Information display system, work vehicle, meter panel unit, control device, and display method

Abstract

To implement information display different for each machine type by common software.SOLUTION: An information display system for a work vehicle includes: a meter panel unit having a digital display; and a control device connected to the meter panel unit. The control device generates a data frame including data related to a state of the work vehicle and transmits the data frame to the meter panel unit. The data frame includes a first field storing an identifier and a second field storing the data related to the state of the work vehicle. The identifier defines a configuration of the data in the second field. The meter panel unit reads the data stored in the second field on the basis of the identifier in the first field of the data frame and displays information related to the state of the work vehicle in the digital display in a mode corresponding to the identifier on the basis of the data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 24

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information display system, a work vehicle, a control device, a meter panel unit, and a display method.

Background Art

[0002] As next-generation agriculture, research and development of smart agriculture using ICT (Information and Communication Technology) and IoT (Internet of Things) is underway. Research and development for automation and unmanned operation of work vehicles such as tractors used in fields is also underway. For example, work vehicles that travel with automatic steering using a positioning system such as GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) capable of precise positioning have been put into practical use.

[0003] In front of the driver's seat of an agricultural work vehicle such as a tractor, a meter panel unit is provided to display the traveling speed, the load state of the engine, and the states of each part of the work vehicle and notify the driver (operator).

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes a general meter unit for a passenger car.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In a display device such as a meter panel installed in an agricultural machine such as a tractor, it is required to accurately notify an operator of various information regarding the vehicle during travel or work. In addition, since such agricultural machines perform various operations outdoors, they need to display more information than ordinary passenger cars. When an agricultural machine is used for smart agriculture, it becomes necessary to display even more information. However, as the amount of information to be displayed increases, visibility decreases, making it difficult for the driver to obtain the necessary information.

[0007] In addition, the increasing requirements for such meter panels and other display devices are the same not only for agricultural machines but also for construction machines used in construction sites. Hereinafter, mobile agricultural machines and construction machines will be collectively referred to as "work vehicles".

[0008] The present disclosure provides an information display system capable of solving such problems, a work vehicle equipped with the information display system, and a display method for displaying an image.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] The present disclosure provides the following solutions.

[0010] [Item 1] An information display system for a work vehicle, comprising: A meter panel unit having a digital display; A control device connected to the meter panel unit; The control device generates a data frame including data regarding the state of the work vehicle, and transmits the data frame to the meter panel unit. The data frame includes a first field for storing an identifier and a second field for storing data regarding the state of the work vehicle. The identifier defines the configuration of the data in the second field. ​The meter panel unit reads the data stored in the second field based on the identifier in the first field of the data frame, and based on the data, displays information regarding the state of the work vehicle on the digital display in a manner corresponding to the identifier. Information display system.

[0011] [Item 2] The data includes information on a plurality of items regarding the state of the work vehicle. The identifier defines the types and order of the information on the plurality of items in the data. The meter panel unit changes the display manner on the digital display of the information on the plurality of items included in the data according to the identifier, for the information display system described in Item 1.

[0012] [Item 3] The control device determines the identifier and the configuration of the data according to the model of the work vehicle. The meter panel unit displays information corresponding to the model corresponding to the identifier on the digital display. The information display system described in Item 1 or 2.

[0013] [Item 4] The state of the work vehicle includes the state of the transmission in the work vehicle. The control device determines the identifier and the configuration of the data according to the type of the transmission. The meter panel unit displays information regarding the state of the transmission corresponding to the type of the transmission corresponding to the identifier on the digital display. The information display system described in Item 1 or 2.

[0014] [Item 5] The state of the work vehicle includes the set state of the engine in the work vehicle. The control device determines the configuration of the identifier and the data according to the setting mode of the engine in the work vehicle. The meter panel unit displays information regarding the setting state of the engine according to the setting mode of the engine corresponding to the identifier on the digital display. The information display system according to item 1 or 2.

[0015] [Item 6] The control device and the meter panel unit communicate with each other according to the Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol. The first field is a part corresponding to a predetermined number of bits at the beginning in the data field of the data frame. The second field is the part excluding the first field in the data field. The information display system according to any one of items 1 to 5.

[0016] [Item 7] The first field is a part corresponding to the first 4 bits or 8 bits at the beginning in the data field. The second field is the part excluding the first field in the data field. The information display system according to item 6.

[0017] [Item 8] The control device is connected to one or more sensors provided in the work vehicle via a CAN bus, and generates the data frame including data regarding the state of the work vehicle based on signals output from the one or more sensors. The information display system according to any one of items 1 to 7.

[0018] [Item 9] The information display system according to any one of items 1 to 8, a traveling device, and a work vehicle comprising the same.

[0019] [Item 10] A meter panel unit for a work vehicle, a digital display, a display controller for controlling the digital display, and comprising, the display controller receives a data frame including data regarding the state of the work vehicle from a control device provided in the work vehicle, the data frame includes a first field storing an identifier and a second field storing data regarding the state of the work vehicle, the identifier defines the configuration of the data in the second field, the display controller reads the data stored in the second field based on the identifier in the first field of the data frame, and based on the data, displays information regarding the state of the work vehicle on the digital display in a manner corresponding to the identifier. Meter panel unit.

[0020] [Item 11] A control device connected to a meter panel unit for a work vehicle, one or more processors, one or more memories storing a computer program executed by the one or more processors, and comprising, the one or more processors, by executing the computer program, generate a data frame including data regarding the state of the work vehicle, send the data frame to the meter panel unit, the data frame includes a first field storing an identifier and a second field storing data regarding the state of the work vehicle, the identifier defines the configuration of the data in the second field, The meter panel unit reads the data stored in the second field based on the identifier in the first field of the data frame, and based on the data, displays information regarding the state of the work vehicle in a manner corresponding to the identifier. Control device.

[0021] [Item 12] A method executed by a meter panel unit for a work vehicle, comprising: receiving, from a control device provided in the work vehicle, a data frame including data regarding the state of the work vehicle, the data frame including a first field storing an identifier and a second field storing data regarding the state of the work vehicle, the identifier defining a configuration of the data in the second field; reading the data stored in the second field based on the identifier in the first field of the data frame; displaying information regarding the state of the work vehicle in a manner corresponding to the identifier based on the data. A method including the above steps.

[0022] [Item 13] A method executed by a control device connected to a meter panel unit for a work vehicle, comprising: generating a data frame including data regarding the state of the work vehicle; transmitting the data frame to the meter panel unit, the data frame including a first field storing an identifier and a second field storing data regarding the state of the work vehicle, the identifier defining a configuration of the data in the second field. A method including the above steps. The meter panel unit reads the data stored in the second field based on the identifier in the first field of the data frame, and based on the data, displays information regarding the state of the work vehicle in a manner corresponding to the identifier. Method.

Effect of the Invention

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there are provided an information display system capable of visually displaying various information necessary during work with good visibility, a work vehicle including the information display system, and a display method for displaying an image.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024]

Figure 1A

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Figure 24

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] Hereinafter, a meter panel unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that parts denoted by the same reference numerals appearing in a plurality of drawings indicate the same or equivalent parts.

[0026] The following embodiments are examples for embodying the technical idea of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. Descriptions such as the size, material, shape, relative arrangement, etc. of the components are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only thereto, but are intended to be illustrative. The sizes and positional relationships of the members shown in each drawing may be exaggerated for ease of understanding.

[0027] <Schematic Configuration of a Work Vehicle> Figure 1A is a side view schematically showing an example of a work vehicle 200 according to the present embodiment. The illustrated work vehicle 200 is a tractor that towes an implement (exchangeable work device) 300.

[0028] The work vehicle 200 shown in Figure 1A includes a vehicle body 201, a prime mover (engine) 202, and a transmission 203. The vehicle body 201 is provided with a traveling device including wheels 204 with tires and a cabin 205. The traveling device includes four wheels 204, axles for rotating the four wheels, and a braking device (brake) for braking each axle. The wheels 204 in this example include a pair of front wheels 204F and a pair of rear wheels 204R. One or both of the front wheels 204F and the rear wheels 204R may be replaced with a plurality of wheels (crawlers) equipped with an endless track instead of wheels with tires.

[0029] Inside the cabin 205, a meter panel unit 100, a driver's seat 207, a steering wheel 220, and a group of switches for operation according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are provided.

[0030] Figure 1B is a diagram showing an example of an operation switch group 801 and an operation terminal 802 provided inside the cabin 205 included in the work vehicle 200.

[0031] Inside the cabin, an operation switch group 801 including a plurality of switches operable by a user is arranged. The operation switch group 801 includes, for example, switches for selecting a gear position of the main transmission or the sub - transmission, a switch for switching between forward and reverse, and a switch for raising and lowering the implement, etc.

[0032] The operation terminal 802 is a terminal for a user to perform operations related to the traveling of the work vehicle 200 and the operation of the implement, and is also referred to as a virtual terminal (VT). The operation terminal 802 may include a touch - screen type display device and / or one or more buttons. The display device may be a display such as a liquid crystal or an organic light - emitting diode (OLED).

