Abstract: Systems and methods for remotely controlling machines includes generating, on a display device associated with a remote control console, a first image associated with a position of the machine at a first time period. A virtual position of the machine is estimated based at least on the first position and at least one operating parameter associated with the machine. A virtual image of the machine relative to the first image is generated on the display device, the virtual image of the machine corresponding to the estimated virtual position of the machine.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a payload calculation system for use with a work implement having at least two linkage members. The payload calculation system may have at least one state sensor configured to measure a state of the at least two linkage members. The payload calculation system may also have a processing device in communication with the at least one state sensor. The processing device may account for changes in a center of gravity of each of the at least two linkage members. The processing device may also be configured to use the at least one state sensor to determine a mass of a payload moved by the work implement.

Abstract: A method of operating machine system includes receiving expected material placement data for a paving machine and comparing the expected material placement data with actual material placement data. The method further includes outputting a signal based on the comparison, and commanding replenishing material from a supply machine to the second supply volume responsive to the signal. A paving control system for a paving system includes a computer readable memory configured to store expected material placement data, a receiver configured to receive actual material placement data and a data processor configured to output a control signal to a supply machine to controllably replenish material to an external material supply volume for the paving system in a manner responsive to comparing the expected material placement data with the actual material replacement data.

Abstract: A data acquisition system for an excavation machine having a power source configured to drive a tool through a work cycle is disclosed. The data acquisition system may have a first sensor associated with the power source to generate a first signal indicative of a performance of the power source, and a second sensor associated with the tool to generate a second signal indicative of a performance of the tool. The data acquisition system may also have a controller in communication with the first and second sensors. The controller may be configured to record the first and second signals, and partition the work cycle into a plurality of segments. The controller may be further configured to link the performance of the power source and the performance of the tool together with one of the plurality of segments during which the associated first and second signals were recorded.

Abstract: A payload monitoring system for an excavation machine is disclosed. The payload monitoring system may have a tool, a first sensor configured to generate a first signal indicative of a velocity of the tool, and a second sensor configured to generate a second signal indicative of a lift force of the tool. The payload monitoring system may also have a controller in communication with the first sensor and the second sensor. The controller may be configured to record the velocity and the lift force of the tool during a work cycle based on the first and second signals, and partition the work cycle into a plurality of segments including a loaded moving segment. The controller may also be configured to determine a period of time within the loaded moving segment during which the velocity of the tool is substantially constant, and calculate a payload of the tool based on the lift force recorded during the period of time.

Abstract: A method for controlling an engine of a machine includes a step of setting an initial engine speed of the engine based on a position of an operator engine speed selection device. The machine is operated for a period of time at the initial engine speed, and a power usage value for the machine during that period of time is identified. The initial engine speed of the engine is then lowered to a reduced engine speed corresponding to the power usage value.

Abstract: A control system for an excavation machine is disclosed. The control system may have a work tool movable to perform an excavation work cycle, at least one sensor configured to monitor a speed of the work tool and generate a signal indicative of the monitored speed, and a controller in communication with the at least one sensor. The controller may be configured to record the monitored speed of the work tool during each excavation work cycle, and compare the signal currently being generated to a maximum speed recorded for a previous excavation work cycle. The controller may be further configured to partition a current excavation work cycle into a plurality of segments based on the comparison.

Abstract: A method and machine with an automated digging cycle is provided. The method includes moving an implement system of the machine through a work cycle, including interacting with a material. The method further includes sensing values associated with a bucket velocity parameter, such as bucket tip velocity, during interacting with the material, and controlling the velocity parameter via commands which control a sequence of bucket orientations whereby an implement system of the machine interacts with the material, responsive to the sensed values. The machine includes an electronic controller configured via a control algorithm to execute the automated digging cycle.

Abstract: An excavation control system for a machine is disclosed. The excavation control system may have a tool, at least one operator input device configured to provide manual control over movement of the tool, and a controller in communication with the at least one operator input device. The controller may be configured to receive an input related to an operator desired tool location, and determine that an operator is manually controlling movement of the tool toward the operator desired tool location. The controller may be further configured to automatically assume control over movement of the tool toward the operator desired tool location based on the determination.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a payload calculation system for use with a work implement. The payload calculation system may have a state sensor configured to measure a state of the work implement. The payload calculation system may further have a processing device configured to calculate a mass of a payload moved by the work implement. The processing device may be configured to use the measured state to compensate the calculation of the mass for centrifugal, inertial, and frictional forces of the work implement caused by the work implement rotating about a vertical pivot.

Abstract: A machine control system may include a machine mounted stereo imaging apparatus configured to provide a 3-D model indicative of a terrain feature. The machine control system may also include a control module configured to process the 3-D model, and automatically perform an operation with a work tool based on the characteristics of the 3-D model.

Abstract: Systems and methods for remotely controlling machines includes generating, on a display device associated with a remote control console, a first image associated with a position of the machine at a first time period. A virtual position of the machine is estimated based at least on the first position and at least one operating parameter associated with the machine. A virtual image of the machine relative to the first image is generated on the display device, the virtual image of the machine corresponding to the estimated virtual position of the machine.