US20200232191A1

US20200232191A1 - Work-tool guidance system for a work vehicle

Info

Publication number: US20200232191A1
Application number: US16/255,209
Authority: US
Inventors: Alex W. Prior
Original assignee: Deere and Co
Current assignee: Deere and Co
Priority date: 2019-01-23
Filing date: 2019-01-23
Publication date: 2020-07-23

Abstract

A guidance system for a work vehicle is provided. In one example, the guidance system includes indicator lights positioned on control levers of the work vehicle and a position sensor for detecting various positions of a work tool coupled to the work vehicle. The guidance system can receive sensor signals from the position sensor and responsively activate (i) one indicator light when the work tool is positioned adjacent to a target horizontal position and (ii) another indicator light when the work tool is positioned at the target horizontal position.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to devices for use in construction operations. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, this disclosure relates to a work-tool guidance system for a work vehicle.

BACKGROUND

An excavator can have a bucket that an operator can manipulate to perform a variety of construction operations. But as the operator manipulates the bucket, the operator's view of the bucket may become obstructed or limited. For example, as the operator lowers the bucket into a hole, the operator's field of view may become obstructed by an edge of the hole. This can make it difficult for the operator to know the position of the bucket in the hole.

SUMMARY

One example of the present disclosure involves a guidance system that includes a position sensor configured to detect a position of a work tool coupled to a work vehicle. The guidance system also includes a plurality of indicator lights positionable on a plurality of control levers in a cab of the work vehicle. The plurality of indicator lights include a first indicator light on a left control handle of the plurality of control levers; a third indicator light on a right control handle among the plurality of control levers; and a second indicator light positioned horizontally on the control levers between the first indicator light and the third indicator light. The guidance system further includes a processing device communicatively coupled to the position sensor, the plurality of indicator lights, and a memory device. The memory device includes instructions executable by the processing device for causing the processing device to receive sensor signals from the position sensor indicating that the work tool is at various positions in a horizontal plane and responsively activate (i) the first indicator light based on determining that the work tool is positioned left of a target horizontal position in the horizontal plane, (ii) the second indicator light based on determining that the work tool is positioned at the target horizontal position, and (iii) the third indicator light based on determining that the work tool is positioned right of the target horizontal position.
Another example of the present disclosure involves a work vehicle that includes a work tool, movement devices configured to move the work vehicle in one or more directions, and a cab. The cab includes input devices for operating the work tool; control levers for operating the movement devices, where the control levers are separate from the input devices; and a plurality of indicator lights positioned on the control levers. The work vehicle also includes a processing device communicatively coupled to a position sensor, the plurality of indicator lights, and a memory device. The memory device that includes instructions executable by the processing device for causing the processing device to receive sensor signals from the position sensor, where the sensor signals indicate that the work tool is at various positions. The instructions are further executable by the processing device for causing the processing device to, in response to the sensor signals: activate an indicator light among the plurality of indicator lights based on determining that the work tool is positioned adjacent to a target horizontal position, and activate another indicator light among the plurality of indicator lights based on determining that the work tool is positioned at the target horizontal position.
Still another example of the present disclosure involves a method that includes receiving a first sensor signal from a position sensor configured to detect a position of a work tool coupled to a work vehicle. The method also includes determining that the work tool is positioned adjacent to a target horizontal position based on the first sensor signal and responsively activating an indicator light among a plurality of indicator lights positioned on control levers in a cab of the work vehicle. The method additionally includes receiving a second sensor signal from the position sensor. The method further includes determining that the work tool is positioned at the target horizontal position based on the second sensor signal and responsively activating another indicator light among the plurality of indicator lights positioned on the control levers. Some or all of the method steps can be implemented by a processing device.
This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to appropriate portions of the entire specification, any or all drawings, and each claim.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a work vehicle with a work-tool guidance system according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example of a work vehicle's cab interior according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another example of a work vehicle's cab interior according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a work-tool guidance system according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is flow chart of an example of providing horizontal guidance according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is flow chart of another example of providing vertical guidance according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain aspects and features of the present disclosure relate to a work-tool guidance system (“guidance system”) for a work vehicle. The guidance system includes a position sensor and a visual display device. The guidance system can detect the horizontal and the vertical positions of a work tool coupled to the work vehicle using the position sensor and activate the visual display device accordingly to provide three-dimensional (3D) information about the spatial positioning of the work tool to an operator of the work vehicle.
In some examples, the visual display device can include a first group of indicator lights on control levers of the work vehicle. For example, the first group of indicator lights can be positioned on the handles of the control levers. The guidance system can activate a first indicator light in the first group if the work tool is positioned left of a target horizontal position to notify the operator that the work tool is positioned left of the target horizontal position. The guidance system can activate a second indicator light in the first group if the work tool is positioned at the target horizontal position to notify the operator that the work tool is positioned at the target horizontal position. The guidance system can activate a third indicator light in the first group if the work tool is positioned right of the target horizontal position to notify the operator that the work tool is positioned right of the target horizontal position. This can provide quick, intuitive, and visually pleasing horizontal guidance information to the operator of the work vehicle.
Additionally or alternatively, the visual display device can include a second group of indicator lights on the control levers. For example, the second group of indicator lights can be positioned on the arms of the control levers. The guidance system can activate a first indicator light in the second group if the work tool is above of a target vertical position (e.g., a target depth) to notify the operator that the work tool is positioned above the target vertical position. The guidance system can activate a second indicator light in the second group if the work tool is positioned at the target vertical position to notify the operator that the work tool is positioned at the target vertical position. The guidance system can activate a third indicator light in the second group if the work tool is positioned below the target horizontal position to notify the operator that the work tool is below the target horizontal position. This can provide quick, intuitive, and visually pleasing vertical guidance information to the operator of the work vehicle.
Positioning the visual display device on the control levers can enable the operator to easily view the visual display device while looking through the cab's front window to control the work tool. This can enable the operator continue looking forward at the work tool during construction operations (e.g., as opposed to obtaining this information from a display panel at the side of the cab). This can also reduce eye strain resulting from the operator repeatedly refocusing his eyes between the farther-away work tool and a closer source of guidance information, such as a display panel with textual guidance information in the cab.
These illustrative examples are given to introduce the reader to the general subject matter discussed here and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed concepts. The following sections describe various additional features and examples with reference to the drawings in which like numerals indicate like elements, and directional descriptions are used to describe the illustrative aspects but, like the illustrative aspects, should not be used to limit the present disclosure.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a work vehicle 100 with a work-tool guidance system 114 according to one aspect of the present disclosure. In this example, the work vehicle 100 is an excavator. But other examples can involve other types of work vehicles, such as trucks, backhoe loaders, bulldozers, harvesters, or pavers.
The work vehicle 100 includes a cab 120 that is structurally defined by a frame that includes at least two vertical support members for supporting a roof of the cab 120. The cab 120 can include a control system for operating various aspects of the work vehicle 100.
The work vehicle 100 also includes an undercarriage positioned beneath the cab 120. The undercarriage includes a movement device 104 for providing mobility to the work vehicle 100. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the movement device 104 is a track system with a left track 106 and a right track 108. But the movement device 104 can include any number and combination of wheels or tracks.
The movement device 104 is controlled by an engine. For example, the engine can move a track of the movement device 104. The engine can be controlled by control levers of the control system in the cab 120. For example, an operator can use the control levers to operate the engine in order to move the work vehicle 100 in one or more directions.
The work vehicle 100 further includes a work unit 102 for performing one or more construction operations (e.g., digging, shearing, pulling, or pushing) at a construction site. In some examples, the work unit 102 can include a boom 112 positioned adjacent to or in front of the cab 120. The boom 112 can be manipulated by one or more hydraulic cylinders, which in turn can be controlled by the control system in the cab 120. The work unit 102 can also include an arm 126 (e.g., a dipper stick) coupled to the boom 112. The arm 126 can also be manipulated by one or more hydraulic cylinders, which in turn can be controlled by the control system in the cab 120. In some examples, the work unit 102 further includes a work tool 110 coupled to an end of the boom 112 or arm 126. Example of the work tool 110 can include a bucket, grapple, auger, ripper, compactor, hammer, shear, or other attachment for performing one or more construction operations. The work tool 110 can also be manipulated by one or more hydraulic cylinders, which in turn can be controlled by the control system in the cab 120.
As an operator manipulates the work tool 110 via the control system, the operator's view of the work tool 110 may become obstructed or limited. For example, as the operator lowers the work tool 110 into a hole 116, the operator's field of view (e.g., as indicated by dashed lines) may become obstructed by an edge 122 of the hole 116. Some examples of the present disclosure can overcome this issue by providing a guidance system 114 that enables the operator to monitor the position of the work tool 110, even if the work tool 110 is not visible to the operator.
