CN107938746B

CN107938746B - System and method for acquiring available productivity of work vehicle

Info

Publication number: CN107938746B
Application number: CN201710077917.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: K·D·卡德曼; A·K·琼斯
Original assignee: Deere and Co
Current assignee: Deere and Co
Priority date: 2016-10-13
Filing date: 2017-02-14
Publication date: 2021-07-30
Anticipated expiration: 2037-02-14
Also published as: CN107938746A

Abstract

Systems and methods for acquiring available productivity of a work vehicle. The load verification system and method may be used to obtain available productivity of a work vehicle having one or more power modes. The method comprises the following steps: determining a range of operating speeds of the engine; and determining a maximum hydraulic flow available to the hydraulic system at each of the operating speeds of the engine and for each of the power modes. The method further comprises the steps of: determining the productivity of the work vehicle as the maximum hydraulic flow for the hydraulic system at each of the operating speeds for each of the power modes; and generating an operator interface for display on a display showing the productivity of the work vehicle as the maximum hydraulic flow for the hydraulic system at each of the operating speeds for each of the power modes.

Description

System and method for acquiring available productivity of work vehicle

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to work vehicles and to systems and methods of obtaining available productivity of work vehicles having one or more power modes.

Background

In the construction industry (and other industries), various work vehicles are operated to perform various tasks at a worksite. For example, an excavator may be used to excavate and load material into a stowage bin of a transport vehicle (such as an articulated dump truck). The productivity of an excavator may be measured by a work volume (such as the volume of material that may be moved by a work vehicle over a particular period of time). In certain embodiments, it may be difficult to determine productivity of the work vehicle, particularly when the work vehicle may have one or more power mode settings and multiple engine speeds. In this regard, the work vehicle may be more productive at a particular power mode and a particular engine speed. The operator may not be aware that, for example, operation of the excavator may be more productive in the lower power mode at higher engine speeds, and thus operating the machine in other ways may hinder productivity of the machine.

Disclosure of Invention

The present disclosure provides a system and method for acquiring available productivity of a work vehicle having one or more power modes.

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of obtaining available capacity of a work vehicle having an engine, a hydraulic system operable in one or more power modes, and an implement movable by the hydraulic system. The method comprises the following steps: determining a range of operating speeds of the engine; and determining a maximum hydraulic flow available to the hydraulic system at each of the operating speeds of the engine and for each of the power modes. The method further comprises the steps of: determining the productivity of the work vehicle as the maximum hydraulic flow for the hydraulic system at each of the operating speeds for each of the power modes; and generating an operator interface for display on a display showing the productivity of the work vehicle as the maximum hydraulic flow for the hydraulic system at each of the operating speeds for each of the power modes.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for acquiring available productivity of a work vehicle having an engine, a hydraulic system operable in one or more power modes, and an implement movable by the hydraulic system. The system comprises: means for determining a range of operating speeds of the engine; and means for determining a maximum hydraulic flow available to the hydraulic system at each of the operating speeds of the engine and for each of the power modes. The system further includes means for determining the productivity of the work vehicle as the maximum hydraulic flow for the hydraulic system at each of the operating speeds for each of the power modes. The system includes means for generating an operator interface for display on a display showing the productivity of the work vehicle as the maximum hydraulic flow for the hydraulic system at each of the operating speeds for each of the power modes.

In another aspect, the system further comprises: means for receiving a commanded operating speed of an engine from a source associated with a work vehicle; and means for updating the operator interface to graphically illustrate the maximum hydraulic flow available for the commanded operating speed.

In another aspect, the system further comprises: means for determining a current power mode of the hydraulic system; and means for updating an operator interface to graphically illustrate a maximum hydraulic flow available for the commanded operating speed in the current power mode.

In another aspect, the apparatus for generating an operator interface for display on a display further comprises: means for generating a first power operator interface showing the productivity of the work vehicle as the maximum hydraulic flow for the hydraulic system for each of the operating speeds in a first power mode; and means for generating a second power operator interface showing the productivity of the work vehicle as the maximum hydraulic flow for the hydraulic system for each of the operating speeds in a second power mode different from the first power mode.

In another aspect, the system further includes means for overlaying the first power operator interface on the second power operator interface.

In another aspect, each of the first and second power operator interfaces includes a plurality of bars, wherein each of the plurality of bars is associated with a single one of the operating speeds for a respective one of the first and second power modes.

In another aspect, each of the plurality of bars has a height, and the height of each of the plurality of bars is associated with the maximum hydraulic flow for the hydraulic system at a respective one of the operating speeds and in the respective power mode.

In another aspect, the apparatus for generating an operator interface further comprises: means for receiving a commanded operating speed of the engine from an input device; means for determining a current power mode of the hydraulic system; and means for outputting a fill for at least one bar of the plurality of bars based on the commanded operating speed and the current power mode to graphically illustrate the available productivity of the work vehicle at the commanded operating speed.

In another aspect, the apparatus for generating an operator interface further comprises: means for superimposing, for each operating speed, a respective one of the plurality of bars of the first power operator interface over a respective one of the plurality of bars of the second power operator interface.

In another aspect, the system further comprises: means for receiving a commanded operating speed of the engine from an input device; and means for generating the operator interface based on the receiving.

In another aspect, the first power operator interface is associated with a first color, the second power operator interface is associated with a second color, and the first color is different from the second color.

In another aspect, the system further comprises: means for receiving a commanded operating speed of the engine from a source associated with the work vehicle; means for determining a power mode of the hydraulic system from a source associated with the work vehicle; and means for updating the operator interface to graphically illustrate the maximum hydraulic flow available for the commanded operating speed in the current power mode.

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of an example work vehicle in the form of an excavator that may use the disclosed productivity acquisition system and method;

FIG. 2 is a data flow diagram illustrating an example productivity acquisition system of the work vehicle of FIG. 1, in accordance with various embodiments;

3-8 are exemplary operator interfaces generated for display on a display associated with the work vehicle of FIG. 1 in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating a method performed by the productivity acquisition system of FIG. 2, in accordance with various embodiments; and

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for generating an operator interface performed by the productivity acquisition system of FIG. 2, in accordance with various embodiments.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

Detailed Description

One or more example embodiments of the disclosed systems and methods, as illustrated in the figures of the drawings briefly described above, are described below. Various modifications to the example embodiments may be contemplated by those skilled in the art.

As used herein, unless otherwise limited or modified, a list of elements that have been separated by a connecting term (e.g., "and") and preceded by the phrase "one or more" or "at least one" indicates a construction or arrangement that potentially includes the individual elements of the list or any combination thereof. For example, "A, B, and at least one of C" or "A, B, and one or more of C" indicate the possibility of any combination of two or more of A alone, B alone, C alone, or A, B, and C (e.g., A and B; B and C; A and C; or A, B, and C).

As used herein, the term module refers to any hardware, software, firmware, electronic control component, processing logic, and/or processor device (alone or in any combination), including but not limited to: an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) and memory that execute one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable components that provide the described functionality.

Embodiments of the disclosure may be described herein in terms of functional and/or logical block components and various processing steps. It should be appreciated that such block components may be realized by any number of hardware, software, and/or firmware components configured to perform the specified functions. For example, embodiments of the present disclosure may employ various integrated circuit components (e.g., memory elements, digital signal processing elements, logic elements, look-up tables, or the like) which may carry out a variety of functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. Additionally, those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced in conjunction with any number of work vehicles, and that the excavator described herein is merely one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

For the sake of brevity, conventional techniques related to signal processing, data transmission, signaling, control, and other functional aspects of the systems (and the individual operating components of the systems) may not be described in detail herein. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent example functional relationships and/or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in an embodiment of the disclosure.

One or more example embodiments of the disclosed systems and methods for obtaining available productivity of a work vehicle having one or more power modes, as illustrated in the figures of the drawings briefly described above, are described below. In general, the disclosed systems and methods (and work vehicles implementing the systems and methods) provide improved productivity gains over conventional systems by determining the productivity of the work vehicle as the maximum hydraulic flow of the work vehicle's hydraulic system at each of a plurality of operating speeds of the work vehicle for each of the power modes of the hydraulic system and generating an operator interface for display on a display that exemplifies the productivity of the work vehicle as the maximum hydraulic flow of the hydraulic system at each operating speed for each of the power modes. By displaying the productivity of the work vehicle at various operating speeds for each of the power modes, the operator can visually distinguish which operating speed and/or power mode can improve the productivity of the work vehicle. For example, an operator may identify that a work vehicle is more productive for a given application at a particular operating speed in a particular power mode than for other work situations based on an operator interface generated according to the systems and methods of the present disclosure. Further, because the fuel consumption of a work vehicle typically varies at various operating speeds, an operator may recognize, based on an operator interface generated according to the systems and methods of the present disclosure, that a particular operating speed with a known lower fuel consumption may be more productive than another operating speed with a known higher fuel consumption. Thus, the systems and methods of the present disclosure enable an operator to easily identify available productivity of a work vehicle and identify more (or most) productive operating speeds and power modes of the work vehicle, which in turn increases productivity of the work vehicle.

The discussion herein may sometimes focus on example applications of the capacity acquisition systems and methods for excavators. In other applications, other configurations are possible. For example, the work vehicle in some embodiments may be configured as a variety of loaders, including a wheel loader, a tractor loader, a track loader, or the like. Further, the work vehicle may be configured as a machine other than an engineering vehicle, including machines from the agricultural, forestry, and mining industries (such as tractors, combines, harvesters, feller stackers, and the like). Thus, the configuration of the productivity acquisition system and method for use with an excavator is merely an example.

Further, it should be noted that while the discussion herein may sometimes focus on an example of productivity of the work vehicle determined as a maximum hydraulic flow of the work vehicle's hydraulic system at each of a plurality of operating speeds of the work vehicle for each of the power modes of the hydraulic system, other configurations are possible. For example, the productivity of the work vehicle may be determined as a maximum implement speed of an implement coupled to the work vehicle at each of a plurality of operating speeds of the work vehicle for each of the power modes of the hydraulic system of the work vehicle. In this regard, in the example of a hydraulically driven implement, the maximum speed of the implement is determined based on the maximum hydraulic flow of the hydraulic system. Thus, determining the productivity of the work vehicle based on the maximum hydraulic flow of the hydraulic system of the work vehicle at each of a plurality of operating speeds of the work vehicle for each of the power modes of the hydraulic system is merely an example.

In this example, the controller retrieves the number or range of operating speeds associated with the work vehicle and the number or range of power modes associated with the work vehicle from a data store associated with the work vehicle. In this regard, a particular work vehicle may have a predetermined or factory set number of operating speeds and a predetermined or factory set number of power modes. Based on the number of operating speeds and the number of power modes, the controller determines an available productivity of the work vehicle. In one example, the controller queries the data store and retrieves a maximum hydraulic flow from a hydraulic system of a hydraulic pump driven by an engine of the work vehicle for each of the operating speeds in each of the power modes.

Based on the maximum hydraulic flow at each operating speed of the first power mode, the controller generates a first power operator interface that includes a plurality of bars, wherein each bar is associated with a single one of the operating speeds of the engine. In particular embodiments, each bar may be associated with a single range of a plurality of ranges of engine speeds. For example, a single bar may represent 1000-1100RPM for a range of engine speeds between 1000 Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) and 1800 RPM. The height of each bar is associated with and determined based on the maximum hydraulic flow available at the particular operating speed in the first power mode. In certain embodiments, the height of the individual bars is scaled to provide a smoother arrangement of the plurality of bars rendered by the controller on the display.

Based on the maximum hydraulic flow at each operating speed of the second power mode, the controller generates a second power operator interface, which may include a plurality of bars, wherein each bar is associated with a single one of the operating speeds of the engine. In particular embodiments, each bar may be associated with a single range of a plurality of ranges of engine speeds. For example, a single bar may represent 1000-1100RPM for a range of engine speeds between 1000 Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) and 1800 RPM. The height of each bar is associated with and determined based on the maximum hydraulic flow available at the particular operating speed in the second power mode. In certain embodiments, the height of the individual bars is scaled to provide a smoother arrangement of the plurality of bars rendered by the controller on the display.

Based on the operator commanded speed of operation and the operator selected power mode (if selected), the controller generates and renders a first power operator interface and a second power operator interface on the display, with at least one of the plurality of bars of the respective power operator interface shaded or filled in to represent the commanded speed of operation in the selected power mode. In this example, the controller renders a first power operator interface and a second power operator interface superimposed on each other based on the power mode selected by the operator. Generally, the bar of the first power operator interface associated with the respective operating speed is superimposed over the bar of the second power operator interface associated with the respective operating speed (and vice versa) to visually indicate the difference in maximum hydraulic flow for that operating speed in each power mode. If the power mode is not selected, the controller may render a first power operator interface superimposed over a second power operator interface (i.e., the default power mode may be the first power mode). As such, the controller generally includes hardware, firmware, processing logic, and/or other components configured to control the display and/or rendering of one or more operator interfaces on the display related to productivity of the work vehicle.

As noted above, the disclosed productivity acquisition systems and methods may be used with respect to a variety of work vehicles, including excavators, loaders, graders, tractors, combine harvesters, semi-truck trailers, and the like. Referring to fig. 1, in some embodiments, the disclosed productivity acquisition system may be used with a work vehicle 12 (such as an excavator) to assess productivity of work vehicle 12 and generate an operator interface for display on a display illustrating productivity of work vehicle 12.

In the depicted embodiment, work vehicle 12 includes an upper frame 10 pivotally mounted to a base frame 104. The upper frame 102 may be pivotally mounted on the chassis 104 by means of a threaded pivot 108. The upper frame 102 may rotate approximately 360 degrees on the threaded pivot 108 relative to the chassis 104. A hydraulic motor (not shown) may drive a gear train (not shown) for pivoting the upper frame 102 about the threaded pivot 108.

The chassis 104 may include a pair of ground engaging rails 106 on opposite sides of the chassis 104 for movement along the ground. Alternatively, work vehicle 12 may include wheels for engaging the ground. Upper frame 102 includes a cab 110 for operator control of work vehicle 12. The cab 110 includes a human machine interface 114. The human machine interface 114 may be constructed in various ways. In some embodiments, the human machine interface 114 includes an operator input device 116, the operator input device 116 including one or more joysticks, various switches or levers, one or more buttons, a touch screen interface that may be overlaid on the display 118, a keyboard, a speaker, a microphone associated with a voice recognition system, a control pedal, or various other human machine interface devices. Human machine interface 114 also includes a display 118, which display 118 may be implemented as a flat panel display or other display type integrated with a dashboard or console of work vehicle 12. Although a single display 118 is illustrated in fig. 1, it will be understood that display 118 may include any number of displays viewable by an operator of work vehicle 12. The display 118 includes any suitable technology for displaying information, including but not limited to a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED), plasma, or a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT). In this example, the display 118 is an electronic display capable of graphically displaying one or more power operator interfaces superimposed on top of each other under the control of the controller 144. Those skilled in the art will recognize other techniques for implementing display 118 in work vehicle 12. An operator may actuate one or more devices of human machine interface 114 for the purpose of operating work vehicle 12 and providing input to the productivity acquisition systems and methods of the present disclosure. For example, operator input device 116 includes a button 116a that receives an operator input selecting a power mode (such as a high power mode or high setting) of work vehicle 12. Operator input device 116 may also include a dial 116b, which dial 116b may be moved or rotated by an operator to select an operating speed of work vehicle 12. In the example of the turntable 116b, a sensor 116c (such as a rotary encoder or the like) observes at least a portion of the turntable 116b and generates a sensor signal based thereon, which is provided to the controller 144.

Work vehicle 12 also includes a large boom 120 extending from upper frame 102 adjacent cab 110. The boom 120 may be rotated about a vertical arc by actuating a pair of boom cylinders 122. A rod or arm 124 is rotatably mounted at one end of the boom 120 and its position is controlled by a hydraulic cylinder 126. The opposite end of the boom 120 is coupled to the upper frame 102. At the end opposite the boom 120, a rod or arm 124 is mounted to an excavator bucket 128 that is pivotable relative to the arm 124 by means of a hydraulic cylinder 130.

Upper frame 102 of work vehicle 12 includes a housing cover to protect a propulsion system (such as engine 132). At the end opposite the cab 110, the upper frame 102 includes a counterweight body 134. The counterweight 134 comprises a housing filled with a material to add weight to the machine and offset the load collected in the bucket 128. Offsetting the weight may improve the digging performance of job measurement 12.

