Patent ID: 6163745
Filing Date: 2000-12-19
Classification: G05D

Abstract:
A vehicle guidance system, for use with a vehicle which includes at least one steerable wheel and steering actuation means for steering each steerable wheel, the vehicle guidance system comprising: an elongate element aligned with a desired path for the vehicle, said elongate element being mounted along the path, and said elongate element comprising a first portion which includes a fluorescent material which absorbs radiation at a first frequency and radiates radiation at a second, lower frequency, and at least one other portion which includes a fluorescent material which absorbs radiation at the first frequency and radiates radiation at another frequency different from the second frequency and the frequency of radiation emitted from each other portion; illumination means for mounting on the vehicle and for illuminating the elongate element with radiation at the first frequency; detection means, for mounting on the vehicle, and for receiving and detecting radiation from the elongate element to provide positional information, indicating a position of the vehicle relative to the elongate element; a main control unit for determining the location of the vehicle relative to the desired path from the positional information from the detection means, and for controlling the steering actuation means to cause the vehicle to follow the desired path, the main control unit being adapted for connection to the detection means and the steering actuation means, and the detection means and the main control unit being adapted to distinguish between different frequencies of radiation radiated by said portions of the elongate element.