Conditioning a performance metric for an operator display
First Claim
1. A track-type tractor incorporating a system for preparing and presenting optimum performance, the system comprising:
- a processor;
a display coupled to the processor;
a plurality of sensors configured to provide operating condition data and operating state data to the processor; and
a memory coupled to the processor, wherein the memory stores computer-executable instructions that cause the processor to;
process the operating condition data and the operating state data into a current performance value;
process the operating condition data and the operating state data into a set of performance values over a range of input values, the input values including at least one of drawbar pull, track speed, track slip, blade load, or blade height;
identify an optimum input value from the range of input values corresponding to an optimum performance value from the set of performance values;
generate target input values as a subset of the range of input values selected to include the optimum input value;
unevenly weight the target input values compared to input values outside the target input values;
display the weighted target input values; and
display the current performance value relative to the weighted target input values.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Real time determination of current vs. optimum performance in a track-type tractor is complex and requires information about both a state of the tractor and the operating environment, such as soil conditions. Presenting such data to an operator creates a problem of conveying sufficient information without undue complexity. A three part display for an operator shows a full range of performance, a subset range of performance associated with peak performance that is overlaid on the full range of performance, and a current performance indicator also overlaid on the full range of performance, such that peak performance is achieved when the current performance indicator is centered on the subset range of performance. The subset range of performance may move over the full range of performance to indicate operating conditions favoring a particular condition, e.g., low slip. An operator may then effect a change by adjusting, for example, speed or load.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A track-type tractor incorporating a system for preparing and presenting optimum performance, the system comprising:
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a processor; a display coupled to the processor; a plurality of sensors configured to provide operating condition data and operating state data to the processor; and a memory coupled to the processor, wherein the memory stores computer-executable instructions that cause the processor to; process the operating condition data and the operating state data into a current performance value; process the operating condition data and the operating state data into a set of performance values over a range of input values, the input values including at least one of drawbar pull, track speed, track slip, blade load, or blade height; identify an optimum input value from the range of input values corresponding to an optimum performance value from the set of performance values; generate target input values as a subset of the range of input values selected to include the optimum input value; unevenly weight the target input values compared to input values outside the target input values; display the weighted target input values; and display the current performance value relative to the weighted target input values. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A method of preparing and presenting an optimum performance in a track-type tractor, the method comprising:
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providing a track-type tractor; receiving inputs from the track-type tractor related to a current operating condition and a current operating state, wherein the operating state includes an operational element under the control of an operator and the inputs include at least one of drawbar pull, track speed, track slip, blade load, or blade height; iteratively solving, using a processor of the track-type tractor, a performance calculation over a range of input values of the operational element to determine a set of output performance values and a peak output value of the performance calculation, wherein the peak output value of the performance calculation corresponds to the optimum performance of the track-type tractor; determining an optimum input value associated with the peak output value; determining a target range of input values that includes the optimum input value, the target range of input values being a subset of the range of input values; normalizing a current value of the operational element to the optimum input performance to produce a normalized current performance; and displaying the normalized current performance and the target range of input values for optimizing performance of the track-type tractor. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A non-transitory computer-readable memory having computer-executable instructions implementing modules for execution on a processor of a track-type tractor, the modules comprising:
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an input module that receives data from sensors corresponding to both an operating condition of the track-type tractor and an operating state of the track-type tractor; a performance module that calculates a cycle power value for the track-type tractor, the cycle power value being calculated in terms of track speed; an optimizer module that calculates performance levels for a range of input states and identifies an optimum performance level and an optimum operating state of the track-type tractor; a scaling module that prepares a weighted target range as a non-linear representation of performance values so that the weighted target range is a subset of performance values centered at the optimum performance level and is weighted more heavily than performance values outside the weighted target range; and a normalization module that divides the cycle power value by the optimum performance level to create a normalized performance level; and a display module that presents, to a display, the normalized performance level relative to the weighted target range for use by an operator in adjusting the current operating state of the track-type tractor. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification