FR3033053A1 - HIGH HEAD DISPLAY SYSTEM FOR A CAR OF AGRICULTURAL VEHICLE, COMPRISING A COMPUTER CONNECTED TO A MULTIPLEX NETWORK - Google Patents

Abstract

Head-up display system for an agricultural vehicle cabin, comprising a computer (34) receiving information for establishing video signals which are projected, intended to form a display on a screen in the external field of view, the computer comprising in the same assembly a card equipped with a microprocessor receiving information on the operation of an agricultural work machine, a multiplexed information network, and display instructions requested by the user, the calculator comprising more modules for storing and processing a video signal delivered by the microprocessor card, and a projection module (38) performing the display on the screen (40).

Description

The present invention relates to a head-up display system for the control of an agricultural working machine, in the driving position of the vehicle. linked to this machine, and an agricultural vehicle equipped with such a display system. Head-up display systems for aircraft or automobiles 10 include the projection of data on a transparent screen in the field of the user's external vision. Originally developed for military aeronautics and then civilian, the head-up display allows the pilot to overlay the vision of the outside environment through the windshield, on the same windshield or on a screen additional transparency disposed in front of, information on a number of data relating to the conduct of his craft or navigation. Presenting this information on the visual field in front of him, avoids the pilot to turn his head to look for them on screens located at the bottom or above the windshield. From an outside view, there is a saving of time for the reading of this information by avoiding a successive focusing of the gaze on two distant zones, which can be particularly important in difficult driving conditions where the pilot must react very quickly. The head-up display is beginning to develop on motor vehicles, with some manufacturers in particular having a transparent screen that comes out on demand above the dashboard in front of the user, on which information on driving the vehicle or navigating. In particular, it is possible to display the speed of the vehicle, which brings greater comfort for the user who does not have to turn his head and to accommodate his vision to look for this information on the meter below 3033053. breeze, outside the normal field of vision to the outside allowing him to monitor the road. However, these various head-up systems applied to fast vehicles requiring a certain concentration for their controls, 5 provide information necessary for the driving of these vehicles by presenting data relating to its operation or navigation. Their main purpose is to add driving comfort while keeping the user focused on the road to avoid an accident. In the case of complex agricultural machines working in the fields, connected to a towing vehicle or integrated into a self-propelled vehicle, their relatively slow advance speed during the work does not pose a major problem in controlling the trajectory of these vehicles. , requiring a concentration of the external vision through the windshield. However, some agricultural machines, such as sprayers, have many elements of control of its operation, especially for modern agriculture that seeks to optimize the field parameters for labor to increase yields by limiting consumption. energy as well as different products. There is generally then in the driving position a number of screens each related to different features of the agricultural machine that the user must monitor, especially in critical phases or maneuvers, which is tricky if this number is important, the user having to move quickly from one screen to another. It is also known to group the information on the same display screen, by arranging them in different windows each dedicated to a function of the agricultural machine. However, this information remains concentrated on a screen of reduced size, and the user must switch frequently from one window to another to perform each of these 30 monitoring. The present invention is intended to avoid these disadvantages of the prior art. It proposes for this purpose a head-up display system for an agricultural vehicle cabin, comprising a computer receiving information for establishing video signals that are projected, intended to form a display on a screen located in the field of view. external view of the user, 5 remarkable in that the head-up vision calculator comprises in the same assembly a card equipped with a microprocessor receiving information on the operation of a farm-related agricultural machine work machine, by a network multiplexed information system, and display instructions requested by the user, this computer further comprising modules for processing a video signal delivered by the microprocessor card, and a projection module performing the display on the screen from this video signal. One advantage of this head-up display system is that it can gather a great deal of information on the operation of the agricultural machine, on a single screen disposed in the user's usual field of view, in accordance with an arrangement particular according to the work to be performed simply controlled by the display instructions. The user is then aided in the operation of the work tool which is usually found behind him, by optimally grouping the information on a screen which may be large in size occupying a major part of the windshield, This allows him to constantly follow the road as well as the operation of agricultural equipment with a large amount of information for the operation to be performed. It will be appreciated that this display of information over a large part of the field of view may reduce the user's attention to external vision, which is less important insofar as the driving of agricultural vehicles with a working tool in the field service is done with a slow speed not requiring the same concentration to maintain the trajectory. Moreover, the fact of grouping together in one and the same set forming the head-up computer, the various modules necessary for the operation of this display, allows a single connection to a multiplexed information network to obtain the data necessary for including a socket generally available in the cabin of this type of vehicle, which simplifies installation, reduces costs and increases reliability. The head-up display system according to the invention may further comprise one or more of the following features, which may be combined with each other. Advantageously, the head-up computer comprises a wireless reception means of a signal sent by a remote control to establish display models on the screen. The user can easily change the display without looking away, to adapt to the evolution of his work. In addition, the head-up display computer may comprise means for receiving a signal sent by a camera detecting the movements of the user, making it possible to establish display models on the screen. This type of control by the movements of the user allows him to more easily keep a forward vision to follow his conduct. Advantageously, the head-up display computer includes means for acquiring the video signal sent by an external camera. We can project the vision on the working tool, to monitor it permanently on the screen.

