WO2025142076A1 - Control system, control method, computer program, and work vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

A work vehicle control system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a meter panel comprising a digital display; and a control device for controlling operation of the meter panel. The work vehicle is configured so that: it is possible to set a work mode which was selected by a user from among a plurality of work modes; and the content of control for the work vehicle is set for each of the plurality of work modes. The control device causes the digital display to display a plurality of options that enable the user to select one of the plurality of work modes, and to display task names corresponding to the work modes allocated respectively to the plurality of options, and the control device causes the digital display to display, for each of the plurality of options, the content of control set for the work vehicle in a corresponding work mode.

Description

Control system, control method, computer program, and work vehicle

The present disclosure relates to a control system, a control method, a computer program, and a work vehicle.

As the next generation of agriculture, research and development is underway into smart agriculture that utilizes ICT (Information and Communication Technology) and IoT (Internet of Things). Research and development is also underway to automate and unmanned work vehicles such as tractors used in farm fields. For example, work vehicles that can steer automatically using positioning systems such as GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System), which allows precise positioning, have been put into practical use.

In front of the driver's seat of agricultural work vehicles such as tractors, there is a meter panel unit that displays the driving speed, engine load state, and the status of each part of the work vehicle and notifies the driver (operator).

Patent document 1 describes a meter unit for a typical passenger vehicle.

JP 2012-32209 A

Meter panels installed on agricultural machinery such as tractors are required to accurately notify the operator of various information related to the vehicle while it is traveling or working. Furthermore, because such agricultural machinery performs a variety of tasks outdoors, it is necessary to display much more information than an ordinary passenger car. When agricultural machinery is used for smart agriculture, it will be necessary to display even more information. However, the more information is displayed on the meter panel, the lower the visibility becomes, making it more difficult for the driver to obtain the information he or she needs.

Furthermore, the increasing demands placed on such meter panels apply not only to agricultural machinery, but also to construction machinery used for work on construction sites. Hereinafter, mobile agricultural machinery and construction machinery will be collectively referred to as "work vehicles."

Information displayed on the meter panel of a work vehicle is required to increase convenience for the operator.

This disclosure provides the solutions described in the following items.

[Item 1]
1. A control system for a work vehicle, comprising:
a meter panel unit having a digital display;
A control device for controlling an operation of the meter panel unit;
Equipped with
The work vehicle is capable of setting a work mode selected by a user from a plurality of work modes,
A content of control of the work vehicle is set for each of the plurality of work modes,
The control device includes:
displaying on the digital display a plurality of options for the user to select one of the plurality of work modes together with work names corresponding to the work modes assigned to each of the plurality of options;
A control system that displays, for each of the plurality of options, the content of control that is to be set for the work vehicle in the corresponding work mode on the digital display.

Work vehicles are capable of performing a variety of tasks, but it can be difficult for users to understand what control settings are desirable for each task.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control device displays on the digital display a number of options for the user to select one of a number of work modes, together with the work names corresponding to the work modes assigned to each of the number of options. The control device also displays on the digital display the content of the control to be set on the work vehicle for each of the number of options.

By looking at the task name displayed on the digital display, the user can easily select the task mode appropriate for the task to be performed. The user can also easily check the content of the control that is set for each task mode.

By setting the work vehicle to the control content that corresponds to the work mode selected by the user, the user does not need to individually set multiple types of control appropriate for the work to be performed.

[Item 2]
The content of control of the work vehicle in each of the plurality of work modes is changeable,
The control device includes:
2. The control system described in item 1, wherein, when the user selects a first work mode of the plurality of work modes, a setting window for changing the content of control of the work vehicle in the first work mode is displayed on the digital display.

[Item 3]
3. The control system according to claim 2, wherein the control device changes content of control of the work vehicle in the first work mode in response to operation of a user interface by the user.

[Item 4]
a storage device that stores the changed content of control of the work vehicle;
4. The control system of claim 3, wherein the controller maintains control of the work vehicle with the first work mode changed.

[Item 5]
5. The control system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the control device displays the changed content of the control of the work vehicle on the digital display together with a mark indicating that the content has been changed.

[Item 6]
The control system according to any one of items 3 to 5, wherein the control device resets the changed content of control of the work vehicle when the user selects to reset the changed content of control of the work vehicle.

[Item 7]
The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the plurality of work modes include two or more of a work mode using a loader, a work mode using a grass cutter, a work mode traveling on a road, and a work mode traveling on snow-covered ground.

[Item 8]
A control system as described in any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the control of the work vehicle set for each of the plurality of work modes includes one or more of control according to the load on the prime mover of the work vehicle, control to change the rate at which the rotation speed of the prime mover is changed in response to accelerator operation by the user, and control to change the responsiveness of a hydrostatic continuously variable transmission of the work vehicle.

[Item 9]
9. The control system according to item 8, wherein the control according to the load on the prime mover includes one or more of control to suppress engine stall and control to switch gear stages of a transmission of the work vehicle according to the load on the prime mover.

[Item 10]
10. The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the control device causes the digital display to display an indicator indicating an accelerator operation amount by the user.

[Item 11]
11. The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the control device causes the digital display to display an indicator indicating an angle of a swash plate of a hydrostatic continuously variable transmission of the work vehicle.

[Item 12]
12. The control system of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the control device causes the digital display to display an indicator indicating a position of a lift arm attached to the work vehicle.

[Item 13]
13. The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the control device causes the digital display to display an indicator indicating a turning angle of a steering wheel of the work vehicle.

[Item 14]
A work vehicle equipped with the control system according to any one of items 1 to 13.

[Item 15]
Item 15. The work vehicle according to item 14, wherein the work vehicle is a mobile agricultural machine.

[Item 16]
Item 15. The work vehicle according to item 14, wherein the work vehicle is a tractor.

[Item 17]
A control method for controlling a work vehicle, executed by one or more computers, comprising:
The work vehicle is capable of setting a work mode selected by a user from a plurality of work modes,
A content of control of the work vehicle is set for each of the plurality of work modes,
The control method includes:
displaying a plurality of options for the user to select one of the plurality of work modes on a digital display of a meter panel unit together with work names corresponding to the work modes assigned to the respective plurality of options;
displaying on the digital display, for each of the plurality of options, a control content to be set for the work vehicle in the corresponding work mode;
A control method comprising:

[Item 18]
A computer program for causing one or more computers to control a work vehicle,
The work vehicle is capable of setting a work mode selected by a user from a plurality of work modes,
A content of control of the work vehicle is set for each of the plurality of work modes,
The computer program comprises:
displaying a plurality of options for the user to select one of the plurality of work modes on a digital display of a meter panel unit together with work names corresponding to the work modes assigned to the plurality of options, respectively;
displaying on the digital display, for each of the plurality of options, a control content to be set for the work vehicle in the corresponding work mode;
on said one or more computers.

The general or specific aspects of the present disclosure may be realized by an apparatus, a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium, or any combination thereof. The computer-readable storage medium may include a volatile storage medium or a non-volatile storage medium. The apparatus may be composed of multiple devices. When the apparatus is composed of two or more devices, the two or more devices may be arranged in one device, or may be arranged separately in two or more separate devices.

Work vehicles are capable of performing a variety of tasks, but it can be difficult for users to understand what control settings are desirable for each task.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control device displays on the digital display a number of options for the user to select one of a number of work modes, together with the work names corresponding to the work modes assigned to each of the number of options. The control device also displays on the digital display the content of the control to be set on the work vehicle for each of the number of options.

By looking at the task name displayed on the digital display, the user can easily select the task mode appropriate for the task to be performed. The user can also easily check the content of the control that is set for each task mode.

By setting the work vehicle to the control content that corresponds to the work mode selected by the user, the user does not need to individually set multiple types of control appropriate for the work to be performed.

1 is a side view illustrating a schematic diagram of an example of a work vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an operation switch group and an operation terminal provided inside a cabin of a work vehicle. 11 is a side view illustrating a schematic diagram of another example of a work vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a front view showing a meter panel unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is attached behind a steering wheel located in front of a driver's seat of a work vehicle. FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of an arrangement of main components of a meter panel unit according to an embodiment of the present invention; 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a wall surface portion of the meter panel unit according to the embodiment; FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a transparent cover of the meter panel unit according to the embodiment; FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of an arrangement of indicators of the meter panel unit according to the embodiment; FIG. 4 is a front view showing an example of a state in which various information is displayed on a display element of the meter panel unit according to the embodiment; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an analog meter in the meter panel unit according to the embodiment; FIG. 1 is a front view showing the positional relationship between a first analog meter, an arc-shaped indicator, and an inner cover plate. FIG. FIG. 4 is a front view showing an example of the configuration of an arc-shaped indicator. FIG. 13 is a front view showing a second analog meter and a second arc-shaped indicator. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of an information display system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a control device. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example in which a control device is built into a meter panel unit. 13 is a front view showing a schematic example of an arc displayed in the same color as the color of light emitted from the light-emitting region of the arc-shaped indicator. FIG. 13 is a front view showing a schematic example of an arc of the same color as the color of light emitted from the light-emitting region of the arc-shaped indicator, and another shaped object including an arc of the same color. FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a home screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of segmentation of a display area. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing some of the components of the work vehicle. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation for setting a work mode of a work vehicle. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a display element that displays multiple options and control content. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display element that displays a setting window for changing the content of control of the work vehicle in a selected work mode. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display element that displays the changed content of the control. 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of a display element that displays an indicator showing an accelerator operation amount by a user. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display element that displays an indicator showing the angle of the swash plate of the HST. FIG. FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a display element that displays an indicator showing the position of the lift arms. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a display element that displays an indicator showing the turning angle of a steering wheel.

