FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (See section 10, rule 13)
SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CRANE MANAGEMENT USING VFD
UDYAM SOFTTECH LLP
A Limited Liability Partnership
of 303 A, Vaidehi Vista Apartments, Baner Pashan Link Road,
Pashan Pune Maharashtra 411021
The following specification particularly describes and ascertains the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a crane management system. Particularly, the invention relates to a system for maintenance, management and optimization of cranes. More particularly, the invention relates to a system and method for managing the crane using VFD.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] Cranes are utilized to lift and transport machinery, products, goods, containers, and other heavy objects within factories and warehouses and to transfer the products to trucks, trains, and/or ships for transportation purposes.
[0003] At present, various kinds of large-scale cranes for use in construction, such as Goliath cranes, jib cranes, tower cranes, and the like, perform their work as they move independently.
[0004] The cranes have crane controls and an interface port that facilitates connection to an interrogation device arranged to assist a user to setup/calibrate crane components, diagnose problems, identify faults, obtain usage related parameters such as crane usage hours, and/or carry out tests for maintenance and/or servicing purposes. Typically, the interrogation device is a portable computer that is capable of connecting to the interface port, the computer including suitable software arranged to carry out the required actions in relation to the crane components.
[0005] However, such an arrangement for carrying out servicing and/or maintenance actions in relation to crane components is cumbersome, time consuming and expensive, particularly in situations wherein a crane is located remotely from population centers.

[0006] Major cause of irregularities in a crane is the overload operation. So it is imperative to take some effective means, to supervise the operation and avoid similar accidents with the continuous development of network technology, it is possible to remotely monitor large industrial production in real-time. Through the remote real-time monitoring, regulatory departments have to monitor the running status of equipment on the scene. It often requires multiple tower cranes to work together in the process of construction. However, due to the factors such as unreasonable optimal configuration of tower cranes, lower collaboration efficiency and unable to issue warning signals when encounter dangerous situations, construction progress would be affected or even lead to construction incidents.
[0007] The solutions available currently to gather crane operations’ data are relying only on the sensors. Installing sensors based solution takes longer and requires higher skill level. Calibrating the sensors also requires a lot of precision and efforts during the installation. There is no comparable solution available for acquiring the data for VFD alerts/alarms that can give information for the preventive maintenance of the crane.
[0008] Most of the crane operators are relying on mutual understanding instead of schedule based usage of the cranes. This leads to more delays and schedule slippages. There is need for a system to automate the process and to schedule the crane operation remotely.
[0009] The crane system requires a management system to remotely manage the status, overload, predictive failure and jobsite safety for effectively utilizing the crane with safer construction environment.
[0010] Thus, there is need for system and method to provide crane management system for improved working and safety.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0011] The present invention discloses a system and method for crane management using VFD (variable frequency drive) data using machine learning and data analytics. A rich dataset from VFDs are received, which is very difficult to get from sensors, the dataset includes brake safety, emergency stops, or various error codes. Further, the system is designed to use VFDs to get crane data including motions, load, power consumption, torque, and speed, along data like wind speed from fewer sensors which makes it the system a superior, feature-rich and cost-effective solution compare to other systems available in the prior art. Furthermore, the system relies on limited data from motion sensors and load sensors.
[0012] The present invention further discloses Crane scheduling and scheduling optimization capabilities using real-time data from cranes. The system provides scheduling of crane working and maintenance for better management and optimization of crane working.
[0013] The present invention further discloses a system for crane management using VFD, the system comprises of a VFD Connector 110 integrated inside the crane control pane, a plurality of sensors 112 connected to crane for receiving crane data, a camera 122 for capturing the jobsite vision, a communication device 130 for transmitting the crane data to the Processor 114, which has a Data Analytics Module 116 for analyzing the crane data, a Machine Learning Module 118 for analyzing the data and providing better analysis, and an Insight Generation Module 120 for providing actionable insights based on the analysed data to the user. Further, the system comprises of a database for storing the indexed data and insight.
[0014] In general, in one aspect of the invention, Data from VFD Connectors and Sensors are sent to processor using communication device (210), wherein Sitevision & visual information are

