Control system, control method, computer program, and work vehicle

Abstract

A work vehicle control system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a meter panel comprising a digital display; and a control device for controlling operation of the meter panel. The work vehicle is configured so that: it is possible to set a work mode which was selected by a user from among a plurality of work modes; and the content of control for the work vehicle is set for each of the plurality of work modes. The control device causes the digital display to display a plurality of options that enable the user to select one of the plurality of work modes, and to display task names corresponding to the work modes allocated respectively to the plurality of options, and the control device causes the digital display to display, for each of the plurality of options, the content of control set for the work vehicle in a corresponding work mode.

Description

Control system, control method, computer program, and work vehicle

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control system, a control method, a computer program, and a work vehicle.

[0002] Research and development is underway on smart agriculture, which utilizes ICT (Information and Communication Technology) and IoT (Internet of Things) as the next generation of agriculture. Research and development is also underway to automate and unmanned farm vehicles such as tractors used in farm fields. For example, farm vehicles that can run with automatic steering using positioning systems such as the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), which enables precise positioning, have been put into practical use.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art An agricultural work vehicle such as a tractor is provided with a meter panel unit in front of the driver's seat that displays the driving speed, engine load state, and the state of each part of the work vehicle to inform the driver (operator).

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes a meter unit for a typical passenger vehicle.

[0005] JP 2012-32209 A

[0006] The meter panel installed on agricultural machinery such as tractors is required to accurately notify the operator of various information related to the vehicle while it is traveling or working. Furthermore, because such agricultural machinery performs various tasks outdoors, it is necessary to display more information than a general passenger car. When agricultural machinery is used for smart agriculture, it becomes necessary to display even more information. However, the more information displayed on the meter panel, the lower the visibility becomes, making it more difficult for the driver to obtain the necessary information.

[0007] Furthermore, the increasing demands placed on such meter panels apply not only to agricultural machinery, but also to construction machinery used at construction sites. Hereinafter, mobile agricultural machinery and construction machinery will be collectively referred to as "work vehicles."

[0008] There is a demand for information displayed on the meter panel of a work vehicle to increase convenience for the operator.

[0009] The present disclosure provides the solutions described in the following items.

[0010] [Item 1] A control system for a work vehicle, comprising: a meter panel unit having a digital display; and a control device that controls the operation of the meter panel unit; wherein the work vehicle is capable of setting a work mode selected by a user from among a plurality of work modes, and control details for the work vehicle are set for each of the plurality of work modes; and the control device displays, on the digital display, a plurality of options for the user to select one of the plurality of work modes, together with the work names corresponding to the work modes assigned to each of the plurality of options, and displays, for each of the plurality of options, the control details that are set for the work vehicle in the corresponding work mode on the digital display.

[0011] Work vehicles are capable of performing a variety of tasks, but it can be difficult for users to understand what control settings are desirable for each task.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control device displays on the digital display a plurality of options for the user to select one of a plurality of work modes, along with the names of the work modes assigned to each of the plurality of options, and also displays on the digital display the control content to be set for the work vehicle for each of the plurality of options.

[0013] By looking at the task name displayed on the digital display, the user can easily select the task mode appropriate for the task they are about to perform. In addition, the user can easily check the control details set for each task mode.

[0014] By setting the work vehicle to the control content corresponding to the work mode selected by the user, the user does not need to individually set multiple types of control suitable for the work to be performed.

[0015] [Item 2] The control system described in Item 1, wherein the content of control of the work vehicle in each of the plurality of work modes is changeable, and when the user selects a first work mode of the plurality of work modes, the control device displays on the digital display a settings window for changing the content of control of the work vehicle in the first work mode.

[0016] [Item 3] The control system according to item 2, wherein the control device changes the content of control of the work vehicle in the first work mode in response to an operation of a user interface by the user.

[0017] [Item 4] The control system according to Item 3, further comprising a storage device that stores the details of the changed control of the work vehicle, wherein the control device maintains the changed control of the work vehicle in the first work mode.

[0018] [Item 5] The control system according to item 3 or 4, wherein the control device displays the changed content of the control of the work vehicle on the digital display together with a mark indicating that the content has been changed.

[0019] [Item 6] The control system according to any one of Items 3 to 5, wherein the control device resets the changed content of control of the work vehicle when the user selects to reset the changed content of control of the work vehicle.

[0020] [Item 7] The control system according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the plurality of work modes include two or more of a work mode using a loader, a work mode using a brush cutter, a work mode for traveling on a road, and a work mode for traveling on snow-covered ground.

[0021] [Item 8] The control system according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the control of the work vehicle set for each of the plurality of work modes includes one or more of control according to the load on the prime mover of the work vehicle, control to change the rate at which the rotation speed of the prime mover is changed according to accelerator operation by the user, and control to change the responsiveness of a hydrostatic continuously variable transmission of the work vehicle.

[0022] [Item 9] The control system according to item 8, wherein the control according to the load on the prime mover includes one or more of control to suppress engine stall and control to switch gear positions of a transmission of the work vehicle according to the load on the prime mover.

[0023] [Item 10] The control system according to any one of items 1 to 9, wherein the control device causes the digital display to display an indicator that indicates an accelerator operation amount by the user.

[0024] [Item 11] The control system according to any one of items 1 to 10, wherein the control device causes the digital display to display an indicator that indicates the angle of a swash plate of a hydrostatic continuously variable transmission of the work vehicle.

[0025] [Item 12] The control system according to any one of items 1 to 11, wherein the control device causes the digital display to display an indicator that indicates the position of a lift arm attached to the work vehicle.

[0026] [Item 13] The control system according to any one of items 1 to 12, wherein the control device causes the digital display to display an indicator that indicates the turning angle of the steering wheels of the work vehicle.

[0027] [Item 14] A work vehicle equipped with the control system according to any one of items 1 to 13.

[0028] [Item 15] The work vehicle according to Item 14, wherein the work vehicle is a mobile agricultural machine.

[0029] [Item 16] The work vehicle according to Item 14, wherein the work vehicle is a tractor.

[0030] [Item 17] A control method for controlling a work vehicle executed by one or more computers, wherein the work vehicle can be set to a work mode selected by a user from among a plurality of work modes, and control details for the work vehicle are set for each of the plurality of work modes, the control method including: displaying, on a digital display of an meter panel unit, a plurality of options for the user to select one of the plurality of work modes, together with work names corresponding to the work modes assigned to each of the plurality of options; and displaying, on the digital display, for each of the plurality of options, the control details that are set for the work vehicle in the corresponding work mode.

[0031] [Item 18] A computer program that causes one or more computers to control a work vehicle, wherein the work vehicle can be set to a work mode selected by a user from a plurality of work modes, and control details for the work vehicle are set for each of the plurality of work modes, and the computer program causes the one or more computers to display, on a digital display of a meter panel unit, a plurality of options for the user to select one of the plurality of work modes, together with work names corresponding to the work modes assigned to each of the plurality of options, and display, on the digital display, for each of the plurality of options, the control details that are set for the work vehicle in the corresponding work mode.

[0032] A general or specific aspect of the present disclosure may be realized by an apparatus, a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium, or any combination thereof. The computer-readable storage medium may include a volatile storage medium or a non-volatile storage medium. An apparatus may be composed of multiple devices. When an apparatus is composed of two or more devices, the two or more devices may be located in a single device or may be located separately in two or more separate devices.

[0033] Work vehicles are capable of performing a variety of tasks, but it can be difficult for users to understand what control settings are desirable for each task.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control device displays on the digital display a plurality of options for the user to select one of a plurality of work modes, along with the names of the work modes assigned to each of the plurality of options, and also displays on the digital display the control content to be set for the work vehicle for each of the plurality of options.

[0035] By looking at the task name displayed on the digital display, the user can easily select the task mode appropriate for the task they are about to perform. In addition, the user can easily check the control details set for each task mode.

[0036] By setting the work vehicle to the control content corresponding to the work mode selected by the user, the user does not need to individually set multiple types of control suitable for the work to be performed.