[0033] Refer to FIG. 1A again. The work vehicle 200 in FIG. 1A includes a plurality of external sensors that sense the surroundings of the work vehicle 200. The external sensors may include various sensors such as a plurality of cameras 270, a plurality of obstacle sensors 295, and a plurality of LiDAR sensors 290. The cameras 270 may be provided, for example, on the front, rear, left, and right of the work vehicle 200. The cameras 270 capture the environment around the work vehicle 200 and generate image data. The images acquired by the cameras 270 may be transmitted to, for example, a terminal device for remote monitoring. The cameras 270 are provided as needed, and the number thereof is arbitrary. The LiDAR sensor 290 is an example of an external sensor that outputs sensor data indicating the distribution of objects located in the surrounding environment of the work vehicle 200. In the example of FIG. 1A, two LiDAR sensors 290 are arranged at the front and rear on the cabin 205. The LiDAR sensors 290 may be provided at other positions (for example, the lower front part of the vehicle body 201, etc.). Each LiDAR sensor 290 repeatedly outputs sensor data indicating the distance and direction to each measurement point of an object existing in the surrounding environment or the three-dimensional coordinate values of each measurement point while the work vehicle 200 is traveling. The number of LiDAR sensors 290 is not limited to two, and may be one or three or more. In the example of FIG. 1A, a plurality of obstacle sensors 295 are provided at the front and rear of the cabin 205. The obstacle sensors 295 may also be arranged at other parts. The obstacle sensors 295 may include, for example, a laser scanner or an ultrasonic sonar. The LiDAR sensors 290 and the obstacle sensors 295 may be activated, for example, when the work vehicle 200 is traveling in the autonomous driving mode. The LiDAR sensors 290 and the obstacle sensors 295 are provided as needed, and the number of each is arbitrary. Only one of the LiDAR sensors 290 and the obstacle sensors 295 may be provided on the work vehicle 200. When they are not necessary, such as when the work vehicle 200 does not have an autonomous driving function, the work vehicle 200 may not be equipped with the LiDAR sensors 290 and the obstacle sensors 295.

[0034] The work vehicle 200 further includes a GNSS unit 260. GNSS is a general term for satellite positioning systems such as GPS (Global Positioning System), QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System, such as Michibiki), GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou. The GNSS unit 260 receives satellite signals (also referred to as GNSS signals) transmitted from a plurality of GNSS satellites and performs positioning based on the satellite signals. The GNSS unit 260 is provided on the upper part of the cab 205, but it may be provided at other positions.

[0035] The prime mover 202 can be, for example, a diesel engine. An electric motor may be used instead of the diesel engine. The transmission 203 can change the driving force and moving speed of the work vehicle 200 by shifting gears. The transmission 203 can also switch between forward and reverse of the work vehicle 200.

[0036] A coupling device 208 is provided at the rear of the vehicle body 201. The coupling device 208 includes, for example, a three-point support device (also called a "three-point link" or a "three-point hitch"), a PTO (Power Take Off) shaft, a universal joint, and a communication cable. The implement 300 can be attached to and detached from the work vehicle 200 by the coupling device 208. The coupling device 208 can raise and lower the three-point link by, for example, a hydraulic device and change the position or attitude of the implement 300. Also, power can be transmitted from the work vehicle 200 to the implement 300 via the universal joint. The work vehicle 200 can make the implement 300 perform a predetermined operation while towing the implement 300. The coupling device may be provided in front of the vehicle body 201. In that case, an implement can be connected in front of the work vehicle 200.

[0037] The implement 300 shown in FIG. 1A is, for example, a sprayer that sprays a chemical on crops, but the implement 300 is not limited to a sprayer. For example, any implement 300 such as a mower, a seeder, a spreader, a rake, a baler, a harvester, a plow, a cultivator, or a rotary can be connected to the work vehicle 200 and used.

[0038] Thus, the work vehicle 200 used in smart agriculture is equipped with various sensors and performs various operations together with various implements 300. In the process of such operations, it is necessary to provide the driver (user or operator) with various information regarding the running state and the working state. Therefore, the information to be displayed on the meter panel unit 100 can vary diversely according to the content and stage of the operation.

[0039] Note that the work vehicle 200 such as a tractor may be configured to run by manual driving, automatic steering, or automatic driving.

[0040] Another example of the implement in this embodiment is a loader that can attach and detach an attachment at the tip. Various attachments different according to the work content are attached to the tip of the loader. The attachment is, for example, a grab such as a bale grab or a silage grab, a fork such as a roll fork or a super pallet fork, or a bucket.

[0041] FIG. 1C is a side view schematically showing an example of the work vehicle 200A in this embodiment. The illustrated work vehicle 200A is a tractor with a front loader (hereinafter simply referred to as "loader") 700 connected to the front of the vehicle. A bucket 703 is attached as an attachment to the tip of the loader 700. Note that the loader in this embodiment is not limited to a front loader and may be a loader connected to the rear of the vehicle.

[0042] The loader 700 illustrated in FIG. 1C includes a support frame 701, a boom 702, a bucket 703, a bucket cylinder 704, and a boom cylinder 705. The loader 700 further includes a microcontroller 710 (see FIG. 11) that controls the operation of the loader. The support frame 701 is fixed to the frame of the vehicle body 201. The boom 702 has an arm-like structure and is rotatably supported by the support frame 701 so as to extend forward and upward of the vehicle. The bucket 703 is rotatably supported by the end of the boom 702. In the present embodiment, the fulcrum (or rotation axis) that rotatably supports the boom 702 is referred to as the "boom fulcrum", and the fulcrum (or rotation axis) that rotatably supports the bucket 703 is referred to as the "bucket fulcrum".

[0043] The loader 700 in the present embodiment is connected to the vehicle body 201 via a hydraulic coupler and a power connector. The loader 700 includes a hydraulic system having a hydraulic valve and operates under hydraulic control. Specifically, by hydraulically extending and retracting the boom cylinder 705, the boom 702 can be rotated around the rotation axis located at the boom fulcrum. Thereby, it becomes possible to raise and lower the loader 700 (or the bucket 703). Also, by hydraulically extending and retracting the bucket cylinder 704, the bucket 703 can be rotated around the rotation axis located at the bucket fulcrum. Thereby, the scoop operation and the dump operation of the bucket 703 become possible.

[0044] The operation switch group 801 (see FIG. 1B) provided inside the cabin 205 may include an operation lever for performing a dump operation and a squeegee operation of the bucket 703. An operation joystick for performing a dump operation, a squeegee operation, and a lifting and lowering operation of the bucket 703 may be provided inside the cabin 205. Further, the operation terminal 802 may display a setting screen of a hydraulic control valve of the loader, including button displays for adjusting the flow rate of the hydraulic pressure. The operation lever, the joystick, and the operation terminal 802 are electrically connected to a microcontroller of the loader. The user can perform a desired work while operating the boom 702 and the bucket 703 by operating the operation lever, the joystick, and the setting screen of the operation terminal 802.

[0045] <Schematic Configuration of the Meter Panel Unit> FIG. 1D is a front view schematically showing a meter panel unit 100 attached to a tractor, which is one of the work vehicles, in an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, the meter panel unit 100 is arranged on the front side of the driver's seat of the tractor. Specifically, the meter panel unit 100 is fitted into an opening of a meter cover 240 above a handle stay 230 that rotatably supports a steering wheel (handle) 220. The steering wheel 220 in this example has a central hub (horn cover) 221, three spokes 222A, 222B, 222C extending radially from the horn cover 221, and a rim 223 supported by the spokes 222A, 222B, 222C. The meter panel unit 100 is provided at a position visible to the driver sitting in the driver's seat. In the example of FIG. 1D, various information displayed on the meter panel unit 100 is visible through an opening between the spoke 222A and the spoke 222B.

[0046] The meter panel unit 100 is required to have excellent visibility. Particularly in a mobile work vehicle capable of automatic steering or automatic driving, various types of information that are not displayed on a general passenger car are required to be displayed during the execution of various farming operations. For such a meter panel unit 100, it is desirable that its visibility be enhanced so that important information with a particularly high degree of importance among various types of information is not overlooked. Further, when the meter panel unit 100 is mounted on various types of work vehicles, it is desirable that it has a structure that allows for easy installation. As will be described below, the meter panel unit 100 in the present embodiment has excellent visibility and is also easy to install.

[0047] Hereinafter, the schematic configuration of the meter panel unit 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4. FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of the arrangement of main components of the meter panel unit 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a wall surface portion of the meter panel unit 100 to be described later. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a transparent cover of the meter panel unit 100 to be described later. In these figures, for reference, an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis orthogonal to each other are shown (right-handed coordinate system). In this specification, the positive direction of the Y-axis may be referred to as upward and the negative direction as downward, the positive direction of the X-axis may be referred to as rightward and the negative direction as leftward, and the positive direction of the Z-axis may be referred to as the front direction and the negative direction as the rear direction.

[0048] The meter panel unit 100 shown in FIG. 2 includes a meter unit 10 having a first analog meter 11, a second analog meter 12, and a display element 13 provided between the first and second analog meters 11 and 12. In this specification, the portion of the meter unit 10 that displays the display shown in FIG. 2 may also be referred to as the display surface side of the meter unit 10.

[0049] The first analog meter 11 has an indicating needle 2A, and the second analog meter 12 has indicating needles 2B and 2C. The indicating needle 2A is rotatably supported around a rotation axis located near the center of the first analog meter 11. The indicating needle 2A indicates, for example, the engine speed depending on the direction in which the tip of the indicating needle 2A points. Here, the "engine speed" means the number of rotations of the engine per unit time (for example, 1 minute). The indicating needles 2B and 2C are rotatably supported around two rotation axes located at different positions of the second analog meter 12, respectively. The indicating needle 2B indicates, for example, the remaining fuel amount depending on the direction in which the tip of the indicating needle 2B points. Also, the indicating needle 2C indicates, for example, the temperature of the engine cooling water (water temperature) depending on the direction in which the tip of the indicating needle 2C points. The indicating needles 2A, 2B, and 2C are driven by a drive unit (movement) provided in the meter unit 10. The drive unit can receive an electrical signal indicating a sensor output such as the engine speed, the remaining fuel amount, or the water temperature, and convert it into a mechanical movement that changes the directions of the indicating needles 2A, 2B, and 2C. Each drive unit of the indicating needles 2A, 2B, and 2C has an actuator such as a stepping motor.

