US 5,291,195 A · Target light for docking

Abstract

A docking target (10) includes three concentric circles (C1, C2, C3) each comprising a plurality of different color light emitting diodes (D1, D2, D3) spaced about the circumference of each circle (C1, C2, C3). During vehicle approach, each circle appears initially as a light spot, then a continuous ring of light and finally a plurality of independent light points at defined distances of the vehicle (14) from the station (12) so that the operator can determine distance of the vehicle (14) to the target (10). The light emitting diodes (D1, D2, D3) on each circle, when visible, provide attitude information of the vehicle (14) with respect to the station (12) by the intensities of the light emitting diodes (D1, D2, D3) and the geometric shape produced thereby so that the operator can adjust the attitude of the vehicle (14) with respect to the station (12).

Claims22

Dependent claims

A docking target mounted on a station for providing visual information enabling determination of attitude and distance of an approaching vehicle relative to the station over a range of distances to assist in the docking of the vehicle with the station, said target comprising:

a support (50),
first position indicating means (16) mounted on support (50) for continuously emitting light of a first predetermined luminous intensity visible to the approaching vehicle (14) to enable determination of a first subrange of distances between approaching vehicle (14) and said target, characterized by including
second position indicating means (24) mounted on support (50) adjacent said first indicating means (16) for continuously emitting light of a second and lesser predetermined luminous intensity visible to approaching vehicle (14) to enable determination of a second subrange of distances less than said first range between approaching vehicle (14) and said target (10) in conjunction with said first indicating means, wherein only said first position indicating means (16) is visible at said first subrange and both said first and said second position indicating means (16, 24) are visible at said second subrange, and further characterized by
said first position indicating means (16) and said second position indicating means (24) having geometric shapes, and being arranged with said second position indicating means (24) concentric about a common center with said first position indicating means (16).

1 more element

first position indicating means (16) for continuously emitting light of a first predetermined luminous intensity visible to the approaching vehicle (14) to enable determination of a first subrange of distances between the approaching vehicle (14) and said target, characterized by said first position indicating means (16) comprising a first plurality of light emitting means (D1) arranged about the circumference of a first circle (C1) for emitting visible light of a first color at said first luminous intensity such that said first plurality of light emitting means (D1) are visible as a solid light spot (18) of the first color at the threshold distance of said first subrange of distances, and by including
second position indicating means (24) adjacent said first indicating means (16) for continuously emitting light of a second and lesser predetermined luminous intensity visible to the approaching vehicle (14) to enable determination of a second subrange of distances less than said first range between the approaching vehicle (14) and said target (10) in conjunction with said first indicating means, wherein only said first position indicating means (16) is visible at said first subrange and both said first and said second position indicating means (16, 24) are visible at said second subrange,
said second position indicating means having a geometric shape, and being arranged concentric with said first position indicating means (16).

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Target light for docking

Life of this patent

Target light for docking

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims22