JP2018009370A - Construction machinery - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to allow an operator to confirm the operating status of a construction machine even during the operation while displaying the operating status of the construction machine and displaying the operation for changing the operating mode on the same display device. Kind Code: A1 A monitor image representing an operation state and a first display object corresponding to a plurality of operation modes each having a plurality of options and representing the setting state of the corresponding operation mode are displayed without overlapping. Let In response to the selection operation of the first display object, the second display object corresponding to the option is arranged on the selected first display object and superimposed on a part of the monitor image. In response to the selection operation of the second display object, an option corresponding to the second display object that is the target of the selection operation is set as an operation mode corresponding to the selected first display object. [Selection drawing] Fig. 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a construction machine that can change an operation mode by a touch panel operation.

  In construction machines, a display device is provided in the cockpit to allow the operator to recognize various operating conditions such as the remaining amount of fuel and the temperature of hydraulic oil. In recent years, various information has been displayed using an image display such as a liquid crystal display.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that a standard screen for displaying an engine water temperature gauge or the like is normally displayed on the display unit, but a user menu display screen is displayed when the user performs setting or the like.

Japanese Patent No. 4938914

  However, according to the technique of Patent Document 1, the user menu display screen is displayed in a form that completely replaces the standard screen. For this reason, the user cannot confirm the operation status at all when performing the setting based on the user menu display screen.

  The object of the present invention is to display the operation status of the construction machine and the display for the operation by the operator for changing the operation mode on the same display device while the above operation is performed. Also, it is to provide a construction machine that allows the operator to check the operation status.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a construction machine that includes a plurality of operation units that operate to change an operation state of the construction machine, a display device, and an operation on a display screen of the display. Each of an input device for inputting, a first display control means for displaying a monitor image representing an operation state of the construction machine on a display device, and a plurality of operation modes each capable of setting one of a plurality of options A second display control means for displaying a plurality of first display objects representing the setting state of the corresponding operation mode on the display device without overlapping the monitor image, and among the first display objects When a selection operation for selecting one is detected by the input device, it is overlapped with a part of the monitor image while being arranged on the first display object that is the target of the selection operation. A third display control means for starting display on the display device of the second display object corresponding to at least a part of the plurality of options of the operation mode corresponding to the first display object; In response to the selection operation of one of the display objects being detected by the input device, an option corresponding to the second display object that is the target of the selection operation is selected as the first target that is the target of the selection operation. A setting unit configured to set the operation mode corresponding to the display object; and an operation control unit configured to control the plurality of operation units so that the construction machine is in an operation state corresponding to the plurality of operation modes determined by the setting unit. It was.

  According to another invention, in addition to the above, the display of the second display object on the display device is terminated when a selection operation of one of the second display objects is detected by the input device. 4th display control means.

  In addition to the above, the present invention further includes fifth display control means for displaying an alarm image representing an alarm relating to the operation of the construction machine on the display device, and the second display control means includes: The display object is displayed so as not to overlap the alarm image.

  According to the present invention, while displaying the operation status of the construction machine and the display for the operation by the operator for changing the operation mode on the same display device, the operation status is confirmed during the above operation. Can also provide construction machinery.

1 is a side view schematically showing an entire construction machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the control system of the construction machine shown in FIG. The figure which shows an example of the content of the mode management table typically. The figure which shows the monitor screen as an example. The flowchart of the mode change process in 1st Embodiment by the user interface controller in FIG. The figure which shows the monitor screen as an example of the state which set the display of the candidate switch to ON. The figure which shows the monitor screen as an example of the state which displays a warning image. It is a figure which shows the monitor screen as an example after changing the setting of object mode. The flowchart of the mode change process in 2nd Embodiment by the user interface controller in FIG. The figure which shows the monitor screen as an example in case a touch operation is complete | finished in the state which has not completed animation processing.

  Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a side view schematically showing the entire construction machine 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the construction machine 100 includes a lower traveling body 1, an upper swing body 2, and a work device 3.

  The lower traveling body 1 includes an endless track 1a. The endless track 1a follows a general name and is hereinafter referred to as a crawler 1a. Although the crawler 1a includes a pair of left and right, only the right crawler 1a is shown in FIG. The lower surface of the crawler 1a is in contact with the ground. Thereby, the lower traveling body 1 functions as a base of the construction machine 100. Further, the lower traveling body 1 can move with the rotation of the crawler 1a and functions as a traveling unit.

  The upper swing body 2 is provided on the lower travel body 1 so as to be able to swing with respect to the lower travel body 1. The turning direction of the upper turning body 2 is a horizontal direction in a state where the ground with which the crawler 1a contacts is a horizontal plane. The upper swing body 2 is equipped with main elements such as an engine and a hydraulic pump for operating the construction machine 100. The upper-part turning body 2 includes a cabin 2a for the operator to board.

  The work device 3 includes a boom 3a, an arm 3b, and an attachment 3c. The base end of the boom 3a is pivotally supported by the upper swing body 2 so as to be rotatable. The base end of the arm 3b is pivotally supported at the tip of the boom. The attachment 3c is pivotally supported at its proximal end at the tip of the arm 3b. The axial directions of the pivot shafts at the base ends of the boom 3a, the arm 3b, and the attachment 3c are all horizontal when the ground that is in contact with the crawler 1a is a horizontal plane. The attachment 3c can be attached to and detached from the arm 3b. Various attachments such as a bucket, a breaker, and a crusher can be arbitrarily attached as the attachment 3c. In addition, in FIG. 1, the state with which the bucket was mounted | worn as the attachment 3c is shown.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the control system of the construction machine 100. In FIG. 2, the same elements as those shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the construction machine 100 includes an engine 11, a pump unit 12, a control device group 13, a control valve group 14, a hydraulic actuator group 15, a solenoid valve group 16, an engine controller 17, a pump controller 18, and a work machine controller 19. , Touch panel 20, air conditioning unit 21, sensor group 22, camera 23, and user interface controller 24.

The engine 11 is a diesel engine, for example, and generates power.
The pump unit 12 includes a plurality of pumps. The pump operates with the power generated by the engine 11. The pump compresses hydraulic oil stored in a tank (not shown) and sends the compressed hydraulic oil to each of the plurality of flow paths. Typically, the pump unit 12 includes two pumps.

The steering device group 13 includes a plurality of steering devices. The maneuvering device is operated by the operator to maneuver the construction machine 100. Steering devices are, for example, pedals, levers and switches. The displacement direction and displacement amount of the steering device are transmitted to the control valve group 14 as hydraulic pressure.
The control valve group 14 includes a plurality of control valves and a plurality of sensors. Each control valve is associated with a steering device included in the steering device group 13. The control valve changes the direction and opening of the pressure oil flow path according to the displacement direction and displacement amount of the associated steering device. Each sensor detects the state of each of the plurality of control valves.

The hydraulic actuator group 15 includes a plurality of hydraulic actuators. The plurality of hydraulic actuators are operated by the pressure oil supplied from the pump unit 12 through the control valve group 14 to operate the crawler 1a, the turning mechanism 2b, and the work device 3. The turning mechanism 2b is provided in the upper turning body 2 in FIG. 1 and turns the upper turning body 2.
The solenoid valve group 16 includes a plurality of solenoid valves. The solenoid valve controls the opening and closing of the flow path to any one of a plurality of hydraulic actuators.

  The pump unit 12, the control valve group 14, the hydraulic actuator group 15, and the solenoid valve group 16 form a plurality of hydraulic circuits for operating the crawler 1a, the turning mechanism 2b, and the work device 3, respectively. The specific configuration of each of the plurality of hydraulic circuits is arbitrary, and, for example, an existing construction machine of the same type can be applied as it is. For this reason, description of the detailed structure is abbreviate | omitted.

The engine controller 17 controls the operation of the engine 11. The engine controller 17 transmits data related to engine control to the work machine controller 19.
The pump controller 18 controls the output of each pump included in the pump unit 12.

  The work machine controller 19 determines each output of the pumps included in the pump unit 12 and each operation state of the plurality of solenoid valves included in the solenoid valve group 16. The work machine controller 19 makes this determination according to the respective states of the plurality of control valves detected by the plurality of sensors provided in the control valve group 14 and the respective settings of the plurality of operation modes.

The touch panel 20 includes a display such as a liquid crystal display and a touch sensor superimposed on the display surface of the display. The touch panel 20 displays an arbitrary image on the display. The touch panel 20 detects a touch operation on the display surface with a touch sensor. The display is an example of a display device. A touch sensor is an example of an input device.
The air conditioning unit 21 adjusts the air in the cabin 2a.

  The sensor group 22 includes a plurality of sensors. The sensor measures various numerical values related to the operation status of the construction machine 100. The sensor is, for example, a fuel remaining amount meter, a urea water amount meter, a water temperature meter, or an oil temperature meter. For some numerical values such as the urea water amount meter and the water temperature meter, values detected by other units such as the engine controller 17 may be used.

  The camera 23 photographs the situation around the construction machine 100. The camera 23 typically photographs the back of the upper swing body 2. However, a direction other than the rear such as the front of the upper swing body 2 may be taken. Moreover, the camera 23 may be provided with a plurality of cameras that capture different directions, such as the front and rear of the upper swing body 2.

A user interface controller (hereinafter referred to as a UI controller) 24 includes a computer, and performs various control processes for a user interface using the touch panel 20 by a process performed by the computer. Specifically, the UI controller 24 displays a monitor screen on the touch panel 20 for accepting an operation by the operator or notifying the operator of the operation state of the construction machine 100. The UI controller 24 uses the numerical value measured by the sensor group 22, the image obtained by the camera 23, and the operating state of the air conditioning unit 21 in order to generate a monitor screen. The UI controller 24 receives an operator's operation through a touch operation on the monitor screen via the touch panel 20. The UI controller 24 performs operation mode setting and air conditioning setting according to the received operation. The UI controller 24 displays the set operation mode on the monitor screen and notifies the work machine controller 19 of the set operation mode. The UI controller 24 notifies the air conditioning unit 21 of the air conditioning setting.
The UI controller 24 also includes a memory for storing various data used when the computer performs various processes.

Next, the operation of the construction machine 100 configured as described above will be described.
Now, when the construction machine 100 is in a normal operation state, the plurality of control valves of the control valve group 14 appropriately change the state according to the operation of the control device group 13 by the operator. Thereby, the plurality of hydraulic actuators included in the hydraulic actuator group 15 operate appropriately. The work machine controller 19 controls operations of the hydraulic actuator group 15, the engine 11, and the pump unit 12 via the solenoid valve group 16, the engine controller 17, and the pump controller 18. Thereby, the crawler 1a, the turning mechanism 2b, and the work device 3 are operated, and the operation state of the construction machine 100 is changed. Thus, the crawler 1a, the turning mechanism 2b, the work device 3, the engine 11, the pump unit 12, the control valve group 14, the hydraulic actuator group 15 and the solenoid valve group 16 operate to change the operation state of the construction machine 100. An operation unit is configured.
As an example, when the lever included in the control device group 13 for operating the boom 3a up and down is neutral, the control valve corresponding to the lever is closed. For this reason, the hydraulic actuator for raising and lowering the boom 3a does not change, and the boom 3a is also stopped. When the lever is operated, the control valve corresponding to the lever generates a flow path of pressure oil in a direction corresponding to the displacement direction of the lever with an opening degree corresponding to the displacement amount of the lever. For this reason, the hydraulic actuator for moving the boom 3a up and down moves up and down at a direction and speed according to the displacement direction and displacement amount of the lever.

While the operation as described above is performed, the work machine controller 19 changes the operation change method according to the setting of each of the plurality of operation modes. It is arbitrary what operation mode it has, what options can be set in the operation mode, and how to change the operation according to the set options. Changing the method of changing the operation in this way is also performed in existing similar construction machines. For example, it can be applied as it is. In the present embodiment, four operation modes, a travel mode, an attachment mode, a power mode, and a slow down mode are illustrated as operation modes. The driving mode options are a low speed mode and a high speed mode. The attachment mode options are a bucket mode, a breaker mode, and a crusher mode. The power mode options are professional mode, all-round mode, and eco mode. Furthermore, the options for the slow down mode are an auto slow mode and a one-touch slow mode.
Thus, the work machine controller 19 functions as an operation control means for controlling the operation unit so as to be in an operation state corresponding to a plurality of operation modes.

The operation mode is set by the UI controller 24. For setting the operation mode, the UI controller 24 stores a mode management table in a built-in memory.
FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the contents of the mode management table. FIG. 3 is applicable to the case where the operation mode is the above specific example.
As shown in FIG. 3, the mode management table is a set of data records including fields of mode code, mode name, current setting, number of options, and a plurality of option information. The mode code is a code for the work machine controller 19 and the UI controller 24 to identify each operation mode. The mode name is a name for the operator to identify each operation mode. The current setting is an option code for identifying the option currently set as the corresponding operation mode. The number of options is the number of options for the corresponding operation mode. The plurality of option information corresponds to each of the corresponding operation mode options. The option information includes an option code, an option name, a normal switch file name, and a highlight switch file name for the corresponding option. The option code is a code for the work machine controller 19 and the UI controller 24 to identify each option. The option name is a name for the operator to identify each option. The file name of the normal switch is a file name of an image file used as a normal switch described later. The file name of the emphasis switch is a file name of an image file used as an emphasis switch described later. Note that an image file used as a normal switch or an emphasis switch is stored in a memory in the UI controller 24.

The UI controller 24 displays a monitor screen on the touch panel 20 when the construction machine 100 is in a normal operation state.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a monitor screen Sc1 as an example.
The monitor screen Sc1 includes meters M1, M2, M3, and M4, a camera image CI1, menu switches SW1, SW2, SW3, and SW4, an air conditioner switch SW5, and a status display field F1.

The camera image CI1 is an image obtained by the camera 23. However, in FIG. 4, the camera image CI <b> 1 shows only the outer frame, and the illustration of the contents is omitted. Meters M <b> 1 to M <b> 4 represent values measured by the sensor group 22. In the example of FIG. 4, the meters M1 to M4 represent the remaining fuel amount, the urea water amount, the engine water temperature, and the hydraulic oil temperature, respectively. Menu switches SW1 to SW4 correspond to different operation modes, respectively, and represent the setting of the corresponding operation mode. In the example of FIG. 4, the menu switches SW1 to SW4 correspond to a power mode, a running mode, an attachment mode, and a slow down mode, respectively. The air conditioner switch SW5 indicates a setting state related to the operation of the air conditioning unit 21. The status display field F1 shows various indicators indicating the operating status of the light and wiper, date and time, machine information, and hour meter.
Thus, the images in the meters M1, M2, M3, M4, the camera image CI1, and the status display column F1 correspond to monitor images representing the operating state of the construction machine. The UI controller 24 functions as first display control means for displaying a monitor image on the touch panel 20 as a display device by displaying the monitor screen on the touch panel 20.

Menu switches SW1 to SW4 are images (hereinafter referred to as normal switch images) specified by image file names of normal switches described in option information of options set for each operation mode. The UI controller 24 determines an option code of options set for each operation mode by referring to the current setting field of the mode management table. Then, the UI controller 24 reads from the memory an image specified by the file name of the normal switch included in the option information together with the determined option code. In the example of FIG. 4, the auto mode, the low speed mode, the bucket mode, and the auto slow mode are respectively set as the power mode, the traveling mode, the attachment mode, and the slow down mode. That is, as the menu switches SW1 to SW4, normal switch images of the auto mode, the low speed mode, the bucket mode, and the auto slow mode are shown. Menu switches SW1 to SW4 do not overlap other display objects.
Thus, each of the menu switches SW1 to SW4 corresponds to each of a plurality of operation modes in which one of a plurality of options can be set, and the first display object representing the setting state of the corresponding operation mode. Equivalent to. The UI controller 24 functions as a second display control unit that displays the first display object on the touch panel 20 as a display device by displaying the monitor screen on the touch panel 20.

Now, when the construction machine 100 is in the normal operation state as described above, the UI controller 24 starts the mode change process at every predetermined timing. The timing at which the UI controller 24 starts the mode change process may be arbitrarily determined by the designer of the construction machine 100 or the like. As an example, the timing is assumed to be a timing at which processing for controlling the above-described operation by the UI controller 24 is in a predetermined state, or a timing at regular intervals.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the mode change process by the UI controller 24. Note that the procedure of this process is an example, and if a similar result can be obtained, the processing order of each step may be changed as appropriate, and other processes may be added.

  In step Sa1, the UI controller 24 confirms whether any of the menu switches SW1 to SW4 is detected. Then, the UI controller 24 determines NO if the detection is not performed, and ends the mode change process.

