Implement Guidance Display for Work Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Operators of work vehicles equipped with movable work implements face challenges in precisely navigating these implements due to limited visibility and complex motion requirements, leading to reduced productivity and increased mental workload.

Innovation Solution

An implement guidance display system that uses a display device within the operator station to generate implement guidance symbology, including projected trajectories of the work implement and vehicle, based on tracking data from sensors and operator inputs, to provide visual guidance and enhance operator awareness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a boom assembly is used to mount the work implement, then the work implement can move in multiple degrees of freedom relative to the work vehicle chassis, but the operator's visibility of the work implement and surrounding environment is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework implement mobilityVSAvoidoperator visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a virtual copy of the work implement and its trajectory in the display, allowing the operator to see the implement's position and projected path without direct visual line-of-sight. The graphical representation replicates the physical implement's behavior, enabling indirect observation and control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system adds a visual information dimension by projecting the implement trajectory onto a display screen. This creates a second layer of information that shows the implement's path in advance, compensating for the physical visibility limitations imposed by the boom assembly configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the work implement is mounted to move relative to the work vehicle chassis, then the work implement can be positioned in various locations, but it becomes difficult for the operator to consistently command movement along an optimal path

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework implement positioningVSAvoidpath navigation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system calculates and displays the projected trajectory of the work implement before the operator executes the movement. This preliminary visualization allows the operator to anticipate the implement's path and make corrective steering adjustments in advance, ensuring more precise navigation along the optimal path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides continuous visual feedback by displaying the projected implement trajectory that updates as the operator steers the work vehicle. This real-time feedback loop enables the operator to adjust steering input to achieve the desired implement path, improving navigation precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the work implement moves through positions limiting operator visibility, then the work implement can reach various work positions, but overall productivity is reduced due to increased mental workload

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework implement reachVSAvoidmaterial handling productivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The display system acts as an intermediary between the operator and the work implement, providing visual information about the implement's position and trajectory. This intermediary information reduces the operator's mental workload by automatically calculating and presenting trajectory data, allowing faster decision-making and improved productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3744910B1Implement guidance display system for work vehicles
Publication Date: 2022.10.19 DEERE & CO
  • EP3744910B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3744910B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3744910B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An implement guidance display system may be deployed onboard a work vehicle including an operator station and chassis. The implement guidance display system includes a display device within the operator station of the work vehicle, implement data sources configured to provide implement tracking data pertaining to work the implement when mounted to the chassis, and a controller in signal communication with the display device and with the implement data sources. The controller is configured to: (i) receive the implement tracking data from the implement data sources; (ii) establish a projected trajectory of the work implement utilizing the implement tracking data; and (iii) generate, on the display device, implement trajectory symbology indicative of the projected trajectory of the work implement.