In this case, the head-up display computer may include means for controlling the display of the image filmed by the external camera over substantially the entire width of the screen. The user thus easily has at his disposal an enlarged view of the working tool. Advantageously, the head-up display computer comprises a bundle of electrical wires equipped with a connection socket on a multiplexed information network of the vehicle. The connection of this calculator is thus simplified. In particular, the head-up display computer may comprise at least one virtual terminal software layer for the multiplexed information network, which enables the other computers of the vehicle to exchange with this vision calculator via the multiplexed network. The acquisition of the necessary data for the display is thus facilitated.

Advantageously, the screen occupies substantially the entire width of the windshield of the vehicle cockpit. In this way, a large amount of information can be displayed on the windshield, which remains in the driver's usual field of vision.

In this case, the display on the screen may comprise several distinct zones which are superimposed vertically. In particular, a selection area may be provided having predefined display mode selection buttons, which have been previously specified by the user, a main display area presenting the main information which the user must follow in permanence to ensure the proper operation of the agricultural machine, and a complementary display area having a limited number of crucial parameters. This distribution is easy for the user to understand, distinguishing the importance of the different signals displayed.

Advantageously, the display system includes a command to completely remove the display on the areas in front of the user, releasing the external vision on the road in front of him. This ensures safety for traffic on the road. Advantageously, the display on the screen comprises a configuration page of the display modes, which is implemented by software integrated in the head-up computer. In particular, the multiplexed information network may use the "ISOBUS" brand technology for agricultural equipment. This technology being an international standard developing on agricultural machinery, allows to standardize the display system for different brands of vehicle. The subject of the invention is also an agricultural vehicle comprising an agricultural working machine forming a self-propelled unit, or towing an agricultural machine which is coupled to it, or receiving an agricultural machine which is carried, this vehicle having a multiplexed information network, remarkable in that the driving cab of this vehicle comprises a head-up display system 3033053 6 having any of the above features. Advantageously, the vehicle head-up computer is connected to the multiplexed information network by an auxiliary socket of this network 5 available in the cabin. The invention will be better understood and other features and advantages will appear more clearly on reading the following description given by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: - Figure 1 shows an agricultural spray tool coupled to an agricultural tractor 10, equipped with a head-up display system according to the invention; FIG. 2 presents a diagram of this head-up display system; - Figure 3 shows in detail the cab of the tractor; - Figure 4 shows an agricultural spray tool forming a self-propelled assembly, equipped with the same head-up display system; Figure 5 shows an agricultural spraying tool which is carried by an agricultural tractor equipped with the same head-up display system; FIG. 6 shows the projector computer of this display system; - Figure 7 shows an example of display on the windshield of the cabin; and FIG. 8 shows an example of displaying a page of the configuration software of this display system. Figures 1, 2 and 3 show an agricultural tractor 2 receiving at the rear a trailer 4 supporting a crop working tool, constituting a sprayer comprising a reservoir of the treatment product 8, and spray bars 10 which are folded on this tank. The sprayer comprises two electronic management computers 20 each controlling different functions of the agricultural machine, comprising for example a function of controlling the movements of the arms comprising the deployment and the leveling of these arms, and a function of controlling the spray including measurements of fluid flow and pressure, and levels of the product stored in the reservoir 8.

The various computers 20 of the agricultural machine 6 are interconnected by a multiplexed information network supported by a machine electrical harness 22, which is connected to the tractor electrical harness 26 by a connector 24 to transmit the information between them. .

