Patent ID: 6539303
Filing Date: 2003-03-25
Classification: A01B,G01C,G01S,G05D

Abstract:
A guidance method for guiding a vehicle and comprising the steps of:(a) storing data defining a vehicle path in a guidance controller; (b) moving a vehicle in spatial relation to said path; (c) detecting a position of said vehicle in relation to said path using a position detecting system; (d) automatically selecting, by said controller, a future intercept point on said path; (e) generating a steering signal having a steering parameter substantially proportional to a steering angle which would cause said vehicle to intercept said intercept point; (f) steering said vehicle toward said intercept point in response to said steering signal, keeping the same vehicle path; and (g) periodically repeating steps (c), (d), (e), and (f) to thereby place or maintain said vehicle on said vehicle path.