Crane arranged to be mounted to a crane carrier, vehicle and method for a crane arranged to be mounted to a crane carrier for controlling lighting of an environment of the crane

Abstract

Provided is a crane arranged to be mounted to a crane carrier. The crane (100) comprises lighting control circuitry (110) configured to: receive at least one of first sensor data (101) of one or more sensors mounted to the crane (100), second sensor data (102) of one or more sensors of a remote control (199) for the crane (100), third sensor data (103) of one or more sensors of the crane carrier and user input data (104) indicating a user input at the remote control (199); and to control light emission by one or more lighting devices (120-1, ..., 120-4) for lighting an environment of the crane (100) based on the at least one of the first sensor data (101), the second sensor, the third sensor data (103) and the user input data (104), wherein the one or more lighting devices (120-1, ..., 120-4) are mounted to the crane (100) and / or are lighting devices of the crane carrier.

Description

Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to illuminating the environment of cranes. In particular, examples of the present disclosure relate to a crane arranged to be mounted to a crane carrier, a vehicle comprising the crane and a method for a crane arranged to be mounted to a crane carrier for controlling lighting of an environment of the crane.Background

[0002] Cranes, in particular loader cranes play a pivotal role in various industries, providing efficient lifting and handling capabilities. However, the current state of working lights on cranes presents a significant limitation in meeting the dynamic requirements of their complex operations.

[0003] Hence, there may be a demand for improved lighting of the environment of cranes.Summary

[0004] This demand is met by a crane arranged to be mounted to a crane carrier, a vehicle, a method for a crane arranged to be mounted to a crane carrier for controlling lighting of an environment of the crane, a non-transitory machine-readable medium and a program in accordance with the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are defined by the dependent claims.

[0005] According to a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a crane arranged to be mounted to a crane carrier. The crane comprises lighting control circuitry configured to receive at least one of first sensor data of one or more sensors mounted to the crane, second sensor data of one or more sensors of a remote control for the crane, third sensor data of one or more sensors of the crane carrier and user input data indicating a user input at the remote control. The lighting control circuitry is further configured to control light emission by one or more lighting devices for lighting an environment of the crane based on the at least one of the first sensor data, the second sensor data, third sensors data and the user input data. The one or more lighting devices are mounted to the crane and / or are lighting devices of the crane carrier.

[0006] According to a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a vehicle having mounted thereon a crane according to the first aspect.

[0007] According to a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for a crane arranged to be mounted to a crane carrier for controlling lighting of an environment of a loader crane. The method comprises receiving at least one of first sensor data of one or more sensors mounted to the crane, second sensor data of one or more sensors of a remote control for the crane, third sensor data of one or more sensors of the crane carrier and user input data indicating a user input at the remote control. Additionally, the method comprises controlling light emission by one or more lighting devices for lighting the environment of the crane based on the at least one of the first sensor data, the second sensor data, the third sensor data and the user input data. The one or more lighting devices are mounted to the crane and / or are lighting devices of the crane carrier.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect, the present disclosure provides a non-transitory machine-readable medium having stored thereon a program having a program code for performing the method according to the third aspect, when the program is executed on a processor or a programmable hardware of the crane.

[0009] According to a fifth aspect, the present disclosure provides a program having a program code for performing the method according to the third aspect, when the program is executed on a processor or a programmable hardware of the crane.

[0010] As the light emission of the one or more lighting devices is controlled based on one or more of the first sensor data, the second sensor data, the third sensor data and the user input data, dynamic and, hence, improved illumination of the crane's environment such as a load area or a work area may be provided. The improved illumination of the crane's environment may allow to improve the safety of working processes involving the crane.Brief description of the Figures

[0011] Some examples of apparatuses and / or methods will be described in the following by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary crane arranged to be mounted to a crane carrier; Fig. 2 illustrates an exemplary vehicle having mounted thereon a crane; and Fig. 3 illustrates a flowchart of an example of a method for crane arranged to be mounted to a crane carrier for controlling lighting of an environment of the crane. Detailed Description

[0012] Some examples are now described in more detail with reference to the enclosed figures. However, other possible examples are not limited to the features of these embodiments described in detail. Other examples may include modifications of the features as well as equivalents and alternatives to the features. Furthermore, the terminology used herein to describe certain examples should not be restrictive of further possible examples.

[0013] Throughout the description of the figures same or similar reference numerals refer to same or similar elements and / or features, which may be identical or implemented in a modified form while providing the same or a similar function. The thickness of lines, layers and / or areas in the figures may also be exaggerated for clarification.

[0014] When two elements A and B are combined using an "or", this is to be understood as disclosing all possible combinations, i.e., only A, only B as well as A and B, unless expressly defined otherwise in the individual case. As an alternative wording for the same combinations, "at least one of A and B" or "A and / or B" may be used. This applies equivalently to combinations of more than two elements.

[0015] If a singular form, such as "a", "an" and "the" is used and the use of only a single element is not defined as mandatory either explicitly or implicitly, further examples may also use several elements to implement the same function. If a function is described below as implemented using multiple elements, further examples may implement the same function using a single element or a single processing entity. It is further understood that the terms "include", "including", "comprise" and / or "comprising", when used, describe the presence of the specified features, integers, steps, operations, processes, elements, components and / or a group thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, processes, elements, components and / or a group thereof.

[0016] Fig. 1 illustrates a loader crane (knuckle boom crane) 100 for loading and unloading goods (loads). The loader crane 100 is an example of a crane arranged to be mounted (installed, attached) to / on a crane carrier. In other words, the loader crane 100 is an example of a crane for mounting to / on a crane carrier. The crane carrier is a device adapted (designed) to receive, hold and support a crane. The crane carrier may be a stationary (i.e., non-moving, non-movable) crane carrier such as a stationary mounting socket (platform, structure) or a mobile crane carrier such as a vehicle (e.g., a truck). According to examples of the present disclosure, the loader crane 100 illustrated in Fig. 1 may be mounted to a stationary crane carrier or be mounted to a mobile crane carrier. For example, the loader crane 100 may be mounted to vehicle such as a truck for loading and unloading goods onto and from the vehicle. For reasons of clarity, the crane carrier is not shown in Fig. 1.

[0017] The crane 100 comprise a (crane) base 130 and a boom (crane arm) 140. The base 130 serves as a mounting platform for the boom 140 and allows to mount the crane 100 to the crane carrier.

[0018] The boom 140 is mounted to the base 130 and is movable relative to the base 130 via a hydraulic cylinder 145, which is coupled to both the base 130 and the boom 140. Furthermore, the boom 140 is rotatable relative to the base 130 (e.g., via rotation mechanism including one or more of a hydraulic or electric drive system). The boom 140 comprises segments 141 and 142 connected to each other by a joint 143. The segments 141 and 142 are movable relative to each other via another hydraulic cylinder 146, which is coupled to both segments 141 and 142. In the example of Fig. 1, the boom 140 comprises two segments. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In general, the boom 140 may comprise any number N > 2 of segments that are connected by joints and are movable relative each other. The segment 141 is extendable. That is, the segment 141 comprises multiple sections that can be selectively extended or retracted (e.g., by a hydraulic system of the boom 140) to adjust the length and, hence, the reach of the segment 141. In other words, the boom or crane arm 140 is an extendable (telescopic) boom or crane arm. It is to be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to extendable crane arms, alternative examples may comprise non-extendable booms or crane arms.

[0019] Further illustrated in Fig. 1 is an outrigger (crane leg) 150 of the crane 100 for selectively supporting the crane 100 against the ground. The outrigger 150 is mounted to the base 130. For example, the outrigger 150 may be extendable from the base 130 (e.g., manually, electrically or hydraulically). The outrigger 150 comprises a vertical telescopic leg (stabilizer leg, support leg, vertical telescopic sub-structure) 151 for selectively supporting the crane 100 against the ground. The outrigger 150 comprises a hydraulic support cylinder 152 for adjusting a length of the telescopic leg 151 and for adjusting a pressure with which the crane 100 is supported against the ground. The hydraulic support cylinder 152 may be integrated into the telescopic leg 151. The crane 100 may comprise one or more respective outrigger such as the outrigger 150 illustrated in Fig. 1 on both lateral sides of the base 130.

[0020] The proposed technology for illuminating the environment of cranes will be explained in the following with reference to the loader crane 100. However, as will become evident from the following description, the type of crane or structure of the crane is not relevant for the proposed technology for illumination of the crane environment. The proposed technology for illumination of the crane environment may, in general, be used for any type or structure of crane that is arranged to be mounted (installed, attached) to a crane carrier. For example, the proposed technology for illumination of the crane environment analogously be used for the crane sections of mobile cranes.

[0021] The loader crane 100 comprise lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 for lighting (illuminating) an environment (a surrounding) of the loader crane 100. In the example of Fig. 1, the loader crane 100 comprises four lighting devices. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In general, the loader crane 100 may comprise any number M > 1 of lighting devices. The lighting devices may be mounted to any element (part) of the loader crane 100. In particular, different lighting devices may be mounted to different elements of the loader crane 100 as illustrated in Fig. 1. The lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 are devices configured to emit light for illuminating the environment of the loader crane 100. The lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 may be identical to or different from each other (e.g., in terms of form, size, lighting technology, characteristics of the emitted or emittable light).

[0022] Lighting control circuitry (illumination control circuitry) 110 is coupled (e.g., wirelessly or wired) to the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 for controlling light emission by the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4. Alternatively or additionally, the lighting control circuitry 110 may be coupled to one or more lighting devices of (mounted to) the crane carrier (e.g., lighting devices of a vehicle having mounted thereon the loader crane 100) for lighting the environment of the loader crane 100. Accordingly, the lighting control circuitry 110 may alternatively or additionally control light emission by the lighting devices of the crane carrier. The crane carrier may comprise any number L > 1 of lighting devices. The lighting devices of the crane carrier may be mounted to any element (part) of the crane carrier. In particular, different lighting devices may be mounted to different elements of the crane carrier. The lighting devices of the crane carrier are devices configured to emit light for illuminating the environment of the loader crane 100. The lighting devices of the crane carrier may be identical to or different from each other (e.g., in terms of form, size, lighting technology, characteristics of the emitted or emittable light). The lighting devices of the crane carrier be identical to or different from lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 mounted to the crane 100.

[0023] For example, the lighting control circuitry 110 may be a single dedicated processor, a single shared processor, or a plurality of individual processors, some of which or all of which may be shared, a digital signal processor (DSP) hardware, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a system-on-a-chip (SOC), a neuromorphic processor or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The lighting control circuitry 110 may optionally be coupled to, e.g., memory such as read only memory (ROM) for storing software, random access memory (RAM) and / or non-volatile memory. For example, the loader crane 100 may comprise memory configured to store instructions, which when executed by the lighting control circuitry 110, cause the lighting control circuitry 110 to perform the steps and methods described herein.

[0024] The loader crane 100 holds the lighting control circuitry 110. In other words, the lighting control circuitry 110 is mounted to a further element of the loader crane 100 and is an integral part of the loader crane 100. The lighting control circuitry 110 may, e.g., be integrated into (mounted to) the base 130 or the boom 140. For example, the lighting control circuitry 110 may be integrated into control circuitry (not illustrated in Fig. 1) of the crane 100 for controlling operation of a movable part (section, sub-element) of the crane 100 such as the boom or crane arm 140 (e.g., adjustment of the position of the boom 140) or the outrigger 150. In other examples, the lighting control circuitry 110 may be provided separate from the control circuitry. For example, lighting control circuitry 110 may be integrated into one or more of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4. In other words, one or more of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 may comprise the lighting control circuitry 110.

[0025] The lighting control circuitry 110 is configured to receive at least one of first sensor data 101 of one or more sensors (not illustrated in Fig. 1) mounted to the loader crane 100, second sensor data 102 of one or more sensors (not illustrated in Fig. 1) of a remote control 199 for the loader crane 100, third sensor data 103 of one or more sensors of the crane carrier and user input data 104. The first sensor data 101 are indicative of (encoded with information about) one or more physical quantities measured by the one or more sensors mounted to the loader crane 100 and / or or one or more quantities or statuses (states) derived by the one or more sensors mounted to the loader crane 100 from measured physical quantities. Similarly, the second sensor data 102 are indicative of (encoded with information about) one or more physical quantities measured by the one or more sensors of the remote control 199 and / or or one or more quantities or statuses (states) derived by the one or more sensors of the remote control 199 from measured physical quantities. The third sensor data 103 are indicative of (encoded with information about) one or more physical quantities measured by the one or more sensors mounted to the crane carrier and / or or one or more quantities or statuses (states) derived by the one or more sensors mounted to the crane carrier from measured physical quantities. The user input data 104 are indicative of a user input at the remote control 199. The lighting control circuitry 110 may be coupled to all or part of the one or more sensors mounted to the crane 100 and the one or more sensors of the crane carrier. Additionally or alternatively, the lighting control circuitry 110 may receive the first sensor data 101 and the third sensor data 103 from at least one of a memory of the loader crane 100 (e.g., a buffer memory) and memory of the crane carrier. Analogously, the lighting control circuitry 110 is coupled to the remote control 199.

[0026] The remote control 199 is a device for an operator of the loader crane 100 for controlling the loader crane 100 from a distance. The remote control 100 may be coupled wirelessly or wired to the loader crane 100. The loader crane 100 may, e.g., comprise interface circuitry 160 coupled to the lighting control circuitry 110 and the control circuitry for communicating with the remote control. The remote control 199 receives a user input at a human-machine interface thereof (e.g., one or more of a joystick, a button, a touch-sensitive display, a microphone) and comprises circuitry for converting the user input into a command for the loader crane 100. The remote control 100 further comprises circuitry for transmitting the command to the loader crane (e.g., wirelessly or wired). The control circuitry of the loader crane 100 receives the command (e.g., via the interface circuitry 160) and controls the loader crane 100 to perform an according (corresponding) action. For example, the operator may control or adjust the position of the boom 140 via one or more user inputs, rotate the boom 140 relative to the base 130 via one or more user inputs, control the boom 140 to (e.g., automatically or autonomously) unfold via one or more user inputs, control the boom 140 to (e.g., automatically or autonomously) fold via one or more user inputs, control the boom 140 to extend via one or more user inputs, control winding and unwinding of a rope from an optional rope winch (not illustrated in Fig. 1) of the loader crane 100 via one or more user inputs, control extension and retraction of the outrigger(s) 150 via one or more user inputs.

[0027] The one or more sensors mounted to the loader crane 100 may be manifold. For example, the one or more sensors mounted to the crane 100 may comprise or be one or more of an angle sensor, a pressure sensor, a force sensor, a length measurement sensor, an optical sensor, a light sensor, an acceleration sensor or an equipment sensor (for sensing which equipment is mounted to the boom 140). However, it is to be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to the foregoing examples. One or more additional or alternative sensors may be used as well. Similarly, the one or more sensors of the crane carrier may be manifold. For example, the one or more sensors of the crane carrier may comprise or be one or more of a positioning sensor, an optical sensor or a light sensor. However, it is to be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to the foregoing examples. One or more additional or alternative sensors may be used as well. Also the one or more sensors of the remote control 199 may be manifold. For example, the one or more sensors of the remote control 199 may measure an acceleration of the remote control 199 or an orientation of the remote control 199. However, it is to be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to the foregoing examples. One or more additional or alternative sensors may be used instead or additionally. Also the one or more user inputs may be manifold. For example, the one or more user inputs may be for one of the actions or tasks described above with respect to the remote control 199.