The electrical harness of the tractor 26 is connected to an electronic tractor management computer 28, which manages the various functions necessary for its operation, in particular the motorization and operation of the accessories, and to a universal terminal 30 comprising a display screen. , allowing the user to view information from the various computers 20, 28, and to issue commands, in particular by a keypad or a touch keyboard on this screen. In particular, the exchange of information can be carried out by a multiplexed information network of the "CAN" type (Controller Area Network), which can be a clean network, or use a technology recently developed for the agricultural sector, called the "standard" standard. ISOBUS ". The exchanges of information between the different devices connected to each other by the multiplexed information network are done by transmitting on the same electrical wires a frame comprising encodings addressed to all, allowing each device to distinguish the information that are intended for him. This greatly reduces the number of electrical wires needed, which reduces the weight, the costs and the risk of failure. In particular, the "ISOBUS" technology was developed by an international agricultural foundation called "AEF" 25 (Agricultural Industry Electronics Foundation), bringing together several agricultural machinery manufacturers to develop standardized communication standards for connecting different tractors, agricultural tools or machines and computers to a network with full compatibility of data exchange. Immediate operation of the "Plug and Play" type can be achieved. The multiplexed information network comprises in the cabin of the user 52 a cabin auxiliary socket 32 generally available in agricultural tractors 3033053 8 equipped with this network, on which is connected a high head vision electronic calculator 34 fixed in height. This calculator 34 forwards a projection module 38 producing the display on a transparent screen 40 disposed in the user's external field of vision, occupying substantially the entire width of the windshield of the cabin 42, and means 50 or wireless cable for connecting one or more external video cameras 36. The outer video camera 36 can be attached to the rear of the tractor to get an overview of the agricultural machine 6, or fixed on the 10 machine to obtain for example a vision of a particular function of the tool, or the ground during work. The multiplexed information network has a collection by the head-up computer 34 of information to be displayed 48 from the different computers 20, 28 of the agricultural machine 6 and the tractor 2, and from the video stream 15 coming from the camera 36. There is also an exchange of information 46 between the universal terminal 30 and the head-up computer 34, comprising a control of the head-up display from commands from this terminal, such as the choice of data. to display, or a change of projected windows on the screen 20 40. The user has a mobile remote control 44 to control the head-up display with navigation arrows to move a cursor on the display to achieve selections. The user can also control the head-up display directly by the universal terminal 30.

Optionally a control of the head-up display can be realized by the movements of the user, which are detected by a camera filming this user and analyzing his movements. An advantage of this solution is that the user can stay focused on his work by keeping a vision in front of him on the outside or on the head-up display, not having to look away from the remote control kept in hand.

The projection module 38 integrated in the head-up computer 34, is advantageously a miniaturized projector also called "pico projector", using technology "LED" or "LASER". For the screen 40 can be used the various known technologies, 5 including in particular a flexible transparent film stuck inside the windshield 42, covering a large part of the windshield, which diffuses the light emitted by the projector . The head-up display calculator 34 includes a projected beam correction function to account for different lengths to reach the angles of the screen 40, and to correct the transmitted signal to obtain an image without deformation. Note that the display on the screen 40 is off, the user has a complete vision through its windshield 42 which does not change, allowing him to ride on the road at a higher speed after 15 work in the fields, while keeping a close eye on external vision to avoid traffic accidents. FIG. 4 shows an agricultural spraying tool forming an integral self-propelled assembly, arranged at the front of a driving cabin 52.

On this assembly there is a similar agricultural spraying machine 6, comprising its two electronic management computers 20 controlling various functions of this machine, connected by a single electrical harness 22 to the universal terminal 30, to the tractor management computer 28 and to the auxiliary socket cabin 32.

The operation of the head-up vision for this self-propelled agricultural assembly remains the same. FIG. 5 shows an agricultural spraying tool carried on a frame attached to the rear of the agricultural tractor 2 comprising a rear-mounted sprayer 8A, and a centrifugal spreader disposed at the front of this tractor 8B which makes it possible to balancing the masses, and possibly also spreading in the front.

Each front and rear part of the agricultural machine comprises its management computer 20, they are interconnected by the electrical harness 26. The operation of the head-up vision for this tractor assembly carrying an agricultural machine remains the same.

