Distributed hardware architecture for unmanned vehicles
US8548646B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 3, 2011 |
| Grant date | Oct 1, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 20, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05B2219/2637
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A distributed hardware system for unmanned vehicles is provided, comprising a plurality of electronic hardware modules in communication via a vehicle control network. Each module is enabled to: communicate with one another, issue requests for information from a central control module, and transmit data over the network in a common format to perform respective tasks; and at least one of: independently sense one or more of: a respective status of the distributed hardware system and at least one respective environmental parameter; and independently control the respective function of a vehicle. A portion of the modules can enabled to: be removed and inserted from the distributed hardware system as plug and play modules; and determine when at least one of the modules is removed/inserted from the distributed hardware system and transition to a corresponding state. The system also includes a power management system which includes capacity monitoring and hot-swap capabilities.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.