Attachment-orientation monitoring apparatus, kit comprising the same, and method of use thereof

Abstract

Attachment-orientation monitoring apparatus for monitoring the orientation of an attachment is 12b connected to a boom of plant machinery, the attachment 14 defining an attachment axial direction, th

Description

The present invention relates to an apparatus for monitoring the orientation of an attachment for plant machinery. The present invention further relates to a kit which includes the apparatus. Additionally, the present invention relates to methods of assembly and of use of the apparatus. When building infrastructure, measurement errors can have costly and potentially catastrophic consequences. For example, when positioning foundation piles in holes dug in the ground, it may be important that the piles and consequently holes are vertical. To build the foundations of some buildings, piles are sunk into a bore to be drilled into the ground. Drilling a bore is typically carried out by plant machinery having a boom to which an auger assembly is connected. The auger assembly includes an auger, which has an elongate shaft along which extends a helical flight or twist. To dig the bore, the auger is inserted into the ground and driven to rotate, such as by an auger drive, with the helical flight moving earth out of the bore. The bore is usually vertical, although bibvertical bores may be desirable in some scenarios. In any case, the auger needs to be aligned with the desirable orientation. However, ensuring the auger is correctly oriented during operation is challenging for many reasons. As the auger is driven into the ground, it disappears from direct line of sight. Even when the auger is visible, it is difficult or even impossible to visually detect if the auger is deviating from the desired orientation, as the deviation angle may be only a few degrees. If the deviation angle is not corrected, the bore is drilled at an incorrect angle and the pile is incorrectly angled, with costly and potentially catastrophic consequences. If the deviation angle is corrected albeit too late, the resulting bore may be sinuous or saw-toothed along its depth, and thus unable to receive a linear pile within. The present invention seeks to provide a solution to these problems. According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an attachmentorientation monitoring apparatus for monitoring the orientation of an attachment connected to a boom of plant machinery, the attachment defining an axial direction, the apparatus comprising: an orientation-detector for detecting the orientation of the attachment; an orientation-indicator having a display panel for displaying a visual indication about the orientation of the attachment; and a mounting member for mounting the display panel to the boom and / or attachment, wherein the mounting member is adapted to orient the display panel so that the in-use display panel extends along at least the axial direction. The apparatus enables the orientation of an attachment, such as an auger and / or auger drive, to be monitored or measured. If the monitored orientation deviates too far from the desired orientation, the apparatus can provide a visual indication to this effect. The visual indication may alert the operator of the plant machinery who can then rectify the orientation of the attachment. The provision of a mounting member enables the apparatus, and in particular the display panel to be mounted onto the attachment and / or the boom of the plant machinery. Thus, the mounting member enables the apparatus and / or display panel to be retrofitted to existing machinery. This is cheaper and easier than having to replace the cabin of the plant machine or at least the console within. The mounting member is also configured to enable the apparatus and / or display panel to be retrofitted or retrofittable to a range of plant machinery and / or attachments. In other words, the mounting member is not restricted or restricted to a less extent by the dimensions of the machinery and / or attachment, such as the diameter of an auger drive. The display panel being mounted or mountable on the boom and / or attachment also beneficially enables the display panel to be visible by more than just the user operating the plant machinery. This increases the likelihood of detecting any deviation sooner, for example, if another user outside of the cabin notices any deviation before the user operating the machinery, the other user can draw the attention of the user operating the machinery to the deviation. Any deviation can be corrected more quickly. The display panel is not oriented solely in a transverse plane. Instead, the display panel extends in a plane or direction which is preferably parallel or near parallel to the axial direction of the attachment. If the display panel is tilted relative to the axial direction of the attachment, the display panel may additionally extend in a transverse direction. The orientation of the apparatus means that the display panel faces the operator, who thereby gets a more complete picture. Beneficially, the apparatus further comprises a visor. The visor increases the visibility and / or clarity of the indication via one or more of the following ways. The visor may act as a sunshade or shield against the sun. A shield against sun may reduce or eliminate sun glare and / or increase the visual contrast. The visor may act as a rain shield. A rain shield may prevent or inhibit rain drop from reaching the display panel. Due to the lenslike properties of a droplet of rain, light rays traversing the droplet may be distorted, such that the visual display is distorted, illegible and / or incorrect. The visor may act as a guard such as against a solid, mud or another substance capable of obscuring the display panel and thus obscuring any visual indication provided by the display panel. The visor may also prevent or inhibit any object from impacting and damaging the display panel. Optionally, the apparatus may further comprise a visor connector. The visor is separably connectable to the rest of the apparatus. As such, the visor can be removed when not required. Removability has a number of benefits. The weight of the apparatus can be reduced, which in turn reduces the weight handing on the boom and / or attachment. A greater weight hanging from the boom may require more power to operate the machinery. A greater weight, particularly located to a side or asymmetrically relative to a freely hanging attachment may cause the centre of gravity of the apparatus and attachment to be displaced and causing the attachment to be misaligned. Removability provides modularity, enabling the visor to be replaced without replacing the rest of the apparatus, such as for customisability, or maintenance. The visor can also be disconnected for increased compactness of the apparatus for transport and / or storage, or to increase the viewing angle of the display panel. Preferably, the apparatus may further comprise a speaker. The speaker provides a second alert means. Redundancy may be beneficial, for example in case of failure of the orientation-indicator to provide a visual indication or if the visual indication is obstructed from sight. Additionally, the speaker can attract attention to the display panel. For example, if the user operating the machinery is focussing on their in-cabin console, on operating the machinery or generally looking away from the apparatus, they may not notice if the apparatus indicates any deviation from the desired orientation. The user may even be looking at the display panel but if the user is colour blind, they may not necessarily notice a change in lighting, such as the colour changing from green to red. The speaker may also be beneficial when calibrating the apparatus. Additionally, the display panel may have a surface area. The surface area of the display panel provides an area on which to display an indication. Preferably, the display panel may be a screen. The greater the area, the greater and / or more complex information that can be conveyed. Advantageously, at least a majority of the surface area may be visible at any time during use. The display panel may show a top-down representation centrered around the desired, pre-determined orientation, with a shape such as a dot or cross, showing the measured orientation. Any deviation from the pre-determined orientation may be indicated by a displacement of the shape away from the centre with the distance and direction of displacement of the shape corresponding to the severity and direction of deviation of the attachment. Being able to see more than half the area simultaneously enables the user to get a better view of the situation and if required, accurately correct any deviation. Furthermore, the display panel may be planar. The display panel preferably is a flat screen. A flat screen may reduce the risk of distorting the visual indication and / or the risk of the user misinterpreting the visual indication. A flat screen is also easier to manifacture and / or source. However, a non-flat screen may be envisioned, such as curved. For example, a convex screen may potentially increase the angle from which the display panel is visible. Additionally, the display panel comprises light emitting means. A light emitting means is a simple mechanism for providing a visual message. A light emitting means may even be visible in the dark or low-light conditions. However, non-light emitting means may be envisioned, such as a flap display arrangement. This alternative may beneficially require no or less power to operate and / or may be less sensible to vibrations than an electronic light-emitting means. Furthermore, the display panel may comprise first light emitting means and second light emitting means, the second light emitting means being positioned around the first light emitting means. A plurality of light emitting means may enable redundancy, for example if they display the same information. Redundancy may be beneficial, for instance in case of damage or obstruction to one of the light emitting means. The second light emitting means may convey different or complementary information to the first light emitting means. The spatial arrangement may enable the two light emitting means to be easily distinguished by a user. Optionally, the first light emitting means may include a plurality of first light emitting elements, and / or the second light emitting means includes a plurality of second light emitting elements. A plurality of light emitting elements per light emitting means enables shapes with greater resolution and / or more complex shapes such as letters, numbers, or pictures to be shown. Preferably, the apparatus may further comprise power-connection means. The powerconnection means, such as a cable, enables the apparatus to connect or be connectable to a source of power, such as the plant machinery, electrical mains, a generator, or a battery, by way of examples only. Optionally, the apparatus may further comprise a power source. The power source may be part of the apparatus. The apparatus may be more easily fitted or retrofitted to an attachment and / or plant machinery. The power source may even enable the apparatus to be used with an attachment and / or plant machinery where there is no other option to power the apparatus. Preferably, the mounting member may include a fastener and / or a fastening-receiver bore. A fastener and / or a bore provide an easy way to secure the apparatus to the plant machinery and / or attachment. Additionally, a fastener and bore arrangement is likely to be able to withstand any substantial vibrations during use. The risk of the apparatus moving relative to the boom and / or attachment, such as sliding around the attachment, is reduced or eliminated once the apparatus is secured via a fastener and bore. Preferably, the fastener may be a screw or a bolt. Screws and bolts are easy to source. Additionally or alternatively, the mounting member may include a magnetic element and / or ferromagnetic material. No bolts or bores may be required. This may increase the range of attachments and / or booms with which the apparatus may be used. Preferably, the apparatus may further comprise a housing. The housing provides a protective barrier to internal components of the apparatus, for example against one or more of: wind, mud, rain, heat, and vibrations. The housing also prevents or inhibits user access to electrical components, thereby increasing health and safety. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit comprising the apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, and at least one of: the attachment, and the plant machinery having a boom. The apparatus may be provided together with one or both of the attachment and the plant machinery. A kit comprising multiple pieces of equipment increases convenience and saves time and cost for the user who no longer has to source the components independently. Furthermore, if the apparatus is incompatible with certain attachments and / or certain plant machinery, user sourcing equipment independently may accidentally source incompatible items, resulting in additional time and cost to rectify the error. Preferably, the attachment may include an auger drive. An auger drive in-use drives the rotation of an auger. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling a system, the method comprising the steps of: a] providing an attachment orientation monitoring apparatus, preferably in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; an attachment and plant machinery having a boom; b] connecting the attachment to the boom and mounting the attachment-orientation monitoring apparatus to at least one of: the boom and the attachment, such that the attachment-orientation monitoring apparatus is able to detect any deviation in orientation of the attachment relative to a pre-determined orientation. There is provided an easy method of assembling a system that can be used to detect any misalignment of an attachment. Beneficially, wherein, when mounted to the attachment and / or boom of the plant machinery, the in-use display panel may be visible from an angle of less than 180°. The majority or all of the display is simultaneously visible to a user, without the user needed to move, when the user is located in the region defined by an angle of 180°. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of monitoring the orientation of an attachment connected to a boom of plant machinery, the method comprising the steps of: a] providing a system comprising an attachment connected to the boom of plant machinery, and an attachment-orientation monitoring apparatus, preferably in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the attachmentorientation monitoring apparatus being mounted to at least one of: the boom and the attachment, such that the attachment-orientation monitoring apparatus is able to detect the orientation of the in-use attachment; and b] the display panel displays an indication of the orientation of the attachment. The method enables the orientation of the attachment to be monitored. The position of the apparatus and more preferably the display panel on the boom and / or attachment means, instead of being solely in-cabin that the display panel may be visible to more than just one user. Additionally, the attachment may include an auger drive. An auger driver in-use drives an auger. An auger driver is easy to source. Beneficially, the apparatus may further comprise a visor for increasing the visibility of the indication displayed by the display panel. The visor increases the visibility of a visual indication, such as by preventing rain, sun glare, mud or any other object or substance from damaging, obstructing or reducing the visibility of the display panel. Preferably, the method may comprise a further step of c] in response to the indication of the orientation, altering the orientation of the attachment. The user is able to correct for any deviation in orientation of the attachment. Advantageously, the method may further comprise a step of calibrating the attachmentorientation monitoring apparatus. Preferably, during the calibration step, a predetermined orientation may be set, and when the attachment-orientation monitoring apparatus detects a deviation in the orientation of the attachment relative to the predetermined orientation, the display panel may display an indication of the deviation in step b], Furthermore, during the calibration step, the pre-determined orientation may be set to be a vertical orientation. Alternatively, during the calibration step, the predetermined orientation may be set to be a non-vertical orientation. Preferably, during the calibration step, a minimum deviation threshold may be set, such that the display panel provides a visual alert if the deviation is detected to be above the threshold. Calibration may increase the accuracy of orientation measurement. Calibration can also enable settings to be altered. For example, the user can define or alter the pre-determined orientation during calibration. The user can define or alter a deviation tolerance and / or threshold beyond which an alert is emitted. Beneficially, the apparatus may further comprise a speaker. If the deviation is detected to be above the threshold, the speaker emits an auditory alert. Redundancy in alert mechanisms increases the likelihood that the user notices the alert, such as by drawing the user’s attention to the display panel and / or with assisting any colour blind user. Furthermore, the indication of the orientation of the attachment may be a number. A number, such as the exact angle of deviation, may provide greater precision, for example, at least compared to a sector of the display panel lighting up. The number may also be displayed during calibration and / or may be beneficial for calibrating the apparatus. According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided an attachment-orientation monitoring apparatus for monitoring the orientation of an attachment connected to a boom of plant machinery, the apparatus comprising: an orientation-detector for detecting the orientation of the attachment; an orientation-indicator having a display panel for displaying a visual indication about the orientation of the attachment; and a mounting member for mounting the display panel to the boom and / or attachment. The apparatus enables the orientation of the attachment to be monitored. The mounting member enables the apparatus or at least the display panel thereof to be mounted to the attachment and / or boom thereof. Mounting the display panel enables more than one user to see the display panel, thereby increasing the likelihood of any deviation being detected and / or increasing safety. The mounting member also enables the apparatus to be mounted to a range of different attachments and / or booms. According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided an attachment-orientation monitoring apparatus for monitoring the orientation of an attachment connected to a boom of plant machinery, the apparatus comprising: an orientation-detector for detecting the orientation of the attachment; an orientation-indicator having a screen for displaying a visual indication about the orientation of the attachment; and a mounting member for mounting the screen to the boom and / or attachment. The display panel may be a screen. A screen can convey information in the form of a top down representation so that the user gets a whole picture of the situation. A screen is versatile and can display numbers and letters in addition to images. The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a side representation of a first embodiment of a system, in-use, prior to drilling a pile-receiving bore, the system including an attachment-orientation monitoring apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, plant machinery having a boom, and an attachment connected to the boom, with an outline of the bore being illustrated in dotted lines; Figure 2 illustrates a close-up side representation of the attachment-orientation monitoring apparatus and an auger drive of the attachment of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a front representation of the attachment-orientation monitoring apparatus and auger drive of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a perspective representation of the attachment-orientation monitoring apparatus and auger drive of Figure 2; Figure 5 is a front representation of part of the attachment-orientation monitoring apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 6 illustrates a front representation of a power source and user interface of the attachment-orientation monitoring apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 7 is a bottom representation of the power source and user interface of Figure 6; Figure 8 illustrates a front representation of a controller, orientation-detector and speaker of the attachment-orientation monitoring apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 9 shows a perspective representation of a mounting member, a display panel and visor of the attachment-orientation monitoring apparatus of Figure 1, prior to engagement of the visor and display panel with the mounting member; Figure 10 is a front representation of the mounting member of Figure 9; Figure 11 illustrates a side representation of the mounting member of Figure 10; Figure 12 is a front representation of the display panel of the attachmentorientation monitoring apparatus of Figure 1, in use, during calibration of the apparatus, wherein the maximum deviation threshold is being set to 0.5 degrees; Figure 13 is a front representation of the display panel of the attachmentorientation monitoring apparatus of Figure 1, in use, during calibration of the apparatus, prior to setting a pre-determined orientation; Figure 14 shows a front representation of the display panel of the attachmentorientation monitoring apparatus of Figure 1, in use, during calibration of the apparatus, wherein the apparatus illustrates a measured tilt angle of the attachment as being 1.35°; Figure 15 illustrates a front representation of the display panel of the attachmentorientation monitoring apparatus of Figure 1, in use, during calibration of the apparatus, wherein the apparatus illustrates a measured tilt angle of the attachment as being 16.5°; Figure 16 shows a front representation of the display panel of the attachmentorientation monitoring apparatus of Figure 1, in use, following calibration of the apparatus; Figure 17A is a front representation of the display panel of the attachmentorientation monitoring apparatus of Figure 1, in use, wherein the apparatus indicates a power issue; Figure 17B is a front representation of the display panel of the attachmentorientation monitoring apparatus of Figure 1, in use, wherein the apparatus indicates an error; Figure 18 is a top-down representation of the attachment-orientation monitoring apparatus mounted to the attachment of Figure 1, in use, showing two zones from which the display panel of the apparatus is visible to a user, with diagonal hatching indicating the viewing zone if the viewing angle is at most 180°, and the vertical hatching indicating the viewing zone if the viewing angle is 90°; Figure 19A shows a close-up side representation of part of the system of Figure 1, in-use, wherein the attachment is in alignment with a desired, pre-determined orientation; Figure 19B is a close-up representation of the display panel of the attachmentorientation monitoring apparatus in Figure 19A, in-use, illustrating the visual indication corresponding to