초록 ▼

A synchronized target subsystem for use in an automated docking system for docking a chase vehicle with a target vehicle wherein the chase vehicle is provided with a video camera for feeding digitized frames to an image processing unit which controls a timing circuit. The timing circuit turns on the

A synchronized target subsystem for use in an automated docking system for docking a chase vehicle with a target vehicle wherein the chase vehicle is provided with a video camera for feeding digitized frames to an image processing unit which controls a timing circuit. The timing circuit turns on the video camera to digitize a foreground frame and at the same time turns on a transmitter on the chase vehicle. A power generating antenna on the target vehicle receives the transmitted signal from the transmitter and actuates lights on the chase vehicle so that these lights appear in the foreground frame. After the foreground frame has been grabbed, the timing circuit turns the transmitter off and signals the video camera to digitize a background frame. The image processing unit subtracts the background frame from the foreground frame and provides a docking signal.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A synchronized target subsystem for use in automated docking systems wherein a chase vehicle is docked with a target vehicle, said synchronized target subsystem comprising,a. a video camera carried by the chase vehicle for digitizing background and foreground frames,b.

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A synchronized target subsystem for use in automated docking systems wherein a chase vehicle is docked with a target vehicle, said synchronized target subsystem comprising,a. a video camera carried by the chase vehicle for digitizing background and foreground frames,b. an image processing unit connected to the camera,c. a transmitter carried by the chase vehicle for directing a signal toward the target vehicle when the transmitter is actuated,d. a timing circuit connected to the image processing unit for actuating the video camera and the transmitter,e. a plurality of lights carried by the target vehicle,f. a receiving antenna carried by the target vehicle for generating power when the signal from the transmitter is received, andg. a power conditioning unit connected between the antenna and the lights for conditioning the power from the antenna to a voltage suitable for operating the lights.