M.a.n. Maschinenfabrik Augsburg-Nurnberg A.g.

Michael Stieber

Gunther Dreher

Peter Meinke

A method and device for automatically steering a trackless vehicle along a routing or guide line. A scanner senses the position of the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle with respect to the guide line and produces a position signal. A datum transmitter produces a datum signal. A comparator compares the two signals and produces a difference signal which is used by a control unit to produce a steering signal. In producing the steering signal, the device distinguishes between influences on the vehicle position caused by interference, e.g., wind gusts and rough roads, and influences caused by curvature of the guide line. The steering signal causes adjustment of the steering angle of the vehicle to minimize the distance between a reference point on the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle and the guide line.

Method and device for automatically steering a vehicle

A method of sensing the curvature of a routing or guide line used in automatic steering of a vehicle. The actual position of the vehicle with respect to the guide line is determined, and an estimated position of the vehicle with respect to the guide line is determined by means of a vehicle model. The actual and estimated positions are compared to obtain the difference between them, the difference being an indication of the curvature of the guide line.

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Weston, Canada

Michael Stieber