A wireless camera system for assisting hoisting

Abstract

This invention discloses a boom-head wireless camera system for assisting in hoisting operations, comprising a boom-head wireless camera, a controller, a vehicle display, a camera display, a wireless receiver, and a hydraulic valve block. The wireless receiver receives signals from the boom-head wireless camera and transmits them to the controller and camera display. The camera display shows the hoisting scene. Based on received danger signals, the controller controls the hydraulic valve block to restrict vehicle movement, while the vehicle display simultaneously displays a pop-up warning of the danger signal. This invention plays an auxiliary role in hoisting operations, directly alerting the operator when danger is detected and directly restricting dangerous actions in emergencies; it improves the safety of crane hoisting and enhances the economy and efficiency of crane hoisting.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of cranes, and more particularly to a wireless camera system for assisting in hoisting operations. Background Technology

[0002] When using wheeled cranes with long booms to lift long loads or loads passing over walls, if the hook is too far from the operator's cab or obstructed by obstacles, the operator cannot effectively observe the status of the hook and the load, affecting lifting efficiency and posing safety risks. Currently, methods such as multi-person collaboration, radio command, or installing cameras on the crane boom to address these issues are employed. Common boom-head cameras are wireless or wired cameras installed on the crane boom, transmitting images to the operator's cab via wireless signals or wired communication. The operator analyzes the current load status through the camera feed as a basis for deciding on the next operational step.

[0003] Existing monitoring solutions only provide operators with visual displays and lack other auxiliary functions. As operation time increases, operators find it difficult to focus on analyzing the monitor screen, and their understanding of the load's status gradually decreases.

[0004] Prior art, such as patent "A Method and Device for Monitoring Defects in a Target Object" (CN201210236820.1), discloses a method and device for monitoring defects in a target object, to solve the problems of low processing efficiency and inability to determine the location of defect areas in the prior art. The method of this embodiment includes: acquiring an image of the target object to be detected; colorizing the target object; determining pixels in the image containing the target object belonging to each cluster center according to set cluster centers; determining feature data corresponding to the same subordinate region based on pixels belonging to the same subordinate region; and determining whether the subordinate region is a defect area of ​​the target object to be detected based on the feature data corresponding to each subordinate region and the threshold value corresponding to the feature data. This embodiment of the invention determines the defect area of ​​the target object to be detected based on the feature data of the subordinate region composed of pixels belonging to each set cluster center and a threshold value. This not only results in fast processing speed but also enables the determination of the location of the defect area of ​​the target object to be detected.

[0005] Existing technology 2, such as patent "A Wireless Visual System for Crane Hooks" (CN220223301U), discloses a wireless visual system for crane hooks, aiming to effectively transmit signals from a hook camera to the crane cab and improve crane operation safety. It includes: a display, a wireless receiver, a camera, and a power supply. The display and wireless receiver are installed in the cab of the wireless crane, while the camera and power supply are detachably mounted on the crane hook. The power supply powers the camera, and the camera wirelessly connects to the display via the wireless receiver, transmitting captured images and sound to the display.

[0006] Prior art 3, such as patent "Safety Control System, Method, Control Device and Crane" (CN113184704A), discloses a safety control system for a crane, comprising: a video acquisition device for acquiring video image information of the crane's blind spot; a control device for receiving video image information from the video acquisition device, using an image recognition model to detect each video frame in the video image information to determine whether a target obstacle exists in the blind spot, sending a distance measurement command to a distance measuring sensor when a target obstacle exists in the blind spot, and comparing the measured distance value returned from the distance measuring sensor with a preset safety threshold in the control device, controlling the crane to reduce its speed, executing an alarm, and sending the crane's vehicle operation information and the video image information of the blind spot to a display; a distance measuring sensor for receiving the distance measurement command, measuring the distance value between the crane itself and the target obstacle according to the distance measurement command, and sending the distance value to the control device; and a display for displaying the crane's vehicle operation information and the video image information of the blind spot in a split screen, and marking the target obstacle and the distance value in the video image information.

