Device proximity

Abstract

Apparatus, methods, and computer program products for receiving information related to an operational context of a work machine; detecting at least one beacon signal provided by a beacon associated with equipment attachable to the work machine; determining a proximity state of the equipment based on the at least one beacon signal, the proximity state relating to the proximity of the equipment to the work machine; determining at least one criterion for the proximity state of the equipment based on the operational context of the work machine; and determining that the equipment is attached to the work machine in response to determining that the at least one criterion for the proximity state of the equipment is satisfied.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE This application relates generally to determining proximity conditions of equipment. More specifically, this application relates to determining proximity conditions of equipment mountable to a work machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Work machines may be configured to operate using many different types of removable or replaceable equipment. Monitoring the life cycle of equipment can be difficult because equipment may be used on multiple work machines and the machine hours of a work machine do not necessarily correspond to equipment usage.

[0003] Monitoring the life cycle of equipment may enable, for example, prediction of repair needs and collection of operational data related to the equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Various aspects of the embodiments of the invention are set out in the claims. The scope of protection sought for the various embodiments of the invention is defined by the independent claims. Examples and features described herein that do not fall within the scope of the independent claims, if any, are to be construed as examples helpful in understanding the various embodiments of the invention.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an apparatus is provided that includes means for receiving information regarding an operational context of a work machine; detecting at least one beacon signal provided by a beacon associated with equipment attachable to the work machine; determining a proximity state of the equipment based on the at least one beacon signal, the proximity state relating to a proximity of the equipment to the work machine; determining at least one criterion for the proximity state of the equipment based on the operational context of the work machine; and determining that the equipment is attached to the work machine in response to determining that the at least one criterion for the proximity state of the equipment is satisfied.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method including receiving information regarding an operational context of a work machine; detecting at least one beacon signal provided by a beacon associated with equipment attachable to the work machine; determining a proximity state of the equipment based on the at least one beacon signal, the proximity state relating to a proximity of the equipment to the work machine; determining at least one criterion for the proximity state of the equipment based on the operational context of the work machine; and determining that the equipment is attached to the work machine in response to determining that the at least one criterion for the proximity state of the equipment is satisfied.

[0007] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program including instructions for causing an apparatus to at least receive information relating to an operational context of a work machine; detect at least one beacon signal provided by a beacon associated with equipment attachable to the work machine; determine a proximity state of the equipment based on the at least one beacon signal, the proximity state relating to the proximity of the equipment to the work machine; determine at least one criterion for the proximity state of the equipment based on the operational context of the work machine; and determine that the equipment is attached to the work machine in response to determining that the at least one criterion for the proximity state of the equipment is satisfied.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, using the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least: receive information related to an operating context of a work machine; detect at least one beacon signal provided by a beacon associated with equipment attachable to the work machine; determine a proximity state of the equipment based on the at least one beacon signal, the proximity state related to the proximity of the equipment to the work machine; determine at least one criterion for the proximity state of the equipment based on the information related to the operating context of the work machine; and determine that the equipment is attached to the work machine in response to determining that the at least one criterion related to the proximity state of the equipment is satisfied.

[0009] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium including program instructions for causing an apparatus to at least receive information relating to an operational context of a work machine; detect at least one beacon signal provided by a beacon associated with equipment attachable to the work machine; determine a proximity state of the equipment based on the at least one beacon signal, the proximity state relating to the proximity of the equipment to the work machine; determine at least one criterion for the proximity state of the equipment based on the operational context of the work machine; and determine that the equipment is attached to the work machine in response to determining that the at least one criterion for the proximity state of the equipment is satisfied.

[0010] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer readable medium including program instructions for causing an apparatus to at least: receive information relating to an operational context of a work machine; detect at least one beacon signal provided by a beacon associated with equipment attachable to the work machine; determine a proximity state of the equipment based on the at least one beacon signal, the proximity state relating to the proximity of the equipment to the work machine; determine at least one criterion for the proximity state of the equipment based on the operational context of the work machine; and determine that the equipment is attached to the work machine in response to determining that the at least one criterion for the proximity state of the equipment is satisfied.

[0011] Several exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary device to which examples of the disclosed embodiments may be applied. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of another exemplary device to which examples of the disclosed embodiments may be applied. [Diagram 3] 1 illustrates an exemplary work machine. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary method incorporating aspects of an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 illustrates another exemplary method incorporating aspects of an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] The following embodiments are illustrative. Although the present specification may refer to "an", "one" or "some" embodiments in several places in the text, this does not necessarily mean that each reference is to the same embodiment or that a particular feature applies only to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may be combined to provide other embodiments.

[0014] The illustrative embodiments relate to determining a proximity state of equipment attachable to a work machine. Some illustrative embodiments further relate to utilizing the proximity state to track equipment usage.

[0015] Work machines may be configured to operate using many different types of removable or replaceable equipment. Monitoring the life cycle of equipment can be difficult because equipment may be used on multiple work machines and the machine hours of a work machine do not necessarily correspond to equipment usage.

[0016] An exemplary embodiment relates to an apparatus configured to receive information related to an operating context of a work machine; detect at least one beacon signal provided by a beacon associated with equipment attachable to the work machine; determine a proximity state of the equipment based on the at least one beacon signal, the proximity state related to the proximity of the equipment to the work machine; determine at least one criterion related to the proximity state of the equipment based on the information related to the operating context of the work machine; and determine that the equipment is attached to the work machine in response to determining that the at least one criterion for the proximity state of the equipment is satisfied.

[0017] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus 100 operating according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 100 may be an electronic device, such as, for example, an automation or control system, a chip, or a module constituted by a chipset. The apparatus 100 comprises one or more control circuits, such as at least one processor 110 and at least one memory 160, including one or more algorithms, such as computer program instructions 120, which are configured to cause the apparatus, using the at least one processor 110, to perform any of the exemplary functions described below.

[0018] 1, processor 110 is a control unit operatively connected to read from and write to memory 160. Processor 110 may also be configured to receive control signals received via an input interface and / or processor 110 may be configured to output control signals via an output interface. In an exemplary embodiment, processor 110 may be configured to convert received control signals into appropriate commands for controlling functions of the device.

[0019] At least one memory 160 stores computer program instructions 120 that, when loaded into the processor 110, control the operation of the apparatus 100 as described below. In other examples, the apparatus 100 may include multiple memories 160 or different types of storage devices.

[0020] The computer program instructions 120 or parts of such computer program instructions for enabling implementation of exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be loaded into the device 100 by a manufacturer of the device 100, by a user of the device 100, or by the device 100 itself based on a download program, or the instructions may be pushed to the device 100 by an external device. The computer program instructions may arrive at the device 100 via an electromagnetic carrier signal or may be copied from a physical entity such as a computer program product, a memory device, or a recording medium such as a USB stick, a compact disc (CD), a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disc (DVD), or a Blu-ray disc.

[0021] 2 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 200 may be an electronic device such as a module configured by an automation or control system, a personal computer (PC), a laptop, a desktop, a wireless terminal, a communication terminal, a control device, or a computing device. In the following examples, the apparatus 200 is assumed to be a computing device.

[0022] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, the apparatus 200 is illustrated as including the apparatus 100 , a display 210 , a communication module 230 , and a user interface 220 for interacting with the computing device 200 .

[0023] The display 210 may also be configured to function as a user interface. For example, the display may be a touchscreen display. Additionally or alternatively, the user interface may also include manually operable controls such as buttons, keys, touchpads, joysticks, styluses, pens, rollers, rockers, keypads, keyboards, or any suitable input mechanism for entering and / or accessing information.

[0024] The apparatus 200 may be configured to use the communication module 230 to establish wireless communication with another device, such as using a cellular network, a Bluetooth, or a WiFi connection.

[0025] The communications module 230 may include modules that enable wireless or wired communications with one or more devices. The communications module 230 may be configured to receive and / or transmit information using, for example, a wireless or wired connection. For example, the communications module 230 may be configured to receive wireless signals from a device and / or transmit wireless signals to a device.

[0026] Communications module 230 may include, for example, Bluetooth, Zigbee, a module enabling Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) communications, or any other suitable module configured to receive and / or transmit wireless signals.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, the display 210 , the user interface 220 , and / or the communication module 230 are external to and separate from the device 200 , but may be operably connected to the device 200 .

[0028] According to an exemplary embodiment, device 200 is associated with a work machine. Devices associated with a work machine may include, for example, devices operably connected to the work machine. Device 200 may be operably connected to the work machine via a wired or wireless connection.

