Measuring stop distance of work

Abstract

Various exemplary embodiments relate to an apparatus for measuring a stop distance of a work machine. The work machine includes a user interface, at least one processor, and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receive at least one speed parameter based on at least one user input on the user interface; receiving at least one speed information value from a controller or an engine control unit of the work machine; when the received speed information value is equal to the at least one speed parameter, sending at least one instruction to the controller or the engine control unit to at least stop the working machine; and calculating a stopping distance of the working machine. A method and system are also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to work machines and more particularly to measuring the stopping distance of a work machine. Background Art

[0002] Proximity Detection Systems (PDS) are used to help improve safety in mines and construction sites where there is a risk of collision. PDS are typically designed to slow down and / or eventually stop a machine if the system detects a tagged person or object within a predetermined area. PDS need to know the stopping distance of the machine to work properly. Therefore, the capabilities of stopping distance testing can be further improved. Summary of the invention

[0003] This summary is provided to introduce in a simplified form a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. The scope of protection sought by various embodiments of the present disclosure is set forth by the independent claims.

[0004] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide a stopping distance measurement device that reveals whether there are any faults in the control system that prevent the working machine from slowing down or stopping. This can be a fast and reliable way to test the PDS function and / or brakes of the working machine. This benefit and other benefits can be achieved by the features described in the independent claim. Further advantageous embodiments are provided in the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0005] According to a first aspect, a device for measuring the stopping distance of a working machine is disclosed. The device may include a user interface; at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer code may be configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the device to at least: receive at least one speed parameter based on at least one user input on the user interface; receive at least one speed information value from a controller or engine control unit (ECU) of the working machine; send at least one instruction to the controller or engine control unit to at least stop the working machine when the received speed information value equals the at least one speed parameter; and calculate the stopping distance of the working machine. The device may be valuable for testing the functionality of the brakes and proximity detection system (PDS) of the working machine. The safety and reliability of the working machine may also be improved by accurately calculating the stopping distance.

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment of the first aspect, the device can be configured to receive a start input on a user interface; at least the at least one speed information value and at least one time value from the controller or engine control unit are stored in the memory. The device can be configured to periodically store at least the at least one speed information value, the at least one time value and / or other values ​​from the controller or engine control unit in the memory. For example, the storage is performed every 50ms. The storage can be configured to start after the device receives the start input and end when the speed information value received from the controller or engine control unit is equal to zero; and based on the at least one speed information value and the at least one time value stored in the memory, the stopping distance is calculated. Other values ​​can also be stored in the memory, such as gear, chassis angle and / or brake pressure. In the memory, the stored values ​​can allow the stopping distance to be accurately calculated and the stopping event to be subsequently viewed in detail.

[0007] According to an exemplary embodiment of the first aspect, the at least one instruction sent to the controller or engine control unit may include at least one proximity detection system (PDS) instruction. When the device is using PDS instructions, the device may be compatible with the vehicle intervention controller (VIC) interface of the work machine. This may make the device easy to install in a work machine that already has a PDS and / or VIC.

[0008] According to an exemplary embodiment of the first aspect, the device may be configured to receive a speed parameter based on the at least one user input on the user interface; receive the at least one speed information value from the controller or the engine control unit; when the received speed information value of the working machine is equal to the speed parameter, send a stop instruction to the controller or the engine control unit of the working machine to stop the working machine; calculate the stopping distance of the working machine. When measuring the stopping distance, the device may send an instruction to the controller or the engine control unit, and the controller or the engine control unit (ECU) may further send the instruction. All instructions may be sent without human intervention. This means that the stopping distance may be calculated accurately and in the same way each time. If a person performs braking, the stopping distance may vary according to personal reaction time, and the test results may be different each time. When the test system tests the stopping distance, the results may be close to each other.

[0009] According to an exemplary embodiment of the first aspect, the device can be configured to: receive a first speed parameter and a second speed parameter based on at least two user inputs on a user interface; receive at least one speed information value from a controller or an engine control unit; when the received speed information value of the working machine is equal to the first speed parameter, send a deceleration instruction to the controller or the engine control unit to decelerate the working machine; when the received speed information value of the working machine is equal to the second speed parameter, send a stop instruction to the controller or the engine control unit to stop the working machine; and calculate the stopping distance of the working machine. The test can be performed using more than one parameter.

