Abstract: Work machines, control systems for work machines, and methods of operating work machines are disclosed herein. A work machine includes a frame structure, a work implement, a camera, a cleaning system, and a control system. The work implement is coupled to the frame structure and includes at least one ground engagement tool configured for interaction with an underlying surface in use of the work machine. The camera is coupled to the frame structure and configured to provide camera input indicative of one or more images captured by the camera in use of the work machine. The cleaning system is coupled to the frame structure and configured to clean the camera in use of the work machine. The control system is coupled to the frame structure and includes a controller communicatively coupled to the camera and the cleaning system.

Abstract: A work machine has a backup camera that captures images of an area of a worksite behind the work machine. A controller identifies pre-defined markings in the worksite and localizes the pre-defined markings to the work machine, based on the images. A control signal generator generates control signals to automatically control the work machine based upon the localized markings.

Abstract: Embodiments of a work vehicle magnetorheological fluid (MRF) joystick system includes a joystick device having a base housing, a joystick movably mounted to the base housing, and a joystick position sensor monitoring movement of the joystick relative to the base housing. An MRF joystick resistance mechanism is controllable to vary a joystick stiffness resisting movement of the joystick relative to the base housing in at least one degree of freedom. A controller architecture is coupled to the joystick position sensor and to the MRF joystick resistance mechanism. The controller architecture is configured to: (i) command the MRF joystick resistance mechanism to increase the joystick stiffness when the joystick is moved into a first predetermined detent position to generate a first MRF detent; and (ii) selectively activate a first detent-triggered function of the work vehicle based, at least in part, on joystick movement relative to the first MRF detent.

Abstract: A method of indicating to an operator of a work vehicle a relative location of an object, an object indication system, and a work vehicle are provided. The method includes sensing the object with one or more sensors positioned at one or more sensor positions on the work vehicle and activating one or more indicators positioned at one or more indicator positions relative to the operator based on the sensing of the object with the one or more sensors. Each sensor position directionally corresponds to one or more of the indicator positions.

Abstract: Embodiments of a work vehicle magnetorheological fluid (MRF) joystick system include a joystick device having a base housing, a joystick movably mounted to the base housing, and a joystick position sensor configured to monitor joystick movement. An MRF joystick resistance mechanism is controllable to vary a joystick stiffness resisting movement of the joystick relative to the base housing, while a controller architecture is coupled to the joystick position sensor and to the MRF joystick resistance mechanism. The controller architecture is configured to: (i) selectively place the work vehicle MRF joystick system in a modified joystick stiffness mode during operation of the work vehicle; and (ii) when the work vehicle MRF joystick system is placed in the modified joystick stiffness mode, command the MRF joystick resistance mechanism to vary the joystick stiffness based, at least in part, on the movement of the joystick relative to the base housing.

Abstract: A method and a system for avoiding collision of an object with a work tool coupled to a work machine. The method comprising generating an object signal by an object detector, monitoring the object signal in real-time by a processor, processing the object signal to detect an object at least partially buried in the ground surface, determining a distance between the object and a distance threshold, and sending by a controller a control signal to one or more of a machine control system and a work tool control system to modify one or more of a movement of the work tool or the work machine based on the object reaching the distance threshold.

Abstract: Embodiments of a work vehicle magnetorheological fluid (MRF) joystick system include a joystick device having a base housing, a joystick movably mounted to the base housing, and a joystick position sensor configured to monitor joystick movement. An MRF joystick resistance mechanism is controllable to vary a joystick stiffness resisting movement of the joystick relative to the base housing, while a controller architecture is coupled to the joystick position sensor and to the MRF joystick resistance mechanism. The controller architecture is configured to: (i) selectively place the work vehicle MRF joystick system in a modified joystick stiffness mode during operation of the work vehicle; and (ii) when the work vehicle MRF joystick system is placed in the modified joystick stiffness mode, command the MRF joystick resistance mechanism to vary the joystick stiffness based, at least in part, on the movement of the joystick relative to the base housing.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for enhancing diagnosis of control logic by automatically triggering latent or quiescent diagnostic logic in response to a CAN bus signal and without requiring a software update of the control logic. The diagnostic logic may be triggered to provide an increase in the frequency of CAN messages that are generated. The diagnostic logic may be further triggered to provide a generation of additional CAN messages reporting operation signals beyond those that are normally generated. The diagnostic logic may be further triggered to provide higher priority to selected CAN messages reporting operation signals. The diagnostic logic may be still further triggered to one or more of increase the frequency of selected CAN report messages, generate additional CAN messages reporting operation signals beyond those that are normally generated, and/or provide higher priority to selected CAN messages reporting operation signals, each without requiring a software update.

Abstract: A work vehicle including a chassis, a ground engaging implement configured to move the chassis along a ground surface, a boom connected to the chassis, an arm connected to the boom, and a bucket connected to the arm. A first actuator rotates the boom with respect to the chassis, second actuator rotates the arm with respect to the boom, and a third actuator rotates the bucket with respect to the arm. A processor calculates a first cycle time of operation of the first actuator, and analyzes if the calculated first cycle time is valid. If the first cycle time is valid, the processor communicates the calculated first cycle time to a user, and if the first cycle time is not valid, the processor repeats the calculation of the first cycle time of operation of the first actuator.

