Systems and methods associated with dynamic geofencing for machines

Abstract

Example systems and methods involve providing dynamic geofencing for machine systems. A reference point is set for a primary or first machine. The reference point is dynamic and moves with the first machine. At least one geofence is set around the reference point. The geofence is dynamic, and moves as the first machine and the reference point move. The position of a secondary or second machine is tracked relative to the dynamic geofence. If the second machine crosses the dynamic geofence, an action may be triggered. Such action may be a warming or a command / signal that changes the behavior of the second machine.

Description

Systems and Methods Associated with Dynamic Geofencing for Machines CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 744,431, filed January 13, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] Machines (e.g., vehicles) are used in many activities, recreational (e.g., boats, etc.), construction (e.g., excavators, trucks, loaders, etc.), agricultural (e.g., combine harvesters, tractors, grain carts, etc.), etc. In many applications, it may be desirable to track the position of one machine to another machine.

[0003] For example, in a marine application, it may be desirable for parent on a boat to track position of a child on a jet ski relative to the boat. In an agricultural application, it may be desirable for one machine such as a combine harvester to track position of a second machine such as a grain cart or tractor to determine whether to take actions related to transferring of grain. In the construction industry, it may be desirable to track position of one machine relative to another to avoid collision.

[0004] In such applications, it may be desirable to determine or set an area around a first machine, and then determine when a second machine is outside or inside such area, then take actions accordingly. For example, a parent may get a notification that a child has departed or strayed from a predetermined area around a machine (e.g., vehicle) of the parent. In another example, a combine harvester (or the operator thereof) may get a notification that a grain tractor has entered a predetermined area around the harvester, prompting the harvester to prepare for unloading grain, and so on.

[0005] In some applications, a first machine may be moving relative to a second machine, and thus determining a static predetermined area around the first machine might cause problems. For example, if a machine of a parent is moving away from a static predetermined area and a child follows, a warning might be issued erroneously and unnecessarily as the child remains close to the parent.

[0006] Further, having one set of actions triggered when a violation (or entering) of a predetermined area occurs might not be optimal. It may be desirable to have multiple actions or sets of actions triggered in an escalatory manner based on the extent or distance of a second machine from a first machine.

[0007] It is with respect to these and other considerations that the disclosure made herein is presented.SUMMARY

[0008] The present disclosure describes implementations that relate to systems and methods associated with dynamic geofencing for machines.

[0009] In examples, this disclosure describes systems and methods associated with providing dynamic geofencing for machine systems. Within examples, a reference point is set for a primary or first machine. The reference point is dynamic and moves with the first machine. At least one geofence is set around the reference point. The geofence is dynamic, and moves as the first machine and the reference point move.

[0010] The position of a secondary or second machine is tracked relative to the dynamic geofence. If the second machine strays from or enters the dynamic geofence, an action may be triggered. Such action may be a warning or a command / signal that changes the behavior of the first and / or the second machine.

[0011] In examples, multiple geofences are set. In these examples, the triggered actions may be set in an escalatory manner such that violating or entering one of the multiple geofences is associated with a respective set of actions.

[0012] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, implementations, and features described above, further aspects, implementations, and features will become apparent by reference to the figures and the following detailed description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0013] The novel features believed characteristic of the illustrative examples are set forth in the appended claims. The illustrative examples, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and descriptions thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative example of the present disclosure when read in conjunction with the accompanying Figures.

[0014] Figure 1 illustrates a system for dynamic geofencing, according to an example implementation.

[0015] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic of the system of Figure 1 with a dynamic geofence set around a first machine, according to an example implementation.

[0016] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic of the system of Figure 1 showing multiple geofences defined about a first machine, according to an example implementation.

[0017] Figure 4 illustrates a schematic of the system of Figure 1 depicting relative movement between a first machine and a second machine resulting in violation of a first geofence, according to an example implementation.

[0018] Figure 5 illustrates a schematic of the system of Figure 1 depicting relative movement between a first machine and a second machine resulting in violation of a second geofence, according to an example implementation.

[0019] Figure 6 illustrates a schematic of the system of Figure 1 depicting relative movement between a first machine and a second machine resulting in violation of a second geofence, according to an example implementation.

[0020] Figure 7 is a block diagram of a computing device, according to an example implementation.

[0021] Figure 8 is a flowchart of a method associated with dynamic geofencing of a machine, according to an example implementation.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Disclosed herein are systems and methods associated with providing dynamic geofencing for machine systems. Within examples, a reference point is set for a primary or first machine. The reference point is dynamic and moves with the first machine. At least one geofence is set around the reference point. The geofence is dynamic and moves as the first machine and the reference point move.

[0023] The position of a secondary or second machine is tracked relative to the dynamic geofence. A set of rules may be associated with the dynamic geofence. For example, if the second machine strays from or enters the geofence, an action is triggered. Such action may be a warning or a command / signal that changes the behavior of the second machine.

