Claims:We claim:
1. An integrated intelligent instrument cluster (121) for agricultural vehicles, comprises of : a main logic control unit (122); atleast a memory unit (123) in direct communication with the said main logic control unit; a plurality of signal input switches (124) connected to the main logic control unit; an output unit (125), wherein said output unit is in communication with the main logic control; a CAN bus unit (126) is in direct communication with the said main logic unit, wherein said CAN bus unit communicates with the entire vehicle; wireless connectivity circuit (127); atleast a video input unit (128); drive input unit (129); an indicator/alarm unit (130); a plurality of sensors (131); a liquid crystal user interface unit (132); and a power unit (133), supplying power to the said instrument cluster by means of a power conversion circuit, characterized in that, wherein said instrument cluster is provided with a in-built logic control and display device, wherein said main logic control unit (122) is in-built in the instrument cluster hardware which eliminates the need of independent control units for different variants of vehicle operations, Wherein said liquid crystal user interface unit (132) is provided with advanced display options displaying various vehicle status information and fault information, Wherein said liquid crystal user interface unit (132) provides the operator with customized setting parameters for effective vehicle operation

2. An integrated intelligent instrument cluster (121) for agricultural vehicles, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said memory unit (123) includes a temporary memory, a flash EPROM memory, and/or combination thereof.

3. An integrated intelligent instrument cluster (121) for agricultural vehicles, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said video input unit (128) includes an vehicle front video input unit and vehicle rear video input unit, wherein said vehicle front video input unit provides the images in front of the vehicle, wherein said vehicle rear video input unit provides the images at the rear side of the vehicle including the vehicle implement.

4. An integrated intelligent instrument cluster (121) for agricultural vehicles, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said liquid crystal user interface unit (132) is a TFT LCD display device.

5. An integrated intelligent instrument cluster (121) for agricultural vehicles, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said customized vehicle setting parameters includes language selection, customized screen display, vehicle tyre selection, drive line selection, active gear display selection, auto drive line control, tractor implement display selection, TPMS display selection, hitch angle display selection, fuel usage and time to refill, navigation selection ,diagnostics information.

6. An integrated intelligent instrument cluster (121) for agricultural vehicles, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said alarm unit (130) is a visual or a audio-visual alarm unit.

7. An integrated intelligent instrument cluster (121) for agricultural vehicles, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said alarm unit (130) is a tell-tale warning unit.

8. An integrated intelligent instrument cluster (121) for agricultural vehicles, as claimed in claim 1, Wherein said wireless connectivity unit (127) includes Bluetooth connectivity, Wi-Fi connectivity, mobile connectivity including 3G, 4G connectivity and/or combinations thereof.

9. A method of operation of the intelligent instrument cluster (121) with in-built control logic and display device, comprises steps of :

a) receiving the operator input to the main logic control unit (122) by means of a plurality of input switches (124), wherein said input by the operator is entered via the TFT LCD display user interface unit (140);
b) receiving the input signals to the main logic control unit (122) by means of a plurality of sensors (131);
c) processing of the received signals by the main logic control unit (122), wherein processed signals are communicated to the vehicle via a CAN bus unit (126) in the form of instructions;
d) displaying the resulting operation parameters via the liquid crystal user interface display unit (132), wherein the wireless unit (127) is activated for displaying the vehicle status and operation parameters at the operator mobile terminal; and
e) Activating the alarm unit (130) in case of any malfunctioning of vehicle operations.

10. A method of operation of the intelligent instrument cluster (121) for agricultural vehicles, as claimed in claim 9, wherein said operator input is selected from language selection, customized screen display, vehicle tyre selection, drive line selection, active gear display selection, auto drive line control, tractor implement display selection, TPMS display selection, hitch angle display selection, fuel usage and time to refill, navigation selection ,diagnostics information, video input selection, wireless connectivity selection. wheel slip selection.
, Description:INTELLIGENT INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FOR AGRICULTURAL VEHICLES
FILED OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to the instrument cluster for automobiles, in particular the present invention is related to an integrated intelligent instrument cluster with in-built logic control and display device for agricultural vehicles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Instrument clusters are commonly used in almost every type of vehicle to provide various vehicle information to the operator, such as vehicle speed, engine temperature, oil pressure, fuel levels, active gear selection, lateral acceleration and the like. The instrument cluster serves as an important platform for information exchange between the driver and the vehicle. In general instrument clusters include a housing which contains various components, such as gauges, indicator lights, a printed circuit board (PCB), and warning lights used to provide the driver with the vehicle information as mentioned above. These instrument clusters are positioned near the driver's primary visual field behind the steering wheel this enables the operator to observe the instrument during most driving activity.
