Systems and methods to facilitate crane operator lift deviation assessment and reaction during load lift operations

Abstract

Crane operation lift deviation system facilitates operator lift deviation reaction during load lift with load lift deviation sensor and combination visual indicator showing deviation magnitude and deviation direction for viewing. The system has optically-based load lift deviation sensor, or an imaging sensor positioned near the lift point. Embodiments provide camera in the vicinity of lift point for the crane as simply retrofittable. Mounts can be put on and taken off without substantial time with an alignment clamp that attaches quick attach-detach unit enclosure attached by mounting sleeve and sleeve mate-able safety catch held by attachment lock element. Operator display transient mount with in-cab display can help operator more appropriate control.

Description

[0001] SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO FACILITATE CRANE OPERATOR LIFT DEVIATION ASSESSMENT AND REACTION DURING LOAD LIFT OPERATIONS

[0002] PRIORITY CLAIM

[0003] This is a PCT international patent application claiming priority to and the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 448,942 filed February 28, 2023, hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0004] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0005] This disclosure generally relates to the field of lifting, positioning, and determining crane loads or other cantilevered members and methods of using the same. More specifically, the present disclosure also relates to systems and methods that facilitate crane operator lift deviation assessment and reaction and to crane systems and methods that may include a monitor or primary computer, a human interface device (hid), a boom mounting bracket, and a camera enclosure.

[0006] BACKGROUND ART

[0007] One function of these systems and their methods is to eliminate load drift caused by crane boom-to-block misalignment (load drift). The technology disclosed herein may substantially decrease or eliminate over-boom / under-boom as well as horizontal misalignment events due to poor boom alignment. Load drift caused by crane boom-to-block misalignment can be seen in Figures 1 and 2. They also serve to facilitate crane operator lift deviation assessment and reaction as the operator accommodates and / or uses drift, crane deflection, and the like in achieving desired operation of the crane. As should be understood from the figures and discussion, any misalignment or deflection can create issues when lifting. Such issues can be negative (undesired drift) or positive (desired drift or movement). Figure 1 illustrates one type of deviation that can occur, namely, the weight of the loaded boom can cause the boom to bend as one type of deflection. This disclosure can dramatically decrease load drift or sway that may have been caused by lifting a load with any non-centered or moving boom angle. The system may also provide a second form of safety to prevent load sway aside from a rigger or other personnel. As a crane takes on weight from a lift, the boom can begin to deflect away from the Rotex location - the point of rotation, typically under the cab. Other boom tip or lifting point movements can also occur and are included in the broad concept of a deflection. The boom tip can move as a result of any type of crane base shift, there can be Rotex movement, there can be connection wear, there can be bushing or bearing looseness, there can be cable stretch, there can be structure bending, there can be ground shift or compaction, and the like. Thus, it should be understood that a deflection broadly encompasses any movement of the tip that occurs at, during, or upon loading or lifting. Importantly - whether desired or not - operator control can need to be precise.

[0008] Current methods sometimes utilize a rigger or riggers to visually align the boom to the block. This can be problematic due to rigger viewpoint, access to an ideal vantagepoint, rigger experience, as well as the rigging being utilized. This method can also potentially place personnel in harm’s way, as well as allow for possible damaging load drift. In some circumstances, the more weight a crane lifts, the more the boom can deflect. Even if the rigger attaches the load to the boom and achieves the correct boom alignment initially, once the crane takes weight, the boom angle or tip location can become problematic through deflection. Efforts to address this issue to date have, however, not been satisfactory. For example, US Pat. No. 10519008 involves a crane load centering assembly that has light beams and a warning when a load deflects from a sheave. This only warns of a potential problem when deflection is not desired and so it does not provide an ability to enhance operator control — whether such deflection is desired or undesired — in the manner or to the degree of the present disclosure. A 1992 article disclosed a Nonlinear’ Digital Controller for an Off-Shore Crane that involves controlling crane movement to address sway control (off-shore), not complimenting and enhancing operator control of the crane — whether such deflection is desired or undesired — in the manner or to the degree of the present disclosure. For example, US Pat. No. 10,899,586 involves a crane position indicator that laser marks a center of gravity on the ground or on a load. This only is for alignment and so it does not provide an ability to enhance operator control during the lift operation so that deflection - whether such deflection is desired or undesired - is able to be addresses by the operator in the manner or to the degree of the present disclosure. A 1995 book or article discussed nonlinear oscillations generally and so did not provide aspects of crane control or an ability to enhance operator control of a crane — whether such deflection is desired or undesired — in the manner or to the degree of the present disclosure. US Pat. No. 4,471,877 involves a crane sensor to detect an out of plumb lift cable that warns of a deflection but does not provide an ability to enhance operator control — whether such deflection is desired or undesired — in the manner or to the degree of the present disclosure. US Pat. No. 2916162 involves damping pendulum motions of a lifting machine that does not provide an ability to enhance operator control — whether such deflection is desired or undesired — in the manner or to the degree of the present disclosure. Other items even include cameras for cranes such as US Pat. No. 9776838, US Pat. Pub. No. 20180022584, US Pat. No. 11897734, US Pat. Pub. No. 20180022584, but these do not use a camera in a way that image load deflection upon lifting so as to provide an ability to enhance operator control — whether such deflection is desired or undesired — in the manner or to the degree of the present disclosure.

[0009] DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0010] This disclosure provides embodiments that can allow an operator to minimize or eliminate or maximize or increase the load drift as the operator may desire for that particular operation. The potential advantages may be enormous as the applications are immense. This system, in embodiments, can be utilized in any field where lifting devices or booms are utilized. A function of some embodiments may be to more appropriately align or not align the boom tip with the block. The inventive technology may accomplish one or more of the following:

[0011] -Reduction or elimination of load drift (near’ to far, and / or left to right);

[0012] -Maximize or increase load drift (near to far, and / or left to right);

[0013] -Improve lifting performance during edge of chart / max chart lifts where drift can overload the crane, thereby avoiding out-of-chart operation;

[0014] -Prevent, control, or reduce drift in tight locations where the load is being lifted around sensitive objects or equipment;

[0015] -Keep rigger(s) out of harm’s way while they attempt to align the boom in limited space situations;

[0016] -Help prevent, cause, control, or eliminate unwanted drift when desired, such as from a small area such as a truck bed or railcar;

[0017] -Help to ensure the crane operator can make a clean vertical lift even if the rigger cannot get to the proper vantage point for boom alignment;

[0018] -Assist in particular, often operator’s critical industry-specific jobs where maintaining boom alignment or lift movement is crucial, such as performing tilt ups, standing tanks, etc.; and

[0019] -Help prevent or more appropriately control side loading a crane such as in a 2 or more cranes lift.

[0020] Naturally, other goals and objects of the inventions are disclosed throughout the text, clauses, and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] Fig. 1 is an exemplary image of load deflection in a conventional load lifting system.

[0022] Fig. 2 is an exemplary image of load misalignment in a conventional load lifting system.

[0023] Fig. 3 is an exemplary image of some types of conventional load lifting systems and main components.

[0024] Fig. 4 is an exemplary image of a camera enclosure according to some embodiments.

[0025] Fig. 5 is an exemplary embodiment in the present disclosure including dampeners, IMU, a gimbal, and the camera enclosure such as according to Fig. 4.

[0026] Fig. 6 is an exemplary alternate view of a camera enclosure, shown as a cutaway view.

[0027] Fig. 7 another exemplary alternate view of Figure 6.

[0028] Fig. 8 is an exemplary image of a universal crane existing orifice mount according to some embodiments.

[0029] Fig. 9 is an exemplary image of an alternately attached boom mounting bracket.

[0030] Fig. 10 is an exemplary alternate view of an alternately attached boom mounting bracket.

[0031] Fig. 11 is another exemplary alternate view of an attached boom mounting bracket.

[0032] Fig. 12 is an exemplary perspective view of a boom mounting bracket.

[0033] Fig. 13 shows exemplary sensor measurements for calculated boom angles.

[0034] Fig. 14 is an exemplary image of a human interface device (“HID”) as described in some embodiments herein.

[0035] Fig. 15 is an exemplary image of a system with transmission and reception points as described in some embodiments herein.

[0036] Fig. 16 is a bottom view of another exemplary embodiment of an attached boom assembly.

[0037] Fig. 17 is a side view of another exemplary embodiment of an attached boom assembly.

[0038] Fig. 18 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of an attached boom assembly.

[0039] Fig. 19 is another bottom view of another exemplary embodiment of an attached boom assembly.

[0040] Fig. 20 is another side view of another exemplary embodiment of an attached boom assembly.

[0041] Fig. 21 is another perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of an attached boom assembly.

[0042] Fig. 22 is a perspective view of gimbal system of an embodiment.

[0043] Fig. 23 is another perspective view of gimbal system of an embodiment.

[0044] Fig. 24 is a bottom view of gimbal system of an embodiment. Fig. 25 is a side view of gimbal system of an embodiment.

[0045] Fig. 26 is another side view of gimbal system of an embodiment.

[0046] Fig. 27 is a top view of gimbal system of an embodiment.