when the attachment is aligned with the pre-determined orientation; Figure 20A shows a close-up side representation of part of the system of Figure 19A, in-use, wherein the attachment is deviating from the pre-determined orientation by a deviation less than the maximum threshold deviation; Figure 20B is a close-up representation of the display panel of the attachmentorientation monitoring apparatus in Figure 20A, in-use, illustrating the visual indication corresponding to when the attachment is deviating from the pre-determined orientation by a deviation less than the maximum threshold deviation; Figure 21A shows a close-up side representation of part of the system of Figure 20A, in-use, wherein the attachment is deviating from the pre-determined orientation by a deviation equal to or greater than the maximum threshold deviation; Figure 21B is a close-up representation of the display panel of the attachmentorientation monitoring apparatus in Figure 21A, in-use, illustrating the visual indication corresponding to when the attachment is deviating from the pre-determined orientation by a deviation equal to or greater than the maximum threshold deviation; Figure 22 is a flow-chart illustrating the method of assembling the system of Figure 1; Figure 23 is a flow-chart illustrating the method of using the system of Figure 1; Figure 24 shows a side representation of an attachment-orientation monitoring apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the invention and of an auger drive of an attachment of a second embodiment of a system; Figure 25 illustrates a perspective representation of a visor, a display panel and a mounting member of the apparatus of Figure 24, prior to engagement of the display panel and the mounting member; Figure 26 is a front representation of the mounting member of Figure 25; Figure 27 is a side representation of the mounting member of Figure 25; Figure 28 is a front representation of the display panel, user interface and power connection means of the apparatus of Figure 24, with the visor and a housing omitted for clarity; Figure 29 is side representation of an attachment-orientation monitoring apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the invention and of an auger drive of an attachment of a third embodiment of a system; Figure 30 shows a perspective rear representation of the attachment-orientation monitoring apparatus of Figure 29, in a compact condition; Figure 31 is the perspective rear representation of the attachment-orientation monitoring apparatus of Figure 29, in an exploded condition; and Figure 32 is a perspective front representation of the attachment-orientation monitoring apparatus of Figure 29, in an exploded condition. Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a first embodiment of a system indicated generally at 10. The system 10 preferably includes plant machinery 12, an attachment 14, and an apparatus 16, but any of the above may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. Preferably, the plant machinery 12 has a main body 12a and a boom 12b. The boom 12b, also referred to as an arm, extends from the main body 12a. The boom 12b is actuatable. The boom 12b preferably also includes a double hitch cradle. The double hit cradle may be located at or adjacent the free end of the boom 12b. The plant machinery 12 may be an excavator. The attachment 14 is connected or connectable to the plant machinery 12. More preferably, the attachment 14 is connected or connectable to a boom 12b of the plant machinery 12. The attachment 14 may be or may include an auger assembly. The auger assembly includes an auger drive 18a, an auger 18b, and an extension 18c, but any of the above may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. The auger drive 18a may also be referred to as an earth drill, earth drive, or auger drill. An example of auger drive is an Auger Torque Earth Drill by Auger Torque Europe Limited, Cheltenham, UK. The extension 18c may beneficially increase the depth of bore that can be drilled. The attachment 14 may have or may define an axial direction 20, also referred to as an attachment axial direction, or longitudinal direction. The attachment axial direction 20 is relative to the attachment 14. Thus, if the orientation of the attachment 14 is altered, the attachment axial direction 20 is also altered. The axis of the shaft of the auger 18b and / or the extension 18c thereof may define the attachment axial direction 20 of the attachment 14. If the auger assembly only includes the auger drive 18a, the attachment axial direction 20 may correspond to the axis of the auger 18b and / or extension, if an auger and / or extension were connected to the auger drive 18a. If the auger drive 18a is or is generally cylindrical, the attachment axial direction 20 may correspond to the axis of cylinder. The attachment axial direction 20 of the attachment is illustrated as a dot-dot-dashed line in Figure 2, 3 and 4. The apparatus 16 may be provided as part of a kit. The kit may further include at least one of: the said plant machinery 12, and the said attachment 14. In Figures 2, 3 and 4, the apparatus 16 is illustrated as being mounted to the auger drive 18a. The apparatus 16 in-use enables monitoring of the orientation of an attachment 14 connected to plant machinery 12 and more preferably to a boom 12b of the plant machinery 12. The apparatus 16 is preferably portable. The apparatus 16 may be connectable or separably connected to the plant machinery 12 and / or attachment 14. The apparatus 16 may be referred to as an orientation-monitoring apparatus, a portable orientation-monitoring apparatus, or an alignment monitor. The apparatus 16 is more clearly shown in Figure 5. The apparatus 16 preferably includes a housing 22, orientation-detector 24, orientation-indicator 26, a visor 28, a visor connector 30, powerconnection means 32, a power source 34, user input means 36, a controller 38, a speaker 40, and mounting member 42, but any of the above may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. The housing 22 in-use provides a protective barrier or casing. All or a subset of the components of the apparatus 16 may be partially and / or fully received with the housing 22. The housing 22 may prevent or inhibit damage to components such as from dirt, water or an impact. Optionally, the housing 22 may comprise one or more housing bores 22a and / or one or more housing fasteners. The orientation-detector 24 in-use detects or measures the orientation of the attachment 14. The orientation-detector 24 may alternatively be referred to as an orientation detection means, alignment detection means, or an alignment detector. The orientation may be detected or measured directly, such as by being associated with the attachment 14, or indirectly, such as by being associated with the boom 12b. The orientation-detector 24 preferably includes at least one sensor. The at least one sensor is preferably an inclinometer. There may be a plurality of inclinometers. Any alternative or additional sensor for detecting orientation may be envisioned, such as an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, an optical sensor, any other sensor capable of detecting orientation, a plurality of any of the above, and any combination thereof. Multiple sensors provides redundancy, for instance, in case of damage or failure. A combination of different types of sensor may provide a greater number of means to check the orientation for redundancy. Different types of sensor may even interact to provide greater accuracy in measurement. The orientation-indicator 26 in-use provides an indication of the orientation of the attachment 14. The orientation-indicator 26 may alternatively be referred to as an indicator, an orientation indication means, or an alignment indicator. The orientationindicator 26 preferably includes a display panel 44. The display panel 44 in-use enables a visual output or visual indication to be provided. More preferably, the display panel 44 in-use displays an indication about the orientation or tilt angle of the attachment 14. The display panel 44 is preferably planar. In-use, the display panel 44 faces, is angled or oriented towards the operator of the plant machinery 12. Beneficially, the operator of the plant machinery 12 is preferably able to visualise the whole of the display panel 44 simultaneously. As the display panel 44 is also in-use mounted to the boom 12b and / or attachment 14, additional users may be able to visualise the display panel 44, leading to greater health and safety. Additional users being able to see the display panel 44 can also enable faster detection of any deviation from a desired orientation, particularly if the user operating the plant machinery 12 is focusing on another task or part of the plant machinery 12. The display panel 44 has a surface area. Preferably, all or at least a majority of the surface area is visible at any time. In other words, a user is preferably able to see simultaneous at least a majority or all of the surface area. In the preferred embodiment, the display panel 44 shows a top-down representation showing the measured orientation, the representation being centrered around a predetermined orientation. The measured orientation or deviation is indicated as a, preferably movable, indicium or shape 46. When the measured orientation corresponds to the pre-determined orientation, the indicium 46 is in the centre of the screen and / or overlapping with the position or indicium 46 representing the pre-determined orientation. The display panel 44 may be notionally arranged like a clockface, with “12 o’clock” being at the top of the display panel 44, “6 o’clock” being at the bottom display panel 44, “9 o’clock” and “3 o'clock” corresponding to the left and right areas of the display panel 44 respectively. The display panel 44 preferably comprises light emitting means 48. A light emitting means 48 may alternative be referred to as a light emitter. The light emitting means 48 includes a light emitting element 50. The display panel 44 may also be referred to as a screen. More preferably, the display panel 44 comprises first light emitting means 48a and second light emitting means 48b, but either may be omitted and / or further light emitting means may be provided. Any further light emitting means may be similarly named, with the number increasing incrementally for clarity. Preferably the second light emitting means 48b surrounds, or is positioned around the first light emitting means 48a. Optionally, the second light emitting means 48b may form or may generally form a circle around the first light emitting means 48a. The first light emitting means 48a includes at least one, and preferably a plurality of first light emitting elements 50a. Alternatively or, preferably additionally, the second light emitting means 48b includes at least one, and more preferably a plurality of second light emitting elements 50b. If a said lighting means comprises a plurality of lighting elements 50, the plurality of lighting elements 50 may provide a greater resolution about the direction of deviation of the attachment 14. The second light emitting means 48 preferably includes 40 second light emitting elements 50b in the illustrated embodiments, but any alternative number such as 4, 10, 20, 30, 50, 100, 1000, any value in between or outside of these values may be envisioned. An example of a light emitting element 50 is a light-emitting diode or LED. The light emitting element 50 may be in an “on” condition or an “off” condition. The “on” condition may also be referred to as an active condition or emitting condition. Conversely, the “off” condition may also be referred to as an inactive condition or a non-emitting condition. All or any number of light emitting elements 50 may be on “on” or “off”. There may be a subset of