Now, when the operator wants to change the setting for any one of the power mode, the traveling mode, the attachment mode, and the slow down mode, he / she touches the one corresponding to the operation mode to be changed among the menu switches SW1 to SW4. The touch panel 20 is touched. Then, this touch operation is detected by the touch panel 20. In response to the detection, the UI controller 24 determines YES in step Sa1, and proceeds to step Sa2.
In step Sa2, the UI controller 24 determines an operation mode corresponding to the touch-operated menu switch as a change target mode.

  In step Sa3, the UI controller 24 turns on the highlight display of the menu switch related to the target mode. Specifically, the UI controller 24 selects a menu switch corresponding to the target mode by specifying an image file name of the highlight switch described in the option information of the option being set for the target mode (hereinafter referred to as an highlight switch image and To replace). In each operation mode, an image that looks different from the normal switch image is prepared in advance as the enhancement switch image. As an example, the normal switch image has a light background color such as gray, while the enhancement switch image has a bright color such as yellow background color. Thus, only the menu switch corresponding to the target mode is set as an emphasis switch image, and is emphasized with respect to other menu switches that are still normal switch images.

  In step Sa4, the UI controller 24 turns on display of candidate switches. Specifically, the UI controller 24 can select an image identified by the file name of the normal switch included in the option information together with the option code different from the option code of the current setting field in the data record related to the target mode of the mode management table. Switch. When there are a plurality of option codes different from the option code of the current setting field, the UI controller 24 uses all of the images corresponding to the plurality of option codes as candidate switches. Then, the UI controller 24 arranges candidate switches side by side below the menu switch related to the target mode. The UI controller 24 causes the candidate switch to be displayed over a part of another display object.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a monitor screen Sc2 as an example of a state where the display of the candidate switch is ON. FIG. 6 shows a case where the display of the candidate switches SW11 and SW12 is turned ON on the monitor screen Sc2 in response to the touch operation of the menu switch SW1 on the monitor screen Sc1 shown in FIG. Accordingly, in FIG. 6, the same display objects as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. Although not shown in FIG. 6, the menu switch SW1 is in a highlighted display state on the monitor screen Sc2.
Thus, the candidate switch corresponds to the operation mode option and corresponds to the second display object. Then, by displaying the candidate switch on the touch panel 20, the UI controller 24 functions as a third display control unit that starts displaying the second display object on the touch panel 20 as a display device.

  The UI controller 24 may directly change the display on the touch panel 20 from the monitor screen Sc1 to the monitor screen Sc2. However, the UI controller 24 performs animation display by making a transition from the monitor screen Sc1 to the monitor screen Sc2. You can go. For example, the UI controller 24 gradually changes the display on the touch panel 20 so that the candidate switches SW11 and SW12 gradually expand from under the menu switch SW1.

By the way, the UI controller 24 may display an alarm image for an abnormality alarm on the monitor screen by a process different from the mode change process.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a monitor screen Sc3 as an example of a state in which an alarm image is displayed. FIG. 7 shows a case where the alarm image AI is displayed over the monitor screen Sc1 shown in FIG. Accordingly, in FIG. 7, the same display objects as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG.
Thus, the UI controller 24 functions as fifth display control means for displaying the alarm image on the touch panel 20 as a display device.

  The UI controller 24 displays an alarm image in a predetermined area. The area where the UI controller 24 displays the candidate switch by the mode change process is determined in advance so as not to overlap the area where the alarm image is displayed.

In step Sa5, the UI controller 24 checks whether or not any of the displayed candidate switches has been operated. Then, the UI controller 24 determines NO if the detection is not performed, and proceeds to step Sa6.
In step Sa6, the UI controller 24 checks whether or not the candidate switch is not operated until the predetermined standby time elapses after the candidate switch display is turned ON in step Sa4. . Then, the UI controller 24 determines NO if the standby time has not yet elapsed, and returns to step Sa5.
Thus, in step Sa5 and step Sa6, the UI controller 24 waits for the waiting time to elapse without the candidate switch being operated or the candidate switch being operated.

  Now, the operator touches the display screen of the touch panel 20 so as to touch the one regarding the option to be newly set as the target mode among the displayed candidate switches. Then, this is detected by the touch panel 20. In response to the detection, the UI controller 24 determines YES in step Sa5, and proceeds to step Sa7.

  In step Sa7, the UI controller 24 determines the option corresponding to the touch-operated candidate switch as the specified option. Specifically, the UI controller 24 determines the professional mode as the designated option when the candidate switch SW11 on the monitor screen Sc2 is touched. Further, the UI controller 24 determines the eco mode as the designated option when the candidate switch SW12 on the monitor screen Sc2 is touched.