[0024] In examples, multiple geofences are set. For instance, multiple concentric geofences may be set around the reference point. In these examples, the actions may be set in an escalatory manner such that violating or entering one of the multiple geofences is associated with a respective set of actions.

[0025] Figure 1 illustrate a system 100 for dynamic geofencing, according to an example implementation. The system 100 has a first machine 102 (e.g., a primary machine) and a second machine 104 (e.g., secondary machine). The first machine 102 may be in communication with the second machine 104 using a network 106, for example. The network 106 can be any type of wireless network such as the internet, Wi-Fi network, cellular network, etc.

[0026] In an example, the first machine 102 may have a transceiver 108, and the second machine 104 may have a transceiver 110. The transceiver 108 facilitates communication of the firstmachine 102 with the network 106, and the transceiver 110 facilitates communication of the second machine 104 with the network 106.

[0027] In one example, the first machine 102 and the second machine 104 can communicate directly through the network 106. In another example, the first machine 102 and the second machine 104 may communicate to each other via ground-based station 112 having ground antenna 114, which communicates with the transceivers 108, 110. In another example, the first machine 102 and the second machine 104 can communicate with the network 106 via the ground-based station 112 and the ground antenna 114.

[0028] The machines 102, 104 may communicate with the ground-based station 112 using radiofrequency (RF) communications, for example. In this example, the machines 102, 104 can use one or more of various different RF air-interface protocols for communication with ground-based station 112 via respective RF links. For instance, the machines 102, 104 can be configured to communicate with the ground-based station 112 using protocols described in IEEE 802.1, various cellular protocols such as GSM, CDMA, UMTS, EV-DO, WiMAX, Long-Term Evolution (LTE) and / or 5G, and / or one or more propriety protocols.

[0029] Alternatively, or additionally, the machines 102, 104 can be configured to communicate with one or more satellites such as satellite 116. The one or more satellites can include but not limited to navigational satellites, e.g., Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites, communications satellites, broadcast television and / or radio satellites, and / or other satellites. The satellite 116 can facilitate communication between the machines 102, 104 directly or indirectly (e.g., via the ground-based station 112 and / or the network 106).

[0030] The satellite 116 can facilitate providing GPS location information to the machines 102, 104. The GPS location information may include a location on Earth that is determined by theGlobal Positioning System, which is a satellite-based navigation system that provides information on location, time, and velocity. GPS receivers can then provide location data in latitude, longitude, and altitude.

[0031] Particularly, GPS works by using a network of satellites that broadcast navigation signals to a GPS receiver, and the receiver uses the signals to calculate its position, which is then transmitted to a central server. Users (e g., the machines 102, 104) can then access this data through a software application to view the location in real-time or historically. As such, the GPS location information facilitates navigating the machines 102, 104 from one place to another, determining the location of each machine, and tracking the location of the machines 102, 104 by each other.

[0032] The first machine 102 includes a first computing device 118, and the second machine 104 includes a respective or second computing device 120. In an example, the first computing device 118 may be a controller of the first machine 102. In another example, the first computing device 118 may be a display device of the first machine 102. Such display device may be in communication with the controller of the first machine 102 or may operate as the controller of the first machine 102 in addition to being an input / output device. The display device may have a touchscreen, for example, to facilitate inputting commands and information by a user and also outputting display of information to the user.

[0033] In another example, the first computing device 118 may be a personal electronic device of a user (e g., a smart phone, a tablet, a laptop, etc.). In this example, the personal electronic device may be in communication with the controller and / or a display device of the first machine 102. The second computing device 120 may be configured similar to the first computing device 118, with respect to the second machine 104.

[0034] In examples, the transceivers 108, 110 may be included in the computing devices 118, 120, respectively, as depicted in Figure 1. However, in other example implementations, the transceivers 108, 110 may be separate from, and in communication with, the computing devices 118, 120.

[0035] In many applications, it may be desirable to track the position of the second machine 104 relative to the first machine 102. For example, the machines 102, 104 may be recreational machines, where the first machine 102 is the machine of a parent or a group leader, while the machine 104 is the machine of a child or group member. In this example, it may be desirable for the parent or group leader in the first machine 102 to track the location of the child or group member in the second machine 104, and receive information when the second machine 104 is more than a threshold distance from the first machine, for instance.

[0036] As such, the first computing device 118 of the first machine 102 may define a perimeter or a geofence around the first machine 102. For example, the first computing device 118 can use GPS or other RF technology to create geofence (e.g., a virtual geographic boundary) around the first machine 102, enabling the first computing device 118 and / or the second computing device 120 to trigger a response when the second machine 104 enters or leaves the geofence.

[0037] As the first machine 102 may be moving, it may be desirable to define a dynamic geofence as opposed to a static geofence. Such dynamic geofencing allows boundaries of the geofence to change in real-time based on movement of the first machine 102. This way, if the first machine 102 moves, and the second machines 104 follows and stays within a particular area around the first machine 102, an alarm or response is not triggered unnecessarily.