[0037] 1 is a side view schematically showing an example of a work vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a group of operation switches and an operation terminal provided inside a cabin of the work vehicle; FIG. 3 is a side view schematically showing another example of a work vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a front view schematically showing a meter panel unit attached behind the steering wheel located in front of the driver's seat of the work vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 5 is a front view showing an example of the arrangement of main components of the meter panel unit according to the present embodiment; FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a wall surface portion of the meter panel unit according to the present embodiment; FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a transparent cover of the meter panel unit according to the present embodiment; FIG. 8 is a front view showing an example of the arrangement of indicators of the meter panel unit according to the present embodiment; FIG. 9 is a front view showing an example of a state in which various information is displayed on the display element of the meter panel unit according to the present embodiment; FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example in which a control device is built into a meter panel unit. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a schematic example in which an arc of the same color as the color of light emitted from the light emitting region of an arc-shaped indicator is displayed. FIG. 3 is a front view showing a schematic example in which an arc of the same color as the color of light emitted from the light emitting region of the arc-shaped indicator and other shapes including an arc of the same color are displayed. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a home screen. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic example of segmentation of a display region. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing some of the components of a work vehicle. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation for setting a work mode of a work vehicle. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display element that displays multiple options and control contents. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a display element that displays a setting window for changing the control contents of the work vehicle in a selected work mode. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display element that displays the changed control contents.1 is a diagram showing an example of a display element that displays an indicator that indicates the amount of accelerator operation by a user; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display element that displays an indicator that indicates the angle of a swash plate of an HST; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display element that displays an indicator that indicates the position of a lift arm; and FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display element that displays an indicator that indicates the turning angle of a steering wheel.

[0038] Hereinafter, a meter panel unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that parts that appear in multiple drawings with the same reference numerals indicate the same or equivalent parts.

[0039] 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 of the size, material, shape, relative arrangement, etc. of components are intended for illustration purposes only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The size and positional relationship of the components shown in each drawing may be exaggerated to facilitate understanding.

[0040] 1A is a side view that schematically shows an example of a work vehicle 200 according to this embodiment. The illustrated work vehicle 200 is a tractor that tows an implement (replaceable work device) 300.

[0041] The work vehicle 200 shown in FIG. 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 that rotate the four wheels, and braking devices (brakes) that brake 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 tracks rather than wheels with tires.

[0042] Inside the cabin 205, there are provided the meter panel unit 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, a driver's seat 207, a steering wheel 220, and a group of switches for operation.

[0043] FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of an operation switch group 801 and an operation terminal 802 provided inside a cabin 205 of a work vehicle 200.

[0044] Inside the cabin, an operation switch group 801 including a plurality of switches that can be operated by the user is arranged. The operation switch group 801 includes, for example, a switch for selecting the gear stage of the main transmission or the auxiliary transmission, a switch for switching between forward and reverse, a switch for switching between four-wheel drive and two-wheel drive, a switch for disconnecting the left and right brakes, and a switch for raising and lowering the implement.

[0045] The operation terminal 802 is a terminal through which a user performs operations related to the travel of the work vehicle and the operation of the implements, and is also referred to as a virtual terminal (VT). The operation terminal 802 may include a touchscreen display and / or one or more buttons. The display may be, for example, a liquid crystal or organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display.

[0046] Referring again to FIG. 1A , the work vehicle 200 in FIG. 1A is equipped with multiple external sensors that sense the surroundings of the work vehicle 200. The external sensors may include various sensors, such as multiple cameras 270, multiple obstacle sensors 295, and multiple LiDAR sensors 290. The cameras 270 may be provided, for example, on the front, rear, left, and right sides of the work vehicle 200. The cameras 270 capture images of the environment surrounding the work vehicle 200 and generate image data. The images captured by the cameras 270 may be transmitted to a terminal device, for example, for remote monitoring. The cameras 270 are provided as needed, and the number of cameras 270 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 disposed at the front and rear of the cabin 205. The LiDAR sensor 290 may also be provided in other positions (for example, the lower front portion of the vehicle body 201). While the work vehicle 200 is traveling, each LiDAR sensor 290 repeatedly outputs sensor data indicating the distance and direction to each measurement point of an object in the surrounding environment, or the three-dimensional coordinate values ​​of each measurement point. The number of LiDAR sensors 290 is not limited to two, and may be one, three, or more. In the example of FIG. 1A , multiple obstacle sensors 295 are provided at the front and rear of the cabin 205. The obstacle sensors 295 may also be located in other locations. The obstacle sensors 295 may include, for example, a laser scanner or ultrasonic sonar. The LiDAR sensors 290 and the obstacle sensors 295 may be activated, for example, when the work vehicle 200 is traveling in autonomous driving mode. The LiDAR sensors 290 and the obstacle sensors 295 are provided as needed, and the number of each may be arbitrary. Only one of the LiDAR sensors 290 and the obstacle sensors 295 may be provided on the work vehicle 200. If they are not needed, 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 sensor 290 and the obstacle sensor 295.

[0047] Work vehicle 200 further includes GNSS unit 260. GNSS is a general term for satellite positioning systems such as GPS (Global Positioning System), QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System, e.g., Michibiki), GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou. GNSS unit 260 receives satellite signals (also referred to as GNSS signals) transmitted from multiple GNSS satellites and performs positioning based on the satellite signals. GNSS unit 260 is provided on top of cabin 205, but may be provided in another location.

[0048] The prime mover 202 may be, for example, a diesel engine. An electric motor may be used instead of a diesel engine. The transmission 203 can change the propulsive force and travel speed of the work vehicle 200 by changing the speed. The transmission 203 can also switch the work vehicle 200 between forward and reverse travel.

[0049] 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 "three-point hitch"), a PTO (Power Take Off) axle, a universal joint, and a communication cable. The coupling device 208 allows the implement 300 to be attached to and detached from the work vehicle 200. The coupling device 208 can raise and lower the three-point link using, for example, a hydraulic device, thereby changing the position or posture of the implement 300. Power can also be transmitted from the work vehicle 200 to the implement 300 via the universal joint. The work vehicle 200 can pull the implement 300 and cause the implement 300 to perform a predetermined task. The coupling device may be provided at the front of the vehicle body 201. In this case, the implement can be connected to the front of the work vehicle 200.

[0050] 1A is, for example, a sprayer that sprays a chemical onto crops, but the implement 300 is not limited to a sprayer. Any implement 300, such as a mower, a seeder, a spreader, a rake, a baler, a harvester, a plow, a harrow, or a rotary, can be connected to the work vehicle 200 and used.

[0051] In this way, the work vehicle 200 used in smart agriculture is equipped with various sensors and performs various tasks together with various implements 300. During the course of such tasks, it is necessary to provide the driver (user or operator) with various information regarding the driving and work status. For this reason, the information to be displayed on the meter panel unit 100 can vary in a variety of ways depending on the type and stage of the task.

[0052] The work vehicle 200 such as a tractor may be configured to travel by manual driving, automatic steering, or automatic driving.

[0053] Another example of an implement in this embodiment is a loader to which an attachment can be attached or detached. A variety of attachments can be attached to the tip of the loader depending on the type of work being performed. Examples of attachments include grabs such as a bale grab or a silage grab, forks such as a roll fork or a super pallet fork, or a bucket.

[0054] 1C is a side view that schematically shows an example of a work vehicle 200A in this embodiment. The work vehicle 200A shown in the figure is a tractor with a front loader (hereinafter simply referred to as "loader") 700 coupled 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 coupled to the rear of the vehicle.

[0055] 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 on the support frame 701 so as to extend forward and upward from the vehicle. The bucket 703 is rotatably supported by the end of the boom 702. In this embodiment, the fulcrum (or rotation axis) that rotatably supports the boom 702 is called the "boom fulcrum," and the fulcrum (or rotation axis) that rotatably supports the bucket 703 is called the "bucket fulcrum."

[0056] The loader 700 in this embodiment is connected to the vehicle body 201 via a hydraulic coupler and a power connector. The loader 700 is equipped with a hydraulic system having hydraulic valves and operates under hydraulic control. Specifically, by hydraulically extending and contracting the boom cylinder 705, the boom 702 can be rotated around a rotation axis located at the boom fulcrum. This makes it possible to raise and lower the loader 700 (or the bucket 703). Furthermore, by hydraulically extending and contracting the bucket cylinder 704, the bucket 703 can be rotated around a rotation axis located at the bucket fulcrum. This makes it possible to perform scooping and dumping operations with the bucket 703.

