3D Touch Guidance Interface for Agricultural Vehicle Autosteering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current automatic guidance systems for agricultural vehicles require close operator monitoring due to potential misinterpretation of image data, leading to increased operator workload and the need for manual intervention.

Innovation Solution

An operating system that utilizes a three-dimensional imaging device and a touch-sensitive display unit to capture and interact with real objects, generating three-dimensional data set-based command signals for controlling the vehicle, allowing for direct manipulation of displayed objects to control the agricultural vehicle's steering, throttle, and brakes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If automatic steering devices are used to relieve the operator, then the operator's workload is reduced, but the operator needs to monitor the device closely and may need to take over manually due to misinterpretation of image data, thus increasing workload

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator workloadVSAvoidautomatic guidance system reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the data representation parameter from two-dimensional image data to three-dimensional data sets, which provide more accurate spatial information about the environment. This parameter change enables more reliable automatic guidance while reducing the need for operator monitoring, as the 3D data structure inherently provides better depth and distance information for navigation decisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If traditional two-dimensional image data is used for guidance, then the system is simpler, but the operator needs to monitor closely due to potential misinterpretation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidoperator monitoring requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds a third dimension to the data representation by using three-dimensional data sets instead of traditional two-dimensional images. This dimensional enhancement provides explicit depth and distance information, reducing ambiguity in environmental perception and decreasing the operator's need for close monitoring, while the touch-sensitive interface maintains ease of use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the operator manually controls the vehicle, then the operator has full control, but the operator needs to control several tasks simultaneously, increasing workload

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator control flexibilityVSAvoidoperator workload
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a multi-functional operating system that can operate in multiple modes: fully automatic guidance using three-dimensional data, semi-automatic mode where the operator can intervene, and manual control. The touch-sensitive display provides a universal interface for all operating modes, allowing the operator to switch between tasks and control levels as needed, reducing workload while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2798928B1Operating system for and method of operating an automatic guidance system of an agricultural vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.02.07 CLAAS E SYSTEMS GMBH
  • EP2798928B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2798928B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2798928B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An operating system for operating an automatic guidance system (22) of an agricultural vehicle (12), comprising at least one three-dimensional imaging device (24) for capturing a real object and for deriving a three-dimensional data set for the real object, and a touch-sensitive display unit (28) for displaying an object (40,42) and for receiving a touch input. According to the invention the operating system (10) is configured for generating three-dimensional data set based command signals (46) corresponding to the interaction with the displayed object (40) for operating the automatic guidance system (22). The operating system (10) allows for an easy and efficient way to operate the automatic guidance system (22), reducing the stress and workload for the operator.