Array Field Lighting Control for Focused Off-Road Work Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting systems in off-road vehicles, such as agricultural and construction machines, often cause operator fatigue due to the need to constantly switch attention between in-cabin controls and the field, especially in low-light or inclement conditions, as they lack effective attention-drawing capabilities and limited illumination of the work area.
Innovation Solution
A high-definition pixel LED lighting system with a light control module and sensing devices that can automatically or manually direct light emissions to specific areas, such as error locations or work zones, using matrix lighting technology to enhance visibility and reduce operator distraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional lighting systems illuminate the surrounding area, then visibility is improved, but operator attention is distracted due to lack of focused illumination on specific work areas or errors
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system applies local quality by providing focused illumination on specific work areas or error locations rather than uniform lighting. The controller directs light emissions to particular zones based on sensor data, creating localized high-intensity illumination where needed while leaving other areas dimmer, thus improving visibility of critical elements without causing operator distraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the sensor detecting errors/work zones and the light emission system. It processes sensor information and automatically directs appropriate lighting to the relevant areas, eliminating the need for operator intervention in lighting control and maintaining continuous focused illumination on work areas or error locations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional in-cabin lights and controls are added to the vehicle, then operational control capability is improved, but operator fatigue increases due to constant back-and-forth monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system provides self-service by automatically adjusting illumination based on sensor input without requiring operator control. The system monitors work areas and error conditions independently, then autonomously directs lighting to appropriate zones, freeing the operator from manual lighting control tasks and reducing the cognitive load associated with monitoring multiple controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through sensors that continuously monitor work areas and error conditions, with the controller using this information to automatically adjust lighting. This closed-loop approach ensures lighting always matches actual work needs without operator intervention, reducing fatigue while maintaining adaptability.
3Illumination intensity
If conventional lighting systems provide general illumination, then overall visibility is improved, but specific error locations or work zones cannot be quickly identified
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by concentrating light emissions on specific error locations or work zones identified by sensors. Rather than providing diffuse general illumination, the controller directs focused lighting to precise areas where issues occur or work is being performed, enabling rapid error identification while maintaining overall scene visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-positioning lighting on potential work areas or error zones based on sensor detection before the operator needs to view them. This anticipatory illumination ensures that when the operator looks at a work area, it is already properly lit, eliminating delays in error identification.
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
The system improves visibility and reduces operator fatigue by providing focused and adjustable illumination, allowing operators to quickly identify issues and maintain attention on the task at hand, even in challenging environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A high-definition pixel LED lighting system with a light control module and sensing devices that can automatically or manually direct light emissions to specific areas
Data Source
AI summary
A control system of an off-road work vehicle for performing a work function includes a controller for controlling the work vehicle, a light control module for controlling a lighting system of the work vehicle, and a sensing device disposed in communication with the controller. The lighting system includes a array field light that is operably controllable to project a light emission. The sensing device signals a location to be illuminated by the array field light to the controller, and the light control module operably controls an output of the array field light to direct substantially its entire light emission at the location.