Patent Description:
One embodiment relates to a vehicle control system according to Claim <NUM>.

The invention is capable of other embodiments and being carried out in various ways. Alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other features and combinations of features as may be generally recited in the claims.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in <FIG>, a vehicle or machine, shown as vehicle <NUM>, includes a control system, shown as control system <NUM>, and a portable user interface, shown as user input/output ("I/O") device <NUM>. According to an exemplary embodiment, the user I/O device <NUM> and/or the control system <NUM> are configured to facilitate providing various features such as navigation (e.g., a global positioning system ("GPS"), etc.), troubleshooting walk-throughs, schematics, manuals, three-dimensional ("3D") models, automatic feature/option camera detection, calibration, settings, diagnostics, augmented reality ("AR"), and/or remote operation, among other possible features.

As shown in <FIG>, the vehicle <NUM> includes a chassis, shown as frame <NUM>; a front cabin, shown as cab <NUM>, coupled to the frame <NUM> (e.g., at a front end thereof, etc.) and defining an interior, shown as interior <NUM>; and a rear assembly, shown as rear assembly <NUM>, coupled to the frame <NUM> (e.g., at a rear end thereof, etc.). The cab <NUM> may include various components to facilitate operation of the vehicle <NUM> by an operator (e.g., a seat, a steering wheel, hydraulic controls, a user interface, switches, buttons, dials, etc.). As shown in <FIG>, the vehicle <NUM> includes a prime mover, shown as engine <NUM>, coupled to the frame <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the engine <NUM> is positioned beneath the cab <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the engine <NUM> is positioned within the rear assembly <NUM> at the rear of the vehicle <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the vehicle <NUM> includes a plurality of tractive elements, shown as wheel and tire assemblies <NUM>. In other embodiments, the tractive elements include track elements. According to an exemplary embodiment, the engine <NUM> is configured to provide power to the wheel and tire assemblies <NUM> and/or to other systems of the vehicle <NUM> (e.g., a pneumatic system, a hydraulic system, etc.). The engine <NUM> may be configured to utilize one or more of a variety of fuels (e.g., gasoline, diesel, bio-diesel, ethanol, natural gas, etc.), according to various exemplary embodiments. According to an alternative embodiment, the engine <NUM> additionally or alternatively includes one or more electric motors coupled to the frame <NUM> (e.g., a hybrid vehicle, an electric vehicle, etc.). The electric motors may consume electrical power from an on-board storage device (e.g., batteries, ultra-capacitors, etc.), from an on-board generator (e.g., an internal combustion engine genset, etc.), and/or from an external power source (e.g., overhead power lines, etc.) and provide power to the systems of the vehicle <NUM>.

According to the exemplary embodiments shown in <FIG>, the vehicle <NUM> is configured as a front loading refuse vehicle (e.g., a garbage truck, a waste collection truck, a sanitation truck, a recycling truck, etc.). In other embodiments, the vehicle <NUM> is configured as a side-loading refuse truck or a rear-loading refuse truck. As shown in <FIG>, the rear assembly <NUM> is configured as a rear body, shown as refuse compartment <NUM>. According to an exemplary embodiment, the refuse compartment <NUM> facilitates transporting refuse from various waste receptacles within a municipality to a storage and/or processing facility (e.g., a landfill, an incineration facility, a recycling facility, etc.). By way of example, loose refuse may be placed into the refuse compartment <NUM> where it may thereafter be compacted. The refuse compartment <NUM> may provide temporary storage for refuse during transport to a waste disposal site and/or a recycling facility. In some embodiments, the refuse compartment <NUM> includes a hopper volume and a storage volume. Refuse may be initially loaded into the hopper volume and thereafter compacted into the storage volume. According to an exemplary embodiment, the hopper volume is positioned between the storage volume and the cab <NUM> (i.e., refuse is loaded into a position of the refuse compartment <NUM> behind the cab <NUM> and stored in a position further toward the rear of the refuse compartment <NUM>). In other embodiments, the storage volume is positioned between the hopper volume and the cab <NUM> (e.g., in a rear-loading refuse vehicle, etc.). As shown in <FIG>, the refuse compartment <NUM> includes a pivotable rear portion, shown as tailgate <NUM>. The tailgate <NUM> is pivotally coupled to the refuse compartment <NUM> and movable between a closed orientation and an open orientation by actuators, shown as tailgate actuators <NUM> (e.g., to facilitate emptying the storage volume, etc.).

As shown in <FIG>, the vehicle <NUM> includes a lift mechanism/system (e.g., a front-loading lift assembly, etc.), shown as lift assembly <NUM> having a pair of lift arms, shown as lift arms <NUM>, coupled to the frame <NUM> and/or the rear assembly <NUM> on each side of the vehicle <NUM> such that the lift arms <NUM> extend forward of the cab <NUM> (e.g., a front-loading refuse vehicle, etc.). In other embodiments, the lift assembly <NUM> extends rearward of the rear assembly <NUM> (e.g., a rear-loading refuse vehicle, etc.). In still other embodiments, the lift assembly <NUM> extends from a side of the rear assembly <NUM> and/or the cab <NUM> (e.g., a side-loading refuse vehicle, etc.). The lift arms <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to frame <NUM> with a pivot (e.g., a lug, a shaft, etc.). As shown in <FIG>, the lift assembly <NUM> includes actuators, shown as lift arm actuators <NUM> and articulation actuators <NUM> (e.g., hydraulic cylinders, etc.), coupled to the frame <NUM> and/or the lift arms <NUM>. The lift arm actuators <NUM> are positioned such that extension and retraction thereof rotates the lift arms <NUM> about an axis extending through the pivot, according to an exemplary embodiment. The lift arms <NUM> may be rotated by the lift arm actuators <NUM> to lift a refuse container over the cab <NUM>. The articulation actuators <NUM> are positioned to articulate the distal ends of the lift arms <NUM> coupled to the refuse container to assist in tipping refuse out of the refuse container into the hopper volume of the refuse compartment <NUM> (e.g., through an opening in the refuse compartment <NUM>, etc.). The lift arm actuators <NUM> may thereafter rotate the lift arms <NUM> to return the empty refuse container to the ground.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in <FIG>, the vehicle <NUM> is configured as a concrete mixer truck. As shown in <FIG>, the rear assembly <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM> includes a concrete drum assembly, shown as drum assembly <NUM>. According to an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle <NUM> is configured as a rear-discharge concrete mixing truck. In other embodiments, the vehicle <NUM> is configured as a front-discharge concrete mixing truck.

As shown in <FIG>, the drum assembly <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM> includes a drum, shown as mixing drum <NUM>. The mixing drum <NUM> is coupled to the frame <NUM> and disposed behind the cab <NUM> (e.g., at a rear and/or middle of the frame <NUM>, etc.). As shown in <FIG>, the drum assembly <NUM> includes a drive system, shown as drum drive system <NUM>, that is coupled to the frame <NUM>. According to an exemplary embodiment, the drum drive system <NUM> is configured to selectively rotate the mixing drum <NUM> about a central, longitudinal axis thereof. In one embodiment, the drum drive system <NUM> is driven by the engine <NUM>. In other embodiments, the drum drive system <NUM> is individually powered, separate from the engine <NUM> (e.g., with a motor, an independently driven actuator, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the axis is elevated from the frame <NUM> at an angle in the range of five degrees to twenty degrees. In other embodiments, the axis is elevated by less than five degrees (e.g., four degrees, three degrees, etc.) or greater than twenty degrees (e.g., twenty-five degrees, thirty degrees, etc.). In an alternative embodiment, the vehicle <NUM> includes an actuator positioned to facilitate selectively adjusting the axis to a desired or target angle (e.g., manually in response to an operator input/command, automatically according to a control scheme, etc.).

As shown in <FIG>, the mixing drum <NUM> of the drum assembly <NUM> includes an inlet, shown as hopper <NUM>, and an outlet, shown as chute <NUM>. According to an exemplary embodiment, the mixing drum <NUM> is configured to receive a mixture, such as a concrete mixture (e.g., cementitious material, aggregate, sand, etc.), with the hopper <NUM>. The mixing drum <NUM> may additionally include an injection port. The injection port may provide access into the interior of the mixing drum <NUM> to inject water and/or chemicals (e.g., air entrainers, water reducers, set retarders, set accelerators, superplasticizers, corrosion inhibitors, coloring, calcium chloride, minerals, and/or other concrete additives, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the injection port includes an injection valve that facilitates injecting the water and/or the chemicals from a fluid reservoir (e.g., a water tank, etc.) into the mixing drum <NUM> to interact with the mixture, while preventing the mixture within the mixing drum <NUM> from exiting the mixing drum <NUM> through the injection port. The mixing drum <NUM> may include a mixing element (e.g., fins, etc.) positioned within the interior thereof. The mixing element may be configured to (i) agitate the contents of mixture within the mixing drum <NUM> when the mixing drum <NUM> is rotated by the drum drive system <NUM> in a first direction (e.g., counterclockwise, clockwise, etc.) and (ii) drive the mixture within the mixing drum <NUM> out through the chute <NUM> when the mixing drum <NUM> is rotated by the drum drive system <NUM> in an opposing second direction (e.g., clockwise, counterclockwise, etc.). The chute <NUM> may include an actuator positioned such that the chute <NUM> is selectively pivotable to reposition the chute <NUM> (e.g., vertically, laterally, etc.) and therefore an angle at which the mixture is expelled from the mixing drum <NUM>.

According to the exemplary embodiments shown in <FIG>, the vehicle <NUM> is configured as a single rear axle quint fire truck. In other embodiments, the vehicle <NUM> is configured as a tandem rear axles quint fire truck. In still other embodiments, the vehicle <NUM> is configured as another type of fire apparatus such as a tiller fire truck, an aerial platform fire truck, a mid-mount fire truck, etc. As shown in <FIG>, the rear assembly <NUM> includes stabilizers, shown as outriggers <NUM>, and an aerial assembly, shown as ladder assembly <NUM>. The outriggers <NUM> may be selectively extended from each lateral side and/or rear of the rear assembly <NUM> to provide increased stability while the vehicle <NUM> is stationary and the ladder assembly <NUM> is in use (e.g., extended from the vehicle <NUM>, etc.). The rear assembly <NUM> further includes various compartments, cabinets, etc. that may be selectively opened and/or accessed for storage and/or component inspection, maintenance, and/or replacement.

As shown in <FIG>, the ladder assembly <NUM> includes a plurality of ladder sections, shown as ladder sections <NUM>, that are slidably coupled together such that the ladder sections <NUM> are extendable and retractable. The ladder assembly <NUM> further includes a base platform, shown as turntable <NUM>, positioned at the base or proximal end of the ladder sections <NUM>. The turntable <NUM> is configured to rotate about a vertical axis such that the ladder sections <NUM> may be selectively pivoted about the vertical axis (e.g., up to <NUM> degrees, etc.). As shown in <FIG>, the ladder assembly <NUM> includes an implement, shown as water turret <NUM>, coupled to the distal end of the ladder sections <NUM>. The water turret <NUM> is configured to facilitate expelling water and/or a fire suppressing agent (e.g., foam, etc.) from a water storage tank and/or agent tank onboard the vehicle <NUM> and/or from an external water source (e.g., a fire hydrant, a separate water truck, etc.). In other embodiments, the ladder assembly <NUM> does not include the water turret <NUM>. In such embodiments, the ladder assembly <NUM> may include an aerial platform coupled to the distal end of the ladder sections <NUM>.

According to the exemplary embodiments shown in <FIG>, the vehicle <NUM> is configured as an airport rescue fire fighting ("ARFF") truck. In other embodiments, the vehicle <NUM> is still another type of fire apparatus. As shown in <FIG>, the rear assembly <NUM> include compartments, shows as compartments <NUM>. The compartments <NUM> may be selectively opened to access components of the vehicle <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the rear assembly <NUM> includes a pump system (e.g., an ultra-high-pressure pump system, etc.), shown as pump system <NUM>, disposed within the compartments <NUM> of the rear assembly <NUM>. The pump system <NUM> may include a high pressure pump and/or a low pressure pump coupled to a water tank <NUM> and/or an agent tank <NUM>. The pump system <NUM> is configured to pump water and/or a fire suppressing agent from the water tank <NUM> and the agent tank <NUM>, respectively, to an implement, shown as water turret <NUM>, coupled to the front end of the cab <NUM>.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in <FIG>, the vehicle <NUM> is configured as a lift device or machine (e.g., a boom lift, etc.). In other embodiments, the vehicle <NUM> is another type of vehicle (e.g., a skid-loader, a telehandler, a scissor lift, a fork lift, a boom truck, a plow truck, a military vehicle, etc.). As shown in <FIG>, the frame <NUM> supports a rotatable structure, shown as turntable <NUM>, and a boom assembly, shown as boom <NUM>. According to an exemplary embodiment, the turntable <NUM> is rotatable relative to the frame <NUM>. According to an exemplary embodiment, the turntable <NUM> includes a counterweight positioned at a rear of the turntable <NUM>. In other embodiments, the counterweight is otherwise positioned and/or at least a portion of the weight thereof is otherwise distributed throughout the vehicle <NUM> (e.g., on the frame <NUM>, on a portion of the boom <NUM>, etc.).

As shown in <FIG>, the boom <NUM> includes a first boom section, shown as lower boom <NUM>, and a second boom section, shown as upper boom <NUM>. In other embodiments, the boom <NUM> includes a different number and/or arrangement of boom sections (e.g., one, three, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the boom <NUM> is an articulating boom assembly. In one embodiment, the upper boom <NUM> is shorter in length than lower boom <NUM>. In other embodiments, the upper boom <NUM> is longer in length than the lower boom <NUM>. According to another exemplary embodiment, the boom <NUM> is a telescopic, articulating boom assembly. By way of example, the upper boom <NUM> and/or the lower boom <NUM> may include a plurality of telescoping boom sections that are configured to extend and retract along a longitudinal centerline thereof to selectively increase and decrease a length of the boom <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the lower boom <NUM> has a lower end pivotally coupled (e.g., pinned, etc.) to the turntable <NUM> at a joint or lower boom pivot point. The boom <NUM> includes a first actuator (e.g., pneumatic cylinder, electric actuator, hydraulic cylinder, etc.), shown as lower lift cylinder <NUM>. The lower lift cylinder <NUM> has a first end coupled to the turntable <NUM> and an opposing second end coupled to the lower boom <NUM>. According to an exemplary embodiment, the lower lift cylinder <NUM> is positioned to raise and lower the lower boom <NUM> relative to the turntable <NUM> about the lower boom pivot point.

As shown in <FIG>, the upper boom <NUM> has a lower end pivotally coupled (e.g., pinned, etc.) to an upper end of the lower boom <NUM> at a joint or upper boom pivot point. The boom <NUM> includes an implement, shown as platform assembly <NUM>, coupled to an upper end of the upper boom <NUM> with an extension arm, shown as jib arm <NUM>. In some embodiments, the jib arm <NUM> is configured to facilitate pivoting the platform assembly <NUM> about a lateral axis (e.g., pivot the platform assembly <NUM> up and down, etc.). In some embodiments, the jib arm <NUM> is configured to facilitate pivoting the platform assembly <NUM> about a vertical axis (e.g., pivot the platform assembly <NUM> left and right, etc.). In some embodiments, the jib arm <NUM> is configured to facilitate extending and retracting the platform assembly <NUM> relative to the upper boom <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the boom <NUM> includes a second actuator (e.g., pneumatic cylinder, electric actuator, hydraulic cylinder, etc.), shown as upper lift cylinder <NUM>. According to an exemplary embodiment, the upper lift cylinder <NUM> is positioned to actuate (e.g., lift, rotate, elevate, etc.) the upper boom <NUM> and the platform assembly <NUM> relative to the lower boom <NUM> about the upper boom pivot point.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the platform assembly <NUM> is a structure that is particularly configured to support one or more workers. In some embodiments, the platform assembly <NUM> includes an accessory or tool configured for use by a worker. Such tools may include pneumatic tools (e.g., impact wrench, airbrush, nail gun, ratchet, etc.), plasma cutters, welders, spotlights, etc. In some embodiments, the platform assembly <NUM> includes a control panel (e.g., the user I/O device <NUM>, a removable or detachable control panel, etc.) to control operation of the vehicle <NUM> (e.g., the turntable <NUM>, the boom <NUM>, etc.) from the platform assembly <NUM> and/or remotely therefrom. In some embodiments, the control panel (e.g., the user I/O device <NUM>, etc.) is additionally or alternatively coupled (e.g., detachably coupled, etc.) to the frame <NUM> and/or the turntable <NUM>. In other embodiments, the platform assembly <NUM> includes or is replaced with an accessory and/or tool (e.g., forklift forks, etc.).

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in <FIG>, the vehicle <NUM> is configured as a lift device or machine (e.g., a scissor lift, etc.). As shown in <FIG>, the vehicle <NUM> includes a lift system (e.g., a scissor assembly, etc.), shown as lift assembly <NUM>, that couples the frame <NUM> to a platform, shown as platform <NUM>. The frame <NUM> supports the lift assembly <NUM> and the platform <NUM>, both of which are disposed directly above the frame <NUM>. In use, the lift assembly <NUM> extends and retracts to raise and lower the platform <NUM> relative to the frame <NUM> between a lowered position and a raised position.