[0038] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic of the system 100 with a dynamic geofence set around the first machine 102, according to an example implementation. Figures 2-6 show a partial view of the system 100 to reduce visual clutter in the drawings. But it should be understood that the system100 as depicted in Figures 2-6 may include other components, such as those described with respect to Figure 1, for example.

[0039] In an example, the first computing device 118 of the first machine 102 assigns, determines, or ascribes a reference point 200 associated with the first machine 102 based on a location 201 of the first machine 102. The location 201 of the machine 102 may be determined by or received as GPS information from the satellite 116, for example.

[0040] Although the reference point 200 is shown in the middle of the first machine 102, it could be defined elsewhere relative to the first machine 102. In some examples, the reference point 200 may be defined outside the first machine 102. Notably, the reference point 200 assigned to the first machine 102 is dynamic. As such, as the first machine 102 moves, e.g., in a direction represented by arrow 202, to a second location 203, the reference point 200 moves therewith.

[0041] Upon defining or assigning the reference point 200, the first computing device 118 further defines one or more geofences around, or associated with, the reference point 200. For example, the first computing device 118 may define a first geofence 204 (e.g., a virtual boundary) relative to the first machine 102. Although the first geofence 204 is shown as a circle or ring, it may take other regular (e.g., oval, rectangular, square, etc.) or irregular shapes around or associated with the first machine 102.

[0042] As the reference point 200 moves with the first machine 102, the first geofence 204 also moves therewith as depicted in Figure 2. Particularly, as the first machine 102 moves from the location 201 to the second location 203, the first geofence 204 has moved therewith. This is due to the first geofence 204 being defined relative to the reference point 200, which moves with the first machine 102.

[0043] As such, the first geofence 204 is a dynamic geofence that moves with the first machine 102. Such dynamic geofencing allows boundaries of the first geofence 204 to change in real-time based on movement of the reference point 200.

[0044] In an example, the first computing device 118 may also receive (directly or indirectly) information from the second computing device 120 indicating a location 205 (e.g., GPS location / coordinates) of the second machine 104. The first computing device 118 may then trigger a response if the second machine 104 violates (e.g., departs from or becomes located outside) the first geofence 204. For example, if the first machine 102 has moved to the second location 203, while the second machine 104 has not followed, or has remained at the location 205, the second machine 104 violates the first geofence 204 as depicted in Figur22. In this case, an action may be triggered. In other examples, as described below, rather than triggering an action when the second machine 104 strays from the first geofence 204, an action may be triggered when the second machine 104 enters the area within the first geofence 204.

[0045] The response or action triggered by the first computing device 118 due to violation by the second machine 104 of the first geofence 204 may take several forms. For example, the actions may include notifications, alerts, predetermined messages, on-screen instructions for how to correct the violation, selectable reactions, machine performance degradation (e.g., slowing down the second machine 104), or disabling the second machine 104. In an example, such response(s) (e.g., alerts, notifications, predetermined messages, and selectable reactions to a geofence violation) may be displayed on the second computing device 120. The responses or actions may be transmitted in real-time to the second machine 104 upon violation of the first geofence 204.

[0046] In an example, rather than the first computing device 118 monitoring / tracking the location of the second machine 104 relative to the first geofence 204, the second computing device 120may self-monitor or self-track the second machine 104 relative to the reference point 200 and / or the first geofence 204. The second computing device 120 may also receive information indicating where the reference point 200 and the first geofence 204 are. If a violation occurs, the second computing device 120 may trigger the response and may provide corrective actions, e.g., provide alerts / warnings or autonomously drive or direct the second machine 104 to return to the area defined within the first geofence 204. In an example, the second computing device 120 may assign the reference point 200 and the first geofence 204 of the first machine 102.

[0047] In examples, the response or actions due to geofence violations may be escalated based on different distances from the dynamic reference point (e.g., the reference point 200) or distances from the first geofence 204. As such, the first computing device 118 (or the second computing device 120) may define multiple geofences at farther distance compared to the first geofence 204. Violating each geofence that is larger (e.g., with farther boundary) from another geofence may trigger a more escalated response.

[0048] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic of the system 100 showing multiple geofences defined about the first machine 102, according to an example implementation. For example, the first computing device 118 (or the second computing device 120) may define a second geofence 206 that is larger than, and having a farther boundary, compared to the first geofence 204. Similarly, a third geofence 208 that is larger than, and having a farther boundary, compared to the second geofence 206, may also be defined, and so on. Thus, the geofences 204-208 are defined such that they have progressively larger sizes (e.g., diameters).

[0049] Although three geofences are shown, more or fewer geofences may be used. Also, although the geofences are shown as concentric rings, other shapes (regular or irregular) may be implemented, and not necessarily in a concentric manner.

[0050] Violating each geofence may be associated a respective set of rules or actions triggered. These actions may be escalatory based on which geofence is being violated.

[0051] Figure 4 illustrates a schematic of the system 100 depicting relative movement between the first machine 102 and the second machine 104 resulting in violation of the first geofence 204, according to an example implementation. For example, the first machine 102 may have moved relative to the second machine 104 in direction of the arrow 202 shown in Figures 2-3. Alternatively, the second machine 104 may have moved away relative to the first machine 102.