[0057] A group of operation switches 801 (see FIG. 1B ) provided inside the cabin 205 may include an operation lever for performing the dumping operation and the scooping operation of the bucket 703. An operation joystick may be provided inside the cabin 205 for performing the dumping operation, the scooping operation, and the lifting and lowering operation of the bucket 703. The operation terminal 802 may also display a setting screen for the loader's hydraulic control valve, including a button display for adjusting the hydraulic flow rate. The operation lever, joystick, and operation terminal 802 are electrically connected to the loader's microcontroller. By operating the operation lever, joystick, and setting screen of the operation terminal 802, the user can perform desired work while operating the boom 702 and the bucket 703.

[0058] <Schematic Configuration of Meter Panel Unit> Fig. 1D is a front view schematically illustrating a meter panel unit 100 attached to a tractor, which is one type of work vehicle, in an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, the meter panel unit 100 is disposed in front of the driver's seat of the tractor. Specifically, the meter panel unit 100 is fitted into an opening in a meter cover 240 above a handle stay 230 that rotatably supports a steering wheel (handle) 220. In this example, the steering wheel 220 has a central hub (horn cover) 221, three spokes 222A, 222B, and 222C extending radially from the horn cover 221, and a rim 223 supported by the spokes 222A, 222B, and 222C. The meter panel unit 100 is disposed in a position visible to a driver seated in the driver's seat. In the example of FIG. 1D, various pieces of information displayed on the meter panel unit 100 can be seen through an opening between the spokes 222A and 222B.

[0059] The meter panel unit 100 is required to have excellent visibility. In particular, mobile work vehicles capable of automatic steering or automatic driving are required to display various information that is not displayed in ordinary passenger cars during the course of performing various agricultural tasks. For such meter panel units 100, it is desirable to enhance their visibility so that particularly important information among the various pieces of information is not overlooked. Furthermore, when the meter panel unit 100 is mounted on various types of work vehicles, it is desirable for it to have a structure that allows for easy installation. As described below, the meter panel unit 100 of this embodiment has excellent visibility and is easy to install.

[0060] The schematic configuration of the meter panel unit 100 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4. FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of the arrangement of the main components of the meter panel unit 100 according to this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a wall surface portion (described later) of the meter panel unit 100. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a transparent cover (described later) of the meter panel unit 100. For reference, these figures show mutually orthogonal X-, Y-, and Z-axes (right-handed coordinate system). In this specification, the positive direction of the Y-axis may be referred to as the upward direction and the negative direction as the downward direction, and the positive direction of the X-axis may be referred to as the rightward direction and the negative direction as the leftward direction. Furthermore, the positive direction of the Z-axis may be referred to as the front direction and the negative direction as the rearward direction.

[0061] The meter panel unit 100 shown in Fig. 2 includes a meter section 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, 12. In this specification, the display portion of the meter section 10 shown in Fig. 2 may also be referred to as the display surface side of the meter section 10.

[0062] The first analog meter 11 has an indicator needle 2A, and the second analog meter 12 has indicator needles 2B and 2C. The indicator needle 2A is rotatably supported around a rotation axis located near the center of the first analog meter 11. The indicator needle 2A indicates, for example, engine speed depending on the direction in which the tip of the indicator needle 2A points. Here, "engine speed" means the number of engine revolutions per unit time (for example, one minute). The indicator needles 2B and 2C are rotatably supported around two rotation axes located at different locations on the second analog meter 12. The indicator needle 2B indicates, for example, the remaining fuel level depending on the direction in which the tip of the indicator needle 2B points. The indicator needle 2C indicates, for example, the temperature (water temperature) of the engine coolant depending on the direction in which the tip of the indicator needle 2C points. The indicator needles 2A, 2B, and 2C are driven by a drive unit (movement) provided in the meter unit 10. The drive unit receives an electrical signal indicating a sensor output such as engine speed, remaining fuel, or water temperature, and converts the signal into mechanical motion that changes the direction of indicator needles 2A, 2B, and 2C. The drive unit for each of indicator needles 2A, 2B, and 2C has an actuator such as a stepping motor.

[0063] The display element 13 is a digital meter, not an analog meter. The display element 13 is, for example, an active matrix display such as a liquid crystal display panel or an OLED (organic light-emitting diode). In the following description, the display element 13 is assumed to be a liquid crystal display (LCD) as an example. The display element 13 has a large number of pixels arranged two-dimensionally in a display area, and light emitted from the large number of pixels creates a display visible to the human eye. In the display element 13 of this embodiment, each pixel includes RGB subpixels, allowing it to display color images. Unlike an analog meter, the display element 13 can display numbers, letters, figures, icons, symbols, still images, or moving images of any size at any position within the display area. Strictly speaking, the numbers, letters, figures, icons, and symbols are also part of the image (still image or moving image) displayed by the display element 13 in the display area. The display element 13 can also display an image that appears to resemble all or part of an analog meter with a pointer, for example. When the display element 13 displays an image of an "analog meter," it is possible to rotate the "pointer needle" in the image in any direction as part of a moving image by changing the image frame by frame. If the work vehicle is an electric vehicle driven by a battery, the displays of engine speed, remaining fuel, and water temperature can be replaced with displays of, for example, motor output, remaining battery power, and battery temperature, respectively.

[0064] The difference between the image of an "analog meter" displayed by a display device such as the display element 13 and the first analog meter 11 and second analog meter 12 is that the former is planar, while the latter is three-dimensional. Also, the former allows the shape, color, and size of the pointer and scale of the analog meter to be changed, while the latter makes it difficult to change these. Furthermore, the visibility of the former depends on the contrast of the image, so there is a possibility that visibility may be reduced in strong daytime outside light, whereas this possibility is relatively small for the latter. Taking these factors into consideration, in this embodiment, some of the information displayed on the meter unit 10, particularly information that is highly important and requires high visibility, is displayed using an analog meter with a three-dimensional structure.

[0065] When viewed from the front of the meter unit 10 on the display surface side, the outer shape of the meter unit 10 is a closed curve resembling an ellipse, but the outer shape of the meter unit 10 is not limited to this example. When viewed from the front of the meter unit 10, the outer shape of the meter unit 10 may be roughly rectangular, or may be a figure that combines straight lines and curves.

[0066] The meter panel unit 100 further includes a wall portion 20 fixed to the display surface side of the meter portion 10 and a transparent cover 30 facing the display surface of the meter portion 10 .

[0067] The wall surface portion 20 surrounds the entire first analog meter 11, the display element 13, and the second analog meter 12 along the periphery of the meter unit 10. The wall surface portion 20 may be formed from, for example, plastic (synthetic resin). The wall surface portion 20 protrudes vertically (in the positive direction of the Z axis) from the display surface of the meter unit 10. The wall surface portion 20 does not need 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 edge of the wall surface portion 20 (also referred to as "height") is not constant along the periphery of the meter unit 10, but may vary depending on the position on the periphery.

[0068] 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 from the peripheral edge of the front portion 30A along the outside of the wall portion 20. The side portion 30B of the transparent cover 30 can cover the entire outside of the wall portion 20. The transparent cover 30 can be formed from, for example, a colorless, transparent plastic (e.g., acrylic) or glass. In this embodiment, the front portion 30A and the side portion 30B of the transparent cover 30 are an integrated part.

[0069] With the meter panel unit 100 attached to the work vehicle, it is preferable that the front portion 30A of the transparent cover 30 be tilted forward when the transparent cover 30 is viewed from the normal direction of the meter section 10. With the front portion 30A tilted forward in this manner, when an operator looks at the meter section 10 through the transparent cover 30, the operator's face and the background behind the operator are less likely to be reflected in the transparent cover 30.

[0070] Next, the indicator area of ​​the meter unit 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. In the example of Fig. 5, the meter unit 10 has an indicator area 14T provided above the display element 13 and indicator areas 14L and 14R provided below the display element 13. Various indicators are provided in each of the indicator areas 14T, 14L, and 14R. Each indicator displays predetermined information, such as a warning, when a light-emitting element, such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) behind it, is lit.

[0071] In this embodiment, two indicator areas 14L and 14R, divided into left and right halves, are arranged at the bottom of the display element 13, but it is also possible to arrange one indicator area that combines the two indicator areas.

