Abstract: An optical detection system for a crane having a counterweight assembly includes an image capture assembly having one or more image capture devices configured to capture an image of the counterweight assembly and an optical control system. The optical control system is configured to detect one or more objects in the captured image, the one or more objects selected from the counterweight assembly, a weight unit of the counterweight assembly, a stack of weight units of the counterweight assembly, and a marker on the counterweight assembly. The optical control system is also configured to analyze the one or more detected objects and determine a status of counterweight assembly based on the analysis of the one or more detected objects.

Abstract: A crane includes a carrier, a superstructure coupled to the carrier, the superstructure including a boom, and an optical detection system having an image capture assembly including one or more image capture devices configured to capture an image of one or more of the carrier and the superstructure, and an optical control system. The optical control system is configured to detect one or more objects in the captured image, the one or more objects selected from: the carrier, the superstructure, and a marker, analyze the one or more detected objects, and determine a status of the boom based on the analysis of the one or more detected objects. The optical detection system and a method for determining the status of the boom are provided as well.

Abstract: A crane includes a carrier, a superstructure mounted on the carrier and including a boom, a cable extending from the boom, a lifting appliance coupled to the cable, and an optical detection system. The optical detection system includes an image capture device configured to capture an image, and an optical detection computer configured to detect one or more objects in the captured image, the one or more objects selected from: the lifting appliance, the cable, a load coupled to the lifting appliance, an object remote from the crane and a marker. The computer is also configured to analyze the one or more detected objects and determine a condition of a crane component based on the analysis of the one or more detected objects. Methods of determining the condition of the crane component and controlling crane operation are also included.

Abstract: A crane includes a carrier and a superstructure. A hoist is coupled to the superstructure and includes a hoist drum and a rope. The crane further includes an optical detection system. The optical detection system includes an image capture assembly having an image capture device configured to capture an image of the hoist, and an optical control system configured to detect an object in the captured image, the object selected from: the rope, the hoist drum, a wrap of rope on the hoist drum and a marker on the hoist. The optical control system is configured to analyze the detected objects and determine a condition of a crane component based on the analysis. A method of determining a condition of a crane component includes capturing an image, detecting the objects in the image, analyzing the detected objects and determining a condition of the crane component based on the analysis.

Abstract: A system and method for visually monitoring an outrigger includes a camera assembly configured to monitor an outrigger and a control system operably and communicably connected to the camera assembly. The control system executes instructions to determine a presence, length, and/or position of the outrigger based by an image captured by the camera assembly. The outrigger may include a target to be detected by the camera assembly for monitoring of the outrigger. The target may be the outrigger itself, detected by the control system using edge detection, or a marker disposed on the outrigger. The system may be implemented with a crane having a carrier unit and a superstructure. The system may include a plurality of camera assemblies and a plurality of outriggers.

Abstract: A crane includes a carrier, a superstructure mounted on the carrier and including a boom, a cable extending from the boom, a lifting appliance coupled to the cable, and an optical detection system. The optical detection system includes an image capture device configured to capture an image, and an optical detection computer configured to detect one or more objects in the captured image, the one or more objects selected from: the lifting appliance, the cable, a load coupled to the lifting appliance, an object remote from the crane and a marker. The computer is also configured to analyze the one or more detected objects and determine a condition of a crane component based on the analysis of the one or more detected objects. Methods of determining the condition of the crane component and controlling crane operation are also included.

Abstract: A crane includes a carrier and a superstructure. A hoist is coupled to the superstructure and includes a hoist drum and a rope. The crane further includes an optical detection system. The optical detection system includes an image capture assembly having an image capture device configured to capture an image of the hoist, and an optical control system configured to detect an object in the captured image, the object selected from: the rope, the hoist drum, a wrap of rope on the hoist drum and a marker on the hoist. The optical control system is configured to analyze the detected objects and determine a condition of a crane component based on the analysis. A method of determining a condition of a crane component includes capturing an image, detecting the objects in the image, analyzing the detected objects and determining a condition of the crane component based on the analysis.

Abstract: A crane includes a carrier, a superstructure coupled to the carrier, the superstructure including a boom, and an optical detection system having an image capture assembly including one or more image capture devices configured to capture an image of one or more of the carrier and the superstructure, and an optical control system. The optical control system is configured to detect one or more objects in the captured image, the one or more objects selected from: the carrier, the superstructure, and a marker, analyze the one or more detected objects, and determine a status of the boom based on the analysis of the one or more detected objects. The optical detection system and a method for determining the status of the boom are provided as well.

Abstract: An optical detection system for a crane having a counterweight assembly includes an image capture assembly having one or more image capture devices configured to capture an image of the counterweight assembly and an optical control system. The optical control system is configured to detect one or more objects in the captured image, the one or more objects selected from the counterweight assembly, a weight unit of the counterweight assembly, a stack of weight units of the counterweight assembly, and a marker on the counterweight assembly. The optical control system is also configured to analyze the one or more detected objects and determine a status of counterweight assembly based on the analysis of the one or more detected objects.

Abstract: A system and method for visually monitoring an outrigger includes a camera assembly configured to monitor an outrigger and a control system operably and communicably connected to the camera assembly. The control system executes instructions to determine a presence, length, and/or position of the outrigger based by an image captured by the camera assembly. The outrigger may include a target to be detected by the camera assembly for monitoring of the outrigger. The target may be the outrigger itself, detected by the control system using edge detection, or a marker disposed on the outrigger. The system may be implemented with a crane having a carrier unit and a superstructure. The system may include a plurality of camera assemblies and a plurality of outriggers.