Importance

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Abstract

A method and apparatus for controlling movement of a vehicle through a network is disclosed. The network has a plurality of stations interconnected by a plurality of path segments. A plurality of branch points connect the path segments and require a vehicle approaching a branch point to be directed in either a first or second direction. Line-defining parameters are provided for each of the branch points and define a network-dividing line which divides the plurality of stations into a first set which are attainable by a vehicle being directed in a first direction and a second set attainable by a vehicle being directed in a second direction. Coordinates of a destination station are associated with a vehicle. As the vehicle approaches a branch point, the coordinates of the destination station are compared to the line-defining parameters of the approaching branch point and the destination station is determined to be in either the first set or the second set. The vehicle is directed in a first direction if the destination station is determined to be in the first set and in a second direction if the station is determined to be in a second set.

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First Claim