Computer-implemented method and system for dynamically positioning a vehicle relative to another vehicle in motion for on-the-fly offloading operations
US9188986B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 1, 2013 |
| Grant date | Nov 17, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 1, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05D1/0291
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Computer-implemented methods and systems are disclosed for automatically positioning a moving first vehicle relative to a moving second vehicle traveling in a given area. The method includes the steps of: (a) tracking the second vehicle and guiding the first vehicle to attain a given position relative to the second vehicle; and (b) controlling the first vehicle to maintain a generally constant speed such that an operator of the second vehicle can adjust the speed of the second vehicle to correspondingly adjust a relative position of the second vehicle to the first vehicle in a direction of movement of the first and second vehicles, and controlling the first vehicle to maintain a given distance from the second vehicle in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction of movement of the first and second vehicles by tracking the second vehicle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.