Method and apparatus for operating geography altering machinery relative to a work site
US6047227A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 19, 1996 |
| Grant date | Apr 4, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 19, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE02F9/2045
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A method and apparatus for operating geography-altering machinery such as a track-type tractor, road grader, paver or the like relative to a work site to alter the geography of the site toward a desired condition. A first digital three-dimensional model of the desired site geography, and a second digital three-dimensional model of the actual site geography are stored in a digital data storage facility. The machine is equipped with a position receiver to determine in three-dimensional space the location of the machine relative to the site. A dynamic database receives the machine position information, determines the difference between the first and second site models and generates representational signals of that difference for directing the operation of the machine to bring the actual site geography into conformity with the desired site geography. In one embodiment, the signals representing the machine position and the difference between the first and second site models used to generate an operator display which is updated in real time. Alternately, the signals representing the difference between the first and second site models can be supplied to automatic machine controls for auto…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.