Stabilizer leg control system, vehicle, and method

Abstract

A stabilizer leg control system (2) for controlling at least one stabilizer leg (4), the control system comprising: a control unit (8); a user interface unit (10) comprising a user interface (12) and a receiver unit (16); and a transmission unit (18); the user interface (12) being configured to receive a stabilizer leg activation input from a user, and upon receiving the stabilizer leg activation input, the user interface unit (10) being configured to generate a transmission unit activation signal (22). The transmission unit (18) being configured to be activated upon receiving the transmission unit activation signal (22) and to generate a transmission unit signal (20), wherein the user interface unit (10) is configured to receive the transmission unit signal (20) via the receiver unit (16), and upon receiving the transmission unit signal (20), enable the user interface unit (10) to operate the stabilizer leg associated with the transmission unit (18) generating the transmission unit signal (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to stabilizer leg control systems, vehicles, and methods relating thereto, and more particularly to a user interface unit configured to control the operation of stabilizer legs. Background Art

[0002] Vehicles with work equipment mounted to the vehicle, such as loader cranes, often have stabilizer legs to support the vehicle's stability while working with the equipment. The stabilizers can be an integral part of the crane or mounted directly to the vehicle itself. When working with heavy equipment, such as loader cranes, it is important to ensure safety around the work area and to avoid accidentally moving the stabilizers while working. For example, if a vehicle has one stabilizer leg on the left and one on the right, and the operator accidentally moves the left stabilizer leg instead of the right, serious consequences could result.

[0003] To ensure the operator doesn't mistakenly move the stabilizer, before actually issuing the command to move the stabilizer, the operator needs to verify visual control of the area surrounding the stabilizer to be moved. Today, this verification is typically performed by pressing a button on the stabilizer leg unit. After verification, the operator can control the movement of the stabilizer legs, for example, from an inactive transport position, where the stabilizer legs are not engaged with the ground, to an active support position, where the stabilizer legs are engaged with the ground to support the vehicle.

[0004] Operators typically use remote control units to control the movement of the stabilizer legs and the operation of work equipment (e.g., a loading crane). While verification by pressing a button on the stabilizer leg unit ensures the safety of the work process, it is a cumbersome process that interrupts the operator's workflow. Therefore, the current work solution described above is problematic for operators.

[0005] Some of the documents in this technology area are discussed below.

[0006] WO2010028938 describes a mobile crane with a support leg that can be controlled by a remote control. Transponders can be placed at appropriate locations, such as on the support leg. A receiver on the remote control can be used to assess the distance from the transmitter and disable the remote control if the crane is outside a predetermined area.

[0007] US20120143445 describes a construction machine that can be controlled by a wireless remote control. One or more transmission units can be placed on the machine, and a receiver on the remote control controls functions based on the distance between the transmitter and receiver. In one example, the transmission units can be placed on the support legs, requiring the operator to be positioned appropriately to operate the legs.

[0008] WO9624120 describes a system for remote control of cranes and similar work equipment. A receiver on the crane detects the signal strength of the remote control transmission and disables the remote control if the signal strength is too low. The system can also use acoustic or optical signals.

[0009] US20050258122 discloses a mobile crane that can be controlled by a wireless remote control device and an RFID transponder. According to one example, the support legs can only be operated when the transponder worn by the operator is within a safe zone near a receiver placed on the crane.

[0010] EP 0 514 244 describes a radio-based remote control for a traveling crane. An infrared transmitter / receiver pair is used to detect whether the remote control is within a specific area.

[0011] US20090033269 relates to a method for wireless remote control of industrial machinery having safety zones defining areas where no operation is allowed, each zone being defined by an RFID transponder with its own identity.

[0012] The purpose of the present invention is to improve safety when a remote user interface unit is used to control the movement of a stabilizer leg, and to improve safety by providing support to the user in the workflow rather than adding a distracting verification step. Summary of the Invention

[0013] The above objects are achieved by the present invention according to the independent claims.

[0014] Preferred embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0015] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a stabilizer leg control system (2) for controlling at least one stabilizer leg (4) arranged to support the stability of a vehicle (6).

[0016] The control system comprises: a control unit (8) configured to control the operation of the at least one stabilizer leg (4); a user interface unit (10) comprising a user interface (12) and a receiver unit (16), the user interface (12) configured to receive user input to control various functions of a vehicle, the various functions of the vehicle including controlling the operation of the at least one stabilizer leg (4) of the vehicle and establishing two-way communication with the control unit via a communication signal (14); and at least one transmission unit (18) configured to be mounted at or near each of the at least one stabilizer leg (4), wherein the transmission unit (18) is configured to transmit a transmission unit signal (20). The user interface (12) is configured to receive a stabilizer leg activation input from a user when the at least one stabilizer leg is to be operated, and upon receiving the stabilizer activation input, the user interface unit (10) is configured to generate a transmission unit activation signal (22), wherein the transmission unit (18) is configured to be activated upon directly or indirectly receiving the transmission unit activation signal (22) and to generate the transmission unit signal (18), and wherein the user interface unit (10) is configured to receive the transmission unit signal (20) by the receiver unit (16) and, upon receiving the transmission unit signal (20), enable the user interface unit (10) to operate the stabilizer leg associated with the transmission unit (18) that generated the transmission unit signal (20).

[0017] The implementation of the stabilizer leg control system improves safety by requiring the user interface unit, and therefore the user, to be near the stabilizer leg to be controlled, while avoiding distracting verification steps. Another advantage achieved by this system is that signal transmission is only activated when the stabilizer leg is to be moved / controlled using the user interface unit. This saves power in the transmission unit, which can be powered by a battery.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the control unit (8) is configured to receive a transmission unit activation signal (22) and to activate the transmission unit (18) upon receipt of said signal.

[0019] According to another embodiment, the transmission unit signal (20) comprises identification data that uniquely identifies the stabilizer leg (4) on which the transmission unit (18) is installed. The user interface unit (10) is configured to send the received identification data to the control unit (8), and the control unit (8) is configured to compare the received identification data with the stored identification data of the activated transmission unit (18) that transmitted the transmission unit signal (20). If the received identification data corresponds to the stored identification data, an enable signal (24) is generated to the user interface unit (10). This is advantageous because before the user interface unit can control the stabilizer leg, the identity of the stabilizer leg to be controlled must first be verified. This can increase the safety of the system when more than one vehicle with the same system is operated in the same area.

[0020] According to yet another embodiment, the user interface (12) is provided with several input menus, each corresponding to a different function of the vehicle. One input menu, the stabilizer leg menu, is designated for receiving user input for controlling at least one stabilizer leg. When the user enters said menu for controlling at least one stabilizer leg, a stabilizer activation input is considered to have been received. This feature also improves the user-friendliness of the system, since the transmission unit(s) are automatically activated when the user enters the stabilizer leg menu.

[0021] In yet another embodiment, the stabilizer leg menu is configured to control the stabilizer leg associated with the transmission unit (18) that generated the received transmission unit signal (20). This is advantageous because the user does not need to manually provide information on which stabilizer leg to operate.

[0022] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a vehicle (6) comprising at least one stabilizer leg (4) arranged to support the stability of the vehicle, wherein the vehicle comprises a stabilizer leg control system as described herein.

[0023] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a method for a stabilizer leg control system (2) for controlling at least one stabilizer leg (4) arranged to support the stability of a vehicle (6), the control system comprising a control unit (8) as already described herein, a user interface unit (10) comprising a user interface (12), and a transmission unit (18).

[0024] The method includes:

[0025] - receiving a stabilizer leg activation input from a user by the user interface (12) when the at least one stabilizer leg is to be operated,

[0026] - upon receiving a stabilizer activation input, generating a transmission unit activation signal (22),

[0027] - upon receiving the transmission unit activation signal (22), activating the transmission unit,

[0028] - generating said transmission unit signal (18) by said transmission unit,

[0029] - receiving said transmission unit signal (20) by said receiver unit (16), and

[0030] - upon receipt of said transmission unit signal (20), enabling the user interface unit (10) to operate the stabilizer leg associated with the transmission unit (18) generating the transmission unit signal (20).

