A controller device for a crane and a crane

Abstract

A controller device (100) for a crane comprises a display (102) and at least one joystick (104) displaced laterally (106) from the display (102). The controller device (100) further comprises at least one linear lever (108) displaced laterally (106) from the joystick (104) such that the joystick (104) is between the display (102) and the linear lever (108).

Description

[0001] A controller device for a crane and a crane

[0002] Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a controller device for a crane and to a crane controlled by the controller.

[0004] Background

[0005] The technological advancement of machinery, such as cranes, has led to a significant increase in their operational capabilities, including an abundance of new features and degrees of freedom that can be controlled by an operator. These enhanced functionalities, while improving the overall versatility and efficiency of such devices, have posed significant challenges in the design of the controllers used to operate them. Conventional controller designs, which rely on traditional input mechanisms, are no longer capable of meeting the demands of these complex systems.

[0006] The inherent limitations of traditional controllers arise from their inability to accommodate the growing number of functions while maintaining an ergonomic and user-friendly interface. As the operable degrees of freedom increase, conventional designs become unwieldy, leading to operator fatigue, inefficient operation, and increased risk of human error. The spatial arrangement and accessibility of controls, if not carefully optimized, can overwhelm the operator and reduce the overall productivity of the machine.

[0007] There is a clear need for a controller that addresses these technical and ergonomic challenges, enabling operators to efficiently and comfortably manage the increased complexity of modern machinery.

[0008] Summary

[0009] Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to a controller device for a crane, comprising a display, at least one joystick displaced laterally from the display, and at least one linear lever displaced laterally from the joystick such that the joystick is between the display and the linear lever. Such a design offers several notable advantages, for example in terms of ergonomics, efficiency, and usability. By placing the joystick between the display and the linear lever, the layout ensures that all essential controls are within easy reach of the operator. This minimizes hand movement and reduces operator fatigue while enhancing precision during operation. Additionally, the proximity of the joystick to the display allows the operator to quickly glance at operational data or visual feedback without needing to shift focus excessively. This streamlined arrangement helps reduce cognitive load and improves reaction times, which is particularly beneficial during complex crane maneuvers.

[0010] The design also minimizes strain on the operator’s hands, wrists, and arms by keeping control elements close together, which is important for preventing repetitive strain injuries during prolonged use. As cranes become more complex with additional operable degrees of freedom, this layout ensures that the controls remain intuitive and easy to manage, avoiding the clutter and confusion often seen in conventional systems. Furthermore, by keeping all controls within a comfortable range, the design ensures greater operator comfort, avoiding the need for excessive stretching or awkward hand positioning.

[0011] Furthermore, the linear lever can be operated by the operator’s small finger without the need to release the joystick with the trigger finger. This ensures that both controls can be accessed simultaneously, providing seamless and efficient operation. The operator can maintain a firm grip on the joystick for precise control while using the small finger to actuate the lever. This can enhance multitasking capabilities and reduces the need for hand repositioning, contributing to smoother operation and further minimizing fatigue during extended periods of use.

[0012] In the context of this document, "lateral" refers to the side-to-side positioning of the components (i.e., the display, joystick, and linear lever) relative to one another. Specifically, the joystick is laterally displaced from the display, meaning it is positioned to the side of the display rather than directly above or below it. Similarly, the linear lever is laterally displaced from the joystick, meaning it is positioned to the side of the joystick.

[0013] In summary, "lateral" indicates the horizontal arrangement or spacing between these components, emphasizing that they are aligned next to each other in a side-by-side manner, rather than stacked vertically. This lateral configuration ensures ergonomic accessibility, as it places the controls within a natural range of motion for the operator’s hand. For example, a lateral distance between the display and the joystick may be less than 5cm. In some examples, the display may be a touch display. The inclusion of a touch display allows for an intuitive and flexible user interface. Unlike traditional control panels with physical buttons or dials, a touch display can dynamically present different controls, modes, or operational data based on the current task. This adaptability reduces the physical complexity of the control panel, enabling the operator to switch between various functions without needing to interact with multiple physical buttons or switches. Furthermore, the touch display can be easily updated with software changes, allowing for future functionality or new modes to be incorporated without altering the hardware. This adaptability enhances long-term usability while reducing the need for constant physical upgrades.

