Drift sensor for land vehicles
First Claim
1. In an automatic guided land vehicle of the type that includes a navigation device for integrated navigation for detecting remotely-spaced sequential correction points fitted into a floor or roadway covering defining a predetermined route to assist tracking and maintain navigation accuracy by the use of a navigation algorithm, the improvement comprising, in combination:
- a) said land vehicle including a sensor for generating a signal independent of said navigation device; and
b) said sensor including means comprising a trailing wheel for detecting the drift angle and path difference resulting from movements occurring transverse to the longitudinal axis of said vehicle; and
c) said navigation algorithm being arranged to provide a course correction based, in part, upon the output of said sensor.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A sensor is provided on the vehicle of a driverless transport system. The sensor is based on the principle of a computer mouse for ascertaining either a drift angle Δα or the transverse movement is detected as a path difference Δq whereby lateral drift due, for example, to roadway covering irregularities and to curves, is detected directly. A considerable improvement in the tracking accuracy of driverless transport vehicles is thereby provided.
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Citations
4 Claims
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1. In an automatic guided land vehicle of the type that includes a navigation device for integrated navigation for detecting remotely-spaced sequential correction points fitted into a floor or roadway covering defining a predetermined route to assist tracking and maintain navigation accuracy by the use of a navigation algorithm, the improvement comprising, in combination:
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a) said land vehicle including a sensor for generating a signal independent of said navigation device; and
b) said sensor including means comprising a trailing wheel for detecting the drift angle and path difference resulting from movements occurring transverse to the longitudinal axis of said vehicle; and
c) said navigation algorithm being arranged to provide a course correction based, in part, upon the output of said sensor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
a) a first friction roller; and
b) a second friction roller, said roller being arranged in accordance with the principle of the computer mouse.
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3. A driverless land vehicle as defined in claim 1 wherein said means further includes:
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a) a first friction ball; and
b) a second friction ball, said ball being arranged in accordance with the principle of the computer mouse.
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4. An automatic guided land vehicle as defined in claim 1 wherein said navigation algorithm derives vehicle alignment error corrected for measured movements transverse to the longitudinal axis of said vehicle.
Specification