Work order integration system

Abstract

A work machine control device includes a memory and a processor. The processor can be configured to receive work order data associated with a hauler. The work order data can identify the hauler, a material requested by the hauler, a quantity of the material requested by the hauler, and / or a work machine associated with the material. The processor can be configured to set an operating parameter of the work machine to perform an operation in accordance with the work order data and receive payload data associated with a payload of the work machine. The payload data can relate to a weight of the payload, a volume of the payload, and / or an operating state of the work machine. The processor can be configured to determine productivity data associated with the operation and cause an action to be performed in connection with the productivity data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to quarry operations, and for example, to a work order integration system for quarry operations. Background Technology

[0002] A quarry is a type of work site (e.g., an open-pit mine) where materials (e.g., slab stone, rock, building aggregate, boulders, sand, gravel, slate, etc.) are excavated from the surface. In quarry operations, various types of machinery (e.g., wheel loaders, tracked tractors, bulldozers, excavators, off-road trucks, drilling rigs, conveyor systems, etc.) work together to extract different types of materials from the work site and supply them to tractors dispatched by customers. A quarry may have several stockpiles of specific materials and / or different types of materials located throughout the work site, ready to be loaded onto tractors by wheel loaders and / or other machinery. For example, a wheel loader may be stationed near a stockpile and standby until a tractor approaches and requests material from the stockpile. Once a request for material is received, the wheel loader operator can use the wheel loader's bucket and / or another implement to load the requested quantity of material onto the tractor.

[0003] Quarry operators can implement a work order system to track work orders submitted by customers and / or haulage operators and facilitate quarry operations. For example, a quarry may have a weighing station located near the entrance to the work site that receives work orders from haulage operators, weighs the haulage, and determines its tare weight. The work order may identify the type and quantity (e.g., weight and / or volume) of material requested by the haulage operator. Once the haulage is loaded with the appropriate type and quantity of material, it can be weighed again at the weighing station or a separate weighing station before the material transaction is completed. The weighing station can determine the final weight of the haulage, identify the difference between the tare weight and the final weight, and calculate the total weight of the material already loaded onto the haulage based on this difference.

[0004] In some cases, work orders received by the weighing station may not be adequately transmitted to the wheel loader operator at the work site. In such situations, the wheel loader operator may need to rely on informal cues from the tractor operator to determine whether to load material onto the tractor and, if so, the type and quantity of material to be loaded. For example, the tractor operator may stop and / or position the tractor near the stockpile to signal to the wheel loader operator that material is being loaded from the stockpile. The wheel loader operator may then assume that the tractor operator is requesting material from the stockpile and load the material onto the tractor until the tractor operator signals to the wheel loader operator to stop loading (e.g., via hand signals, verbal communication, etc.). This method is inefficient and error-prone (e.g., the wheel loader operator may misunderstand the cues from the tractor operator and load the wrong type and / or quantity of material onto the tractor).

[0005] In some cases, work orders can be transmitted electronically to the wheel loader operator. A work order may include information identifying the tractor associated with the work order, the type of material requested by the tractor, and the target weight of the material to be supplied to the tractor. The wheel loader operator, positioned at the appropriate stockpile of material, can use the work order information to identify the tractor and load material onto it according to the target weight. In some cases, the wheel loader may be equipped with an onboard weighing system, which allows the wheel loader operator to measure the weight of the material loaded into the wheel loader's bucket and track the weight of the material loaded onto the tractor relative to the target weight. Electronic transmission of work orders allows wheel loader operators to better indicate the type and quantity of material to be loaded, and the tractor to be loaded. However, currently available work order systems still have shortcomings in several aspects.

[0006] Current work order systems do not provide sufficient mapping, inventory, and / or other work site information that may be useful to tractor operators. For example, tractor operators may be unfamiliar with the work site and may not know the general area where a given stockpile is located, or the exact location of the stockpile and / or which stockpile contains the required quantity of the desired material. In some cases, the work site may have several stockpile locations for a particular material, and some stockpile locations may have longer waiting times than others (e.g., longer queues of tractors waiting to load material). In other cases, the work site may not have enough material for the tractor operator to find, or there may be no mechanism to notify the tractor operator of a material shortage. As a result, tractor operators may spend time and resources traveling between stockpiles before identifying the specific stockpile containing the desired quantity of the desired material. Even after reaching the specific stockpile, the tractor may end up waiting in the queue before realizing that the work site does not have sufficient stock of the requested material. In such cases, tractor operators may waste time, fuel, and / or other resources searching for the correct stockpile and / or unnecessarily waiting for material in the queue.

[0007] Currently available work order systems are not fully integrated with individual operating machinery. For example, the accuracy of loading operations performed by wheel loaders depends on manual input (e.g., target weight and / or other operating parameters) and / or configuration by the wheel loader operator. In some cases, the wheel loader operator may enter incorrect operating parameters, such as material type and / or target weight, and load the tractor with the wrong type or quantity of material. As a result, it may take excessive time, fuel, and / or other resources to unload the tractor and reload it with the correct material. In some cases, the tractor operator may manipulate the weight of the material loaded onto the tractor to save on material costs. For example, the tractor operator may add or remove weight from the tractor body by increasing the tare weight and / or decreasing the final weight of the tractor to reduce the apparent weight of the loaded material. Currently available work order systems cannot detect such inconsistencies and cannot verify the actual weight of the loaded material.

[0008] The work order integration system disclosed herein overcomes one or more of the above-mentioned shortcomings. Summary of the Invention

[0009] According to some embodiments, a machine operation control device may include one or more memories; and one or more processors communicatively connected to the one or more memories, the one or more processors being configured to: receive work order data associated with a tractor, the work order data identifying one or more of the tractor, the type of material requested by the tractor, the quantity of the material requested by the tractor, or the machine operation associated with the material; set operating parameters of the machine operation based on the work order data to perform an operation; receive payload data associated with the payload of the machine operation, the payload data relating to one or more of the weight of the payload, the volume of the payload, or the operating state of the machine operation; determine productivity data associated with the operation based on the payload data; and cause an action to be performed in conjunction with the productivity data.

