Abstract: A system for remote testing of a plurality of vehicles on a test track includes a plurality of guide wires and position transponders embedded in the track. Each vehicle to be tested includes an onboard vehicle controller (VCON) which in turn includes various servo components for operating the steering wheel, shift lever, brake and accelerator pedals of the vehicle. A base computer receives desired missions from an operating computer, and the base computer loads a respective mission into each VCON via an rf link. Then, the base computer monitors the vehicles for proper, safe operation. The VCONs execute the missions loaded by the base station and periodically report their status to the base computer.

Abstract: A base computer includes a plurality of vehicle managers that communicate via an rf link to corresponding vehicle controllers (VCON) in remotely-operated vehicles on a test track. The base computer also includes a traffic manager that communicates with the vehicle managers to effect overall control of the test facility. The vehicle managers download desired missions to their respective VCONs, and receive status reports back from their VCONs.

Abstract: A spread spectrum rf communication system relays mission signals from a base computer to each of a plurality of vehicle controllers (VCONs) that are positioned in the passenger compartments of respective vehicles on a test track. The VCONs are coupled to the operating controls of the vehicles for moving the controls in response to mission signals from the base station. Also, the VCONs communicate status reports via the communication system to the base station, so that the base station coordinates the control of the vehicles.