Below, a meter panel unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that parts with the same reference numerals appearing in multiple drawings indicate the same or equivalent parts.

The following embodiments are illustrative to embody the technical ideas of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. Descriptions of the sizes, materials, shapes, relative positions, etc. of components are intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the present invention thereto. The sizes and positional relationships of the components shown in each drawing may be exaggerated to make them easier to understand.

<General configuration of the work vehicle>
1A is a side view that diagrammatically illustrates an example of a work vehicle 200 according to the present embodiment. The illustrated work vehicle 200 is a tractor that tows an implement (replaceable work device) 300.

The work vehicle 200 shown in FIG. 1A includes a vehicle body 201, a prime mover (engine) 202, and a transmission 203. The vehicle body 201 is provided with a running gear including wheels 204 with tires, and a cabin 205. The running gear includes four wheels 204, an axle for rotating the four wheels, and a braking device (brake) for braking each axle. The wheels 204 in this example include a pair of front wheels 204F and a pair of rear wheels 204R. One or both of the front wheels 204F and the rear wheels 204R may be replaced with a plurality of wheels (crawlers) equipped with tracks instead of wheels with tires.

Inside the cabin 205 are provided the meter panel unit 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a driver's seat 207, a steering wheel 220, and a group of switches for operation.

FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of an operation switch group 801 and an operation terminal 802 provided inside the cabin 205 of the work vehicle 200.

Inside the cabin, there is arranged a group of operation switches 801 including multiple switches that can be operated by the user. The group of operation switches 801 includes, for example, a switch for selecting the main or sub-transmission gear stage, a switch for switching between forward and reverse, a switch for switching between four-wheel drive and two-wheel drive, a switch for disconnecting the left and right brakes, and a switch for raising and lowering the implement.

The operation terminal 802 is a terminal through which a user performs operations related to the running of the work vehicle and the operation of the implements, and is also referred to as a virtual terminal (VT). The operation terminal 802 may be equipped with a touch screen type display device and/or one or more buttons. The display device may be, for example, a liquid crystal or organic light emitting diode (OLED) display.

Refer to FIG. 1A again. The work vehicle 200 in FIG. 1A is equipped with multiple external sensors that sense the surroundings of the work vehicle 200. The external sensors may include various sensors such as multiple cameras 270, multiple obstacle sensors 295, and multiple LiDAR sensors 290. The cameras 270 may be provided, for example, on the front, rear, left and right sides of the work vehicle 200. The cameras 270 capture the environment around the work vehicle 200 and generate image data. The images captured by the cameras 270 may be transmitted to a terminal device for remote monitoring, for example. The cameras 270 are provided as necessary, and the number of cameras is arbitrary. The LiDAR sensor 290 is an example of an external sensor that outputs sensor data indicating the distribution of objects located in the surrounding environment of the work vehicle 200. In the example of FIG. 1A, two LiDAR sensors 290 are arranged at the front and rear of the cabin 205. The LiDAR sensor 290 may be provided at other positions (for example, the lower front part of the vehicle body 201, etc.). While the work vehicle 200 is traveling, each LiDAR sensor 290 repeatedly outputs sensor data indicating the distance and direction to each measurement point of an object present in the surrounding environment, or the three-dimensional coordinate value of each measurement point. The number of LiDAR sensors 290 is not limited to two, and may be one or three or more. In the example of FIG. 1A, multiple obstacle sensors 295 are provided at the front and rear of the cabin 205. The obstacle sensor 295 may also be disposed at other locations. The obstacle sensor 295 may include, for example, a laser scanner or an ultrasonic sonar. The LiDAR sensor 290 and the obstacle sensor 295 may be enabled, for example, when the work vehicle 200 travels in an autonomous driving mode. The LiDAR sensor 290 and the obstacle sensor 295 are provided as necessary, and the number of each is arbitrary. Only one of the LiDAR sensor 290 and the obstacle sensor 295 may be provided on the work vehicle 200. If they are not required, such as when the work vehicle 200 does not have an autonomous driving function, the work vehicle 200 does not need to be equipped with the LiDAR sensor 290 and the obstacle sensor 295.

The work vehicle 200 further includes a GNSS unit 260. GNSS is a general term for satellite positioning systems such as GPS (Global Positioning System), QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System, e.g., Michibiki), GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou. The GNSS unit 260 receives satellite signals (also referred to as GNSS signals) transmitted from multiple GNSS satellites and performs positioning based on the satellite signals. The GNSS unit 260 is provided on the top of the cabin 205, but may be provided in another location.

The prime mover 202 may be, for example, a diesel engine. An electric motor may be used instead of a diesel engine. The transmission 203 can change the propulsive force and travel speed of the work vehicle 200 by changing gears. The transmission 203 can also switch the work vehicle 200 between forward and reverse.

A coupling device 208 is provided at the rear of the vehicle body 201. The coupling device 208 includes, for example, a three-point support device (also called a "three-point link" or "three-point hitch"), a PTO (Power Take Off) shaft, a universal joint, and a communication cable. The coupling device 208 can attach and detach the implement 300 to the work vehicle 200. The coupling device 208 can raise and lower the three-point link using, for example, a hydraulic device, to change the position or posture of the implement 300. In addition, power can be sent from the work vehicle 200 to the implement 300 via the universal joint. The work vehicle 200 can make the implement 300 perform a specified task while pulling the implement 300. The coupling device may be provided at the front of the vehicle body 201. In that case, the implement can be connected to the front of the work vehicle 200.

The implement 300 shown in FIG. 1A is, for example, a sprayer that sprays a chemical on crops, but the implement 300 is not limited to a sprayer. For example, any implement 300, such as a mower, seeder, spreader, rake, baler, harvester, plow, harrow, or rotary, can be connected to the work vehicle 200 and used.

In this way, the work vehicle 200 used in smart agriculture is equipped with various sensors and performs various tasks together with various implements 300. During the course of such work, it is necessary to provide the driver (user or operator) with various information regarding the driving condition and work condition. For this reason, the information to be displayed on the meter panel unit 100 can vary depending on the content and stage of the work.

In addition, the work vehicle 200, such as a tractor, may be configured to run manually, automatically steered, or automatically.

Another example of an implement in this embodiment is a loader to which an attachment can be attached and detached at the tip. Various attachments that differ depending on the work content can be attached to the tip of the loader. Attachments are, for example, grabs such as a bale grab or a silage grab, forks such as a roll fork or a super pallet fork, or a bucket.

FIG. 1C is a side view showing a schematic example of a work vehicle 200A in this embodiment. The work vehicle 200A shown in the figure is a tractor with a front loader (hereinafter simply referred to as "loader") 700 connected to the front of the vehicle. A bucket 703 is attached to the tip of the loader 700 as an attachment. Note that the loader in this embodiment is not limited to a front loader, and may be a loader connected to the rear of the vehicle.

The loader 700 illustrated in FIG. 1C includes a support frame 701, a boom 702, a bucket 703, a bucket cylinder 704, and a boom cylinder 705. The loader 700 further includes a microcontroller 710 (see FIG. 11) that controls the operation of the loader. The support frame 701 is fixed to the frame of the vehicle body 201. The boom 702 has an arm-like structure and is rotatably supported by the support frame 701 so as to extend forward and upward from the vehicle. The bucket 703 is rotatably supported by the end of the boom 702. In this embodiment, the fulcrum (or rotation axis) that rotatably supports the boom 702 is called the "boom fulcrum," and the fulcrum (or rotation axis) that rotatably supports the bucket 703 is called the "bucket fulcrum."

The loader 700 in this embodiment is connected to the vehicle body 201 via a hydraulic coupler and a power connector. The loader 700 is equipped with a hydraulic system having a hydraulic valve, and operates under hydraulic control. Specifically, the boom cylinder 705 can be hydraulically extended and retracted to rotate the boom 702 around a rotation axis located at the boom fulcrum. This makes it possible to raise and lower the loader 700 (or the bucket 703). In addition, the bucket cylinder 704 can be hydraulically extended and retracted to rotate the bucket 703 around a rotation axis located at the bucket fulcrum. This makes it possible to perform scooping and dumping operations on the bucket 703.