[0010] According to some embodiments, a work site management device may include one or more memories; and one or more processors communicatively connected to the one or more memories, the one or more processors being configured to: determine the position of a tractor relative to a work site; determine work order data associated with the tractor, the work order data identifying the type of material requested by the tractor and the quantity of the material requested by the tractor; determine the availability of the quantity of material requested by the tractor; identify the location of the material based on the determination that the quantity of material is available; select a path between the location of the tractor and the location of the material; and cause an action to be performed based on the path.

[0011] According to some embodiments, a method may include: determining the position of a tractor relative to a work site by means of a device; determining work order data associated with the tractor by means of the device, the work order data identifying one or more of the tractor, materials requested by the tractor, or the quantity of materials requested by the tractor; determining the availability of the quantity of materials requested by the tractor by means of the device; identifying the location of the materials by means of the device based on the determination that the quantity of materials is available; selecting a path between the location of the tractor and the location of the materials by means of the device; transmitting information related to the path to the tractor by means of the device; identifying the operating machinery associated with the materials requested by the tractor by means of the device; and transmitting the work order data to the operating machinery by means of the device. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a diagram of the exemplary work order integration system described in this article.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a diagram of the exemplary operating machinery described in this article.

[0014] Figures 3A-3CThis is a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the control device for the work machinery described herein.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of an exemplary process for managing work orders at a work site.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of an exemplary process for managing operations at a work site. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Figure 1 This is a diagram of the exemplary work order integration system 100 described in this document. Figure 1 As shown, the work order integration system 100 can be used to manage and / or facilitate operations within a work site 102, and includes operating machinery 104, a management platform 106 (e.g., a work site management device), a control station 108, and / or a network storage device 110. The work site 102 may correspond to a quarry (e.g., an open-pit mine, etc.), whereby materials (e.g., slab stone, rock, building aggregate, rubble bed, sand, gravel, slate, etc.) are excavated and supplied to a hauler 112 as part of quarry operations. In some instances, the work site 102 may correspond to a crushing site, a block loading / unloading site, a waste transfer site, a construction site, etc. The work site 102 may include: one or more inlet channels 114 through which the hauler 112 can enter or leave the work site 102; one or more weighing stations 116 for weighing the hauler 112; and one or more stockpiles 118 for a single type of material and / or different types of material extracted from the work site 102.

[0018] like Figure 1As also shown, work site 102 can be configured such that a tractor 112 requiring materials can enter work site 102 through entrance channel 114 and check-in at weighing station 116 to submit a work order for the materials. The operator of weighing station 116 can receive the work order and weigh tractor 112 to determine the tare weight of tractor 112. In another embodiment of the disclosed invention, management platform 106 and / or control station 108 can receive and / or determine the tare weight and / or other check-in data associated with tractor 112 via direct and / or indirect wired and / or wireless communication with tractor 112. Trolley 112 can proceed to one of the stockpiles 118 corresponding to the materials specified in the work order, and operating machinery 104 can initiate a loading operation to load the quantity of materials specified in the work order onto tractor 112. Once the loading operation is complete, tractor 112 can return to weighing station 116 to complete the check-out procedure. The operator of weighing station 116 can weigh tractor 112 to determine its final weight. Based on the tare weight and final weight of tractor 112, the operator confirms the type and weight of the material loaded onto tractor 112 and completes the work order transaction. Once the transaction is completed, tractor 112 can leave the work site 102 via entrance passage 114. Furthermore, upon completion of the transaction, information related to the transaction can be used to update work order data, inventory data, productivity data, etc., and transmitted to the operating machine 104, management platform 106, control station 108, and / or network storage device 110.

[0019] In some implementations, the work order integration system 100 may provide and / or support a work order integration service that receives work order data related to materials requested by the tractor 112, transmits the work order data to the operating machine 104, monitors the productivity data of the operating machine 104, monitors inventory data (e.g., the type, quantity, and / or location of materials available within the work site 102), and so on. The work order integration service may provide work order data, productivity data, and / or inventory data to operators, site foremen, supervisors, and / or other users of the work order integration service in the form of reports, graphical representations, digital models (e.g., two-dimensional and / or three-dimensional digital models), and so on. The work order data, productivity data, and / or inventory data may be updated intermittently, periodically, and / or continuously in real time, and be accessible to local operators (e.g., via a user interface associated with the operating machine 104, tractor 112, and / or weighing station 116) and / or remote operators (e.g., via a user interface associated with control station 108).

[0020] In some implementations, the work order integration system 100 may include multiple operating machines 104, multiple control stations 108, multiple management platforms 106, and / or multiple network storage devices 110. In some instances, the work order integration system 100 may operate in conjunction with multiple tractors 112, multiple work sites 102, and / or multiple weighing stations 116. The work order integration system 100 may be used with manually operated operating machines 104 and / or tractors 112 and / or autonomously or semi-autonomously operated operating machines 104 and / or tractors 112. For example, the work order integration system 100 may be used to guide, navigate, and / or control autonomous or semi-autonomous operating machines 104 and / or tractors 112 based on location data associated with operating machines 104, tractors 112, weighing stations 116, stockpiles 118 within work sites 102, etc. In some instances, the control devices of the operating machinery 104 and / or the tractor 112 can receive guidance, navigation and / or control information from a local operator and / or a remote operator via a control station 108.

[0021] like Figure 1 The management platform 106, also shown, includes a processor 120, a memory 122, and a communication device 124. The processor 120 is implemented as a combination of hardware, firmware, and / or hardware and software programmable to perform functions associated with the work order integration system 100. The memory 122 includes random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and / or another type of dynamic or static storage device that stores information and / or instructions to be executed by the processor 120. The communication device 124 includes local area network (LAN) components (e.g., Ethernet components), wireless local area network (WLAN) components (e.g., Wi-Fi components), radio frequency (RF) communication components (e.g., Bluetooth components), positioning components (e.g., Global Positioning System (GPS) components, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) components), and so on. The communication device 124 enables the processor 120 to exchange work order data, inventory data, productivity data and / or other information related to the work site 102 with the operating machinery 104, control station 108, network storage device 110, tractor 112 and / or weighing station 116.