[0029] According to an exemplary embodiment, apparatus 200 includes a control unit configured to control operation of the work machine.

[0030] The apparatus 200 may also be a control unit configured with the work machine. The control unit may be configured, for example, to control at least some functions and / or actuators of the work machine.

[0031] The work machines may include, for example, mining machines such as mining drills, earthmoving machines, crushing equipment, feeding equipment, or conveying equipment.

[0032] According to an exemplary embodiment, the work machine includes a Load Haul Dump (LHD) machine, a breaker, a drilling rig, a rock bolter, a dump truck, a crusher, or a sieving device.

[0033] In accordance with the exemplary embodiment, the work machine includes an apparatus 200 .

[0034] According to an example embodiment, apparatus 200 is configured to communicate with one or more devices. For example, apparatus 200 may be configured to communicate with a cloud server, a local server, an edge computing server, a mobile computing device, and / or different types of devices or machines, etc.

[0035] According to an exemplary embodiment, apparatus 200 is configured to receive information related to the work machine. The information related to the work machine may include, for example, information related to the operation of the work machine, information related to the capabilities of the work machine, and / or information related to the environment of the work machine.

[0036] Apparatus 200 may be configured to receive information regarding the work machine from one or more sensors associated with the work machine and / or from one or more devices associated with the work machine, such as one or more devices that control or monitor operation of the work machine.

[0037] According to an exemplary embodiment, apparatus 200 is configured to receive information related to an operational context of a work machine.

[0038] Information relating to the work machine's operating context may include data describing the operation of the work machine in a particular context. The work machine's operating context may relate to the work machine's work cycle or the work machine's environment during operation.

[0039] A work cycle may include a series of routines for performing tasks assigned to the work machine. The series of routines may include, for example, a series of work machine operation phases and / or stages. For example, a work cycle may include an autonomous load and haul cycle, which may include, for example, an autonomous driving phase, a loading phase, an autonomous driving phase, and an unloading phase. One or more phases may further include sub-phases or stages of the work machine.

[0040] Data describing the operation of the work machine may include data internal to the work machine and / or data external to the work machine.

[0041] Work machine internal data may include data from sources internal to the work machine. Work machine internal data may include data generated by the work machine during operation of the work machine, such as, for example, measurement data received from one or more sensors on the work machine. Work machine internal data may include, for example, data related to operation of the work machine, such as, for example, a distance traveled by the work machine or a duration of operation by the work machine.

[0042] An internal source may include a source configured to operate dependent on operation of the work machine.

[0043] Work machine external data may include data from external sources, such as data sensed by a device 200 associated with the work machine. Work machine external data may include, for example, information about the sensed environment of the work machine. Work machine external data may include, for example, data related to signals sensed by the device 200, image information about the environment, etc.

[0044] External sources may include sources configured to operate independently of the work machine.

[0045] Information relating to the work machine's operating context may include, for example, information received by device 200 during operation of the work machine.

[0046] Receiving information regarding the operating context of the work machine may include, for example, detecting information regarding the operating context of the work machine based on information received from one or more sensors, or receiving information regarding the operating context of the work machine from an external source, such as a cloud server.

[0047] As described above, the apparatus 200 may be configured to receive information regarding the operating context of the work machine from multiple sources, such as internal sources and / or external sources. For example, the apparatus 200 may be configured to receive information regarding the operating context of the work machine from one or more sensors, via a receiver or transceiver, from an imaging device such as a camera, a position measuring device, or a time measuring device, for example.

[0048] According to an example embodiment, the information regarding the operational context includes information provided by at least one of a sensor, a transceiver, an imaging device, or a clock.

[0049] As discussed above, apparatus 200 may be configured to communicate with one or more devices. Communication with one or more devices may include, for example, receiving signals from one or more devices or transmitting signals to one or more devices.

[0050] According to an exemplary embodiment, the device 200 is configured to detect a wireless signal, such as a beacon signal. According to an exemplary embodiment, a beacon signal includes a wireless signal broadcast by a beacon.

[0051] Beacons may be configured, for example, to support different kinds of protocols and the beacon signals may include different types of data.

[0052] A beacon may include a radio transmitter configured to broadcast a radio signal to devices within range of the beacon. The range of a beacon may include a distance of several meters or tens of meters, such as 10 meters, 50 meters, 70 meters, or even more. It should be noted, however, that the range may vary depending on the hardware capabilities, the type of beacon, and / or the beacon's environment. For example, the range of a beacon may pass through walls made of, for example, metal or brick.