[0072] The indicator area 14T located above the display element 13 is less likely to be obstructed by the spokes 222A, 222B, and 222C of the steering wheel 220 than the other indicator areas 14L and 14R. For this reason, it is preferable that indicators indicating particularly important information (information with a high warning level) (e.g., indicators indicating the lighting status of lighting devices, direction indicators, warnings to the driver, etc.) be selected from among the many indicators and placed in the indicator area 14T. The "warning level" of the information displayed by the indicator may be specified, for example, in the work vehicle's instruction manual. For example, information such as an engine abnormality or malfunction, or whether the headlights are on or off, has a high warning level.

[0073] In this embodiment, each indicator arranged in the indicator area is composed of a light-transmitting area shaped to define a distinctive figure (including an icon and / or character) and a light-emitting element arranged behind it. The indicator can be turned on / off by turning on / off the light-emitting element behind it. For example, one or two light-emitting elements are arranged behind each indicator.

[0074] Next, a display example of the display element 13 will be described with reference to FIG. 6 . In the example of FIG. 6 , the display area of ​​the display element 13 is divided into several areas, as will be described later. Each area displays an "image" showing information such as a gear position, vehicle speed, various function performance indicators, and an hour meter. The image includes various pieces of information represented by letters, numbers, figures, icons, symbols, and the like. The various digital images may be displayed in different colors to improve visibility. Furthermore, when particularly attracting the operator's attention, at least one of the position, size, and color of the letters, numbers, figures, icons, and symbols may be changed to emphasize the display. When such an emphasized display is performed, a sound or voice may be emitted from an audio device such as a speaker.

[0075] <Communication Ring and Inside Plate> Next, the arc-shaped indicator (C-shaped communication ring) and inside plate will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9. FIG.

[0076] The meter panel unit 100 of this embodiment includes a first arc-shaped indicator (communication ring) 40A arranged around the movable area 11X of the indicator needle 2A, and a second arc-shaped indicator 40B (see FIG. 10 ) arranged around the movable areas of the indicator needles 2B and 2C. In this disclosure, the term "arc" refers to a portion of a circle (circumference), but this circle is not limited to a "perfect circle" and may include a portion whose curvature changes gradually or locally, such as a portion of an ellipse.

[0077] The first arc-shaped indicator 40A and the second arc-shaped indicator 40B have a symmetrical structure, and are therefore collectively referred to as the arc-shaped indicator 40. For simplicity, the arc-shaped indicator 40 will be described below using the first arc-shaped indicator (communication ring) 40A as an example.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 7 , the meter panel unit 100 of this embodiment includes a facing plate 50 positioned outside the arc-shaped indicator 40. The facing plate 50 is formed from the same material (plastic) as the wall surface portion 20, and as shown in FIG. 3 , is an integrated component with the wall surface portion 20. When viewed from the front, the facing plate 50 has a generally arc-shaped shape. The height of the upper end 50T of the facing plate 50 (i.e., the distance from the display surface of the meter portion 10) varies continuously from the upper end 50A to the lower end 50B, reaching a maximum at the intermediate position. The facing plate 50 is a curved wall rising from the meter portion 10.

[0079] Fig. 8 is a front view showing the relative positions of the first analog meter 11, the arc-shaped indicator 40, and the faceplate 50. Fig. 9 is a front view mainly showing an example configuration of the arc-shaped indicator 40. None of the first analog meter 11, the arc-shaped indicator 40, or the faceplate 50 extends to the right (positive direction of the X-axis) of the E-E dashed line shown in Fig. 8. The display element 13 is disposed to the right (positive direction of the X-axis) of the E-E dashed line.

[0080] By adopting this configuration, it is possible to increase the length of the indicator needle 2A, i.e., the radius of the first analog meter 11, while suppressing an increase in the horizontal (X-axis) size of the first analog meter 11. The same applies to the second analog meter 12. Note that increasing the horizontal size of the meter unit 10 increases the likelihood that the spokes 222A, 222B of the steering wheel 220 will obstruct the visibility of the first and second analog meters 11, 12, as shown in FIG. 1D . For this reason, increasing the horizontal size of the meter unit 10 is not desirable. In this embodiment, the analog meter is accommodated within a shape bounded by the dashed line E-E and an arc, rather than a circle. This allows for an increase in the horizontal (X-axis) size of the display element 13 while improving the visibility of the first and second analog meters 11, 12, even in a meter unit 10 with a limited horizontal size. Furthermore, by dividing the boundary between the first and second analog meters 11, 12 and the display element 13 by a straight line, the display areas for analog information and digital information can be clearly separated, thereby improving the visibility of both the analog information and the digital information.

[0081] To achieve the above-described effect, it is preferable that the central angle of the "arc" of the arc-shaped indicator 40 (40A) arranged to surround the first analog meter 11 is greater than 180° and less than 270°. If the central angle of the "arc" is 180° or less, the visibility of the first analog meter 11 decreases, and if the central angle of the "arc" is 270° or more, the effect of reducing the size of the first analog meter 11 in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) becomes insufficient. The same applies to the arc-shaped indicator 40 (40B) surrounding the second analog meter 12. From the standpoint of design, it is preferable that the left and right arc-shaped indicators 40A, 40B be arranged symmetrically with respect to a vertical line passing through the center of the display element 13.

[0082] The arc-shaped indicator 40 has at least one light-emitting area 42 arranged between the movable area 11X of the pointer 2A and the end cover 50. In the example shown in Fig. 9, multiple light-emitting areas 42 are provided. In this example, each light-emitting area 42 has a thin, curved shape that extends in an arc. The multiple light-emitting areas 42 are arranged to form a row of arcs to form the arc-shaped indicator 40. When there is one light-emitting area 42, the single light-emitting area 42 has an arc shape.

[0083] 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 pointer 2A. The scale 17 is a three-dimensional scale that protrudes from the display surface and is formed integrally from plastic together with the wall surface portion 20 and the end cover plate 50. Note that the scale 17 does not necessarily have to have a three-dimensional shape, but a three-dimensional scale is desirable from the perspective of improving readability.

[0084] The multiple light-emitting areas 42 of the arc-shaped indicator 40 may each be formed from a light-emitting element (e.g., an LED or OLED), but in this embodiment, they are formed from multiple light-transmitting areas 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 more light-emitting elements arranged behind them.

[0085] The plurality of light-emitting elements may include a plurality of LEDs emitting light of different colors. In this embodiment, the plurality of light-emitting elements include an LED emitting red light, an LED emitting green light, and an LED emitting blue light. By selectively activating these LEDs, the arc-shaped indicator 40 can provide information to the operator using light of various colors. For example, red light, green light, and blue light can be selectively emitted from all of the plurality of light-emitting regions 42 shown in FIG. 9 . Furthermore, 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, the plurality of light-emitting regions 42 can emit light sequentially.

[0086] <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. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, the three-dimensional scale 17 has a plurality of notches 17A arranged at predetermined intervals. These notches 17A are portions where the width of the three-dimensional scale 17 is locally narrowed. The positions of the notches 17A are aligned with the positions of the scale indicated by the tip of the indicator needle 2A on the first analog meter 11. The presence of these three-dimensional notches 17A makes it easier for the operator to read the scale.

[0087] 7, the inside cover 50 has multiple protrusions 52 that protrude toward the movable area 11X of the indicator needle 2A. The multiple protrusions 52 are provided at the positions of the cutouts of the three-dimensional scale 17, in other words, at positions that align with the scale. As a result, the cutouts 17A of the three-dimensional scale 17 are recognized as an integrated figure with the protrusions 52, improving the visibility of the scale. Each of the multiple protrusions 52 straddles a space between the multiple light-emitting regions 42 in the arc-shaped indicator 40. Therefore, the arrangement of the multiple light-emitting regions 42 also aligns with the arrangement of the scale.

[0088] As can be seen in Figure 3, the multiple protrusions 52 connect the three-dimensional scale 17 and the end cover 50 as a bridge. The end cover 50 is also connected to the wall portion 20. In this embodiment, the wall portion 20, the end cover 50, and the three-dimensional scale 17 are integrally formed from resin. The multiple protrusions 52 extending from the end cover 50 define the boundaries of the multiple light-emitting regions 42 in the arc-shaped indicator 40.