[0014] In some examples, the display may be configured to display at least one input icon for selecting an operation mode. An operation mode causes select degrees of freedom of the crane to be controlled with the joystick and the linear lever. For example, a specific subset of the available degrees of freedom are controlled with the joystick in a specific operation mode. The touch display is configured to show input icons for selecting operation modes, which allows the operator to quickly and efficiently switch between different control schemes (operation modes). This capability enables the operator to control select degrees of freedom of the crane using the joystick and linear lever, based on the mode chosen. For example, one mode might control crane arm movement, while another controls rotation or extension, all of which can be easily switched through the touch display. This functionality improves operational efficiency by centralizing control options on a single interface, reducing the need to rely on external buttons or switches, and thus streamlining the operation process. The result is a more user-friendly experience, where switching modes is fast and requires minimal hand movement.

[0015] In various examples, the display may be configured to display the at least one input icon in an area of the display facing the joystick. The ergonomic advantage of placing the input icons in an area of the display facing the joystick lies in the operator's ability to interact with both the display and joystick in a seamless manner. By positioning the icons near the joystick, the operator can operate the touch display with minimal hand movement while maintaining easy access to the joystick. The icons may, for example, be operated with the thumb while the operator is still able to simultaneously control the joystick.

[0016] In other words, spatial proximity between the joystick and the input icons on the display reduces the time and effort required to switch between controls, further enhancing operational fluidity. In an ergonomic sense, this reduces the need for the operator to stretch or shift their body or hands significantly, contributing to a smoother and less tiring user experience, especially during extended crane operations.

[0017] In some examples, the joystick further comprises a rotatable controller at a tip of the joystick. This could add more control functions to a single hand position, making the joystick multifunctional and reducing the need for the operator to shift their hand to another control. The addition of a rotatable controller at the tip of the joystick enables multiple control actions to be performed from a single hand position. The operator can use the joystick for its primary movement functions (e.g., lateral or vertical movement) while simultaneously using the rotatable controller for additional tasks, such as adjusting rotational motion, fine-tuning crane movements, or controlling another degree of freedom. This reduces the need for the operator to move their hand to another control device or interface, thereby streamlining the operation and allowing more functions to be controlled without repositioning the hand. This multitasking capability enhances efficiency, as the operator can quickly switch between or combine functions without breaking their grip on the joystick.

[0018] In some examples, a lateral distance between the joystick and the linear lever may be less than 5cm. In some examples, a vertical distance between the joystick and the linear lever may be less than 5cm.

[0019] The design features specifying the proximity between the joystick and the linear lever offer ergonomic and operational advantages. By positioning the joystick and linear lever less than 5 cm apart laterally, the controls are placed close to one another, allowing the operator to transition smoothly between them with minimal hand movement if the hand needs to be moved at all. This close arrangement improves efficiency, as the operator can switch between controls quickly without needing to reposition their hand. The result is reduced physical effort, which helps minimize fatigue while enhancing control responsiveness during crane operation. Similarly, the vertical distance between the joystick and the linear lever being less than 5 cm further enhances the ergonomic benefits. This compact configuration ensures that both controls are not only side-by-side but also easily reachable vertically, allowing the operator to maintain a natural and comfortable hand position. This eliminates the need for awkward or excessive hand movements, enabling smoother, more precise operation, especially when frequent adjustments are required. The reduced strain on the operator’s hands and arms during prolonged use also promotes greater comfort and sustained usability. Overall, this close lateral and vertical spacing creates a more intuitive and accessible control layout, leading to improved operational efficiency and enhanced operator comfort. In some examples, the controller device may comprise at least one button vertically displaced from the joystick. The design feature that positions at least one button vertically displaced from the joystick provides a significant ergonomic advantage by allowing the operator to access additional controls without having to release their grip on the joystick. This placement enables quick and easy actuation of the button using a finger, often the thumb, while still maintaining full control of the joystick. By reducing the need for hand repositioning or reaching for external buttons, this feature enhances operational efficiency and allows for smoother transitions between control inputs. It also minimizes hand fatigue during extended use, as all essential controls remain within easy reach, supporting a more fluid and comfortable operation.

