Abstract: A method of automatically turning an autonomous mining truck (AMT), including front wheels and rear wheels, around in an operating area, including retrieving boundary data associated with the operating area, determining a first path to follow to execute a turn maneuver within the operating area based at least on the boundary data and dimensions of the AMT, wherein the first path includes a number of legs necessary to follow the first path through the turn maneuver, completing a first leg of the turn maneuver, determining a second path to follow and number of legs necessary to execute the turn maneuver based on an inability to execute the first path, and executing the second path to complete the turn maneuver.

Abstract: In a motor grader, a total drawbar position may be determined based on signals from various sensors on a drawbar-circle-moldboard (DCM) assembly. The sensors can include rotational sensors for one or both lift arm angles, and one or both yoke primary angles in combination with sensors detecting lengths of the lift cylinders. The sensor information may be used to calculate roll, pitch and yaw angles of the drawbar relative to a frame of the motor grader.

Abstract: In a motor grader, a total drawbar position may be determined based on signals from various sensors on a drawbar-circle-moldboard (DCM) assembly. The sensors can include rotational sensors for one or both lift arm angles, and one or both yoke primary angles in combination with sensors detecting lengths of the lift cylinders. The sensor information may be used to calculate roll, pitch and yaw angles of the drawbar relative to a frame of the motor grader.

Abstract: A process for developing machine classification systems includes using human experts to associate expected operations with various machine states including drawbar pull, tool position, tool commands, gear, and ground speed, among others, to create a classification system that can be used in a particular machine. The classification system operates in real time to infer operations such as dig, dump, travel, and push from machine state inputs and logs the operations for use in operational analysis and maintenance of the machine.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for a machine is provided including a first cylinder, a pump and an operator input device for entering a commanded rate of flow of hydraulic fluid to the first cylinder. A control valve operatively is connected between the pump and the first cylinder. A sensor is configured and arranged to provide signals relating to a first operating characteristic of the machine. A controller is in communication with the operator input device, the control valve and the sensor. The controller is configured to determine a skill level of an operator of the machine based on a comparison of the first operating characteristic of the machine and a first threshold and to direct the control valve to provide hydraulic fluid to the first cylinder at an adjusted hydraulic fluid flow rate if the skill level of the operator is below a predetermined level.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for a machine is provided including a first cylinder, a pump and an operator input device for entering a commanded rate of flow of hydraulic fluid to the first cylinder. A control valve operatively is connected between the pump and the first cylinder. A sensor is configured and arranged to provide signals relating to a first operating characteristic of the machine. A controller is in communication with the operator input device, the control valve and the sensor. The controller is configured to determine a skill level of an operator of the machine based on a comparison of the first operating characteristic of the machine and a first threshold and to direct the control valve to provide hydraulic fluid to the first cylinder at an adjusted hydraulic fluid flow rate if the skill level of the operator is below a predetermined level.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a blade of a motor grader is disclosed. The method comprises resting the blade on a ground plane in a first configuration and then a second configuration, calculating coordinates of a left blade tip and a right blade tip of the blade with reference to coordinates of a frame, while the blade being rested on the ground plane in each of the first configuration and the second configuration, determining a pitch offset, a roll offset and a height offset from the coordinates of the left blade tip and the right blade tip of the blade, and transforming the coordinates of the frame to coordinates of the ground plane using the pitch offset, the roll offset, and the height offset. The transforming equalizes height for the left blade tip with respect to the right blade tip as a constant in each of the first and second configurations and the constant determines a cut depth of the blade in the ground.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a position of an implement of a motor grader relative to a frame thereof is provided. The motor grader includes an actuation system to selectively move the implement relative to the frame. The system includes a fiber optic cable extending along at least a portion of the frame, a portion of the actuation system and a portion of the implement. The fiber optic cable is configured to move with the portion of the actuation system and the portion of the implement, and selectively generate signals indicative of a shape thereof. The system further includes a controller in communication with the fiber optic cable. The controller is configured to determine the shape of the fiber optic cable based on the signals received therefrom, and further determine a position of the implement relative to the frame based on the shape of the fiber optic cable.

Abstract: A process for developing machine classification systems includes using human experts to associate expected operations with various machine states including drawbar pull, tool position, tool commands, gear, and ground speed, among others, to create a classification system that can be used in a particular machine. The classification system operates in real time to infer operations such as dig, dump, travel, and push from machine state inputs and logs the operations for use in operational analysis and maintenance of the machine.