Cargo Touchscreen Interface for Multi-Level Autonomy Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cargo loading systems face reduced autonomy due to environmental changes and wear and tear, necessitating 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 unit load devices and power drive units, incorporating physical buttons and wireless communication for redundancy and emergency functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple human machine interfaces are used to accommodate different autonomy levels, then the system can maintain operation under varying conditions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo controller is designed as a universal interface that can operate at multiple autonomy levels (autonomous, semi-autonomous, manual, and discrete modes). Instead of requiring separate HMI devices for each autonomy level, a single controller adapts its functionality based on the selected mode, thereby reducing the number of devices needed while maintaining adaptability across all operational scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The cargo controller dynamically adjusts its operational characteristics based on the selected autonomy level. The system transitions between different modes (autonomous, semi-autonomous, manual, discrete) and modifies its behavior accordingly, allowing a single static device to perform the roles of multiple dynamic interfaces.
2Reliability
If the system operates at reduced autonomy due to environmental changes and wear, then reliability is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo controller dynamically adapts to changing environmental conditions and system wear by adjusting the autonomy level. When environmental stressors or wear are detected, the system can transition from autonomous to semi-autonomous or manual modes, maintaining reliable operation while continuing to perform cargo loading tasks, thus preserving productivity that would otherwise be lost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (autonomy level, control mode) in response to environmental conditions and wear detection. This allows the system to maintain optimal performance within safe operating boundaries, ensuring reliability is preserved while minimizing the impact on productivity through adaptive parameter adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller for a cargo handling system. The controller includes a touch screen display, a processor, 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.