Abstract: A method of operating a work vehicle at a work area and a work area monitoring system for a work vehicle are provided. The method includes monitoring a target area in the work area and activating a response on the work vehicle directed toward the target area upon satisfaction of a work area condition in the work area.

Abstract: A method of indicating to an operator of a work vehicle a relative location of an object, an object indication system, and a work vehicle are provided. The method includes sensing the object with one or more sensors positioned at one or more sensor positions on the work vehicle and activating one or more indicators positioned at one or more indicator positions relative to the operator based on the sensing of the object with the one or more sensors. Each sensor position directionally corresponds to one or more of the indicator positions.

Abstract: An engine on an excavator provides power to a hydraulic pump that pumps hydraulic fluid under pressure to a hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic actuator is controlled to place a load on the engine. Engine response to the load placed on it by the hydraulic actuator is detected and logged. The logged engine response data can be accessed to identify engine response.

Abstract: Embodiments of a work vehicle magnetorheological fluid (MRF) joystick system include a joystick device having a base housing, a joystick movably mounted to the base housing, and a joystick position sensor configured to monitor joystick movement. An MRF joystick resistance mechanism is controllable to vary a joystick stiffness resisting movement of the joystick relative to the base housing, while a controller architecture is coupled to the joystick position sensor and to the MRF joystick resistance mechanism. The controller architecture is configured to: (i) selectively place the work vehicle MRF joystick system in a modified joystick stiffness mode during operation of the work vehicle; and (ii) when the work vehicle MRF joystick system is placed in the modified joystick stiffness mode, command the MRF joystick resistance mechanism to vary the joystick stiffness based, at least in part, on the movement of the joystick relative to the base housing.

Abstract: Embodiments of a work vehicle magnetorheological fluid (MRF) joystick system includes a joystick device having a base housing, a joystick movably mounted to the base housing, and a joystick position sensor monitoring movement of the joystick relative to the base housing. An MRF joystick resistance mechanism is controllable to vary a joystick stiffness resisting movement of the joystick relative to the base housing in at least one degree of freedom. A controller architecture is coupled to the joystick position sensor and to the MRF joystick resistance mechanism. The controller architecture is configured to: (i) command the MRF joystick resistance mechanism to increase the joystick stiffness when the joystick is moved into a first predetermined detent position to generate a first MRF detent; and (ii) selectively activate a first detent-triggered function of the work vehicle based, at least in part, on joystick movement relative to the first MRF detent.

Abstract: A method and a system for avoiding collision of an object with a work tool coupled to a work machine. The method comprising generating an object signal by an object detector, monitoring the object signal in real-time by a processor, processing the object signal to detect an object at least partially buried in the ground surface, determining a distance between the object and a distance threshold, and sending by a controller a control signal to one or more of a machine control system and a work tool control system to modify one or more of a movement of the work tool or the work machine based on the object reaching the distance threshold.

Abstract: A work machine has a backup camera that captures images of an area of a worksite behind the work machine. A controller identifies pre-defined markings in the worksite and localizes the pre-defined markings to the work machine, based on the images. A control signal generator generates control signals to automatically control the work machine based upon the localized markings.

Abstract: Work machines, control systems for work machines, and methods of operating work machines are disclosed herein. A work machine includes a frame structure, a work implement, a camera, a cleaning system, and a control system. The work implement is coupled to the frame structure and includes at least one ground engagement tool configured for interaction with an underlying surface in use of the work machine. The camera is coupled to the frame structure and configured to provide camera input indicative of one or more images captured by the camera in use of the work machine. The cleaning system is coupled to the frame structure and configured to clean the camera in use of the work machine. The control system is coupled to the frame structure and includes a controller communicatively coupled to the camera and the cleaning system.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for enhancing diagnosis of control logic by automatically triggering latent or quiescent diagnostic logic in response to a CAN bus signal and without requiring a software update of the control logic. The diagnostic logic may be triggered to provide an increase in the frequency of CAN messages that are generated. The diagnostic logic may be further triggered to provide a generation of additional CAN messages reporting operation signals beyond those that are normally generated. The diagnostic logic may be further triggered to provide higher priority to selected CAN messages reporting operation signals. The diagnostic logic may be still further triggered to one or more of increase the frequency of selected CAN report messages, generate additional CAN messages reporting operation signals beyond those that are normally generated, and/or provide higher priority to selected CAN messages reporting operation signals, each without requiring a software update.

Abstract: A work vehicle including a chassis, a ground engaging implement configured to move the chassis along a ground surface, a boom connected to the chassis, an arm connected to the boom, and a bucket connected to the arm. A first actuator rotates the boom with respect to the chassis, second actuator rotates the arm with respect to the boom, and a third actuator rotates the bucket with respect to the arm. A processor calculates a first cycle time of operation of the first actuator, and analyzes if the calculated first cycle time is valid. If the first cycle time is valid, the processor communicates the calculated first cycle time to a user, and if the first cycle time is not valid, the processor repeats the calculation of the first cycle time of operation of the first actuator.

Abstract: An engine on an excavator provides power to a hydraulic pump that pumps hydraulic fluid under pressure to a hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic actuator is controlled to place a load on the engine. Engine response to the load placed on it by the hydraulic actuator is detected and logged. The logged engine response data can be accessed to identify engine response.