The operation switch group 801 (see FIG. 1B) provided inside the cabin 205 may include an operation lever for performing the dumping operation and scooping operation of the bucket 703. An operation joystick for performing the dumping operation, scooping operation, and lifting operation of the bucket 703 may be provided inside the cabin 205. In addition, the operation terminal 802 may display a setting screen for the loader's hydraulic control valve, including a button display for adjusting the hydraulic flow rate. The operation lever, joystick, and operation terminal 802 are electrically connected to the loader's microcontroller. By operating the operation lever, joystick, and setting screen of the operation terminal 802, the user can perform the desired work while operating the boom 702 and bucket 703.

<Outline of meter panel unit configuration>
FIG. 1D is a front view showing a meter panel unit 100 mounted on a tractor, which is one of the work vehicles, in an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, the meter panel unit 100 is disposed on the front side of the driver's seat of the tractor. Specifically, the meter panel unit 100 is fitted into an opening of a meter cover 240 above a handle stay 230 that rotatably supports a steering wheel (handle) 220. The steering wheel 220 in this example has a central hub (horn cover) 221, three spokes 222A, 222B, and 222C that extend radially from the horn cover 221, and a rim 223 supported by the spokes 222A, 222B, and 222C. The meter panel unit 100 is provided at a position that can be seen by a driver seated in the driver's seat. In the example of FIG. 1D, various information displayed on the meter panel unit 100 can be seen from an opening between the spokes 222A and 222B.

The meter panel unit 100 is required to have excellent visibility. In particular, mobile work vehicles capable of automatic steering or driving are required to display various information that is not displayed in ordinary passenger cars in the course of performing various agricultural tasks. For such a meter panel unit 100, it is desirable to enhance its visibility so that information of particular importance among the various pieces of information is not overlooked. Furthermore, when the meter panel unit 100 is mounted on various types of work vehicles, it is desirable for it to have a structure that allows for easy installation. As described below, the meter panel unit 100 in this embodiment has excellent visibility and is easy to install.

The schematic configuration of the meter panel unit 100 will be described below with reference to Figures 2, 3, and 4. Figure 2 is a front view showing an example of the arrangement of the main components of the meter panel unit 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a wall surface portion of the meter panel unit 100, which will be described later. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a transparent cover of the meter panel unit 100, which will be described later. For reference, these figures show the mutually orthogonal X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis (right-handed coordinate system). In this specification, the positive direction of the Y-axis may be referred to as the upward direction and the negative direction as the downward direction, and the positive direction of the X-axis may be referred to as the rightward direction and the negative direction as the leftward direction. The positive direction of the Z-axis may be referred to as the frontward direction and the negative direction as the rearward direction.

The meter panel unit 100 shown in FIG. 2 includes a meter section 10 having a first analog meter 11, a second analog meter 12, and a display element 13 provided between the first and second analog meters 11, 12. In this specification, the display portion of the meter section 10 shown in FIG. 2 is sometimes referred to as the display surface side of the meter section 10.

The first analog meter 11 has an indicator needle 2A, and the second analog meter 12 has indicator needles 2B and 2C. The indicator needle 2A is rotatably supported around a rotation axis located near the center of the first analog meter 11. The indicator needle 2A indicates, for example, the engine speed depending on the direction in which the tip of the indicator needle 2A points. Here, "engine speed" means the number of engine revolutions per unit time (for example, one minute). The indicator needles 2B and 2C are rotatably supported around two rotation axes located at different places on the second analog meter 12. The indicator needle 2B indicates, for example, the remaining fuel amount depending on the direction in which the tip of the indicator needle 2B points. The indicator needle 2C indicates, for example, the temperature (water temperature) of the engine cooling water depending on the direction in which the tip of the indicator needle 2C points. The indicator needles 2A, 2B, and 2C are driven by a drive unit (movement) provided in the meter unit 10. The drive unit can receive electrical signals indicating sensor outputs such as engine speed, remaining fuel, or water temperature, and convert them into mechanical motion that changes the orientation of indicator needles 2A, 2B, and 2C. Each drive unit for indicator needles 2A, 2B, and 2C has an actuator such as a stepping motor.

The display element 13 is a digital meter, not an analog meter. The display element 13 is, for example, an active matrix display such as a liquid crystal display panel or an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode). In the following description, it is assumed that the display element 13 is a liquid crystal display (LCD) as an example. The display element 13 has a large number of pixels arranged two-dimensionally in a display area, and a display visible to the human eye is realized by light emitted from the large number of pixels. In the display element 13 in this embodiment, each pixel includes RGB sub-pixels, and a color image can be displayed. Unlike an analog meter, the display element 13 is capable of displaying numbers, letters, figures, icons, symbols, still images, or moving images of any size at any position within the display area. Strictly speaking, the numbers, letters, figures, icons, and symbols are also part of the image (still image or moving image) that the display element 13 displays in the display area. The display element 13 is also capable of displaying an image that appears to be the whole or part of an analog meter with a pointer, for example. When the display element 13 displays an image of an "analog meter," it is possible to rotate the "pointer needle" in the image in any direction as part of a moving image by changing the image frame by frame. If the work vehicle is an electric vehicle driven by a battery, the displays of engine speed, remaining fuel, and water temperature can be replaced with displays of, for example, motor output, remaining battery power, and battery temperature, respectively.

The difference between the image of an "analog meter" displayed by a display device such as the display element 13 and the first analog meter 11 and second analog meter 12 is that the former is planar, whereas the latter is three-dimensional. Also, the former allows the shape, color, and size of the pointer and scale of the analog meter to be changed, whereas it is difficult to change these things with the latter. Furthermore, with the former, visibility depends on the contrast of the image, so there is a possibility that visibility may decrease when the outside light is strong during the day, whereas with the latter, such a possibility is relatively small. Taking these into consideration, in this embodiment, some of the information displayed on the meter section 10, particularly information that is highly important and requires high visibility, is displayed by an analog meter with a three-dimensional structure.

The external shape of the meter unit 10 when viewed from the front on the display surface side is a closed curve similar to an ellipse, but the external shape of the meter unit 10 is not limited to this example. The external shape of the meter unit 10 when viewed from the front may be roughly rectangular, or may be a figure that combines straight lines and curves.

The meter panel unit 100 further includes a wall portion 20 fixed to the display surface side of the meter portion 10, and a transparent cover 30 facing the display surface of the meter portion 10.

The wall portion 20 surrounds the first analog meter 11, the display element 13, and the second analog meter 12 along the periphery of the meter portion 10. The wall portion 20 may be formed from, for example, plastic (synthetic resin). The wall portion 20 protrudes vertically (positive direction of the Z axis) from the display surface of the meter portion 10. The wall portion 20 does not need to be perpendicular to the display surface of the meter portion 10, and may be inclined from the Z axis. The distance from the display surface of the meter portion 10 to the front end of the wall portion 20 (also called "height") is not constant along the periphery of the meter portion 10, but may vary depending on the position on the periphery.

As shown in FIG. 4, the transparent cover 30 has a front portion 30A including a concave surface 32, and a side portion 30B extending from the periphery of the front portion 30A along the outside of the wall portion 20. The side portion 30B of the transparent cover 30 can cover the entire outside of the wall portion 20. The transparent cover 30 can be formed, for example, from a colorless and transparent plastic (e.g., acrylic), or glass. In this embodiment, the front portion 30A and the side portion 30B of the transparent cover 30 are an integral part.

When the meter panel unit 100 is attached to a work vehicle, it is preferable that the front portion 30A of the transparent cover 30 is tilted forward when the transparent cover 30 is viewed from the normal direction of the meter section 10. If the front portion 30A is tilted forward in this manner, when an operator looks at the meter section 10 through the transparent cover 30, the operator's face and the background behind the operator are less likely to be reflected in the transparent cover 30.

Next, the indicator area of the meter section 10 will be described with reference to Figure 5. In the example of Figure 5, the meter section 10 has an indicator area 14T provided on the upper part of the display element 13, and indicator areas 14L and 14R provided on the lower part of the display element 13. Various indicators are provided in each of the indicator areas 14T, 14L, and 14R. Each indicator displays predetermined information, such as a warning, when a light-emitting element, such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) behind it, is lit.

In this embodiment, two indicator areas 14L and 14R are arranged on the lower part of the display element 13, separated into left and right, but it is also possible to arrange one indicator area by combining the two indicator areas.

The indicator area 14T located above the display element 13 is less likely to be obstructed by the spokes 222A, 222B, 222C of the steering wheel 220 than the other indicator areas 14L, 14R. For this reason, it is preferable to select and place indicators that indicate particularly important information (information with a high warning level) (e.g., indicators that indicate the lighting status of the lighting device, direction indications, warnings to the driver, etc.) from among the many indicators in the indicator area 14T. The "warning level" of the information displayed by the indicator can be specified, for example, in the instruction manual for the work vehicle. For example, information such as an engine abnormality or malfunction, and whether or not the headlights are on has a high warning level.

