The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 08, 1997
Filed:
May. 01, 1995
Adam J Gudat, Elelstein, IL (US);
Karl W Kleimenhagen, Peoria, IL (US);
Dana A Christensen, Peoria, IL (US);
Carl A Kemner, Peoria Heights, IL (US);
Walter J Bradbury, Peoria, IL (US);
Craig L Koehrsen, Peoria, IL (US);
Christos T Kyrtsos, Peoria, IL (US);
Norman K Lay, Peoria, IL (US);
Joel L Peterson, Peoria, IL (US);
Larry E Schmidt, Peoria, IL (US);
Darrell E Stafford, Dunlap, IL (US);
Louis J Weinbeck, Peoria, IL (US);
Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US);
Abstract
An apparatus and method for controlling a surface-based vehicle provides three operational modes: a manual operation, a tele-operation, and an autonomous operation. In manual operation, an operator directly manipulates vehicle controls on the vehicle. In tele-operation, the operator controls the vehicle from a remote position. In autonomous operation, the vehicle controls itself based on its position and a predetermined path. The apparatus and method of the present invention provides an orderly transition between manual operation, tele-operation, and autonomous operation of the vehicle.