Open Architecture Control System for Unmanned Vehicle Interoperability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face safety concerns due to software malfunctions and interoperability issues, as existing systems lack standardized control mechanisms, making it difficult to ensure safe operation and compatibility across various robotic systems and platforms.
Innovation Solution
An open architecture control system is developed for remote and semi-autonomous operation of unmanned vehicles, enabling interoperability with diverse robotic systems and vehicles through a high-level interface that includes safety features, such as e-stop controllers and software-based failsafes, to ensure safe neutralization of hazards and flexible mission execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If proprietary control systems are used for unmanned vehicles, then each system can be optimized for specific vehicle types, but interoperability between different vehicle systems becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The control system employs a universal interface architecture that can communicate with multiple types of unmanned vehicles and robotic systems through standardized protocols. The system includes adaptable control modules that can be configured to work with different vehicle platforms, eliminating the need for proprietary custom interfaces for each vehicle type while maintaining reliable control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control layer that sits between the operator and the diverse unmanned vehicle systems. This intermediary translates various vehicle-specific protocols into a unified control interface, enabling interoperability across different vehicle types while preserving the reliability of each individual system through standardized communication mechanisms.
2Productivity
If autonomous operation is implemented, then operational efficiency increases, but safety risks arise from software malfunctions and loss of control
Solution Approach 1:
The control system incorporates preliminary safety measures including pre-programmed emergency stop sequences, predefined safe operating parameters, and automated fallback protocols that activate before critical failures occur. These preliminary actions ensure that even if software malfunctions occur during autonomous operation, the system can safely terminate operations or transition to manual control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback mechanisms that monitor vehicle status, operator input, and system health in real-time. This feedback loop enables the control system to detect software malfunctions or loss of control conditions and automatically respond by reducing autonomy levels or initiating safe shutdown procedures, thereby maintaining safety while preserving operational efficiency.
3Reliability
If multiple proprietary systems are supported, then system-specific optimization is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into modular components, with each module responsible for specific vehicle types or functions. This segmentation allows the system to maintain optimized control for different vehicle platforms while managing complexity through modular architecture, where each segment can be independently configured and maintained without affecting other segments.
Data Source
AI summary
An open architecture control system is provided that may be used for remote and semi-autonomous operation of commercial off the shelf (COTS) and custom robotic systems, platforms, and vehicles to enable safer neutralization of explosive hazards and other services. In order to effectively deal with rapidly evolving threats and highly variable operational environments, the control system is built using an open architecture and includes a high level of interoperability. The control system interfaces with a large range of robotic systems and vehicles, autonomy software packages, perception systems, and manipulation peripherals to enable prosecution of complex missions effectively. Because the control system is open and does not constrain the end user to a single robotics system, mobile platform, or peripheral hardware and software, the control system may be used to assist with a multitude of missions beyond explosive hazard detection and clearance.