초록 ▼

Disclosed is an electro-optical and microcomputer based method and apparatus for automatically guiding tractors and other farm machinery for the purpose of automatic crop planting, tending and harvesting. Also disclosed are means for automatic picking, excavating and other off-road uses in relativel

Disclosed is an electro-optical and microcomputer based method and apparatus for automatically guiding tractors and other farm machinery for the purpose of automatic crop planting, tending and harvesting. Also disclosed are means for automatic picking, excavating and other off-road uses in relatively confined areas.

대표청구항 ▼

A method of automatically controlling the operation of tractors, combines and other agricultural machinery in a field comprising the steps of: sensing a characteristic of the field adjacent the machinery with a first electro-optical sensor located on the machinery; determining a desired steering, th

A method of automatically controlling the operation of tractors, combines and other agricultural machinery in a field comprising the steps of: sensing a characteristic of the field adjacent the machinery with a first electro-optical sensor located on the machinery; determining a desired steering, throttle position, or other control function of the machinery from the sensed characteristic using a microcomputer located on the machinery, the microcomputer being programmed for terrain, field size, crop type, or other appropriate variable of the field; determining the position of the machinery in the field relative to a reference point using a second electro-optical sensor and a target, one of the sensor and target being located at the reference point and the other on the machinery; and automatically actuating the steering, throttle, or other control function to guide the machinery in a desired manner of operation.