Cross-Platform Uncrewed Control Framework for Multi-UxS Programming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic systems, such as ROS and MOOS, have a steep learning curve and lack abstraction, making them unsuitable for introductory learners, while frameworks like Scratch are too simplistic and lack complexity for advanced robotics operations. There is a need for a platform that balances abstraction and complexity to enable high-level programming and control of unmanned systems, particularly for educational and multi-UxS deployments.
Innovation Solution
The NEXUS system provides a platform-agnostic, open-source, wireless command and control framework that uses commercial off-the-shelf hardware for marine, aerial, and land-based robotic systems, allowing users to configure and control unmanned devices through a common software image and IP address, enabling programmable instructions and interactive input mappings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If ROS is used for robotic systems, then system capability and power are improved, but learning curve and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the user and the complex ROS system. This layer provides simplified, high-level commands that abstract away the complexity of ROS, allowing users to control robotic systems without needing to understand the underlying complex framework. The intermediary translates simple user commands into the detailed ROS commands needed for system operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the control interface into distinct, manageable components. Instead of presenting the entire complex ROS system at once, it divides the control into modular functions and commands that can be learned and used independently. This segmentation reduces the perceived complexity and allows users to gradually build proficiency.
2Power
If ROS is used for robotic systems, then system capability is improved, but system integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal interface that can control multiple different robotic systems through a common set of commands. This universal layer handles the complexity of system integration internally, allowing the same simplified interface to work across different platforms and configurations, thereby reducing integration complexity for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediary layer acts as a mediator that manages system integration complexity. It handles the mapping between high-level commands and the specific integration requirements of different robotic systems, absorbing the integration complexity away from the user while preserving the advanced capabilities of the underlying ROS system.
3Ease of operation
If Scratch is used for programming, then ease of operation is improved, but system capability and complexity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic programming interface that can adapt to the user's skill level. For beginners, it provides simplified block-based programming similar to Scratch. As users advance, the system dynamically reveals more advanced programming capabilities and allows access to the full power of ROS, thus providing both ease of operation and system capability at different stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the programming interface into multiple levels of abstraction. The lowest level provides simple, intuitive commands for beginners, while higher levels progressively reveal more complex capabilities. This segmentation allows users to start with ease of operation and gradually access greater system capability as they become more proficient.
4Ease of operation
If simplified frameworks like Scratch are used, then ease of operation is improved, but programming flexibility and complexity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic programming model where the interface adapts to user needs. Simple, easily modifiable commands are provided for common tasks, while the underlying system maintains full programming flexibility for advanced applications. Users can easily modify high-level commands without dealing with complexity, yet retain access to full flexibility when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal programming interface that combines the ease of simplified frameworks with the flexibility of complex systems. The same interface can handle both simple modifications and complex programming tasks, providing adaptability across different user skill levels and application requirements without sacrificing either ease of operation or programming flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A system having a networking device, a plurality of processing devices, and one or more unmanned devices, wherein each unmanned device couples to a corresponding one of the processing devices, wherein each unmanned device comprises one or more operational components. The system having a controller device configured to control at least one of the one or more unmanned devices via the networking device and the corresponding one of the processing devices, the controller device comprising one of the processing devices, wherein the controlled at least one unmanned device is configurable via the corresponding processing device in a control operating mode or in a robot operating mode, the control operating mode enabling the associated unmanned device to perform commands received from the controller device via the corresponding processing device, and the robot operating mode enabling the unmanned device to receive programmable instructions from the controller device via the corresponding processing device.