Offsetting the course of a laser guided vehicle
US5020620A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 28, 1989 |
| Grant date | Jun 4, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 28, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05D1/0234
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
This is an improved apparatus and method for guiding an automated guided vehicle, particularly a floor maintenance machine. This invention discloses electronic means which permit guiding the vehicle toward a point that is laterally offset a desired distance from a retroreflective target, generally in front of the machine, by reference to that target. A series of targets may be sequentially referenced in this manner. A floor area of extended width relative to the width of the machine can be treated by causing the machine to traverse the floor area in a series of passes from one end of the area to the other. The machine is guided during each pass by reference to each one in turn of a series of retroreflective targets located generally ahead of it, and maintains a selected lateral offset from each target. Changing the offset distance during successive passes allows treatment of the area while guiding off a single series of targets.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.