In this embodiment, each indicator arranged in the indicator area is composed of a translucent area shaped to define a distinctive figure (including an icon and/or character) and a light-emitting element arranged behind it. The indicator can be turned on/off by turning on/off the light-emitting element behind it. For example, one or two light-emitting elements are arranged behind each indicator.

Next, referring to FIG. 6, a display example of the display element 13 will be described. In the example of FIG. 6, the display area of the display element 13 is divided into several areas, as described below. In each area, an "image" showing information such as the gear shift stage, vehicle speed, various function performance displays, and an hour meter is displayed. This image includes various information represented by letters, numbers, figures, icons, symbols, and the like. The various digital images may be displayed in different colors to improve visibility. Furthermore, when it is particularly important to attract the operator's attention, at least one of the position, size, and color of the letters, numbers, figures, icons, and symbols may be changed to provide an emphasized display. When such an emphasized display is performed, a sound or voice may be emitted from an audio device such as a speaker.

<Communication ring and inside cover>
Next, the arc-shaped indicator (C-shaped communication ring) and the end cover will be described with reference to Figs.

The meter panel unit 100 of this embodiment includes a first arc-shaped indicator (communication ring) 40A arranged around the movable area 11X of the indicator needle 2A, and a second arc-shaped indicator 40B (see FIG. 10) arranged around the movable areas of the indicator needles 2B and 2C. In this disclosure, "arc" means a part of a circle (circumference), but this circle is not limited to a "perfect circle" and may include a part whose curvature changes gradually or locally, such as a part of an ellipse.

The first arc-shaped indicator 40A and the second arc-shaped indicator 40B have a symmetrical structure, and are collectively referred to as the arc-shaped indicator 40. For simplicity's sake, the following explanation of the arc-shaped indicator 40 will be given using the first arc-shaped indicator (communication ring) 40A as an example.

As shown in FIG. 7, the meter panel unit 100 of this embodiment includes a facing plate 50 located outside the arc-shaped indicator 40. The facing plate 50 is made of the same material (plastic) as the wall portion 20, and is an integrated part with the wall portion 20 as shown in FIG. 3. When viewed from the front, the facing plate 50 has a roughly arc-shaped shape. The height of the upper end 50T of the facing plate 50 (i.e., the distance from the display surface of the meter portion 10) changes continuously between the upper end 50A and the lower end 50B, and is maximum at the intermediate position. The facing plate 50 is a curved wall rising from the meter portion 10.

FIG. 8 is a front view showing the relative positions of the first analog meter 11, the arc-shaped indicator 40, and the face plate 50. FIG. 9 is a front view showing mainly an example of the configuration of the arc-shaped indicator 40. None of the first analog meter 11, the arc-shaped indicator 40, or the face plate 50 extends to the right of the dashed line E-E shown in FIG. 8 (positive direction of the X-axis). The display element 13 is disposed to the right of the dashed line E-E (positive direction of the X-axis).

By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the expansion of the horizontal (X-axis) size of the first analog meter 11 while increasing the length of the indicator needle 2A, i.e., the radius of the first analog meter 11. The same applies to the second analog meter 12. Note that, as shown in FIG. 1D, increasing the horizontal size of the meter section 10 increases the possibility that the spokes 222A, 222B of the steering wheel 220 will obstruct the visibility of the first and second analog meters 11, 12. For this reason, it is not preferable to increase the horizontal size of the meter section 10. In this embodiment, by accommodating the analog meter inside a shape surrounded by the broken line E-E and a circular arc rather than a circular shape, it is possible to increase the horizontal (X-axis) size of the display element 13 while improving the visibility of the first and second analog meters 11, 12 even in a meter section 10 with a limited horizontal size. In addition, by dividing the boundary between the first and second analog meters 11, 12 and the display element 13 with a straight line, the display areas for analog information and digital information can be clearly separated, improving the visibility of both the analog information and the digital information.

In order to obtain the above effect, it is preferable that the central angle of the "arc" of the arc-shaped indicator 40 (40A) arranged to surround the first analog meter 11 is greater than 180° and less than 270°. If the central angle of the "arc" is 180° or less, the visibility of the first analog meter 11 decreases, and if the central angle of the "arc" is 270° or more, the effect of reducing the width of the first analog meter 11 in the lateral direction (X-axis direction) becomes insufficient. The same is true for the arc-shaped indicator 40 (40B) surrounding the second analog meter 12. From the viewpoint of design, it is preferable that the left and right arc-shaped indicators 40A, 40B are arranged symmetrically with respect to a vertical line passing through the center of the display element 13.

The arc-shaped indicator 40 has at least one light-emitting area 42 disposed between the movable area 11X of the pointer 2A and the back plate 50. In the example shown in FIG. 9, multiple light-emitting areas 42 are provided. In this example, each light-emitting area 42 is thin and has a curved shape that extends in an arc. The multiple light-emitting areas 42 are arranged to form a row of arcs to form the arc-shaped indicator 40. When there is one light-emitting area 42, each light-emitting area 42 has an arc shape.

In the example shown in the figure, the first analog meter 11 has an arc-shaped scale 17 between the arc-shaped indicator 40 and the movable area 11X of the pointer needle 2A. This scale 17 is a mark (three-dimensional scale) having a three-dimensional shape protruding from the display surface, and is integrally formed from plastic together with the wall portion 20 and the back panel 50. Note that the scale 17 does not necessarily have to have a three-dimensional shape, but from the perspective of improving readability, it is desirable for it to be a three-dimensional scale.

The multiple light-emitting areas 42 of the arc-shaped indicator 40 may each be formed from a light-emitting element (e.g., an LED or OLED), but in this embodiment, they are formed from multiple light-transmitting areas provided on the display surface of the meter section 10 (i.e., the surface on the front side of the housing of the meter section 10) and one or more light-emitting elements arranged behind them.

The multiple light-emitting elements may include multiple LEDs that emit light of different colors. In this embodiment, the multiple light-emitting elements include an LED that emits red light, an LED that emits green light, and an LED that emits blue light. By selectively emitting these LEDs, the arc-shaped indicator 40 can provide the function of notifying the operator of information using light of various colors. For example, red light, green light, and blue light can be selectively emitted from all of the multiple light-emitting areas 42 shown in FIG. 9. In addition, by assigning a light-emitting element to each of the multiple light-emitting areas 42 and emitting light independently from the multiple light-emitting elements, it is also possible to emit light sequentially from the multiple light-emitting areas 42.

<3D scale>
Next, the three-dimensional scale 17 will be described. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the three-dimensional scale 17 extends in an arc shape inside the arc-shaped indicator 40 so as to roughly form the letter C. Also, as shown in Figures 3 and 7, the three-dimensional scale 17 has a plurality of cutout portions 17A arranged at a predetermined interval. These cutout portions 17A are portions where the width of the three-dimensional scale 17 is locally narrowed. The position of the cutout portions 17A is aligned with the position of the scale indicated by the tip of the indicator needle 2A in the first analog meter 11. The presence of such three-dimensional cutout portions 17A makes it easier for the operator to read the scale.

As shown in FIG. 7, the inside cover 50 has multiple protrusions 52 that protrude toward the movable area 11X of the indicator needle 2A. The multiple protrusions 52 are provided at the positions of the cutouts of the three-dimensional scale 17, in other words, at positions that align with the scale. As a result, the cutouts 17A of the three-dimensional scale 17 are recognized as a figure integrated with the protrusions 52, improving the visibility of the scale. Each of the multiple protrusions 52 straddles between the multiple light-emitting regions 42 in the arc-shaped indicator 40. Therefore, the arrangement of the multiple light-emitting regions 42 also aligns with the arrangement of the scale.

As can be seen from FIG. 3, the multiple protrusions 52 connect the three-dimensional scale 17 and the face plate 50 as a bridge. The face plate 50 is also connected to the wall portion 20. In this embodiment, the wall portion 20, the face plate 50, and the three-dimensional scale 17 are integrally formed from resin. The multiple protrusions 52 extending from the face plate 50 define the boundaries of the multiple light-emitting areas 42 in the arc-shaped indicator 40.

Next, the second analog meter 12 and the second arc-shaped indicator 40B will be described with reference to FIG. 10. The second arc-shaped indicator 40B is symmetrical to the first arc-shaped indicator 40A, and has the same basic configuration. A cover plate (right side cover plate) 50 is provided on the outside of the second arc-shaped indicator 40B. The left side cover plate 50 is symmetrical to the cover plate (left side cover plate) 50 described above.

On the inside of the second arc-shaped indicator 40B, there is an arc-shaped protrusion 17X that corresponds to the three-dimensional scale 17, but this arc-shaped protrusion 17X does not have a notch. Between the arc-shaped protrusion 17X and the right side panel 50, protrusions (bridges) 52 are arranged at equal intervals to define the multiple light-emitting areas 42 of the second arc-shaped indicator 40B.

