Abstract: A self-calibrating Global Positioning System (GPS) reference station and method for operating the reference station. The reference station includes a station frame, a GPS receiver and a controller mounted on the station frame. The controller upon power up, determines if the reference station has been moved and determines a new reference position of the reference station if the reference station has been moved. The GPS receiver is then placed into a reference station mode.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is shown for determining the position of a rowcrop in a field being traversed by a mobile machine. The apparatus and method includes a ground penetrating radar (GPR) assembly located on the mobile machine, a processor for receiving a GPR receive signal from the GPR assembly and determining the position of the rowcrop, and a work implement attached to the mobile machine and adapted to move in a direction transverse the longitudinal direction of the mobile machine in response to the location of the rowcrop.

Abstract: A communications system and method for fleets of earthworking machines. The system and method includes a global communications level for communicating over long range distances, at least one site communications level for communicating over medium range distances, and at least one theater communications level for communicating over short range distances. The system and method also includes at least one local communications level for communicating between earthworking machines, and a fleet manager for coordinating communications of the earthworking machines as a function of at least one of the global communications level, the site communications level, the theater communications level, and the local communications level.

Abstract: A base station receives GPS signals from GPS satellites and transmits a combined differential GPS (DGPS) signal and a command signal. At least one pseudolite receives the DGPS and command signals and combines the DGPS and command signals with a pseudo-GPS signal. A GPS receiver on a mobile machine receives GPS signals from GPS satellites, and the combined signal from the pseudolite. The position signals are delivered to a machine position processor to generate a machine position signal. The command signals are delivered to a machine control processor to generate a machine control signal. The machine position signal and the machine control signal are delivered to a machine navigator to control the mobile machine.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for determining the location of rows of seedlings planted during agricultural production is provided. The apparatus senses the position of a planting machine 102 during a planting operation. The apparatus transforms the planting machine position to seedling row locations and creates a database of the locations.In another aspect of the present invention, a method for determining the location of row of seedlings planted during agricultural production is provided. The method includes the steps of planting seedlings using a planting machine, sensing the position the planting machine and transforming the machine position to seedling row locations.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the navigation of surface based vehicle uses a route that is obtained by manually driving the vehicle over the route to collect data defining the absolute position of the vehicle at various positions along the route. The collected data is smoothed to provide a consistent route to be followed. The smoothed data is subsequently used to automatically guide the vehicle over the route.

Abstract: A method for determining a series of work cycles for an earthmoving machine is disclosed. The method includes the steps of determining a plurality of parameters, modeling a volume of material to be moved, planning a series of work cycles to move the volume of material, and determining a level of productivity of the series of work cycles. The method also includes the steps of repeating the above steps a predetermined number of times and choosing an optimal series of work cycles to move the volume of material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring in real time the removal of material from a land site such as a mine by a mobile machine. A digitized three-dimensional model of the site is stored in a digital data storage and retrieval facility. The site model includes a model of the material to be removed subdivided into regions of differentiating characteristics, for example ore grade or type. The machine is provided with means for generating digital signals representing in real time the instantaneous position in three-dimensional space of at least a portion of the machine as it traverses the site. Loading signals are generated corresponding to the removal of material from the site by the machine, and an instantaneous loading position for the mobile machine relative to the site is recorded in response to the loading signal. The invention preferably includes a payload measurement system which measures each discrete load of material removed.

Abstract: A system (400) for positioning and navigating an autonomous vehicle (310) allows the vehicle (310) to travel between locations. Position information (432) is derived from global positioning system satellites (200, 202, 204, and 206) or other sources (624) when the satellites (200, 202, 204, and 206) are not in the view of the vehicle (310). Navigation of the vehicle (310) is obtained using the position information (432), route information (414), obstacle detection and avoidance data (416), and on board vehicle data (908 and 910).

Abstract: A system for generating a path allows a vehicle to traverse a predetermined route. The system stores route data for the predetermined route. The route data identifies a series of contiguous path segments that form the predetermined route. The route data also identifies a series of nodes located at the beginning and the end of the predetermined route and between adjacent path segments. Each path segment represents a series of postures along the predetermined route. Each posture identifies a position, a heading, and a curvature for the vehicle at a particular point along the predetermined route. The system stores the path segments and nodes as compressed path data. In one embodiment, the compressed path data is a function that is continuous in posture, i.e., continuous in position, heading and curvature. The system retrieves the compressed path data and generates a series of postures from the retrieved compressed path data to allow the vehicle to traverse the predetermined route.

