Operator Profile Control Mapping for Work Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for configuring input devices on work machines are inefficient, requiring significant operator time and leading to errors and reduced productivity, as each operator must manually reconfigure devices upon switching, and memorizing personalized mappings can cause fatigue and increase the risk of incorrect operation.

Innovation Solution

A control system that allows operators to create and load control maps, which are graphical representations of input device mappings to output functions, enabling automatic configuration and visual reminders, thereby reducing the need for manual reconfiguration and minimizing errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual configuration of input devices is required for each operator, then personalized control mappings can be achieved, but operator time and configuration effort increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepersonalized control mappingsVSAvoidconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-configures multiple operator profiles with personalized control mappings before operation. When an operator logs in, their pre-saved profile is automatically loaded, eliminating the need for manual configuration at the start of each shift or when switching operators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates and stores copies of control mappings for different operators in a database. Each operator has their own copied version of the control configuration, which can be independently customized and saved, allowing rapid deployment without manual reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If operators must memorize personalized mappings, then custom configurations can be maintained, but operator fatigue increases and error risk rises

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustom configurationsVSAvoiderror risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides visual feedback through a display screen that shows the current control mappings and their associated functions. This visual confirmation helps operators verify correct mappings during operation, reducing errors caused by memory lapses or fatigue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system acts as an intermediary between the operator and the complex mapping relationships. It automatically manages the correspondence between input devices and functions based on the selected operator profile, freeing the operator from needing to memorize detailed mappings while maintaining personalized configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If text-driven user interfaces are used for configuration, then mapping changes can be stored, but configuration complexity and time requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemapping customizationVSAvoidconfiguration interface

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a simplified configuration interface that allows operators to quickly create and switch between pre-defined operator profiles. Rather than requiring complex permanent configuration changes, the system enables rapid profile creation and switching, making the configuration process more accessible and less time-consuming.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Adaptability or versatility

If operators switch between different machines with different configurations, then machine-specific customization is achieved, but productivity decreases due to reconfiguration needs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachine-specific customizationVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is designed with universal functionality that supports multiple operator profiles and machine configurations. Operators can access their personalized mappings across different machines through the unified interface and profile system, maintaining productivity when transitioning between equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10774504B2Input-output control mapping with corresponding splash screen

Publication Date: 2020.09.15 CATERPILLAR FOREST PRODUCTS INC

AI summary

A control system for a work machine includes an input device actuatable to generate a control signal, a display screen, and or more processing circuits. The one or more processing circuits are configured to render, on the display screen based on an operator of the machine, an indicator of a first mapping between the control signal and a first function of the machine. The one or more processing circuits are further configured to receive, from the operator using the display screen, a second mapping between the control signal and a second function of the machine. The one or more processing circuits are additionally configured to control the second function using the control signal in response to actuation of the input device.