Container Crane Camera Mounting for Load Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container crane control systems are not robust enough to withstand mechanical and environmental stresses, particularly due to the movement of cranes and environmental factors, which can impact camera performance and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A container crane control system with cameras that are rotatable only along a vertical axis, allowing for tilt and zoom functions based on the current height or expected position of the load, and selecting the main image source based on load height, size, or spreader configuration, to enhance camera stability and operational control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a PTZ camera is mounted on a container crane to provide video feed for remote operation, then the operator can control the crane from an office location, but the camera is exposed to large amounts of mechanical and environmental stress due to crane movement and harsh environment
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is segmented into multiple independent cameras (first camera for load tracking, second camera for spreader monitoring, third camera for container stack overview) rather than relying on a single PTZ camera. Each camera has a fixed, simplified mounting position that reduces mechanical stress while collectively providing comprehensive remote operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple cameras capture different views simultaneously, creating redundant visual information. The control device selects and switches between these camera feeds based on operational needs, replacing the need for a single complex PTZ camera with multiple simpler, more reliable fixed cameras
2Loss of information
If a PTZ camera is used to track the load during crane operations, then the operator can see load position, but the camera must withstand continuous mechanical stress from crane movement and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The panning and tilting functions are extracted from the camera itself and transferred to the control device. The first camera remains fixed in position on the crane, while the control device processes video signals and switches between cameras to achieve load tracking, eliminating mechanical stress on the camera mounting
Solution Approach 2:
The control device receives video signals from multiple cameras and uses feedback from load position data to automatically switch between camera feeds. This creates an automated load tracking system that maintains visibility without requiring manual camera adjustment or complex mechanical mounting
3Loss of information
If multiple cameras are mounted on the crane to provide comprehensive video coverage, then the operator terminal can receive multiple video signals for better control, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device serves multiple functions: it processes video signals from all cameras, automatically switches between feeds based on operational context, and provides the selected video output to the operator terminal. This centralized control simplifies the overall system despite multiple cameras, as one device handles all camera management tasks
Data Source
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AI summary
It is presented container crane control system (1) for controlling a container crane. The container crane control system comprises: a first camera (10a) configured to be mounted to a container crane such that the first camera is rotatable only along a substantially vertical axis, implementing a tilt function of the first camera, the first camera being configured to provide a first video signal; a control device (15) configured to tilt the first camera based on a current height of a load of the crane, to thereby track the load; and an operator terminal (12), being configured to receive the first video signal, for presentation to an operator and being configured to receive user input for controlling the crane, resulting in a crane control signal for provision to the control device; wherein the control device is further configured to receive the crane control signal from the operator terminal and to provide a corresponding control signal to control crane operation.