[0028] The lighting control circuitry 110 is further configured to control the light emission by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier based on the at least one of the first sensor data 101, the second sensor data 102, the third sensor data 103 and the user input data 104. In other words, the visualization control circuitry 110 is configured to process the first sensor data 101 and / or the second sensor data 102 and / or the third sensor data 103 and / or the user input data 104 to control the light emission by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier for lighting the environment of (area around) the loader crane 100. The lighting control circuitry 110 may control various parameters of the light emission by the one or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. For example, the lighting control circuitry 110 may control one or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary a portion (part, section, area) of the loader crane 100's environment illuminated by the respective lighting device, to vary a light intensity of its emitted light, to vary a color temperature of its emitted light, to vary a light color of its emitted light, to vary at least one of its position and orientation, to vary a configuration of one or more lenses of the respective lighting device or to vary a number of active light-emitting elements (e.g., light-emitting diodes or light bulbs) of the respective lighting device. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the foregoing examples. Other types of light emission control may be used instead or additionally. The lighting control circuitry 110 may, e.g., transmit a corresponding control signal or corresponding control data to the lighting device to control the light emission by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. The corresponding control signal or control data is determined by the lighting control circuitry 110 based on the at least one of the first sensor data 101, the second sensor data 102, the third sensor data 103 and the user input data 104.

[0029] As the light emission by the loader crane 100's one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the light emission by the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier is controlled based on one or more of the first sensor data 101, the second sensor data 102, the third sensor data 103 and the user input data 130, dynamic and, hence, improved illumination of the loader crane 100's environment such as a load area or a work area may be provided. In particular, the first sensor data 101, the second sensor data 102, the third sensor data 103 and the user input data 130 may indicate various properties or states of the loader crane 100 such as movements of the loader crane 100 or components thereof. Different lighting settings may be beneficial for different properties or states of the loader crane 100. Accordingly, the lighting control circuitry 110 may translate the information given by the at least one of the first sensor data 101, the second sensor data 102, the third sensor data 103 and the user input data 104 into a corresponding lighting setting and dynamically control the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier accordingly. The improved illumination of the loader crane 100's environment may allow to improve the safety of working processes involving the loader crane 100.

[0030] The status of the light emission by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier may optionally be visualized by the remote control 199. For example, the interface circuitry 160 may be configured to transmit lighting status data 107 indicating at least one of a status of the light emission by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier and a variation thereof to the remote control 199.

[0031] Accordingly, the remote control 199 may indicate the status of the light emission by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to the operator. For example, the remote control 199 may control light emission by one or more status lights of the remote control 199 based on the lighting status data 107 to indicate the status of the light emission by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to the operator. Similarly, in case the remote control 199 comprises a display for outputting a graphical user interface, the remote control 199 may comprise circuitry for controlling the display to output graphical elements and / or textual elements as part of the graphical user interface based on the lighting status data 107 to indicate the status of the light emission by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to the operator. Accordingly, the operator may be informed by the remote control 199 about the status of the light emission by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier.

[0032] As indicated above, the lighting of the loader crane 100's environment via the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier may be performed in various ways according to the proposed technology. In the following, a few examples will be described in greater detail with reference to Fig. 1.

[0033] As mentioned above, the lighting control circuitry 110 may, e.g., be configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary (change, alter) a portion of the environment illuminated by the respective lighting device based on the at least one of the first sensor data 101, the second sensor data 102, the third sensor data 103 and the user input data 104. In other words, the at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier initially illuminates a first portion of the loader crane 100's environment and is then controlled to illuminate a different second portion of the of the loader crane 100's environment by the lighting control circuitry 110 based on the at least one of the first sensor data 101, the second sensor data 102, the third sensors data 103 and the user input data 104.

[0034] For example, at least one of the first sensor data 101, the third sensor data 103 and the user input data 101 may indicate movement of the whole crane arm or boom 140 or movement of a part of the crane arm or boom 140 (e.g., movement of the segment 141). The first sensor data 101 may, e.g., indicate measurement values of one or more angle sensors mounted to the boom 140. If boom 140 moves, the measurement values of one or more angle sensors change over time. Similarly, measurement values of one or more pressure sensors measuring the pressure (s) at one or both of the hydraulic cylinders 145 and 146 may indicate movement of the boom 140 as the pressures in the hydraulic cylinders 145 and 146 change when the boom 140 or parts thereof are moved. The third sensor data 103 may, e.g., indicate measurement values of one or more positioning sensor of the crane carrier. If the boom 140 moves (e.g., rotates or makes a translatory movement), measurement values of the positioning sensor change over time. Also user inputs at the remote control 199 such as one or more user inputs to adjust the position of the boom 140 or one or more user inputs to rotate the boom 140 relative to the base 130 indicate movement of the boom 140. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above exemplary types of sensor data indicating movement of the boom 140 or a part thereof. Other types of sensor data may be used additionally or instead. A change in the position or orientation of the boom 140 or a part thereof due to the movement may lead to a situation that at least part of the boom or a load held by the boom 140 is no longer in the region of the loader crane 100's environment that is initially illuminated by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. This may compromise safety of the crane operation as the operator's view may be limited due to the lighting condition. The lighting control circuitry 110 may receive at least one of the first sensor data 101, the third sensor data 103 and the user input data 104. Accordingly, the lighting control circuitry 110 may be configured to control, based on the at least one of the first sensor data 101 and the user input data 104, at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary the portion of the environment illuminated by the respective lighting device in accordance with the movement of the whole crane arm or boom 140 or the movement of the part of the crane arm or boom 140. For example, the lighting control circuitry 110 may determine (estimate) the movement of the whole boom 140 or the movement of the part of the boom 140 based on the at least one of the first sensor data 101, the third sensor data 103 and the user input data 104 and control the at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary the portion of the environment illuminated by the respective lighting device such that it follows the determined movement of the whole boom 140 or the movement of the part of the boom 140. If one of the first sensor data 101, the third sensor data 103 or the user input data 104 indicates that, e.g., the whole boom 140 rotates around the base 130, the lighting control circuitry 110 may control one or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to follow the rotation of the boom 140 such that the portion of the environment illuminated by the respective lighting device rotates in accordance with the rotation of the boom 140. Similarly, if one of the first sensor data 101, the third sensor data 103 or the user input data 104 indicates that, e.g., the position of the segment 141 changes, the lighting control circuitry 110 may control one or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to follow the movement of the segment 141 such that the illuminated region of the loader crane 100's environment changes in accordance with the movement of the segment 141.

[0035] In other examples, the second sensor data 102 may indicate an orientation of the remote control 199. For example, one or more orientation sensors such as one or more gyroscopes of the remote control 199 may measure the orientation of the remote control 199 and generate the second sensor data 102. The lighting control circuitry 110 may receive the second sensor 102. Accordingly, the lighting control circuitry 110 may be configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary the portion of the environment illuminated by the respective lighting device based on the orientation of the remote control 199. For example, the operator of the loader crane 100 may tilt the remote control 199 around various spatial axes to set the portion of the loader crane 100's environment illuminated by at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. This may allow the operator to actively control (set) the set the illuminated portion of the loader crane 100's environment. For example, the operator may initially set the illuminated portion of the loader crane 100's environment by tilting the remote control (e.g., a desired positional offset between boom 140 and the illuminated portion of the loader crane 100's environment). Once the boom 140 is moved, the initially set portion of the environment illuminated by one or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier may be varied in accordance with the movement of the boom 140 - analogously to what is described above. To avoid unintentional variation of the portion of the loader crane 100's environment illuminated by one or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier, the operator may be required to press a certain button (e.g., a hard button or a soft button) on the remote control to indicate that he / she wishes to adjust the illuminated portion of the loader crane 100's environment. Accordingly, the control circuitry 110 may be configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary the portion of the environment illuminated by the respective lighting device based on the orientation of the remote control 199 only if the user input data 104 indicate a predefined user input indicating that the operator wishes to adjust the illuminated portion of the loader crane 100's environment (e.g., that a specific hard button or soft button is pressed by the operator).

[0036] The illuminated portion of the loader crane 100's environment may be varied in various ways. For example, the lighting control circuitry 110 may be configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary at least one of its position and orientation. In some examples, the position and / or orientation of one or more light-emitting elements of the respective lighting device may be varied (changed) without changing the position and / or orientation of the housing of the respective lighting device. In other examples, the position and / or orientation of the whole lighting device (i.e., light-emitting element(s) and housing) may be varied (changed). The lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier may at least in part comprise a position and / or orientation adjustment mechanism such as drive system allowing the respective lighting device to rotate around one or more axis and / or move linearly along predefined paths. Alternatively or additionally, at least part of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 may be mounted to the loader crane 100 via a respective aforementioned position and / or orientation adjustment mechanism. Similarly, at least part of the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier may be mounted to the crane carrier via a respective aforementioned position and / or orientation adjustment mechanism. In other examples, the lighting control circuitry 110 may configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary a configuration of one or more lenses of the respective lighting device. Changing the lens configuration of a lighting device allows to vary the portion of the environment illuminated by the lighting device. In still other examples, the lighting control circuitry 110 may be configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary a number of active light-emitting elements of the respective lighting device. In other words, at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier may be a matrix element that allows to selectively switch on and off different portions (sub-sets) of its light-emitting elements. Activating different portions or sub-sets of the light-emitting elements allows to vary the portion of the environment illuminated by the lighting device. In some examples, some of the above techniques for changing the illuminated portion of the loader crane 100's environment may be combined. As described above, the lighting control circuitry 110 is configured to perform the control based on the at least one of the first sensor data 101, the second sensor data 102, the third sensor data 103 and the user input data 104.

[0037] One or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier may be capable of (support) emitting light of different light intensities. As mentioned above, the lighting control circuitry 110 may, e.g., be configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary a light intensity of its emitted light based on the at least one of the first sensor data 101, the second sensor data 102, the third sensor data and the user input data 104. The light intensity denotes the amount of radiant energy per unit of time falling on or passing through a given area and quantifies the brightness of the emitted light. In other words, the lighting control circuitry 110 controls the brightness of the light emitted by one or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the lighting devices of the crane carrier. The at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier may, e.g., initially emit light with a first light intensity and then be controlled to emit light of a different second light intensity by the lighting control circuitry 110 based on the at least one of the first sensor data 101, the second sensor data 102, the third sensor data 103 and the user input data 104.

[0038] For example, the loader crane 100 and / or the crane carrier may comprise one or more light sensors and the first sensor data 101 and / or the third sensor data 103 may, hence, indicate measured light intensities of the one or more light sensors. The light emitted by one or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier may be reflected by various parts of the loader crane 100, the crane carrier or objects in the environment of the loader crane (e.g., a load held by the loader crane 100 or an obstacle). The reflected light may affect the operator of the loader crane 100 in many ways. For example, the reflected light may dazzle the operator or make it difficult for the operator to see parts of the loader crane 100 or the environment of the loader crane 100 clearly. The intensity of the reflected light may be measured by the one or more light sensors such that the sensor data 101 and or the third sensor data 103 are indicative of the light intensities of the reflected light at the position of the one or more light sensors. Analogously, the measured light intensities of the one or more light sensors may indicate that an area around the loader crane 100 (i.e., a portion of the loader crane 100's environment) or a part of the loader crane 100 (e.g., a segment of the boom 140 such as the segment 141) is not sufficiently illuminated, which may also affect the operator of the loader crane 100.

[0039] Accordingly, the lighting control circuitry 110 may configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary the light intensity of its emitted light based on the measured light intensities of the one or more light sensors. In particular, the lighting control circuitry 110 may be configured to select one or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the lighting devices of the crane carrier and control these lighting devices to vary the light intensity of their emitted light to achieve a target (desired) lighting (illumination) condition. For example, the lighting control circuitry 110 may be configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to reduce the light intensity of its emitted light if the measured light intensity of at least one of the one or more light sensors is above a first threshold value. Thus, over-lighting (over-illumination) may be avoided. Similarly, the lighting control circuitry 110 may be configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to increase the light intensity of its emitted light if the measured light intensity of at least one of the one or more light sensors is below a second threshold value. Insufficient illumination may thus be avoided.

[0040] In other examples, the operator of the loader crane 100 may tilt the remote control 199 around various spatial axes to set or vary the light intensity of the light emitted by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. The operator may, e.g., tilt the remote control 199 along a first direction around a spatial axis to increase the light intensity of the emitted light and tilt the remote control 199 along an opposite second direction around the spatial axis to reduce the light intensity of the emitted light. The tilting of the remote control 199 to vary the light intensity may be for a specific one or a specific sub-set of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier or be for all of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. This may allow the operator to actively control (set) the set light intensity of the light emitted by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. For example, one or more orientation sensors such as one or more gyroscopes of the remote control 199 may measure the orientation of the remote control 199 and generate the second sensor data 102. Accordingly, the control circuitry 110 may be configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary the light intensity of its emitted light based on the orientation of the remote control 199 (as indicated by the second sensor data 102). To avoid unintentional variation of the light intensity of the emitted light, the operator may be required to press a certain button (e.g., a hard button or a soft button) on the remote control to indicate that he / she wishes to adjust the light intensity. Accordingly, the control circuitry 110 may be configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary the light intensity of its emitted light based on the orientation of the remote control 199 only if the user input data 104 indicate a predefined user input indicating that the operator wishes to adjust the light intensity (e.g., that a specific hard button or soft button is pressed by the operator).

[0041] In still other examples, the operator of the loader crane 100 may input a specific user input to the remote control 199 to control, set or vary the light intensity of the light emitted by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. The operator may, e.g., change the position of a (physical) slider on the remote control to set or vary the light intensity of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. Similarly, the operator may, e.g., change the position of a virtual slider displayed on a touch-sensitive display of the remote control 199 to vary the light intensity of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. The user input to vary the light intensity may be for a specific one or a specific sub-set of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier or be for all of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. Accordingly, the control circuitry 110 may be configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary the light intensity of its emitted light based on the one or more user inputs at the remote control 199 (as indicated by the user input data 104).

[0042] The light intensity of the light emitted by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier may be varied in various ways. For example, the lighting control circuitry 110 may be configured to switch on or off one or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to control the light intensity. Similarly, the lighting control circuitry 110 may be configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary a number of active light-emitting elements of the respective lighting device. Activating different portions or sub-sets of the light-emitting elements allows to vary the total (overall) light intensity of the light emitted the lighting device. In case one or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the lighting devices of the crane carrier are dimmable, the lighting control circuitry 110 may be configured to control the light intensity by dimming one or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the lighting devices of the crane carrier. In some examples, some of the above techniques for changing the light intensity may be combined. As described above, the lighting control circuitry 110 is configured to perform the control based on the at least one of the first sensor data 101, the second sensor data 102, the third sensor data 103 and the user input data 104.

[0043] One or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and the lighting devices of the crane carrier may be capable of (support) emitting light of different color temperatures. As mentioned above, the lighting control circuitry 110 may, e.g., be configured to at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary a color temperature of its emitted light based on the at least one of the first sensor data 101, the second sensor data 102, the third sensor data 103 and the user input data 104. The color temperature denotes the perceived warmth or coolness of light. It is a quantitative measure of the color appearance of a light source, indicating whether the light emitted tends to be more reddish, neutral, or bluish in tone. In particular, the lighting control circuitry 110 may be configured to select one or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the lighting devices of the crane carrier and control these lighting devices to vary the color temperature of their emitted light to achieve a target (desired) lighting (illumination) condition. The at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier may, e.g., initially emit light with a first color temperature and then be controlled to emit light of a different second color temperature by the lighting control circuitry 110 based on the at least one of the first sensor data 101, the second sensor data 102, the third user data 103 and the user input data 104.

