Work Machine Sensor Control via Central Formatting Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling work machines are limited by the need for explicit local knowledge of sensor information representation, preventing dynamic expansion of information sources and resulting in low accuracy and reliability, especially in agricultural machinery where sensors are often tailored to specific applications.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that adapts sensor information to a uniform format for both static and dynamically changing configurations without local prior knowledge, using a data transmission network to obtain and store formatting data, allowing dynamic inclusion of new sensor sources and reducing the need for redundant sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If explicit local knowledge of sensor information representation is stored in each sensor, then the system can convert and merge sensor data, but the system cannot dynamically expand to include new sensor sources
Solution Approach 1:
A central server acts as an intermediary between sensors and the control unit. The server stores formatting data for multiple sensor types and provides it to the control unit when needed, eliminating the need for each sensor to have local knowledge of other sensor formats while enabling dynamic expansion of sensor sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The central server provides a universal service to multiple sensors and control units, storing and managing formatting data for various sensor types. This universal approach allows any sensor to be integrated without requiring modifications to individual sensors, enabling dynamic system expansion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed sensor configuration is assumed at system development, then the required information is firmly specified, but the system cannot adapt to dynamically changing sensor configurations
Solution Approach 1:
Formatting data for various sensor types is pre-stored on the central server during system setup. When new sensors are added, the control unit queries the server which already has the necessary formatting information ready, eliminating the need for new sensors to have local knowledge while enabling dynamic configuration changes.
3Ease of manufacture
If formatting data is stored locally in each sensor, then data conversion can be performed, but redundant sensors cannot be shared across multiple machines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the formatting data storage function from individual sensors into a centralized server. This allows multiple work machines to share the same sensor through the server, eliminating redundant sensors while the server manages the complexity of data retrieval and distribution to different machines.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system and a method for controlling a work machine (10). A plurality of sensor arrangements (38, 40, 42) provide a respective output value. A data transmission network (36) connects the sensor arrangements (38, 40, 42) to a processor unit (64). The processor unit (64) can be operated to convert the output values from the sensor arrangements (38, 40, 42) into a standard data format on the basis of formatting data associated with the sensor arrangements (38, 40, 42) and to amalgamate them to form a combined measured value. It is proposed that the processor unit (64) be able to be operated to obtain the formatting data via the data transmission network (36).