Remotely Controlled Machine Platform With Modular APIs and Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Developing remotely controlled and autonomously operated systems, such as robotics and drones, is time-consuming and costly due to the complexity of creating electrical and electronic hardware, software, and firmware, as well as the need for extensive simulation and physical testing, which often requires a team of engineers.
Innovation Solution
A rapid system development platform that includes preconfigured hardware, software, and firmware, along with simulation and test tools, utilizing application programming interfaces (APIs) to streamline the development process, reduce time, and lower costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional development methods are used to create hardware, software, and firmware for remotely controlled systems, then system functionality is achieved, but development time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing pre-configured hardware components, software templates, and firmware modules that are prepared in advance. The system includes pre-built development kits with integrated circuits, communication modules, and control algorithms that developers can directly deploy without creating everything from scratch, thereby significantly reducing development time while maintaining system functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the development process into modular components including separate hardware modules, software layers, and firmware units. This segmentation allows independent development, testing, and reuse of individual components, reducing overall development time while ensuring each segment meets functional requirements before integration
2Reliability
If comprehensive simulation and physical testing are performed to ensure system stability and safety, then system reliability is improved, but development time and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses virtual copies and simulation models that replicate physical system behavior without requiring physical prototypes. The system includes virtual twins and software-based test environments that mirror actual hardware operations, allowing comprehensive testing of system stability and safety while eliminating the need for repeated physical builds and manual testing cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal testing platform that can simulate multiple operating conditions, environmental factors, and failure scenarios within a single system. This multi-functional test environment consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate testing setups, maintaining thorough reliability verification while improving development efficiency through resource consolidation
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom development tools and operational platforms are created to support remotely controlled systems, then system-specific requirements are met, but development complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal development platform with configurable modules that can adapt to different remotely controlled system requirements. The system includes parameterizable hardware interfaces, template-based software frameworks, and modular firmware that can be customized for specific applications without requiring complete custom development, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary abstraction layer between the hardware and application software that simplifies system-specific implementations. This intermediate firmware layer and standardized API framework act as mediators that handle device-specific complexities, allowing developers to work with unified interfaces while the intermediary handles the adaptation to specific hardware requirements, reducing overall development complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A rapid system development platform may provide for the ability to rapidly develop a remotely controlled and/or autonomously operated system, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle (e.g., drone), mobile robot, stationary robot, or other system. The platform may support database(s) that provide for equipment, such as hardware electronic and electrical components, to be selectable for inclusion with the system. The electronic equipment, for example, may include an electronic control unit (ECU) that is preconfigured to be utilized on a common bus and communicate with other electronic components selectable to be included on the system. The platform may support preconfigured software and/or firmware for downloading to the electronics to be executed thereby. The platform may provide one or more application programming interfaces (APIs) for supporting the system along with dashboard(s) that are preconfigured based on the type of system and data being communicated by the system.