Virtual Control Panel Mapping for Agricultural Machine Auxiliaries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic control systems for agricultural machines lack efficient methods for controlling auxiliary functions without the need for additional hardware devices like joysticks, limiting user flexibility and convenience in operating complex agricultural machinery.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a data bus network infrastructure with a user terminal and electronic control units, allowing for the display of virtual control elements on a terminal display, enabling users to map and control auxiliary functions through user input, eliminating the need for separate control devices by generating and transmitting control signals directly to the electronic control units via the data bus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If additional hardware devices like joysticks are used for controlling auxiliary functions, then control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of control elements (buttons, sliders, dials) on the terminal display that replicate the functionality of physical control devices. These virtual control elements provide the same control capability as physical joysticks or buttons but exist purely in software, eliminating the need for additional physical hardware while maintaining full control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical control devices (joysticks, physical buttons) with software-based virtual control elements displayed on a terminal. The mechanical input-output system is substituted with an electronic interface where touch inputs on the display directly generate control signals, eliminating mechanical components while preserving control capability.
2Device complexity
If virtual control elements are used on terminal display, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation may worsen due to interface complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic virtual control elements that can change their appearance, position, and behavior based on the current operational state of the agricultural machine. Control elements are dynamically created, modified, or removed from the interface based on contextual needs, allowing the interface to adapt to different operating modes and reduce cognitive load on the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different visual and interactive characteristics to different control elements based on their specific function and current state. Each virtual control element can have unique properties such as color coding, size, position, and activation method tailored to its specific purpose, making the interface more intuitive and easier to operate despite the variety of controls available.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control elements are mapped to auxiliary functions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal virtual control panel where a single set of software-based control elements can serve multiple auxiliary functions through configurable mapping. The same terminal display and virtual control elements can be adapted to control different functions by changing the mapping configuration, eliminating the need for separate control devices for each function while maintaining full adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables flexible mapping between virtual control elements and auxiliary functions by allowing dynamic assignment of control parameters. The mapping relationship can be configured and changed without hardware modifications, enabling the same control interface to adapt to different operational requirements and function combinations through software parameter changes alone.
Data Source
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AI summary
The application relates to a method for controlling an auxiliary function by a control element in an electronic control system of an agricultural machine, the method comprising displaying a virtual control element configuration menu, receiving user configuration input for mapping at least one virtual control element displayable on the display to an auxiliary function of the electronic control unit, mapping the at least one virtual control element to the auxiliary function of the electronic control unit according to the user configuration input, displaying the at least one virtual control element receiving user control input for the auxiliary function, and generating a control signal mapped to the auxiliary function. Furthermore, an electronic control system and a computer-readable medium are disclosed.