[0031] By implementing a method for a stabilizer leg control system, safety is improved by requiring the user interface unit, and thereby the user, to be in the vicinity of the stabilizer leg to be controlled, while avoiding distracting verification steps.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the transmission unit signal (20) includes identification data that uniquely identifies the stabilizer leg (4) to which the transmission unit (18) is mounted. The method comprises:

[0033] - sending the received identification data by the user interface unit (10) to the control unit (8),

[0034] - comparing said received identification data with stored identification data of the activated transmission unit (18) which transmitted the transmission unit signal (20), and

[0035] - if the received identification data corresponds to the stored identification data, generating an enable signal (24) to the user interface unit (10).

[0036] This is advantageous because before enabling the user interface unit to control a stabilizer leg, the identity of the stabilizer leg to be controlled must first be verified.

[0037] According to another embodiment, the user interface (12) is provided with several input menus, each corresponding to a various function of the vehicle, wherein one of the input menus, namely the stabilizer leg menu, is designated for receiving user input for controlling at least one stabilizer leg. A stabilizer activation input is considered to be received when the user enters said menu for controlling at least one stabilizer leg. These features improve the user-friendliness of the system, since the transmission unit(s) are automatically activated when the user enters the stabilizer leg menu. Preferably, the method comprises controlling, by the stabilizer leg menu, the stabilizer leg associated with the transmission unit (18) that generated the received transmission unit signal (20). This is advantageous since the user does not need to manually provide information on which stabilizer leg is to be operated.

[0038] Thus, the transmission of a signal from the at least one transmission unit may be activated in response to a user activating an option controlling the stabilizer leg on the user interface unit. This would also have the advantage of saving energy and further not generating signal noise. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Figure 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the present invention.

[0040] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle provided with a stabilizer leg control system according to the present invention, viewed from above.

[0041] Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The stabilizer leg control system, vehicle, and method will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Identical or similar items are labeled the same throughout the drawings. Furthermore, the items and drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, with emphasis instead being placed on illustrating the principles of the invention.

[0043] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , a stabilizer leg control system 2 for controlling at least one stabilizer leg 4 arranged to support the stability of a vehicle 6 will be described. Figure 2 In the vehicle shown, two stabilizer legs 4 are shown, one on each side of the vehicle. The vehicle is provided with working equipment 5, for example a crane.

[0044] The control system includes a control unit 8 configured to control the operation of at least one stabilizer leg 4 by generating control signals 9 to be applied to the stabilizer leg(s) to be controlled. The control system is also provided with a user interface unit 10, such as a remote control, including a user interface 12 configured to receive user input to control various functions of the vehicle, including controlling the operation of at least one stabilizer leg 4 of the vehicle. Preferably, the user interface is provided with a graphical user interface (e.g., a touch screen or display) and input means (e.g., physical buttons and / or a joystick) to receive user input (e.g., to control a menu visible on the display). The user interface unit is also configured to establish two-way wireless communication with the control unit via communication signals 14. The user interface unit also includes a receiver unit 16.

[0045] The control system further comprises at least one transmission unit 18, each transmission unit 18 being configured to be mounted at or near each of at least one stabilizer leg 4 and being configured to transmit a transmission unit signal 20, the transmission unit signal 20 being a wireless signal, preferably an electromagnetic signal, for example as a light signal in the infrared part of the spectrum, which is advantageous because the direction of the infrared signal can be easily controlled to have a specific coverage area, in this case for example a coverage area of ​​approximately 180 degrees, thereby covering one side of the vehicle. The transmission unit is mounted on the stabilizer leg or on the vehicle so that the transmitted transmission unit signal covers the area near the stabilizer leg. As an example, Figure 2 As shown, a truck with a loading crane having two stabilizers mounted on each side of the vehicle may have two transmission units: one mounted on the left side of the vehicle and the other mounted on the right side of the vehicle. The transmission units may, for example, include a plurality of LEDs mounted so that the signal is transmitted at a wide angle outward from the longitudinal sides of the vehicle, see Figure 2 The transmission unit is powered by the work equipment or vehicle, or it can be powered by a battery.

