System for controlling a multimachine caravan
AssigneeCaterpillar Inc.
InventorJeffrey Edward Jensen
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A control system is disclosed. The control system includes a first set of operator input devices and a laser target located on a first machine. The control system also includes a first laser measurement system located on a second machine and configured to measure a distance to the laser target. The control system further includes a communications system configured to selectively communicate a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation. In the first mode of operation, the second machine follows the first machine based on the measured distance. In the second mode of operation, the second machine moves based on a signal from the first set of operator input devices.
Claims17
A control system, comprising:
- a first set of operator input devices located on a first machine;
- a first laser target located on the first machine;
- a first laser measurement system located on a second machine and configured to measure a distance to the first laser target;
- and
- a communications system configured to selectively communicate:
- from the first machine to the second machine a first mode of operation in which the second machine follows the first machine based on the measured distance;
- and
- from the first machine to the second machine a second mode of operation in which the second machine moves based on a signal from the first set of operator input devices.
A control system for a second machine, comprising:
- a laser measurement system located on the second machine, the laser measurement system configured to measure a distance to a first laser target located on a first machine;
- and
- a communications system located on the second machine, the communications system configured to selectively receive from the first machine:
- a selection of a first mode of operation in which the second machine follows the first machine based on the measured distance;
- and
- a selection of a second mode of operation in which the second machine moves based on control signals received from the first machine.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.