The movable area 13X of the second indicator needle 2B and the third indicator needle 2C is located in the area surrounded by the second arc-shaped indicator 40B. The rotation angle range 2BM of the second indicator needle 2B and the rotation angle range 2CM of the third indicator needle 2C have external shapes that are similar or congruent to each other. In the example of FIG. 10, the rotation angle range 2BM of the second indicator needle 2B and the rotation angle range 2CM of the third indicator needle 2C are vertically symmetrical, but are not limited to such an example. The rotation angle range 2BM and the rotation angle range 2CM may have shapes and sizes that overlap each other when, for example, one is translated in parallel in the vertical direction.

By adopting this configuration, it is possible to intuitively read the scale from the movement of the second indicator needle 2B and the third indicator needle 2C, making misreading less likely to occur.

<Information display system>
Hereinafter, an information display system 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 11 to Fig. 14B. Fig. 11 is a block diagram that illustrates a schematic configuration example of the information display system 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The information display system 500 includes the above-described meter panel unit 100 and a control device 400 that controls the meter panel unit 100. The control device 400 may include an electronic control unit (ECU) that is disposed in the work vehicle. The information display system 500 may further include an audio device such as a buzzer or a speaker.

The information display system 500 is communicatively connected to the ECU group 610, the sensor group 620, and the loader microcontroller 710 provided in the work vehicle via the bus B. The ECU group 610 may be collectively referred to as a "vehicle control device." In this specification, the various ECUs provided in the work vehicle are referred to as "vehicle ECUs," and the ECU in the control device 400 provided in the information display system 500 is referred to as a "meter ECU" to distinguish between the two. The various vehicle ECUs and the meter ECU can communicate with each other according to a vehicle bus standard such as CAN (Controller Area Network). For example, one vehicle ECU of the ECU group 610 provided in the work vehicle receives signals from the other vehicle ECUs and sensor data output from each sensor included in the sensor group 620, and instructs the meter ECU to display a warning message as described below or to turn on, off, or flash an indicator depending on the state of the work vehicle. The meter ECU receives instructions from the vehicle ECU and displays warning messages in the display area and turns indicators on, off, or blinks.

In FIG. 11, the illustration of wiring other than the wiring of bus B is simplified. However, for example, there may be wiring for directly transmitting signals from one or more sensors included in the sensor group 620 equipped in the work vehicle to the control device 400, or wiring for connecting an input device described below to the control device 400. There are also power supply wiring for supplying power from the battery to the meter panel unit 100, the control device 400, the ECU group 610 of the work vehicle, and the sensor group 620.

One example of the control device 400 in this embodiment is a computing device that includes at least one processor and at least one memory that stores a computer program (code) that defines a control process executed by the processor. Another example of the control device 400 is a computing device that includes a hardware accelerator, such as a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), an Application Specific Standard Product (ASSP), or an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), configured to execute the control process.

In this embodiment, a "processor" is a hardware electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ISP (Image Signal Processor), or an NPU (Neural Network Processing Unit). A "memory" is a hardware electronic circuit such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory). Part of the memory may be a storage medium connected to the processor by wiring or a network. These hardware electronic circuits may be implemented by one or more integrated circuits (ICs) or large scale integrated circuits (LSIs). Each functional unit or block in the electronic circuit, and associated components, may be manufactured individually as a separate integrated circuit chip, or some or all of these functional units or blocks may be combined and manufactured as a single integrated circuit chip.

The program that specifies the operation of the processor is designed to cause the processor to perform one or more functions, operations, steps, or processes in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the control device 400. The control device 400 includes a processor 434, a ROM 435, a RAM 436, an external I/F 437, and a communication I/F 438. These components are connected to each other via a bus 439.

ROM 435 is, for example, a writable memory (e.g., a PROM), a rewritable memory (e.g., a flash memory), or a read-only memory. ROM 435 stores a program that controls the operation of the processor. ROM 435 does not have to be a single recording medium, but can be a collection of multiple recording media. Part of the collection of multiple recording media may be removable memory.

RAM 436 provides a working area for loading the programs stored in ROM 435 at boot time. RAM 436 does not have to be a single recording medium, but can be a collection of multiple recording media.

The external I/F 437 is an interface for connecting the meter panel unit 100 to an external device. Examples of the external I/F 437 include a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface and a digital or analog video interface.

The communication I/F 438 is an interface for communicating between the control device 400 and other electronic components or ECUs. For example, the communication I/F 438 can perform wired communication conforming to various protocols such as CAN or Ethernet (registered trademark). The communication I/F 438 may also perform wireless communication conforming to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard and/or the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard. Both standards include wireless communication standards that utilize frequencies in the 2.4 GHz band.

The control device 400 may further include a storage device. The storage device may be, for example, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic storage device, or an optical storage device, or a combination thereof.

The ECU group 610 equipped in the work vehicle includes, for example, an ECU for speed control, an ECU for steering control, and an ECU for implement control. If the work vehicle (e.g., a tractor) is configured to run in autonomous driving mode, the ECU group 610 may further include an ECU for autonomous driving control. The ECU for autonomous driving control performs calculations and control to achieve autonomous driving based on data output from various sensors mounted on the vehicle body.

The sensor group 620 may include, for example, a temperature sensor, an illuminance sensor, a fuel sensor, a water temperature sensor, an oil level gauge, an engine rotation sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, a battery voltage sensor, a shuttle sensor, a hand accelerator sensor, an accelerator pedal sensor, a main shift lever sensor, a sub shift lever sensor, a seat belt sensor, a PM sensor, an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), a geomagnetic sensor, an imaging device, a LiDAR sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an obstacle contact sensor, and a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver.

The control device 400 of the information display system 500 may be an integrated circuit device mounted on a board inside the meter panel unit 100, or may be an external integrated circuit device attached to the meter panel unit 100. In addition, some or all of the functions of the control device 400 may be realized by one or more vehicle ECUs. Alternatively, some or all of the functions of the control device 400 may be realized by one or more servers (computers) connected via the communication I/F 438 over a communication network. In this way, one or more vehicle ECUs and/or one or more servers may work together with the control device 400 to realize various functions required of the information display system 500. In this case, the vehicle ECU and/or the server function as part of the information display system 500.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example in which the control device 400 is implemented inside the meter panel unit 100. In this example, the control device 400 includes two microcontroller units (MCUs). The two MCUs are a main MCU 420 and a display MCU 440. The main MCU 420 is a controller that controls the overall operation of the meter panel unit 100. The main MCU 420 may also be called the "main controller." The display MCU 440 is a controller that controls the drawing of the display element 13 (i.e., a digital display) such as an LCD. The display MCU 440 may also be called the "display controller" or "LCU MCU."

The main MCU 420 includes components such as a CPU 424, a ROM 425, and a RAM 426. The main MCU 420 controls the hardware indicator group 140, the first analog meter 11, the second analog meter 12 (two analog meters 12A and 12B in this embodiment), and the display MCU 440. The hardware indicator group 140 includes the arc-shaped indicator 40 and a plurality of light-emitting elements such as LEDs behind the indicator areas 14T, 14L, and 14R shown in FIG. 5. The ROM 425 is a non-volatile memory that stores software (programs and various data used in processing) executed by the CPU 424. The main MCU 420 controls the overall operation of the meter panel unit 100 by the CPU 424 executing the software. The main MCU 420 may include an interface for communicating with one or more vehicle ECUs connected to the meter panel unit 100 via an in-vehicle network such as a CAN. The main MCU 420 may also include an external interface that allows input and output of digital signals between devices directly connected to the meter panel unit 100. The main MCU 420 may also include an analog interface through which analog signals such as the voltage of an external battery are input.

The display MCU 440 includes components such as a CPU 444, a GPU 443, a ROM 445, and a RAM 446. The ROM 445 is a non-volatile memory that stores software executed by the CPU 444 and the GPU 443. The display MCU 440 controls drawing on the display element 13 (i.e., a digital display) by the CPU 444 and the GPU 443 executing the software.

In the example shown in FIG. 13, a display MCU 440 specialized for image processing is provided separately from the main MCU 420. This is to realize relatively heavy-duty drawing such as color camera images and 3D display on a display element 13 such as a relatively large (e.g., 10 inches or more) and high-definition LCU. Unlike this embodiment, if the display element 13 is small or a monochrome LCD display and does not require high-level image processing, a display MCU 440 may not be provided and one controller (i.e., the main MCU 420) may perform all control including drawing.

