Touchscreen Control for Construction Machine Working Area Boundaries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex control functions of material handling and construction machines, such as cranes and cable excavators, are difficult to operate due to intricate machine functions, making it challenging for even experienced operators to set safety-relevant parameters like working area limits and adjust for varying wind conditions, leading to a reliance on classic teach-in processes.
Innovation Solution
A touchscreen-based control device allows for virtual adjustment of working area boundaries on the screen, enabling operators to change the position and contour of these boundaries without physically moving the machine, using intuitive gestures like tapping and swiping, and provides additional assistance through machine-readable codes for complex parameter settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a touchscreen interface is used to control construction machinery, then the operation becomes more intuitive and display clarity improves, but complex control functions remain difficult to operate and require extensive training
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses augmented reality to create a virtual copy of the construction site overlaid with graphical user interface elements. Control functions are displayed as interactive icons and buttons within the AR view, allowing operators to control machinery functions intuitively through the visual representation rather than through complex menus or physical controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an AR display system as an intermediary between the operator and the machinery control system. This intermediary layer translates complex control functions into simple visual interactions, where tapping or gesturing at graphical elements in the AR view triggers corresponding control actions without requiring the operator to understand the underlying complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If working area limits are set by physically moving the machine to boundary positions, then accurate limits are established, but the process is time-consuming and requires experienced operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual representation of the working area boundaries overlaid on the AR display. Instead of physically moving the machine to establish limits, the system displays graphical indicators showing where boundaries should be positioned, allowing operators to set accurate limits by interacting with the visual representation rather than through physical trial and error.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows working area boundaries to be pre-defined and displayed in the AR view before the machinery is operated. The system can show projected boundary positions and allow operators to confirm or adjust them, eliminating the need to physically move the machine during the setup process to establish these limits.
3Illumination intensity
If a menu control system is used to display control functions, then screen clarity is maintained, but access to control functions requires additional steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional 2D menu interface to a 3D spatial interface where control functions are displayed as graphical elements positioned within the augmented reality view of the construction site. This spatial arrangement allows operators to access controls more naturally by pointing or gesturing toward relevant areas in the visual field rather than navigating through menu hierarchies.
Solution Approach 2:
The AR display system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it displays the construction site view, overlays control function icons, shows working area boundaries, and provides feedback on machine status. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate displays or interfaces into a single unified view, improving both clarity and accessibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling a material wrapping and/or construction machine, such as a crane or cable excavator, wherein different control functions are selected on a screen of a controller with a touchscreen function by touching a control function symbol, and respective functional parameters of the selected control function are set. A working region boundary of a working region delimiting function for automatically deactivating and/or slowing down at least one actuator is displayed on the screen together with a display of the material wrapping and/or construction machine and/or the work surroundings in the form of a touchscreen display element when the working region boundary is reached and is adjusted by touching and moving the working region boundary on the screen relative to the display of the material wrapping and/or construction machine and/or the work surroundings thereof.