[0089] Next, the second analog meter 12 and the second arc-shaped indicator 40B will be described with reference to Figure 10. The second arc-shaped indicator 40B is bilaterally symmetrical to the first arc-shaped indicator 40A, and has the same basic configuration. A facing plate (right facing plate) 50 is provided on the outside of the second arc-shaped indicator 40B. The left facing plate 50 is bilaterally symmetrical to the facing plate (left facing plate) 50 described above.

[0090] An arc-shaped protrusion 17X corresponding to the three-dimensional scale 17 is provided inside the second arc-shaped indicator 40B, but this arc-shaped protrusion 17X does not have a notch. Between the arc-shaped protrusion 17X and the right end panel 50, protrusions (bridges) 52 are arranged at equal intervals so as to define the multiple light-emitting areas 42 of the second arc-shaped indicator 40B.

[0091] The movable area 13X of the second indicator needle 2B and the third indicator needle 2C is located within the area surrounded by the second arc-shaped indicator 40B. The rotation angle range 2BM of the second indicator needle 2B and the rotation angle range 2CM of the third indicator needle 2C have external shapes that are similar or congruent to each other. 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 symmetrical, but this is not a limitation. The rotation angle range 2BM and the rotation angle range 2CM may have shapes and sizes that allow them to overlap each other when one is translated in the vertical direction, for example.

[0092] By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to intuitively read the scale from the movements of the second indicator needle 2B and the third indicator needle 2C, making it less likely that an error will occur in reading.

[0093] <Information Display System> An information display system 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to Figs. 11 to 14B. Fig. 11 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an example configuration of the information display system 500 according to an 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 in the work vehicle. The information display system 500 may further include an acoustic device such as a buzzer or a speaker.

[0094] The information display system 500 is communicatively connected to an ECU group 610, a sensor group 620, and a loader microcontroller 710 provided in the work vehicle via a bus B. The ECU group 610 may be collectively referred to as a "vehicle control device." In this specification, the various ECUs provided in the work vehicle are referred to as "vehicle ECUs," and the ECU in the control device 400 provided in the information display system 500 is referred to as 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 of the ECU group 610 provided in the work vehicle receives signals from the other vehicle ECUs and sensor data output from each sensor included in the sensor group 620, and instructs the meter ECU to display a warning message (described below) or to turn on, off, or flash an indicator depending on the state of the work vehicle. The meter ECU receives instructions from the vehicle ECU and displays a warning message in the display area, or turns on, off, or blinks an indicator.

[0095] 11 , the illustration of wiring other than the wiring of bus B is simplified. However, for example, wiring may be present for directly transmitting signals from one or more sensors included in a sensor group 620 equipped in the work vehicle to the control device 400, or wiring may be present for connecting an input device (described later) to the control device 400. In addition, power supply wiring is present for supplying power from the battery to the meter panel unit 100, the control device 400, the ECU group 610 of the work vehicle, and the sensor group 620.

[0096] One example of the control device 400 in this embodiment is a computing device including at least one processor and at least one memory that stores a computer program (code) that defines a control process executed by the processor. Another example of the control device 400 is a computing device that includes a hardware accelerator, such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific standard product (ASSP), or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), configured to execute the control process.

[0097] In this embodiment, a "processor" refers to 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). A "memory" refers to a hardware electronic circuit such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory). Part of the memory may be a storage medium connected to the processor by wiring or a network. These hardware electronic circuits may be implemented by one or more integrated circuits (ICs) or large-scale integrated circuits (LSIs). Each functional unit or block and related components in the electronic circuit may be manufactured individually as a separate integrated circuit chip, or some or all of these functional units or blocks may be combined and manufactured as a single integrated circuit chip.

[0098] The program that defines the operation of the processor is designed to cause the processor to perform one or more functions, operations, steps, or processes in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0099] 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 connected to each other via a bus 439.

[0100] The ROM 435 is, for example, a writable memory (e.g., a PROM), a rewritable memory (e.g., a flash memory), or a read-only memory. The ROM 435 stores a program that controls the operation of the processor. The ROM 435 does not have to be a single recording medium, but may be a collection of multiple recording media. Some of the collection of multiple recording media may be removable memories.

[0101] The RAM 436 provides a working area for temporarily loading the programs stored in the ROM 435 at boot time. The RAM 436 does not have to be a single recording medium, but may be a collection of multiple recording media.

[0102] 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.

[0103] The communication I / F 438 is an interface for communication between the control device 400 and other electronic components or ECUs. For example, the communication I / F 438 can perform wired communication in accordance with various protocols such as CAN or Ethernet (registered trademark). The communication I / F 438 may also perform wireless communication in accordance with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard and / or the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard. Both standards include wireless communication standards that use frequencies in the 2.4 GHz band.

[0104] The control device 400 may further include a storage device, which may be, for example, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, or a combination thereof.

[0105] The ECU group 610 provided in the work vehicle includes, for example, an ECU for speed control, an ECU for steering control, and an ECU for implement control. If the work vehicle (e.g., a tractor) is configured to travel in an autonomous driving mode, the ECU group 610 may further include an ECU for autonomous driving control. The ECU for autonomous driving control performs calculations and controls to achieve autonomous driving based on data output from various sensors mounted on the vehicle body.

[0106] 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 accelerator sensor, an accelerator pedal sensor, a main shift lever sensor, an auxiliary 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.

[0107] The control device 400 of the information display system 500 may be an integrated circuit device mounted on a board inside the meter panel unit 100, or may be an external integrated circuit device attached to the meter panel unit 100. Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the control device 400 may be implemented by one or more vehicle ECUs. Alternatively, some or all of the functions of the control device 400 may be implemented by one or more servers (computers) connected via a communication network via the communication I / F 438. In this way, one or more vehicle ECUs and / or one or more servers may cooperate with the control device 400 to implement various functions required for the information display system 500. In this case, the vehicle ECUs and / or servers function as part of the information display system 500.

[0108] 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 a main MCU 420 and a 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 called a "main controller." The display MCU 440 is a controller that controls the rendering of the display element 13 (i.e., a digital display) such as an LCD. The display MCU 440 may also be called a "display controller" or an "LCU MCU."

[0109] 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 (two analog meters 12A and 12B in this embodiment), and the display MCU 440. The hardware indicator group 140 includes the arc-shaped indicator 40 and a plurality of light-emitting elements, such as LEDs, located behind the indicator areas 14T, 14L, and 14R shown in FIG. 5. The ROM 425 is a non-volatile memory that stores software (programs and various data used in 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 a CAN. The main MCU 420 may also include an external interface that enables input and output of digital signals to and from devices directly connected to the meter panel unit 100. The main MCU 420 may further include an analog interface that receives analog signals such as the voltage of an external battery.

[0110] The display MCU 440 includes components such as a CPU 444, a GPU 443, a ROM 445, and a RAM 446. 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 drawing on the display element 13 (i.e., the digital display) by the CPU 444 and the GPU 443 executing the software.

[0111] 13, a display MCU 440 specialized for image processing is provided separately from the main MCU 420. This is to realize relatively heavy-load drawing, such as color camera images or 3D display, on a display element 13 such as a relatively large (e.g., 10 inches or larger) and high-resolution LCU. Unlike the present embodiment, if the display element 13 is small or a monochrome liquid crystal display and does not require particularly high-level image processing, the display MCU 440 may not be provided, and one controller (i.e., the main MCU 420) may perform all control, including drawing.

[0112] <Information Display Using Arc-Shaped Indicator and Display Element> In the information display system 500 of this embodiment, the control device 400 is configured to display information using the arc-shaped indicator 40 before displaying various information on the display element 13 when the work vehicle is started. This allows for priority transmission of information that the operator should know first during start-up. Such information includes information indicating the status of the work vehicle (conditions classified as abnormal for driving or work). The control device 400 also operates to change the color of the emitted light depending on the content of the information. For example, if there are no abnormalities at start-up, the control device 400 may emit a blue light from the arc-shaped indicator 40. However, if a driving problem occurs, the control device 400 may emit a red light indicating an abnormality immediately after start-up. Examples of driving problems include abnormal battery voltage, abnormal engine oil pressure, abnormal engine overheating, and brake system abnormalities. The light color is not limited to blue or red and may also be green.