With the development of automotive technology, instrumentation panel/cluster have undergone several major changes, from the combination of indicator and LED lights to a full-liquid intelligent instrument cluster. While the first generation of pointer and LED combination instrument have been completely eliminated, the second generation instrument panel consisting combination of pointers, LED lights and LCD still occupy some markets. This second combination can meet the basic information prompt requirements, but the LCD display content is fixed, single color, poor contrast, with limited display content. However with increasing configuration systems it is unable to meet the requirements of most automobiles.
There are various information and communication areas in a vehicle which needs to be displayed in the instrument clusters for efficient operation of the vehicle. In addition to the basic vehicle information, the clusters are designed to provide several other information to the driver such as navigation assistance, traffic data display, communication operation including radio and audio functions, telephone menu, telematics services and multi-media applications. For such information sharing liquid crystal displays of different configurations and designs are utilized. Thus the third generation has turned a single-color LCD screen into a color LCD (TFT) screen which currently occupy the mainstream market of automobile instruments. These TFT LCD screen are capable of displaying several driving prompt information and alarm information, strong in nature and rich in interface display, but there also exists certain shortcomings such as long development cycle, high cost.
With the rapid development of technology, electronic control system has been widely used in agricultural machinery such as tractors. The reliable and safe electronic system with intelligent instrument panel is an important part of modern tractors. Tractor instrument clusters with customized parameter settings is required to meet the scattered needs of the agricultural process, and also bring more humanized services to agricultural machinery users. At present, the practical application in the field of automation has not maximized the function of instrument cluster, the main reason for this is the overall structure of control system ignoring the instrument cluster. For this reason it is desirable to build an intelligent logic control combination instrument cluster with a TFT LCD display device which integrates, displays and manages several operations of the agricultural machinery.
Chinese utility model CN206664292 discloses an intelligent combination instrument for agricultural machinery, which comprises a outer casing, the left and right lights connected to an alarm, an acceleration ball connected with an odometer, the tachometer is arranged beside the speedometer, the indicator light connected with the fuel gauge, and the water temperature meter is provided with a display. The display device is composed of a polarizer, a color filter, a liquid crystal layer, a light-transmitting plate, a diffusion plate, and a frame. The utility model has the advantages that the display device is provided with the light-transmitting plate through the light-transmitting plate and the color filter display, so that the various aspects of the machine can be displayed and the maintenance is convenient.
Chinese patent application CN200420075023 provides an intelligent combination instrument for agricultural machinery which is composed of a high-precision sensor, a single-chip computer, a liquid crystal display circuit and an acousto-optic alarm circuit, and the output end of the high-precision sensor is directly connected with the input end of the single-chip microcomputer. The output end of the microcomputer is connected to the liquid crystal display circuit and the sound and light alarm circuit. The sensor includes a half shaft speed sensor, a fuel amount sensor, an engine water temperature sensor, and an oil pressure sensor. If any fault occurs in the agricultural machinery, the sensor of the corresponding part can transmit the fault signal to the single-chip microcomputer, and the single-chip microcomputer processes and generates the sound and light alarm signal, and simultaneously displays the fault part on the meter dial, so that the driver can timely find the fault and resolved it in time. However, the downside is that it is impossible to display all aspects of the machine and it is not convenient to repair it.
Another Chinese utility model CN204736710 relates to a tractor intelligent combination meter with parameter setting function, comprising a power module, a main control unit, and a CAN bus circuit, an indicator circuit, a motor driving unit and a liquid crystal driving unit connected with the main control unit. The switch signal input module further includes an online programming module, an analog signal conversion module, a digital signal conversion module, a GPS interface, and a GPRS interface connected to the main control unit, and the switch signal input module is connected with a button located outside the smart meter. The utility model can realize the parameter setting by the external key and adjust the parameters of the tractor instrument to meet the actual production demand of the production process.
