Abstract: A system for communicating an impact sustained by a work machine moving at a worksite to a remote operator workstation for controlling the work machine through the remote operator workstation. The system includes a controller configured to obtain data associated with an acceleration of the work machine along one or more degrees of motion during a movement of the work machine at the worksite and derive an acceleration value based on the data. The controller is further configured to issue a notification of the impact of the work machine to the remote operator workstation through an output device of the remote operator workstation if the acceleration value exceeds a threshold acceleration value during the movement of the work machine.

Abstract: The present technology is directed generally to industrial machine remote operation systems, devices, and methods. In some embodiments, an industrial machine remote operation system configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology includes a control interface including one or more elements associated with remote operation of an industrial machine. In at least some embodiments, the control interface can include one or more indicators associated with motion and/or an orientation of the machine. Additionally, or alternatively, the control interface can include one or more indicators associated with motion and/or orientation of a component of the machine, such as a machine work tool.

Abstract: A system for controlling the climate of a cab of an autonomously operable machine when operated unmanned, and related machine. The system includes at least one temperature sensor to generate a signal indicative of the temperature within the cab and a controller configured to receive the signal as well as determine if the machine is being operated unmanned. If the machine is being operated unmanned, the controller is further configured to generate machine control commands to turn on the cab cooling device or cab heating device and adjust a blower as needed to maintain the cab temperature above the minimum and/or below the maximum temperature thresholds.

Abstract: An enhanced visibility system for a work machine includes an image capture device, a sensor, one or more control circuits, and a display. The image capture device is configured to obtain image data of an area surrounding the work machine. The sensor is configured to obtain data regarding physical properties of the area surrounding the work machine. The control circuits are configured to receive the image data and the data regarding the physical properties, and augment the image data with the data regarding the physical properties to generate augmented image data. The display is configured to display the augmented image data to provide an enhanced view of the area surrounding the work machine.

Abstract: An input device for performing control functions of a machine having a work tool may include a left-hand joystick mounted on a left armrest of an operator's seat, and a right-hand joystick mounted on a right armrest of an operator's seat. Each of the left-hand and right-hand joysticks may include a base portion configured to conform to and least partially cradle an operator's hand, a handle extending from the base portion with a proximal end of the handle being connected to the base portion, and a distal end of the handle supporting a head portion of the joystick. The head portion of the joystick may include a front surface including a configurable face plate. The configurable face plate may include one of a pair of upshift and downshift buttons or a roller configured to perform one of discrete or continuously variable shifting, respectively, of a transmission of the machine. The handle may include a thumb rest area at the distal end of the handle transitioning into the head portion of the joystick.

Abstract: A controller-implemented system and method for automated control of a climate control system of a machine when being operated unmanned. The method includes utilizing at least one temperature sensor to determine the temperature of the machine cab, and, if the machine is being operated unmanned, generating signals to turn on the blower to a minimum setting, comparing the sensed temperature to at least one of minimum and maximum temperature thresholds, and generating signals to turn on the cab cooling device or cab heating device and adjusting the blower to maintain the cab temperature above the minimum and/or below the maximum temperature thresholds.

Abstract: An input device for performing control functions of a machine having a work tool may include a left-hand joystick mounted on a left armrest of an operator's seat, and a right-hand joystick mounted on a right armrest of an operator's seat. Each of the left-hand and right-hand joysticks may include a base portion configured to conform to and least partially cradle an operator's hand, a handle extending from the base portion with a proximal end of the handle being connected to the base portion, and a distal end of the handle supporting a head portion of the joystick. The head portion of the joystick may include a front surface including a configurable face plate. The configurable face plate may include one of a pair of upshift and downshift buttons or a roller configured to perform one of discrete or continuously variable shifting, respectively, of a transmission of the machine. The handle may include a thumb rest area at the distal end of the handle transitioning into the head portion of the joystick.

Abstract: An enhanced visibility system for a work machine includes an image capture device, a sensor, one or more control circuits, and a display. The image capture device is configured to obtain image data of an area surrounding the work machine. The sensor is configured to obtain data regarding physical properties of the area surrounding the work machine. The control circuits are configured to receive the image data and the data regarding the physical properties, and augment the image data with the data regarding the physical properties to generate augmented image data. The display is configured to display the augmented image data to provide an enhanced view of the area surrounding the work machine.

Abstract: A system for controlling an operation of a machine is disclosed. The system includes an image capturing device and a controller. The image capturing device generates a signal indicative of a surrounding area of the machine. The controller is in communication with the image capturing device. The controller determines a preceding work cycle of the machine comprising a dig segment and determines a preceding segment associated with the preceding work cycle to be a dump segment. The controller further identifies a work aggregate within the surrounding area of the machine, when the preceding segment of the preceding work cycle is the dump segment. Further, the controller determines a distance between an implement of the machine and the work aggregate and issues a shift request to downshift a gear drive of a transmission system of the machine, if the distance is less than a predefined distance.