[0047] MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0048] It should be understood that embodiments can include a variety of aspects, which may be combined in different ways. The following descriptions are provided to list elements and describe some of the embodiments of the application. These elements are listed with initial embodiments; however, it should be understood that they may be combined in any manner and in any number to create additional embodiments. The variously described examples and preferred embodiments should not be construed to limit the embodiments of the application to only the explicitly described systems, techniques, and applications. The specific embodiment or embodiments shown are examples only. The specification should be understood and is intended as supporting broad claims as well as each embodiment, and even claims where other embodiments may be excluded if desired. Importantly, disclosure of merely exemplary embodiments is not meant to limit the breadth of other more encompassing claims that may be made where such may be only one of several methods or embodiments which could be employed in a broader claim or the like. Further, this description should be understood to support and encompass descriptions and claims of all the various embodiments, systems, techniques, methods, devices, and applications with any number of the disclosed elements, with each element alone, and also with any and all various permutations and combinations of all elements in this or any subsequent application.

[0049] Figs. 1 and 2 are provided to show one type of problem this disclosure may aim to address. Fig. 3 shows multiple embodiments of conventional load lifting systems where the present system can be employed. This system may be utilized on any type of crane boom configuration on many different types of cranes including but not limited to AT, RT, Crawler, tower, knuckle, truck mount, lattice, etc. These cranes all can have and may share similar components, including but not limited to a boom (some lifting element, hydraulic or lattice), an operator’ s station, a rotex, a lifting hook or other device, and also a winch controlling the hook block. These show how systems can be attached to any crane and the methods disclosed can be used with any crane.

[0050] Fig. 15 shows schematically one embodiment depicting the various elements some embodiment can include. A crane operation lift deviation system (21) that is capable of facilitating operator lift deviation reaction during load lift or during the step of lifting a load can achieve the step of accepting operator input during the remote display for better control by the operator. As mentioned, reaction can be for the operator to accept as is or to alter or compensate his / her planned action to get whatever result that operator desires. Embodiments can have a load lift deviation sensor (22) where the lift deviation is a deflection occurring upon lifting the load. Such a load lift deviation sensor (22) can serve to accomplish the step of sensing a load lift deviation for operator use if desired. As can be appreciated, the system can be configured to accomplish the steps of generating a combination visual indication and then displaying a visual indication. It may even display a combination visual indication. Thus, the system can be understood as having a visual indicator (23) that may serve as a deviation magnitude and deviation direction combination visual indicator (23) where both magnitude and direction are combined indications. This can accomplish the step of creating a deviation magnitude and deviation direction indication. Importantly, all of this can be provided for operator viewing during load lift operation a crane (24). And as discussed later, the system can accept operator input to operate the crane during the display so that the operator interpreting the display can be an integral pail of how the operator more appropriately controls the crane (24).

[0051] As should be understood, embodiments of the system can provide simply retrofittable items for existing cranes. Embodiments can be designed to be put on and taken off at will without substantial time commitment so that even when different cranes are used, the system can be used and comfortably used by a particular operator by putting it on and taking it off different cranes if desired. Embodiments can provide a boom mount (25) such as at a boom tip (26) effectively as a boom tip mount (27) to attached a portion of an embodiment of a system. A particularly convenient feature is that embodiments can use an optically-based load lift deviation sensor (28) and this can be positioned at or near the lift point (36), often the boom tip (26), of that particular crane. The load lift deviation sensor (22), optically-based load lift deviation sensor (28), or more generally an imaging sensor (35) can be positioned at or near the lift point (36). Thus, embodiments can have, or achieve, or use the step of mounting an imaging sensor (35) in the vicinity of a lift point (36). In this manner embodiments can have a lift point adjacent optical deviation sensor mount (29) and methods can achieve the step of having or placing both considered as the step of mounting an optical deviation sensor on a crane boom in the vicinity of or adjacent a lift point for the crane (24).

[0052] Fig. 4 shows an embodiment that includes a camera enclosure. A camera (38) is one type of optically-based load lift deviation sensor (28). In such an embodiment, the camera or optically- based load lift deviation sensor (28) can act to achieve the step of optically sensing a load lift deviation. In this manner the camera can serve as a camera-based load lift deviation sensor. The camera may have a central view area, and as can be appreciated later, the camera can even be a directionally constrained camera (29) so as to achieve the step of directionally constrained imaging particularly of the central view area. The camera can be enclosed as can be appreciated from Fig. 4 and others, and the camera enclosure may be weather-proof (such as meeting IEC protection code IP54), and may be of an ABD thermoplastic solvent welded enclosure which may help to protect the camera and electronics from water and dust or other debris. A window may be made of clear PETG or other transparent material which may provide a clear view for the camera. In certain embodiments, the camera enclosure may be mounted such as but one option, to the jib-pin via the boom mount (25) or boom mounting bracket or assembly, such as shown in Fig. 12. Certain embodiments may also include a camera mount. The camera mount may be custom made to fit the camera to the inside of the enclosure or it can be a standard design. It may be comprised of machined plastic and / or metal parts, along with dampers as discussed later. As shown in Figures 16 to 18, and as can be understood from Figures 4 to 12, quick attach and detach capability is possible. Embodiments can have or provide an alignment clamp (30) that aligns and attaches a quick attach-detach unit enclosure (31) that houses or provides at least a mounting sleeve (32) that may be attached to the alignment clamp, a sleeve mate-able safety catch (33) that may be responsive to the alignment clamp (30) by being held securely in one position for proper operation. There may be an attachment lock element (34) to secure the enclosure in adverse conditions or to avoid tampering or theft if applicable. In installing the portion at the boom tip (26) or such, there can be a power source (37) for the boom tip portion and correspondingly, the step of supplying power to a load lift deviation sensor (22), an optically-based load lift deviation sensor (28), an imaging sensor (35), or the camera (38). The power source (37) can be a crane existing power tap input (42) for the step of supplying power from a crane existing power tap. For example, a 5' 18 / 6C cord assembly with 2 receptacles may tap into power already in use by crane accessories and safety lights at the tip of the boom.

[0053] An aspect of embodiments is that any of these elements can be configured to achieve the step of imaging a vertical down point (39) such as in the central view area as mentioned earlier. The vertical down point (39) is a direction like the gravity vector (40). When the center of gravity of the load is below and in line with the gravity vector (40) from the lift point (36) there will be no drift, of course. To ensure the camera (38) or other such sensor points vertically downward regardless of the orientation of the boom crane, embodiments can have a substantially constant vertical down point system (41) that can achieve the step of substantially constantly maintaining a vertical down point aim. For embodiments with an imaging sensor (35) such as a camera (38), there can be a camera substantially constant vertical down point system (43). The camera (38) can be a directionally constrained camera (45) so there is directionally constrained imaging if desired in some embodiments. As but one example, the camera (38) may be a Thor Fiber 1080p 3G / HD- SDI / HDMI / IP Streaming Box Camera with 20x Optical Zoom, or other model. The camera may be utilized to view and capture live video of the boom tip and the areas around the boom tip, or any other desired area. The main printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) may be mounted to the wall of the enclosure. The PCBA may control the camera and manage power into the enclosure and outgoing data communication such as to a remote operator display to display information from the camera (38) to an operator such as to a wireless access point (WAP).

[0054] As can be understood, embodiments can have wireless capability, WiFi, or other wireless access points. A Long-Range WiFi Access Point may provide a secure WiFi connection from the camera enclosure such as to a tablet or other receiving device such as in the crane cab. Thus, embodiments can have a remote data output (46) configured to provide data such as from a camera (38) to some remote location and achieve the step of remotely providing data perhaps developed from the imaging sensor (35). This can be received and then displayed such as by remotely displaying information from the data developed from the imaging sensor (35) or the like such as at a remote operator display (47). In this fashion the operator can use the remote display for better control of the crane and the crane can achieve accepting operator input during the remote display of such information.

[0055] Embodiments can also include an IMU (inertial measurement unit) as an inertial measurement unit data system (48) so they can utilize boom tip inertial data for the crane (24) if desired. An IMU may also be mounted to a board to provide live boom-tip movement or other desired data. Another PCBA may also be mounted to the back of the camera. This PCBA may use a wired connection to the Main PCBA and may provide power to the camera and may transmit data to the main PCBA. An IMU may provide or enhance providing live camera movement data. For example, a 3-port 10 / 100 or similar ethernet switch may be utilized to communicate video and IMU data concurrently to a tablet or other receiving device in the cab. Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 show alternate views of an enclosure and with optional additional desired items, including but not limited to, J hooks or other attachment elements attached to a mounting bracket for coupling to a desired apparatus, as well as power connections and PCB boards.

[0056] As mentioned, embodiments can have a substantially constant vertical down point system (41) that can achieve the step of substantially constantly maintaining a vertical down point aim. In embodiments such as shown in Fig. 5, an embodiment disclosed herein can achieve this by including a gimbal mechanism or gimbal system (49) that uses gravity to keep an imaging sensor (35) such as a camera (38) pointing roughly down. This can allow a system to achieve the step of gimbaling as part of accomplishing said the of substantially constantly maintaining a vertical down point aim or the like. Because a gimbal can swing (indeed it is designed to achieve that) considerations for too much free swinging can be important. Thus, in embodiments, the substantially constant vertical down point system (41) can include one or more dampener (50), such as located on both an X and Y axis, which may allow for the system to maneuver in order to facilitate the camera to be pointing consistently downward by the step of dampening or damping movement, particularly of a gimbal system (49). Dampening can be achieved mechanically or electronically such as through use of one or more IMUs, which can show data relating to horizontal positioning, vertical positioning, and the relation between the two. Particular dampening can be helpful, and damping that is similar to an exponential decay damping of an oscillator such that any of the following may be used: i) a damping factor that results in an oscillation that is less than 10% of the initial oscillation after three oscillations; ii) a damping factor that results in an oscillation that is less than 10% of the initial oscillation after not more than three seconds; and / or iii) a damping factor (negative exponent) of at least about 0.25, 0.3, 0.4, or 0.5 in a amplitude exponential decay of an oscillator (e.g., e‘°3t) such that higher damping values like 0.6 (e.g., e'06t) could be used.

