| CPC G08G 5/80 (2025.01) [G05D 1/0088 (2013.01); G05D 1/0808 (2013.01); G08G 5/30 (2025.01); H04W 84/02 (2013.01); B64U 70/80 (2023.01); B64U 2101/30 (2023.01); B64U 2201/10 (2023.01)] | 20 Claims |
|
1. A vehicle controller for operating an autonomous vehicle, comprising:
an inertial measurement unit (IMU) configured measure specific forces acting upon the autonomous vehicle;
a flight controller configured to execute a high-speed control loop to periodically update commands to a plurality of control actuators for controlling a position or an attitude of the autonomous vehicle based on data from the IMU regarding the specific forces acting upon the autonomous vehicle;
a mission computer including a processor that is separate and independent from the flight controller and programmed to control a mission of the autonomous vehicle;
a cellular data radio configured to wirelessly communicate via a cellular network;
a housing containing the IMU, the flight controller, the mission computer, and the cellular data radio, wherein the housing is independent of a structure of the autonomous vehicle and configured for removable attachment thereto, together with the IMU, the flight controller, the mission computer, and the cellular data radio; and
at least one of: a plurality of mounting tabs each extending from the housing and arranged to receive a fastener for securing the vehicle controller to the structure of the autonomous vehicle, or a plurality of electrical connectors each configured for selective and removable attachment to an external device outside of the housing.
|