The guidance system 114 can include a position sensor 124, which in FIG. 1 is coupled to the work tool 110 but can be positioned elsewhere on the work vehicle 100 in other examples. The guidance system 114 can also include a visual display device (not shown) positioned within the cab 120. The guidance system 114 can use the position sensor 124 to detect the position of the work tool 110 and operate the visual display device to provide work-tool guidance information to the operator. This is discussed in greater detail below with respect to FIGS. 2-6.
Examples of cab interiors are shown in FIGS. 2-3. As shown, the cab 120 includes left- and right-control levers 202 a-b for controlling movement of the work vehicle and other user input devices. Examples of the other user input devices include left- and right-foot pedals 204 a-b for controlling movement of the work vehicle, a speed input 208 for controlling the speed of the work vehicle, a mode selector 210 for selecting between various operating modes of the work vehicle, left- and right-joysticks 206 a-b for operating the work unit and the work tool, and a touch-screen display 214 for visually providing output and receiving user input.
A visual display device 216 can be positioned on the control levers 202 a-b in the cab, oriented toward the cab's seat 212 so as to be visible to the operator of the work vehicle. Positioning the visual display device 216 in this manner can enable the operator to view the visual display device 216 as he looks through the front window 220 to manipulate the work tool 110. This can improve visibility by enabling the operator to continue to look forward at the work tool 110 during construction operations, as opposed to having to look away from the work tool 110 to view another source of guidance information, such as the touch-screen display 214. This can also reduce the eye strain that typically results from repeatedly refocusing one's eyes between a farther away object (e.g., the work tool 110) and a closer object (e.g., the touch-screen display 214) to view the guidance information.
The visual display device 216 can be positioned on the handles 302 a-b of the control levers 202 a-b, the arms 304 a-b of the control levers 202 a-b, or both of these. For example, the visual display device 216 can include indicator lights on the left control handle 302 b for providing horizontal guidance information to the operator about the horizontal positioning of the work tool 110. The indicator lights can illuminate in different colors to provide information about the horizontal position of the work tool 110. For example, the user can input a target horizontal position via one of the user input devices in the cab 120. If the work tool 110 is greater than a preset distance leftward of the target horizontal position, the guidance system can activate a red indicator light on the left control handle 302 b. If the work tool 110 is closer to the target horizontal position than the preset distance but not quite at the target horizontal position, the guidance system can activate a yellow indicator light on the left control handle 302 b. And if the work tool 110 is positioned at the target horizontal position, the guidance system can activate a green indicator light on the left control handle 302 b.
Additionally or alternatively, the visual display device 216 can include indicator lights on the right control handle 302 a for providing horizontal guidance information to the operator about the horizontal positioning of the work tool 110. The indicator lights can likewise illuminate in different colors to provide information about the horizontal position of the work tool 110. For example, if the work tool 110 is greater than a preset distance rightward of a target horizontal position, the guidance system can activate a red indicator light on the right control handle 302 a. If the work tool 110 is closer to the target horizontal position than the preset distance but not quite at the target horizontal position, the guidance system can activate a yellow indicator light on the right control handle 302 a. And if the work tool 110 is positioned at the target horizontal position, the guidance system can activate a green indicator light on the right control handle 302 a.
Additionally or alternatively, the visual display device 216 can include indicator lights on one or more of the arms 304 a-b for providing vertical guidance information to the operator about the vertical positioning of the work tool 110. The indicator lights can illuminate in different colors to provide information about the vertical position of the work tool 110. For example, the user can input a target vertical position (e.g., a target depth) via one of the user input devices in the cab 120. If the work tool 110 is positioned greater than a preset distance above the target vertical position, the guidance system can activate a red indicator light on the arms 304 a-b. If the work tool 110 is closer to the target vertical position than the preset distance but not quite at the target vertical position, the guidance system can activate a yellow indicator light on the arms 304 a-b. If the work tool 110 is positioned at the target vertical position, the guidance system can activate a green indicator light on the arms 304 a-b. And if the work tool 110 surpasses the target vertical position, the guidance system can activate a red indicator light on the arms 304 a-b.
In some examples, the indicator lights on the control handles 302 a-b and arms 304 a-b can take the form of light strips that can be progressively illuminated (e.g., from red to green) by the guidance system as the work tool 110 is moved toward the target horizontal position or toward the target vertical position. This can provide more detailed and granular work-tool guidance information.
The colored indicator lights on the handles 302 a-b and the arms 304 a-b can provide visual cues about the spatial positioning of the work tool 110. These visual cues can be easier and faster for the operator to cognitively process than other types of information, such as textual information. While the above examples involve the colors yellow, green, and red, other color combinations are possible.
