Geometry-based monitoring and control of coupled mobile machines
First Claim
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1. A method comprising:
- receiving position data signals that are based upon sensing of coupled mobile machines in a first position in which the coupled mobile machines have first orientations relative to one another;
determining geometric information for the coupled mobile machines from the received position data signals, wherein the geometric information comprises at least one geometric determination selected from a group of geometric determinations consisting of;
an axle length;
a frame width;
a distance between an axle and a hitch point a distance between an outermost rear tire and an A-frame; and
an offset distance of an offset hitch; and
outputting control signals based upon the determined geometric information for the coupled mobile machines.
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Abstract
Position data signals based upon sensing of coupled mobile machines in a position in which the coupled mobile machines have first orientations relative to one another are received. The receive position data signals are used to determine geometric information for the coupled mobile machines. Control signals are generated output based upon the determined geometric information for the coupled mobile machines, wherein the control signals facilitate monitoring and control of operation of the coupled mobile machines.
70 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A method comprising:
receiving position data signals that are based upon sensing of coupled mobile machines in a first position in which the coupled mobile machines have first orientations relative to one another; determining geometric information for the coupled mobile machines from the received position data signals, wherein the geometric information comprises at least one geometric determination selected from a group of geometric determinations consisting of;
an axle length;
a frame width;
a distance between an axle and a hitch point a distance between an outermost rear tire and an A-frame; and
an offset distance of an offset hitch; andoutputting control signals based upon the determined geometric information for the coupled mobile machines. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. An apparatus comprising:
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a non-transient computer-readable medium containing instructions to direct a processor to; receive first position data signals that are based upon sensing of coupled mobile machines in a first predetermined position in which the coupled mobile machines have first orientations relative to one another; determine geometric information for the coupled mobile machines from the received data signals; and output control signals based upon the determined geometric information for the coupled mobile machines; and receive second position data signals that are based upon sensing of the coupled mobile machines in a second predetermined position in which the mobile machines have second orientations, different than the first orientations, relative to one another, wherein the geometric information for the coupled mobile machines is determined based upon both the first position data signals, the first predetermined position, the second position data signals and the second predetermined position. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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20. An apparatus comprising:
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a first mobile machine; a second mobile machine pivotably coupled to the first mobile machine; a sensor to sense at least one of the first mobile machine and the second mobile machine; and a controller to; determine geometric information for the first mobile machine and the second mobile machine when coupled to one another; and output control signals to facilitate monitoring and control of operations of the first mobile machine and the second mobile machine based upon the determined geometric information; determine contact points of the first mobile machine with respect to the second mobile machine based upon the determined geometric information for the first mobile machine and the second mobile machine; and monitor a distance between the contact points of the first mobile machine and the second mobile machine, wherein the control signals are output in response to the distance between the contact points being less than a predefined buffer distance, the control signals to initiate an action selected from a group of action consisting of;
output of a notification to an onboard operator of the coupled machines;
output of a notification across a wireless network to a remote location;
imposition of a steering limitation upon the coupled mobile machines; and
stopping travel of the coupled mobile machines. - View Dependent Claims (21)
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Specification