[0052] Regardless of which machine has moved relative to the other, or both machines moving at different speeds or directions, a violation of the first geofence 204 has occurred such that the second machine 104 is now between the first geofence 204 and the second geofence 206. As a result, a first level response may be triggered.

[0053] Such first level response (e.g., a first set of actions) may include alerts or warnings (e.g., predetermined messages) that are displayed on, or other types of notifications provided to, the second computing device 120. The response may simultaneously be provided to both the first computing device 118 and the second computing device 120 to alert both machines and their occupants to the violation. Further drift between the machines 102, 104 may cause a violation of the second geofence 206 and triggering a second set of actions that are escalatory compared to the first set of actions.

[0054] Figure 5 illustrates a schematic of the system 100 depicting relative movement between the first machine 102 and the second machine 104 resulting in violation of the second geofence 206, according to an example implementation. For example, the first machine 102 may have moved farther relative to the second machine 104 or the second machine 104 may have moved farther away relative to the first machine 102.

[0055] Regardless of which machine has moved relative to the other, or both machines moving at different speeds or directions, a violation of the second geofence 206 has occurred such that the second machine 104 is now between the second geofence 206 and the third geofence 208. As a result, a second level response may be triggered where such second level response is escalatory relative to the first level response.

[0056] For example, such second level response (e.g., a second set of actions) may include audible or visual warnings that are more escalatory in nature compared to the first set of actions to indicate that further violation or drift has occurred. In another example, the second set of actions may include degrading the performance of the second machine 104 (operating the second machine in a “limp” mode) to slow down or limit the speed of the second machine 104. In this example, the second set of actions may include engine speed commands or travel speed commands (e.g., provided by either the first computing device 118 or the second computing device 120) to a controller of the second machine 104, which may be the second computing device 120.

[0057] As mentioned above, the actions may be provided or indicated on the second computing device 120 or on both the first computing device 118 and the second computing device 120 to alert both machines and their occupants to the violations. Further drift between the machines 102, 104 may cause a violation of the third geofence 208 and triggering a third set of actions that are escalatory compared to the first and second sets of actions.

[0058] Figure 6 illustrates a schematic of the system 100 depicting relative movement between the first machine 102 and the second machine 104 resulting in violation of the third geofence 208, according to an example implementation. For example, the first machine 102 may have moved farther relative to the second machine 104 or the second machine 104 may have moved farther away relative to the first machine 102.

[0059] Regardless of which machine has moved relative to the other, or both machines moving at different speeds or directions, a violation of the third geofence 208 has occurred such that the second machine 104 is now located outside the third geofence 208, which is the largest geofence in the example of Figures 3-6. As a result, a third level response may be triggered where such third level response is escalatory relative to the first and second level responses.

[0060] For example, such third level response (e.g., a third set of actions) may include further degradation or limitation of the performance of the second machine 104 to further slow down or limit the speed of the second machine 104, or bring the second machine 104 to a stop unless there is a safety concern with stopping the second machine 104. In these examples, the third set of actions may include engine speed commands or travel speed commands to a controller of the second machine 104, which may be the second computing device 120.

[0061] As mentioned above, the actions may be provided or indicated on the second computing device 120 or on both the first computing device 118 and the second computing device 120 to alert both machines and their occupants to the violations. Although three geofences and three levels of response are described in the example above, more or fewer geofences with a dilferent scheme of escalatory response is contemplated.

[0062] As mentioned above, the computing devices 118, 120 may be controllers or display devices of the machines 102, 104, or may be separate personal electronic devices (e.g., phones, tablets, laptops). In the example where the computing devices 118, 120 are separate personal electronic devices (e.g., phones, tablets, laptops), they may be in direct communication with each other or in communication with the controllers / display devices of their respective machine, which may in turn be in communication with each other. As such, various communication configurations are contemplated herein.

[0063] In one communication configuration, the computing devices 118, 120 may be personal electronic devices (e.g., phones, tablets, laptops) that are communicatively paired (e.g., via Bluetooth or other near-field communication or Wi-Fi protocol) with display devices or controllers of their respective machines. At the same time, the computing devices 118, 120 may be in communication with each other, e.g., via a cellular network (e.g., LTE, 5G, etc.). Thus, the computing devices 118, 120 may be sharing information (e.g., location information, triggered actions, etc.) with each other and with the controllers or display devices of the machines 102, 104. In this example, the GPS location capabilities (e.g., GPS sensors) of the computing devices 118, 120 may be used rather than, or in addition to, the GPS devices of the machines 102, 104.

[0064] In another communication configuration, one of the computing devices 118, 120 may be a personal electronic device such as a phone, tablet, or laptop, while the other is the controller / or display device of the respective machine. In this example, a user may use a software application on the personal electronic device to communicate with its machine, which in turn may be providing information to the controller / display device of the other machine.

