Work Vehicle Meter Panel Layout for High-Visibility Information Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

Agricultural and construction machines require improved information display systems to effectively notify operators of various kinds of information during operations, as increased information display reduces visibility and makes it difficult to obtain necessary data.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a meter panel unit with a display element and control device that includes a display region for item images, type icons, and graphical user interfaces (GUIs) to organize and display operation-related information, allowing for high visibility and easy access to settings and performance monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If the amount of information displayed on the meter panel increases, then the completeness of information notification is improved, but the visibility and ease of obtaining necessary information deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of information notificationVSAvoidvisibility and ease of obtaining information
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The display region is divided into multiple item regions, each dedicated to displaying specific operational information. This segmentation allows comprehensive information to be organized into discrete, easily locatable sections, resolving the contradiction between displaying complete information and maintaining visibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a hierarchical display structure with main item regions and sub-item regions, effectively adding a dimensional layer to the information presentation. This allows comprehensive information to be displayed without cluttering the primary view, as detailed information can be accessed through structured navigation.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If more kinds of information are displayed to support various agricultural works, then the versatility of the work vehicle is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of information retrieval increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveversatility for various agricultural worksVSAvoidcomplexity of information display system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The meter panel unit is designed with a universal display framework that can accommodate multiple types of operational information through standardized item regions. This allows the same display system to serve various agricultural work requirements without increasing structural complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The display system dynamically adjusts which information is shown in which item regions based on the current operational context. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to maintain simplicity for specific tasks while providing comprehensive information when needed, without requiring multiple fixed display systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4681964A1Information display system, image display method, computer program, and work vehicle
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 KUBOTA CORP
  • EP4681964A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4681964A1 patent drawingFigure 1B~2
  • EP4681964A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An information display system for a work vehicle includes a meter panel unit including a display element and a control device configured to control the meter panel unit. The display element includes a display region in which an item image indicating an item on which a user can perform a specific operation is to be displayed, and the control device causes the display region to display the item image including a type icon indicating a type of the operation.