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: 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-induced course deviations can thus be corrected. The working component can also be positioned to follow the course of the motive component. The system includes a microprocessor control subsystem, which interfaces with a steering guidance system.