Patent ID: 7593811
Filing Date: 2009-09-22
Classification: G05D

Abstract:
1. A method for following of a lead vehicle with a following vehicle, the method comprising: transmitting a first transmission signal from a transmitter at a lead vehicle toward a first beacon associated with a following vehicle; communicating between the first beacon and a second beacon spaced apart from the first beacon by a known distance; transmitting a second transmission signal from the second beacon to the lead vehicle; determining a first elapsed time between the transmission of the first transmission signal to a first beacon; determining a second elapsed time between the transmission of the second transmission signal from the second beacon to the lead vehicle; converting the first elapsed time into a first distance between the transmitter and the first beacon; converting the second elapsed time into a second distance between the transmitter and the second beacon; and controlling a heading of the following vehicle to maintain a first distance substantially equal to a second distance; and controlling a speed of the following vehicle to maintain at least one of a desired first distance and a desired second distance.