[0065] In still another communication configuration, the computing devices 118, 120 may be personal electronic devices (e.g., phones, tablets, laptops) that are communicating with each other and implementing the methods described above without communicating to or through controllers or display devices of the machines 102, 104.

[0066] In yet another communication configuration, the computing devices 118, 120 may be the controllers / display devices of the machines 102, 104. In this example, no personal electronic devices with specific software applications might be needed.

[0067] These communication configurations may be used in addition to each other (e.g., for redundancy) or as alternatives to each other.

[0068] Although the description of Figures 2-6 is provided above as an example of violating geofences, the same methodology may be used to provide escalatory information about closeness of one machine approaching another for collision avoidance or preparation purposes.

[0069] For example, in the construction industry, one machine may be an excavator or wheel loader and the other machine may be a truck or smaller machine. The dynamic geofencing methods described above may be used to provide escalatory warnings to avoid collision between the two machines.

[0070] As a particular example, the first machine 102 may be an excavator or wheel loader. The first computing device 118 assigns or sets the reference point 200 and the geofences 204-208 around the first machine 102. The second machine 104 may be a truck or other construction machinery operating in the vicinity of the first machine 102.

[0071] In an example, if the second machine 104 is outside the third geofence 208, no warnings or alerts are provided. If the second machine 104 moves closer to the first machine 102 and crosses within the third geofence 208 a first set of collision warnings may be provided. If the machines 102, 104 become closer such that the second machine 104 is within the boundary of the second geofence 206, a second set of collision warnings or other actions may be provided. If the machines 102, 104 become even closer such that the second machine 104 is within the boundary of the first geofence 204, a third set of collision warnings or other actions (e.g., slowing down or stopping either machine) may be provided.

[0072] In an example, the size (e.g., radius) of the geofences 204-208 may be based on the speed of the second machine 104 relative to the respective speed of the first machine 102. For example, the size of the geofences 204-208 may be proportional to the speed of the second machine 104.The higher the speed of the second machine 104, the larger the size of the geofences 204-208 to reduce the likelihood of collision.

[0073] In another example, the escalatory dynamic geofencing scheme may be used for preparing to take particular actions rather than avoiding collision. For example, moving closer to the first machine 102, e.g., a wheel loader or excavator, may trigger the first machine 102 to prepare for loading the second machine 104 (e.g., a truck), with different levels of preparation actions being taken depending on which geofence the second machine 104 has crossed into.

[0074] As another example for illustration, this escalatory dynamic geofencing scheme may be used in agricultural applications. For example, the first machine 102 may be a moving combine harvester, while the second machine 104 may be a moving tractor with grain cart approaching the combine harvester. As the second machine 104 moves closer to the combine harvester, gradually and sequentially crossing into the geofences 204-208, different actions may be performed or prompted. For example, the combine harvester may prompt the operator to take particular actions upon the tractor / grain cart crossing within a respective geofence defined around the harvester.

[0075] For instance, crossing the second geofence 206 may trigger the first machine 102 to turn on particular working lights (or prompt the operator to do so) on the first machine 102. Crossing the first geofence 204 may subsequently prompt the operator to deploy the auger of the harvester, and so on. In an example, the first computing device 118 may alert the operator that a particular geofence has been crossed, and then an acknowledgement by the operator may result in the execution of a set of complex and orchestrated machine operations to achieve the new desired machine state or deploy particular tools.

[0076] Figure 7 is a block diagram of a computing device 300, according to an example implementation. The computing device 300 may represent the first computing device 118 or the second computing device 120, for example.

[0077] The computing device 300 may have processor(s) 302, a communication interface 304, and data storage 306, each connected to a communication bus 307. The computing device 300 may also include hardware to enable communication within the computing device 300 and between the computing device 300 and external devices (e.g., another computing device, a controller / display device of a machine, the satellite 116, the ground-based station 112, etc.), for example. The hardware may include one or more of a transceiver 308, an antenna 310, a GPS sensor 312 (e.g., a device that uses a satellite network to calculate the position, velocity, and time of the computing device 300), for example.

[0078] The communication interface 304 may be a wireless interface and / or one or more wireline interfaces that allow for both short-range communication and long-range communication to one or more networks (e.g., the network 106) or to one or more remote devices (e.g., to allow communication with the controller / display device of a machine, the satellite 116 or the ground-based station 112, or a computing device in another machine). Such wireless interfaces may provide for communication under one or more wireless communication protocols, Bluetooth, WiFi (e.g., an institute of electrical and electronic engineers (IEEE) 802.11 protocol), LTE, 5G, other cellular communications, near-field communication (NFC), and / or other wireless communication protocols.

[0079] Wireline interfaces may include an Ethernet interface, a CAN network interface, a USB interface, or similar interface to communicate via a wire, a twisted pair of wires, a coaxial cable, an optical link, a fiber-optic link, or other physical connection to a wireline network. Thus, thecommunication interface 304 may be configured to receive input data from other devices and may be configured to send output data to the other devices.

