Hidden Lightbar Integrated Field Computer for Agricultural Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural vehicle operators face challenges in managing complex displays and controls, particularly when using field computers and light bars, which can be distracting and aesthetically unpleasing, especially when the field computer and light bar are mounted in inconvenient locations.
Innovation Solution
An integrated field computer with a touchscreen display and a light bar where the lighting elements are hidden unless illuminated, using a layer of glass and semi-transparent masks to create a 'dead front' appearance, focusing attention on the screen when not guiding and highlighting the light bar only when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a field computer and light bar are mounted separately on the agricultural vehicle, then both devices can be installed, but the operator faces distractions and complexity from multiple displays and controls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the field computer and light bar into a single integrated housing unit. The light bar is positioned behind the touchscreen display of the field computer, creating a unified device that eliminates the need for separate mounting locations. This integration reduces the number of displays and controls the operator must manage, directly addressing the distraction and complexity issues.
2Ease of operation
If the light bar is always visible on the field computer, then guidance feedback is always available, but the aesthetic appeal increases and distractions are reduced when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different transparency qualities to different regions of the field computer housing. The area behind the touchscreen display contains lighting elements that are hidden when off but visible when illuminated. This local variation in transparency allows the device to maintain a clean aesthetic appearance during normal operation while providing visible guidance feedback when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses lighting elements that can be illuminated to provide visual feedback. When these lights are off, they remain hidden, maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the field computer. When illumination is required for guidance, the lights activate, changing the optical properties of that region to provide necessary feedback without permanent visual clutter.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate devices are used for field guidance, then functional requirements are met, but the mounting location becomes inconvenient and operator awareness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the field computer and light bar into a single housing unit that can be mounted in one convenient location on the agricultural vehicle. This unified device eliminates the need to manage multiple separate mounting locations and their associated positioning challenges, while maintaining all necessary functional capabilities for field guidance and operator awareness.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design enhances the aesthetic appeal and reduces operator distractions by hiding the light bar when not in use, while providing clear guidance through the integrated light bar display without adding complexity, improving the overall operational experience.
Implementation Method 1
a light bar comprising a plurality of lighting elements arranged in a line on the field computer
Implementation Method 2
Opaque paint may be applied to the extended glass area with semi-transparent masks at locations for the lighting elements to allow for light to be emitted from the lighting elements through the semi-transparent masks
Implementation Method 3
Diffusion film may be applied at the locations for the lighting elements to diffuse and spread light emitted
Data Source
AI summary
A field computer for use in an agricultural vehicle is provided. The field computer includes a housing, a processor disposed within the housing, a touchscreen display operatively connected to the housing and the processor and forming an outer surface of the field computer, and a light bar comprising a plurality of lighting elements arranged in a line on the field computer. The lighting elements of the light bar are positioned such that the lighting elements remain hidden when not in use. The field computer is configured to provide feedback associated with operation of the agricultural vehicle by lighting one or more of the lighting elements in the light bar.