Agricultural HMI Proximity Sensing for Accurate Input Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing human machine interfaces for agricultural machines lack the ability to accurately detect and differentiate between multiple input elements being approached by an operator's hand, leading to potential confusion and unintended function execution.
Innovation Solution
A human machine interface with proximity sensors that determine the distance of an operator's hand to multiple input elements, using a control unit to prioritize and execute functions based on predefined distance thresholds and zones, ensuring accurate selection of input elements before physical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If proximity sensors are added to detect hand approach to input elements, then the ability to accurately detect and differentiate between multiple input elements is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel is divided into multiple zones, each associated with specific input elements. The proximity sensor continuously monitors hand position and determines which zone the hand is approaching, allowing the system to differentiate between multiple input elements without requiring individual sensors for each element.
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects hand approach to input elements before physical contact occurs. By identifying the intended input element in advance through proximity detection and zone determination, the system prepares to execute the corresponding function, preventing unintended activations.
2Productivity
If the system executes functions based on hand proximity to multiple input elements, then operational efficiency is improved, but the risk of unintended function execution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system determines the intended input element by detecting hand approach and identifying the associated zone before function execution. This preliminary determination ensures that only the correctly intended function is activated, preventing unintended executions while maintaining efficient operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The proximity sensor continuously provides feedback on hand position relative to input elements. The control unit processes this feedback to determine which zone the hand is approaching and selects the corresponding input element, ensuring accurate function execution based on real-time hand position information.
3Ease of operation
If multiple zones are defined for different input elements, then the ability to select the correct input element is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel surface is segmented into multiple zones, each corresponding to specific input elements. This segmentation allows the system to determine which input element the operator intends to use by detecting which zone the hand is approaching, simplifying the selection process without requiring complex identification mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise control of agricultural machinery functions by allowing the interface to execute the intended function before hand contact, reducing unintended activations and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one proximity sensor configured to determine a distance between an approaching hand and the first and/or second input element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A human machine interface (106) for controlling an agricultural machine (102) is equipped with a first input element (206) being distant from a reference point (228) and a second input element (216) being more distant from the reference point (228) than the first input element (206). Proximity sensors (110) of the first input element (206) and the second input element (216) are configured for determining an approaching hand (602). A control unit (226) may execute a method for checking whether the approaching hand (602) is in a far distance (608) or a close distance (610).