Transparent Door Display for Power Machine Operator Awareness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power machines, such as compact loaders, face challenges in efficiently performing repetitive tasks due to the need for continuous operator input, which can lead to reduced efficiency and increased time required to complete tasks.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a learning mode that allows the loader to record a series of operations for a specific task, enabling it to perform the task autonomously or semi-autonomously, with a touchscreen display integrated into the cab door providing augmented reality information like obstructions, paths, and boundaries to enhance operator control and situational awareness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If display panels are mounted in corners of the cab, then operational information can be provided to the operator, but the operator's situational awareness of the work area is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The display transitions from a traditional 2D panel mounted on the cab to a transparent display integrated into the door glass, utilizing the third dimension of the door structure. This allows information to be displayed in the operator's direct line of sight rather than requiring peripheral or downward glances, resolving the contradiction between information access and situational awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The display is positioned locally at the door where the operator naturally looks to view the work area. The transparent display material allows the work area to remain visible through it, creating a localized information display that does not compromise the overall visual field. This local placement optimizes both information delivery and situational awareness simultaneously.
2Ease of operation
If a touchscreen display is integrated into the cab door, then the operator can access information closer to the line of sight with the work area, but the door structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The door glass serves multiple functions: it remains a structural component of the cab door while simultaneously functioning as a transparent display medium and touchscreen interface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate display mounting structures, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity despite adding advanced display capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The display is integrated directly into the existing door glass structure rather than adding a separate physical display unit. By utilizing the door glass itself as the display substrate, the solution avoids complex mounting hardware and integration structures, minimizing the increase in device complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the loader performs repetitive tasks with continuous operator input, then task accuracy can be maintained, but task completion time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The loader system incorporates autonomous capability to perform repetitive tasks without continuous operator input. The system can independently execute recorded task sequences, providing self-service functionality that maintains task accuracy through programmed precision while dramatically reducing task completion time by eliminating repetitive manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system records and stores task sequences in advance, allowing the loader to automatically replay these pre-programmed actions during repetitive tasks. This preliminary action of recording and storing task data enables the system to perform subsequent identical tasks autonomously, maintaining consistency and accuracy while improving productivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed embodiments include power machines (100; 200; 300; 900; 1000; 1200; 1300; 1400; 1500) having doors (1410; 1510) with a display (1404; 1406; 1530; 1730) that allows the display of information, such as gauges, user inputs, mapped obstacles, boundaries, etc., allowing the operator of the machine to see the displayed information closer to the line of sight with the work area.