sent from crane cameras to the Processor (212). Further, Data received by the Processor are analysed using Data Analytics & Machine Learning (214). Furthermore, Insights generated by the Insight generation module based on the analysed data (216). Moreover, the system provides several insights including Crane utilization and predictive maintenance; Crane schedule optimization and project performance; and Jobsite progress and safety insights to the user (218).
[0015] In still another aspect of the present invention, the system solves the major issues like 1. Crane management 2. Predictive maintenance 3. Crane schedule optimization 4. Project performance improvement 5. Site vision and Jobsite safety, through one integrated system. Crane management is a big headache and optimizing the usage based on the project plan is very essential, as cranes are large equipment, and keeping it idle means the extra cost of the project.
[0016] In yet another aspect of the present invention, Crane safety and proper maintenance are difficult to manage with physical checks, digital solutions for predictive maintenance is the need of the hour. Keeping load and other factors in check to ensure safety and less wear and tear is essential for the proper functioning of the crane.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the System for crane management using VFD, in accordance with an aspect of the present technique; and
FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the method for crane management using VFD, in accordance with an aspect of the present technique.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0018] The following description is full and informative description of the best method presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention which is known to the inventors at the time of filing the patent application. Of course, many modifications and adaptations will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the following description in view of the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. While the system and method described herein are provided with a certain degree of specificity, the present technique may be implemented with either greater or lesser specificity, depending on the needs of the user. Further, some of the features of the present technique may be used to advantage without the corresponding use of other features described in the following paragraphs. As such, the present description should be considered as merely illustrative of the principles of the present technique and not in limitation thereof, since the present technique is defined solely by the claims.
[0019] The present invention relates to a crane management system. Particularly, the invention relates to a system for maintenance, management and optimization of cranes. More particularly, the invention relates to a system and method for managing the crane using VFD.

[0020] The present invention discloses a system and method for crane management using VFD (variable frequency drive) data using machine learning and data analytics. A rich dataset from VFDs are received, which is very difficult to get from sensors, the dataset includes brake safety, emergency stops, or various error codes. Further, the system is designed to use VFDs to get crane data including motions, load, power consumption, torque, and speed, along data like wind speed from fewer sensors which makes it the system a superior, feature-rich and cost-effective solution. Furthermore, the system requires limited data from load sensors and motion sensors.
[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, the system harnesses combined power of variable frequency drives (VFD) and sensors to improve jobsite productivity and project performance. Further, the system can collect data from all types of cranes (15x TAM than tower cranes alone) It can also work with any VFD enabled device such as excavator, elevators, etc. Furthermore, the system works in a way such that there is No need of sensors and hooks to collect crane motion data & load data. VFD solution also provides access to data that is very difficult to get via sensors such as crane error codes, emergency stops, brake safety, power consumption, torque.
[0022] In another embodiment of the invention, the system is placed inside crane panel so no wear and tear, no external wires, no need of battery. It can be self installed in minutes and also offered as out of the box solution from crane manufacturers and crane service companies.
[0023] In another embodiment of the present invention, the system comprises of VFD connectors, sensors, communication device for sending the information over cloud to the Processor (22), which is connected to Data analytics module for analyzing the crane data, and

using the analysed data using a machine learning module, the system provided crane utilization and safety information for managing the crane in most efficient way.
[0024] In one embodiment of the invention, the Camera (18) is integrated on the system of is separate camera device used for taking picture, including camera of a smartphone, which may use communication system of such device to transmit the visual images of crane and job site. Sitevision and visual information from crane camera are sent to the Processor (22). Furthermore, there are multiple visual image of the jobsite for analyzing the working condition of the crane and jobsite. Moreover, the visual images are communicated through the communication device, which uses state of art technology, like Bluetooth, wi-fi or NFC, for transmitting data from the the Camera (18) to the Processor (22).
[0025] In one embodiment of the present invention, the processor (22) has means to analyse the VFD connector data, sensor data and visual images to ascertain various parameters including the crane working status, wear and tear, safety, load and motion information. Further, the Processor (22) analyse each and every data to provide analytics for crane management. The crane management data includes: Type of crane motion (up, down, forward, reverse, circular); Displacement length or Rotation degrees; Using motion sensors & encoder Crane planned downtime (not in use, non working hours); Crane idle time (unplanned due to some other reason); Hold in place (holding the load but not moving); Crane utilization and Inefficient usage of crane (abuse of crane); Safe working life of crane & Crane duty cycle; Downtime prediction & prevention (error patterns and historical data); Power consumption (Current, Voltage, PF); Detecting failure of crane due to various conditions; Brake safety and Brake life; Emergency stops; Failure Prediction, Preventive maintenance & safety; and Remote diagnosis and issue resolution.