[0020] In various examples, a lateral extension of the display may be smaller than a vertical extension of the display. The design feature where the display's lateral extension is smaller than its vertical extension offers a practical ergonomic advantage. A vertically oriented display allows more information to be presented in a taller, narrower format, which aligns better with the operator's natural line of sight. This makes it easier to view critical data or controls without having to shift focus across a wide screen, reducing eye strain and improving the operator's ability to quickly assess information. Additionally, a vertically extended display helps maintain a compact control layout, saving space on the control panel and keeping all essential elements within close reach, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency and comfort of the operation.

[0021] Some examples of a controller device also comprise a second joystick displaced laterally from the display at the side opposite the joystick, and a second linear lever displaced laterally from the second joystick such that the second joystick may be between the display and the second linear lever. In other words, the layout is symmetrical about the display. The design that incorporates a second joystick and linear lever on the opposite side of the display may offer several advantages. The symmetrical arrangement of the controls allows the operator to use both hands efficiently, distributing tasks evenly between them, which reduces strain and improves precision. This balanced setup enhances operator comfort during extended periods of operation, as both hands can manage different functions simultaneously without the need for excessive hand movement. Building on the layout where the joystick and linear lever are placed close together, this dual-sided configuration ensures that all controls remain within easy reach on both sides, contributing to a highly intuitive and ergonomic interface. In some examples, the controller device comprises a transmitter to wirelessly transmit signals representing a status of the joystick and the linear lever to a crane controller. The use of a wireless transmitter enables the system to send signals from the joysticks and levers directly to the crane's control system without the need for physical connections. This wireless functionality not only simplifies the controller's design by eliminating cables but also increases flexibility in how the operator interacts with the crane. The combination of this wireless capability and the ergonomic arrangement allows for smooth, uninterrupted operation, with enhanced freedom of movement and improved overall efficiency. This advanced design ensures that even as crane functions grow more complex, the operator can manage multiple controls comfortably and effectively.

[0022] Brief description of the Figures

[0023] 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

[0024] Fig. 1 a top view of an example of a controller;

[0025] Fig. 2 a top view of a further example of a controller; and

[0026] Fig. 3 illustrates an example of a crane.

[0027] Detailed Description

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] The present disclosure relates to a controller device for a crane that enables a user to control a crane which has multiple degrees of freedom that need to be controlled. An overview of the degrees of freedom is shortly given for illustrative purposes. A crane comprises a boom system mounted to a column of the crane. The column is rotatable with respect to a base of the crane. In some examples, the axis of rotation of the column may be a substantially vertical axis. The angle of rotation about the axis of rotation may be referred to as the slew angle or slewing angle.

[0033] The base can be configured to mount the crane onto a platform. The platform may be a fixed platform or a mobile platform. Examples of mobile platforms are vehicles such as trucks, lorries or ships. The boom system can be rotated or moved relative to the column about an axis (e.g. a boom axis) that is essentially perpendicular to the axis of the rotation of the column. The angle of the rotation of the boom system about the boom axis may be referred to as an elevation angle.

[0034] Hydraulic cylinders may be used as actuators to create the force to cause the rotation or motion of the boom system with respect to the elevation angle. A boom system comprises at least one (or e.g. one or more booms). In the event of a plurality of booms (e.g. more than one boom), the boom attached to the column may be referred to as the main boom or first boom. Additionally, a second boom attached to the main boom may be referred to as a knuckle boom. Any (or each) of the booms of a boom system can optionally comprise one or more extension booms to be driven in or out of the boom using, for example, hydraulic means. A boom and its extension booms may also be called a boom subsystem. Cranes having only one boom may also be called stiff boom cranes since they do not exhibit multiple booms that can change their orientation with respect to each other. In the event of cranes having multiple booms, a knuckle can be used to connect the different booms to one another to enable them to change their relative orientation, by bending or buckling about an axis defined by the knuckle.

[0035] In some examples, a crane may comprise a bendable boom system connected to the crane column. A bendable boom system may comprise a first boom, wherein a first end of the first boom is connected to the crane column. The bendable boom system may further comprise a second boom, wherein the second boom is connected to a second end of the first boom. Cranes having at least two booms connected by a knuckle or hinge offer an additional degree of freedom as compared to stiff boom cranes and may be called knuckle-boom cranes. The booms can be connected by hydraulic cylinders across the knuckle to cause the rotation.

[0036] The free end of the boom system not attached to the column may be referred to as the tip of the boom system. Loads may be directly attached to the tip of the boom system. However, cranes may additionally comprise at least one winch mounted to the boom system or elsewhere to the crane, the winch being used to wind und unwind a cable carrying the load. The tip of the boom system may exhibit a wheel for the cable. The cable extends to a load block used to attach the load thereto. In a single wire operation (also called STRAN1) the cable ends in the load block. The cable of the winch may also be used according to the principles of a pulley. If this is the case, the load block exhibits at least one pulley to change the direction of the cable and the cable ends at the boom system, typically close to the tip of the boom system. In the event of a single pulley, operation is also called two wire operation (STRAN2). Of course, multiple pulleys may be used likewise for multi wire operation.

[0037] Movement of the crane is caused by using multiple types of actuators such as hydraulic engines, valves and cylinders to cause motion of the booms and electric engines used to cause motion of the column or to operate the winch. Components used to cause movement of the crane or of parts of the crane are called actuators. The movement of the crane is monitored by means of multiple sensors, providing sensors readings indicative of multiple parameters or physical quantities. For example, pressure sensors may be used to monitor the pressure within hydraulic cylinders to determine the forces acting on them. Angle sensors may be used to monitor relative rotation or angle between different parts of the crane (e.g. between the column and the base or between different boom of a knuckle boom crane). Angle sensors may, for example use an encoder wheel together with a sensor sensitive to magnetic fields. Length sensors may be used to monitor the overall length of a boom and its associated extensions. Force sensors may be used to measure force directly or indirectly, for example to measure the force acting on the cable of a winch and / or on the winch itself. Force sensors may, for example, be based on the piezo electric effect or using strain gauges attached to the object being monitored.

[0038] The movement of the crane may be controlled by a crane controller that outputs control signals to cause the actuators of the crane to perform an operation. Likewise, the crane controller receives sensor readings to monitor the result of the actuators operation. In some examples, the crane controller may be an integral part of the crane. The desired movement of the crane is typically performed or controlled based on or following a user input. The user input may be manually given by a human operator or supervisor of the crane using a controller device for the crane or it may likewise be generated automatically based on an algorithm or on input parameters generated by other means, such as for example by a trained neural network. For manual input, the crane may exhibit a crane mounted input or controller device (operating panel) having, for example, one or more levers or joysticks to control motion as well as a user interface to input or change user settings and / or crane parameters such as for example different modes of operation of the crane. The input device communicates with the crane controller that transforms the user input into the actuator operations required to result with the desired movement as per the input via the input device. Additionally, or alternatively, parts of or all inputs that can be performed using the input device may also be performed using a remote-control unit, which is a controller device wirelessly communicating with the crane controller.