[0050] The display element 13 is a digital meter instead of an analog meter. The display element 13 is, for example, an active matrix display such as a liquid crystal display panel, an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode). In the following description, as an example, it is assumed that the display element 13 is a liquid crystal display (LCD). The display element 13 has a large number of pixels two-dimensionally arranged in the display area, and a display visible to the human eye is realized by the light emitted from the large number of pixels. In the display element 13 in the present embodiment, each pixel includes RGB sub-pixels and can display a color image. Different from an analog meter, the display element 13 can display numbers, characters, figures, icons, symbols, still images, or moving images of any size at any position within the display area. Strictly speaking, numbers, characters, figures, icons, and symbols are also part of the image (still image or moving image) that the display element 13 displays in the display area. The display element 13 can, for example, also display an image that appears to resemble all or part of an analog meter with an indicator needle. When the display element 13 displays an image of an "analog meter", it is also possible to rotate the "indicator needle" within the image in any direction as part of a moving image by changing the image in frame units. Note that when the work vehicle is an electric vehicle driven by a battery, the display of the engine speed, the remaining fuel amount, and the water temperature can be replaced by the display of, for example, the motor output, the remaining battery amount, and the battery temperature, respectively.

[0051] The difference between the image of the "analog meter" displayed by a display device such as the display element 13 and the first analog meter 11 and the second analog meter 12 is that the former is planar, while the latter is three-dimensional. Also, the former can change the shape, color, and size of the indicator needle and memory of the analog meter, while it is difficult to change them in the latter. Furthermore, in the former, since the visibility depends on the contrast of the image, there is a possibility that the visibility may decrease when the external light is strong during the day, while in the latter, such a possibility is relatively small. Considering these points, in the present embodiment, for a part of the information displayed on the meter unit 10, particularly information that is highly important and requires strong visibility, it is displayed by an analog meter having a three-dimensional structure.

[0052] When the meter unit 10 is viewed from the front on the display surface side, the outer shape of the meter unit 10 is a closed curve similar to an ellipse, but the outer shape of the meter unit 10 is not limited to such an example. When the meter unit 10 is viewed from the front, the outer shape of the meter unit 10 may be schematically rectangular, or may be a figure combined with a straight line and a curve.

[0053] The meter panel unit 100 further includes a wall surface portion 20 fixed to the display surface side of the meter unit 10 and a transparent cover 30 facing the display surface of the meter unit 10.

[0054] The wall surface portion 20 surrounds the entire first analog meter 11, display element 13, and second analog meter 12 along the periphery of the meter unit 10. The wall surface portion 20 can be formed of, for example, plastic (synthetic resin). The wall surface portion 20 protrudes in the vertical direction (the positive direction of the Z-axis) from the display surface of the meter unit 10. The wall surface portion 20 does not have to be perpendicular to the display surface of the meter unit 10 and may be inclined from the Z-axis. The distance from the display surface of the meter unit 10 to the front side end of the wall surface portion 20 (also referred to as "height") is not constant along the periphery of the meter unit 10 and can change according to the position on the periphery.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 4, the transparent cover 30 has a front portion 30A including a concave surface 32 and a side portion 30B extending along the outer side of the wall portion 20 from the periphery of the front portion 30A. The side portion 30B of the transparent cover 30 can cover the outer side of the wall portion 20 over the entire circumference. The transparent cover 30 can be formed of, for example, colorless and transparent plastic (e.g., acrylic) or glass. The front portion 30A and the side portion 30B of the transparent cover 30 in the present embodiment are integral parts.

[0056] When the transparent cover 30 is viewed from the normal direction of the meter unit 10 in a state where the meter panel unit 100 is attached to the work vehicle, it is preferable that the front portion 30A of the transparent cover 30 is inclined forward. With such an inclination of the front portion 30A, when the operator views the meter unit 10 through the transparent cover 30, the face of the operator and the background of the operator are less likely to be reflected in the transparent cover 30.

[0057] Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the indicator regions of the meter unit 10 will be described. In the example of FIG. 5, the meter unit 10 has an indicator region 14T provided above the display element 13 and indicator regions 14L and 14R provided below the display element 13. Various indicators are provided in each of the indicator regions 14T, 14L, and 14R. Each indicator presents predetermined information such as a warning when a light-emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) behind it is lit.

[0058] In the present embodiment, two indicator regions 14L and 14R divided into left and right are arranged below the display element 13, but one indicator region integrating the two indicator regions may be arranged.

[0059] The indicator area 14T located above the display element 13 is less likely to be obstructed from view by the spokes 222A, 222B, and 222C of the steering wheel 220 compared to the other indicator areas 14L and 14R. For this reason, among the numerous indicators, it is preferable that an indicator (for example, an indicator indicating the lighting state of the lighting device, direction indication, warning to the driver, etc.) that shows particularly important information (information with a high warning level) be selected and arranged in the indicator area 14T. The "warning level" of the information displayed by the indicator can be defined, for example, in the operation manual of the work vehicle. For example, information such as engine abnormalities or malfunctions, and the presence or absence of headlight lighting has a high warning level.

[0060] In the present embodiment, each indicator arranged in the indicator area is composed of a light-transmitting area having a shape that defines a characteristic figure (including an icon and / or characters) and a light-emitting element arranged behind it. The lighting / extinguishing of the indicator can be executed by the lighting / extinguishing of the light-emitting element behind it. For example, one or two light-emitting elements are arranged behind each individual indicator.

[0061] Next, with reference to FIG. 6, a display example of the display element 13 will be described. In the example of FIG. 6, the display area of the display element 13 is divided into several areas as will be described later. "Images" indicating information such as gear stage, vehicle speed, various function performances, and an hour meter are displayed in each area. This image includes various types of information represented by characters, numbers, figures, icons, symbols, etc. In order to enhance visibility, various digital images can be shown in different colors respectively. Also, when it is particularly necessary to draw the operator's attention, at least one of the position, size, or color of the characters, numbers, figures, icons, symbols can be changed for emphasized display. When such emphasized display is performed, sound or voice may be emitted from an acoustic device such as a speaker.

[0062] <Communication Ring and Return Board> Next, with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9, the arc-shaped indicator (C-shaped communication ring) and the back plate will be described.

[0063] The meter panel unit 100 of the present embodiment includes a first arc-shaped indicator (communication ring) 40A disposed around the movable region 11X of the indicating needle 2A, and a second arc-shaped indicator 40B (see FIG. 10) disposed around the movable regions of the indicating needles 2B and 2C. In the present disclosure, the "arc" means a part of a circle (circumference), but this circle is not limited to a "true circle" and may include a portion with a gently or locally changing curvature like a part of an ellipse.

[0064] Since the first arc-shaped indicator 40A and the second arc-shaped indicator 40B have a symmetric structure, they are collectively referred to as the arc-shaped indicator 40. Hereinafter, for simplicity, the first arc-shaped indicator (communication ring) 40A will be taken as an example to describe the arc-shaped indicator 40.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 7, the meter panel unit 100 of the present embodiment includes a back plate 50 located outside the arc-shaped indicator 40. The back plate 50 is formed of the same material (plastic) as the material of the wall surface portion 20 and is a component integrated with the wall surface portion 20 as shown in FIG. 3. The back plate 50 has a generally arc-shaped shape when viewed from the front. The height of the upper end 50T of the back plate 50 (i.e., the distance from the display surface of the meter portion 10) continuously changes between the upper end 50A and the lower end 50B and is maximum at the middle position. The back plate 50 is a curved wall rising from the meter portion 10.

[0066] FIG. 8 is a front view showing the arrangement relationship among the first analog meter 11, the arc-shaped indicator 40, and the back plate 50. FIG. 9 is a front view mainly showing a configuration example of the arc-shaped indicator 40. The first analog meter 11, the arc-shaped indicator 40, and the back plate 50 all do not extend to the right (the positive direction of the X-axis) beyond the E-E broken line shown in FIG. 8. A display element 13 is arranged to the right (the positive direction of the X-axis) of the E-E broken line.

[0067] By adopting such a configuration, it becomes possible to suppress the expansion of the lateral (X-axis direction) size of the first analog meter 11 while increasing the length of the indicating needle 2A, that is, the radius of the first analog meter 11. The same applies to the second analog meter 12. Note that expanding the lateral size of the meter unit 10 increases the possibility that the spokes 222A and 222B of the steering wheel 220 obstruct the visibility of the first and second analog meters 11 and 12, as shown in FIG. 1D. For this reason, it is not preferable to expand the lateral size of the meter unit 10. In the present embodiment, by housing the analog meters inside the shape surrounded by the E-E broken line and the arc instead of a circle, the visibility of the first and second analog meters 11 and 12 can be enhanced while enabling the expansion of the lateral (X-axis direction) size of the display element 13 in the meter unit 10 having a limited lateral size. Also, by separating the boundary between the first and second analog meters 11 and 12 and the display element 13 by a straight line, the display areas of the analog information and the digital information can be clearly divided, and the visibility of both the analog information and the digital information can be enhanced.

[0068] In order to obtain the above effects, it is preferable that the central angle of the "arc" of the arc-shaped indicator 40 (40A) arranged so as to surround the first analog meter 11 is larger than 180° and smaller than 270°. If the central angle of the "arc" is 180° or less, the visibility of the first analog meter 11 will decrease. If the central angle of the "arc" is 270° or more, the reduction effect in the lateral direction (X-axis direction) of the first analog meter 11 will be insufficient. The same applies to the arc-shaped indicator 40 (40B) surrounding the second analog meter 12. From the viewpoint of design, it is preferable that the left and right arc-shaped indicators 40A and 40B are arranged symmetrically with respect to the vertical line passing through the center of the display element 13.

[0069] The arc-shaped indicator 40 has at least one light-emitting area 42 arranged between the movable area 11X of the indicating needle 2A and the back plate 50. In the example shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of light-emitting areas 42 are provided. In this example, each light-emitting area 42 has a thin and arc-shaped curved shape. And the plurality of light-emitting areas 42 are arranged so as to form a row of arcs to form the arc-shaped indicator 40. When the number of the light-emitting areas 42 is one, one light-emitting area 42 has an arc shape.

