Patent ID: 7499804
Filing Date: 2009-03-03
Classification: G05D

Abstract:
1. A vehicle, comprising: a drive control capable of receiving manual inputs from an operator input device to operate the vehicle in a manual mode; actuators mated to the drive control, each actuator mated to the drive control by a mechanical linkage that disassociates and reassociates the actuator and drive control, each actuator manipulating the drive control according to communication with a vehicle control program, each actuator associated with an operation mode; a receiver for receiving commands representative of operation modes, including a remote unmanned teleoperation mode, a manned operation mode, an autonomous unmanned operation mode, and an assisted remote teleoperation mode, a command representative of the assisted remote teleoperation mode enabling local autonomous operation of a first vehicle feature in combination with remote operator control of a second vehicle feature; and a controller capable of executing the vehicle control program in accordance with the operational mode command that is representative of an operator selected operational mode, the vehicle control program including a vehicle control module that, in cooperation with the controller, dictates control instructions to the vehicle.