[0010] According to an exemplary embodiment of the first aspect, the stop instruction comprises a controlled stop instruction or an emergency stop instruction. The controlled stop means that the working machine can be stopped smoothly. The emergency stop instruction can be a full application of the brakes so that the working machine stops as quickly as possible. For example, an emergency stop can be performed by forcing the parking brake to be turned on. In this way, different instructions can be used to slow down or stop the working machine.

[0011] According to a second aspect, a method for measuring a stopping distance using a device for measuring a stopping distance of a working machine is disclosed. The device may include a user interface; at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code. The method may include: receiving at least one speed parameter based on at least one user input on the user interface; receiving at least one speed information value from a controller or an engine control unit (ECU) of the working machine; when the received speed information value of the working machine is equal to the received at least one speed parameter, sending at least one instruction to the controller or the engine control unit to at least stop the working machine; and calculating the stopping distance of the working machine. This may be a valuable method for testing brake and PDS functions. The accurately calculated stopping distance may also be used to improve the safety of the working machine. The method may be applicable to calculating the stopping distance at which the working machine can brake under desired conditions during the travel of the working machine. In this way, the PDS may be informed of the stopping distance between the working machine and an object or a leading vehicle that exists or forms in front of the working machine.

[0012] According to an exemplary embodiment of the second aspect, the method may further include: receiving a start input on a user interface; saving at least the at least one speed information value and the at least one time value from the controller or the engine control unit in a memory, wherein the saving may start after the device receives the start input and end when the speed information value received from the controller is equal to zero; and calculating the stopping distance based on the at least one speed information value and the at least one time value saved in the memory.

[0013] According to an exemplary embodiment of the second aspect, the method may further include: receiving a speed parameter based on the at least one user input on the user interface; receiving the at least one speed information value from a controller or an engine control unit; when the speed information value of the working machine is equal to the speed parameter, sending a stop instruction to the controller or the engine control unit to stop the working machine; and calculating the stopping distance of the working machine.

[0014] According to an exemplary embodiment of the second aspect, the method may further include: receiving a first speed parameter and a second speed parameter based on at least two user inputs on a user interface; receiving at least one speed information value from a controller or an engine control unit; when the speed information value of the working machine is equal to the first speed parameter, sending a deceleration instruction to the controller or the engine control unit to decelerate the working machine; when the speed information value of the working machine is equal to the received second speed parameter, sending a stop instruction to the controller or the engine control unit to stop the working machine; and calculating the stopping distance of the working machine.

[0015] According to a third aspect, a system for measuring the stopping distance of a working machine is disclosed. The system may include: an apparatus according to the first aspect; an engine control unit; and a controller. The controller may be a VIC. The safety of the working machine may be improved by the accurately calculated stopping distance, especially when a PDS is used.

[0016] According to a third aspect, the controller or engine control unit may be configured to send at least one speed information value to the device, receive at least one instruction from the device, and slow down or stop the working machine. The controller or engine control unit may have a controller or engine control unit communication interface, which may allow the controller or engine control unit to slow down or stop the working machine. The controller or engine control unit may slow down or decelerate the working machine, for example, by turning off the accelerator pedal signal and controlling the hydraulic brake with a proportional valve. The controller or engine control unit may stop the working machine, for example, by electrically forcing the parking brake to turn on. The controller or engine control unit communication interface may be configured to enable the controller or engine control unit to transmit and / or receive information.

[0017] According to a third aspect, the system may include a speed sensor. The speed sensor may be connected to the controller or engine control unit communication interface. The controller or engine control unit communication interface may receive a speed information value from the speed sensor, and the controller or engine control unit may send the speed information value to the device.

[0018] According to a third aspect, the controller is configured to send at least one speed information value to the device, receive at least one instruction from the device, and send at least one instruction to the engine control unit to decelerate or stop the working machine. The engine control unit can decelerate or stop the working machine.

[0019] According to a third aspect, the engine control unit may include a controller, and the engine control unit is configured to send at least one speed information value to the device, receive at least one instruction from the device, and slow down or stop the working machine. The controller may be a VIC. Thus, the controller or VIC may be integrated into the ECU, and there is no separate controller between the device and the ECU. However, such a system may have a so-called middleman between the device and the VIC. The middleman may perform a signal conversion from a controller area network (CAN) bus to a digital I / O world understood by the ECU. The system may be flexible and able to communicate with different units and systems.

