Abstract: An auto-benching grade control system and method are provided for work machines such as excavators. Movements of at least one implement relative to a machine frame are actuated based on user inputs via a first user interface tool. Manual/automatic control modes are selected based on user inputs via a second user interface tool. Responsive to further user input via at least one of the first and second user interface tools, a target elevation is automatically specified based on a current elevation of at least one implement component corresponding to the further user input. During the automatic control mode, movement of at least the implement is controlled based at least in part on a specified target mainfall and a specified target cross-slope for at least a portion of the terrain to be worked, and the specified target elevation.

Abstract: A work machine identifies a commanded trajectory of a point-of-interest on a movable element. An analysis system determines whether a protected part of the work machine is along the trajectory of the point-of-interest and, if so, identifies an actuator that moves the point-of-interest along the commanded trajectory. A control signal is generated to selectively control the identified actuator to avoid contact between the point-of-interest and the protected part of the work machine.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for operating a work machine comprising a laser receiver and an implement for working a terrain. Responsive to movement of the laser receiver, a laser reference is received at a plurality of positions relative to a transmitting laser source, wherein the laser reference corresponds in slope and direction at a defined elevation offset with respect to a target surface profile of the terrain being worked. A plane of the laser reference is determined from data points corresponding to the plurality of positions at which the laser reference is received, and movement of at least the implement is controlled with respect to at least the determined plane of the laser reference and the defined elevation offset.

Abstract: An auto-benching grade control system and method are provided for work machines such as excavators. Movements of at least one implement relative to a machine frame are actuated based on user inputs via a first user interface tool. Manual/automatic control modes are selected based on user inputs via a second user interface tool. Responsive to further user input via at least one of the first and second user interface tools, a target elevation is automatically specified based on a current elevation of at least one implement component corresponding to the further user input. During the automatic control mode, movement of at least the implement is controlled based at least in part on a specified target mainfall and a specified target cross-slope for at least a portion of the terrain to be worked, and the specified target elevation.

Abstract: A display system and method for a work machine having grade control is disclosed. The display system includes the frame of the work machine, a grading element, an actuator, a grade control system, a display, a sensor, and a controller. The actuator is coupled to the grading element to controllably drive movement of the movable grading element. The display is configured to display information related to movement of the grading element relative to a target zone. The sensor provides detection signals from which a distance between a position of the grading element and the target zone can be determined. The controller has a non-transitory computer readable medium with a program instruction to grade the surface. The program instructions when executed causes a processor the controller to do the following. The controller receives the detection signals and changes the scale of the display information based on the detection signals.

Abstract: A display system and method for a work machine having grade control is disclosed. The display includes a frame, an attachment coupled to the frame, a first sensor, a second sensor, and a controller. The first sensor is configured to generate a first sensor signal indicative of a frame angle relative to a direction of gravity. The second sensor is configured to generate a second sensor signal indicative of an attachment angle relative to one of the frame and the direction of gravity. The program instructions cause a processor on the controller to receive a first sensor signal, a second sensor signal, and a target grade input; determine a cross slope and a mainfall, and control a display device to display a singular graphic of the position of the attachment relative to the target grade.

Abstract: A work machine and method for a work machine with an open center hydraulic system for controlling actuation of an implement includes an implement control valve, an electro-hydraulically controlled pump, a hydraulic circuit coupled to the implement actuator, and a pressure transducer positioned for measuring a pressure in the hydraulic circuit between the pump and the implement control valve. A calibration system for calibrating the pump includes a controller having a non-transitory computer readable medium having a program instruction for causing a processor to calibrate a first pump threshold for the pump in a pump-flow curve wherein the first pump threshold including a minimum pump control signal to actuate the pump; determine a hysteresis band in the pump-flow curve; and calibrate a second pump threshold for the pump in the pump-flow curve wherein the second pump threshold including a maximum pump control signal to actuate the pump below a relief setpoint.

Abstract: A work machine and method for a work machine with an open center hydraulic system for controlling actuation of an implement includes an implement control valve, an electro-hydraulically controlled pump, a hydraulic circuit coupled to the implement actuator, and a pressure transducer positioned for measuring a pressure in the hydraulic circuit between the pump and the implement control valve. A calibration system for calibrating the pump includes a controller having a non-transitory computer readable medium having a program instruction for causing a processor to calibrate a first threshold for the pump in a pump-flow curve wherein the first threshold including a minimum current command to actuate the pump; determine a hysteresis band in the pump-flow curve; and calibrate a second threshold for the pump in the pump-flow curve wherein the second threshold including a maximum current command to actuate the pump below a relief setpoint.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for operating a work machine comprising a laser receiver and an implement for working a terrain. Responsive to movement of the laser receiver, a laser reference is received at a plurality of positions relative to a transmitting laser source, wherein the laser reference corresponds in slope and direction at a defined elevation offset with respect to a target surface profile of the terrain being worked. A plane of the laser reference is determined from data points corresponding to the plurality of positions at which the laser reference is received, and movement of at least the implement is controlled with respect to at least the determined plane of the laser reference and the defined elevation offset.

Abstract: An excavator comprises a frame, a boom assembly and a control architecture. The control architecture may include a first actuator, a second actuator, a third actuator, a user input interface, a storage medium having a control algorithm, and a controller configured to execute the control algorithm to: receive a target grade request from one or more of the user input interface and a storage medium; receive a dipper stick position relative to the pivot axis; receive a direction of movement of the dipper stick; determine whether the dipper stick position is outside the pivot axis or inside the pivot axis; and operate the first actuator in automatic mode to automatically adjust the pivot axis height relative to the frame when the dipper stick position and the direction of movement of the dipper stick are within the automatic control region for automatically maintaining a target grade.