light emitting elements 50 of the apparatus 16 and / or of a light emitting means 48 thereof, which may be “on” whilst another subset of light emitting elements 50 may be “off”. For clarity, a “subset” is considered to include at least one element. A subset of light emitting elements 50 that are “on” may be referred to as an “active subset” or “emitting subset”. The subset of light emitting elements 50 that are “off” may be referred to as an “inactive subset” or “non-emitting subset”. The or a said active subset of, preferably first, light emitting elements 50, may form a indicium 46. The indicium 46 may be, for example, a line, a dot, a crosshair, an arrow, an arrow head, a cross, a circle, a square, a rectangle, a bull’s-eye, an image, a number, a letter, any further desirable shape, or any combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, information may be provided by a number of ways, such as colour, a pattern, a change in a property of the light such as flashing, and / or a colour change. The visor 28 in-use enhances the visibility of a visual output of the display panel 44. The visor 28 enhances the visibility by increasing the contrast and / or by preventing or inhibiting sun glare, rain, mud, a solid object and / or a substance from reaching the display panel 44. The visor 28 may also optionally prevent or inhibit access and therefore prevent or inhibit damage to the display panel 44. Optionally, depending on the location of the speaker 40 and the shape of the visor 28, the visor 28 may even act as or serve to amplify the output of the speaker 40. The visor connector 30 in-use enables the visor 28 to be separably connectable to the housing 22 and / or display panel 44. Thus, the visor can be removed if required. The visor connector 30 preferably includes at least one and more preferably a plurality of visor connection bores 52a, and at least one, and preferably a plurality of visor connection fasteners 52b. The power-connection means 32 in-use enables the apparatus 16 to be connected to the power source 34 and / or to a further power source 34. For example, the powerconnection means 32 enables the apparatus 16 to be connected or connectable to the plant machinery 12. Preferably however, the apparatus 16 may include the said power source 34. The power-connection means 32 may also be referred to as a power connector. The power source 34 in-use provides power to the apparatus 16. The power source 34 may include a battery or battery pack as shown in Figure 6. The power source 34 may additionally include a power-source connector. The power-source connector and / or power source 34 may include a magnetic mount. However, any alternative connector may be envisioned, such as bolts, screws and corresponding bores, male and female portions, or a bayonet arrangement. The power source 34 may be rechargeable. The power source 34 may have a charging port 54. Optionally, the attachment 14 may have a space or volume for receiving the power source 34. The user input means 36 in-use allows a user to provide an input. The user input means 36 may be referred to as a user input element or mechanism. The user input means 36 may include one or more buttons, switches, toggles, sliders, knobs, any other suitable input element, or any combination thereof. In the first embodiment, the user input means 36 are provided on the power source 34, as shown in Figure 7. As best shown in Figure 7, the user input means 36 includes a multifunction control element 36a, a brightness control element 36b, a speaker control element 36c, and an ON / OFF element 36d. Optionally, any of the elements may have more than one function. Actuating the element in a particular sequence, such as pressing the button or switch a plurality of times, may toggle between the functions. In the first embodiment, the brightness control element 36b and the speaker control element 36c are provided for by the same physical element. The speaker control element 36c allows the volume of the speaker 40 to be altered. The controller 38 in-use controls the apparatus 16 or parts thereof. The controller 38 is shown in Figure 8. Preferably, the controller 38 is received within the housing 22. The controller 38 includes a logic unit 56a. The logic unit 56a can process an input and / or issue a command. The logic unit 56a may include a processor, such as a Programmable Logic Controller. The input may be from the sensor. The input may be from the user. The controller 38 may optionally include a memory unit 56b, for recording data. The speaker 40 in-use enables an auditory output. An auditory output provides an alternative or additional means of providing information to a user. For example, if the display panel 44 is not visible to the operator due to sun glare, being accidentally oriented away from the operator, or the visor 28 blocking the direct line of sight of the operator. Even if a visual output is clearly visible to the operator, the operator may not necessarily be looking at the display panel 44, for instance, due to looking at the console in the plant machinery cabin or focusing on the auger drive 18a directly. The auditory output may beneficially draw the operator’s attention to the display panel 44 for example if a deviation is detected, and the operator has not noticed the visual indication to that effect provided by the display panel 44. The mounting member 42 in-use enables the apparatus 16 or at least part thereof to be mounted or mountable onto the boom 12b and / or attachment 14. The mounting member 42 of the first embodiment is shown in Figures 9, 10 and 11. The mounting member 42 may also be referred to as a mount, mounting element, or mounting means. More preferably, the mounting member 42 is associated with the orientation-indicator 26 and even more preferably, with the display panel 44 thereof. As such, the display panel 44 may be mounted or mountable to the boom 12b and / or attachment 14 by the mounting member 42. In other words, the mounting member 42 enables the apparatus 16 or part thereof to be portable. The mounting member 42 also enables the apparatus 16 to be removed or disconnected from the boom 12b and / or attachment 14, and connected to an attachment 14 and / or a boom 12b of another plant machinery 12. Furthermore, the mounting member 42 may include at least one fastener and / or at least one fasteningreceiver bore. The fastener may be a screw or a bolt by way of examples. M10 bolts may be used. Thus, the mounting member 42 may be screwable and / or boltable to the boom 12b and / or attachment 14. More preferably, the mounting member 42 includes a mounting body 58, an attachmentfastening mechanism 60, and an orientation-indicator fastening mechanism 62, but any of the above may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. The attachment-fastening mechanism 60 may include at least one attachment-fastener-receiving bore 60a and / or at least one attachment-fastener, not shown. Optionally, the mounting body 58 includes a main portion 64a, a bracket 64b and a stabilising portion 64c, but any of the above may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. The mounting member 42 has a longitudinal extent 66a, a width 66b and a depth 66c. The mounting member 42 also has a thickness 66d. Any of the above may be fixed and / or variable. The main portion 64a is preferably planar but non planar, such as curved may be an option. The main portion 64a may also be generally linear or elongate rectangle in side view, as best illustrated in Figure 11. The main portion 64a may extend in a plane or direction parallel or generally parallel with the attachment axial direction 20, or extends at least in or along the attachment axial direction 20. In other words, if the attachment 14 or part thereof is or is generally circular in transverse cross-section, when the main portion 64a is mounted to the attachment 14, the main portion 64a extends tangentially. The mounting member 42 and any apparatus 16 attached thereto may be eccentrically positioned relative to the attachment 14 and / or boom 12b. The bracket 64b may extend in a transverse plane. The bracket 64b may optionally be curved. If the bracket 64b has curvature, the curvature may equal or be less curved than curvature of the attachment 14, if any. This allows the bracket 64b to be received around at least part of the attachment 14. The stabilising portion 64c in-use stabilises the mounting member 42 against the attachment 14 and / or boom 12b. In turn, the stabilising portion 64c enables the main portion 64a to be oriented generally along the attachment axial direction 20. Thus, the mounting member 42 to be shaped, adapted, configured, or adaptable or configurable to orient the display panel 44 to be at least partly facing or angled towards a user. The stabilising portion 64c may be considered a foot or tongue which extends away to abut against the attachment 14 and / or boom 12b. The stabilising portion 64c may be connectable, connected, or integrally formed with the main portion 64a. The orientation-indicator fastening mechanism 62 enables the mounting member 42 to be connected or connectable to the boom 12b and / or preferably, the attachment 14. The orientation-indicator fastening mechanism 62 may include at least one orientationindicator fastener bore, and / or at least one orientation-indicator fastener. The orientationindicator fastening mechanism 62 is provided at, in or on the mounting body 58, and more preferably at, in or on the bracket 64b. In the first embodiment, the mounting member 42 preferably includes four orientationindicator fastening mechanisms 62 and four attachment-fastening mechanisms 60, although the attachment-fasteners and the orientation-indicator fasteners are not shown in Figures 9 to 11. Optionally, the orientation-indicator fasteners may be dimensioned and positioned so as to extend through one or more visor connection bores 52a and / or housing bores 22a. Thus, the orientation-indicator fasteners and the visor connection fasteners 52b may be one and the same. In use, there may be a number of scenarios in which a structure needs to be aligned along a specific orientation. For example, a user may need to position a pylon or post in a specific orientation. Alternatively, the user may need to bore a hole into the ground along a specific orientation, so as to receive a foundation pile. This requires appropriately orientating a structure, such as the auger assembly. Plant machinery 12 having a boom 12b, such as an excavator, is typically used in order to move the structure, which may therefore be at least temporarily attached to the boom 12b, thereby becoming the attachment 14. Referring now to Figures 12 to 23, to assemble the system 10, the user carries out the following steps, not necessarily in the following order. The user obtains an attachment 14, plant machinery 12 and an attachment-orientation monitoring apparatus 16 at Step S110 in Figure 22. In the preferred embodiment, the attachment 14 may be an auger assembly or at least the auger drive 18a thereof. The plant machinery 12 is preferably an excavator in the preferred embodiment. The user connects the attachment 14 to the boom 12b, such as via the double hitch cradle. Before, during or after connecting the attachment 14 to the boom 12b, the attachmentorientation monitoring apparatus 16 is connected or mounted to at least one of: the boom 12b and the attachment 14 at Step S110, such that the apparatus 16 is able to detect any deviation in orientation of the attachment 14 relative to a pre-determined orientation. The apparatus 16 may be retrofitted to an existing attachment 14 and / or boom 12b. The same apparatus 16 can be used with more than one excavator, instead of needing an apparatus 16 per plant machinery 12. The mounting member 42 does either not fully surround the attachment 14 