[0039] A crane may be used for multiple purposes by providing the possibility to exchange equipment mounted at the booms of the crane. For example, multiple different attachments can be mounted to the booms close to the tip of the boom system. To support this, the crane may provide a mounting interface close to the tip of the crane. A mounting interface may be composed of multiple elements, mounted to or welded at a boom. Eventually, equipment such as a workmen basket may be mounted to the mounting interface via an adaptor used to adapt the (standard) mounting interface of the crane to a custom mounting interface of the equipment to be used.

[0040] Subsequently, Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate 2 examples of controller devices that can be used to control all those degrees of freedom, Fig. 1 illustrates a top view of an example of a controller.

[0041] The controller device 100 illustrated in the figures is designed to provide ergonomic control over crane operations, ensuring ease of use for the operator through strategic placement of its components.

[0042] The display 102 is centrally positioned on the controller device 100. According to the design, the lateral extension (width) of the display is smaller than its vertical extension (height), which optimizes the layout for better visibility while maintaining a compact structure. The display can be a touch display, allowing the operator to interact directly with the interface. Positioned near the right side of the display is an area 114 where input icons 112 are displayed, enabling the operator to select different operation modes quickly. In other words, the area of the display 114 used to do display input icons 102 faces the joystick 104. This placement ensures that the icons are easily accessible from the joystick 104, enhancing user interaction and reducing hand movement.

[0043] The joystick 104 is placed laterally from the display, positioned to the right, and it serves as a primary control for operating the crane allowing movement in both, the lateral and the vertical direction. The lateral distance 110 between the display and the joystick is less than 5 cm, ensuring that the joystick remains within close reach, reducing the need for excessive arm movement. Lateral distance could alternatively be referred to as horizontal spacing or side-to-side distance. In the contest of this description, the distances between components shall be understood to be side-to-side, for example from the border of the joystick 104 facing the display 102 to the border of the display facing the joystick 104. Additionally, a linear lever 108 is positioned laterally from the joystick, with a lateral distance 116 between the joystick and lever being kept below 5 cm. This spatial arrangement allows the operator to switch between controls effortlessly, further enhancing the controller's ergonomic design. A linear lever 108 might also be referred to as a sliding lever or straight-line lever and allows movement in the vertical direction 120.

[0044] The lateral distance 110 between the display and the joystick may in alternative implementations be within the interval of 3 cm to 7 cm or the interval of 1 cm to 10 cm to allow for some flexibility in design, still ensuring both accessibility and comfort. For example, it may be less than 4,5cm, 4cm, or 3,5cm. The lateral distance 116 between the joystick and the linear lever could also be defined in a range of 3 to 7 cm, providing also ergonomic flexibility depending on the hand size of the operator. For example, it may be less than 4,5cm, 4cm, or 3,5cm.

[0045] This design, with its compact layout and thoughtful spatial arrangements, ensures that all essential controls are within easy reach, minimizing the physical effort required by the operator and improving overall efficiency during crane operations.

[0046] On the opposite side of the display, a second joystick 124 and second linear lever 128 are arranged symmetrically to the first joystick and lever. This symmetry allows the operator to use both hands effectively, balancing control tasks and minimizing fatigue. The joystick and lever are similarly positioned within 5 cm of each other, ensuring that both sides of the controller are equally accessible.

[0047] Fig. 2 illustrates a top view of a further example of a controller device 200 which is based on the controller device 100 of Fig. 1. The controller device 200 comprises additional buttons, while being identical with respect to the other features. Therefore, the following description only elaborates on the additional buttons.

[0048] The example of the controller device 200 includes at least one button 200a vertically displaced from the joystick 204. The example illustrated in Fig. 2 exhibits 3 buttons per side. Three buttons 200a, 200b, and 200c are vertically displaced from the joystick 204 and positioned for easy thumb or finger operation. This vertical displacement ensures that the operator can activate additional functions without needing to release their grip on the joystick. Similarly, buttons 200d, ... 200f on the left side of the device serve for similar auxiliary functions, such as toggling between control modes, adjusting settings, or activating specific functions of the crane. Due to the placement of the buttons 200d, ... 200f, they can be accessed by the operator’s left hand, complementing the right-hand controls for improved multitasking.