[0044] The effect of the light's color temperature may be manifold. For example, lights with cooler color temperatures, such as daylight or cool white, can enhance visibility, especially during nighttime operations. Cooler temperatures create a higher contrast between the illuminated area and the surrounding darkness, making it easier for the operator of the loader crane to see details. Similarly, different color temperatures may perform better in specific environmental conditions. For example, warmer color temperatures may cut through fog or haze more effectively, improving visibility in adverse weather conditions. The choice of color temperature can impact glare and reduce eye fatigue for operators. Optimal color temperature selection contributes to a more comfortable working environment, especially during extended nighttime operations. The nature of the load being lifted may influence the choice of lighting color temperature. Some materials or surfaces may be better illuminated with specific color temperatures, enhancing visibility and safety.

[0045] The loader crane 100 and / or the crane carrier may comprise one or more sensors for measuring one or more physical quantities or properties related to one or more of the above described fields affected by the color temperature of the emitted light. For example, loader crane 100 and / or the crane carrier may comprise at least one of one or more sensors configured to determine the presence of rain or haze in the environment of the loader crane 100, one or more sensors configured to measure the daytime or the lighting conditions in the environment of the loader crane 100, one or more sensors configured to measure (determine) the type of load being lifted by the loader crane 100 and one or more sensors configured to measure a fatigue level of the operator of the loader crane. The one or more sensors generate the first sensor data 101 and / or the third sensor data 103 to indicate the measured quantities or properties such that the lighting control circuitry 110 may control one or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary the color temperature of their emitted light accordingly. As a consequence, improved lighting (illumination) by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier may be achieved.

[0046] In other examples, the operator of the loader crane 100 may tilt the remote control 199 around various spatial axes to set or vary the color temperature of the light emitted by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. The operator may, e.g., tilt the remote control 199 along a first direction around a spatial axis to increase the color temperature of the emitted light and tilt the remote control along an opposite second direction around the spatial axis to reduce the color temperature of the emitted light. The tilting of the remote control 199 to vary the color temperature may be for a specific one or a specific sub-set of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier or be for all of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. This may allow the operator to actively control (set) the set color temperature of the light emitted by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. For example, one or more orientation sensors such as one or more gyroscopes of the remote control 199 may measure the orientation of the remote control 199 and generate the second sensor data 102. Accordingly, the control circuitry 110 may be configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary the color temperature of its emitted light based on the orientation of the remote control 199 (as indicated by the second sensor data 102). To avoid unintentional variation of the color temperature of the emitted light, the operator may be required to press a certain button (e.g., a hard button or a soft button) on the remote control 199 to indicate that he / she wishes to adjust the color temperature. Accordingly, the control circuitry 110 may be configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary the color temperature of its emitted light based on the orientation of the remote control 199 only if the user input data 104 indicate a predefined user input indicating that the operator wishes to adjust the color temperature (e.g., that a specific hard button or soft button is pressed by the operator).

[0047] In still other examples, the operator of the loader crane 100 may input a specific user input to the remote control 199 to control (set, vary) the color temperature of the light emitted by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. The operator may, e.g., change the position of a (physical) slider on the remote control to set or vary the color temperature of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. Similarly, the operator may, e.g., change the position of a virtual slider displayed on a touch-sensitive display of the remote control 199 or press buttons to vary the color temperature of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. The user input to vary the color temperature may be for a specific one or a specific sub-set of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier or be for all of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. Accordingly, the control circuitry 110 may be configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary the color temperature of its emitted light based on the one or more user inputs at the remote control 199 (as indicated by the user input data 104).

[0048] One or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier may be capable of (support) emitting light of different light colors. As mentioned above, the lighting control circuitry 110 may, e.g., be configured to at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary a light color of its emitted light based on the at least one of the first sensor data 101, the second sensor data 102, the third sensor data 103 and the user input data 104. The light color denotes the spectral composition of the light and describes the light's appearance to the human eye (e.g., as white, green, red or blue light). In particular, the lighting control circuitry 110 may be configured to select one or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier and control these lighting devices to vary the light color of their emitted light to achieve a target (desired) lighting (illumination) condition. The at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier may, e.g., initially emit light with a first light color (such as white) and then be controlled to emit light of a different second light color (e.g. yellow) by the lighting control circuitry 110 based on the at least one of the first sensor data 101, the second sensor data 102, the third sensor data 103 and the user input data 104.

[0049] The effect of the light's color temperature may be manifold. For example, different light colors can improve visibility and create better contrast in various working conditions. For example, using white light can enhance visibility during nighttime operations, while warmer colors such as yellow may be more suitable for specific tasks where softer illumination is preferred. Furthermore, different light colors can be better suited to specific environmental conditions. For instance, in foggy or dusty environments, certain colors may penetrate the particles more effectively, providing better visibility compared to others. Similarly, the nature of the load being lifted may influence the choice of lighting color. For example, a particular color may be better suited to illuminate reflective surfaces or materials with specific optical properties.

[0050] The loader crane 100 and / or the crane carrier may comprise one or more sensors for measuring one or more physical quantities or properties related to one or more of the above described fields affected by the light color of the emitted light. For example, loader crane 100 and / or the crane carrier may comprise at least one of one or more sensors configured to determine the presence of rain or haze in the environment of the loader crane 100, one or more sensors configured to measure the daytime or the lighting conditions in the environment of the loader crane 100, one or more sensors configured to measure (determine) the type of load being lifted (held) by the loader crane 100. The one or more sensors generate the first sensor data 101 and / or the third sensor data 103 to indicate the measured quantities or properties such that the lighting control circuitry 110 may control one or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary the light color of their emitted light accordingly. As a consequence, improved lighting (illumination) by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier may be achieved.

[0051] In other examples, the operator of the loader crane 100 may tilt the remote control 199 around various spatial axes to set or vary the light color of the light emitted by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. The operator may, e.g., tilt the remote control 199 along a first direction around a first spatial axis to set a first light color of the emitted light, tilt the remote control 199 along a second direction (opposite to the first direction) around the first spatial axis to set a different second color of the emitted light, tilt the remote control 199 along a third direction around a different second spatial axis to set a third light color of the emitted light and tilt the remote control 199 along a fourth direction (opposite to the third direction) around the second spatial axis to set a different third color of the emitted light. The tilting of the remote control 199 to vary the light color may be for a specific one or a specific sub-set of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier or be for all of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. This may allow the operator to actively control (set) the set light color of the light emitted by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. For example, one or more orientation sensors such as one or more gyroscopes of the remote control 199 may measure the orientation of the remote control 199 and generate the second sensor data 102. Accordingly, the control circuitry 110 may be configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary the light color of its emitted light based on the orientation of the remote control 199 (as indicated by the second sensor data 102). To avoid unintentional variation of the light color of the emitted light, the operator may be required to press a certain button (e.g., a hard button or a soft button) on the remote control 199 to indicate that he / she wishes to adjust the light color. Accordingly, the control circuitry 110 may be configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary the light color of its emitted light based on the orientation of the remote control 199 only if the user input data 104 indicate a predefined user input indicating that the operator wishes to adjust the light color (e.g., that a specific hard button or soft button is pressed by the operator).

[0052] In still other examples, the operator of the loader crane 100 may input a specific user input to the remote control 199 to control (set, vary) the light color of the light emitted by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. The operator may, e.g., change the position of a (physical) slider on the remote control to set or vary the light color of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. Similarly, the operator may, e.g., change the position of a virtual slider displayed on a touch-sensitive display of the remote control 199 to vary the light color of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. In other examples, the user may press one or more buttons (e.g., a hard button or a soft button) to vary the light color of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. The user input to vary the light color may be for a specific one or a specific sub-set of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier or be for all of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. Accordingly, the control circuitry 110 may be configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary the light color of its emitted light based on the one or more user inputs at the remote control 199 (as indicated by the user input data 104).

[0053] The control of the light emission by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier may, in some examples, additionally or alternatively be based on other data received by the lighting control circuitry 110. Two examples will be described in greater detail in the following.

[0054] For example, the lighting control circuitry 110 may be configured to receive equipment data 105 indicating an equipment (crane equipment) mounted to the crane 100. For example, the equipment may be mounted to the boom or crane arm 140 or to the base 130. Equipment refers to a variety of specialized tools and attachments used in conjunction with (e.g., loader) cranes to facilitate specific lifting, hoisting, or material-handling tasks. These components enhance the versatility and functionality of (e.g., loader) cranes across diverse industries such as construction, manufacturing, and logistics. In the example of Fig. 1 no equipment is mounted to the boom 140 and the base 130. However, it is to be noted that the boom 140 may be equipped with various types of equipment such as rope winch and a rope for holding and lifting a load, a grapple, a crane fork, a clamshell bucket or a multi-shell grab. Similarly, the base 130 may be equipped with various types of equipment such as a forklift or an additional stabilizer. The equipment data 105 may be received from various sources. For example, the operator may provide a user input at the remote control 199 to specify the (type of) equipment mounted to the boom 140. Alternatively or additionally, the crane or the crane carrier may comprise one or more sensors configured to detect (determine) the (type of) equipment mounted to the crane. In still other examples, the equipment may be electrically coupled to the lighting control circuitry 110 or other circuitry of the crane such as the control circuitry and provide the equipment data 105 once installed to the crane (e.g., after a power-up).

[0055] Different crane equipment may benefit from different lighting or illumination by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier due to variations in their shapes, sizes, and operational characteristics. The unique features of each piece of equipment may influence the lighting requirements for optimal visibility and safety during crane operations. Each type of crane equipment is designed for specific tasks. For example, a clamshell bucket may be used for grabbing loose materials, while a crane fork is designed for handling palletized loads. Illumination requirements may vary based on the nature of these tasks, and tailored lighting helps the operator see and control equipment more effectively. Attachments such as grapples, crane forks, and clamshell buckets may have intricate structures. Equipment-specific illumination may, e.g., facilitate visual inspection, monitoring of their movements or ensuring their correct engagement with load for the operator. By tailoring lighting or illumination by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to the specific characteristics and tasks associated with each piece of equipment, the operator of the loader crane 100 may enhance his / her ability to work safely, efficiently, and with precision. Customized lighting solutions may contribute to improved visibility, reduced operator fatigue, and overall enhanced operational performance.

[0056] Accordingly, the lighting control circuitry 110 may be configured to control the light emission by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier based on the equipment data 105. Thus, an equipment-specific setting for the light emission may be provided. For example, the lighting control circuitry 110 may control, based on the equipment data 105, one or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary a portion of the loader crane 100's environment illuminated by the respective lighting device, to vary a light intensity of its emitted light, vary a color temperature of its emitted light, to vary a light color of its emitted light, to vary at least one of its position and orientation, to vary a configuration of one or more lenses of the respective lighting device or to vary a number of active light-emitting elements (e.g., light-emitting diodes or light bulbs) of the respective lighting device - analogously to the examples described above. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the foregoing examples. Other types of light emission control may be used instead or additionally.

[0057] In other examples, the lighting control circuitry 110 may be configured to receive environmental status data 106 indicating a status of the environment of the loader crane 100. The status of the environment of the loader crane 100 refers to the current condition or state of the environment in which the loader crane 100 is operating. The status of the environment may, e.g., include information on the weather in the environment of the loader crane 100 (e.g., presence of fog or haze, rainfall, snowfall), light conditions in the environment of the loader crane 100 (e.g., sunshine or cloudy sky), information on the daytime, terrain conditions in the environment of the loader crane 100 (e.g., type of soil to indicate a potentially dusty environment), the presence of obstacles, obstructions or people in the loader crane 100's vicinity. The state of the loader crane 100's environment may be measured by one or more sensors and / or be derived from measurement data of one or more sensors (e.g., one or more sensors of the loader crane 100 or a device / system external to the loader crane such as one or more sensors of the crane carrier). The environmental status data 106 may be received from various sources. For example, information on the weather and / or the light conditions in the environment of the loader crane 100 may be received from an information provisioning system of a weather information service. Information on the terrain conditions in the environment of the loader crane 100 may, e.g., be received from an information provisioning system of a map service. In other examples, the environmental status data 106 may, e.g., be received from a mobile device such as a mobile phone or a tablet-computer of the operator of the loader crane. The mobile device may comprise one or more sensors and circuitry to measure and determine the status of the loader crane 100's environment. Additionally or alternatively, the mobile device may retrieve information on the status of the loader crane 100's environment from one or more service providers. Alternatively or additionally, the operator may provide a user input at the remote control 199 to provide information on the status of the loader crane 100's environment (e.g., to indicate rainfall, snowfall or the daytime).

[0058] Different lighting or illumination in varying environment conditions may be beneficial as each setting may pose distinct challenges. Adapted illumination may allow for maintaining operational efficiency, ensuring safety, and adapting to the specific requirements of different environments.

[0059] Accordingly, the lighting control circuitry 110 may be configured to control the light emission by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier based on the environmental status data 106. For example, the lighting control circuitry 110 may control, based on the environment status data 106, one or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary a portion of the loader crane 100's environment illuminated by the respective lighting device, to vary a light intensity of its emitted light, vary a color temperature of its emitted light, to vary a light color of its emitted light, to vary at least one of its position and orientation, to vary a configuration of one or more lenses of the respective lighting device or to vary a number of active light-emitting elements (e.g., light-emitting diodes or light bulbs) of the respective lighting device - analogously to the examples described above. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the foregoing examples. Other types of light emission control may be used instead or additionally.

[0060] For example, the lighting control circuitry 110 may control one or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the lighting devices of the crane carrier to increase the color temperature of their emitted light to a warmer color temperature or to change the light color of their emitted light if the environmental status data 106 indicate haze or fog around the loader crane. Accordingly, the visibility of the operator may be improved. In other examples, the lighting control circuitry 110 may control one or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary a portion of the loader crane 100's environment illuminated by the respective lighting device to a specific region or location in the vicinity of the loader crane 100 if the environmental status data 106 indicate presence of an obstacle or a person in the specific region. Accordingly, the operator may easily recognize the obstacle or person in the vicinity of the loader crane 100 and consider the location of the obstacle or person when operating the loader crane 100.

[0061] As described in more detail in the above examples, the lighting control circuitry 110 may vary the light emission by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier in various ways. For example, based on the at least one of the first sensor data 101, the second sensor data 102, the third sensor data 103, the user input data 104, the equipment data 105 and the environmental status data 106, the lighting control circuitry 110 may be configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary at least one of its position and orientation, control at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary a configuration of one or more lenses of the respective lighting device and / or control at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary a number of active light-emitting elements (e.g., light-emitting diodes or light bulbs) of the respective lighting device.

[0062] Further exemplary illumination of the loader crane 100's environment will be described in the following with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 illustrates a truck as an exemplary vehicle 200 holding the loader crane 100. In other words, the vehicle 200 has mounted thereon the loader crane 100. The truck 200 is an exemplary crane carrier. The truck 200 comprises one or more lighting devices for lighting the environment of the crane 100 as indicated in Fig. 2 by the two lighting devices 220-1 and 220-2.

[0063] In the example of Fig. 2, the crane 100 holds a load (cargo) 299. For example, the crane 100 may be used for loading the load 299 onto the vehicle 200 or for unloading the load 299 from the vehicle 200. The vehicle 200 comprises a load space 560, which is a designated area of the vehicle 200 within the vehicle 200 where loads (cargo, goods) can be loaded and transported. The load 299 is held by the crane 100 via a rope 161. The crane 100 comprises a rope winch 160 from which the rope 161 is unwound. The rope winch is mounted to the boom or crane arm 140. The operator of the crane 100 controls the length of the rope 161 unwound from the rope winch 160 (e.g., by means of the remote control 199, which is omitted in Fig. 2 for reasons of simplicity).

