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Systems and Methods for Autonomous Equipment Operation Where GPS Not Available

  • US 20170280278A1
  • Filed: 03/24/2016
  • Published: 09/28/2017
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/24/2016
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A system for autonomous operation of equipment in an environment inaccessible to global positioning system (GPS) signals, the system comprising:

  • a plurality of location controllers configured to be arranged in the environment, at least one of the plurality of location controllers operable to be configured as a master location controller, each one of the location controllers including;

    a ranging transmitter/receiver configured to measure controller distance to another one of the location controllers to map the environment, and measure equipment distance to the equipment to determine the equipment'"'"'s location;

    a communication transmitter/receiver configured to transmit the measured controller distance to the master controller, and transmit directional commands to the equipment; and

    a control module configured to operate the ranging transmitter/receiver and the communication transmitter/receiver;

    wherein the master location controller is configured to;

    build a map of the environment based on the measured controller distances;

    detect entry and exit of the equipment into the environment;

    transmit a signal to the communication transmitter/receiver of each one of the plurality of location controllers to notify the plurality of location controllers of the entry and exit of the equipment; and

    transmit the map to at least one of the equipment and an equipment control center;

    wherein the plurality of location controllers transmit directional commands to the equipment to guide the equipment within the environment.

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