Patent Application
20170180440
The present disclosure relates to an information management system and methods of delivering data associated with a machine operating at a worksite.
Generally, data related to operations of a particular machine operating at a worksite are managed using various systems. Such systems may have one or more components located at different locations for managing the data. For instance, the systems may include a data collecting unit located in the machine, whereas the data may be stored in a server located at a cloud implemented platform. Similarly, the system may also include web based applications which may be launched via communication devices such as mobile phones and laptops for providing access of data to a user. In such a scenario, transfer of data among various components may be troublesome and costly.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,975,928 describes Multi-mode in-vehicle control unit with network selectivity for transmitting vehicle data for fleet management. The multi-mode in-vehicle control unit (ICU) contains a plurality of modems. Each modem allows the multi-mode ICU to transmit vehicle data over a different kind of transmission network. The transmission networks include wireless data networks, cellular telephone networks and satellite networks. The multi-mode ICU selects one of the modems for transmission of vehicle data to a processing center.
In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method of delivering data associated with a machine to an off board system is provided. The method includes capturing data by an on board system of the machine from at least one of a sensing unit, a control unit and an indication unit of the machine. The method further includes defining a data packet that includes a payload and a data identifier. The payload includes the captured data. The method further includes determining one or more transfer parameters associated with the machine by the on board system and streaming the data packet based on the one or more transfer parameters by the on board system. The method further includes transferring the data packet from the on board system to a gateway and delivering the data to the off board system by the gateway.
In another aspect of the present disclosure, an information management system associated with a machine operating at a worksite is provided. The information management system includes an on board system. The on board system is configured to capture data from at least one of a sensing unit, a control unit and an indication unit of the machine. The on board system is further configured to define a data packet that includes a payload and a data identifier. The one board system is also configured to determine one or more transfer parameters associated with the machine and stream the data packet based on the one or more transfer parameters. The information management system further includes a gateway in communication with the on board system. The gateway is configured to receive the data packet from the on board system. The information management system further includes an off board system. The off board system is in communication with the gateway. The off board system is configured to receive the data delivered by the gateway.
In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program product embodied in a computer for delivering data associated with a machine to the off board system is provided. The computer program product causing the computer to perform operations includes capturing data from at least one of a sensing unit, a control unit and an indication unit of the machine by an on board system of the machine. The operations further include defining a data packet including a payload and a data identifier. The payload includes the captured data. The operations further include determining one or more transfer parameters associated with the machine by the on board system. The operations further include streaming the data packet based on the one or more transfer parameters by the on board system and transferring the data packet from the on board system to a gateway. The operations also include delivering the data to the off board system by the gateway.
Other features and aspects of this disclosure will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.
Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or the like parts.
An on board system 104 is deployed in the machine 102 for accessing the data of the machine 102. Further, the on board system 104 communicates the data to the information management system 100. The on board system 104 is configured to capture and transfer data associated with the machine 102. The on board system 104 is described in detail with reference to
The off board system 110 is a software based solution that ties the on board system 104 and the gateway 108 together to deliver results for an operation of the machine 102 to a user. The off board system 110 may be configured to enable a user interaction with the information management system 100. The off board system 110 may include a web application module (not shown). The web application module may be defined based on a web based application. The web application module may include web based applications such as, but not limited to, a third party data provider, a reporting tool and a statistical analysis system (SAS) system. The off board system 110 of the information management system 100 may be accessed through a portable computing device, such as mobile phone, tablet, laptop, and the like. The web application module may be accessed by using authentication information, for example, a username and a password.
The off board system 110 is enabled to categorize and evaluate the data of the machine 102. In one example, the off board system 110 may be used for delivering the data for a single machine. In another example, the off board system 110 may be enabled to provide the software based solution to multiple machines deployed at the worksite. The off board system 110 may provide a custom fleet production report and a maintenance report. The off board system 110 may include multiple analysis tools, which assist the conversion of the data into decisions. The off board system 110 further includes an event list (not shown) and an event recorder (not shown) for recording events that occur during the operation of the machine 102. The off board system 110 may also include a data logger (not shown) for capturing the real time machine data based on user requirements. The data logged using the data logger may be used for troubleshooting an intermittent machine problem.
