Ken Te Scott

US Patent:

20030148703, Aug 7, 2003

Filed:

May 1, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/137858

Inventors:

Ken Scott - Mountain View CA, US
Ron Clements - Los Altos CA, US
David Berkowitz - Arnold CA, US
John Montgomery - San Jose CA, US

Assignee:

XXAP DESIGN, INC. - Los Altos CA

International Classification:

A63H030/04

US Classification:

446/456000

Abstract:

A radio control system for a single or multi-controller, single or multi-receiver independently controlled system providing digital and proportional control without mutual interference, especially suited for a miniature toy vehicle. The controller may operate on multiple frequencies (channels) selected by the user. The receivers may receive on multiple frequencies (channels) selected by the user. When the receiver is first turned on, it reads the channel select switch and sets its receiver accordingly then normal remote control signals may be received such as speed, steering and digital commands. Commands are sent in bursts with an error checking protocol implemented. Commands are not executed by the receiver unless they are received error free. If the receiver fails to receive error-free command bursts within a short period of time (less than one second), it shuts off all motors and controls and go into a dormant state awaiting an error-free command burst. If error-free command bursts are not received within an extended period of time such as two minutes, the receiver completely shuts off thereby conserving battery power. The receiver includes a long-life rechargeable battery system that lasts for the normal lifetime of the car. The vehicle includes a simplified steering system that provides full proportional control without requiring position feedback.