Tool simulation system for remotely located machine

• US 20090177337A1
• Filed: 01/07/2008
• Published: 07/09/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 01/07/2008
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Caterpillar Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Caterpillar Incorporated
• Inventors: Shults, Jamie, Clar, Jean-Jacques, Opdenbosch, Augusto, Santamaria, Juan Carlos, Yuet, Fu Pei, Stratton, Kenneth Lee
• Application Number:
  US12/007,095
• Publication Number:
  US 20090177337A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/2
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/0044 by providing the operator with a computer generated representation of the environment of the vehicle, e.g. virtual reality, maps maps used for automatic navigation G05D1/0274; flight directors G01C23/005

Abstract

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.

Claims

1. A tool simulation system for a machine, comprising:

a user interface located remotely from the machine; and

a processor in communication with the user interface and the machine, the processor being 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.

2. The tool simulation system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of parameters are input by sensors located on the machine.

3. The tool simulation system of claim 1, wherein the processor calculates tool loading using a first, a second, and a third algorithm.

4. The tool simulation system of claim 3, wherein the first algorithm is used to calculate a forward ground power of the machine.

5. The tool simulation system of claim 4, wherein the plurality of parameters used by the first algorithm includes at least one of a speed output of a power source of the machine, a torque output of a transmission device of the machine, a gear of the transmission device, a pitch of the machine, a roll of the machine, and a ground speed of the machine.

6. The tool simulation system of claim 5, wherein the second algorithm is used to estimate tool load power.

7. The tool simulation system of claim 6, wherein the plurality of parameters used by the second algorithm includes the forward ground power and at least one of a blade load supported by the tool and a force exerted by an actuator device on the tool.

8. The tool simulation system of claim 7, wherein the third algorithm is configured to calculate tool loading.

9. The tool simulation system of claim 8, wherein the plurality of parameters used by the third algorithm includes the tool load power and at least one of machine steering information and a slip value of traction devices of the machine.

10. The tool simulation system of claim 1, wherein tool loading is expressed as a percentage of material-exerting forces against the tool.

11. The tool simulation system of claim 1, wherein tool loading is displayed as an isometric image.

12. A method of displaying tool loading, comprising:

receiving input parameters measured at a machine location;

calculating tool loading of the machine based on the received input parameters; and

displaying tool loading to a user remote from the machine location.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein calculating includes using a first, a second, and a third algorithm.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first algorithm is used to calculate a forward ground power of the machine.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the input parameters used by the first algorithm include at least one of a speed output of a power source of the machine, a torque output of a transmission device of the machine, a gear of the transmission device, a pitch of the machine, a roll of the machine, and a ground speed of the machine.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the second algorithm is used to estimate tool load power.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the input parameters used by the second algorithm include forward ground power and at least one of a blade load supported by the tool and a force exerted by an actuator device on the tool.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the third algorithm is used to calculate tool loading.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the input parameters used by the third algorithm include tool load power and at least one of machine steering information and a slip value of traction devices of the machine.

20. A machine, comprising:

a power source;

a traction device driven by the power source to propel the machine;

a frame connecting the power source to the traction device;

a tool attached to the frame and moved by the power source;

an operator control station located remotely from the machine and including a user interface; and

a processor in communication with the user interface, the power source, the traction device, and the tool, the processor being configured to;

receive a plurality of parameters input at the machine'"'"'s location;

calculate tool loading based on the plurality of parameters; and

display an isometric view of tool loading on the user interface.