Transitioning between manned control mode and unmanned control mode based on assigned priority

A controller of a machine, the controller comprising:

• one or more memories;
• and
• one or more processors configured to:
• configure the machine to operate in a plurality of modes including a manned control mode, a remote control mode, and an autonomous control mode;
• receive a request to cause the machine to perform an action;
• determine a requested mode of operation of the machine associated with the request,
• wherein the requested mode of operation is one of the plurality of modes;
• and
• selectively deny the request or enable the machine to perform the action based on a priority assigned to a current mode of operation of the machine and a priority assigned to the requested mode of operation,
• wherein the request is denied when the priority assigned to the current mode of operation is a higher priority than the priority assigned to the requested mode of operation, and
• wherein the machine is enabled to perform the action when the priority assigned to the requested mode of operation is a higher priority than the priority assigned to the current mode of operation.

A machine, comprising:

• a first controller associated with an autonomous control mode;
• a second controller associated with a remote control mode;
• a third controller configured to:
• receive a request to cause the machine to perform an action;
• determine a current mode of operation of the machine and a requested mode of operation of the machine associated with the request,
• wherein current mode of operation is one of a manned control mode, the remote control mode, or the autonomous control mode, and the requested mode of operation is another one of the manned control mode, the remote control mode, or the autonomous control mode;
• and
• selectively deny the request or enable the machine to perform the action based on a priority assigned to the current mode of operation of the machine and a priority assigned to the requested mode of operation,
• wherein the request is denied when the priority assigned to the current mode of operation is a higher priority than the priority assigned to the requested mode of operation, and
• wherein the machine is enabled to perform the action when the priority assigned to the requested mode of operation is a higher priority than the priority assigned to the current mode of operation.