Abstract: A global navigation satellite sensor system (GNSS) and gyroscope control system for vehicle steering control comprising a GNSS receiver and antennas at a fixed spacing to determine a vehicle position, velocity and at least one of a heading angle, a pitch angle and a roll angle based on carrier phase position differences. The roll angle facilitates correction of the lateral motion induced position errors resultant from motion of the antennae as the vehicle moves based on an offset to ground and the roll angle. The system also includes a control system configured to receive the vehicle position, heading, and at least one of roll and pitch, and configured to generate a steering command to a vehicle steering system. The system includes gyroscopes for determining system attitude change with respect to multiple axes for integrating with GNSS-derived positioning information to determine vehicle position, velocity, rate-of-turn, attitude and other operating characteristics.

Abstract: A GNSS system includes a receiver connected to an external mass storage device. Applications for the system, including GNSS data processing methods are also disclosed. The external storage device can comprise a flash (thumb) drive, which can be connected to the receiver via a USB interconnection.

Abstract: A raster-based system for GNSS guidance includes a vehicle-mounted GNSS antenna and receiver. A processor provides guidance and/or autosteering commands based on GNSS-defined pixels forming a grid representing an area to be treated, such as a field. Specific guidance and chemical application methods are provided based on the pixel-defined treatment areas and preprogrammed chemical application prescription maps, which can include variable chemical application rates and dynamic control of the individual nozzles of a sprayer.

Abstract: A machine control system and method includes an on-board GPS receiver, an on-board processor adapted to store a preplanned guide pattern and a guidance device. The processor includes a comparison function for comparing the vehicle GPS position with a line segment of the preplanned guide pattern. The processor controls the guidance device for guiding the vehicle along the line segment. Various guide pattern modification functions are programmed into the processor, including best-fit polynomial correction, spline correction, turn-flattening to accommodate minimum vehicle turning radii and automatic end-of-swath keyhole turning.

Abstract: An integrated dead reckoning (DR) and GNSS/INS control system and method are provided for guiding, navigating and controlling vehicles and equipment. A controller generally prioritizes GNSS navigation when satellite signals are available. Upon signal interruption, DR guidance can be integrated with INS to continue autosteering and other automated functions. Exemplary applications include logistics operations where ships, cranes and stacked containers can block satellite signals.

Abstract: A chassis partition framework is provided for configuring a personal cluster computer that has a head-node mainboard, a first compute-node mainboard, a second compute-node mainboard, a third compute-node mainboard and a fourth compute-node mainboard. The chassis partition framework mainly includes a top chamber, a left chamber and a right chamber. The top chamber is for configuring the head-node mainboard horizontally. The left and right chambers located under the top chamber are for vertically configuring the first and second compute-node mainboards and the third and fourth compute-node mainboards respectively in face-to-face alignment, with the second and third compute-node mainboards standing in back-to-back alignment. Therefore, the mechanical problems of the conventional blade-type personal cluster computer about heat-dissipation, noise-reduction, expansibility and space-arrangement may be improved through the chassis partition framework.

Abstract: An adaptive guidance system for a vehicle includes an on-board GPS receiver, an on-board processor adapted to store a preplanned guide pattern and a guidance device. The processor includes a comparison function for comparing the vehicle GPS position with a line segment of the preplanned guide pattern. The processor controls the guidance device for guiding the vehicle along the line segment. Various guide pattern modification functions are programmed into the processor, including best-fit polynomial correction, spline correction, turn-flattening to accommodate minimum vehicle turning radii and automatic end-of-swath keyhole turning.

Abstract: A method for locating GNSS-defined points, distances, directional attitudes and closed geometric shapes includes the steps of providing a base with a base GNSS antenna and providing a rover with a rover GNSS antenna and receiver. The receiver is connected to the rover GNSS antenna and is connected to the base GNSS antenna by an RF cable. The receiver thereby simultaneously processes signals received at the antennas. The method includes determining a vector directional arrow from the differential positions of the antennas and calculating a distance between the antennas, which can be sequentially chained together for determining a cumulative distance in a “digital tape measure” mode of operation. A localized RTK surveying method uses the rover antenna for determining relative or absolute point locations. A system includes a base with an antenna, a rover with an antenna and a receiver, with the receiver being connected to the antennas.

Abstract: A dual-board case for multi-mainboard system includes a rectangular-sectioned tubular housing, in which two track sets are provided; and two mainboard trays being movably mounted on the two track sets to locate at an interior of two opposite lateral walls of the tubular housing. Each of the two mainboard trays has a loading surface, on which a mainboard is mounted; and the two mainboard trays are mounted on the track sets with their loading surfaces and accordingly, the two mainboards mounted thereon facing toward each other. Therefore, the dual-board case allows a multi-mainboard system to have optimal spatial arrangement to achieve best heat-dissipation efficiency and largely reduce noises.

Abstract: A GNSS-based, bidirectional mobile communication system includes a mobile unit, such as a vehicle or a personal mobile system, with GNSS (e.g., GPS) and Internet (worldwide web) access. A base station also has GNSS and Internet access, and provides differential (e.g., DGPS) correctors to the mobile unit via the Internet. The Internet communications link enables audio and/or video (AV) clips to be recorded and played back by the mobile unit based on its GNSS location. The playback function can be triggered by the mobile unit detecting a predetermined GNSS location associated with a particular clip, which can be GNSS position-stamped when recorded. Alternatively, clips can be generated by utilities and loaded by the application either from a personal computer or automatically over the Internet. Moreover, maps, vehicle travel paths and images associated with particular GNSS-defined locations, such as waypoints, can be updated and position-stamped on the data server.

