Depth-related help functions for a wheel loader training simulator

A method for training an operator of a wheel loader, the method comprising:

• generating, with a processor, a simulated wheel loader having a simulated bucket within a simulated training environment;
• generating a simulated haul truck within the simulated training environment;
• determining a current position of at least a portion of the simulated haul truck;
• determining a current position of at least a portion of the simulated wheel loader within the simulated training environment;
• determining a recommended position of the simulated wheel loader based on the current position the simulated haul truck;
• determining if the current position of the simulated wheel loader corresponds to the recommended position;
• when the current position of the simulated wheel loader corresponds to the recommended position, generating and outputting an indicator having a first feature within the simulated training environment, the indicator marking at least a portion;
• and
• when the current position of the simulated wheel loader does not correspond to the recommended position, generating and outputting the indicator having a second feature, wherein the second feature differs from the first feature.

A method for training an operator of a wheel loader, the method comprising:

• generating and outputting, with a processor, a simulated wheel loader having a simulated bucket within a simulated training environment;
• generating and outputting, with the processor, a simulated ground plane within the simulated training environment;
• when an operator operates the simulated wheel loader to load material into the simulated bucket,
• determining, with the processor, a current position of a level-grade plane within the simulated ground plane,
• determining, with the processor, a current position of at least a portion of the simulated wheel loader within the simulated training environment,
• determining, with the processor, if at least a portion of the simulated bucket is below the level-grade plane based on the current position of at least a portion of the simulated wheel loader and the current position of the level-grade plane,
• when at least a portion of the simulated wheel loader is below the level-grade plane, generating and outputting, with the processor, an indicator having a first feature, wherein the indicator marks at least a portion of the level-grade plane within the ground plane, and
• when at least a portion of the simulated wheel loader is not below the level-grade plane, generating and outputting, with the processor, the indicator having a second attribute, wherein the second attribute differs from the first attribute based on at least one selected from the group comprising color, size, shape, pattern, and animation,
• generating and displaying, with the processor, a second indicator within the simulated training environment marking a recommended angle of the simulated bucket;
• determining if the simulated bucket is positioned at the recommended angle;
• and
• when the simulated bucket is not positioned at the recommended angle, alerting the operator, wherein alerting the operator includes modifying the second indicator.