Remote control aircraft race launch platform
First Claim
1. A launch platform device configured to track time associated with a race of remote controlled aircraft, the launch platform device comprising:
- a housing that includes a base coupled to a substantially planar platform configured to support a remote controlled aircraft;
one or more sensor coupled to the housing, the one or more sensor configured to output a switch signal in response to engagement, directly or indirectly, by the platform in response to movement caused by interaction with the remote controlled aircraft;
an electronic timer to track elapsed time;
a controller in communication with at least the electronic timer and the one or more sensor, the controller to control operation of the electronic timer based at least in part on changes in the switch signal, the controller including logic to;
transmit a first signal to the electronic timer to start tracking elapsed time,transmit a second signal to the electronic timer to stop tracking the elapsed time, andtransmit a third signal to the electronic timer to reset the electronic timer and clear the elapsed time;
a display coupled to the housing and in communication with the electronic timer, the display to output the elapsed time from the electronic timer; and
a power supply to supply power to at least one of the controller, the display, the electronic timer, or the one or more sensor.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A launch platform may include sensor(s) that detect movement of a platform that supports an aircraft. The platform may move in response to departure of the aircraft from the platform. In response to a change in a signal or signal state of the sensor(s), a timer may initiate timing of a race. The timer may be stopped in response to a second or later change in a signal or signal state of the sensor(s). A target may extend above the platform and, when impacted by an aircraft, may cause the second or later change in the signal or signal state of the sensor(s). By using the target, the aircraft may stop the timer by impacting or colliding with the target rather than landing on the platform. In some embodiments, the launch platform may be configured to track time for a race that includes a predetermined number of laps.
12 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A launch platform device configured to track time associated with a race of remote controlled aircraft, the launch platform device comprising:
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a housing that includes a base coupled to a substantially planar platform configured to support a remote controlled aircraft; one or more sensor coupled to the housing, the one or more sensor configured to output a switch signal in response to engagement, directly or indirectly, by the platform in response to movement caused by interaction with the remote controlled aircraft; an electronic timer to track elapsed time; a controller in communication with at least the electronic timer and the one or more sensor, the controller to control operation of the electronic timer based at least in part on changes in the switch signal, the controller including logic to; transmit a first signal to the electronic timer to start tracking elapsed time, transmit a second signal to the electronic timer to stop tracking the elapsed time, and transmit a third signal to the electronic timer to reset the electronic timer and clear the elapsed time; a display coupled to the housing and in communication with the electronic timer, the display to output the elapsed time from the electronic timer; and a power supply to supply power to at least one of the controller, the display, the electronic timer, or the one or more sensor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. An apparatus comprising:
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a housing that includes a base coupled to a substantially planar platform configured to support a remote controlled aircraft; at least one sensor coupled to the housing, the at least one sensor configured to detect movement of the housing and output a switch signal in response to the movement caused by interaction with the remote controlled aircraft; and a controller in communication with the at least one sensor, the controller including a timer to track elapsed time associated with a race involving the remote controlled aircraft, the controller to control the timer based at least in part on changes in the switch signal, the controller including at least one of logic or processor instructions to; start tracking an elapsed time in response to a first instance of the switch signal, and stop tracking the elapsed time in response to a second instance of the switch signal. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A system comprising:
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a launch platform including; a housing that includes a base coupled to a substantially planar platform configured to support a remote controlled aircraft; at least one sensor coupled to the housing, the at least one sensor configured to detect movement of the housing and output a switch signal in response to the movement caused by interaction with the remote controlled aircraft; and a controller in communication with the at least one sensor, the controller including a timer to track elapsed time, the controller to control the timer to track an elapsed time of a race based at least in part on changes in the switch signal; and a plurality of air gates that define boundaries for travel of the remote controlled aircraft during the race at least one of before or after the remote controlled aircraft interacts with the launch platform. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification