Systems and Methods for Switching Between Autonomous and Manual Operation of a Vehicle
First Claim
1. A method for operating a robotically operable vehicle, comprising:
- receiving a manual input;
operating the vehicle in a manual mode with a mechanical vehicle control system, at least in part in accordance with the manual input;
receiving a mode switch signal from a controller;
disabling the mechanical vehicle control system with an electric clutch in response to the mode switch signal; and
operating the vehicle in an autonomous mode at least in part through an actuator.
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods for switching between autonomous and manual operation of a vehicle are described. A mechanical control system can receive manual inputs from a mechanical operation member to operate the vehicle in manual mode. An actuator can receive autonomous control signals generated by a controller. When the actuator is engaged, it operates the vehicle in an autonomous mode, and when disengaged, the vehicle is operated in manual mode. Operating the vehicle in an autonomous mode can include automatically controlling steering, braking, throttle, and transmission. A system may also allow the vehicle to be operated via remote command.
-
Citations
28 Claims
-
1. A method for operating a robotically operable vehicle, comprising:
-
receiving a manual input; operating the vehicle in a manual mode with a mechanical vehicle control system, at least in part in accordance with the manual input; receiving a mode switch signal from a controller; disabling the mechanical vehicle control system with an electric clutch in response to the mode switch signal; and operating the vehicle in an autonomous mode at least in part through an actuator. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
-
-
9. A method for operating a robotically operable vehicle comprising:
-
receiving a first mode signal indicating an autonomous mode selection; determining that a parking brake lever has been placed in a set position, wherein a parking brake is engaged; disengaging the parking brakes while maintaining the parking brake lever in the set position; and starting the vehicle in an autonomous mode controlled by a controller capable of generating autonomous control signals. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
-
-
18. A system for operating a robotically operable vehicle, comprising:
-
a parking control element with a predetermined setting that is configured for disabling movement of the vehicle in a manual mode; a controller configured to generate a signal indicating autonomous mode operation; and a disengaging mechanism to receive the signal and to enable movement in an autonomous mode to start the vehicle while leaving the parking control element in the predetermined position. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22)
-
-
23. A robotic control system for operating a robotically operable vehicle comprising:
-
at least one operation system of the vehicle; at least one electrically controlled actuator and at least one remote operation member corresponding to each operation system; a mechanical linkage comprising at least a restoration member that permits control of the operation system by the remote operation member when the restoration member is in an engaged state, and prohibits control when in a disengaged state; and wherein the actuator prohibits control of the operation system by the remote operation member when the actuator is in an engaged state, and permits control of the operation system by the remote operation member when the actuator is in a disengaged state. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
-
Specification