Abstract: A method and apparatus for moving a machine having at least one drive wheel along a desired path includes detecting and storing data including a plurality of GPS locations linked to particular points along an entire desired path of travel of the machine during operation of the machine in a manual learn mode to traverse the entire desired path to be followed by the machine during subsequent operation in a robotic mode. The method and apparatus then operates the machine in the robotic mode by controlling the at least one drive wheel to move the machine along the desired path. In one embodiment, a fee is charged based on an amount of time the machine is operated.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 18, 2007
Date of Patent:
August 7, 2012
Assignee:
I-Guide Robotics, Inc.
Inventors:
Larry G. Durkos, Michael J. Blackburn, Kyle B. Ruddock, Richard S. Koressel, Thomas A. McCalley
Abstract: A control system is provided for automatically moving a machine along a desired path. The machine uses a “learn and follow” system in which the machine is first operated in a manual mode along a desired path. The control system learns the desired path and then operates the machine in a robotic mode to follow the desired path without operator control. If the machine moves away from the desired path when in the robotic mode, the location of the machine is corrected using GPS location signals.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 17, 2007
Date of Patent:
May 31, 2011
Assignee:
I-Guide Robotics, Inc.
Inventors:
Larry G. Durkos, Michael J. Blackburn, Kyle B. Ruddock, Richard S. Koressel, Thomas A. McCalley