Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080208416 | Automated rollover prevention system - A control system for a machine is disclosed. The control system may have at least one sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of an inclination of the machine. The control system may also have a controller in communication with the at least one sensor. The controller may be configured to stop operation of the machine in response to the signal. | 08-28-2008 |
20090002187 | Automated lost load response system - An automated lost load response system for work machines is disclosed. The response system has a container supported by the machine to retain material. It also has a sensor situated to detect material lost from the container. The sensor generates a signal corresponding to detection of material lost. Additionally, the response system has a controller that is in communication with the sensor. The controller is configured to provide a load loss warning based on the signal generated by the sensor. | 01-01-2009 |
20090202109 | Terrain map updating system - A terrain mapping system is disclosed. The system has at least one sensor configured to gather a plurality of current points defining a current surface of a site and a database containing a plurality of previously-gathered points defining a previous surface of the site. The system also has a controller in communication with the at least one sensor. The controller is configured to compare a height of at least one of the plurality of the current points to a height of a corresponding at least one of the plurality of previously-gathered points and to determine if an update to the database is warranted based on the comparison. The controller is further configured to update the database if it is determined that an update is warranted. | 08-13-2009 |
20090318263 | Automated machine retarding systems and methods - A control system for a machine is disclosed. The control system may have a first sensor configured to generate a first signal indicative of an inclination of the machine, a second sensor configured to generate a second signal indicative of a travel speed of the machine, a third sensor configured to generate a third signal indicative of an engine speed of the machine, and a controller disposed in communication with each of the first, second, and third sensors. The controller is configured to determine whether the machine is freewheeling in a neutral gear, and to generate a machine braking command based on at least one of the first, second, and third signals. A method of retarding a machine is also disclosed. | 12-24-2009 |
20100010703 | Machine guidance system - A guidance system for a mobile machine is disclosed. The guidance system may have a scanning device configured to generate a signal indicative of a lateral distance from the machine to a roadway marker, a locating device configured to determine a geographical location of the machine, and a controller in communication with the scanning device and the locating device. The controller may be configured to receive a desired lateral distance from the machine to the roadway marker, and to compare the desired lateral distance to the actual lateral distance. The controller may further be configured to implement a response to the comparison based on the geographical location. | 01-14-2010 |
20100274434 | Position monitoring system for a mobile machine - A system including a mobile machine and a central control station is provided. The mobile machine includes a communication device and a position monitoring system including a receiver configured to receive position data from a positioning satellite and generate a position signal. The position monitoring system also includes an inertial navigation unit including a sensor configured to measure a parameter of the mobile machine and generate a movement signal. The position monitoring system also includes a controller configured to receive the position signal and the movement signal, detect an unavailability of the position signal, calculate a position parameter, determine whether a difference between a first and a second value of a parameter exceeds a predetermined threshold, and generate a warning signal. The central control station is configured to communicate with the controller, receive the position signal and/or the movement signal, and monitor the position of the mobile machine. | 10-28-2010 |
20110160919 | MOBILE FLUID DELIVERY CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method for delivering fluid to a site using a mobile fluid delivery machine are disclosed. The method includes determining a value of a parameter associated with the site using a sensor, and determining a fluid delivery rate based on the value of the site parameter. The method further includes delivering the fluid to a surface of the site at the location of the mobile fluid delivery machine, at the determined fluid delivery rate. | 06-30-2011 |
20110160920 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING FLUID DELIVERY - A systems and methods for delivering fluid to a site using a mobile fluid delivery machine are disclosed. The method includes determining a location of the mobile fluid delivery machine on the site, and determining a fluid delivery rate based on the location of the mobile fluid delivery machine using information related to the site. The method further includes delivering the fluid to a surface of the site at the location of the mobile fluid delivery machine, at the determined fluid delivery rate. | 06-30-2011 |
