Patent ID: 7499155
Filing Date: 2009-03-03
Classification: A01D,G01C,G01S,G05D

Abstract:
1. A guidance system for ground borne vehicles comprising a stationary unit, the stationary unit including a pointing device supported on a pan and tilt mechanism, the pointing device including a laser selectively emitting a modulated light signal, the pointing device further including a range finding mechanism, a roving unit, the roving unit comprising a light detecting apparatus providing feedback information to a controller coupled to the roving unit, the feedback information indicating receipt of the modulated light signal by the light detecting apparatus, the controller coupled to the stationary unit, the controller controlling a pan and a tilt of the pan and tilt mechanism to direct the modulated light signal toward the light detecting apparatus, the range finding mechanism determining spacial separation of the roving unit from the stationary unit, the range finding mechanism communicating spacial separation data to the controller, the controller controlling movement of the roving unit to maintain the modulated light signal upon the light detecting apparatus.