VR Remote Piloting System
The Virtual Reality (VR) Remote Piloting System is the hardware and software that allows a remote pilot to command an autonomous drone. The system has 3 modes:
- Live drone mode
- Training mode
- Game mode
Piloting the drone from the office
The Remote Piloting System for the cargo drone is designed to have a pilot observe the decisions being made the Autonomous System and take over the controls should the situation warrant it.
Pilot Mode
In pilot mode, which can only be done from a Drone Hive, the system will take an incoming stream from a drone that contains images from all cameras, IoT data, GPS location information and evironmental readings. The pilot will then be able to issue commands to direct the drone movement.The drone need not be in the air for the pilot to gain control.
Training Mode
In training mode, the system will be taking a feed from the training system that is recorded streams from previous drone flights. All views and drone controls will operate as they do in Live mode with an additional display that will show the action of the drone.
Game Mode
In game mode, the system will receive a feed from the global gaming servers. This system will use recorded drone flights that will be enhanced with various AI techniques to adapt to user commands. The game consists of a number of supply oriented tasks that are made more difficult by unexpected challenges.
Flying the Drone
Heads-Up Display
The VR display will display all critical components that will change depending on the focus of the user.
Iot exceptions with visual interpretations.
All controls ride on top of the images from different cameras on the drone.
Drone Controls
The VR system provides all of the controls to operate the drone from the ground engaging all controls to move the drone no matter where it is.
Ground Movement
Through use of the rotors and coaster type wheels on the legs, the drone can be moved either forward or backward. While in a hive, all ground movement is done via the robotic tow tractors.
Container Attachment
The pilot, when in control, has to initiate the container attachment process by sending commands to the Aircraft Cargo Cage. When the container is loaded into the cage, the pilot will see a green light at the bottom of the display.
"Tower Talk"
The drone ecosystem does not use people in the tower, therefore commands that are spoken to the “tower” are converted to electronic commands and sent to the Flight Operations systems.
Flight Controls
The VR system contains all of the controls for flying a helicopter and operate in the same manner. The only difference is that the pilot can see 360 degrees around the aircraft.
The Controller
VR Glove Controls
The Remote Piloting system uses VR gloves to create the helicopter type controls virtually. The user will sense that they are actually seated at the controls but in actuality no other hardware will be required, except communication equipment.
