Agricultural Machine Interface for Operating Parameter Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Agricultural machine operators face challenges in finding the optimal setting of operating parameters due to limited predictability of the effects of changing these parameters, as existing systems only provide information on the deviation from optimal values without clear guidance on the overall optimization impact.

Innovation Solution

An agricultural working machine equipped with a driver assistance system that includes a memory, computing device, and graphical user interface, which evaluates and displays the relationships between operating parameters using a map system to show how changes in one parameter affect others, particularly in the context of traction and ballasting, enhancing user understanding of parameter adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a graphical user interface displays only the degree of deviation from optimal operating parameters, then the interface remains simple and easy to understand, but the user lacks information about the overall optimization result and the predictability of parameter changes is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation about optimization resultVSAvoidgraphical user interface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The graphical user interface is segmented into multiple functional display areas: a first display area showing the degree of deviation from optimal operating parameters, and a second display area showing the overall optimization result. This segmentation allows comprehensive information presentation while maintaining interface organization and usability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The interface adds a new dimension of information display by introducing a vertical or horizontal separation between deviation information and overall optimization results. This dimensional expansion enables the presentation of multiple layers of information without overwhelming the user, transforming a single-dimensional display into a multi-dimensional information architecture.

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

2Reliability

If the system provides comprehensive information about all operating parameters and their relationships, then the predictability of parameter changes improves, but the information processing requirements and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepredictability of parameter changesVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring operating parameters, comparing them against optimal values stored in memory, and displaying both deviation degrees and overall optimization results. This feedback loop provides users with real-time information about parameter relationships and their impact on overall optimization, enhancing predictability without requiring complex manual calculations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The graphical user interface acts as an intermediary between the complex underlying parameter relationships and the user. It translates raw parameter data into meaningful visual representations, showing both individual parameter deviations and their cumulative effect on overall optimization, thereby simplifying the user's understanding without reducing the system's analytical capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of information

If the system displays detailed evaluation data for operating parameters over the entire display value range, then the user gains comprehensive insight into parameter relationships, but the display becomes cluttered and harder to interpret

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveevaluation data informationVSAvoidease of interpreting display
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The interface applies local quality by displaying evaluation data specifically for the current operating point and its immediate vicinity, rather than uniformly across the entire display value range. This focused approach presents relevant information clearly while avoiding clutter from less relevant data, maintaining ease of interpretation without sacrificing important insights.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-calculates and stores evaluation data in memory for various operating parameter combinations before operation. During actual operation, the graphical user interface retrieves and displays only the pre-computed evaluation data relevant to current operating conditions, avoiding the need to process and display all possible data combinations in real-time, thus maintaining display clarity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3300978B1Agricultural work machine
Publication Date: 2023.09.27 CLAAS TRACTOR
  • EP3300978B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3300978B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3300978B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c

AI summary

The invention relates to an agricultural machine (1) with a driver assistance system (3) comprising a memory (4) for storing data, a computing device (5) for processing the data stored in the memory (4) and a graphical user interface (6), wherein the computing device (5) graphically displays an operating data field (12) via the user interface (6), which represents a display value range for a first operating parameter (B1), and graphically displays the current value for the first operating parameter (B1) in the operating data field (12).It is proposed that the computing device (5) evaluates the first operating parameter (B1) over at least part of the display value range according to an evaluation criterion relating to a second operating parameter (B2), and that the computing device (5) performs the evaluation of the first operating parameter (B1) based on a relationship between the first operating parameter (B1) and the second operating parameter (B2) contained in a characteristic map system (15), and graphically displays the evaluation data thus determined in the operating data field (12).