[0046] The user interface 12 is configured to receive a stabilizer leg activation input from the user 7 when at least one stabilizer leg is to be operated, and upon receiving the stabilizer activation input, the user interface unit 10 is configured to generate a transmission unit activation signal 22. The transmission unit 18 is configured to be activated upon receiving the transmission unit activation signal 22 and to generate a transmission unit signal 20. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, only one of the transmission units is activated upon receiving the transmission unit activation signal. Naturally, all transmission units can also be activated in this case, or a subset of transmission units, such as those on one side of the vehicle. Preferably, the transmission unit(s) are activated whenever the stabilizer leg(s) are operated.

[0047] The user interface unit 10 is then configured to receive the transmission unit signal 20 through the receiver unit 16 and, upon receiving the transmission unit signal 20 , enable the user interface unit 10 to operate the stabilizer leg associated with the transmission unit 18 generating the transmission unit signal 20 .

[0048] In one embodiment, the control unit 8 is configured to receive a transmission unit activation signal 22 and, upon receiving the signal, activate the transmission unit 18. That is, the transmission unit is indirectly activated. Activation can be achieved, for example, by supplying power to the transmission unit or by wirelessly activating the transmission unit.

[0049] In an alternative variant, the transmission unit activation signal is sent directly to a transmission unit configured to receive the signal, which sets itself from the passive low-energy mode to the active operating mode and generates the transmission unit signal 20 .

[0050] According to one embodiment, the transmission unit signal 20 includes identification data that uniquely identifies the stabilizer leg 4 on which the transmission unit 18 is mounted. The user interface unit 10 is configured to send the received identification data to the control unit 8, which is configured to compare the received identification data with the stored identification data of the activated transmission unit 18 that transmitted the transmission unit signal 20. As a result of the comparison, if the received identification data corresponds to the stored identification data, the control unit is configured to generate an enable signal 24 to the user interface unit 10. Receipt of the enable signal 24 enables the user interface unit 10 to control the stabilizer leg 4 associated with the transmission unit identified by the identification data.

[0051] According to another embodiment, the transmission unit signal 20 comprises identification data uniquely identifying the stabilizer leg 4 on which the transmission unit 18 is installed. The user interface unit 10 is then able to operate at least one stabilizer leg 4 only if the received identification data relates to the stabilizer leg intended to be controlled, by determining whether the user interface unit 10 is within the transmission sector 26 of the identified stabilizer leg 4. Figure 2 A transmission sector 26 is schematically shown in . The transmission sector defines a maximum allowed distance between the transmission unit 18 and the user interface unit 10 to allow the user interface unit 10 to control a stabilizer leg associated with the transmission unit 18 .

[0052] As described above, the user interface 12 is provided with a graphical user interface and several input menus, each corresponding to a different vehicle function. Different menus can be assigned to different operating modes, one of which is for operating the stabilizer legs. Therefore, one input menu is associated with controlling the stabilizer legs, referred to as the stabilizer leg menu, and is designated to receive user input for controlling at least one stabilizer leg. When the user enters the stabilizer leg menu for controlling at least one stabilizer leg, a stabilizer activation input is considered to have been received. Preferably, the stabilizer leg menu is configured to control the stabilizer leg associated with the transmission unit 18 that generated the received transmission unit signal 20. In other words, the user interface is automatically configured to control the stabilizer leg identified by the transmission unit signal received from the activated transmission unit associated with that stabilizer leg. The user then has a confirmation view of the stabilizer leg to be controlled. A brief interruption, i.e., the absence of a transmission unit signal, can be permitted without canceling control of the stabilizer leg. This brief interruption may be, for example, up to 2-3 seconds.