and / or boom 12b or if surrounding, the dimensions of the mounting member 42 may be adjusted to accommodate the attachment and / or boom 12b. Thus, a greater range of attachments 14 and / or booms 12a may be accommodated. The mounting member 42 also provides greater flexibility in the order of installation. For instance, it is not a requirement to mount the apparatus 16 and / or display panel 44 thereof before connecting the attachment 14 to the boom 12b. Instead, the apparatus 16 and / or display panel 44 can be mounted at any time, even after the attachment 14 has been connected to the boom 12b. Conversely, the attachment 14 does not need to be disconnected from the boom 12b in order to retrieve the apparatus 16 and / or display panel 44. This may allow the apparatus 16 and / or display panel 44 to be mounted and dismounted easily and quickly. The display panel 44 is generally oriented towards the cabin of the main body 12a of the plant machinery 12 and / or towards the user operating the plant machinery 12. This orientation enables the display panel 44 to be visible to the at least the operator of the plant machinery 12. The system is thus in an assembled condition. To disassemble the system, the above opposite steps may be done, not necessarily in the reverse order. Preferably, there may be a step S120 of calibrating the attachment-orientation monitoring apparatus 16. Referring now to Figures 12 to 17B, there are shown examples of how the apparatus 16 can be calibrated. Setting a Tolerance The user may wish to set a tolerance, alert angle or maximum deviation threshold. In other words, the user sets the maximum angle or how much deviation from a predetermined orientation or position can be tolerated. The user enters the mode or page for setting the tolerance limit, as shown in Figure 12. Optionally, upon powering on the apparatus 16, the apparatus 16 may automatically enter the tolerance limit setting mode. Within this mode, the user sets the maximum deviation threshold. The maximum deviation threshold may be set by pressing the multifunction control element 36a. Each press of the multifunction control element 36a may incrementally increase the maximum deviation threshold. The increments may be 10°, 9°, 8°, 7°, 6°, 5°, 4°, 3°, 2°, 1°, 0.5°, 0.25°, or 0.1°, byway of examples. A value of the maximum deviation threshold may be 10°, 9°, 8°, 7°, 6°, 5°, 4°, 3°, 2°, 1°, 0.5°, 0.25°, or 0.1°, by way of examples. Any of the above values may be upper limits, lower limits or exact values. In the first embodiment, the increments are preferably 0.5 degrees. The maximum deviation threshold may be in the range of 0.5° to 5 degrees. Thus, if during use, the apparatus 16 detects the measured orientation of the attachment 14 and calculates that the measured orientation differs from the pre-determined orientation by an angle exceeding the maximum deviation threshold, an alert is output by the apparatus 16. In the first embodiment, the alert may be in the form of an auditory output emitted by the speaker 40 and / or a visual indication emitted by the display panel 44. Once the maximum deviation threshold has been set, the user can exit the tolerance setting mode. Changing between modes may involve actuating a user-interactable element, such as a button, or toggle. Alternatively, changing between modes may involve a period of inactivity, such as three, four, five or ten seconds without providing any input, by way of examples only. In the illustrated first embodiment, to exit the tolerance setting mode, the user waits for a period of three seconds and the device will automatically exit this page. To access the tolerance setting mode, for example, if the tolerance limit needs to be adjusted, the user may actuate the or a said user-interactable element, such as by pressing the multifunction control element 36a. The multifunction control element 36a may need to be held for a minimum period of time, such as three, five or ten seconds. Setting the Pre-Determined Orientation Before or after setting the tolerance, the user may want to set a pre-determined orientation which the attachment 14 needs to align with as closely as possible. The predetermined orientation may be vertical. The pre-determined orientation may be nonvertical. There may be a plurality of ways to set the pre-determined orientation of the attachment 14. Whilst preferably, the main portion 64a of the mounting member aligns with the attachment axial direction 20 of the attachment 14, this may not necessarily be the case. For example, the dimensions of the stabilising portion 64c and / or the relative arrangement of the stabilising portion 64c and the attachment 14 orboom 12b may result in the apparatus 16 being tilted relative to the attachment axial direction 20 of the attachment 14 and / or boom 12b. Thus, it may be that the apparatus 16 is non-vertical when mounted to the vertical attachment 14 and / or boom 12b and vice-versa. In this case, calibrating the apparatus 16 by setting a pre-determined orientation may beneficially compensate for any mis-alignment between the apparatus 16 and the attachment 14. Optionally, to enter calibration mode, the apparatus 16 may need to first be in the tolerance setting mode. The apparatus 16 may even cycle through modes sequentially. Thus, the tolerance setting mode may be first. Once the tolerance has been set, the apparatus may move to the pre-determined orientation mode after experiencing a period of inactivity. A first way of setting the pre-determined orientation is described as follows. The apparatus 16 may be physically oriented, such as by the user, gravity, the attachment 14 and / or the boom 12b, to be in the desired pre-determined orientation. The orientationdetector 24 may detect the orientation in which the apparatus 16 is maintained. The apparatus 16 may or may not be mounted to the attachment 14 and / or boom 12b at this stage. Optionally, an indication may be shown that the orientation of the apparatus 16 is being set manually. For example, the orientation-indicator 26, and more preferably, the first light emitting means 48 thereof, may display a line, and more preferably a horizontal line, such as that shown in Figure 13. The light may be red. At least one second light emitting element 50b may also emit light. Here, the second light emitting means 48 displays a ring, and more preferably a red ring. Optionally, the indication shown in Figure 13 may be shown if the apparatus 16 is oriented away from in a vertical position or substantially vertical position. In the first embodiment, the red line is shown if, after setting the tolerance, the apparatus 16 is oriented away from vertical and experiences a period of inactivity, such as three, five or ten seconds without any input. Once the pre-determined orientation has been measured by the orientation-detector 24, an input may need to be provided for the apparatus 16 to record the pre-determined orientation. In the first embodiment, the user provides the input to record the predetermined orientation by pressing the multifunction control element 36a. To access the pre-determined orientation setting mode again, for example if the predetermined orientation needs to be changed, a user-interactable element such as the multifunction control element 36a, may be actuated. Any or all the above steps may be repeated. Optionally, in addition to or instead of a red line, the orientation-indicator 26 may show a numerical value of the orientation, preferably in real time, such as a tilt angle or deviation angle relative to vertical. To see the value of the orientation, the apparatus 16 may need to be positioned in a vertical orientation and / or experience a period of inactivity, such as three, five or ten seconds. Figures 14 and 15 illustrate two example values of the measured tilt angle of the attachment 14 and / or apparatus 16. Figure 14 shows a tilt angle of 1.35°. Each light emitting element 50 of the second light emitting means 48 represents a value, which is preferably 0.025° in the illustrated embodiment. The first light emitting means 48 shows the number 1.3°. When the tilt angle is below 9.9°, the sum of the values of the second light emitting elements 50b provide the decimal places. In Figure 14, 14 of the 40 second light emitting elements 50b are emitting light. This corresponds to 14 x 0.025=0.35°. At least the first decimal place of the total value indicated by the second light emitting elements 50b should match the at least first decimal place of the value indicated by the first light emitting elements 50a, which is shown as “1.3°”. This provides redundancy. If instead, 20 second light emitting elements 50b were illuminated, the second light emitting elements 50b would collectively be indicating 0.45° and the first light emitting elements 50a would indicate “1.4”. The resulting tilt angle value displayed by the display panel 44 would be 1.45°. Figure 15 illustrates a tilt angle of 16.5°. If the value of the angle is above 9.9°, the second light emitting elements 50b provide the first and second decimal places as before, but due to spatial constraints, the numerical value shown by the first light emitting elements 50a may not include any decimal places. Similarly, each second light emitting element 50b represents 0.025°. In Figure 15, 20 of the 40 second light emitting elements 50b emit light, such that cumulatively, the second light emitting elements 50b represent a cumulative value of 0.5°. This is added to the numerical value shown by the first light emitting elements 50a, which is shown in Figure 15 as being the number “16”. Optionally, for redundancy with the second light emitting elements 50b, the first light emitting elements 50a may also display the decimal places, in a different format, such as in the form of a subset of first light emitting elements 50a emitting light in a different colour, here red, and / or in a different shape or pattern, such as a bar. The subset of first light emitting elements 50a may be referred to as “decimal” first light emitting elements 50a for clarity. Each of the “decimal” first light emitting elements 50a represents a value, here preferably 0.1°. As five “decimal” first light emitting elements 50a are illuminated in Figure 15, the cumulative value of the “decimal” first light emitting elements 50a is 0.5°. Once again, redundancy provides two ways of conveying information, for example in case of failure of any light emitting elements 50. The tilt angle displayed shows the true, measured angle of the apparatus 16 and / or of the attachment 14. As above, the apparatus 16 can be made to record the measured angle to be the pre-determined orientation. A second way of setting the pre-determined orientation is for the value of the desired pre-determined orientation to be provided to the apparatus 16, for example a value of a tilt angle relative to vertical. If the user wishes the pre-determined orientation of the apparatus 16 and / or attachment 14 to be vertical, the value of the tilt angle may be 0. The pre-determined orientation may be off-vertical such that the value of the tilt angle may be non-zero. Thus, the user can carry out an action, such as pressing a user-interactable element, to alter the value until the desired pre-determined orientation is displayed. The value is then recorded. Alignment Mode Once the tolerance and pre-determined orientations have been set, the apparatus 16 is calibrated. The apparatus 16 enters in the alignment mode. In the alignment mode, the output of the orientation-indicator 26 may change according to the measured orientation relative to the pre-determined orientation. For example, the display panel 44 may display the visual indication shown in Figure 16, in which the second light emitting elements 50b changes colour, here turning green, and an, optionally green, indicium 46, here a