Boom-Mounted 3D Scanning for Real-Time Crane Mapping

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The creation of a 3D map using a crane's laser scanner is delayed due to settings of measurement range and density, making it difficult for operators to grasp current situations in real time.

Innovation Solution

A crane that adjusts the measurement direction, range, and density of its laser scanner based on operation signals and movement, allowing for real-time 3D map creation by superposing new information on accumulated data and reducing measurement density when delays occur.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the laser scanner uses fixed measurement range and measurement density settings, then the measurement precision and completeness of the 3D map is improved, but the time required to create the 3D map increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve3D map measurement precisionVSAvoid3D map creation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the measurement range and measurement density of the laser scanner adjustable and adaptive rather than fixed. The control device dynamically modifies these parameters based on operational conditions, allowing the system to switch between high-precision mode (narrower range, higher density) and fast-scanning mode (wider range, lower density), thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and creation time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent directly applies parameter changes by modifying the measurement range and measurement density parameters of the laser scanner. The control device changes these parameters according to the crane's operational state (e.g., during active lifting operations versus idle periods), enabling the system to optimize the balance between 3D map precision and real-time performance by adjusting measurement parameters dynamically

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of information

If the laser scanner accumulates and processes large amounts of three-dimensional information, then the completeness of the 3D map is improved, but the processing delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve3D map information completenessVSAvoid3D map processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by selectively measuring and processing only the necessary portions of the operation area based on current operational needs. The control device determines which regions require high-density measurement (e.g., areas with active loads or workers) and allocates measurement resources accordingly, rather than uniformly scanning the entire operation area, thus reducing processing delay while maintaining information completeness for critical zones

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the operation area into multiple zones with different measurement priorities and densities. The control device segments the workspace based on operational activity, applying high measurement density to active zones and lower density to inactive zones, thereby processing information in manageable segments that reduce overall processing time while preserving essential information

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If the laser scanner uses high measurement density, then the detail accuracy of the 3D map is improved, but the data processing load and creation delay increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve3D map detail accuracyVSAvoid3D map creation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different measurement densities to different spatial locations within the operation area. High measurement density is applied locally to areas requiring detailed accuracy (e.g., near the boom tip, load zones, or worker areas), while lower density is used in peripheral or less critical areas, thereby achieving detail accuracy where needed without uniformly increasing the processing load across the entire map

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables safe and timely operation by providing real-time 3D maps, allowing operators to accurately assess their surroundings and respond to changing conditions.

Implementation Method 1

By providing a three-dimensional information obtaining section, such as a laser scanner, at the distal end of a boom, a 3D map of an operation area can be created using three-dimensional information measured by the laser scanner.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging): LIDAR

Data Source

PatentEP3553460B1crane
Publication Date: 2023.10.04 TADANO LTD
  • EP3553460B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3553460B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3553460B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(c)

AI summary

A crane creates a 3D map on the basis of three-dimensional information acquired by a three-dimensional information acquisition means that is provided on a boom. The three-dimensional information acquisition means: is configured to be capable of accumulating acquired three-dimensional information and to be capable of changing a measurement direction, a measurement range, and a measurement density; and creates the 3D map by superimposing accumulated three-dimensional information. When an operation signal for a swivel operation for a swivel base, a hoisting operation for the boom, or an extension/retraction operation for the boom has been detected, on the basis of the movement direction and movement speed of the boom as calculated from a detected value for the operation signal, the three-dimensional information acquisition means: changes the measurement direction; and narrows the measurement range and increases the measurement density as compared to when the operation signal has not been detected.