Parker Hannifin unveils tablet for mobile machines

Parker Hannifin, a provider motion and control technologies, is widening its display portfolio with Pro Display 12, a high-level 12 inch human-machine interface display module – or “tablet” – featuring optimum camera connectivity.

Aimed at mobile machine original equipment manufacturers in sectors such as agriculture and construction, this rugged and high-performance module has a sunlight readable display and quad-core CPU.

Like the previously launched Pro Display 10, the latest Parker HMI comes with an apps-based platform and provides tools for fast and advanced application development.

Parker Hannifin says that, with Pro Display, customers can deploy several HMI functions, such as machine functionality, diagnostics, efficiency tools, infotainment and entertainment – all in one centralised HMI unit, saving on both cabin space and costs.

The Parker Pro Display 12 features multi-touch capability for intuitive, easy operation and provides high screen brightness for great visibility, even in direct sunlight, enhancing operator safety.

In addition, the use of IPS technology within Pro Display 12 results in clear images with impressive colour reproduction from wide viewing angles.

Designed to improve efficiency and reduce driver distraction, Pro Display can be a central HMI unit in the system or serve as a stand-alone display.

Importantly, the HMI is not limited to one particular control system integration, while customers can also incorporate an unlimited number of apps.

In fact, via easy-to-use software tools within the Parker UX Toolkit, it is possible to create customised apps according to specific requirements, reducing time-to-market.

Typical applications for the new HMI include agriculture vehicles, forestry harvesters and forwarders, specialty trucks, buses and coaches, mobile cranes, reach stackers, and construction vehicles such as big wheel loaders and road construction machines.

For the agriculture sector, Parker’s Pro Display 12 is also available with the company’s ISOBUS Suite software, which contains two apps: ISOBUS Universal Terminal and Task Controller.

These apps allow system developers to create a tailored, integrated HMI system where ISOBUS functionality co-exists with tractor instrumentation, camera images and electronic manuals, for example.

The new display has four analog camera interfaces offering the potential to implement a cost-effective vision system. This capability also enables ‘surround view’ functionality to extend the driver’s field of vision.

Besides the four camera interfaces, a number of IP-cameras can be connected to Pro Display 12 via Ethernet switch or WLAN access point.

Versatile use within the vehicle cabin is supported by a wide variety of communication interfaces and infotainment features. For instance, four CAN buses supports communication for various systems in the vehicle.

Software updates can be made easily by using a memory stick via a USB port, while an internal antenna supports wireless communication. In addition, a connector is available for an external antenna – for the FM-RDS radio.

Versatility is further enhanced as the display can be mounted in either landscape or portrait orientations.

The touchscreen interface enables rapid and accurate interaction with the display’s apps, although the platform can also be controlled using remote buttons or a pulse wheel if preferred.

Pro Display is also capable of reproducing sound and showing videos with audio, while Bluetooth can be used for remote display and diagnostics, smartphone hands-free apps, and music streaming services.