<Information display using arc-shaped indicators and display elements>
In the information display system 500 of this embodiment, the control device 400 is configured to display information by the arc-shaped indicator 40 before displaying various information on the display element 13 when the work vehicle is started. This makes it possible to preferentially convey information that the operator should know first when starting up. Such information has content indicating the state of the work vehicle (a state classified as abnormal for driving or work). In addition, the control device 400 operates to change the color of the emitted light according to the content of the information. For example, if there is no abnormality at the time of start-up, the control device 400 may operate to emit blue light from the arc-shaped indicator 40, and if, for example, a problem occurs in driving, to emit red light indicating an abnormality immediately after start-up. Examples of cases in which a problem occurs in driving include abnormal battery voltage, abnormal engine oil pressure, abnormal engine heating, abnormal brake system, etc. The light emission color is not limited to blue and red, and may be green.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control device 400 is configured to display a curved image located on an extension of the arc on the display element 13. FIG. 14A is a front view showing a schematic example of an arc 13A of the same color as the color of light emitted from the light-emitting region 42 of the arc-shaped indicator 40. In FIG. 14A, an arc 13A concentric with the arc of the arc-shaped indicator 40 is displayed as an example. FIG. 14B is a front view showing a schematic example of an arc 13B of the same color as the color of light emitted from the light-emitting region 42 of the arc-shaped indicator 40 and another shaped object 13C including an arc of the same color. In the example shown in FIG. 14B, the other shaped object 13C is a straight line portion. The control device 400 causes the display element 13 to display the arc 13B concentric with the arc of the light-emitting region 42 and the straight line portion connected to the arc 13B. The straight line portion extends parallel to the straight line (corresponding to the dashed line E-E shown in FIG. 14B) that defines the boundary between the first analog meter 11 and the display element 13. By displaying in this manner, the part of the circle surrounding the first analog meter 11 that is cut off by the dashed line E-E is visually recognized by the operator as part of the first analog meter 11, making the first analog meter 11 appear larger. In addition, the image that is displayed as if it were part of the first analog meter 11 (hereinafter referred to as the "ring complement image") may be partially obscured by information such as numbers or characters displayed on the display element 13. Like the shape 13C, the part of the arc 13B may include a straight line shape. By including a straight line shape in the part displayed on the display element 13, a sharp design can be achieved.

The control device 400 can display various images on the display element 13 in accordance with the light emitted from the light emitting area 42 of the arc-shaped indicator 40, not limited to the examples of FIGS. 14A and 14B. The control device 400 can also display various images on the display element 13 in synchronization with the blinking of the light emitting area 42 of the arc-shaped indicator 40. By emphasizing or linking the display of the arc-shaped indicator 40 with the display of the display element 13 in this way, the display of the arc-shaped indicator 40 becomes easier for the operator to understand.

<Examples of display and operation of display elements>
After the meter panel unit 100 is started up, a home screen is displayed in the display area of the display element 13. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the home screen. Starting from the home screen, the user can use an input device (described later) to perform operations such as changing the display of content in the display area and selecting various setting items.

In the example shown in FIG. 15, an input device 170 that allows interactive operation by a user is connected to the meter panel unit 100 via a communication cable. The input device 170 has a selector switch 171, such as a jog dial, and an operation switch 172. The input device 170 can be connected to the meter panel unit 100 wirelessly or by wire. Any device that accepts user operations can be used as the input device 170. The input device 170 may be, for example, a rotary switch, a slide switch, a push button switch, a touch screen, a joystick, or a combination of two or more of these.

The display element 13 has a display area in which various images showing information related to the work vehicle are displayed. Information related to the work vehicle includes, for example, information related to the internal combustion engine (engine), vehicle body, PTO axle, hydraulic/three-point hitch, and electrical equipment equipped in the vehicle body. This information indicates the internal state of the vehicle system. Information related to the vehicle body includes, for example, information related to the vehicle's traveling direction, clutch, gear shifting, brakes, headland control, and cruise control. Furthermore, the display area of the display element 13 can display various contents including, for example, camera images, a radio settings screen, and an audio settings screen.

<Display area segmentation>
Next, segmentation of the display area will be described with reference to FIG. 16. FIG. 16 is a diagram that illustrates an example of segmentation of the display area. The display area of the display element 13 is divided into a plurality of blocks. In other words, the display area of the display element 13 has a plurality of regions. The plurality of regions in the example illustrated in FIG. 16 include a primary region 131, a sub-region 132, and an LCD indicator region 133. The primary region 131 in FIG. 16 is an area surrounded by a dotted line in the display area of the display element 13. The sub-region 132 is an area surrounded by a dashed line in the display area of the display element 13. The LCD indicator region 133 is an area surrounded by a dashed line in the display area of the display element 13. These three regions do not overlap with each other. Note that the dashed lines, dotted lines, and dashed lines in FIG. 16 are drawn partially overlapping each other for ease of understanding.

The primary area 131 is an area for displaying an image in the foreground (or near side). In the example shown in FIG. 16, the primary area 131 is a rectangular area (or a panel-shaped area). However, the outer shape of the primary area 131 may be, for example, an ellipse or a figure combining straight lines and curves. A primary image showing the more important information about the work vehicle (hereinafter referred to as "main information") is displayed in the primary area 131. The main information is information that the user should know as a priority, and includes, for example, information showing the direction of travel of the work vehicle, the transmission status, and the vehicle speed (hereinafter referred to as "vehicle speed").

In this way, the main information indicated by the primary image displayed in the primary area 131 is displayed at the forefront of the display area. As shown in FIG. 15, the primary image is displayed in front of the ring complement image. In this way, the primary image is able to properly convey the main information to the user without being obscured by other images or content. This improves the visibility of the main information, which is particularly important among various pieces of information, and reduces the overlooking of the main information.

In the example shown in FIG. 16, the primary area 131 has a band-like shape extending horizontally. In the primary area 131, multiple types of information related to the driving state of the work vehicle are displayed. The primary area 131 is divided into multiple areas. In the example of FIG. 16, the primary area 131 is divided into a first area 131A, a second area 131B, a third area 131C, and a fourth area 131D that are aligned horizontally.

The first area 131A located on the left edge displays the state of the shuttle lever of the work vehicle, i.e., the direction of travel. For example, the first area 131A displays information indicating whether the shuttle lever is in forward (F), neutral (N), or reverse (R) position.

The second area 131B, which is the second from the left, displays information about the transmission state, for example the gear settings of the work vehicle. In the example of FIG. 16, the second area 131B displays the current settings of the main gear and sub gear with the symbol "B3." "B" indicates the sub gear setting stage, and "3" indicates the main gear setting stage. As shown in FIG. 16, the second area 131B may also display an icon 131B1 indicating that it is in the automatic gear shift mode, and a range of gear shift stages in the automatic gear shift mode 131B2.

The third area 131C displays vehicle speed information. The control device 400 switches the display of vehicle speed information between kilometers and miles, for example, according to a command from the vehicle ECU.

The fourth area 131D on the right side displays information other than the direction of travel, transmission status, and vehicle speed. In the example of FIG. 16, the fourth area 131D displays the hour meter measurement, i.e., the operating time of the work vehicle to date. The fourth area 131D may display other information in addition to the hour meter measurement. For example, various information such as the upper limit setting value of the engine speed, or the target value of the engine speed recorded in memory, may be displayed in the fourth area 131D. The control device 400 may be configured to dynamically change the display of the fourth area 131D, for example, in accordance with a command from the vehicle ECU. The fourth area 131D, together with the area 132B described below, dynamically displays the driving and work performance of the work vehicle. For this reason, the fourth area 131D may be referred to as the "dynamic performance monitor area."

Sub-area 132 is located below primary area 131. Various contents are displayed in sub-area 132. In the example shown in FIG. 16, sub-area 132 is a rectangular area, and is further divided into three types of areas. Sub-area 132 includes a performance monitor area 132A, a dynamic performance monitor area 132B, and two gauge areas 132C.

The performance monitor area 132A is the largest of the three areas included in the sub-area 132 and is located toward the upper part of the sub-area 132. The performance monitor area 132A is sometimes referred to as the "upper area" of the sub-area 132. The performance monitor area 132A mainly displays one or more items (hereinafter referred to as "selected items") selected by the user from various items indicating various types of functional performance information. Examples of items that can be selected by the user include engine speed, engine speed upper limit setting value, engine speed memory value, fuel consumption, fuel efficiency, travel distance, load factor, PTO shaft speed, slip ratio, diesel particulate filter (DPF) regeneration, and information regarding the working area.

The selection item screen may be made up of multiple pages that the user can page forward or backward by operating the input device. FIG. 16 shows an example of multiple selection items displayed on one of the multiple pages. In the example shown in FIG. 16, four selection items are displayed on one page. However, the number of selection items displayed on one page is not limited to four, and may be, for example, two, three, five or more.

