초록 ▼

This is an improved apparatus and method for guiding an automated guided vehicle, particularly a floor maintenance machine. This invention discloses electronic means which permit guiding the vehicle toward a point that is laterally offset a desired distance from a retroreflective target, generally i

This is an improved apparatus and method for guiding an automated guided vehicle, particularly a floor maintenance machine. This invention discloses electronic means which permit guiding the vehicle toward a point that is laterally offset a desired distance from a retroreflective target, generally in front of the machine, by reference to that target. A series of targets may be sequentially referenced in this manner. A floor area of extended width relative to the width of the machine can be treated by causing the machine to traverse the floor area in a series of passes from one end of the area to the other. The machine is guided during each pass by reference to each one in turn of a series of retroreflective targets located generally ahead of it, and maintains a selected lateral offset from each target. Changing the offset distance during successive passes allows treatment of the area while guiding off a single series of targets.

대표청구항 ▼

A method of automatically guiding a floor maintenance machine so as to treat a floor area of extended width relative to the machine width, comprising the steps of: placing a plurality of retroreflective targets at nonspecific distances in a row relative to the floor area to be treated; causing the f

A method of automatically guiding a floor maintenance machine so as to treat a floor area of extended width relative to the machine width, comprising the steps of: placing a plurality of retroreflective targets at nonspecific distances in a row relative to the floor area to be treated; causing the floor maintenance machine to traverse the floor area in a pass from one end of the floor area to the other; guiding the machine during the pass with reference to each target successively to maintain a predetermined offset distance from the row of targets; and successively changing the predetermined offset distance after completion of at least one pass so as to make the offset distance either more or less than the width of the machine, and; making additional passes at the successive offset distance until the enter floor area has been treated.