System and method for training a machine operator

• US 9,129,233 B2
• Filed: 02/15/2006
• Issued: 09/08/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 02/15/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Caterpillar Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Caterpillar Incorporated
• Inventors: Moughler, Eric Alan, Dawson, Jay Ronald
• Primary Examiner(s): Miller, Alan S
• Application Number:
  US11/354,004
• Publication Number:
  US 20070192173A1
• Time in Patent Office: 3,492 Days
• Field of Search: 705 711- 742
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/06 Resources, workflows, human or project management; Enterprise or organisation planning; Enterprise or organisation modelling
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/06314 Calendaring for a resource
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/06398 Performance of employee with respect to a job function
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/1097 Task assignment

Abstract

An operator training system for a machine is disclosed. The operator training system comprises an interface in communication with a machine and a processor communicatively coupled to the interface. The processor is configured to receive, via the interface, operation data associated with operation of the machine. The processor is further configured to determine an operator performance value for an operator of the machine based on the received operation data. The processor is also configured to compare the operator performance value with a benchmark value. The processor is further configured to provide one or more training tools to the operator if the operator performance value is less than the benchmark value.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for training an operator of a machine, comprising:

receiving, in a processor of an operator training system, operation data collected by at least one sensing device on the machine and associated with operation of the machine;

determining, by the processor, an operator performance value for an operator of the machine based on the received operation data;

comparing, by the processor, the operator performance value with a benchmark value;

activating, by the processor, a software tool on a display console of the machine during the machine operation based on the comparison of the operator performance value with the benchmark value, wherein the software tool includes a software program; and

providing, by the processor, assistance with performance of a task associated with operation of the machine through the software program.

2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further including generating a performance summary based on the operator performance value and the benchmark value.

3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further including scheduling the operator of the machine for an off-duty training session.

4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein determining the operator performance value includes:

comparing at least a portion of the operation data to one or more predetermined specifications; and

calculating the operator performance value based on the comparison.

5. The computer-implemented method of claim 4, wherein the operator performance value includes a percent productivity associated with the machine.

6. The computer-implemented method of claim 4, wherein the operator performance value includes a percent efficiency of an engine associated with the machine.

7. The computer-implemented method of claim 4, wherein the operator performance value includes a percent deviation from a finished landscape grade associated with a machine environment.

8. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further including:

determining whether the performance value is less than a minimum value, wherein the minimum value is less than the benchmark value; and

scheduling an off-duty training session associated with the machine operation only if the performance value is less than the minimum value.

9. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the assistance is provided during subsequent performance of the task.

10. An operator training system, comprising;

an interface in communication with a machine;

a processor communicatively coupled to the interface and configured to;

receive, via the interface, operation data collected by at least one sensing device on the machine and associated with operation of the machine;

determine an operator performance value for an operator of the machine based on the received operation data;

compare the operator performance value with a benchmark value;

activate an on-board training tool during machine operation based on a determination that the operator performance value is less than a first value but greater than a second value; and

initiate an off-duty training based on a determination that the operator performance value is less than the second value.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the processor is further configured to generate a performance summary based on the operator performance value and the benchmark value.

12. The system of claim 10 wherein the initiation of the off-duty training includes scheduling the operator of the machine for an off-duty training session.

13. The system of claim 10, wherein determining the operator performance value includes:

comparing at least a portion of the operation data to one or more predetermined specifications; and

calculating the operator performance value based on the comparison.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the operator performance value includes a percent productivity associated with the machine.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein the operator performance value includes a percent efficiency of an engine associated with the machine.

16. The system of claim 13, wherein the operator performance value includes a percent deviation from a finished landscape grade associated with a machine environment.

17. A machine for training an operator, comprising:

a machine, including;

at least one sensing device for collecting operation data associated with one or more components of the machine; and

a controller communicatively coupled to the at least one sensing device and configured to control one or more components or subsystems associated with the machine; and

an operator training system, operatively coupled to the machine and configured to;

receive operation data associated with operation of the machine;

determine an operator performance value for an operator of the machine based on the received operation data;

compare the operator performance value with a benchmark value;

activate a software tool for display on a display console of the machine during the machine operation only when the operator performance value is less than the benchmark value, wherein the software tool includes a software program, and

provide assistance with performance of a task associated with operation of the machine through the software program.

18. The machine of claim 17, wherein the controller substantially encompasses at least a portion of the operator training system.

19. The machine of claim 17, wherein the operator training system includes a system external to the machine.

20. The machine of claim 17, wherein the controller is further configured to generate a performance summary based on the operator performance value and the benchmark value.

21. The machine of claim 17, wherein the operator training system is further configured to schedule the operator of the machine for an off-duty training session.

22. The machine of claim 17, wherein determining the operator performance value includes:

comparing at least a portion of the operation data to one or more predetermined specifications; and

calculating the operator performance value based on the comparison.

23. The machine of claim 22, wherein the operator performance value includes a percent productivity associated with the machine.

24. The machine of claim 22, wherein the operator performance value includes a percent efficiency of an engine associated with the machine.

25. The machine of claim 22, wherein the operator performance value includes a percent deviation from a finished landscape grade associated with a machine environment.

26. The machine of claim 17, wherein the operator training system is further configured to:

determine whether the performance value is less than a minimum value, wherein the minimum value is less than the benchmark value;

display a software tool on a console of the machine, the software tool configured to aid the machine operator in performing the machine operation if the performance value is less than the benchmark value but not less than the minimum value; and

schedule an off-duty training session associated with the machine operation only when the performance value is less than the minimum value.

27. The machine of claim 17, wherein the software tool is activated only when the operator performance value is less than the benchmark value and greater than a minimum value.

28. The machine of claim 17, wherein the operator training system is configured to provide the assistance during subsequent performance of the task.