Apparatus and method of providing calibration information to an operator of a work machine

Abstract

An apparatus and method of providing at least one calibration prompt message to an operator of a work machine is disclosed. Whether the work machine control system is in calibration mode is determined. At least one calibration prompt message containing a detailed description of the calibration step to be performed is read from a memory. At least one calibration prompt message is provided to the operator. Preferably, at least one abbreviated calibration routine message is provided to the operator in a text message on a first display and the calibration prompt message is provided to the operator in a scrolling text message across a second display of the user interface.

We claim: 
     
       1. A work machine adapted to be controlled by an operator, comprising: a frame;   a plurality of ground engaging devices supporting the frame;   an operator compartment supported by the ground engaging devices;   an engine operably coupled to the ground engaging devices; and   a work machine control system having a calibration system, including: a memory adapted to store at least one calibration prompt message containing a detailed description of the calibration step to be performed;   a controller associated with the memory and adapted to receive the at least one calibration prompt message, determine whether the work machine control system is in calibration mode, and responsively provide the at least one calibration prompt message; and   an operator interface adapted to receive the at least one calibration prompt message and provide the at least one calibration prompt message to the operator in the operator compartment.     
     
     
       2. The work machine of claim 1, wherein the operator interface is adapted to provide the calibration prompt message to the operator in the operator compartment as a scrolling text message. 
     
     
       3. The work machine of claim 1, wherein the operator interface is adapted to provide the calibration prompt message to the operator in the operator compartment as an audible message. 
     
     
       4. The work machine of claim 1, wherein the operator interface is adapted to receive an input from the operator and provide the input to the controller and the controller is adapted to receive the input and responsively provide a subsequent calibration prompt message to the operator interface, the operator interface being adapted to provide the subsequent calibration prompt message to the operator in the operator compartment. 
     
     
       5. A method of providing calibration information to an operator of a work machine, comprising the steps of: determining whether the work machine control system is in calibration mode;   reading at least one calibration prompt message containing a detailed description of the calibration step to be performed from a memory; and   providing the at least one calibration prompt message to the operator.   
     
     
       6. The method of claim 5, wherein the step of providing the at least one calibration prompt message to the operator includes providing a text message to the operator from a user interface. 
     
     
       7. The method of claim 6, including the step of scrolling the text message of the calibration prompt message across the user interface. 
     
     
       8. The method of claim 5, wherein the step of providing the at least one calibration prompt message to the operator includes providing an audible message to the operator from a user interface. 
     
     
       9. The method of claim 5, including the step of providing at least one additional calibration prompt message to the operator in response to an operator input. 
     
     
       10. A method of providing calibration information to an operator of a work machine, comprising the steps of: determining whether the work machine control system is in calibration mode;   determining whether quick calibration mode is selected;   determining whether the frame sensor or the blade sensor is selected for calibration;   reading at least one abbreviated calibration routine message and at least one calibration prompt message containing a detailed description of the calibration step to be performed from a memory in response to the steps of determining whether the work machine control system is in calibration mode, determining whether quick calibration mode is selected, and determining whether the frame sensor or the blade sensor is selected for calibration; and   providing the at least one abbreviated calibration routine message to the operator in a text message on a first display and the calibration prompt message to the operator in a scrolling text message across a second display of the user interface while the work machine control system is in calibration mode.