Real-Time Crane Boom Interference Mapping for Collision Avoidance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crane control systems require a complex and error-prone preparatory phase to configure anti-collision systems, relying on operator input for environmental context, which is time-consuming and not intuitive for non-IT familiar users, and do not adapt autonomously to interference zones.
Innovation Solution
A control method that autonomously segments the crane's working area into angular sectors, associating each with an interference counter, incrementing values upon collision detection, and automatically adjusts boom orientation to minimize interference without prior environmental knowledge, using real-time learning and adaptive mapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex preparatory phase is implemented to configure anti-collision systems with environmental context, then the system can provide comprehensive collision protection, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to non-intuitive configuration for non-IT familiar users
Solution Approach 1:
The crane control system automatically performs the configuration of anti-collision parameters by autonomously identifying the construction site environment, detecting neighboring cranes and obstacles, and setting appropriate safety zones without requiring operator intervention. The system serves itself by using its own sensors and processing capabilities to configure its protective functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts anti-collision parameters such as safety zone radii, detection thresholds, and interference counters based on real-time environmental conditions and detected crane configurations, transforming static pre-programmed values into adaptive parameters that automatically suit the specific work site context.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration of interference zones is required based on operator input, then the system can be customized to specific site conditions, but the productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming preparatory phase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary environmental scanning and crane detection automatically during the initial startup phase, pre-configuring interference zones and safety parameters before the crane begins operational work, thereby eliminating the need for manual site survey and configuration during the preparatory phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-collision system continuously monitors the construction site environment using sensors and detects the presence, position, and operational status of neighboring cranes and obstacles, using this feedback to automatically update and adjust interference zone configurations in real-time to match actual site conditions.
3Reliability
If automated control state is implemented to prevent interference in overlapping zones, then the reliability of collision avoidance is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates by removing manual control flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically switches between manual and automated modes based on the operational context and detected interference risks, allowing the crane to operate in manual mode when safe and switch to automated anti-collision mode when potential conflicts are detected, providing both flexibility and safety as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated anti-collision system acts as an intermediary layer between the operator and the crane's slewing mechanism, monitoring environmental conditions and automatically intervening to prevent interference with neighboring cranes while allowing the operator to maintain control of lifting operations, thus mediating between manual operation flexibility and automated safety.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling a crane (G1) comprising a boom operating within a circular working area (AT), and at least one anti-collision system detecting a risk of collision on the right and left sides of the boom. More specifically, the control method serves to orient the boom from a starting angular sector (SD), where a risk of collision with an obstacle has been detected, towards a final angular sector where the risk of interference is low or even zero, based on an interference map (C) segmenting the circular working area into several angular sectors and associating with each of them an interference counter value representative of a level of interference risk, said values evolving in real time according to the orientations of the boom and the collision risk detections.