Cargo HMI for Scalable Autonomy and Unified Mode Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Typical cargo loading systems face reduced autonomy due to environmental changes and wear and tear, requiring multiple human machine interfaces to accommodate varying autonomy levels, which complicates operation and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A cargo controller with a touch screen display, processor, and memory that presents multiple operating modes (autonomous, semi-autonomous, manual, and discrete) to operators, allowing for seamless transitions and enhanced interaction with cargo handling systems through a unified human machine interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple human machine interfaces are used to accommodate different autonomy levels, then the system can maintain reliability across varying autonomy levels, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single human machine interface that can operate across multiple autonomy levels (manual, semi-autonomous, and autonomous modes). This universal interface replaces the need for multiple specialized interfaces, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to support varying autonomy levels. The interface adapts its functionality based on the selected autonomy level, allowing operators to interact with the system appropriately regardless of the autonomy mode.
2Device complexity
If a single human machine interface is used for all autonomy levels, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different operational modes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The human machine interface is designed to dynamically adapt its behavior and capabilities based on the selected autonomy level. The system can transition between manual mode, semi-autonomous mode, and autonomous mode, with the interface adjusting its functionality accordingly. This dynamic adaptability allows a single interface to serve multiple purposes effectively, maintaining versatility without requiring multiple specialized interfaces.
3Reliability
If the system operates at reduced autonomy levels due to environmental changes and wear, then the system reliability is maintained, but the productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a semi-autonomous mode that represents a partial automation level between manual and full autonomous operation. This intermediate mode allows the system to maintain higher productivity than manual operation while being more reliable than full autonomous operation under degraded conditions. The interface supports this partial automation level, enabling operators to supervise automated processes rather than control every action, thus achieving a balance between speed and reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A controller for a cargo handling system. The controller includes a touch screen display (412), a processor (446), and a memory operatively coupled to the processor. The memory includes instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: present multiple cargo operating modes to an operator via the touch screen display; responsive to receiving a selection of a cargo operating mode from the multiple cargo operating modes, present a set of operations associated with the cargo operating mode to the operator; and, responsive to receiving a selection of at least one operation from the set of operations associated with the cargo operating mode, sending at least one command to the cargo handling system.