[0020] According to an exemplary embodiment of the third aspect, the device can be connected to a controller or engine control unit via a wired or wireless connection. The wired connection can be a CAN bus. The CAN bus can enable faster communication between the device and the controller, the engine control unit, or other electronic devices and modules in the working machine, while reducing the amount of wiring.

[0021] According to a fourth aspect, a working machine is disclosed. The working machine may include the system according to the third aspect. The working machine having the system may simplify the stopping distance measurement and the checking condition of the PDS.

[0022] Any exemplary embodiment may be combined with one or more other exemplary embodiments.Many of the attendant features will be more readily understood as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and together with the description help explain the principles of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 shows a simplified side view of a work machine including a system to which examples of the disclosed embodiments may be applied;

[0025] Figure 2 An example of an apparatus for measuring a stopping distance of a work machine according to an exemplary embodiment is shown;

[0026] Figure 3ashows an example of a simplified side view of an apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment, wherein test parameters are set;

[0027] Figure 3b Another example of a simplified side view of an apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment is shown, wherein testing may be initiated;

[0028] Figure 3c shows another example of a simplified side view of an apparatus showing a calculated stopping distance according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0029] Figure 4 shows examples of signaling and operations within a system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0030] Figure 5 Another example of signaling and operation within a system according to an exemplary embodiment is shown; and

[0031] Figure 6 An exemplary method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0032] In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same parts. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The detailed description provided below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings is intended as a description of examples of the present invention and is not intended to represent the only form in which examples of the present invention may be constructed or utilized. This specification describes the functions of the examples and the order of steps or operations for constructing and operating the examples. However, the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be implemented by different examples.

[0034] Proximity Detection Systems (PDS) help improve safety in mines and construction sites where there is a risk of collision. They can be designed to prevent injury and possible loss of life during the operation of a mining vehicle in close proximity to mining personnel. The system can provide an early warning indication that alerts the operator to the presence and number of people and vehicles in the vicinity of the vehicle. The PDS is typically designed to slow down and / or ultimately stop the equipment if the system detects a person within a predetermined area. The system can facilitate two-way notification and alert messaging to prevent potential collisions between: vehicle-to-person, person-to-vehicle, and vehicle-to-vehicle.

[0035] The Controller Area Network (CAN) bus is a robust vehicle bus standard designed to allow microcontrollers and devices to communicate with each other's applications without a host computer. It is designed to allow electronic control units (ECUs) found in today's vehicles and other devices to communicate with each other in a reliable, priority-driven manner. Messages or frames are received by all devices in the network.

[0036] According to an exemplary embodiment, a stopping distance test or a braking test is completed using a PDS interface. The PDS interface may be a vehicle intervention controller (VIC) interface. The interface may use CAN communication based on ISO TS 21815-2. Specified instructions may be used to decelerate and stop the working machine. An easy and repeatable way to measure the stopping distance of the working machine may be to use the program code of the device to give instructions like those of the PDS system, but in a controlled and timed manner. The device may be referred to as a PDS simulator, and the program code may be referred to as PDS simulator software (SW). One, two or more speeds may be given as parameters, and the PDS simulator may give at least one instruction. A first instruction may be used to decelerate to start, and another instruction may be used for an emergency stop to occur. As an example of a first parameter and a second parameter, an operator may give 20km / hour and 3km / hour. Then, the operator may drive the working machine and accelerate. Once the speed reaches 20km / hour, the PDS simulator may give a deceleration instruction, and the working machine may start to decelerate. When the speed drops to 3km / hour, the PDS simulator may give an emergency stop instruction and the working machine may stop. During this process, the PDS simulator may have tracked speed and time and can calculate the distance traveled. After stopping, the PDS simulator can report the distance traveled during the deceleration and stopping time. This can be a completely repeatable way to stop the work machine. It may also be an easy way to test how the PDS is actually able to stop a work machine traveling at different speeds. In addition, it may be a good way to test PDS functionality and braking performance and conditions. It can be a useful tester or simulator that can reveal whether there are any faults in the control system that may prevent the work machine from slowing down or stopping the work machine when the command comes via the CAN bus. This may be a valuable method for factory testing and verification. The PDS simulator can be used with all work machines that have a PDS interface, such as loaders, trucks and / or UG drills.

