Key features
- Full crane OCR/OFR: container ID, ISO code, seal presence, IMDG label presence/classification, container door direction
- Sharp images in any condition and at any container traveling speed
- One-fits-all solution for various container configurations: single, tandem, quad 20′, 30′, 40′, 45
- Front- and back-reach operations
- Easily accessible maintenance position
- No constrained spreader path
- Argus Automated Damage Detection enabled
- Optional washing station for automated and scheduled BoxCatcher cover cleaning
The first moving camera system for STS cranes
The patented BoxCatcher boosts efficiency in waterside operations. This unique STS crane OCR system features intelligent cameras mounted on vertical rails on the crane legs. These cameras automatically travel to the spreader location, connected to the crane PLC, and capture each container’s information from the optimal position.
BoxCatcher collects essential OCR data and 360° images while seamlessly maintaining crane operations. It does not interfere with the container’s flight path or crane uptime.
Furthermore, with seamless TOS integration, the system instantly transmits data to the terminal operating system (TOS). Thanks to its best-in-class OCR read rates, it minimizes operator exceptions, ensuring smooth operations.
Full STS-crane OCR with just 1 pair of BoxCatcher
The BoxCatcher Crane OCR/OFR solution uses 12MP global shutter cameras, specifically designed to capture fast-moving objects at speeds of up to 4.5 m/s.
These cameras immediately process images on the internal Nvidia AI processors, generating high-quality data and pictures that seamlessly integrate with the Terminal Operating System (TOS) through the Crane Operating System (COS).
Our dynamic BoxCatcher camera system provides full-crane OCR/OFR capabilities, capturing container ID, ISO code, seal presence, hazardous goods labels, and door direction for both day and night operations. Additionally, it produces high-resolution images processed by the Automatic Damage Inspection AI engines, enabling terminal operators to manage damage claims more effectively.
Camco has equipped more than 300 STS cranes with BoxCatchers across the globe.
Front and back reach operations, all configurations
The one-fits-all solution accommodates every possible container configuration, including single, twin, tandem, quad, and 20/40/45ft options. To ensure seamless 24/7 operations in all weather conditions, the cameras feature built-in LED light projectors, providing optimal lighting on demand.
The BoxCatcher autonomously adjusts to compensate for container swing during operations, maintaining accuracy and efficiency throughout.
Patented technology
Web-based crane operator application
Crane operators can easily handle exceptions using the Crane Operator Application. This intuitive, web-based tool streamlines OCR correction jobs, allowing operators to validate data directly from high-resolution container images.
Each customer defines specific exceptions, such as incorrect or missing container numbers, seal presence, and hazardous goods labels. With a limited number of exceptions, a single operator can efficiently manage between 6 and 8 cranes, depending on the complexity of the crane operations.
Safe and easy maintenance
Since Camco Technologies’ BoxCatcher cameras are used in harsh maritime environments, preventive service and maintenance are essential.
For easy access, operators can redirect the BoxCatcher camera to its maintenance position.
In service mode, a certified technician can quickly lift the front cover for inspection. Thanks to its modular plug-and-play design, worn components can be replaced within minutes, minimizing downtime.
BoxCatcher Washing Station
To minimize downtime from maintenance interventions, the BoxCatcher can be equipped with an optional Washing Station module. This cleaning device activates automatically when image quality deteriorates, without disrupting the BoxCatcher’s normal operation.
A built-in sensor measures the transparency of the front cover. When image quality declines due to dust, sand, or other debris, the system triggers either a blower to remove dust or water sprinklers to jet water. The remaining droplets are then blown off, ensuring crystal-clear images.
Frequently Asked Questions about Boxcatcher STS Crane OCR
Crane cab HMI displays container preview with confidence scoring, AR guidance overlays, sway status indicators, verification checklists, photo exception capture, voice-activated controls, multi-crane status monitoring, and real-time performance feedback reducing cognitive workload while maintaining safety standards during high-pressure vessel operations.
Confirmed pick completion with visual proof, actual cycle times vs planned targets, positioning accuracy statistics, operator performance metrics, exception documentation with annotated imagery, next optimal work order recommendations, and bay-specific productivity benchmarking refining continuous vessel discharge/load planning optimization.
Eliminating visual search (15-25 seconds/move), precision guidance reducing positioning adjustments (10-20 seconds/move), automated verification replacing manual confirmation (8-15 seconds/move), and optimized work sequencing collectively deliver 35-60 second productivity gains per container compounding to substantial daily vessel operation improvements.
Sway compensation algorithms analyze initial hoist dynamics providing predictive damping commands during critical acceleration phase reducing pendulum amplitude buildup, shortening stabilization periods, enabling higher trolley travel speeds between vessel bays, and maintaining load stability during inter-crane handoffs or weather-impacted operations.
Triple verification protocol cross-checks OCR results against electronic stowage plans, confirms physical twistlock sensor continuity matches expected container, displays side-by-side expected vs actual imagery to operator, and requires explicit confirmation before lift authorization preventing bay transpositions that cascade delays through discharge operations.
Augmented reality overlays display exact container center coordinates, safe clearance envelopes, approach vectors, and final positioning confirmation on crane cab screens combined with laser guidance references and spreader attitude sensors guiding operators to sub-10cm placement accuracy minimizing corner damage risk and accelerating pick cycles.
Spreader-integrated camera arrays positioned for optimal code visibility capture high-resolution imagery during crane descent to target bay/row automatically decoding container numbers through glare-resistant optics, multi-angle redundancy, AI-powered character reconstruction, and real-time stowage plan cross-verification ensuring reliable identification before twistlock engagement.
Boxcatcher provides automated container identification and verification for Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes using spreader-mounted OCR cameras that capture container codes during approach phase confirming correct container selection before physical engagement, eliminating visual identification errors, and providing positive pick confirmation critical for dense vessel stowage operations.