[0053] According to an exemplary embodiment, the device 200 is configured to detect at least one beacon signal. The device 200 may be configured to listen for a beacon signal at set intervals or continuously. According to an exemplary embodiment, the device 200 is configured to listen for a beacon signal continuously.

[0054] Without limiting the scope of the claims, an advantage of continuously listening for beacon signals is that the device has up-to-date information about the presence of beacon signals and can thereby quickly trigger any necessary actions.

[0055] According to an exemplary embodiment, apparatus 200 is configured to detect at least one beacon signal provided by a beacon associated with equipment mountable to the work machine.

[0056] Detecting at least one beacon signal may include, for example, receiving an advertising packet from the beacon.

[0057] According to an exemplary embodiment, the equipment attachable to the work machine includes at least one of a bucket, a demolition hammer, a jackhammer, a rock bolting machine, a transmission, an engine, a pump, a battery, a head, a track tub, or a differential.

[0058] The at least one beacon signal may include a signal broadcast by a beacon, such as, for example, a Bluetooth low energy beacon, or a Zigbee beacon. According to an exemplary embodiment, the at least one beacon signal includes a Bluetooth low energy signal. According to another exemplary embodiment, the at least one beacon signal includes a Zigbee signal.

[0059] According to an example embodiment, the detected beacon signal includes data such as the beacon's identity and / or other data.

[0060] According to an example embodiment, at least one beacon signal includes identification data that identifies the beacon. For example, the beacon signal may include identification information, such as a universally unique identifier (UUID), that identifies the beacon.

[0061] The data may include data relating to equipment attachable to the work machine, such as information regarding the type of equipment, equipment identification information such as an equipment serial number, one or more characteristics of the equipment, such as equipment dimensions, or equipment material.

[0062] According to an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 200 is configured to store information relating to at least one detected beacon signal.

[0063] The information related to the detected beacon signal may include, for example, one or more characteristics of the beacon signal, time information related to the beacon signal, location information related to the beacon signal, information related to one or more changes in the beacon signal, an identification of the beacon signal, and / or data included in the beacon signal. For example, apparatus 200 may be configured to store the identification of the beacon and information related to the time instance at which the beacon signal was detected, the location of the work machine when the beacon signal was detected, or the duration of the detected beacon signal, etc.

[0064] Apparatus 200 may be configured to store information regarding beacon signals detected, for example, at a work site. The stored information may include an identification of the detected beacon signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the identification of the detected beacon signal is associated with information regarding a location of the work machine and / or a time instance at which the beacon signal was detected by apparatus 200.

[0065] Without limiting the scope of the claims, an advantage of storing information related to at least one detected beacon signal is that the device 200 can record information about the equipment available at the work site, thereby making it possible to provide an up-to-date overview of the equipment present at the work site to, for example, a remote operator or maintenance personnel.

[0066] According to an example embodiment, apparatus 200 is configured to provide information associated with at least one detected beacon signal to an external device, such as a cloud server. For example, apparatus 200 may be configured to communicate with an external device and provide information associated with multiple beacon signals detected at a work site.

[0067] Without limiting the scope of the claims, an advantage of providing information related to at least one detected beacon signal to an external device is that the apparatus 200 may be used, for example, as a link between maintenance personnel and equipment available at a work site, thereby enabling location of the equipment even in situations where the equipment is not attached to the work machine.

[0068] According to an exemplary embodiment, apparatus 200 is configured to determine a proximity state of the equipment based on at least one beacon signal, the proximity state relating to the proximity of the equipment to a work machine.

[0069] The proximity status may include information regarding the proximity of the equipment to the work machine, which may include, for example, an indication that the equipment is within a predetermined threshold distance from the work machine, the power level of a beacon signal received by the device 200, and / or the distance between the equipment and the work machine.

[0070] The proximity status may include a numerical value or a status indication. For example, the numerical value may include a value indicating the distance between the equipment and the work machine, or the power level of the detected beacon signal. The status indication may include, for example, an indication that the equipment is within a predetermined threshold distance, or an indication that the equipment is not within a predetermined threshold distance.