[0037] According to an exemplary embodiment, a work machine includes a device and a controller for measuring a stopping distance of the work machine. The work machine may be a mining vehicle or an underground mining vehicle, such as a dump truck, a load haul dump truck (LHD) vehicle, a drilling rig, a development drilling rig, a drilling machine, a bolting or reinforcement vehicle, a rock removal machine, a long hole drilling machine, an explosive charging machine, a loader, a transport vehicle, a loading or hauling machine, a setting vehicle for a tunnel arc or a network, a shotcrete machine, a crusher, or a surveying vehicle.

[0038] Figure 1An example of a simplified working machine 1 is depicted, showing only some elements and functional entities, the embodiment of which may differ from the one shown. It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that the working machine 1 may also include in addition to Figure 1 Other functions and structures than those shown.

[0039] However, the embodiments are not limited to the working machine 1 given as an example, but a person skilled in the art may apply the solutions to other working machines having the necessary characteristics.

[0040] Figure 1 The example of shows a simplified side view of a work machine 1 including a system for measuring a stopping distance of the work machine 1. Any functionality disclosed herein may also be applied as a method.

[0041] According to an exemplary embodiment, a system 7 for measuring a stopping distance of a working machine 1 comprises a device 2. The device 2 may be a PDS simulator. The system 7 may further comprise a controller 3 and an engine control unit (ECU) 10. The controller 3 or the engine control unit 10 may be configured to send at least one speed information value to the device and accelerate and / or decelerate the speed of the working machine 1.

[0042] according to Figure 2 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus 2 for measuring the stopping distance of the working machine 1 may include a user interface 210, at least one processor 202, and at least one memory 204 including computer program code 206. The at least one memory 204 and the computer code 206 may be configured to, together with the at least one processor 202, enable the apparatus 2 to at least: receive at least one speed parameter based on at least one user input on the user interface 210; receive at least one speed information value from the controller 3 or the engine control unit 10 of the working machine 1; send at least one instruction to the controller 3 or the engine control unit 10 to at least stop the working machine 1 when the received speed information value is equal to the at least one speed parameter; and calculate the stopping distance of the working machine 1.

[0043] Figure 2 An exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 2 configured to practice one or more exemplary embodiments is shown. Apparatus 2 may be a PDS simulator, a computing device, or a client device, such as, for example, a portable device. Although apparatus 2 is shown as a single device, it should be understood that, where applicable, the functionality of apparatus 2 may be distributed to multiple devices.

[0044] The apparatus 2 may include at least one processor 202. The at least one processor may include, for example, one or more of a variety of processing devices, such as, for example, a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processing circuit with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other processing devices including integrated circuits, such as, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a hardware accelerator, a dedicated computer chip, etc.

[0045] The apparatus may further include at least one memory 204. The at least one memory may be configured to store, for example, computer program code 206, such as operating system software and application software. The at least one memory 204 may include one or more volatile memory devices, one or more non-volatile memory devices, and / or a combination of the above devices. For example, the memory may be embodied as a magnetic storage device (such as a hard disk drive, a floppy disk, a magnetic tape, etc.), an optical magnetic storage device, or a semiconductor memory (such as a mask ROM, a PROM (programmable ROM), an EPROM (erasable PROM), a flash ROM, a RAM (random access memory), etc.).

[0046] The device 2 may further include a communication interface 210, which is configured to enable the device 2 to send information to other devices and / or receive information from other devices. The communication interface 210 may be configured to provide at least one wireless radio connection, such as, for example, a 3GPP mobile broadband connection (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G), a wireless local area network (WLAN) connection (such as, for example, a connection standardized by the IEEE 802.11 series or the Wi-Fi Alliance); a short-range wireless network connection (e.g., Bluetooth, NFC (near field communication) or a radio frequency identification (RFID) connection); a wired connection (such as, for example, a controller area network (CAN)), a local area network (LAN) connection (e.g., an Ethernet interface), a universal serial bus (USB) connection or an optical network connection, etc.; or a wired Internet connection. The communication interface 210 may include or be configured to be connected to at least one antenna to send and / or receive radio signals. The communication interface 210 may also be configured to provide power to the device 2, for example, based on Power over Ethernet (PoE). One or more of the various types of connections may also be implemented as a separate communication interface, which may be connected or configured to be connected to multiple antennas.

