Crane, vehicle and method for a crane for controlling status visualization

Abstract

A crane (100) comprising: one or more lighting devices (120-1, 120-6) for visualizing a status of at least one of the crane (100) and a vehicle holding the crane (100), wherein the one or more lighting devices (120-1,..., 120-6) are mounted to the crane (100); and visualization control circuitry (110) configured to: receive at least one of first sensor data (101) of one or more sensors mounted to the crane (100) and second sensor data (102) of one or more sensors of the vehicle; and control light emission by the one or more lighting devices (120-1,..., 120-6) based on the at least one of the first sensor data (101) and the second sensor data (102).

Description

[0001] CRANE, VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR A CRANE FOR CONTROLLING STATUS VISUALIZATION

[0002] Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to status visualization for cranes. In particular, examples of the present disclosure relate to a crane, a vehicle comprising the crane and a method for a crane for controlling status visualization.

[0004] Background

[0005] A crane provides various pieces of information for an operator of the crane. When information is presented to the operator at a radio remote control for the crane, the operator is required to look at the radio remote control from time to time. In other words, the operator is required to divert his / her attention between the crane and a radio remote control. This inherent need for alternating focus between the crane and the remote control not only may compromise safety of the crane operation by limiting the operator's continuous observation of the crane but may also introduce operational inconveniences.

[0006] Hence, there may be a demand for improved status visualization.

[0007] Summary

[0008] This demand is met by a crane, a vehicle, a method for a crane for controlling status visualization, a non-transitory machine-readable medium and a program in accordance with the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are defined by the dependent claims.

[0009] According to a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a crane. The crane comprises one or more lighting devices for visualizing a status of at least one of the crane and a vehicle holding the crane. The one or more lighting devices are mounted to the crane. The crane further comprises visualization control circuitry configured to receive at least one of first sensor data of one or more sensors mounted to the crane and second sensor data of one or more sensors of the vehicle. The visualization control circuitry is additionally configured to control light emission by the one or more lighting devices based on the at least one of the first sensor data and the second sensor data.

[0010] According to a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a vehicle having mounted thereon a crane according to the first aspect.

[0011] According to a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for a crane for controlling status visualization. The method comprises receiving at least one of first sensor data of one or more sensors mounted to the crane and second sensor data of one or more sensors of a vehicle holding the crane. One or more lighting devices for visualizing a status of at least one of the crane and the vehicle are mounted to the crane. The method further comprises controlling light emission by the one or more lighting devices based on the at least one of the first sensor data and the second sensor data.

[0012] According to a fourth aspect, the present disclosure provides a non-transitory machine-readable medium having stored thereon a program having a program code for performing the method according to the third aspect, when the program is executed on a processor or a programmable hardware.

[0013] According to a fifth aspect, the present disclosure provides a program having a program code for performing the method according to the third aspect, when the program is executed on a processor or a programmable hardware.

[0014] According to a sixth aspect, the present disclosure provides a lighting device for visualizing a status of at least one of a crane, a vehicle holding the crane and a crane accessory. The lighting device comprises a plurality of individually addressable illumination chambers. Each chamber is configured to selectively emit a light of a color selectable from a plurality of predefined colors. The lighting device additionally comprises a communication interface configured to receive an input signal indicating the status. Further, the lighting device comprises control circuitry configured to actuate, based on the input signal, at least one of the chambers to emit light of a color corresponding to the status.

[0015] According to a seventh aspect, the present disclosure provides an energy supply device for supplying electrical energy to a crane. The energy supply device comprises an energy storage configured to store electrical energy. Additionally, the energy supply device comprises a mechanical interface for mounting the energy supply device to the crane or a crane carrier. The energy supply device comprises an electrical interface for electrically coupling the energy supply device with an electric drive driving the crane. Further, the energy supply device comprises one or more lighting devices according to the sixth aspect for visualizing the status of the energy supply device.

[0016] As the status of the crane and / or the vehicle holding the crane and / or the crane accessory is visualized via the lighting devices, an operator of the crane is not necessitated to shift focus away from the crane. This may allow increased safety of the crane operation as the operator may continuously observe the crane. Furthermore, operation convenience may be increased as the operator is not required to divert his / her attention between the crane and a separate device for status indication (such as a radio remote control).

[0017] Brief description of the Figures

[0018] Some examples of apparatuses and / or methods will be described in the following by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which

[0019] Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary crane;

[0020] Fig. 2 illustrates a first exemplary lighting device;

[0021] Fig. 3 illustrates a second exemplary lighting device;

[0022] Fig. 4 illustrates a third exemplary lighting device;

[0023] Fig. 5 illustrates an exemplary vehicle having mounted thereon a crane;

[0024] Fig. 6 illustrates a fourth exemplary lighting device;

[0025] Fig. 7 illustrates an exemplary contiguous assembly of multiple ones of the fourth lighting devices; Fig. 8 illustrates various exemplary status visualizations by the fourth lighting device;

[0026] Fig. 9 illustrates an exemplary energy supply device for supplying electrical energy to a crane; and

[0027] Fig. 10 illustrates a flowchart of an example of a method for a crane for controlling status visualization.

[0028] Detailed Description

[0029] Some examples are now described in more detail with reference to the enclosed figures. However, other possible examples are not limited to the features of these embodiments described in detail. Other examples may include modifications of the features as well as equivalents and alternatives to the features. Furthermore, the terminology used herein to describe certain examples should not be restrictive of further possible examples.

[0030] Throughout the description of the figures same or similar reference numerals refer to same or similar elements and / or features, which may be identical or implemented in a modified form while providing the same or a similar function. The thickness of lines, layers and / or areas in the figures may also be exaggerated for clarification.

[0031] When two elements A and B are combined using an “or”, this is to be understood as disclosing all possible combinations, i.e. only A, only B as well as A and B, unless expressly defined otherwise in the individual case. As an alternative wording for the same combinations, "at least one of A and B" or "A and / or B" may be used. This applies equivalently to combinations of more than two elements.

[0032] If a singular form, such as “a”, “an” and “the” is used and the use of only a single element is not defined as mandatory either explicitly or implicitly, further examples may also use several elements to implement the same function. If a function is described below as implemented using multiple elements, further examples may implement the same function using a single element or a single processing entity. It is further understood that the terms "include", "including", "comprise" and / or "comprising", when used, describe the presence of the specified features, integers, steps, operations, processes, elements, components and / or a group thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, processes, elements, components and / or a group thereof.

[0033] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a crane 100. The crane 100 is a knuckle boom crane such as a loader crane for loading and unloading goods (loads) onto and from trucks and other vehicles. The crane 100 comprise a (crane) base 130 and a boom (crane arm) 140. The base 130 serves as a mounting platform for the boom 140 and allows to mount the crane 100 to a vehicle such as a truck.

[0034] The boom 140 is mounted to the base 130 and is movable relative to the base 130 via a hydraulic cylinder 145, which is coupled to both the base 130 and the boom 140. The boom 140 comprises segments 141 and 142 connected to each other by a joint 143. The segments 141 and 142 are movable relative to each other via another hydraulic cylinder 146, which is coupled to both segments 141 and 142. In the example of Fig. 1, the boom 140 comprises two segments. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In general, the boom 140 may comprise any number N > 2 of segments that are connected by joints and are movable relative each other. The segment 141 is extendable. That is, the segment 141 comprises multiple sections that can be selectively extended or retracted (e.g., by a hydraulic system of the boom 140) to adjust the length and, hence, the reach of the segment 141. In other words, the boom or crane arm 140 is an extendable (telescopic) boom or crane arm. It is to be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to extendable crane arms, alternative examples may comprise non-extendable booms or crane arms.

[0035] Further illustrated in Fig. 1 is a stabilizer system for selectively supporting the crane 100 against the ground. The stabilizer system comprises an outrigger (crane leg) 150 for selectively supporting the crane 100 against the ground. The outrigger 150 is mounted to the base 130. For example, the outrigger 150 may be extendable from the base 130 (e.g., manually, electrically or hydraulically). The outrigger 150 comprises a vertical telescopic leg (stabilizer leg, support leg, vertical telescopic sub-structure) 151 for selectively supporting the crane 100 against the ground. The outrigger 150 comprises a hydraulic support cylinder 152 for adjusting a length of the telescopic leg 151 and for adjusting a pressure with which the crane 100 is supported against the ground. The hydraulic support cylinder 152 may be integrated into the telescopic leg 151. The crane 100 may comprise one or more respective outrigger such as the outrigger 150 illustrated in Fig. 1 on both lateral sides of the base 130. The proposed technology for status visualization will be explained in the following with reference to the crane 100. However, as will become evident from the following description, the type of crane or structure of the crane is not relevant for the proposed technology for status visualization. The proposed technology for status visualization may, in general, be used for any type of crane and any structure of the crane.

[0036] The crane 100 comprise lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-6 for visualizing a status of at least one of the crane 100 and a vehicle (e.g., a truck; not illustrated in Fig. 1) holding the crane 100 (having mounted thereon the crane 100). The lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-6 are mounted on the outside of the crane 100 such that the lighting devices 120-1, . . ., 120-6 are visible for the operator of the crane 100 while the operator is present in the environment of the crane 100. In the example of Fig. 1, the crane 100 comprises six lighting devices. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In general, the crane 100 may comprise any number M > 1 of lighting devices. The lighting devices may be mounted to any element (part) of the crane 100. In particular, different lighting devices may be mounted to different elements of the crane 100 as illustrated in Fig. 1. The lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-6 are devices configured to emit light. The lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-6 may be identical to or different from each other (e.g., in terms of form, size, lighting technology, characteristics of the emitted or emittable light).

[0037] The status of the crane 100 refers to the (current) condition or operational state of the crane 100. The status of the crane 100 may encompass various parameters and information related to the functioning of the crane 100. Selected statuses of the crane 100 will be described below. However, it is to be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to the below described statuses of the crane 100.

[0038] Similarly, the status of the vehicle holding the crane refers to the (current) condition or operational state of the vehicle. The status of the vehicle may encompass various parameters and information related to the functioning of the vehicle. Selected statuses of the vehicle will be described below. However, it is to be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to the below described statuses of the vehicle. Visualization control circuitry 110 is coupled (e.g., wirelessly or wired) to the lighting devices 120-1, 120-6 for controlling light emission by the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-6. For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may be a single dedicated processor, a single shared processor, or a plurality of individual processors, some of which or all of which may be shared, a digital signal processor (DSP) hardware, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a system-on-a-chip (SOC), a neuromorphic processor or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The visualization control circuitry 110 may optionally be coupled to, e.g., memory such as read only memory (ROM) for storing software, random access memory (RAM) and / or non-volatile memory. For example, the crane 100 may comprise memory configured to store instructions, which when executed by the visualization control circuitry 110, cause the visualization control circuitry 110 to perform the steps and methods described herein.

[0039] The crane 100 holds the visualization control circuitry 110. In other words, the visualization control circuitry 110 is mounted to a further element of the crane and is an integral part of the crane 100. The visualization control circuitry 110 may, e.g., be integrated into (mounted to) the base 130 or the boom 140. For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may be integrated into control circuitry (not illustrated in Fig. 1) of the crane 100 for controlling operation of the boom or crane arm 140 (e.g., adjustment of the position of the boom 140). In other examples, the visualization control circuitry 110 may be provided separate from the control circuitry.

[0040] The visualization control circuitry 110 is configured to receive at least one of first sensor data 101 of one or more sensors (not illustrated in Fig. 1) mounted to the crane 100 and second sensor data 102 of one or more sensors of a vehicle (e.g., a truck; not illustrated in Fig. 1) holding the crane 100 (having mounted thereon the crane 100). The first sensor data 101 are indicative of (encoded with information about) one or more physical quantities measured by the one or more sensors mounted to the crane 100 and / or or one or more quantities or statuses (states) derived by the one or more sensors mounted to the crane 100 from measured physical quantities. Similarly, the second sensor data 102 are indicative of (encoded with information about) one or more physical quantities measured by the one or more sensors mounted to the vehicle and / or or one or more quantities or statuses (states) derived by the one or more sensors mounted to the vehicle from measured physical quantities. The visualization control circuitry 110 may be coupled to all or part of the one or more sensors mounted to the crane 100 and the one or more sensors of the vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, the visualization control circuitry 110 may receive the first sensor data 101 and / or the second sensor data 102 from at least one of a memory of the crane 100 (e.g., a buffer memory) and a memory of the vehicle (e.g., a buffer memory).

[0041] The one or more sensors mounted to the crane 100 may be manifold. For example, the one or more sensors mounted to the crane 100 may comprise or be one or more of an angle sensor, a pressure sensor, a force sensor, a length measurement sensor and an optical sensor. However, it is to be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to the foregoing examples. One or more additional or alternative sensors may be used as well.

[0042] Similarly, the one or more sensors of the vehicle may be manifold. For example, the one or more sensors of the vehicle may measure one or more of a battery status or level of the vehicle, a fuel status or level of the vehicle, an axle load of the vehicle and an inclination (e.g., a carrier inclination) of the vehicle. However, it is to be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to the foregoing examples. One or more additional or alternative sensors may be used instead or additionally.

[0043] The visualization control circuitry 110 is further configured to control the light emission by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, . . ., 120-6 based on the at least one of the first sensor data 101 and the second sensor data 102. In other words, the visualization control circuitry 110 is configured to process the first sensor data 101 and / or the second sensor data 102 to control the light emission by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, . . . , 120-6 for visualizing the status of at least one of the crane 100 and the vehicle. The status of the crane 100 and / or the vehicle holding the crane 100 may be visualized in various ways. For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may control one or more of the lighting devices 120-1, . . ., 120-6 to emit light of one or more predefined light colors and / or control one or more of the lighting devices 120-1, . . . , 120-6 to emit light according to one or more predefined light patterns (e.g., blinking patterns) and / or control one or more of the light emitting devices 120-1, . . ., 120-6 to activate specific ones of their plurality of selectively activatable light emitters (e.g., light-emitting diodes or light bulbs). According to examples, the visualization control circuitry 110 may control one or more of the lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-6 to activate one or more specific (predefined) groups of their selectively activatable light emitters (wherein a group comprises one or more of the selectively activatable light emitters) such as one or more of a first, a second and a third group of light emitters for visualizing the status of at least one of the crane 100 and the vehicle. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the foregoing examples. Other types of light emission control may be used instead or additionally.

[0044] As the status of the crane 100 and / or the vehicle holding the crane 100 is visualized via the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-6 mounted to the crane 100, an operator of the crane is not necessitated to shift focus away from the crane 100. This may allow increased safety of the crane operation as the operator may continuously observe the crane 100. Furthermore, operation convenience may be increased as the operator is not required to divert his / her attention between the crane 100 and a separate device for status indication such as a remote control 199 for operating the crane 100.

[0045] The remote control 199 is a device for an operator of the crane 100 for controlling the crane 100 from a distance. The remote control 100 may be coupled wirelessly or wired to the crane 100. The remote control 199 receives a user input at a human-machine interface thereof (e.g., one or more of a joystick, a button, a touch-sensitive display, a microphone) and comprises circuitry for converting the user input into a command for the crane. The remote control 100 further comprises circuitry for transmitting the command to the crane (e.g., wirelessly or wired). The control circuitry of the crane 100 receives the command and controls the crane 100 to perform an according (corresponding) action. For example, the operator may control or adjust the position of the boom 140 via one or more user inputs, rotate the boom 140 relative to the base 130 via one or more user inputs, control the boom 140 to (e.g., automatically or autonomously) unfold via one or more user inputs, control the boom 140 to (e.g., automatically or autonomously) fold via one or more user inputs, control the boom 140 to extend via one or more user inputs, control winding and unwinding of a rope from an optional rope winch (not illustrated in Fig. 1) of the crane 100 via one or more user inputs, control extension and retraction of the outrigger(s) 150 via one or more user inputs.

[0046] Optionally, the remote control 199 may further be used for outputting the status of the crane 100 and / or the status of the vehicle to the operator. For example, the crane 100 may further comprise interface circuitry 160 coupled to the visualization control circuitry 110. The interface circuitry 160 may be identical to or be different from interface circuitry of the crane for receiving the commands from the remote control 199. The interface circuitry 160 is configured to transmit (e.g., wirelessly or wired) visualization status data 105 indicating at least one of a status of the light emission by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, . . . , 120-6 and a variation thereof to the remote control 199 of the crane 100. Accordingly, the remote control 199 may indicate the status of the crane 100 and / or the vehicle holding the crane to the operator. For example, the remote control 199 may control light emission by one or more status lights of the remote control 199 based on the visualization status data 105 to indicate the status of the crane

[0047] 100 and / or the vehicle holding the crane to the operator. Similarly, in case the remote control 199 comprises a display for outputting a graphical user interface, the remote control 199 may comprise circuitry for controlling the display to output graphical elements and / or textual elements as part of the graphical user interface based on the visualization status data 105 to indicate the status of the crane 100 and / or the vehicle holding the crane to the operator. Accordingly, the operator may additionally be informed by the remote control 199 about the status of the crane 100 and / or the vehicle holding the crane. Thus, even during times when the operator is focusing on the remote control 199 rather than on the crane 100 itself, the operator may be informed about the status of the crane 100 and / or the vehicle holding the crane.

[0048] As described above, the visualization control circuitry 110 controls the light emission by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, . . ., 120-6 based on the at least one of the first sensor data

[0049] 101 and the second sensor data 102. For example, if the first sensor data 101 is received by the visualization control circuitry 110, the visualization control circuitry 110 may be configured to determine a status of a component of the crane 100 based on the first sensor data 101. The component of the crane 100 may, in general, be any element or substructure of the crane 100. The status of the crane 100’s component refers to the (current) condition or operational state of the crane 100’s component. For example, if the first sensor data 101 indicate a (hydraulic) pressure at the hydraulic cylinder 145, the status of the crane 100’s component may be a level of utilization of the boom 140 (e.g., 90 % or 100 % utilization level is reached). Similarly, if the first sensor data 101 indicate the extension of an extendable segment 141 of the boom 140, the status of the crane 100’s component may be the level or degree of extension of the boom 140 or of the remaining extension of the boom 140. The foregoing examples for statuses of components of the crane 100 are selected for illustrative purposes only. The present disclosure is not limited thereto. Further examples will be described below.

[0050] The visualization control circuitry 110 may further be configured to select at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, . . ., 120-6 for visualizing the status of the component. In particular, the selected at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, . . ., 120-6 may be mounted to or in close proximity of the component whose status it visualizes. For example, one or both of the lighting devices 120-1 and 120-2 may be selected to visualize the status of the extendable segment 141 or the boom 140. Similarly, the lighting device 120-3 may be selected to visualize the status of hydraulic cylinder 146 and / or the lighting device 120-4 may be selected to visualize the status of hydraulic cylinder 145. For example, the lighting device 120-5 may be selected to visualize the status of the base 130. Analogously, the lighting device 120-6 may be selected to visualize the status of the outrigger 150 and / or the hydraulic support cylinder 152. Selecting a lighting device mounted to or in close proximity of the component whose status it visualizes may be advantageous as the operator may intuitively associate the visualized status to the component the selected lighting device is mounted to or the component in close proximity to the selected lighting device.

[0051] The visualization control circuitry 110 may further be configured to control the light emission of at least one of the one or more selected lighting devices to indicate the status of the crane 100’s component. For example, for indicating the utilization of the boom 140, the visualization control circuitry 110 may control the one or both of the lighting devices 120-3 and 120-4 to emit light of predefined light colors and / or light patterns depending on the determined utilization of the boom 140 (e.g., green light and / or a first blinking frequency for a utilization level of less than 50 %, yellow light and / or a second blinking frequency for a utilization level between 50 % and 95 % and red light and / or a third blinking frequency for a utilization level above 95 %). Similarly, for indicating the level of extension of the boom 140 or the remaining extension of the boom 140, the visualization control circuitry 110 control the lighting device 120-1 to emit light of predefined light colors and / or light patterns depending on the determined extension or the determined remaining extension of the boom 140 (e.g., green light and / or a first blinking frequency for an extension of less than 70 % of a maximum extension, yellow light and / or a second blinking frequency for an extension between 70 % and 95 % of the maximum extension and red light and / or a third blinking frequency for an extension of more than 95 % of the maximum extension). The foregoing examples for visualization of the status of the crane 100’s component are selected for illustrative purposes only. The present disclosure is not limited thereto. Further examples will be described below.

[0052] Similarly, if the second sensor data 102 is received by the visualization control circuitry 110, the visualization control circuitry 110 may be configured to determine a status of a component of the vehicle holding the crane based on the second sensor data 102 and control visualization of the status of the vehicle’s component.

[0053] As described above, various types of lighting device may be used for status visualization. In the following, a few exemplary lighting devices will be described with reference to Figs. 2 to 4. However, it is to be noted that the present technology is not limited to usage of the lighting devices described in the following. Other lighting devices may be used instead or additionally.

[0054] An exemplary lighting device 200 for visualizing the status of the crane 100 or a vehicle holding the crane 100 is illustrated in Fig. 2. The lighting device 200 comprises three light emitters 210, 220 and 230 arranged in a housing 240. Each of the light emitters 210, 220 and 230 is configured to emit light of a different light color. For example, each of the 210, 220 and 230 may be configured to emit a different one of green, yellow and red light. The light emitters 210, 220 and 230 may be activated selectively based on an input signal 201. Accordingly, the lighting device 200 is able to visualize at least three different statuses via the different light colors. It is to be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to using three light emitters 210, 220 and 230 for three different light colors. Any number L > 2 of light emitters emitting light of a different light colors may be used.

[0055] For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may generate the input signal 201 according to the determined status of the crane 100 or a vehicle holding the crane 100 that is to be visualized. Based on the input signal 201, the lighting device 200 selectively emits light of the selected light color via one of the light emitters 210, 220 and 230 such that the operator of the crane 100 may recognize the status of the crane 100 or the vehicle. Similarly, the visualization control circuitry 110 may generate the input signal 201 to control the lighting device 200 to activate two or more of the light emitters 210, 220 and 230 (in parallel, at the same time) for visualizing a determined status of the crane 100 or the vehicle.

[0056] In other examples, instead of a single lighting device that is able to emit light of different light colors (such as the lighting device 200), a plurality of separate lighting devices, which are each configured to emit light of a single different light color, may be mounted to the crane 100 and be arranged next to each other for visualizing a determined status of the crane 100 or the vehicle. For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may selective activate one or more of the plurality of separate lighting devices such that the activated lighting device(s) emit(s) light of one or more selected light colors. Accordingly, the operator of the crane 100 may recognize the status of the crane 100 or the vehicle.

[0057] In still other examples, visualization control circuitry 110 may control a respective blinking frequency of the light emitted by one or more selected lighting devices for visualizing a determined status of the crane 100 or a vehicle holding the crane 100. Different blinking frequencies may be adjusted by the visualization control circuitry 110 for visualizing different statuses of the crane 100 or the vehicle, a component thereof or the vehicle. For example, a first blinking frequency may be used for visualizing a first status of the crane 100 or the vehicle, a different second blinking frequency (e.g., higher or lower than the first blinking frequency) may be used for visualizing a second status of the crane 100 or the vehicle, etc.

[0058] An exemplary lighting device 300 for visualizing the status of the crane 100 or a vehicle holding the crane 100 is illustrated in Fig. 3. The lighting device 300 comprises a plurality of selectively activatable light emitters 310-1, . . . , 310-K with K > 2 (e.g., K may be 10 or more, 20 or more, 50 or more or 100 or more). In other words, each of the plurality light emitters 310-1, ..., 310-K is activatable individually. For example, the lighting device 300 may be configured to activate successive ones of the light emitters 310-1, ..., 310-K (a sequence of the light emitters among the light emitters 310-1, . . . , 310-K) based on an input signal received by the lighting device 300. The number of activated light emitters depends on number of light emitters to be active indicated by (encoded to) the input signal. For example, depending on the number of light emitters to be active, a first group, a second group or a third group of succeeding light emitters among the light emitters 310-1, . . . , 310-K may be activated.

[0059] The plurality light emitters 310-1, ..., 310-K are linearly arranged one after another along a spatial direction (along the horizontal direction) in the example of Fig. 3. However, the present disclosure is not limited to a linear arrangement along a spatial direction. Fig. 4 illustrates an alternative lighting device 400. The lighting device 300 comprises a plurality of selectively activatable light emitters 410. The (total) number of light emitters 410 may, e.g., be 10 or more, 20 or more, 50 or more or 100 or more. In comparison to the lighting device 300, the plurality of selectively activatable light emitters 410 of the lighting device 400 are arranged one after another in a circular arrangement. Like the lighting device 300, the lighting device 400 may be configured to activate successive ones of the light emitters 410 based on an input signal received by the lighting device 400. The number of activated light emitters depends on number of light emitters to be active indicated by (encoded to) the input signal.

[0060] For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may generate the input signal for the respective one of the lighting device 300 and the lighting device 400 according to the determined status of the crane 100 or a vehicle holding the crane 100 that is to be visualized. Based on the input signal, the lighting device 300 selectively activates successive ones of the light emitters 310-1, ..., 310-K or the lighting device 400 selectively activate successive ones of the light emitters 410 such that the operator of the crane 100 may recognize the status of the crane 100 or the vehicle.

[0061] According to examples of the present disclosure, the light color of the light emitted by the respective one of the light emitters 310-1, ..., 310-K and the light emitters 410 may change depending on the number of activated light emitters. For example, the light emitters 310-1, . . . , 310-K or 410 may be configured to emit light of a first light color (e.g., green) if a first share of the light emitters 310-1, . . . , 310-K or 410 is activated, emit light of a different second light color (e.g., yellow) if a second share of the light emitters 310-1, ..., 310-K or 410 is activated and emit light of a different third light color (e.g., red) if a third share of the light emitters 310- 1, ..., 310-K or 410 is activated. The share ratio may, e.g., be smaller than the second share and the second share may be smaller than the third share. For example, the first share may be 50 % or less, the second share may be greater than the share ratio and be less than 95 % (or less) and the third share may be greater than the second share. Changing the color depending on the share of activated light emitters may allow to improve the status visualization.

[0062] As mentioned above, various statuses of the crane 100 and / or a vehicle holding the crane 100 may be visualized according to the proposed technology. In the following, the visualization of exemplary statuses will be described in greater detail with reference to Fig. 1.

[0063] As described above, the crane arm or boom 140 is an extendable crane arm or boom. The extension of the crane arm or boom 140 (in particular, the extension of the extendable segment 141) may be measured via one or more sensors mounted to the crane arm or boom 140. Sensors and measurement techniques for measuring the extension of a crane arm or boom are generally known to a person skilled in the art. Hence, description of such sensors and measurement techniques will be omitted in the present disclosure. As a result of the measurement, the first sensor data 101 received by the visualization control circuitry 110 may indicate the extension of the crane arm or boom 140 (in particular, the extension of the extendable segment 141). Accordingly, the visualization control circuitry 110 is configured to control the light emission of at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, . . ., 120-6 to indicate the extension of the crane arm or boom 140 or a remaining extension of the crane arm or boom 140 (i.e., the length that can still be extended or protruded beyond the current configuration of the crane arm or boom 140, in particular the current configuration of the extendable segment 141). The visualization control circuitry 110 may be configured to determine the remaining extension of the crane arm or boom 140 based on a difference between a maximum extension of the crane arm or boom 140 (in particular, the maximum extension of the extendable segment 141) and the (current) extension of the crane arm or boom 140 (in particular, the extension of the extendable segment 141) indicated by the first sensor data 101.

[0064] For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may select the lighting device 120-1 and control the light emission of the lighting device 120-1 to indicate the extension of the crane arm or boom 140 or the remaining extension of the crane arm or boom 140. The lighting device 120-1 visualizes the status of the crane arm orboom 140 (in particular, the extendable segment 141) and is mounted to the extendable segment 141. Accordingly, the operator of the crane 100 may intuitively associate the status visualized by the lighting device 120-1 to the crane arm or boom 140 (in particular, the extendable segment 141). In other examples, the lighting device 120-2 may be selected instead of the lighting device 120-1.

[0065] The extension of the crane arm or boom 140 or the remaining extension of the crane arm or boom 140 may be visualized in various ways. Two non-limiting examples will be given in the following.

[0066] For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may control the at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-6 (e.g., the lighting device 120-1) to emit light with a light color selected based on the one of the extension of the crane arm and the remaining extension of the crane arm. For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may control the lighting device 120-1 to emit green light for an extension of less than 70 % of the maximum extension, yellow light for an extension between 70 % and 95 % of the maximum extension and red light for an extension of more than 95 % of the maximum extension. The foregoing values are selected for illustrative purposes only - other values may be used instead. The lighting device 200 described above with reference to Fig. 2 may be used for the lighting device 120-1.

[0067] In other examples, the visualization control circuitry 110 may control, based on the one of the extension of the crane arm or boom 140 and the remaining extension of the crane arm or boom 140, a lighting device of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-6 (e.g., the lighting device 120-1) with a plurality of selectively activatable light emitters to activate a number of successive ones of the light emitters. The plurality of light emitters are arranged one after another. The number of activated light emitters depends on the one of the extension of the crane arm or boom 140 and the remaining extension of the crane arm or boom 140. For example, the ratio of activated light emitters to the total number of activatable light emitters may correspond to (be equal to) the ratio of the extension of the crane arm or boom 140 to the maximum extension of the crane arm or boom 140. Similarly, the ratio of activated light emitters to the total number of activatable light emitters may correspond to (be equal to) the ratio of the remaining extension of the crane arm or boom 140 to the maximum extension of the crane arm or boom 140. One of the lighting device 300 and 400 described above with reference toFig. 3 andFig. 4 may, e.g., be used for the lighting device 120-1 and the visualization control circuitry 110 may control the lighting device 120-1 to activate a number of successive ones of the light emitters 310-1, ... 310-K or 410. The number of activated light emitters 310-1, ... 310-K or 410 depends on the one of the extension of the crane arm or boom 140 and the remaining extension of the crane arm or boom 140 - analogously to what is described above.

[0068] As described above, the crane 100 comprises one or more hydraulic cylinders such as the hydraulic cylinders 145 and 146 for moving the crane arm or boom 140 or a segment thereof. The pressure at the respective hydraulic cylinder may be measured via one or more sensors mounted to or included in the hydraulic cylinder. Sensors and measurement techniques for measuring the pressure at a hydraulic cylinder are generally known to a person skilled in the art. Hence, description of such sensors and measurement techniques will be omitted in the present disclosure. As a result of the measurement, the first sensor data 101 received by the visualization control circuitry 110 may indicate the pressure at a hydraulic cylinder such as one of the hydraulic cylinders 145 and 146. Accordingly, the visualization control circuitry 110 is configured to control the light emission of at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, . . ., 120-6 to indicate the pressure at the hydraulic cylinder For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may select the lighting device 120-3 and control the light emission of the lighting device 120-3 to indicate the pressure at the hydraulic cylinder 146. The lighting device 120-3 visualizes the status of the hydraulic cylinder 146 and is mounted to the hydraulic cylinder 146. Accordingly, the operator of the crane 100 may intuitively associate the status visualized by the lighting device 120-3 to the hydraulic cylinder 146. Similarly, the visualization control circuitry 110 may select the lighting device 120-4 and control the light emission of the lighting device 120-4 to indicate the pressure at the hydraulic cylinder 145. The lighting device 120-4 visualizes the status of the hydraulic cylinder 145 and is mounted to the hydraulic cylinder 145. Accordingly, the operator of the crane 100 may intuitively associate the status visualized by the lighting device 120-4 to the hydraulic cylinder 145.

[0069] The pressure at a hydraulic cylinder such as one of the hydraulic cylinders 145 and 146 may be visualized in various ways. Two non-limiting examples will be given in the following.

[0070] For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may control the at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-6 (e.g., one of the lighting devices 120-3 and 120-4) to emit light with a light color selected based on the pressure at the hydraulic cylinder. For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may control the lighting device 120-3 to emit green light for pressure at the hydraulic cylinder 146 of less than 70 % of the maximum (allowed, supported) pressure, yellow light for an extension between 70 % and 95 % of the maximum pressure and red light for an extension of more than 95 % of the maximum pressure. The foregoing values are selected for illustrative purposes only - other values may be used instead. The lighting device 200 described above with reference to Fig. 2 may be used for the lighting device 120-4. The lighting device 120-3 may be analogously selected and controlled by the visualization control circuitry 110 to visualize the pressure at the hydraulic cylinder 145.

[0071] In other examples, the visualization control circuitry 110 may control, based on the pressure at the hydraulic cylinder, a lighting device of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, . . . , 120- 6 (e.g., one of the lighting devices 120-3 and 120-4) with a plurality of selectively activatable light emitters to activate a number of successive ones of the light emitters. The plurality of light emitters are arranged one after another. The number of activated light emitters depends on the pressure at the hydraulic cylinder. For example, the ratio of activated light emitters to the total number of activatable light emitters may correspond to (be equal to) the ratio of the pressure at the hydraulic cylinder to the maximum pressure at the hydraulic cylinder. One of the lighting devices 300 and 400 described above with reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 may, e.g., be used for the lighting device 120-3 and the visualization control circuitry 110 may control the lighting device 120-3 to activate a number of successive ones of the light emitters 310-1, . . . 310-K or 410. The number of activated light emitters 310-1, . . . 310-K or 410 depends on the pressure at the hydraulic cylinder 146 - analogously to what is described above. Similarly, one of the lighting devices 300 and 400 may be used for the lighting device 120-4 and the visualization control circuitry 110 may control the lighting device 120-4 to activate a number of successive ones of the light emitters 310-1, ... 310-K or 410. The number of activated light emitters 310-1, ... 310-K or 410 depends on the pressure at the hydraulic cylinder 145.

[0072] Also the pressure at the pressure at the hydraulic support cylinder 152 of the outrigger or support leg 150 may be measured and visualized. Accordingly, the first sensor data 101 received by the visualization control circuitry 110 may indicate a pressure at the hydraulic support cylinder 152. Accordingly, the visualization control circuitry 110 is configured to control the light emission of at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, . . ., 120-6 to indicate the pressure at the hydraulic support cylinder 152.

[0073] For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may select the lighting device 120-6 and control the light emission of the lighting device 120-6 to indicate the pressure at the hydraulic support cylinder 152. The lighting device 120-6 visualizes the status of the hydraulic support cylinder 152 and is mounted to the telescopic leg 151 of the outrigger or crane leg 150. Accordingly, the operator of the crane 100 may intuitively associate the status visualized by the lighting device 120-6 to the hydraulic support cylinder 152.

[0074] The pressure at the hydraulic support cylinder 152 may be visualized in various ways. Two non-limiting examples will be given in the following.

[0075] For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may control the at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-6 (e.g., the lighting device 120-6) to emit light with a light color selected based on the pressure at the hydraulic support cylinder 152. For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may control the lighting device 120-6 to emit green light for pressure at the hydraulic support cylinder 152 of less than 70 % of the maximum (allowed, supported) pressure, yellow light for an extension between 70 % and 95 % of the maximum pressure and red light for an extension of more than 95 % of the maximum pressure. The foregoing values are selected for illustrative purposes only - other values may be used instead. The lighting device 200 described above with reference to Fig. 2 may be used for the lighting device 120-6.

[0076] In other examples, the visualization control circuitry 110 may control, based on the pressure at the hydraulic support cylinder 152, a lighting device of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-6 (e.g., the lighting device 120-6) with a plurality of selectively activatable light emitters to activate a number of successive ones of the light emitters. The plurality of light emitters are arranged one after another. The number of activated light emitters depends on the pressure at the hydraulic support cylinder 152. For example, the ratio of activated light emitters to the total number of activatable light emitters may correspond to (be equal to) the ratio of the pressure at the hydraulic support cylinder 152 to the maximum pressure at the hydraulic support cylinder 152. One of the lighting devices 300 and 400 described above with reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 may, e.g., be used for the lighting device 120-6 and the visualization control circuitry 110 may control the lighting device 120-6 to activate a number of successive ones of the light emitters 310-1, ... 310-K or 410. The number of activated light emitters 310-1, ... 310-K or 410 depends on the pressure at the hydraulic support cylinder 152 - analogously to what is described above.

[0077] In addition to visualizing the pressure at the hydraulic support cylinder 152, additional information relating to the hydraulic support cylinder 152 may visualized. For example, visualization control circuitry 110 may be further configured to receive reference data 106 indicating a reference point for the pressure at the hydraulic support cylinder. The reference point may, e.g., a set point adjusted (set) by the operator (e.g., at the remote control 199) or the control circuitry of the crane. In other examples, the reference point may indicate a pressure limit or maximum pressure for the hydraulic support cylinder 152. The pressure limit or maximum pressure for the hydraulic support cylinder 152 may, e.g., correspond to a support force limit (limitation) for the outrigger or crane leg 150.

[0078] Accordingly, the visualization control circuitry 110 may be further configured to control, based on the reference data 106, the lighting device to activate one of a plurality of selectively activatable further light emitters. The plurality of further light emitters are arranged in parallel to the plurality of selectively activatable light emitters. In other words, the plurality of further light emitters are arranged on a curve that is parallel to the curve on which the plurality of selectively activatable light emitters are arranged. For example, the lighting device 300 described above may comprise a second plurality of selectively activatable light emitters linearly arranged in parallel to the light emitters 310-1, ... 310-K. The number of the further light emitters may be equal to or different from the number of the light emitters 310-1, ... 310-K. Similarly, the lighting device 400 described above may comprise a second plurality of selectively activatable light emitters arranged one after another in second a circular arrangement (e.g., such that the light emitters 410 and the further light emitters are arranged on concentric circular curves). The light color of the light emitted or emittable by the plurality of further light emitters may be different from the light color of the light emitted or emittable by the plurality of light emitters (colored light vs. white light) such that the operator may easily recognize the additionally visualized reference point. Independent of the specific geometric arrangement of the plurality of further light emitters, the position of the activated further light emitter along the extension of the plurality of further light emitters corresponds to the reference point for the pressure at the hydraulic support cylinder 152. For example, if the reference point indicates the pressure limit or maximum pressure for the hydraulic support cylinder 152, the position of the activated further light emitter along the extension of the plurality of further light emitters may be selected such that it is closest to the last activated light emitter among the plurality of activatable light emitters in case the pressure at the hydraulic support cylinder 152 would be equal to the pressure limit or maximum pressure for the hydraulic support cylinder 152. Similarly, if the reference point indicates a set point for the pressure at the hydraulic support cylinder 152, the position of the activated further light emitter along the extension of the plurality of further light emitters may be selected such that it is closest to the last activated light emitter among the plurality of activatable light emitters in case the pressure at the hydraulic support cylinder 152 would be equal to the pressure indicated by the set point.

[0079] In an analogous manner, additional information relating to the hydraulic cylinders 145 and 146 may visualized. For example, visualization control circuitry 110 may be further configured to receive reference data indicating a reference point for the pressure at one of the hydraulic cylinders 145 and 146 (e.g., a set point for the pressure or a pressure limit or maximum pressure). Accordingly, the visualization control circuitry 110 may be further configured to control, based on the reference data, the respective lighting device (e.g., one of the lighting devices 120-3 and 120-4) to activate one of a plurality of selectively activatable further light emitters. As described above, the position of the activated further light emitter along the extension of the plurality of further light emitters corresponds to the reference point for the pressure at the hydraulic cylinder 145 or 146.

[0080] In some example, the crane 100 or a vehicle holding the crane 100 may further support the detection of objects in the environment of the crane 100 or the vehicle. The presence of an object in a predetermined region of the crane’s environment may be measured or detected via one or more sensors mounted to the crane 100 or the vehicle. Sensors and measurement techniques for measuring or detecting presence of an obj ect in a predetermined region are generally known to a person skilled in the art. Hence, description of such sensors and measurement techniques will be omitted in the present disclosure. Accordingly, at least one of the first sensor data 101 and the second sensor data 102 may indicate presence of an object in a predetermined region of the crane 100’s environment. The predetermined region of the crane 100’s environment may, in general, be any region in the environment of the crane 100. For example, the predetermined region of the crane 100’s environment may be a region below the boom or crane arm 140, the region on the base 130 next to the boom or crane arm 140, a (target) loading or unloading position, etc. The presence of an object such as a human being, an animal or any other physical entity may be relevant for the operator of the crane 100 as it may affect crane operation (e.g., crane operation needs to be stopped for safety reasons). Therefore, the visualization control circuitry 110 is configured to control the light emission of at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-6 to indicate the presence of the object in the predetermined region of the crane 100’s environment.

[0081] The presence of the object in the predetermined region of the crane 100’s environment may be visualized in various ways. For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may control the at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, . . ., 120-6 (e.g., one of the lighting devices 120-2 and 120-5) to emit light of a predefined light color in case the object is present in the predetermined region of the crane 100’s environment. The predefine light color may be any color (e.g., blue or red). The visualization control circuitry 110 may, e.g., control the lighting device 120-2 to emit red or blue light if the object is present in the region below the boom or crane arm 140 (other light colors may be used instead). Similarly, the visualization control circuitry 110 may control the lighting device 120-5 to emit red light or blue light if the object is present on the base 130 next to the boom or crane arm 140. Additionally, the at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-6 may be controlled to emit the light in a flashing manner (i.e., to emit a flashing light of a predefined light color) in case the object is present in the predetermined region of the crane 100’s environment.

[0082] According to examples of the present disclosure, the crane 100 may support autonomous or automatic functions such as autonomous or automatic folding and / or unfolding of the boom or crane arm 140. For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may be configured to receive operation status data 104 indicating execution of an autonomous or automatic function by the crane 100. The operation status data 104 may, e.g., be provided by the control circuitry of the crane 100. The execution of an autonomous or automatic function by the crane 100 is a relevant information for the operator of the crane 100 and also other people in the vicinity of the crane 100. Accordingly, the visualization control circuitry 110 is configured to control the light emission of at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, . . ., 120-6 to indicate the execution of the autonomous or automatic function by the crane 100.

[0083] The execution of the autonomous or automatic function by the crane 100 may be visualized in various ways. For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may control the at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-6 (e.g., one of the lighting devices 120-2 and 120-5) to emit light of a predefined light color while the crane 100 executes the autonomous or automatic function. The predefine light color may be any color (e.g., cyan, blue or red). The visualization control circuitry 110 may, e.g., control the lighting device 120-2 or the lighting device 120-5 to emit cyan, red or blue light while the crane 100 executes the autonomous or automatic function (other light colors may be used instead). Additionally, the at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, . . ., 120-6 may be controlled to emit the light in a flashing manner (i.e., to emit a flashing light of a predefined light color) while the crane 100 executes the autonomous or automatic function.

[0084] In some examples of the present disclosure, the visualization control circuitry 110 may be configured to receive the first sensor data 101, and the first sensor data 101 may indicate a geometry of the crane arm or boom 140. The geometry of the crane arm or boom 140 refers to the spatial configuration of the crane arm or boom 140. For example, the first sensor data 101 may indicate one or more of angles between segments of the crane arm or boom 140 such as the segments 141 and 142, lengths of extendable segments such as the segment 141 and a rotation (slewing) angle of the crane arm or boom 140. In these examples, the visualization control circuitry 110 may be further configured to determine a remaining outreach distance of the crane arm or boom 140 based on the first sensor data 101. The remaining outreach distance of the crane arm or boom 140 refers to the distance the crane arm or boom 140 may still extend or move horizontally or vertically before reaching its maximum range. Accordingly, the visualization control circuitry 110 is configured to control the light emission of at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, . . ., 120-6 to indicate the remaining outreach distance of the crane arm or boom 140.

[0085] For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may select the lighting device 120-1 and control the light emission of the lighting device 120-1 to indicate the remaining outreach distance of the crane arm or boom 140. The lighting device 120-1 visualizes the status of the crane arm or boom 140 and is mounted to the crane arm or boom 140. Accordingly, the operator of the crane 100 may intuitively associate the status visualized by the lighting device 120- 1 to the crane arm or boom 140. The operator of crane 100 may easily understand the crane 110's operational limits at a glance without relying solely on digital displays or other indirect indicators, enabling faster and safer decisions. In other examples, the lighting device 120-2 may be selected instead of the lighting device 120-1.

[0086] The remaining outreach distance of the crane arm or boom 140 may be visualized in various ways. For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may control the at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-6 (e.g., the lighting device 120-1) to emit light with a light color selected based on the remaining outreach distance of the crane arm or boom 140. For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may control the lighting device 120- 1 to emit green light for a remaining outreach distance of less than 1.5 meter, yellow light for a remaining outreach distance of less than 1 meter and red light for a remaining outreach distance of less than 0.5 meter. The foregoing values are selected for illustrative purposes only - other values may be used instead. The lighting device 200 described above with reference to Fig. 2 or below with reference to Fig. 6 may be used for the lighting device 120-1.

[0087] According to examples of the present disclosure, the visualization control circuitry 110 may be configured to receive powerline status data indicating an approach of the crane arm or boom 140 to a powerline. The powerline status data indicate the proximity of the crane arm or boom 140 to a power line, in particular the movement of the crane arm or boom 140 toward a power line. A powerline is an aerial (overhead) transmission or distribution line used in electrical systems. The line may be high-voltage and pose a risk of electrical hazards when approached by large machinery, such as cranes. The approach of the crane arm or boom 140 to a powerline may be determined by other circuitry in various ways. For example, the approach of the crane arm or boom 140 to a powerline may be determined based on sensor data of one or more electromagnetic field sensors detecting the field generated by power lines, image recognition performed on camera data or analysis of data originating from other types of distance sensors. Accordingly, the visualization control circuitry 110 is configured to control, based on the powerline status data, the light emission of at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, . . . , 120-6 to indicate the approach of the crane arm or boom 140 to the powerline line.

[0088] For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may select the lighting device 120-1 and control the light emission of the lighting device 120-1 to indicate the approach of the crane arm or boom 140 to the powerline line. The lighting device 120-1 visualizes the status of the crane arm or boom 140 and is mounted to the crane arm or boom 140. Accordingly, the operator of the crane 100 may intuitively associate the status visualized by the lighting device 120- 1 to the crane arm or boom 140. The operator of crane 100 may quickly become aware of the proximity of their crane arm to potential electrical hazards and prevent the crane arm or boom 140 from coming dangerously close to the power line. In other examples, the lighting device 120-2 may be selected instead of the lighting device 120-1.

[0089] The approach of the crane arm or boom 140 to the powerline line may be visualized in various ways. For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may control the at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-6 (e.g., the lighting device 120-1) to emit light with a light color selected based on the approach of the crane arm or boom 140 to the powerline line. For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may control the lighting device 120- 1 to emit green light for a remaining distance to the power line of less than 1.5 meter, yellow light for a remaining distance to the power line of less than 1 meter and red light for a remaining distance to the power line of less than 0.5 meter. The foregoing values are selected for illustrative purposes only - other values may be used instead. The lighting device 200 described above with reference to Fig. 2 or below with reference to Fig. 6 may be used for the lighting device 120-1.

[0090] In some examples of the present disclosure, the visualization control circuitry 110 may be configured to receive boundary status data indicating an approach of the crane arm or boom 140 to a virtual boundary that restricts the crane 100’s permitted range of motion. The virtual boundary refers to a digitally defined limit that restricts the crane arm or boom 140’ s permitted range of motion. This boundary is not physical but virtual, i.e., computationally determined. For example, the virtual boundary may be designed or selected to prevent the crane arm or boom 140 from entering unsafe or restricted areas. The boundary status data indicate the proximity of the crane arm or boom 140 to the virtual boundary, in particular the movement of the crane arm or boom 140 toward the virtual boundary. The approach of the crane arm or boom 140 to the virtual boundary may be determined by other circuitry in various ways. For example, the approach of the crane arm or boom 140 to the virtual boundary may be determined based on one or more of data indicating the geometry of the crane arm or boom 140, data indicating a position of the crane 100 and a boundary map storing the virtual boundary. Accordingly, the visualization control circuitry 110 is configured to control, based on the boundary status data, the light emission of at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, . . . , 120-6 to indicate the approach of the crane arm or boom 140 to the virtual boundary.

[0091] For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may select the lighting device 120-1 and control the light emission of the lighting device 120-1 to indicate the approach of the crane arm or boom 140 to the virtual boundary. The lighting device 120-1 visualizes the status of the crane arm or boom 140 and is mounted to the crane arm or boom 140. Accordingly, the operator of the crane 100 may intuitively associate the status visualized by the lighting device 120-1 to the crane arm or boom 140. The operator of crane 100 may quickly become aware of the proximity of their crane arm to boundary and ensure that the crane 100 operates only within predefined zones, adhering to legal and / or operational restrictions. In other examples, the lighting device 120-2 may be selected instead of the lighting device 120-1.

[0092] The approach of the crane arm or boom 140 to the virtual boundary may be visualized in various ways. For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may control the at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-6 (e.g., the lighting device 120-1) to emit light with a light color selected based on the approach of the crane arm or boom 140 to the virtual boundary. For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may control the lighting device 120-1 to emit green light for a remaining distance to the virtual boundary of less than 1.5 meter, yellow light for a remaining distance to the virtual boundary of less than 1 meter and red light for a remaining distance to the virtual boundary of less than 0.5 meter. The foregoing values are selected for illustrative purposes only - other values may be used instead. The lighting device 200 described above with reference to Fig. 2 or below with reference to Fig. 9 may be used for the lighting device 120-1.

[0093] According to examples of the present disclosure, the visualization control circuitry 110 may be configured to receive the first sensor data 101, and the first sensor data 101 may indicate proximity of the crane arm or boom 140 to an object in the crane 110’s environment. The proximity of the crane arm or boom 140 to the object refers to the spatial distance between the crane arm or boom 140 and any physical object (e.g., a human being, an animal, a wall, a vehicle, other equipment) within the crane 100’s operational environment. For example, the first sensor data 101 may generated by a proximity sensor or a collision avoidance system of the crane 100. Accordingly, the visualization control circuitry 110 is configured to control, based on the first sensor data 101, the light emission of at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, . . ., 120-6 to indicate the proximity of the crane arm or boom 140 to the object.

[0094] For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may select the lighting device 120-1 and control the light emission of the lighting device 120-1 to indicate the proximity of the crane arm or boom 140 to the object. The lighting device 120-1 visualizes the status of the crane arm or boom 140 and is mounted to the crane arm or boom 140. Accordingly, the operator of the crane 100 may intuitively associate the status visualized by the lighting device 120-1 to the crane arm or boom 140. The operator of crane 100 may quickly understanding the crane arm or boom 140’ s position relative to its surroundings and prevent collisions between the crane arm or boom 140 and objects in its environment, reducing the risk of accidents. In other examples, the lighting device 120-2 may be selected instead of the lighting device 120-1.

[0095] The proximity of the crane arm or boom 140 to the object may be visualized in various ways. For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may control the at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-6 (e.g., the lighting device 120-1) to emit light with a light color selected based on the proximity of the crane arm or boom 140 to the object. For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may control the lighting device 120-1 to emit green light for a remaining distance of the crane arm or boom 140 to the object of less than 1.5 meter, yellow light for a remaining distance of the crane arm or boom 140 to the object of less than 1 meter and red light for a remaining distance of the crane arm or boom 140 to the object of less than 0.5 meter. The foregoing values are selected for illustrative purposes only - other values may be used instead. The lighting device 200 described above with reference to Fig. 2 or below with reference to Fig. 9 may be used for the lighting device 120-1.

[0096] In some examples of the present disclosure, the visualization control circuitry 110 may be configured to receive control status data indicating that the vehicle holding the crane 100 is remote controlled via the remote control 199. For example, the remote control 199, the vehicle or control circuitry of the crane 100 may provide the control status data. Accordingly, the visualization control circuitry 110 is configured to control, based on the control status data, the light emission of at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, . . ., 120-6 to indicate that the vehicle is remote controlled via the remote control 199.

[0097] The remote control of the vehicle may be visualized in various ways. For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may control the at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-6 (e.g., one of the lighting devices 120-2 and 120-5) to emit light of a predefined light color while the vehicle is remote controlled via the remote control 199. The predefine light color may be any color (e.g., blue or red). The visualization control circuitry 110 may, e.g., control the lighting device 120-2 or the lighting device 120-5 to emit red or blue light while vehicle is remote controlled via the remote control 199 (other light colors may be used instead). Additionally, the at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, . . . , 120- 6 may be controlled to emit the light in a flashing manner (i.e., to emit a flashing light of a predefined light color) while the vehicle is remote controlled via the remote control 199. Accordingly, onsite personnel may quickly and easily recognize that the vehicle is under remote control, ensuring coordinated operations. By visually indicating the remote control of the vehicle, confusion that could lead to unintentional interference or unsafe actions near the vehicle may be minimized.

[0098] As described above, the crane 100 may comprise a stabilizer system comprising one or more outriggers 150 for selectively supporting the crane against ground. In these examples, the visualization control circuitry 110 may be configured to receive the first sensor data 101, and the first sensor data 101 may indicate deployment of the stabilizer system. For example, the first sensor data 101 may be provided by one or more of position sensors of the crane 100 for detecting whether the one or more outriggers are extended or retracted, or pressure sensors of the crane 100 measuring the pressure exerted by the stabilizer system against ground. Accordingly, the visualization control circuitry 110 is configured to control, based on the first sensor data 101, the light emission of at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, . . ., 120- 6 mounted to the stabilizer system to indicate the deployment of the stabilizer system.

[0099] The deployment of the stabilizer system may be visualized in various ways. For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may control the at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, . . ., 120-6 on the stabilizer system (e.g., the lighting device 120-6) to emit light of a predefined light color or flashing light. This provides visual confirmation of the stabilizer system’s deployment to the crane operator and nearby personnel. Using one or more lighting devices mounted on the stabilizer system ensure that its deployment is visible from a distance and across varying light conditions.

[0100] According to examples of the present disclosure, the visualization control circuitry 110 may be configured to control the light emission by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, . . . , 120- 6 based on a control logic. The control logic is a predefined set of rules or control strategy that govern how the one or more lighting devices 120-1, . . ., 120-6 operate. The control logic may, e.g., determine when, how, and under what conditions lighting devices are activated. For example, the control logic may define which light colors, changes of light colors, light patterns, brightnesses are to be used for visualizing various statuses of the crane 100 or the vehicle holding the crane. In some examples, the control logic may define which one(s) of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-6 are to be used for visualizing the various statuses of the crane 100 or the vehicle holding the crane. In these examples, the visualization control circuitry 110 may be further configured to select, based on an operation mode of the crane 110, the control logic from a plurality of selectable control logics. The operation mode of the crane 100 is the current functional state of the crane 100. For example, the crane 100 may be in a lifting mode when actively hoisting or lowering a load, a stabilizing mode when extending or retracted the one or more outriggers or adjusting the pressure with which the crane 100 is supported against the ground, a remote-controlled mode when the crane 100 is controlled via the remote control 199, or a manual mode when the crane 100 is controlled via a Human- Machine Interface (HMI) at the crane 100. The plurality of selectable control logics are stored (and, e.g., pre-programmed) sets of rules or control strategies that can be chosen dynamically depending on the crane 100’s operation mode. The selection of the control logic allows to adapt light emission in real-time, ensuring that operators and nearby personnel always receive relevant visual information. Furthermore, a suitable lighting behavior for the current operation of the crane 100 is selected. In some examples of the present disclosure, one or more control logics may be customizable by a user (e.g., an operator or an owner of the crane 100). In these examples, the visualization control circuitry 110 may be configured to receive user input data indicating a user input for setting one or more parameters of the control logic for the visualization control circuitry 110 for controlling the light emission by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-6. For example, the user input data may be received from the remote control 199, an HMI at the crane 100, a mobile device (e.g., a mobile phone, a tablet-computer or a laptop-computer) of the operator or a service technician, or a remote server communicatively coupled with the crane 100. The parameters of the control logic may be the ones described above. The visualization control circuitry 110 may be further configured to set the one or more parameters of the control logic based on the user input. Accordingly, users may set, adjust or fine-tune lighting behaviors to match specific operational requirements (e.g., construction sites, industrial warehouses, or nighttime operations). Users have direct control over how lighting devices respond to different conditions, reducing dependence on pre-set factory configurations. Instead of a rigid lighting system, users can personalize settings for better usability and visibility.

[0101] According to examples of the present disclosure, for controlling the light emission by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, . . ., 120-6, the visualization control circuitry 110 may be configured to determine whether flashing light (blinking light, i.e., light that turns on and off at a specific frequency or pattern) or permanent light (light that remains continuously illuminated) is to be emitted by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-6 and control the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-6 accordingly. In other words, the visualization control circuitry 110 may decide whether a flashing light pattern (blinking pattern) or steady light is to be emitted by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, . . ., 120-6. For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may evaluate the various input described above and below to decide whether the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-6 should flash or stay steady. Flashing light and permanent light may be beneficial for different situations. Accordingly, by dynamically switching between different light emission modes, more effective warnings and indications may be provided.

[0102] Further exemplary statuses that may be visualized according to the proposed technology will be described in the following with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 illustrates a truck as an exemplary vehicle 500 holding the crane 100. In other words, the vehicle 500 has mounted thereon the crane 100.

[0103] In the example of Fig. 5, the crane 100 holds a load (cargo) 599. For example, the crane 100 may be used for loading the load 599 onto the vehicle 500 or for unloading the load 599 from the vehicle 500. The weight of the load 599 held by the crane 100 may be measured via one or more sensors mounted to the crane 100. Sensors and measurement techniques for measuring the weight of a load held by a crane (crane arm, boom) are generally known to a person skilled in the art. Hence, description of such sensors and measurement techniques will be omitted in the present disclosure. As a result of the measurement, the first sensor data 101 received by the visualization control circuitry 110 may indicate the weight of the load 599 held (lifted) by the crane 100. The visualization control circuitry 110 is configured to determine a load factor of the crane 100. The load factor of a crane is the ratio of the actual load being lifted (held) relative to the crane's rated or maximum load capacity. Accordingly, the visualization control circuitry 110 may be configured to determine the ratio of the weight of the load 599 held by the crane 100 indicated by the first sensor data 101 to the maximum weight to be held (lifted) by the crane 100 as the load factor of the crane 100. The load factor indicates how much of the crane's capacity is currently being utilized during a lifting operation (i.e., the utilization level of the crane 100). The load factor of the crane 100 is crucial for the operation of the crane for various reasons such as safety, equipment longevity, compliance or efficiency. Accordingly, the visualization control circuitry 110 is configured to control the light emission of at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, . . . , 120-6 to indicate the load factor of the crane 100. The lighting devices 120-4, 120-5 and 120-6 are omitted in Fig. 5 for reasons of simplicity.

[0104] For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may select the lighting device 120-2 and control the light emission of the lighting device 120-2 to indicate the load factor of the crane 100. In other examples, the lighting device 120-1 may be selected instead of the lighting device 120-2.

[0105] The load factor of the crane 100 may be visualized in various ways. Two non-limiting examples will be given in the following. For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may control the at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-6 (e.g., the lighting device 120-2) to emit light with a light color selected based on the load factor of the crane 100. For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may control the lighting device 120-1 to emit green light for a load factor of less than 70 %, yellow light for a load factor between 70 % and 95 % and red light for a load factor of more than 95 %. The foregoing values are selected for illustrative purposes only - other values may be used instead. The lighting device 200 described above with reference to Fig. 2 may be used for the lighting device 120-2.

[0106] In other examples, the visualization control circuitry 110 may control, based on the load factor of the crane 100, a lighting device of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, . . ., 120-6 (e.g., the lighting device 120-2) with a plurality of selectively activatable light emitters to activate a number of successive ones of the light emitters. The plurality of light emitters are arranged one after another. The number of activated light emitters depends on the load factor of the crane 100. For example, the ratio of activated light emitters to the total number of activatable light emitters may correspond to (be equal to) the load factor of the crane 100. One of the lighting devices 300 and 400 described above may, e.g., be used for the lighting device 120-2 and the visualization control circuitry 110 may control the lighting device 120-2 to activate a number of successive ones of the light emitters 310-1, ... 310-K or 410. The number of activated light emitters 310-1, ... 310-K or 410 depends on the load factor of the crane 100 - analogously to what is described above.

[0107] The load 599 is held by the crane 100 via a rope 161. The crane 100 comprises a rope winch 160 from which the rope 161 is unwound. The rope winch is mounted to the boom or crane arm 140. The operator of the crane 100 controls the length of the rope 161 unwound from the rope winch 160 (e.g., by means of the remote control 199, which is omitted in Fig. 5 for reasons of simplicity).

[0108] The length of the rope 161 unwound from the rope winch 160 may be measured via one or more sensors mounted to the crane 100. Sensors and measurement techniques for measuring the length of a rope unwound from a rope winch are generally known to a person skilled in the art. Hence, description of such sensors and measurement techniques will be omitted in the present disclosure. As a result of the measurement, the first sensor data 101 received by the visualization control circuitry 110 may indicate the length of the rope 161 unwound from the rope winch 160. The length of the rope 161 unwound from the rope winch 160 or a remaining length of the rope 161 not yet unwound from the rope winch 160 may be interesting parameters for the operator of the crane 100 when operating the crane. Accordingly, the visualization control circuitry 110 is configured to control the light emission of at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-6 to indicate the length of the rope 161 unwound from the rope winch 161 or the remaining length of the rope 161 not yet unwound from the rope winch 160.

[0109] The visualization control circuitry 110 may be configured to determine the remaining length of the rope 161 not yet unwound from the rope winch 160 based on a difference between a maximum length of the rope 161 that can be unwound from the rope winch 160 and the (current) length of the rope 161 unwound from the rope winch 160 indicated by the first sensor data 101.

[0110] It is to be noted that the visualized length of the rope 161 unwound from the rope winch 160 may be the absolute length of the rope 161 unwound from the rope winch 160 as measured or be a relative length of the rope 161 unwound from the rope winch 160 with respect to (relative to) a reference (length). For example, when a certain length of the rope 161 is unwound from the rope winch 160, the operator may make a user input at the remote control 199 to set this length as a reference (user-defined zero length) for the length visualization. Accordingly, visualization control circuitry 110 may be configured to determine the relative length of the rope 161 unwound from the rope winch 160 based on a difference between the (current) length of the rope 161 unwound from the rope winch 160 indicated by the first sensor data 101 and the length set as reference by the operator. In other examples, the first sensor data 101 received by the visualization control circuitry 110 may indicate the relative length of the rope 161 unwound from the rope winch 160 with respect to the reference rather than the absolute length of the rope 161 unwound from the rope winch 160.

[0111] For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may select the lighting device 120-1 and control the light emission of the lighting device 120-1 to indicate the length of the rope 161 unwound from the rope winch 161 or the remaining length of the rope 161 not yet unwound from the rope winch 160. In other examples, the lighting device 120-2 may be selected instead of the lighting device 120-1. The length of the rope 161 unwound from the rope winch 160 or the remaining length of the rope 161 not yet unwound from the rope winch 160 may be visualized in various ways. Two non-limiting examples will be given in the following.

[0112] For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may control the at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-6 (e.g., the lighting device 120-1) to emit light with a light color selected based on the length of the rope 161 unwound from the rope winch 160 or the remaining length of the rope 161 not yet unwound from the rope winch 160. For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may control the lighting device 120-1 to emit green light if the length of the rope 161 unwound from the rope winch 160 is less than 70 % of the maximum length of the rope 161 that can be unwound from the rope winch 160 (or the remaining length of the rope 161 not yet unwound from the rope winch 160 is more than 30 % of the maximum length), yellow light if the length of the rope 161 unwound from the rope winch

[0113] 160 is between 70 % and 95 % of the maximum length (or the remaining length of the rope

[0114] 161 not yet unwound from the rope winch 160 is between 5 % and 30 % of the maximum length) and red light if the length of the rope 161 unwound from the rope winch 160 is more than 95 % of the maximum length (or the remaining length of the rope 161 not yet unwound from the rope winch 160 is less than 5 % of the maximum length). The foregoing values are selected for illustrative purposes only - other values may be used instead. The lighting device 200 described above with reference to Fig. 2 may be used for the lighting device 120-1.

[0115] In other examples, the visualization control circuitry 110 may control, based on the length of the rope 161 unwound from the rope winch 160 or the remaining length of the rope 161 not yet unwound from the rope winch 160, a lighting device of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-6 (e.g., the lighting device 120-1) with a plurality of selectively activatable light emitters to activate a number of successive ones of the light emitters. The plurality of light emitters are arranged one after another. The number of activated light emitters depends on the length of the rope 161 unwound from the rope winch 160 or the remaining length of the rope 161 not yet unwound from the rope winch 160. For example, the ratio of activated light emitters to the total number of activatable light emitters may correspond to (be equal to) the ratio of the length of the rope 161 unwound from the rope winch 160 to the maximum length of the rope 161 that can be unwound from the rope winch 160. In other examples, the ratio of activated light emitters to the total number of activatable light emitters may correspond to (be equal to) the ratio of the remaining length of the rope 161 not yet unwound from the rope winch 160 to the maximum length of the rope 161 that can be unwound from the rope winch 160. One of the lighting devices 300 and 400 described above may, e.g., be used for the lighting device 120-1 and the visualization control circuitry 110 may control the lighting device 120-2 to activate a number of successive ones of the light emitters 310-1, ... 310-K or 410. The number of activated light emitters 310-1, ... 310-K or 410 depends on the length of the rope 161 unwound from the rope winch 160 or the remaining length of the rope 161 not yet unwound from the rope winch 160 - analogously to what is described above.

[0116] As indicated above, the present technology may further be used to visualize statuses of devices and systems external to the crane 100. For example, the second sensor data 102 may indicate a remaining amount of fuel or electrical energy of the vehicle 500. The remaining amount of fuel or electrical energy of the vehicle 500 is an interesting information for the operator of the crane 100 as the crane 100 may draw the energy required for its operation from the vehicle 500. In other words, the vehicle 500 may supply the crane 100 with the required energy for operation. Accordingly, the remaining amount of fuel or electrical energy of the vehicle 500 determines the amount of energy remaining for the further operation of the crane. In other examples, a power supply 590 external to the crane 100 and the vehicle 500 may provide the crane 100 with the required energy for operation. For example, the power supply 590 may be locally provided on a construction site to supply the crane 100 with electrical energy rather than using electrical energy of the vehicle 500. The power supply 590 may be reversibly coupled with one of the crane 100 and the vehicle 500 for supplying the crane 100 with electrical energy. Accordingly, the visualization control circuitry 110 may be configured to receive third sensor data 103 (e.g., from the power supply 590) indicating (being encoded with information about) a remaining amount of electrical energy of the power supply 590.

[0117] Accordingly, the visualization control circuitry 110 is configured to control the light emission of at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, . . ., 120-6 to indicate the remaining amount of fuel or electrical energy of the vehicle 500 or the remaining amount of electrical energy of the power supply 590. For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may select the lighting device 120-2 and control the light emission of the lighting device 120-2 to indicate the remaining amount of fuel or electrical energy of the vehicle 500 or the remaining amount of electrical energy of the power supply 590. In other examples, the lighting device 120-1 may be selected instead of the lighting device 120-2. The remaining amount of fuel or electrical energy of the vehicle 500 or the remaining amount of electrical energy of the power supply 590 may be visualized in various ways. Two nonlimiting examples will be given in the following.

[0118] For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may control the at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-6 (e.g., the lighting device 120-2) to emit light with a light color selected based on the remaining amount of fuel or electrical energy of the vehicle 500 or the remaining amount of electrical energy of the power supply 590. For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may control the lighting device 120-2 to emit green light if the remaining amount of fuel or electrical energy of the vehicle 500 or the remaining amount of electrical energy of the power supply 590 is more than 30 % of the maximum amount of fuel or electrical energy of the vehicle 500 or the maximum amount of electrical energy of the power supply 590, yellow light if the remaining amount of fuel or electrical energy of the vehicle 500 or the remaining amount of electrical energy of the power supply 590 is between 5 % and 25 % of the maximum amount of fuel or electrical energy of the vehicle 500 or the maximum amount of electrical energy of the power supply 590 and red light if the remaining amount of fuel or electrical energy of the vehicle 500 or the remaining amount of electrical energy of the power supply 590 is less than 5 % of the maximum amount of fuel or electrical energy of the vehicle 500 or the maximum amount of electrical energy of the power supply 590. The foregoing values are selected for illustrative purposes only - other values may be used instead. The lighting device 200 described above with reference to Fig. 2 may be used for the lighting device 120-1.

[0119] In other examples, the visualization control circuitry 110 may control, based on the remaining amount of fuel or electrical energy of the vehicle 500 or the remaining amount of electrical energy of the power supply 590, a lighting device of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, . . ., 120-6 (e.g., the lighting device 120-2) with a plurality of selectively activatable light emitters to activate a number of successive ones of the light emitters. The plurality of light emitters are arranged one after another. The number of activated light emitters depends on the remaining amount of fuel or electrical energy of the vehicle 500 or the remaining amount of electrical energy of the power supply 590. For example, the ratio of activated light emitters to the total number of activatable light emitters may correspond to (be equal to) the ratio of the remaining amount of fuel or electrical energy of the vehicle 500 or the remaining amount of electrical energy of the power supply 590 to the maximum amount of fuel or electrical energy of the vehicle 500 or the maximum amount of electrical energy of the power supply 590. One of the lighting devices 300 and 400 described above may, e.g., be used for the lighting device 120-2 and the visualization control circuitry 110 may control the lighting device 120-2 to activate a number of successive ones of the light emitters 310-1, ... 310-K or 410. The number of activated light emitters 310-1, ... 310-K or 410 depends on the remaining amount of fuel or electrical energy of the vehicle 500 or the remaining amount of electrical energy of the power supply 590 - analogously to what is described above.

[0120] In other examples, the information about the remaining amount of fuel or electrical energy of the vehicle 500 or the remaining amount of electrical energy of the power supply 590 as indicated by the second sensor data 102 and the third sensor data 103 may be further processed before visualization. For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may be configured to determine the extent to which the crane 100 can still be operated based on the remaining amount of fuel or electrical energy of the vehicle 500 or the remaining amount of electrical energy of the power supply 590. The extent to which the crane 100 can still be operated refers to the range or degree of functionality and usability that the crane 100 possesses given the remaining amount of fuel or electrical energy of the vehicle 500 or the remaining amount of electrical energy of the power supply 590. For example, the extent to which the crane 100 may still be operated may be expressed in remaining working hours of the crane 100 given the remaining amount of fuel or electrical energy of the vehicle 500 or the remaining amount of electrical energy of the power supply 590. Similarly, the extent to which the crane 100 may still be operated may be expressed in a remaining load that the crane 100 may still lift given the remaining amount of fuel or electrical energy of the vehicle 500 or the remaining amount of electrical energy of the power supply 590. In still other examples, the extent to which the crane 100 may still be operated may be expressed in a remaining distance that the boom or crane arm 140 can still travel (be moved).

[0121] Accordingly, the visualization control circuitry 110 may be configured to control the light emission of at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-6 to indicate the extent to which the crane 100 can still be operated. For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may select the lighting device 120-2 and control the light emission of the lighting device 120-2 to indicate the extent to which the crane 100 can still be operated. In other examples, the lighting device 120-1 may be selected instead of the lighting device 120-2. The extent to which the crane 100 can still be operated may be visualized in various ways. Two non-limiting examples will be given in the following.

[0122] For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may control the at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-6 (e.g., the lighting device 120-2) to emit light with a light color selected based on the extent to which the crane 100 can still be operated. For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may control the lighting device 120-2 to emit green light if the extent to which the crane 100 can still be operated is more than 30 % of a predetermined (reference) extent, yellow light if the extent to which the crane 100 can still be operated is between 5 % and 25 % of the predetermined extent and red light if the extent to which the crane 100 can still be operated is less than 5 % of the predetermined extent. The foregoing values are selected for illustrative purposes only - other values may be used instead. The lighting device 200 described above with reference to Fig. 2 may be used for the lighting device 120-2.

[0123] In other examples, the visualization control circuitry 110 may control, based on the extent to which the crane 100 can still be operated, a lighting device of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-6 (e.g., the lighting device 120-2) with a plurality of selectively activatable light emitters to activate a number of successive ones of the light emitters. The plurality of light emitters are arranged one after another. The number of activated light emitters depends on the extent to which the crane 100 can still be operated. For example, the ratio of activated light emitters to the total number of activatable light emitters may correspond to (be equal to) the ratio of the extent to which the crane 100 can still be operated to the predetermined extent. One of the lighting devices 300 and 400 described above may, e.g., be used for the lighting device 120-2 and the visualization control circuitry 110 may control the lighting device 120- 2 to activate a number of successive ones of the light emitters 310-1, ... 310-K or 410. The number of activated light emitters 310-1, ... 310-K or 410 depends on the extent to which the crane 100 can still be operated - analogously to what is described above.

[0124] In the foregoing examples, various statuses of the crane 100 and the vehicle 500 are visualized by lighting devices mounted to the outside of the crane 100. However, the present technology is not limited thereto. In some examples, the vehicle 500 may optionally comprise one or more further lighting devices 520-1, ..., 520-5 for visualizing a status of at least one of the crane 100 and the vehicle 500. The one or more further lighting devices 520-1, ..., 520-5 are mounted on the outside of the vehicle 500 such that the lighting devices 520-1, . . 520-5 are visible for the operator of the crane 100 while the operator is present in the environment of the crane 100 (vehicle 500). In the example of Fig. 5, the vehicle 500 comprises five further lighting devices. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In general, the vehicle 500 may comprise any number S > 1 of further lighting devices. The further lighting devices may be mounted to any element (part) of the vehicle 500. In particular, different further lighting devices may be mounted to different elements of the vehicle 500 as illustrated in Fig. 5. The further lighting devices 520-1, . . . , 520-5 may be identical to or different from each other (e.g., in terms of form, size, lighting technology, characteristics of the emitted or emittable light). The visualization control circuitry 110 is coupled (e.g., wirelessly or wired) to the further lighting devices 520-1, . . ., 520-5 for controlling light emission by the further lighting devices 520-1, ..., 520-5.

[0125] Analogously to the above described control of the light emission by the one or more lighting devices 120-1, . . . , 120-6, the visualization control circuitry 110 is further configured to control the light emission by the one or more further lighting devices 520-1, . . . , 520-5 based on the at least one of the first sensor data 101 and the second sensor data 102. In other words, the visualization control circuitry 110 is configured to process the first sensor data 101 and / or the second sensor data 102 to control the light emission by the one or more further lighting devices 520-1, . . ., 520-5 for visualizing the status of at least one of the crane 100 and the vehicle 500.

[0126] Further visualizing the status of the crane 100 and / or the vehicle 500 by means of the lighting devices 520-1, . . ., 520-5 may be convenient for the operator as the operator is not required to divert his / her attention between the crane 100 / the vehicle 500 and a separate device for status indication such as the remote control 199 for operating the crane 100.

[0127] For example, if the second sensor data 102 is received by the visualization control circuitry 110, the visualization control circuitry 110 may be configured to determine a status of a component of the vehicle 500 based on the second sensor data 102. The component of the vehicle 500 may, in general, be any element or substructure of the vehicle 500. The status of the vehicle 500’ s component refers to the (current) condition or operational state of the vehicle 500’ s component. For example, if the second sensor data 102 indicate the remaining amount of fuel or electrical energy of the vehicle 500, the status of the vehicle 500’ s component may be the fuel level or the level of available electrical energy of the vehicle 500. The foregoing example for the status of a component of the vehicle 500 is selected for illustrative purposes only. The present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0128] The visualization control circuitry 110 may further be configured to select at least one of the one or more further lighting devices 520-1, . . ., 520-5 for visualizing the status of the vehicle 500’ s component. In particular, the selected at least one of the one or more further lighting devices 520-1, ..., 520-5 may be mounted to or in close proximity of the component whose status it visualizes.

[0129] The visualization control circuitry 110 may further be configured to control the light emission of at least one of the one or more selected further lighting devices 520-1, . . . , 520-5 to indicate the status of the vehicle 500’ s component. For example, for indicating the remaining amount of fuel or electrical energy of the vehicle 500, the visualization control circuitry 110 may control the lighting device 520-5 to emit light of predefined light colors or light patterns depending on the remaining amount of fuel or electrical energy of the vehicle 500 (e.g., green light and / or a first blinking frequency for a fuel level or level of available electrical energy of less more than 30 %, yellow light and / or a second blinking frequency for a fuel level or level of available electrical energy between 10 % and 30 % and red light and / or a third blinking frequency for a fuel level or level of available electrical energy of less than 10 %). The foregoing example for visualization of a status of the vehicle 500’ s component is selected for illustrative purposes only. The present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0130] Similarly, if the first sensor data 101 is received by the visualization control circuitry 110, the visualization control circuitry 110 may be configured to determine a status of a component of the crane 100 based on the first sensor data 101 and visualize the status of the crane 100’s component by corresponding control of the further lighting devices 520-1, . . . , 520-5. Furthermore, analogously to what is described above for the processing of the third sensor data 103, the visualization control circuitry 110 may be configured to determine a status of a device external to the crane 100 and the vehicle 500 based on the third sensor data 103 and visualize the status of the external device by corresponding control of the further lighting devices 520- 1, ..., 520-5. As mentioned above, various statuses of the crane 100 and / or the vehicle 500 may be visualized by means of the further lighting devices 520-1, . . ., 520-5. In the following, the visualization of exemplary statuses will be described in greater detail.

[0131] One interesting parameter of the vehicle 500 for the operator is the respective axle load of the various axles of the vehicle 500. The axle load is the total weight bearing on the roadway for all wheels connected to a given axle. Knowing the respective axle load may be of interest for the operator of the crane 100 to, e.g., ensure that legal limits (regulations) are not exceeded by the loaded vehicle 500.

[0132] The axle load of a vehicle axle may be measured via one or more sensors mounted to the vehicle 500 (in particular to the respective axle and / or the vehicle chassis holding the respective axle). Sensors and measurement techniques for measuring the axle load of an axle are generally known to a person skilled in the art. Hence, description of such sensors and measurement techniques will be omitted in the present disclosure. As a result of the measurement, the second sensor data 102 received by the visualization control circuitry 110 may indicate a respective axle load of one or more axles of the vehicle 500. For example, the second sensor data 102 may indicate the axle loads for the two axles to which the tires 501 and 502 are connected (mounted). Accordingly, the visualization control circuitry 110 is configured to control the light emission of at least one of the one or more further lighting devices 520-1, . . . , 520-5 to indicate the respective axle load of the one or more axles of the vehicle 500.

[0133] For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may select the lighting device 520-3 and control the light emission of the lighting device 520-3 to indicate the axle load of the axle to which the tire 501 is connected. The lighting device 520-3 visualizes the status of the axle and is mounted to the vehicle in proximity to the axle. Similarly, the visualization control circuitry 110 may select the lighting device 520-4 and control the light emission of the lighting device 520-4 to indicate the axle load of the other axle to which the tire 502 is connected. The lighting device 520-4 visualizes the status of the other axle and is mounted to the vehicle in proximity to the other axle. Accordingly, the operator of the crane 100 may intuitively associate the status visualized by the respective one of the lighting devices 520-3 and 520-4 to the respective axle.

[0134] The respective axle load of one or more axles of the vehicle 500 may be visualized in various ways. Two non-limiting examples will be given in the following. For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may control the at least one of the one or more further lighting devices 520-1, . . . , 520-5 for the respective axle (e.g., the lighting device 520-3 and / or the lighting device 520-4) to emit light with a light color selected based on the respective axle load. For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may control the lighting device 520-3 to emit green light if the axle load of the axle to which the tire 501 is connected is less than 70 % of a maximum axle load, yellow light if the axle load of the axle to which the tire 501 is connected is between 70 % and 95 % of the axle load and red light if the axle load of the axle to which the tire 501 is connected is more than 95 % of the maximum axle load. The visualization control circuitry 110 may control the lighting device 520-4 analogously for visualizing the axle load of the other axle to which the tire 502 is connected. The foregoing values are selected for illustrative purposes only - other values may be used instead. The lighting device 200 described above with reference to Fig. 2 may be used for the lighting devices 520-3 and 520-4.

[0135] In other examples, the visualization control circuitry 110 may control, based on the respective axle load, a lighting device of the one or more further lighting devices 520-1, . . . , 520-5 for the respective axle (e.g., the lighting device 520-3 and / or the lighting device 520-4) with a plurality of selectively activatable light emitters to activate a number of successive ones of the light emitters. The plurality of light emitters are arranged one after another. The number of activated light emitters depends on the respective axle load. For example, the ratio of activated light emitters to the total number of activatable light emitters may correspond to (be equal to) the ratio of the respective axle load for the axle to the maximum axle load. One of the lighting device 300 and 400 described above may, e.g., be used for the lighting device 520-3 and the visualization control circuitry 110 may control the lighting device 520-3 to activate a number of successive ones of the light emitters 310-1, ... 310-K or 410. The number of activated light emitters 310-1, ... 310-K or 410 depends on the axle load of the axle to which the tire 501 is connected - analogously to what is described above. Similarly, one of the lighting device 300 and 400 described above may, e.g., be used for the lighting device 520-3 and the visualization control circuitry 110 may control the lighting device 520-4 to activate a number of successive ones of the light emitters 310-1, ... 310-K or 410, wherein the number of activated light emitters 310-1, ... 310-K or 410 depends on the axle load of the axle to which the tire 502 is connected. In some examples, status visualization may further be used for facilitating the loading of the vehicle 500. For example, the first sensor data 101 may indicate the weight of the load 599 held by the crane 100 and the second sensor data may indicate the respective axle load of the multiple axles of the vehicle 500. Accordingly, the visualization control circuitry 110 may be configured to determine a target unloading position for the load 599 on a load space 560 of the vehicle 500. The load space 560 is the designated area of the vehicle 500 within the vehicle 500 where loads (cargo, goods) can be loaded and transported. The target unloading position is the designated spot or area within the load space 560 where the load 590 is intended to be unloaded. The visualization control circuitry 110 may determine the target unloading position for the load 599 on the load space 560 in various ways, under various conditions and taking into various types of information. For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may determine the target unloading position for the load 599 such that the respective axle load of the multiple axles of the vehicle 500 does not exceed regulatory limits or limits set by the manufacturer or operator of the vehicle 500. Alternatively or additionally, the visualization control circuitry 110 may determine the target unloading position for the load 599 such that the total load (i.e., the load 599 and, if applicable, further pieces of load) is evenly distributed within the load space 560. Further alternatively or additionally, the visualization control circuitry 110 may determine the target unloading position for the load 599 taking into account the positions and / or dimensions and / or weights of other pieces of load already present in the load space 560 or pieces of load still to be unloaded in the load space 560. The visualization control circuitry 110 may, e.g., receive further sensor data of one or more sensors mounted to the vehicle 500 which indicate (are encoded with information about) the positions and / or dimensions and / or weights of other pieces of load already present in the load space 560.

[0136] The visualization control circuitry 110 may accordingly be configured to control the light emission of at least part of the one or more further lighting devices 520-1, . . . , 520-5 to indicate the target unloading position. In particular, for indicating the target unloading position, the visualization control circuitry 110 may be configured to control one of the one or more further lighting devices 520-1, ..., 520-5 closest to the target unloading position to emit light of a predefined light color. The predefined light color may be any color (e.g., green). In the example of Fig. 5, the visualization control circuitry 110 selects one of the lighting devices 520-1 and 520-2 and controls the light emission of the selected one of the devices 520-1 and 520-2 to indicate the target unloading position. For example, if the target unloading position is in the front part of the load space 560, the visualization control circuitry 110 selects the lighting device 520-2 and controls the light emission of the device 520-2 to indicate the target unloading position. Similarly, if the target unloading position is in the back part of the load space 560, the visualization control circuitry 110 selects the lighting device 520-1 and controls the light emission of the device 520-1 to indicate the target unloading position. The visualization control circuitry 110 may, e.g., control the selected one of the lighting devices 520-1 and 520- 2 to emit green light to indicate the target unloading position. However, it is to be noted that other light colors may be used instead of green light.

[0137] Optionally, the visualization control circuitry 110 may be configured to control light emission by one or more of the one or more further lighting devices 520-1, ..., 520-5 to indicate that the load is not to be unloaded within one or more parts of the load space 560. For example, if the target unloading position is in the front part of the load space 560, the visualization control circuitry 110 selects the lighting device 520-1 and controls the light emission of the device 520-1 to indicate that the load is not to be unloaded in the back part of the load space 560. Similarly, if the target unloading position is in the back part of the load space 560, the visualization control circuitry 110 selects the lighting device 520-2 and controls the light emission of the device 520-2 to indicate that the load is not to be unloaded in the back part of the load space 560. The visualization control circuitry 110 may, e.g., control the selected one of the lighting devices 520-1 and 520-2 to emit red light to indicate the load is not to be unloaded in the respective part of the load space 560. However, it is to be noted that other light colors may be used instead of red light.

[0138] For controlling the light emission by the one or more further lighting devices 520-1, . . ., 520- 5, the visualization control circuitry 110 may be configured to determine whether flashing light or permanent light is to be emitted by the one or more further lighting devices 520-1, . . . , 520-5 and control the one or more further lighting devices 520-1, ..., 520-5 accordingly. In other words, the visualization control circuitry 110 may decide whether a flashing light pattern or steady light is to be emitted by the one or more further lighting devices 520-1, . . ., 520-5. For example, the visualization control circuitry 110 may evaluate the various input described above to decide whether the one or more further lighting devices 520-1, . . . , 520-5 should flash or stay steady. Flashing light and permanent light may be beneficial for different situations. Accordingly, by dynamically switching between different light emission modes, more effective warnings and indications may be provided. In the foregoing, three exemplary lighting devices were described with reference to Figs. 2 to 4. Another exemplary lighting device 600 will be described in the following with reference to Figs. 6 to 8. Like the other exemplary lighting devices described in the present disclosure, the lighting device 600 is for visualizing a status of at least one of a crane such as the crane 100, a vehicle holding the crane like the vehicle 500, or a crane accessory such as the energy supply device described below with reference to Fig. 9. Subfigure (a) of Fig. 6 shows a view of the lighting device 600, whereas subfigure (b) of Fig. 6 shows an exploded view of the lighting device 600.

[0139] The lighting device 600 comprises a plurality of individually addressable illumination chambers 610-1, . . ., 610-4. In the example of Fig. 6, the lighting device 600 comprises 4 four illumination chambers. However, it should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other examples, more or less illumination chambers may be used. In general, the lighting device 600 comprises P > 2 illumination chambers. Each chamber is configured to selectively emit a light of a color selectable from a plurality of predefined colors. For example, the plurality of predefined colors may comprise red, yellow, green, cyan, blue, magenta, white and amber. However, in other examples more, less or other colors may be used. According to some examples, the lighting device may comprise at least four illumination chambers, and the plurality of predefined colors may comprises at least eight different colors. More colors allow for a more detailed and intuitive warning system, reducing confusion and increasing reaction speed in various situations. Having four illumination chambers and at least eight colors enables layered status visualization, such as using different colors in different chambers to represent multiple operational aspects simultaneously, or displaying a gradient or transition effect for progressive warnings (e.g., from yellow to red as a status changes).

[0140] As can be seen from subfigure (b), each illumination chamber 610-1, . . ., 610-4 is formed by respective light emitters (e.g., light-emitting diodes) formed on a carrier substrate (e.g., a Printed Circuit Board, PCB) 620 as well as a respective sub-element 631, 632, 633, 634 of a light guiding structure 630 mounted to the carrier substrate 620. Light emitted by the respective light emitters of the respective illumination chamber 610-1, ..., 610-4 is guided by the respective sub-element 631, 632, 633, 634 of the light guiding structure 630.

[0141] The carrier substrate 620 and the light guiding structure 630 are arranged in a housing 640 of the lighting device 600. The housing 640 comprises a cover 641 covering the light guiding structure 630, and further comprises a mounting base 642 to which the carrier substrate 620, the light guiding structure 630 and the cover 641 are mounted. In the example of Fig. 6, the carrier substrate 620, the light guiding structure 630 and the cover 641 are screwed to the mounting base 642. However, in alternative examples other fastening means such as clip locks may be used.

[0142] The lighting device 600 further comprises a communication interface 650 configured to receive an input signal for the lighting device 600. The input signal indicates the status to be visualized by the lighting device. The status may be one of the statuses described above and below. For example, the input signal may be encoded with a string or code word representing the respective status. In the example of Fig. 6, the communication interface 650 is included in the mounting base 642. A cable 699 may be communicatively coupled with the communication interface 650 couple the communication interface 650 with the source of the input signal (e.g., the visualization control circuitry described above or below). For example, the communication interface 650 may be or comprise a socket for receiving the cable 699. The communication interface 650 may, e.g., be configured to receive the input signal from a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus or a Local Interconnect Network (LIN) bus. These are common bus systems used for cranes. Alternatively, the communication interface 650 may be a wireless communication interface. For example, the communication interface 650 may be configured to receive the input signal from a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) or a Bluetooth connection.

[0143] The lighting device 600 further comprises control circuitry 660 configured to actuate, based on the input signal, at least one of the illumination chambers 610-1, . . ., 610-4 to emit light of a color corresponding to the status. In other words, the control circuitry 660 is configured to determine which light chamber(s) should activate and which color should be displayed. The control circuitry 660 may be implemented in hardware analogously to the visual control circuitry described above. The control circuitry 660 matches the input signal to a predefined color scheme and adjusts the lighting in real time. In the example of Fig. 6, the control circuitry 660 is formed on the carrier substrate 620. In other examples, the control circuitry 660 may be formed separate from the carrier substrate 620.

[0144] The ability to select colors from multiple predefined options per illumination chamber allows for precise and user-friendly status indicators. The lighting device 600 allows to provide immediate visual feedback, reducing miscommunication and improving safety on-site. The use of individually addressable chambers allows for complex lighting patterns that can indicate a large number of statuses and optionally multiple statuses simultaneously.

[0145] The control circuitry 660 may be further configured to determine, based on the input signal, whether flashing light or permanent light is to be emitted by the one or more actuated illumination chambers and control the one or more actuated illumination chambers accordingly. In other words, the control circuitry 660 may decide whether a flashing light pattern or steady light is to be emitted by the one or more actuated illumination chambers. For example, the control circuitry 660 may evaluate the input signal to decide whether the actuated illumination chambers should flash or stay steady. Flashing light and permanent light may be beneficial for different situations. Accordingly, by dynamically switching between different light emission modes, more effective warnings and indications may be provided.

[0146] The mounting base 642 is further configured for mounting the lighting device 600 to the crane, vehicle or crane accessory. The mounting base 642 is a mechanical structure that enables the secure attachment of the lighting device 600 to the crane, vehicle, or crane accessory. In other words, the mounting base 642 acts as a mounting mechanism of the lighting device 600 for mounting the lighting device 600 to the crane, vehicle or crane accessory.

[0147] The mounting base 642 (i.e., the mounting mechanism of the lighting device 600) may, e.g., comprise one or more of a screw mounting system (i.e., screws may be used to fix the lighting device 600 to the crane, vehicle or crane accessory), a clip or bayonet lock system (using a snap-fit mechanism to lock the lighting device 600 to the crane, vehicle or crane accessory), a magnetic mounting system (using magnetic force to attach the lighting device 600 to a metallic surface of the crane, vehicle or crane accessory), a dowel-based mounting system (using dowels or pins to be inserted into pre-drilled holes at the crane, vehicle or crane accessory to fix the lighting device 600 to the crane, vehicle or crane accessory), or an adhesive mounting system (using adhesives such as VHB tape, epoxy, or glue to fix the lighting device 600 to the crane, vehicle or crane accessory). The screw mounting system may allow highly secure and permanent mounting of the lighting device 600, and provide resistance to vibrations and shocks. The clip or bayonet lock system may allow quick installation and removal of the lighting device 600 as no tools are required. The magnetic mounting system may allow a complete tool-free installation and removal of the lighting device 600. The dowel-based mounting system may provide strong mechanical hold. The adhesive mounting system may allow non- invasive installation. It should be noted that the mounting mechanism of the lighting device 600 is not limited the above exemplary mounting mechanisms. In alternative examples, other mounting mechanisms may be used.

[0148] As indicated in subfigure (b) of Fig. 6, the cover 641 is at least partially transparent for the light emitted by the illumination chambers 610-1, . . ., 610-4. In other words, the cover 641 is not fully opaque and allows sufficient light transmission so that the color and brightness of the light emitted by the illumination chambers 610-1, . . ., 610-4 remain visible. Some portions of the cover 641 may be more transparent than others (e.g., depending on design or illumination targets). For example, the cover 641 may have a tinted or shaded finish configured to absorb incident sunlight and reduce glare. In other words, the cover 641 may have a surface treatment or coating that absorbs sunlight, reduces glare, and enhances color contrast. The ability of the cover material to filter out excessive natural light may prevent interference with the lighting device 600’ s emitted light. Furthermore, the cover material allows to minimize excessive brightness or reflections that could obstruct the clear visibility of the lighting device 600’ s emitted light. As the cover 641’s tinting / shading prevents sunlight from overpowering the illumination, the visibility of the lighting device 600’ s emitted light is enhanced in bright conditions. The anti-glare properties reduce light scatter, improving contrast and reducing operator eye strain.

[0149] The lighting device 600 comprises a trapezoidal shape. The trapezoidal shape allows to arrange multiple ones of the lighting device 600 adjacently in a contiguous assembly. In other words, the trapezoidal shape allows efficient tiling of lighting devices 600 without unnecessary gaps, improving aesthetics and functionality. This is exemplarily illustrated in Fig. 7 showing three lighting devices 600 arranged adjacently along the horizontal and forming a contiguous assembly. Arranging multiple lighting devices 600 adjacently in a contiguous assembly allows to output continuous illumination patterns along the multiple lighting devices. However, it should be noted that the external geometry (i.e., the shape or structure of the lighting device 600) of the lighting device 600 is not limited to the trapezoidal shape illustrated in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. In general, the lighting device 600 may be configured with any external geometry adapted to permit multiple lighting devices 600 to be arranged adjacently in a contiguous assembly. For example, the external geometry of the lighting device 600 may be rectangular (i.e., a square or rectangular prism), hexagonal or triangular. Subfigures (a) to (e) of Fig. 8 further illustrates some exemplary statuses that may be visualized by the lighting device 600. In the example of Fig. 8, it is assumed that the lighting device 600 comprises the four illumination chambers 610-1, . . ., 610-4 as described above.

[0150] In the example of subfigure (a), the first illumination chamber 610-1 is not actuated to show that the crane 100 is active and remote controlled. Furthermore, when actuated, the second illumination chamber 610-2 is controlled to emit green light, the third illumination chamber 610-3 is controlled to emit yellow light and the fourth illumination chamber 610-4 is controlled to emit red light. Various statuses like the level of utilization of the boom 140, the level of extension of the boom 140 or the remaining extension of the boom 140, the pressure at the hydraulic cylinder 146, the pressure at the hydraulic support cylinder 152, the load factor of the crane 100, the length of the rope 161 unwound from the rope winch 160 or the remaining length of the rope 161 not yet unwound from the rope winch 160, the remaining amount of fuel or electrical energy of the vehicle 500 or the remaining amount of electrical energy of the power supply 590, the respective axle load of one or more axles of the vehicle 500 may be visualized via the actuation of one of the second to fourth illumination chambers 610-2, ..., 610-4 in accordance with the description given above. When actuated, the respective one of the first to third illumination chambers 610-2, . . ., 610-4 may be controlled to output flashing light or permanent light.

[0151] In the example of subfigure (b), the first illumination chamber 610-1 is not actuated to show that the crane 100 is active and remote controlled. The second to fourth illumination chambers 610-2, . . ., 610-4 are controlled to emit yellow light (e.g., permanent light) to indicate a warning.

[0152] In the example of subfigure (c), the first illumination chamber 610-1 is not actuated to show that the crane 100 is active and remote controlled. The second to fourth illumination chambers 610-2, . . ., 610-4 are controlled to emit red permanent light to indicate an error.

[0153] In the example of subfigure (d), the first illumination chamber 610-1 is not actuated to show that the crane 100 is active and remote controlled. The second to fourth illumination chambers 610-2, ..., 610-4 are controlled to emit red flashing light to indicate that a service partner should be contacted to maintain the crane 100. When operation of the crane 100 is started or ended, a starting sequence or ending sequence may be output by the lighting device 600. For example, the individual illumination chambers 610-1, ..., 610-4 of the lighting device 600 may be sequentially actuated, creating the visual effect of a progressively filling light pattern (e.g., from left to right or vice versa). Alternatively, the illumination chambers 610-1, . . ., 610-4 may be actuated in a manner that produces the impression of a running light effect.

[0154] As described above, at least one of the one or more lighting devices 120-1, ..., 120-6 of the crane 100 may be the lighting device 600 described above with reference to Figs. 6 to 8. For example, at least two lighting devices of the crane 100 may be lighting devices 600 and be at positions enabling a 180 ° or more visibility of the light emission by the at least two lighting devices 600. This may provide improved visibility from various angles. For example, the lighting devices 600 may be at positions enabling a 360 ° visibility of the light emission by the at least two lighting devices 600. In other words, the lighting devices 600 are placed and oriented to ensure that emitted light is visible from all directions with (substantially) no blind spots. This may provide improved visibility from all angle and reliable signaling in any condition. Overall, safety, operational efficiency and regulatory compliance may be improved. Analogously to what is described above with reference to Fig. 7, plural lighting devices 600 of the crane 100 may be arranged adjacently in a contiguous assembly for jointly visualizing the status of the at least one of the crane 100 and the vehicle holding the crane 100.

[0155] Similarly, at least one of the one or more further lighting devices 520-1, ..., 520-5 of the vehicle 500 may be the lighting device 600 described above with reference to Figs. 6 to 8. For example, at least two lighting devices of the vehicle 500 may be the lighting devices 600 and be at positions enabling a 180 ° or more visibility of the light emission by the at least two lighting devices 600. For example, the lighting devices 600 may be at positions enabling a 360 ° visibility of the light emission by the at least two lighting devices 600. Plural lighting devices 600 of the vehicle 500 may be arranged adjacently in a contiguous assembly for jointly visualizing the status of the at least one of the crane 100 and the vehicle holding the crane 100.

[0156] Aside from the crane 100 and the vehicle 500, the lighting device 600 may further be used for status visualization of a crane accessory such as the energy supply device 900 described in the following with reference to Fig. 9. The energy supply device 900 is for supplying electrical energy to a crane such as the crane 100 described above.

[0157] The energy supply device 900 comprises an energy storage 910 configured to store electrical energy. The energy storage 910 is a (primary) reservoir for storing electrical energy. For example, the energy storage 910 may comprise a battery pack. A battery pack is an assembly of multiple battery cells configured to provide a target voltage and capacity. The battery pack may consist of various types of cells, including lithium-ion, nickel-metal hydride, or solid- state batteries. Lithium-ion cells may have a high energy density and long cycle life, making them suitable for applications requiring sustained energy output. Nickel-metal hydride cells may offer robustness and safety, with a lower risk of thermal runaway compared to lithium- ion cells. Solid-state batteries comprise solid electrolytes that provide enhanced safety and higher energy densities due to their solid-state construction, which eliminates the flammable liquid electrolytes found in other battery types. In some examples, the energy storage 910 may comprise one or more supercapacitors. A supercapacitors has a high power density, which results in rapid charge and discharge cycles, which may be suitable for peak load demands during crane operations. In some examples, the energy storage 910 may comprise a combination of one or more battery packs and one or more supercapacitors (in a hybrid configuration). The energy storage 910 may also comprise a thermal management system. The thermal management system may comprise active cooling structures (elements, devices), such as liquid cooling loops, which circulate coolant through the energy storage 910 to remove excess heat (e.g., from a battery pack or a supercapacitor). Additionally or alternatively, the thermal management system may comprise passive cooling structures (elements, devices), such as one or more of heat sinks or thermal conductive materials, to dissipate heat away from the energy storage 910 (e.g., from a battery pack or a supercapacitor).

[0158] The energy supply device 900 further comprises a mechanical interface 920 (mounting structure, mounting mechanism) for mounting the energy supply device 900 to the crane or a crane carrier such as the vehicle 500. The mechanical interface 920 is adapted to provide a robust and secure attachment of the energy supply device 900 to the crane or crane carrier, ensuring the stability of the energy supply device 900 during crane operations. The mechanical interface 920 may include components such as brackets, rails, frames, and fasteners made. These components may be made from high-strength materials like steel or aluminum alloys. These materials may be chosen for their ability to withstand significant mechanical stresses, resist corrosion, and maintain structural integrity under varying environmental conditions. The mechanical interface 920 may be configured to allow for quick and efficient mounting and dismounting of the energy supply device 900 to / from the crane or crane carrier. Accordingly, the energy supply device 900 may be rapidly mounted to or un-mounted from the crane or crane carrier, minimizing downtime during installation and maintenance. Additionally, the mechanical interface 920 may be configured to be compatible with standard industrial dimensions and equipment, such as those of a Euro pallet. This may ensure that it may be used with commonly available tools and fixtures for ease of handling and installation. This standardization facilitates the integration of the energy supply device 900 into a wide range of crane systems, enhancing its versatility and operational efficiency.

[0159] The energy supply device 900 further comprises an electrical interface 930 for electrically coupling the energy supply device 900 with an electric drive 990 driving the crane. The electric drive 990 is external to the energy supply device 900. The electrical interface 930 is a wired interface to connect the energy supply device 900 to the crane’s electric drive 990 for power transfer. The electrical interface 930 may provide various types of connection to the electric drive 990. For example, for high-voltage and high-current energy transfer, the electrical interface 930 may comprise one or more suitable connectors such as Anderson Powerpole and Amphenol connectors. For medium voltage energy transfer, the electrical interface 930 may comprise one or more suitable connectors such as Molex Mini-Fit Jr., TE Connectivity's Dynamic Series connectors, and Delphi Metri-Pack connectors. Additionally or alternatively, the electrical interface 930 may comprise one or more standard AC power outlets and / or plugs (e.g., Type A, Type B, Type C, Type E / F). For exchanging data or (control) signals with the electric drive 990 (e.g., for controlling the power transfer to the electric drive 990), the electrical interface 930 may comprise one or more of one or more RJ45 connectors for Ethernet, one or more D-sub connectors for RS-485, or one or more CAN bus connectors. In some examples, electrical interface 930 may comprise one or more USB connectors for both data and power transfer. The electrical interface 930 may optionally comprise one or more protective casings and enclosures to shield other components of the electrical interface 930 from environmental influences and physical damage. In some examples, the electrical interface 930 may comprise one or more of mounting hardware (such as, e.g., brackets, clamps, fasteners), one or more cable management systems (such as, e.g., trays, conduits, organizers), one or more grounding and shielding components (such as, e.g., straps, shields, ferrite beads), one or more grommets and seals for insulation, one or more heat sinks and cooling components to dissipate heat, or one or more labeling and identification tags for maintenance.

[0160] The energy supply device 900 additionally comprises one or more lighting devices 600 as described above for visualizing the status of the energy supply device 900. In Fig. 9, only one lighting device 600 is illustrated for reasons of clarity.

[0161] The status of the energy supply device 900 refers to the (current) condition or operational state of the energy supply device 900. The status of the energy supply device 900 may encompass various parameters and information related to the functioning of the energy supply device 900. For example, the status of the energy supply device 900 may be or indicate one or more of a state of charge of the energy storage 910 (i.e., the current amount of stored electrical energy in the energy storage 910), a power transfer status (i.e., whether the energy supply device 900 is actively delivering power to the electric drive 990), a fault or warning (i.e., an operational issue or failure that may require maintenance or troubleshooting), a temperature condition (i.e., the thermal state of the energy supply device 900), or a status of the data exchange between the energy supply device 900 and the electric drive 990. However, it is to be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to the above described statuses of the energy supply device 900.

[0162] Providing the energy supply device 900 with one or more lighting devices 600 allows to provide real-time visual feedback about its status and performance. This allows user to quickly assess various parameters or properties of the energy supply device 900 such as state of charge, faults, etc.

[0163] The one or more lighting devices 600 may, e.g., be arranged on the outside of an outer housing (casing) 960 of the energy supply device 900. The energy storage 910 and further components of the energy supply device 900 are arranged inside the outer housing 960. The external housing 960 may be made from various materials such as steel, aluminum or a composite material to ensure structural integrity and protection for the internal components. In some examples, the electrical interface 930 may be integrated into the outer housing 960 to provide flexibility in connecting to the crane's electric drive 990. The mechanical interface 920 may be connected to the outer housing 960 in various ways. For example, welded joints, bolts, screws or a combination thereof may be used. The outer housing 960’ s dimensions in width and length may be based on a Euro pallet size, i.e., 120 cm in length and 80 cm in width. This standardized sizing ensures compatibility with common transportation and handling equipment, such as forklifts, which can maneuver and position the energy supply device efficiently. The height of the outer housing 960 may be more than 30 cm and less than 120 cm. The internal arrangement of the energy storage 910 and other components may be optimized for cooling and maintenance access. The outer housing 960 may comprise ventilation openings or cooling fans to manage the thermal load generated during operation.

[0164] The energy supply device 900 may further comprise a charger 940 configured to charge the energy storage 910. The charger 940 is a device used to replenish the energy levels in the energy storage 910. The charger 940 is configured to regulate the flow of electrical energy from an external power source to the energy storage 910. The charger 940 may comprise various components such as rectifiers, inverters, transformers, converters and / or power factor correction circuits or the like. The charger 940 may, e.g., receive AC power from the external power source. The AC power may be fed into the rectifier, which converts the AC into DC. This DC power may then be passed through the power factor correction circuit to optimize the power factor, ensuring maximum efficiency and reducing losses. The optimized DC power may then be transformed to the appropriate voltage level using the transformer. If the energy storage 910 requires a different form of power, an inverter may be used to convert DC back to AC, or a DC-DC converter can step down the voltage to the desired level.

[0165] The charger 940 may be connected to the energy storage 910 via a high-power DC connection adapted to handle the specific voltage and current properties of the energy storage 910. For example, the high-power DC connection may be an Anderson Powerpole connection, which can handle high currents and voltages required for efficient charging. Another example may be an Amphenol SurLok Plus connection, which is designed for high-current, high-voltage applications and provides a secure, quick-connect interface. These high-power DC connections ensure secure and efficient power transfer from the charger 940 to the energy storage 910, accommodating the high current levels needed for rapid charging. Additionally, these connections include safety features such as interlocks, insulation, and sometimes integrated temperature sensors to monitor the connection and ensure safe operation during the charging process. The charger 940 may be connected to the external power source, such as a power grid, using a standard interface to ensure compatibility and reliability. For example, the charger 940 may be configured to connect to the power grid by a Type 2 (Mennekes) connector. This connector may handle an input voltage of 400V AC at 32A for three-phase charging, providing a total power output of up to 22kW. In other examples, the charger 940 may be configured to connect to the power grid by a Type 1 (SAE J1772) connector, which may handle 240V AC at 30A for single-phase charging

[0166] The charger 940 may comprise control circuitry configured to (e.g., continuously) monitor various parameters such one or more of the state of charge, voltage, current, temperature, or state of health of the energy storage 910, or a GPS location of the energy supply device 900 etc. The control circuitry may include balancing circuitry configured to ensure equal charge distribution among sub-elements of the energy storage 910 (such as battery packs or individual battery cells of a battery pack) and temperature sensors to monitor and regulate the charging temperature. For instance, the charger 940 may provide a high current during the initial charging phase when the energy storage 910 is at a low state of charge, and gradually reduce the current as the energy storage 910 approaches full charge to prevent overcharging and extend lifetime of the energy storage 910. Additionally, the charger 940 may communicate with external systems via protocols such as CAN bus or Ethernet, providing real-time updates on charging status and battery health, and allowing for remote monitoring and control. In some examples, the control circuitry may control the thermal management system of the energy storage 910.

[0167] For controlling the one or more lighting devices 600, the energy supply device 900 may comprise visualization control circuitry 950. The visualization control circuitry 950 may be implemented in hardware like the visualization control circuitry 110 described above. The visualization control circuitry 950 may be configured to receive at least one of sensor data of one or more sensors mounted to the energy supply device 900 or status data of at least one of the energy storage 910 and the electrical interface 930. For example, sensor data of temperature, vibration, voltage or current sensors attached to (part of) the energy supply device 900 may be received. The sensor data indicate the real-time condition of the energy supply device 900. The status data indicate the (current) condition or operational state of the energy storage 910 and / or the electrical interface 930 and, hence, indicate the real-time condition of the energy storage 910 and / or the electrical interface 930. The visualization control circuitry 950 may be further configured to determine the status of the energy supply device 900 based on the at least one of the sensor data or the status data. For example, the visualization control circuitry 950 may analyze the sensor and / or status data to assess the current operational condition of the energy supply device 900. The light emission by the one or more lighting devices 600 is determined by the respective input signal as described above with reference to Fig. 6. Accordingly, the visualization control circuitry 950 may be configured to generate the respective input signal for the one or more lighting devices to indicate the determined status.

[0168] Analogously to what is described above for the lighting devices mounted to the crane 100 or the vehicle 500, the energy supply device 900 may comprise at least two lighting devices 600 mounted at positions enabling a 180 ° or more visibility of the light emission by the at least two lighting devices 600. This may provide improved visibility from various angles. For example, the lighting devices 600 may be at positions enabling a 360 ° visibility of the light emission by the at least two lighting devices 600. This may provide improved visibility from all angles and reliable signaling in any condition. Overall, safety, operational efficiency and regulatory compliance may be improved. Analogously to what is described above with reference to Fig. 7, plural lighting devices 600 of the energy supply device 900 may be arranged adjacently in a contiguous assembly for jointly visualizing the status of the energy supply device 900.

[0169] It is to be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to loader cranes exhibiting the same structure and functionality as the loader crane 100 described above. In other examples, loader cranes with different structure and / or functionality may be used instead. For example, a loader crane with an additional fly jib may be used. Similarly, the boom or crane arm may be equipped with tools other than the rope 161 and the rope winch 160 for holding and lifting a load. For example, a grapple, a crane fork, a clamshell bucket or a multi-shell grab may be mounted to the boom or crane arm instead.

[0170] In the above examples, the proposed technology for status visualization is described with reference to knuckle boom cranes (loader cranes). However, it is to be noted that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The proposed technology for status visualization may, in general, be used for any type of crane. For example, the proposed technology for status visualization may be used for a tower crane, a mobile crane, an overhead crane, a telescopic crane, a crawler crane, a floating crane, a gantry crane or a jib crane. Accordingly, the examples of the present disclosure further relate to the aforementioned types of cranes using the proposed technology for status visualization.

[0171] Similarly, it is referred to a truck as an exemplary vehicle for holding the loader crane in the above examples. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this specific type of vehicle. In general, a vehicle holding a crane according to the proposed technology may be any type of land vehicle. In particular, the vehicle may be wheeled, tracked or railed to apply steering and drive forces against the ground. The present disclosure is not limited to land vehicles. In other examples, a vehicle holding a crane (having mounted thereon a crane) according to the proposed technology may be a watercraft such as a ship, a boat or a barge.

[0172] For further highlighting the status visualization described above, Fig. 10 illustrates a flowchart of a method for a crane for controlling status visualization. The method 1000 comprises receiving 1002 at least one of first sensor data of one or more sensors mounted to the crane and second sensor data of one or more sensors of a vehicle holding the crane. One or more lighting devices for visualizing a status of at least one of the crane and the vehicle are mounted to the crane. The method 1000 further comprises controlling 1004 light emission by the one or more lighting devices based on the at least one of the first sensor data and the second sensor data.

[0173] Analogously to what is described above, the method 1000 allows to visualize the status of the crane and / or the vehicle holding the crane via the one or more lighting devices mounted to the crane such that an operator of the crane is not necessitated to shift focus away from the crane. This may allow increased safety of the crane operation as the operator may continuously observe the crane. Furthermore, operation convenience may be increased as the operator is not required to divert his / her attention between the crane and a separate device for status indication (such as a radio remote control).

[0174] More details and aspects of the method 1000 are explained in connection with the proposed technique or one or more examples described above (e.g., Fig. 1 to Fig. 9). The method 1000 may comprise one or more additional optional features corresponding to one or more aspects of the proposed technique or one or more examples described above.

[0175] The examples described herein may be summarized as follows: An example (e.g., example 1) relates to a crane comprising one or more lighting devices for visualizing a status of at least one of the crane and a vehicle holding the crane, wherein the one or more lighting devices are mounted to the crane, and visualization control circuitry configured to receive at least one of first sensor data of one or more sensors mounted to the crane and second sensor data of one or more sensors of the vehicle, and control light emission by the one or more lighting devices based on the at least one of the first sensor data and the second sensor data.

[0176] Another example (e.g., example 2) relates to a previous example (e.g., example 1) or to any other example, further comprising that the visualization control circuitry is configured to receive the first sensor data, determine a status of a component of the crane based on the first sensor data, select at least one of the one or more lighting devices for visualizing the status of the component, and control the light emission of at least one of the one or more selected lighting devices to indicate the status of the component.

[0177] Another example (e.g., example 3) relates to a previous example (e.g., example 2) or to any other example, further comprising that the at least one of the one or more lighting devices is mounted to or in close proximity of the component whose status it visualizes.

[0178] Another example (e.g., example 4) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 3) or to any other example, further comprising that the visualization control circuitry is configured to receive the first sensor data, wherein the first sensor data indicate an extension of an extendable crane arm of the crane, and wherein the visualization control circuitry is further configured to control the light emission of at least one of the one or more lighting devices to indicate the extension of the crane arm or a remaining extension of the crane arm.

[0179] Another example (e.g., example 5) relates to a previous example (e.g., example 4) or to any other example, further comprising that for indicating the extension of the crane arm or the remaining extension of the crane arm, the visualization control circuitry is further configured to control the at least one of the one or more lighting devices to emit light with a light color selected based on the one of the extension of the crane arm and the remaining extension of the crane arm, or control, based on the one of the extension of the crane arm and the remaining extension of the crane arm, a lighting device of the one or more lighting devices with a plurality of selectively activatable light emitters to activate a number of successive ones of the light emitters, wherein the plurality of light emitters are arranged one after another, and wherein the number of activated light emitters depends on the one of the extension of the crane arm and the remaining extension of the crane arm.

[0180] Another example (e.g., example 6) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 5) or to any other example, further comprising that the crane comprises a hydraulic cylinder configured to move a crane arm of the crane or a segment of the crane arm, wherein the visualization control circuitry is configured to receive the first sensor data, wherein the first sensor data indicate a pressure at the hydraulic cylinder, and wherein the visualization control circuitry is further configured to control the light emission of at least one of the one or more lighting devices to indicate the pressure at the hydraulic cylinder.

[0181] Another example (e.g., example 7) relates to a previous example (e.g., example 6) or to any other example, further comprising that for indicating the pressure at the hydraulic cylinder, the visualization control circuitry is further configured to control the at least one of the one or more lighting devices to emit light with a light color selected based on the pressure at the hydraulic cylinder, or control, based on the pressure at the hydraulic cylinder, a lighting device of the one or more lighting devices with a plurality of selectively activatable light emitters to activate a number of successive ones of the light emitters, wherein the plurality of light emitters are arranged one after another, and wherein the number of activated light emitters depends on the pressure at the hydraulic cylinder.

[0182] Another example (e.g., example 8) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 7) or to any other example, further comprising that the crane comprises a support leg for selectively supporting the crane against ground, wherein the support leg comprises a hydraulic support cylinder, wherein the visualization control circuitry is configured to receive the first sensor data, wherein the first sensor data indicate a pressure at the hydraulic support cylinder, and wherein the visualization control circuitry is further configured to control the light emission of at least one of the one or more lighting devices to indicate the pressure at the hydraulic support cylinder.

[0183] Another example (e.g., example 9) relates to a previous example (e.g., example 8) or to any other example, further comprising that for indicating the pressure at the hydraulic support cylinder, the visualization control circuitry is further configured to control the at least one of the one or more lighting devices to emit light with a light color selected based on the pressure at the hydraulic support cylinder, or control, based on the pressure at the hydraulic support cylinder, a lighting device of the one or more lighting devices with a plurality of selectively activatable light emitters to activate a number of successive ones of the light emitters, wherein the plurality of light emitters are arranged one after another, and wherein the number of activated light emitters depends on the pressure at the hydraulic support cylinder.

[0184] Another example (e.g., example 10) relates to a previous example (e.g., example 9) or to any other example, further comprising that the visualization control circuitry is further configured to receive reference data indicating a reference point for the pressure at the hydraulic support cylinder, and control, based on the reference data, the lighting device to activate one of a plurality of selectively activatable further light emitters, the plurality of further light emitters being arranged in parallel to the plurality of light emitters, wherein the position of the activated further light emitter along the extension of the plurality of further light emitters corresponds to the reference point for the pressure at the hydraulic support cylinder.

[0185] Another example (e.g., example 11) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 10) or to any other example, further comprising that the visualization control circuitry is configured to receive the first sensor data, wherein the first sensor data indicate a weight of a load held by the crane, and wherein the visualization control circuitry is further configured to determine a load factor of the crane, and control the light emission of at least one of the one or more lighting devices to indicate the load factor of the crane.

[0186] Another example (e.g., example 12) relates to a previous example (e.g., example 11) or to any other example, further comprising that for indicating the load factor of the crane, the visualization control circuitry is further configured to control the at least one of the one or more lighting devices to emit light with a light color selected based on the load factor of the crane, or control, based on the load factor of the crane, a lighting device of the one or more lighting devices with a plurality of selectively activatable light emitters to activate a number of successive ones of the light emitters, wherein the plurality of light emitters are arranged one after another, and wherein the number of activated light emitters depends on the load factor of the crane. Another example (e.g., example 13) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 12) or to any other example, further comprising that the crane comprises a rope winch, wherein the visualization control circuitry is configured to receive the first sensor data, wherein the first sensor data indicate a length of the rope unwound from the rope winch, and wherein the visualization control circuitry is further configured to control the light emission of at least one of the one or more lighting devices to indicate the length of the rope unwound from the rope winch or a remaining length of the rope not yet unwound from the rope winch.

[0187] Another example (e.g., example 14) relates to a previous example (e.g., example 13) or to any other example, further comprising that for indicating the length of the rope unwound from the rope winch or the remaining length of the rope not yet unwound from the rope winch, the visualization control circuitry is further configured to control the at least one of the one or more lighting devices to emit light with a light color selected based on the one of the length of the rope unwound from the rope winch and the remaining length of the rope not yet unwound from the rope winch, or control, based on the one of the length of the rope unwound from the rope winch and the remaining length of the rope not yet unwound from the rope winch, a lighting device of the one or more lighting devices with a plurality of selectively activatable light emitters to activate a number of successive ones of the light emitters, wherein the plurality of light emitters are arranged one after another, and wherein the number of activated light emitters depends on the one of the length of the rope unwound from the rope winch and the remaining length of the rope not yet unwound from the rope winch.

[0188] Another example (e.g., example 15) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 14) or to any other example, further comprising that the visualization control circuitry is configured to receive the second sensor data or third sensor data, wherein the second sensor data indicate a remaining amount of fuel or electrical energy of the vehicle, wherein the third sensor data indicate a remaining amount of electrical energy of a power supply external to the crane, and wherein the visualization control circuitry is further configured to control the light emission of at least one of the one or more lighting devices to indicate the remaining amount of fuel or electrical energy of the vehicle or the remaining amount of electrical energy of the power supply.

[0189] Another example (e.g., example 16) relates to a previous example (e.g., example 15) or to any other example, further comprising that for indicating the remaining amount of fuel or electrical energy of the vehicle or the remaining amount of electrical energy of the power supply, the visualization control circuitry is further configured to control the at least one of the one or more lighting devices to emit light with a light color selected based on the one of the remaining amount of fuel, the electrical energy of the vehicle and the remaining amount of electrical energy of the power supply, or control, based on the one of the remaining amount of fuel, the electrical energy of the vehicle and the remaining amount of electrical energy of the power supply, a lighting device of the one or more lighting devices with a plurality of selectively activatable light emitters to activate a number of successive ones of the light emitters, wherein the plurality of light emitters are arranged one after another, and wherein the number of activated light emitters depends on the one of the remaining amount of fuel, the electrical energy of the vehicle and the remaining amount of electrical energy of the power supply.

[0190] Another example (e.g., example 17) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 16) or to any other example, further comprising that the visualization control circuitry is configured to receive the second sensor data or third sensor data, wherein the second sensor data indicate a remaining amount of fuel or electrical energy of the vehicle, wherein the third sensor data indicate a remaining amount of electrical energy of a power supply external to the crane, and wherein the visualization control circuitry is further configured to determine the extent to which the crane can still be operated based on the remaining amount of fuel or electrical energy of the vehicle or the remaining amount of electrical energy of the power supply, and control the light emission of at least one of the one or more lighting devices to indicate the extent to which the crane can still be operated.

[0191] Another example (e.g., example 18) relates to a previous example (e.g., example 17) or to any other example, further comprising that for indicating the extent to which the crane can still be operated, the visualization control circuitry is further configured to control the at least one of the one or more lighting devices to emit light with a light color selected based on the extent to which the crane can still be operated, or control, based on the extent to which the crane can still be operated, a lighting device of the one or more lighting devices with a plurality of selectively activatable light emitters to activate a number of successive ones of the light emitters, wherein the plurality of light emitters are arranged one after another, and wherein the number of activated light emitters depends on the extent to which the crane can still be operated Another example (e.g., example 19) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 18) or to any other example, further comprising that at least one of the first sensor data and the second sensor data indicates presence of an object in a predetermined region of the crane’s environment, and wherein the visualization control circuitry is further configured to control the light emission of at least one of the one or more lighting devices to indicate the presence of the object in the predetermined region of the crane’s environment.

[0192] Another example (e.g., example 20) relates to a previous example (e.g., example 19) or to any other example, further comprising that for indicating the presence of the object in the predetermined region of the crane’s environment, the visualization control circuitry is further configured to control the at least one of the one or more lighting devices to emit light of a predefined light color.

[0193] Another example (e.g., example 21) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 20) or to any other example, further comprising that the visualization control circuitry is further configured to receive operation status data indicating execution of an autonomous or automatic function by the crane, and control, based on the operation status data, the light emission of at least one of the one or more lighting devices to indicate the execution of the autonomous or automatic function by the crane.

[0194] Another example (e.g., example 22) relates to a previous example (e.g., example 21) or to any other example, further comprising that for indicating the execution of the autonomous or automatic function by the crane, the visualization control circuitry is further configured to control the at least one of the one or more lighting devices to emit light of a predefined light color.

[0195] Another example (e.g., example 23) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 22) or to any other example, further comprising that the visualization control circuitry is configured to receive the first sensor data, wherein the first sensor data indicate a geometry of a crane arm of the crane, and wherein the visualization control circuitry is further configured to: determine a remaining outreach distance of the crane arm; and control the light emission of at least one of the one or more lighting devices to indicate the remaining outreach distance of the crane arm. Another example (e.g., example 24) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 23) or to any other example, further comprising that the visualization control circuitry is further configured to: receive powerline status data indicating an approach of a crane arm of the crane to a powerline; and control, based on the powerline status data, the light emission of at least one of the one or more lighting devices to indicate the approach of the crane arm to the powerline.

[0196] Another example (e.g., example 25) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 24) or to any other example, further comprising that the visualization control circuitry is further configured to: receive boundary status data indicating an approach of a crane arm of the crane to a virtual boundary that restricts the crane’ s permitted range of motion; and control, based on the boundary status data, the light emission of at least one of the one or more lighting devices to indicate the approach of the crane arm to the virtual boundary.

[0197] Another example (e.g., example 26) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 25) or to any other example, further comprising that the visualization control circuitry is configured to receive the first sensor data, wherein the first sensor data indicate proximity of a crane arm of the crane to an object in the crane’s environment, and wherein the visualization control circuitry is further configured to control the light emission of at least one of the one or more lighting devices to indicate the proximity of the crane arm to the object.

[0198] Another example (e.g., example 27) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 26) or to any other example, further comprising that the visualization control circuitry is further configured to: receive control status data indicating that the vehicle is remote controlled via a remote control of the crane; and control, based on the control status data, the light emission of at least one of the one or more lighting devices to indicate that the vehicle is remote controlled via the remote control of the crane.

[0199] Another example (e.g., example 28) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 27) or to any other example, further comprising that the crane comprises a stabilizer system for selectively supporting the crane against ground, wherein the visualization control circuitry is configured to receive the first sensor data, wherein the first sensor data indicate deployment of the stabilizer system, and wherein the visualization control circuitry is further configured to control the light emission of at least one of the one or more lighting devices mounted to the stabilizer system to indicate the deployment of the stabilizer system.

[0200] Another example (e.g., example 29) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 28) or to any other example, further comprising that the visualization control circuitry is configured to control the light emission by the one or more lighting devices based on a control logic, and wherein the visualization control circuitry is configured to select, based on an operation mode of the crane, the control logic from a plurality of selectable control logics.

[0201] Another example (e.g., example 30) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 29) or to any other example, further comprising that the visualization control circuitry is configured to: receive user input data indicating a user input for setting one or more parameters of a control logic for the visualization control circuitry for controlling the light emission by the one or more lighting devices; and set the one or more parameters of the control logic based on the user input.

[0202] Another example (e.g., example 31) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 30) or to any other example, further comprising interface circuitry configured to transmit visualization status data indicating at least one of a status of the light emission by the one or more lighting devices and a variation thereof to a remote control of the crane.

[0203] Another example (e.g., example 32) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 31) or to any other example, further comprising that the crane is a loader crane.

[0204] Another example (e.g., example 33) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 32) or to any other example, further comprising that at least one of the one or more lighting devices is a lighting device according to a below example (e.g., one of examples 52 to 60).

[0205] Another example (e.g., example 34) relates to a previous example (e.g., example 33) or to any other example, further comprising that at least two lighting devices are lighting devices according to a below example (e.g., one of examples 52 to 60) and mounted at positions enabling a 180 ° or more visibility of the light emission by the at least two lighting devices. Another example (e.g., example 35) relates to a previous example (e.g., example 33 or example 34) or to any other example, further comprising that plural lighting devices according to a below example (e.g., one of examples 52 to 60) are arranged adjacently in a contiguous assembly for jointly visualizing the status of the at least one of the crane and the vehicle.

[0206] Another example (e.g., example 36) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 35) or to any other example, further comprising that, for controlling the light emission by the one or more lighting devices, the visualization control circuitry is configured to determine whether flashing light or permanent light is to be emitted by the one or more lighting devices and control the one or more lighting devices accordingly.

[0207] An example (e.g., example 37) relates to a vehicle having mounted thereon a crane according to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 36) or to any other example.

[0208] Another example (e.g., example 38) relates to a previous example (e.g., example 37) or to any other example, further comprising one or more further lighting devices for visualizing a status of at least one of the crane and the vehicle, wherein the one or more further lighting devices are mounted on the outside of the vehicle, wherein the visualization control circuitry is further configured to control light emission by the one or more further lighting devices based on the at least one of the first sensor data and the second sensor data.

[0209] Another example (e.g., example 39) relates to a previous example (e.g., example 38) or to any other example, further comprising that the visualization control circuitry is configured to receive the second sensor data, determine a status of a component of the vehicle based on the second sensor data, select at least one of the one or more further lighting devices for visualizing the status of the component of the vehicle, and control the light emission of at least one of the one or more further lighting devices to indicate the status of the component of the vehicle.

[0210] Another example (e.g., example 40) relates to a previous example (e.g., example 39) or to any other example, further comprising that the at least one of the one or more further lighting devices is mounted to or in close proximity of the component of the vehicle whose status it visualizes. Another example (e.g., example 41) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 38 to 40) or to any other example, further comprising that the visualization control circuitry is configured to receive the second sensor data, wherein the second sensor data indicate a respective axle load of one or more axles of the vehicle, and wherein the visualization control circuitry is further configured to control the light emission of at least part of the one or more further lighting devices to indicate the respective axle load of the one or more axles of the vehicle.

[0211] Another example (e.g., example 42) relates to a previous example (e.g., example 41) or to any other example, further comprising that for indicating the respective axle load of the one or more axles of the vehicle, the visualization control circuitry is further configured to control a respective one of the one or more further lighting device for the respective axle to emit light with a respective light color selected based on the respective axle load, or control, based on the respective axle load, a respective lighting device of the one or more lighting devices for the respective axle with a plurality of selectively activatable light emitters to activate a number of successive ones of the light emitters, wherein the plurality of light emitters are arranged one after another, and wherein the number of activated light emitters depends on the respective axle load.

[0212] Another example (e.g., example 43) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 38 to 42) or to any other example, further comprising that the visualization control circuitry is configured to receive the first sensor data and the second sensor data, wherein the first sensor data indicate a weight of a load held by the crane, wherein the second sensor data indicate a respective axle load of multiple axles of the vehicle, and wherein the visualization control circuitry is further configured to determine a target unloading position for the load on a load space of the vehicle, and control the light emission of at least part of the one or more further lighting devices to indicate the target unloading position.

[0213] Another example (e.g., example 44) relates to a previous example (e.g., example 43) or to any other example, further comprising that for indicating the target unloading position, the visualization control circuitry is further configured to control one of the one or more further lighting devices closest to the target unloading position to emit light of a predefined light color. Another example (e.g., example 45) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 37 to 44) or to any other example, further comprising that at least one of the one or more further lighting devices is a lighting device according to a below example (e.g., one of examples 52 to 60).

[0214] Another example (e.g., example 46) relates to a previous example (e.g., example 45) or to any other example, further comprising that at least two of the one or more further lighting devices are lighting devices according to a below example (e.g., one of examples 52 to 60) mounted at positions providing a 180 ° or more visibility of the light emission by the at least two lighting devices.

[0215] Another example (e.g., example 47) relates to a previous example (e.g., example 45 or example 46) or to any other example, further comprising that plural of the lighting devices according to a below example (e.g., one of examples 52 to 60) are arranged adjacently in a contiguous assembly for jointly visualizing the status of the at least one of the crane and the vehicle.

[0216] Another example (e.g., example 48) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 37 to 47) or to any other example, further comprising that, for controlling the light emission by the one or more further lighting devices, the visualization control circuitry is configured to determine whether flashing light or permanent light is to be emitted by the one or more further lighting devices and control the one or more further lighting devices accordingly.

[0217] An example (e.g., example 49) relates to a method for a crane for controlling status visualization, comprising receiving at least one of first sensor data of one or more sensors mounted to the crane and second sensor data of one or more sensors of a vehicle holding the crane, wherein one or more lighting devices for visualizing a status of at least one of the crane and the vehicle are mounted to the crane, and controlling light emission by the one or more lighting devices based on the at least one of the first sensor data and the second sensor data.

[0218] Another example (e.g., example 50) relates to a non-transitory machine-readable medium having stored thereon a program having a program code for performing the method according to a previous example (e.g., example 49) or to any other example, when the program is executed on a processor or a programmable hardware of the crane. Another example (e.g., example 51) relates to a program having a program code for performing the method according to a previous example (e.g., example 49) or to any other example, when the program is executed on a processor or a programmable hardware of the crane.

[0219] An example (e.g., example 52) relates to a lighting device for visualizing a status of at least one of a crane, a vehicle holding the crane or a crane accessory. The lighting device comprises a plurality of individually addressable illumination chambers, each chamber being configured to selectively emit a light of a color selectable from a plurality of predefined colors. The lighting device comprises a communication interface configured to receive an input signal indicating the status. The lighting device comprises control circuitry configured to actuate, based on the input signal, at least one of the chambers to emit light of a color corresponding to the status.

[0220] Another example (e.g., example 53) relates to a previous example (e.g., example 52) or to any other example, further comprising that the communication interface is configured to receive the input signal from one of a Controller Area Network, CAN, bus, a Local Interconnect Network, LIN, bus, a wireless local area network, or a Bluetooth connection.

[0221] Another example (e.g., example 54) relates to a previous example (e.g., example 52 or example 53) or to any other example, further comprising that the lighting device comprises at least four illumination chambers, and wherein the plurality of predefined colors comprises at least eight different colors.

[0222] Another example (e.g., example 55) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 52 to 54) or to any other example, further comprising a mounting mechanism for mounting the lighting device to the crane, the vehicle or the crane accessory.

[0223] Another example (e.g., example 56) relates to a previous example (e.g., example 55) or to any other example, further comprising that the mounting mechanism comprises one or more of the following: a screw mounting system, a clip or bayonet lock system, a magnetic mounting system, a dowel-based mounting system, or an adhesive mounting system.

[0224] Another example (e.g., example 57) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 52 to 56) or to any other example, further comprising a cover that is at least partially transparent for the light emitted by the illumination chambers, the cover having a tinted or shaded finish configured to absorb incident sunlight and reduce glare.

[0225] Another example (e.g., example 58 relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 52 to 57) or to any other example, further comprising that the lighting device is configured with an external geometry adapted to permit multiple lighting devices to be arranged adjacently in a contiguous assembly.

[0226] Another example (e.g., example 59) relates to a previous example (e.g., example 58) or to any other example, further comprising that the external geometry comprises a trapezoidal shape.

[0227] Another example (e.g., example 60 relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 52 to 59) or to any other example, further comprising that the control circuitry is configured to determine, based on the input signal, whether flashing light or permanent light is to be emitted by the one or more actuated illumination chambers and control the one or more actuated illumination chambers accordingly.

[0228] An example (e.g., example 61) relates to an energy supply device for supplying electrical energy to a crane. The energy supply device comprises an energy storage configured to store electrical energy. The energy supply device comprises a mechanical interface for mounting the energy supply device to the crane or a crane carrier. The energy supply device comprises an electrical interface for electrically coupling the energy supply device with an electric drive driving the crane. The energy supply device comprises one or more lighting devices according to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 52 to 60) for visualizing the status of the energy supply device.

[0229] Another example (e.g., example 62) relates to a previous example (e.g., example 61) or to any other example, further comprising visualization control circuitry configured to: receive at least one of sensor data of one or more sensors mounted to the energy supply device or status data of at least one of the energy storage or the electrical interface; determine the status of the energy supply device based on the at least one of the sensor data or the status data; and generate the respective input signal for the one or more lighting devices to indicate the determined status. Another example (e.g., example 63) relates to a previous example (e.g., example 61 or example 62) or to any other example, further comprising that the status of the energy supply device is a state of charge of the energy storage.

[0230] Another example (e.g., example 64) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 61 to 63) or to any other example, further comprising that at least two lighting devices are mounted at positions enabling a 180 ° or more visibility of the light emission by the at least two lighting devices.

[0231] Another example (e.g., example 65) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 61 to 64) or to any other example, further comprising that plural lighting devices are arranged adjacently in a contiguous assembly for jointly visualizing the status of the energy supply device.

[0232] The aspects and features described in relation to a particular one of the previous examples may also be combined with one or more of the further examples to replace an identical or similar feature of that further example or to additionally introduce the features into the further example.

[0233] Examples may further be or relate to a (computer) program including a program code to execute one or more of the above methods when the program is executed on a computer, processor or other programmable hardware component. Thus, steps, operations or processes of different ones of the methods described above may also be executed by programmed computers, processors or other programmable hardware components. Examples may also cover program storage devices, such as digital data storage media, which are machine-, processor- or computer- readable and encode and / or contain machine-executable, processor-executable or computerexecutable programs and instructions. Program storage devices may include or be digital storage devices, magnetic storage media such as magnetic disks and magnetic tapes, hard disk drives, or optically readable digital data storage media, for example. Other examples may also include computers, processors, control units, (field) programmable logic arrays ((F)PLAs), (field) programmable gate arrays ((F)PGAs), graphics processor units (GPU), ASICs, integrated circuits (ICs) or SoCs programmed to execute the steps of the methods described above. It is further understood that the disclosure of several steps, processes, operations or functions disclosed in the description or claims shall not be construed to imply that these operations are necessarily dependent on the order described, unless explicitly stated in the individual case or necessary for technical reasons. Therefore, the previous description does not limit the execution of several steps or functions to a certain order. Furthermore, in further examples, a single step, function, process or operation may include and / or be broken up into several sub-steps, - functions, -processes or -operations.

[0234] If some aspects have been described in relation to a device or system, these aspects should also be understood as a description of the corresponding method. For example, a block, device or functional aspect of the device or system may correspond to a feature, such as a method step, of the corresponding method. Accordingly, aspects described in relation to a method shall also be understood as a description of a corresponding block, a corresponding element, a property or a functional feature of a corresponding device or a corresponding system.

[0235] The following claims are hereby incorporated in the detailed description, wherein each claim may stand on its own as a separate example. It should also be noted that although in the claims a dependent claim refers to a particular combination with one or more other claims, other examples may also include a combination of the dependent claim with the subject matter of any other dependent or independent claim. Such combinations are hereby explicitly proposed, unless it is stated in the individual case that a particular combination is not intended. Furthermore, features of a claim should also be included for any other independent claim, even if that claim is not directly defined as dependent on that other independent claim.

Claims

ClaimsWhat is claimed is:

1. A crane (100) comprising: one or more lighting devices (120-1, 120-6) for visualizing a status of at least one of the crane (100) and a vehicle holding the crane (100), wherein the one or more lighting devices (120-1, ..., 120-6) are mounted to the crane (100); and visualization control circuitry (110) configured to: receive at least one of first sensor data (101) of one or more sensors mounted to the crane (100) and second sensor data (102) of one or more sensors of the vehicle; and control light emission by the one or more lighting devices (120-1, ..., 120-6) based on the at least one of the first sensor data (101) and the second sensor data (102).

2. The crane (100) of claim 1, wherein the visualization control circuitry (110) is configured to: receive the first sensor data (101); determine a status of a component of the crane (100) based on the first sensor data (101); select at least one of the one or more lighting devices (120-1, ..., 120-6) for visualizing the status of the component; and control the light emission of at least one of the one or more selected lighting devices (120-1, ..., 120-6) to indicate the status of the component.

3. The crane (100) of claim 2, wherein the at least one of the one or more lighting devices (120-1, ..., 120-6) is mounted to or in close proximity of the component whose status it visualizes.

4. The crane (100) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the visualization control circuitry (110) is configured to receive the first sensor data (101), wherein the first sensor data (101) indicate an extension of an extendable crane arm (140) of the crane (100), and wherein thevisualization control circuitry (110) is further configured to control the light emission of at least one of the one or more lighting devices (120-1, 120-6) to indicate the extension of the crane arm or a remaining extension of the crane arm (140).

5. The crane (100) of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the crane (100) comprises a hydraulic cylinder configured to move a crane arm (140) of the crane (100) or a segment of the crane arm (140), wherein the visualization control circuitry (110) is configured to receive the first sensor data (101), wherein the first sensor data (101) indicate a pressure at the hydraulic cylinder (145, 146), and wherein the visualization control circuitry (110) is further configured to control the light emission of at least one of the one or more lighting devices (120-1, ..., 120- 6) to indicate the pressure at the hydraulic cylinder (145, 146).

6. The crane (100) of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the crane (100) comprises a support leg (151) for selectively supporting the crane (100) against ground, wherein the support leg (151) comprises a hydraulic support cylinder (152), wherein the visualization control circuitry (110) is configured to receive the first sensor data (101), wherein the first sensor data (101) indicate a pressure at the hydraulic support cylinder (151), and wherein the visualization control circuitry (110) is further configured to control the light emission of at least one of the one or more lighting devices (120-1, ..., 120-6) to indicate the pressure at the hydraulic support cylinder (152).

7. The crane (100) of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the visualization control circuitry (110) is configured to receive the first sensor data (101), wherein the first sensor data (101) indicate a weight of a load (599) held by the crane (100), and wherein the visualization control circuitry (110) is further configured to: determine a load factor of the crane (100); and control the light emission of at least one of the one or more lighting devices (120-1, ..., 120-6) to indicate the load factor of the crane (100).

8. The crane (100) of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the crane (100) comprises a rope winch (160), wherein the visualization control circuitry (110) is configured to receive the first sensor data (101), wherein the first sensor data (101) indicate a length of the rope unwound from the rope winch (160), and wherein the visualization control circuitry (110) is further configured to control the light emission of at least one of the one or more lighting devices(120-1, 120-6) to indicate the length of the rope unwound from the rope winch (160) or a remaining length of the rope not yet unwound from the rope winch (160).

9. The crane (100) of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the visualization control circuitry (110) is configured to receive the second sensor data (102) or third sensor data, wherein the second sensor data (102) indicate a remaining amount of fuel or electrical energy of the vehicle, wherein the third sensor data indicate a remaining amount of electrical energy of a power supply external to the crane (100), and wherein the visualization control circuitry (110) is further configured to control the light emission of at least one of the one or more lighting devices (120-1, ..., 120-6) to indicate the remaining amount of fuel or electrical energy of the vehicle or the remaining amount of electrical energy of the power supply.

10. The crane (100) of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one of the first sensor data (101) and the second sensor data (102) indicates presence of an object in a predetermined region of the crane (100)’s environment, and wherein the visualization control circuitry (110) is further configured to control the light emission of at least one of the one or more lighting devices (120-1, ..., 120-6) to indicate the presence of the object in the predetermined region of the crane (100)’s environment.

11. The crane (100) of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the visualization control circuitry (110) is further configured to: receive operation status data (104) indicating execution of an autonomous or automatic function by the crane (100); and control, based on the operation status data (104), the light emission of at least one of the one or more lighting devices (120-1, ..., 120-6) to indicate the execution of the autonomous or automatic function by the crane (100).

12. The crane (100) of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the visualization control circuitry (110) is configured to receive the first sensor data (101), wherein the first sensor data (101) indicate a geometry of a crane arm (140) of the crane (100), and wherein the visualization control circuitry (110) is further configured to: determine a remaining outreach distance of the crane arm (140); andcontrol the light emission of at least one of the one or more lighting devices (120-1, 120-6) to indicate the remaining outreach distance of the crane arm (140).

13. The crane (100) of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the visualization control circuitry (110) is further configured to: receive powerline status data indicating an approach of a crane arm (140) of the crane (100) to a powerline; and control, based on the powerline status data, the light emission of at least one of the one or more lighting devices (120-1, ..., 120-6) to indicate the approach of the crane arm (140) to the powerline.

14. The crane (100) of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the visualization control circuitry (110) is further configured to: receive boundary status data indicating an approach of a crane arm (140) of the crane (100) to a virtual boundary that restricts the crane (100)’s permitted range of motion; and control, based on the boundary status data, the light emission of at least one of the one or more lighting devices (120-1, ..., 120-6) to indicate the approach of the crane arm (140) to the virtual boundary.

15. The crane (100) of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the visualization control circuitry (110) is configured to receive the first sensor data (101), wherein the first sensor data (101) indicate proximity of a crane arm (140) of the crane (100) to an object in the crane (100)’s environment, and wherein the visualization control circuitry (110) is further configured to control the light emission of at least one of the one or more lighting devices (120-1, ..., 120-6) to indicate the proximity of the crane arm (140) to the object.

16. The crane (100) of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the visualization control circuitry (110) is further configured to: receive control status data indicating that the vehicle is remote controlled via a remote control (199) of the crane (100); andcontrol, based on the control status data, the light emission of at least one of the one or more lighting devices (120-1, ..., 120-6) to indicate that the vehicle is remote controlled via the remote control (199) of the crane (100).

17. The crane (100) of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the crane (100) comprises a stabilizer system for selectively supporting the crane (100) against ground, wherein the visualization control circuitry (110) is configured to receive the first sensor data (101), wherein the first sensor data (101) indicate deployment of the stabilizer system, and wherein the visualization control circuitry (110) is further configured to control the light emission of at least one of the one or more lighting devices (120-1, ..., 120-6) mounted to the stabilizer system to indicate the deployment of the stabilizer system.

18. The crane (100) of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the visualization control circuitry (110) is configured to control the light emission by the one or more lighting devices (120-1, ..., 120-6) based on a control logic, and wherein the visualization control circuitry (110) is configured to select, based on an operation mode of the crane (100), the control logic from a plurality of selectable control logics.

19. The crane (100) of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the visualization control circuitry (110) is configured to: receive user input data indicating a user input for setting one or more parameters of a control logic for the visualization control circuitry (110) for controlling the light emission by the one or more lighting devices (120-1, ..., 120-6); and set the one or more parameters of the control logic based on the user input.

20. The crane (100) of any one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising interface circuitry (160) configured to transmit visualization status data indicating at least one of a status of the light emission by the one or more lighting devices (120-1, ..., 120-6) and a variation thereof to a remote control (199) of the crane (100).

21. The crane (100) of any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein at least one of the one or more lighting devices (120-1, ..., 120-6) is a lighting device (600) comprising:a plurality of individually addressable illumination chambers (610-1, . . . , 610-4), each chamber (610-1, ..., 610-4) being configured to selectively emit a light of a color selectable from a plurality of predefined colors; a communication interface (650) configured to receive an input signal indicating a status of at least one of the crane (100) or the vehicle; and control circuitry (660) configured to actuate, based on the input signal, at least one of the chambers (610-1, . . ., 610-4) to emit light of a color corresponding to the status.

22. A vehicle (500) having mounted thereon a crane (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

23. The vehicle (500) of claim 22, further comprising: one or more further lighting devices (520-1, ..., 520-5) for visualizing a status of at least one of the crane (100) and the vehicle (500), wherein the one or more further lighting devices (520- 1, ..., 520-5) are mounted on the outside of the vehicle (500), wherein the visualization control circuitry (110) is further configured to control light emission by the one or more further lighting devices (520-1, ..., 520-5) based on the at least one of the first sensor data (101) and the second sensor data (102).

24. The vehicle (500) of claim 23, wherein the visualization control circuitry (110) is configured to: receive the second sensor data (102); determine a status of a component of the vehicle (500) based on the second sensor data (102); select at least one of the one or more further lighting devices (520-1, ..., 520-5) for visualizing the status of the component of the vehicle (500); and control the light emission of at least one of the one or more further lighting devices (520-1, ..., 520-5) to indicate the status of the component of the vehicle (500).

25. The vehicle (500) of claim 23 or claim 24, wherein the visualization control circuitry (110) is configured to receive the second sensor data (102), wherein the second sensor data (102) indicate a respective axle load of one or more axles of the vehicle (500), and whereinthe visualization control circuitry (110) is further configured to control the light emission of at least part of the one or more further lighting devices (520-1, 520-5) to indicate the respective axle load of the one or more axles of the vehicle (500).

Images