[0057] As also mentioned, quick attach and detach capability can be desirable for some embodiments so as to have a quick attach-detach unit enclosure (31). Thus, embodiments can have a quick release boom mount (51) for quick release boom mounting. In embodiments such as shown in Figs. 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 a boom mounting bracket is disclosed. Designs can provide a self- contained transient, quick release boom tip mount as shown. The mounting bracket may be comprised of a centering or alignment clamp (30), which may be used to align the clamp hardware to ensure alignment with the primary sheave or sheave pack. It may also include an adaptive cone to serve as a universal crane existing orifice mount (52) for the step of utilizing a universal crane existing orifice mount. The adaptive come can be an attachably securable frustoconical element (53) for the step of attachably securing a frustoconical element as shown in Figs. 10 and 12. This can fit a wide variety of existing mount holes and may be used to center the mounting hardware with the sheave pin and / or jib mount, such as to achieve a lift point adjacent jib mount (54) and for the step of mounting an optical deviation sensor or optically-based load lift deviation sensor (28) on a crane boom at a lift point adjacent jib mount for the crane (24). This may help to ensure a square alignment on a variety of crane makes and models. The adaptive cone may allow for the bracket to adjust to any size of jib mounting pin. Utilization of both the centering clamp and the alignment or adaptive cone may provide for a rigid, sure-fit of the mounting bracket to the crane apparatus. The mounting bracket may also include a mounting sleeve (32). The mounting sleeve or element (32) (shown in Fig. 7) may be a surface or surfaces used to physically attach and lock the camera enclosure or quick attach-detach unit enclosure (31)(shown in Fig. 4) to mounting hardware.

[0058] Fig. 14 shows a controller, lift deviation system human interface device, or human interface device (HID)(54) for accepting operator input which may be utilized in some embodiments and may include a HID control device, perhaps used to manually navigate a touch screen monitor or the like. A mounting kit may also be included which may attach to the HID and also a mount, such as similar to a ram ball and ram mount, and may be used to position the HID and mount in desired locations. Thus, embodiments can have an operator display transient mount (55) with an in-cab display (56) attached to the operator display transient mount (55). This can achieve providing an operator display transient mount and providing an in-cab display attached to the operator display transient mount (55) such as for systems that may be desired to be taken on or off at will and quickly. The HID (54) may connect to or control a primary computer via wired or wireless connections. This can facilitate accepting operator input during the remote display of the system’s information. Some embodiments may include a monitor, perhaps a touch screen (1), connected to a processor (2), such as an ASIC, an app, a PC computer, a desktop computer, or a tablet and may be known as the “primary computer” which may be equipped with programming that may be needed to receive data and control elements as desired. See. Fig. 15. This computer can have both open (3) and closed (4) source sectors. The closed sector may be for secured programming and firmware updates as well as to house proprietary technology. The open source sector may accommodate outside sources to add in custom graphics and font to match their needs visually. This panel may have a display screen used to navigate various menus. The panel may also utilize and provide a mounting system (5) to attach it to an operator’s cabin interior. The monitor may be encased or otherwise protected, and may be mounted via mounting hardware such as, for example, ram mounts. A quick release plate may also be included. The computer / display can be mounted to any acceptable surface inside the operator’s cabin. The display could be mounted using screws, straps, magnets, suction, or various other means. The use of suction cups for glass surfaces could also be used. The primary computer may house both a receiver (11) and transmitter (12). As an option, the primary computer can also be used as an upload point to send out updates to or utilize boom sensors and block sensors wirelessly if desired. The primary computer may communicate wirelessly or via wires. Wired communication methods can include, but are not limited to: Coax, fiberoptic, twisted pair, DSL, etc. to transmit data. The in-cab computer may have numerous methods to connect, such as, for example, directed Wifi, Narrow Band WiFi, USB, IDE, Sata, eSata, and / or Ethernet, as well as other wireless methods. Embodiments can include a wireless data output (57) and an in-cab display wireless data input (58) for the steps of wirelessly outputting data and wirelessly inputting data such as to an in-cab display (56). These methods can also give access to the computer to update systems as well as troubleshoot if needed.

[0059] Embodiments may include a system that uses, for example, a 20x optical camera (9) that may be configured in and provide a self-contained transient boom tip mount (59) or a self- contained transient, quick release boom tip mount mounted to the boom tip (26) such as on the lower left jib pin surface at a lift point adjacent jib mount (54). This may act for mounting an optical deviation sensor on a crane boom at a lift point adjacent jib mount for the crane (24). This location may provide a perfect alignment with the primary sheave pack on a crane. The system may draw power from a S930 box via a smart plug (10). It may be mounted to a boom tip by a lift point adjacent mount perhaps using a self-aligning clamp as mentioned earlier that may mount to the lower left jib pin. The camera may be housed inside the camera enclosure such as the quick attach-detach unit enclosure (31) (shown in Fig. 4), which may be comprised of an IP54 thermoplastic enclosure. In some embodiments, this enclosure may be a 1080P camera with 20x optical zoom, two custom PCBAs, and a long-range WiFi access point (WAP), as but one example. The camera (38) may be a directionally constrained camera for directionally constrained imaging and may be mounted to a mechanism and may utilize gravity, the gimbal system, and perhaps dampers or other operator or automatic controls or even image processing to control substantially constant vertical down pointing. For example, embodiments can have an image processed substantially constant vertical down point adjuster perhaps as part of hardware (perhaps on a PCBA) or software (perhaps on the processor (2)) for image processing to achieve a step of image processed target point adjustment or as an image processed target point indication adjuster subroutine or the like. This hardware or software, can ensure the camera (38) or the like is always pointing down at the area under the boom tip (26). The camera PCBA may be mounted to the back of the camera, may provide power to the camera, and may transmit camera data back to the main PCBA. This PCBA may also contain an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to track movement of the camera with respect to the enclosure. A main PCBA may be mounted to the inside wall of the enclosure and may be connected to the camera PCBA by, for example, a flex cable. The main PCBA may manage power coming into the enclosure via a S930 box (or similar’) and may transmit IMU and / or video data to an ethernet or other connection or ethemet switch. The main PCBA may also use an IMU to track movement of a boom tip (26) and so embodiments can have a boom tip movement data input (60) for inputting boom tip movement data. The ethernet switch may receive data from the camera and perhaps two IMUs and may transmit the data concurrently to a WAP. The WAP may provide a secure Wi-Fi connection to the monitor (such as a tablet), allowing for high-speed data transfer sufficient for HD video. In some embodiments, the signal may then be received in the cab, perhaps via a computer / tablet / monitor where it may then be processed (cropped) to represent the center of gravity directly under the boom tip (plumb). In such embodiments, the singular two dimensional display visual indicator perhaps such as shown in Figures 28 or 29 having both a deviation magnitude indication and a deviation direction indication in the singular’ two dimensional display that can even be adjusted to present as desired. In this display, the screen may have a crosshair / reticle representing a desired target location perhaps at the center of the display as shown. In embodiments, the IMU data can be used for additional image modification (cropping adjustments, crosshair adjustments, and the like) and there can be an optically-based load lift deviation sensor movement data input (61) for inputting optically-based load lift deviation sensor movement data. A data input can be an image adjustment data input, an image crop data input, and / or an image crosshair adjustment data input for inputting image adjustment data, inputting image crop data, and / or inputting mage crosshair adjustment data if necessary or desired. Embodiments can have a substantially constant vertical down point corrector that may use hardware or software applying boom tip inertial data to correct and substantially constantly maintain a vertical down point aim.

[0060] To manipulate the zoom and other functions there may be a HID (54) such as for combination visual indicator zoom control and for accepting operator zoom control (as shown in Fig 14, and similar’ to a computer mouse or touch pad) that may be mounted near the operator to control a variety of aspects. This can include, among other aspects, cursor movement control and program selection control so the system can achieve accepting operator cursor movement control and accepting operator program selection control. There may also be a software selectable deflection system control at the HID (54) or otherwise for providing software selectable deflection control, and a software reprogrammable deflection system control for providing software reprogrammable deflection control.

[0061] The system disclosed herein may be installed by attaching a boom mount to a lift point adjacent jib mount perhaps for mounting an optical deviation sensor on a crane boom at a jib mounting hole. This may be done by setting mounting hardware on top of the Jib mounting surface. A user may use the alignment clamp (30)(shown in Figs. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) on top to align a clamp to a jib mount (also shown in Figs. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12), perhaps centering it with the adapter cone (also shown in Figs. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12). The alignment clamp may then be tightened hand tight. A user may then screw in the centering cone from the bottom of the mount over the alignment threads, perhaps using a wing nut. Once the centering cone is tight, a user may then tighten an alignment clamp. A user may then install a safety pin in alignment threads as one type of attachment lock element (34). Some mounting systems may be installed by locating a side of the unit that may include a mounting sleeve (32). From the top, a user may slide the unit down on the mounting sleeve (32) until the sleeve mate-able safety catch (33) engages and the safety catch sets. They may then install the safety pins attachment lock element (34) as one way to attach a quick attach- detach unit enclosure (31), at which time the power cable plug may then be plugged into the airport or jib extension plug on the S930 or other power source box as the crane existing power tap input for supplying power from a crane existing power tap as the power source (37) for the boom tip portion.

