Work Machine Function Authorization via Dynamic Time-Limited Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for activating functions on work machines often result in unnecessary costs due to long-term software activations and lack of flexibility in authorizing users, as all users with a key can access all machines, leading to inefficient billing and authorization management.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses an electronically readable identifier associated with the operator, a user interface, and a processor to activate specific machine functions for a limited time, allowing only authorized functions to be accessed, with a centralized authorization database for efficient billing and usage tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If software is activated indefinitely with a key-based authorization system, then users can access machine functions without repeated payment, but authorization changes require contacting the operating station and cannot be quickly modified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic authorization where the processor can activate or deactivate functions in real-time based on user input through the user interface. The authorization is no longer static but can be changed immediately without contacting the operating station, allowing flexible adaptation to changing user needs while maintaining ease of operation through automated local processing.
2Ease of operation
If all users with a key can access all machines, then key-based authorization provides universal access, but it leads to inefficient billing and cannot track actual usage for accurate costing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the processor monitors and records which functions are actually activated and used by each user. This usage data is stored and can be retrieved for billing purposes, providing accurate measurement of actual usage while maintaining simple key-based access management. The system feedback loop enables precise tracking without complicating the access mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If software functions are activated for long periods, then users have continuous access to functions, but it results in unnecessary costs when functions are not actually needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic or on-demand function activation where users can select specific functions to activate through the user interface, and the processor activates only those selected functions for a limited time. This allows users to access needed functions when required while avoiding continuous activation of unnecessary functions, thereby reducing wasted costs while maintaining operational convenience.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for monitoring functions of a work machine. The system comprises an electronically readable identifier associated with an operator of the work machine. A user interface operable by the operator. A processor communicatively coupled to the user interface. At least one control device, wherein the at least one control device is configured to control operations of the work machine or an implement coupled to the work machine in response to receipt of an output signal generated by the processor. The processor is configured to execute a set of instructions stored on a memory such that when executed the processor is programmed to: read out the electronically readable identifier and obtain, via the user interface, an input selection of a desired device function assigned in an authorization database to the electronically readable identifier and to activate a desired function for a limited time duration that is defined or that is specified by means of the user interface.