[0022] like Figure 1As also shown, control station 108 includes processor 126, memory 128, user interface 130, and communication device 132. Processor 126 is implemented as a combination of hardware, firmware, and / or hardware and software programmable to perform functions associated with work order integration system 100. Memory 128 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and / or another type of dynamic or static storage device that stores information and / or instructions to be executed by processor 126. User interface 130 includes input and output devices. User interface 130 enables the operator associated with work site 102 to specify instructions, commands, and / or other operating parameters for operating machine 104. Input devices enable the operator to specify instructions, commands, and / or other information to facilitate operations associated with work site 102. Output devices enable the operator to access work order data, inventory data, productivity data, and / or other information associated with operations of work site 102.

[0023] Communication device 132 includes LAN components, WLAN components, RF communication components, positioning components, etc. Communication device 132 enables processor 126 to exchange information with the operating machine 104, management platform 106, network storage device 110, tractor 112, and / or weighing station 116 related to work order data, inventory data, productivity data, and / or other information related to the work site 102. In some instances, communication device 132 enables processor 126 to communicate directly and / or indirectly via management platform 106 with operating machine 104, tractor 112, weighing station 116, and / or network storage device 110. Alternatively or concurrently, user interface 130 and / or communication device 132 enable control station 108 to act as the user interface for management platform 106. In some instances, control station 108 may be mounted on a vehicle and / or otherwise associated with work machinery 104, tractor 112, weighing station 116 and / or another device associated with work site 102.

[0024] like Figure 1The diagram also shows that network storage device 110 includes one or more devices capable of storing, processing, and / or routing information. Network storage device 110 may include, for example, server devices, devices storing data structures, devices in a cloud computing environment or data center, etc. Network storage device 110 may store information related to work order data, inventory data, productivity data, and / or other information associated with operations associated with work site 102. In some instances, network storage device 110 may store work site data (e.g., information identifying the location of stockpile 118 within work site 102, the location of the operating machinery 104 assigned to stockpile 118, the location of operating machinery 104, weighing station 116, and / or tractor 112) and / or other reference information that can be used to facilitate operations associated with work site 102. Network storage device 110 may include a communication interface that allows network storage device 110 to exchange information with operating machinery 104, management platform 106, control station 108, tractor 112, weighing station 116, and / or another device associated with work order integration system 100.

[0025] As mentioned above, with Figure 1 For example. Other examples can be combined with... Figure 1 The descriptions are different.

[0026] Figure 2 The exemplary operating machinery 200 described herein (e.g., Figure 1 The figure shows the working machinery 104. The working machinery 200 can correspond to a wheel loader, tracked tractor, automatic grader, bulldozer, excavator, and / or another type of machine suitable for performing loading operations within the work site 102. Figure 2 As shown, the work machinery 200 includes a frame 202, a traction element 204, an engine 206, an operator's cab 208, implements 210, a payload measuring device 212, machine sensors 214, and a control device 216. The traction element 204 may include wheels or tracks coupled to the frame 202 and driven by the engine 206. The engine 206 may include a diesel engine, a gasoline engine, a natural gas engine, a hybrid engine, an electric motor, and / or another power source configured to drive the traction element 204. The operator's cab 208 may be coupled to the frame 202 and is configured to support the operator of the work machinery 200 and a user interface 218 enabling the operator to control the operation of the work machinery 200. The implement 210 may include a bucket and / or another tool movably coupled to the frame 202 and capable of performing loading operations.

[0027] The load measuring device 212 includes one or more sensor devices configured to measure the load of the working machinery 200 (e.g., the weight and / or volume of material in the implement 210). For example, the load measuring device 212 may include position sensors, encoders, pressure sensors, etc., coupled to the implement 210 and / or associated mechanisms (e.g., electro-hydraulic mechanisms, electromechanical mechanisms, hydraulic mechanical mechanisms, and / or another mechanism enabling the implement 210 to perform loading operations). In some instances, one or more sensor devices of the load measuring device 212 may be positioned relative to the lifting cylinder assembly and / or tilting cylinder assembly of the implement 210. The sensors can provide load data (e.g., information relating to pressure, displacement, velocity, and / or other operating states and / or conditions of the implement 210), which can be used by the load measuring device 212 to measure the load of the working machinery 200.

[0028] Machine sensor 214 includes one or more sensor devices configured to measure the operating status and / or conditions of implement 210 and / or work machinery 200. For example, machine sensor 214 may include position sensors, encoders, pressure sensors, etc., connected to another mechanism of traction element 204, engine 206, implement 210, user interface 218, and / or work machinery 200. Machine sensor 214 may be configured to determine the travel speed of work machinery 200, engine speed of engine 206, position of implement 210 relative to work machinery 200, and / or other information that can be used to determine whether work machinery 200 is in use, whether work machinery 200 is being driven, whether implement 210 is in use, whether work machinery 200 has initiated a loading operation, whether work machinery 200 has completed a loading operation, etc. In some instances, machine sensor 214 may provide operating time, throttle position, torque demand, engine load, oil pressure, mass airflow, and / or another operating status and / or condition associated with work machinery 200.

[0029] Control device 216 includes processor 220, memory 222, and communication device 224. Processor 220 is implemented as a combination of hardware, firmware, and / or hardware and software programmable to perform functions associated with work machinery 200 and / or work order integration system 100. Memory 222 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and / or another type of dynamic or static storage device that stores information and / or instructions to be executed by processor 220. Communication device 224 includes WLAN components, RF communication components, positioning components, etc. Communication device 224 enables processor 220 to exchange work order data, inventory data, productivity data (e.g., provided via payload measurement device 212 and / or machine sensors 214), and / or other information related to the work site 102 with management platform 106, control station 108, network storage device 110, tractor 112, and / or weighing station 116. In some instances, control device 216 may communicate directly and / or indirectly with control station 108 and / or network storage device 110 via management platform 106.

