Importance

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Abstract

An automated vehicle guidance system for guiding a movable vehicle along a predetermined desired path over a surface that is provided with at least one reference marking includes a laser radar for emitting laser pulses towards the reference marking and for receiving laser pulses reflected from the reference marking, a steering actuator for steering the vehicle, and a computer connected to the laser radar and the steering actuator. The laser radar is designed to determine the distance between the vehicle and the reference marking and that distance is used by the computer to determine the lateral position of the vehicle relative to the desired path of vehicle travel. The computer then controls the steering actuator in the manner necessary to effect guidance of the vehicle along the desired path. A method for automatically guiding a vehicle along a desired travel path involves determining the distance from a point on the vehicle to the reference marking by emitting a laser pulse and receiving the laser pulse reflected from the reference marker, determining the lateral position of the vehicle relative to the desired path based on the determined distance, and controlling the steering actuator when the lateral position of the vehicle is offset from the desired path to guide the vehicle along the desired path. The reference marking can be in the form of reflective stripes painted on the surface or white strips disposed on barriers positioned along the desired path.

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First Claim