[0047] The device 2 may receive program code 206 of the device 2 via the communication interface 210. The program code 206 of the device 2 may be stored at the device 2 together with the native program code. The program code 206 of the device 2 may be configured to (optionally together with the native program code) cause the device 2 to perform one or more of the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0048] The device 2 may further include a user interface 210, which includes an input device and / or an output device. The input device may take various forms, such as a keyboard, a touch screen 9, or one or more embedded control buttons. The output device may, for example, include a display 8, a speaker, a vibration motor, etc.

[0049] When the apparatus 2 is configured to implement a certain function, a certain component and / or some components of the apparatus 2 (such as, for example, the at least one processor 202 and / or the memory 204) may be configured to implement the function. In addition, when the at least one processor 202 is configured to implement a certain function, the function may be implemented using, for example, the native program code 206 included in the at least one memory 204.

[0050] The functions described herein may be performed at least in part by one or more computer program product components, such as software components. According to one embodiment, the device includes a processor or processor circuit, such as, for example, a microcontroller, which is configured by program code when executed to perform the described operations and embodiments of the functions. Alternatively or in addition, the functions described herein may be performed at least in part by one or more hardware logic components. For example, but not limited to, illustrative types of hardware logic components that may be used include field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), application specific standard products (ASSPs), systems on chips (SOCs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), and graphics processing units (GPUs).

[0051] The device 2 includes a device for performing at least one method described herein. In one example, the device includes the at least one processor, and the at least one memory includes a program code, which is configured to cause the device to perform the method when executed by the at least one processor.

[0052] Figure 3aAn example of a simplified side view of a device 2 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown, wherein test parameters 4, 5 are set. The device 2 may include a user interface 210, which includes an input device and / or an output device. The input device may be a touch screen 9. The output device may be a display 8. At the start of the stopping distance measurement operation, the test parameters may be set. The device 2 may be configured to receive at least one speed parameter 4, 5 based on at least one user input on the user interface 210. The operator of the device may feed the at least one speed parameter 4, 5. The speed parameter may be a target speed value of the working machine 1. For example, the first speed parameter 4 is a deceleration target speed, and the second speed parameter 5 is a stopping target speed. The operator may give 20 km / hour and 3 km / hour as examples of the first parameter 4 and the second parameter 5. For example, the first speed parameter 4 may vary between 5 and 30 km / hour. For example, the second speed parameter 5 may vary between 0 and 15 km / hour.

[0053] Figure 3b An example of a simplified side view of the device 2 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown, in which a test can be started. When all speed parameters 4 and 5 required in the test are received, the operator can press the start test button 11. In this way, the device 2 can receive a start input on the user interface and the test starts. When the device has received the start input, it can start saving at least the at least one speed information value and at least one time value from the controller 3 or the engine control unit 10 in the memory 204. The controller 3 or the engine control unit 10 can continuously transmit the speed information value, for example every 50 milliseconds. The saving can be configured to start after the device 2 receives the start input, and can end when the speed information value received from the controller 3 or the engine control unit 10 is equal to zero.

[0054] The operator can drive the work machine and accelerate. Once the speed reaches 20 km / h, the device can issue a deceleration command, and the work machine 1 can start to decelerate. When the speed drops to 3 km / h, the device 2 can give an emergency stop command and the work machine 1 can stop. According to an exemplary embodiment, the at least one command sent to the controller 3 or the engine control unit 10 can include at least one proximity detection system (PDS) command.

[0055] Figure 3cAn example of a simplified side view of a device 2 showing a calculated stopping distance 6 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. During this process, the device 2 may have tracked speed and time and calculated the travel distance. After stopping, the device 2 may calculate the stopping distance 6 based on the at least one speed information value and the at least one time value stored in the memory 204. The device 2 may then report the stopping distance 6. The stopping distance may be the travel distance traveled during the deceleration and stopping time. The device 2 may also save other values ​​in the memory 204 during the test, such as gear, chassis angle and / or brake pressure. These values ​​may be displayed as a report. This may be a completely repeatable way to measure the stopping distance of a working machine. It may also be an easy way to test how the PDS is actually able to stop a working machine traveling at different speeds. In addition, it may be a good way to test PDS functionality and braking performance and conditions.

[0056] Figure 4 An example of signaling and operations within a system 7 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The system 7 may include a device 2 and a controller 3 or an engine control unit 10. Signaling and operations have been described using the device 2, the controller 3 or an engine control unit (ECU) 10, and a user or operator as examples. The device 2 may include a processor 202 that causes the device 2 to perform the functions described.

[0057] Figure 4 The signalling and flow diagram of the stop distance measurement performed by the device 2 when the user presses the start button 11 is shown.

[0058] At operation 38 , the controller 3 or the engine control unit 10 may periodically transmit speed information values ​​to the device 2 .

[0059] At the start of the measurement operation of the stopping distance, the test parameters may be set. At operation 40, the device 2 may receive the first speed parameter 4 and the second speed parameter 5 based on the at least two user inputs on the user interface 210. The user may provide the first parameter 4 and the second parameter 5 to the device 2 by using the touch screen 9.

[0060] When all speed parameters 4 and 5 required in the test are received, the user may press the start button 11 and the test may begin. At operation 42, the apparatus may receive a start input from the user.

[0061] When the device 2 has received the start input, at operation 44 it may start saving at least the at least one speed information value and at least one time value from the controller 3 or the engine control unit 10 in the memory 204. Saving may be configured to start after the device 2 receives the start input.

[0062] At operation 46, the device 2 may receive a speed information value from the controller 2 or the engine control unit 10. The device 2 may compare the received speed information value of the working machine 1 with the first speed parameter 4. The processor 202 of the device may perform the comparison. At operation 48, when the received speed information value of the working machine 1 is equal to the first speed parameter 4, the device 2 may send a deceleration instruction to the controller 3 or the engine control unit 10 at operation 50 to decelerate the speed of the working machine 1.

[0063] At operation 52 , the controller 3 or engine control unit 10 may receive a deceleration command and may be configured to slow the speed of the work machine 1 .

[0064] According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller 3 or the engine control unit 10 may have a controller or engine control unit communication interface, which may allow the controller 3 or the engine control unit 10 to decelerate the working machine 2, for example, by turning off the accelerator pedal signal. The controller or engine control unit communication interface may be configured to enable the controller 3 or the engine control unit 10 to send and / or receive information.

[0065] According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller 3 receives at least one instruction from the device 2 and sends at least one instruction to the engine control unit 10 to slow down or stop the working machine 1 .

[0066] According to an exemplary embodiment, the engine control unit 10 comprises a controller 3. The engine control unit 10 may be configured to receive at least one instruction from the device 2 and to slow down or stop the working machine 1.

[0067] According to an exemplary embodiment, the system 7 includes a speed sensor. The speed sensor can be connected to the controller or engine control unit communication interface. The controller or engine control unit communication interface can receive a speed information value, and the controller 3 can send the speed information value to the device 2.

[0068] According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller 3 is a VIC, or the controller 3 includes a vehicle intervention controller (VIC) configured to decelerate the speed of the work machine.

[0069] At operation 54, the device 2 may receive a speed information value from the controller 2 or the engine control unit 10. The device 2 may compare the received speed information value of the working machine 1 with the second speed parameter 5. At operation 56, when the received speed information value of the working machine 1 is equal to the second speed parameter 5, the device 2 may send a stop instruction to the controller 3 or the engine control unit 10 at operation 58 to stop the working machine 1.

[0070] According to an exemplary embodiment, the stop instruction may include a controlled stop instruction or an emergency stop instruction. The controlled stop instruction may smoothly stop the working machine 1. The emergency stop instruction may be a full application of the brakes to stop the working machine 1 as quickly as possible. For example, an emergency stop may be performed by forcing the parking brake to engage.

[0071] At operation 60 , the controller or engine control unit 10 may stop the work machine 1 .

[0072] At operation 62, the device 2 may receive a speed information value. At operation 64, when the speed information value received from the controller 3 or the engine control unit 10 is equal to zero after stopping, the device 2 may calculate a stop distance 6 at operation 66. The stop distance 6 may be based on the at least one speed information value and the at least one time value stored in the memory 204. The stop distance 6 may be a travel distance traveled during the deceleration and stop time. The stop distance 6 may be a travel distance between the received start input command and stopping the work machine.

[0073] Figure 5 1 shows signaling and operation within a system according to an exemplary embodiment. The system 7 may include a device 2 and a controller 3 or an engine control unit (ECU) 10. Figure 4 The device 2, the controller 3, the engine control unit 10 and the user or operator in the device 2 are described with respect to signal transmission and operation. The device 2 may include a processor 202 that enables the device 2 to perform the functions described.