The information management system 100 further includes a system configuration editor 112. The system configuration editor 112 is enabled to configure the information management system 100. In one embodiment, the system configuration editor 112 is communicated with the gateway 108 for configuring the information management system 100. One or more method steps involved in configuring the information management system 100 by the system configuration editor 112 via the gateway 108 are explained in detail in
The information management system 100 of the machine 102 is exemplary and should not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The functionality of the information management system 100 described herein is also exemplary. The information management system 100 may additionally include other components and capabilities not described herein. The worksite may additionally include any number of information management systems 100. Further, the architecture and capabilities of the information management system 100 may vary without any limitation.
The on board system 104 further includes a streaming data engine 204 communicated to the control system 202. The streaming data engine 204 collects the captured data from the control system 202. The streaming data engine 204 is configured to define a data packet (not shown) based on the captured data. The data packet defined by the streaming data engine 204 comprises a payload (not shown) and a data identifier (not shown). The payload comprises the captured data from the control system 202. The streaming data engine 204 is further configured to determine one or more transfer parameters associated with the machine 102. The one or more transfer parameters includes, but not limited to, a set of data to be transferred, the communication medium 106 for transferring the set of data, a data transfer rate, a response interval between two consecutive data transfers, and a reporting rule.
The one or more transfer parameters are described in detail along with the significance without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. The set of data to be transferred may be categorized based on various parameters including, but not limited to, data received from one or more components of the control system 202 disclosed in
The communication medium 106 for transferring the set of data is selected based on specification of the machine 102 and the worksite. In one example, the communication medium 106 is determined based on a connectivity of the machine 102 and the worksite. In another example, the communication medium 106 may be determined based on a size of data to be transferred. Examples of the communication medium 106 may include, but are not limited to, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), Wi-Fi, an ethernet, an internet, an intranet, a cellular network, a satellite network, or any other known communication medium for transmitting and receiving data. In various embodiments, the communication medium 106 may include a combination of two or more of the aforementioned networks and/or other types of networks known in the art. Further, the communication medium 106 may be implemented as a wired network, a wireless network, or a combination thereof. Further, data transfer may take place over the communication medium 106 with a network protocol such that the data transfer may be in an encrypted format or any other secure format, or in any of a wide variety of known manners.
The data transfer rate is measured based on the communication medium 106 selected for transferring the data. The data transfer rate may vary according to the set of data selected for transfer. The response interval between two consecutive data transfer may be determined based on at least one of a state of the control system 202 of the machine 102, a remote command, and an update command. In one example, the captured data may be transferred when the control system 202 is activated. In another example, the captured data is transferred based on a remote command received from remote devices such as, but not limited to, the off board system 110 and/or the gateway 108. In yet another example, the captured data is transferred as a one-time update.
The transfer of data from the on board system 104 also depends on the reporting rule. The reporting rule may be determined based on an input from at least one of a user and the gateway 108. In one example, the reporting rule may be defined by the user based on user preferences. In another embodiment, the reporting rule may be updated by a manufacturer of the machine 102 and/or a service provider.
The on board system 104 further includes an on board file synchronizing module 206 communicated to the streaming data engine 204. The on board file synchronizing module 206 is configured to synchronize a transfer parameter file. It is to be noted that various aspects of the on board file synchronizing module 206 are explained in detail in
The on board system 104 may include an information system configuration manager 210. The information system configuration manager 210 may be configured to manage an update of the information management system 100 of
In one embodiment, the information system configuration manager 210 may be communicated to the system configuration editor 112 for updating the information management system 100. In such a scenario, the update of the information management system 100 is created by the system configuration editor 112. The updates are communicated to the information system configuration manager 210. The information system configuration manager 210 may store the update and execute the update in the on board system 104. This may be referred as local configuration of the information management system 100. The local configuration of the information management system 100 is explained in detail in
In another embodiment, the information system configuration manager 210 may be communicated to the file transfer manager 208 for updating the information management system 100. In such a scenario, the system configuration editor 112 creates the update of the information management system 100 and communicates the update to the gateway 108. The update of the information management system 100 via the gateway 108 is explained in detail in
In one embodiment, the on board system 104 includes ports wired data transfer among multiple components of the on board system 104. For wired data transfer, physical ports such as computer aided network ports are implemented without limiting the scope of present disclosure. In another embodiment, the on board system 104 may be configured with multiple wireless communication networks known in the art to communicate with a wireless telemetry system such as, but not limited to, terrain management system and fleet management system.