[0007] Existing technology 4, such as patent "An All-round Intelligent Safety Monitoring System for a Truck Crane" (CN215479363U), discloses an all-round intelligent safety monitoring system for a truck crane, including an image acquisition module for acquiring images of objects to be measured near the crane; an infrared ranging module for measuring the distance between the object to be measured and the crane along the crane's operating route; an electric field detection module for detecting the electric field strength of high-voltage power lines; a processor for calculating the distance between the hazard source and the crane; a communication module for data transmission between the modules; an early warning module for providing audible and visual alarms; and a control module for controlling the crane to perform operations corresponding to the distance level. This utility model uses a combination of infrared sensing technology, image recognition technology, and electric field detection technology to identify and analyze hazards in real time when a truck crane is performing electric hoisting operations. It can monitor surrounding obstacles, as well as personnel in the work area and nearby high-voltage power lines.

[0008] However, existing boom-head camera systems have the following drawbacks: 1) They only display the camera feed and cannot highlight specific areas of risk to provide operators with additional information. 2) Collision monitoring only targets the crane itself, neglecting monitoring of load balance, interference, and the condition of the wire rope.

[0009] Therefore, it is necessary to develop new camera systems specifically designed to overcome the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Purpose of the invention: To address the shortcomings and defects of existing technologies, this invention provides a wireless camera system for the boom head of a crane, which plays an auxiliary role in the lifting process. When danger is detected, it directly alerts the operator and can directly restrict dangerous actions in emergencies; thus improving the safety of crane lifting and enhancing the economy and efficiency of crane lifting.

[0011] Technical Solution: The present invention provides a boom-head wireless camera system for assisting hoisting, characterized in that it includes a boom-head wireless camera, a controller, a vehicle display, a camera display, a wireless receiver, and a hydraulic valve block; the wireless receiver receives signals from the boom-head wireless camera and transmits them to the controller and the camera display, the camera display showing the hoisting scene; the controller controls the hydraulic valve block to restrict vehicle movement based on the received danger signals, while the vehicle display displays a pop-up warning of the danger signals.

[0012] Preferably, the boom head wireless camera detects the hoisting status of the crane hook, identifies the hoisting scene, detects risk points, and transmits the hoisting scene to the camera display; it also integrates a sound module to issue an audible alarm when a pedestrian is detected in the image.

[0013] Preferably, the controller receives signals from the wireless receiver, controls the vehicle hoisting and lowering valve block (i.e., the hydraulic valve block) to operate, and sends a warning signal to the display after receiving it.

[0014] Preferably, the vehicle display shows the vehicle's operating status and alarm prompts.

[0015] Preferably, the camera display is installed in the control room, receives signals from the wireless receiver, and displays the images monitored by the arm-head wireless camera; when danger occurs, the dangerous images are highlighted.

[0016] Preferably, the wireless receiver receives images and danger signals sent by the arm-head wireless camera.

[0017] Preferably, the hydraulic valve block controls the hoisting and lowering actions of the crane.

[0018] The method of using the boom-head wireless camera system for assisted hoisting of the present invention is characterized in that: the boom-head wireless camera monitors the hoisting status, and when it detects pedestrian intrusion, imbalance of the hoisted load, interference, or risks to the wire rope, it transmits relevant signals to the camera display and controller; the camera display highlights the risk points appearing in the hoisting scene and provides audible alerts; the controller restricts the actions to different degrees according to the different risks, and at the same time transmits different pop-up alerts to the display; thus ensuring the safety of the hoisting operation.

[0019] The method of using the wireless camera system for assisted hoisting of the present invention is characterized by comprising the following steps: 1) After the crane is powered on, the boom head wireless camera starts working to detect the hoisting status; the detection content includes 11) whether there are pedestrians under the hook, and if personnel enter the camera's field of view, an audible warning will be issued and they will be driven away; 12) the status of the hook hoisting the heavy object, whether the heavy object interferes with external objects or the hook itself; whether the heavy object is out of balance and there is a risk of slipping or collision; 13) the status of the hoisting wire rope, whether there are problems such as tangling, derailment, or breakage. 2) When the above problems exist, the arm-head wireless camera will transmit the signal to the wireless receiver, and then forward it to the camera display and the controller respectively; 3) After receiving the signal, the camera display will highlight the risk area and mark the risk scene with a red outline, such as a pedestrian running under the hook, an unbalanced heavy object, or an object that may interfere; at the same time, the buzzer in the camera display will sound an alarm to alert the operator. 4) After receiving the signal, the controller will handle it differently according to the type of danger. While handling different risks, the controller will transmit different signals to the vehicle display. The restriction on the action can be lifted by the forced switch. 5) The vehicle display receives signals from the controller and displays different text pop-ups based on different signals, while simultaneously sounding a buzzer alarm; the pop-ups can be closed, but the buzzer alarm cannot be turned off until the risk is eliminated.

