Agricultural Interface Softkey Actuation Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing human-machine interfaces for agricultural implements, particularly those using ISO data bus systems, face limitations in the number of freely assignable softkey input keys, making it impractical to adjust multiple operating parameters, such as relief pressure for multiple mowers, as they require multiple softkey input buttons for both increasing and decreasing settings.
Innovation Solution
Assigning a single second softkey input button to adjust operating parameters in a defined range, where a tap-like action increases the parameter in one direction and continuous actuation decreases it in the opposite direction, with adjustable adjustment steps and signal tones for feedback, allowing for efficient adjustment of multiple parameters with fewer keys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple softkey input buttons are assigned for each operating parameter (one for increasing, one for decreasing), then the adjustability of operating parameters is improved, but the number of required keys increases beyond available keys
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single softkey input button perform multiple functions by detecting different actuation patterns. The same button can increase a parameter when tapped briefly and decrease it when held down continuously, eliminating the need for separate buttons for each direction and enabling adjustment of multiple operating parameters within the limited key count
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic behavior to the softkey input button by detecting the duration of actuation. The button's function changes based on whether it is pressed briefly or held down, allowing the system to differentiate between increment and decrement operations using a single static physical component
2Ease of operation
If the number of softkey input keys is reduced to match available keys, then the ease of operation is improved, but the ability to adjust multiple parameters efficiently deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic or repeated tapping actions to adjust parameters in one direction, while continuous holding provides adjustment in the opposite direction. This allows rapid adjustment through repeated taps when needed, while maintaining the ability to make larger adjustments through continuous holding
3Device complexity
If a single softkey input button is used for both increasing and decreasing parameters, then the number of keys is reduced, but the ease of detecting actuation type (tap vs. continuous) must be improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms including signal tones that differ based on actuation type, and display elements that indicate the current adjustment direction and status. This feedback helps the operator understand whether their tap or continuous press was registered correctly and what effect it will have on the parameter
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Human-machine interface (2) for an agricultural implement (9) that can be controlled or regulated via an ISO data bus (10), with a screen (4) and with several softkey input keys (5, 6) which perform different functions depending on an associated screen display of the screen (4), wherein the softkey input keys (5, 6) are designed as hardware keys or as areas of the screen (4) which is designed as a touch screen, wherein first softkey input keys (5) are pre-assigned with corresponding functions on the control side, whereas second softkey input keys (6) can be freely assigned with corresponding functions.At least one of the second softkey input keys (6) is assigned a function for adjusting an operating parameter of the work device (9) to be controlled or regulated, such that when the respective second softkey input key (6) is briefly pressed, the corresponding operating parameter can be adjusted in a defined range in a first direction, and when the respective second softkey input key (6) is continuously pressed, the corresponding operating parameter can be adjusted in the defined range in a second, opposite direction.