[0062] Installing the cab mounting hardware may include using the included ram mounts or similar, and placing a triple suction cup or other mount that can be removable as the operator display transient mount (55) to hold the in-cab display (56) attached to the operator display transient mount (55) for providing an operator display transient mount, providing an in-cab display. This type of HID mount can be put at any compatible location in the cab. Once in place, a user may then attach a monitor mounting surface to a quick release plate. They may then plug the monitor into 12v or other power supply, and power on the system. In embodiments, once a crane is rigged up and ready to be used, an operator may power on the system. They may then indicate to the system the expected working height through expected distance to a working surface input in software for inputting an expected distance to a working surface. The expected distance input could alternatively be an actual distance to a working surface input for inputting an actual distance to a working surface.

[0063] For viewing, in some embodiments, the system may have a default which may be, for example, lx zoom. The operator may first use the system to survey the jobsite from above. Once they have located their target load, they may then swing the boom directly over it. By placing the crosshairs on the load, there may also be a calculated numerical distance boom tip plumb-to- crosshair indication for indicating to the operator a calculated numerical boom tip plumb-to- crosshair distance. They may then lower the rigging, perhaps until signaled to stop by a rigger. Once the rigger has attached the rigging to the load and given the signal to hoist the load, the operator may then observe the position of a hook block in relation to the crosshairs while making the lift using the singular two dimensional display visual indicator. By having both a deviation magnitude indication and a deviation direction indication for singularly two dimensionally displaying information the operator can better control operations. As can be understood from Figures 28 and 29, there can be an operator-selected load image relational crosshair or the system can provide the operator a moveable operater-selected load image relational crosshair that can remain at a fixed location on a load or at a down point. Thus, embodiments can provide a load center of gravity crosshair. Any deflection or misalignment may then become obvious as the hook blocks may then move away from the center of the reticle. In this manner embodiments can have a gravity vector comparator that compares the load center of gravity to the down point mechanically or calculationally determined so the visual indicator (23) can achieve comparing a lift operation to a gravity vector. Thus embodiments can have a load lift point-gravity vector comparator such as a display for comparing a load lift point to a gravity vector. This can include a load lift point-gravity vector projection relative displacement indicator for creating a load lift point-gravity vector relative displacement indication such as the displacement discussed. As can be appreciated from Figures 28 and 29, this visual indicator (23) can be configured as a radial coordinate indicator for indicating radial coordinates to the operator; there may be a radial deflection indication indicating a radial deflection to the operator. There may also be a cartesian coordinate indicator indicating cartesian coordinates to the operator as shown in one alternative. These indications or more generally, the singular- two dimensional display visual indicator may allow for correction on the fly by the operator, perhaps by changing the boom swing or boom angle, or offset the like. In embodiments where the system may not automatically correct boom alignment, it may otherwise make misalignment or desired alignment very obvious and so provide for better operator control. Further, embodiments can add information to the indication. There may also be one or more numerical lift data indication for displaying to the operator at least one numerical lift data indication for precise operator control. These can include any of a numerical load lift deviation sensor offset indication, a numerical distance to a working surface indication, a numerical boom extension indication perhaps such as how much the boom is out, a numerical distance offset to a working surface indication all for displaying such information to the operator. There may be a calculated numerical distance boom tip plumb-to-crosshair indication indicating to the operator a calculated numerical boom tip plumb-to-crosshair distance. There may also or alternatively be a calculated numerical distance boom tip plumb-to-load center of gravity crosshair indication indicating to said operator a calculated numerical boom tip plumb-to-load center of gravity crosshair distance to the operator.

[0064] Other embodiments may include programming in order to create software that an operator may utilize. A first example may include the camera itself and it may be “gravity” based, such as like a pendulum and it may hang in a plumb downward position. The camera may hang very close to plumb, but perhaps not perfectly so. In order to achieve a perfect plumb orientation, the program may utilize IMU’s to “crop” the video to a perfect orientation. Embodiments can have an image adjustment data input, an image crop data input, and an image crosshair adjustment data input as previously mentioned. As but one working example, if the camera is indicated at -.05 degree from plumb, the IMU may detect that discrepancy and may automatically make the correction as one way for there to be a system determined crosshair for providing the operator a system determined crosshair. In the exemplary event of the hook blocks moving or being in a position away from the crosshairs in any direction, it may be visible indication that the load is out of plumb, therefore causing load drift. Different indications can be provided. There can be a boom tip plumb indication indicating to the operator a boom tip plumb indication. There may be an automatically created target point indication, an operator set target point indication, a boom tip plumb target point indication, and a system determined target point indication indicating each to the operator. As can be appreciated, a target point indication can exist so the down point or other location can be an indicated location relative to the target point indication. The target point can be automatically generated, operator created, and can be a plumb so called boom center of gravity point. In this way embodiments can achieve indicating a target point for an operator and indicating a location relative to the target point if desired.

[0065] Other embodiments may include programming that may provide the computer with two operating ranges. The first range may be how much “boom is out” ( i.e., distance from the boom tip to the working surface). The second range may be the camera offset, such as for a camera offset accommodation element that achieves accommodating an offset for properly indicating a down point even though the camera (38) may be slightly offset at the boom tip (26). The offset can be an average number that could be input prior to the unit being shipped, for example ~24”. There can also be a camera installation offset data input for inputting actual installation offset data for a particular installation. This can help for accurate display and embodiments may provide the programming or software, based on the data above, to perhaps, accurately display the reticle (crosshairs) on the screen, or in the singular two dimensional display visual indicator having both a deviation magnitude indication and a deviation direction indication to display a crosshair automatically. The operator can also be provided a moveable crosshair for the operator to set a reticle or cursor representing an operator desired location or target location. The crosshair can provide the operator an accurate representation of where his or her boom center of gravity is located as an automatic or calculated item. As but one example, the system may provide or use a some or all of a triangle of data. This can include a numerical load lift deviation sensor offset indication, a numerical distance to a working surface indication, a numerical boom extension indication, a numerical distance offset to a working surface indication any or all of which can be use or displayed to an operator. The triangle of data can include:

[0066] -Offset,

[0067] -Distance to the working surface, and

[0068] -Distance from offset to working surface for the target reticle to use or display. The automatic or calculated crosshair system or display can serve as a distance to a working surface factored adjuster utilizing a distance to a working surface or otherwise. The crosshair or display can also be an estimated load center of gravity crosshair providing the operator an estimated load center of gravity at a crosshair or an actual load center of gravity crosshair as mentioned or even a static hanging determined actual load center of gravity crosshair such as by having the operator lift the load and then having the system automatically or manually place a crosshair at the actual load center of gravity.

[0069] In using the HID (54), the operator may control the zoom using the HID as a combination visual indicator zoom control for accepting operator zoom control. The HID (54) can also also enable an operator to perform any system changes necessary or desired, such as change boom height or offset and so the HID (54) can serve as a oom height control for accepting operator input for boom height control, or a boom offset control for accepting operator input for boom offset control. In certain embodiments, the programming or software may or may not align the load and correct automatically so there can be an operator over-ridable auto drift correction system allowing the operator over-ridable auto drift correction. Some embodiments may show the operator any discrepancy in boom alignment. This can be important as one goal is to provide a crane operation lift deviation system that is capable of facilitating operator lift deviation reaction during load lift not overriding the operator’s control as deviation may or may not be desired during load lift operation crane. Of course, once the load is “floating” the need to correct load drift may be passed. The camera may then be utilized to simply watch the load surroundings. Importantly embodiments can enhance operator control, not replace it. Thus, there can be a lift deviation-independent and lift deviation-unimpeded operator crane control allowing lift deviation-independent and lift deviation-unimpeded operator crane control of the crane (24) where the operator uses or does not use the visual display through his or her judgment. This control can be an operator real time dynamic lift deviation reaction control system providing the operator real time dynamic lift deviation reaction control options during operation of the crane (24). In allowing and encouraging use of the operator’s judgement, embodiments can provide an operator deviation judgment influenced by combination visual indicator control system allowing operator deviation judgment merely influenced by the step of displaying a combination visual indication control of the crane or the like.

[0070] While the inventions have been described in connection with some preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the scope of the inventions to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the inventions as defined by the disclosed embodiments.

[0071] Examples of alternative claims (posed as clauses) may include:

[0072] 1. A crane operation lift deviation system capable of facilitating operator lift deviation reaction during load lift operations comprising: a boom mount; a camera-based load lift deviation sensor positioned at said boom mount; a power source to which said camera-based load lift deviation sensor is responsive; a substantially constant vertical down point system to which said camera-based load lift deviation sensor is responsive; a remote data output configured to provide data from said camera-based load lift deviation sensor at a remote location; a remote operator display configured to display information from said camera-based load lift deviation sensor; and a deviation magnitude and deviation direction combination visual indicator configured for operator viewing at said remote operator display during load lift operation of said crane.

[0073] 2. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 1 or any other clause, wherein said substantially constant vertical down point system comprises a gimbal system.

[0074] 3. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 2 or any other clause, wherein said substantially constant vertical down point system further comprises a dampener.

[0075] 4. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 3 or any other clause, wherein said boom mount comprises a self-contained transient, quick release boom tip mount.

[0076] 5. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 1 or any other clause, wherein said boom mount comprises an attachably securable frustoconical element.

