Patent ID: 6456910
Filing Date: 2002-09-24
Classification: B63H,G05D

Abstract:
An autopilot for a vehicle, where the vehicle includes steering means capable of being in a range of positions, the autopilot comprising:A light source transmitter which emits light in a direction toward the vehicle, the light source transmitter located remote from the vehicle; At least two detecting sensors capable of detecting the emitted light, each detecting sensor having a data output; Data processing means for receiving data output from detecting sensors and calculating a desired vehicle course; means for controlling the steering means of the vehicle, said steering control means being operably controlled by the data processing means; and a user interface comprising signals for informing a user as to one or more of the following data: vehicle speed, vehicle direction of travel, vehicle distance from a point remote from the vehicle, vehicle course information, vehicle load information, light source orientation, light source signal strength, and orientation of the vehicle's steering means, the user interface capable of receiving data from the data processing means.