As shown in <FIG>, the vehicle <NUM> includes one or more actuators, shown as leveling actuators <NUM>, coupled to each corner of the frame <NUM>. According to an exemplary embodiment, the leveling actuators <NUM> extend and retract vertically between a stored position and a deployed position. In the stored position, the leveling actuators <NUM> are raised and do not contact the ground. In the deployed position, the leveling actuators <NUM> contact the ground, lifting the frame <NUM>. The length of each of the leveling actuators <NUM> in their respective deployed positions may be varied to adjust the pitch (i.e., rotational position about a lateral axis) and the roll (i.e., rotational position about a longitudinal axis) of the frame <NUM>. Accordingly, the lengths of the leveling actuators <NUM> in their respective deployed positions may be adjusted such that the frame <NUM> is leveled with respect to the direction of gravity, even on uneven or sloped terrains. The leveling actuators <NUM> may additionally lift the wheel and tire assemblies <NUM> off the ground, preventing inadvertent driving of the vehicle <NUM>. In other embodiments, the vehicle <NUM> does not include the leveling actuators <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the lift assembly <NUM> includes a number of subassemblies, shown as scissor layers <NUM>. Each of the scissor layers <NUM> includes a first member, shown as inner member <NUM>, and a second member, shown as outer member <NUM>. In each scissor layer <NUM>, the outer member <NUM> receives the inner member <NUM>. The inner member <NUM> is pivotally coupled to the outer member <NUM> near the centers of both the inner member <NUM> and the outer member <NUM>. Accordingly, the inner members <NUM> pivot relative to the outer members <NUM> about a lateral axis. The scissor layers <NUM> are stacked atop one another to form the lift assembly <NUM>. Each inner member <NUM> and each outer member <NUM> has a top end and a bottom end. The bottom end of each inner member <NUM> is pivotally coupled to the top end of the outer member <NUM> immediately below it, and the bottom end of each outer member <NUM> is pivotally coupled to the top end of the inner member <NUM> immediately below it. Accordingly, each of the scissor layers <NUM> is coupled to one another such that movement of one scissor layer <NUM> causes a similar movement in all of the other scissor layers <NUM>. The bottom ends of the inner member <NUM> and the outer member <NUM> belonging to the lowermost of the scissor layers <NUM> are coupled to the frame <NUM>. The top ends of the inner member <NUM> and the outer member <NUM> belonging to the uppermost of the scissor layers <NUM> are coupled to the platform <NUM>. Scissor layers <NUM> may be added to or removed from the lift assembly <NUM> to increase or decrease, respectively, the maximum height that the platform <NUM> is configured to reach.

As shown in <FIG>, the lift assembly <NUM> includes one or more actuators (e.g., hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic cylinders, motor-driven leadscrews, etc.), shown as lift actuators <NUM>, that are configured to extend and retract the lift assembly <NUM>. The lift actuators <NUM> are pivotally coupled to an inner member <NUM> at one end and pivotally coupled to another inner member <NUM> at the opposite end. These inner members <NUM> belong to a first scissor layer <NUM> and a second scissor layer <NUM> that are separated by a third scissor layer <NUM>. In other embodiments, the lift assembly <NUM> includes more or fewer lift actuators <NUM> and/or the lift actuators <NUM> are otherwise arranged. The lift actuators <NUM> are configured to actuate the lift assembly <NUM> to selectively reposition the platform <NUM> between the lowered position where the platform <NUM> is proximate the frame <NUM> and the raised position where the platform <NUM> is at an elevated height. In some embodiments, extension of the lift actuators <NUM> moves the platform <NUM> vertically upward (extending the lift assembly <NUM>), and retraction of the linear actuators moves the platform <NUM> vertically downward (retracting the lift assembly <NUM>). In other embodiments, extension of the lift actuators <NUM> retracts the lift assembly <NUM>, and retraction of the lift actuators <NUM> extends the lift assembly <NUM>. In some embodiments, the outer members <NUM> are approximately parallel and/or contacting one another when with the lift assembly <NUM> in a stored position. The vehicle <NUM> may include various components to drive the lift actuators <NUM> (e.g., pumps, valves, compressors, motors, batteries, voltage regulators, etc.).

As shown in <FIG>, the user I/O device <NUM> is positioned within the interior <NUM> of the cab <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the user I/O device <NUM> is a portable electronic device (e.g., such as a table, laptop, smartphone, etc.) such that user I/O device <NUM> may be removed from the interior <NUM> of the cab <NUM>, from the platform <NUM> of the boom <NUM>, and/or from the platform <NUM> of the lift assembly <NUM> (or another portion of the vehicle <NUM> where the user I/O device <NUM> may otherwise be detachably coupled). As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, user I/O device <NUM> has an interface, shown a display screen <NUM>, and a camera device, shown as camera <NUM>. The display screen <NUM> may be configured to provide a graphical user interface ("GUI") to an operator thereof and facilitate receiving touch inputs or commands. The camera <NUM> may be configured to capture still images, capture video, facilitate component detection, and/or facilitate augmented reality by acquiring camera/image data of a scene (e.g., an area of interest, etc.).