[0077] 6. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 5 or any other clause, wherein said quick release boom mount further comprises: an alignment clamp; a quick attach-detach unit enclosure housing at least said camera and said substantially constant vertical down point system having a mounting sleeve; a sleeve mate-able safety catch responsive to said alignment clamp; and an attachment lock element configured to secure said mounting sleeve to said safety catch.

[0078] 7. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 4 or any other clause, and further comprising an operator display transient mount; and an in-cab display attached to said operator display transient mount.

[0079] 8. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 7 or any other clause, wherein said remote data output comprises a wireless data output, and further comprising an in-cab display wireless data input.

[0080] 9. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 1 or any other clause, and further comprising a crane to which said crane operation lift deviation system is attached.

[0081] 10. A crane operation lift deviation system capable of facilitating operator lift deviation reaction during load lift operations comprising: a camera having a central view area; a boom mount; a power source to which said camera is responsive; a remote data output configured to provide data from said camera at a remote location; a substantially constant vertical down point system to which said camera central view area is responsive; and a remote operator display configured to display information from said camera.

[0082] 11. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 10 or any other clause, wherein said substantially constant vertical down point system comprises a gimbal system.

[0083] 12. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 11 or any other clause, wherein said substantially constant vertical down point system further comprises a dampener.

[0084] 13. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 10 or any other clause, wherein said power source comprises a crane existing power tap input.

[0085] 14. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 10 or any other clause, wherein said boom mount comprises a quick release boom mount.

[0086] 15. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 14 or any other clause, wherein said quick release boom mount comprises a self-contained transient boom tip mount.

[0087] 16. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 14 or any other clause, wherein said quick release boom mount comprises a universal crane existing orifice mount.

[0088] 17. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 16 or any other clause, wherein said universal crane existing orifice mount comprises an attachably securable frustoconical element.

[0089] 18. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 16 or any other clause, wherein said quick release boom mount further comprises: an alignment clamp; a quick attach-detach unit enclosure housing at least said camera and said substantially constant vertical down point system having a mounting sleeve; a sleeve mate-able safety catch responsive to said alignment clamp; and an attachment lock element configured to secure said mounting sleeve to said safety catch.

[0090] 19. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 14 or any other clause, and further comprising an operator display transient mount; and an in-cab display attached to said operator display transient mount.

[0091] 20. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 10 or any other clause, wherein said remote data output comprises a wireless data output, and further comprising an in-cab display wireless data input.

[0092] 21. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 10 or any other clause, and further comprising a crane to which said crane operation lift deviation system is attached.

[0093] 22. A crane operation lift deviation system capable of facilitating operator lift deviation reaction during load lift operations comprising: a load lift deviation sensor; and a deviation magnitude and deviation direction combination visual indicator configured for operator viewing during load lift operation of said crane.

[0094] 23. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 22 or any other clause, wherein said load lift deviation sensor comprises an optically-based load lift deviation sensor.

[0095] 24. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 23 or any other clause, wherein said optically based load lift deviation sensor comprises a load lift point-gravity vector comparator.

[0096] 25. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 24 or any other clause, wherein said load lift point-gravity vector comparator comprises a load lift point-gravity vector projection relative displacement indicator. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 23 or any other clause, and further comprising a lift deviation-independent and lift deviation-unimpeded operator crane control. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 26 or any other clause, wherein said lift deviation-independent and lift deviation-unimpeded operator crane control comprises an operator real time dynamic lift deviation reaction control system. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 27 or any other clause, wherein said operator real time dynamic lift deviation reaction control system comprises an operator deviation judgment influenced by combination visual indicator control system. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 22 or any other clause, wherein said load lift deviation sensor comprises a gravity vector comparator. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 23 or any other clause, wherein said optically based load lift deviation sensor comprises a directionally constrained camera. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 30 or any other clause, and further comprising a camera offset accommodation element. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 31 or any other clause, wherein said camera offset accommodation element comprises a camera installation offset data input. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 23 or any other clause, and further comprising a lift deviation system human interface device. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 33 or any other clause, wherein said lift deviation system human interface device comprises a boom height control. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 33 or any other clause, wherein said lift deviation system human interface device comprises a boom offset control. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 33 or any other clause, wherein said lift deviation system human interface device comprises a combination visual indicator zoom control. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 33 or any other clause, wherein said lift deviation system human interface device comprises a software reprogrammable deflection system control. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 33 or any other clause, wherein said lift deviation system human interface device comprises a software selectable deflection system control. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 33 or any other clause, wherein said lift deviation system human interface device comprises a cursor movement control; and a program selection control. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 23 or any other clause, and further comprising a lift point adjacent optical deviation sensor mount. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 22 or any other clause, and further comprising a lift point adjacent jib mount. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 22 or any other clause, wherein said deviation magnitude and deviation direction combination visual indicator comprises a singular two dimensional display visual indicator having both a deviation magnitude indication and a deviation direction indication in said singular’ two dimensional display. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 42 or any other clause, wherein said singular two dimensional display visual indicator comprises a target point indication; and wherein said deviation magnitude indication and said deviation direction indication comprises an indicated location relative to said target point indication. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 42 or any other clause, wherein said singular two dimensional display visual indicator comprises a radial coordinate indicator. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 44 or any other clause, wherein said singular two dimensional display visual indicator further comprises a radial deflection indication. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 421 or any other clause, wherein said singular two dimensional display visual indicator comprises a cartesian coordinate indicator. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 42 or any other clause, wherein said singular two dimensional display visual indicator comprises a moveable crosshair.

[0097] 48. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 47 or any other clause, wherein said moveable crosshair comprises an operator- selected load image relational crosshair.

[0098] 49. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 47 or any other clause, wherein said moveable crosshair comprises a load center of gravity crosshair.

[0099] 50. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 49 or any other clause, wherein said load center of gravity crosshair comprises an estimated load center of gravity crosshair.

[0100] 51. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 49 or any other clause, wherein said load center of gravity crosshair comprises an actual load center of gravity crosshair.

[0101] 52. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 51 or any other clause, wherein said actual load center of gravity crosshair comprises a static hanging determined actual load center of gravity crosshair.

[0102] 53. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 42 or any other clause, wherein said singular two dimensional display visual indicator comprises a calculated numerical distance boom tip plumb-to-crosshair indication.

[0103] 54. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 42 or any other clause, wherein said singular’ two dimensional display visual indicator comprises a calculated numerical distance boom tip plumb-to-load center of gravity crosshair indication.

[0104] 55. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 42 or any other clause, wherein said singular two dimensional display visual indicator comprises a system determined crosshair.

[0105] 56. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 55 or any other clause, wherein said system determined crosshair comprises a static hanging determined actual load center of gravity crosshair.

[0106] 57. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 42 or any other clause, wherein said singular two dimensional display visual indicator further comprises at least one numerical lift data indication. 58. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 57 or any other clause, wherein said at least one numerical lift data indication comprises a numerical lift data indication selected from a numerical load lift deviation sensor offset indication, a numerical distance to a working surface indication, a numerical boom extension indication, and a numerical distance offset to a working surface indication.

[0107] 59. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 43 or any other clause, wherein said target point indication comprises a boom tip plumb indication.

[0108] 60. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 43 or any other clause, wherein said target point indication comprises a target point indication selected from chosen from an automatically created target point indication, an operator set target point indication, a boom tip plumb target point indication, and a system determined target point indication.

[0109] 61. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 23 or any other clause, and further comprising an inertial measurement unit data system.

[0110] 62. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 61 or any other clause, wherein said inertial measurement unit data system comprises a substantially constant vertical down point corrector.

[0111] 63. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 61 or any other clause, wherein said inertial measurement unit data system comprises a boom tip movement data input.

[0112] 64. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 61 or any other clause, wherein said inertial measurement unit data system comprises an optically-based load lift deviation sensor movement data input.

[0113] 65. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 61 or any other clause, wherein said inertial measurement unit data system comprises an image adjustment data input selected from chosen from an image crop data input and an image crosshair adjustment data input.

[0114] 66. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 61 or any other clause, wherein said inertial measurement unit data system comprises an operator over-ridable auto drift correction system.

[0115] 67. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 23 or any other clause, and further comprising an operator over-ridable auto drift correction system. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 30 or any other clause, and further comprising a camera substantially constant vertical down point system. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 68 or any other clause, wherein said camera substantially constant vertical down point system comprises a gimbal system. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 69 or any other clause, wherein said camera substantially constant vertical down point system further comprises a dampener. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 70 or any other clause, wherein said dampener comprises a dampener selected from chosen from a largely exponential decay dampener, a dampener that results in an oscillation that is less than about ten percent of the initial oscillation after about three oscillations, a dampener that results in an oscillation that is less than about ten percent of the initial oscillation after about three seconds, a dampener that has a roughly exponential decay factor of at least about 0.25, a dampener that has a roughly exponential decay factor of at least about 0.3, a dampener that has a roughly exponential decay factor of at least about 0.4, and a dampener that has a roughly exponential decay factor of at least about 0.5. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 23 or any other clause, and further comprising an image processed substantially constant vertical down point adjuster. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 23 or any other clause, and further comprising an image processed target point indication adjuster. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 72 or any other clause, and further comprising a distance to a working surface factored adjuster. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 74 or any other clause, wherein said distance to the working surface factored adjuster comprises an expected distance to a working surface input. A crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 74 or any other clause, wherein said distance to said working surface factored adjuster comprises an actual distance to a working surface input. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations comprising the steps of: mounting an imaging sensor on a crane boom in the vicinity of a lift point for a crane; supplying power to said imaging sensor on said crane boom; substantially constantly maintaining a vertical down point aim for said imaging sensor; imaging a vertical down point in a central view area of said imaging sensor; remotely providing data developed from said imaging sensor at a remote location; remotely displaying to an operator information from said data developed from said imaging sensor; and accepting operator input to operate a crane during the remote display of information from said data developed from said imaging sensor to said operator.

