Work Machine Remote Service Control Under Network and Operating Constraints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current remote service technologies for work machines face interruptions and retries due to changes in communication network performance and operating conditions of the work machine, which are not adequately addressed, leading to increased non-operational time and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A work machine system that includes a controller capable of generating and transferring service request information incorporating function types, operating modes, and communication performance data, allowing for informed decision-making on service execution feasibility, thereby reducing interruptions and retries by optimizing remote service operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If remote service is executed based on operator's judgment without considering communication performance and operating conditions, then remote service can be initiated, but interruptions and retries occur frequently due to communication network changes and inappropriate operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary assessments before executing remote service by evaluating communication performance (signal strength, data rate) and operating conditions (work mode, load state). This preliminary action ensures that remote service is only initiated when conditions are appropriate, preventing interruptions and retries that would otherwise occur during execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors communication network status and work machine operating conditions, using this feedback to dynamically determine whether remote service can be executed. The controller adjusts service execution decisions based on real-time feedback about signal quality, network capacity, and machine state, thereby improving reliability and reducing interruptions.
2Ease of repair
If all work machines are serviced by dispatching specialists to the site, then comprehensive maintenance can be performed, but it takes a huge amount of manpower and time
Solution Approach 1:
The work machine performs self-diagnosis and self-assessment of its operating conditions and communication environment. The controller automatically determines whether remote service is feasible by evaluating its own state and network conditions, eliminating the need for specialists to physically inspect every machine before service, thereby reducing service time while maintaining quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication network acts as an intermediary between the work machine and remote specialists. By assessing network performance and machine conditions, the system determines whether remote service can be delivered through this intermediary, avoiding the need for physical specialist deployment and significantly reducing service time and manpower requirements.
3Productivity
If remote service is executed without assessing communication network performance, then service can be initiated quickly, but service interruptions and retries occur due to deterioration of transmission conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary assessment of communication network performance including signal strength, data transmission rate, and network stability before initiating remote service. This preliminary check ensures that service is only started when communication conditions are sufficient, preventing interruptions and retries while maintaining quick service initiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system evaluates multiple communication parameters (signal strength, data rate, latency) and operating parameters (work mode, load) to dynamically determine service executability. By monitoring changes in these parameters in real-time, the system adjusts service execution decisions to maintain both speed and reliability.
4Loss of information
If the controller transfers all collected data over the in-vehicle and out-of-vehicle communication networks, then complete information is available for remote service, but data transfer delays occur due to tight communication capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The controller extracts and transfers only the essential data required for remote service execution rather than all collected data. By identifying and prioritizing critical information (operating parameters, error codes, sensor readings relevant to the service), the system ensures data completeness for service while minimizing transfer time and network load.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transfers data selectively based on the specific remote service being executed. Only the portion of data necessary for the current service task is transmitted over the communication networks, avoiding unnecessary data transfer delays while ensuring all required information is available for service execution.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller of a work machine includes: a service request generation unit that generates and transfers information for requesting a remote service; a service execution condition management unit that confirms and manages the condition for executing the remote service; and an operating mode management unit that manages the operating mode and the operation status of the work machine. The service request generation unit generates service request information containing function types of a plurality of remote services, the operating mode of the vehicle, and the communication performance of the communication network, and transfers it to the data center. For each function type included in the service request information, the service execution condition management unit outputs service execution information containing the execution possibility, the condition for operating mode, and the condition for communication performance.