20110266360 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR EXECUTING FLUID DELIVERY MISSION - Systems and methods for executing a fluid delivery mission are disclosed. In one embodiment a mobile fluid delivery machine for delivering fluid to a site has a tank storing fluid, and at least one spray head configured to spray the stored fluid onto the site. In addition, the mobile fluid delivery machine has a communication device configured to receive fluid delivery mission instructions from a site computing system, the mission instructions identifying a sequence of path segments on the site and corresponding fluid delivery amounts allocated to the path segments, and a location device configured to determine the location of the mobile fluid delivery machine on the site. The mobile fluid delivery machine may also have a fluid delivery system configured to determine whether the location of the fluid delivery machine corresponds to a path segment of the sequence, and when it is determined that the location of the fluid delivery machine corresponds to a path segment in the sequence, to identify the fluid delivery amount allocated to that path segment based on the mission instructions. | 11-03-2011 |
20110288769 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING FLUID DELIVERY MISSIONS ON A SITE - Systems and methods for controlling fluid delivery on a site using at least one fluid delivery machine are disclosed. An exemplary such method includes identifying at least one path on the site based on map information associated with the site, calculating a fluid delivery requirement of the at least one path based on environmental information associated with the site, and dispatching a fluid delivery machine on a mission to treat the at least one path with fluid based on the fluid delivery requirement. | 11-24-2011 |
20120154572 | SIMULATION SYSTEM IMPLEMENTING REAL-TIME MACHINE DATA - A simulation and control system for a machine is disclosed. The simulation and control system may have a user interface configured to display a simulated environment. The machine simulation and control system may also have a controller in communication with the user interface and a remotely located machine. The controller may be configured to receive from the machine real-time information related to operation of the machine at a worksite. The controller may also be configured to simulate the worksite, operation of the machine, and movement of a machine tool based on the received information. The controller may further be configured to provide to the user interface the simulated worksite, operation, and movement in the simulated environment. | 06-21-2012 |
20120271504 | MANAGEMENT SYSTEM INCORPORATING PERFORMANCE AND DETECTION DATA - A management system for use at a worksite is disclosed. The management system may have at least one object detection sensor configured to generate a first signal indicative of a feature of a roadway traversed by the mobile machine, a positioning device configured to generate a second signal indicative of a position of the mobile machine, and at least one performance sensor configured to generate a third signal indicative of a performance parameter of the mobile machine as the mobile machine traverses the feature. The management system may also have a controller configured to determine a surface condition of the roadway based on the first signal, index the surface condition to a particular location on the roadway based on the second signal, and generate a map of the roadway providing a representation of the surface condition and the performance parameter. | 10-25-2012 |
20130099017 | Methods and Systems for Executing Fluid Delivery Mission - A mobile fluid delivery machine has a communication device configured to receive fluid delivery mission instructions that identify a sequence of path segments on a site and corresponding fluid delivery allocation information for the path segments, and a location device determining the location of the mobile fluid delivery machine. It also has a fluid delivery system including a display device and at least one processor that is configured to identify the fluid delivery allocation information for the path segment that corresponds to the location of the mobile machine on the site, and to determine, based on the fluid delivery allocation information for the path segment that corresponds to the location of the mobile machine on the site, a fluid delivery rate for the path segment. The processor is also configured to cause the display device to display an indication of the determined fluid delivery rate for the path segment. | 04-25-2013 |
20140032030 | System and Method for Detecting a Crest - A system for automated control of a machine having a ground engaging work implement includes an implement load sensor system. A controller determines a change in terrain based at least in part upon a change in the load on the ground engaging work implement. If the change in terrain exceeds a threshold, the controller generates an alert command signal. A method is also provided. | 01-30-2014 |
20140032058 | System and Method for Adjusting a Boundary for a Machine - A system for modifying a boundary of operation of a machine has a change in terrain sensor system. A controller determines a change in terrain based at least in part upon a change in terrain signal. If the change in terrain exceeds a threshold, the controller modifies the boundary of operation of the machine. A method is also provided. | 01-30-2014 |
20140032132 | System and Method for Operating a Machine - A system for automated control of a machine within a work area having a crest includes a first data map and a second data map. At least one sensor system generates operating data indicative of a change in terrain and a controller compares the operating data to the first data map while the machine is within a zone adjacent the crest. If the change in terrain exceeds a threshold, the controller generates an alert command signal. A method is also provided. | 01-30-2014 |
