System and method for training a machine operator

• US 20070192173A1
• Filed: 02/15/2006
• Published: 08/16/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 02/15/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Caterpillar Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Caterpillar Incorporated
• Inventors: Moughler, Eric, Dawson, Jay
• Granted Patent: US 9,129,233 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/7.21
• 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 method for training an operator of a machine, comprising:

receiving, in an operator training system, operation data associated with operation of the machine;

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

comparing the operator performance value with a benchmark value; and

providing one or more training tools to the operator if the operator performance value is less than the benchmark value.

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

3. The method of claim 1, wherein providing one or more training tools to the operator includes activating a software tool to be displayed on a display console during the machine operation.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein providing one or more training tools to the operator includes scheduling the operator of the machine for an off-duty training session.

5. The 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.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the operator performance value includes a percent productivity associated with the machine.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein the operator performance value includes a percent efficiency of an engine associated with the machine.

8. The method of claim 5, wherein the operator performance value includes a percent deviation from a finished landscape grade associated with a machine environment.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein providing one or more training tools includes:

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

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

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

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 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; and

provide one or more training tools to the operator if the operator performance value is less than the benchmark 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 providing one or more training tools to the operator includes activating a software tool to be displayed on a display console during the machine operation.

13. The system of claim 10, wherein providing one or more training tools to the operator includes scheduling the operator of the machine for an off-duty training session.

14. 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.

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

16. The system of claim 14, wherein the operator performance value includes a percent efficiency of an engine associated with the machine.

17. The system of claim 14, wherein the operator performance value includes a percent deviation from a finished landscape grade associated with a machine environment.

18. The system of claim 10, wherein providing one or more training tools includes:

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

displaying 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

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

19. A machine environment, 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; and

provide one or more training tools to the operator if the operator performance value is less than the benchmark value.

20. The machine environment of claim 19, wherein the controller substantially encompasses at least a portion of the operator training system.

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

22. The machine environment of claim 19, wherein the controller is further configured to generate a performance summary based on the operator performance value and the benchmark value.

23. The machine environment of claim 19, wherein providing one or more training tools to the operator includes activating a software tool to be displayed on a display console during the machine operation.

24. The machine environment of claim 19, wherein providing one or more training tools to the operator includes scheduling the operator of the machine for an off-duty training session.

25. The machine environment of claim 19, 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.

26. The machine environment of claim 25, wherein the operator performance value includes a percent productivity associated with the machine.

27. The machine environment of claim 25, wherein the operator performance value includes a percent efficiency of an engine associated with the machine.

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

29. The machine environment of claim 19, wherein providing one or more training tools includes:

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

displaying 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

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