[0070] In the example shown in the figure, the first analog meter 11 has an arc-shaped scale 17 between the arc-shaped indicator 40 and the movable area 11X of the indicating needle 2A. This scale 17 is a memory (three-dimensional scale) having a three-dimensional shape protruding from the display surface, and is integrally formed from plastic together with the wall surface portion 20 and the back plate 50. Note that the scale 17 does not necessarily have to have a three-dimensional shape, but from the viewpoint of enhancing visibility, it is desirable that it is a three-dimensional scale.

[0071] Each of the plurality of light-emitting regions 42 of the arc-shaped indicator 40 may be formed from an element that emits light (e.g., an LED or an OLED). However, in the present embodiment, it is constituted by a plurality of light-transmitting regions provided on the display surface of the meter unit 10 (i.e., the surface on the front side of the housing of the meter unit 10), and one or a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged behind them.

[0072] The plurality of light-emitting elements may include a plurality of LEDs that emit light of different colors. In the present embodiment, the plurality of light-emitting elements include an LED that emits red light, an LED that emits green light, and an LED that emits blue light. By selectively emitting light from these LEDs, the arc-shaped indicator 40 can function to notify the operator of information with various colors of light. For example, it is possible to selectively emit red light, green light, and blue light from all of the plurality of light-emitting regions 42 shown in FIG. 9. Also, by assigning a light-emitting element to each of the plurality of light-emitting regions 42 and emitting light independently from the plurality of light-emitting elements, it is also possible to emit light sequentially from the plurality of light-emitting regions 42.

[0073] <Three-dimensional scale> Next, the three-dimensional scale 17 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the three-dimensional scale 17 extends in an arc shape inside the arc-shaped indicator 40 so as to roughly form the letter C. Also, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, the three-dimensional scale 17 has a plurality of notch portions 17A arranged at predetermined intervals. This notch portion 17A is a portion where the width of the three-dimensional scale 17 is locally reduced. The position of the notch portion 17A is aligned with the position of the scale indicated by the tip of the indicating needle 2A in the first analog meter 11. The presence of such a three-dimensional notch portion 17A facilitates the operator to read the scale.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 7, the scale plate 50 has a plurality of protrusions 52 that project toward the movable region 11X of the indicating needle 2A. The plurality of protrusions 52 are provided at the positions of the notches of the three-dimensional scale 17, in other words, at positions that match the scale. For this reason, the notch 17A of the three-dimensional scale 17 is recognized as a figure integral with the protrusion 52, and the visibility of the scale is improved. Each of the plurality of protrusions 52 straddles between the plurality of light-emitting regions 42 in the arc-shaped indicator 40. Therefore, the arrangement of the plurality of light-emitting regions 42 also matches the arrangement of the scale.

[0075] As can be seen from FIG. 3, the plurality of protrusions 52 connect the three-dimensional scale 17 and the scale plate 50 as a bridge. Further, the scale plate 50 is connected to the wall surface portion 20. In the present embodiment, the wall surface portion 20, the scale plate 50, and the three-dimensional scale 17 are integrally formed from resin. And the plurality of protrusions 52 extending from the scale plate 50 define the boundary portions of the plurality of light-emitting regions 42 in the arc-shaped indicator 40.

[0076] Next, referring to FIG. 10, the second analog meter 12 and the second arc-shaped indicator 40B will be described. The second arc-shaped indicator 40B is in a left-right symmetric relationship with the first arc-shaped indicator 40A, and its basic configuration is the same. A scale plate (right scale plate) 50 is provided outside the second arc-shaped indicator 40B. The left scale plate 50 is in a left-right symmetric relationship with the scale plate (left scale plate) 50 described above.

[0077] Inside the second arc-shaped indicator 40B, an arc-shaped convex portion 17X corresponding to the three-dimensional scale 17 is provided, but there is no notch in this arc-shaped convex portion 17X. Between the arc-shaped convex portion 17X and the right scale plate 50, protrusions (bridges) 52 are arranged at equal intervals so as to define the plurality of light-emitting regions 42 of the second arc-shaped indicator 40B.

[0078] Within the range surrounded by the second arc-shaped indicator 40B, the movable regions 13X of the second indicator needle 2B and the third indicator needle 2C are arranged. The rotation angle range 2BM of the second indicator needle 2B and the rotation angle range 2CM of the third indicator needle 2C have similar or congruent shapes as their outer contours. In the example of FIG. 10, the rotation angle range 2BM of the second indicator needle 2B and the rotation angle range 2CM of the third indicator needle 2C are vertically symmetric, but it is not limited to such an example. The rotation angle range 2BM and the rotation angle range 2CM may have shapes and sizes such that they overlap each other when one is translated parallel to the vertical direction, for example.

[0079] By adopting such a configuration, it is intuitively possible to read the scale from the movements of the second indicator needle 2B and the third indicator needle 2C, and it becomes less likely to cause reading errors.

[0080] <Information display system> Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 11 to 14B, the information display system 500 in the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 11 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration example of the information display system 500 in the embodiment of the present disclosure. The information display system 500 includes the above-described meter panel unit 100 and a control device 400 that controls the meter panel unit 100. The control device 400 may include an electronic control unit (ECU) disposed within the work vehicle. The information display system 500 may further include an acoustic device such as a buzzer and a speaker.

[0081] The information display system 500 is communicably connected via a bus B to an ECU group 610, a sensor group 620 provided in the work vehicle, and a microcontroller 710 of the loader. The ECU group 610 may be collectively referred to as a "vehicle control device". In this specification, various ECUs provided in the work vehicle are called "vehicle ECUs", and the ECU in the control device 400 provided in the information display system 500 is called a "meter ECU" to distinguish between the two. The various vehicle ECUs and the meter ECU can communicate with each other according to a vehicle bus standard such as CAN (Controller Area Network). For example, one vehicle ECU among the ECU group 610 provided in the work vehicle receives signals from other vehicle ECUs and sensor data output from each sensor included in the sensor group 620, and according to the state of the work vehicle, instructs the meter ECU to display a warning message as described later, or to turn on, turn off, or blink an indicator. The meter ECU receives an instruction from the vehicle ECU and causes a warning message to be displayed in the display area, or causes the indicator to turn on, turn off, or blink.

[0082] In FIG. 11, the illustration of wirings other than the wiring of the bus B is simplified. However, for example, there may be a wiring for directly transmitting a signal from one or more sensors included in the sensor group 620 provided in the work vehicle to the control device 400, or a wiring for connecting an input device described later and the control device 400. Also, there is a power supply wiring for supplying power from the battery to each of the meter panel unit 100, the control device 400, the ECU group 610 of the work vehicle, and the sensor group 620.

[0083] One example of the control device 400 in this embodiment is a computing device including at least one processor and at least one memory storing a computer program (code) that defines a control process executed by the processor. Another example of the control device 400 is a computing device including a hardware accelerator such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), an ASSP (Application Specific Standard Product), or an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) configured to execute the control process.

[0084] The "processor" in this embodiment is a hardware electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ISP (Image Signal Processor), or an NPU (Neural Network Processing Unit). The "memory" is a hardware electronic circuit such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory). A part of the memory may be a storage medium connected to the processor by wiring or a network. These hardware electronic circuits can be implemented by one or more integrated circuits (ICs) or large-scale integrated circuits (LSIs). Each functional unit or block within the electronic circuit, and related components, may be manufactured individually as separate integrated circuit chips, or some or all of these functional units or blocks may be combined and manufactured as a single integrated circuit chip.

[0085] The program that defines the operation of the processor is designed such that the processor executes one or more functions, operations, steps, or processes in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0086] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the control device 400. The control device 400 includes a processor 434, a ROM 435, a RAM 436, an external I / F 437, and a communication I / F 438. These components are interconnected via a bus 439.

[0087] The ROM 435 is, for example, a writable memory (e.g., PROM), a rewritable memory (e.g., flash memory), or a read-only memory. The ROM 435 stores a program for controlling the operation of the processor. The ROM 435 does not necessarily have to be a single recording medium and may be a collection of multiple recording media. A part of the multiple aggregates may be a removable memory.

[0088] The RAM 436 provides a working area for temporarily expanding the program stored in the ROM 435 at boot time. The RAM 436 does not necessarily have to be a single recording medium and may be a collection of multiple recording media.

[0089] The external I / F 437 is an interface for connecting the meter panel unit 100 to an external device. Examples of the external I / F 437 include a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface and a digital or analog video interface.

[0090] The communication I / F 438 is an interface for performing communication between the control device 400 and other electronic components or ECUs. For example, the communication I / F 438 can perform wired communication compliant with various protocols such as CAN or Ethernet (registered trademark). The communication I / F 438 may perform wireless communication compliant with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard and / or the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard. Any of these standards includes a wireless communication standard using a frequency in the 2.4 GHz band.

[0091] The control device 400 may further include a storage device. The storage device can be, for example, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, or a combination thereof.

[0092] The ECU group 610 included in the work vehicle includes, for example, an ECU for speed control, an ECU for steering control, and an ECU for implement control. When the work vehicle (e.g., a tractor) is configured to travel in autonomous driving, the ECU group 610 may further include an ECU for autonomous driving control. The ECU for autonomous driving control performs calculations and controls for realizing autonomous driving based on data output from various sensors mounted on the vehicle body.

[0093] The sensor group 620 may include, for example, a temperature sensor, an illuminance sensor, a fuel sensor, a water temperature sensor, an oil level gauge, an engine rotation sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, a battery voltage sensor, a shuttle sensor, a hand throttle sensor, an accelerator pedal sensor, a main shift lever sensor, a sub-shift lever sensor, a seat belt sensor, a PM sensor, an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), a geomagnetic sensor, an imaging device, a LiDAR sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an obstacle contact sensor, and a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver.

[0094] The control device 400 of the information display system 500 may be an integrated circuit device mounted on a substrate inside the meter panel unit 100, or may be an external integrated circuit device externally attached to the meter panel unit 100. Also, part or all of the functions of the control device 400 may be realized by one or more vehicle ECUs. Alternatively, part or all of the functions of the control device 400 may be realized by one or more servers (computers) connected via the communication I / F 438 by a communication network. Thus, one or more vehicle ECUs and / or one or more servers can cooperate with the control device 400 to realize various functions required for the information display system 500. In this case, the vehicle ECU and / or the server function as part of the information display system 500.

