초록 ▼

A method of using a touch screen control panel to input and display data to control excavation by an excavator includes the steps of: (1) providing a display panel with a touch-sensitive screen at a position accessible to an operator; (2) inputting data by touching the display panel to define a desi

A method of using a touch screen control panel to input and display data to control excavation by an excavator includes the steps of: (1) providing a display panel with a touch-sensitive screen at a position accessible to an operator; (2) inputting data by touching the display panel to define a desired contour of the excavated surface; (3) displaying on the display panel information representing the desired contour of the excavated surface; and (4) controlling movement of the excavator bucket to excavate the desired contour of the excavated surface. The display panel displays a sequence of screens that convey information to the operator and permit the operator to select operational modes and to input data to define the control parameters for the various operational modes.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [34.] A method for inputting commands for controlling an excavator to excavate a surface to a desired slope or depth, wherein the excavator has an excavator bucket, and wherein the method comprises the steps of:providing a display panel with a touch-sensitive screen at a posit

[ What is claimed is:] [34.] A method for inputting commands for controlling an excavator to excavate a surface to a desired slope or depth, wherein the excavator has an excavator bucket, and wherein the method comprises the steps of:providing a display panel with a touch-sensitive screen at a position accessible to an operator, wherein the display panel provides a means for inputting control data to a machine control system coupled to the excavator;providing a trigger switch;selecting between a slope-control mode and a depth-control mode by touching the display panel;if slope-control mode is selected, then;inputting data by touching the display panel to define a desired slope of the excavated surface;displaying on the display panel information representing the desired slope of the excavated surface;actuating the trigger switch;displaying on the display panel information representing the position of the excavator bucket relative to the desired slope; andautomatically controlling the path of the excavator bucket to match the desired slope;if depth control mode is selected, then;inputting data by touching the display panel to define a desired depth of the excavated surface;displaying on the display panel information representing the desired depth of the excavated surface;actuating the trigger switch;displaying on the display panel information representing the position of the excavator bucket relative to the desired depth; andautomatically controlling the path of the excavator bucket to match the desired depth.