Abstract: A system and method of selective input confirmation for automated loading by a work vehicle comprising a main frame and a work attachment movable with respect to the main frame for loading/unloading material in a loading area external to the work vehicle during a loading process having loading stages. Location inputs are detected for the loading area respective to the main frame and/or work attachment. First user inputs correspond to selected automation for respective loading stages, for which detection routines are executed with respect to parameters of the loading area based on the detected location inputs. If second user inputs are determined to be required with respect to certain parameters of the loading area, the second user inputs are received and movement of the main frame and/or work attachment are controlled for automating the corresponding loading stages based at least in part thereon.

Abstract: A mobile work machine includes a frame; ground engaging elements movably supported by the frame and driven by a power source to drive movement of the machine; a moveable element movably supported by the frame to move relative to the frame; an actuator coupled to the moveable element to controllably drive movement of the moveable element; a control system that generates an actuator control signal, indicative of a commanded movement of the actuator, and provides the actuator control signal to the actuator to control the actuator to perform the commanded movement; a terrain identifier configured to identify a characteristic of terrain in a geographic area around the machine; and a stability system that determines whether the commanded movement will result in an unstable state of the machine based on the characteristic of the terrain and, if so, generates a restriction signal, restricting the commanded movement to avoid the unstable state.

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: A work machine including a frame, a ground-engaging element movably coupled to the frame, a movable grading element, an actuator coupled to the movable grading element to controllably drive movement of the movable grading element engaging material to be graded, a sensor, and a controller. The controller comprises a memory that stores computer-executable instruction and a processor that executes the instructions. The instructions include labelling each of at least a plurality of pixels in a first image as a visual marker; selecting the first image as a reference keyframe; tracking at least one region of a subsequent image including the visual marker relative to the reference keyframe to determine an estimate of the current pose as the work machine moves; and adjusting a position of the movable grading element.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlled loading by a self-propelled work vehicle comprising ground engaging units supporting a main frame, and at least one work attachment moveable with respect to the main frame for loading and unloading material in a loading area external to the work vehicle. Using at least one detector, such as cameras and/or vehicle motion sensors, location inputs for the loading area are detected respective to the main frame and/or at least one work attachment. A trigger input is detected in association with transition of the work vehicle from a first work state to an automated second work state. In the second work state, at least movement of the main frame and/or the at least one work attachment is automatically controlled relative to a defined reference associated with the loading area. Such a system and method facilitates loading operations and accordingly higher productivity regardless of operator experience.

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: Systems and methods are described for determining an actual pose of an articulating boom arm using an artificial intelligence mechanism (e.g., a neural network) trained to determine the actual pose of the articulating boom arm based on captured image data. In some implementations, an electronic processor is configured to control movement of the articulating boom arm based at least in part on pose information determined by applying the image-based neural network. In some implementations, an electronic processor is configured to train the neural network by using, as training data, captured image data and output signals from sensors indicative of measured positions of the components of the articulating boom arm.

Abstract: A load sensitive ride system and method is disclosed for a vehicle with an implement movably attached by a boom cylinder. The system includes a payload weight measuring system that measures payload weight and generates a signal indicative of the payload weight, a ride control circuit that adjusts hydraulic flow to and from the boom cylinder; and a controller that receives the signal indicative of the payload weight, and sends compliance commands to adjust ride control compliance based on the signal indicative of the payload weight. The system can include a tire inflation system that adjusts tire pressure. The controller can send inflation commands to adjust tire pressure based on the signal indicative of the payload weight. The compliance commands can depend on the components and compliance adjustment methods of the ride control circuit.

Abstract: An automated control system in a work vehicle for automating operation of a task is provided. The control system includes one or more electronic controllers having processing and memory architecture including a potential field module and an actuator control module. The potential field module includes a state determination unit configured to determine a state of the work vehicle based on input data; a potential field function selection unit configured to select at least one potential field function based on the determined state; vector calculation unit configured to calculate an action vector based on the at least one potential field function; and an action unit configured to generate an actuator command based on the action vector. The actuator control module is configured to receive the actuator command and to generate command signals for at least one actuator of the work vehicle to, at least in part, perform the task.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling movement of an implement for a self-propelled work vehicle, said implement comprising one or more components coupled to a main frame of the work vehicle. A linkage joint in defined in association with at least one implement component, wherein sensors are respectively associated with opposing sides of the linkage joint. Output signals from each sensor comprise sense elements which are fused in an independent coordinate frame associated at least in part with the respective linkage joint, wherein the independent coordinate frame is independent of a global navigation frame for the work vehicle. At least one joint characteristic (e.g., joint angle) is tracked based on at least a portion of the sense elements from the received output signals for each of the opposing sides of the respective linkage joint. Movement of implement components may optionally be controlled in view of the tracked joint characteristics.

