Unmanned vehicle controller with interchangeable function bridge modules

Abstract

Handheld, unmanned vehicle controllers including interchangeable function bridge modules attached to the grip handles of the controllers are described herein. Interchangeable function bridge modules can include, but are not limited to, a display screen module, a pushbutton module, and a keyboard module. An operator may quickly and easily swap modules, using different modules to perform various tasks.

1 . A vehicle control system for use with a remotely controlled vehicle, comprising:
 a controller comprising:
 a first grip handle, a second grip handle, and a control area adjacent to the first and second grip handle, wherein the first control area includes at least one control operable to control at least a portion of the vehicle; and 
 a function bridge module removeably attached to the first and second grip handles and wherein the function bridge module is positioned between the first and second grip handles away from the control area and is within a field of view of one or more control areas. 
   
     
     
         2 . The vehicle control system of  claim 1  wherein the function bridge module is one of a display screen module, a pushbutton module, and a keyboard module. 
     
     
         3 . The vehicle control system of  claim 1  further comprising a second function bridge module, wherein at least a portion of the first function bridge module is interchangeable with the second function bridge module. 
     
     
         4 . The vehicle control system of  claim 1  wherein the function bridge module comprises a tray portion and a cover portion. 
     
     
         5 . The vehicle control system of  claim 4  wherein:
 the tray portion is positioned between the first and second grip handles; 
 the tray portion is attached to the first and second grip handles; and 
 the cover portion is removably attached to the tray portion. 
 
     
     
         6 . The vehicle control system of  claim 4  wherein at least a portion of the cover is interchangeable with at least a portion of a second function bridge module cover. 
     
     
         7 . The vehicle control system of  claim 1  wherein the function bridge module is attached to the grip handles via at least one of a fastener, a screw, a snap, or a connector. 
     
     
         8 . The vehicle control system of  claim 1  wherein the grip handles include a casing configured to slideably engage with the function bridge module. 
     
     
         9 . The vehicle control system of  claim 1  wherein the function bridge module is configured to transmit data to at least one of the first and second grip handles or the control area via USB. 
     
     
         10 . The vehicle control system of  claim 1  wherein the function bridge module is a display screen module having at least one of the following attributes: a full color display, touch screen capabilities, brightness of approximately 200 Cd/m 2 , and a viewing angle of approximately 180 degrees. 
     
     
         11 . A vehicle controller, comprising:
 a first grip handle, a second grip handle, and a control area adjacent to the first and second grip handles, wherein the control area includes at least one control device; and   a function bridge module comprising one of a display screen module, a pushbutton module, or a keyboard module and wherein the function bridge module is positioned between the first and second grip handles and is removably attached to at least one of the first grip module, the second grip module, and the control area.   
     
     
         12 . The vehicle control system of  claim 11 , wherein the function bridge module is interchangeable with a second function bridge module. 
     
     
         13 . The vehicle control system of  claim 11 , wherein the function bridge module comprises a tray portion and a cover portion. 
     
     
         14 . The vehicle control system of  claim 13 , wherein:
 the module support portion is positioned between the first and second grip handles;   the module support portion is attached to at least one of the first grip handle, the second grip handle, and the control area; and   the cover portion is removeably attached to the module support portion.   
     
     
         15 . The vehicle control system of  claim 13 , wherein at least a portion of the cover is interchangeable with at least a portion of a second function bridge module cover. 
     
     
         16 . The vehicle control system of  claim 11 , wherein the function bridge module is attached to at least one of the first grip handle, the second grip handle, and the control area via at least one of a fastener, a screw, a snap, or a connector. 
     
     
         17 . The vehicle control system of  claim 1 , wherein the controller further comprises a casing configured to slideably engage with the function bridge module. 
     
     
         18 . A method of controlling a vehicle, comprising:
 selecting a function bridge module to be used for an intended task;   attaching the function bridge module to at least one of a grip handle and a control area of a controller;   holding at least one grip handle of the controller; and   viewing the function bridge module within the same field of view as at least one of the control areas on the controller.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein attaching the function bridge module comprises attaching at least one of a display screen module, a pushbutton module, and a keyboard module. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , further comprising:
 detaching the function bridge module from the grip handle or the control area; and   attaching a second function bridge module to at least one of a grip handle or a control area of the controller.