It may be contemplated that the streaming data engine 204, the on board file synchronizing module 206, the file transfer manager 208, and the information system configuration manager 210 described herein are exemplary. The functionalities performed by each of the streaming data engine 204, the on board file synchronizing module 206, the file transfer manager 208, and the information system configuration manager 210 be performed in combination without any limitation. Further, additional functionalities may be performed by any of the streaming data engine 204, the on board file synchronizing module 206, the file transfer manager 208, and the information system configuration manager 210.
The control system 202 includes a sensing unit 306. The sensing unit 306 may be communicated to the central data recorder 302. In one example, the sensing unit 306 may include an array of sensors (not shown). The sensing unit 306 is enabled to monitor various sensor data of the machine 102. The data of the machine 102 may include, but not limited to, pressure, oil content, temperature readings, engine rpm, hydraulic pressures, ground speed, and filter status. The sensor data from each of the sensor may be communicated to the control system 202. In one example, the sensing module includes communication with multiple third party equipment via standard protocols such as, but not limited to, public J1939, Modbus, and Profinet.
The control system 202 further includes a control unit 308. The control unit 308 is enabled to control multiple activities related to the machine 102 including, but not limited to, ground speed, steering control, and the like. The control unit 308 may include multiple control elements such as, but not limited to, road analysis control, trans/chassis control, and integrated braking control. The control unit 308 captures controlling data from each of the control elements and communicates the central data recorder 302. The control system 202 further includes an indication unit 310. The indication unit 310 is configured to indicate multiple operating conditions of the machine 102. The indication unit 310 may include multiple indication elements (not shown) such as, but not limited to, action lamp, service lamp, payload management lamp, service lamp, and service key switch.
The control system 202 further includes an user interaction unit 312 for receiving user input and providing measurement of various operating parameters of the machine 102. The user interaction unit 312 may include elements such as, but not limited to, keypad, speedo meter/tachometer, quad gauge, and message centre.
The control system 202 of the machine 102 may also include a telematics solution such as a transmission control module (not shown). The control system 202 may further include implement control module (not shown), hydraulic control module (not shown), customer drive equipment (not shown) such as a generator set attached to transmission and a natural gas compressor (not shown). The control system 202 described herein is exemplary. It may be contemplated that the control system 202 may include various modules having different functionalities performed in combination without any limitation.
The gateway 108 includes a gateway server 402. The gateway server 402 is enabled to store the data packets received from the on board system 104. The gateway 108 further includes a gateway file synchronizing module 404. The gateway file synchronizing module 404 is enabled to communicate with the on board file synchronizing module 206 during the update of the information management system 100 as explained in
The transformation layer 406 is communicated to a command manager 408. In one embodiment, the command manager 408 is enabled to configure the one or more transfer parameters based on at least one of the user input and an update from the on board system 104 as depicted in
In another embodiment, the command manager 408 also generates a transfer parameter file update command that may be used to temporarily override an existing one or more transfer parameters as explained in
The file transfer manager 208 is enabled to transfer the data packet to the gateway 108 based on the one or more transfer parameters at a command C55. The data packet includes the data of the machine 102 and a data identifier. The gateway server 402 transfers the data packet to the transformation layer 406 at a command C65. At the transformation layer 406, the data packet is transformed based on the one or more transformation parameters, and an offset is applied to the data packet. Further, the data of the data packet is transformed to a string based on a command C75 received from the command manager 408.
The transformation layer 406 transfers the data to a subscription unit (not shown) by a command C85. In one example, the subscription unit may be a part of the gateway 108. In another example, the subscription unit may be a part of the off board system 110. The off board system 110 sends a command C95 to the subscription unit. The command C95 enables the off board system 110 to register the communication device (nor shown) through which the off board system 110 is accessed. Once the on board system 104 of the information management system 100 is registered with the subscription unit, the subscription unit transfers the data to the web application using a command C105.
Further, the gateway file synchronizing module 404 transfers a command C76 to the on board file synchronizing module 206. The command C76 includes the transfer parameter file including one or more transfer parameter. The on board file synchronizing module 206 transfers a command C86 to the streaming data engine 204 for processing the transfer parameter file.
