System for controlling operation of a machine
AssigneeCaterpillar Inc.
InventorNicolas François-Xavier Christophe Vandapel
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A perception system for an autonomous machine to be hauled by a towing vehicle includes sensors that are configured to determine characteristics of an environment associated with the machine. Such characteristics associated with the machine include at least structural characteristics of the towing vehicle. The sensors are further configured to detect a presence of the towing vehicle on a job site, an orientation of the towing vehicle on the job site, and a loading end of the towing vehicle. The perception system further includes a controller that is communicably coupled to each of the sensors. The controller is configured to actuate movement of the machine in relation to the towing vehicle based on the characteristics of the environment determined by the sensors.
Claims20
A perception system for an autonomous machine hauled by a towing vehicle, the system comprising:
- a plurality of sensors configured to determine characteristics of an environment associated with the machine, the characteristics of the environment associated with the machine including at least structural characteristics of the towing vehicle, wherein the plurality of sensors are further configured to detect at least one of:
- a presence of the towing vehicle on a job site;
- an orientation of the towing vehicle on the job site;
- and
- a loading end of the towing vehicle;
- and
- a controller communicably coupled to the plurality of sensors, the controller configured to actuate movement of the machine in relation to the towing vehicle based on the characteristics of the environment determined by the plurality of sensors.
A machine comprising:
- a frame;
- at least one ground engaging member rotatably coupled to the frame, the at least one ground engaging member configured to selectively propel the machine in relation to a towing vehicle;
- a plurality of sensors disposed on the frame, the plurality of sensors being configured to determine characteristics of an environment associated with the machine, the characteristics associated with the machine including at least structural characteristics of the towing vehicle, wherein the plurality of sensors are further configured to detect at least one of:
- a presence of the towing vehicle on a job site;
- an orientation of the towing vehicle on the job site;
- and
- a loading end of the towing vehicle;
- and
- a controller communicably coupled to the plurality of sensors, the controller configured to actuate movement of the machine in relation to the towing vehicle based on the characteristics of the environment determined by the plurality of sensors.
A method of guiding movement of a machine in relation to a towing vehicle, the method comprising:
- determining, by a plurality of sensors, characteristics of an environment associated with the machine, the determined characteristics of the environment including at least structural characteristics of the towing vehicle;
- and
- actuating movement of the machine, by a controller, in relation to the towing vehicle based on the characteristics of the environment determined by the plurality of sensors, wherein the controller is communicably coupled to the sensors.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.