[0030] In some embodiments, control device 216 may include a user interface 218 of the machine tool 200 and / or communicate with it. User interface 218 includes input device 226 and output device 228. Input device 226 may include a brake control pedal, torque control pedal, throttle control pedal, clutch pedal, direction control switch, steering lever, appliance control lever, control panel, touchscreen display, microphone, and / or another device configured to receive input from the operator (e.g., instructions, commands, and / or other operating parameters for operating the machine tool 200 and / or appliance 210). Output device 228 may include a display, speaker, haptic device, and / or another device configured to provide information to the operator (e.g., work order data, inventory data, productivity data, site data, etc.). The output device 228 can provide the operator with information related to the tractor 112 that is to be loaded with materials, such as the type and quantity of materials requested by a particular tractor 112, the target weight of the loading operation to be performed on a particular tractor 112, the number of tractors 112 in the queue waiting to be loaded with materials, the waiting time associated with the queue, and so on.

[0031] In some embodiments, control device 216 may be configured to receive work order data corresponding to materials requested by tractor 112. Control device 216 may receive work order data directly from tractor 112 and / or indirectly via another device of another operating machine 200, management platform 106, control station 108, network storage device 110, weighing station 116, and / or work order integration system 100. (See below for further details.) Figures 3A-3CIn more detail, the work order data may include information relating to: the type of material requested by tractor 112; the quantity of material requested by tractor 112; a tractor identifier identifying tractor 112; a machine identifier that identifies the machine 200 assigned to the requested material and / or otherwise associated with the requested material; the location of the material pile 118; the inspection time of tractor 112; the inspection weight of tractor 112 (e.g., tare weight); and / or other information that may be used by the operator of machine 200 to perform loading operations. The work order data may correspond to a single work order for a single tractor 112 or multiple work orders for multiple tractors 112.

[0032] In some implementations, control device 216 may be configured to generate a work order menu based on received work order data, and to display the work order menu to the operator of machine 200 via user interface 218, as described below. Figures 3A-3C To describe in more detail. For example, user interface 218 may display one or more work order entries corresponding to work order data and receive work order selections from the operator. Based on the work order selection, control device 216 may set one or more operating parameters of the operating machinery 200 to perform a loading operation according to the work order data associated with the work order selection. For example, control device 216 may set a target weight associated with payload measuring device 212 based on the quantity of material requested by tractor 112. In some instances, control device 216 may set a target pass count (e.g., the number of tool passes required to achieve the target weight), a target weight per pass (e.g., the weight per pass required to minimize the pass count), a target volume of material requested by tractor 112, and / or another operating parameter associated with the loading operation.

[0033] In some embodiments, control device 216 may be configured to receive payload data associated with the payload of implement 210. For example, payload data may include information related to the weight of the payload, the volume of the payload, the number of passes (e.g., the number of completed and / or remaining implement passes), the operating status and / or conditions of implement 210 and / or the work machinery 200, etc. Control device 216 may receive payload data from payload measuring device 212 and / or machine sensor 214. In some instances, control device 216 may be configured to determine productivity data associated with the loading operation based on the payload data and the target weight. For example, productivity data may include the amount of material loaded onto tractor 112 and / or remaining in the loading operation, the amount of material loaded per implement pass, the number of load operations performed and / or remaining implement passes, and / or other information that can be used to track the progress of the loading operation and / or operator performance.

[0034] In some implementations, control device 216 may be configured to perform actions in conjunction with productivity data. For example, control device 216 may generate a graphical representation (e.g., progress bars, graphs, tables, icons, and / or other visual annotations of the productivity data) based on the productivity data. In some instances, control device 216 may be configured to receive detection data provided by weighing station 116 during detection by tractor 112 and generate a graphical representation based on the productivity data and the detection data. Control device 216 may be configured to transmit the graphical representation to be displayed via user interface 218. In some instances, control device 216 may be configured to generate graphical representations of work order data, inventory data, payload data, work site data, and / or other information displayed via user interface 218. In some instances, control device 216 may transmit the graphical representation to another machine 200, management platform 106, control station 108, network storage device 110, tractor 112, etc.

[0035] In some embodiments, control device 216 may be configured to use detection data to determine the detection time of tractor 112, the detection weight of tractor 112 (e.g., final weight), and / or other information associated with tractor 112 as determined by weighing station 116 during detection. Control device 216 may determine the actual quantity of material loaded onto tractor 112 based on the detection weight and the input weight, and compare the actual quantity of material loaded onto tractor 112 with the corresponding quantity measured via payload measuring device 212. Based on this comparison, control device 216 can verify the material transactions performed at weighing station 116, determine the accuracy of loading operations performed by operating machinery 200, and / or provide another assessment. In some instances, control device 216 may use productivity data and / or detection data to determine loading time (e.g., the duration of a loading operation), hauling time (e.g., the time spent by hauler 112 within work site 102) and / or other information that may be useful to one or more operators associated with work site 102.

[0036] As mentioned above, with Figure 2 For example. Other examples can be combined with... Figure 2 The descriptions are different.

[0037] Figures 3A-3C The operating machinery control device 300 described herein (e.g., Figure 2 A diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the control device 216 in the diagram. Figure 3A As shown, the machine control unit 300 can provide a user interface 302 configured to interact with the operator of the machine 200 (e.g., Figure 2User interface 302 (218 in the original text) can be implemented using a touchscreen display device and / or another device configured to output information to and / or receive information from the operator. Figure 3A As illustrated in the example, user interface 302 may display a work order menu 304, which provides information related to work order data, inventory data, payload data, productivity data, work site data, and / or other information provided via the work order integration system 100. User interface 302 may receive selections made by the operator within the work order menu 304. In some instances, the work order menu 304 may include a navigation pane 306 that allows the operator to switch between different views and / or sets of information available via the work machinery control device 300.