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in <FIG>, the control system <NUM> for the vehicle <NUM> includes a controller, shown as controller <NUM>. In one embodiment, the controller <NUM> is configured to selectively engage, selectively disengage, control, and/or otherwise communicate with components of the vehicle <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the controller <NUM> is coupled to a wireless communication device <NUM>, vehicle sensors <NUM>, controllable vehicle components <NUM>, the user I/O device <NUM>, a remote server <NUM>, and a remote location <NUM> (e.g., a remote computer or device, etc.). In other embodiments, the controller <NUM> is coupled to more or fewer components.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the wireless communication device <NUM> is configured to facilitate wireless communication between the controller <NUM>, the user I/O device <NUM> (e.g., a wireless transceiver thereof, etc.), and/or the remote server <NUM>. The wireless communication device <NUM> may be a standalone component or integrated into the controller <NUM>. The wireless communication device <NUM> may employ any suitable wireless communication protocol (e.g., Wi-Fi, cellular, radio, Bluetooth, near-field communication, etc.) to facilitate wireless communication between the controller <NUM> and the user I/O device <NUM> and/or the remote server <NUM>. In some embodiments, the user I/O device <NUM> is capable of being selectively directly coupled to the controller <NUM> with a wired connection inside the interior <NUM> of the cab <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the vehicle sensors <NUM> are variously positioned about the vehicle <NUM>. While the vehicle sensors <NUM> are only shown in <FIG>, it should be understood that the vehicle <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>, may additionally include the vehicle sensors <NUM>. The vehicle sensors <NUM> are configured to facilitate monitoring operating characteristics (e.g., position, speed, etc.) of various components of the vehicle <NUM>. The controllable vehicle components <NUM> may include the engine <NUM>, the wheel and tire assemblies <NUM> (e.g., via steering actuators, drive actuators, etc.), the tailgate <NUM> (e.g., the tailgate actuators <NUM>, etc.), the lift assembly <NUM> (e.g., the lift arm actuators <NUM>, the articulation actuators <NUM>, etc.), the drum assembly <NUM> (e.g., the drum drive system <NUM>, the actuator of the chute <NUM>, etc.), the outriggers <NUM>, the ladder assembly <NUM> (e.g., the ladder sections <NUM>, the turntable <NUM>, the water turret <NUM>, etc.), the pump system <NUM> (e.g., a pump thereof, the water turret <NUM>, etc.), the turntable <NUM>, the boom <NUM> (e.g., the jib arm <NUM>, the lower lift cylinder <NUM>, the upper lift cylinder <NUM>, the tool or implement, etc.), and/or the lift assembly <NUM> (e.g., the lift actuators <NUM>, the leveling actuators <NUM>, etc.), among still other controllable vehicle components.

The controller <NUM> may be implemented as a general-purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a digital-signal-processor (DSP), circuits containing one or more processing components, circuitry for supporting a microprocessor, a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components. According to the exemplary embodiment shown in <FIG>, the controller <NUM> includes a processing circuit <NUM> having a processor <NUM> and a memory <NUM>. The processing circuit <NUM> may include an ASIC, one or more FPGAs, a DSP, circuits containing one or more processing components, circuitry for supporting a microprocessor, a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components. In some embodiments, the processor <NUM> is configured to execute computer code stored in the memory <NUM> to facilitate the activities described herein. The memory <NUM> may be any volatile or non-volatile computer-readable storage medium capable of storing data or computer code relating to the activities described herein. According to an exemplary embodiment, the memory <NUM> includes computer code modules (e.g., executable code, object code, source code, script code, machine code, etc.) configured for execution by the processor <NUM>. It should be understood that the user I/O device <NUM> may similarly include processing components (e.g., a processing circuit, a processor, a memory, etc.) to facilitate the activities described herein. The user I/O device <NUM> may further run an application ("app") stored thereon to facilitate the activities described herein.

The controller <NUM> may be configured to monitor performance, status, characteristics, etc. of components of the vehicle <NUM> in real time based on data received from the vehicle sensors <NUM> (e.g., for component failure detection, etc.). In some embodiments, the controller <NUM> is configured to transmit such data to the user I/O device <NUM> for display on the display screen <NUM> to an operator of the vehicle <NUM> and/or to the remote server <NUM> (e.g., via the wireless communication device <NUM>, telematics communication, etc.). In some embodiments, the controller <NUM> is configured to perform diagnostics on such data to identify a status of components of the vehicle <NUM> as operational, faulty, or trending towards a fault (i.e., failing). The controller <NUM> may therefore be capable of detecting and/or predicting maintenance items and/or potential component failures of the vehicle <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may thereafter provide an indication or notification of the status of the components to the user I/O device <NUM> for display on the display screen <NUM> and/or to the remote server <NUM>. In some embodiments, the user I/O device <NUM> is additionally or alternatively configured to perform such diagnostics based on the data received from the controller <NUM> and then generate the indication of the status of the components on the display screen <NUM>. The user I/O device <NUM> may therefore be capable of detecting and/or predicting maintenance items and/or potential component failures of the vehicle <NUM>. In some embodiments, the remote server <NUM> is additionally or alternatively configured to perform such diagnostics based on the data received from the controller <NUM> (e.g., received directly from the controller <NUM>, received indirectly from the controller <NUM> via the user I/O device <NUM>, etc.) and then transmit the indication of the status of the components to the user I/O device <NUM> for display on the display screen <NUM>. The remote server <NUM> may therefore be capable of detecting and/or predicting maintenance items and/or potential component failures of the vehicle <NUM>. In some embodiments, the status of the components is sent (e.g., by the remote server <NUM>, the user I/O device <NUM>, etc.) to the remote location <NUM> (e.g., a command center, a vehicle hub, a fleet manager, owner's place of business, etc.) for further analysis.

