Vehicle Sequence Detection System for Operator Workload Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural tractor operators face fatigue and operational errors due to the complexity and number of tasks required when managing vehicle functions, such as raising or lowering the implement hitch and shifting transmission, as they move through a field.
Innovation Solution
An operation management system that automatically detects and records operator-initiated vehicle actions, identifies repeated sequences, and offers a suggested sequence for the operator to simplify the configuration and programming of vehicle functions, using a processor, memory, and human-machine interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the operator manually configures and programs vehicle sequences, then the system provides precise control over vehicle functions, but the operator experiences fatigue and commits operational errors due to task complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects and records operator actions without requiring manual programming. The sequence detection system monitors operator inputs through sensors and automatically creates reusable sequences, allowing the system to serve itself by learning from operator behavior rather than requiring continuous manual configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical programming with automatic electronic detection and recording. Sensors detect operator actions and the system automatically programs sequences through electronic processing, substituting the manual mechanical configuration process with an automated electronic system
2Adaptability or versatility
If the operator manually programs sequences into the system, then custom operational sequences can be created, but significant time is spent on configuration and programming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically detecting and recording sequences during normal operation. Instead of requiring time-consuming manual programming before use, the system captures sequences as they naturally occur, making them available for future replay without requiring advance manual configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates copies of operator actions by detecting and recording sequences. Once a sequence is detected through sensors, it is copied into memory and can be replayed multiple times, eliminating the need to re-program the same sequence repeatedly and saving significant configuration time
3Ease of operation
If multiple vehicle functions are controlled manually, then precise control over each function is achieved, but the number and complexity of tasks increase operator fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple individual control tasks into unified sequences. By detecting and recording groups of related actions as single sequences, the system combines multiple control operations that would otherwise require separate manual tasks, reducing overall complexity while maintaining precise control over each function
Solution Approach 2:
The sequence detection system provides multi-functionality by automatically handling multiple vehicle functions simultaneously. A single sequence can control multiple functions (transmission, hitch, PTO shaft), making the system universal in its ability to manage diverse operational tasks without requiring separate manual control for each function
Data Source
AI summary
An operation management system for a vehicle controllable by an operator to perform various vehicle actions, the system including a processor, a memory, and a human-machine interface. The processor is configured to store, in the memory, sequences of operator initiated vehicle actions, each operator initiated vehicle action corresponding to an operational response of the vehicle. The processor is further configured to receive a new sequence of operator initiated vehicle actions, and compare the operator initiated vehicle actions of the new sequence to the operator initiated vehicle actions of the stored sequences. If the operator initiated vehicle actions of the new sequence correspond to the operator initiated vehicle actions of at least one of the stored sequences, identify a recommended sequence based on at least one of the new sequence or the at least one of the stored sequences.