Method of guiding a vehicle to a position
US6957132B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 26, 2003 |
| Grant date | Oct 18, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 26, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF21Y2115/10
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method of guiding a vehicle to a position is provided. Light sources arranged in an array are placed at a position with the light sources defining a primary field-of-view (FOV) from which all of the light sources are visible. Less than all of the light sources are visible from positions outside of the primary FOV. The light sources are divided into sections with each section having a portion of the light sources associated therewith. The light sources are operated in accordance with cyclical on/off sequences so that a primary waveform of light energy is defined by the cyclical on/off sequence visible from within the primary FOV and secondary waveforms of light energy are defined by the cyclical on/off sequences visible from positions outside of the primary FOV. The light energy generated by the light sources is sensed by an approaching navigable vehicle. Based on the position of the vehicle, one of the primary waveform and the plurality of secondary waveforms is sensed. A database on the vehicle stores calibration waveforms indicative of guidance correction signals that can be used to control navigation of the vehicle. The calibration waveform that is closest to the primary and s…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.