20140163885 | TERRAIN MAP UPDATING SYSTEM - A terrain mapping system is disclosed. The system has at least one sensor configured to gather a plurality of current points defining a current surface of a site and a database containing a plurality of previously-gathered points defining a previous surface of the site. The system also has a controller in communication with the at least one sensor. The controller is configured to compare a height of at least one of the plurality of the current points to a height of a corresponding at least one of the plurality of previously-gathered points and to determine if an update to the database is warranted based on the comparison. The controller is further configured to update the database if it is determined that an update is warranted. | 06-12-2014 |
20140176303 | Remote Lockout/Tagout - A remote lock-out/tag-out system and method allow a remote service technician to remotely lock-out a machine via a remote wireless control device. In one aspect, the lock-out initiation request is sent from the remote wireless control device to the machine. The remote wireless control device then receives from the machine an indication that the machine location and state are suitable for lock-out. In response, the remote wireless control device sends a lock-out command to the machine. | 06-26-2014 |
20140180444 | System and Method for Modifying a Path for a Machine - A system for modifying a path of operation of a machine includes a position sensor and a controller. The controller stores the path of operation, receives a plurality of position signals as the work implement moves material along the path of operation, and determines the position of the work surface. The controller further determines an amount of material moved based at least in part upon the position of the work surface and modifies parameters used to determine a subsequent path of operation if the amount of material moved exceeds a predetermined amount. | 06-26-2014 |
20140180547 | System and Method for Estimating Material Characteristics - A system for determining material characteristics of a material of a work surface includes a position sensor and a controller. The controller stores a first estimate of the material characteristics and utilizes a planning system to determine an expected profile. The expected profile is based at least in part upon the first estimate of the material characteristics. The controller determines an actual profile of the work surface, compares the expected profile to the actual profile, and determines a second estimate of the material characteristics based at least in part upon the difference between the expected profile and the actual profile. | 06-26-2014 |
20140236424 | FLUID DELIVERY SYSTEM - A system for a machine operating on a worksite is provided. The system includes an image capturing device configured to provide an image feed associated with a fluid dispensing arrangement of the machine. The system includes a position detection module configured to generate a position signal indicative of a current position of the machine on the worksite. A controller is communicably coupled to the image capturing device and the position detection module. The controller is configured to receive the image feed and the position signal. The controller is configured to detect a discharge of a fluid from the machine based on the image feed. Further, the controller is configured to determine an area of the worksite in which the fluid is discharged based on the detection and the position signal. | 08-21-2014 |
20140371947 | System and Method for Mapping a Raised Contour - A system includes a position sensing system for determining a position of a machine and a work implement configured to engage material to form a raised contour. A controller determines a plurality of positions of the machine as the machine moves about the work site and the work implement forms the raised contour, determines a plurality of reference positions along an edge of the raised contour as the work implement forms the raised contour, and generates a map of the edge of the raised contour based upon the plurality of reference positions. | 12-18-2014 |
20150014003 | CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A MACHINE - A control system for a machine is disclosed. The system includes a ripper sensor associated with a ripper of the machine configured to generate a signal indicative of a position of the ripper. The system includes a steering command sensor associated with a steering control module of the machine. The steering command sensor is configured to generate a signal indicative of a steering command of the machine. The system further includes a controller configured to receive the signals indicative of the position of the ripper and the steering command of the machine. The controller is configured to execute an action based on the engaged state of the ripper and the steering command of the machine. | 01-15-2015 |
20150032292 | Controller for, and Method of, Operating a Sensor Cleaning System - A control system for a vehicle sensor cleaning system is provided. The control system includes: a microcontroller configured to: receive inputs including at least one input from any one of the following sources: sensors, other controllers, and an operator; determine whether a signal to actuate a cleaning system for a sensor should be generated; analyze whether the signal should be delayed; sending an actuating signal to a sensor cleaning system if the controller determines that predetermined cleaning criteria are met and delays sending the actuating signal if the controller determines delay criteria are met. A method of controlling a sensor washing system may also be provided. The method includes: inputting signals from at least two sensors into a controller; weighing the inputted signals, wherein one of the signals is associated with a location of the vehicle on which