The visual display device 216 may additionally or alternatively be used to output other types of information, beyond the vertical- and horizontal-guidance information. For example, the guidance system can receive one or more sensor signals from the position sensor, determine if the work tool 110 is extended beyond a predefined amount based on the sensor signals, and activate an indicator light on the handles 302 a-b or arms 304 a-b based on determining that the work tool 110 is extended beyond a predefined amount. This may prevent damage to the work tool 110 or surrounding objects. As another example, the guidance system can receive one or more sensor signals from the position sensor, determine if the work tool 110 is within a predefined distance of an object based on the sensor signals, and activate an indicator light on the handles 302 a-b or arms 304 a-b based on determining that the work tool is within the predefined distance of an object. Examples of the object can include the work vehicle or an object buried in the earth. This may prevent the work tool 110 from damaging itself or the object due to contact there-between. As yet another example, the guidance system can receive one or more sensor signals from the position sensor, determine if the work tool 110 is outside of a predefined swing range based on the sensor signals, and activate an indicator light on the handles 302 a-b or arms 304 a-b based on determining that the work tool is outside of the predefined swing range. This may prevent damage to the work tool 110 or surrounding objects.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example of a work-tool guidance system 114 according to some aspects. The guidance system 114 includes a processing device 402 communicatively coupled with a memory device 404. The processing device 402 can include one processing device or multiple processing devices. Non-limiting examples of the processing device 402 include a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a microprocessor, etc. The processing device 402 can execute instructions stored in the memory device 404 to perform operations. In some examples, the instructions can include processor-specific instructions generated by a compiler or an interpreter from code written in any suitable computer-programming language, such as C, C++, C #, etc.
The memory device 404 can include one memory device or multiple memory devices. The memory device 404 can be non-volatile and may include any type of memory device that retains stored information when powered off. Non-limiting examples of the memory device 404 include electrically erasable and programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, or any other type of non-volatile memory. In some examples, at least some of the memory device can include a medium from which the processing device 402 can read instructions. A computer-readable medium can include electronic, optical, magnetic, or other storage devices capable of providing the processing device 402 with computer-readable instructions or other program code. Non-limiting examples of a computer-readable medium include magnetic disk(s), memory chip(s), ROM, random-access memory (RAM), an ASIC, a configured processor, optical storage, or any other medium from which a computer processor can read the instructions.
The processing device 402 is also communicatively coupled to a user input device 406, such as a button, switch, touch-screen display, touch-pad, pedal, or joystick. The user input device 406 can represent one user input device or multiple user input devices. The user input device 406 can be positioned anywhere in the cab of the work vehicle for receiving user input and transmitting an input signal indicating the user input to the processing device 402. Examples of the user input can include a target horizontal position, a target vertical position, or both.
The processing device 402 is further communicatively coupled to the position sensor 124. The position sensor 124 can represent one position sensor or multiple position sensors. Examples of the position sensor 124 can include one or more cameras, ultrasonic transducers, accelerometers, gyroscopes, inclinometers, global positioning system (GPS) units, or any combination of these. The position sensor 124 can be positioned anywhere on the work vehicle.
The processing device 402 is additionally communicatively coupled to the visual display device 216. Examples of the visual display device 216 can include indicator lights (e.g., in the form of a light strip) or a display panel (e.g., a computer monitor or touch-screen display). In some examples in which the visual display device 216 is a display panel, the processing device 402 can generate a graphical user interface with differently colored visual-segments (e.g., yellow, green, and red segments) thereon to visually simulate the functionality of the indicator lights discussed above.
In some examples, the processing device 402 can implement the steps shown in FIG. 5 to provide horizontal guidance. Other examples can include more steps, fewer steps, different steps, or a different combination of steps than are shown in FIG. 5. The steps of FIG. 5 are discussed below with reference to the components discussed above in relation to FIG. 4.
In block 502, the processing device 402 receives user input indicating a target horizontal position for a work tool of a work vehicle. The target horizontal position can be a specific target position (e.g., 1.4 meters (m) left-of-center) or a target horizontal range (e.g., 1.0-1.5 m left-of-center). The target horizontal position can be relative to a center of the work vehicle, the work tool, or another fixed position.
In block 504, the processing device 402 receives a sensor signal from a position sensor 124 configured to detect a position (e.g., horizontal position) of the work tool. In some examples, the sensor signal can include multiple sensor signals from multiple position sensors. For example, the processing device 402 can receive multiple images of the work tool from multiple cameras arranged on the work vehicle in a particular spatial configuration to enable the processing device 402 to perform triangulation or another image-processing technique on the images, and thereby determine the horizontal position of the work tool.
In block 506, the processing device 402 determines if the work tool is positioned left of the target horizontal position based on the sensor signal. The processing device 402 can determine whether the work tool is positioned left of the target horizontal position by comparing the horizontal position of the work tool to the target horizontal position. If the processing device 402 determines that the work tool is positioned to the left of the target horizontal position, the process can continue to block 508, in which the processing device 402 activates a first indicator light of the visual display device 216. The first indicator light can be positioned on a left control lever of the work vehicle. If the processing device 402 determines that the work tool is not positioned left of the target horizontal position, the process can continue to block 510.