[0053] In one exemplary embodiment, if two stabilizer legs are mounted to the same side of the vehicle, the two stabilizer legs may be selected and controlled via the user interface.

[0054] The invention also relates to a vehicle 6 comprising at least one stabilizer leg 4 arranged to support the stability of the vehicle and comprising a stabilizer leg control system 2 as described above. The vehicle may be any type of vehicle provided with at least one stabilizer leg.

[0055] The present invention also relates to a method for a stabilizer leg control system 2 for controlling at least one stabilizer leg 4 arranged to support the stability of a vehicle 6. The control system has been described in detail above and reference is made here to that description. Figure 3 The method is described using the flowchart shown in FIG. Therefore, the control system includes a control unit 8 configured to control the operation of at least one stabilizer leg 4 , and a user interface unit 10 including a user interface 12 ; the user interface 12 is configured to receive user input to control various functions of the vehicle (including controlling the operation of at least one stabilizer leg 4 of the vehicle) and establish bidirectional communication with the control unit via communication signals 14 . The user interface unit 10 also includes a receiver unit 16 . The stabilizer leg control system further includes a transmission unit 18 configured to be mounted at or near each of the at least one stabilizer leg 4 , wherein the transmission unit 18 is configured to transmit a transmission unit signal 20 .

[0056] The method includes:

[0057] - receiving a stabilizer leg activation input from a user by the user interface 12 when at least one stabilizer leg is to be operated;

[0058] - upon receiving a stabilizer activation input, generating a transmission unit activation signal 22;

[0059] - upon receiving the transmission unit activation signal 22, activating the transmission unit;

[0060] - generation of a transmission unit signal 20 by the transmission unit 18;

[0061] - receiving the transmission unit signal 20 by the receiver unit 16, and

[0062] upon receipt of a transmission unit signal 20 , enabling the user interface unit 10 to operate the stabilizer leg associated with the transmission unit 18 generating the transmission unit signal 20 .

[0063] In one embodiment, the method comprises: receiving, by the control unit 8, a transmission unit activation signal 22, and upon receipt of the signal, activating the transmission unit 18, for example by providing electrical energy to the transmission unit.

[0064] In another embodiment, the transmission unit signal 20 includes identification data that uniquely identifies the stabilizer leg 4 to which the transmission unit 18 is mounted, and the method comprises:

[0065] - the user interface unit 10 sends the received identification data to the control unit 8;

[0066] - comparing the received identification data with the stored identification data of the activated transmission unit 18 which transmitted the transmission unit signal 20, and

[0067] If the received identification data correspond to the stored identification data, an enable signal 24 is generated to the user interface unit 10 .

[0068] In another embodiment, the transmission unit signal 20 includes identification data that uniquely identifies the stabilizer leg 4 to which the transmission unit 18 is mounted, and the method comprises:

[0069] - enabling the user interface unit 10 to operate at least one stabilizer leg 4 only if the received identification data relate to the stabilizer leg intended to be controlled, this being determined by determining whether the user interface unit 18 is within the transmission sector 26 of the identified stabilizer leg 4 (see Figure 2 ).

[0070] According to another embodiment of the method, the user interface 12 is provided with several input menus, each corresponding to a different function of the vehicle. A stabilizer leg menu in one of the input menus is designated for receiving user input for controlling at least one stabilizer leg, and a stabilizer activation input is considered received when the user enters the menu for controlling at least one stabilizer leg. Preferably, the method includes controlling, via the stabilizer leg menu, the stabilizer leg associated with the transmission unit 18 that generated the received transmission unit signal 20.

[0071] In one variation of the control system, unique identification data is encoded in the transmission signal, and by transmitting the signal with a series of pulses having decreasing amplitude levels and comparing the received signal amplitude with a predetermined threshold value at the receiver unit, the distance to the transmitting unit can be estimated by the number of pulses in the series of pulses detected by the receiver unit at the user interface unit with a signal amplitude above the predetermined threshold value.

