Network Work Machine Software Optimization via Server Matching

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing work machine software algorithms are limited in their ability to adapt to specific tasks and environments, leading to inefficiencies and increased operator workload due to the need for universal algorithms that may not fully meet the unique needs of diverse work machines across various geographical areas.

Innovation Solution

A network-based system that provides tailored, task-specific software solutions by a server end communicating with work machines, utilizing a software solution database to match task-specific data with optimal-fit software solutions, and continually updating and refining these solutions through feedback data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If universal software algorithms are used for all work machines, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability to specific tasks and environments deteriorates and operator workload increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to specific tasksVSAvoidsoftware complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The software system is segmented into a universal base layer (handled by the server) and task-specific customized layers (generated and applied locally on work machines). This segmentation allows the server to manage complexity centrally while enabling each work machine to have tailored software solutions for its specific tasks and environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements local quality by generating customized software solutions that are specific to each work machine's task requirements, geographical area, and environmental conditions. Each work machine receives software optimized for its local operational context rather than a generic universal solution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If task-specific customized software solutions are provided for each work machine, then adaptability to specific tasks and environments is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator workloadVSAvoidsoftware customization complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by allowing work machines to automatically receive and apply customized software solutions generated by the server based on their specific task profiles and operational data. This automation eliminates the need for operators to manually configure or adjust software settings, significantly reducing operator workload despite the complexity of customization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The server performs preliminary actions by pre-generating and storing customized software solutions in a database before they are needed by work machines. When a work machine requires software optimization, it can quickly retrieve pre-prepared solutions without requiring operators to perform time-consuming configuration tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If universal software algorithms are used, then ease of manufacture and device complexity are improved, but productivity and work machine efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework machine efficiencyVSAvoidsoftware deployment simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains universality through a centralized server that can generate and manage customized software solutions for multiple different work machine types and tasks. The server infrastructure itself is universal and multi-functional, capable of serving diverse work machines across different geographical areas while each machine receives task-specific optimization.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The server acts as an intermediary between the need for customized high-performance software and the desire for simple deployment. It mediates by automatically generating, managing, and distributing customized software solutions to work machines, thereby achieving high productivity without requiring complex manual software deployment processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3872722B1Network-based work machine software optimization
Publication Date: 2022.11.30 DEERE & CO
  • EP3872722B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3872722B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3872722B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems and methods enabling network-based work machine software optimization may be carried-out by a server end in communication with a plurality of work machines over a network. In embodiments, the method includes: (i) storing a software solution database containing a plurality of software solutions corresponding to different work machine task profiles; (ii) receiving, at the server end, a software solution request containing task-specific data from a first work machine in the plurality of work machines; and (iii) searching the software solution database for an optimal-fit software solution corresponding to the task-specific data. If locating an optimal-fit software solution, the server end (iv) avails the first work machine of the optimal-fit software solution via the network. If not locating an optimal-fit software solution within the software solution database, the server end (v) transmits a corresponding message over the network and to the first work machine.