Remote Crane Control via Video Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Crane operators face inefficiencies and safety risks due to the intermittent nature of crane operations, resulting in excessive downtime and travel time, particularly in remote locations, where they spend more time commuting than actively operating the crane.
Innovation Solution
A remotely operated crane system that allows operators to control cranes from an off-site center using cellular or satellite communication networks, equipped with cameras, audio devices, and proximity sensors for real-time monitoring and control, enabling 'on-demand' seat-time and reducing the need for physical presence at job sites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a crane operator travels to and from remote jobsites daily to operate the crane, then the operator can perform lift operations, but the operator experiences excessive downtime and travel time
Solution Approach 1:
A remote operator station is introduced as an intermediary between the crane operator and the crane at remote jobsites. The remote operator station receives video feeds and control signals, transmitting them to and from the crane operator who remains at a centralized location. This mediator enables the operator to control the crane without physically traveling to remote sites, eliminating excessive travel time while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical travel to jobsites with an electronic communication system. Video cameras mounted on the crane transmit visual information to the operator, and control signals are transmitted electronically back to the crane. This substitution of mechanical travel with electronic communication eliminates the need for the operator to physically be at the remote jobsite, dramatically reducing travel time and increasing seat-time efficiency.
2Productivity
If a crane operator is present at remote jobsites for extended periods, then lift operations can be performed, but safety risks increase due to driving fatigue and impaired judgment
Solution Approach 1:
The remote operator station serves as an intermediary that allows the operator to remain at a safe, centralized location while still performing lift operations. The video feed and control system act as mediators between the operator and the crane, eliminating the need for the operator to travel to remote jobsites and reducing safety risks associated with extended travel and fatigue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the jobsite environment through video cameras mounted on the crane. This video feed provides the operator with a real-time visual representation of the remote location, allowing the operator to assess conditions and perform operations without physically being present at the risky remote site, thereby maintaining safety while enabling productivity.
3Productivity
If multiple cranes are operated from a single remote center, then resource allocation efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The remote operator station is designed as a universal control center capable of operating multiple different cranes. The system can switch between different crane video feeds and control signals, allowing a single operator to manage multiple cranes from one location. This multi-functionality improves resource allocation efficiency by enabling one operator to handle multiple machines without requiring separate operators for each crane.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control functions of multiple cranes into a single remote operator station. Instead of having separate control systems for each crane, the system combines video feeds and control interfaces for multiple cranes at one location. This consolidation improves resource utilization while the integrated design manages the inherent complexity through a unified control architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are embodiments of a remote crane system including a remote controlled crane system and a remote crane control center (RCCC). The remote controlled crane system adapted to operate based on local control commands, send, to the RCCC via a communication network, crane operational data corresponding to operation of the remote controlled crane system, and receive, from the RCCC via the communication network, remote control commands, and operate based on the remote control commands. The RCCC including remote crane controls and a remote crane operator interface, and being adapted to receive, from the crane system via the communication network, the crane operational data, and present, via the remote crane operator interface, crane operational information corresponding to the crane operational data, receive, via the remote crane controls, remote control commands and send, to the crane controller via the communication network, crane remote control data including the remote control commands.