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Laser-tethered vehicle

  • US 6,955,324 B2
  • Filed: 10/22/2003
  • Issued: 10/18/2005
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/22/2003
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A control system for a remote-controlled vehicle, the system comprising:

  • an electromagnetic energy receiver configured to receive an electromagnetic beam and further configured to generate a control signal indicative of a position of the remote-controlled vehicle relative to a position of the electromagnetic beam, wherein the electromagnetic energy receiver includes an electromagnetic receiving array having a plurality of electromagnetic sensors, each of the electromagnetic sensors being configured to generate a sensor output indicative of an intensity of electromagnetic energy received by the electromagnetic sensor;

    a propulsion system; and

    a positioning control system configured to receive the control signal and maneuver the remote-controlled vehicle by directing the propulsion system in response the control signal, wherein the positioning control system is configured to orient the remote-controlled vehicle such that the electromagnetic energy receiver is directed to substantially continuously receive the incoming electromagnetic beam, and is further configured to approximately equalize the sensor output of each of the electromagnetic sensors by maneuvering the remote-controlled vehicle such that the electromagnetic beam is received at a predetermined portion of the electromagnetic receiving array.

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