[0026] In one embodiment of the present invention, the processor (22) uses deep learning algorithms to analyse the data received for better assessment of crane management and safety. Further, the Processor (22) analyse each and every image to ascertain the jobsite information, which compares to the earlier data to have more data point to ascertain the status in better manner.
[0027] In another embodiment of the present invention, the Processor (22) uses data analytics module to analyse the data from VFD parameters, motion, speed, torque, usages, power consumption, and VFD error code. Further, the comprehensive analysis based on motion, no of start/stops, power consumption, speed etc. are done by the data analytics module and machine learning module.
[0028] In another embodiment of the present invention, the VFD connector is integrated inside the crane control panel. Further, the system provides specific analytics to GCs and crane owners who are responsible for project performance and schedule optimization (including crane schedule, crane utilization and impact to master schedule). Furthermore, no installation is required and the user can just start the subscription and get actionable insights from real-time crane data. Moreover, crane rental and crane service companies can utilize the system to get crane data and predictive maintenance, which helps reduce unplanned downtime, reduce cost and improve customer experience.
[0029] In still another embodiment, the system provides optimized crane schedule through data analytics module, which in turn minimizes project delays and improves project performance/schedule. Further, the system can be utilized to cater to many machines used on construction site or in mining industry. Furthermore, the insights provided by the system helps improve crane operator efficiency and load cycle time. Moreover, the insights provided by the

system help identify bottlenecks and improve crane utilization. Additionally, the error trend analysis provided by the system helps reduce unplanned downtime.
[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, Fig. 1 is a block diagram of the System for crane management using VFD, the system comprises of a VFD Connector 110 integrated inside the crane control pane, a plurality of sensors 112 connected to crane for receiving crane data, a camera 122 for capturing the jobsite vision, a communication device 130 for transmitting the crane data to the Processor 114, which has a Data Analytics Module 116 for analyzing the crane data, a Machine Learning Module 118 for analyzing the data and providing better analysis, and an Insight Generation Module 120 for providing actionable insights based on the analysed data to the user. Further, the system comprises of a database for storing the indexed data and insight.
[0031] In another exemplary embodiment, Fig. 2 is a flow-chart of the method for crane management using VFD, illustrating the process involved in crane management, wherein the process comprises steps of: Data from VFD Connectors and Sensors are sent to processor using communication device (210); Sitevision & visual information are sent from crane cameras to the Processor (212); Data received by the Processor are analysed using Data Analytics & Machine Learning (214); Insights generated by the Insight generation module based on the analysed data (216); and Providing Crane utilization and predictive maintenance; Crane schedule optimization and project performance; and Jobsite progress and safety insights are provided to the user (218).
[0032] Advantages of the invention:
• Crane management
• Predictive maintenance

• Crane schedule optimization
• Project performance improvement
• Sitevision and Jobsite safety
[0033] The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto.
[0034] While, the following description is presented to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of the requirement for obtaining a patent. The present description is the best presently-contemplated method for carrying out the present invention. Various modifications to the preferred embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles of the present invention may be applied to other embodiments, and some features of the present invention may be used without the corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiment shown but is to be accorded the widest cope consistent with the principles and features described herein.
[0035] Many modifications of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the arts to which the present invention applies. Further, it may be desirable to use some of the features of the present invention without the corresponding use of other features.

[0036] Accordingly, the foregoing description of the present invention should be considered as merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention and not in limitation thereof.

CLAIMS We Claim:
1. A system for crane management using VFD, the system comprising of :
a VFD Connector 110 integrated inside the crane control pane,
a plurality of sensors 112 connected to crane for receiving crane data,
a camera 122 for capturing the jobsite vision,
a communication device 130 for transmitting the crane data to the Processor 114,
characterized in that,
the Processor 114 has a Data Analytics Module 116 for analyzing the crane data, a Machine Learning Module 118 for analyzing the data and providing better analysis, and an Insight Generation Module 120 for providing actionable insights based on the analysed data to the user.
2. A Method for crane management using VFD, the method comprises of following steps:
Sending Data from VFD Connectors and Sensors to a Processor using communication device;
Sending Sitevision and visual information data from crane camera to the Processor;
Analysing data received by the Processor by Data Analytics Module and Machine Learning Module

Generating crane management data and insights by the Insight generation module based on the analysed data and Providing Crane utilization and predictive maintenance, Crane schedule optimization and project performance,, and Jobsite progress and safety insights are provided to the user.