[0080] The data storage 306 may include or take the form of one or more computer-readable storage media that can be read or accessed by the processor(s) 302. The computer-readable storage media can include volatile and / or non-volatile storage components, such as optical, magnetic, organic or other memory or disc storage, which can be integrated in whole or in part with the processor(s) 302. The data storage 306 is considered as a non-transitory computer readable media. In some examples, the data storage 306 can be implemented using a single physical device (e.g., one optical, magnetic, organic or other memory or disc storage unit), while in other examples, the data storage 306 can be implemented using two or more physical devices.

[0081] The data storage 306 can thus be a non-transitory computer readable storage medium, with executable instructions 314 are stored thereon. The executable instructions 314 include computer executable code. When the executable instructions 314 are executed by the processor(s) 302, the processor(s) 302 are caused to perform operations of the computing device 300 (e.g., operations described above and implemented by the first computing device 118 and / or the second computing device 120 related to dynamic geofencing and escalatory actions).

[0082] The processor(s) 302 may be a general-purpose processor or a special purpose processor (e.g., digital signal processors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), etc.). The processor(s) 302 may receive inputs from the communication interface 304, or other components of the computing device 300, and process the inputs to generate outputs that are stored in the data storage 306. The processor(s) 302 can be configured to execute the executable instructions 314 (e.g., computer-readable program instructions) that are stored in the data storage 306 and are executable to provide the functionality of the computing device 300 described herein (e.g., set thereference point 200, define the geofences 204-208, take escalator actions, provide warnings, alerts, etc.).

[0083] The computing device 300 can further include an output interface 316 for outputting information to a display 318. The output interface 316 can be a wireless interface (e.g., transmitter) or a wired interface as well. The processor(s) 302 may receive inputs from the communication interface 304, and process the inputs to generate outputs to the display 318.

[0084] Figure 8 is a flowchart of a method 400 associated with dynamic geofencing of a machine. The method 400 can be implemented by the first computing device 118 or the second computing device 120, for example. The computing device 300 represents first computing device 118 and / or the second computing device 120, and thus the operations of the method 400 may be implemented by one or more components of the computing device 300.

[0085] The method 400 may include one or more operations, or actions as illustrated by one or more of blocks 402-408. Although the blocks are illustrated in a sequential order, these blocks may in some instances be performed in parallel, and / or in a different order than those described herein. Also, the various blocks may be combined into fewer blocks, divided into additional blocks, and / or removed based upon the desired implementation.

[0086] In addition, for the method 400 and other processes and operations disclosed herein, the flowchart shows operation of one possible implementation of present examples. In this regard, each block may represent a module, a segment, or a portion of program code, which includes one or more instructions executable by a processor (e.g., the processor(s) 302 of the computing device 300) for implementing specific logical operations or steps in the process. The program code may be stored on any type of computer readable medium or memory, for example, such as a storage device including a disk or hard drive. The computer readable medium may include a non-transitorycomputer readable medium or memory, for example, such as computer-readable media that stores data for short periods of time like register memory, processor cache and Random Access Memory (RAM). The computer readable medium may also include non-transitory media or memory, such as secondary or persistent long term storage, like read only memory (ROM), optical or magnetic disks, compact-disc read only memory (CD-ROM), for example. The computer readable media may also be any other volatile or non-volatile storage systems. The computer readable medium may be considered a computer readable storage medium, a tangible storage device, or other article of manufacture, for example. In addition, for the method 400 and other processes and operations disclosed herein, one or more blocks in Figure 8 may represent circuitry or digital logic that is arranged to perform the specific logical operations in the process.

[0087] At block 402, the method 400 includes assigning the reference point 200 to the first machine 102, wherein the reference point 200 is dynamic and movable with the first machine 102.

[0088] At block 404, the method 400 includes defining one or more geofences (e.g., one or more of the geofences 204-208) comprising respective virtual boundaries around the reference point 200 such that the one or more geofences are dynamic and movable with the reference point 200 and the first machine 102.

[0089] At block 406, the method 400 includes receiving information indicating that the second machine 104 has crossed a geofence of the one or more geofences.

[0090] At block 408, the method 400 includes responsive to the receiving the information, triggering a respective action associated with crossing the geofence.

[0091] The method 400 can further include any of the steps performed by the computing device 300 or the other devices as described throughout herein.

[0092] The detailed description above describes various features and operations of the disclosed systems with reference to the accompanying figures. The illustrative implementations described herein are not meant to be limiting. Certain aspects of the disclosed systems can be arranged and combined in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated herein.

[0093] Further, unless context suggests otherwise, the features illustrated in each of the figures may be used in combination with one another. Thus, the figures should be generally viewed as component aspects of one or more overall implementations, with the understanding that not all illustrated features are necessary for each implementation.

[0094] Additionally, any enumeration of elements, blocks, or steps in this specification or the claims is for purposes of clarity. Thus, such enumeration should not be interpreted to require or imply that these elements, blocks, or steps adhere to a particular arrangement or are carried out in a particular order.

[0095] Further, devices or systems may be used or configured to perform functions presented in the figures. In some instances, components of the devices and / or systems may be configured to perform the functions such that the components are actually configured and structured (with hardware and / or software) to enable such performance. In other examples, components of the devices and / or systems may be arranged to be adapted to, capable of, or suited for performing the functions, such as when operated in a specific manner.

[0096] By the term “substantially” or “about” it is meant that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to those with skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide.

[0097] The arrangements described herein are for purposes of example only. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other arrangements and other elements (e.g., machines, interfaces, operations, orders, and groupings of operations, etc.) can be used instead, and some elements may be omitted altogether according to the desired results. Further, many of the elements that are described are functional entities that may be implemented as discrete or distributed components or in conjunction with other components, in any suitable combination and location.

[0098] While various aspects and implementations have been disclosed herein, other aspects and implementations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and implementations disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular implementations only, and is not intended to be limiting.

[0099] Embodiments of the present disclosure can thus relate to one of the enumerated example embodiments (EEEs) listed below.

[0100] EEE l is a system comprising: a first machine; a second machine; and a computing device, wherein the computing device comprises: (i) one or more processors, and (ii) data storage storing thereon instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising: assigning a reference point to the first machine, wherein the reference point is dynamic and movable with the first machine, defining one or more geofences comprising respective virtual boundaries around the reference point such that the one or more geofences are dynamic and movable with the reference point and the first machine, receiving information indicating that the second machine has crossed a geofence of the one ormore geofences, and responsive to the receiving the information, triggering a respective action associated with crossing the geofence.

[0101] EEE 2 is the system of EEE 1, wherein the one or more geofences comprise more than one geofence having progressively larger sizes around the first machine, wherein crossing each geofence is associated with triggering a respective set of actions that are escalatory based on which geofence is crossed.

[0102] EEE 3 is the system of EEE 2, wherein the more than one geofences comprise respective virtual boundaries configured as rings.

[0103] EEE 4 is the system of EEE 3, wherein the rings are concentric.

[0104] EEE 5 is the system any of EEEs 2-4, wherein a first set of actions associated with crossing a first geofence of the more than one geofences comprises providing an alert, a notification, or a predetermined message to be displayed on a respective computing device of the second machine.

[0105] EEE 6 is the system of EEE 5, wherein a second set of actions associated with crossing a second geofence of the more than one geofences comprises changing behavior of the second machine.

[0106] EEE 7 is the system of EEE 6, wherein changing the behavior of the second machine comprises limiting performance of the second machine.

[0107] EEE 8 is the system of any of EEEs 1-7, wherein the respective action comprises preparing the first machine for particular operations relative to the second machine.

[0108] EEE 9 is the system of any of EEEs 1-8, wherein the respective action comprises a collision warning.

[0109] EEE 10 is the system of any of EEEs 1-9, wherein the computing device is a first computing device associated with the first machine, wherein the system further comprises a second computing device associated with the second machine, wherein the first computing device is in communication with the second computing device such that the first computing device: (i) receives the information indicating that the second machine has cross the geofence from the second computing device, and / or (ii) provide the respective action to the second computing device.

[0110] EEE 11 is the system of any of EEEs 1-10, further comprising: a first computing device associated with the first machine, wherein the computing device having the one or more processors is a second computing device associated with the second machine.

[0111] EEE 12 is a method performed by the computing device of the system of any of EEEs 1-11 to perform the operations of the system of any of EEEs 1-11. For example, the method comprises: assigning, by a processor of a computing device, a reference point to a first machine, wherein the reference point is dynamic and movable with the first machine; defining, by the processor, one or more geofences comprising respective virtual boundaries around the reference point such that the one or more geofences are dynamic and movable with the reference point and the first machine; receiving, at the processor, information indicating that a second machine has crossed a geofence of the one or more geofences; and responsive to the receiving the information, triggering, by the processor, a respective action associated with crossing the geofence.

[0112] EEE 13 is the method of EEE 12, wherein defining the one or more geofences comprises: defining more than one geofence having progressively larger sizes around the first machine, wherein crossing each geofence is associated with triggering a respective set of actions that are escalatory based on which geofence is crossed.

[0113] EEE 14 is the method of EEE 13, wherein defining the more than one geofences comprises: defining respective virtual boundaries configured as concentric rings.

[0114] EEE 15 is the method of any of EEEs 13-14, wherein triggering a first set of actions associated with crossing a first geofence of the more than one geofences comprises: providing an alert, a notification, or a predetermined message to be displayed on a respective computing device of the second machine.

[0115] EEE 16 is the method of EEE 15, wherein triggering a second set of actions associated with crossing a second geofence of the more than one geofences comprises: changing behavior of the second machine, wherein changing the behavior of the second machine comprises limiting performance of the second machine.

[0116] EEE 17 is the method of any of EEEs 12-16, wherein triggering the respective action comprises: preparing the first machine for particular operations relative to the second machine.