Abstract: A visual, GNSS and INSS (gyro) system for autosteering control uses crop row and furrow row edge visual detection in an agricultural application in order to closely track the actual crop rows. Alternatively, previous vehicle tracks can be visually detected and followed in a tramline following operating mode. GNSS and inertial (gyroscopic) input subsystems are also provided for supplementing the video input subsystem, for example when visual references are lost. Crop damage is avoided or at least minimized by avoiding overdriving the existing crops. Other applications include equipment control in logistics operations.

Abstract: A global navigation satellite sensor system (GNSS) and gyroscope control system for vehicle steering control comprising a GNSS receiver and antennas at a fixed spacing to determine a vehicle position, velocity and at least one of a heading angle, a pitch angle and a roll angle based on carrier phase position differences. The roll angle facilitates correction of the lateral motion induced position errors resultant from motion of the antennae as the vehicle moves based on an offset to ground and the roll angle. The system also includes a control system configured to receive the vehicle position, heading, and at least one of roll and pitch, and configured to generate a steering command to a vehicle steering system. The system includes gyroscopes for determining system attitude change with respect to multiple axes for integrating with GNSS-derived positioning information to determine vehicle position, velocity, rate-of-turn, attitude and other operating characteristics.

Abstract: A dielectric insulated mechanical switch is coupled to a capacitive energy storage arrangement and a pulse forming network. The dielectric insulated mechanical switch is immersed in a dielectric substance. A controller is coupled to the dielectric insulated mechanical switch. The controller is programmed to selectively open and close the dielectric insulated mechanical switch so as to supply energy stored in the capacitive energy storage device to the pulse forming network and thereby form a high voltage energy pulse.

Abstract: A power switch device and method for a cluster computer is described. A power input circuit receives plural input powers and plural state signals corresponding to the input powers. A first output circuit supplies the input powers to a head node and at least one compute node. A second output circuit supplies the input powers to the head node. A gate produces a switch signal according to the state signals. According to the switch signal, a switch module connects the power input circuit to the first output circuit or the second output circuit. And a spare power module, connected to the first and second output circuits, stores a spare power charged from the first output circuit and supplies the spare power to the second output circuit during a switch period.

Abstract: A method for steering an agricultural vehicle comprising: receiving global positioning system (GPS) data including position and velocity information corresponding to at least one of a position, velocity, and course of the vehicle; receiving a yaw rate signal; and computing a compensated heading, the compensated heading comprising a blend of the yaw rate signal with heading information based on the GPS data. For each desired swath comprising a plurality of desired positions and desired headings, the method also comprises: computing an actual track and a cross track error from the desired swath based on the compensated heading and the position; calculating a desired radius of curvature to arrive at the desired track with a desired heading; and generating a steering command based on the desired radius of curvature to a steering mechanism, the steering mechanism configured to direct the vehicle.

Abstract: A GNSS system includes a receiver connected to an external mass storage device. Applications for the system, including GNSS data processing methods are also disclosed. The external storage device can comprise a flash (thumb) drive, which can be connected to the receiver via a USB interconnection.

Abstract: An openable dual-board case for multi-mainboard system includes a rectangular tubular body assembled from two bent plates connected together via a pivoting structure, so that the two bent plates are pivotally turnably about the pivoting structure relative to each other to open or close the tubular body. With the openable tubular body, necessary system assembling, dismounting, maintaining, and repairing can be conveniently and efficiently performed. Moreover, two mainboards may be separately mounted on two opposite interiors of the bent plates to face toward each other. Therefore, the openable dual-board case allows a multi-mainboard system to have optimal spatial arrangement to achieve best heat-dissipation efficiency and largely reduce noises.

Abstract: A system for generating a high voltage energy pulse comprises a capacitive energy storage arrangement that is coupled to a direct current (DC) power supply. The capacitive energy storage arrangement stores energy from the power supply. The system also includes a pulse forming network for forming frequency contents of a high voltage energy pulse. A dielectric insulated mechanical switch is coupled to the capacitive energy storage arrangement and the pulse forming network. The dielectric insulated mechanical switch is immersed in a dielectric substance. A controller is coupled to the dielectric insulated mechanical switch. The controller is programmed to selectively open and close the dielectric insulated mechanical switch so as to supply energy stored in the capacitive energy storage device to the pulse forming network and thereby form the high voltage energy pulse.

Abstract: A global navigation satellite sensor system (GNSS) and gyroscope control system for vehicle steering control comprising a GNSS receiver and antennas at a fixed spacing to determine a vehicle position, velocity and at least one of a heading angle, a pitch angle and a roll angle based on carrier phase position differences. The roll angle facilitates correction of the lateral motion induced position errors resultant from motion of the antennae as the vehicle moves based on an offset to ground and the roll angle. The system also includes a control system configured to receive the vehicle position, heading, and at least one of roll and pitch, and configured to generate a steering command to a vehicle steering system. The system includes gyroscopes for determining system attitude change with respect to multiple axes for integrating with GNSS-derived positioning information to determine vehicle position, velocity, rate-of-turn, attitude and other operating characteristics.

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.