Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a construction machine, such as an asphalt paver, having a tractor, an implement coupled to the tractor via at least one tow arm, and a mast. A position sensor mounted to the mast may detect a geospatial position of the mast. An angle sensor may detect at least one angle associated with the mast. A control point may be calculated based on the geospatial position and the at least one angle. The control point may be spatially offset from a vector formed by a lengthwise extension of the mast. The at least one tow arm may be moved based on a comparison between the control point and a target point.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a construction machine, such as an asphalt paver, having a tractor, an implement coupled to the tractor via at least one tow arm, and a mast. A position sensor mounted to the mast may detect a geospatial position of the mast. An angle sensor may detect at least one angle associated with the mast. A control point may be calculated based on the geospatial position and the at least one angle. The control point may be spatially offset from a vector formed by a lengthwise extension of the mast. The at least one tow arm may be moved based on a comparison between the control point and a target point.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing a machine control system within a construction machine. The machine control system may include a chassis orientation sensor configured to be mounted to a chassis of the construction machine for detecting a chassis pitch angle. The machine control system may also include an implement orientation sensor configured to be mounted to an implement of the construction machine for detecting an implement pitch angle. The machine control system may further include one or more processors configured to perform operations including receiving, from the chassis orientation sensor, the chassis pitch angle, receiving, from the implement orientation sensor, the implement pitch angle, determining a target pitch angle of the implement based on the chassis pitch angle and the implement pitch angle, and causing movement of one or more implement arms so as to set a pitch angle of the implement to the target pitch angle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing a machine control system in a construction machine having an implement with an extender. The machine control system may include an acceleration sensor mounted to the implement and a processor configured to perform various operations. The operations may include determining that the extender is not moving and in response operating under a first control scheme. Operating under the first control scheme may include receiving acceleration data from the acceleration sensor, generating an estimated slope of the implement based on the acceleration data, and modifying a slope of the implement based on the first estimated slope by causing movement of at least one tow arm. The operations may also include determining that the extender is moving and in response operating under a second control scheme. Operating under the second control scheme may include maintaining the slope of the implement substantially constant.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing a machine control system within a construction machine. The machine control system may include a chassis orientation sensor configured to be mounted to a chassis of the construction machine for detecting a chassis pitch angle. The machine control system may also include an implement orientation sensor configured to be mounted to an implement of the construction machine for detecting an implement pitch angle. The machine control system may further include one or more processors configured to perform operations including receiving, from the chassis orientation sensor, the chassis pitch angle, receiving, from the implement orientation sensor, the implement pitch angle, determining a target pitch angle of the implement based on the chassis pitch angle and the implement pitch angle, and causing movement of one or more implement arms so as to set a pitch angle of the implement to the target pitch angle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing a machine control system in a construction machine having an implement with an extender. The machine control system may include an acceleration sensor mounted to the implement and a processor configured to perform various operations. The operations may include determining that the extender is not moving and in response operating under a first control scheme. Operating under the first control scheme may include receiving acceleration data from the acceleration sensor, generating an estimated slope of the implement based on the acceleration data, and modifying a slope of the implement based on the first estimated slope by causing movement of at least one tow arm. The operations may also include determining that the extender is moving and in response operating under a second control scheme. Operating under the second control scheme may include maintaining the slope of the implement substantially constant.

Abstract: A control is provided for a machine that applies a material to a subgrade and pulls a floating screed over the top surface of the material behind the machine. The floating screed is attached to the machine by at least one tow arm at a tow point on the tow arm. The vertical height of the tow point is controlled by a hydraulic cylinder on the machine in response to a valve control signal applied to a hydraulic valve. The screed determines the thickness of the material on the subgrade as it is manipulated by adjusting the height of the tow point such that the top surface of the material follows a reference surface. A first sensor is mounted on the machine, adjacent the front of the machine, for sensing the relative height of the reference surface and providing a first sensor output related thereto. A second sensor for senses the height of the tow point relative to the machine and provides a second sensor output related thereto.