[0020] Preferably, step 4) involves different processing methods based on the type of hazard after receiving the signal, specifically including the following steps: 1) When a pedestrian is detected under the hook, the hoisting valve, i.e. the hydraulic valve block, is controlled to restrict the hoisting action; 2) When it is detected that the hoisted load may lose balance, the hoisting valve is controlled to limit the hoisting speed; 3) When it is detected that the heavy object may interfere with the boom head, the hoisting valve is controlled to limit the hoisting action; 4) When an abnormality is detected in the wire rope, control the hoisting valve to restrict the hoisting action.

[0021] Beneficial effects: Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following significant advantages: The present invention uses a wireless camera on the boom head to identify pedestrians, hoisted heavy objects, and the status of wire ropes below the hook. When it detects that a pedestrian has entered below, the wire rope is tangled or glued, the heavy object is tilted or slipping, or there is interference below, the risk point is highlighted on the display screen to attract the operator's attention; at the same time, the signal is transmitted to the vehicle control system, which directly restricts dangerous actions in emergency situations.

[0022] This invention improves the safety of crane lifting operations by real-time monitoring and detection of the crane's lifting status, automatically identifying dangerous conditions and alerting the operator, and directly restricting crane movement in emergencies. It also improves the economy and efficiency of crane lifting operations by using a wireless monitoring system to assist in lifting, reducing the number of personnel needed for coordination; the monitoring system's automatic detection and alerting of the lifting status is more efficient than traditional radio command. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a monitoring system using existing technology; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the arm-head wireless camera system of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a structural topology diagram of the arm-head wireless camera system of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the arm-head wireless camera system of the present invention. In the diagram, 1 is the arm-head wireless camera; 2 is the controller; 3 is the vehicle display; 4 is the camera display; 5 is the wireless receiver; and 6 is the hydraulic valve block. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0025] The controller of this invention is a PLC system that controls the relevant actions of the crane. CAN bus: Controller Area Network bus, a serial communication protocol bus used for real-time communication. Display: Shows the crane's operating status. Operator's cab: The crane's control space, containing control equipment and display instruments.

[0026] This invention, considering safety and efficiency in lifting heavy objects, proposes a novel boom-head camera system. The system incorporates camera image detection logic to monitor the balance of the lifted object, the stress state of the wire rope, and whether any personnel have intruded beneath the object. When the system detects an imbalance, rotation, or shift in the object, or if the wire rope becomes tangled or derailed, the camera display will highlight the detected danger zone in red, providing a visual warning to the operator. Simultaneously, an alarm will sound, alerting the operator audibly. The camera display connects to the vehicle's communication system via a CAN bus. When the aforementioned dangers are detected, a pop-up warning will appear on the vehicle's display, and the hydraulic valves will be controlled to restrict vehicle movement and prevent dangerous incidents.

[0027] The new boom-head wireless camera system enables real-time monitoring of the lifting status, focusing on the balance and stability of the lifted load and the stress state of the wire rope. Monitoring is conducted through image detection; when it detects that the load is unbalanced, about to interfere with other objects, or that the wire rope is tangled, broken, or derailed, the system highlights the danger point on the monitor using a red outline to draw the operator's attention. Simultaneously, a buzzer sounds to provide an audible alert.

[0028] Safety control methods combining image detection: The wireless camera system transmits danger signals to the vehicle control system via a bus, displays a pop-up warning on the vehicle display, and restricts related modifications to ensure operational safety.

[0029] The boom-head wireless camera system for auxiliary hoisting of the present invention includes a boom-head wireless camera 1, a controller 2, a vehicle display 3, a camera display 4, a wireless receiver 5, and a hydraulic valve block 6; the wireless receiver 5 receives the signal from the boom-head wireless camera 1 and transmits it to the controller 2 and the camera display 4, and the camera display 4 displays the hoisting scene; the controller 2 controls the hydraulic valve block 6 to restrict the vehicle's movement according to the received danger signal, and at the same time the vehicle display 3 displays a pop-up warning of the danger signal.

