System and method for testing a machine using an interactive test script

• US 20100079301A1
• Filed: 09/26/2008
• Published: 04/01/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 09/26/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Caterpillar Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Caterpillar Incorporated
• Inventors: Rossaert, Paul
• Granted Patent: US 7,936,261 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/679
• CPC Class Codes: E02F 9/265 with follow-up actions (e.g. control signals sent to actuate the work tool)
• CPC Class Codes: E02F 9/267 Diagnosing or detecting failure of vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 17/007 Wheeled or endless-tracked vehicles G01M17/08 takes precedence

Abstract

A method of testing a machine includes a step of establishing a communication link between a test system and a control system of the machine. An interactive test script is executed on the test system, and includes a communication of a first operator initiated machine task to an operator. After performance of the first operator initiated machine task is confirmed, the test system monitors for a predetermined condition. Once the predetermined condition is detected, a machine test is performed. A second operator initiated machine task is communicated after the machine test is performed.

Claims

1. A method for testing a machine, comprising:

establishing a communication link between a test system and a control system of the machine; and

executing an interactive test script on the test system, wherein the executing step includes;

communicating a first operator initiated machine task to an operator;

confirming performance of the first operator initiated machine task;

monitoring for a predetermined condition after the confirming step;

performing a machine test after the predetermined condition is detected by the control system; and

communicating a second operator initiated machine task to the operator after the machine test is performed.

2. The method of claim 1, further including establishing a communication link between the test system and a server of a manufacturing facility.

3. The method of claim 2, further including:

retrieving a machine data record corresponding to the machine from the server of the manufacturing facility; and

customizing the interactive test script based on a configuration of the machine indicated by the machine data record.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the step of communicating the first operator initiated machine task and the step of communicating the second operator initiated machine task includes displaying at least one operator instruction on a display of the test system.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the confirming step includes indicating performance of the at least one operator instruction using an operator interface of the test system.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the monitoring step includes monitoring for a predetermined lapse of time.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein the monitoring step includes monitoring for a machine operating parameter to reach a predetermined threshold.

8. The method of claim 5, wherein the performing step includes determining a value associated with a machine operating parameter.

9. The method of claim 8, further including determining a pass or a fail of the machine test by comparing the value to an expected range of values.

10. The method of claim 9, further including storing an indication of the pass or the fail of the machine test with a machine data record corresponding to the machine.

11. A system for testing a machine, comprising:

a test system in communication with a control system of the machine and configured to execute an interactive test script thereon; and

wherein the test system is further configured to communicate a first operator initiated machine task to an operator;

confirm performance of the first operator initiated machine task;

monitor for a predetermined condition after confirming performance of the first operator initiated machine task;

perform a machine test after the predetermined condition is detected; and

communicate a second operator initiated machine task to the operator after the machine test is performed.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the test system is further in communication with a server of a manufacturing facility.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the test system is further configured to retrieve a machine data record corresponding to the machine from the server of the manufacturing facility, and customize the interactive test script based on a configuration of the machine indicated by the machine data record.

14. The system of claim 11, wherein the test system is further configured to display at least one operator instruction associated with at least one of the first operator initiated machine task and the second operator initiated machine task on a display of the test system.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the test system if further configured to receive an indication of performance of the at least one operator instruction using an operator interface of the test system.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the test system includes a timer, wherein the predetermined condition includes a predetermined lapse of time as indicated by the timer.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein the test system is further configured to monitor a value associated with a machine operating parameter, wherein the predetermined condition includes the value reaching a predetermined threshold.

18. The system of claim 15, wherein the machine test includes an acquisition of a value associated with a machine operating parameter.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the test system is further configured to determine a pass or a fail of the machine test by comparing the value to an expected range of values.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein an indication of the pass or the fail of the machine test is stored with a machine data record corresponding to the machine.