The dynamic performance monitor area 132B is located toward the bottom of the sub-area 132. The dynamic performance monitor area 132B may be referred to as the "lower area" of the sub-area 132. Various items indicating the various types of functional performance information described above may be displayed in the dynamic performance monitor area 132B. The display of information displayed in the dynamic performance monitor area 132B may be controlled by the control device 400 (e.g., the meter ECU) that receives a command from the vehicle ECU, for example. The control device 400 may be configured to change the display of the dynamic performance monitor area 132B in response to a command from the vehicle ECU. As shown in FIG. 16, for example, two items may be displayed in the dynamic performance monitor area 132B. However, the number of items is not limited to two. There may be cases where nothing is displayed in the dynamic performance monitor area 132B, as shown in FIG. 15.

Gauge areas 132C are located on the right and left sides of sub-area 132. Performance monitor area 132A and dynamic performance monitor area 132B are located between the two gauge areas 132C. Each of the right and left gauge areas 132C may display a gauge image including icons and scales. Examples of gauge images include information regarding the amount of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) remaining, the amount of particulate matter (PM) accumulation, and the remaining tire pressure.

The images displayed in the performance monitor area 132A and the dynamic performance monitor area 132B can be changed in response to user operations using an input device. For example, in the area corresponding to the entire performance monitor area 132A and the dynamic performance monitor area 132B, a camera image, an image for radio or audio settings, an image for front loader control, an image for cylinder flow control, an image for setting operating members, an image for steering assist control, an image for automatic steering control, an image for attachment work machine control, or a launcher image displaying a list of function items can be displayed. By integrating two or more areas in this way and using them as a single area, images and content can be displayed relatively large.

The LCD indicator area 133 is located above the primary area 131. The LCD indicator area 133 in the example shown in FIG. 16 is a rectangular area, similar to the primary area 131 and the sub area 132. The LCD indicator area 133 functions as an area for displaying information indicating the state of the work vehicle, warning information, maintenance-related information, and the like. For example, an indicator that lights up when a state in which a warning such as a brake warning or a fuel remaining warning should be issued and that turns off when the state is resolved may be displayed in the LCD indicator area 133. As another example, an indicator that lights up periodically to prompt the user to perform maintenance such as DPF regeneration or engine oil change may be displayed in the LCD indicator area 133. As a further example, an indicator for requesting an increase or decrease in the engine speed may be displayed in the LCD indicator area 133. Normally, no indicator is displayed in the LCD indicator area 133, and a black background is displayed. When a state in which a warning or maintenance information should be displayed is reached, an indicator corresponding to the warning or maintenance information is displayed. A maximum of, for example, 10 indicators can be displayed in the LCD indicator area 133. The indicators can be highlighted against a black background, making it easier for the operator or user to notice the occurrence of an LCD indicator.

The LCD indicator area 133 is located below the indicator area 14T shown in FIG. 5. The indicators placed in the indicator area 14T are hardware indicators that are lit by light-emitting elements such as LEDs. In contrast, the indicators displayed in the LCD indicator area 133 are lit by a drawing process on the LCD. In this specification, a hardware indicator using an LED is called an "LED indicator" and an indicator displayed in the LCD indicator area 133 is called an "LCD indicator," and the two may be distinguished from one another.

In the sub-area 132 shown in FIG. 16, for example, when an abnormality or failure of the engine or electrical equipment is detected, a message to inform the user of the details of the abnormality or failure, or an image containing a message to warn the user of the internal state of the vehicle system (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "pop-up image") may be displayed. In addition, in the sub-area 132, a pop-up image containing a message indicating maintenance information may also be displayed.

<Work vehicle mode setting>
Next, the operation of setting the mode of the work vehicle 200 will be described.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing some of the components of the work vehicle 200. The work vehicle 200 is equipped with a control device 600. The control device 600 can be a control unit including the control device 400 and an ECU 610a. The ECU 610a is one of the ECUs included in the ECU group 610 (FIG. 11). The ECU 610a can also be a unit that combines two or more of the ECUs included in the ECU group 610. The information display system 500 of this embodiment is a control system that includes the control device 600.

The ECU 610a includes a processor 611a and a memory 612a. The memory 612a includes a ROM and a RAM. The operation of the ECU 610a can be realized by the processor 611a sequentially executing computer programs stored in the memory 612a.

The work vehicle 200 is equipped with a power transmission device 210. The power transmission device 210 includes a speed change device 203 (FIG. 1A) and a hydrostatic continuously variable transmission (HST: Hydrostatic Transmission) 211. The rotation generated by the engine 202 is transmitted to the wheels 204 and the PTO shaft via the power transmission device 210. The ECU 610a controls the operation of the engine 202 and the power transmission device 210.

The sensor group 620 (Fig. 11) includes sensors 620a and 620b. Sensor 620a is a rotation sensor that detects the engine speed of the prime mover (engine) 202. The rotation sensor 620a outputs a signal corresponding to the detected engine speed to the ECU 610a. The processor 611a of the ECU 610a can obtain information on the engine speed based on the output signal of the rotation sensor 620a. The sensor 620b is a gear sensor that detects the gear of the transmission 203, a rotation sensor that detects the rotation of the HST 211, an angle sensor that detects the angle of the swash plate of the HST 211, etc. The processor 611a can obtain information on the gear of the transmission, the rotation speed of the HST 211, and the angle of the swash plate of the HST 211 based on the output signal of the sensor 620b.

Various control settings are possible for the work vehicle 200. Examples of the control contents that can be set by the user include "Stall guard", "Auto H-DS", "HST response", and "Auto throttle advance". These are only examples, and various other control settings are possible for the work vehicle 200 in addition to these controls.

"Stall guard" is a function that prevents the HS from being stopped when a high load is applied to the engine 202 or the PTO shaft.
"Auto H-DS" is a control that controls the angle of the swash plate of the transmission 203 to suppress engine stall. "Auto H-DS" is a control that automatically switches the gear stage of the transmission 203 according to the load on the engine 202. "HST response" is a control that changes the responsiveness of the HST 211. When the HST responsiveness is high, the output shaft rotation speed changes quickly in response to changes in the input shaft rotation speed. When the HST responsiveness is low, the output shaft rotation speed changes slowly in response to changes in the input shaft rotation speed. "Auto throttle advance" is a control that changes the rate at which the engine rotation speed is changed in response to the user's accelerator operation.

The work vehicle 200 is capable of performing various types of work. For example, various types of implements can be connected to the work vehicle 200, and the work can be performed according to the connected implement. As described above, the work vehicle 200 is capable of performing various control settings, but it may be difficult for the user to understand what control settings are desirable for each task.

In this embodiment, the processor 434 of the control device 400 causes the display element 13 to display multiple options for the user to select one of multiple work modes, along with a "work name" corresponding to the work mode assigned to each of the multiple options. The processor 434 also causes the display element 13 to display the content of control that is set in the work vehicle 200 for each of the multiple options. By looking at the "work name" displayed on the display element 13, the user can easily select a work mode appropriate for the work to be performed. The user can also easily check the content of control that is set in each work mode.

The control of the display of the display element 13 by the processor 611a described below is performed via the control device 400. The control device 400 performs data communication with the ECU 610a and causes various information to be displayed on the display element 13. "Control of the display of the display element 13 by the processor 611a of the ECU 610a" can be performed by the ECU 610a and the control device 400 working together.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation for setting the work mode of the work vehicle 200 of this embodiment.

When the user operates the input device (user interface) 170 to select the setting mode, the processor 434 causes the display element 13 to display a number of options for the user to select one of a number of work modes, together with the work names corresponding to the work modes assigned to each of the multiple options (step S101).

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a display element 13 displaying multiple options 151 and control contents 152. In the example shown in FIG. 19, five options are displayed on the display element 13 along with the names of tasks. The example task names shown in FIG. 19 are "General", "Loader", "Cutter", "Road", and "Snow".

"General" is the normal working mode. "Loader" is the working mode that uses a loader. "Cutter" is the working mode that uses a grass cutter. "Road" is the working mode for driving on roads. "Snow" is the working mode for driving on snow-covered ground.

For each of the five work mode options, the control content 152 to be set on the work vehicle 200 in the corresponding work mode is displayed on the display element 13 (step S102). The control contents exemplified in Figure 19 are "Stall guard", "Auto H-DS", "HST response", and "Auto throttle advance". A display is provided showing whether each of the "Stall guard", "Auto H-DS", and "Auto throttle advance" controls is on or off, and the level of the "HST response" is also displayed.

When the user operates the input device 170 to select one of the work modes, the processor 434 causes the display element 13 to display a setting window for changing the contents of control of the work vehicle 200 in the selected work mode (step S103). Here, as an example, it is assumed that the user has selected the work mode "Cutter."

Figure 20 shows an example of a display element 13 displaying a setting window 153 for changing the content of control of the work vehicle 200 in a selected work mode. In the example shown in Figure 20, the user can set the on/off of each of the "Stall guard" and "Auto H-DS" controls.