In some embodiments, the controller <NUM>, the user I/O device <NUM>, and/or the remote server <NUM> are configured to facilitate ordering a failed or failing component of the vehicle <NUM> in response to such a detection. By way example, the user I/O device <NUM> may provide a component ordering interface to the operator of the vehicle <NUM> in response to a component of the vehicle <NUM> being identified as failed or failing (e.g., as determined by the controller <NUM>, the user I/O device <NUM>, the remote server <NUM>, etc.). By way of another example, a computing device (e.g., a desktop computer, a laptop, etc.) at the remote location <NUM> may provide a component ordering interface to a fleet manager of the vehicle <NUM> or other suitable person in response to a component of the vehicle <NUM> being identified as failed or failing.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the portability of the user I/O device <NUM> facilitates providing troubleshooting and diagnosis right at the location of or in proximity of the issue (i.e., fault). This may advantageously prevent an operator from having to continually go back and forth between a display in the cab <NUM> and the area of concern, which can otherwise make troubleshooting troublesome and time consuming. By way of example, the user I/O device <NUM> may be configured to provide troubleshooting walk-throughs, schematics, manuals, and/or 3D models regarding the issue directly to the operator on the display screen <NUM> while positioned at the location of the issue (e.g., without the operator having to search or request such information to facilitate the diagnosis and/or troubleshooting, etc.). For example, the user I/O device <NUM> may be configured to provide step-by-step instructions on where the fault or issue is located on the vehicle <NUM>, how to identify the component or components that are faulty once arriving at the location on the vehicle <NUM>, and/or how to inspect, repair, recalibrate, and/or replace the faulty component. As another example, the user I/O device <NUM> may pull up the representations (e.g., schematics, models, etc.) of the failed component to help the operator locate the component on the vehicle <NUM>. As yet another example, the user I/O device <NUM> may direct the operator to a location in the manual for the vehicle <NUM> associated with the type of fault or failed component.

In some embodiments, the user I/O device <NUM> is configured to facilitate automatic component detection. By way of example, the operator may position the user I/O device <NUM> such that the camera <NUM> is focused on and gathers data regarding a portion of the vehicle <NUM> or a specific component of the vehicle <NUM>. The controller <NUM>, the remote server <NUM>, and/or the user I/O device <NUM> may interpret the data to detect what portion or component of the vehicle <NUM> at which the operator is directing the camera <NUM>. The user I/O device <NUM> may thereafter provide schematics, 3D models, manuals, etc. for the detected area or component of the vehicle <NUM>. Such automatic detection may additionally be used in the troubleshooting and diagnostic process to verify that the operator is at the location of the component fault (e.g., the operator may go to the location indicated and then scan the area he or she believes is the correct area of the fault, and the controller <NUM>, the remote server <NUM>, and/or the user I/O device <NUM> may verify the location/component is correct, etc.).

In some embodiments, the user I/O device <NUM> is configured to provide augmented reality to assist in the troubleshooting walkthroughs, diagnosis, maintenance, calibration, and/or replacement of components of the vehicle <NUM>. By way of example, an operator may direct the camera <NUM> of the user I/O device <NUM> at an area of interest (e.g., a portion of the vehicle <NUM>, a faulty component of the vehicle <NUM>, etc.) such that a live display of the area of interest is provided on the display screen <NUM>. The user I/O device <NUM> may thereafter provide detailed instructions on the display screen <NUM> over the live display on how to proceed. By way of example, the user I/O device <NUM> may highlight a faulty component on the display screen <NUM>. The user I/O device <NUM> may also identify how to diagnose, calibrate, repair, or uninstall the faulty component by providing step-by-step instructions using augmented reality (e.g., which fasteners to remove, which connections to disconnect, which buttons or switches to engage or disengage, etc.).

The user I/O device <NUM> may also be used for navigation, calibration, and settings. By way of example, when a new component is installed or maintenance is performed thereon, the user I/O device <NUM> may be used to calibrate or recalibrate the component (e.g., sensors, actuators, etc.). By way of another example, the user I/O device <NUM> may facilitate an operator with adjusting various settings of the vehicle <NUM> and the components thereof (e.g., nominal positions, display characteristics, operator preferences, etc.). By way of yet another example, the user I/O device <NUM> may provide navigation or turn-by-turn driving instructions to an operator of the vehicle <NUM>, as well as provide tracking functionality via communication with the remote server <NUM>.

According to the invention, the user I/O device <NUM> is configured to facilitate an operator in providing commands to the controllable vehicle components <NUM> (e.g., the engine <NUM>, the tailgate <NUM>, the lift assembly, the drum assembly <NUM>, the outriggers <NUM>, the ladder assembly <NUM>, the pump system <NUM>, the turntable <NUM>, the boom <NUM>, etc.) and/or the vehicle sensors <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM>. Such commands may be provided while an operator is within the cab <NUM> and/or external from the cab <NUM>. By way of example, the operator of the vehicle <NUM> may be able to actuate the lift arm actuators <NUM> to raise and lower the lift assembly <NUM> with the user I/O device <NUM>. By way of another example, the operator of the vehicle <NUM> may be able to actuate the tailgate actuators <NUM> to raise and lower the tailgate <NUM> with the user I/O device <NUM>. By way of yet another example, the operator of the vehicle <NUM> may be able to control the speed and/or direction of the drum drive system <NUM>, and thereby the mixing drum <NUM>, with the user I/O device <NUM>. By way of still another example, the operator of the vehicle <NUM> may be able to control the position of the chute <NUM> (e.g., by actuating the actuator thereof, etc.) with the user I/O device <NUM>. By way of still another example, the operator of the vehicle <NUM> may be able to control extension and retraction of the outriggers <NUM>, extension and retraction of the ladder sections <NUM>, rotation of the turntable <NUM>, and/or a direction at which the water turret <NUM> expels water and/or agent with the user I/O device <NUM>. By way of still another example, the operator of the vehicle <NUM> may be able to control a speed of the pump of the pump system <NUM>, a water-to-agent ratio provided by the pump system <NUM> and expelled by the water turret <NUM>, and/or a direction at which the water turret <NUM> expels water and/or agent with the user I/O device <NUM>. By way of still another example, the operator of the vehicle <NUM> may be able to control rotation of the turntable <NUM>, the height and/or reach of the boom <NUM>, and/or the position of the platform assembly <NUM> or other implement with the user I/O device <NUM>. By way of still another example, the operator of the vehicle <NUM> may be able to control extension and retraction of the lift assembly <NUM> with the user I/O device <NUM>. By way of still another example, the operator of the vehicle <NUM> may be able to control driving and steering the vehicle <NUM> remotely with the user I/O device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the remote server <NUM> is configured to facilitate providing commands to the controllable vehicle components <NUM> and/or calibrating the vehicle sensors <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM> from a remote location <NUM> (e.g., directly, indirectly through the user I/O device <NUM>, etc.).