[0038] In some implementations, the work order menu 304 may include location information 308, queue information 310, work order entry 312, tractor identifier 314, material information 316, target weight information 318, hauling time information 320, and / or other relevant information. Location information 308 (e.g., Zone C) may identify the location of the operating machinery 200 relative to the work site 102 and / or the location of the stockpile 118 relative to the work site 102. Queue information 310 may identify the number of tractors 112 waiting to load material onto the stockpile 118, the associated waiting time, etc. Work order entry 312 may identify the work order associated with the operating machinery 200 and / or the stockpile 118. Tractor identifier 314 (e.g., truck ID and / or truck description) may identify an individual tractor 112 in the queue. Material information 316 (e.g., product) may identify the type of material to be loaded onto the tractor 112. Target weight information 318 may identify the quantity of material to be loaded onto the tractor 112. The hauling time information 320 can identify the time spent by the hauler 112 within the work site 102 (e.g., the time elapsed since self-inspection, etc.).

[0039] like Figure 3A As illustrated in the example, the work order menu 304 can present work order entry 312-2 submitted by tractor 112 (e.g., a red tractor truck identified as “ID2”). Work order entry 312-2 can be received directly from tractor 112 and / or indirectly via weighing station 116, management platform 106, control station 108, and / or network storage device 110. As shown, work order entry 312-2 may include information identifying the following: the type of product or material requested by the operator of tractor 112 (e.g., “asphalt”), the target weight or quantity of the requested material (e.g., “23.0” tons), and the time spent at the plant or the time tractor 112 has spent at work site 102 since being checked at weighing station 116 (e.g., 8 minutes and 30 seconds). Although Figure 3ANot shown, but in some instances, work order entry 312-2 may additionally or alternatively identify the inspection time of tractor 112, the inspection weight of tractor 112, and the machine identifier (e.g., machine identification number and / or another unique identifier) ​​associated with the machine 200 assigned to and / or otherwise associated with the requested material.

[0040] In some implementations, the work order menu 304 allows the operator of the machine 200 to select one of the available work order entries 312 to access additional information related to the work order and / or initiate a loading operation based on the work order selection. For example, the user interface 302 may be configured to identify work order data associated with the work order selection and to enable the setting of one or more operating parameters for the machine 200, implement 210, payload measuring device 212, etc., based on the work order data. In some instances, the user interface 302 may transmit command signals (e.g., via control device 216) to enable the setting of operating parameters. Operating parameters may include a target weight associated with the payload measuring device 212, a target pass count (e.g., the number of implement passes required to achieve the target weight), a target weight per pass (e.g., the weight per pass required to minimize the pass count), a target volume of material requested by the tractor 112, and / or another operating parameter associated with the loading operation.

[0041] In some implementations, the work order menu 304 may include a load dashboard 322 that uses load data (e.g., provided by the load measuring device 212 and / or machine sensor 214) to track load and / or passes during a loading operation. For example, the load dashboard 322 may include a target weight tracker 324, a passes counter 326, a load measurement 328, a transfer load tracker 330, and so on. The target weight tracker 324 may identify the amount of material remaining during the loading operation. The passes counter 326 may identify the number of passes performed by the work machinery 200 during the loading operation. The load measurement 328 may identify the weight of the load on the implement 210. The transfer load tracker 330 may identify the weight of the material already loaded onto the tractor 112. In some instances, the work order menu 304 may be accessible to other operating machines 104, management platform 106, control station 108, network storage device 110, weighing station 116, and / or another device in the work order integration system 100. In this case, the work order menu 304 may include an operating machine identifier that identifies the individual operating machine 104 assigned to the stockpile 118 and / or located near the stockpile.

[0042] like Figure 3BAs shown, the work order menu 304 can provide a productivity dashboard 332 related to previous loading operations performed by the work machinery 200. The productivity dashboard 332 may include a target weight reference 334 and an actual weight indicator 336. The target weight reference 334 may correspond to a corresponding target weight for the loading operation. The actual weight indicator 336 may correspond to the actual weight of the material, such as that determined by the weighing station 116 (e.g., based on the calculated difference between the final weight and tare weight of the tractor 112). Figure 3B As illustrated in the example, the actual weight indicator 336 can extend above the target weight reference 334 during loading operations when the actual weight of the material on the tractor 112 is greater than the target weight used by the operating machinery 200, and can also extend below the target weight reference 334 during loading operations when the actual weight of the material on the tractor 112 is less than the target weight used by the operating machinery 200. The length of the actual weight indicator 336 can indicate the degree of error between the actual weight and the target weight.

[0043] In some implementations, the actual weight indicator 336 may be color-coded and / or otherwise annotated to indicate the relative severity of the error. For example, a nominal shortage (e.g., when the actual weight indicator 336 extends below the target weight reference 334 but above the first threshold 338 and the second threshold 340) may be considered acceptable and color-coded green. A moderate shortage (e.g., when the actual weight indicator 336 extends below the target weight reference 334 and the first threshold 338 but above the second threshold 340) may be considered a moderately severe error and color-coded yellow. A significant shortage (e.g., when the actual weight indicator 336 extends below the target weight reference 334, the first threshold 338, and the second threshold 340) may be considered a severe error and color-coded red. An excess (e.g., when the actual weight indicator 336 extends above the target weight reference 334) may be considered a severe error, regardless of the amount of excess, and is color-coded red. Alternatively, the productivity dashboard 332 may use other types of annotations to indicate the degree of error and / or the relative severity of the error.