[0074] Figure 5 The signalling and flow diagram of a stop distance measurement performed by the device 2 when the user presses the start button 11 is shown.

[0075] At operation 58 , the controller 3 or the engine control unit 10 may periodically transmit speed information values.

[0076] At the start of the stopping distance measurement operation, the test parameters may be set. At operation 60, the device 2 may receive the speed parameter 5 based on the at least one user input on the user interface 210. The user may provide the speed parameter 5 to the device 2 by using the touch screen 9.

[0077] When the speed parameter 5 required in the test is received, the user may press the start button 11 and the test may begin. At operation 62, the apparatus 2 may receive a start input from the user.

[0078] When the device 2 has received the start input, it may start saving at least the at least one speed information value and at least one time value from the controller 3 or the engine control unit 10 in the memory 204 at operation 64. The saving may be configured to start after the device 2 receives the start input.

[0079] At operation 66, the device 2 may receive a speed information value from the controller 2 or the engine control unit 10. The device 2 may compare the received speed information value of the working machine 1 with the speed parameter 5. The processor 202 of the device may perform the comparison. At operation 68, when the received speed information value of the working machine 1 is equal to the speed parameter 5, the device 2 may send a stop instruction to the controller 3 or the engine control unit 10 at operation 70 to stop the working machine 1.

[0080] According to an exemplary embodiment, the stop command may include a controlled stop command or an emergency stop command. The controlled stop command may smoothly stop the working machine 1. The emergency stop command may be a full application of the brakes to stop the working machine 1 as quickly as possible. For example, an emergency stop may be performed by forcing the parking brake to engage.

[0081] At operation 72 , the controller 3 or the engine control unit 10 may stop the work machine 1 .

[0082] At operation 74, the device 2 may receive a speed information value. At operation 76, when the speed information value received from the controller 3 or the engine control unit 10 is equal to zero after stopping, the device 2 may calculate a stopping distance 6 at operation 78. The stopping distance 6 may be based on the at least one speed information value and the at least one time value stored in the memory 204. The stopping distance 6 may be a travel distance traveled during the stopping time. The stopping distance 6 may be a travel distance between the received start input command and stopping the working machine.

[0083] Figure 6 An example method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. The method may include measuring a stopping distance using a device 2 of a work machine 1. The device 2 may include a user interface 210, at least one processor 202, and at least one memory 204 including computer program code 206.

[0084] At operation 600 , the method may include receiving at least one speed parameter 4 , 5 based on at least one user input on the user interface 210 .

[0085] At operation 610 , the method may include receiving at least one speed information value from a controller 3 or an engine control unit (ECU) 10 of the work machine 3 .

[0086] At operation 620 , the method may include sending at least one instruction to the controller 2 or the engine control unit 10 to at least stop the working machine 1 when the received speed information value is equal to the at least one speed parameter 5 .

[0087] At operation 630 , the method may include calculating a stopping distance 6 for the work machine 1 .

[0088] Other features of the method result directly from, for example, the functionality of the device or the system.Different variants of the method can also be applied, as described in conjunction with the various exemplary embodiments.

[0089] An apparatus or system may be configured to perform, or cause the performance of, any aspect of the methods described herein.

[0090] Any range or device value given herein may be expanded or changed without losing the effect sought. Furthermore, unless explicitly not permitted, any embodiment may be combined with another embodiment.

[0091] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or actions, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Instead, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as examples of implementing the claims, and other equivalent features and actions are intended to fall within the scope of the claims.

[0092] It should be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one embodiment or may relate to several embodiments. The embodiments are not limited to embodiments that solve any or all of the problems described or embodiments that have any or all of the benefits and advantages described. It will also be understood that reference to "an" item may refer to one item or multiple items in those items.

[0093] The steps or operations of the methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order, or simultaneously where appropriate. In addition, individual frames may be deleted from any method without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein. Aspects of any of the embodiments described above may be combined with aspects of any of the other embodiments described to form additional embodiments without losing the effects sought.

[0094] The term "comprising" is used herein to mean including the identified methods, blocks, or elements, but such blocks or elements do not include an exclusive list and the method or apparatus may contain additional blocks or elements.

[0095] Although a subject may be referred to as the "first," "second," or "third" subject, this does not necessarily indicate any order or importance of the subjects. Rather, such attributes may be used solely for the purpose of making distinctions between subjects.

