Caterpillar Inc.

Darin S Motz

Michael D Staub

Andrew Saxsma

Elliott E Plumer

A system and method for initiating autoguidance on a mobile machine when turning the machine at the end of a path. When an operator moves a steering mechanism of a mobile machine away from a straight travel position, the autoguidance typically deactivates so that the operator can control the machine through the turn. When the operator attempts to activate autoguidance as the turn is completed, the position of the steering mechanism is monitored for a predetermined time interval. If the position of the steering mechanism falls within a predetermined position zone, autoguidance remains activated; otherwise, autoguidance is deactivated. In addition, during the predetermined time interval, the direction of motion of the steering mechanism is monitored; if the direction is, at any time, away from the predetermined position zone, autoguidance is deactivated.

System and method for initializing autoguidance for a mobile machine

A system and method for providing autoguidance for an agricultural machine. The system includes a main machine control module to control steering of the agricultural machine, a position determining system, and a guidance map. The system also includes an autoguidance control module to receive a position signal from the position determining system and data from the guidance map, and responsively determine a current position and a desired path to traverse by the agricultural machine, wherein the desired path to traverse is determined with respect to rows of crop in a field, and wherein the main machine control module is adapted to receive a control signal from the autoguidance control module and control steering of the agricultural machine in response to activation of the autoguidance control module control signal.

Autoguidance system and method for an agricultural machine

The system includes a path planning system adapted to store a site model of the field. The site model includes data defining a plurality of parameters associated with the field. The path planning system is further adapted to receive information indicative of a work implement connected to the agricultural machine, and a desired work operation of the agricultural machine. A plurality of desired paths for the agricultural machine to traverse are planned as a function of the plurality of field parameters, the work implement, and the desired work operation. An autoguidance control system is adapted to receive the plurality of desired paths, and responsively produce a control signal upon activation of the autoguidance control system. A machine control system receives the control signal, and responsively controls the operation of the agricultural machine with respect to the plurality of desired paths.

System and method for planning the operations of an agricultural machine in a field

An apparatus and method for monitoring and coordinating the harvesting and transporting operations of an agricultural crop by multiple agricultural machines on a field is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first position determining system located on a first agricultural machine, a site database for storing a dynamic model of the field, and a harvest volume indicating system located on the first agricultural machine. A control system receives information from the first position determining system, the site database, and the harvest volume indicating system, and responsively determines an expected time at which the harvested crop will reach a predetermined desired level on the first agricultural machine.

Apparatus and method for monitoring and coordinating the harvesting and transporting operations of an agricultural crop by multiple agricultural machines on a field

A method and apparatus for providing autoguidance for a plurality of agricultural machines. Each agricultural machine has a work implement attached to it. The method includes the steps of determining a reference path by a first agricultural machine, communicating the location of the reference path to each remaining agricultural machine, and determining a plurality of desired paths parallel to the reference path by each of the plurality of agricultural machines. Each plurality of desired paths is determined as a function of the width of the corresponding work implement for each respective agricultural machine.

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Pekin, IL, United States of America

Darin S Motz