Patent ID: 8659413

Claim:
A fluid level monitoring system for a machine having an onboard information system (OIS) configured to monitor a fluid level status for each of a plurality of fluids used in the operation of the machine, wherein the OIS stores a fluid level status value for each of the monitored fluids, the fluid level monitoring system comprising: a control panel comprising: a plurality of input devices, with each input device corresponding to one of the monitored fluids of the machine, a plurality of indicators, with each indicator corresponding to one of the input devices, wherein the input devices and indicators are operatively connected to the OIS, and wherein the indicators are configured to provide a visual display of a fluid level status for each of the monitored fluids; and a message display device comprising: a display screen, and a processor operatively connected to the display screen and to the OIS, the processor being programmed to cause the display screen to display a fluid level status message for one of the monitored fluids, wherein the monitored fluid for which the fluid level status message is displayed is determined based on the actuation of the corresponding input device of the control panel; and at least one fill port corresponding to one of the monitored fluids, wherein each fill port is in fluid communication with a corresponding reservoir for the monitored fluid on the machine, and wherein the at least one fill port is disposed on the machine proximate the control panel and the message display device.