The system configuration editor 112 creates a command C18 corresponding to an update of the information management system 100. Further, the system configuration editor 112 executes a command C28. The command C28 includes instructions for deploying the update. Once the updates are deployed in the system configuration editor 112, the system configuration editor 112 sends a command C38 indicative of file submission to the gateway server 402. The gateway server 402 communicates with the gateway file synchronizing module 404 regarding the update using a command C48. The gateway file synchronizing module 404 sends a command C58 in respect of the update to the file transfer manager 208 for updating the existing configuration. Upon the receipt of the command C58, the file transfer manager 208 generates the file response and communicates the file response to the on board file synchronizing module 206 via a command C68. The information system configuration manager 210 is communicated to the on board system 104 as explained in
It is to be understood that individual features shown or described for one embodiment of the present disclosure may be combined with individual features shown or described for another embodiment of the present disclosure. The above described implementation does not in any way limit the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it is to be understood that although some features are shown or described to illustrate the use of the present disclosure in the context of functional segments, such features may be omitted from the scope of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims.
The present disclosure relates to the information management system 100 and a method 1000 for delivering data of the machine 102 with high integrity. The information management system 100 enables a streaming mechanism for data of the machine 102. The command manager 408 of the gateway 108 or the user may be enabled to determine the one or more transfer parameters to minimize carrier cost and maximize business value. The size of the data packet transferred over the information management system 100 is reduced by restricting the transfer of the metadata. Similarly, the communication medium 106 is selected based on a location of the machine 102 and/or the size of data to be transferred. In particular, the on board system 104 selects a low cost communication medium available to transfer the data from the on board system 104 to the gateway 108. The method 1000 according to present disclosure saves time, reduces cost and improves operations by monitoring machine health and machine operating conditions based on the delivered data from the machine 102.
The information management system 100 may be enabled to track equipment hours, usage, enhance work flows, enhance production cycles, and maximize equipment uptime. The on board system 104 captures machine data, delivers instant feedback to the operator and makes vital machine-generated data available for download. The off board system 110 is enabled to categorize and evaluate data of the machine 102 to efficiently manage performance, and productivity of the machine 102. The prompt data transfer over the information management system 100 may help maintenance personnel to take appropriate action to avoid machine damage, streamline maintenance operations, and improve overall operational efficiencies. The information management system 100 may be embodied as a computer program product in a computer. The computer program product is enabled to delivering data of the machine 102 deployed at the worksite.
At step 1002, the control system 202 of the on board system 104 captures the data from the machine 102. Further, at step 1004, the streaming data engine 204 of the on board system 104 defines a data packet. The data packet comprises a payload and a data identifier. The payload comprises the captured data from the control system 202.
Further, at step 1006, the streaming data engine 204 determines one or more transfer parameters associated with the machine 102 by the on board system 104. The step 1006 of determining one or more transfer parameters includes the following process. Primarily, the set of data to be transferred from the on board system 104 to the gateway 108 is identified. Further, the communication medium 106 for transferring the set of data based on information regarding the worksite is determined. Then, the data transfer rate is determined based on the communication medium 106. Thereupon, the response interval is determined based on at least one of a state of the control system 202 of the machine 102, a remote command from the user or the gateway 108, and an update command. Also, the reporting rule is determined based on an input from at least one of a user and the gateway 108.
In order to determine the one or more transfer parameters, the one or more transfer parameter may be configured in the information management system 100. The configuration of the one or more transfer parameters may be performed based on at least one of a user input and an update from the on board system 104. In order to configure the one or more transfer parameters, the following method steps are performed. Firstly, a transfer parameter file is generated based on the one or more transfer parameters by the command manager 408. The transfer parameter file is communicated to the on board system 104 by the gateway file synchronizing module 404. The one or more transfer parameters are updated in the streaming data engine 204 of the on board system 104 based on the transfer parameter file. Further, the command manager 408 receives the file response indicative of the update of the on board system 104. The configuration is communicated to the off board system 110 by the on board system 104.
At step 1008, the data packet is streamed by the streaming data engine 204 based on the one or more transfer parameters. At step 1010, the data packet is transferred from the file transfer manager 208 of the on board system 104 to the gateway 108. Then, at step 1012, the gateway 108 delivers the data to the off board system 110.
While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed machines, systems and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of what is disclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof.