[0064] In some examples, at least one of the first sensor data 101, the third sensor data 103 and the user input data 104 may indicate movement of the load 299 held by the crane boom or crane arm 140. The first sensor data 101 may, e.g., indicate measurement values of one or more length measurement sensors of the loader crane 100 for the length of the rope 161 unwound from the rope winch 160. If the load 299 moves, the measurement values of the one or more length measurement sensors change over time. Similarly, the third sensor data 103 may, e.g., indicate measurement values of one or more positioning sensors of the truck 200 for tracking the position of the load 299. If the load 299 moves, the measurement values of the one or more positioning sensors change over time. Also user inputs at the remote control 199 such as one or more user inputs to adjust the length of the rope 161 unwound from the rope winch 160 to raise or lower the load 299 indicate movement of the load 299. Similarly, the first sensor data 101 may, e.g., indicate measurement values of one or more angle sensors mounted to the boom 140 and / or measurement values of one or more pressure sensors measuring the pressure (s) at one or both of the hydraulic cylinders 145 and 146. As described above, these measurement values indicate movement of the boom 140 and, hence, the load 299 held by the boom 140. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above exemplary types of sensor data indicating movement of the load 299. Other types of sensor data may be used additionally or instead.

[0065] A change in the position or orientation of the load 299 due to the movement may lead to a situation that the load 299 is no longer in the region of the loader crane 100's environment that is initially illuminated by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4, 220-1 and 220-2. This may compromise safety of the crane operation as the operator's view may be limited due to the lighting condition. The lighting control circuitry 110 may receive at least one of the first sensor data 101, the third sensor data 103 and the user input data 104. Accordingly, the lighting control circuitry 110 may be configured to control, based on the at least one of the first sensor data 101, the third sensor data 103 and the user input data 104, at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4, 220-1 and 220-2 to vary the portion of the environment illuminated by the respective lighting device in accordance with the movement of the load 299. For example, the lighting control circuitry 110 may determine (estimate) the movement of the load 299 based on the on the at least one of the first sensor data 101, the third sensor data 103 and the user input data 104 and control the at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4, 220-1 and 220-2 to vary the portion of the environment illuminated by the respective lighting device such that it follows the determined movement of the load 299. If one of the first sensor data 101, the third sensor data 103 or the user input data 104 indicates that, e.g., the load 299 is lifted, the lighting control circuitry 110 may control one or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4, 220-1 and 220-2 to follow the lifting of the load 299 such that the portion of the environment illuminated by the respective lighting device is lifted in accordance with the lifting of the load 299.

[0066] It is to be noted that vehicles according to the present disclosure are not limited to cranes exhibiting the same structure and functionality as the loader crane 100 described above. In other examples, cranes with different structure and / or functionality may be used instead. For example, a loader crane with an additional fly jib may be used. Similarly, the boom or crane arm may be equipped with equipment (tools) other than the rope 161 and the rope winch 160 for holding and lifting a load. For example, a grapple, a crane fork, a clamshell bucket or a multi-shell grab may be mounted to the boom or crane arm instead.

[0067] In the above examples, it is referred to a truck as an exemplary vehicle for holding the loader crane. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this specific type of vehicle. In general, a vehicle holding a loader crane according to the proposed technology may be any type of land vehicle. In particular, the vehicle may be wheeled, tracked or railed to apply steering and drive forces against the ground. The present disclosure is not limited to land vehicles. In other examples, a vehicle holding a crane (having mounted thereon a crane) according to the proposed technology may be a watercraft such as a ship, a boat or a barge.

[0068] For further highlighting the illumination of the environment of cranes described above, Fig. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method 300 for a crane arranged to be mounted to a crane carrier for controlling lighting of an environment of a crane. The method 300 comprises receiving 302 at least one of first sensor data of one or more sensors mounted to the crane, second sensor data of one or more sensors of a remote control for the crane, third sensor data of one or more sensors of the crane carrier and user input data indicating a user input at the remote control. Additionally, the method 300 comprises controlling 304 light emission by one or more lighting devices for lighting the environment of the crane based on the at least one of the first sensor data, the second sensor data, the third sensor data and the user input data. The one or more lighting devices are mounted to the loader crane and / or are lighting devices of the crane carrier.

[0069] Analogously to what is described above, the method 300 may allow dynamic and, hence, improved illumination of the crane's environment such as a load area or a work area. The improved illumination of the crane's environment may allow to improve the safety of working processes involving the crane.

[0070] More details and aspects of the method 300 are explained in connection with the proposed technique or one or more examples described above (e.g., Fig. 1 or Fig. 2). The method 300 may comprise one or more additional optional features corresponding to one or more aspects of the proposed technique or one or more examples described above.

[0071] The examples described herein may be summarized as follows: In the following, some examples of the proposed concept are presented: An example (e.g., example 1) relates to a crane arranged to be mounted to a crane carrier, the crane comprising lighting control circuitry configured to receive at least one of first sensor data of one or more sensors mounted to the crane, second sensor data of one or more sensors of a remote control for the crane, third sensor data of one or more sensors of the crane carrier and user input data indicating a user input at the remote control, and control light emission by one or more lighting devices for lighting an environment of the crane based on the at least one of the first sensor data, the second sensor, the third sensor data and the user input data, wherein the one or more lighting devices are mounted to the crane and / or are lighting devices of the crane carrier.

[0072] Another example (e.g., example 2) relates to a previous example (e.g., example 1) or to any other example, further comprising that the lighting control circuitry is configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices to vary a portion of the environment illuminated by the respective lighting device based on the at least one of the first sensor data, the second sensor data, the third sensor and the user input data.

[0073] Another example (e.g., example 3) relates to a previous example (e.g., example 2) or to any other example, further comprising that the lighting control circuitry is configured to receive at least one of the first sensor data, the third sensor data and the user input data, wherein the at least one of the first sensor data, the third sensor data and the user input data indicates movement of a whole crane arm of the crane, movement of a part of the crane arm or movement of a load held by the crane arm, control, based on the at least one of the first sensor data, the third sensor data and the user input data, at least one of the one or more lighting devices to vary the portion of the environment illuminated by the respective lighting device in accordance with the movement of the whole crane arm, the movement of the part of the crane arm or the movement of the load.

[0074] Another example (e.g., example 4) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 2 or 3) or to any other example, further comprising that the lighting control circuitry is configured to receive the second sensor data, wherein the second sensor data indicate an orientation of the remote control, control at least one of the one or more lighting devices to vary the portion of the environment illuminated by the respective lighting device based on the orientation of the remote control.

[0075] Another example (e.g., example 5) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 4) or to any other example, further comprising that the lighting control circuitry is configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices to vary a light intensity of its emitted light based on the at least one of the first sensor data, the second sensor data, the third sensor data and the user input data.

[0076] Another example (e.g., example 6) relates to a previous example (e.g., example 5) or to any other example, further comprising that the first sensor data and / or the third sensor data indicate measured light intensities of the one or more sensors, wherein the lighting control circuitry is configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices to vary the light intensity of its emitted light based on the measured light intensities.

[0077] Another example (e.g., example 7) relates to a previous example (e.g., example 6) or to any other example, further comprising that the lighting control circuitry is configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices to reduce the light intensity of its emitted light if the measured light intensity of at least one of the one or more light sensors is above a threshold value.

[0078] Another example (e.g., example 8) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 7) or to any other example, further comprising that the lighting control circuitry is configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices to vary a color temperature of its emitted light based on the at least one of the first sensor data, the second sensor data, the third sensor data and the user input data.

[0079] Another example (e.g., example 9) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 8) or to any other example, further comprising that the lighting control circuitry is configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices to vary a light color of its emitted light based on the at least one of the first sensor data, the second sensor data, the third sensor data and the user input data.

[0080] Another example (e.g., example 10) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 9) or to any other example, further comprising that the lighting control circuitry is configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices to vary at least one of its position and orientation based on the at least one of the first sensor data, the second sensor data, the third sensor data and the user input data.

[0081] Another example (e.g., example 11) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 10) or to any other example, further comprising that the lighting control circuitry is configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices to vary a configuration of one or more lenses of the respective lighting device based on the at least one of the first sensor data, the second sensor data, the third sensor data and the user input data.

[0082] Another example (e.g., example 12) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 11) or to any other example, further comprising that the lighting control circuitry is configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices to vary a number of active light-emitting elements of the respective lighting device based on the at least one of the first sensor data, the second sensor data, the third sensor data and the user input data.

[0083] Another example (e.g., example 13) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 12) or to any other example, further comprising that the lighting control circuitry is further configured to receive equipment data indicating an equipment mounted to the crane, and wherein the lighting control circuitry is configured to control the light emission by the one or more lighting devices further based on the equipment data.

[0084] Another example (e.g., example 14) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 13) or to any other example, further comprising that the lighting control circuitry is further configured to receive environmental status data indicating a status of the environment of the crane, wherein the lighting control circuitry is configured to control the light emission by the one or more lighting devices further based on the environmental status data.

[0085] Another example (e.g., example 15) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 14) or to any other example, further comprising that the lighting control circuitry is integrated into control circuitry of the crane for controlling operation of a movable part of the crane.

[0086] Another example (e.g., example 16) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 14) or to any other example, further comprising that the lighting control circuitry is integrated into one or more of the one or more lighting devices of the crane.

[0087] Another example (e.g., example 17) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 16) or to any other example, further comprising interface circuitry configured to transmit lighting status data indicating at least one of a status of the light emission by the one or more lighting devices and a variation thereof to the remote control.

[0088] Another example (e.g., example 18) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 17) or to any other example, further comprising that the crane is loader crane.

[0089] An example (e.g., example 19) relates to vehicle having mounted thereon a crane according to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 18) or to any other example.

[0090] An example (e.g., example 20) relates to a method for a crane arranged to be mounted to a crane carrier for controlling lighting of an environment of the crane, comprising receiving at least one of first sensor data of one or more sensors mounted to the crane, second sensor data of one or more sensors of a remote control for the crane, third sensor data of one or more sensors of the crane carrier and user input data indicating a user input at the remote control, and controlling light emission by one or more lighting devices for lighting the environment of the crane based on the at least one of the first sensor data, the second sensor data, the third sensor data and the user input data, wherein the one or more lighting devices are mounted to the crane and / or are lighting devices of the crane carrier.

[0091] Another example (e.g., example 21) relates to a non-transitory machine-readable medium having stored thereon a program having a program code for performing the method according to a previous example (e.g., example 20) or to any other example, when the program is executed on a processor or a programmable hardware of the crane.

[0092] Another example (e.g., example 22) relates to a program having a program code for performing the method according to a previous example (e.g., example 20) or to any other example, when the program is executed on a processor or a programmable hardware of the crane.

[0093] The aspects and features described in relation to a particular one of the previous examples may also be combined with one or more of the further examples to replace an identical or similar feature of that further example or to additionally introduce the features into the further example.

[0094] Examples may further be or relate to a (computer) program including a program code to execute one or more of the above methods when the program is executed on a computer, processor or other programmable hardware component. Thus, steps, operations or processes of different ones of the methods described above may also be executed by programmed computers, processors or other programmable hardware components. Examples may also cover program storage devices, such as digital data storage media, which are machine-, processor- or computer-readable and encode and / or contain machine-executable, processor-executable or computer-executable programs and instructions. Program storage devices may include or be digital storage devices, magnetic storage media such as magnetic disks and magnetic tapes, hard disk drives, or optically readable digital data storage media, for example. Other examples may also include computers, processors, control units, (field) programmable logic arrays ((F)PLAs), (field) programmable gate arrays ((F)PGAs), graphics processor units (GPU), ASICs, integrated circuits (ICs) or SoC systems programmed to execute the steps of the methods described above.

[0095] It is further understood that the disclosure of several steps, processes, operations or functions disclosed in the description or claims shall not be construed to imply that these operations are necessarily dependent on the order described, unless explicitly stated in the individual case or necessary for technical reasons. Therefore, the previous description does not limit the execution of several steps or functions to a certain order. Furthermore, in further examples, a single step, function, process or operation may include and / or be broken up into several substeps, -functions, -processes or -operations.

[0096] If some aspects have been described in relation to a device or system, these aspects should also be understood as a description of the corresponding method. For example, a block, device or functional aspect of the device or system may correspond to a feature, such as a method step, of the corresponding method. Accordingly, aspects described in relation to a method shall also be understood as a description of a corresponding block, a corresponding element, a property or a functional feature of a corresponding device or a corresponding system.

[0097] The following claims are hereby incorporated in the detailed description, wherein each claim may stand on its own as a separate example. It should also be noted that although in the claims a dependent claim refers to a particular combination with one or more other claims, other examples may also include a combination of the dependent claim with the subject matter of any other dependent or independent claim. Such combinations are hereby explicitly proposed, unless it is stated in the individual case that a particular combination is not intended. Furthermore, features of a claim should also be included for any other independent claim, even if that claim is not directly defined as dependent on that other independent claim.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0012]Some examples are now described in more detail with reference to the enclosed figures. However, other possible examples are not limited to the features of these embodiments described in detail. Other examples may include modifications of the features as well as equivalents and alternatives to the features. Furthermore, the terminology used herein to describe certain examples should not be restrictive of further possible examples.

[0013]Throughout the description of the figures same or similar reference numerals refer to same or similar elements and / or features, which may be identical or implemented in a modified form while providing the same or a similar function. The thickness of lines, layers and / or areas in the figures may also be exaggerated for clarification.

[0014]When two elements A and B are combined using an "or", this is to be understood as disclosing all possible combinations, i.e., only A, only B as well as A and B, unless expressly defined otherwise in the individua...

Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to illuminating the environment of cranes. In particular, examples of the present disclosure relate to a crane arranged to be mounted to a crane carrier, a vehicle comprising the crane and a method for a crane arranged to be mounted to a crane carrier for controlling lighting of an environment of the crane.Background

[0002] Cranes, in particular loader cranes play a pivotal role in various industries, providing efficient lifting and handling capabilities. However, the current state of working lights on cranes presents a significant limitation in meeting the dynamic requirements of their complex operations.

[0003] Hence, there may be a demand for improved lighting of the environment of cranes.Summary

[0004] This demand is met by a crane arranged to be mounted to a crane carrier, a vehicle, a method for a crane arranged to be mounted to a crane carrier for controlling lighting of an environment of the crane, a non-transitory machine-readable medium and a program in accordance with the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are defined by the dependent claims.

[0005] According to a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a crane arranged to be mounted to a crane carrier. The crane comprises lighting control circuitry configured to receive at least one of first sensor data of one or more sensors mounted to the crane, second sensor data of one or more sensors of a remote control for the crane, third sensor data of one or more sensors of the crane carrier and user input data indicating a user input at the remote control. The lighting control circuitry is further configured to control light emission by one or more lighting devices for lighting an environment of the crane based on the at least one of the first sensor data, the second sensor data, third sensors data and the user input data. The one or more lighting devices are mounted to the crane and / or are lighting devices of the crane carrier.

[0006] According to a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a vehicle having mounted thereon a crane according to the first aspect.

[0007] According to a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for a crane arranged to be mounted to a crane carrier for controlling lighting of an environment of a loader crane. The method comprises receiving at least one of first sensor data of one or more sensors mounted to the crane, second sensor data of one or more sensors of a remote control for the crane, third sensor data of one or more sensors of the crane carrier and user input data indicating a user input at the remote control. Additionally, the method comprises controlling light emission by one or more lighting devices for lighting the environment of the crane based on the at least one of the first sensor data, the second sensor data, the third sensor data and the user input data. The one or more lighting devices are mounted to the crane and / or are lighting devices of the crane carrier.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect, the present disclosure provides a non-transitory machine-readable medium having stored thereon a program having a program code for performing the method according to the third aspect, when the program is executed on a processor or a programmable hardware of the crane.