German patent application 9518029 discloses a tractor with monitoring system including a cab mounted analysis/display unit connected to a number of on-board sensors for detecting speed, fuel flow, etc. and also capable of receiving data input manually or via a data carrier. The unit is also connected to an on-board GPS navigation system, and includes means for generating maps of tractor-related parameters and/or parameters derived therefrom. The main usefulness of the system is in deriving 'on the go' maps of cost related data for a given field operation.
Japanese patent application 2014152197 discloses a work vehicle which effectively utilize a touch panel type display arranged in a peripheral of a driver's seat and a display control part for carrying out display control of the display, and further includes a camera for imaging an outside of a vehicle. The display control part displays a camera imaging screen including imaging of the camera on a display screen, displays a plurality of screen switch operation buttons on the camera imaging screen and displays various kinds of corresponding setting screens on the display screen in response to operation of the screen switch operation buttons.
US patent 4747301 provides a vehicle performance monitoring apparatus for displaying the values of a plurality of performance parameters of a vehicle. The apparatus includes sensors for sensing data indicative of the performance of the vehicle, processing means for processing this data to provide the parameter values, display means for displaying said parameter values, and operator command means for controlling the operation of the apparatus including the selection of which performance parameter is to be displayed on the display means and the initiation of processing routines by the processing means. Additionally the apparatus includes memory means for storing performance information relating to the performance parameters and the processing means is arranged in response to a predetermined operation of the operator command means to store in the memory means a performance parameter value for each of a number of so-called relative mode parameters.
All of the cited prior art documents relates to the intelligent instrument panel with sensors and display device which displays the basic vehicle information such as vehicle speed, fuel level, water temperature etc and produces an alarm in case of any fault or malfunctioning. None of the cited prior-art documents provides an intelligent instrument cluster with built-in integrated control logic with customized display option. Further none of the cited prior-art documents provides an intelligent cluster with advanced display and management options such as vehicle tyre selection, drive line selection, wheel slip indication, implement view, TPMS selection, Hitch position selection, Trip Counter selection, Service Reset, voice alert, speaker selection, Navigation selection, wireless connectivity selection etc. Therefore there exists a need in the art for an intelligent combination instrument cluster with an in-built logic control unit and TFT LCD display device which integrates, displays, maintains and manages several operations of the agricultural machinery. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide within a vehicle, an in-build intelligent logic control within the instrument cluster which eliminates the need for independent control units. Further the present invention also provides an intelligent TFT LCD colour display device with improved aesthetics and real-time control of vehicle information and management system.
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
In view of the deficiencies of the prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide an integrated intelligent combination instrument cluster with in-built logic control and display device for agricultural machinery, which solves the problem of the above-mentioned state of the art instruments.
The main object of the present invention is to provide an integrated intelligent combination logic control instrument cluster with in-built logic control and display device for agricultural vehicles.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an integrated intelligent logic control configured within the cluster hardware which eliminates need of several independent control units.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an intelligent combination instrument cluster with in-built logic control and advanced display and management options.
Still another objective of the present invention is to provide an intelligent combination instrument cluster with in-built logic control with a TFT LCD display which integrates, displays, maintains and manages several operations of the agricultural machinery.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide an intelligent instrument cluster TFT LCD colour display device with improved aesthetics and real-time control of vehicle information and management system.
Final objective of the present invention is to provide an intelligent instrument cluster TFT LCD colour display device with customizable display and wireless data connectivity.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide within a vehicle instrument cluster hardware an intelligent logic control unit TFT LCD display with advanced display and management options which understand the growing market matures of the demographic requirement. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the devices, systems and methods of the herein described exemplary embodiments will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical field and background.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an integrated intelligent instrument cluster (121) with built-in combination control logic and display device for agricultural vehicles, is composed of a main logic control unit (122); a memory unit (123); a plurality of signal input switches (124); an output unit (125); a CAN bus unit (126); wireless connectivity circuit (127); at least a video input unit (128); drive input unit (129); an indicator/alarm unit (130); a plurality of sensors (131); a liquid crystal user interface unit (132); and a power unit (133). The main logic control unit (122) is responsible for connecting, integrating and processing the input signals from the plurality of input switches and sensors to the said output unit. The said main logic control unit (122) is responsible for collecting the vehicle status information and fault information through the CAN bus unit (126) and controlling the vehicle operations by processing the said information. The main logic control unit (122) is also responsible for controlling the video input unit (128) and other processing units including drive input unit (129), wireless connectivity unit (127), an indicator/alarm unit (130) and the user interface unit (132). The said main control logic is a built-in unit within the cluster hardware which eliminates need of several independent control units.
