Abstract: A GNSS control system and method are provided for guiding, navigating and controlling a motive component, such as a tractor, and a working component, such as an implement. A vector position/heading sensor is mounted on the motive component and includes multiple antennas connected to a GNSS receiver. The sensor also includes inertial sensors and a direction sensor, which are connected to a microprocessor of a steering control module (SCM). The SCM can be hot swapped among different vehicles and can interface with their respective original, onboard control systems. The implement can be provided with an optional GNSS antenna, receiver or both, and can be guided independently of the motive component. The SCM can be preprogrammed to guide the vehicle over a field in operating modes including straight line, contour, concentric circle and point+direction.

Abstract: An articulated equipment position control system and method are provided for equipment consisting of motive and working components. The components are connected by an articulated connector, such as a pivotal hitch. GPS-derived positional data is utilized for power-articulating the hitch to maintain the working component, such as an implement, on a predetermined course. Operator-inducted course deviations can thus be corrected. The working component can also be positioned to follow the course of the movive component. The system includes a microprocessor control subsystem, which interfaces with a steering guidance system.

Abstract: An automatic steering system and method are provided for a vehicle including an hydraulic primary steering system. The automatic steering system includes a guidance module with a GPS receiver and a microprocessor adapted to process and store GPS data defining travel paths, which can be associated with a cultivated field in an agricultural vehicle application. An automatic steering module is connected to the guidance module and to a steering valve control block, which provides pressurized hydraulic fluid in parallel with the vehicle's primary hydrostatic steering system. The automatic steering system utilizes a constant factor, such as steering rate, for predictability and simplicity in the operation of the automatic steering system. A feedback loop from the vehicle hydrostatic steering system uses the vehicle's actual turning rate for comparison with a desired turning rate.