Vehicle Connection Interface Function Detection by Optical Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for controlling devices connected to vehicles, such as tractors, are complex and lack automation, making it difficult to determine and manage the technical functions of these connections efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A method that optically detects and records the connection configuration between vehicle and device connections, using identifiers and image processing to assign technical functions, enabling simplified and automated control through configuration information and a control system like a job computer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual methods are used to determine and manage technical functions of vehicle connections, then flexibility in operation is maintained, but the complexity of control and difficulty in managing technical functions increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of controlling deviceVSAvoidcomplexity of control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical identification methods with an optical detection system using cameras and image processing algorithms. The system automatically captures images of connection configurations, processes them computationally, and identifies technical functions without manual intervention, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining ease of use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing the connection interface to automatically identify and document its own configuration state. The optical detection system captures images of the connections, and the evaluation algorithm automatically determines the technical function based on the visual configuration, eliminating the need for external manual assessment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Extent of automation

If automated optical detection is implemented to identify technical functions, then the ease of operation and automation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional detection and processing systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of function identificationVSAvoidcomplexity of detection system
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a universal optical detection approach that can identify multiple different technical functions using the same hardware system. The camera and evaluation algorithm constitute a multi-functional system capable of recognizing various connection configurations (electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical) without requiring separate specialized devices for each function type.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a visual copy or representation of the physical connection configuration through optical imaging. Instead of directly interacting with the physical connections, the system captures their visual state via camera images and processes this optical copy to determine technical functions, thereby simplifying the detection mechanism while maintaining high automation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Productivity

If configuration information is provided for all vehicle connections, then the productivity and efficiency of device control is improved, but the quantity of information to be processed and stored increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveefficiency of device controlVSAvoidquantity of configuration information
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by capturing and storing configuration information in advance through optical detection. The system images the connection configurations and processes this data beforehand, creating a ready-to-use configuration database that can be quickly accessed during device operation, thereby improving productivity without requiring real-time information generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system extracts only the essential and relevant configuration information from the complete set of connection data. The evaluation algorithm identifies and extracts key technical function parameters from the optical images, storing only the necessary configuration details rather than all possible connection data, thus managing information quantity efficiently while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method simplifies the operation and control of connected devices by providing clear configuration information, allowing for automated recognition and management of technical functions, enhancing efficiency and ease of use in agricultural applications.

Implementation Method 1

The interconnected vehicle connections and device connections form a connection configuration, which is optically detected

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical detection: Photography

Data Source

PatentEP4421573A1Method for detecting a technical device function
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 DEERE & CO
  • EP4421573A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4421573A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4421573A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for detecting a technical function (func_Gy) of a device (12) connected to a connection interface (16) of a vehicle (10). The connection interface (16) has several vehicle connections (Ex), and the device (12) has several device connections (Gy), at least one of which is connected to one of the vehicle connections (Ex). The interconnected vehicle connections (Ex) and device connections (Gy) form a connection configuration, which is optically detected. Depending on the optically detected connection configuration, a predefined technical function (func_Gy) of the device connection (Gy) is assigned to the vehicle connection (Ex) to which it is connected. Depending on all such assignments, configuration information (info_Kon) is provided for detecting the technical function (func_Gy) at the vehicle connection (Ex).