crosshair, appears in the centre of the display panel 44. Power Issue At any point, the apparatus 16 may indicate an issue with power, for example when the power supply voltage is insufficient for the apparatus 16 or if the apparatus 16 needs to be recharged. The apparatus 16 may display the or a pictogram similar to that illustrated in Figure 17A. Error At any point, in case of a software and / or hardware error within the apparatus 16, the apparatus 16 may display a pictogram or image identical or similar to that shown in Figure 17B. To remedy the error, the user may try restarting the apparatus 16. If restarting fails to remedy the problem, the apparatus 16 may need to be serviced or repaired. Once the user has a system 10 comprising an attachment 14 connected to the boom 12b of plant machinery 12, and a, preferably calibrated, attachment-orientation monitoring apparatus 16 mounted to at least one of: the boom 12b, and the attachment 14, such that the apparatus 16 is able to detect the orientation of the attachment 14, as per Step 200 in Figure 23, the orientation of the attachment 14 can be monitored whilst the user operates the plant machinery 12. Here, the user drives the auger assembly to drill a bore in the ground. The apparatus 16 provides an indication of the orientation of the attachment 14 as per Step S210, discontinuously or, preferably, continuously. When mounted to the attachment 14 and / or boom 12b, the display panel 44 is preferably visible from an angle of less than 360°, and even more preferably 180° or less. Figure 18 is a top-down representation of the apparatus 16 mounted to the attachment 14, showing zones from which the display panel 44 of the apparatus is visible to a user. The viewing angle may be 180°, 179°, 170°, 160°, 150°, 140°, 130°, 120°, 110°, 100°, 90°, 80°, 70°, 60°, 50°, 40°, 30°, 20° or 10°. Any of the above values may be upper limits, lower limits, or exact values. Diagonal hatching indicating the viewing zone if the viewing angle is at most 180°. Vertical hatching indicates the viewing zone if the viewing angle is, for example, 90°. The viewing angle being 180° or greater may be possible if the visor 28 is not provided and / or of the display panel 44 is convex. Providing a visor 28 may result in the angle being restricted, but the visor 28 beneficially increases the visibility in the smaller viewing angle. As long as the orientation of the attachment 14 and / or boom 12b is aligned with the predetermined orientation as per Figure 19A, the indicium 46 remains in the centre of the display panel 44, as per Figure 19B. In Figure 19A, the dash-dot-dashed line indicates the pre-determined orientation PDO whilst the dashed line indicates the orientation of the attachment AO. The orientation of the attachment in this embodiment also happens to correspond to the attachment axial direction 20 of the attachment 14 but this is not necessarily the case. If the orientation of the attachment 14 begins to change relative to the pre-determined orientation as shown in Figure 20A, the indicium 46 moves away from the aligned position, here the centre, as per Figure 20B. The distance from the centre may provide an indication of the severity of the deviation. The direction of movement of the indicium 46 also provides an indication of the direction in which the attachment 14 is deviating. For example, if the attachment 14 pivots away from the cabin of the main body 12a, the indicium 46 may move on the display panel 44 towards “twelve o’clock”. Conversely, if the attachment 14 pivots towards the cabin of the main body 12a, the indicium 46 may move towards “six o’clock” on the display panel. If the deviation is less than the maximum deviation threshold set during calibration, the deviation may be acceptable. Nevertheless, the user may wish to correct the orientation of the attachment 14 before the deviation becomes more severe. If the attachment 14 deviates beyond the maximum deviation threshold as per Figure 21 A, the auditory and / or visual output of the display panel 44 may change to alert to the fact that the maximum deviation threshold has been reached or exceeded. The first light emitting means 48 and / or second light emitting means 48 may provide a different visual output. There may be changes in the lighting, such as colour, patterns, ON to OFF, OFF to ON, flashing, changes in flashing to indicate direction and / or severity, by ways of examples only. For example, the indicium 46 may change, such as to an arrow head as shown in Figure 21B. The second light emitting elements 50b may also turn red, as shown in Figure 21B. Optionally, the speaker 40 may provide additional auditory information. For example, the speaker 40 may provide an auditory output if the speaker 40 deviates beyond a certain threshold. Optionally, the speaker 40 may provide an indication if the attachment 14 begins to deviate from the preferred orientation. The indication may change depending on the severity and / or direction of the deviation, such as a change in pitch, volume, or pattern of audible indications. Additionally, other users who are outside of the plant machinery 12 but who are able to see the display panel 44 can also raise an alert if required. In response to a deviation from the pre-determined orientation, the user may take action in response, such as by altering the orientation of the attachment 14, if required, as per Step S220. Altering the orientation of the attachment 14 may be done via a number of ways. For instance, the user may displace the boom 12b, particularly if the attachment 14 is freely hanging from the boom 12b. The boom 12b movement may cause the attachment 14 to pivot around a pivot point, such as the free end of the auger 18b abutting against the ground. This pivoting action of the attachment 14 back towards the pre-determined orientation is indicated as Arrow A in Figure 21 A. If the orientation of the attachment 14 can be actively controlled via a mechanism, such as via a piston arrangement, the user can actively alter the orientation of the attachment via actuating the mechanism. The orientation of the attachment 14 is corrected so that the attachment 14 aligns with the pre-determined orientation. If the attachment 14 is an auger drive 18a and / or auger 18b, once the bore has been drilled, the attachment 14 is removed from the bore. The user can insert a pile thereinto. In another scenario, for example if the attachment 14 is a pylon or construction, the attachment 14 may be left in situ once correctly orientated and positioned using the apparatus 16. Referring now to Figure 24, there is shown a side representation of an attachmentorientation monitoring apparatus 116 and of an auger drive 118a of an attachment 114 of a second embodiment of a system 110. Features of the second embodiment of the system 110 which are similar or identical to features of the first embodiment of the system 10 have similar or the same reference numerals with the prefix “1” added. The second embodiment of the system 110 is similar to the first embodiment of the system 10, having same or similar plant machinery, attachment 114 and apparatus 116; the plant machinery having a main body and a boom; the attachment 114 including an auger assembly; the auger assembly preferably including at least one of: an auger drive 118a, an auger, and an extension; the apparatus 116 including a housing 122, orientation-detector, orientation-indicator 126, a visor 128, a visor connector 130, powerconnection means 132, a user input means 136, a controller, a speaker, and mounting member 142. Any of the above features may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above features may be provided. Detailed description of the common features and of the caveats is omitted for brevity. Similarly to the first embodiment, the second embodiment of the mounting member 142 includes a mounting body 158, an attachment-fastening mechanism 160, and an orientation-indicator fastening mechanism 162. The second embodiment of the mounting body 158, the attachment-fastening mechanism 160, and the orientation-indicator fastening mechanism 162 are identical or similar to those of the first embodiment. Detailed description of the common features and of the caveats is omitted for brevity. Unlike the first embodiment, the second embodiment of the mounting member 142 further comprises an extension portion 168. The extension portion 168 may beneficially increase the longitudinal extent of the mounting member 142. The extension portion 168 is connectable, connected or, preferably, integrally formed with the main portion 164a. The stabilising portion 164c is also connectable, connected or, preferably, integrally formed with the extension portion 168. The extension portion 168 may alter the position of the stabilising portion 164c longitudinally and / or transversally. The extension portion 168 may alter longitudinally and / or transversally the location where the stabilising portion 164c contacts the attachment 114 and / or boom. This beneficially allows the mounting member 142 to accommodate a differently-shaped or differently-dimensioned attachment 114 and / or boom. In the second embodiment, the apparatus 116 does not include a power source. Instead, the power-connection means 132 may be plugged into the cigarette lighter socket or USB socket within the plant machinery. Preferably, the power-connection means 132 is a DC cable, and even more preferably a 12V DC cable. However, the power-connection means may be adapted or configured for connection with one or more other power sources, such as a generator, or electrical mains by way of examples only. In the second embodiment, the user input means 136 preferably includes a multifunction control element 136a, a brightness control element 136b, and a speaker control element 136c, similarly to the first embodiment. However, as the apparatus 116 does not include a power source, the ON / OFF element is omitted, although this option could easily be included for additional functionality, user control and / or safety. The user can simply connect and / or disconnect the power-connection means 132 from the power source. Similarly to the first embodiment, a same user-interactable element may function as more than one of the multifunction control element 136a, a brightness control element 136b, and a speaker control element 136c. Preferably, in the second embodiment, the brightness control element 136b and the speaker control element 136c are one and the same. Double tapping the button or switch toggles between the functions. The uses of the second embodiment are similar or identical to those of the first embodiment. Detailed description of the common steps and of the caveats is omitted for brevity. Referring now to Figure 29, there is shown a side representation of an attachmentorientation monitoring apparatus 216 and of an auger drive 218a of an attachment 214 of a third embodiment of a system 210. Features of the third embodiment of the system 210 which are similar or identical to features of the first embodiment of the system 10 or the second embodiment of the system 110 have similar or the same reference numerals with the prefix “2” added or replacing the previous prefix. The third embodiment of the system 210 is similar to the first embodiment of the system 10 or to the second embodiment 110, having same or similar plant machinery, attachment 214 and apparatus 216; the plant machinery having a main body and a boom; the attachment 214 including an auger assembly; the auger assembly preferably including at least one of: an auger drive 218a, an auger, and optional extension; the apparatus 216 including a housing 222, orientation-detector, orientation-indicator 226, a visor 228, a visor connector 230, power-connection means 232, a user input means, a controller, a speaker, mounting member 