초록 ▼

A first form line is defined using two or more terrestrial locations. The first form line may be predefined or may be defined by user during a spraying operation. A second form line is then computed using positioning data obtained while following the first form line and a swathing offset correspondi

A first form line is defined using two or more terrestrial locations. The first form line may be predefined or may be defined by user during a spraying operation. A second form line is then computed using positioning data obtained while following the first form line and a swathing offset corresponding to the width of a spray pattern. The second form line is updated according to one or more deviations from the computed path. The deviations may correspond to operator inputted corrections which allow for obstacle avoidance, etc. The updating generally occurs by following the second form line as defined by the positioning data and the swathing offset and then deviating from the second form line to accommodate one or more terrain features. New GPS data is collected during these steps of following and deviating from the second form line and new positions are computed from the new GPS data. Finally, the updated second form line is defined using the new positions computed from the new GPS data. A further form line may then be defined using the updated second form line information and the swathing offset. A form line following apparatus may include a vehicle fitted with a GPS receiver configured to receive GPS data and GPS correction information and to compute form line following information therefrom. The form line following apparatus may also include a display device configured to receive and display the form line following information.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of form line following, comprising the steps of:defining a first form line using two or more terrestrial locations;defining a second form line using positioning data derived from GPS data and a swathing offset; andupdating said second form line according to one o

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of form line following, comprising the steps of:defining a first form line using two or more terrestrial locations;defining a second form line using positioning data derived from GPS data and a swathing offset; andupdating said second form line according to one or more deviations from said second form line by following said second form line defined by said positioning data and said swathing offset, deviating from said second form line to accommodate one or more terrain features, collecting new GPS data during said steps of following and deviating and computing one or more positions therefrom, and defining an updated second form line using said positions.