Work Machine Input Control by Terminal Position in Cab

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing input control methods for work machines, such as hydraulic excavators, fail to prevent erroneous operations when using information terminals like tablets outside the operation room, leading to decreased work efficiency and increased risk of accidents.

Innovation Solution

An information input system that includes a controller and an information terminal, where input is disabled if the terminal is located at a predetermined position within the operation room, ensuring safe and efficient operation by preventing erroneous inputs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If input control method locks monitor input when hydraulic lock switch is in lock release state, then erroneous operation during work machine operation is prevented, but settings from around the work machine using tablet terminal become impossible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of erroneous operationVSAvoidability to perform settings from around work machine
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating input control based on the spatial location of the information terminal. When the terminal is detected to be within the operation room (predetermined position), input is disabled to prevent erroneous operations. When the terminal is outside the operation room, input is enabled to allow settings. This location-based differentiation resolves the contradiction by applying different control qualities to different spatial contexts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic input control that adapts to changing conditions. The controller continuously monitors the position of the information terminal and dynamically switches between enabling and disabling input based on whether the terminal is inside or outside the operation room. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain both safety (when terminal is inside) and accessibility (when terminal is outside).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If touch panel monitor is used for information input, then various functions can be operated, but erroneous operation occurs when operation lever is touched accidentally

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to operate various functionsVSAvoidprevention of erroneous operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by proactively disabling input functionality when the information terminal is detected within the operation room, before any erroneous operation can occur. This preventive measure blocks potential erroneous inputs from accidental touches of operation levers while still allowing legitimate operations to be performed when the terminal is positioned outside the operation room.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Productivity

If information terminal is used outside operation room for settings, then work efficiency is improved, but risk of erroneous operation increases when terminal is brought into operation room

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework efficiencyVSAvoidrisk of erroneous operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the position of the information terminal and automatically adjusting input enablement status based on location feedback. When the terminal enters the operation room, the system detects this change and disables input to prevent erroneous operations. When the terminal moves outside, input is re-enabled. This feedback mechanism allows workers to efficiently use the terminal outside the operation room while automatically preventing erroneous operations when the terminal is brought inside.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4691857A1Information input system for work machine
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO LTD
  • EP4691857A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4691857A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4691857A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An object of the present invention is to provide an information input system for a work machine capable of performing various kinds of settings of a work machine by using an information terminal while preventing an erroneous operation of the work machine. Therefore, in an information input system for a work machine including: a controller that is mounted on the work machine; and an information terminal that inputs information to the controller via communication, an input of the information from the information terminal to the controller is disabled in a case where the information terminal is located at a predetermined position in an operation room of the work machine.