System and Method for Optimizing a Cut Location

A controller implemented method for determining a lowest cost cut location for a work implement of a machine along a work surface, comprising:

• receiving position signals from a position sensor indicative of a position of the work surface
• determining a position of the work surface based upon the position signals to define an actual profile of the work surface;
• repeating the following for a plurality of cut locations along the work surface:
• determining a target profile extending along the path corresponding to the cut location, each target profile being based at least in part upon the cut location, a loading profile of the work implement, slot parameters along at least a portion of the path, and the actual profile of the work surface;
• and
• determining a cost associated with moving the work implement in a first direction along each target profile from an initial position to a dump location and in a second direction a predetermined distance;
• and
• selecting a lowest cost target profile, the lowest cost target profile defining the lowest cost cut location.

A machine comprising:

• a prime mover;
• a ground engaging work implement for engaging a work surface along a path;
• a position sensor for generating position signals indicative of a position of the work surface;
• and
• a controller configured to:
• receive position signals from the position sensor;
• determine the position of the work surface based upon the position signals to define an actual profile of the work surface;
• repeat the following for a plurality of cut locations along the work surface:
• determine a target profile extending along the path corresponding to the cut location, each target profile being based at least in part upon the cut location, a loading profile of the work implement, slot parameters along at least a portion of the path, and the actual profile of the work surface;
• and
• determine a cost associated with moving the work implement in a first direction along each target profile generally from an initial position to a dump location and in a second direction a predetermined distance;
• and
• select a lowest cost target profile, the lowest cost target profile defining the lowest cost cut location.

A system for determining a lowest cost set of implement paths for a work implement of a machine along a work surface, comprising:

• a position sensor associated with the machine for generating position signals indicative of a position of the work surface;
• and
• a controller configured to:
• receive position signals from the position sensor;
• determine the position of the work surface based upon the position signals to define an actual profile of the work surface;
• repeat the following for a plurality of implement paths along the work surface:
• determine a target profile extending along the path corresponding to each implement path, each target profile being based at least in part upon a cut location, a loading profile of the work implement, slot parameters along at least a portion of the path, and the actual profile of the work surface;
• and
• determine a cost associated with moving the work implement in a first direction along each target profile from an initial position to a dump location and in a second direction a predetermined distance;
• and
• select a lowest cost target profile, the lowest cost target profile defining the lowest cost set of implement paths.