242, and optional power source. Any of the above features may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above features may be provided. Detailed description of the common features and of the caveats is omitted for brevity. Figure 30 shows a close-up representation of the attachment-orientation monitoring apparatus 216 in a compact condition. Figures 31 and 32 illustrate the attachmentorientation monitoring apparatus 216 in an exploded condition, from a rear perspective and from a front perspective, respectively. The third embodiment of the mounting member 242 includes a mounting body 258, an attachment-fastening mechanism 260, and an orientation-indicator fastening mechanism 262, but any of the above may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided, similarly to the first and second embodiments. Detailed description of the common features and of the caveats is omitted for brevity. The attachment-fastening mechanism 260 includes at least one attachment-fastener and / or at least one attachment-fastener-receiving bore 260a, and more preferably two attachment-fastener-receiving bores 260a. The mounting body 258 preferably includes a main portion 264a, and a bracket 264b. Unlike the previous two embodiments, the mounting body 258 does not include a stabilising portion. The attachment-fastening mechanism 260 is in-use able to fasten and immobilise the mounting body 258 relative to the attachment 214, without any stabilising portion abutting or abuttable against the attachment 214. This beneficially allows the mounting member 242 to accommodate a differently-shaped or differently-dimensioned attachment 214 and / or boom. Furthermore, the absence of the stabilising portion may provide or increase access to the attachmentfastening mechanism 260, and / or the orientation-indicator fastening mechanism 262, thereby facilitating installation and / or deinstallation of the apparatus 216 on the attachment 214. Preferably, in the third embodiment, the bracket 264b includes a first bracket portion 264bi and a second bracket portion 264bii. The first bracket portion 264bi is connected with, and more preferably integrally formed with the second bracket portion 264bii. The attachment-fastening mechanism 260 is preferably in, on, at, through or associated with the first bracket portion 264bi. The second bracket portion 264bii may be or be generally planar. The second bracket portion 264bii is preferably elongate. Optionally, at least part of the orientation-indicator fastening mechanism 262 may be in, on, at, through or associated with the bracket 264b and more preferably second bracket portion 264bii thereof. Furthermore, the orientation-indicator fastening mechanism 262 may include at least one orientation-indicator fastening bore 262a and at least one orientation-indicator fastener 262b. Preferably, the second bracket portion 264bii and / or housing 222 may comprise at least one said orientation-indicator fastening bore 262a. Furthermore, the main portion 264a is preferably releasably connected or releasably connectable from the bracket 264b, and more preferably from the second bracket portion 264bii thereof. Optionally, the main portion 264a may also include at least one orientation-indicator fastening bore 262a. Furthermore, the, each or at a said orientationindicator fastening bore 262a may be aligned or alignable with the, each or a said orientation-indicator fastening bore 262a of the second bracket portion 264bii and / or of the housing 222. This may enable an orientation-indicator fastener 262b to be engaged with a plurality of aligned orientation-indicator fastening bores 262a. Here, the, each or at least one orientation-indicator fastener 262b includes a pin, bolt, or preferably, a screw or screw-element 262bi. The, each or at least one orientationindicator fastener 262b may optionally include a user-interactable portion 262bii. The second bracket portion 264bii is preferably positionable or positioned between the main portion 264a and the housing 222. The main portion 264a and the housing 222 may optionally cooperate with each other to form a clamp, pincer or vice around the second bracket portion 264bii. A vice may beneficially inhibit or prevent accidental displacement of the bracket 264b relative to the rest of the apparatus 216, which may otherwise result the apparatus 216 measuring a deviation which does not exist, or any true deviation being incorrectly estimated. Optionally, at least one of: the housing 222 and the main portion 264a may comprise a recess 270. At least part of the bracket 264b, and more preferably, the second bracket portion 264bii thereof may be received or receivable in the recess 270. The recess 270 may be complementarily shaped to the bracket 264b, and more preferably, the second bracket portion 264bii thereof. This may beneficially assist with engaging the bracket 264b with the housing 222 and / or the main portion 264a by guiding and / or accurately positioning the second bracket portion 264bii thereof. The recess 270 may further assist in inhibiting or preventing accidental displacement of the bracket 264b relative to the rest of the apparatus 216. If the main portion 264a and the second bracket portion 264bii have alignable orientation-indicator fastening bores 262a, the recess 270 may aid in aligning the bores 262a. The visor 228 may be connected or connectable a visor connector 230. The visor connector 230 may include interference fit. Additionally or alternatively, the visor connector 230 may include a pip, male and female parts or any other type of connection element. The uses of the third embodiment are similar or identical to those of the first embodiment or second embodiment. Detailed description of the common steps and of the caveats is omitted for brevity. If the visor 228 is connectable via interference fit, the visor 228 may be clipped on and positioned such that the interference fit prevents or inhibits any movement of the visor 228 relative to the rest of the apparatus 216. To connect the apparatus 216 via the mounting member 242, the bracket 264b and more preferably the first bracket portion 264bi thereof is connected to the attachment 214. This is done in the third embodiment by engaging the, each or at least one attachmentfastener with at least one attachment-fastener-receiving bore 260a, and a corresponding bore of the attachment 214. Before, during or after connecting the bracket 264b to the attachment 214, the bracket 264b and more preferably the second bracket portion 264bii thereof is engaged with the rest of the apparatus 216. The second bracket portion 264bii is positioned between the main portion 264a and the housing 222, optionally within the or each recess 270 if provided. The, each or at least one at least one orientation-indicator fastener 262b is inserted into a said orientation-indicator fastening bore 262a. Furthermore, one or more orientation-indicator fastening bores 262a in the main portion 264a are aligned with corresponding one or more bores 262a in the housing 222. An orientation-indicator fastener 262b, such as a screw, may be inserted through the aligned bores 262a of the housing 222 and main portion 264a. The main portion 264a and the housing 222 may together clamp the second bracket portion 264bii. Optionally, an orientation-indicator fastener 262b is inserted through an orientationindicator fastening bore 262a in the main portion 264a aligned with an orientationindicator fastening bore 262a in the second bracket portion 264bii. This immobilises or further immobilises the second bracket portion 264bii relative to the housing 222 and / or relative to the main portion 264a. Once the apparatus 216 is mounted to the attachment 214, the apparatus 216 is ready for use. Optionally, the apparatus 216 may need to be calibrated prior to use, similarly to the first and / or second embodiments. Detailed description of the common steps and of the caveats is omitted for brevity. Whilst the mounting member in the preferred embodiment includes fastening-receiver bores and fasteners, any alternative arrangement may be envisioned. For example, the mounting member may include a magnetic element and / or ferrous material with which a magnetic may interact. The mounting member may enable the apparatus to be magnetically mounted or mountable to the boom and / or attachment. A strap may be a further alternative mounting member. In any of the above embodiments, any fastening or connecting mechanism involving a bolt or screw may alternatively or additionally include a magnetic fixation mechanism and vice-versa. Alternative attachments to an auger assembly may include one or more screw piles, and / or anchors. In any of the above embodiments, where a connection or fastening mechanism includes a first connector, such as a bore, associated with a component and a second connector, such as a screw, associated with another component and being complementary to the first connector, the opposite arrangement may easily be envisioned. Any of the components of any of the above embodiments may be provided individually, such as consumables. Any of the features and caveats that apply to one of the embodiments may easily be provided or applicable to any of the other embodiments. Whilst a preferred shape may have been specified for any of the above-described features, any alternative shape may be envisioned in any of transverse or lateral crosssection, longitudinal cross-section, in side view, or in plan view. The shape may be any or any combination of: curved, part curved, non-curved, linear, part linear, non-linear, a broken line, any polygon, whether regular or irregular, having one or more chamfered and / or rounded corners, a triangle, a quadrilateral, such as a square, a rectangle, a trapezium, a trapezoid, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, an octagon, or any other polygon, a cross, an ellipse, a circle, part circular, an oval, or any abstract shape. It is therefore possible to provide an apparatus which in-use can monitor the orientation of an attachment such as an earth drill associated with auger. If the apparatus detects that the earth drill deviates from a predetermined orientation, the apparatus is able to alert to a user and provide a visual indication about the direction and severity of the deviation which the user can use to correct the orientation of the attachment. The apparatus is also mounted or mountable to the attachment, enabling the visual indication to be visible to a plurality of users, instead of solely the operator of the plant machinery to which the attachment is connected. The apparatus is also mountable to a range of attachments of different dimensions. It is further possible to provide a kit which includes an attachment-orientation monitoring apparatus and at least one of: an attachment and plant machinery. By providing a plurality of components as a kit, this increases the convenience and saves time and cost for the user, at least compared to sourcing components independently. The likelihood of issues cause by incompatibility between components is reduced or eliminated. It is further possible to provide a method of easily assembling a system in which the orientation of an attachment can be measured, such as an auger and / or auger drive, and information about the orientation displayed to a user. This is achieved by virtue of mounting an orientation-indicator or display panel thereof, to the attachment and / or boom. It is also possible to provide a method of using an attachment-orientation monitoring apparatus for measuring the orientation of an attachment The words ‘comprises / comprising’ and the words ‘having / including’ when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. 5 It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. 10 The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.