[0009] According to a fifth aspect, the present disclosure provides a program having a program code for performing the method according to the third aspect, when the program is executed on a processor or a programmable hardware of the crane.

[0010] As the light emission of the one or more lighting devices is controlled based on one or more of the first sensor data, the second sensor data, the third sensor data and the user input data, dynamic and, hence, improved illumination of the crane's environment such as a load area or a work area may be provided. The improved illumination of the crane's environment may allow to improve the safety of working processes involving the crane.Brief description of the Figures

[0011] Some examples of apparatuses and / or methods will be described in the following by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary crane arranged to be mounted to a crane carrier; Fig. 2 illustrates an exemplary vehicle having mounted thereon a crane; and Fig. 3 illustrates a flowchart of an example of a method for crane arranged to be mounted to a crane carrier for controlling lighting of an environment of the crane. Detailed Description

[0012] Some examples are now described in more detail with reference to the enclosed figures. However, other possible examples are not limited to the features of these embodiments described in detail. Other examples may include modifications of the features as well as equivalents and alternatives to the features. Furthermore, the terminology used herein to describe certain examples should not be restrictive of further possible examples.

[0013] Throughout the description of the figures same or similar reference numerals refer to same or similar elements and / or features, which may be identical or implemented in a modified form while providing the same or a similar function. The thickness of lines, layers and / or areas in the figures may also be exaggerated for clarification.

[0014] When two elements A and B are combined using an "or", this is to be understood as disclosing all possible combinations, i.e., only A, only B as well as A and B, unless expressly defined otherwise in the individual case. As an alternative wording for the same combinations, "at least one of A and B" or "A and / or B" may be used. This applies equivalently to combinations of more than two elements.

[0015] If a singular form, such as "a", "an" and "the" is used and the use of only a single element is not defined as mandatory either explicitly or implicitly, further examples may also use several elements to implement the same function. If a function is described below as implemented using multiple elements, further examples may implement the same function using a single element or a single processing entity. It is further understood that the terms "include", "including", "comprise" and / or "comprising", when used, describe the presence of the specified features, integers, steps, operations, processes, elements, components and / or a group thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, processes, elements, components and / or a group thereof.

[0016] Fig. 1 illustrates a loader crane (knuckle boom crane) 100 for loading and unloading goods (loads). The loader crane 100 is an example of a crane arranged to be mounted (installed, attached) to / on a crane carrier. In other words, the loader crane 100 is an example of a crane for mounting to / on a crane carrier. The crane carrier is a device adapted (designed) to receive, hold and support a crane. The crane carrier may be a stationary (i.e., non-moving, non-movable) crane carrier such as a stationary mounting socket (platform, structure) or a mobile crane carrier such as a vehicle (e.g., a truck). According to examples of the present disclosure, the loader crane 100 illustrated in Fig. 1 may be mounted to a stationary crane carrier or be mounted to a mobile crane carrier. For example, the loader crane 100 may be mounted to vehicle such as a truck for loading and unloading goods onto and from the vehicle. For reasons of clarity, the crane carrier is not shown in Fig. 1.

[0017] The crane 100 comprise a (crane) base 130 and a boom (crane arm) 140. The base 130 serves as a mounting platform for the boom 140 and allows to mount the crane 100 to the crane carrier.

[0018] The boom 140 is mounted to the base 130 and is movable relative to the base 130 via a hydraulic cylinder 145, which is coupled to both the base 130 and the boom 140. Furthermore, the boom 140 is rotatable relative to the base 130 (e.g., via rotation mechanism including one or more of a hydraulic or electric drive system). The boom 140 comprises segments 141 and 142 connected to each other by a joint 143. The segments 141 and 142 are movable relative to each other via another hydraulic cylinder 146, which is coupled to both segments 141 and 142. In the example of Fig. 1, the boom 140 comprises two segments. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In general, the boom 140 may comprise any number N > 2 of segments that are connected by joints and are movable relative each other. The segment 141 is extendable. That is, the segment 141 comprises multiple sections that can be selectively extended or retracted (e.g., by a hydraulic system of the boom 140) to adjust the length and, hence, the reach of the segment 141. In other words, the boom or crane arm 140 is an extendable (telescopic) boom or crane arm. It is to be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to extendable crane arms, alternative examples may comprise non-extendable booms or crane arms.

[0019] Further illustrated in Fig. 1 is an outrigger (crane leg) 150 of the crane 100 for selectively supporting the crane 100 against the ground. The outrigger 150 is mounted to the base 130. For example, the outrigger 150 may be extendable from the base 130 (e.g., manually, electrically or hydraulically). The outrigger 150 comprises a vertical telescopic leg (stabilizer leg, support leg, vertical telescopic sub-structure) 151 for selectively supporting the crane 100 against the ground. The outrigger 150 comprises a hydraulic support cylinder 152 for adjusting a length of the telescopic leg 151 and for adjusting a pressure with which the crane 100 is supported against the ground. The hydraulic support cylinder 152 may be integrated into the telescopic leg 151. The crane 100 may comprise one or more respective outrigger such as the outrigger 150 illustrated in Fig. 1 on both lateral sides of the base 130.

[0020] The proposed technology for illuminating the environment of cranes will be explained in the following with reference to the loader crane 100. However, as will become evident from the following description, the type of crane or structure of the crane is not relevant for the proposed technology for illumination of the crane environment. The proposed technology for illumination of the crane environment may, in general, be used for any type or structure of crane that is arranged to be mounted (installed, attached) to a crane carrier. For example, the proposed technology for illumination of the crane environment analogously be used for the crane sections of mobile cranes.

[0021] The loader crane 100 comprise lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 for lighting (illuminating) an environment (a surrounding) of the loader crane 100. In the example of Fig. 1, the loader crane 100 comprises four lighting devices. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In general, the loader crane 100 may comprise any number M > 1 of lighting devices. The lighting devices may be mounted to any element (part) of the loader crane 100. In particular, different lighting devices may be mounted to different elements of the loader crane 100 as illustrated in Fig. 1. The lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 are devices configured to emit light for illuminating the environment of the loader crane 100. The lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 may be identical to or different from each other (e.g., in terms of form, size, lighting technology, characteristics of the emitted or emittable light).

[0022] Lighting control circuitry (illumination control circuitry) 110 is coupled (e.g., wirelessly or wired) to the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 for controlling light emission by the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4. Alternatively or additionally, the lighting control circuitry 110 may be coupled to one or more lighting devices of (mounted to) the crane carrier (e.g., lighting devices of a vehicle having mounted thereon the loader crane 100) for lighting the environment of the loader crane 100. Accordingly, the lighting control circuitry 110 may alternatively or additionally control light emission by the lighting devices of the crane carrier. The crane carrier may comprise any number L > 1 of lighting devices. The lighting devices of the crane carrier may be mounted to any element (part) of the crane carrier. In particular, different lighting devices may be mounted to different elements of the crane carrier. The lighting devices of the crane carrier are devices configured to emit light for illuminating the environment of the loader crane 100. The lighting devices of the crane carrier may be identical to or different from each other (e.g., in terms of form, size, lighting technology, characteristics of the emitted or emittable light). The lighting devices of the crane carrier be identical to or different from lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 mounted to the crane 100.

[0023] For example, the lighting control circuitry 110 may be a single dedicated processor, a single shared processor, or a plurality of individual processors, some of which or all of which may be shared, a digital signal processor (DSP) hardware, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a system-on-a-chip (SOC), a neuromorphic processor or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The lighting control circuitry 110 may optionally be coupled to, e.g., memory such as read only memory (ROM) for storing software, random access memory (RAM) and / or non-volatile memory. For example, the loader crane 100 may comprise memory configured to store instructions, which when executed by the lighting control circuitry 110, cause the lighting control circuitry 110 to perform the steps and methods described herein.

[0024] The loader crane 100 holds the lighting control circuitry 110. In other words, the lighting control circuitry 110 is mounted to a further element of the loader crane 100 and is an integral part of the loader crane 100. The lighting control circuitry 110 may, e.g., be integrated into (mounted to) the base 130 or the boom 140. For example, the lighting control circuitry 110 may be integrated into control circuitry (not illustrated in Fig. 1) of the crane 100 for controlling operation of a movable part (section, sub-element) of the crane 100 such as the boom or crane arm 140 (e.g., adjustment of the position of the boom 140) or the outrigger 150. In other examples, the lighting control circuitry 110 may be provided separate from the control circuitry. For example, lighting control circuitry 110 may be integrated into one or more of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4. In other words, one or more of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 may comprise the lighting control circuitry 110.

[0025] The lighting control circuitry 110 is configured to receive at least one of first sensor data 101 of one or more sensors (not illustrated in Fig. 1) mounted to the loader crane 100, second sensor data 102 of one or more sensors (not illustrated in Fig. 1) of a remote control 199 for the loader crane 100, third sensor data 103 of one or more sensors of the crane carrier and user input data 104. The first sensor data 101 are indicative of (encoded with information about) one or more physical quantities measured by the one or more sensors mounted to the loader crane 100 and / or or one or more quantities or statuses (states) derived by the one or more sensors mounted to the loader crane 100 from measured physical quantities. Similarly, the second sensor data 102 are indicative of (encoded with information about) one or more physical quantities measured by the one or more sensors of the remote control 199 and / or or one or more quantities or statuses (states) derived by the one or more sensors of the remote control 199 from measured physical quantities. The third sensor data 103 are indicative of (encoded with information about) one or more physical quantities measured by the one or more sensors mounted to the crane carrier and / or or one or more quantities or statuses (states) derived by the one or more sensors mounted to the crane carrier from measured physical quantities. The user input data 104 are indicative of a user input at the remote control 199. The lighting control circuitry 110 may be coupled to all or part of the one or more sensors mounted to the crane 100 and the one or more sensors of the crane carrier. Additionally or alternatively, the lighting control circuitry 110 may receive the first sensor data 101 and the third sensor data 103 from at least one of a memory of the loader crane 100 (e.g., a buffer memory) and memory of the crane carrier. Analogously, the lighting control circuitry 110 is coupled to the remote control 199.

[0026] The remote control 199 is a device for an operator of the loader crane 100 for controlling the loader crane 100 from a distance. The remote control 100 may be coupled wirelessly or wired to the loader crane 100. The loader crane 100 may, e.g., comprise interface circuitry 160 coupled to the lighting control circuitry 110 and the control circuitry for communicating with the remote control. The remote control 199 receives a user input at a human-machine interface thereof (e.g., one or more of a joystick, a button, a touch-sensitive display, a microphone) and comprises circuitry for converting the user input into a command for the loader crane 100. The remote control 100 further comprises circuitry for transmitting the command to the loader crane (e.g., wirelessly or wired). The control circuitry of the loader crane 100 receives the command (e.g., via the interface circuitry 160) and controls the loader crane 100 to perform an according (corresponding) action. For example, the operator may control or adjust the position of the boom 140 via one or more user inputs, rotate the boom 140 relative to the base 130 via one or more user inputs, control the boom 140 to (e.g., automatically or autonomously) unfold via one or more user inputs, control the boom 140 to (e.g., automatically or autonomously) fold via one or more user inputs, control the boom 140 to extend via one or more user inputs, control winding and unwinding of a rope from an optional rope winch (not illustrated in Fig. 1) of the loader crane 100 via one or more user inputs, control extension and retraction of the outrigger(s) 150 via one or more user inputs.

[0027] The one or more sensors mounted to the loader crane 100 may be manifold. For example, the one or more sensors mounted to the crane 100 may comprise or be one or more of an angle sensor, a pressure sensor, a force sensor, a length measurement sensor, an optical sensor, a light sensor, an acceleration sensor or an equipment sensor (for sensing which equipment is mounted to the boom 140). However, it is to be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to the foregoing examples. One or more additional or alternative sensors may be used as well. Similarly, the one or more sensors of the crane carrier may be manifold. For example, the one or more sensors of the crane carrier may comprise or be one or more of a positioning sensor, an optical sensor or a light sensor. However, it is to be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to the foregoing examples. One or more additional or alternative sensors may be used as well. Also the one or more sensors of the remote control 199 may be manifold. For example, the one or more sensors of the remote control 199 may measure an acceleration of the remote control 199 or an orientation of the remote control 199. However, it is to be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to the foregoing examples. One or more additional or alternative sensors may be used instead or additionally. Also the one or more user inputs may be manifold. For example, the one or more user inputs may be for one of the actions or tasks described above with respect to the remote control 199.

[0028] The lighting control circuitry 110 is further configured to control the light emission by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier based on the at least one of the first sensor data 101, the second sensor data 102, the third sensor data 103 and the user input data 104. In other words, the visualization control circuitry 110 is configured to process the first sensor data 101 and / or the second sensor data 102 and / or the third sensor data 103 and / or the user input data 104 to control the light emission by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier for lighting the environment of (area around) the loader crane 100. The lighting control circuitry 110 may control various parameters of the light emission by the one or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. For example, the lighting control circuitry 110 may control one or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary a portion (part, section, area) of the loader crane 100's environment illuminated by the respective lighting device, to vary a light intensity of its emitted light, to vary a color temperature of its emitted light, to vary a light color of its emitted light, to vary at least one of its position and orientation, to vary a configuration of one or more lenses of the respective lighting device or to vary a number of active light-emitting elements (e.g., light-emitting diodes or light bulbs) of the respective lighting device. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the foregoing examples. Other types of light emission control may be used instead or additionally. The lighting control circuitry 110 may, e.g., transmit a corresponding control signal or corresponding control data to the lighting device to control the light emission by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. The corresponding control signal or control data is determined by the lighting control circuitry 110 based on the at least one of the first sensor data 101, the second sensor data 102, the third sensor data 103 and the user input data 104.

[0029] As the light emission by the loader crane 100's one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the light emission by the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier is controlled based on one or more of the first sensor data 101, the second sensor data 102, the third sensor data 103 and the user input data 130, dynamic and, hence, improved illumination of the loader crane 100's environment such as a load area or a work area may be provided. In particular, the first sensor data 101, the second sensor data 102, the third sensor data 103 and the user input data 130 may indicate various properties or states of the loader crane 100 such as movements of the loader crane 100 or components thereof. Different lighting settings may be beneficial for different properties or states of the loader crane 100. Accordingly, the lighting control circuitry 110 may translate the information given by the at least one of the first sensor data 101, the second sensor data 102, the third sensor data 103 and the user input data 104 into a corresponding lighting setting and dynamically control the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier accordingly. The improved illumination of the loader crane 100's environment may allow to improve the safety of working processes involving the loader crane 100.

[0030] The status of the light emission by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier may optionally be visualized by the remote control 199. For example, the interface circuitry 160 may be configured to transmit lighting status data 107 indicating at least one of a status of the light emission by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier and a variation thereof to the remote control 199.

[0031] Accordingly, the remote control 199 may indicate the status of the light emission by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to the operator. For example, the remote control 199 may control light emission by one or more status lights of the remote control 199 based on the lighting status data 107 to indicate the status of the light emission by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to the operator. Similarly, in case the remote control 199 comprises a display for outputting a graphical user interface, the remote control 199 may comprise circuitry for controlling the display to output graphical elements and / or textual elements as part of the graphical user interface based on the lighting status data 107 to indicate the status of the light emission by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to the operator. Accordingly, the operator may be informed by the remote control 199 about the status of the light emission by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier.

