Systems and methods for switching between autonomous and manual operation of a vehicle

US7894951B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• Deere & Company · US
• iRobot Corporation · US

Inventors

• William Robert Norris · Rock Hill, US
• James Allard · Newton, US
• Mikhail Filippov · Boston, US
• Robert D. Haun · Fuquay-Varina, US
• Christopher D. Turner · Waterloo, US
• Seth Gilbertson · Dublin, US
• Andrew Julian Norby · West Des Moines, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 20, 2006
• Grant date: Feb 22, 2011
• Expiry date: Jun 28, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S901/47
• WIPO field: Control
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Systems and methods for switching between autonomous and manual operation of a vehicle are described. A mechanical control system can receive manual inputs from a mechanical operation member to operate the vehicle in manual mode. An actuator can receive autonomous control signals generated by a controller. When the actuator is engaged, it operates the vehicle in an autonomous mode, and when disengaged, the vehicle is operated in manual mode. Operating the vehicle in an autonomous mode can include automatically controlling steering, braking, throttle, and transmission. A system may also allow the vehicle to be operated via remote command.