Caterpillar Inc.

Steven Wayne O'Neal

Trent Ray Meiss

Alan Lewis Ferguson

Daniel Craig Wood

Brian Lane Jenkins

David Charles Janik

Kenneth Lee Stratton

Vernon Richard Smith

Julie A Gannon

April D Scott

Todd Philip Cole

Joseph Anthony Lang

Mark Ryan Hazen

A system for adjusting machine parameters based on a skill level of an operator comprises a personal area network (PAN)-compatible electronic control module (ECM) located on a machine. The system also includes a PAN-compatible communication device associated with an operator of the machine. The PAN-compatible communication device is configured to receive information indicative of the skill level of the operator. The PAN-compatible communication device is also configured to establish a wireless communication link with the PAN-compatible ECM and transmit the information indicative of the skill level of the operator to the PAN-compatible ECM. The PAN-compatible ECM is configured to adjust an operational aspect of the machine based on the information indicative of the skill level of the operator of the machine.

System and method for adjusting machine parameters

The present disclosure is directed toward a computer-readable medium configured with executable instructions for reconfiguring an information management system of a machine. The executable instructions may include providing a configuration file and an executable file for a machine. The executable instructions may also include updating the configuration file in accordance with a modification of the machine, without recompiling the executable file. The executable instructions may further include processing the data received from sensors associated with the machine, based on the executable file and the updated configuration file, in order to generate information management system data.

Method and system for updating an information management system configuration

In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a control system for a machine with traction devices. The control system may have a sensor configured to sense an ambient temperature. The control system may also have a controller in communication with the sensor. The controller may be configured to determine a load limit of a machine based on an expected speed of the machine and the ambient temperature. The controller may further be configured to enforce the load limit of the machine during loading.

Control system for payload limiting of hauling operation

A method is performed to collect information in a machine including an on-board data link connecting a wireless device and at least one on-board module. The process includes providing a first operational mode for the wireless device that allows the wireless device to perform a first set of operations on data associated with the at least one on-board module and providing a second operational mode for the wireless device that allows the wireless device to perform a second set of operations on the data associated with the at least one on-board module, wherein the second set of operations is a subset of the first set of operations. The process also determines an operational mode for the wireless device based on predetermined criteria and configures the wireless device based on the determined operational mode. Further, the process includes operating the wireless device in either the first or second operational mode based on the configuring.

Method for automatic radio operational mode selection

In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a payload control system for a machine having traction devices. The payload control system may have a force sensor configured to measure a force transmitted through the traction devices. The payload control system may also have a speed sensor configured to measure a speed of the machine. The payload control system may further have a controller in communication with the force sensor and the speed sensor. The controller may be configured to modify a weight limit of the machine based on the measured force and the measured speed.

Payload control system based on force and speed

A method and system for determining one or more desired communication services for an application. The method and system includes determining at least one application operating parameter, at least one communication operating parameter, at least one cost factor, and at least one value factor. The method and system further includes assigning a priority level to each application operating parameter, communication operating parameter, cost factor, and value factor. Additionally, the method and system includes comparing the priority levels to each other, and determining a desired communication service based on the compared priority levels.

Method and system for choosing communication services

A machine data acquisition system is disclosed. The data acquisition system may include a sensor disposed on a machine and configured to produce a signal indicative of an operational parameter of the machine. The system may also include a data processor and controller configured to convert the signal into a plurality of parameter data points. The system may further include a primary data circular buffer disposed on the machine and configured to store the plurality of parameter data points. Additionally, a variable resolution circular buffer may be disposed on the machine and configured to store a compressed parameter data point calculated from the plurality of parameter data points.

Machine data acquisition system with data compression

A system for maintaining machine operation comprises at least one monitoring device coupled to a portion of a machine operating in a machine environment, the at least one monitoring device configured to monitor a parameter associated with the machine. The system also comprises a first electronic control module communicatively coupled to the at least one monitoring device. The electronic control module is configured to identify a data collection error associated with the at least one monitoring device. The electronic control module is also configured to detect, in response to the data collection error, a second electronic control module proximate the first electronic control module, the second electronic control module configured to collect at least one parameter that is interchangeable with the parameter. The electronic control module is further configured to establish a wireless communication channel with the second electronic control module and download the at least one parameter from the second control module via the wireless communication channel.

System and method for maintaining machine operation

The present disclosure is associated with a user requesting access to the software option associated with a machine, a remote facility receiving the request, authorizing access to the software option, and sending an enabling signal to enable the software. The enabling signal (e.g., a software key) may then be used to access and use the software option. An intermediary may be used to authenticate the enabling signal.

Method and system of enabling a software option on a remote machine

A method and system are provided to perform a process of wirelessly providing software updates to a target module located in a work machine. In one embodiment, the process includes determining whether a software update condition exists for software stored in the target module and when such a condition does exist, delivering software update data from a remote off-board system to the work machine. Further, the work machine may determine a location of the target module and whether an update delay condition exists. Also, the process may include delivering the software update to the target module if no update delay condition exists, and delaying the delivery of the software update data to the target module if an update delay condition does exist.

Systems and method for remotely modifying software on a work machine

Method and apparatus for installing data stored on electronic control modules on a remotely-located machine. The control modules installed on the machine store information regarding the data which should be stored on the other installed control modules. A processor may poll the control modules to determine if a control module is missing or blank and, if so, determine which data is missing from the machine based upon the information stored on the other control modules. The processor may communicate with an off board system to identify the appropriate software for the blank control module. The software is downloaded and flashed into the blank control module.

Method and apparatus for installing data in a memory on a work machine

Systems and methods are disclosed that enable one or more work machines to control operations of one or more remote work machines. In one embodiment, the systems and methods perform a process including determining a first type of first work machine performing first operations in a work environment and determining a second type of second work machine performing second operations in the work environment. Based on the first and second type of the first and second work machines, a selected second operation that the first work machine can control is determined. Subsequently, the first work machine may adjust the selected second operation while the first work machine performs the first operations.

System and method for remotely controlling machine operations using mapping information

Systems and methods are provided for utilizing a work machine having a radio frequency device. The system includes a radio frequency reader that transmits a radio frequency signal over a first communication channel to the radio frequency device when the work machine travels within range of the radio frequency reader. The radio frequency device generates a trigger signal in response to the radio frequency signal, and an interface control system receives the trigger signal from the radio frequency device and performs a predetermined programmed function associated with the work machine based on information included in the trigger signal.

Systems and methods for radio frequency trigger

Systems and methods are disclosed that process service requests associated with one or more work machines. In one embodiment, a process is disclosed that includes receiving status information associated with operations of the first work machine and analyzing a first work machine flow sequence associated with the first work machine based on the status information. Based on the analysis, a service request is generated. To fulfill the service request, the process may include modifying a second work machine flow sequence associated with a second work machine.

Systems and methods for self-service dispatch

A system and method for providing indexed work machine utilization data. The system implementing the method includes an operator identification device for identifying an operator of a work machine based on operator identification data and a work data collection device for collecting work data related to the work machine. A first processing device indexes the collected work data to the operator identification data and a communication device transmits the indexed work data and operator identification data to a second processing device. The second processing device receives the indexed work data and the operator identification data and provides operator utilization metrics based on the indexed work data that reflect a quantitative performance value associated with at least one of the work machine and operator.

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Bartonville, IL, United States of America

Steven Wayne O'Neal