[0049] Due to the flexibility and versatility of the design, all buttons, levers and joysticks can be individually programmed or configured based on the preference of the user. To enable multiple users of the same remote control, the preferences may be associated to a user ID or to arbitrary other means to identify a user. To this end, the controller device 200 exhibits an input interface to receive information in the user ID. The user ID may be directly input or, alternatively, other information allowing to conclude on the user ID may be provided to the remote control. For example, the information on the user ID may be derived from a serial number or IMEI number of a smart phone transmitted by NFC, RFID or other wired or wireless communication means to provide electronical credentials.

[0050] Whenever the controller device detects or determines an operator ID, the user preferences are loaded and applied and every button, lever or joystick controls the functions stored in the user profile. Optionally, the behavior of every input device may be adjusted based on the user ID. That is, while the same functionality may be controlled, the way the controller device translates a movement of an input device (lever, joystick, etc..) into the movement of the controlled actuator of the crane may vary. For example, limitations in speed or aggressiveness of the controller may be varied, too.

[0051] Similarly, further interface properties such as look of the display, an ambient lighting of the remote controller, sound or volume settings may be loaded based on the user ID. Likewise, buttons or icons illustrated on the touch-screen display can be different for different user IDs.

[0052] Another aspect of the versatility is the possibility to centrally control individual users. For example, a fleet manager can decide and remotely control who is allowed to use the controller device. Some operator IDs can be blocked or black- listed. Control may also be performed on a finer level. For example, the fleet manager can decide what tasks an operator is allowed to do. That is, some user IDs may be allowed to perform control of more actuators or functions than others, based on the users’ experience.

[0053] Similarly, the fleet manager may also unlock the controller device remotely for a particular user if the user forgot the electronic credentials, the user ID or the device he chose to register with the controller device.

[0054] Fig. 3 schematically illustrates an example of a crane 310 that is controllable by an example of a controller device 330. The controller device wirelessly transmits signals representing a status of the joystick, the linear lever and the further controls to a crane controller 320. Although the crane is truck mounted, further examples of controller devices may likewise be used to control stationary cranes.

[0055] 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. In the following, some examples of the proposed concept are presented:

[0056] An example (e.g., example 1) relates to a controller device for a crane, comprising a display, at least one joystick displaced laterally from the display, and at least one linear lever displaced laterally from the joystick such that the joystick is between the display and the linear lever.

[0057] Another example (e.g., example 2) relates to a previous example (e.g., example 1) or to any other example, further comprising that a lateral distance between the display and the joystick is less than 5cm.

[0058] Another example (e.g., example 3) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 or 2) or to any other example, further comprising that the display is a touch display.

[0059] Another example (e.g., example 4) relates to a previous example (e.g., example 3) or to any other example, further comprising that the display is configured to display at least one input icon for selecting an operation mode, an operation mode causing select degrees of freedom of the crane to be controlled with the joystick and the linear lever.

[0060] Another example (e.g., example 5) relates to a previous example (e.g., example 4) or to any other example, further comprising that the display is configured to display the at least one input icon in an area of the display facing the joystick.

[0061] 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 joystick further comprises a rotatable controller at a tip of the joystick.

[0062] Another example (e.g., example 7) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 6) or to any other example, further comprising that a lateral distance between the joystick and the linear lever is less than 5cm.

[0063] 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 a vertical distance between the joystick and the linear lever is less than 5cm. Another example (e.g., example 9) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 8) or to any other example, further comprising at least one button vertically displaced from the joystick.

[0064] Another example (e.g., example 10) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 9) or to any other example, further comprising that a lateral extension of the display is smaller than a vertical extension of the display.

[0065] 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 a second joystick displaced laterally from the display at the side opposite the joystick, and a second linear lever displaced laterally from the second joystick such that the second joystick is between the display and the second linear lever.

