Agricultural Cab Visualization for Operator Fatigue Feedback

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing agricultural work machine systems focus on minimizing operator errors by adapting to attention span but fail to enhance operator satisfaction through increased attention and productivity.

Innovation Solution

A driver's cab system that processes monitoring data to recommend actions via a visualization system, adjusting display content and mode based on the operator's physical condition, using displays integrated into the windshield and pillars, and incorporating audio and seat adjustments to enhance attention and productivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the system adapts to minimize operator errors by adjusting to attention span, then operator safety is improved, but operator satisfaction does not increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator safetyVSAvoidoperator satisfaction
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors operator physical condition through sensors (heart rate, temperature, galvanic skin response) and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust visualization information and recommend actions, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to operator state in real-time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameters of visualization information (content, intensity, timing) based on detected operator physical condition parameters, transforming static information display into a dynamic adaptation process that responds to operator physiological states

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of information

If the system provides comprehensive monitoring and visualization information, then operator awareness is improved, but information overload may reduce effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator awarenessVSAvoidinformation processing ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different information presentation strategies to different operator states, providing localized information quality matching the specific physical condition detected (e.g., simplified information for fatigued operators, detailed information for alert operators)

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The information display system transitions from static to dynamic adaptation, continuously adjusting the amount and type of visualization information based on real-time operator physical condition monitoring, making the information flow adaptive rather than fixed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the system recommends actions based on physical condition, then operator productivity is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator productivityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system integrates multiple functions into a unified platform: physical condition monitoring, data processing, visualization information generation, and recommendation delivery all operate through an integrated control unit, reducing overall system complexity despite the multi-functional capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4245588B1Driver's cab for an agricultural machine
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 CLAAS SELBSTFAHRENDE ERNTEMASCHINEN GMBH
  • EP4245588B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4245588B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4245588B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present application relates to a driver's cab (1) for an agricultural machine (2), comprising a windscreen (5) extending between two support columns (3, 4), a driver's seat (6), a visualization system (7) for visualizing information for a machine operator, a monitoring system (8) for recording information concerning the physical condition of the machine operator, and a control device (9) which is connected to the visualization system (7) and the monitoring system (8) in a data-transmitting manner.To increase the satisfaction of a machine operator achieved through and/or during the operation of a machine, it is proposed according to the invention that the control device (9) is configured to process information acquired by the monitoring system (8) and, depending on the information, to control the visualization system (7) so that at least one recommendation for action is visualized by means of the visualization system (7).