[0032] As indicated above, the lighting of the loader crane 100's environment via the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier may be performed in various ways according to the proposed technology. In the following, a few examples will be described in greater detail with reference to Fig. 1.

[0033] As mentioned above, the lighting control circuitry 110 may, e.g., be configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary (change, alter) a portion of the environment illuminated by the respective lighting device based on the at least one of the first sensor data 101, the second sensor data 102, the third sensor data 103 and the user input data 104. In other words, the at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier initially illuminates a first portion of the loader crane 100's environment and is then controlled to illuminate a different second portion of the of the loader crane 100's environment by the lighting control circuitry 110 based on the at least one of the first sensor data 101, the second sensor data 102, the third sensors data 103 and the user input data 104.

[0034] For example, at least one of the first sensor data 101, the third sensor data 103 and the user input data 101 may indicate movement of the whole crane arm or boom 140 or movement of a part of the crane arm or boom 140 (e.g., movement of the segment 141). The first sensor data 101 may, e.g., indicate measurement values of one or more angle sensors mounted to the boom 140. If boom 140 moves, the measurement values of one or more angle sensors change over time. Similarly, measurement values of one or more pressure sensors measuring the pressure (s) at one or both of the hydraulic cylinders 145 and 146 may indicate movement of the boom 140 as the pressures in the hydraulic cylinders 145 and 146 change when the boom 140 or parts thereof are moved. The third sensor data 103 may, e.g., indicate measurement values of one or more positioning sensor of the crane carrier. If the boom 140 moves (e.g., rotates or makes a translatory movement), measurement values of the positioning sensor change over time. Also user inputs at the remote control 199 such as one or more user inputs to adjust the position of the boom 140 or one or more user inputs to rotate the boom 140 relative to the base 130 indicate movement of the boom 140. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above exemplary types of sensor data indicating movement of the boom 140 or a part thereof. Other types of sensor data may be used additionally or instead. A change in the position or orientation of the boom 140 or a part thereof due to the movement may lead to a situation that at least part of the boom or a load held by the boom 140 is no longer in the region of the loader crane 100's environment that is initially illuminated by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. This may compromise safety of the crane operation as the operator's view may be limited due to the lighting condition. The lighting control circuitry 110 may receive at least one of the first sensor data 101, the third sensor data 103 and the user input data 104. Accordingly, the lighting control circuitry 110 may be configured to control, based on the at least one of the first sensor data 101 and the user input data 104, at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary the portion of the environment illuminated by the respective lighting device in accordance with the movement of the whole crane arm or boom 140 or the movement of the part of the crane arm or boom 140. For example, the lighting control circuitry 110 may determine (estimate) the movement of the whole boom 140 or the movement of the part of the boom 140 based on the at least one of the first sensor data 101, the third sensor data 103 and the user input data 104 and control the at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary the portion of the environment illuminated by the respective lighting device such that it follows the determined movement of the whole boom 140 or the movement of the part of the boom 140. If one of the first sensor data 101, the third sensor data 103 or the user input data 104 indicates that, e.g., the whole boom 140 rotates around the base 130, the lighting control circuitry 110 may control one or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to follow the rotation of the boom 140 such that the portion of the environment illuminated by the respective lighting device rotates in accordance with the rotation of the boom 140. Similarly, if one of the first sensor data 101, the third sensor data 103 or the user input data 104 indicates that, e.g., the position of the segment 141 changes, the lighting control circuitry 110 may control one or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to follow the movement of the segment 141 such that the illuminated region of the loader crane 100's environment changes in accordance with the movement of the segment 141.

[0035] In other examples, the second sensor data 102 may indicate an orientation of the remote control 199. For example, one or more orientation sensors such as one or more gyroscopes of the remote control 199 may measure the orientation of the remote control 199 and generate the second sensor data 102. The lighting control circuitry 110 may receive the second sensor 102. Accordingly, the lighting control circuitry 110 may be configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary the portion of the environment illuminated by the respective lighting device based on the orientation of the remote control 199. For example, the operator of the loader crane 100 may tilt the remote control 199 around various spatial axes to set the portion of the loader crane 100's environment illuminated by at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. This may allow the operator to actively control (set) the set the illuminated portion of the loader crane 100's environment. For example, the operator may initially set the illuminated portion of the loader crane 100's environment by tilting the remote control (e.g., a desired positional offset between boom 140 and the illuminated portion of the loader crane 100's environment). Once the boom 140 is moved, the initially set portion of the environment illuminated by one or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier may be varied in accordance with the movement of the boom 140 - analogously to what is described above. To avoid unintentional variation of the portion of the loader crane 100's environment illuminated by one or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier, the operator may be required to press a certain button (e.g., a hard button or a soft button) on the remote control to indicate that he / she wishes to adjust the illuminated portion of the loader crane 100's environment. Accordingly, the control circuitry 110 may be configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary the portion of the environment illuminated by the respective lighting device based on the orientation of the remote control 199 only if the user input data 104 indicate a predefined user input indicating that the operator wishes to adjust the illuminated portion of the loader crane 100's environment (e.g., that a specific hard button or soft button is pressed by the operator).

[0036] The illuminated portion of the loader crane 100's environment may be varied in various ways. For example, the lighting control circuitry 110 may be configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary at least one of its position and orientation. In some examples, the position and / or orientation of one or more light-emitting elements of the respective lighting device may be varied (changed) without changing the position and / or orientation of the housing of the respective lighting device. In other examples, the position and / or orientation of the whole lighting device (i.e., light-emitting element(s) and housing) may be varied (changed). The lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier may at least in part comprise a position and / or orientation adjustment mechanism such as drive system allowing the respective lighting device to rotate around one or more axis and / or move linearly along predefined paths. Alternatively or additionally, at least part of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 may be mounted to the loader crane 100 via a respective aforementioned position and / or orientation adjustment mechanism. Similarly, at least part of the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier may be mounted to the crane carrier via a respective aforementioned position and / or orientation adjustment mechanism. In other examples, the lighting control circuitry 110 may configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary a configuration of one or more lenses of the respective lighting device. Changing the lens configuration of a lighting device allows to vary the portion of the environment illuminated by the lighting device. In still other examples, the lighting control circuitry 110 may be configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary a number of active light-emitting elements of the respective lighting device. In other words, at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier may be a matrix element that allows to selectively switch on and off different portions (sub-sets) of its light-emitting elements. Activating different portions or sub-sets of the light-emitting elements allows to vary the portion of the environment illuminated by the lighting device. In some examples, some of the above techniques for changing the illuminated portion of the loader crane 100's environment may be combined. As described above, the lighting control circuitry 110 is configured to perform the control based on the at least one of the first sensor data 101, the second sensor data 102, the third sensor data 103 and the user input data 104.

[0037] One or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier may be capable of (support) emitting light of different light intensities. As mentioned above, the lighting control circuitry 110 may, e.g., be configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary a light intensity of its emitted light based on the at least one of the first sensor data 101, the second sensor data 102, the third sensor data and the user input data 104. The light intensity denotes the amount of radiant energy per unit of time falling on or passing through a given area and quantifies the brightness of the emitted light. In other words, the lighting control circuitry 110 controls the brightness of the light emitted by one or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the lighting devices of the crane carrier. The at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier may, e.g., initially emit light with a first light intensity and then be controlled to emit light of a different second light intensity by the lighting control circuitry 110 based on the at least one of the first sensor data 101, the second sensor data 102, the third sensor data 103 and the user input data 104.

[0038] For example, the loader crane 100 and / or the crane carrier may comprise one or more light sensors and the first sensor data 101 and / or the third sensor data 103 may, hence, indicate measured light intensities of the one or more light sensors. The light emitted by one or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier may be reflected by various parts of the loader crane 100, the crane carrier or objects in the environment of the loader crane (e.g., a load held by the loader crane 100 or an obstacle). The reflected light may affect the operator of the loader crane 100 in many ways. For example, the reflected light may dazzle the operator or make it difficult for the operator to see parts of the loader crane 100 or the environment of the loader crane 100 clearly. The intensity of the reflected light may be measured by the one or more light sensors such that the sensor data 101 and or the third sensor data 103 are indicative of the light intensities of the reflected light at the position of the one or more light sensors. Analogously, the measured light intensities of the one or more light sensors may indicate that an area around the loader crane 100 (i.e., a portion of the loader crane 100's environment) or a part of the loader crane 100 (e.g., a segment of the boom 140 such as the segment 141) is not sufficiently illuminated, which may also affect the operator of the loader crane 100.

[0039] Accordingly, the lighting control circuitry 110 may configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary the light intensity of its emitted light based on the measured light intensities of the one or more light sensors. In particular, the lighting control circuitry 110 may be configured to select one or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the lighting devices of the crane carrier and control these lighting devices to vary the light intensity of their emitted light to achieve a target (desired) lighting (illumination) condition. For example, the lighting control circuitry 110 may be configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to reduce the light intensity of its emitted light if the measured light intensity of at least one of the one or more light sensors is above a first threshold value. Thus, over-lighting (over-illumination) may be avoided. Similarly, the lighting control circuitry 110 may be configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to increase the light intensity of its emitted light if the measured light intensity of at least one of the one or more light sensors is below a second threshold value. Insufficient illumination may thus be avoided.

[0040] In other examples, the operator of the loader crane 100 may tilt the remote control 199 around various spatial axes to set or vary the light intensity of the light emitted by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. The operator may, e.g., tilt the remote control 199 along a first direction around a spatial axis to increase the light intensity of the emitted light and tilt the remote control 199 along an opposite second direction around the spatial axis to reduce the light intensity of the emitted light. The tilting of the remote control 199 to vary the light intensity may be for a specific one or a specific sub-set of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier or be for all of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. This may allow the operator to actively control (set) the set light intensity of the light emitted by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. For example, one or more orientation sensors such as one or more gyroscopes of the remote control 199 may measure the orientation of the remote control 199 and generate the second sensor data 102. Accordingly, the control circuitry 110 may be configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary the light intensity of its emitted light based on the orientation of the remote control 199 (as indicated by the second sensor data 102). To avoid unintentional variation of the light intensity of the emitted light, the operator may be required to press a certain button (e.g., a hard button or a soft button) on the remote control to indicate that he / she wishes to adjust the light intensity. Accordingly, the control circuitry 110 may be configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary the light intensity of its emitted light based on the orientation of the remote control 199 only if the user input data 104 indicate a predefined user input indicating that the operator wishes to adjust the light intensity (e.g., that a specific hard button or soft button is pressed by the operator).

[0041] In still other examples, the operator of the loader crane 100 may input a specific user input to the remote control 199 to control, set or vary the light intensity of the light emitted by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. The operator may, e.g., change the position of a (physical) slider on the remote control to set or vary the light intensity of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. Similarly, the operator may, e.g., change the position of a virtual slider displayed on a touch-sensitive display of the remote control 199 to vary the light intensity of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. The user input to vary the light intensity may be for a specific one or a specific sub-set of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier or be for all of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. Accordingly, the control circuitry 110 may be configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary the light intensity of its emitted light based on the one or more user inputs at the remote control 199 (as indicated by the user input data 104).

[0042] The light intensity of the light emitted by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier may be varied in various ways. For example, the lighting control circuitry 110 may be configured to switch on or off one or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to control the light intensity. Similarly, the lighting control circuitry 110 may be configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary a number of active light-emitting elements of the respective lighting device. Activating different portions or sub-sets of the light-emitting elements allows to vary the total (overall) light intensity of the light emitted the lighting device. In case one or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the lighting devices of the crane carrier are dimmable, the lighting control circuitry 110 may be configured to control the light intensity by dimming one or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the lighting devices of the crane carrier. In some examples, some of the above techniques for changing the light intensity may be combined. As described above, the lighting control circuitry 110 is configured to perform the control based on the at least one of the first sensor data 101, the second sensor data 102, the third sensor data 103 and the user input data 104.

[0043] One or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and the lighting devices of the crane carrier may be capable of (support) emitting light of different color temperatures. As mentioned above, the lighting control circuitry 110 may, e.g., be configured to at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary a color temperature of its emitted light based on the at least one of the first sensor data 101, the second sensor data 102, the third sensor data 103 and the user input data 104. The color temperature denotes the perceived warmth or coolness of light. It is a quantitative measure of the color appearance of a light source, indicating whether the light emitted tends to be more reddish, neutral, or bluish in tone. In particular, the lighting control circuitry 110 may be configured to select one or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the lighting devices of the crane carrier and control these lighting devices to vary the color temperature of their emitted light to achieve a target (desired) lighting (illumination) condition. The at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier may, e.g., initially emit light with a first color temperature and then be controlled to emit light of a different second color temperature by the lighting control circuitry 110 based on the at least one of the first sensor data 101, the second sensor data 102, the third user data 103 and the user input data 104.

[0044] The effect of the light's color temperature may be manifold. For example, lights with cooler color temperatures, such as daylight or cool white, can enhance visibility, especially during nighttime operations. Cooler temperatures create a higher contrast between the illuminated area and the surrounding darkness, making it easier for the operator of the loader crane to see details. Similarly, different color temperatures may perform better in specific environmental conditions. For example, warmer color temperatures may cut through fog or haze more effectively, improving visibility in adverse weather conditions. The choice of color temperature can impact glare and reduce eye fatigue for operators. Optimal color temperature selection contributes to a more comfortable working environment, especially during extended nighttime operations. The nature of the load being lifted may influence the choice of lighting color temperature. Some materials or surfaces may be better illuminated with specific color temperatures, enhancing visibility and safety.

[0045] The loader crane 100 and / or the crane carrier may comprise one or more sensors for measuring one or more physical quantities or properties related to one or more of the above described fields affected by the color temperature of the emitted light. For example, loader crane 100 and / or the crane carrier may comprise at least one of one or more sensors configured to determine the presence of rain or haze in the environment of the loader crane 100, one or more sensors configured to measure the daytime or the lighting conditions in the environment of the loader crane 100, one or more sensors configured to measure (determine) the type of load being lifted by the loader crane 100 and one or more sensors configured to measure a fatigue level of the operator of the loader crane. The one or more sensors generate the first sensor data 101 and / or the third sensor data 103 to indicate the measured quantities or properties such that the lighting control circuitry 110 may control one or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary the color temperature of their emitted light accordingly. As a consequence, improved lighting (illumination) by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier may be achieved.

[0046] In other examples, the operator of the loader crane 100 may tilt the remote control 199 around various spatial axes to set or vary the color temperature of the light emitted by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. The operator may, e.g., tilt the remote control 199 along a first direction around a spatial axis to increase the color temperature of the emitted light and tilt the remote control along an opposite second direction around the spatial axis to reduce the color temperature of the emitted light. The tilting of the remote control 199 to vary the color temperature may be for a specific one or a specific sub-set of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier or be for all of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. This may allow the operator to actively control (set) the set color temperature of the light emitted by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. For example, one or more orientation sensors such as one or more gyroscopes of the remote control 199 may measure the orientation of the remote control 199 and generate the second sensor data 102. Accordingly, the control circuitry 110 may be configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary the color temperature of its emitted light based on the orientation of the remote control 199 (as indicated by the second sensor data 102). To avoid unintentional variation of the color temperature of the emitted light, the operator may be required to press a certain button (e.g., a hard button or a soft button) on the remote control 199 to indicate that he / she wishes to adjust the color temperature. Accordingly, the control circuitry 110 may be configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary the color temperature of its emitted light based on the orientation of the remote control 199 only if the user input data 104 indicate a predefined user input indicating that the operator wishes to adjust the color temperature (e.g., that a specific hard button or soft button is pressed by the operator).

