Follower vehicle control system and method for forward and reverse convoy movement
US8116921B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 26, 2008 |
| Grant date | Feb 14, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 8, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05D1/0278
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A vehicle control system for causing a follower vehicle to follow a leader may have a tether system mounted to the follower vehicle. The tether system may include a tether having an end adapted to be attached to the leader, a length sensor, and an angle sensor. A path tracking system operatively associated with the tether system determines a path traveled by the leader. A path control system operatively associated with the path tracking system and the follower vehicle causes the follower vehicle to follow the path traveled by the leader. A spacing control system operatively associated with the path tracking system and the follower vehicle causes the follower vehicle to maintain a predetermined spacing between the follower vehicle and the leader.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.