[0030] The boom head wireless camera 1 detects the hoisting status of the hook, identifies the hoisting scene, detects risk points, and transmits the hoisting scene to the camera display 4; it also integrates a sound module that issues an audible alarm when a pedestrian is detected in the image.

[0031] Controller 2 receives signals from the wireless receiver and controls the vehicle hoisting valve block, i.e., the hydraulic valve block 6, to operate. After receiving a danger signal, it sends it to the display.

[0032] The vehicle display 3 shows the vehicle's operating status and alarm prompts.

[0033] The camera display 4 is installed in the control room, receives the signal from the wireless receiver 5, and displays the image monitored by the arm head wireless camera 1; when danger occurs, the dangerous image is highlighted.

[0034] Wireless receiver 5 receives images and danger signals sent by arm-head wireless camera 1.

[0035] Hydraulic valve block 6 controls the hoisting and lowering actions of the crane.

[0036] The method of using the boom-head wireless camera system for auxiliary hoisting of the present invention involves the boom-head wireless camera 1 monitoring the hoisting status. When it detects pedestrian intrusion, imbalance of the hoisted load, interference, or risks to the wire rope, it transmits relevant signals to the camera display 4 and the controller 2. The camera display 4 highlights the risk points appearing in the hoisting image and provides audible alerts. The controller 2 restricts the actions to different degrees according to the different risks, and at the same time transmits different pop-up alerts to the display, thus ensuring the safety of the hoisting operation.

[0037] Specifically, the following steps are included: 1) After the crane is powered on, the boom head wireless camera 1 starts working to detect the hoisting status; The testing content includes: 11) Check if any pedestrians have entered under the hook; issue an audible warning and urge them to leave if they enter the camera's field of view. 12) The state of the hook lifting the heavy object, whether the heavy object interferes with external objects or the hook itself; whether the heavy object is out of balance and there is a risk of slipping or colliding; 13) Check the condition of the lifting wire rope for any issues such as tangling, derailment, or breakage.

[0038] 2) When the above problems exist, the arm-head wireless camera 1 transmits the signal to the wireless receiver 5, and then forwards it to the camera display 4 and the controller 2 respectively.

[0039] 3) After receiving the signal, the camera display 4 highlights the risk area and marks the risk scene with a red outline, such as a pedestrian running under the hook, an unbalanced heavy object, or an object that may interfere; at the same time, the buzzer in the camera display 4 sounds an alarm to provide an audio prompt to the operator.

[0040] 4) After receiving the signal, the controller 2 will handle it differently according to the type of danger. While handling different risks, the controller 2 will transmit different signals to the vehicle display 3. The restriction on the action can be lifted by the forced switch. Specifically, the following steps are included: 41) When a pedestrian is detected under the hook, the hoisting valve, i.e., hydraulic valve block 6, is controlled to restrict the hoisting action. 42) When it is detected that the hoisted load may lose balance, the hoisting valve is controlled to limit the hoisting speed; 43) When it is detected that the heavy object may interfere with the boom head, the hoisting valve is controlled to limit the hoisting action; 44) When an abnormality is detected in the wire rope, control the hoisting valve to restrict the hoisting action.

[0041] 5) The vehicle display 3 receives the signal transmitted by the controller 2 and displays different text pop-ups according to different signals, while simultaneously sounding a buzzer alarm; the pop-ups can be closed, but the buzzer alarm cannot be turned off until the risk is eliminated.

[0042] This invention uses a wireless camera on the boom head to identify pedestrians, hoisted objects, and the status of the wire rope below the hook. When it detects that a pedestrian has entered below, the wire rope is tangled or glued, the object is tilted or slipping, or there is interference below, the risk point is highlighted on the display to draw the operator's attention. At the same time, the signal is transmitted to the vehicle control system to directly restrict dangerous actions in emergency situations.

[0043] This invention improves the safety of crane lifting operations by real-time monitoring and detection of the crane's lifting status, automatically identifying dangerous conditions and alerting the operator, and directly restricting crane movement in emergencies. It also improves the economy and efficiency of crane lifting operations by using a wireless monitoring system to assist in lifting, reducing the number of personnel needed for coordination; the monitoring system's automatic detection and alerting of the lifting status is more efficient than traditional radio command.