[0116] 78. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 77, or any other clause wherein said step of substantially constantly maintaining a vertical down point aim comprises the step of utilizing a gimbal system.

[0117] 79. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 78, or any other clause wherein said step of substantially constantly maintaining a vertical down point aim further comprises the step of dampening movement of said gimbal system.

[0118] 80. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 77, or any other clause wherein said step of supplying power to said imaging sensor on said crane boom comprises the step of supplying power from a crane existing power tap.

[0119] 81. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 77, or any other clause wherein said step of mounting an imaging sensor on a crane boom in the vicinity of a lift point for a crane comprises the step of quick release boom mounting.

[0120] 82. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 81, or any other clause wherein said step of quick release boom mounting comprises the step of providing a self-contained transient boom tip mount.

[0121] 83. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 81, or any other clause wherein said step of quick release boom mounting comprises the step of utilizing a universal crane existing orifice mount. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 83, or any other clause wherein said step of utilizing a universal crane existing orifice mount comprises the step of attachably securing a frustoconical element. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 83, or any other clause wherein said step of quick release boom mounting further comprises the steps of: providing an alignment clamp; providing a mounting sleeve attached to said alignment clamp; and providing a safety catch. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 81, or any other clause and further comprising the steps of: providing an operator display transient mount; and providing an in-cab display attached to said operator display transient mount. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 77, or any other clause wherein said step of remotely providing data developed from said imaging sensor at a remote location comprises the step of wirelessly outputting data, and further comprising the step of wirelessly inputting data to an in-cab display. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations comprising the steps of: lifting a load; sensing a load lift deviation as a result of said step of lifting said load; creating a deviation magnitude and deviation direction indication from said step of sensing a load lift deviation as a result of said step of lifting said load; generating a combination visual indication of both said deviation magnitude and said deviation direction indication; displaying said combination visual indication of both said deviation magnitude and said deviation direction indication to an operator; and accepting operator input to operate a crane during the display of said combination visual indication of both said deviation magnitude and said deviation direction indication. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 88, or any other clause wherein said step of sensing a load lift deviation as a result of said step of lifting said load comprises the step of optically sensing a load lift deviation.

[0122] 90. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 89, or any other clause wherein said step of optically sensing a load lift deviation comprises the step of comparing a load lift point to a gravity vector.

[0123] 91. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 90, or any other clause wherein said step of comparing a load lift point to a gravity vector comprises the step of creating a load lift point-gravity vector relative displacement indication.

[0124] 92. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 89, or any other clause and further comprising the step of allowing lift deviation-independent and lift deviation-unimpeded operator crane control of said crane.

[0125] 93. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 92, or any other clause wherein said step of allowing lift deviationindependent and lift deviation-unimpeded operator crane control of said crane comprises the step of providing an operator real time dynamic lift deviation reaction control for said crane.

[0126] 94. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 93, or any other clause wherein said step of providing an operator real time dynamic lift deviation reaction control for said crane comprises the step of allowing operator deviation judgment influenced by said step of displaying said combination visual indication control of said crane.

[0127] 95. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 88, or any other clause wherein said step of sensing a load lift deviation as a result of said step of lifting said load comprises the step of comparing a lift operation to a gravity vector.

[0128] 96. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 89, or any other clause wherein said step of optically sensing a load lift deviation comprises the step of directionally constrained imaging.

[0129] 97. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 96, or any other clause and further comprising the step of accommodating an offset for said step of optically sensing a load lift deviation. 98. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 97, or any other clause wherein said step of accommodating an offset for said step of optically sensing a load lift deviation comprises the step of inputting installation offset data.

[0130] 99. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 89, or any other clause and further comprising the step of accepting operator input from a lift deviation system human interface device for crane operation.

[0131] 100. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 99, or any other clause wherein said step of accepting operator input from a lift deviation system human interface device for crane operation comprises the step of accepting operator input for boom height control.

[0132] 101. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 99, or any other clause wherein said step of accepting operator input from a lift deviation system human interface device for crane operation comprises the step of accepting operator input for boom offset control.

[0133] 102 A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 99, or any other clause wherein said step of accepting operator input from a lift deviation system human interface device for crane operation comprises the step of accepting operator zoom control for said step of displaying said combination visual indication.

[0134] 103. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 99, or any other clause wherein said step of accepting operator input from a lift deviation system human interface device for crane operation comprises the step of providing software reprogrammable deflection control.

[0135] 104. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 99, or any other clause wherein said step of accepting operator input from a lift deviation system human interface device for crane operation comprises the step of providing software selectable deflection control.

[0136] 105. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 99, or any other clause wherein said step of accepting operator input from a lift deviation system human interface device for crane operation comprises the steps of: accepting operator cursor movement control; and accepting operator program selection control. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 89, or any other clause and further comprising the step of mounting an optical deviation sensor on a crane boom in the vicinity of adjacent a lift point for said crane. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 88, or any other clause and further comprising the step of mounting an optical deviation sensor on a crane boom at a lift point adjacent jib mount for said crane. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 88, or any other clause wherein said step of displaying said combination visual indication of both said deviation magnitude and said deviation direction indication to an operator comprises the step of singularly two dimensionally displaying both said deviation magnitude and said deviation direction indication to an operator. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 108, or any other clause wherein said step of singularly two dimensionally displaying both said deviation magnitude and said deviation direction indication to an operator comprises the step of indicating a target point for an operator, and wherein said step of singularly two dimensionally displaying both said deviation magnitude and said deviation direction indication to an operator comprises the step of indicating a location relative to said target point. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 108, or any other clause wherein said step of singularly two dimensionally displaying both said deviation magnitude and said deviation direction indication to an operator comprises the step of indicating radial coordinates to said operator. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 110, or any other clause wherein said step of singularly two dimensionally displaying both said deviation magnitude and said deviation direction indication to an operator comprises the step of indicating a radial deflection to said operator. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 108, or any other clause wherein said step of singularly two dimensionally displaying both said deviation magnitude and said deviation direction indication to an operator comprises the step of indicating cartesian coordinates to said operator.

[0137] 113. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 108, or any other clause wherein said step of singularly two dimensionally displaying both said deviation magnitude and said deviation direction indication to an operator comprises the step of providing said operator a moveable crosshair.

[0138] 114. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 113, or any other clause wherein said step of providing said operator a moveable crosshair comprises the step of providing said operator a moveable operator- selected load image relational crosshair.

[0139] 115. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 108, or any other clause wherein said step of singularly two dimensionally displaying both said deviation magnitude and said deviation direction indication to an operator comprises the step of providing said operator a load center of gravity crosshair.

[0140] 116. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 115, or any other clause wherein said step of providing said operator a load center of gravity crosshair comprises the step of providing said operator an estimated load center of gravity crosshair.

[0141] 117. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 115, or any other clause wherein said step of providing said operator a load center of gravity crosshair comprises the step of providing said operator an actual load center of gravity crosshair.

[0142] 118. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 117, or any other clause wherein said step of providing said operator an actual load center of gravity crosshair comprises the step of providing said operator a static hanging determined actual load center of gravity crosshair.

[0143] 119. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 108, or any other clause wherein said step of singularly two dimensionally displaying both said deviation magnitude and said deviation direction indication to an operator comprises the step of indicating to said operator a calculated numerical boom tip plumb-to-crosshair distance.

[0144] 120. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 108, or any other clause wherein said step of singularly two dimensionally displaying both said deviation magnitude and said deviation direction indication to an operator comprises the step of indicating to said operator a calculated numerical boom tip plumb-to-load center of gravity crosshair distance.

[0145] 121. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 108, or any other clause wherein said step of singularly two dimensionally displaying both said deviation magnitude and said deviation direction indication to an operator comprises the step of providing said operator a system determined crosshair.

[0146] 122. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 121, or any other clause wherein said step of providing said operator a system determined crosshair comprises the step of providing said operator a static hanging determined actual load center of gravity crosshair.

[0147] 123. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 108, or any other clause wherein said step of displaying said combination visual indication further comprises the step of displaying to said operator at least one numerical lift data indication.

[0148] 124. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 123, or any other clause wherein said step of displaying to said operator at least one numerical lift data indication comprises the step of displaying to said operator at least one numerical lift data indication selected from: displaying to said operator a numerical load lift deviation sensor offset indication, displaying to said operator a numerical distance to a working surface indication, displaying to said operator a numerical boom extension indication, and displaying to said operator a numerical distance offset to a working surface indication.

[0149] 125. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 109, or any other clause wherein said step of indicating a target point for an operator comprises the step of indicating to said operator a boom tip plumb indication.

[0150] 126. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 109, or any other clause wherein said step of indicating a target point for an operator comprises the step of indicating a target point for an operator selected from: indicating to said operator an automatically created target point, indicating to said operator an operator set target point, indicating to said operator a boom tip plumb target point, and indicating to said operator a system determined target point.

[0151] 127. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 89, or any other clause and further comprising the step of utilizing boom tip inertial data for said crane.