Work vehicle 12 also includes one or more pumps 140 (such as, for example, hydraulic pumps) driven by engine 132 of work vehicle 12. To drive the

hydraulic cylinders

122, 126, 130, flow from the pump 140 may be routed through various control valves 142 and various conduits (e.g., flexible hoses). The flow from pump 140 may also power various other components of work vehicle 12. To move the

hydraulic cylinders

122, 126, 130 relative to the upper frame 102 and, thus, the bucket 128 relative to the upper frame 102, the flow from the pump 140 may be controlled in various ways (e.g., by control of various control valves 142). In this manner, for example, movement of the bucket 128 to carry material between the material loading position and the rewind position R may be accomplished by various control signals to the pump 140, control valve 142, and the like. Generally, hydraulic system 139 of work vehicle 12 includes one or more pumps 140, various control valves 142, various conduits (e.g., flexible hoses), and

hydraulic cylinders

122, 126, 130.

Generally, controller 144 (or controllers) may be provided to generally control various aspects of the operation of work vehicle 12. The controller 144 (or other) may be configured as a computing device with associated processor device and memory architecture, as a hardwired computing circuit (or circuits), as a programmable circuit, as a hydraulic, electrical, or electro-hydraulic controller, or the like. As can be seen, controller 144 may be configured to perform various computing and control functions with respect to work vehicle 12 (or other machine). In some embodiments, the controller 144 may be configured to receive input signals (e.g., such as hydraulic signals, voltage signals, current signals, etc.) in various formats and to output command signals (e.g., such as hydraulic signals, voltage signals, current signals, mechanical movements, etc.) in various formats. In some embodiments, the controller 144 (or portions thereof) may be configured as an assembly of hydraulic components (e.g., valves, flow lines, pistons, and cylinders, etc.) such that control of various devices may be performed using and based on hydraulic, mechanical, or other signals and movements.

Controller 144 may be in electronic, hydraulic, mechanical, or other communication with various other systems or devices of work vehicle 12 (or other machines). For example, controller 144 may be in electronic or hydraulic communication with various actuators, sensors, and other devices within (or outside) work vehicle 12, including various devices associated with pump 140, control valve 142, and the like. Controller 144 may communicate with other systems or devices in a variety of known ways, including via a CAN bus (not shown) of work vehicle 12, via wireless or hydraulic communication means, or otherwise. An example location of the controller 144 is depicted in fig. 1. However, it will be understood that other locations (including other locations on work vehicle 12 or various remote locations) are possible. The controller 144 receives input commands via the human machine interface 114 and interacts with an operator.

Various sensors may also be provided to observe various conditions associated with work vehicle 12. In some embodiments, various sensors 150 (e.g., pressure, flow, or other sensors) may be disposed near pump 140 and control valve 142, or elsewhere on work vehicle 12. For example, sensors 150 may include one or more pressure sensors that observe pressure within hydraulic system 139 (such as pressure associated with at least one of one or more

hydraulic cylinders

122, 126, 130). Sensor 150 may also observe the pressure associated with pump 140. In some embodiments, various sensors may be disposed near bucket 128.

Various sensors 152 (e.g., bucket position sensors) may also be disposed on bucket 128 or near bucket 128 in order to measure parameters (such as the orientation of bucket 128 relative to arm 124, such as whether bucket 128 is in a loading, roll-back, or dump position). In some embodiments, sensor 152 comprises an angular position sensor coupled between arm 124 and bucket 128 to detect an angular orientation of bucket 128 relative to arm 124.

The various components described above (or other components) may be used to control movement of bucket 128 via control of movement of one or more

hydraulic cylinders

122, 126, 130. Accordingly, these components may be considered to be part of a control system (forming part) of work vehicle 12. The

various sensors

150 and 152 and the man-machine interface 114 communicate with the controller 144 via a suitable communication architecture, such as a CAN bus.

In various embodiments, controller 144 includes a productivity acquisition control module 160 embedded within controller 144. In various embodiments, productivity acquisition control module 160 generates an operator interface for display on display 118 that instantiates the available productivity of work vehicle 12 based on input received from operator input device 116 and also based on the productivity acquisition systems and methods of the present disclosure.

Referring now also to fig. 2, a dataflow diagram illustrates various embodiments of a productivity acquisition system 200 of work vehicle 12, which productivity acquisition system 200 may be embedded within a productivity acquisition control module 160 of controller 144. Various embodiments of the productivity acquisition system 200 according to the present disclosure may include any number of sub-modules embedded within the controller 144. As can be appreciated, the sub-modules shown in fig. 2 may be combined and/or further partitioned to similarly generate an operator interface for display on display 118 that exemplifies productivity of work vehicle 12. Inputs to productivity acquisition system 200 may be received from operator input device 116 (fig. 1), received from other control modules (not shown) associated with work vehicle 12, and/or determined/modeled by other sub-modules (not shown) within controller 144. In various embodiments, productivity acquisition control module 160 includes a productivity determination module 202, a sheet data store 204, a work vehicle data store 205, a display manager module 206, and an Operator Interface (OI) control module 208.

Table data storage 204 stores one or more tables (e.g., look-up tables) indicating maximum hydraulic flow values for pump 140 based on a particular engine speed and a particular power mode. In other words, table data storage 204 stores one or more tables providing maximum hydraulic flow values based on various operating speeds associated with engine 132 of work vehicle 12 and power modes associated with hydraulic system 139 of work vehicle 12. The one or more tables include a calibration table obtained based on experimental data. In various embodiments, the table may be an interpolation table defined by one or more indices. Flow value 210 provided by at least one of the tables indicates a maximum hydraulic flow output by hydraulic pump 140 of work vehicle 12 based on the operating speed of engine 132 and the power mode of hydraulic system 139. As an example, one or more tables may be indexed by various parameters (such as, but not limited to, engine operating speed and power mode) to provide the flow value 210.

