Performance-based job site management system

• US 20080059411A1
• Filed: 08/31/2006
• Published: 03/06/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 08/31/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Caterpillar Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Caterpillar Incorporated
• Inventors: Gordon, Richard Lee, Greiner, Jonny Ray, Sorrells, Giles Kent, Grichnik, Anthony James
• Application Number:
  US11/513,528
• Publication Number:
  US 20080059411A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 707/2
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/06 Resources, workflows, human or project management; Enterprise or organisation planning; Enterprise or organisation modelling

Abstract

A performance-based job site management system for a machine environment includes a plurality of monitoring devices for collecting productivity data associated with a machine and transmitting the productivity data to an on-board data collector associated with the machine. The system also includes a project management system communicatively coupled to the on-board data collector. The project management system is configured to receive the productivity data from the on-board data collector and analyze the productivity data based on predetermined performance criteria. The system also assesses machine performance based on the productivity analysis and evaluate job site performance based on the machine performance. The system also provides recommendations for improving job site performance based on the evaluation and adjusts one or more operational aspects associated with the machine, based on the recommendations.

Claims

1. A performance-based job site management system for a machine environment comprising:

a plurality of monitoring devices for collecting productivity data associated with a machine and transmitting the productivity data to an on-board data collector associated with the machine;

a project management system communicatively coupled to the on-board data collector and configured to;

receive the productivity data from the on-board data collector;

analyze the productivity data based on predetermined performance criteria;

assess machine performance based on the productivity analysis;

evaluate job site performance based on the machine performance;

provide recommendations for improving job site performance based on the evaluation; and

adjust one or more operational aspects associated with the machine, based on the recommendations.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of monitoring devices includes a device for estimating the ground speed associated with the machine.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of monitoring devices includes a payload sensor for estimating a size associated with a load of the machine.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the productivity data includes at least one of load history data, speed, cycle time,-material weight, material volume, or material type.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the project management system is communicatively coupled to the on-board data collector via a wireless communication link.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more operational aspects includes a ground speed associated with the machine.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the on-board data collector includes an electronic control unit of the machine and adjusting the one or more operational aspects includes providing? to the electronic control unit, a speed adjustment command to modify the ground speed associated with the machine.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more operational aspects includes a transmission ratio associated with the machine.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the on-board data collector includes an electronic control unit of the machine and adjusting the one or more operational aspects includes providing, to the electronic control unit, an transmission command signal to modify a gear setting associated with the transmission ratio.

10. A method for performance-based job site management of a machine environment comprising:

receiving productivity data associated with a machine;

analyzing the productivity data based on predetermined performance criteria;

assessing machine performance based on the productivity analysis;

evaluating job site performance based on the machine performance;

providing recommendations for improving job site performance based on the evaluation; and

adjusting one or more operational aspects associated with the machine, based on the recommendations.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the productivity data includes at least one of load history data, speed, cycle time, material weight, material volume, or material type.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein assessing the machine performance includes estimating a performance factor associated with the machine based on the productivity data.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the performance factor includes a percent efficiency of the machine.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein evaluating job site performance includes:

estimating the percent efficiency of one or more tasks associated with the job site based on the machine performance; and

comparing the percent efficiency of the one more tasks with a minimum efficiency threshold corresponding to the respective task.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein the one or more operational aspects includes a ground speed associated with the machine.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein adjusting the one or more operational aspects includes providing, to an electronic control unit of the machine, a speed adjustment command to modify the ground speed associated with the machine.

17. A method for performance-based job site management comprising:

receiving productivity data associated with each of a first machine and a second machine operating in a machine environment;

assessing the performance of each of the first and second machines based on the productivity data;

determining, based on the assessment, a productivity factor associated with each of the first and second machines;

adjusting an operational aspect associated with the first machine if the productivity factor associated with the first machine is less than the productivity factor associated with the second machine; and

adjusting an operational aspect associated with the second machine if the productivity factor associated with the second machine is less than the productivity factor associated with the first machine.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the productivity data includes at least one of load history data, speed, cycle time, material weight, material volume, or material type.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the one or more operational aspects includes a ground speed associated with the machine.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein adjusting the one or more operational aspects includes providing, to an electronic control unit of the machine, a speed adjustment command to modify the ground speed associated with the machine.