Optical tracking vehicle control system and method
US8311696B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 17, 2009 |
| Grant date | Nov 13, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 21, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05D1/027
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical tracking vehicle control system includes a controller adapted for computing vehicle guidance signals and a guidance subsystem adapted for receiving the guidance signals from the controller and for guiding the vehicle. An optical movement sensor is mounted on the vehicle in optical contact with a travel surface being traversed by the vehicle. The optical movement sensor is connected to the controller and provides vehicle movement signals thereto for use by the controller in computing vehicle position. The optical movement sensor can be either mounted on a gimbal for movement independent of the vehicle, or, alternatively, multiple optical movement sensors can be provided for detecting yaw movements. GNSS and inertial vehicle position tracking subsystems are also provided. Still further, a method of tracking a vehicle with an optical movement sensor is provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.