Abstract: An earthmoving system, includes in one embodiment a laser transmitter for transmitting a reference beam of laser light, and a laser receiver mounted on a mast on the bulldozer blade. The bulldozer has a frame and a cutting blade supported by a blade support extending from said frame. The blade support includes hydraulic cylinders for raising and lowering the blade in relation to said frame, and for tilting the blade along its length. The mast extends upward from, and is movable with, the blade. An inclinometer is mounted for movement with the blade to provide an indication of the inclination of the blade. A sensor detects turning of the bulldozer. A control is responsive to the laser receiver, to the inclinometer, and to the sensor, for controlling the operation of said cylinders and adjusting the position of said blade. When rapid turning of said bulldozer is detected the control operates to reduce the errors that would otherwise result from an erroneous inclinometer output.

Abstract: A control is provided for a machine that applies a material to a subgrade and pulls a floating screed over the top surface of the material behind the machine. The floating screed is attached to the machine by at least one tow arm at a tow point on the tow arm. The vertical height of the tow point is controlled by a hydraulic cylinder on the machine in response to a valve control signal applied to a hydraulic valve. The screed determines the thickness of the material on the subgrade as it is manipulated by adjusting the height of the tow point such that the top surface of the material follows a reference surface. A first sensor is mounted on the machine, adjacent the front of the machine, for sensing the relative height of the reference surface and providing a first sensor output related thereto. A second sensor for senses the height of the tow point relative to the machine and provides a second sensor output related thereto.

Abstract: An earthmoving system, includes in one embodiment a laser transmitter for transmitting a reference beam of laser light, and a laser receiver mounted on a mast on the bulldozer blade. The bulldozer has a frame and a cutting blade supported by a blade support extending from said frame. The blade support includes hydraulic cylinders for raising and lowering the blade in relation to said frame, and for tilting the blade along its length. The mast extends upward from, and is movable with, the blade. An inclinometer is mounted for movement with the blade to provide an indication of the inclination of the blade. A sensor detects turning of the bulldozer. A control is responsive to the laser receiver, to the inclinometer, and to the sensor, for controlling the operation of said cylinders and adjusting the position of said blade. When rapid turning of said bulldozer is detected the control operates to reduce the errors that would otherwise result from an erroneous inclinometer output.

Abstract: A device and method detect a moving, relatively thin beam of laser light, and distinguishing between illumination of photodetectors by the beam, and illumination of the photodetectors by an omnidirectional pulse of light. A plurality of photodetector arrays are arranged in a generally vertical row, with each array having a generally vertical row of photodetector elements. Weighting circuits associated with the arrays provide first and second reference signals for each array related to the elements illuminated in the array. The ratio of sum of the reference signals to the difference between the largest and smallest of the reference signals is determined and interpreted as indicating illumination by a relatively thin beam of laser light when the ratio is less than a predetermined level, and as indicating illumination by an omnidirectional pulse of light when the ration is greater than the predetermined level.

Abstract: A device and method detect a moving, relatively thin beam of laser light, and distinguishing between illumination of photodetectors by the beam, and illumination of the photodetectors by an omnidirectional pulse of light. A plurality of photodetector arrays are arranged in a generally vertical row, with each array having a generally vertical row of photodetector elements. Weighting circuits associated with the arrays provide first and second reference signals for each array related to the elements illuminated in the array. The ratio of sum of the reference signals to the difference between the largest and smallest of the reference signals is determined and interpreted as indicating illumination by a relatively thin beam of laser light when the ratio is less than a predetermined level, and as indicating illumination by an omnidirectional pulse of light when the ration is greater than the predetermined level.

Abstract: A device for spatial positioning systems includes a programmable measurement filter that is dynamically tuned by the device signal processing unit. The signal processing unit analyzes available data including the measurement signal to determine the likelihood that a detected measurement comprises true device movement and adjusts the measurement filter bandwidth accordingly.