In block 510, the processing device 402 determines if the work tool is positioned at the target horizontal position (e.g., within a target horizontal range) based on the sensor signal. If the processing device 402 determines that the work tool is positioned at the target horizontal position, the process can continue to block 512, in which the processing device 402 activates a second indicator light of the visual display device 216. The second indicator light can be positioned on one or both of the control levers of the work vehicle. If the processing device 402 determines that the work tool is not positioned at the target horizontal position, the process can continue to block 514.
In block 514, the processing device 402 determines if the work tool is positioned right of the target horizontal position based on the sensor signal. If the processing device 302 determines that the work tool is positioned to the right of the target horizontal position, the process can continue to block 516, in which the processing device 402 activates a third indicator light of the visual display device 216. The third indicator light can be positioned on a right control lever of the work vehicle. If the processing device 302 determines that the work tool is not positioned to the right of the target horizontal position, an error likely occurred and the process can return to block 506.
Blocks 504-516 can be repeated any number of times for any number and combination of sensor signals from the position sensor 124. For example, these blocks can be iterated in substantially real-time as the work tool moves, thereby providing substantially real-time visual cues to the operator of the work vehicle about the horizontal positioning of the work tool.
FIG. 6 is an example of a flow chart of a process for providing vertical guidance according to some examples. Other examples can include more steps, fewer steps, different steps, or a different combination of steps than are shown in FIG. 6. The steps of FIG. 6 are discussed below with reference to the components discussed above in relation to FIG. 4.
In block 602, the processing device 402 receives user input indicating a target vertical position for a work tool of a work vehicle. The target vertical position can be a specific target position (e.g., 3.3 meters (m) below the earth's surface) or a target vertical range (e.g., between 3.2-3.5 m below the earth's surface). The target vertical position can be above the earth's surface or below the earth's surface.
In block 604, the processing device 402 receives a sensor signal from a position sensor 124 configured to detect a position (e.g., vertical position) of the work tool. In some examples, the sensor signal can include multiple sensor signals from multiple position sensors. For example, the processing device 402 can receive multiple images of the work tool from multiple cameras arranged on the work vehicle in a particular spatial configuration to enable the processing device 402 to perform triangulation or another image-processing technique on the images, and thereby determine the vertical position of the work tool.
In other examples, the position sensor 124 can detect a reflected signal off a surface (e.g., the bottom of a hole in the ground) and transmit a sensor signal associated with the reflected signal to the processing device 402. For example, the processing device 402 can use an ultrasonic transducer positioned on the work tool to transmit an ultrasonic wave toward the surface. The processing device 302 can then detect a reflection of the ultrasonic wave off the surface using the position sensor 124, and calculate the roundtrip time between when the ultrasonic wave was transmitted and when the reflection was received. The processing device 402 can use the roundtrip time to determine the vertical position of the work tool.
In block 606, the processing device 402 determines if the work tool is positioned above a target vertical position based on the sensor signal. The processing device 402 can determine whether the work tool is positioned above the target vertical position by comparing the vertical position of the work tool to the target vertical position. If the processing device 402 determines that the work tool is positioned above the target vertical position, the process can continue to block 608, in which the processing device 402 activates a first indicator light of the visual display device 216. Otherwise, the process can continue to block 610.
In block 610, the processing device 402 determines if the work tool is positioned at the target vertical position (e.g., within a target vertical range) based on the sensor signal. If the processing device 402 determines that the work tool is positioned at the target vertical position, the process can continue to block 612, in which the processing device 402 activates a second indicator light of the visual display device 216. Otherwise, the process can continue to block 614.
In block 614, the processing device 402 determines if the work tool is positioned below the target vertical position based on the sensor signal. If the processing device 302 determines that the work tool is positioned below the target vertical position, the process can continue to block 616, in which the processing device 402 activates a third indicator light of the visual display device 216. Otherwise, an error likely occurred and the process can return to block 606.
Blocks 604-616 can be repeated any number of times for any number and combination of sensor signals from the position sensor 124. For example, these blocks can be iterated in substantially real-time as the work tool moves, thereby providing substantially real-time visual cues to the operator of the work vehicle about the vertical positioning of the work tool.
The foregoing description of certain examples, including illustrated examples, has been presented only for the purpose of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Numerous modifications, adaptations, and uses thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For instance, any example(s) described herein can be combined with any other example(s) to yield additional examples.

