Method and system for selecting desired response of an electronic-controlled sub-system

• US 6,330,502 B1
• Filed: 05/23/2000
• Issued: 12/11/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 05/23/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Caterpillar Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Caterpillar Incorporated
• Inventors: Egelja, Aleksandar M, Ingram, Richard G., Chen, Chenyao, Cetinkunt, Sabri, Muller, Thomas P., Pinsopon, Unnat
• Primary Examiner(s): Camby, Richard M.
• Application Number:
  US09/576,302
• Time in Patent Office: 567 Days
• Field of Search: 701/50, 701/36, 701/104, 701/2, 374/14, 374/15
• US Class Current: 701/50
• CPC Class Codes: E02F 3/435 for dipper-arms, backhoes or the like
• CPC Class Codes: E02F 9/2203 Arrangements for controlling the attitude of actuators, e.g. speed, floating function
• CPC Class Codes: E02F 9/2285 Pilot-operated systems
• CPC Class Codes: E02F 9/2292 Systems with two or more pumps
• CPC Class Codes: E02F 9/26 Indicating devices E02F5/145 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F15B 21/082 with different modes
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/042 using digital processors G05B19/05 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/23427 Selection out of several programs, parameters
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/25083 For each subsystem a configuration
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/45012 Excavator

Abstract

A method and system for altering operating behavior of a sub-system component of a machine to suit a user'"'"'s preference includes a database for storing a plurality of parameters associated with the operating behavior of the sub-system component. The parameters have sets of values associated therewith wherein each set of values define one of a plurality of acceptable operating behaviors for the sub-system component. A sub-system controller receives a selection signal from the operator via a user interface selecting one of the set of values of the parameters according to his/her preference. The sub-system controller then controls the sub-system component based on the selected set of values for the parameters.

Claims

1. A method for altering operating behavior of a sub-system component of a machine to suit a user'"'"'s preference, the method comprising:

storing a plurality of parameters associated with the operating behavior of the sub-system component, the parameters having sets of values associated therewith wherein each set of values define one of a plurality of acceptable operating behaviors for the sub-system component;

receiving a selection signal selecting one of the set of values of the parameters; and

controlling the sub-system component based on the selected set of values for the parameters.

2. The method as recited in claim 1 further comprising monitoring operating conditions of the machine.

3. The method as recited in claim 2 further comprising displaying the operating conditions.

4. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the sub-system component is a work implement in an electrohydraulic system.

5. A system for altering operating behavior of a sub-system component of a machine to suit a user'"'"'s preference, the system comprising:

a database for storing a plurality of parameters associated with the operating behavior of the sub-system component, the parameters having sets of values associated therewith wherein each set of values define one of a plurality of acceptable operating behaviors for the sub-system component; and

a controller, in communication with the database, for receiving a selection signal selecting one of the set of values of the parameters and controlling the sub-system component based on the selected set of values for the parameters.

6. The system as recited in claim 5 wherein the controller comprises:

a parameter scheduler for receiving the selection signal;

a control algorithm for controlling the sub-system component according to the parameters and one of the sets of values associated therewith; and

wherein the parameter scheduler is further operative to change the set of values used by the control algorithm.

7. The system as recited in claim 5 further comprising a user interface for generating the selection signal for receipt by the controller.

8. The system as recited in claim 7 wherein the user interface is a flat-panel touch-screen.

9. The system as recited in claim 7 wherein the user interface is a keyboard.

10. The system as recited in claim 7 wherein the user interface includes a plurality of switches.

11. The system as recited in claim 5 wherein the controller is further operative to monitor operating conditions of the machine.

12. The system as recited in claim 11 further comprising a display for displaying the operating conditions.

13. The system as recited in claim 5 wherein the sub-system component is a work implement in an electrohydraulic system.