FIG. 6 shows the head-up visual calculator 34 comprising a card containing a digital processing microprocessor 60, which is connected by a wiring harness to the cabin auxiliary socket 32. An antenna 62 fixed to the housing of the vision calculator 34, receives the signal transmitted by the remote control 44 to transmit it to the microprocessor card 60, to allow the user to select the information he wants to establish on the display. A video acquisition module 64 receives the signals transmitted by the external video camera 36, for processing them, and transmits them in digital form to the microprocessor card 60 in order to make incrustations on the display 15 of the filmed images. The microprocessor card 60 formats the video information requested by the user, in particular the windows to be displayed according to preset standard windows, which will constitute the projected image on the screen 40, for transmitting them to a video memory 66. The video memory 66 supplies a video converter 68, which produces the color images in the format adapted for the projection module 38. The head-up computer 34 advantageously comprises, for the multiplexed information network, a first software layer of virtual terminal client that allows this vision calculator to exchange information 46 25 with the universal terminal 30, and a second server virtual terminal software layer that allows this vision calculator to exchange information with the other computers of the vehicle 20, 28. These software layers allow other computers in the network to communicate in both directions with the calculate head vision 34, for 30 particular send him the necessary information according to the display windows requested by the user. The communication protocol 3033053 11 comprising the software layers is already developed in particular in the multiplexed information network according to the "ISOBUS" standard. FIG. 7 shows the display on the screen 40 glued to the windshield, comprising three display zones separated by the dashed lines T, presenting successively from the top, a selection zone 70, a display zone The display on the display areas shown below is an example of what the user has selected by his remote control 44. A wide variety of possibilities is offered, depending on what the user has selected by his remote control. which has been predefined by the user 10 and stored in memory. A large number of other display models can be adapted as needed. The selection area 70 has a series of buttons aligned at the top of the screen, which can be selected with the remote control 44 using the scroll arrows to switch from one button to another.

First, starting from the left is a first blue button 76 which selects the road mode, in order to suppress the display on the main display area 72 to give the user the best visibility when driving. on the road at a higher speed. Then there are three blue buttons 78 successively numbered "1, 2, 3", giving three predefined display modes that have been previously specified by the user by configuring the HUD calculator 34, according to different modes. of use of the machine. The numbered buttons 78 make it possible to quickly switch from one display window to another, by using the navigation arrows of the remote control 44.

A last blue button located on the right 80 makes it possible to display in full-screen mode the video stream coming from the camera 36, in order to obtain a wide vision of the machine working behind. The main display area 72 has at the top a series of color triangles 82, each representing a portion of the spray bars 10 aligned in the same order. Each triangle is displayed with a red or green color to give an indication of the status of each boom section 303 305 3 12 10, which allows the user to quickly and easily check the operation of the boom. spraying. The main display area 72 also has guide lines 82 marking the limits of its field spray work. On the left 5 are shown operating indications of the sprayer 84, which are here for example a supply pressure of 4 bar and a flow rate of 1501 per hectare. Finally, the operator has inscribed at the bottom right of the main display area 72, the image 86 of the rear camera 36, which enables him to monitor his spray ramps 10. It will be noted that the information presented on the zone d main display 72 come from available data circulating on the multiplexed information network of the "CAN" type. In particular for a multiplexed network according to the "ISOBUS" standard, all the data have a unique numerical identifier which makes it possible to extract their value in the messages circulating on this network. In this case, a node of the "ISOBUS" network of the sprayer 6 constantly exchanges data with the universal terminal 30, such as, for example, the spray dosage per hectare and the sections of the spray bars of 10 open or closed, in order to allow the head-up display computer 34 to automatically extract the data requested by the user, and very frequently update this display. The low display area 74 has some crucial parameters that the user must constantly keep in front of him in order to perform quality work. In this case we have on the left the speed of the vehicle in kilometers / hour, and on the right the speed of rotation of the PTO in revolutions per minute. FIG. 8 shows a display on the screen 40 of a display configuration software that can be integrated in the head-up visualization calculator 34, making it possible to define the graphic objects that are to be displayed in each of the windows of the main zone 72. In a variant, the configuration software may be integrated into another device, for example 3033053 13 in an external computer which is occasionally connected to carry out these configuration operations. The user can choose for each graphic object with buttons on the right, the interface element 90, such as the camera for example, the positioning of this object on the screen laterally 92 and height 94, the type of image. object 96 which can be in particular a text, a variable, a geometric object, an image inlay, its color 98 with the aid of a color bar 106, comprising the level of contrast, and the reference variable 100 which will be taken on the multiplexed information network.

The user moves on the screen 40 by moving arrows 102, and validates his choice by an "OK" button 104 arranged at the bottom. During this time of configuration of the display, the user sees simultaneously on a large part of the screen on the left, the result of its configuration which helps him to focus and allows him to validate quickly.