Work vehicle data storage 205 stores one or more parameters associated with work vehicle 12. For example, work vehicle data memory 205 stores operating speed data 212 and power mode data 214. The operating speed data 212 is a range of operating speeds of the transmitter 132. Typically, operating speed data 212 is a factory defined or default value that is associated with a particular model of work vehicle 12 and stored in work vehicle data storage 205. In the following exemplary work vehicle 12, the operating speed data 212 includes a range of 15 speeds, however, it will be understood that a particular engine of a particular work vehicle 12 may be operated at any number of speeds. The power mode data 214 is a range of power modes of operation of the hydraulic system 139. Typically, power mode data 214 is a factory defined or default value that is associated with a particular model of work vehicle 12 and stored in work vehicle data storage 205. In the exemplary work vehicle 12 below, power mode data 214 is a high setting or a low setting (e.g., low, economic, or standard), however, it will be appreciated that a particular hydraulic system 139 of a particular work vehicle 12 may operate in any number of power modes. Operating speed data 212 and/or power mode data 214 may also be retrieved from other control modules (not shown) associated with work vehicle 12 or from memory associated with work vehicle 12.

Productivity determination module 202 retrieves operating speed data 212 and power mode data 214 from work vehicle data storage 205. Based on the operating speed data 212, the productivity determination module 202 retrieves the flow value 210 associated with each of the operating speeds in the operating speed data 212 for each of the power modes in the power mode data 214. Productivity determination module 202 sets this data as productivity data 216 for display manager module 206. Thus, the productivity data 216 is the maximum hydraulic flow for each engine operating speed in each power mode.

Display manager module 206 receives as input productivity data 216. Based on productivity data 216, display manager module 206 determines first power Operator Interface (OI) data 218 for OI control module 208. In one example, the display manager module 206 determines the first power OI data 218 based on the following equation:

where "maximum hydraulic flow" is the maximum hydraulic flow associated with a single operating speed of the first power mode and "engine speed" is the single operating speed of the first power mode, both of which are received in the productivity data 216 associated with the first power mode. The display manager module 206 calculates a scaled value for each engine speed of the first power mode. The display manager module 206 determines the scaled values determined for each operating speed in the first power mode as the first power OI data 218. It should be noted that the use of "1000" as a scaling factor is merely exemplary, as any factor (including 1) may be used to determine the scaled value of the first power OI data 218.

Based on productivity data 216, display manager module 206 also determines second power Operator Interface (OI) data 220 for OI control module 208. In one example, the display manager module 206 determines the second power OI data 220 based on the following equation:

where "maximum hydraulic flow" is the maximum hydraulic flow associated with a single operating speed for the second power mode and "engine speed" is the single operating speed for the second power mode, both of which are received in the productivity data 216 associated with the second power mode. The display manager module 206 calculates a scaled value for each engine speed of the second power mode. The display manager module 206 determines the scaled values determined for each operating speed in the second power mode as the second power OI data 220. It should be noted that the use of "1000" as a scaling factor is merely exemplary, as any factor (including 1) may be used to determine the scaled value of the second power OI data 218.

Display manager module 206 also receives as input a current power mode 222 and a commanded operating speed 224 from OI control module 208. The current power mode 222 is the power mode selected by the operator via the operator input device 116. In this example, the current power mode 222 is a high setting or a low setting. The commanded operating speed 224 is the operating speed of the engine 132 selected by the operator via the operator input device 116. In this example, the commanded operating speed 224 is one of the 15 operating speeds associated with the engine 132.

Based on the current power mode 222 and the commanded operating speed 224, the display manager module 206 produces fill data 226. Fill data 226 includes instructions for filling, shading, highlighting, or otherwise graphically indicating the selected power mode and commanded operating speed on display 118. For example, as will be discussed in more detail below, based on the current power mode 222 being a high setting, and the commanded operating speed being 3, the padding data 226 indicates that the first three scaled values (associated with the first three operating speeds) associated with the second power OI data 220 are shaded. As a further example, based on the current power mode 222 as a no high setting and the commanded operating speed as 5, the padding data 226 indicates that the first five scaled values (associated with the first five operating speeds) associated with the first power OI data 218 are shaded. The padding data 226 may also indicate which of the first power OI data 218 or the second power OI data 220 should be superimposed on the other of the first power OI data 218 and the second power OI data 220.

OI control module 208 receives as input operator input data 228. OI control module 208 processes and interprets operator input data 228 and sets current power mode 222 and commanded operating speed 224 for display manager module 206. In one example, the current power mode 222 is received from a button 116a (FIG. 1) associated with the operator input device 116 that may be moved or pressed by the operator to select a high setting. In another example, the commanded operational speed 224 is received as an input to the dial 116b (FIG. 1) that is rotated to the selected operational speed. A sensor 116c (fig. 1), such as a rotary encoder or similar device, is used to observe the position of the turntable 116b and generate a sensor signal based thereon, which is interpreted by the OI control module 208 to determine the position of the turntable 116 b. The determined position of the dial 116b is set to the commanded operating speed 224.

OI control module 208 also receives as inputs first power OI data 218, second power OI data 220, and pad data 226. Based on current power mode 222, first power OI data 218, second power OI data 220, and pad data 226, OI control module 208 outputs OI data 230 for display 118 for rendering on display 118. In general, OI data 230 includes a first power operator interface 232 and a second power operator interface 234, where first power operator interface 232 is generated based on first power OI data 218 and second power operator interface 234 is generated based on second power OI data 220. In one example, the first power operator interface 232 is a command to render a plurality of bars, where each bar corresponds to one of the operating speeds of the engine 132 for the first power mode (e.g., not high setting). The height of each of the plurality of bars of the first power operator interface 232 corresponds to a scaled value associated with a particular operating speed. Similarly, the second power operator interface 234 is a command for rendering a plurality of bars, where each bar corresponds to one of the operating speeds of the engine 132 for the second power mode (e.g., high setting). The height of each of the plurality of bars of the second power operator interface 234 corresponds to a scaled value associated with a particular operating speed for the second power mode (e.g., high setting). OI data 230 also includes a stuff command 236 for one or more of the plurality of strips determined based on stuff data 226.

For example, based on the current power mode 222 being a high setting, the OI control module 208 outputs OI data 230 indicating that a second power operator interface 234 generated based on the second power OI data 220 is superimposed in front of or on a first power operator interface 232 generated based on the first power OI data 218, wherein the OI data 230 includes fill commands 236 for shading one or more of the bars in the second power operator interface 234 corresponding to the selected operating speed based on the fill data 226. Similarly, based on the current power mode 222 as a not-high setting, the OI control module 208 outputs OI data 230 indicating that a first power operator interface 232 generated based on the first power OI data 218 is superimposed in front of or on a second power operator interface 234 generated based on the second power OI data 220, wherein the OI data 230 includes fill commands 236 for shading one or more of the bars in the first power operator interface 232 corresponding to the selected operating speed based on the fill data 226. Generally, respective ones of the plurality of bars in the first power operator interface 232 are superimposed over respective ones of the plurality of bars of the second power operator interface 234 (and vice versa) to visually indicate differences in available productivity between power modes at various operating speeds.

For example, referring to FIG. 3, an exemplary operator interface 300 is shown, the operator interface 300 being rendered for display on the display 118 based on OI data 230. In this example, the commanded operating speed 224 is operating speed 1 and the current power mode 222 is not high setting. The first power operator interface 232 corresponding to the no high setting is superimposed in front of or on the second power operator interface 234. The first power operator interface 232 includes a plurality of bars 302, wherein each of the bars 302 corresponds to one of 15 operating speeds. The height 304 of each of the bars 302 corresponds to a scaled value determined based on the maximum hydraulic flow at a particular engine speed, as calculated using equation (1). The second power operator interface 234 includes a plurality of bars 306, wherein each of the bars 306 corresponds to one of 15 operating speeds. The height 308 of each of the bars 306 corresponds to a scaled value determined based on the maximum hydraulic flow at a particular engine speed, as calculated using equation (2). Fill command 236 is for run speed 1 and shadow 310 is generated.

In this and the following examples, the first power operator interface 232 is rendered in a color different from the color of the second power operator interface 234, and the shadow 306 is rendered in a color different from the color associated with each of the first and second power operator interfaces 232, 234. It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to different colors, but different line types, line widths, etc. may be employed, and further, the shading 306 need not include solid fill, but may include patterns, stripes, etc. In this manner, the depicted bar may instead be any of a variety of graphical indicia (e.g., points, lines, areas of various shapes, etc.) suitable to imply the parameters described herein. Further, the first power operator interface 232 need not include shading 306, but instead other graphical display methods (such as different line colors or line widths for the respective bars 302) may be employed to represent the selected operating speed. In addition, OI data 230 may also cause display 118 to render one or more guidelines that are superimposed over first power operator interface 232 and/or second power operator interface 234 to enable an operator to clearly distinguish between the current scaled value and the scaled value at different operating speeds or power modes.

In another example, referring to FIG. 4, an exemplary operator interface 400 is shown, the operator interface 400 being rendered for display on the display 118 based on the OI data 230. Because operator interface 400 includes the same elements as operator interface 300 discussed with respect to fig. 3, the same reference numbers will be used. In this example, the commanded operating speed 224 is operating speed 1 and the current power mode 222 is a high setting. A second power operator interface 234 corresponding to a high setting is superimposed in front of or on the first power operator interface 232. In this example, the second power operator interface 234 is superimposed over the first power operator interface 232 such that the first power operator interface 232 is not visible on the display 118. The second power operator interface 234 includes a plurality of bars 306, wherein a height 308 of each bar 306 corresponds to a scaled value determined based on equation (2). Fill command 236 is for run speed 1 and shadow 310 is generated.

In a further example, referring to FIG. 5, an exemplary operator interface 500 is shown, the operator interface 500 being rendered for display on the display 118 based on the OI data 230. Because operator interface 500 includes the same elements as operator interface 300 discussed with respect to fig. 3, the same reference numbers will be used. In this example, the commanded operating speed 224 is operating speed 7 and the current power mode 222 is not high setting. The first power operator interface 232 corresponding to the no high setting is superimposed in front of or on the second power operator interface 234. The first power operator interface 232 includes a plurality of bars 302, wherein a height 304 of each bar 302 corresponds to a scaled value determined based on equation (1). The second power operator interface 234 includes a plurality of bars 306, wherein a height 308 of each bar 306 corresponds to a scaled value determined based on equation (2). Fill command 236 is for run speed 7 and creates a shadow 310, which shadow 310 fills the first 7 bars 302 of the first power operator interface 232.

In another example, referring to FIG. 6, an exemplary operator interface 600 is shown, the operator interface 600 being rendered for display on the display 118 based on the OI data 230. Because operator interface 600 includes the same elements as operator interface 300 discussed with respect to fig. 3, the same reference numbers will be used. In this example, the commanded operating speed 224 is operating speed 7 and the current power mode 222 is a high setting. A second power operator interface 234 corresponding to a high setting is superimposed in front of or on the first power operator interface 232. In this example, the second power operator interface 234 is superimposed over the first power operator interface 232 such that the first power operator interface 232 is not visible on the display 118. The second power operator interface 234 includes a plurality of bars 306, wherein a height 308 of each bar 306 corresponds to a scaled value determined based on equation (2). Fill command 236 is for run speed 7 and creates a shadow 310, which shadow 310 fills the first 7 bars 306 of second power operator interface 234.