When the user operates the input device 170 to change the control content, the processor 434 causes the display element 13 to display the changed control content 152. The processor 611a of the ECU 610a changes the control content in response to the user's operation of the input device 170. The processor 611a stores the changed control content in the memory 612a and maintains the changed control (steps S104, S105). If the user does not change the control content, the current setting is maintained.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the display element 13 displaying the changed control content 152. The processor 434 causes the display element 13 to display the changed control content together with a mark 161 indicating that it has been changed. By looking at the mark 161, the user can easily confirm the control content that has been changed from the default setting.

The display element 13 displays an image 162 of a button for resetting the control contents. If the user operates the input device 170 to select resetting the changed control contents, the processor 434 and the processor 611a reset the control contents and return them to the default settings. In this way, the user can return the control contents to the default settings as necessary.

In this embodiment, the processor 434 causes the display element 13 to display a plurality of options 151 for the user to select one of a plurality of work modes, together with the work name corresponding to the work mode assigned to each of the plurality of options 151. The processor 434 also causes the display element 13 to display the control content 152 to be set on the work vehicle 200 for each of the plurality of options 151.

By looking at the "task name" displayed on the display element 13, the user can easily select a work mode suitable for the work to be performed. The user can also easily check the control contents 152 that are set in each work mode. By setting the work vehicle 200 to the control contents 152 that correspond to the work mode selected by the user, the user is no longer required to individually set multiple types of control suitable for the work to be performed.

Next, we will explain how to display the control status of the work vehicle 200.

Various controls are performed on the work vehicle 200, and for example, by displaying parameters related to these controls on the display element 13, the user can easily recognize the control status of the work vehicle 200.

The sensor group 620 (FIG. 11) includes, for example, a position sensor that detects the amount of accelerator pedal operation, an angle sensor that detects the angle of the swash plate of the HST 211, a position sensor that detects the position (e.g., angle) of a lift arm attached to the work vehicle 200, and an angle sensor that detects the turning angle of the steering wheel 204F of the work vehicle 200. The processor 611a can obtain information on the amount of accelerator pedal operation, the angle of the swash plate of the HST 211, the position of the lift arm, and the turning angle of the steering wheel 204F based on the output signals of these sensors.

For example, the processor 611a causes the display element 13 to display indicators showing the amount of accelerator pedal operation, the angle of the swash plate of the HST 211, the position of the lift arm, and the turning angle of the steering wheel 204F. In addition, the processor 611a may notify the user by generating a sound from the speaker when these parameters reach a maximum or minimum value.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a display element 13 that displays an indicator 155a indicating the amount of accelerator operation by the user. In the example shown in FIG. 22, indicator 155a is displayed on the display element 13 together with an image 156a that represents the amount of accelerator pedal operation. Indicator 155a is, for example, a bar graph, and displays the amount of accelerator operation by the user. By looking at indicator 155a, the user can intuitively recognize the amount of accelerator operation. In addition, the user can intuitively recognize how much accelerator operation is remaining.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a display element 13 displaying an indicator 155b indicating the angle of the swash plate of the HST 211. In the example shown in FIG. 23, the indicator 155b is displayed on the display element 13 together with an image 156b representing the swash plate of the HST 211. The indicator 155b is, for example, a bar graph, and displays the angle of the swash plate of the HST 211. By looking at the indicator 155b, the user can intuitively recognize the angle of the swash plate of the HST 211. In addition, the user can intuitively recognize how much time is left until the gear shift is changed.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a display element 13 displaying an indicator 155c indicating the position of the lift arm. In the example shown in FIG. 24, the indicator 155c is displayed on the display element 13 together with an image 156c representing the lift arm. The indicator 155c is, for example, a bar graph, and displays the position of the lift arm. By looking at the indicator 155c, the user can intuitively recognize the position of the lift arm. In addition, the user can intuitively recognize how much further the position of the lift arm can be changed.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of a display element 13 displaying an indicator 155d indicating the turning angle of the steered wheels 204F. In the example shown in FIG. 25, the indicator 155d is displayed on the display element 13 together with an image 156d representing the turning angle of the steered wheels 204F. The indicator 155d is, for example, a bar graph, and displays the turning angle of the steered wheels 204F. By looking at the indicator 155d, the user can intuitively recognize the turning angle of the steered wheels 204F. In addition, the user can intuitively recognize how much further the turning angle can be changed.

The various processes executed by the ECU 610a described above may be executed by the control device 400, or may be executed by the ECU 610a in cooperation with the control device 400. Also, the various processes executed by the control device 400 described above may be executed by the ECU 610a, or may be executed by the control device 400 in cooperation with the ECU 610a.

The information display system in the above embodiments can also be retrofitted to a work vehicle that does not have these functions. Such a system can be manufactured and sold independently of the work vehicle. The computer program used in such a system can also be manufactured and sold independently of the work vehicle. The computer program can be provided, for example, stored in a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium. The computer program can also be provided by downloading via a telecommunications line (for example, the Internet).

The technology disclosed herein has broad application to various types of work vehicles used in, for example, smart agriculture.

10: meter section, 11: first analog meter, 12: second analog meter, 13: display element, 14T: indicator area, 14L: indicator area, 14R: indicator area, 17: three-dimensional scale, 20: wall surface, 30: transparent cover, 30A: front part of transparent cover, 30B: side part of transparent cover, 40: arc-shaped indicator, 50: back panel, 100: meter panel unit, 400: control device, 500: information display system (control system)

Claims (18)

1. A control system for a work vehicle, comprising:
a meter panel unit having a digital display;
A control device for controlling an operation of the meter panel unit;
Equipped with
The work vehicle is capable of setting a work mode selected by a user from a plurality of work modes,
A content of control of the work vehicle is set for each of the plurality of work modes,
The control device includes:
displaying on the digital display a plurality of options for the user to select one of the plurality of work modes together with work names corresponding to the work modes assigned to each of the plurality of options;
A control system that displays, for each of the plurality of options, the content of control that is to be set for the work vehicle in the corresponding work mode on the digital display. The content of control of the work vehicle in each of the plurality of work modes is changeable,
The control device includes:
The control system according to claim 1, wherein when the user selects a first work mode of the plurality of work modes, a setting window for changing the content of control of the work vehicle in the first work mode is displayed on the digital display. The control system according to claim 2, wherein the control device changes the content of the control of the work vehicle in the first work mode in response to the user's operation of a user interface. a storage device that stores the changed content of control of the work vehicle;
The control system of claim 3 , wherein the controller maintains control of the work vehicle changed in the first work mode. The control system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the control device displays the changed content of the control of the work vehicle on the digital display together with a mark indicating that the content has been changed. The control system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the control device resets the changed control contents of the work vehicle when the user selects to reset the changed control contents of the work vehicle. The control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of work modes include two or more of a work mode using a loader, a work mode using a grass cutter, a work mode traveling on a road, and a work mode traveling on snow-covered ground. The control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control of the work vehicle set for each of the plurality of work modes includes one or more of the following: control according to the load on the prime mover of the work vehicle, control to change the rate at which the rotation speed of the prime mover is changed according to the accelerator operation of the user, and control to change the responsiveness of the hydrostatic continuously variable transmission of the work vehicle. The control system according to claim 8, wherein the control according to the load on the prime mover includes at least one of control to suppress engine stall and control to switch the gear stage of the transmission of the work vehicle according to the load on the prime mover. The control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control device causes the digital display to display an indicator showing the amount of accelerator operation by the user. The control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control device causes the digital display to display an indicator showing the angle of the swash plate of the hydrostatic continuously variable transmission of the work vehicle. The control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control device causes the digital display to display an indicator showing the position of a lift arm attached to the work vehicle. The control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control device causes the digital display to display an indicator showing the steering angle of the steering wheel of the work vehicle. A work vehicle equipped with the control system according to claim 1 or 2. The work vehicle according to claim 14, wherein the work vehicle is a mobile agricultural machine. The work vehicle according to claim 14, wherein the work vehicle is a tractor. A control method for controlling a work vehicle, executed by one or more computers, comprising:
The work vehicle is capable of setting a work mode selected by a user from a plurality of work modes,
A content of control of the work vehicle is set for each of the plurality of work modes,
The control method includes:
displaying a plurality of options for the user to select one of the plurality of work modes on a digital display of a meter panel unit together with work names corresponding to the work modes assigned to the respective plurality of options;
displaying on the digital display, for each of the plurality of options, a control content to be set for the work vehicle in the corresponding work mode;
A control method comprising: A computer program for causing one or more computers to control a work vehicle,
The work vehicle is capable of setting a work mode selected by a user from a plurality of work modes,
A content of control of the work vehicle is set for each of the plurality of work modes,
The computer program comprises:
displaying a plurality of options for the user to select one of the plurality of work modes on a digital display of a meter panel unit together with work names corresponding to the work modes assigned to the respective plurality of options;
displaying on the digital display, for each of the plurality of options, a control content to be set for the work vehicle in the corresponding work mode;
on said one or more computers.

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