A virtual container terminal simulator for the design of terminal operation

Abstract

Port container terminal operation requires a skill workforce who participates in performing a number major operation including container loading/unloading, task planning, scheduling of terminal resources, operating of crane systems, etc. in a highly coordinated manner. To facilitate the optimal design of terminal operation for both management and operators, and to provide a flexible environment for operator training and skill evaluation, a real-time distributed virtual environment that simulates container terminal operation is developed. The system includes an imseCAVE, which is a low cost fully immersive virtual reality system developed at the University of Hong Kong, together with several network computers that are linked to the imseCAVE for remote control and monitoring of terminal operations, and providing user interfaces that simulate the planning systems for terminal operations. The simulator recreates a vivid terminal operating environment that is found useful for both teaching and research in logistics and other related fields.