The user interface unit is a TFT LCD screen is responsible for displaying the various vehicle status information and fault information and also provides the operator with customized setting parameters for effective vehicle operation. The display device (140) with a user interface function includes an indicator display area (141); engine speed (142) and vehicle speed display (143); a vehicle view display (144), wherein said vehicle view display includes vehicle front view display and vehicle rear view display; fuel quantity (145), water temperature (146), wheel slip (147) and power display (148); an alarm interface (150); and a wireless connectivity and telematics interface (149); active gear display (151); real time display (152); hour counter / trip counter display (153); hitch angle position display (154); engine oil pressure level (155); navigation display (156). Wherein said display parameters on the said display device is customized in accordance with the operator need and ease.
In an embodiment of the present invention, method of operation of the intelligent instrument cluster with in-built control logic and display device, comprises steps of : receiving the operator input to the main logic control unit (122) by means of the user Interface unit (132), plurality of input switches and by means of a plurality of sensors (131); processing of the received signals by the main logic control unit (122); displaying the resulting operation parameters via the liquid crystal user interface display unit (140), wherein the wireless unit (149) is activated for displaying the vehicle status and operation parameters at the operator mobile terminal; and activating the alarm unit (130) in case of any malfunctioning of vehicle operations. The operator input includes language selection, customized screen display, vehicle tyre selection, drive line selection, auto drive line control tractor implement display selection, video input selection, wireless connectivity selection, wheel slip selection, hitch angle selection, navigation selection.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 shows the system block diagram of the integrated intelligent instrument cluster with built-in combination control logic and a display device for agricultural vehicles according to the present invention.
Figure 2 represents the block diagram of the display device of the integrated intelligent instrument cluster with built-in combination control logic for agricultural vehicles according to the present invention.
Figure 3a depicts the video enabled view mode of the display device of the integrated intelligent instrument cluster according to the present invention.
Figure 3b depicts the night view mode of the display device of the integrated intelligent instrument cluster according to the present invention.
Figure 3c depicts the day view mode of the display device of the integrated intelligent instrument cluster according to the present invention.
Figure 4 represents the display device of the integrated intelligent instrument cluster with vehicle gear display selection, hitch angle selection, wheel slip selection option according to the present invention.
Figure 5 represents the display device of the integrated intelligent instrument cluster with fuel usage and time to refill option according to the present invention.
Figure 6 represents the display device of the integrated intelligent instrument cluster with activated wireless connectivity unit (127) enabling call alert option according to the present invention.
Figure 7 represents the display device of the integrated intelligent instrument cluster with TPMS display screen according to the present invention.
While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention as embodied by a “Intelligent instrument cluster for agricultural vehicles" succinctly fulfils the above-mentioned need(s) in the art. The present invention has objective(s) arising as a result of the above-mentioned need(s), said objective(s) being enumerated below. In as much as the objective(s) of the present invention are enumerated, it will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that, the enumerated objective(s) are not exhaustive of the present invention in its entirety, and are enclosed solely for the purpose of illustration. Further, the present invention encloses within its scope and purview, any structural alternative(s) and/or any functional equivalent(s) even though, such structural alternative(s) and/or any functional equivalent(s) are not mentioned explicitly herein or elsewhere, in the present disclosure. The present invention therefore encompasses also, any improvisation(s)/modification(s) applied to the structural alternative(s)/functional alternative(s) within its scope and purview. The present invention may be embodied in other specific form(s) without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof.
Throughout this specification, the use of the word "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising" may imply the inclusion of an element or elements not specifically recited.
The present invention aims to overcome the defects of the existing tractor instrument panel by providing an integrated intelligent combination instrument cluster with in-built logic control and display device for agricultural vehicles with customized parameter setting function and a novel structure, for displaying, maintaining and managing the several tractor operations.