[0117] EEE 18 is a non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon instructions that, in response to execution by a processor a computing device, cause the computing device of the system of any of EEEs 1-11 to perform operations of the system of any of EEEs 1-11 or the method of any of EEEs 12-17. For example, the operations comprise: assigning a reference point to a first machine, wherein the reference point is dynamic and movable with the first machine; defining one or more geofences comprising respective virtual boundaries around the reference point such that the one or more geofences are dynamic and movable with the reference point and the first machine; receiving information indicating that a second machine has crossed a geofence of the one or more geofences; and responsive to the receiving the information, triggering a respective action associated with crossing the geofence.

[0118] EEE 19 is the non-transitory computer readable medium of EEE 18, wherein the computing device is a first computing device associated with the first machine, wherein the second machine comprises a second computing device, wherein the first computing device is in communication with the second computing device such that the first computing device: (i) receives the information indicating that the second machine has cross the geofence from the second computing device, and / or (ii) provide the respective action to the second computing device.

[0119] EEE 20 is the non-transitory computer readable medium of any of EEEs 18-19, wherein the first machine comprises a first computing device, wherein the computing device having the processor is a second computing device associated with the second machine.

[0120] EEE 21 is the system of EEE 9, wherein respective sizes of the one or more geofences is based on a speed of the second machine relative to the first machine.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A system comprising:a first machine;a second machine; anda computing device, wherein the computing device comprises: (i) one or more processors, and (ii) data storage storing thereon instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising:assigning a reference point to the first machine, wherein the reference point is dynamic and movable with the first machine,defining one or more geofences comprising respective virtual boundaries around the reference point such that the one or more geofences are dynamic and movable with the reference point and the first machine,receiving information indicating that the second machine has crossed a geofence of the one or more geofences, andresponsive to the receiving the information, triggering a respective action associated with crossing the geofence.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more geofences comprise more than one geofence having progressively larger sizes around the first machine, wherein crossing each geofence is associated with triggering a respective set of actions that are escalatory based on which geofence is crossed.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the more than one geofences comprise respective virtual boundaries configured as rings.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the rings are concentric.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein a first set of actions associated with crossing a first geofence of the more than one geofences comprises providing an alert, a notification, or a predetermined message to be displayed on a respective computing device of the second machine.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein a second set of actions associated with crossing a second geofence of the more than one geofences comprises changing behavior of the second machine.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein changing the behavior of the second machine comprises limiting performance of the second machine.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the respective action comprises preparing the first machine for particular operations relative to the second machine.

9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the respective action comprises a collision warning.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the computing device is a first computing device associated with the first machine, wherein the system further comprises a second computing deviceassociated with the second machine, wherein the first computing device is in communication with the second computing device such that the first computing device: (i) receives the information indicating that the second machine has cross the geofence from the second computing device, and / or (ii) provide the respective action to the second computing device.

11. The system of claim 1, further comprising:a first computing device associated with the first machine, wherein the computing device having the one or more processors is a second computing device associated with the second machine.

12. A method comprising:assigning, by a processor of a computing device, a reference point to a first machine, wherein the reference point is dynamic and movable with the first machine;defining, by the processor, one or more geofences comprising respective virtual boundaries around the reference point such that the one or more geofences are dynamic and movable with the reference point and the first machine;receiving, at the processor, information indicating that a second machine has crossed a geofence of the one or more geofences; andresponsive to the receiving the information, triggering, by the processor, a respective action associated with crossing the geofence.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein defining the one or more geofences comprises: defining more than one geofence having progressively larger sizes around the first machine, wherein crossing each geofence is associated with triggering a respective set of actions that are escalatory based on which geofence is crossed.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein defining the more than one geofences comprises: defining respective virtual boundaries configured as concentric rings.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein triggering a first set of actions associated with crossing a first geofence of the more than one geofences comprises:providing an alert, a notification, or a predetermined message to be displayed on a respective computing device of the second machine.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein triggering a second set of actions associated with crossing a second geofence of the more than one geofences comprises:changing behavior of the second machine, wherein changing the behavior of the second machine comprises limiting performance of the second machine.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein triggering the respective action comprises: preparing the first machine for particular operations relative to the second machine.

18. A non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon instructions that, in response to execution by a processor a computing device, cause the computing device to perform operations comprising:assigning a reference point to a first machine, wherein the reference point is dynamic and movable with the first machine;defining one or more geofences comprising respective virtual boundaries around the reference point such that the one or more geofences are dynamic and movable with the reference point and the first machine;receiving information indicating that a second machine has crossed a geofence of the one or more geofences; andresponsive to the receiving the information, triggering a respective action associated with crossing the geofence.

19. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the computing device is a first computing device associated with the first machine, wherein the second machine comprises a second computing device, wherein the first computing device is in communication with the second computing device such that the first computing device: (i) receives the information indicating that the second machine has cross the geofence from the second computing device, and / or (ii) provide the respective action to the second computing device.

20. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the first machine comprises a first computing device, wherein the computing device having the processor is a second computing device associated with the second machine.

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