Abstract: A self-propelled work vehicle is provided with a control system enabling the use of gestures on a touch screen interface to provide a simple and intuitive way to manipulate displayed images, and/or automatically changing a region of interest of a surround view camera unit. Exemplary automatic manipulation may be implemented if a work vehicle is detected as performing a certain function, wherein surround view images can automatically change to a smaller sub-view which gives more focused visibility appropriate to that function. The distortion and simulated field of view of surround view images may also/otherwise be automatically manipulated based on a detected operation/function. The control system can also/otherwise dynamically modify surround view images in accordance with a detected work state, and/or based on outputs from an obstacle detection system. The control system can also/otherwise lock the sub-view to recognized objects of interest, such as trucks or trenches.

Abstract: A system includes a work vehicle, user interface, and controller. The work vehicle includes a frame, boom, implement, perception sensor, position sensor, and ground speed sensor. The perception sensor senses an approaching environment. The position sensor senses a position of the boom or implement. The user interface includes controls and indicators. The controller is coupled to the controls, indicators, perception sensor, position sensor, and ground speed sensor. The controller receives a command to move the work vehicle, drives the work vehicle, determines a distance to the container, determines the ground speed, determines the position of the boom or the implement, receives a command to raise the boom, raises the boom during travel, determines whether the distal end will reach a threshold height before the work vehicle reaches the container, and activates the indicators if the distal end will not reach the threshold height in time.

Abstract: A system includes a work vehicle, user interface, and controller. The work vehicle includes a frame, boom, implement, perception sensor, and ground speed sensor. The perception sensor senses an approaching environment. The user interface includes controls and indicators. The controller is coupled to the controls, indicators, perception sensor, and ground speed sensor. The controller receives a command to move the work vehicle, drives the work vehicle, determines a distance to the container, determines the ground speed, determines a boom raising start distance from the container, receives a command to raise the boom, and activates one of the indicators if the user command to raise the boom occurs prior to the work vehicle reaching the boom raising start distance from the container.

Abstract: A mobile machine includes a tool coupled to the mobile machine by one or more controllable linkages. The machine includes a user interface mechanism configured to receive input from an operator. The machine includes one or more controllers configured to implement surface follow logic configured to receive the input from the user interface mechanism and identify a desired movement of the tool relative to a control surface, based on the input. The one or more controllers configured to implement control signal generator logic that generates a control signal to control the one or more controllable linkages, based on the identified movement.

Abstract: Graders and methods of operation thereof are disclosed herein. A grader includes a chassis, a saddle linkage, and a motion measurement system. The saddle linkage is supported for movement relative to the chassis and includes a mount movably coupled to the chassis, first and second arms each movably coupled to the mount, and a crossbar movably coupled to each of the first and second arms. The mount has a lock pin aperture, each of the first and second arms has a locking hole, and the crossbar has a plurality of locking holes. The lock pin aperture may be aligned with one locking hole of the first arm, the second arm, or the crossbar to position the saddle linkage in use of the grader. The motion measurement system is coupled to the saddle linkage and configured to measure movement or position of one or more components of the grader in use thereof.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for identifying a behavior of a machine. A computer system receives a signal indicative of operation of a field machine and applies a deep learning algorithm to identify a pattern in a collection of signals stored on a computer-readable memory. The collection of signals includes the received signal indicative of operation of the field machine and other signals. A series of targeted tests are performed using a test machine while monitoring a signal indicative of operation of the test machine. A behavior is identified during the series of targeted tests that produces a signal that matches the pattern identified by the deep learning algorithm. An occurrence of the behavior is then automatically identified in the field machine in response to detecting the pattern in the received signal indicative of operation of the field machine.

Abstract: An excavator includes a rotatable house and a bucket operably coupled to the rotatable house. The excavator also includes one or more swing sensors configured to provide at least one rotation sensor signal indicative of rotation of the rotatable house and one or more controllers coupled to the sensor. The one or more controllers being configured to implement inertia determination logic that determines the inertia of a portion of the excavator and control signal generator logic that generates a control signal to control the excavator, based on the inertia of the portion of the excavator.

Abstract: A stability control system identifies an actionable condition, such as instability, in an off-road mobile machine, based upon an in-rubber tire sensor. A remedial action is identified, and a control signal is generated to control the mobile machine to take the remedial action.

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: 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.