According to the present invention, an integrated intelligent instrument cluster (121) with in-built logic control and display device for agricultural vehicles, comprises of : a main logic control unit (122); atleast a memory unit (123) in direct communication with the said main logic control unit; ;a plurality of signal input switches (124) connected to the main logic control unit; an output unit (125), wherein said output unit is in communication with the main logic control; a CAN bus unit (126) is in direct communication with the said main logic unit, wherein said CAN bus unit communicates with the entire vehicle; wireless connectivity circuit (127); at least a video input unit (128); a drive input unit (129); an indicator/alarm unit (130); a plurality of sensors (131); a liquid crystal user interface unit (132); and a power unit (133), supplying power to the said instrument cluster by means of a power conversion circuit.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the integrated intelligent instrument cluster (121) with in-built logic control and display device eliminates the need of number of independent control units and configured the logics in cluster hardware.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein said memory unit (123) includes a temporary memory, a flash memory, EPROM memory and/or combination thereof. Wherein said temporary memory stores temporary programs and temporary data for improving system operation speed. Wherein said flash memory stores the instrument program and configuration information.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein said video input unit (128) includes a vehicle front video input unit and vehicle rear video input unit. Wherein said vehicle front video input unit enables the display of the images in front of the vehicle, wherein said vehicle rear video input unit enables the display of the images at the rear side of the vehicle including the vehicle implement.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein said liquid crystal user interface unit (132) is a TFT LCD display device.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the intelligent instrument cluster further includes a GPS interface connected to the main control unit.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the intelligent instrument cluster further comprises a GPRS interface connected to the main control unit.
As shown in FIG. 1, an integrated intelligent instrument cluster (121) with built-in combination control logic and display device for agricultural vehicles, is composed of a main logic control unit (122); a memory unit (123); a plurality of signal input switches (124); an output unit (125); a CAN bus unit (126); wireless connectivity circuit (127); at least a video input unit (128); drive input unit (129); an indicator/alarm unit (130); a plurality of sensors (131); a liquid crystal user interface unit (132); and a power unit (133). The main logic control unit (122) is the sole control center of the integrated intelligent instrument cluster (121). It is responsible for connecting, integrating and processing the input signals from the plurality of input switches and sensors and user interface unit (132) to the said output unit. The said main logic control unit (122) is responsible for collecting the vehicle status information and fault information through the CAN bus unit (126) and controlling the vehicle operations by processing the said information. The main logic control unit (122) is also responsible for controlling the video input unit (128) and other processing units including drive input unit (129), wireless connectivity unit (127), an indicator/alarm unit (130) and the user interface unit (132). The user interface unit (132) is a TFT LCD screen which is responsible for displaying the various vehicle status information and fault information and also provides the operator with customized setting parameters for effective vehicle operation. The power unit (133) is responsible for providing a stable and continuous power supply to the said integrated intelligent combination instrument cluster with built-in logic control and display device system.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein said customized vehicle setting parameters include language selection, customized screen display, vehicle tyre selection, drive line selection, active gear display selection, auto drive line control, tractor implement display selection, TPMS display selection, hitch angle display selection, fuel usage and time to refill, navigation selection ,diagnostics information.
As shown in Fig.2 the integrated intelligent instrument cluster with built-in combination control logic for agricultural vehicles provides a display device (140) with a user interface function including an alarm interface (150) positioned at the left top end of the display screen; water temperature (146) & fuel quantity (145) display positioned below the said alarm interface (150); an indicator display area (141) positioned at the left bottom end of the display screen (140); a real time display (152) positioned at the right top end of the display screen; hitch angle position display (154) & engine oil pressure level (155) positioned below the said real time display (152); active gear display (151) positioned at the right bottom end of the display device; vehicle speed display (144) positioned above the said active gear display (151), wherein said vehicle view display includes vehicle front view display and vehicle rear view display; a wheel slip (147) & power display (148) positioned above the said vehicle speed display (144); a wireless connectivity and telematics interface (149) positioned at the top end of the display device (140) in-between the said alarm interface (150) and the real time display (152); a hour counter / trip counter display (153) positioned at the bottom end of the display device (140) in-between the said indicator display area (141) and the active gear display (151); and the navigation display (156), engine speed (142) and vehicle speed display (143) are positioned in the center of the display device (140) sandwiched between the said wireless connectivity and telematics interface (149) and the hour counter/trip counter display (153). Wherein said display parameters on the said display device is modified or adapted in accordance with the operator need and ease.
In an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the display device (140) with a user interface function as shown in Fig.2 is solely for illustration purpose. The positioning and the appearance of the display parameters on the display device (140) can be customized and varied according to the operator need and ease. Wherein the display device (140) with a user interface function can take a video enabled mode, night view mode or a day view mode as shown in Fig. 3a, Fig. 3b & Fig 3c according to the operator demand or automatically in accordance with the ambient lighting.
