, the DX0212-IP consolidates the video feeds from the four IP cameras installed on each remote-controlled RTG into a single stream and transmits it wirelessly, thereby markedly reducing communication traffic. Simultaneously with the video composition, the video transmission method is transcoded to the highly stable SRT protocol. Even with wireless communication and transmission from a mobile RTG, a stable video display with low latency is achieved.
Upon examination of the communication volume of a single DX0212-IP unit in operation at Suzuyo, we observed that the combined volume of the four camera images being received was 2.63 Mbit/s, while the volume of the images being combined into one and redistributed (transmitted) was 1.37 Mbit/s. This indicated that the communication volume had been reduced by approximately 50%.
Challenge 2: Integrating with the existing system
“We did not want the addition of new equipment to add to the operator workload, so we also specified that the products should be integrated with our existing remote operation control system. Therefore, we set out to construct a system that would display IP camera images in sync with the existing system startup when cargo handling work commenced, and then stop automatically 30 seconds after the operation concluded.”
EIZO's IP decoding solutions offer external control via the Web API. In this instance, we collaborated with MITSUI E&S, the developer of the remote-controlled RTGs, to devise a configuration that allows the content displayed on the IP decoding monitor to be managed from the existing system. As a result, the IP decoding monitor displays the appropriate images in sync with the commencement of operations and automatically hides them when the task is completed, switching to standby mode.
Learn more about the Web API for EIZO’s IP decoding products
System configuration diagram
What was your impression of EIZO’s response leading up to installation, and what were the deciding factors that led you to implement our solutions?
“We are very pleased that we were able to build the system in a short period of about eight months after consulting with EIZO in August 2023. The EIZO development team conducted two on-site inspections in total. The initial inspection allowed us to establish a policy, while the subsequent inspection facilitated the seamless execution of implementation-specific confirmations, giving us the confidence to move forward.
“The IP monitor and IP decoding box could be installed without a PC, which was a significant advantage in terms of ease of installation. The user interface is straightforward and intuitive, and the mouse-driven operation demonstrates the product's high quality and attention to detail. Furthermore, EIZO’s ability to propose solutions to the two aforementioned issues was excellent.”
Remote-controlled RTGs allow the staff to communicate with one another during operation
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“We have been using touch panel monitors since the pilot introduction of the remote-controlled RTGs in 2022. If they were to malfunction during remote operation, not only could it halt work, but also potentially lead to accidents. We are reassured knowing that EIZO's touch panel monitors are manufactured in-house and come with a three-year warranty.” |
What is your company's outlook and what do you expect from EIZO in the future?
“The installation of remote-controlled RTGs is a project that will continue until 2025. Our foremost objective is to complete this project and create a container terminal where cargo handling operations can be carried out safely and efficiently. In this environment, we believe there will be an increasing need for the company as a whole to utilize video to promote digital transformation (DX). We are therefore eager to continue working with EIZO and their advanced technology.”
Special Thanks:
Suzuyo & Co., Ltd.
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MITSUI E&S Co., Ltd.
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