Implement position tracking for a lift device

Abstract

A machine system includes a first wireless transceiver, a plurality of second wireless transceivers, and a processing circuit. The first wireless transceiver is configured to couple to a first portion of a machine. The plurality of second wireless transceivers are configured to couple to a second portion of the machine. The first portion is movable relative to the second portion. The processing circuit is configured to determine a position of the first portion based on time delays in communication between the first wireless transceiver and each of the plurality of second wireless transceivers.

1 . A machine system comprising:
 a first wireless transceiver configured to couple to a first portion of a machine;   a plurality of second wireless transceivers configured to couple to a second portion of the machine, the first portion movable relative to the second portion; and   a processing circuit configured to determine a position of the first portion based on time delays in communication between the first wireless transceiver and each of the plurality of second wireless transceivers.   
     
     
         2 . The machine system of  claim 1 , wherein the first wireless transceiver and the plurality of second wireless transceivers are ultra-wideband transceivers configured to transmit wireless signals between 3.1 GHz and 10.6 GHz. 
     
     
         3 . The machine system of  claim 1 , wherein the first portion is or includes an implement, and wherein the implement includes at least one of a platform, a fork assembly, a bucket, a basket, a grabber mechanism, a plow, a water deluge turret, a boom, a lift assembly, an aerial ladder, or an articulating arm. 
     
     
         4 . The machine system of  claim 3 , wherein the processing circuit is configured to detect a type of the implement based on information acquired from the first wireless transceiver. 
     
     
         5 . The machine system of  claim 1 , wherein the first portion is configured for use with a lift device, a boom lift, a telehandler, a refuse vehicle, a fire apparatus, a bucket truck, a crane, a concrete mixer truck, or a construction machine. 
     
     
         6 . The machine system of  claim 1 , wherein the processing circuit is configured to:
 store a log of the position over time; and   generate a heat map identifying various positions of the first portion and varying degrees of time spent at each of the various positions based on the log.   
     
     
         7 . The machine system of  claim 1 , wherein the processing circuit is configured to identify unintentional movement of the first portion while the first portion is at a set position. 
     
     
         8 . The machine system of  claim 1 , wherein the processing circuit and the first wireless transceiver are integrated into a single device. 
     
     
         9 . A machine system comprising:
 a first wireless transceiver configured to couple to a first portion of a machine;   a plurality of second wireless transceivers configured to couple to a second portion of the machine, the first portion movable relative to the second portion; and   a processing circuit configured to:
 determine a position of the first portion based on communication between the first wireless transceiver and the plurality of second wireless transceivers; 
 store a log of the position over time; and 
 generate a heat map identifying various positions of the first portion and varying degrees of time spent at each of the various positions based on the log. 
   
     
     
         10 . The machine system of  claim 9 , wherein the first portion is or includes an implement of the machine. 
     
     
         11 . The machine system of  claim 9 , wherein the machine is a lift device, a boom lift, a telehandler, a refuse vehicle, a fire apparatus, a bucket truck, a crane, a concrete mixer truck, or a construction machine. 
     
     
         12 . The machine system of  claim 9 , wherein the processing circuit is configured to identify unintentional movement of the first portion while the first portion is at a set position. 
     
     
         13 . The machine system of  claim 9 , wherein the processing circuit is configured to generate the heat map using at least one of different colors or different patterns to indicate the varying degrees of time spent at each of the various positions. 
     
     
         14 . The machine system of  claim 9 , wherein the processing circuit is configured to provide the heat map for display on a display device. 
     
     
         15 . The machine system of  claim 9 , wherein the processing circuit and the first wireless transceiver are integrated into a single device. 
     
     
         16 . A machine system comprising:
 a first wireless transceiver configured to couple to a first portion of a machine;   a plurality of second wireless transceivers configured to couple to a second portion of the machine, the first portion movable relative to the second portion; and   a processing circuit configured to:
 determine a position of the first portion based on communication between the first wireless transceiver and the plurality of second wireless transceivers; and 
 identify unintentional movement of the first portion while the first portion is at a set position. 
   
     
     
         17 . The machine system of  claim 16 , wherein the first portion is or includes an implement of the machine. 
     
     
         18 . The machine system of  claim 17 , wherein the machine is a lift device, a boom lift, a telehandler, a refuse vehicle, a fire apparatus, a bucket truck, a crane, a concrete mixer truck, or a construction machine. 
     
     
         19 . The machine system of  claim 16 , wherein the processing circuit is configured to:
 store a log of the position over time; and   generate a heat map identifying various positions of the first portion and varying degrees of time spent at each of the various positions based on the log.   
     
     
         20 . The machine system of  claim 16 , wherein the processing circuit and the first wireless transceiver are integrated into a single device.