[0044] like Figure 3CAs shown, the work order menu 304 can provide a work site dashboard 342 related to work site data and / or other information associated with work site 102, which the operator of the work machinery 200 can use for reference. For example, the work site dashboard 342 may include stockpile information 344, queue information 346, and / or other information related to work site 102 and / or work site data. Stockpile information 344 may include information identifying the location of stockpile 118 within work site 102 (e.g., AH zone). Queue information 346 may include information identifying the corresponding number of tractors 112 and the corresponding waiting time associated with stockpile 118. In some instances, the work site dashboard 342 may include other work site data (e.g., information identifying the work machinery 104 assigned to stockpile 118, the work machinery 104 within work site 102, the weighing station 116, and / or the location of tractors 112, and / or other reference information that can be used to facilitate operations associated with work site 102).

[0045] As indicated above, with Figures 3A-3C For example. Other examples can be combined with... Figures 3A-3C The descriptions are different.

[0046] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of an exemplary process 400 for managing work orders at a work site. Figure 4 One or more process blocks may be executed by a management platform (e.g., management platform 106 of work order integration system 100) and / or by another component or group of components separate from or including the management platform (e.g., control device 216 of operating machinery 200, control station 108, network storage device 110, tractor 112, weighing station 116 and / or another device associated with work order integration system 100).

[0047] like Figure 4 As shown, process 400 may include determining when a tractor enters the work site (block 402). For example, a management platform may determine the position of the tractor relative to the work site to determine when the tractor enters the work site. In some instances, the management platform may determine when the tractor enters the work site by detecting the proximity of the tractor to a reference location (e.g., an entrance passage, a weighing station, and / or another reference location associated with the work site). The management platform may determine when the tractor enters the work site based on information provided by communication devices (e.g., RF components, positioning components, etc.) associated with the tractor, weighing station, etc.

[0048] like Figure 4As also shown, process 400 may include determining work order data associated with the tractor (box 404). For example, the management platform may determine information identifying the tractor, the type of material requested by the tractor, the quantity of material requested by the tractor, and / or other work order data associated with the tractor. In some instances, the management platform may receive work order information from the tractor, control station, network storage device, weighing station, and / or another device associated with the work site, and determine work order data based on the work order information. Work order information may include one or more of the following: a tractor identifier associated with the tractor, the tractor's check-in time, the tractor's check-in weight, and / or other work order information. In some instances, work order information may include a machine identifier (e.g., machine identification number and / or another unique identifier) ​​associated with the machine assigned to the requested material and / or otherwise associated with the requested material. For example, the machine identifier may inform the tractor and / or other machines assigned to the work order.

[0049] like Figure 4 As also shown, process 400 may include determining whether the material requested by the hauler is available at the work site (box 406). For example, the management platform may determine the availability of the type and quantity of material requested by the hauler. In some instances, the management platform may identify inventory data associated with the work site to determine the inventory quantity of material available at the work site and compare the quantity of material requested by the hauler with the inventory quantity of material available at the work site. If the quantity of the requested material exceeds the inventory quantity of material available at the work site, the management platform may determine that the quantity of material is unavailable. If the quantity of the requested material does not exceed the inventory quantity of material available at the work site, the management platform may determine that the quantity of material is available.

[0050] In some implementations, the inventory quantity may correspond to the total amount of material available at the work site at the time of receiving a work order (e.g., at check-in time), regardless of pending work orders (e.g., from other tractors that may already be in the queue and waiting to load materials). Alternatively, the inventory quantity may correspond to the anticipated quantity of material that will be available to the tractors once a pending work order is fulfilled. In such cases, the management platform may determine a forecast of the material inventory quantity based on work order data corresponding to the pending work orders. In some instances, the work site may include multiple stockpiles of material requested by tractors, and the inventory quantity may correspond to the quantity of material available in a single stockpile of material within the work site. If a single stockpile does not have enough material to fulfill a work order, the management platform may determine availability based on whether the requested quantity of material is available from another stockpile and / or multiple stockpiles within the work site.

[0051] like Figure 4As also shown, process 400 may include generating a notification indicating that material is unavailable (box 408). For example, the management platform may generate a notification indicating that a quantity of material is unavailable, the remaining quantity of available material, alternative sources of material, lead time associated with replenishment, etc. In some instances, the management platform may generate a notification to be transmitted to a user interface and / or control device associated with the tractor. Alternatively, the management platform may generate a notification to be transmitted to a user interface and / or control device associated with the operating machinery, control station, weighing station, and / or another device associated with the work site. This notification may be configured to enable the tractor operator to identify alternative sources of material and / or notify operators at the work site to replenish material.

[0052] like Figure 4 As also shown, process 400 may include identifying the operating machinery associated with the material based on a determined quantity of material (box 410). For example, a management platform may identify the operating machinery based on work site data associated with the work site. The work site data may include information identifying material piles within the work site and one or more operating machines associated with the piles. The management platform may identify one of the operating machines identified in the work site data as the operating machine associated with the material requested by the haulager. In some instances, the management platform may receive location data (e.g., the corresponding proximity of the operating machinery to the location of the material requested by the haulager) and identify the operating machinery associated with the material based on the corresponding proximity of the operating machinery.

[0053] like Figure 4 As also shown, process 400 may include transmitting work order data to the operating machinery (box 412). For example, the management platform may transmit work order data determined by the tractor to the operating machinery associated with the material requested by the tractor. As described above, the management platform may transmit the work order data to the local operator of the operating machinery via a user interface and / or a control device associated with the operating machinery. In some instances, the management platform may transmit the work order data to a remote operator of the operating machinery and / or an operator of a weighing station at the work site via a control station. The work order data may include information related to the type and quantity of material requested by the tractor, the tractor identifier, the location of the corresponding material pile, the tractor's check-in time, the tractor's check-in weight, and / or other information that may be used by the operator of the operating machinery to perform loading operations.

[0054] In some implementations, the management platform may receive productivity data associated with the loading operation from the operating machinery during and / or after the loading operation. As described above, productivity data may include information related to the target quantity of material used to perform the loading operation, the quantity of material loaded onto the tractor and / or remaining during the loading operation, the quantity of material loaded per fixture pass, the number of fixture passes performed and / or remaining during the loading operation, and / or other information that can be used to track the progress of the loading operation and / or operator performance. In some instances, the management platform may determine detection data (e.g., detection weight, detection time, actual quantity of material on the tractor, and / or other information determined by a weighing station). The management platform may transmit productivity data and / or detection data to the operating machinery, the tractor, a control station, a network storage device, and / or another device associated with the work site.

