Create an all new Human Machine Interface for JLG’s new line of Telehandlers. The interface would replace the paper load charts with active live charts and graphs to indicate safe load handling. Display would perform other tasks such as adjusting charts for different boom attachments, indicating and recording maintenance and adjusting vehicle control characteristics.
Traditionally, operators of telehandlers would use paper load charts to gauge the safe operation of the machine. These charts showed the safe weight limits on the boom as it was extended out or elevated. It was up to the operator to reference these paper charts which were in a binder attached to the inside of the vehicle cab. The operator would have to somehow gauge the weight of the load on the boom then watch the indicators on the actual boom to make sure they did not go beyond the safe limits of operation. Because the machine could be fitted with different attachments, and each of these changed the dynamics of the load on the machines balance, there were different charts. If the machine had stabilizers then there would have to be two charts, one for when they were up and one for when they were down. This is only one aspect of the interface development that Bullseye Design Worx was tackling.
Working with JLG, we began this project by understanding the scope of the project. Written documents were maintained and updated to help manage the broad range of vehicle systems this device would interact with. From there we identified the constraints that we would be working with in creating the interface design, such as screen size, low screen resolution and compliance with ANSI standards for color use on safety related aspects of the machine.
With a strong understanding of the needs and limitations of the project, we developed a number of initial concepts which would serve as the main design theme for the interface through all its functions. After the design direction was selected, we set to work on developing Load Chart, Maintenance, and Menu screen layouts. From there Bullseye Design Worx developed over 150 unique graphics that were specific to the low 133 DPI screen resolution to insure a quality look to the graphics along with countless other screens related to machine performance options.
The final solution works well to help drivers operate the telehandler within a safe range for the load and attachment it is using. The on-screen look of the load charts is similar to the paper load charts helping the users to quickly transfer their knowledge from the old method to the new method with less relearning. The LMIS system shows the operator when they are operating in a safe range with green graphs. When the load is moved into a position where it starts reaching the limits of safe operation the graphs turn yellow. If the load moves outside the safe working limits the graphs turn red. In addition, alarms can be set to go off when the load is moved into a yellow or red zone of safe operation, further increasing the type of safety warning signals the operator receives to protect themselves and others.
In all design projects, one of the biggest cost drives is changing the design or scope of a project. While very well documented and supported by JLG, the complexity of the project grew when more capability was added by different internal departments, or when the expectations increased over originaly anticipated. Add in specific needs for the European market along with all the menu text needing to be translated into 6 other languages and the project can double in size quickly. Before you start, define what will be included and what will not. Adding to a project after a design direction is selected can lead to painting yourself into a corner. Thankfully, we were able to handle most changes because we had started with a large amount of extra room in our layouts, resulting in only a few screens being less than optimal in appearance.