[0071] The power levels of the detected beacon signals may include a strength of at least one beacon signal as indicated by a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), which indicates an estimated measurement of the power level received by the apparatus 200. A high RSSI indicates that the equipment and work machine are physically close to each other, while a low RSSI indicates that the equipment and work machine devices are farther apart from each other or that an obstruction exists between the equipment and the work machine.

[0072] According to an exemplary embodiment, the device 200 is configured to determine a proximity condition based on the strength of at least one beacon signal.

[0073] The apparatus 200 may be configured to verify the proximity condition based on information about the operational context of the work machine.

[0074] According to an exemplary embodiment, apparatus 200 is configured to process information related to an operational context of the work machine to determine at least one criterion for verifying a proximity condition.

[0075] Processing the information about the operational context may include determining a type of information about the operational context, such as, for example, a type of data describing the operation of the work machine in a particular context. The type of data may include, for example, data indicative of distance, signal strength, or duration, etc. Thus, different types of information about the operational context data may be associated with different types of measurement units.

[0076] According to an exemplary embodiment, apparatus 200 is configured to determine at least one criterion related to an equipment proximity condition based on information related to an operational context of the work machine.

[0077] Determining at least one criterion related to the proximity state of the equipment may include, for example, selecting at least one predetermined criterion or determining the at least one criterion based on, for example, data describing operation of the work machine in a particular context.

[0078] The at least one criterion may include one or more variables related to information regarding an operational context or proximate conditions. The one or more variables may include, for example, one or more thresholds and / or one or more Boolean values, such as "true" or "false," for data describing operation of the work machine in a particular context.

[0079] According to an exemplary embodiment, the work machine operating context includes a distance traveled by the work machine and the at least one criterion includes a predetermined distance traveled by the work machine while the proximity condition is maintained.

[0080] According to an exemplary embodiment, the work machine operating context includes a duration of operation by the work machine, and the at least one criterion includes a predetermined duration of operation by the work machine while the proximity condition is maintained.

[0081] According to an exemplary embodiment, the work machine operating context includes a plurality of detected beacon signals by the work machine, and at least one criterion includes a reduced number of detected beacon signals while a proximity condition is maintained.

[0082] Without limiting the scope of the claims, an advantage of determining at least one criterion related to the proximity state of the equipment based on information about the operating context of the work machine is that the proximity state can be verified based on information about the operating context of the work machine, which may be necessary at a work site or workplace where various types of obstructions may affect detection of the beacon signal, for example due to rock or metal obstructions.

[0083] The verified proximity state may be used to determine the state of the device, which may include, for example, information regarding whether the device is in use.

[0084] According to an exemplary embodiment, apparatus 200 is configured to determine that the equipment is attached to the work machine in response to determining that at least one criterion for the equipment proximity status is met.

[0085] For example, apparatus 200 may be configured to determine that equipment is attached to the work machine if the work machine moves a predetermined distance and the proximity condition is maintained. As another example, apparatus 200 may be configured to determine that equipment is attached to the work machine if the work machine operates for a predetermined period of time and the proximity condition is maintained. As a further example, apparatus 200 may be configured to determine that equipment is attached to the work machine if the number of detected beacon signals decreases while the proximity condition is maintained.

[0086] According to an exemplary embodiment, system 200 is configured to determine that the equipment is attached to the work machine if a number of criteria are met.

[0087] Without limiting the scope of the claims, an advantage of determining that equipment is attached to a work machine is that the usage of the equipment can be monitored. Monitoring the usage of equipment attachable to a work machine makes it possible, for example, to predict the need for repairs, track the life cycle of the equipment, and / or monitor the efficiency of work machines using different types of equipment.

[0088] According to an exemplary embodiment, in response to determining that the equipment is attached to the work machine, system 200 is configured to begin monitoring equipment usage.

[0089] Monitoring equipment usage may include, for example, tracking operational data associated with the equipment and / or predicting the need for equipment repairs.

[0090] According to an exemplary embodiment, apparatus 200 is configured to provide information related to equipment usage to an external device, such as a cloud server. For example, apparatus 200 may be configured to communicate with an external device and provide information related to equipment attached to a work machine at a work site.

[0091] According to an exemplary embodiment, the device 200 includes means for performing functions of the device 200, the means for performing comprising at least one processor 110 and at least one memory 160 including computer code 120 configured to cause performance of the device 200 using the at least one processor 110.