[0152] 128. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 127, or any other clause wherein said step of utilizing boom tip inertial data for said crane comprises the step of applying said boom tip inertial data to correct a substantially constantly maintaining a vertical down point aim for said crane.

[0153] 129. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 127, or any other clause wherein said step of utilizing boom tip inertial data for said crane comprises the step of inputting boom tip movement data.

[0154] 130. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 127, or any other clause wherein said step of utilizing boom tip inertial data for said crane comprises the step of inputting optically-based load lift deviation sensor movement data.

[0155] 131. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 127, or any other clause wherein said step of utilizing boom tip inertial data for said crane comprises the step of inputting image adjustment data selected from inputting image crop data and inputting image crosshair adjustment data.

[0156] 132. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 127, or any other clause wherein said step of utilizing boom tip inertial data for said crane comprises the step of allowing operator over-ridable auto drift correction.

[0157] 133. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 89, or any other clause and further comprising the step of allowing operator over-ridable auto drift correction.

[0158] 134. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 96, or any other clause and further comprising the step of substantially constantly maintaining a vertical down point aim.

[0159] 135. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 134, or any other clause wherein said step of substantially constantly maintaining a vertical down point aim comprises the step of gimbaling as part of accomplishing said step of substantially constantly maintaining a vertical down point aim.

[0160] 136. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 135, or any other clause wherein said step of substantially constantly maintaining a vertical down point aim comprises the step of dampening movement of a gimbal system.

[0161] 137. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 136, or any other clause wherein said step of dampening movement of a gimbal system comprises the step of dampening movement of a gimbal system selected from: largely exponential decay dampening, dampening that results in an oscillation that is less than about ten percent of the initial oscillation after about three oscillations, dampening that results in an oscillation that is less than about ten percent of the initial oscillation after about three seconds, dampening that has a roughly exponential decay factor of at least about 0.25, dampening that has a roughly exponential decay factor of at least about 0.3, dampening that has a roughly exponential decay factor of at least about 0.4, and dampening that has a roughly exponential decay factor of at least about 0.5.

[0162] 138. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 23, or any other clause and further comprising the step of image processing to achieve a step of substantially constantly maintaining a vertical down point aim.

[0163] 139. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 23, or any other clause and further comprising the step of image processing for a target point.

[0164] 140. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 138, or any other clause and further comprising the step of utilizing a distance to a working surface.

[0165] 141. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 140, or any other clause wherein said step of utilizing a distance to a working surface comprises the step of inputting an expected distance to a working surface.

[0166] 142. A method of facilitating operator reaction to lift deviation during load lift operations as described in claim 140, or any other clause wherein said step of utilizing a distance to a working surface comprises the step of inputting an actual distance to a working surface.

[0167] As can be understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts of the various embodiments of the present invention(s) may be embodied in a variety of ways. They involve both optimizing and minimizing or eliminating load drift and misalignment in load lifting operations as well as devices to accomplish the appropriate optimization or minimization of load drift and misalignment in load lifting operations. In this application, the optimized or minimized load drift and misalignment load lifting techniques are disclosed as pail of the results shown to be achieved by the various devices described and as steps which are inherent to utilization. They are simply the natural result of utilizing the devices as intended and described. In addition, while some devices are disclosed, it should be understood that these not only accomplish certain methods but also can be varied in a number of ways.

[0168] Importantly, as to all the foregoing, all of these facets should be understood to be encompassed by this disclosure. The discussion included in this patent or application is intended to serve as a basic description. The reader should be aware that the specific discussion may not explicitly describe all embodiments possible; many alternatives are implicit. It also may not fully explain the generic nature of the various embodiments of the invention(s) and may not explicitly show how each feature or element can actually be representative of a broader function or of a great variety of alternative or equivalent elements. As one example, terms of degree, terms of approximation, and / or relative terms may be used. These may include terms such as the words: substantially, about, only, and the like. These words and types of words are to be understood in a dictionary sense as terms that encompass an ample or considerable amount, quantity, size, etc. as well as terms that encompass largely but not wholly that which is specified. Further, for this application if or when used, terms of degree, terms of approximation, and / or relative terms should be understood as also encompassing more precise and even quantitative values that include various levels of precision and the possibility of claims that address a number of quantitative options and alternatives. For example, to the extent ultimately used, the existence or non-existence of a substance or condition in a particular input, output, or at a particular stage can be specified as substantially only x or reduced to a value of about x, or such other similar language. Using percentage values as one example, these types of terms should be understood as encompassing the options of percentage values that include 99.5%, 99%, 97%, 95%, 92% or even 90% of the specified value or relative condition (perhaps such as perfect loaded alignment distance from initial unloaded location). For example, using percentage values as one example, for the load optimizing system, it should be understood that embodiments of the invention may encompass the option of percentage values that include 99.5%, 99%, 97%, 95%, 92% or even 90% of perfect load position relative to target. In context, these should be understood by a person of ordinary skill. Where the application is described in device-oriented terminology, each element of the device implicitly performs a function. Apparatus claims may not only be included for the device described, but also method or process claims may be included to address the functions of the embodiments and that each element performs. Neither the description nor the terminology is intended to limit the scope of the claims that will be included in any subsequent patent application.

[0169] It should also be understood that a variety of changes may be made without departing from the essence of the various embodiments of the invention(s). Such changes are also implicitly included in the description. They still fall within the scope of the various embodiments of the invention(s). A broad disclosure encompassing the explicit embodiment(s) shown, the great variety of implicit alternative embodiments, and the broad methods or processes and the like are encompassed by this disclosure and may be relied upon when drafting the claims for any subsequent patent application. It should be understood that such language changes and broader or more detailed claiming may be accomplished at a later date (such as by any required deadline) or in the event the applicant subsequently seeks a patent filing based on this filing. With this understanding, the reader should be aware that this disclosure is to be understood to support any subsequently filed patent application that may seek examination of as broad a base of claims as deemed within the applicant's right and may be designed to yield a patent covering numerous aspects of embodiments of the invention(s) both independently and as an overall system.

[0170] Further, each of the various elements of the embodiments of the invention(s) and claims may also be achieved in a variety of manners. Additionally, when used or implied, an element is to be understood as encompassing individual as well as plural structures that may or may not be physically connected. This disclosure should be understood to encompass each such variation, be it a variation of an embodiment of any apparatus embodiment, a method or process embodiment, or even merely a variation of any element of these. Particularly, it should be understood that as the disclosure relates to elements of the various embodiments of the invention(s), the words for each element may be expressed by equivalent apparatus terms or method terms — even if only the function or result is the same. Such equivalent, broader, or even more generic terms should be considered to be encompassed in the description of each element or action. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which embodiments of the invention(s) is entitled. As but one example, it should be understood that all actions may be expressed as a means for taking that action or as an element which causes that action.

[0171] Similarly, each physical element disclosed should be understood to encompass a disclosure of the action which that physical element facilitates. Regarding this last aspect, as but one example, the disclosure of a “sensor” should be understood to encompass disclosure of the act of “sensing” — whether explicitly discussed or not — and, conversely, were there effectively disclosure of the act of “sensing”, such a disclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of a “sensor” and even a “means for sensing.” Such changes and alternative terms are to be understood to be explicitly included in the description. Further, each such means (whether explicitly so described or not) should be understood as encompassing all elements that can perform the given function, and all descriptions of elements that perform a described function should be understood as a nonlimiting example of means for performing that function. As other non-limiting examples, it should be understood that claim elements can also be expressed as any of: components that are configured to, or configured and arranged to, achieve a particular' result, use, purpose, situation, function, or operation, or as components that are capable of achieving a particular result, use, purpose, situation, function, or operation. All should be understood as within the scope of this disclosure and written description.

[0172] Any acts of law, statutes, regulations, or rules mentioned in this application for patent, patents, publications, or other references mentioned in this application for patent are hereby incorporated by reference. Any priority case(s) claimed by this application is hereby appended and hereby incorporated by reference. In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unless its utilization in this application is inconsistent with a broadly supporting interpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood as incorporated for each term and all definitions, alternative terms, and synonyms such as contained in the Random House Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary, second edition are hereby incorporated by reference. Finally, all references listed below or other information statement filed with the application are hereby appended and hereby incorporated by reference, however, as to each of the above, to the extent that such information or statements incorporated by reference might be considered inconsistent with the patenting of the various embodiments of invention(s) such statements are expressly not to be considered as made by the applicant(s). US PATENTS

[0173] US PUBLICATIONS

[0174] NON PATENT LITERATURE

[0175] Thus, the applicants should be understood to have support to claim and make claims to embodiments including at least: i) each of the systems and methods to minimize load drift and misalignment in load lifting operations as herein disclosed and described, ii) the related methods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) those alternative designs which accomplish each of the functions shown as are disclosed and described, v) those alternative designs and methods which accomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplish that which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, and step shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the applications and crane systems enhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) the resulting products produced by such processes, methods, systems or components, ix) each system, method, and element shown or described as now applied to any specific field or devices mentioned, x) methods and apparatuses substantially as described hereinbefore and with reference to any of the accompanying examples, xi) an apparatus for performing the methods described herein comprising means for performing the steps, xii) the various combinations and permutations of each of the elements disclosed, xiii) each potentially dependent claim or concept as a dependency on each and every one of the independent claims or concepts presented, and xiv) all inventions described herein.

