Control of access to power machine functionality

Abstract

A control system of a power machine can be configured to allow certain power machine functionality based on a wireless connection with a mobile device. For example, a power machine can operate in a startup mode providing limited functionality to an operator (e.g., engine power, but no workgroup actuators). Access to additional power machine functionality (e.g., full functionality) can then be permitted based on establishing a wireless connection to a mobile device that corresponds to an operator profile for the power machine.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A control system for a power machine, the control system comprising:
 an input device operatively connected to a power source of the power machine;   a control device that is configured to:
 enable operation of the power source of the power machine based upon receiving a signal from the input device; and 
 after receiving the signal of the input device, restrict operation of one or more power machine functions for the power machine until a wireless connection is established between the control device and a mobile device, the mobile device corresponding to an operator profile for the power machine. 
   
     
     
         2 . The control system of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more power machine functions for which operation is restricted includes one or more of: operation of tractive elements or operation of work elements. 
     
     
         3 . A method of operating a power machine with a user input interface, the method comprising:
 upon receiving an initial user input to activate a power source for the power machine, placing the power machine in a startup mode;   based on placing the power machine in the startup mode, providing limited access to power machine functionality according to permissions of the startup mode;   via a controller in communication with the user input interface, searching for one or more mobile devices;   establishing a wireless connection between a mobile device and the power machine to identify an association between the mobile device and an operator profile for the power machine; and   based on identifying the association between the mobile device and the operator profile, allowing access to additional power machine functionality that corresponds to the operator profile.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the permissions of the startup mode include operation of a power source of the power machine, but not operation of one or more work elements. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the additional power machine functionality is distinct from operation of the power source and includes one of more of: operation of tractive elements or operation of work elements. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the additional power machine functionality includes full power machine functionality. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the mobile device includes one of a mobile phone, a tablet, a laptop, or a personal digital assistant. 
     
     
         8 . A power machine comprising:
 a power source;   an operator station;   a user input interface within the operator station, including an input device configured to receive input for activation of the power source by an operator in the operator station;   one or more tractive elements configured to move the power machine;   one or more work elements configured to be operated for work operations using power from the power source; and   a control system configured to:
 activate the power source based upon a signal from the input device responsive to an operator input; and 
 after activating the power source:
 initially provide limited access to power machine functionality; 
 establish a wireless connection with a mobile device that corresponds to an operator profile; and 
 based upon establishing the wireless connection and after initially providing the limited access to power machine functionality, provide access to one or more additional power machine functions based on one or more settings associated with the operator profile. 
 
   
     
     
         9 . The power machine of  claim 8 , wherein the control system is further configured to:
 before establishing the wireless connection with the mobile device, identify potential wireless connections with a plurality of mobile devices, including the mobile device; and   prioritize establishing the wireless connection with the mobile device based on one or more of proximity, signal strength, or a predetermined priority list.   
     
     
         10 . The power machine of  claim 8 , wherein the user input interface further includes a display configured to receive an activation code; and
 wherein the control system is configured to bypass receipt of the activation code via the display, based on establishing the wireless connection.