the sensor washing system is located; determining whether to send a signal to actuate a sensor cleaner depending upon the weighing of the inputted signals; and sending a signal to the sensor cleaner to clean a sensor. | 01-29-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090043462 | Worksite zone mapping and collision avoidance system - A worksite mapping system is disclosed. The worksite mapping system has a receiving module configured to receive a position and a characteristic of an object at a worksite, a positioning device configured to determine a position of a mobile machine at the worksite, and a controller in communication with the receiving module and the positioning device. The controller is configured to generate an electronic map of the worksite, and an electronic representation of the object on the electronic map based on the received position. The controller is further configured to generate at least one boundary zone around the object based on the received characteristic, and an electronic representation of the mobile machine on the electronic map based on the determined position. The controller is further configured to initiate a collision avoidance strategy in response to a mobile machine entering the at least one boundary zone. | 02-12-2009 |
20090084173 | Automated lost load response system - An automated lost load response system for work machines is disclosed. The response system has a first sensor situated to detect the contour of the road surface forward of a first machine, and a second sensor situated to detect the contour of the road surface rearward of the first machine. Each of the first and second sensors generates a signal corresponding to its detection of the contour of the road surface. The response system also has a controller that is in communication with both sensors. The controller is configured to provide a load loss warning based on the signals. | 04-02-2009 |
20090177337 | Tool simulation system for remotely located machine - A tool simulation system for a machine is disclosed. The system has a user interface located remotely from the machine and a processor in communication with the user interface and the machine. The processor is configured to receive a plurality of parameters input at the machine's location, calculate tool loading based on the plurality of parameters, and display tool loading on the user interface. | 07-09-2009 |
20100152942 | Slippage condition response system - A slippage condition response system for a first machine of a plurality of machines is disclosed. The response system may have a sensing system configured to sense a parameter indicative of a slippage condition of the first machine. Additionally, the response system may have a locator configured to sense a parameter indicative of a location of the first machine. The response system may also have a transmitter. In addition, the response system may have a controller, which may be in communication with the sensing system, the locator, and the transmitter. The controller may be configured to monitor the location of the first machine. The controller may also be configured to monitor the parameter indicative of a slippage condition of the first machine. Additionally, the controller may be configured to transmit to an offboard system at least one location where the first machine experienced a slippage condition. | 06-17-2010 |
20100245129 | System and method for identifying machines - A system and method for identifying modifications made to a machine is disclosed. The method may include determining, by a scanning device, at least one actual dimension of the machine. The method may further include determining at least one previously known dimension of the machine. The method may further include comparing the at least one actual dimension of the machine with the at least one previously known dimension of the machine. The method may further include determining, based on the comparison, if the at least one actual dimension of the machine is within a threshold range of the at least one previously known dimension of the machine. | 09-30-2010 |
20120136546 | SLIPPAGE CONDITION RESPONSE SYSTEM - A slippage condition response system for a first machine of a plurality of machines is disclosed. The response system may have a sensing system configured to sense a parameter indicative of a slippage condition of the first machine. Additionally, the response system may have a locator configured to sense a parameter indicative of a location of the first machine. The response system may also have a transmitter. In addition, the response system may have a controller, which may be in communication with the sensing system, the locator, and the transmitter. The controller may be configured to monitor the location of the first machine. The controller may also be configured to monitor the parameter indicative of a slippage condition of the first machine. Additionally, the controller may be configured to transmit to an offboard system at least one location where the first machine experienced a slippage condition. | 05-31-2012 |
20140236477 | POSITIONING SYSTEM UTILIZING ENHANCED PERCEPTION-BASED LOCALIZATION - A positioning system and method for determining a position of a machine on a worksite are disclosed. The method may store a map of the worksite which includes one or more known objects in the worksite. The method may determine whether a locating device associated with the machine is accurately providing the position of the machine. The method may also include detecting one or more objects in the worksite. The method may further determine an unmatched object from among the detected objects that does not match the one or more known objects stored in the map. The method may also store the unmatched object in the map as a known object of the worksite. | 08-21-2014 |