Method for remote control for radio operated model

The remote control mode of the radio-controlled model allows you to automatically direct the model towards a preset light guide. Amplitude modulated infrared emitter plays the role of a luminous landmark. The landmark can be a ray of reflection light. Changing the control signal is done by the device in the model when the light source is detected. With several sources of modulated light being sequentially installed, the model will move in this direction. The reverse response is also possible with the automatic deviation of the model from the light source. Possible application situations of the device: movement along a specified route, movement in confined spaces, landing of an aircraft, control of a model camcorder, movement after a moving object, collision prevention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to winding sensors for determining the direction of a source of infrared radiation and to determining the direction or deviation thereof.

There are known automatic means for controlling the position of mechanical devices oriented in space towards infrared sources. US 4905315 discloses a device which enables a platform camcorder to automatically change direction in accordance with the motion of a video object marked with an infrared emitter.

In the case of a radio-controlled model, it is difficult to determine its position relative to other distant objects. There are many situations in which it is necessary to maintain a precise direction: movement in a limited space, landing of an aircraft, shooting of a fixed object in the air. Movement control in a particular direction is, as a rule, performed by a single control channel and implemented by a single servomechanism. The control mode described below is implemented by means of a device which is connected to the receiver of the aircraft control system and changes the control signal of the actuator. The required direction of movement or direction is indicated by the infrared emitter. Two directional infrared sensors with small deviations in opposite directions from the direction of motion are mounted in the rotation plane of the model controlled by the actuator. The sensitivity sectors of these two sensors overlap. The sensors' signals are amplified and their amplitudes are comparable. The difference is summed with the control signal from the receiver. If the infrared emitter is within the sensor controlled area, the movement rate will be controlled automatically. Rotating the sensors in places will not move the model towards the landmark but, on the contrary, will avoid it. In this way, this mode of control can be used for another purpose, the automatic deviation from a given obstacle. The ratio between the control signal coming from the control panel and the automatic response signal is set as an additional parameter when tuning the device.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of the infrared sensors model direction and a trajectory. Marked positions: 1 - model; 2 - model directional steering wheel; 3 left sensor sensitivity zone; 4 - right sensor sensitivity zone; 5 - Infrared emitter; 6 - Motion trajectory.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a conventional control signal modifying device. Marked positions: 7, 8 - infrared sensors; 9, 10 - preamplifiers, 11 multiplex, 12 - frequency filter, 13 - adjustable amplifier, 14 - microcontroller, 15 - mode indicator, 16 - tuning mode button, 17 - receiver signal input, 18 servo drive signal outputs.

The infrared signal is effectively emitted in the general background due to amplitude modulation. It is better to use a pulsed emitter. As the signal decreases with distance, the unit uses an amplifier with automatic gain control to ensure equal gain for both sensors. The Inff red emitter can be mounted on both a stationary and a moving object. A reflection signal, such as a laser beam, may be used as a guide. This method can be used to control the model camcorder. Two devices are used to control control in two planes. One channel is sufficient for a model rotating along the axis of motion; for example, the "flying wing" model has no directional steering. The detection distance of the infrared emitter depends on the radiated power. Consistently spaced multiple emitters can determine a complex movement path.