Claims

1. Attachment-orientation monitoring apparatus for monitoring the orientation of an attachment connected to a boom of plant machinery, the attachment defining an attachment axial direction, the apparatus comprising:an orientation-detector for detecting the orientation of the attachment;an orientation-indicator having a display panel for displaying a visual indication about the orientation of the attachment; anda mounting member for mounting the display panel to the boom and / or attachment, wherein the mounting member is adapted to orient the display panel so that the in-use display panel extends along at least the attachment axial direction.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a visor.

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a visor connector.

4. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a speaker.

5. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the display panel has a surface area, at least a majority of the surface area being visible at any time during use.

6. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the display panel is planar.

7. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the display panel comprises light emitting means.

8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the display panel is a screen.

9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein the display panel comprises first light emitting means and second light emitting means, the second light emitting means being positioned around the first light emitting means.

10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first light emitting means includes a plurality of first light emitting elements, and / or the second light emitting means includes a plurality of second light emitting elements.

11. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising power-connection means and, optionally, a power source.

12. Kit comprising the apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, and at least one of: the attachment, and the plant machinery having a boom.

13. A kit as claimed in claim 12, wherein the attachment includes an auger drive.

14. Method of assembling a system, the method comprising the steps of:a] providing an attachment-orientation monitoring apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 11; an attachment and plant machinery having a boom;b] connecting the attachment to the boom and mounting the attachmentorientation monitoring apparatus to at least one of: the boom and the attachment, such that the attachment-orientation monitoring apparatus is able to detect any deviation in orientation of the attachment relative to a pre-determined orientation.

15. A method as claimed in claim 14, wherein, when mounted to the attachment and / or boom of the plant machinery, the in-use display panel is visible from an angle of less than 180°.

16. Method of monitoring the orientation of an attachment connected to a boom of plant machinery, the method comprising the steps of:a] providing a system comprising an attachment connected to the boom of plant machinery, and an attachment-orientation monitoring apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, the attachmentorientationmonitoring apparatus being mounted to at least one of: the boom, and the attachment, such that the attachment-orientationmonitoring apparatus is able to detect the orientation of the in-use attachment; andb] the display panel displays an indication of the orientation of the attachment.

17. A method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the attachment includes an auger drive.

18. A method as claimed in claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the apparatus further comprises a visor for increasing the visibility of the indication displayed by the display panel.

19. A method as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 18, further comprising a step of c] in response to the indication of the orientation, altering the orientation of the attachment.

20. A method as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 19, further comprising a step of calibrating the attachment-orientation monitoring apparatus.

21. A method as claimed in claim 20, wherein during the calibration step, a predetermined orientation is set, and when the attachment-orientation monitoring apparatus detects a deviation in the orientation of the attachment relative to the pre-determined orientation, the display panel displays an indication of the deviation in step b],22. A method as claimed in claim 21, wherein during the calibration step, the preattachment determined orientation is set to be a vertical orientation.

23. A method as claimed in claim 21, wherein during the calibration step, the predetermined orientation is set to be a non-vertical orientation.

24. A method as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein during the calibration step, a minimum deviation threshold is set, such that the display panel provides a visual alert if the deviation is detected to be above the threshold.

25. A method as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 24, wherein the apparatus further comprises a speaker.s

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