In step Sa8, the UI controller 24 turns off the highlight display of the menu switch, and further turns on the highlight display of the candidate switch related to the designated option. Specifically, the work machine controller returns the menu switch to the normal switch image. In addition, the UI controller 24 changes the candidate switch related to the designated option to an emphasized switch image specified by the file name of the emphasized switch included in the option information of the designated option.
In step Sa9, the UI controller 24 changes the setting of the target mode. Specifically, the UI controller 24 rewrites the current setting field with the option code of the specified option in the data record related to the target mode in the mode management table.
Thus, the UI controller 24 functions as a setting unit that accepts a touch operation on a candidate switch as a selection operation and sets an option corresponding to the candidate switch that is the target of the selection operation in a target mode.

In step Sa10, the UI controller 24 turns off the display of the candidate switch and changes the menu switch related to the target mode. Specifically, the UI controller 24 sets the monitor screen displayed on the touch panel 20 to a screen that does not include candidate switches. Furthermore, the UI controller 24 includes a monitor screen as a menu switch for the target mode including an image identified by the file name of the normal switch included in the option information together with the option code described in the current setting field for the target mode. To do.
Thus, the UI controller 24 functions as fourth display control means for terminating display of the candidate switch in response to a selection operation of one of the candidate switches corresponding to the second display object.
Then, the UI controller 24 ends the mode change process.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a monitor screen Sc4 as an example after changing the setting of the target mode. FIG. 8 shows a case where the professional mode is newly set as the power mode in response to the touch operation of the candidate switch SW11 on the monitor screen Sc2 shown in FIG. Therefore, in FIG. 8, the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 4 and 6 are assigned to the same display objects as those in FIGS.

  The UI controller 24 may change the display on the touch panel 20 directly from the monitor screen Sc2 to the monitor screen Sc4. However, the UI controller 24 displays an animation by gradually changing from the monitor screen Sc2 to the monitor screen Sc4. May be. For example, the UI controller 24 replaces the image used as the candidate switch SW11 as the menu switch SW1 by sliding the candidate switch SW11 over the menu switch SW1 to the position of the menu switch SW1. Then, the UI controller 24 slides the candidate switch SW12 under the new menu switch SW1, and ends the display.

  The UI controller 24 determines YES in step Sa6 and proceeds to step Sa11 when the standby time has elapsed without the operator performing a touch operation on any candidate switch. The UI controller 24 also determines in step Sa6 whether or not a touch operation has been performed on the menu switch related to the target mode. If the touch operation is detected by the touch panel 20, the UI controller 24 proceeds to step Sa11. Also good.

  In step Sa11, the UI controller 24 turns off the display of the candidate switch and turns off the highlight display of the menu switch. That is, the UI controller 24 returns to the monitor screen when the current mode change process is started. Then, the UI controller 24 ends the mode change process.

  As described above, according to the construction machine 100, the operator can check the current setting state of each operation mode by using the menu switches SW1 to SW4 on a normal monitor screen such as the monitor screen Sc1 shown in FIG. . Further, the operator can check the operation state of the construction machine 100 by various displays other than the menu switches SW1 to SW4 on the monitor screen. That is, the normal monitor screen such as the monitor screen Sc1 displays the operation status of the construction machine 100 such as what mode the construction machine 100 is operating in which state.

On the other hand, when a touch operation is performed on any of the menu switches SW1 to SW4, the construction machine 100 displays candidate switches arranged in the menu switch that is the target of the touch operation, for example, on the monitor screen Sc2 illustrated in FIG. A monitor screen for such operation is displayed. In other words, the operation monitor screen displays the operation for the operator to change the operation mode of the construction machine 100 while the operation state of the construction machine 100 is displayed.
The candidate switch is superimposed on the display object indicating the operation state, but only a part of the display object displayed on the monitor screen is not visible. Moreover, the candidate switches are displayed only for a limited period for the operator to specify options.

  Thus, according to the construction machine 100, the above operation is performed while both the display of the operation status of the construction machine 100 and the display for the operation by the operator for changing the operation mode are performed on the touch panel 20. In the meantime, the operator can check the operation status.