In a further example, referring to FIG. 7, an exemplary operator interface 700 is shown, the operator interface 700 being rendered for display on the display 118 based on the OI data 230. Because operator interface 700 includes the same elements as operator interface 300 discussed with respect to fig. 3, the same reference numbers will be used. In this example, the commanded operating speed 224 is operating speed 15 and the current power mode 222 is not high setting. The first power operator interface 232 corresponding to the no high setting is superimposed in front of or on the second power operator interface 234. The first power operator interface 232 includes a plurality of bars 302, wherein a height 304 of each bar 302 corresponds to a scaled value determined based on equation (1). The second power operator interface 234 includes a plurality of bars 306, wherein a height 308 of each bar 306 corresponds to a scaled value determined based on equation (2). Fill command 236 is for run speed 15 and creates a shadow 310, which shadow 310 fills the first 15 bars 302 of the first power operator interface 232.

In another example, referring to FIG. 8, an exemplary operator interface 800 is shown, the operator interface 800 being rendered for display on the display 118 based on the OI data 230. Because operator interface 800 includes the same elements as operator interface 300 discussed with respect to fig. 3, the same reference numbers will be used. In this example, the commanded operating speed 224 is operating speed 15 and the current power mode 222 is a high setting. A second power operator interface 234 corresponding to a high setting is superimposed in front of or on the first power operator interface 232. In this example, the second power operator interface 234 is superimposed over the first power operator interface 232 such that the first power operator interface 232 is not visible on the display 118. The second power operator interface 234 includes a plurality of bars 306, wherein a height 308 of each bar 306 corresponds to a scaled value determined based on equation (2). Fill command 236 is for run speed 15 and creates a shadow 310, which shadow 310 fills the first 15 bars 306 of second power operator interface 234.

Referring now also to fig. 9, a flow chart illustrates a method 900 that may be performed by the controller 144 of fig. 1 and 2 in accordance with the present disclosure. As can be appreciated in light of this disclosure, the order of operations within the method is not limited to being performed in the order as depicted in fig. 9, but may be performed in one or more varying orders as applicable and in accordance with the present disclosure.

In various embodiments, for example, the method may be arranged to run based on predetermined events, and/or may run based on receipt of operator input data 228.

In one example, the method begins at 902. At 904, the method determines a range of operating speeds of the engine 132 based on the retrieved operating speed data 212 and determines one or more power modes associated with the engine 132 based on the retrieved power mode data 214. At 906, the method determines a maximum hydraulic flow available to the hydraulic system 139 from the pump 140 by retrieving the flow value 210 from the table data store 204 based on the operating speed data 212 and the power mode data 214. The method retrieves the maximum hydraulic flow associated with each operating speed for each power mode associated with the engine 132.

At 908, the method determines whether a commanded operational speed 224 has been received via the operator input device 116, such as the dial 116b (fig. 1). If true, the method proceeds to 910. Otherwise, the method loops.

At 910, the method determines whether a power mode has been received via the operator input device 116, such as the dial 116b (fig. 1). If true, the method proceeds to 912 and sets the current power mode 222 to the power mode received as input to the operator input device 116. Otherwise, at 914, the method sets the current power mode 222 to a default power mode, which is a predefined factory setting value retrieved from a memory associated with the controller 144. For example, the default current power mode may include a not high setting.

At 916, the method determines the productivity of work vehicle 12 as the maximum hydraulic flow from pump 140 for hydraulic system 139 at the respective operating speeds for each of the power modes, or determines productivity data 216. At 918, the method generates an operator interface based on the OI data 230 that illustrates productivity of the work vehicle 12 based on the current power mode 222 and the commanded operating speed 224; rendering an operator interface on the display 118 that includes a first power operator interface 232 and a second power operator interface 234; and, setting timer T to zero. At 920, the method determines whether the timer T is greater than a threshold. For example, the threshold is a time value (such as about 60 seconds) stored in a memory associated with the controller 144. By rendering OI data 230 on display 118 for a particular period of time, an operator may view the productivity of work vehicle 12 based on an initial adjustment in operating speed, which may reduce clutter on display 118. It should be noted, however, that OI data 230 including first power operator interface 232 and/or second power operator interface 234 may be displayed throughout operation of work vehicle 12 or the power-on cycle of engine 132.

If the timer T is greater than the threshold, the method proceeds to 908. By proceeding to 908, the method can update the operator interface to graphically illustrate the maximum hydraulic flow available for the next commanded operating speed and/or power mode received via the operator input device 116. Otherwise, the method loops. The method may end when a shutdown request is received via the operator input device 116.

Referring now also to fig. 10, a flow chart illustrates a method 1000 that may be performed by the controller 144 of fig. 1 and 2 to generate the operator interface of block 918 of fig. 9 based on the OI data 230 in accordance with the present disclosure. As may be understood in light of this disclosure, the order of operations within the method is not limited to being performed in the order shown in fig. 10, but may be performed in one or more varying orders as applicable and in accordance with the present disclosure.

In various embodiments, for example, the method may be arranged to operate based on predetermined events and/or may operate based on receipt of a commanded operating speed from the operator input device 116.

