Work Machine Display Menu Layout for Visibility and Screen Space

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing work machine display systems face a reduction in the amount of information that can be displayed and lowered visibility due to the size of the selection-item display area, which affects the user's ability to effectively operate the machine.

Innovation Solution

A control method and program for work machines that acquire operation information and display an operation menu on the screen, allowing the display to change based on the operation menu, thereby optimizing the use of the display area and maintaining visibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a selection-item display area is added to display various selection items, then the ease of operation is improved, but the amount of information that can be displayed is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidamount of information that can be displayed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the operation portion at the bottom edge of the display portion, utilizing the peripheral dimension rather than occupying central display space. This spatial reconfiguration allows selection items to be accessed through edge-aligned controls, preserving the main display area while improving operational accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The display area is segmented into distinct functional zones: the main display area for information presentation and the edge-positioned operation portion for control inputs. This segmentation allows both information display and ease of operation to coexist without mutual interference, as each zone serves its specific function independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a selection-item display area is added to display various selection items, then the ease of operation is improved, but the visibility is lowered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidvisibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

By positioning the operation portion at the bottom edge rather than integrating it into the central display area, the patent maintains the illumination intensity and visual clarity of the main display. The edge-positioned controls do not obstruct or diminish the visibility of information presented in the primary display zone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The operation portion is given a distinct local quality through its edge positioning, differentiating it from the main display area. This spatial differentiation ensures that the operational controls have their own functional zone without compromising the visual quality and illumination of the information display area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If the operation portion is disposed below the display portion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the display area is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddisplay area
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the bottom edge dimension of the display portion for the operation portion, rather than allocating separate vertical space below it. This edge-aligned configuration allows the operation portion to be integrated into the periphery of the display area, maintaining the full display surface while providing accessible control inputs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The operation portion is merged with the bottom edge of the display portion, creating an integrated interface where controls and display coexist in a unified structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate display and control areas, maximizing the utilization of the available space while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4488456A1Control method of work machine, control program for work machine, display system for work machine, and work machine
Publication Date: 2025.01.08 YANMAR HLDG CO LTD
  • EP4488456A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4488456A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4488456A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

[Problem] To provide a control method of work machine, a control program for work machine, a display system for work machine, and a work machine that are less likely to cause reduction in an amount of information that can be displayed on a display device and lowering in visibility. [Solution] A control method of work machine has acquiring operation information related to an operation of an operation portion 22 of a display device 2 for a work machine, causing a display screen Dp1 to be displayed on a display portion 23 of the display device 2, and causing an operation menu M1 to be displayed at a position corresponding to the operation portion 22 in the display screen Dp1 on the basis of the operation information. The control method of work machine further has changing of the display screen Dp1 on the basis of the operation menu M1 according to an operation of the operation portion 22 in a state where the operation menu M1 is displayed.