Data processing: vehicles – navigation – and relative location – Vehicle control – guidance – operation – or indication – Aeronautical vehicle
Reexamination Certificate
1998-03-02
2001-01-16
Louis-Jacques, Jacques H. (Department: 3661)
Data processing: vehicles, navigation, and relative location
Vehicle control, guidance, operation, or indication
Aeronautical vehicle
C701S003000, C244S158700, C244S164000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06175783
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to payload control systems and payload controllers for outer space vehicle payloads.
BACKGROUND ART
The International Space Station (ISS), when complete, and other space platforms have payload facilities supported by a host computer system, such as an on-board data communications network with provisions for mass data storage, crew monitoring and interaction, and ground uplink/downlink. In such payload facilities, a large number of payloads will operate simultaneously. The internal functions of each payload are regulated by a payload controller.
Typically, a payload controller includes a plurality of function cards connected as a stack system using PC-104 connectors. The existing stack system payload controllers are specifically configured for each application. Because the stack system controllers are application specific, a new payload controller must be constructed for each payload.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a programmable payload controller in which local payload functions are stored in a local medium to reduce space platform network traffic, and to allow re-use of the controller for different payload experiments.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a payload control system including a programmable payload controller for a payload on board and outer space vehicle.
In carrying out the above objects and other objects and features of the present invention, a payload controller for use in a payload on board an outer space vehicle is provided. The outer space vehicle has a host computer system. The payload include sensors which generate output signals indicative of payload operating conditions, and control devices which receive input signals to control the payload when the payload is in outer space. The payload controller comprises a unitary compact control unit mounted on a circuit board. The control unit includes a processor, memory, display device control logic, input device control logic, and data input/output control logic. A display device interface is connected to the display device control logic. An input device interface is connected to the input device control logic. A host system interface is connected to the data input/output control logic for communicating with the host computer system. A plurality of output drivers are connected to the data input/output control logic for sending the input signals to the payload control devices. A plurality of input drivers are connected to the data input/output control logic for receiving the output signals from the payload sensors. A payload interface is connected to the data input/output control logic for communicating with the payload.
A computer readable storage medium is mounted on the circuit board for storing information. The information represents instructions executable by the processor to communicate with the host computer system, the payload control devices, the payload sensors, and the payload to control the payload when the payload is in outer space. The information stored in the computer readable storage medium is non-permanent so that the payload controller may be re-used for different payload experiments. The unitary compact control unit includes sufficient components to function as a stand alone computer capable of running an operating system while supporting a display device attached to the display device interface and an input device attached to the input device interface. The computer readable storage medium may be programmed on Earth for subsequent use of the payload controller in space, by using the unitary compact control unit as a stand alone computer.
In a preferred embodiment, the host system interface further comprises local area network driver circuitry substantially formed as a single integrated circuit mounted on the circuit board. Further, the data input/output control logic includes hard disk drive control logic; and, the payload controller includes a hard disk drive interface connected to the hard disk drive control logic. Still further, the data input/output control logic includes floppy disk drive control logic; and, the payload controller includes a floppy disk drive interface connected to the floppy disk drive control logic.
Further, in carrying out the present invention, a payload control system including a payload controller for a payload on board an outer space vehicle having a host computer system is provided. The payload control system includes a payload controller of the present invention. The payload control system further comprises a display device, an input device, and a disk drive for connecting to the display device interface, input device interface, and disk drive interface, respectively, when the payload controller is on Earth. The unitary compact control unit includes sufficient components to function as a stand alone computer capable of running an operating system while supporting the display device, the input device, and the disk drive, such that the computer readable storage medium may be programmed on Earth for subsequent use of the payload controller in space.
The advantages accruing to the present invention are numerous. For example, embodiments of the present invention provide a payload controller which reduces network traffic on the space platform host computer system primarily to experiment data handling and command software updates. Further, embodiments of the present invention make minimal demands on space platform resources such as power, volume, mass, and crew time.
While embodiments of this invention have been illustrated and disclosed, these embodiments should not be construed to limit the claims. It is anticipated that various modifications and alternative designs may be made without departing from the scope of this invention.
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Buser Richard R.
Strength Vernon Edward
Brooks & Kushman P.C.
Louis-Jacques Jacques H.
McDonnell Douglass Corporation
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