[0066] Another example (e.g., example 12) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 11) or to any other example, further comprising A transmitter to wirelessly transmit signals representing a status of the joystick and the linear lever to a crane controller.

[0067] 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 an input interface configured to receive a user ID.

[0068] Another example (e.g., example 14) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 13) or to any other example, wherein a mode of operation of the joystick and the linear lever is set depending on the user ID.

[0069] 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, wherein a user interface or an appearance of the control unit is set depending on the user ID.

[0070] Another example (e.g., example 16) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 15) or to any other example, wherein a behavior of the joystick and the linear lever is set depending on the user ID.

[0071] 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, wherein a functionality of the control unit is restricted or allowed based on the user ID. Another example (e.g., example 18) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of the examples 1 to 17) or to any other example, wherein a vertical position of the joystick is within the vertical extension of the display.

[0072] Another example (e.g., example 19 relates to a previous example (e.g., example 18) or to any other example, wherein, wherein a vertical size of the joystick joystick is entirely within the vertical extension of the display.

[0073] An example (e.g., example 20) relates to a crane, comprising a crane controller to control actuators of the crane based on an input received from a controller device according to any one of examples 1 to 19.

[0074] 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 machineexecutable, processor-executable or computer-executable programs and instructions. Program storage devices may include or be digital storage devices, magnetic storage media such as magnetic disks and magnetic tapes, hard disk drives, or optically readable digital data storage media, for example. Other examples may also include computers, processors, control units, (field) programmable logic arrays ((F)PLAs), (field) programmable gate arrays ((F)PGAs), graphics processor units (GPU), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), integrated circuits (ICs) or system-on-a-chip (SoCs) systems programmed to execute the steps of the methods described above.

[0075] 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. 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.

[0076] 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 in-tended. 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 controller device (100) for a crane, comprising:a display (102);at least one joystick (104) displaced laterally (106) from the display (102); andat least one linear lever (108) displaced laterally (106) from the joystick (104) such that the joystick (104) is between the display (102) and the linear lever (108).

2. The controller device (100) of claim 1, wherein a lateral distance (110) between the display (102) and the joystick (104) is less than 5cm.

3. The controller device (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the display (102) is a touch display.

4. The controller device (100) of claim 3, wherein the display (102) is configured to display at least one input icon (112) for selecting an operation mode, an operation mode causing select degrees of freedom of the crane to be controlled with the joystick (104) and the linear lever (108).

5. The controller device (100) of claim 4, wherein the display (102) is configured to display the at least one input icon (112) in an area of the display (114) facing the joystick (104).

6. The controller device (100) of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the joystick (104) further comprises a rotatable controller at a tip of the joystick (104).

7. The controller device (100) of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a lateral distance (116) between the joystick (104) and the linear lever is less than 5cm.

8. The controller device (100) of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a vertical distance between the joystick (104) and the linear lever (108) is less than 5cm.

9. The controller device (100) of any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: at least one button (200a, 200b, 200c) vertically displaced from the joystick (104).

10. The controller device (100) of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a lateral extension of the display (102) is smaller than a vertical extension of the display (102).

11. The controller device (100) of any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising:a second joystick (124) displaced laterally from the display (102) at the side opposite the joystick (104); anda second linear lever (128) displaced laterally from the second joystick (124) such that the second joystick (124) is between the display (102) and the second linear lever (128).

12. The controller device (100) of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a transmitter to wirelessly transmit signals representing a status of the joystick (104) and the linear lever (108) to a crane controller.

13. The controller device (100) of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: an input interface configured to receive a user ID.

14. The controller device (100) of claim 14, wherein a mode of operation of the joystick and the linear lever is set depending on the user ID.

15. The controller device (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a vertical position of the joystick (104) is within the vertical extension of the display.

16. The controller device (100) of claim 15, wherein a vertical size of the joystick (104) joystick is entirely within the vertical extension of the display.

17. A crane, comprising:a crane controller to control actuators of the crane based on an input received from a controller device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

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