Central Crane Control With Real-Time Video for Remote Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crane operation systems require constant visual contact between the operator and the crane, limiting mobility and efficiency, especially for large cranes with control stations in the crane cab.
Innovation Solution
A central control system with image and audio sensors on the crane, a central control station, and bidirectional communication, allowing remote control with enhanced visibility and mobility, using data glasses and sensors to transmit real-time data for precise crane operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the crane operator uses a radio remote control to operate the crane from the ground, then the operator's mobility is improved, but the operator must constantly maintain visual contact with the crane hook and load, which reduces operational efficiency and increases physical strain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements video cameras mounted on the crane that transmit real-time visual feeds to the remote control unit. This creates a visual copy of the crane hook and load position, allowing the operator to monitor the crane operation without direct visual contact. The camera system effectively replicates the visual information that would otherwise require the operator's direct line of sight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces video cameras and a communication system as intermediaries between the crane operator and the crane hook/load. The cameras capture visual information and transmit it via radio communication to the remote control unit, serving as a mediator that bridges the physical gap between the operator and the crane components, eliminating the need for constant visual contact.
2Reliability
If the crane operator operates from a control station in the crane cab, then visual contact with the load is maintained, but the operator is tied to the machine and cannot easily take breaks, increasing operational stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control functions from the crane cab and relocates them to a ground-based remote control unit. The operator is taken out of the confined crane cab environment and can operate the crane from a comfortable position on the ground. The visual monitoring function is extracted through camera systems, separating the operator's physical location from the crane's operational location.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote control unit receives video feeds from cameras mounted on the crane, creating a visual copy of the crane's operational environment. This allows the operator to maintain reliable visual contact with the load and crane components while physically located remotely, eliminating the need to be confined in the crane cab.
3Productivity
If multiple cranes are operated simultaneously on a large construction site, then project productivity is improved, but coordinating and monitoring multiple cranes becomes complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple crane control functions into a single centralized control station. The control station can receive and process control commands for multiple different cranes, allowing one operator to coordinate several cranes simultaneously. This consolidation reduces the complexity that would arise from having separate control systems for each crane and enables better coordination among multiple cranes working on the same construction site.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized control station is designed with universal functionality to control multiple different crane types and models. The system can switch between controlling different cranes and monitor their operations through integrated camera feeds, providing a multi-functional control platform that simplifies the management of multiple cranes compared to dedicated control systems for each crane.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for central control of one or more cranes, comprising at least one crane (20, 21) and at least one central control station (10), wherein the crane comprises one or more image sensors (22) for observing a picked-up load, at least part of the crane surroundings and at least part of the crane structure, the crane is connected to the control station via at least one bidirectional communication link for the purpose of transmitting the image sensor data, and wherein the control station has at least one display element (13) for graphical display of the received sensor data and provides at least one input device (12) for inputting control commands, and the control commands are transmittable via the communication link to one or more crane actuators and/or the crane control for the purpose of performing crane movements.