[0047] In still other examples, the operator of the loader crane 100 may input a specific user input to the remote control 199 to control (set, vary) the color temperature of the light emitted by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. The operator may, e.g., change the position of a (physical) slider on the remote control to set or vary the color temperature of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. Similarly, the operator may, e.g., change the position of a virtual slider displayed on a touch-sensitive display of the remote control 199 or press buttons to vary the color temperature of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. The user input to vary the color temperature may be for a specific one or a specific sub-set of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier or be for all of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. Accordingly, the control circuitry 110 may be configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary the color temperature of its emitted light based on the one or more user inputs at the remote control 199 (as indicated by the user input data 104).

[0048] One or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier may be capable of (support) emitting light of different light colors. As mentioned above, the lighting control circuitry 110 may, e.g., be configured to at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary a light color of its emitted light based on the at least one of the first sensor data 101, the second sensor data 102, the third sensor data 103 and the user input data 104. The light color denotes the spectral composition of the light and describes the light's appearance to the human eye (e.g., as white, green, red or blue light). In particular, the lighting control circuitry 110 may be configured to select one or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier and control these lighting devices to vary the light color of their emitted light to achieve a target (desired) lighting (illumination) condition. The at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier may, e.g., initially emit light with a first light color (such as white) and then be controlled to emit light of a different second light color (e.g. yellow) by the lighting control circuitry 110 based on the at least one of the first sensor data 101, the second sensor data 102, the third sensor data 103 and the user input data 104.

[0049] The effect of the light's color temperature may be manifold. For example, different light colors can improve visibility and create better contrast in various working conditions. For example, using white light can enhance visibility during nighttime operations, while warmer colors such as yellow may be more suitable for specific tasks where softer illumination is preferred. Furthermore, different light colors can be better suited to specific environmental conditions. For instance, in foggy or dusty environments, certain colors may penetrate the particles more effectively, providing better visibility compared to others. Similarly, the nature of the load being lifted may influence the choice of lighting color. For example, a particular color may be better suited to illuminate reflective surfaces or materials with specific optical properties.

[0050] The loader crane 100 and / or the crane carrier may comprise one or more sensors for measuring one or more physical quantities or properties related to one or more of the above described fields affected by the light color of the emitted light. For example, loader crane 100 and / or the crane carrier may comprise at least one of one or more sensors configured to determine the presence of rain or haze in the environment of the loader crane 100, one or more sensors configured to measure the daytime or the lighting conditions in the environment of the loader crane 100, one or more sensors configured to measure (determine) the type of load being lifted (held) by the loader crane 100. The one or more sensors generate the first sensor data 101 and / or the third sensor data 103 to indicate the measured quantities or properties such that the lighting control circuitry 110 may control one or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary the light color of their emitted light accordingly. As a consequence, improved lighting (illumination) by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier may be achieved.

[0051] In other examples, the operator of the loader crane 100 may tilt the remote control 199 around various spatial axes to set or vary the light color of the light emitted by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. The operator may, e.g., tilt the remote control 199 along a first direction around a first spatial axis to set a first light color of the emitted light, tilt the remote control 199 along a second direction (opposite to the first direction) around the first spatial axis to set a different second color of the emitted light, tilt the remote control 199 along a third direction around a different second spatial axis to set a third light color of the emitted light and tilt the remote control 199 along a fourth direction (opposite to the third direction) around the second spatial axis to set a different third color of the emitted light. The tilting of the remote control 199 to vary the light color may be for a specific one or a specific sub-set of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier or be for all of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. This may allow the operator to actively control (set) the set light color of the light emitted by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. For example, one or more orientation sensors such as one or more gyroscopes of the remote control 199 may measure the orientation of the remote control 199 and generate the second sensor data 102. Accordingly, the control circuitry 110 may be configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary the light color of its emitted light based on the orientation of the remote control 199 (as indicated by the second sensor data 102). To avoid unintentional variation of the light color of the emitted light, the operator may be required to press a certain button (e.g., a hard button or a soft button) on the remote control 199 to indicate that he / she wishes to adjust the light color. Accordingly, the control circuitry 110 may be configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary the light color of its emitted light based on the orientation of the remote control 199 only if the user input data 104 indicate a predefined user input indicating that the operator wishes to adjust the light color (e.g., that a specific hard button or soft button is pressed by the operator).

[0052] In still other examples, the operator of the loader crane 100 may input a specific user input to the remote control 199 to control (set, vary) the light color of the light emitted by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. The operator may, e.g., change the position of a (physical) slider on the remote control to set or vary the light color of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. Similarly, the operator may, e.g., change the position of a virtual slider displayed on a touch-sensitive display of the remote control 199 to vary the light color of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. In other examples, the user may press one or more buttons (e.g., a hard button or a soft button) to vary the light color of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. The user input to vary the light color may be for a specific one or a specific sub-set of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier or be for all of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier. Accordingly, the control circuitry 110 may be configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary the light color of its emitted light based on the one or more user inputs at the remote control 199 (as indicated by the user input data 104).

[0053] The control of the light emission by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier may, in some examples, additionally or alternatively be based on other data received by the lighting control circuitry 110. Two examples will be described in greater detail in the following.

[0054] For example, the lighting control circuitry 110 may be configured to receive equipment data 105 indicating an equipment (crane equipment) mounted to the crane 100. For example, the equipment may be mounted to the boom or crane arm 140 or to the base 130. Equipment refers to a variety of specialized tools and attachments used in conjunction with (e.g., loader) cranes to facilitate specific lifting, hoisting, or material-handling tasks. These components enhance the versatility and functionality of (e.g., loader) cranes across diverse industries such as construction, manufacturing, and logistics. In the example of Fig. 1 no equipment is mounted to the boom 140 and the base 130. However, it is to be noted that the boom 140 may be equipped with various types of equipment such as rope winch and a rope for holding and lifting a load, a grapple, a crane fork, a clamshell bucket or a multi-shell grab. Similarly, the base 130 may be equipped with various types of equipment such as a forklift or an additional stabilizer. The equipment data 105 may be received from various sources. For example, the operator may provide a user input at the remote control 199 to specify the (type of) equipment mounted to the boom 140. Alternatively or additionally, the crane or the crane carrier may comprise one or more sensors configured to detect (determine) the (type of) equipment mounted to the crane. In still other examples, the equipment may be electrically coupled to the lighting control circuitry 110 or other circuitry of the crane such as the control circuitry and provide the equipment data 105 once installed to the crane (e.g., after a power-up).

[0055] Different crane equipment may benefit from different lighting or illumination by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier due to variations in their shapes, sizes, and operational characteristics. The unique features of each piece of equipment may influence the lighting requirements for optimal visibility and safety during crane operations. Each type of crane equipment is designed for specific tasks. For example, a clamshell bucket may be used for grabbing loose materials, while a crane fork is designed for handling palletized loads. Illumination requirements may vary based on the nature of these tasks, and tailored lighting helps the operator see and control equipment more effectively. Attachments such as grapples, crane forks, and clamshell buckets may have intricate structures. Equipment-specific illumination may, e.g., facilitate visual inspection, monitoring of their movements or ensuring their correct engagement with load for the operator. By tailoring lighting or illumination by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to the specific characteristics and tasks associated with each piece of equipment, the operator of the loader crane 100 may enhance his / her ability to work safely, efficiently, and with precision. Customized lighting solutions may contribute to improved visibility, reduced operator fatigue, and overall enhanced operational performance.

[0056] Accordingly, the lighting control circuitry 110 may be configured to control the light emission by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier based on the equipment data 105. Thus, an equipment-specific setting for the light emission may be provided. For example, the lighting control circuitry 110 may control, based on the equipment data 105, one or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary a portion of the loader crane 100's environment illuminated by the respective lighting device, to vary a light intensity of its emitted light, vary a color temperature of its emitted light, to vary a light color of its emitted light, to vary at least one of its position and orientation, to vary a configuration of one or more lenses of the respective lighting device or to vary a number of active light-emitting elements (e.g., light-emitting diodes or light bulbs) of the respective lighting device - analogously to the examples described above. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the foregoing examples. Other types of light emission control may be used instead or additionally.

[0057] In other examples, the lighting control circuitry 110 may be configured to receive environmental status data 106 indicating a status of the environment of the loader crane 100. The status of the environment of the loader crane 100 refers to the current condition or state of the environment in which the loader crane 100 is operating. The status of the environment may, e.g., include information on the weather in the environment of the loader crane 100 (e.g., presence of fog or haze, rainfall, snowfall), light conditions in the environment of the loader crane 100 (e.g., sunshine or cloudy sky), information on the daytime, terrain conditions in the environment of the loader crane 100 (e.g., type of soil to indicate a potentially dusty environment), the presence of obstacles, obstructions or people in the loader crane 100's vicinity. The state of the loader crane 100's environment may be measured by one or more sensors and / or be derived from measurement data of one or more sensors (e.g., one or more sensors of the loader crane 100 or a device / system external to the loader crane such as one or more sensors of the crane carrier). The environmental status data 106 may be received from various sources. For example, information on the weather and / or the light conditions in the environment of the loader crane 100 may be received from an information provisioning system of a weather information service. Information on the terrain conditions in the environment of the loader crane 100 may, e.g., be received from an information provisioning system of a map service. In other examples, the environmental status data 106 may, e.g., be received from a mobile device such as a mobile phone or a tablet-computer of the operator of the loader crane. The mobile device may comprise one or more sensors and circuitry to measure and determine the status of the loader crane 100's environment. Additionally or alternatively, the mobile device may retrieve information on the status of the loader crane 100's environment from one or more service providers. Alternatively or additionally, the operator may provide a user input at the remote control 199 to provide information on the status of the loader crane 100's environment (e.g., to indicate rainfall, snowfall or the daytime).

[0058] Different lighting or illumination in varying environment conditions may be beneficial as each setting may pose distinct challenges. Adapted illumination may allow for maintaining operational efficiency, ensuring safety, and adapting to the specific requirements of different environments.

[0059] Accordingly, the lighting control circuitry 110 may be configured to control the light emission by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier based on the environmental status data 106. For example, the lighting control circuitry 110 may control, based on the environment status data 106, one or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary a portion of the loader crane 100's environment illuminated by the respective lighting device, to vary a light intensity of its emitted light, vary a color temperature of its emitted light, to vary a light color of its emitted light, to vary at least one of its position and orientation, to vary a configuration of one or more lenses of the respective lighting device or to vary a number of active light-emitting elements (e.g., light-emitting diodes or light bulbs) of the respective lighting device - analogously to the examples described above. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the foregoing examples. Other types of light emission control may be used instead or additionally.

[0060] For example, the lighting control circuitry 110 may control one or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the lighting devices of the crane carrier to increase the color temperature of their emitted light to a warmer color temperature or to change the light color of their emitted light if the environmental status data 106 indicate haze or fog around the loader crane. Accordingly, the visibility of the operator may be improved. In other examples, the lighting control circuitry 110 may control one or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary a portion of the loader crane 100's environment illuminated by the respective lighting device to a specific region or location in the vicinity of the loader crane 100 if the environmental status data 106 indicate presence of an obstacle or a person in the specific region. Accordingly, the operator may easily recognize the obstacle or person in the vicinity of the loader crane 100 and consider the location of the obstacle or person when operating the loader crane 100.

[0061] As described in more detail in the above examples, the lighting control circuitry 110 may vary the light emission by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier in various ways. For example, based on the at least one of the first sensor data 101, the second sensor data 102, the third sensor data 103, the user input data 104, the equipment data 105 and the environmental status data 106, the lighting control circuitry 110 may be configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary at least one of its position and orientation, control at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary a configuration of one or more lenses of the respective lighting device and / or control at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4 and / or the one or more lighting devices of the crane carrier to vary a number of active light-emitting elements (e.g., light-emitting diodes or light bulbs) of the respective lighting device.

[0062] Further exemplary illumination of the loader crane 100's environment will be described in the following with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 illustrates a truck as an exemplary vehicle 200 holding the loader crane 100. In other words, the vehicle 200 has mounted thereon the loader crane 100. The truck 200 is an exemplary crane carrier. The truck 200 comprises one or more lighting devices for lighting the environment of the crane 100 as indicated in Fig. 2 by the two lighting devices 220-1 and 220-2.

[0063] In the example of Fig. 2, the crane 100 holds a load (cargo) 299. For example, the crane 100 may be used for loading the load 299 onto the vehicle 200 or for unloading the load 299 from the vehicle 200. The vehicle 200 comprises a load space 560, which is a designated area of the vehicle 200 within the vehicle 200 where loads (cargo, goods) can be loaded and transported. The load 299 is held by the crane 100 via a rope 161. The crane 100 comprises a rope winch 160 from which the rope 161 is unwound. The rope winch is mounted to the boom or crane arm 140. The operator of the crane 100 controls the length of the rope 161 unwound from the rope winch 160 (e.g., by means of the remote control 199, which is omitted in Fig. 2 for reasons of simplicity).

[0064] In some examples, at least one of the first sensor data 101, the third sensor data 103 and the user input data 104 may indicate movement of the load 299 held by the crane boom or crane arm 140. The first sensor data 101 may, e.g., indicate measurement values of one or more length measurement sensors of the loader crane 100 for the length of the rope 161 unwound from the rope winch 160. If the load 299 moves, the measurement values of the one or more length measurement sensors change over time. Similarly, the third sensor data 103 may, e.g., indicate measurement values of one or more positioning sensors of the truck 200 for tracking the position of the load 299. If the load 299 moves, the measurement values of the one or more positioning sensors change over time. Also user inputs at the remote control 199 such as one or more user inputs to adjust the length of the rope 161 unwound from the rope winch 160 to raise or lower the load 299 indicate movement of the load 299. Similarly, the first sensor data 101 may, e.g., indicate measurement values of one or more angle sensors mounted to the boom 140 and / or measurement values of one or more pressure sensors measuring the pressure (s) at one or both of the hydraulic cylinders 145 and 146. As described above, these measurement values indicate movement of the boom 140 and, hence, the load 299 held by the boom 140. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above exemplary types of sensor data indicating movement of the load 299. Other types of sensor data may be used additionally or instead.

[0065] A change in the position or orientation of the load 299 due to the movement may lead to a situation that the load 299 is no longer in the region of the loader crane 100's environment that is initially illuminated by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4, 220-1 and 220-2. This may compromise safety of the crane operation as the operator's view may be limited due to the lighting condition. The lighting control circuitry 110 may receive at least one of the first sensor data 101, the third sensor data 103 and the user input data 104. Accordingly, the lighting control circuitry 110 may be configured to control, based on the at least one of the first sensor data 101, the third sensor data 103 and the user input data 104, at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4, 220-1 and 220-2 to vary the portion of the environment illuminated by the respective lighting device in accordance with the movement of the load 299. For example, the lighting control circuitry 110 may determine (estimate) the movement of the load 299 based on the on the at least one of the first sensor data 101, the third sensor data 103 and the user input data 104 and control the at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4, 220-1 and 220-2 to vary the portion of the environment illuminated by the respective lighting device such that it follows the determined movement of the load 299. If one of the first sensor data 101, the third sensor data 103 or the user input data 104 indicates that, e.g., the load 299 is lifted, the lighting control circuitry 110 may control one or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-4, 220-1 and 220-2 to follow the lifting of the load 299 such that the portion of the environment illuminated by the respective lighting device is lifted in accordance with the lifting of the load 299.

