Forestry Machine Control System Driver Alertness Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing forestry machine control systems primarily focus on machine performance, neglecting human factors that significantly impact productivity, leading to driver information overload and mental stress, with inadequate analysis of operational data.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that incorporate driver operation data into the control system to adjust parameters for improved fuel efficiency and productivity, monitoring both the machine and driver, and adapting to the driver's state of alertness, with the ability to correct erroneous operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If the driver is provided with extensive reports and material about machine operation, then the information available for analysis increases, but the driver experiences information overload and mental stress, leading to inadequate analysis

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation analysis qualityVSAvoiddriver mental load
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary system (control system with processing unit) that acts as a mediator between the machine data and the driver. This intermediary automatically analyzes operational data, identifies deviations from optimal performance, and provides targeted feedback, thereby reducing the driver's information processing burden while maintaining high analysis quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements automated feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor machine operation and driver actions, comparing actual performance against optimal parameters. The feedback is processed and presented in a simplified manner that guides the driver toward improved performance without overwhelming them with raw data

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the control system monitors only machine performance parameters, then the technological performance monitoring is simplified, but human factors affecting productivity are ignored

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall productivityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is designed with multi-functionality, serving both traditional machine performance monitoring and the new function of analyzing driver behavior and human factors. The processing unit handles diverse data types (machine parameters, operational patterns, driver actions) through a unified analysis framework, enabling productivity improvement without requiring completely separate systems

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary analysis of operational data to establish baseline performance patterns and identify optimal operating procedures before actual operation. This preliminary characterization of machine and driver behavior enables the system to provide proactive guidance and corrections, improving productivity before suboptimal patterns become entrenched

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Duration of action of moving object

If the driver operates the machine over long uninterrupted periods, then continuous operation is achieved, but the driver experiences mental stress and reduced analysis accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous operation durationVSAvoidoperational analysis accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements continuous feedback monitoring of both machine operation and driver state throughout extended operating periods. By comparing actual performance against established baselines and providing real-time guidance, the system maintains analysis accuracy even during long uninterrupted operations when driver fatigue might otherwise degrade performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2504817B1Method carried out in a forestry machine and corresponding forestry machine
Publication Date: 2020.08.05 PONSSE OY
  • EP2504817B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2504817B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2504817B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

An apparatus comprising means for collecting data measured from operation and/or a state of a forestry machine and/or describing an environment thereof, which data may consist of one or more parameters, means for processing the collected data, and means for influencing, on the basis of the processed data, one or more parameters controlling the operation of the forestry machine or for conveying feedback or an instruction or a prompt to a driver to change his or her control.