[0095] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example in which the control device 400 is implemented inside the meter panel unit 100. In this example, the control device 400 includes two microcontroller units (MCUs). The two MCUs are the main MCU 420 and the display MCU 440. The main MCU 420 is a controller that controls the overall operation of the meter panel unit 100. The main MCU 420 may also be referred to as the "main controller". The display MCU 440 is a controller that controls the drawing of a display element 13 such as an LCD (i.e., a digital display). The display MCU 440 may also be referred to as the "LCU MCU". The control device 400 functions as a display controller that controls the digital display.

[0096] The main MCU 420 includes components such as a CPU 424, a ROM 425, and a RAM 426. The main MCU 420 controls the hardware indicator group 140, the first analog meter 11, the second analog meter 12 (in this embodiment, two analog meters 12A and 12B), and the display MCU 440. The hardware indicator group 140 includes an arc-shaped indicator 40 and a plurality of light-emitting elements such as LEDs behind the indicator regions 14T, 14L, and 14R shown in FIG. 5. The ROM 425 is a non-volatile memory that stores software (programs and various data used for processing) executed by the CPU 424. The main MCU 420 controls the overall operation of the meter panel unit 100 by the CPU 424 executing the software. The main MCU 420 may include an interface for communicating with one or more vehicle ECUs connected to the meter panel unit 100 via an in-vehicle network such as CAN. The main MCU 420 may also include an external interface that enables input and output of digital signals between the main MCU 420 and devices directly connected to the meter panel unit 100. The main MCU 420 may further include an analog interface to which an analog signal such as the voltage of an external battery is input.

[0097] The display MCU 440 includes components such as a CPU 444, a GPU 443, a ROM 445, a RAM 446, etc. The ROM 445 is a non-volatile memory that stores software executed by the CPU 444 and the GPU 443. The display MCU 440 controls the drawing to the display element 13 (i.e., the digital display) when the CPU 444 and the GPU 443 execute the software.

[0098] In the example shown in FIG. 13, the display MCU 440 specialized for image processing is provided separately from the main MCU 420. This is to realize relatively high-load drawing such as color camera video and 3D display on a display element 13 such as a relatively large (e.g., 10 inches or more) and high-definition LCU. Different from this embodiment, when the display element 13 is small or a monochrome liquid crystal display and not much advanced image processing is required, the display MCU 440 may not be provided and one controller (i.e., the main MCU 420) may perform all controls including drawing.

[0099] <Information display by arc-shaped indicator and display element> In the information display system 500 according to the present embodiment, the control device 400 is configured to display information by the arc-shaped indicator 40 before causing the display element 13 to display various information when the work vehicle is started. This makes it possible to preferentially convey information that the operator should know first at startup. Such information has content indicating the state of the work vehicle (a state classified as abnormal for traveling or working). Further, the control device 400 operates to change the color of the emitted light according to the content of the information. For example, when there is no abnormality at startup, the control device 400 can operate to emit blue light from the arc-shaped indicator 40, and when a problem occurs in traveling, for example, it can operate to emit red light indicating an abnormality immediately after startup. Examples of cases where a problem occurs in traveling include abnormal battery voltage, abnormal engine oil pressure, abnormal engine heating, abnormal brake system, and the like. Note that the emission color is not limited to blue and red, and may be green.

[0100] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the control device 400 is configured to cause the display element 13 to display a curved image located on the extension line of the arc. FIG. 14A is a front view schematically showing an example in which an arc 13A of the same color as the light emitted from the light-emitting region 42 of the arc-shaped indicator 40 is displayed. In FIG. 14A, as an example, an arc 13A concentric with the arc of the arc-shaped indicator 40 is displayed. FIG. 14B is a front view schematically showing an example in which an arc 13B of the same color as the light emitted from the light-emitting region 42 of the arc-shaped indicator 40 and another shaped object 13C including an arc of the same color are displayed. The other shaped object 13C in the example shown in FIG. 14B is a straight line portion. The control device 400 causes the display element 13 to display an arc 13B concentric with the arc of the light-emitting region 42 and a straight line portion connecting to the arc 13B. The straight line portion extends parallel to a straight line (corresponding to the dashed line E-E shown in FIG. 14B) that defines the boundary between the first analog meter 11 and the display element 14. By performing such a display, among the circles surrounding the first analog meter 11, the portion cut off by the dashed line E-E is visually recognized by the operator as a part of the first analog meter 11, so that the first analog meter 11 can be felt to be larger. Also, an image (hereinafter referred to as a "ring complementary image") displayed as if it were a part of the first analog meter 11 may be partially made invisible by information such as numerical values or characters displayed on the display element 13. The arc 13B portion may include a straight line shape similar to the shaped object 13C. By including a straight line shape in the portion displayed on the display element 13, a sharp design can be achieved.

[0101] The control device 400 can display various images, not limited to the examples in FIGS. 14A and 14B, on the display element 13 in accordance with the light emitted from the light-emitting region 42 of the arc-shaped indicator 40. Further, the control device 400 can display various images on the display element 13 in synchronization with the blinking of the light-emitting region 42 of the arc-shaped indicator 40. By emphasizing or linking the display of such an arc-shaped indicator 40 and the display of the display element 13, the display of the arc-shaped indicator 40 can be more easily conveyed to the operator.

[0102] <Examples of Display and Operation of Display Element> After the meter panel unit 100 is activated, a home screen is displayed in the display area of the display element 13. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the home screen. Starting from the home screen, the user can perform operations such as changing the display of the content on the display area and selecting various setting items by using the input device described later.

[0103] In the example shown in FIG. 15, an input device 170 that enables interactive operations by the user is connected to the meter panel unit 100 via a communication cable. The input device 170 has a selector switch 171 and an operation switch 172 such as a jog dial. The input device 170 can be connected to the meter panel unit 100 wirelessly or by wire. Any device that receives the user's operation can be used as the input device 170. The input device 170 may be, for example, a rotary switch, a slide switch, a push button switch, a touch screen, a joystick, or a combination of two or more of them.

[0104] The display element 13 has a display area on which various images indicating information related to the work vehicle are displayed. The information related to the work vehicle includes, for example, information related to the internal combustion engine (engine), the vehicle body, the PTO shaft, the hydraulic / three-point hitch, and the electrical components provided in the vehicle body. These information are the information indicating the internal state of the vehicle system. The information related to the vehicle body includes, for example, information related to the traveling direction of the vehicle, the clutch, the transmission, the brake, the ground engaging control, and the cruise control. Further, various contents such as a camera image, a radio setting screen, and an audio setting screen can be displayed in the display area of the display element 13.

[0105] <Segmentation of the display area> Next, referring to FIG. 16, the segmentation of the display area will be described. FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the segmentation of the display area. The display area of the display element 13 is divided into a plurality of blocks. In other words, the display area of the display element 13 has a plurality of areas. The plurality of areas in the example shown in FIG. 16 include a primary area 131, a sub area 132, and an LCD indicator area 133. The primary area 131 in FIG. 16 is the area surrounded by the dotted line among the display areas of the display element 13. The sub area 132 is the area surrounded by the broken line among the display areas of the display element 13. The LCD indicator area 133 is the area surrounded by the dashed-dotted line among the display areas of the display element 13. These three areas do not overlap with each other. Note that, for the sake of clarity, a part of the broken line, the dotted line, and the dashed-dotted line in FIG. 16 are shown overlapping.

[0106] The primary area 131 is an area for displaying an image at the forefront (or in the foreground). The primary area 131 in the example shown in FIG. 16 is a rectangular area (or a panel-shaped area). However, the outer shape of the primary area 131 may be, for example, an ellipse or a figure combined with a straight line and a curve. A primary image indicating more important information (hereinafter referred to as "primary information") among the information related to the work vehicle is displayed in the primary area 131. The primary information is information that the user should know preferentially, and includes, for example, information indicating the traveling direction of the work vehicle, the transmission state, and the vehicle speed (hereinafter referred to as "vehicle speed").

[0107] The primary information indicated by the primary image displayed in the primary area 131 in this way is displayed at the forefront of the display area. As shown in FIG. 15, the primary image is displayed in front of the ring-complementary image. In this way, the primary image can appropriately convey the primary information to the user without being hidden by other images or contents. Therefore, the visibility of the primary information, which is particularly important among various types of information, is improved, and the oversight of the primary information is reduced.

[0108] In the example shown in FIG. 16, the primary area 131 has a strip shape extending in the horizontal direction. A plurality of types of information related to the traveling state of the work vehicle are displayed in the primary area 131. The primary area 131 is divided into a plurality of areas. In the example of FIG. 16, the primary area 131 is divided into a first area 131A, a second area 131B, a third area 131C, and a fourth area 131D arranged in the horizontal direction.

[0109] The first area 131A located at the left end displays the state of the shuttle lever of the work vehicle, that is, the traveling direction. The first area 131A displays information indicating, for example, whether the shuttle lever is in the forward (F), neutral (N), or reverse (R) state.

[0110] The second region 131B located second from the left displays information regarding the transmission state, for example, the setting of the gear stage of a work vehicle. In the example of FIG. 16, in the second region 131B, the respective settings of the current main transmission and sub-transmission are displayed by the symbol "B3". "B" indicates the setting stage of the sub-transmission, and "3" indicates the setting stage of the main transmission. As shown in FIG. 16, the second region 131B may display an icon 131B1 indicating that it is in the automatic transmission mode, and a range 131B2 of gear stages in the automatic transmission mode.

[0111] The third region 131C displays vehicle speed information. The control device 400 switches and displays the vehicle speed information in kilometers or miles, for example, according to a command from the vehicle ECU.