[0055] Process 400 may include the combination Figure 4 Variations and / or additional implementations of those described embodiments, such as any single implementation or any combination of embodiments described elsewhere herein. Although Figure 4 An exemplary box of process 400 is shown, but in some instances, it is different from... Figure 4 Compared to the boxes depicted, process 400 may include additional boxes, fewer boxes, different boxes, or boxes with different arrangements. Additionally or alternatively, two or more boxes of process 400 may be executed in parallel.

[0056] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of an exemplary process 500 for managing operations at a work site. Figure 5 One or more process blocks may be executed by a management platform (e.g., management platform 106 of work order integration system 100) and / or by another component or group of components separate from or including the management platform (e.g., control device 216 of operating machinery 200, control station 108, network storage device 110, tractor 112, weighing station 116 and / or another device associated with work order integration system 100).

[0057] like Figure 5 As shown, process 500 may include determining when a tractor enters the work site (block 502). For example, a management platform may determine the position of the tractor relative to the work site to determine when the tractor enters the work site. In some instances, the management platform may determine when the tractor enters the work site by detecting the proximity of the tractor to a reference location (e.g., an entrance passage, a weighing station, and / or another reference location associated with the work site). The management platform may determine when the tractor enters the work site based on information provided by communication devices (e.g., RF components, positioning components, etc.) associated with the tractor, weighing station, etc.

[0058] like Figure 5 As also shown, process 500 may include determining work order data associated with the tractor (box 504). For example, the management platform may determine information identifying the tractor, the type of material requested by the tractor, the quantity of material requested by the tractor, and / or other work order data associated with the tractor. In some instances, the management platform may receive work order information from the tractor, control station, network storage device, weighing station, and / or another device associated with the work site, and determine work order data based on the work order information. Work order information may include one or more of the following: a tractor identifier associated with the tractor, a machine identifier associated with the machine, the tractor's check-in time, the tractor's check-in weight, and / or other work order information.

[0059] like Figure 5 As also shown, process 500 may include determining whether the material requested by the hauler is available at the work site (box 506). For example, the management platform may determine the availability of the type and quantity of material requested by the hauler. In some instances, the management platform may identify inventory data associated with the work site to determine the inventory quantity of the material available at the work site and compare the quantity of the material requested by the hauler with the inventory quantity of the material available at the work site. If the quantity of the requested material exceeds the inventory quantity of the material available at the work site, the management platform may determine that the quantity of the material is unavailable. If the quantity of the requested material does not exceed the inventory quantity of the material available at the work site, the management platform may determine that the quantity of the material is available.

[0060] like Figure 5 As also shown, process 500 may include generating a notification indicating that material is unavailable (box 508). For example, the management platform may generate a notification indicating that a quantity of material is unavailable, the remaining quantity of available material, alternative sources of material, lead time associated with replenishment, and / or other relevant information. In some instances, the management platform may generate a notification to be transmitted to a user interface and / or control device associated with the tractor. Alternatively, the management platform may generate a notification to be transmitted to a user interface and / or control device associated with the operating machinery, control station, weighing station, and / or another device associated with the work site. This notification may be configured to enable the tractor operator to identify alternative sources of material and / or notify operators at the work site to replenish material.

[0061] like Figure 5As also shown, process 500 may include identifying the location of the material based on determining the quantity of material requested by the haulager (box 510). For example, the management platform may identify the location of a material pile within the work site. In some instances, the management platform may identify work site data (e.g., information corresponding to the location of a material pile within the work site) and identify the location of the material based on the work site data. In some instances, such as when a single pile does not have enough material to fulfill a work order, the management platform may determine whether the quantity of the requested material is available from another pile and / or multiple piles within the work site. If the quantity of the requested material is available from multiple piles, then the management platform may identify multiple locations of the material.

[0062] like Figure 5 As also shown, process 500 may include selecting a path to the location of the material (box 512). For example, the management platform may identify one or more expected paths between the location of the hauler and the location of the material, determine the corresponding path lengths associated with the expected paths (e.g., travel distance, absolute distance, etc.), and select one of the expected paths (e.g., the path with the shortest path length) based on the corresponding path lengths. In some instances, such as when the requested material is available at multiple locations within the work site, the management platform may identify expected paths between the location of the hauler and multiple locations of the material, determine the corresponding path lengths associated with the expected paths, and select one of the expected paths based on the corresponding path lengths.

[0063] like Figure 5 As also shown, process 500 may include determining the waiting time associated with the selected path (box 514). For example, the management platform may identify the waiting time associated with the selected path based on work order data (e.g., information related to pending work orders from other tractors that may already be in the queue associated with the selected path), productivity data (e.g., the productivity of the machinery associated with the selected path), inventory data (e.g., the time associated with producing additional material if the requested material is in short supply), and so on. In some instances, the management platform may compare the waiting time to a waiting threshold. For example, a waiting threshold may correspond to the maximum allowed waiting time for the tractor. The waiting threshold may be defined in part by the tractor operator (e.g., based on a target schedule and / or another requirement associated with the tractor) and / or in part by the site operator (e.g., based on a target productivity and / or another requirement associated with the site). In some instances, the management platform may compare the waiting time of the selected path to multiple maximum waiting thresholds, one or more minimum waiting thresholds, or a combination thereof.

[0064] like Figure 5As also shown, process 500 may include selecting an alternative path to the location of the material (box 516). For example, the management platform may select an alternative path to the location of the material when the waiting time of the selected path is equal to or greater than a waiting threshold. In some instances, the management platform may identify the next shortest available path between the tractor and the location of the material and compare the waiting time associated with the next shortest path to a waiting threshold. If the waiting time of the next shortest path is less than the waiting threshold, the management platform may identify the next shortest path as an alternative path. In some instances, the management platform may identify multiple paths between the tractor and the location of the material, determine the corresponding path lengths and the corresponding waiting times associated with the desired path, and select one of the desired paths based on the corresponding path length (e.g., the path with the shortest path length), the corresponding waiting time (e.g., the path with the shortest waiting time), and / or another factor.

