Automotive technology conquers agriculture vehicles
Today’s agricultural machines communicate with each other; sensor technology makes components and machines intelligent and provides numerous data. These informations enable the driver to control his agricultural machine more precisely and efficiently. Provided that his workstation always provides him with the relevant information at the right time and in a clear manner from the increasing amount of data. This is where the solutions of the technology company Continental, which will be on display at the Agritechnica trade fair (November 12-18, Hannover, Germany), come into play. Digitization enables high efficiency gains. In order to exploit this potential, it is crucial to focus on the driver as a link between information and actions,” explains Michael Ruf, head of the Commercial Vehicles and Aftermarket Business Unit at Continental.
As a demonstrator, the technology company plans to exhibit the original cabin of an agricultural vehicle, equipped with its own products at Agritechnica. The modular driver’s workplace can be adapted to a wide range of applications All switches are positioned within reach; if required, overhead switches can also be replaced by additional panels. This allows the driver to concentrate on the ride and work processes. The fully programmable instrument unit has a high-resolution 12.3-inch colour TFT display, real time 2D graphics and video display, and is equipped with a fully programmable instrument panel with 12.3-inch color TFT display, as well as a comprehensive premium version with cameras, multimedia applications and displays such as the MultiViu Professional12 instrument cluster. It relieves the driver by clearly displaying all relevant information of his agricultural machine – whether as animated texts, scales, bargraphs or symbols. In doing so, they always receive the information they need for the current work step. This ensures maximum efficiency and precision.
A compact solution is also the primary instrumentation MultiViu Compact with a 7-inch display and touch screen. If switched off, it has a black, homogeneous surface. The developers have attached great importance to a particularly bright display, which remains legible even under unfavourable lighting conditions, such as strong sunlight. The MultiViu Compact 7’s front glass and display are bonded together to reduce reflections. An optional built-in Bluetooth module enables the driver to retrieve and forward vehicle information such as oil or fuel level via mobile phone. This information can be used to plan trips and service appointments. Conversely, the display can display messages from the smartphone and, for example, inform the driver about incoming calls. Two CAN connections, a video input as well as several digital or analog inputs and outputs complete the technical equipment. Continental also offers the MultiViu Compact as an entry-level version with a 4.3-inch display, which means that it is even larger than a smartphone in this version.
The MultiViu Media instrumentation provides more performance and information. The technology platform, consisting of monitor, radio and display controller, is resistant to water and dust and is IP 65 certified. This means that it is ideally equipped for the harsh operating conditions in agriculture. MultiViu Media combines vehicle connectivity and control functions via CAN with a wide range of multimedia functions. Drivers can connect their smartphones to the MultiViu Media platform via WLAN, USB or Bluetooth and stream music, view the latest weather forecast or operate additional devices on the vehicle via the integrated touch screen. It is also possible to call up manuals and service instructions via the monitor. Entertainment functions such as a 4 x 15 W audio amplifier, a digital sound system, an RDS world receiver (AM/FM) with Weatherband and USB and AUX inputs complete the platform. In addition, MultiViu Media has multiple camera inputs and enables over-the-air system updates.
In addition, Continental is presenting the camera systems ProViu Mirror and ProViu ASL360 in the cabin, and ProViu Mirror as an alternative to exterior mirrors. Two cameras are mounted on each side of the vehicle, whose images are transmitted to two displays on the right and left side of the cabin. The camera images are thus permanently in the user’s line of vision. The technology significantly increases the visible area compared to conventional exterior mirrors and maximizes driving safety and accuracy.
The ProViu ASL360 all-round camera surveillance system provides the driver with a complete view of his vehicle from the outside into the cabin. This reduces the risk of manoeuvring and other road users or obstacles are detected at all times. Several micro-cameras mounted on the outside of the vehicle capture the flanks, rear and front of construction vehicles or trucks in real time with a fisheye optics of more than 180° and high resolution. An electronic control unit assembles these camera images on a display in the cockpit so that the driver can see his or her vehicle from a bird’s eye view. The system not only offers security advantages; it also ensures more efficient work. By reducing the probability of an accident, the time spent standing and downtime and repair costs associated with accidents are also eliminated.
Surfaces in agricultural machinery cabins must withstand the rough working conditions, be highly functional, durable and above all comfortable for the driver. Continental’s special surface material for the interior of vehicle cabins is therefore characterized by high durability, abrasion resistance, lightfastness, grip and environmental friendliness and scores points for its top-quality workmanship. Visitors to Agritechnica can see for themselves: the cabin seat is covered with the versatile surface material Acella. It offers very good abrasion properties and is therefore particularly suitable for highly stressed areas in the vehicle, such as seats and cheeks. The extremely robust and easy-care flooring material is also from Continental.
Thanks to innovative sensor technology, air springs can electronically adjust their height, monitor the internal pressure and measure the internal temperature. For the first time, the intelligent air spring enables the driver to electronically control the height of the agricultural vehicle and its attachments from the driver’s cab: he or she requests the level change via the vehicle HMI (Human-Machine-Interface) and the vehicle level is then regulated via a pressure adjustment of the air spring. As soon as operating conditions change, the system can react and provide compensation – for example to compensate for height differences caused by increasing crop loading. Possible problems are detected in real time and the journey can be stopped before damage occurs. The origin of the error can be determined from the records. This simplifies repairs and thus minimizes downtimes and costs for the customer.
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