In the preferred embodiment, wherein said Intelligent instrument cluster (121) of the present invention enables display and control of various vehicle information including engine RPM, vehicle speed, engine temperature, fuel level, battery voltage, engine oil pressure, hour counter and alarm unit, display modes including day light mode and night mode, auto brightness control, active gear display for all different variant vehicle, wireless connectivity display, wheel slip display for different variant like 2WD, 4WD, different drive line and different tyre selection, auto sensing of tyre pressure, auto engagement/disengagement of four wheel drive, PTO(power take off) & differential lock drive, implement hitch position display, weather information display and alerts, Smart Agriculture information including soil info, water level, active alarm including malfunctioning and anti-theft alert, vehicle tilt angle warning alarm, navigation services, FM Audio / Video.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein said alarm interface (150) includes a visual or a audio-visual alarm unit. Wherein said alarm unit is a telltale warning unit. The said alarm unit provides warning signals in the form of visual or audio-visual indication in case of malfunctioning of the vehicle operations.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein said wireless connectivity and telematics interface (149) includes bluetooth connectivity, RF connectivity, wi-fi connectivity, mobile connectivity including 3G, 4G connectivity and/or combinations thereof. The said wireless connectivity enables the operator to check the vehicle status outside the vehicle and the said intelligent instrument cluster. The vehicle status is displayed at the mobile hardware terminal such as handheld mobile devices, laptops, computers or tablets by means of the said wireless connectivity. Wherein said telematics enables the operator to view and manage the incoming call and message alert at the mobile terminal.
In an embodiment of the present invention wherein said intelligent instrument cluster with in-built logic control and display device is provided with a customized information management display structure with language selection option. Wherein said display device enables the operator to view the parameters and manage them in accordance with the selected language.
In an embodiment of the present invention, wherein said method of operation of the intelligent instrument cluster with in-built control logic and display device, comprises steps of :
a. receiving the operator input to the main logic control unit (122) by means of a plurality of input switches (124), wherein said input by the operator is entered via the TFT LCD display user interface unit (140);
b. receiving the input signals to the main logic control unit (122) by means of a plurality of sensors (131);
c. processing of the received signals by the main logic control unit (122), wherein processed signals are communicated to the vehicle via a CAN bus unit (126) in the form of instructions;
d. displaying the resulting operation parameters via the liquid crystal user interface display unit (140), wherein the wireless unit (149) is activated for displaying the vehicle status and operation parameters at the operator mobile terminal; and
e. activating the alarm unit (130) in case of any malfunctioning of vehicle operations.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein said operator input includes language selection, customized screen display, vehicle tyre selection, drive line selection, active gear display selection, video input selection, wireless connectivity selection, wheel slip selection, auto drive line control, tractor implement display selection, TPMS display selection, hitch angle display selection, fuel usage and time to refill, navigation selection ,diagnostics information.
In an embodiment of the present invention, wherein said operator input is provided by means of audible instruction. The said intelligent instrument cluster is provided with a voice recognition unit, wherein said input to the system is provided through manual voice instruction.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein said intelligent instrument cluster with in-built control logic and display device is provided with a continual upgrading feature. This enables more digitalization of the vehicle operations with less effort and time.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein said intelligent instrument cluster with in-built control logic and display device, further includes a periodic service reminder unit, which provides the service information and intimation to the operator periodically. In addition, the said instrument cluster automatically fixes the appointment with the service provider for maintenance of the vehicle.
The intelligent instrument cluster with in-built control logic and display device has obvious advantages and beneficial effects compared with the prior art. With the above technical solution, the utility model can achieve considerable technological advancement and practicability, and has extensive industrial use value, and has at least the following advantages:
1. The three-dimensional TFT LCD display design has a strong sense of layering and a clear customizable layout, which is user friendly, fashionable and novel, improving the visibility, operability and grade of the instrument.
2. The TFT LCD display screen with centralized display mode can fully meet the driver's requirements for fast and intuitive reading and identification of the tractor performance parameters and status information, and the display mode is novel and aesthetics.
3. The intelligent instrument cluster with in-built control logic and display device is retrofit-able and substitute for traditional tractor instruments, which greatly simplifies the system configuration and increases the amount of information displayed by the system.
