Agricultural Cab Display With Parallax-Corrected Blind-Spot View

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Solution Overview

Problem

Agricultural work vehicles face restricted operator visibility due to massive columns and large components, leading to limited cognitive perception and reduced operational efficiency, with existing aids not seamlessly integrating into the operator's natural field of vision.

Innovation Solution

An agricultural machine with a control unit connected to optical sensor units and a display device that projects environmental images, using parallax shift to adapt the projection to the operator's field of vision, and optionally displaying obstructing components in a semi-transparent manner to enhance visibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If display devices are installed on the agricultural work vehicle to show surrounding images, then the operator's perception of the environment is improved, but the operator's gaze must shift between the display device and the windshield, reducing operation intuitiveness and increasing fatigue

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental perceptionVSAvoidoperation intuitiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A projection device acts as an intermediary between the optical sensor units and the operator's field of vision. It projects the captured images directly onto the windshield or a transparent display surface positioned in the operator's line of sight, serving as a mediator that integrates environmental information without requiring the operator to shift gaze to separate display devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution transitions from a two-dimensional display surface requiring gaze redirection to a three-dimensional spatial integration where images are projected directly into the operator's field of vision through the windshield, effectively adding a new dimension to information presentation that overlays environmental data onto the natural viewing path

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

2Strength

If the agricultural work vehicle is equipped with large components and massive pillars for structural support, then the vehicle's strength and stability are improved, but the operator's field of vision is restricted, creating blind spots and reducing cognitive perception

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle structural strengthVSAvoidoperator field of vision
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

Optical sensor units capture images of the surrounding environment, creating visual copies of areas that are physically blocked by the vehicle's structural components. These image copies are then projected onto the windshield, allowing the operator to see replicated views of blind spots without requiring physical removal of structural pillars or components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The projection device serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the operator's limited physical view and the complete environmental picture. It mediates by overlaying projected images from optical sensors onto the windshield, compensating for visual blockages caused by necessary structural components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If optical sensor units are installed to detect the surroundings, then environmental detection capability is improved, but the projected images do not align with the operator's natural field of vision, reducing operational efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental detection precisionVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The projection device is designed to dynamically adjust the projected images based on the operator's field of vision and head position. The system continuously adapts the projection parameters to maintain alignment with the operator's natural viewing angle, ensuring that environmental information remains accurately positioned regardless of operator movement or vehicle operation changes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes projection parameters such as position, angle, and scale to match the operator's field of vision. By dynamically adjusting these parameters based on detected operator position and vehicle state, the system maintains optimal alignment between projected environmental data and the operator's natural line of sight

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This solution expands the operator's field of vision, reduces blind spots, and enables safer and more efficient operation by integrating environmental data into the operator's natural perspective, improving concentration and reducing fatigue.

Implementation Method 1

optical sensor unit for detecting the surroundings of the work machine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

optical display device for projecting images detected by means of the at least one optical sensor unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight refraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP3794927B1Agricultural machine
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 CLAAS TRACTOR
  • EP3794927B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3794927B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present invention relates to an agricultural work machine (1, 2) comprising a cabin (3) and a control unit (11), wherein the control unit (11) is operatively connected to at least one optical sensor unit (10, 17) for detecting the environment of the work machine (1), and to an optical display device (13) for projecting images detected by means of the at least one optical sensor unit (10, 17) and evaluated by the control unit (11), wherein the cabin (3) is associated with a sensor device (12) which detects the position of the field of vision of an operator (9) of the work machine (1), and wherein the control unit (11) is configured to evaluate the signals of the sensor device (12) in order to control the display device (12) to adapt the displayed image to the position of the detected field of vision of the operator (9).