Patent ID: 6227495
Filing Date: 2001-05-08
Classification: B64G,G05D

Abstract:
A synchronized target subsystem for use in automated docking systems wherein a chase vehicle is docked with a target vehicle, said synchronized target subsystem comprising,a. a video camera carried by the chase vehicle for digitizing background and foreground frames,b. an image processing unit connected to the camera,c. a transmitter carried by the chase vehicle for directing a signal toward the target vehicle when the transmitter is actuated,d. a timing circuit connected to the image processing unit for actuating the video camera and the transmitter,e. a plurality of lights carried by the target vehicle,f. a receiving antenna carried by the target vehicle for generating power when the signal from the transmitter is received, andg. a power conditioning unit connected between the antenna and the lights for conditioning the power from the antenna to a voltage suitable for operating the lights.