System for guiding a vehicle to a position
US7010401B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 26, 2003 |
| Grant date | Mar 7, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 26, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05D1/0692
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system provides guidance to a vehicle on an approach to a position. A guidance transmitter stationed at the position includes light sources arranged in an array and a controller coupled to the light sources. The array defines a primary field-of-view (FOV) from which all light sources are visible. The light sources are divided into a plurality of sections with each section having a portion of the light sources associated therewith. Operation of each section of light sources is governed by the controller in accordance with unique cyclical on/off sequences. A primary waveform of light energy is defined by a composite of the cyclical on/off sequences visible from within the primary FOV. A plurality of secondary waveforms of light energy are defined by the cyclical on/off sequences visible from positions outside of the primary FOV. A guidance receiver mounted on a vehicle traveling towards the position of the guidance transmitter includes (i) sensor(s) for sensing light energy generated by those light sources visible thereto, (ii) a database for storing calibration waveforms indicative of corresponding guidance correction signals, and (iii) a processor for determining which one of the…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.