Abstract: An apparatus coupled to a work machine for assisting the work machine in removing a first layer of material from a second layer of material is provided. The work machine includes a work implement with a cutting portion. The work implement is elevationally movably connected to the work machine. The cutting portion extends in a direction transverse the longitudinal axis of the work machine. An electromagnetic unit, connected to the work machine, delivers electromagnetic radiation towards the surface, receives a reflection of the delivered electromagnetic radiation, and delivers a responsive first signal. The electromagnetic radiation penetrates the first layer of material and reflects off of the second layer of material. A controller receives the first signal, determines the distance between the electromagnetic unit and the second layer of material and responsively produces a distance signal. An implement controller receives the distance signal and responsively actuates the work implement relative to the frame.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for directing the operations of multiple geography-altering machines on a common work site relative to one another. Position information from several machines is shared to generate a common, dynamically-updated site database showing the machines' relative positions and site progress in real time. The common site database is used to direct the operation of one machine with respect to another machine or machines, for example by generating an operator display of the site showing relative machine position and total machine work on the site. The operator can accordingly adjust the machine's operation to avoid interference with other machines or unnecessary overlap of work on the site. The information can also be used to coordinate the operations of several machines in complementary fashion. Machine position information can be broadcast from the machines to the site database to create a common, dynamically-updated database which is then shared with one or more of the machines.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an autonomously navigated vehicle uses a vehicle manager to control vehicle subsystems and to respond to commands from either a vehicle navigation system or a remote control panel. The vehicle manager controls vehicle subsystems including a speed control subsystem, a steering control subsystem, an auxiliary control subsystem, and a monitor subsystem. The speed control subsystem controls the speed of the vehicle in response to a speed command from the vehicle manager. The steering control subsystem controls the steering angle of the vehicle in response to a steering command from the vehicle manager. The auxiliary control subsystem controls auxiliary functions of the vehicle in response to an auxiliary command from the vehicle manager. The monitor subsystem monitors the status of each of the other subsystems and provides the status to the vehicle manager.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a surface-based vehicle provides three operational modes: a manual operation, a tele-operation, and an autonomous operation. In manual operation, an operator directly manipulates vehicle controls on the vehicle. In tele-operation, the operator controls the vehicle from a remote position. In autonomous operation, the vehicle controls itself based on its position and a predetermined path. The apparatus and method of the present invention provides an orderly transition between manual operation, tele-operation, and autonomous operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating geography-altering machinery such as a track-type tractor, road grader, paver or the like relative to a work site to alter the geography of the site toward a desired condition. A first digital three-dimensional model of the desired site geography, and a second digital three-dimensional model of the actual site geography are stored in a digital data storage facility. The machine is equipped with a position receiver to determine in three-dimensional space the location of the machine relative to the site. A dynamic database receives the machine position information, determines the difference between the first and second site models and generates representational signals of that difference for directing the operation of the machine to bring the actual site geography into conformity with the desired site geography.

Abstract: Systems and methods allow for the accurate determination of the terrestrial position of an autonomous vehicle in real time. A first position estimate of the vehicle 102 is derived from satellites of a global positioning system and/or a pseudolite(s). The pseudolite(s) may be used exclusively when the satellites are not in the view of the vehicle. A second position estimate is derived from an inertial reference unit and/or a vehicle odometer. The first and second position estimates are combined and filtered using novel techniques to derive a more accurate third position estimate of the vehicle's position. Accordingly, accurate autonomous navigation of the vehicle can be effectuated using the third position estimate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for navigating a vehicle along a predetermined route use route data and path data to define the predetermined route. The route data represents one or more contiguous path segments between adjacent nodes along the predetermined route. The path data includes postures of the vehicle along each of the path segments. The postures define the desired position, heading, curvature and speed of vehicle at various locations along the path segments. The apparatus and method use the posture information to generate and track a path thereby allowing the vehicle to navigate along the predetermined route.

Abstract: A system (400) for positioning and navigating an autonomous vehicle (310) allows the vehicle (310) to travel between locations. Position information (432) is derived from global positioning system satellites (200, 202, 204, and 206) or other sources (624) when the satellites (200, 202, 204, and 206) are not in the view of the vehicle (310). Navigation of the vehicle (310) is obtained using the position information (432), route information (414), obstacle detection and avoidance data (416), and on board vehicle data (908 and 910).

Abstract: An automatic object responsive control system for a work implement has a ground penetrating device mounted for sensing subsurface objects, an object detecting device for determining the undesirability of the object, and an implement control system for automatically elevationally raising the implement in response to an undesirable object being located elevationally between the implement and the ground penetrating device. The automatic object responsive control system is particularly suited for use on a geographic surface altering machine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spatial positioning and measurement system and a reference station for determining the instantaneous position of a dynamic reference point. The reference station emits a primary laser beam, determines the terrestrial position of a local reference point located on the reference station using a satellite based global positioning system and transmits the terrestrial position. The system detects the primary laser beam and the terrestrial position of the local reference point and responsively determining the terrestrial position of the dynamic reference point.