Robotic vehicle that tracks the path of a lead vehicle
US6494476B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 4, 2001 |
| Grant date | Dec 17, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 4, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D53/0871
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for controlling the steering of a trailing section of a multi-sectioned vehicle is described. The trailing section follows the path of the first section. Data is acquired by a controller from sensors on the various sections. The controller then processes this data, generating a configuration needed for the controller-steered wheels to follow a path approximately equivalent to the path taken by the first steered section. Power is then applied by some means to steer these controller-steered wheels, forcing them into the desired configuration. The complexity of the control system can be varied with different algorithms providing alternative steering patterns as desired. This system can be extended with more trailing sections without necessitating more than minor changes to the control algorithms.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.