US 2025/0224740 A1 · GROUND ROBOT MOBILITY CONTROL METHOD SWITCHING

Abstract

A technique for controlling a tracked robotic vehicle includes simultaneously operating multiple control methods within the vehicle based on established settings but selecting only a single control method for controlling the vehicle at a time. With the vehicle using a first control method, the vehicle receives a command for assuming a second control method and responds by selecting the second control method in place of the first control method for controlling the vehicle. Because the second control method is already operational with established settings when the command is received, the vehicle can transition instantly from the first control method to the second control method without having to stop the vehicle.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method of operating a vehicle, comprising:

controlling the vehicle using a first drive-control method in response to receiving a first set of messages from a control computer separate from the vehicle;
while controlling the vehicle using the first drive-control method, operating a second drive-control method that does not control the vehicle;
and
in response to receiving a second set of messages from the control computer, switching from the first drive-control method to the second drive-control method such that the vehicle is controlled using the second drive-control method but not the first drive-control method.

1 more element

A tracked vehicle, comprising:

first and second tracks;
first and second motors respectively coupled to the first and second tracks;
a traction motor inverter coupled to the first and second motors;
and
control circuitry constructed and arranged to:
control the vehicle using a first drive-control method in response to receipt of a first set of messages from a control computer separate from the vehicle;
while the vehicle is controlled using the first drive-control method, operate a second drive-control method that does not control the vehicle;
and
in response to receipt of a second set of messages from the control computer, switch from the first drive-control method to the second drive-control method such that the vehicle is controlled using the second drive-control method but not the first drive-control method.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application

19/009,220Filed 3 Jan 2025

Priority

4 Jan 2024

Published

10 Jul 2025

Term ends

Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification19 codes

G05D 1/2265
Communication links with the remote-control arrangements: involving protocol translation
G05D 1/65
Intended control result: following a desired speed profile
B60K 1/02
Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units: comprising more than one electric motor
B60L 15/20
Methods, circuits, or devices for controlling the traction-motor speed of electrically-propelled vehicles: for control of the vehicle or its…

Ground robot mobility control method switching

Life of this patent

Ground robot mobility control method switching

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20