[0112] The fourth region 131D at the right end displays information other than the traveling direction, transmission state, and vehicle speed. In the example of FIG. 16, in the fourth region 131D, the measured value of the hour meter, that is, the operating time of the work vehicle so far, is displayed. The fourth region 131D may display not only the measured value of the hour meter but also other information. For example, various information such as the upper limit setting value of the engine speed or the target value of the engine speed recorded in the memory may be displayed in the fourth region 131D. The control device 400 may be configured to dynamically change the display in the fourth region 131D, for example, according to a command from the vehicle ECU. The fourth region 131D, together with the region 132B described later, dynamically displays the performance of the traveling and working of the work vehicle. For this reason, the fourth region 131D may be called the "dynamic performance monitor region".

[0113] The sub-region 132 is located below the primary region 131. Various contents are displayed in the sub-region 132. The sub-region 132 in the example shown in FIG. 16 is a rectangular region and is further divided into three types of regions. The sub-region 132 includes a performance monitor region 132A, a dynamic performance monitor region 132B, and two gauge regions 132C.

[0114] The performance monitor area 132A is the largest in size among the three areas included in the sub-area 132 and is located higher up within the sub-area 132. The performance monitor area 132A may be referred to as the "upper area" in the sub-area 132. The performance monitor area 132A mainly displays one or more items (hereinafter referred to as "selected items") selected by the user from among various items indicating various functional performance information. Examples of items that can be selected by the user include engine speed, engine speed upper limit setting value, value of the engine speed memory, fuel consumption, fuel efficiency, travel distance, load factor, rotation speed of the PTO shaft, slip ratio, diesel particulate filter (DPF) regeneration, and information regarding the working area.

[0115] The screen of the selected items can be composed of a plurality of pages that can be scrolled forward or backward by the user operating an input device. FIG. 16 shows an example of a plurality of selected items displayed on one of the plurality of pages. In the example shown in FIG. 16, four selected items are displayed on one page. However, the number of selected items displayed on one page is not limited to four, and may be, for example, two, three, or five or more.

[0116] The dynamic performance monitor area 132B is located lower within the sub-area 132. The dynamic performance monitor area 132B may be referred to as the "lower area" in the sub-area 132. Various items indicating the above-described various functional performance information may be displayed in the dynamic performance monitor area 132B. The display of the information displayed in the dynamic performance monitor area 132B may be controlled, for example, by a control device 400 (such as a meter ECU) that has received a command from the vehicle ECU. The control device 400 may be configured to change the display of the dynamic performance monitor area 132B in response to a command from the vehicle ECU. As shown in FIG. 16, for example, two items may be displayed in the dynamic performance monitor area 132B. However, the number of items is not limited to two. As shown in FIG. 15, nothing may be displayed in the dynamic performance monitor area 132B.

[0117] The gauge regions 132C are located on the right and left sides in the sub-region 132. Between the two gauge regions 132C on the left and right, there are a performance monitor region 132A and a dynamic performance monitor region 132B. Gauge images including icons and scales can be displayed in each of the right and left gauge regions 132C. Examples of the gauge images include information regarding the remaining amount of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), the deposited amount of particulate matter (PM), and the remaining amount of tire air pressure.

[0118] The images displayed in the performance monitor region 132A and the dynamic performance monitor region 132B can be changed according to the user's operation using the input device. For example, in the region corresponding to the entire performance monitor region 132A and the dynamic performance monitor region 132B, a camera image, an image for radio setting or audio setting, an image for front loader control, an image for cylinder flow control, an image for setting operation members, an image for steering assist control, an image for automatic steering control, an image for attachment work implement control, or a launcher image for displaying a list of function items, etc. can be displayed. By integrating two or more regions and using them as one region in this way, images and contents can be displayed relatively large.

[0119] The LCD indicator area 133 is located above the primary area 131. The LCD indicator area 133 in the example shown in FIG. 16 is a rectangular area similar to the primary area 131 and the sub-area 132. The LCD indicator area 133 functions as an area for displaying information indicating the state of the work vehicle, warning information, maintenance-related information, etc. For example, an indicator that lights up when in a state where warnings such as brake warnings and fuel level warnings should be issued and goes out when that state is resolved can be displayed in the LCD indicator area 133. As another example, an indicator that lights up periodically to prompt the user for maintenance such as DPF regeneration and engine oil change can be displayed in the LCD indicator area 133. As a further example, an indicator for requesting an increase or decrease in engine speed can be displayed in the LCD indicator area 133. Normally, no indicators are displayed in the LCD indicator area 133, and a black background is displayed. When it is in a state where warning or maintenance information should be displayed, the indicator corresponding to that warning or maintenance information lights up. Up to about 10 indicators, for example, can be displayed in the LCD indicator area 133. Since the indicators can be prominently displayed against the black background, it is possible to make it easier for the operator or user to notice the occurrence of the LCD indicators.

[0120] The LCD indicator area 133 is located below the indicator area 14T shown in FIG. 5. The indicators arranged in the indicator area 14T are hardware indicators that are lit by light-emitting elements such as LEDs. In contrast, the indicators displayed in the LCD indicator area 133 are lit by drawing processing on the LCD. In this specification, the hardware indicator using an LED is referred to as an "LED indicator", and the indicator displayed in the LCD indicator area 133 is referred to as an "LCD indicator", and the two may be distinguished.

[0121] In the sub-region 132 shown in FIG. 16, for example, when an abnormality or failure of an engine or electrical components is detected, an image including a message for notifying the user of the content of the abnormality or failure, or a message for warning the internal state of the vehicle system (hereinafter, may be referred to as a "pop-up image") may also be displayed. Further, a pop-up image including a message indicating maintenance information may also be displayed in the sub-region 132.

[0122] <Information display system that displays different information for each model> The control device 400 of the information display system may be configured to display a graphical user interface (GUI) for setting each of a plurality of setting items related to the operation of the work vehicle in the display area of the display element 13. The GUI may include a GUI that provides a menu selection function for transitioning from a menu screen in which a plurality of setting items are classified by category to a setting screen of a target setting item through a multi-stage selection and screen transition. With such a GUI, it is possible to comprehensively set all setting items.

[0123] FIGS. 17A to 17C are diagrams for explaining the menu selection function. FIG. 17A shows an example of a home screen displayed on the display element 13. FIG. 17B shows an example of a menu screen displayed on the display element 13. FIG. 17C shows an example of a screen displaying a list of setting items related to the engine. When the user presses a menu switch included in the operation switch 172 of the input device 170 (see FIG. 15) from the home screen shown in FIG. 17A, the menu screen 134 shown in FIG. 17B is displayed.

[0124] The menu screen 134 is an example of a GUI for setting each of a plurality of setting items related to the operation of the work vehicle. The menu screen 134 is displayed below the primary region 131. In the example of FIG. 17B, when the menu screen 134 is displayed, the vertical width of the primary region 131 becomes smaller. As a result, the menu screen 134 can be widely displayed in the enlarged region.

[0125] On the menu screen 134, a list 135 of a plurality of categories classified by the devices or functions provided in the work vehicle is displayed. For example, a list 135 of categories such as transmission, engine, three-point (3P) hitch, PTO, etc. may be displayed. The user can select one category from the plurality of categories included in the list 135 by operating the selector switch 171 of the input device 170. For example, when the user operates the selector switch 171 to align the cursor with one category and presses the enter button, the screen transitions to a screen that displays a list of a plurality of setting items included in that category. In the example of FIG. 17B, the category 135a of "Engine" is selected from among the plurality of categories. When the enter button is pressed in this state, for example, the screen shown in FIG. 17C is displayed.

[0126] FIG. 17C shows an example of a sub-menu screen 136 for selecting setting items related to the engine. In the example of FIG. 17C, four setting items are displayed. The user can select one of these setting items by operating the selector switch 171. For example, when the user selects the item 136a of "Throttle up" and presses the enter button, a setting screen related to Throttle up is displayed.

[0127] The setting items included in the sub-menu screen 136 as shown in FIG. 17C may vary depending on the model of the work vehicle. For example, the item of "Throttle up" displayed in the example of FIG. 17C may not be displayed in other models. Also, in the example of FIG. 17C, two items of "Memory A" and "Memory B" are included, but there may be models that include only "Memory A". Not only the information related to the engine, but also the setting items of other categories such as transmission, 3P hitch, PTO, etc. may vary depending on the model.

[0128] Also, the form of display of information regarding the transmission displayed in the area 131a at the left end of the primary area 131 may also differ depending on the model. For example, in a work vehicle equipped with a stepped transmission (power shift) and a work vehicle equipped with a CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission), i.e., a stepless transmission, the display mode of the area 131a may differ.

[0129] Figures 18A to 18C show three examples of transmission information displayed in the area 131a. Figure 18A shows an example of display of transmission information in a model equipped with a power shift transmission. Figure 18B shows an example of display of transmission information in a model equipped with an HST (Hydro-Static Transmission). Figure 18C shows an example of display of transmission information in a model equipped with a CVT. As shown in these figures, the content and layout of the transmission information displayed differ depending on the model of the work vehicle or the type of transmission.

[0130] As described above, the content and layout of the information displayed on the meter panel unit 100 may differ depending on the model of the work vehicle. In order to realize information display that differs depending on the model, it has conventionally been necessary to individually develop the software for display of the meter panel unit 100 according to the difference in the format of the data (for example, CAN message) transmitted from the control device 400 to the meter panel unit 100 for each model of the work vehicle.

[0131] In the present embodiment, an information display system and method are provided that can display different information for each model even when the software for display on the meter panel unit 100 is made common regardless of the model.

