Marcus D Dawson

US Patent:

20100217526, Aug 26, 2010

Filed:

Feb 26, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/393144

Inventors:

R. Parker McElveen - Fort Worth TX, US
Michael I. Jones - Azle TX, US
Marcus D. Dawson - Fort Worth TX, US

Assignee:

LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION - BETHESDA MD

International Classification:

G05D 1/02
B64D 39/00

US Classification:

701300, 244135 A

Abstract:

The present inventions provides for a system and method to facilitate dynamic spatial positioning of a second vehicle in relation to a first vehicle autonomously. The system includes a first vehicle, a second vehicle, a light pattern located on the first vehicle, an imaging system, and a processor. The imaging system is located on the second vehicle and is operable to receive a signal from the light pattern while having a clear line of sight with the light pattern. Furthermore, the processor is in communication with the imaging system, such that the processor is operable to determine the spatial positioning between the first vehicle and the second vehicle. Additionally, the processor is further operable to communicate instructions to the second vehicle, such that the second vehicle can achieve the desired spatial positioning autonomously.