[0066] It is to be noted that vehicles according to the present disclosure are not limited to cranes exhibiting the same structure and functionality as the loader crane 100 described above. In other examples, cranes with different structure and / or functionality may be used instead. For example, a loader crane with an additional fly jib may be used. Similarly, the boom or crane arm may be equipped with equipment (tools) other than the rope 161 and the rope winch 160 for holding and lifting a load. For example, a grapple, a crane fork, a clamshell bucket or a multi-shell grab may be mounted to the boom or crane arm instead.

[0067] In the above examples, it is referred to a truck as an exemplary vehicle for holding the loader crane. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this specific type of vehicle. In general, a vehicle holding a loader crane according to the proposed technology may be any type of land vehicle. In particular, the vehicle may be wheeled, tracked or railed to apply steering and drive forces against the ground. The present disclosure is not limited to land vehicles. In other examples, a vehicle holding a crane (having mounted thereon a crane) according to the proposed technology may be a watercraft such as a ship, a boat or a barge.

[0068] For further highlighting the illumination of the environment of cranes described above, Fig. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method 300 for a crane arranged to be mounted to a crane carrier for controlling lighting of an environment of a crane. The method 300 comprises receiving 302 at least one of first sensor data of one or more sensors mounted to the crane, second sensor data of one or more sensors of a remote control for the crane, third sensor data of one or more sensors of the crane carrier and user input data indicating a user input at the remote control. Additionally, the method 300 comprises controlling 304 light emission by one or more lighting devices for lighting the environment of the crane based on the at least one of the first sensor data, the second sensor data, the third sensor data and the user input data. The one or more lighting devices are mounted to the loader crane and / or are lighting devices of the crane carrier.

[0069] Analogously to what is described above, the method 300 may allow dynamic and, hence, improved illumination of the crane's environment such as a load area or a work area. The improved illumination of the crane's environment may allow to improve the safety of working processes involving the crane.

[0070] More details and aspects of the method 300 are explained in connection with the proposed technique or one or more examples described above (e.g., Fig. 1 or Fig. 2). The method 300 may comprise one or more additional optional features corresponding to one or more aspects of the proposed technique or one or more examples described above.

[0071] The examples described herein may be summarized as follows: In the following, some examples of the proposed concept are presented: An example (e.g., example 1) relates to a crane arranged to be mounted to a crane carrier, the crane comprising lighting control circuitry configured to receive at least one of first sensor data of one or more sensors mounted to the crane, second sensor data of one or more sensors of a remote control for the crane, third sensor data of one or more sensors of the crane carrier and user input data indicating a user input at the remote control, and control light emission by one or more lighting devices for lighting an environment of the crane based on the at least one of the first sensor data, the second sensor, the third sensor data and the user input data, wherein the one or more lighting devices are mounted to the crane and / or are lighting devices of the crane carrier.

[0072] Another example (e.g., example 2) relates to a previous example (e.g., example 1) or to any other example, further comprising that the lighting control circuitry is configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices to vary a portion of the environment illuminated by the respective lighting device based on the at least one of the first sensor data, the second sensor data, the third sensor and the user input data.

[0073] Another example (e.g., example 3) relates to a previous example (e.g., example 2) or to any other example, further comprising that the lighting control circuitry is configured to receive at least one of the first sensor data, the third sensor data and the user input data, wherein the at least one of the first sensor data, the third sensor data and the user input data indicates movement of a whole crane arm of the crane, movement of a part of the crane arm or movement of a load held by the crane arm, control, based on the at least one of the first sensor data, the third sensor data and the user input data, at least one of the one or more lighting devices to vary the portion of the environment illuminated by the respective lighting device in accordance with the movement of the whole crane arm, the movement of the part of the crane arm or the movement of the load.

[0074] Another example (e.g., example 4) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 2 or 3) or to any other example, further comprising that the lighting control circuitry is configured to receive the second sensor data, wherein the second sensor data indicate an orientation of the remote control, control at least one of the one or more lighting devices to vary the portion of the environment illuminated by the respective lighting device based on the orientation of the remote control.

[0075] Another example (e.g., example 5) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 4) or to any other example, further comprising that the lighting control circuitry is configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices to vary a light intensity of its emitted light based on the at least one of the first sensor data, the second sensor data, the third sensor data and the user input data.

[0076] Another example (e.g., example 6) relates to a previous example (e.g., example 5) or to any other example, further comprising that the first sensor data and / or the third sensor data indicate measured light intensities of the one or more sensors, wherein the lighting control circuitry is configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices to vary the light intensity of its emitted light based on the measured light intensities.

[0077] Another example (e.g., example 7) relates to a previous example (e.g., example 6) or to any other example, further comprising that the lighting control circuitry is configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices to reduce the light intensity of its emitted light if the measured light intensity of at least one of the one or more light sensors is above a threshold value.

[0078] Another example (e.g., example 8) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 7) or to any other example, further comprising that the lighting control circuitry is configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices to vary a color temperature of its emitted light based on the at least one of the first sensor data, the second sensor data, the third sensor data and the user input data.

[0079] Another example (e.g., example 9) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 8) or to any other example, further comprising that the lighting control circuitry is configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices to vary a light color of its emitted light based on the at least one of the first sensor data, the second sensor data, the third sensor data and the user input data.

[0080] Another example (e.g., example 10) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 9) or to any other example, further comprising that the lighting control circuitry is configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices to vary at least one of its position and orientation based on the at least one of the first sensor data, the second sensor data, the third sensor data and the user input data.

[0081] Another example (e.g., example 11) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 10) or to any other example, further comprising that the lighting control circuitry is configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices to vary a configuration of one or more lenses of the respective lighting device based on the at least one of the first sensor data, the second sensor data, the third sensor data and the user input data.

[0082] Another example (e.g., example 12) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 11) or to any other example, further comprising that the lighting control circuitry is configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices to vary a number of active light-emitting elements of the respective lighting device based on the at least one of the first sensor data, the second sensor data, the third sensor data and the user input data.

[0083] Another example (e.g., example 13) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 12) or to any other example, further comprising that the lighting control circuitry is further configured to receive equipment data indicating an equipment mounted to the crane, and wherein the lighting control circuitry is configured to control the light emission by the one or more lighting devices further based on the equipment data.

[0084] Another example (e.g., example 14) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 13) or to any other example, further comprising that the lighting control circuitry is further configured to receive environmental status data indicating a status of the environment of the crane, wherein the lighting control circuitry is configured to control the light emission by the one or more lighting devices further based on the environmental status data.

[0085] Another example (e.g., example 15) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 14) or to any other example, further comprising that the lighting control circuitry is integrated into control circuitry of the crane for controlling operation of a movable part of the crane.

[0086] Another example (e.g., example 16) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 14) or to any other example, further comprising that the lighting control circuitry is integrated into one or more of the one or more lighting devices of the crane.

[0087] Another example (e.g., example 17) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 16) or to any other example, further comprising interface circuitry configured to transmit lighting status data indicating at least one of a status of the light emission by the one or more lighting devices and a variation thereof to the remote control.

[0088] Another example (e.g., example 18) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 17) or to any other example, further comprising that the crane is loader crane.

[0089] An example (e.g., example 19) relates to vehicle having mounted thereon a crane according to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 18) or to any other example.

[0090] An example (e.g., example 20) relates to a method for a crane arranged to be mounted to a crane carrier for controlling lighting of an environment of the crane, comprising receiving at least one of first sensor data of one or more sensors mounted to the crane, second sensor data of one or more sensors of a remote control for the crane, third sensor data of one or more sensors of the crane carrier and user input data indicating a user input at the remote control, and controlling light emission by one or more lighting devices for lighting the environment of the crane based on the at least one of the first sensor data, the second sensor data, the third sensor data and the user input data, wherein the one or more lighting devices are mounted to the crane and / or are lighting devices of the crane carrier.

[0091] Another example (e.g., example 21) relates to a non-transitory machine-readable medium having stored thereon a program having a program code for performing the method according to a previous example (e.g., example 20) or to any other example, when the program is executed on a processor or a programmable hardware of the crane.

[0092] Another example (e.g., example 22) relates to a program having a program code for performing the method according to a previous example (e.g., example 20) or to any other example, when the program is executed on a processor or a programmable hardware of the crane.

[0093] The aspects and features described in relation to a particular one of the previous examples may also be combined with one or more of the further examples to replace an identical or similar feature of that further example or to additionally introduce the features into the further example.

[0094] Examples may further be or relate to a (computer) program including a program code to execute one or more of the above methods when the program is executed on a computer, processor or other programmable hardware component. Thus, steps, operations or processes of different ones of the methods described above may also be executed by programmed computers, processors or other programmable hardware components. Examples may also cover program storage devices, such as digital data storage media, which are machine-, processor- or computer-readable and encode and / or contain machine-executable, processor-executable or computer-executable programs and instructions. Program storage devices may include or be digital storage devices, magnetic storage media such as magnetic disks and magnetic tapes, hard disk drives, or optically readable digital data storage media, for example. Other examples may also include computers, processors, control units, (field) programmable logic arrays ((F)PLAs), (field) programmable gate arrays ((F)PGAs), graphics processor units (GPU), ASICs, integrated circuits (ICs) or SoC systems programmed to execute the steps of the methods described above.

[0095] It is further understood that the disclosure of several steps, processes, operations or functions disclosed in the description or claims shall not be construed to imply that these operations are necessarily dependent on the order described, unless explicitly stated in the individual case or necessary for technical reasons. Therefore, the previous description does not limit the execution of several steps or functions to a certain order. Furthermore, in further examples, a single step, function, process or operation may include and / or be broken up into several substeps, -functions, -processes or -operations.

[0096] If some aspects have been described in relation to a device or system, these aspects should also be understood as a description of the corresponding method. For example, a block, device or functional aspect of the device or system may correspond to a feature, such as a method step, of the corresponding method. Accordingly, aspects described in relation to a method shall also be understood as a description of a corresponding block, a corresponding element, a property or a functional feature of a corresponding device or a corresponding system.

[0097] The following claims are hereby incorporated in the detailed description, wherein each claim may stand on its own as a separate example. It should also be noted that although in the claims a dependent claim refers to a particular combination with one or more other claims, other examples may also include a combination of the dependent claim with the subject matter of any other dependent or independent claim. Such combinations are hereby explicitly proposed, unless it is stated in the individual case that a particular combination is not intended. Furthermore, features of a claim should also be included for any other independent claim, even if that claim is not directly defined as dependent on that other independent claim.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0012]Some examples are now described in more detail with reference to the enclosed figures. However, other possible examples are not limited to the features of these embodiments described in detail. Other examples may include modifications of the features as well as equivalents and alternatives to the features. Furthermore, the terminology used herein to describe certain examples should not be restrictive of further possible examples.

[0013]Throughout the description of the figures same or similar reference numerals refer to same or similar elements and / or features, which may be identical or implemented in a modified form while providing the same or a similar function. The thickness of lines, layers and / or areas in the figures may also be exaggerated for clarification.

[0014]When two elements A and B are combined using an "or", this is to be understood as disclosing all possible combinations, i.e., only A, only B as well as A and B, unless expressly defined otherwise in the individua...

Claims

1. A crane (100) arranged to be mounted to a crane carrier, the crane (100) comprising lighting control circuitry (110) configured to: receive at least one of first sensor data (101) of one or more sensors mounted to the crane (100), second sensor data (102) of one or more sensors of a remote control (199) for the crane (100), third sensor data (103) of one or more sensors of the crane carrier and user input data (104) indicating a user input at the remote control (199); and control light emission by one or more lighting devices (120-1, ..., 120-4) for lighting an environment of the crane (100) based on the at least one of the first sensor data (101), the second sensor, the third sensor data (103) and the user input data (104), wherein the one or more lighting devices (120-1, ..., 120-4) are mounted to the crane (100) and / or are lighting devices of the crane carrier.

2. The crane (100) of claim 1, wherein the lighting control circuitry (110) is configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices (120-1, ..., 120-4) to vary a portion of the environment illuminated by the respective lighting device based on the at least one of the first sensor data (101), the second sensor data (102), the third sensor and the user input data (104).

3. The crane (100) of claim 2, wherein the lighting control circuitry (110) is configured to: receive at least one of the first sensor data (101), the third sensor data (103) and the user input data (104), wherein the at least one of the first sensor data (101), the third sensor data (103) and the user input data (104) indicates movement of a whole crane arm of the crane (100), movement of a part of the crane arm or movement of a load held by the crane arm; control, based on the at least one of the first sensor data (101), the third sensor data (103) and the user input data (104), at least one of the one or more lighting devices (120-1, ..., 120-4) to vary the portion of the environment illuminated by the respective lighting device in accordance with the movement of the whole crane arm, the movement of the part of the crane arm or the movement of the load.

4. The crane (100) of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the lighting control circuitry (110) is configured to: receive the second sensor data (102), wherein the second sensor data (102) indicate an orientation of the remote control (199); control at least one of the one or more lighting devices (120-1, ..., 120-4) to vary the portion of the environment illuminated by the respective lighting device based on the orientation of the remote control (199).

5. The crane (100) of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the lighting control circuitry (110) is configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices (120-1, ..., 120-4) to vary a light intensity of its emitted light based on the at least one of the first sensor data (101), the second sensor data (102), the third sensor data (103) and the user input data (104).

6. The crane (100) of claim 5, wherein the first sensor data (101) and / or the third sensor data (103) indicate measured light intensities of the one or more sensors, and wherein the lighting control circuitry (110) is configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices (120-1, ..., 120-4) to vary the light intensity of its emitted light based on the measured light intensities.

7. The crane (100) of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the lighting control circuitry (110) is configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices (120-1, ..., 120-4) to vary a color temperature of its emitted light based on the at least one of the first sensor data (101), the second sensor data (102), the third sensor data (103) and the user input data (104).

8. The crane (100) of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the lighting control circuitry (110) is configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices (120-1, ..., 120-4) to vary a light color of its emitted light based on the at least one of the first sensor data (101), the second sensor data (102), the third sensor data (103) and the user input data (104).

9. The crane (100) of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the lighting control circuitry (110) is configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices (120-1, ..., 120-4) to vary at least one of its position and orientation based on the at least one of the first sensor data (101), the second sensor data (102), the third sensor data (103) and the user input data (104).

10. The crane (100) of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the lighting control circuitry (110) is configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices (120-1, ..., 120-4) to vary a configuration of one or more lenses of the respective lighting device based on the at least one of the first sensor data (101), the second sensor data (102), the third sensor data (103) and the user input data (104).

11. The crane (100) of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the lighting control circuitry (110) is configured to control at least one of the one or more lighting devices (120-1, ..., 120-4) to vary a number of active light-emitting elements of the respective lighting device based on the at least one of the first sensor data (101), the second sensor data (102), the third sensor data (103) and the user input data (104).

12. The crane (100) of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the lighting control circuitry (110) is further configured to receive equipment data (105) indicating an equipment mounted to the crane (100), and wherein the lighting control circuitry (110) is configured to control the light emission by the one or more lighting devices (120-1, ..., 120-4) further based on the equipment data (105).

13. The crane (100) of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the lighting control circuitry (110) is further configured to receive environmental status data (106) indicating a status of the environment of the crane (100), and wherein the lighting control circuitry (110) is configured to control the light emission by the one or more lighting devices (120-1, ..., 120-4) further based on the environmental status data (105).

14. The crane (100) of any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising interface circuitry (160) configured to transmit lighting status data (107) indicating at least one of a status of the light emission by the one or more lighting devices (120-1, ..., 120-4) and a variation thereof to the remote control (199).

15. The crane (100) of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the crane (100) is loader crane.

Images