GNSS and optical guidance and machine control

US9002565B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• AGJUNCTION LLC · US

Inventors

• Keith R. Jones · Laguna Niguel, US
• John A. McClure · Scottsdale, US
• Andre C. Roberge · Calgary, CA
• Walter J. Feller · Scottsdale, US
• Michael L. Whitehead · Clarinda, US
• Mark R. Webber · Seattle, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 28, 2014
• Grant date: Apr 7, 2015
• Expiry date: Jan 28, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G05D1/0891
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and gyroscope control system for vehicle steering control comprising a GNSS receiver and antennas at a fixed spacing to determine a vehicle position, velocity and at least one of a heading angle, a pitch angle and a roll angle based on carrier phase position differences. The system also includes a control system configured to receive the vehicle position, heading, and at least one of roll and pitch, and configured to generate a steering command to a vehicle steering system. A vehicle control method includes the steps of computing a position and a heading for the vehicle using GNSS positioning and a rate gyro for determining vehicle attitude, which is used for generating a steering command. Relative orientations and attitudes between tractors and implements can be determined using optical sensors and cameras. Laser detectors and rangefinders can also be used.