[0132] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the configuration of the information display system 500 in the present embodiment. The information display system 500 includes a meter panel unit 100 and a control device 400 connected to the meter panel unit 100. The control device 400 can be, for example, an ECU provided inside a work vehicle. The meter panel unit 100 has a display element 13 that is a digital display. The control device 400 is connected to a sensor group 620 including one or more sensors provided in the work vehicle. As described above, the sensor group 620 can include, for example, an engine rotation sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, a shuttle sensor, a hand throttle sensor, an accelerator pedal sensor, a main transmission lever sensor, a sub-transmission lever sensor, and the like. The control device 400 can be connected to the meter panel unit 100 and the sensor group 620 via a bus such as a CAN bus. The control device 400 is configured to generate a data frame including data related to the state of the work vehicle based on signals output from one or more sensors included in the sensor group 620. The data related to the state of the work vehicle can be data indicating the state of any device related to the work vehicle, such as, for example, a transmission, an engine, a vehicle speed, a 3P hitch, a PTO, and a hydraulic system. The control device 400 transmits the generated data frame to the meter panel unit 100. The meter panel unit 100 displays information related to the state of the work vehicle on the display element 13 based on the received data frame.

[0133] FIG. 20 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a data frame 920. The data frame 920 includes a first field 921 for storing an identifier (ID) and a second field 922 for storing data related to the state of the work vehicle. Hereinafter, the data related to the state of the work vehicle is also referred to as "vehicle state data". The identifier is a numerical value that defines the configuration of the data in the second field 922. The "configuration" of the data refers to the configuration of which bit indicates what information. The configuration of the data can also be called a signal layout. For each identifier, it is predetermined what information each bit in the second field 922 indicates. The identifier can be set to different values depending on, for example, the model or model of the work vehicle, or the type or type of various devices (for example, transmission or engine, etc.) provided in the work vehicle.

[0134] The identifier stored in the first field 921 and the configuration (signal layout) of the data stored in the second field 922 correspond one-to-one. Data indicating such a correspondence relationship can be stored in the memories of the control device 400 and the meter panel unit 100, respectively. Data indicating such a correspondence relationship can be incorporated into the software of the control device 400 and the meter panel unit 100, respectively. The control device 400 generates a data frame 920 having a data configuration corresponding to the identifier by executing the software, and transmits it to the meter panel unit 100. The meter panel unit 100 receives the data frame 920 from the control device 400 by executing the software, and causes the display element 13 to display information based on the data frame 920.

[0135] When the meter panel unit 100 receives the data frame 920 from the control device 400, it reads the data stored in the second field 922 based on the identifier in the first field 921. Since the signal layout of the second field 922 differs according to the identifier, the meter panel unit 100 reads the data stored in the second field 922 according to the rule corresponding to the identifier. Based on the read data, the meter panel unit 100 displays information regarding the state of the work vehicle on the display element 13 in a manner corresponding to the identifier. For example, consider a case where the vehicle state data is data indicating the state of the transmission and the identifier is determined according to the type of the transmission. In that case, the meter panel unit 100 displays on the display element 13 the information of the layout corresponding to the identifier from among the information of a plurality of different layouts as illustrated in FIGS. 18A to 18C in the area 131a of the home screen. Further, the meter panel unit 100 may change the setting items related to the transmission included in the sub-menu displayed when the item "Transmission" is selected in the menu screen 134 shown in FIG. 17B according to the identifier. Not only for the transmission, but also for other items such as the engine, which setting items are displayed can be changed according to the identifier included in the message for displaying that item. With such a mechanism, it is possible to realize appropriate information display according to the model of the work vehicle, the type of the transmission, the type of the engine, etc.

[0136] According to the present embodiment, the software stored in the memories of the control device 400 and the meter panel unit 100 can be made common regardless of the model of the work vehicle. Since it is not necessary to develop the software of the control device 400 and the meter panel unit 100 individually for each model, the development efficiency is improved. Further, since the display screens can be unified for a plurality of models, the convenience is improved for an operator who operates a plurality of work vehicles of different models.

[0137] The control device 400 and the meter panel unit 100 can be configured or programmed to communicate with each other according to the CAN protocol. In that case, the data frame 920 is a data frame in the CAN protocol. The first field 911 can be a portion corresponding to a predetermined number of bits (e.g., 2 bits, 4 bits, 8 bits, 12 bits, or 16 bits, etc.) at the beginning or in the middle of the data field (up to 64 bits) of the CAN data frame. The second field 922 can be the portion of the data field excluding the first field. In one example, the first field 921 can be a portion corresponding to the first 4 bits or 8 bits at the beginning of the data field.

[0138] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a specific example of the data frame 920. In this example, the data frame 920 is a data frame in the extended format of CAN. The numbers attached to each field in the data frame 920 shown in FIG. 21 represent the number of bits. The data frame 920 in the extended format includes, as shown in FIG. 21, SOF (Start of Frame), base ID, SRR (Substitute Remote Request Bit), IDE (Identifier Extension Bit), extended ID, RTR (Remote Transmission Request), reserved bits r1 and r0, DLC (Data Length Code), data field, CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check), CRC delimiter, ACK slot, ACK delimiter, and EOF (End of Frame). Among these, the data field (0 to 64 bits) includes a first field 921 for storing an identifier and a second field 922 for storing vehicle state data. In the example of FIG. 21, the first field 921 is the first 8 bits (1 byte) of the data field, and the second field 922 is the remaining 56 bits (7 bytes). This is not limited to this example, and the first field 921 may have other data lengths such as 4 bits or 12 bits, for example. Also, the first field 921 may be included at a position other than the beginning of the data field.

[0139] Note that a communication protocol different from CAN (for example, in - vehicle Ethernet, etc.) may be used. In that case, the structure of data frame 920 may differ according to the communication protocol. No matter which communication protocol is used, within the data field where the data to be transmitted in the data frame is stored, a first field 921 containing an identifier and a second field 922 containing vehicle state data may be included.

[0140] The vehicle state data stored in the second field 922 may include information on a plurality of items regarding the state of the work vehicle. The identifier defines, for example, the types and order of information of the plurality of items in the vehicle state data. In that case, the meter panel unit 100 changes the display mode of the information of the plurality of items included in the vehicle state data on the display element 13 according to the identifier.

[0141] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 22A to 22C, an example of the data structure of the first field 921 and the second field 922 will be described.

[0142] FIGS. 22A to 22C are diagrams showing examples of the data structures of the first field 921 and the second field 922 in the data field. In this example, the data field is 64 bits. In FIGS. 22A to 22C, the data in the data field is line - broken every 8 bits (1 byte) and represented in 8 lines. In this example, the first 8 bits (1 byte) at the head of the data field is the first field 921 that stores the identifier (ID). The remaining 56 bits (7 bytes) is the second field 922 that stores data regarding the state of the work vehicle. The ID described in the first byte defines the data configuration (signal layout) of the second field 922 from the second byte onward. The second field 922 in this example includes information on a plurality of items regarding the state of the work vehicle. The ID defines the types and order of this plurality of items of information. That is, if the ID changes, the types and order of information in the second field 922 may change.

[0143] Figure 22A shows an example of the data configuration in the case of ID = 1. In this example, in the second field 922, 18 items of information (Data A1 to A18) are stored in the illustrated number of bits and order. The ID is associated with an element that can vary according to the model or model type, such as the type of transmission or the type of engine. As an example, ID = 1 may correspond to a model equipped with a power shift transmission, for example. The data frame in this example is assumed to be a data frame for transmitting information regarding the transmission. In that case, each of Data A1 to A18 can represent various information, such as the number of sub - shift stages, the number of main - shift stages, the display pattern of the sub - shift (off, on, blinking, etc.), the display pattern of the main - shift, the state of the shuttle shift (forward, neutral, reverse), or the display pattern of each icon. The control device 400 may generate the data having the structure shown in FIG. 22A, for example, to cause the transmission information shown in FIG. 18A to be displayed on the meter panel unit 100.

[0144] Figure 22B shows an example of the data configuration in the case of ID = 2. In this case, in the second field 922, 9 items of information (Data B1 to B9) are stored in the illustrated number of bits and order. As an example, ID = 2 may correspond to a model equipped with an HST transmission, for example. Each of Data B1 to B9 can represent various information, such as the number of sub - shift stages, the display pattern of the sub - shift, the state of the shuttle shift, the pedal operation rate, the display pattern of the pedal operation rate, the cruise vehicle speed, the display pattern of the cruise vehicle speed, or the display pattern of each icon. The control device 400 may generate the data having the structure shown in FIG. 22B, for example, to cause the transmission information shown in FIG. 18B to be displayed on the meter panel unit 100.

[0145] FIG. 22C shows an example of the data configuration in the case of ID = 3. In this case, in the second field 922, information on 15 items (Data C1 to C15) is stored in the illustrated number of bits and order. As an example, ID = 3 may correspond to, for example, a model equipped with a CVT transmission. Each of Data C1 to C15 may represent various information such as, for example, a gear mode, a display pattern of the gear mode, a state of shuttle shift, an upper speed, a display pattern of the upper speed, a display pattern of the lower speed, and a display pattern of each icon. The control device 400 may generate the data having the structure shown in FIG. 22C in order to display, for example, the transmission information shown in FIG. 18C on the meter panel unit 100.

[0146] Note that the data configurations shown in FIGS. 22A to 22C are merely examples and can be changed as appropriate. The ID is not limited to three types and may be two types or less, or four types or more. Also, although data for transmitting information regarding the state of the transmission has been exemplified here, the same mechanism can be applied when transmitting other types of information such as the setting state of the engine.

[0147] As described above, the control device 400 can determine the identifier and the data configuration according to, for example, the model of the work vehicle. In that case, the meter panel unit 100 can display information corresponding to the model corresponding to the identifier on the display element 13. Also, the control device may determine the identifier and the data configuration according to the type of the transmission. In that case, the meter panel unit 100 can display information regarding the state of the transmission corresponding to the type of the transmission corresponding to the identifier on the digital display 13. Also, the control device 400 may determine the identifier and the data configuration according to the engine setting mode in the work vehicle. In that case, the meter panel unit 100 can display information regarding the engine setting state corresponding to the engine setting mode corresponding to the identifier on the display element 13.

