Caterpillar Inc.

Gregory Davis

Gregory Mark Wood

David James Edwards

Ryan Howell

Scott Andrew Kirkman

Andrew Thiel

A method includes determining a first task requiring one of a plurality of machines to traverse along a first route and determining a second task requiring the one of the plurality of machines to traverse along a second route. The method also includes determining a first route score for the first route, the first route score being at least in part indicative of a difficulty of traversing along the first route, and determining a second route score for the second route, the second route score being at least in part indicative of a difficulty of traversing along the second route. The method may also include receiving sensor data generated by a sensor associated with a first machine of the plurality of machines and determining, based at least in part on the sensor data, an alertness metric associated with an operator of the first machine. Based at least in part on the alertness metric being equal to or greater than a threshold alertness metric, the method may also include determining the first task for completion by the first machine or determining the second task for completion by the first machine. The method may also include sending, to an electronic device associated with the operator of the first machine, information about the first route or the second route; and receiving confirmation information indicative of the first machine traversing along the first route or of the first machine traversing along the second route.

System and method for controlling machines using operator alertness metrics

A system for managing a plurality of machines is provided that includes a plurality of machines, each having a control module and a tire sensor associated with a tire on the machine. The tire sensor is configured to measure tire data including at least one of tire temperature and tire pressure. A worksite controller is in communication with each control module, and is configured to generate new travel paths for the machines and selectively communicate the new travel path to each control module. A central processor in communication with the worksite controller receives the tire data and uses it to determine a tire load for each tire, comparing the tire load against a tire rating and determining whether the tire rating will be exceeded. The worksite controller is further configured to alter the current assignment of at least one machine in response to the tire load.

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Brisbane, Australia

Gregory Davis