Spherical infrared robotic vehicle

摘要

A spherical infrared robotic vehicle (SIRV) is provided for remote reconnaissance. The SIRV includes a spherical shell, a chassis within the shell, an infrared sensor within the chassis and a set of wheels between the shell and chassis. The spherical shell has inner and outer surfaces. The chassis contains a platform, an electric motor and a power supply, and includes an infrared aperture. The infrared sensor mounts to the platform and is disposed to receive an infrared signal through the aperture as infrared images. The sensor can be a plurality of infrared cameras mounted in separate directions. The wheels are driven by the motor and supported by the chassis. The wheels engage the inner surface and turn in response to the motor. The shell rolls by turning the wheels to propel the SIRV.

主权项

1. A spherical infrared robotic vehicle (SIRV) for reconnaissance locomotion, said SIRV comprising:
a spherical shell having inner and outer surfaces and comprises a material substantially transparent at infrared wavelengths; a chassis containing a platform, an electric motor, and a power supply, said chassis having an infrared aperture; an infrared sensor mounted to said platform, said sensor disposed to receive an infrared signal through said aperture as infrared images; and a set of wheels driven by said motor and supported by said chassis, wherein said wheels engage said inner surface and turn in response to said motor.