Mobile Display for Agricultural Machine Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural machines often have low-resolution and non-mobile user interfaces, such as the 'virtual terminal' (VT), which can be difficult for drivers to see and operate, especially when seated in varying positions, limiting their ability to effectively display and input machine-specific information and commands.
Innovation Solution
A system that integrates a programmable electronic control unit with a microcontroller connected to a mobile computer unit via wired or wireless communication, allowing for a mobile display and input of machine-specific information and commands, eliminating the need for a stationary user interface and enabling secure data exchange through a machine-specific bus system like ISOBUS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a stationary virtual terminal (VT) is mounted on the driver's cab, then the user interface is integrated in the machine, but the driver cannot optimally see and operate it due to fixed position and low resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the stationary virtual terminal into a dynamic system by enabling the display to move between fixed mounting positions and portable handheld usage. The display can be detached and carried to different locations, allowing the driver to optimally position it for viewing and operation regardless of seating position or task requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a portable interface device as an intermediary between the driver and the machine's control system. This handheld display acts as a mediator that can be physically moved and positioned flexibly, bridging the gap between the fixed machine controls and the driver's varying operational positions.
2Manufacturing precision
If a low-resolution virtual terminal is used, then the system is simple and integrated, but the display quality no longer meets current technical standards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the display function from the fixed virtual terminal and places it in a portable handheld device. This separation allows the display component to be upgraded to high-resolution standards independent of the machine's integrated control system, while the machine itself retains its original control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a portable copy of the virtual terminal interface that replicates the machine's control and monitoring functions. This handheld replica provides high-resolution display capabilities while maintaining the same operational interface, allowing drivers to access machine data with modern display quality.
3Ease of operation
If the display is fixed on one side of the driver's cab, then the mounting is simple, but the driver may not be able to see it optimally depending on seating position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the fixed mounting constraint into a dynamic positioning system. The display can be mounted in a fixed location when needed, but also detached and carried to different positions, allowing the driver to optimize visibility based on seating position, task requirements, and environmental conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for an agricultural machine for displaying machine-specific information and inputting machine-specific commands comprising a programmable electronic control unit (1) comprises a microcontroller having an interface for connection to a bus system (2) belonging to the machine. The control unit (1) further comprises wired or wireless communication means for setting up a wireless or wired communication connection (4) to a mobile computer unit (3), such that the control unit (1) is connected for data exchange to the mobile computer unit (3). The control unit (1) is connected, on one hand, to a tractor control device (5) and other participants (6) of the bus system (2) by means of the machine's bus system (2), and on the other hand to the mobile computer unit (3). The mobile computer unit (3) is used for displaying machine-specific information and inputting machine-specific commands.