[0072] The receiver unit comprised in the user interface unit is adapted to receive the signal from the transmission unit.The user interface unit may further comprise signal processing capabilities for analyzing the received signal to eg extract unique identification data from the signal and further calculate the number of pulses detected in a series of pulses.

[0073] The identity of the stabilizer leg, vehicle, and / or vehicle side can be derived from the identification data in the signal to verify that the user interface unit is in the vicinity of the stabilizer leg to be controlled. The identification data can be mapped to specific stabilizer legs and vehicles, for example, in a table within the control unit. In this way, the system can ensure that the signal is being received from the correct vehicle and further identify the stabilizer leg unit on the vehicle. The number of pulses detected in a series of pulses is one way to estimate the distance from the user interface unit to the transmission unit.

[0074] The number of pulses can be compared directly to a predetermined threshold corresponding to a safe distance, or can first be converted to a distance that is compared to a predetermined distance threshold. Thus, the system can determine that the user interface unit is close enough so that the user can ensure that the stabilizer is controlled in a safe manner.

[0075] The analysis of the identification data and the distance from the transmitting unit can be performed at the user interface unit or the control unit of the vehicle / work equipment. In the latter case, the user interface unit then transmits information from the received signal or the signal itself to the control unit of the vehicle / work equipment. This information can be transmitted using the present protocol for communication between the user interface unit and the vehicle / work equipment.

[0076] In one embodiment, the transmitter unit is activated by the control unit. Activation is performed in response to the control unit receiving a signal from the user interface unit indicating that an operator of the vehicle or work equipment is interested in controlling the stabilizer legs. For example, this may be based on a user input on the user interface of the user interface unit indicating that the operator is entering a menu in the user interface of the user interface unit to control the stabilizer legs.

[0077] When a transmission unit has been activated, the user interface unit and / or control unit can verify that the user interface unit is intended to control and / or is within a safe distance of the transmission unit on the vehicle / work unit. This can then be communicated to the user before the user even attempts to control the stabilizer leg, for example, through a graphic in the user interface of the user interface unit. If the user attempts to control a stabilizer leg that is not within the safe distance, the user interface unit can be used to generate a tactile, audio, or visual signal. This improves user assistance in the workflow and enhances the user-friendliness of the system.

[0078] If an additional signal transmission unit is added to the vehicle, the relative position of the user interface unit can be further derived by the system. The position of the user interface unit can further be used, in conjunction with other systems, to ensure safety around the user holding the user interface unit by defining a volume around the operator (in which the crane cannot move).

[0079] The control unit may be implemented by one or more units interconnected via a communication bus system (eg a CAN system).The control unit has all the necessary processing power to perform all the various functions required to operate the vehicle and the work equipment.

[0080] The present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents may be used. Therefore, the above embodiments should not be considered to limit the scope of the present invention, which is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A stabilizer leg control system (2) for controlling at least one stabilizer leg (4), said stabilizer leg (4) being arranged to support the stability of a vehicle (6), said control system comprising: - a control unit (8) configured to control the operation of the at least one stabilizer leg (4), a user interface unit (10), said user interface unit (10) comprising a user interface (12) and a receiver unit (16), said user interface (12) being configured to receive user input to control various functions of said vehicle, said various functions of said vehicle including controlling the operation of said at least one stabilizer leg (4) of said vehicle, and to establish bidirectional communication with said control unit via communication signals (14), - at least one transmission unit (18) configured to be mounted at or near each of the at least one stabilizer leg (4), wherein the transmission unit (18) is configured to transmit a transmission unit signal (20), characterized in that the user interface (12) is configured to receive a stabilizer leg activation input from a user when the at least one stabilizer leg is to be operated, and upon receiving the stabilizer activation input, the user interface unit (10) is configured to generate a transmission unit activation signal (22), wherein the transmission unit (18) is configured to be activated upon directly or indirectly receiving the transmission unit activation signal (22) and to generate the transmission unit signal (20), wherein the user interface unit (10) is configured to receive the transmission unit signal (20) by the receiver unit (16) and, upon receiving the transmission unit signal (20), enable the user interface unit (10) to operate the stabilizer leg associated with the transmission unit (18) that generated the transmission unit signal (20); wherein the transmission unit signal (20) comprises identification data uniquely identifying the stabilizer leg (4) on which the transmission unit (18) is mounted, wherein the user interface unit (10) is only able to operate the at least one stabilizer leg (4) if it is determined that the received identification data relates to the stabilizer leg intended to be controlled by determining whether the user interface unit (10) is within the transmission sector (26) of the identified stabilizer leg (4).