The head-up display system according to the invention, grouping all of its functions in the same housing of the computer 34, allows a very simple installation in a cabin of an agricultural vehicle equipped with a multiplexed information network. . The unique housing combining the different functions of the head-up, including the wiring between the different interior modules, facilitates installation, reduces assembly time and the risk of error and failure. In addition there is a single housing to fix in the cabin. Moreover the connection of this housing is fast and safe from an accessory socket 32 of the multiplexed information network available in the cabin. Similarly, in case of a change of vehicle, the housing can easily be recovered for installation on a new vehicle. The user can then remain focused on the trajectory of the vehicle by the external vision, and at the same time by the head-up vision on the main operating parameters of the driving part of this vehicle, notably its speed of advance and the speed rotation of the PTO, as well as those of the tool to verify its proper operation.

3033053 14 In particular, the user can precisely monitor the machine in the delicate maneuvering operations in order to avoid damaging the tool and the crops, for example during a change of crop row, in particular if the tool has a bulk important, as with spreading spray booms that remain very fragile. In particular, the user can more easily follow the changes in settings such as the cutting of sections of spray bars, or the modulation of the dosage of this spray. It should be noted that the head-up display system can generally be applied to any type of agricultural equipment working in the field and linked to a vehicle, whether towed, carried or integrated into the vehicle. who is self-propelled. In particular it can be used for plowing, sowing, planting or various crops.

Claims (5)

CLAIMS 1 - A head-up display system for an agricultural vehicle cabin, comprising a computer (34) receiving information for establishing video signals that are projected, intended to form a display on a screen (40) located in the field external view of the user, characterized in that the head-up display computer (34) comprises in the same assembly a card equipped with a microprocessor (60) receiving information on the operation of an agricultural working machine ( 6) linked to the vehicle, by a multiplexed information network, and display instructions requested by the user, this computer further comprising processing modules (68) of a video signal delivered by the microprocessor card, and a projection module (38) providing the display on the screen (40) from this video signal. 15 2 - head-up display system according to claim 1, characterized in that the head-up display computer (34) comprises a means for wireless reception (62) of a signal sent by a remote control (44) for establish display patterns on the screen (40). 3 - head-up display system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the head-up visual calculator (34) comprises means for receiving a signal sent by a camera detecting the movements of the user, making it possible to establish display models on the screen (40). 4 - head-up display system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the head-up display computer (34) comprises means for acquiring the video signal (64) sent by an external camera (36). ). - head-up display system according to claim 4, characterized in that the head-up display computer (34) comprises a software device 30 for controlling the display of the image filmed by the external camera (36), over substantially the entire width of the screen (40). 30 - Head-up display system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the head-up vision calculator (34) comprises a bundle of electrical wires equipped with a connection socket (32) on a multiplexed vehicle information network. Head-up display system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the head-up computer (34) comprises at least one virtual terminal software layer for the multiplexed information network, which allows other computers of the vehicle (20, 28) to exchange with this vision computer through the multiplex network. 8 - Head-up display system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the screen (40) occupies substantially the entire width of the windshield (42) of the cockpit (52) of the vehicle. 9 - head-up display system according to claim 8, characterized in that the display on the screen (40) has a plurality of distinct zones (70, 72, 74) which are superimposed vertically. Head-up display system according to claim 9, characterized in that the display on the screen (40) comprises a selection zone (70) having selection buttons (76, 78, 80) of the predefined modes. display, which have been previously specified by the user, a main display area (72) presenting the main information that the user must constantly follow to ensure the proper operation of the agricultural machine, and a complementary display area (74) having a limited number of critical parameters. 11 - Head-up display system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a command for completely removing the display on the areas (72, 74) in front of the user, releasing the external vision on the road in front of him. 12 - head-up display system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display on the screen (40) 3033053 17 comprises a display modes configuration page, which is implemented by software integrated in the head-up computer (34). 13 - Head-up display system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the multiplexed information network 5 uses the "ISOBUS" brand technology, intended for agricultural equipment. 14 - Agricultural vehicle comprising an agricultural working machine (6) forming a self-propelled unit, or towing an agricultural machine which is coupled to it, or receiving an agricultural machine which is carried, this vehicle having a multiplexed information network, characterized in the driver's cab of this vehicle (52) comprises a head-up display system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims. Agricultural vehicle according to claim 14, characterized in that the head-up display computer (34) is connected to the multiplexed information network 15 by an auxiliary socket of this network (32) available in the cabin (52).