Vehicle control systems and methods
First Claim
Patent Images
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, and while the vehicle controller receives the command to move the portion of the vehicle, modifying a movement characteristic of the vehicle based on the distance data signal such that, regardless of whether the command from the input device to move the portion of the vehicle to which the distance sensor is attached commands a constant speed or a speed that is faster than a current speed, the vehicle controller causes the vehicle portion to which the distance sensor is attached to progressively slow until the vehicle portion contacts 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.
21 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, and while the vehicle controller receives the command to move the portion of the vehicle, modifying a movement characteristic of the vehicle based on the distance data signal such that, regardless of whether the command from the input device to move the portion of the vehicle to which the distance sensor is attached commands a constant speed or a speed that is faster than a current speed, the vehicle controller causes the vehicle portion to which the distance sensor is attached to progressively slow until the vehicle portion contacts 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, while receiving the motion command, modify a motion characteristic of the vehicle based on the distance data signal such that, regardless of whether the command from the input device to move the portion of the vehicle to which the distance sensor is attached commands a constant speed or at a speed that is faster than a current speed, such that the vehicle controller causes the vehicle portion to which the distance sensor is attached to progressively slow as it approaches the object to contact the object. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15)
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Specification