2. The stabilizer leg control system (2) according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit (8) is configured to receive the transmission unit activation signal (22) and activate the transmission unit (18) upon receipt of the signal.

3. The stabilizer leg control system (2) according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein: The user interface (12) is provided with several input menus, each input menu corresponding to various functions of the vehicle, wherein one input menu is a stabilizer leg menu, the stabilizer leg menu being designated to receive user input for controlling the at least one stabilizer leg, wherein when the user enters the menu for controlling the at least one stabilizer leg, a stabilizer activation input is deemed to be received.

4. The stabilizer leg control system (2) according to claim 3, wherein: The stabilizer leg menu is configured to control a stabilizer leg associated with the transmission unit (18) that generates the received transmission unit signal (20).

5. A vehicle (6) comprising at least one stabilizer leg (4) arranged to support the stability of the vehicle, wherein The vehicle comprises a stabilizer leg control system (2) according to any one of claims 1-4.

6. A method for a stabilizer leg control system (2) for controlling at least one stabilizer leg (4) arranged to support the stability of a vehicle (6), the control system comprising: - a control unit (8) configured to control the operation of the at least one stabilizer leg (4), a user interface unit (10), said user interface unit (10) comprising a user interface (12) and a receiver unit (16), said user interface (12) being configured to receive user input to control various functions of said vehicle, said various functions of said vehicle including controlling the operation of said at least one stabilizer leg (4) of said vehicle, and to establish bidirectional communication with said control unit via communication signals (14), - at least one transmission unit (18) configured to be mounted at or near each of the at least one stabilizer leg (4), wherein the transmission unit (18) is configured to transmit a transmission unit signal (20), wherein the method comprises: - receiving a stabilizer leg activation input from a user by the user interface (12) when the at least one stabilizer leg is to be operated, - upon receiving a stabilizer activation input, generating a transmission unit activation signal (22), - upon receiving the transmission unit activation signal (22), activating the transmission unit, - generating said transmission unit signal (20) by said transmission unit (18), - receiving said transmission unit signal (20) by said receiver unit (16), and - upon receiving the transmission unit signal (20), enabling the user interface unit (10) to operate a stabilizer leg associated with the transmission unit (18) generating the transmission unit signal (20); The transmission unit signal (20) includes identification data uniquely identifying the stabilizer leg (4) to which the transmission unit (18) is mounted, wherein the method comprises: - enabling the user interface unit (10) to operate the at least one stabilizer leg (4) only if it is determined that the received identification data relates to the stabilizer leg intended to be controlled by determining whether the user interface unit (18) is within the transmission sector (26) of the identified stabilizer leg (4).

7. The method according to claim 6, comprising: The transmission unit activation signal (22) is received by the control unit (8), and upon receipt of the signal, the transmission unit (18) is activated.

8. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 7, wherein: The user interface (12) has several input menus, each input menu corresponding to various functions of the vehicle, wherein one input menu is a stabilizer leg menu, the stabilizer leg menu being designated to receive user input for controlling the at least one stabilizer leg, wherein a stabilizer activation input is deemed to be received when the user enters the menu for controlling the at least one stabilizer leg.

9. The method according to claim 8, comprising: A stabilizer leg associated with the transmission unit (18) generating the received transmission unit signal (20) is controlled by the stabilizer leg menu.

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