[0176] In addition and as to computer aspects and each aspect amenable to programming or other electronic automation, it should be understood that in characterizing these and all other aspects of the various embodiments of the invention(s) - whether characterized as a device, a capability, an element, or otherwise, because all of these can be implemented via software, hardware, or even firmware structures as set up for a general purpose computer, a programmed chip or chipset, an ASIC, application specific controller, subroutine, or other known programmable or circuit specific structure - it should be understood that all such aspects are at least defined by structures including, as person of ordinary skill in the art would well recognize: hardware circuitry, firmware, programmed application specific components, and even a general purpose computer programmed to accomplish the identified aspect. For such items implemented by programmable features, the applicant(s) should be understood to have support to claim and make a statement of invention to at least: xv) processes performed with the aid of or on a computer, machine, or computing machine as described throughout the above discussion, xvi) a programmable apparatus as described throughout the above discussion, xvii) a computer readable memory encoded with data to direct a computer comprising means or elements which function as described throughout the above discussion, xviii) a computer, machine, or computing machine configured as herein disclosed and described, xix) individual or combined subroutines and programs as herein disclosed and described, xx) a carrier medium carrying computer readable code for control of a computer to carry out separately each and every individual and combined method described herein or in any claim, xxi) a computer program to perform separately each and every individual and combined method disclosed, xxii) a computer program containing all and each combination of means for performing each and every individual and combined step disclosed, xxiii) a storage medium storing each computer program disclosed, xxiv) a signal carrying a computer program disclosed, xxv) a processor executing instructions that act to achieve the steps and activities detailed, xxvi) circuitry configurations (including configurations of transistors, gates, and the like) that act to sequence and / or cause actions as detailed, xxvii) computer readable medium(s) storing instructions to execute the steps and cause activities detailed, xxviii) the related methods disclosed and described, xxix) similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of these systems and methods, xxx) those alternative designs which accomplish each of the functions shown as are disclosed and described, xxxi) those alternative designs and methods which accomplish each of the functions shown as arc implicit to accomplish that which is disclosed and described, xxxii) each feature, component, and step shown as separate and independent inventions, and xxxiii) the various combinations of each of the above and of any aspect, all without limiting other aspects in addition.

[0177] With regal'd to claims whether now or later presented for examination, it should be understood that for practical reasons and so as to avoid great expansion of the examination burden, the applicant may at any time present only initial claims or perhaps only initial claims with only initial dependencies. The office and any third persons interested in potential scope of this or subsequent applications should understand that broader claims may be presented at a later date in this case, in a case claiming the benefit of this case, or in any continuation in spite of any preliminary amendments, other amendments, claim language, or arguments presented, thus throughout the pendency of any case there is no intention to disclaim or surrender any potential subject matter. It should be understood that if or when broader claims are presented, such may require that any relevant prior art that may have been considered at any prior time may need to be re-visited since it is possible that to the extent any amendments, claim language, or arguments presented in this or any subsequent application are considered as made to avoid such prior ail, such reasons may be eliminated by later presented claims or the like. Both the examiner and any person otherwise interested in existing or later potential coverage, or considering if there has at any time been any possibility of an indication of disclaimer or surrender of potential coverage, should be aware that no such surrender or disclaimer is ever intended or ever exists in this or any subsequent application. Limitations such as arose in Hakim v. Cannon Avent Group, PLC, 479 F3d 1313 (Fed. Cir 2007), or the like are expressly not intended in this or any subsequent related matter. In addition, support should be understood to exist to the degree required under new matter laws — including but not limited to European Patent Convention Article 123(2) and United States Patent Law 35 USC 132 or other such laws- to permit the addition of any of the various dependencies or other elements presented under one independent claim or concept as dependencies or elements under any other independent claim or concept. In drafting any claims at any time whether in this application or in any subsequent application, it should also be understood that the applicant has intended to capture as full and broad a scope of coverage as legally available. To the extent that insubstantial substitutes are made, to the extent that the applicant did not in fact draft any claim so as to literally encompass any particular embodiment, and to the extent otherwise applicable, the applicant should not be understood to have in any way intended to or actually relinquished such coverage as the applicant simply may not have been able to anticipate all eventualities; one skilled in the art, should not be reasonably expected to have drafted a claim that would have literally encompassed such alternative embodiments.

[0178] Further, if or when used, the use of the transitional phrase “comprising” is used to maintain the “open-end” claims herein, according to traditional claim interpretation. Thus, unless the context requires otherwise, it should be understood that the term “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, are intended to imply the inclusion of a stated element or step or group of elements or steps but not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of elements or steps. Such terms should be interpreted in their most expansive form so as to afford the applicant the broadest coverage legally permissible. The use of the phrase, “or any other claim” is used to provide support for any claim to be dependent on any other claim, such as another dependent claim, another independent claim, a previously listed claim, a subsequently listed claim, and the like. As one clarifying example, if a claim were dependent “on claim 20 or any other claim” or the like, it could be re-drafted as dependent on claim 1, claim 15, or even claim 25 (if such were to exist) if desired and still fall with the disclosure. It should be understood that this phrase also provides support for any combination of elements in the claims and even incorporates any desired proper antecedent basis for certain claim combinations such as with combinations of method, apparatus, process, and the like claims.

[0179] Finally, any claims set forth at any time are hereby incorporated by reference as part of this description of the various embodiments of the application, and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or a portion of such incorporated content of such claims as additional description to support any of or all of the claims or any element or component thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves the right to move any portion of or all of the incorporated content of such claims or any element or component thereof from the description into the claims or vice-versa as necessary to define the matter for which protection is sought by this application or by any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reduction in fees pursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations of any country or treaty, and such content incorporated by reference shall survive during the entire pendency of this application including any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in- part application thereof or any reissue or extension thereon.

Claims

ClaimsWhat is claimed is:

1. A crane operation lift deviation system capable of facilitating operator lift deviation reaction during load lift operations comprising: a boom mount; a camera-based load lift deviation sensor positioned at said boom mount; a power source to which said camera-based load lift deviation sensor is responsive; a substantially constant vertical down point system to which said camera-based load lift deviation sensor is responsive; a remote data output configured to provide data from said camera-based load lift deviation sensor at a remote location; a remote operator display configured to display information from said camera-based load lift deviation sensor; and a deviation magnitude and deviation direction combination visual indicator configured for operator viewing at said remote operator display during load lift operation of said crane.

2. The crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 1 wherein said substantially constant vertical down point system comprises a gimbal system.

3. The crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 2 wherein said substantially constant vertical down point system further comprises a dampener.

4. The crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 3 wherein said boom mount comprises a self-contained transient, quick release boom tip mount.

5. The crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 1 wherein said boom mount comprises an attachably securable frustoconical element.

6. The crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 5 wherein said quick release boom mount further comprises: an alignment clamp; a quick attach-detach unit enclosure housing at least said camera and said substantially constant vertical down point system having a mounting sleeve;a sleeve mate-able safety catch responsive to said alignment clamp; and an attachment lock element configured to secure said mounting sleeve to said safety catch.

7. The crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 4 and further comprising an operator display transient mount; and an in-cab display attached to said operator display transient mount.

8. The crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 7 wherein said remote data output comprises a wireless data output, and further comprising an in-cab display wireless data input.

9. The crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 1 and further comprising a crane to which said crane operation lift deviation system is attached.

10. A crane operation lift deviation system capable of facilitating operator lift deviation reaction during load lift operations comprising: a camera having a central view area; a boom mount; a power source to which said camera is responsive; a remote data output configured to provide data from said camera at a remote location; a substantially constant vertical down point system to which said camera central view area is responsive; and a remote operator display configured to display information from said camera.

11. The crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 10 wherein said substantially constant vertical down point system comprises a gimbal system.

12. The crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 11 wherein said substantially constant vertical down point system further comprises a dampener.

13. The crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 10 wherein said boom mount comprises a quick release boom mount.

14. The crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 13 wherein said quick release boom mount comprises a self-contained transient boom tip mount.

15. The crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 10 and further comprising a crane to which said crane operation lift deviation system is attached.

16. A crane operation lift deviation system capable of facilitating operator lift deviation reaction during load lift operations comprising:a load lift deviation sensor; and a deviation magnitude and deviation direction combination visual indicator configured for operator viewing during load lift operation of said crane.

17. The crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 16 wherein said load lift deviation sensor comprises an optically-based load lift deviation sensor.

18. The crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 17 wherein said optically based load lift deviation sensor comprises a load lift point-gravity vector comparator.

19. The crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 18 wherein said load lift point-gravity vector comparator comprises a load lift point-gravity vector projection relative displacement indicator.

20. The crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 17 and further comprising a lift deviation-independent and lift deviation-unimpeded operator crane control.

21. The crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 17 wherein said optically based load lift deviation sensor comprises a directionally constrained camera.

22. The crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 21 and further comprising a camera offset accommodation element.

23. The crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 22 wherein said camera offset accommodation element comprises a camera installation offset data input.

24. The crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 16 wherein said deviation magnitude and deviation direction combination visual indicator comprises a singular two dimensional display visual indicator having both a deviation magnitude indication and a deviation direction indication in said singular two dimensional display.

25. The crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 24 wherein said singular two dimensional display visual indicator comprises a target point indication; and wherein said deviation magnitude indication and said deviation26. The crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 24 wherein said singular two dimensional display visual indicator comprises a moveable crosshair.

27. The crane operation lift deviation system as described in claim 24 wherein said target point indication comprises a target point indication selected from chosen from an automatically created target point indication, an operator set target point indication, a boom tip plumb target point indication, and a system determined target point indication.

Images