neophyte
Senior Heliman
Location: California
| So, I hear that the human brain works pretty good. Why not pattern the automonous vehicle pilot in the same fashion?
After all, we call them neurons.
The way I get it, is that the human brain is divided into many functional segments, and has one "interpreter" segment that oversees the function of all the rest.
The "interpreter" is the keeper of the priority list, the mission goal, and the monitering of progress on the way to the mission goal.
Translating from biology to electronics - Each function of aircraft operation would be run by a small microprocessor, say yaw would be controlled by one microprocessor, roll, by another, and so on.
An intermediate processor would be programmed with flight maneuvers that suits the particular aircraft. The flight maneuvers processor takes orders from the interpreter and gives orders to the function (yaw, roll, etc.) processors.
OPERATION
"Interpreter" would moniter the sensors, the GPS and whatever, compare the sensors input to the programmed in figures for that part of the flight, and tell the flight maneuvers processor what corrective action is needed, if any. Something like 'turn left 10 degrees'.
Flight maneuvers processor having been programmed with instructions on how to make a 10 degree left turn, would tell the roll processor HEY ! 'roll' - operate aileron such that we get a 20 degree bank HEY ! 'yaw' - operate rudder such that we get a 10 degree per minute yaw.
Function processors also moniter the sensors, they would follow the flight maneuvers processor instructions, using their input from the sensors as a guide to tell them when/if the ordered instructions have been carried out. They are capable of independant action to maintain their orders from Flight maneuvers processor.
Flight maneuvers processor would default to straight and level flight or some other stable flight regime.
I think it might be fun to try this out, any obvious problems with it? |