Abstract: An input device is disclosed for use with a machine having a work tool. The input device may have a handle with proximal and distal ends. The input device may also have a proportional control element located at the distal end, and configured to pivot in a first direction to generate a first signal and to pivot in a second direction to generate a second signal. The work tool may have a first axis of rotation that is generally horizontal relative to a ground surface and generally perpendicular relative to a travel direction, and a second axis of rotation that is generally vertical relative to the ground surface and generally perpendicular relative to the first axis. The first signal may be indicative of a desire to pitch the work tool about the first axis, and the second signal may be indicative of a desire to yaw the work tool about the second axis.

Abstract: A system for controlling an operation of a machine is disclosed. The system includes an image capturing device and a controller. The image capturing device generates a signal indicative of a surrounding area of the machine. The controller is in communication with the image capturing device. The controller determines a preceding work cycle of the machine comprising a dig segment and determines a preceding segment associated with the preceding work cycle to be a dump segment. The controller further identifies a work aggregate within the surrounding area of the machine, when the preceding segment of the preceding work cycle is the dump segment. Further, the controller determines a distance between an implement of the machine and the work aggregate and issues a shift request to downshift a gear drive of a transmission system of the machine, if the distance is less than a predefined distance.

Abstract: A knob body is provided for a control lever. The knob body includes a lower segment, and an upper segment. The lower segment extends out from a vertical axis of the control lever and includes a pair of upright protrusions extending out from an upper portion thereof. The protrusions define a gap therebetween. The lower segment further includes a movable switch located within the gap. The upper segment is disposed about the vertical axis and is located proximate to the upper portion of the lower segment. The upper segment is in a spaced relationship relative to the protrusions. The upper segment can include at least one of a locking switch that is operable to allow selective movement of the control lever and an actuation switch.

Abstract: An input device is disclosed for use with a machine having a work tool. The input device may have a handle with proximal and distal ends. The input device may also have a proportional control element located at the distal end, and configured to pivot in a first direction to generate a first signal and to pivot in a second direction to generate a second signal. The work tool may have a first axis of rotation that is generally horizontal relative to a ground surface and generally perpendicular relative to a travel direction, and a second axis of rotation that is generally vertical relative to the ground surface and generally perpendicular relative to the first axis. The first signal may be indicative of a desire to pitch the work tool about the first axis, and the second signal may be indicative of a desire to yaw the work tool about the second axis.

Abstract: A knob body is provided for a control lever. The knob body includes a lower segment, and an upper segment. The lower segment extends out from a vertical axis of the control lever and includes a pair of upright protrusions extending out from an upper portion thereof. The protrusions define a gap therebetween. The lower segment further includes a movable switch located within the gap. The upper segment is disposed about the vertical axis and is located proximate to the upper portion of the lower segment. The upper segment is in a spaced relationship relative to the protrusions. The upper segment can include at least one of a locking switch that is operable to allow selective movement of the control lever and an actuation switch.

Abstract: A knob body is provided for a control lever. The knob body includes a lower segment, and an upper segment. The lower segment extends out from a vertical axis of the control lever and includes a pair of upright protrusions extending out from an upper portion thereof. The protrusions define a gap therebetween. The lower segment further includes a movable switch located within the gap. The lower segment further includes a first actuation switch disposed on a sidewall of the lower segment. The upper segment is disposed about the vertical axis and is located proximate to the upper portion of the lower segment. The upper segment is in a spaced relationship relative to the protrusions. The upper segment includes a locking switch that is operable to allow selective movement of the control lever, and a second actuation switch that is provided on a sidewall of the upper segment.

Abstract: A visual indication system for a machine is provided. The visual indication system includes an output module configured to be displayed at an external location relative to an internal portion of a cabin of the machine and configured to provide a visual indication viewable. The visual indication system also includes a controller communicably coupled to the output module. The controller is configured to receive a signal indicative of a parking status and an implement status of the machine. Further, the controller is configured to determine a locked state associated with the parking status and the implement status. The controller is configured to transmit the visual indication of the determined locked state to the output module.

Abstract: A method of controlling a differential assembly of a machine is disclosed herein. The differential assembly may be locked by use of a differential lock. The differential lock is adapted to operate in at least one of an automatic mode and a manual override mode. The differential lock is activated and/or deactivated by an automatic differential control system with a manual override mode. The method initiates with activation of the automatic differential control system. Thereafter, the automatic differential control system may be overridden by activation of the manual override mode, while the automatic differential control system continues to be activated. Thereafter, the manual override mode may be deactivated by use of the automatic differential control system based on one or more of a plurality of operational parameters.

Abstract: A visual indication system for a machine is provided. The visual indication system includes an output module configured to be displayed at an external location relative to an internal portion of a cabin of the machine and configured to provide a visual indication viewable. The visual indication system also includes a controller communicably coupled to the output module. The controller is configured to receive a signal indicative of a parking status and an implement status of the machine. Further, the controller is configured to determine a locked state associated with the parking status and the implement status. The controller is configured to transmit the visual indication of the determined locked state to the output module.