[0148] As shown in, for example, FIG. 12, the control device 400 in the present embodiment includes one or more processors 434 and one or more memories (e.g., ROM 435) that store a computer program executed by the one or more processors 434. By executing the computer program, the one or more processors 434 can generate a data frame 920 including data related to the state of the work vehicle and transmit the data frame 920 to the meter panel unit. The meter panel unit 100 includes a display controller (e.g., the main MCU 420 and the display MCU 440 shown in FIG. 13) that controls the display element 13 (digital display). The display controller receives a data frame 920 including data related to the state of the work vehicle from the control device 400 provided in the work vehicle. The display controller reads the data stored in the second field 922 based on the identifier in the first field 921 of the data frame 920, and based on the data, displays information related to the state of the work vehicle on the digital display in a manner corresponding to the identifier.

[0149] FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of operations executed by the control device 400. In this example, the control device 400 repeatedly executes the operations of steps S110 to S140 shown in FIG. 23 during the operation of the work vehicle. These operations can be executed by a processor in the control device 400.

[0150] In step S110, the control device 400 acquires the model information of the work vehicle. The model information is stored, for example, in a storage device in the work vehicle. Instead of the model information, information regarding the type or kind of devices such as a transmission or an engine may be acquired.

[0151] In step S120, the control device 400 acquires signals from one or more sensors in the work vehicle. For example, when generating a data frame including information regarding the state of the transmission, the control device 400 acquires signals from sensors such as a shuttle sensor, a main shift lever sensor, and a sub-shift lever sensor. When generating a data frame including information regarding the state of the engine, the control device 400 receives signals from a sensor such as an engine rotation sensor, for example.

[0152] In step S130, the control device 400 generates a data frame 920 including data regarding the state of the work vehicle based on the model information and signals from one or more sensors. For example, the control device 400 generates a data frame 920 based on the CAN protocol as shown in FIG. 21. Information such as that illustrated in FIGS. 22A to 22C may be included in the data fields of the data frame 920. In this example, the control device 400 determines the identifier and the configuration of the data in the second field 922 according to the model of the work vehicle. The control device 400 describes, for example, an identifier (ID) corresponding to the model information in the first byte of the data field, and describes data of a plurality of items corresponding to the identifier in a signal layout corresponding to the ID in the second byte to the seventh byte.

[0153] In step S140, the control device 400 transmits the generated data frame to the meter panel unit 100. Thereby, the meter panel unit 100 can display information based on the data frame on the digital display.

[0154] FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an example of operations executed by the meter panel unit 100. The meter panel unit 100 in this example repeatedly executes the operations of steps S210 to S240 shown in FIG. 24 during the operation of the work vehicle. These operations may be executed by a display controller in the meter panel unit 100.

[0155] In step S210, the meter panel unit 100 receives a data frame 920 that is periodically transmitted from the control device 400.

[0156] In step S220, the meter panel unit 100 reads the identifier in the first field 921 from the data frame 920.

[0157] In step S230, the meter panel unit 100 reads the data in the second field 922 based on the identifier. For example, in the examples shown in FIGS. 22A to 22C, when ID = 1, data is read according to the data configuration shown in FIG. 22A. When ID = 2, data is read according to the data configuration shown in FIG. 22B. When ID = 3, the data in the second field 922 is read according to the data configuration shown in FIG. 22C. Which ID has which data configuration can be pre-stored in the memory of the meter panel unit 100.

[0158] In step S240, the meter panel unit 100 displays information regarding the state of the work vehicle in a manner corresponding to the identifier based on the read data. For example, the meter panel unit 100 displays the display of the transmission information displayed in the area 131a of the home screen shown in FIG. 17A with the content and layout corresponding to the identifier. Alternatively, the meter panel unit 100 may display information other than the transmission such as the engine speed that can be displayed on the home screen in a manner corresponding to the identifier. Also, the meter panel unit 100 may display the list of setting items (for example, FIG. 17C) that is displayed when any category (transmission, engine, 3P hitch, PTO, etc.) in the menu screen shown in FIG. 17B is selected differently according to the identifier.

[0159] The above operations can be repeatedly executed, for example, at a predetermined cycle during the operation of the work vehicle. The cycle can be, for example, 0.1 second or more and 10 seconds or less, and in one example, 0.5 second or more and 3 seconds or less. The operations from step S110 to S140 and from step S210 to S240 may be performed simultaneously and in parallel with respect to information on a plurality of types of states such as, for example, a transmission, an engine, a vehicle speed, a 3P hitch, and a PTO. Such a plurality of different types of information can be identified by ID information included in the data frame 920.

[0160] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the control device 400 generates a data frame 920 including data related to the state of the work vehicle and transmits the data frame 920 to the meter panel unit 100. The data frame 920 includes a first field 921 that stores an identifier and a second field 922 that stores data related to the state of the work vehicle. The identifier defines the configuration of the data in the second field 922. The meter panel unit 100 reads the data stored in the second field 922 based on the identifier in the first field 911 of the data frame 920 and, based on the data, displays information related to the state of the work vehicle on the digital display in a manner corresponding to the identifier.

[0161] With such a configuration, it is possible to realize different information displays for each model without individually developing the software of each of the control device 400 and the meter panel unit 100 for each model of the work vehicle.

[0162] The information display system in the above embodiment can also be retrofitted to a work vehicle that does not have those functions. Such a system can be manufactured and sold independently of the work vehicle. The computer program used in such a system can also be manufactured and sold independently of the work vehicle. The computer program can be provided, for example, stored in a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium. The computer program can also be provided by downloading via a telecommunication line (for example, the Internet).

Industrial Applicability

[0163] The technology of the present disclosure is widely applicable to various types of work vehicles used in, for example, smart agriculture.

Explanation of Reference Signs

[0164] 13... display element, 100... meter panel unit, 200... work vehicle, 400... control device, 500... information display system, 920... data frame, 921... first field, 922... second field

Claims

1. An information display system for a work vehicle, comprising: a meter panel unit having a digital display; a control device connected to the meter panel unit; The control device generates a data frame including data related to the state of the work vehicle, and transmits the data frame to the meter panel unit. The data frame includes a first field for storing an identifier and a second field for storing data related to the state of the work vehicle. The identifier defines the configuration of the data in the second field. Based on the identifier in the first field of the data frame, the meter panel unit reads the data stored in the second field, and based on the data, displays information related to the state of the work vehicle on the digital display in a manner corresponding to the identifier. An information display system.

2. The data includes information on a plurality of items related to the state of the work vehicle. The identifier defines the types and order of the information on the plurality of items in the data. The meter panel unit changes the display mode on the digital display of the information on the plurality of items included in the data according to the identifier. The information display system according to claim 1.

3. The control device determines the identifier and the configuration of the data according to the model of the work vehicle. The meter panel unit displays information corresponding to the model corresponding to the identifier on the digital display. The information display system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The state of the work vehicle includes the state of the transmission in the work vehicle. The control device determines the identifier and the configuration of the data according to the type of the transmission. The meter panel unit displays information related to the state of the transmission corresponding to the type of the transmission corresponding to the identifier on the digital display. The information display system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The state of the work vehicle includes the set state of the engine in the work vehicle. The control device determines the identifier and the configuration of the data according to the set mode of the engine in the work vehicle. ​ The meter panel unit displays information regarding the set state of the engine according to the set mode of the engine corresponding to the identifier on the digital display. The information display system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The control device and the meter panel unit communicate with each other according to the Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol. The first field is a part corresponding to a predetermined number of bits at the head in the data field of the data frame. The second field is the part of the data field excluding the first field. The information display system according to any one of claims 1 to 2.

7. The first field is a part corresponding to the first 4 bits or 8 bits at the head in the data field. The second field is the part of the data field excluding the first field. The information display system according to claim 6.

8. The control device is connected via a CAN bus to one or more sensors provided in the work vehicle, and generates the data frame including data regarding the state of the work vehicle based on signals output from the one or more sensors. The information display system according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The information display system according to claim 1 or 2, a traveling device, and a work vehicle comprising the same.

10. A meter panel unit for a work vehicle, comprising a digital display, and a display controller for controlling the digital display, wherein the display controller receives a data frame including data regarding the state of the work vehicle from a control device provided in the work vehicle, the data frame includes a first field storing an identifier and a second field storing data regarding the state of the work vehicle, the identifier defines the configuration of the data in the second field, and the display controller reads the data stored in the second field based on the identifier in the first field of the data frame, and displays information regarding the state of the work vehicle on the digital display in a manner corresponding to the identifier based on the data. Meter panel unit.

11. A control device connected to a meter panel unit for a work vehicle, comprising one or more processors and, one or more memories storing a computer program to be executed by the one or more processors, comprising: the one or more processors, by executing the computer program, generate a data frame including data related to the state of the work vehicle, send the data frame to the meter panel unit, the data frame includes a first field storing an identifier and a second field storing data related to the state of the work vehicle, the identifier defines the configuration of the data in the second field, the meter panel unit reads the data stored in the second field based on the identifier in the first field of the data frame, and based on the data, displays information related to the state of the work vehicle in a manner corresponding to the identifier, a control device.

12. A method executed by a meter panel unit for a work vehicle, comprising: receiving, from a control device provided in the work vehicle, a data frame including data related to the state of the work vehicle, the data frame including a first field storing an identifier and a second field storing data related to the state of the work vehicle, the identifier defining the configuration of the data in the second field; reading the data stored in the second field based on the identifier in the first field of the data frame; displaying information related to the state of the work vehicle in a manner corresponding to the identifier based on the data; A method comprising the steps of:

13. A method executed by a control device connected to a meter panel unit for a work vehicle, comprising: generating a data frame including data related to the state of the work vehicle; sending the data frame to the meter panel unit, the data frame including a first field storing an identifier and a second field storing data related to the state of the work vehicle, the identifier defining the configuration of the data in the second field; comprising: The meter panel unit reads the data stored in the second field based on the identifier in the first field of the data frame, and displays information regarding the state of the work vehicle in a manner corresponding to the identifier based on the data. Method.

Images