Leader-follower semi-autonomous vehicle with operator on side
US8392065B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 11, 2008 |
| Grant date | Mar 5, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 3, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05D1/0214
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The illustrative embodiments provide a method and apparatus for controlling movement of a vehicle. User input selecting a path for the vehicle is received from an operator. The vehicle responds to the user input by moving along the selected path in a manner that maintains the operator on a side of the vehicle. The illustrative embodiments further provide a method and apparatus for improved machine control. The vehicle receives a power-up command, instructions to execute a planned path, and information identifying a leader. The leader is an operator. The vehicle then executes the planned path using the information identifying the leader in order to follow a path of the leader. The vehicle moves along the path in a manner that maintains the leader in a position proximate to a side of the vehicle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.