[0092] According to an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 200 comprises means for receiving information regarding an operating context of the work machine, means for detecting at least one beacon signal provided by a beacon associated with equipment attachable to the work machine, means for determining a proximity state of the equipment based on the at least one beacon signal, the proximity state relating to the proximity of the equipment to the work machine, means for determining at least one criterion for the proximity state of the equipment based on the operating context of the work machine, and means for determining that the equipment is attached to the work machine in response to determining that the at least one criterion for the proximity state of the equipment is satisfied.

[0093] The apparatus 200 may further comprise means for determining a proximity state based on a strength of at least one beacon signal and / or means for continuously listening for beacon signals.

[0094] 3 illustrates an example of a beacon 302 associated with a work machine 300 and equipment 316 that may be attached to the work machine 300. The work machine may include, for example, a load-haul-dump (LHD) machine, or a machine intended primarily for loading purposes.

[0095] 3, the work machine includes a carrier 312, at least one boom 314, and a bucket 316 pivotally or otherwise movably attached to the at least one boom 314. For example, the bucket 316 may be coupled to two booms 314. The attachment may include at least one pivot 322, and the bucket 316 may rotate about the at least one pivot. The work machine 300 may be an articulated vehicle including two sections connected by a joint 332.

[0096] Work machine 300 includes at least one device 200. In the example of Figure 3, device 200 includes a control unit configured to control operation of the work machine.

[0097] The apparatus 200 is configured to receive information related to the operating context of the work machine 300; detect at least one beacon signal provided by a beacon 302 associated with equipment attachable to the work machine; determine a proximity state of the equipment 316 based on the at least one beacon signal, the proximity state relating to the proximity of the equipment 316 to the work machine 300; determine at least one criterion related to the proximity state of the equipment 316 based on the information related to the operating context of the work machine 300; and determine that the equipment is attached to the work machine 300 in response to determining that the at least one criterion related to the proximity state of the equipment 316 is satisfied.

[0098] 3, the work machine includes an LHD machine, or a machine intended primarily for loading, and the equipment 316 includes a bucket. However, it should be noted that the work machine may also include other types of machines, such as a demolition machine, a drilling rig, a rock bolter, or a dump truck, and the equipment attachable to the work machine may include, for example, a demolition hammer, a jackhammer, a rock bolter, a transmission, an engine, a pump, a battery, a head, a track tub, or a differential.

[0099] 4 illustrates an example method 400 incorporating aspects of previously disclosed embodiments. More specifically, the example method 400 illustrates determining a proximity state. The method may include a computer-implemented method executed by the device 200.

[0100] The method begins with receiving 405 information related to a work machine's operating context. The information related to the work machine's operating context may include data describing the operation of the work machine in a particular context. The data describing the operation of the work machine may include work machine internal data and / or work machine external data.

[0101] The information may be received from one or more sensors associated with the work machine and / or from one or more devices associated with the work machine, such as one or more devices that control or monitor operation of the work machine. In the example of Figure 4, the information related to the operating context includes information provided by at least one of a sensor, a transceiver, an imaging device, or a clock.

[0102] The method proceeds with detecting 410 at least one beacon signal provided by a beacon associated with equipment mountable to the work machine. The at least one beacon signal may include, for example, a Bluetooth low energy signal.

[0103] The method proceeds to determine 415 a proximity state of the equipment based on the at least one beacon signal, the proximity state relating to the proximity of the equipment to the work machine. The proximity state may be determined, for example, based on a strength of the at least one beacon signal.

[0104] The proximity status may include information regarding the proximity of the equipment to the work machine, which may include, for example, an indication that the equipment is within a predetermined threshold distance from the work machine, the power level of a beacon signal received by the device 200, and / or the distance between the equipment and the work machine.

[0105] The method further continues with determining 420 at least one criterion for the equipment proximity condition based on the operational context of the work machine.

[0106] Determining at least one criterion related to the proximity state of the equipment may include, for example, selecting at least one predetermined criterion or determining the at least one criterion based on, for example, data describing operation of the work machine in a particular context.

[0107] For example, the work machine operating context may include a distance traveled by the work machine and the at least one criterion includes a predetermined distance traveled by the work machine while the proximity condition is maintained.

[0108] As another example, the work machine operating context may include a duration of operation by the work machine and the at least one criterion may include a predetermined duration of operation by the work machine while the proximity condition is maintained.

