Remote Robotic Vehicle Control via Single-Channel Wireless Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current remote robotic vehicle control systems are inflexible, as they typically allow control of only a single vehicle, require multiple communication channels for control and video feeds, and lack the ability to hot-swap batteries during operation.
Innovation Solution
A wireless network-enabled controller device that can simultaneously communicate with multiple robotic vehicles, allowing selection of a vehicle to control, using a high-bandwidth channel for both control and video transmission, with flexible software and a design that supports battery swapping during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a controller device is hard-wired to control a single robotic vehicle over a dedicated communications channel, then control reliability is improved, but device versatility and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The controller device is designed with universal communication capabilities that allow it to connect to and control multiple different robotic vehicles through a wireless network interface. The system can dynamically establish connections with various vehicles on the network, enabling a single controller to serve multiple functions and control different vehicle types without requiring hard-wired dedicated connections for each vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
A wireless network acts as an intermediary between the controller device and robotic vehicles, replacing direct hard-wired connections. This intermediary enables flexible communication while maintaining reliable control channels, allowing the controller to selectively establish connections with different vehicles as needed without physical reconfiguration.
2Reliability
If separate communication channels are used for control and video transmission, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges control commands and video data transmission into a single unified wireless communication channel. By combining these functions over the same network interface, the system reduces the number of separate radios and communication hardware components needed, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable communication through the shared wireless network infrastructure.
3Device complexity
If a single battery is used in the controller device, then device simplicity is improved, but operational availability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is segmented into multiple independent battery units that can be individually managed and replaced. The controller device incorporates multiple battery slots, allowing one battery to be removed and replaced with a charged backup battery while the other continues to power the device, ensuring continuous operation without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables hot-swapping of battery units during operation. When one battery is depleted, it can be quickly removed and replaced with a pre-charged battery without shutting down the controller device. This allows the depleted battery to be recovered and recharged separately while maintaining operational continuity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a controller device is provided. The method includes (a) connecting to a plurality of remote robotic vehicles over a wireless connection; (b) selectively controlling one of the plurality of remote robotic vehicles over the wireless connection; and (c) displaying, on a video screen of the controller device, a video stream received from the one remote robotic vehicle over the wireless connection. A corresponding method is provided to be performed by a robotic vehicle. Apparatuses, computer program products, and a system for performing the method(s) are also provided.