[0065] like Figure 5 As also shown, process 500 may include transmitting path information to the tractor (box 518). For example, the management platform may transmit path-related information (e.g., the selected path and / or alternative paths) to the tractor operator via a control device and / or user interface associated with the tractor. In some instances, the management platform may generate a set of navigation instructions based on the path and transmit this set of navigation instructions to the control device and / or user interface associated with the tractor. Alternatively, the management platform may generate a map and / or another graphical representation of the work site configured to allow the tractor operator to identify the path. In some instances, the management platform may transmit path information to the user interface and / or control device of the operating machinery, control station, network storage device, weighing station, and / or another device associated with the work site associated with the material.

[0066] Process 500 may include the combination Figure 5 Variations and / or additional implementations of those described embodiments, such as any single implementation or any combination of embodiments described elsewhere herein. Although Figure 5 An exemplary block of process 500 is shown, but in some instances, it is different from... Figure 5 Compared to the boxes depicted, process 500 may include additional boxes, fewer boxes, different boxes, or boxes with different arrangements. Additionally or alternatively, two or more boxes of process 500 may be executed in parallel.

[0067] Industrial applicability

[0068] A quarry may have several stockpiles of specific materials and / or different types of materials, located throughout the work site and ready to be loaded onto tractors by wheel loaders. A work order system can be used to track work orders submitted by tractor operators and facilitate loading operations performed by wheel loaders. Work orders can identify the type and quantity of material requested by the tractor. Wheel loader operators can receive work orders and load materials from the stockpiles onto the tractor's chassis according to the work orders. Wheel loaders may have an onboard weighing system that measures the weight of the material in the wheel loader's bucket, and a user interface that displays the weight of the material in the bucket to the wheel loader operator. In some cases, the user interface allows the wheel loader operator to input a target weight of the material to be loaded onto the tractor. During loading operations, the wheel loader operator can use the target weight to track the weight of the material already loaded onto the tractor and / or the remaining weight of the material to be loaded onto the tractor.

[0069] The work order integration system described herein provides a management platform and machinery control device that enables improvements in the efficiency, accuracy, and productivity of quarry or similar operations. For example, the work order integration system can determine the position of a tractor relative to the work site, identify work order data associated with the tractor, determine the availability of materials requested by the tractor based on the work order data, identify the location of the materials, identify the shortest and / or fastest path for the tractor to reach the material location, and transmit the work order data to the machinery associated with the materials. In some instances, the work order integration system enables the machinery control device to receive work order data associated with the tractor, set operating parameters for the machinery to perform loading operations based on the work order data, receive payload data associated with the machinery's payload, determine productivity data associated with the loading operation based on the payload data, and generate records of the productivity data.

[0070] Therefore, compared to currently available work order systems, the work order integration system offers several technical advantages. For example, by directly configuring work machinery using work order data, the work order integration system minimizes the possibility of operator errors when configuring work machinery, improves the accuracy of loading operations performed by the work machinery, and saves time, fuel, and / or other resources that might otherwise be needed to correct inaccurate loads (e.g., loading the wrong type of material, exceeding the requested quantity, falling short of the requested quantity, etc.). Additionally, by tracking payload and / or productivity data associated with loading operations, the work order integration system provides a mechanism for verifying the weighing station's measurements and maintaining accurate inventory of available materials at the work site. Furthermore, by verifying the availability, stockpile location, waiting time, and / or optimal route associated with the material requested by the tractor upon check-in and before allowing the tractor to proceed further into the work site, the work order integration system enables tractor operators to avoid unnecessary delays and productivity losses that might otherwise occur.

Claims

1. A work site management device, comprising: One or more memory units; as well as One or more processors communicatively connected to the one or more memories, the one or more processors being configured to: Based on information provided by communication equipment associated with the tractor, the position of the tractor relative to the work site is determined; Determine the work order data associated with the tractor. The work order data identifies the material requested by the tractor and the quantity of the material requested by the tractor; Determine the availability of the quantity of material requested by the tractor; Based on the determination that the quantity of the material is available, that one or more piles of the material are located in one or more locations, that the quantity of the material is sufficient to satisfy the work order identified by the work order data, and that the one or more piles of the material contain the quantity of the material, one or more locations of the material are identified; Identify the expected path between the tractor and the one or more locations; Determine the corresponding path length associated with the expected path; Select the shortest path from the expected paths based on the corresponding path length; as well as This enables the tractor to navigate the shortest path autonomously or semi-autonomously.

2. The work site management device according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more processors are configured to: Identify inventory data associated with the work site. The inventory data includes the quantity of materials available at the work site; Compare the quantity of materials requested by the tractor with the quantity of materials available in stock at the work site; as well as The availability of materials is determined based on the fact that the quantity of materials requested by the hauler does not exceed the quantity of materials in stock available at the work site.

3. The work site management device according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more processors are configured to: Identify work site data associated with the work site. The work site data includes location information corresponding to the one or more material piles; and The one or more locations are identified based on the work site data.

4. The work site management device according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more processors are configured to: Determine the corresponding waiting time associated with the expected path; Identify a first expected path associated with the shortest path length among the corresponding path lengths; It is determined that the first waiting time associated with the first expected path exceeds a waiting threshold; Identify a second expected path associated with the second shortest path length among the corresponding path lengths; Determine that the second waiting time associated with the second expected path is less than the waiting threshold; and select the second expected path as the shortest path.

5. The work site management device according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more processors are further configured to: Based on the determination that different quantities of materials cannot be used to generate notifications. The notification indicates one or more of the following: the material is unavailable, the remaining quantity of available material, an alternative source of the material, or a lead time associated with replenishing the material.

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