Claims

1. A guidance system comprising:

a position sensor configured to detect a position of a work tool coupled to a work vehicle;

a plurality of indicator lights positionable on a plurality of control levers in a cab of the work vehicle, wherein the plurality of indicator lights include:

a first indicator light on a left control handle of the plurality of control levers;

a third indicator light on a right control handle among the plurality of control levers; and

a second indicator light positioned horizontally on the control levers between the first indicator light and the third indicator light;

a processing device communicatively coupled to the position sensor and the plurality of indicator lights; and

a memory device that includes instructions executable by the processing device for causing the processing device to receive sensor signals from the position sensor indicating that the work tool is at various positions in a horizontal plane and responsively activate (i) the first indicator light based on determining that the work tool is positioned left of a target horizontal position in the horizontal plane, (ii) the second indicator light based on determining that the work tool is positioned at the target horizontal position, and (iii) the third indicator light based on determining that the work tool is positioned right of the target horizontal position.

2. The guidance system of claim 1, wherein the work vehicle is an excavator, the work tool is a bucket, and the control levers are for operating movement devices to move the work vehicle in one or more directions.

3. The guidance system of claim 1, wherein the first indicator light and the third indicator light are configured to illuminate in a first color, and the second indicator light is configured to illuminate in a second color that is different from the first color.

4. The guidance system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of indicator lights is a first plurality of indicator lights, and further comprising a second plurality of indicator lights positionable on one or more vertical arms of the plurality of control levers for indicating a vertical depth of the work tool, wherein the first plurality of indicator lights and the second plurality of indicator lights are configured to collectively indicate a three-dimensional position of the work tool in real space relative to a predefined reference point defined by the target horizontal position and a target depth.

5. The guidance system of claim 4, wherein the memory device further includes instructions that are executable by the processing device for causing the processing device to activate (i) a fourth indicator light among the second plurality of indicator lights based on determining that the work tool is positioned above the target depth, (ii) a fifth indicator light among the second plurality of indicator lights based on determining that the work tool is positioned at the target depth, and (iii) a sixth indicator light among the second plurality of indicator lights based on determining that the work tool is positioned below the target depth.