[0113] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control device 400 is configured to display a curved image located on an extension of the arc on the display element 13. Fig. 14A is a front view schematically illustrating an example in which an arc 13A of the same color as the color of light emitted from the light-emitting region 42 of the arc-shaped indicator 40 is displayed. Fig. 14A shows, as an example, an arc 13A concentric with the arc of the arc-shaped indicator 40. Fig. 14B is a front view schematically illustrating an example in which an arc 13B of the same color as the color of 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. In the example shown in Fig. 14B, the other shaped object 13C is a straight line portion. The control device 400 causes the display element 13 to display the arc 13B concentric with the arc of the light-emitting region 42 and the straight line portion connecting to the arc 13B. The straight line portion extends parallel to the 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 13. By displaying the first analog meter 11 in this manner, the portion of the circle surrounding the first analog meter 11 cut off by the dashed line E-E is visually recognized by the operator as part of the first analog meter 11, making the first analog meter 11 appear larger. Furthermore, an image displayed as if it were part of the first analog meter 11 (hereinafter referred to as a "ring complement image") may be partially obscured by information such as numbers or characters displayed on the display element 13. Like the shape 13C, the arc 13B may include a straight line. Including a straight line in the portion displayed on the display element 13 allows for a sharp design.

[0114] 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. The control device 400 can also 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 the arc-shaped indicator 40 with the display of the display element 13 in this way, the display of the arc-shaped indicator 40 can be more easily conveyed to the operator.

[0115] <Example of Display and Operation of Display Element> After the meter panel unit 100 is started up, 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 use an input device (described later) to change the content displayed in the display area and select various setting items.

[0116] In the example shown in FIG. 15 , an input device 170 that enables interactive operation by a user is connected to the meter panel unit 100 via a communication cable. The input device 170 has a selector switch 171, such as a jog dial, and an operation switch 172. The input device 170 can be connected to the meter panel unit 100 wirelessly or by wire. Any device that accepts user operations 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 these.

[0117] The display element 13 has a display area in which various images showing information related to the work vehicle are displayed. Information related to the work vehicle includes, for example, information related to the internal combustion engine (engine), vehicle body, PTO axle, hydraulic / three-point hitch, and electrical equipment equipped in the vehicle body. This information indicates the internal status of the vehicle system. Information related to the vehicle body includes, for example, information related to the vehicle's direction of travel, clutch, gear shift, brake, headland control, and cruise control. Furthermore, the display area of ​​the display element 13 can display various content, including, for example, camera images, a radio setting screen, and an audio setting screen.

[0118] <Segmentation of the Display Area> Next, segmentation of the display area will be described with reference to FIG. 16 . FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of segmentation of the display area. The display area of ​​the display element 13 is divided into multiple blocks. In other words, the display area of ​​the display element 13 has multiple regions. In the example illustrated in FIG. 16 , the multiple regions include a primary region 131, a sub-region 132, and an LCD indicator region 133. In FIG. 16 , the primary region 131 is the region of the display area of ​​the display element 13 surrounded by a dotted line. The sub-region 132 is the region of the display area of ​​the display element 13 surrounded by a dashed line. The LCD indicator region 133 is the region of the display area of ​​the display element 13 surrounded by a dashed-dotted line. These three regions do not overlap each other. Note that the dashed lines, dotted lines, and dashed-dotted lines in FIG. 16 are drawn to partially overlap for ease of understanding.

[0119] The primary area 131 is an area for displaying an image in the foreground (or near side). In the example shown in FIG. 16 , the primary area 131 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 shape combining straight lines and curves. A primary image showing the more important information about the work vehicle (hereinafter referred to as "main information") is displayed in the primary area 131. The main information is information that the user should be aware of as a priority, and includes, for example, information showing the direction of travel of the work vehicle, the transmission status, and the vehicle speed (hereinafter referred to as "vehicle speed").

[0120] In this way, the main information indicated by the primary image displayed in the primary area 131 is displayed at the forefront of the display area. As shown in FIG. 15 , the primary image is displayed in front of the ring complement image. In this way, the primary image can properly convey the main information to the user without being obscured by other images or content. This improves the visibility of the main information, which is particularly important among various pieces of information, and reduces the likelihood of overlooking the main information.

[0121] In the example shown in Fig. 16 , the primary area 131 has a band-like shape extending in the horizontal direction. Multiple 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 multiple areas. In the example shown in 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 that are aligned in the horizontal direction.

[0122] The first area 131A located at the left end displays the state of the shuttle lever of the work vehicle, i.e., the direction of travel. For example, the first area 131A displays information indicating whether the shuttle lever is in forward (F), neutral (N), or reverse (R) position.

[0123] The second area 131B, located second from the left, displays information about the transmission status, for example, the gear setting of the work vehicle. In the example of Fig. 16, the second area 131B displays the current settings of the main gear and auxiliary gear with the symbol "B3." "B" indicates the auxiliary gear setting stage, and "3" indicates the main gear setting stage. As shown in Fig. 16, the second area 131B may also display an icon 131B1 indicating that the automatic gear shift mode is active, and a gear shift stage range 131B2 in the automatic gear shift mode.

[0124] The third area 131C displays information about the vehicle speed. The control device 400 switches the display of the vehicle speed information between kilometers and miles in accordance with a command from the vehicle ECU, for example.

[0125] The fourth area 131D on the far right displays information other than the direction of travel, transmission status, and vehicle speed. In the example of FIG. 16 , the fourth area 131D displays the hour meter reading, i.e., the work vehicle's operating time to date. The fourth area 131D may display information other than the hour meter reading. For example, various information such as the upper limit setting for the engine speed or the target engine speed value stored in memory may be displayed in the fourth area 131D. The control device 400 may be configured to dynamically change the display in the fourth area 131D, for example, in accordance with commands from the vehicle ECU. The fourth area 131D, together with the area 132B described below, dynamically displays the travel and work performance of the work vehicle. For this reason, the fourth area 131D is sometimes referred to as the "dynamic performance monitor area."

[0126] Sub-areas 132 are located below primary area 131. Various contents are displayed in sub-areas 132. In the example shown in Fig. 16, sub-areas 132 are rectangular areas that are further divided into three types of areas. Sub-areas 132 include a performance monitor area 132A, a dynamic performance monitor area 132B, and two gauge areas 132C.

[0127] The performance monitor area 132A is the largest of the three areas included in the sub-area 132 and is located toward the upper side of the sub-area 132. The performance monitor area 132A is sometimes referred to as the "upper area" of 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 various items indicating various types of functional performance information. Examples of items that can be selected by the user include engine speed, engine speed upper limit setting value, engine speed memory value, fuel consumption, fuel economy, travel distance, load factor, PTO shaft speed, slip ratio, diesel particulate filter (DPF) regeneration, and information regarding the working area.

[0128] The selection item screen may be composed of multiple pages that the user can page forward or backward by operating an input device. Figure 16 shows an example of multiple selection items displayed on one of the multiple pages. In the example shown in Figure 16, four selection items are displayed on one page. However, the number of selection items displayed on one page is not limited to four, and may be, for example, two, three, five or more.

[0129] The dynamic performance monitor area 132B is located toward the lower side of the sub-area 132. The dynamic performance monitor area 132B may be referred to as the "lower area" of the sub-area 132. Various items indicating the various types of functional performance information described above may be displayed in the dynamic performance monitor area 132B. The display of information displayed in the dynamic performance monitor area 132B may be controlled by the control device 400 (e.g., a meter ECU) that receives a command from the vehicle ECU, for example. 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.

[0130] The gauge areas 132C are located on the right and left sides of the sub-area 132. The performance monitor area 132A and the dynamic performance monitor area 132B are located between the two gauge areas 132C. Each of the right and left gauge areas 132C may display a gauge image including an icon and a scale. Examples of gauge images include information regarding the remaining diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), the amount of particulate matter (PM), and the remaining tire pressure.

[0131] The images displayed in the performance monitor area 132A and the dynamic performance monitor area 132B can be changed in response to user operations using an input device. For example, the area corresponding to the entire performance monitor area 132A and the dynamic performance monitor area 132B can display a camera image, an image for setting up the radio or audio, an image for controlling the front loader, an image for controlling the cylinder flow rate, an image for setting up the operation members, an image for controlling the steering assist, an image for controlling the automatic steering, an image for controlling the attachment, or a launcher image displaying a list of function items. By combining two or more areas in this way and using them as a single area, images and content can be displayed relatively large.