(Second Embodiment)
The construction machine 100 differs from the first embodiment in the second embodiment in the contents of the mode change process. Since the configuration may be the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here.
Also in the second embodiment, when the construction machine 100 is in a normal operation state, the UI controller 24 starts the mode change process at every predetermined timing.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart of mode change processing by the UI controller 24. Note that the procedure of this process is an example, and if a similar result can be obtained, the processing order of each step may be changed as appropriate, and other processes may be added. In FIG. 9, the same processes as those shown in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The UI controller 24 proceeds to step Sa21 after processing steps Sa1 to Sa3 in the same manner as in the first embodiment.
In step Sa21, the UI controller 24 starts an animation display for changing the monitor screen from the state not representing the candidate switch to the state represented. This animation display has been described in the first embodiment regarding the transition from the monitor screen Sc1 to the monitor screen Sc2.

In step Sa22, the UI controller 24 confirms whether or not the switch that is the target of the touch operation has been changed. If the UI controller 24 has not been changed, the UI controller 24 determines NO, and proceeds to step Sa23.
In step Sa23, the UI controller 24 confirms whether or not the touch operation continues from the start of the animation display in step Sa21 until the predetermined standby time elapses. The UI controller 24 determines NO if the standby time has not yet elapsed, and proceeds to step Sa24.
In step Sa24, the UI controller 24 checks whether or not the touch operation has been completed. Then, the UI controller 24 determines NO if the touch operation has not ended, and returns to step Sa22.
Thus, in step Sa22 to step Sa24, the UI controller 24 changes the switch that is the target of the touch operation, the standby time elapses while the touch operation is performed, or the touch operation ends. I wait for you. Note that the animation display may be completed during the standby state.

  In order to change the setting of the target mode, the pilot changes the touch position so that the candidate switch to be selected is touch-operated while the touch operation on the touch panel 20 is continued. Accordingly, when the switch to be touched is changed, the UI controller 24 determines YES in Step Sa22, and proceeds to Step Sa25.

  In step Sa25, the UI controller 24 turns off the highlight display of the switch that was touch-operated before the change, and turns on the highlight display of the switch that was newly touch-operated after the change. Then, the UI controller 24 returns to the standby state of steps Sa22 to Sa24. Therefore, if the operator changes the touch position as described above and the switch to be touched is changed, the switch is highlighted.

When the touch operation is completed, the UI controller 24 determines YES in Step Sa24, and proceeds to Step Sa26.
Note that, even if the touch operation on the touch panel 20 is continued, the UI controller 24 determines YES in step Sa24 if the touch position is not the menu switch and candidate switch in the target mode. In this case, in the process of changing the touch position from the position of the menu switch to the position of the candidate switch by the operator, it is not allowed to pass through the area other than the menu switch and the candidate switch.
However, the UI controller 24 may determine YES in step Sa24 when the touch operation is no longer detected on the touch panel 20. In this way, in the process of changing the touch position from the position of the menu switch to the position of the candidate switch, the operator is allowed to pass through the area other than the menu switch and the candidate switch.

  In step Sa26, the UI controller 24 stops the animation display. If the animation display has already been completed, the UI controller 24 does nothing here. However, if the animation process is not completed, the display state of the candidate switch is fixed during the animation process. However, the UI controller 24 may wait for completion if the animation display is not completed.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a monitor screen Sc5 as an example when the touch operation is finished in a state where the animation process is not completed. FIG. 10 shows a case where the touch operation is terminated while the transition from the monitor screen Sc1 shown in FIG. 4 to the monitor screen Sc2 shown in FIG. 6 is performed by animation display. Therefore, in FIG. 11, the same display objects as those in FIGS. 4 and 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIGS.

In step Sa27, the UI controller 24 checks whether or not the touch target immediately before the touch operation is ended is a candidate switch. Then, the UI controller 24 determines YES if the touch operation has been completed from the state in which the touch operation is performed on the candidate switch, and proceeds to step Sa28.
Now, after changing the touch position to the candidate switch to be selected, the pilot ends the touch operation. Therefore, the UI controller 24 proceeds from step Sa27 to step Sa28 in accordance with such an operation of the operator.

In step Sa <b> 28, the UI controller 24 determines an option corresponding to the candidate switch that is a touch target immediately before the touch operation is ended as a designated option. After that, the UI controller 24 executes the processing after step Sa9 in the same manner as in the first embodiment.
Thus, the UI controller 24 functions as a setting unit that accepts an operation for ending the touch operation on the candidate switch as a selection operation, and sets an option corresponding to the candidate switch that is the target of the selection operation in the target mode.

