Unmanned vehicle controller with interchangeable function bridge modules
OwnerKevin Allen, Terry Peterson +6inventors
InventorsKevin Allen, Terry Peterson, Joe C. Fielding, Raymond Francisco, Andre Abelian, Charlotte A. Marelius, David D. Drobnis, John Ronquillo
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Abstract
Handheld, unmanned vehicle controllers including interchangeable function bridge modules attached to the grip handles of the controllers are described herein. Interchangeable function bridge modules can include, but are not limited to, a display screen module, a pushbutton module, and a keyboard module. An operator may quickly and easily swap modules, using different modules to perform various tasks.
Claims20
A vehicle control system for use with a remotely controlled vehicle, comprising:
- a controller comprising:
- a first grip handle, a second grip handle, and a control area adjacent to the first and second grip handle, wherein the first control area includes at least one control operable to control at least a portion of the vehicle;
- and
- a function bridge module removeably attached to the first and second grip handles and wherein the function bridge module is positioned between the first and second grip handles away from the control area and is within a field of view of one or more control areas.
A vehicle controller, comprising:
- a first grip handle, a second grip handle, and a control area adjacent to the first and second grip handles, wherein the control area includes at least one control device;
- and
- a function bridge module comprising one of a display screen module, a pushbutton module, or a keyboard module and wherein the function bridge module is positioned between the first and second grip handles and is removably attached to at least one of the first grip module, the second grip module, and the control area.
A method of controlling a vehicle, comprising:
- selecting a function bridge module to be used for an intended task;
- attaching the function bridge module to at least one of a grip handle and a control area of a controller;
- holding at least one grip handle of the controller;
- and
- viewing the function bridge module within the same field of view as at least one of the control areas on the controller.
The method of claim 19, wherein attaching the function bridge module comprises attaching at least one of a display screen module, a pushbutton module, and a keyboard module.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.