Computer-implemented method and system for dynamically positioning a vehicle relative to another vehicle in motion for on-the-fly offloading operations

Abstract

Computer-implemented methods and systems are disclosed for automatically positioning a moving first vehicle relative to a moving second vehicle traveling in a given area. The method includes the steps of: (a) tracking the second vehicle and guiding the first vehicle to attain a given position relative to the second vehicle; and (b) controlling the first vehicle to maintain a generally constant speed such that an operator of the second vehicle can adjust the speed of the second vehicle to correspondingly adjust a relative position of the second vehicle to the first vehicle in a direction of movement of the first and second vehicles, and controlling the first vehicle to maintain a given distance from the second vehicle in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction of movement of the first and second vehicles by tracking the second vehicle.