The user I/O device <NUM> is configured to provide augmented reality when an operator is controlling the controllable vehicle components <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM> with the user I/O device <NUM>. By way of example, an operator may select a control interface used to control the lift assembly <NUM> with the user I/O device <NUM>. Alternatively, the operator may direct the camera <NUM> at the lift assembly <NUM> and the user I/O device <NUM> may display a control interface for the lift assembly <NUM> or prompt the user with an option to display the control interface upon detecting the lift assembly <NUM> with the camera <NUM>. Once controlling the lift assembly <NUM> (e.g., with the control interface, etc.), the operator may direct the camera <NUM> at the lift assembly <NUM> such that a real-time display of the lift assembly <NUM> is provided on the display screen <NUM>. The user I/O device <NUM> may be configured to project an augmented reality display of the lift assembly <NUM> indicating where the lift arms <NUM> assembly should be (e.g., based on feedback from the actuators and/or position sensors of the lift arms <NUM>, etc.) relative to its current position (e.g., the real time position captured by the camera <NUM>, etc.). Therefore, such an overlay of the augmented reality position and the actual position of a controllable vehicle component <NUM> indicates if the controllable vehicle component <NUM> is operating correctly and/or whether any of the vehicle sensors <NUM> (e.g., position sensors, etc.) are faulty.

The user I/O device <NUM> may be configured to implement a method for providing instructions to a user to fix a fault of the vehicle <NUM>. The method may include providing a notification regarding a faulty component of the vehicle <NUM> on the user interface <NUM> of the user I/O device <NUM>, providing an indication regarding a location of the faulty component on the user interface <NUM>, acquiring image data from the camera <NUM> of the user I/O device <NUM> in response to the camera <NUM> being directed at the location, providing a live display on the user interface <NUM> regarding the location based on the image data, detecting the faulty component within the live display based on the image data, and providing instructions using augmented reality within the live display to facilitate addressing (e.g., inspecting, repairing, recalibrating, replacing, etc.) the faulty component. It should be understood that the above method may include additional or different steps in accordance with the disclosure provided herein with respect to the functions of the controller <NUM>, the user I/O device <NUM>, and/or the remote server <NUM>.

According to the exemplary embodiments shown in <FIG>, the user I/O device <NUM> is configured to provide various GUIs on the display <NUM> to facilitate connecting to and controlling operation of the vehicle <NUM> with the user I/O device <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, a first GUI, shown as scan GUI <NUM>, is presented to a user via the display <NUM> with instructions to scan an identifier on the vehicle <NUM> (e.g., a QR code, a barcode, a RFID tag, etc.) with the user I/O device <NUM> (e.g., via the camera <NUM>, an RFID reader, etc.). As shown in <FIG>, a second GUI, shown as analyzing GUI <NUM>, is presented to the user via the display <NUM> indicating that the identifier is being scanned and/or analyzed. In some embodiments, the user I/O device <NUM> is configured to compare the scanned identifier to a prestored list of identifiers on the user I/O device <NUM> to determine whether the respective user device <NUM> is permitted or authorized to connect to the vehicle <NUM>. In some embodiments, the user I/O device <NUM> is configured to transmit the scanned identifier to the remote server <NUM>. In such embodiments, the remote server <NUM> may be configured to compare the scanned identifier to a prestored list of identifiers for the respective user device <NUM> to determine whether the respective user device <NUM> is permitted or authorized to connect to the vehicle <NUM>. If the identifier is verified (i.e., the user is authorized to access the vehicle <NUM>), the user I/O device <NUM> may connect to the vehicle <NUM>. The connection may be established using any suitable short range or long range wireless communication protocol (e.g., Wi-Fi, cellular, radio, Bluetooth, near-field communication, etc.).

As shown in <FIG>, a third GUI, shown as connected GUI <NUM>, is presented to the user via the display <NUM> indicating that the user I/O device <NUM> is connected to the vehicle <NUM> (e.g., in response to the identifier being verified, being included in the prestored list of identifiers, etc.). It should be understood that the connection scheme described in connection with <FIG> is one possible implementation for securely connecting the user I/O device <NUM> to the vehicle <NUM>. Other connection schemes are possible such as digital signature schemes, multi-key encryption/authentication schemes, passcode schemes, etc. Once connection is completed, a fourth GUI, shown in <FIG> as status GUI <NUM>, is presented to the user via the display <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the status GUI <NUM> provides a status portion, shown as status identifier <NUM>, and a control portion, shown as control button <NUM>. According to an exemplary embodiment, the status identifier <NUM> is configured to provide an indication of a status of one or more components of the vehicle <NUM> (e.g., a battery level, a battery health, a machine status, a fuel level, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the control button <NUM> is configured to direct the user to a remote-control GUI.

