Systems and methods for determining operator location to ensure approved operation of work machines
US10690747B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 14, 2017 |
| Grant date | Jun 23, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 14, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S2201/01
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system for determining a location of a work machine operator relative to a work machine comprises a machine controller, a radio frequency receiver, and an infrared transmitter unit. The unit comprises a plurality of infrared transmitters configured to generate infrared signals that collectively divide a 360-degree area around the infrared transmitter unit into a plurality of zones. A remote controller remote from the work machine, which comprises a radio frequency transceiver and an infrared receiver, is configured to receive the infrared signal generated by at least one of the plurality of infrared transmitters. The remote controller has a computer system which is configured to decode information within the one or more infrared signals to determine whether the operator is in an approved zone. The computer system enables the radio frequency transceiver to communicate with the radio frequency receiver upon determining that the operator is in the approved zone.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.