ARRANGEMENT FOR MONITORING FUNCTIONS OF A WORK MACHINE

• US 20170261978A1
• Filed: 02/27/2017
• Published: 09/14/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 03/08/2016
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Deere & Company
• Original Assignee: Deere & Company
• Inventors: Gresch, Valentin
• Granted Patent: US 10,901,408 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: A01B 69/008 automatic
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2325/308 Industrial vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/2081 combined with personal settings of other vehicle devices, e.g. mirrors, seats, steering wheels
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/24 using electronic identifiers containing a code not memorised by the user
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/241 whereby access privileges are related to the identifiers
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/0016 characterised by the operator's input device input arrangements for computing systems in general G06F3/00
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/0077 using redundant signals or controls
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0645 Rental transactions; Leasing transactions
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 50/02 Agriculture; Fishing; Forestry; Mining
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2209/04 Access control involving a hierarchy in access rights
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/08 Registering or indicating performance data other than driving, working, idle, or waiting time, with or without registering driving, working, idle or waiting time
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/0057 for the hiring or rent of vehicles, e.g. cars, bicycles or wheelchairs car rental G07B15/00

Abstract

An arrangement for monitoring functions of a work machine comprises an electronically readable identification means that is assigned to identifier associated with an operator of the work machine; a user interface; a processor; and at least one control device, wherein the at least one control device is configured to control operations of the work machine or an implement coupled to the work machine in response to receipt of an output signal generated by the processor. The processor is configured to execute a set of instructions stored on a memory such that when executed the processor is programmed to: read out the electronically readable identifier and obtain, via the user interface, an input selection of a desired device function assigned in an authorization database to the electronically readable identifier and to activate a desired function for a limited time.

Claims

1. An arrangement for monitoring functions of a work machine, the arrangement comprising:

an electronically readable identifier associated with an operator of the work machine;

a user interface operable by the operator;

a processor communicatively coupled to the user interface; and

at least one control device, wherein the at least one control device is configured to control operations of the work machine or an implement coupled to the work machine in response to receipt of an output signal generated by the processor;

wherein the processor (22) is configured to execute a set of instructions stored on a memory such that when executed the processor is programmed to;

read out the electronically readable identifier and obtain, via the user interface;

an input selection of a desired device function assigned in an authorization database to the electronically readable identifier and to activate a desired function for a limited time duration that is defined or that is specified by means of the user interface.

2. The arrangement of claim 1, wherein the authorization database is stored on a central computer located remotely from the work machine and is configured to communicate with the processor via a wireless bidirectional communication link.

3. The arrangement of claim 2, wherein the processor is coupled to a local memory on which a local copy of the authorization database is stored.

4. The arrangement of claim 1, wherein the authorization assigned to the electronically readable identifier is read out from the authorization database by the central computer if a communications connection is temporarily not available by the processor.

5. The arrangement of claim 2, wherein the processor is programmed to transmit a data record regarding the selected functions, or the specified time duration and the associated costs, to the central computer, and wherein the central computer is programmed to create accounting data for the selected activation based on the received data record.

6. The arrangement of claim 1, wherein different authorization levels are stored in the authorization database, wherein the first authorization level authorizes the operator to activate one or more or all available functions of the work machine, and a second authorization level authorizes the operator only to transmit a query regarding a desired function that has been input or selected by the operator to a remote input and output device via the processor or the central computer, and wherein the processor is programmed to activate the desired function only after a positive response has been input at the remote input and output device.

7. The arrangement of claim 2, further comprising a second processor coupled to a user interface and the central computer, wherein the second processor is assigned to a second work machine such that a function activated on the first work machine is made available for use on the second work machine by means of the electronically readable identifier.

8. The arrangement of claim 2, wherein the authorization database is modified by an authorized person after input of an authorization by using remote communication means such as a mobile radio or Internet connection.

9. The arrangement of claim 1, wherein the function of the work machine comprises one or more of the following:

automated steering of the work machine based on a satellite-assisted navigation system with or without correction signal;

automated steering of the work machine by means of a sensor-detected path;

synchronization of position and movement path of a plurality of work machines;

position-based actuation of functions of the work machine or the implement at the headland;

tractor-implement automation;

variable application rates;

row synchronization;

accessibility of physical or electronic user or repair manuals;

authorization for online ordering of operating materials or spare parts for the work machine via the user interface;

switching to partial widths or single rows based on maps and information regarding the vehicle or implement position;

access to lockable containers on the work machine;

maximum travel speed of the work machine in the field or on the road;

geographical usage range of the work machine;

available engine power of the work machine;

starting the engine of the work machine;

driving the work machine;

user-specific configuration of operating elements or the workplace in the work machine;

switching on an air conditioner, switching on entertainment electronics onboard the work machine;

or switching on communication means of the work machine or the implement that allow actuation or activation of a stationary unit;

or conceding an authorization of the electronically readable identifier for actuating a stationary device.

10. The arrangement of claim 1, wherein the electronically readable identifier is one or more of the following:

a memory chip, a physical feature of the operator, a password that can be input into the user interface or a password stored on a portable terminal device or other data or programs stored there such as the serial number of the terminal device or a software application.