VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEMS AND METHODS
First Claim
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1. A method of controlling a vehicle comprising:
- receiving at a vehicle controller a distance data signal representing a distance to an object from a distance sensor attached to a portion of the vehicle;
receiving at the vehicle controller a command from an input device to move the portion of the vehicle to which the distance sensor is attached closer to the object; and
via the vehicle controller, modifying a movement characteristic of the vehicle based on the distance data signal such that, regardless of a command from the input device to move the portion of the vehicle to which the distance sensor is attached at a constant speed or at a speed that is faster than a current speed, the vehicle portion to which the distance sensor is attached progressively slows as it approaches the object.
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Abstract
Vehicles equipped with certain embodiments may be used to pick up a load and to assist the vehicle operator'"'"'s control of the vehicle in a manner that inhibits damage to the load. In some embodiments, portions of the system measure a distance between a vehicle and a load. The distance measurement is used by a controller in the vehicle to alter one or more of vehicle and/or vehicle component speed, acceleration characteristics, deceleration characteristics, target speed, or speed limit, singularly or in any combination.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method of controlling a vehicle comprising:
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receiving at a vehicle controller a distance data signal representing a distance to an object from a distance sensor attached to a portion of the vehicle; receiving at the vehicle controller a command from an input device to move the portion of the vehicle to which the distance sensor is attached closer to the object; and via the vehicle controller, modifying a movement characteristic of the vehicle based on the distance data signal such that, regardless of a command from the input device to move the portion of the vehicle to which the distance sensor is attached at a constant speed or at a speed that is faster than a current speed, the vehicle portion to which the distance sensor is attached progressively slows as it approaches the object. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. An apparatus for controlling a vehicle comprising:
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a sensor configured to measure a distance to an object mounted on a portion of the vehicle; and a vehicle controller communicating with the sensor; wherein the vehicle controller is programmed to receive a motion command from an input device; wherein the vehicle controller is further programmed to receive a distance data signal representing a distance to an object from the sensor; and wherein the vehicle controller is further programmed to modify a motion characteristic of the vehicle based on the distance data signal such that, regardless of a command from the input device to move the portion of the vehicle to which the distance sensor is attached at a constant speed or at a speed that is faster than a current speed, the vehicle portion to which the distance sensor is attached progressively slows as it approaches the object to contact the object. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15)
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Specification