4. By configuring the in-built control logic on the instrument cluster, multiple independent control units within the cluster assembly circuits into one instrument assembly circuit, eliminating the need of multiple independent control units and reducing operating time and improving production efficiency, reducing costs.
EXAMPLES
EXAMPLE 1
The method of operation of the said intelligent instrument cluster with in-built control logic and display device, involves the parameter selection/input entry by the operator, wherein said input by the operator is entered via the TFT LCD display user interface unit (140), wherein said input parameter being vehicle rear view (144). The operator activates the video input unit (128) by enabling the vehicle view interface (144) positioned on the TFT LCD display user interface (140), wherein said vehicle view display selected is the vehicle rear view display input unit. The main logic control unit (122) receives the input parameter entered by the operator. The main logic control unit (122) processes the received signals which is communicated to the vehicle via a CAN bus unit (126). On receiving the instructions the liquid crystal user interface display unit (132) gets activated and displays the vehicle rear view (as shown in Fig. 3a) with the implement. In case if the operator need to view the vehicle status information and rear view in his personal mobile device, he can activate the wireless connectivity unit (127) via the TFT LCD display user interface and connect his personal device to the intelligent instrument cluster via the Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity. This enables the operator to view the vehicle status information and other operation parameters via his personal mobile device. In case of any malfunctioning of vehicle operations the alarm unit (130) is activated which provides alarm to the operator in the form of audio-visual signals.
EXAMPLE 2
The method of operation of the said intelligent instrument cluster with in-built control logic and display device, involves the parameter selection/input entry by the operator, wherein said input by the operator is entered via the TFT LCD display user interface unit (140), wherein said input parameter being vehicle tyre selection. The TFT LCD display user interface unit enables the operator to select the appropriate vehicle tyre. The main logic control unit (122) receives the input parameter entered by the operator. The main logic control unit processes the received signals which is communicated to the vehicle via a CAN bus unit (126) in the form of instructions. On receiving the instructions appropriate vehicle tyre is displayed. In case if the operator need to view the vehicle status information in his mobile device, he can activate the wireless connectivity unit (127) via the TFT LCD display user interface and connect his personal device to the intelligent instrument cluster via the Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity. This enables the operator to view the vehicle status information and other operation parameters via his personal mobile device. In case of any malfunctioning of vehicle operations the alarm unit (130) is activated which provides alarm to the operator in the form of audio-visual signals.
EXAMPLE 3
The method of operation of the said intelligent instrument cluster with in-built control logic and display device, involves the parameter selection/input entry by the operator, wherein said input by the operator is entered via the TFT LCD display user interface unit (140), wherein said input parameter being vehicle gear display selection. The TFT LCD display user interface unit enables the operator to display the active vehicle gear as shown in Fig. 4. The main logic control unit (122) receives the input parameter entered by the operator. The main logic control unit processes the received signals which is communicated to the vehicle via a CAN bus unit (126) in the form of instructions. On receiving the instructions the active vehicle gear is displayed on the TFT LCD display screen. The said active gear display selection is used to indicate the active gear number by manipulating of drive line selection and engine RPM. In case of any malfunctioning of vehicle operations the alarm unit (130) is activated which provides alarm to the operator in the form of audio-visual signals.
EXAMPLE 4
The method of operation of the said intelligent instrument cluster with in-built control logic and display device, involves the parameter selection/input entry by the operator, wherein said input by the operator is entered via the TFT LCD display user interface unit (140), wherein said input parameter being vehicle drive line selection. The TFT LCD display user interface unit enables the operator to select the appropriate vehicle drive line selection. The main logic control unit (122) receives the input parameter entered by the operator. The main logic control unit processes the received signals which is communicated to the vehicle via a CAN bus unit (126) in the form of instructions. On receiving the instructions appropriate vehicle drive line is changed and the same is displayed on the TFT LCD display screen. In case of any malfunctioning of vehicle operations the alarm unit (130) is automatically activated which provides alarm to the operator in the form of audio-visual signals.
