Crane Information Display System Using 3D Overlay

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional crane information display systems only allow for two-dimensional visualization of crane operating states, limiting the ability to examine crane information effectively at a work site.

Innovation Solution

A crane information display system that captures images of a crane using a tablet terminal with a camera and overlays three-dimensional data onto the image, including virtual outriggers and workable areas, allowing for real-time three-dimensional examination of the crane's position and orientation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If two-dimensional visualization is used to display crane operating state, then device complexity is reduced, but information examination capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay system complexityVSAvoidcrane information examination capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional display to three-dimensional visualization by capturing crane images with a camera and overlaying virtual information (outriggers, workable areas, tail swing areas) in three-dimensional space. This allows operators to examine crane information from multiple angles and depths, significantly improving information examination capability while maintaining manageable system complexity through the use of standard imaging devices and software-based overlay techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of information

If three-dimensional information overlay is implemented, then information examination capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrane information examination capabilityVSAvoiddisplay system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a universal approach by leveraging standard tablet terminals with built-in cameras and display capabilities. The same device captures crane images, processes three-dimensional information overlay, and presents the enhanced visualization. This multi-functional use of a single device type avoids the need for specialized complex hardware while achieving three-dimensional information examination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates virtual copies of crane components (outriggers, workable areas, tail swing areas) and overlays them onto the actual crane image. These virtual representations provide additional information without requiring physical models or complex measurement devices, reducing overall system complexity while enhancing information examination capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Productivity

If real-time three-dimensional display is implemented, then operational efficiency is improved, but information processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidinformation processing load
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and pre-positioning virtual information elements (outrigger positions, workable area boundaries, tail swing zones) before they are needed during crane operation. This allows real-time display without heavy processing delays, as the three-dimensional information is prepared in advance and simply overlaid on the captured crane image during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4036047B1Crane information display system
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 TADANO LTD
  • EP4036047B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4036047B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4036047B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This crane information display system is provided with a terminal device having a camera and captures an image of a crane with the camera to obtain a camera image, the crane information display system including: a crane information acquisition unit that reads display information of an information display unit, which is mounted in the crane, from the camera image and acquires information about the crane; a position/orientation calculation unit that calculates the position and orientation of the crane from the camera image; an information processing unit that converts the information about the crane acquired by the crane information acquisition unit into three-dimensional image information corresponding to the position and orientation of the crane calculated by the position/orientation calculation unit; and an image display unit that overlays the information about the crane converted by the information processing unit on the camera image and displays the same.