Claims

1. A wireless camera system for assisting hoisting, characterized in that: The system includes a boom head wireless camera (1), a controller (2), a vehicle display (3), a camera display (4), a wireless receiver (5), and a hydraulic valve block (6). The wireless receiver (5) receives the signal from the boom head wireless camera (1) and transmits it to the controller (2) and the camera display (4). The camera display (4) displays the hoisting scene. The controller (2) controls the hydraulic valve block (6) according to the received danger signal, thereby restricting the vehicle's movement. At the same time, the vehicle display (3) provides a pop-up warning for the danger signal.

2. The boom-head wireless camera system for auxiliary hoisting according to claim 1, characterized in that: The wireless camera (1) at the boom head detects the hoisting status of the hook, identifies the hoisting scene, detects risk points, and transmits the hoisting scene to the camera display (4); it integrates a sound module and issues a sound alarm when it detects a pedestrian in the image.

3. The boom-head wireless camera system for auxiliary hoisting according to claim 1, characterized in that: The controller (2) receives signals from the wireless receiver and controls the vehicle hoisting and lowering valve block, i.e., the hydraulic valve block (6), to operate. After receiving a danger signal, it sends it to the display.

4. The boom-head wireless camera system for auxiliary hoisting according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vehicle display (3) shows the vehicle's operating status and alarm prompts.

5. The boom-head wireless camera system for auxiliary hoisting according to claim 1, characterized in that: The camera display (4) is installed in the control room, receives the signal from the wireless receiver (5), and displays the image monitored by the arm head wireless camera (1); when danger occurs, the dangerous image is highlighted.

6. The boom-head wireless camera system for auxiliary hoisting according to claim 1, characterized in that: The wireless receiver (5) receives images and danger signals sent by the arm-head wireless camera (1).

7. The boom-head wireless camera system for auxiliary hoisting according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hydraulic valve block (6) controls the hoisting and lowering actions of the crane.

8. The method of using the boom-head wireless camera system for auxiliary hoisting according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that: The boom head wireless camera (1) monitors the hoisting status. When it detects pedestrians entering, unbalanced hoisting loads, interference, or risks to the wire rope, it transmits relevant signals to the camera display (4) and controller (2). The camera display (4) highlights the risk points in the hoisting screen and provides sound reminders. The controller (2) restricts the actions to different degrees according to the different risks, and at the same time transmits different pop-up reminders to the display. This ensures the safety of the hoisting operation.

9. The method of using the boom-head wireless camera system for auxiliary hoisting according to claim 8, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: 1) After the crane is powered on, the boom head wireless camera (1) starts working to detect the hoisting status; the detection content includes 11) whether there are pedestrians entering under the hook, and sound warnings and evictions when personnel enter the camera's field of vision; 12) the status of the hook hoisting the heavy object, whether the heavy object interferes with external objects or the hook itself; whether the heavy object loses balance and there is a risk of slipping or collision; 13) the status of the hoisting wire rope, whether there are problems of tangling, derailment, or breakage; 2) When the above problems exist, the arm-head wireless camera (1) transmits the signal to the wireless receiver (5), and then forwards it to the camera display (4) and the controller (2) respectively. 3) After receiving the signal, the camera display (4) highlights the risk area and marks the risk scene with a red outline, such as a pedestrian running under the hook, an unbalanced heavy object, or an object that may interfere; at the same time, the buzzer in the camera display (4) sounds an alarm to give the operator an audio prompt. 4) After receiving the signal, the controller (2) will handle different risks according to the type of danger. While handling different risks, the controller (2) will transmit different signals to the vehicle display (3). The restriction on the action can be lifted by the forced switch. 5) The vehicle display (3) receives the signal transmitted by the controller (2) and displays different text pop-ups according to different signals, while simultaneously sounding a buzzer alarm; the pop-up can be closed, but the buzzer alarm cannot be closed until the risk is eliminated.

10. The method of using the boom-head wireless camera system for auxiliary hoisting according to claim 9, characterized in that: Step 4) Upon receiving the signal, different actions are taken based on the type of hazard, specifically including the following steps: 1) When a pedestrian is detected under the hook, the hoisting valve, i.e. the hydraulic valve block (6), is controlled to restrict the hoisting action; 2) When it is detected that the hoisted load may lose balance, the hoisting valve is controlled to limit the hoisting speed; 3) When it is detected that the heavy object may interfere with the boom head, the hoisting valve is controlled to limit the hoisting action; 4) When an abnormality is detected in the wire rope, control the hoisting valve to restrict the hoisting action.

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