[0109] As a further example, the work machine operating context includes a plurality of detected beacon signals by the work machine and at least one criterion includes a reduced number of detected beacon signals while a proximity condition is maintained.

[0110] The method further continues with determining 425 that the equipment is attached to the work machine in response to determining that at least one criterion for the equipment proximity condition is met.

[0111] For example, it may be determined that equipment is attached to the work machine if the work machine moves a predetermined distance and the proximity condition is maintained, if the work machine operates for a predetermined period of time and the proximity condition is maintained, and / or if the number of detected beacon signals decreases while the proximity condition is maintained.

[0112] 5 illustrates another exemplary method 500 incorporating aspects of previously disclosed embodiments. More specifically, the exemplary method 500 illustrates determining a proximity state based on a first criterion and a second criterion. The method may include a computer-implemented method executed by the device 200.

[0113] In the example of FIG. 5, it is assumed that the work machine is an LHD machine and the equipment is a bucket mountable to the LHD machine.

[0114] The method begins with receiving 505 information related to a work machine's operating context. The information related to the work machine's operating context may include data describing the operation of the work machine in a particular context. The data describing the work machine's operation may include work machine internal data and / or work machine external data.

[0115] In the example of FIG. 5, the information regarding the operational context includes a distance traveled by the LHD machine and information regarding a plurality of beacon signals detected by apparatus 200, the plurality of beacon signals including at least one beacon signal provided by a beacon associated with a bucket mountable to the LHD machine.

[0116] The method proceeds with detecting 510 at least one beacon signal provided by a beacon associated with equipment mountable to the work machine. The at least one beacon signal may include, for example, a Bluetooth low energy signal. In the example of Figure 5, multiple beacon signals are detected.

[0117] The method proceeds to determine 515 a proximity state of the equipment based on the at least one beacon signal, the proximity state relating to the proximity of the equipment to the work machine. The proximity state may be determined based on a strength of the at least one beacon signal, for example.

[0118] The proximity status may include information regarding the proximity of the equipment to the work machine, which may include, for example, an indication that the equipment is within a predetermined threshold distance from the work machine, the power level of a beacon signal received by the device 200, and / or the distance between the equipment and the work machine.

[0119] The method further continues with determining 520 first and second criteria for the equipment proximity condition based on the operational context of the work machine.

[0120] In the example of FIG. 5, the first criterion includes a predetermined distance traveled by the work machine and the second criterion includes a reduced number of beacon signals detected by the device 200 while at least one beacon signal provided by a beacon associated with equipment mountable to the work machine is maintained.

[0121] Determining the first and second criteria related to the equipment proximity state may include, for example, selecting a predetermined criterion or determining one criterion based on, for example, data describing operation of the work machine in a particular context.

[0122] The method further continues with determining 525 that the equipment is attached to the work machine in response to determining that the first and second equipment proximity criteria are met.

[0123] Without limiting the scope of the claims, an advantage of determining that equipment is attached to a work machine is that equipment usage can be monitored.

[0124] Without limiting in any manner the scope, interpretation, or application of the claims set forth below, a technical effect of one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein is the ability to monitor the usage of equipment attachable to a work machine, thereby enabling, for example, to predict the need for repairs, track the life cycle of the equipment, and / or monitor the efficiency of work machines that use different types of equipment.

[0125] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) a hardware-only circuit implementation (such as an implementation with only analog and / or digital circuitry); and (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (where applicable), (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry and software / firmware; and (ii) a hardware processor (including a digital signal processor) with software, software, and any portion of memory that work together to cause a device such as a mobile phone or server to perform various functions; and (c) hardware circuitry and / or processors, such as a microprocessor or portion of a microprocessor, that requires software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but may not require software to operate, in which case the software may be absent.

[0126] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of the term in this application, including any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers merely a hardware circuitry or processor (or processors) or portions of a hardware circuitry or processor, and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware implementations. The term circuitry also covers, for example, a baseband integrated circuit or a processor integrated circuit for a mobile device, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device, if applicable to a particular claim element.