[0132] The LCD indicator area 133 is located above the primary area 131. In the example shown in FIG. 16 , the LCD indicator area 133 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 status of the work vehicle, warning information, maintenance-related information, and the like. For example, an indicator that lights up when a condition requiring the issuance of a warning, such as a brake warning or a low fuel warning, occurs and turns off when the condition is resolved may be displayed in the LCD indicator area 133. As another example, an indicator that lights up periodically to prompt the user to perform maintenance, such as DPF regeneration or engine oil change, may be displayed in the LCD indicator area 133. As a further example, an indicator requesting an increase or decrease in engine speed may 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 a condition requiring the display of a warning or maintenance information occurs, an indicator corresponding to the warning or maintenance information is illuminated. A maximum of, for example, approximately 10 indicators may be displayed in the LCD indicator area 133. The indicator can be displayed with emphasis on a black background, making it easier for an operator or user to notice the occurrence of the LCD indicator.

[0133] 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 illuminated by light-emitting elements such as LEDs. In contrast, the indicators displayed in the LCD indicator area 133 are illuminated by a drawing process on the LCD. In this specification, the LED hardware indicators are referred to as "LED indicators" and the indicators displayed in the LCD indicator area 133 are referred to as "LCD indicators," and the two may be distinguished from one another.

[0134] 16 may also display an image (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "pop-up image") containing a message to notify the user of the details of an abnormality or failure detected in the engine or electrical equipment, or a message to warn the user of the internal state of the vehicle system. Also, a pop-up image containing a message indicating maintenance information may be displayed in the sub-area 132.

[0135] <Work Vehicle Mode Setting> Next, the operation of setting the mode of the work vehicle 200 will be described.

[0136] Figure 17 is a block diagram showing some of the components of work vehicle 200. Work vehicle 200 is equipped with a control device 600. Control device 600 can be a control unit including control device 400 and ECU 610a. ECU 610a is one of the ECUs included in ECU group 610 (Figure 11). ECU 610a may also be a unit that combines two or more of the ECUs included in ECU group 610. Information display system 500 of this embodiment is a control system that includes control device 600.

[0137] The ECU 610a includes a processor 611a and a memory 612a. The memory 612a includes a ROM and a RAM. The operation of the ECU 610a can be realized by the processor 611a sequentially executing computer programs stored in the memory 612a.

[0138] Work vehicle 200 is equipped with a power transmission device 210. Power transmission device 210 includes a speed change device 203 ( FIG. 1A ) and a hydrostatic transmission (HST) 211. Rotation generated by engine 202 is transmitted to wheels 204 and the PTO shaft via power transmission device 210. ECU 610 a controls the operation of engine 202 and power transmission device 210.

[0139] The sensor group 620 ( FIG. 11 ) includes sensors 620a and 620b. The sensor 620a is a rotation sensor that detects the engine rotation speed of the prime mover (engine) 202. The rotation sensor 620a outputs a signal corresponding to the detected engine rotation speed to the ECU 610a. The processor 611a of the ECU 610a can obtain information about the engine rotation speed based on the output signal of the rotation sensor 620a. The sensors 620b include a gear sensor that detects the gear of the transmission 203, a rotation sensor that detects the rotation of the HST 211, an angle sensor that detects the angle of the swash plate of the HST 211, and the like. The processor 611a can obtain information about the gear of the transmission 203, the rotation speed of the HST 211, and the angle of the swash plate of the HST 211 based on the output signal of the sensor 620b.

[0140] Various control settings are possible for the work vehicle 200. Control settings that can be set by the user include, for example, "Stall guard," "Auto H-DS," "HST response," and "Auto throttle advance." These are just a few examples, and various other control settings are possible for the work vehicle 200 in addition to these controls.

[0141] "Stall guard" is a control that controls the angle of the swash plate of the HST 211 to suppress engine stall when a high load is applied to the engine 202 or the PTO shaft. "Auto H-DS" is a control that automatically switches the gear position of the transmission 203 according to the load on the engine 202. "HST response" is a control that changes the responsiveness of the HST 211. When the responsiveness of the HST is high, the rotation speed of the output shaft changes quickly in response to changes in the rotation speed of the input shaft. When the responsiveness of the HST is low, the rotation speed of the output shaft changes slowly in response to changes in the rotation speed of the input shaft. "Auto throttle advance" is a control that changes the rate at which the engine rotation speed is changed in response to the user's accelerator operation.

[0142] The work vehicle 200 is capable of performing various types of work. For example, various types of implements can be connected to the work vehicle 200, and the work can be performed according to the connected implement. As described above, the work vehicle 200 is capable of performing various control settings, but it can be difficult for the user to know what control settings are desirable for each work.

[0143] In this embodiment, the processor 434 of the control device 400 displays on the display element 13 a plurality of options from which the user can select one of a plurality of work modes, along with a "work name" corresponding to the work mode assigned to each of the plurality of options. The processor 434 also displays on the display element 13 the control content to be set on the work vehicle 200 for each of the plurality of options. By looking at the "work name" displayed on the display element 13, the user can easily select a work mode appropriate for the work to be performed. The user can also easily check the control content to be set in each work mode.

[0144] The control of the display of the display element 13 by the processor 611a described below is performed via the control device 400. The control device 400 performs data communication with the ECU 610a and causes various pieces of information to be displayed on the display element 13. "Control of the display of the display element 13 by the processor 611a of the ECU 610a" can be performed by the ECU 610a and the control device 400 working together.

[0145] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation for setting the work mode of the work vehicle 200 of this embodiment.

[0146] When the user operates the input device (user interface) 170 to select a setting mode, the processor 434 displays on the display element 13 a number of options for the user to select one of a number of work modes, along with the work names corresponding to the work modes assigned to each of the number of options (step S101).

[0147] Fig. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the display element 13 displaying a plurality of options 151 and control contents 152. In the example shown in Fig. 19, five options are displayed on the display element 13 along with work names. The work names shown in Fig. 19 are "General", "Loader", "Cutter", "Road", and "Snow".

[0148] "General" is the normal setting work mode. "Loader" is the work mode that uses a loader. "Cutter" is the work mode that uses a grass cutter. "Road" is the work mode that travels on roads. "Snow" is the work mode that travels on snow-covered ground.

[0149] For each of the five work mode options, the control content 152 that will be set for the work vehicle 200 in the corresponding work mode is displayed on the display element 13 (step S102). The control contents exemplified in Fig. 19 are "Stall guard", "Auto H-DS", "HST response", and "Auto throttle advance". Whether each of the "Stall guard", "Auto H-DS", and "Auto throttle advance" controls is on or off is displayed, and the level of the "HST response" is also displayed.

[0150] When the user operates the input device 170 to select one of the work modes, the processor 434 causes the display element 13 to display a settings window for changing the control details of the work vehicle 200 in the selected work mode (step S103). Here, as an example, it is assumed that the user has selected the work mode "Cutter."

[0151] 20 is a diagram showing an example of the display element 13 displaying a settings window 153 for changing the control details of the work vehicle 200 in the selected work mode. In the example shown in Fig. 20, the user can set the on / off of each of the "Stall guard" and "Auto H-DS" controls.

[0152] When the user operates the input device 170 to change the control content, the processor 434 displays the changed control content 152 on the display element 13. The processor 611a of the ECU 610a changes the control content in response to the user's operation of the input device 170. The processor 611a stores the changed control content in the memory 612a and maintains the changed control (steps S104 and S105). If the user does not change the control content, the current setting is maintained.

[0153] 21 is a diagram showing an example of the display element 13 displaying the changed control content 152. The processor 434 causes the display element 13 to display the changed control content together with a mark 161 indicating that it has been changed. By looking at the mark 161, the user can easily confirm the control content that has been changed from the default setting.

[0154] An image 162 of a button for resetting the contents of the control is displayed on the display element 13. When the user operates the input device 170 to select resetting the contents of the changed control, the processor 434 and the processor 611a reset the contents of the control to the default settings. In this way, the user can return the contents of the control to the default settings as needed.

[0155] In this embodiment, the processor 434 causes the display element 13 to display a plurality of options 151 for the user to select one of a plurality of work modes, together with the work names corresponding to the work modes assigned to each of the plurality of options 151. The processor 434 also causes the display element 13 to display, for each of the plurality of options 151, the control content 152 to be set on the work vehicle 200.