As shown in <FIG>, a fifth GUI, shown as remote-control GUI <NUM>, is presented to the user via the display <NUM> (in response to the user selecting the control button <NUM>). The remote-control GUI <NUM> is configured to facilitate remotely controlling the controllable vehicle components <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM> with the user I/O device <NUM>. By way of example, the remote-control GUI <NUM> may facilitate controlling the engine <NUM>, the wheel and tire assemblies <NUM> (e.g., via steering actuators, drive actuators, etc.), the tailgate <NUM> (e.g., the tailgate actuators <NUM>, etc.), the lift assembly <NUM> (e.g., the lift arm actuators <NUM>, the articulation actuators <NUM>, etc.), the drum assembly <NUM> (e.g., the drum drive system <NUM>, the actuator of the chute <NUM>, etc.), the outriggers <NUM>, the ladder assembly <NUM> (e.g., the ladder sections <NUM>, the turntable <NUM>, the water turret <NUM>, etc.), the pump system <NUM> (e.g., a pump thereof, the water turret <NUM>, etc.), the turntable <NUM>, the boom <NUM> (e.g., the jib arm <NUM>, the lower lift cylinder <NUM>, the upper lift cylinder <NUM>, the tool or implement, etc.), and/or the lift assembly <NUM> (e.g., the lift actuators <NUM>, the leveling actuators <NUM>, etc.), among still other controllable components of the vehicle <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the control GUI <NUM> includes a first button, shown as power button <NUM>, a second button, shown as horn button <NUM>, a third button, shown as speed toggle button <NUM>, and an interface, shown as drive and steer operation trackpad <NUM>. The power button <NUM> is configured to facilitate turning on and off the prime mover (e.g., the engine <NUM>, etc.) of the vehicle <NUM>. The horn button <NUM> is configured to facilitate activating and sounding a horn of the vehicle <NUM>. The speed toggle button <NUM> is configured to facilitate toggling between speed modes of the vehicle <NUM>. By way of example, the speed modes may include a low torque and high speed mode (rabbit mode), a high torque and low speed mode (turtle mode), and/or one or more intermediate modes. As shown in <FIG>, the drive and steer operation trackpad <NUM> includes a repositionable button, shown as drive button <NUM>, that is selectively repositionable within the drive and steer operation trackpad <NUM>. According to an exemplary embodiment, repositioning the drive button <NUM> facilitates driving and turning the vehicle <NUM> remotely with the user I/O device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the user I/O device <NUM> is configured to provide haptic feedback to the user of the user I/O device <NUM> when the drive button <NUM> interacts with a border of the drive and steer operation trackpad <NUM> (e.g., indicating a speed extreme, a turning extreme, etc.).

In some embodiments, the control GUI <NUM> provides additional or different control capabilities (e.g., controlling any of the controllable vehicle components <NUM>, etc.). In some embodiments, the vehicle <NUM> includes a GPS chip that facilitates locating the vehicle <NUM> using the user I/O device <NUM> (e.g., "find my vehicle," etc.). In some embodiments, the user I/O device <NUM> includes a microphone that facilitates controlling various functions of the vehicle <NUM> using voice commands.

Referring now to <FIG>, various GUIs provided by the user I/O device <NUM> are shown for an embodiment where the vehicle <NUM> is configured as a concrete mixer truck. As shown in <FIG>, a first GUI, shown as drum overview GUI <NUM>, includes a drum status indicator <NUM> and a slump indicator <NUM>. The drum status indicator <NUM> provides an indication of a speed of the mixing drum <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM>. The slump indicator <NUM> provides an indication of pressure and slump measurements. In some embodiments, selecting the slump indicator <NUM> directs the user to a second GUI, shown in <FIG> as slump GUI <NUM>. The slump GUI <NUM> includes a status indicator <NUM> that provides an indication of pressure, slump, and drum speed measurements. The slump GUI <NUM> further includes a home button <NUM>, a slump calibration button <NUM>, a washout button <NUM>, a water button <NUM>, and an object detection button <NUM>. The home button <NUM> is configured to facilitate returning to the drum overview GUI <NUM>.

The slump calibration button <NUM> is configured to direct the user to a third GUI, shown in <FIG> as slump calibration GUI <NUM>. According to an exemplary embodiment, the slump calibration GUI <NUM> facilitates designing a custom slump profile and/or loading a preexisting slump profile. The washout button <NUM> is configured to direct the user to a fourth GUI, shown in <FIG> as washout GUI <NUM>. According to an exemplary embodiment, the washout GUI <NUM> facilitates initiating an automatic washout process within the mixing drum <NUM>, the hopper <NUM>, and the chute <NUM> to wash away concrete buildup after user thereof. The water button <NUM> is configured to direct the user to a fifth GUI, shown in <FIG> as water GUI <NUM>. According to an exemplary embodiment, the water GUI <NUM> facilitates manually controlling an amount of water that is injected into the mixing drum <NUM> and/or manually setting an amount of water to be injected into the mixing drum <NUM> (e.g., over time, during a current trip, etc.). The object detection button <NUM> is configured to direct the user to a sixth GUI, shown in <FIG> as object detection GUI <NUM>. According to an exemplary embodiment, the object detection GUI <NUM> facilitates activating various sensors (e.g., of the sensors <NUM>, etc.) to detect objects within the proximity of the vehicle <NUM> that are position forward <NUM>, rearward <NUM>, to the right <NUM>, and/or to the left <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM> and provide warnings when the vehicle <NUM> approaches too close to an object.

As utilized herein, the terms "approximately", "about", "substantially", and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.

The terms "coupled," "connected," and the like, as used herein, mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or movable (e.g., removable, releasable, etc.). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., "top," "bottom," "above," "below," etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the figures.

Conjunctive language such as the phrase "at least one of X, Y, and Z," unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, Z, X and Y, X and Z, Y and Z, or X, Y, and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present, unless otherwise indicated.

Claim 1:
A vehicle control system comprising:
a vehicle controller configured to control operation of a controllable vehicle component of a vehicle; and
a portable user device including a display and a camera, wherein the portable user device, while remote from the vehicle, is configured to:
provide a live display on the display regarding an area of interest in a field of view of the camera;
detect the controllable vehicle component within the live display;
provide a control interface on the display for controlling operation of the controllable vehicle component in response to detecting the controllable vehicle component within the live display;
receive a user input through the control interface regarding operation of the controllable component;
wirelessly connect to the vehicle controller;
provide a command to the vehicle controller based on the user input to facilitate remote operation of the controllable vehicle component with the portable user device external to the vehicle; and
project an augmented reality display of the controllable vehicle component onto the live display to show an augmented reality position of where the controllable vehicle component should be based on the command relative to an actual position of the controllable vehicle component within the live display.