Abstract: A method and system for computer controlled racing over a network are disclosed. The network comprises at least one vehicle to be controlled and a remote user station. A server may also be incorporated and provided with a user profile database containing user profiles and a user racing history. Users may be ranked and assigned vehicle performance profiles depending upon their performance. The server further includes a track marshal module configured to monitor vehicle usage and may be configured to override a vehicle during erratic vehicle behavior. The server is also provided with a behavior module that may allow the server to initialize a vehicle according to a user profile. The vehicle is provided with a vehicle control module configured to communicate with the server over a wireless or wired network using network switched packets containing vehicle control data. The server may also communicate with a user control station in a similar manner.

Abstract: A system and a method for controlling a vehicle remotely over a network are disclosed. A vehicle is provided with a vehicle control module configured to transmit and receive network communications containing vehicle control data. In one embodiment, the vehicle control module is configured to transmit and receive network switched packets wirelessly. Additionally, the vehicle may comprise one or more cameras configured to transmit a two dimensional, three dimensional, or 360° panoramic view from the vehicle. The network comprises a user station, a server, and at least one vehicle to be controlled. The user station may comprise an operator booth that resembles the driving compartment of a vehicle. Alternatively, the user station may comprise a portable control device.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are disclosed for adapting an existing scaled vehicle remote controller for use with an enhanced controller. An enhanced controller modifies control signals to conform to the response features of an existing controller. The modified control signal is transmitted to an original remote controller and broadcast to a scaled vehicle. The enhanced control system can control the scaled vehicle with no changes to the vehicle and only modest changes to the original vehicle controller. The present invention allows existing remote control vehicles to be used in more sophisticated competitions and driven using enhanced operational environments.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are disclosed for simulating visual depth in a concatenated image of a remote field of action. A vision system provides multiple video camera fields of view covering a visual space of a field of action. Video image fields of view are divided into clockwise and counterclockwise sub fields of view. The clockwise sub fields of view and the counterclockwise sub fields of view cover the visual space of a field of action. Sub fields of view are concatenated into clockwise and counterclockwise images of the field of action capable of simulating visual depth.

Abstract: A system and a method for controlling a vehicle remotely over a network are disclosed. A vehicle is provided with a vehicle control module configured to transmit and receive network communications containing vehicle control data. In one embodiment, the vehicle control module is configured to transmit and receive network switched packets wirelessly. Additionally, the vehicle may comprise one or more cameras configured to transmit a two dimensional, three dimensional, or 360° panoramic view from the vehicle. The network comprises a user station, a server, and at least one vehicle to be controlled. The user station may comprise an operator booth that resembles the driving compartment of a vehicle. Alternatively, the user station may comprise a portable control device.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a facility for remote computer controlled racing over a network are disclosed. The facility comprises a server, a racing track, at least one vehicle to be controlled, and a user station. The server comprises a user profile database containing user information and racing history. Users are ranked and assigned vehicle performance profiles depending upon their experience. The server includes a track marshal module configured to monitor vehicle usage and to override operation of a vehicle during erratic behavior. The server further comprises a behavior module that allows vehicle initialization according to the user profile. The vehicle comprises a vehicle control module configured to transmit and receive network switched packets containing vehicle control data. The vehicle control module may be configured to transmit and receive network switched packets wirelessly.

Abstract: A method and system for computer controlled racing over a network are disclosed. The network comprises at least one vehicle to be controlled and a remote user station. A server may also be incorporated and provided with a user profile database containing user profiles and a user racing history. Users may be ranked and assigned vehicle performance profiles depending upon their performance. The server further includes a track marshal module configured to monitor vehicle usage and may be configured to override a vehicle during erratic vehicle behavior. The server is also provided with a behavior module that may allow the server to initialize a vehicle according to a user profile. The vehicle is provided with a vehicle control module configured to communicate with the server over a wireless or wired network using network switched packets containing vehicle control data. The server may also communicate with a user control station in a similar manner.

Abstract: A method and system for manipulating a field of view of a video image from a remote vehicle allow a spectator to issue a field of view command specifying a desired field of view. The method and system are configured to modify the video image to conform to the field of view command. The method and system may modify the video image by manipulating a video camera. The method and system may also modify the video image by composing the desired field of view image from one or more concurrently generated video images.

Abstract: A system and method are used for controlling a vehicle remotely over a peer-to-peer network. A vehicle is provided with a vehicle control module configured to transmit and receive network communications containing vehicle control data. In one embodiment, the vehicle control module is configured to transmit and receive network switched packets wirelessly. Additionally, the vehicle may be provided with one or more cameras configured to transmit a two dimensional, three dimensional, or 360° panoramic view from the vehicle. The peer-to-peer network comprises a user interface apparatus, and one vehicle to be controlled. The user interface apparatus may be configured to resemble a steering wheel commonly used with computer game systems. Alternatively, the user interface apparatus may be configured with either control joysticks or miniature control wheels.