System for monitoring functions of a work machine

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-10901408-B2
Application number	US-201715430986-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Feb 27, 2017
Priority date	Mar 8, 2016
Publication date	Jan 26, 2021
Grant date	Jan 26, 2021

Abstract

A system for monitoring functions of a work machine. The system comprises an electronically readable identifier associated with an operator of the work machine. A user interface operable by the operator. A processor communicatively coupled to the user interface. At least one control device, wherein the at least one control device is configured to control operations of the work machine or an implement coupled to the work machine in response to receipt of an output signal generated by the processor. The processor is configured to execute a set of instructions stored on a memory such that when executed the processor is programmed to: read out the electronically readable identifier and obtain, via the user interface, an input selection of a desired device function assigned in an authorization database to the electronically readable identifier and to activate a desired function for a limited time duration that is defined or that is specified by means of the user interface.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A system for monitoring functions of a work machine, the system comprising:
an electronically readable identifier assigned to an operator of the work machine, the electronically readable identifier having an identification number associated therewith;
a first controller configured to generate a first output signal to control a work function associated with the work machine in response to receipt of a first enablement signal;
a second controller configured to generate a second output signal to control an agricultural implement coupled to the work machine in response to receipt of a second enablement signal; and
a processor configured to execute a set of instructions stored on a memory to:
generate the first enablement signal or the second enablement signal to activate at least one of the first controller or the second controller based on the work function associated with the identification number from an authorization database and a selected work function, and wherein the first controller or the second controller is configured to cause the selected work function to be performed; and
transmit a data record corresponding to associated costs of the selected work function to a central computer, the data record to cause the central computer to generate billing data for the selected work function based on of the data record.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the authorization database is stored on the central computer located remotely from the work machine and is configured to communicate with the processor via a wireless bidirectional communication link.

3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the processor is coupled to a local memory on which a local copy of the authorization database is stored.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein an authorization assigned to the identification number associated with the electronically readable identifier is retrieved from the authorization database by the central computer if a communications connection is not available.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein different authorization levels are stored in the authorization database, wherein a first authorization level authorizes the operator to activate one or more of a plurality of work functions of the work machine, and a second authorization level authorizes the operator to transmit a query regarding the work function selected by the operator to a remote input and output device via the processor or the central computer, and wherein the processor is programmed to activate the work function after a response has been input at the remote input and output device.

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the work machine is a first work machine, the system further comprising a second processor assigned to a second work machine, wherein the second processor is configured to receive signal inputs from the first work machine such that the work function activated on the first work machine is transmitted to the second processor to allow for the work function to be performed the second work machine.

7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the authorization database is modified by an authorized person after input of an authorization by using a remote communication connection comprising at least one of a mobile radio or an Internet connection.

8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the work function of the work machine comprises at least one of: automated steering of the work machine based on a satellite-assisted navigation system with or without correction signal; automated steering of the work machine by means of a sensor-detected path; synchronization of position and movement path of a plurality of work machines; position based actuation of the work function at a headland; tractor-implement automation; variable application rates; row synchronization; accessibility of physical or electronic user or repair manuals; authorization for online ordering of operating materials or spare parts for the work machine via a user interface; switching to partial widths or single rows based on maps and information regarding the work machine or the agricultural implement position; access to lockable containers on the work machine; maximum travel speed of the work machine in a field or on a road; geographical usage range of the work machine; available engine power of the work machine; starting an engine of the work machine; driving the work machine; user-specific configuration of operating elements or a workplace in the work machine comprising switching on an air conditioner, switching on entertainment electronics onboard the work machine, or switching on communication means of the work machine or the agricultural implement that allow actuation or activation of a stationary unit; or determining an authorization level of the electronically readable identifier for actuating a stationary device.

9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the electronically readable identifier comprises at least one of a memory chip, a physical feature of the operator, a password that can be input into a user interface or a password stored on a portable terminal device or other data stored on the electronically readable identifier.

Assignees

• Deere & Co

Inventors

• Gresch Valentin

Classifications

• B60R25/2081 Primary

  combined with personal settings of other vehicle devices, e.g. mirrors, seats, steering wheels · CPC title

• G06Q50/02

  Agriculture; Fishing; Forestry; Mining · CPC title

• B60R2325/308

  Industrial vehicles · CPC title

• G07F17/0057

  for the hiring or rent of vehicles, e.g. cars, bicycles or wheelchairs (car rental G07B15/00) · CPC title

• B60R25/241

  whereby access privileges are related to the identifiers · CPC title