6. The guidance system of claim 5, wherein the fourth indicator light is positioned vertically above the fifth indicator light on the one or more vertical arms of the plurality of control levers, and the fifth indicator light is positioned vertically above the sixth indicator light on the one or more vertical arms.

7. The guidance system of claim 5, wherein the target horizontal position is range spanning a horizontal distance and the target depth is another range spanning a vertical distance.

8. The guidance system of claim 1, wherein the memory device further includes instructions that are executable by the processing device for causing the processing device to activate an indicator light among the plurality of indicator lights based on determining that the work tool is extended beyond a predefined amount.

9. The guidance system of claim 1, wherein the memory device further includes instructions that are executable by the processing device for causing the processing device to activate an indicator light among the plurality of indicator lights based on determining that the work tool is within a predefined distance of an object.

10. The guidance system of claim 1, wherein the memory device further includes instructions that are executable by the processing device for causing the processing device to activate an indicator light among the plurality of indicator lights based on determining that the work tool is outside of a predefined swing range.

11. A work vehicle comprising:

a work tool;

movement devices configured to move the work vehicle in one or more directions;

a cab including:

input devices for operating the work tool;

control levers for operating the movement devices, the control levers being separate from the input devices;

a plurality of indicator lights positioned on the control levers;

a processing device communicatively coupled to a position sensor and the plurality of indicator lights; and

a memory device that includes instructions executable by the processing device for causing the processing device to:

receive sensor signals from the position sensor, the sensor signals indicating that the work tool is at various positions; and

in response to the sensor signals:

activate an indicator light among the plurality of indicator lights based on determining that the work tool is positioned adjacent to a target horizontal position; and

activate another indicator light among the plurality of indicator lights based on determining that the work tool is positioned at the target horizontal position.

12. The work vehicle of claim 11, wherein the work vehicle is an excavator, the work tool is a bucket, and the position sensor is positioned on the work tool.

13. The work vehicle of claim 11, wherein the plurality of indicator lights is a first plurality of indicator lights, and further comprising a second plurality of indicator lights positioned on one or more vertical arms of the control levers for indicating a vertical depth of the work tool, wherein the first plurality of indicator lights and the second plurality of indicator lights are configured to collectively indicate a three-dimensional position of the work tool in real space.

14. The work vehicle of claim 13, wherein the memory device further includes instructions that are executable by the processing device for causing the processing device activate (i) a fourth indicator light among the second plurality of indicator lights based on determining that the work tool is positioned above a target vertical position, and (ii) a fifth indicator light among the second plurality of indicator lights based on determining that the work tool is positioned at the target vertical position.

15. The work vehicle of claim 14, wherein the fourth indicator light is positioned vertically above the fifth indicator light on the one or more vertical arms.

16. A method comprising:

receiving, by a processing device, a first sensor signal from a position sensor configured to detect a position of a work tool coupled to a work vehicle;

determining, by the processing device, that the work tool is positioned adjacent to a target horizontal position based on the first sensor signal and responsively activating an indicator light among a plurality of indicator lights positioned on control levers in a cab of the work vehicle;

receiving, by the processing device, a second sensor signal from the position sensor; and

determining, by the processing device, that the work tool is positioned at the target horizontal position based on the second sensor signal and responsively activating another indicator light among the plurality of indicator lights positioned on the control levers.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the work vehicle is an excavator and the work tool is a bucket.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein:

the plurality of indicator lights are positioned on handles of the control levers, and the control levers are configured to operate movement devices for moving the work vehicle forward and backward;

the indicator light is configured to illuminate in a first color; and

the other indicator light is configured to illuminate in a second color that is different from the first color.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising activating at least one indicator light positioned on one or more vertical arms of the control levers to indicate a vertical position of the work tool relative to a target vertical position.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein activating the at least one indicator light comprises:

activating a first indicator light based on determining that the work tool is positioned above the target vertical position; and

activating a second indicator light based on determining that the work tool is positioned at the target vertical position, wherein the second indicator light is positioned below the first indicator light on the one or more vertical arms of the control levers.