Mobile Entity Control Modes for Reduced Remote Crew Workload
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling multiple unmanned vehicles place a significant workload on the remote human crew, requiring constant attention and intervention.
Innovation Solution
A system architecture for controlling a plurality of mobile entities that operates in three states: autonomously (first state), requiring human input for confirmation (second state), or fully controlled by the crew (third state), reducing the need for constant human oversight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If full autonomous operation is implemented, then workload on remote crew is reduced, but human oversight and intervention capability are diminished
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic automation levels that can switch between different operational modes (autonomous, semi-autonomous, manual) based on mission requirements and environmental conditions. The control module can transition between receiving high-level mission parameters and executing detailed control commands, allowing flexible adjustment of automation extent to balance workload reduction with maintained human oversight capability.
2Productivity
If autonomous control is used for all functions, then human intervention is minimized, but adaptability to unexpected situations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates continuous feedback loops where sensor data from the environment and vehicle status are constantly monitored. When unexpected situations are detected, the system can request human input or switch to semi-autonomous mode, allowing adaptability while maintaining operational efficiency during normal conditions. The feedback mechanism enables the system to learn from and respond to novel situations appropriately.
3Speed
If complex decision-making is automated, then response time is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into modular functional components, each handling specific aspects of decision-making. This modular architecture allows complex decisions to be broken down into manageable sub-tasks that can be processed autonomously, improving response time while keeping individual module complexity manageable. The segmented structure also facilitates easier testing, maintenance, and updates of specific decision-making functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling operation of mobile entities includes mobile entities and a master entity communicatively coupled to each one of the mobile entities. Each of the mobile entities includes a control module and at least one function component. The control module controls operation of the at least one function component and operates in either a first state, a second state, or a third state. Depending on the state in which the control module is operated, the function components are controlled either by the control module in an autonomous manner, or control of the function components is partly or entirely assigned to a human operator.