  On the other hand, if the touch target immediately before the end of the touch operation is other than the candidate switch, the UI controller 24 determines NO in step Sa27, and proceeds to step Sa5. Then, the UI controller 24 executes the processing after step Sa5 in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

If the waiting time has elapsed while the operator continues the touch operation, the UI controller 24 determines YES in step Sa23, and proceeds to step Sa29.
In step Sa29, the UI controller 24 turns off the display of the candidate switch and turns off the highlight display of the highlighted switch. That is, the UI controller 24 returns to the monitor screen when the current mode change process is started. Then, the UI controller 24 ends the mode change process.
However, the processing of step Sa23 and step Sa29 may not be performed.

Thus, also in the second embodiment, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.
In the construction machine 100 of the second embodiment, when the operator starts a touch operation on any of the menu switches SW1 to SW4, animation display for displaying candidate switches is started. Then, when the pilot changes the touch position so that the candidate switch is a touch target while continuing the touch operation, and ends the touch operation, the option corresponding to the candidate switch is set as the target mode. The Therefore, the operator can change the setting of the operation mode by an operation of sliding a finger on the screen of the touch panel 20.

  Further, in the construction machine 100 according to the second embodiment, after the display of the candidate switch is started, when the touch operation is finished without performing the touch operation on the candidate switch, the display of the candidate switch is continued as it is. . When a touch operation on the candidate switch is performed again, the option corresponding to the candidate switch that is the target of the touch operation is set as the target mode. Therefore, even if the operator accidentally ends the touch operation before performing the touch operation on the desired candidate switch, the pilot responds to the candidate switch by the touch operation on the already displayed candidate switch. Options can be specified and there is no need to start over from touching the menu switch.

The first and second embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.
For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the excavator type construction machine 100 is illustrated, but various types of self-propelled construction machines such as various types of crane vehicles, bulldozers, and road sweepers, and further self-propelled. The same can be applied to a construction machine having no function.
Any input device may be used as long as it can be used as an input unit of a graphical user interface, and another type of device such as a joystick may be used.
Of course, various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Construction machine, 1 ... Lower traveling body, 1a ... Endless track (crawler), 2 ... Upper turning body, 2a ... Cabin, 2b ... Turning mechanism, 3 ... Working apparatus, 3a ... Boom, 3b ... Arm, 3c ... Attachment DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Engine, 12 ... Pump unit, 13 ... Steering device group, 14 ... Control valve group, 15 ... Hydraulic actuator group, 16 ... Solenoid valve group, 17 ... Engine controller, 18 ... Pump controller, 19 ... Work machine controller, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 ... Touch panel, 21 ... Air conditioning unit, 22 ... Sensor group, 23 ... Camera, 24 ... User interface controller (UI controller).

Claims (3)

A construction machine,
An operating unit that operates to change the operating state of the construction machine;
A display device;
An input device for inputting an operation on the display screen of the display;
First display control means for displaying on the display device a monitor image representing an operating state of the construction machine;
Each corresponds to each of a plurality of operation modes in which one of a plurality of options can be set, and a plurality of first display objects representing the setting states of the corresponding operation modes are not superimposed on the monitor image. Second display control means for displaying on the display device;
When the selection operation for selecting one of the first display objects is detected by the input device, the monitor image is arranged on the first display object that is the target of the selection operation. A third display control for starting the display on the display device of the second display object corresponding to at least a part of the plurality of options of the operation mode corresponding to the first display object, overlapping the part. Means,
When the selection operation of one of the second display objects is detected by the input device, the selection corresponding to the second display object that is the target of the selection operation is selected as the selection operation. Setting means for setting as the operation mode corresponding to the first display object that is the target of
A construction machine comprising operation control means for controlling the operation unit so that the construction machine is in an operation state corresponding to the plurality of operation modes determined by the setting means.   Fourth display control means for ending display of the second display object on the display device in response to the selection operation of one of the second display objects being detected by the input device; The construction machine according to claim 1 further provided. A fifth display control means for displaying an alarm image representing an alarm relating to the operation of the construction machine on the display device;
The construction machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second display control means displays the second display object so as not to overlap the warning image.