Control of vehicular systems in response to anticipated conditions predicted using predetermined geo-referenced maps
US5995895A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 15, 1997 |
| Grant date | Nov 30, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 15, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P60/14
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A control system for controlling a vehicle system at least partly in response to an anticipated condition along the vehicle's course of travel is disclosed herein. The vehicle includes a drive train powered by an engine, and the anticipated condition may affect engine load. The control system includes a location signal generation circuit for receiving positioning signals and generating location signals therefrom, a memory circuit for storing a predetermined geo-referenced map including map data indicative of anticipated conditions along the course of travel which may affect engine load, and a control circuit. The control circuit predicts the anticipated condition using at least the location signals and the map data, generates a control signal based at least upon the anticipated condition, and applies the control signal to the vehicle system. The prediction of the anticipated condition can be calibrated using results of a comparison between a sensed actual condition and an earlier-predicted anticipated condition. Anticipated conditions include anticipated slopes, crop conditions and soil conditions. Crop conditions can be anticipated using aerial photography. The controlled vehicle …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.