[0096] It should be understood that the above description is given by way of example only, and various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art. The above description, examples and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments. Although various embodiments have been described above with a certain degree of particularity or with reference to one or more separate embodiments, those skilled in the art may make many changes to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of this specification.

Claims

1. A device for measuring the stopping distance of a working machine, comprising: user interface; at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receiving at least one speed parameter based on at least one user input on the user interface; receiving at least one speed information value from a controller or an engine control unit of the work machine; When the received speed information value is equal to the at least one speed parameter, sending at least one instruction to the controller or engine control unit to at least stop the working machine; and calculating the stopping distance of the working machine; Wherein, the device is configured to: receiving a first speed parameter and a second speed parameter based on at least two user inputs on the user interface; receiving the at least one speed information value from the controller or engine control unit of the work machine; When the received speed information value of the working machine is equal to the first speed parameter, sending a deceleration instruction to the controller or the engine control unit to decelerate the working machine; When the received speed information value of the working machine is equal to the second speed parameter, sending a stop instruction to the controller or engine control unit to stop the working machine; and A stopping distance of the work machine is calculated.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The apparatus is configured to: Receiving a start input on the user interface; storing at least the at least one speed information value and at least one time value from the controller or engine control unit in the memory, wherein storing is configured to start after the device receives the start input and to end when the speed information value received from the controller or engine control unit is equal to zero; as well as A stopping distance is calculated based on the at least one speed information value and the at least one time value stored in the memory.

3. The device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The at least one instruction sent to the controller or engine control unit includes at least one proximity detection system instruction.

4. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The apparatus is configured to: receiving the speed parameter based on the at least one user input on the user interface; receiving said at least one speed information value from said controller or engine control unit; When the received speed information value of the working machine is equal to the speed parameter, sending a stop instruction to the controller or the engine control unit of the working machine to stop the working machine; A stopping distance of the work machine is calculated.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein: The stop instruction includes a controlled stop instruction or an emergency stop instruction.

6. A method for measuring a stopping distance using a device for measuring a stopping distance of a working machine, wherein the device comprises user interface; at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code, The method comprises: receiving at least one speed parameter based on at least one user input on the user interface; receiving at least one speed information value from a controller or an engine control unit of the work machine; When the received speed information value is equal to the at least one speed parameter, sending at least one instruction to the controller or engine control unit to at least stop the working machine; and calculating a stopping distance of the working machine, Wherein, the method further comprises: receiving a first speed parameter and a second speed parameter based on at least two user inputs on the user interface; receiving said at least one speed information value from said controller or engine control unit; When the speed information value of the working machine is equal to the first speed parameter, a deceleration instruction is sent to the controller or the engine control unit to decelerate the working machine; When the speed information value of the working machine is equal to the received second speed parameter, sending a stop instruction to the controller to stop the working machine; and A stopping distance of the work machine is calculated, wherein the stopping distance is a travel distance between receiving a start input command and stopping the work machine.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The method further comprises: Receiving a start input on the user interface; storing said at least one speed information value and at least one time value from at least said controller or engine control unit in said memory, wherein storing begins after said device receives said start input and ends when said speed information value received from said controller or engine control unit is equal to zero; and The stopping distance is calculated based on the at least one speed information value and the at least one time value stored in the memory.

8. The method according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein: The method further comprises: receiving the speed parameter based on the at least one user input on the user interface; receiving said at least one speed information value from said controller or engine control unit; When the speed information value of the working machine is equal to the speed parameter, a stop instruction is sent to the controller or the engine control unit to stop the working machine; A stopping distance of the work machine is calculated.

9. A system for measuring the stopping distance of a working machine, comprising: The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5; Engine control unit; and Controller.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein: The controller is configured to send at least one speed information value to the device, receive at least one instruction from the device, and cause the work machine to slow down or stop; or The controller is configured to send at least one speed information value to the device, receive at least one instruction from the device, and send at least one instruction to the engine control unit to slow down or stop the work machine.

11. The system according to claim 9, wherein: The engine control unit includes the controller, and The engine control unit is configured to send at least one speed information value to the device, receive at least one instruction from the device, and decelerate or stop the work machine.

12. The system according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein: The controller comprises a vehicle intervention controller; or, The controller is a vehicle intervention controller.

13. A working machine comprising a system according to any one of claims 9 to 12.

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