EXAMPLE 5
The method of operation of the said intelligent instrument cluster with in-built control logic and display device, involves the parameter selection/input entry by the operator, wherein said input by the operator is entered via the TFT LCD display user interface unit (140), wherein said input parameter being hitch angle selection. The TFT LCD display user interface unit enables the operator to select the appropriate vehicle hitch angle selection as shown in fig. 4. The main logic control unit (122) receives the input parameter entered by the operator. The main logic control unit processes the received signals which is communicated to the vehicle via a CAN bus unit (126) in the form of instructions. On receiving the instructions appropriate vehicle hitch angle position is displayed on the TFT LCD display screen. In case of any malfunctioning of vehicle operations the alarm unit (130) is automatically activated which provides alarm to the operator in the form of audio-visual signals.
EXAMPLE 6
The method of operation of the said intelligent instrument cluster with in-built control logic and display device, involves the parameter selection/input entry by the operator, wherein said input by the operator is entered via the TFT LCD display user interface unit (140), wherein said input parameter being wheel slip selection. The TFT LCD display user interface unit enables the operator to select the appropriate vehicle wheel slip selection as shown in Fig.4. The main logic control unit (122) receives the input parameter entered by the operator. The main logic control unit processes the received signals which is communicated to the vehicle via a CAN bus unit (126) in the form of instructions. On receiving the instructions appropriate vehicle wheel slip is changed and the same is displayed on the TFT LCD display screen. In case of any malfunctioning of vehicle operations such as wheel slip, cut-off threshold the alarm unit (130) is automatically activated which provides alarm to the operator in the form of audio-visual signals.
EXAMPLE 7
The method of operation of the said intelligent instrument cluster with in-built control logic and display device, involves the parameter selection/input entry by the operator, wherein said input by the operator is entered via the TFT LCD display user interface unit (140), wherein said input parameter being fuel usage and time to refill display. The TFT LCD display user interface unit enables the operator to select the appropriate fuel refill option. The main logic control unit (122) receives the input parameter entered by the operator. The main logic control unit processes the received signals which is communicated to the vehicle via a CAN bus unit (126) in the form of instructions. On receiving the instructions fuel usage and time to refill the fuel tank of vehicle is displayed on the TFT LCD display screen as shown in Fig. 5. In case of any malfunctioning of vehicle operations the alarm unit (130) is automatically activated which provides alarm to the operator in the form of audio-visual signals.
EXAMPLE 8
The method of operation of the said intelligent instrument cluster with in-built control logic and display device, involves the parameter selection/input entry by the operator, wherein said input by the operator is entered via the TFT LCD display user interface unit (140), wherein said input parameter being auto drive line engagement/disengagement selection. The TFT LCD display user interface unit enables the operator to select the appropriate engagement/disengagement of vehicle drive line. The main logic control unit (122) receives the input parameter entered by the operator. The main logic control unit processes the received signals which is communicated to the vehicle via a CAN bus unit (126) in the form of instructions. On receiving the instructions auto engagement/disengagement of vehicle drive line is effected and the same is displayed on the TFT LCD display screen. In case of any malfunctioning of vehicle operations the alarm unit (130) is automatically activated which provides alarm to the operator in the form of audio-visual signals.
EXAMPLE 9
In an embodiment of the present invention the said intelligent instrument cluster with in-built control logic and display device, is connected to the operator’s mobile device via activating the wireless connectivity unit (127) via the TFT LCD display user interface. The operator's mobile device is connected to the intelligent instrument cluster via the Bluetooth, RF signal or wi-fi connectivity. This enables the operator to get call alert and message alert while operating the vehicle. Wherein said call alert and message alert is displayed in the TFT LCD display user interface along with the other vehicle status parameters as shown in Fig. 6. In case of any malfunctioning of vehicle operations the alarm unit is activated which provides alarm to the operator in the form of audio-visual signals.
EXAMPLE 10
In an embodiment of the present invention the said intelligent instrument cluster with in-built control logic and display device, is connected to the operator’s mobile device via activating the wireless connectivity unit (127) via the TFT LCD display user interface. The operator's mobile device is connected to the intelligent instrument cluster via the Bluetooth, RF signal or wi-fi connectivity. This enables the operator to get call alert and message alert while operating the vehicle. In case of unauthorized use/operation of vehicle like theft, call alert and message alert is immediately sent to the operator. Wherein said call alert and message alert is displayed in the TFT LCD display user interface along with the other vehicle status parameters. In such situation of theft the alarm unit is also activated which provides alarm to the operator in the form of audio-visual signals.
It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the above description is for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limiting. Various modifications, additions, alterations, and improvements without deviating from the spirit and the scope of the invention may be made by a person skilled in the art.