System and computerized method for adjusting machine capabilities in response to machine operating conditions

Abstract

A computerized method for adjusting machine capabilities of a machine in response to machine operating conditions is provided. The computerized method is carried out by a controller and includes: collecting data corresponding to the machine operating conditions using the controller. The data includes current machine health data, current operator skill level data, and current environmental factor data. The computerized method also includes comparing the machine operating conditions against stored metrics using the controller. When the machine operating conditions are below the stored metrics, the controller decreases the machine capabilities. When the machine operating conditions are above the stored metrics, the controller increases the machine capabilities.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A computerized method for adjusting machine capabilities of a machine in response to machine operating conditions, wherein the computerized method is carried out by a controller, the computerized method comprising:
 collecting data corresponding to the machine operating conditions using the controller, wherein the data includes current machine health data, current operator skill level data, and current environmental factor data;   comparing the machine operating conditions against stored metrics using the controller;   decreasing the machine capabilities, using the controller, when the machine operating conditions are below the stored metrics; and   increasing machine capabilities, using the controller, when the machine operating conditions are above the stored metrics.   
     
     
         2 . The computerized method of  claim 1 , wherein decreasing the machine capabilities includes decreasing at least one of machine component speed and machine component power. 
     
     
         3 . The computerized method of  claim 1 , wherein increasing the machine capabilities includes increasing at least one of machine component speed and machine component power. 
     
     
         4 . The computerized method of  claim 3 , wherein increasing the machine capabilities includes increasing the machine capabilities by an incremental percentage corresponding to the machine operating conditions. 
     
     
         5 . The computerized method of  claim 1 , further including categorizing the machine operating conditions as short-term conditions or long-term conditions, wherein the machine capabilities are reset after an operating shift in response to short-term conditions. 
     
     
         6 . The computerized method of  claim 1 , further including providing feedback to an operator based on the machine operating conditions. 
     
     
         7 . The computerized method of  claim 1 , wherein the current machine health data is based on at least one of a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, and a strain gauge. 
     
     
         8 . The computerized method of  claim 1 , wherein the current operator skill level data is based on at least one of payload production, fuel efficiency, bucket load time, bucket fill time, and near misses. 
     
     
         9 . The computerized method of  claim 1 , wherein the current environmental factor data is based on at least one of wind, water, humidity, temperature, movement, and pressure. 
     
     
         10 . The computerized method of  claim 1 , wherein an operator of the machine is located remote from the machine. 
     
     
         11 . A machine, comprising:
 a machine frame;   ground-engaging elements supported on the machine frame;   an engine supported on the machine frame and drivingly connected to the ground-engaging elements; and   a controller supported on the machine frame and carrying out the following:
 collecting data corresponding to machine operating conditions using the controller, wherein the data includes current machine health data, current operator skill level data, and current environmental factor data; 
 comparing the machine operating conditions against stored metrics using the controller; 
 decreasing machine capabilities, using the controller, when the machine operating conditions are below the stored metrics; and 
 increasing machine capabilities, using the controller, when the machine operating conditions are above the stored metrics. 
   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein decreasing the machine capabilities includes decreasing at least one of machine component speed and machine component power. 
     
     
         13 . The machine of  claim 11 , wherein increasing the machine capabilities includes increasing at least one of machine component speed and machine component power. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein increasing the machine capabilities includes increasing the machine capabilities by an incremental percentage corresponding to the machine operating conditions. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the current machine health data is based on at least one of a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, and a strain gauge. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the current operator skill level data is based on at least one of payload production, fuel efficiency, bucket load time, bucket fill time, and near misses. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the current environmental factor data is based on at least one of wind, water, humidity, temperature, movement, and pressure. 
     
     
         18 . A computer readable medium including non-transitory computer readable code comprising instructions for:
 collecting data corresponding to machine operating conditions, wherein the data includes current machine health data, current operator skill level data, and current environmental factor data;   comparing the machine operating conditions against stored metrics;   decreasing machine capabilities when the machine operating conditions are below the stored metrics; and   increasing machine capabilities when the machine operating conditions are above the stored metrics.   
     
     
         19 . The computer readable medium of  claim 18 , wherein the computer readable code comprises instructions for decreasing at least one of machine component speed and machine component power. 
     
     
         20 . The computer readable medium of  claim 18 , wherein the computer readable code comprises instructions for decreasing at least one of machine component speed and machine component power.