Crane Guide Display Using 3D Point Clouds to Track Swaying Loads

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing guide display devices fail to accurately track and display guide information for lifting cargo when it deviates from the designated position due to sway, leading to operational burdens for crane operators.

Innovation Solution

A guide display device that utilizes a laser scanner, camera, and inertial measurement unit to acquire point group data, correct and cluster the data, and generate a three-dimensional map, enabling the device to track and display guide information for lifting cargo even when it moves or deviates from the designated position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the operator designates the lifting cargo on the image to set the top surface, then the guide information can be displayed, but the lifting cargo may deviate from the designated position due to sway making the guide information inaccurate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition accuracy of lifting cargoVSAvoidoperator burden
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic tracking of the lifting cargo using the laser scanner and data processing section, eliminating the need for continuous manual designation by the operator. The cargo is automatically identified and tracked based on its reflective properties, allowing the system to self-correct and maintain accurate guide information display without operator intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously acquires point group data from the laser scanner and compares it with previously acquired data to detect deviations in the lifting cargo position. When deviation is detected, the system automatically updates the guide information display to reflect the current position, providing real-time feedback that maintains accuracy despite cargo sway.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If a laser scanner is used to acquire point group data for tracking, then the lifting cargo can be tracked even during large sway, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetracking reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical tracking mechanisms with an optical-based laser scanner that acquires point group data. This substitution allows for non-contact, automated tracking of the lifting cargo with high reliability, eliminating the need for mechanical linkages or physical markers on the cargo while maintaining tracking accuracy during sway.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The device effectively tracks and displays guide information for lifting cargo, ensuring accurate display even during large sway, thereby reducing operational burdens on crane operators.

Implementation Method 1

a laser scanner 62 that acquires point group data P

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLIDAR: LIDAR

Implementation Method 2

acquire point group data by using a laser scanner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4129881B1Guide display device, and crane provided with same
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 TADANO LTD
  • EP4129881B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4129881B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4129881B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

Provided is a guide display device with which it is possible to track a hung load and display guide information. Also provided is a crane comprising such a guide display device. A guide display device of a crane comprising a data processing unit that creates a plurality of surfaces using point cloud data, which is acquired by a laser scanner from above a hung load and which includes the hung load, and creates a three-dimensional map according to the plurality of surfaces, the three-dimensional map being created for each prescribed period, wherein the data processing unit is configured to set a reference position at the hung load in the three-dimensional map and also set a current surface present within a prescribed distance from a past reference position as the surface of the hung load, thereby tracking the hung load in the three-dimensional map.