Referring to fig. 10, the method begins at 1002. At 1004, the method generates a first power operator interface 232, the first power operator interface 232 illustrating productivity of the work vehicle 12 for various operating speeds associated with the engine 132 of the work vehicle 12 in the first power mode. The method generates a first power operator interface 232, the first power operator interface 232 including a plurality of bars 302 each associated with a single one of the operating speeds for the first power mode, wherein a height 304 of each bar 302 corresponds to a scaled value determined based on equation (1). At 1006, the method generates a second power operator interface 234, the second power operator interface 234 instantiating productivity of the work vehicle 12 for various operating speeds associated with the engine 132 of the work vehicle 12 in the second power mode. The method generates a second power operator interface 234, the second power operator interface 234 including a plurality of bars 306 each associated with a single one of the operating speeds for the second power mode, wherein a height 308 of each bar 306 corresponds to a scaled value determined based on equation (2).

At 1008, the method superimposes one of the first power operator interface 232 or the second power operator interface 234 on the other of the first power operator interface 232 and the second power operator interface 234 based on the current power mode 222. At 1010, the method outputs a fill for one or more of the plurality of

bars

302, 306 based on the commanded operating speed 224 and the current power mode 222. The method ends at 1012.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, certain aspects of the disclosed subject matter may be embodied as methods, systems (e.g., a work vehicle control system included in a work vehicle), or computer program products. Accordingly, particular embodiments may be implemented entirely as hardware, entirely as software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or as a combination of software and hardware (or other) aspects. Furthermore, particular embodiments may take the form of a computer program product on a computer-usable storage medium having computer-usable program code embodied in the medium.

Any suitable computer usable or computer readable medium may be utilized. The computer usable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. For example, a computer-usable or computer-readable storage medium (including storage devices associated with computing devices or client electronic devices) may be, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer-readable medium would include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a Random Access Memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device. In the context of this document, a computer-usable or computer-readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal with computer readable program code embodied therein (e.g., in baseband or as part of a carrier wave). Such a propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer readable signal medium may be non-transitory and may be any computer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

Aspects of particular embodiments described herein may be described with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of any such flowchart and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in such flowchart and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

Any flow charts and block diagrams in the figures or similar discussions above may illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block (or otherwise described herein) may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks (or operations) may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and any combination of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems which perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The description of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. The embodiments expressly referenced herein were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure and its practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure and to recognize various alternatives, modifications, and variations to the described examples. Accordingly, various embodiments and implementations other than those explicitly described are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A method of obtaining available capacity of a work vehicle having an engine, a hydraulic system operable in one or more power modes, and an implement movable by the hydraulic system, the method comprising the steps of:

determining a range of operating speeds of the engine;

determining a maximum hydraulic flow available to the hydraulic system at each of the operating speeds of the engine and for each of the power modes;

determining the productivity of the work vehicle as the maximum hydraulic flow for the hydraulic system at each of the operating speeds for each of the power modes; and

generating an operator interface for display on a display showing the productivity of the work vehicle as the maximum hydraulic flow for the hydraulic system at each of the operating speeds for each of the power modes.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

receiving a commanded operating speed of the engine from a source associated with the work vehicle; and

updating the operator interface to graphically illustrate a maximum hydraulic flow that can be used for the commanded operating speed.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising the steps of:

determining a current power mode of the hydraulic system; and

updating the operator interface to graphically illustrate a maximum hydraulic flow available for the commanded operating speed in the current power mode.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein generating the operator interface for display on the display further comprises:

generating a first power operator interface showing the productivity of the work vehicle as the maximum hydraulic flow for the hydraulic system for each of the operating speeds in a first power mode; and

generating a second power operator interface showing the productivity of the work vehicle as the maximum hydraulic flow for the hydraulic system for each of the operating speeds in a second power mode different from the first power mode.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the method further comprises the steps of: superimposing the first power operator interface on the second power operator interface.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein each of the first and second power operator interfaces includes a plurality of bars, wherein each of the plurality of bars is associated with a single one of the operating speeds for a respective one of the first and second power modes.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of bars has a height, and the height of each of the plurality of bars is associated with the maximum hydraulic flow for the hydraulic system at a respective one of the operating speeds and in the respective power mode.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein generating the operator interface further comprises:

receiving a commanded operating speed of the engine from an input device;

determining a current power mode of the hydraulic system; and

outputting a fill for at least one bar of the plurality of bars based on the commanded operating speed and the current power mode to graphically illustrate the available productivity of the work vehicle at the commanded operating speed.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein generating the operator interface further comprises:

superimposing, for each operating speed, a respective bar of the plurality of bars of the first power operator interface over a respective bar of the plurality of bars of the second power operator interface.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

receiving a commanded operating speed of the engine from an input device; and

generating the operator interface based on the receiving.

11. The method of claim 4, wherein the first power operator interface is associated with a first color, the second power operator interface is associated with a second color, and the first color is different from the second color.

12. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

receiving a commanded operating speed of the engine from a source associated with the work vehicle;

determining a current power mode of the hydraulic system from a source associated with the work vehicle; and

updating the operator interface to graphically illustrate the maximum hydraulic flow available for the commanded operating speed in the current power mode.

13. A system for acquiring available productivity of a work vehicle having an engine, a hydraulic system operable in one or more power modes, and an implement movable by the hydraulic system, the system comprising:

means for determining a range of operating speeds of the engine;

means for determining a maximum hydraulic flow available to the hydraulic system at each of the operating speeds of the engine and for each of the power modes;

means for determining the productivity of the work vehicle as the maximum hydraulic flow for the hydraulic system at each of the operating speeds for each of the power modes; and

means for generating an operator interface for display on a display showing the productivity of the work vehicle as the maximum hydraulic flow for the hydraulic system at each of the operating speeds for each of the power modes.