[0127] An embodiment of the present invention may be implemented in software, hardware, application logic, or a combination of software, hardware, and application logic. The software, application logic, and / or hardware may reside on the apparatus, on separate devices, or on multiple devices. If desired, portions of the software, application logic, and / or hardware may reside on the apparatus, portions of the software, application logic, and / or hardware may reside on separate devices, and portions of the software, application logic, and / or hardware may reside on multiple devices. In an exemplary embodiment, the application logic, software, or instruction set is maintained on any one of a variety of conventional computer-readable media. In the context of this application, a "computer-readable medium" may be any medium or means capable of holding, storing, communicating, conveying, or transmitting instructions for use by or with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer, an example of which is described and depicted in FIG. 2. The computer-readable medium may comprise a computer-readable storage medium, which may be any medium or means capable of holding or storing instructions for use by or with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer.

[0128] If desired, different functions discussed herein may be performed in different orders and / or concurrently with one another. Furthermore, if desired, one or more of the functions described above may be optional and may be combined.

[0129] Various aspects of the invention are set out in the independent claims, but other aspects of the invention include other combinations of features from the described embodiments and / or the dependent claims with features of the independent claims, not just the combinations explicitly set out in the claims.

[0130] It is obvious to those skilled in the art that as technology advances, the concept of the present invention can be implemented in various ways. The present invention and its embodiments are not limited to the above examples and can be modified within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus associated with a work machine, the apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory containing computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, using the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least: receiving information relating to an operational context of the work machine, the information including data describing operation of the work machine in a particular context; Detecting at least one beacon signal provided by a beacon associated with equipment attachable to the work machine, the at least one beacon signal including a radio signal broadcast by the beacon; determining a proximity state of the equipment based on the at least one beacon signal, the proximity state relating to the proximity of the equipment to the work machine; determining at least one criterion related to the proximity state of the equipment based on the information regarding the operational context of the work machine; determining that the equipment is attached to the work machine in response to determining that the at least one criterion for the proximity state of the equipment is satisfied; and 10. An apparatus configured to cause a

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the at least one beacon signal comprises a Bluetooth low energy signal or a Zigbee signal.

3. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, using the at least one processor, to cause the device to determine the proximity state based on a strength of the at least one beacon signal.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the information about the operational context includes information provided by at least one of a sensor, a transceiver, an imaging device, or a clock.

5. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the operational context of the work machine includes a distance traveled by the work machine, and the at least one criterion includes a predetermined distance traveled by the work machine while the proximity condition is maintained.

6. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the operational context of the work machine includes a duration of operation by the work machine, and the at least one criterion includes a predetermined duration of operation by the work machine while the proximity condition is maintained.

7. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the operational context of the work machine includes a plurality of detected beacon signals by the work machine, and the at least one criterion includes a reduced number of detected beacon signals while the proximity condition is maintained.

8. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the equipment attachable to the work machine comprises at least one of a bucket, a demolition hammer, a jackhammer, a rock bolting machine, a transmission, an engine, a pump, a battery, a head, a track tub, or a differential.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one beacon signal includes identification data that identifies the beacon.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus includes a control unit configured to control operation of the work machine.

11. The device of claim 1 , wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the device to continuously listen for beacon signals.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the work machine comprises a load-hole-dump (LHD) machine, a breaker, a drilling rig, a rock bolter, or a dump truck.

13. A work machine comprising a device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A method comprising: receiving information relating to an operational context of a work machine, the information including data describing operation of the work machine in a particular context; Detecting at least one beacon signal provided by a beacon associated with equipment attachable to the work machine, the at least one beacon signal including a radio signal broadcast by the beacon; determining a proximity state of the equipment based on the at least one beacon signal, the proximity state relating to the proximity of the equipment to the work machine; determining at least one criterion for the proximity state of the equipment based on the operational context of the work machine; determining that the equipment is attached to the work machine in response to determining that the at least one criterion for the proximity state of the equipment is satisfied; and A method comprising:

15. 1. A computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least: receiving information relating to an operational context of a work machine, the information including data describing operation of the work machine in a particular context; Detecting at least one beacon signal provided by a beacon associated with equipment attachable to the work machine, the at least one beacon signal including a radio signal broadcast by the beacon; determining a proximity state of the equipment based on the at least one beacon signal, the proximity state relating to the proximity of the equipment to the work machine; determining at least one criterion for the proximity state of the equipment based on the operational context of the work machine; determining that the equipment is attached to the work machine in response to determining that the at least one criterion for the proximity state of the equipment is satisfied; and A computer program that is used to execute a program.

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