[0156] The user can easily select a work mode appropriate for the work to be performed by looking at the "work name" displayed on the display element 13. The user can also easily check the control content 152 that is set in each work mode. By setting the work vehicle 200 to the control content 152 that corresponds to the work mode selected by the user, the user does not need to individually set multiple types of control appropriate for the work to be performed.

[0157] Next, the display of the control state of the work vehicle 200 will be described.

[0158] Various controls are performed on the work vehicle 200, and by displaying parameters related to these controls on the display element 13, for example, the user can easily recognize the control status of the work vehicle 200.

[0159] The sensor group 620 ( FIG. 11 ) includes, for example, a position sensor that detects the amount of accelerator pedal operation, an angle sensor that detects the angle of the swash plate of the HST 211, a position sensor that detects the position (e.g., angle) of a lift arm attached to the work vehicle 200, and an angle sensor that detects the turning angle of the steering wheel 204F of the work vehicle 200. Based on the output signals of these sensors, the processor 611a can obtain information on the amount of accelerator pedal operation, the angle of the swash plate of the HST 211, the position of the lift arm, and the turning angle of the steering wheel 204F.

[0160] For example, the processor 611a displays indicators showing the accelerator pedal operation amount, the angle of the swash plate of the HST 211, the position of the lift arm, and the turning angle of the steering wheel 204F on the display element 13. Furthermore, when these parameters reach their maximum or minimum values, the processor 611a may notify the user by generating a sound from a speaker.

[0161] 22 is a diagram showing an example of the display element 13 displaying an indicator 155a indicating the amount of accelerator operation by the user. In the example shown in FIG. 22, the indicator 155a is displayed on the display element 13 together with an image 156a representing the amount of accelerator pedal operation. The indicator 155a is, for example, a bar graph, and displays the amount of accelerator operation by the user. By looking at the indicator 155a, the user can intuitively recognize the amount of accelerator operation. Furthermore, the user can intuitively recognize how much accelerator operation is remaining.

[0162] 23 is a diagram showing an example of the display element 13 displaying an indicator 155b indicating the angle of the swash plate of the HST 211. In the example shown in FIG. 23, the indicator 155b is displayed on the display element 13 together with an image 156b representing the swash plate of the HST 211. The indicator 155b is, for example, a bar graph, and displays the angle of the swash plate of the HST 211. By looking at the indicator 155b, the user can intuitively recognize the angle of the swash plate of the HST 211. Furthermore, the user can intuitively recognize how much time is left until the gear shift stage is changed.

[0163] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of the display element 13 displaying an indicator 155c indicating the position of the lift arm. In the example shown in FIG. 24, the indicator 155c is displayed on the display element 13 together with an image 156c representing the lift arm. The indicator 155c is, for example, a bar graph, and indicates the position of the lift arm. By looking at the indicator 155c, the user can intuitively recognize the position of the lift arm. Furthermore, the user can intuitively recognize how much further the position of the lift arm can be changed.

[0164] Fig. 25 is a diagram showing an example of the display element 13 displaying an indicator 155d indicating the turning angle of the steered wheel 204F. In the example shown in Fig. 25, the indicator 155d is displayed on the display element 13 together with an image 156d representing the turning angle of the steered wheel 204F. The indicator 155d is, for example, a bar graph, and displays the turning angle of the steered wheel 204F. By looking at the indicator 155d, the user can intuitively recognize the turning angle of the steered wheel 204F. Furthermore, the user can intuitively recognize how much further the turning angle can be changed.

[0165] The various processes executed by ECU 610a described above may be performed by control device 400, or may be performed by ECU 610a in cooperation with control device 400. Furthermore, the various processes executed by control device 400 described above may be performed by ECU 610a, or may be performed by control device 400 in cooperation with ECU 610a.

[0166] The information display system in the above embodiments can also be retrofitted to a work vehicle that does not have these 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, by being stored on a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium. The computer program can also be provided by downloading via a telecommunications line (for example, the Internet).

[0167] The technology of the present disclosure is widely applicable to various types of work vehicles used in, for example, smart agriculture.

[0168] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10: Meter section, 11: First analog meter, 12: Second analog meter, 13: Display element, 14T: Indicator area, 14L: Indicator area, 14R: Indicator area, 17: Three-dimensional scale, 20: Wall surface section, 30: Transparent cover, 30A: Front section of transparent cover, 30B: Side section of transparent cover, 40: Arc-shaped indicator, 50: End cover, 100: Meter panel unit, 400: Control device, 500: Information display system (control system)

Claims

1. A control system for a work vehicle, comprising: a meter panel unit having a digital display; and a control device that controls the operation of the meter panel unit, wherein the work vehicle can set a work mode selected by a user from a plurality of work modes, and control contents of the work vehicle are set for each of the plurality of work modes, and the control device: causes a plurality of options for the user to select one of the plurality of work modes to be displayed on the digital display together with work names corresponding to the work modes assigned to the respective options; and causes the digital display to display the control contents set for the work vehicle in the corresponding work mode for each of the plurality of options.

2. The control contents of the work vehicle in each of the plurality of work modes can be changed, and when the user selects a first work mode among the plurality of work modes, the control device causes a setting window for changing the control contents of the work vehicle in the first work mode to be displayed on the digital display.

3. The control device according to claim 2, wherein the control device changes the control contents of the work vehicle in the first work mode in response to an operation of a user interface by the user.

4. The control system according to claim 3, further comprising a storage device that stores the changed control contents of the work vehicle, and the control device maintains the changed control of the work vehicle in the first work mode.

5. The control system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the control device causes the digital display to display the changed control contents of the work vehicle together with a mark indicating that the contents have been changed.

6. The control system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein when the user selects to reset the changed control contents of the work vehicle, the control device resets the changed control contents of the work vehicle.

7. The control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of work modes include two or more of a work mode using a loader, a work mode using a mower, a work mode for traveling on a road, and a work mode for traveling on a snow-covered ground.

8. The control of the work vehicle set for each of the plurality of work modes includes one or more of control according to the load applied to the prime mover of the work vehicle, control for changing the ratio of changing the rotational speed of the prime mover according to the accelerator operation of the user, and control for changing the responsiveness of the hydrostatic continuously variable transmission of the work vehicle. The control system according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The control according to the load applied to the prime mover includes one or more of control for suppressing engine stall and control for switching the gear stage of the transmission of the work vehicle according to the load applied to the prime mover. The control system according to claim 8.

10. The control device causes the digital display to display an indicator indicating the accelerator operation amount of the user. The control system according to claim 1 or 2.

11. The control device causes the digital display to display an indicator indicating the angle of the swash plate of the hydrostatic continuously variable transmission of the work vehicle. The control system according to claim 1 or 2.

12. The control device causes the digital display to display an indicator indicating the position of the lift arm attached to the work vehicle. The control system according to claim 1 or 2.

13. The control device causes the digital display to display an indicator indicating the steering angle of the steering wheel of the work vehicle. The control system according to claim 1 or 2.

14. A work vehicle equipped with the control system according to claim 1 or 2.

15. The work vehicle is a mobile agricultural machine. The work vehicle according to claim 14.

16. The work vehicle is a tractor. The work vehicle according to claim 14.

17. A control method for controlling a work vehicle, executed by one or more computers, wherein the work vehicle can set a work mode selected by a user from a plurality of work modes, the control content of the work vehicle is set for each of the plurality of work modes, and the control method includes: displaying, on a digital display of a meter panel unit, a plurality of options for the user to select one of the plurality of work modes, together with work names corresponding to the work modes assigned to the respective options; and for each of the plurality of options, displaying, on the digital display, the control content set for the work vehicle in the corresponding work mode.

18. A computer program for causing one or more computers to execute control of a work vehicle, wherein the work vehicle can set a work mode selected by a user from a plurality of work modes, the control content of the work vehicle is set for each of the plurality of work modes, and the computer program causes the one or more computers to: display, on a digital display of a meter panel unit, a plurality of options for the user to select one of the plurality of work modes, together with work names corresponding to the work modes assigned to the respective options; and for each of the plurality of options, display, on the digital display, the control content set for the work vehicle in the corresponding work mode.

Images