FAQ & Terminology
Frequently Asked Questions
Can LightForce operate without a continuous network connection?
Yes. LightForce executes real-time control, state estimation, and safeguard logic locally. External network connectivity is optional and typically used for supervision, telemetry, or high-level coordination rather than core control execution.
Is LightForce limited to a specific type of vehicle or robotic platform?
No. LightForce is designed as a domain-agnostic control node and can be integrated into a wide range of mobile, stationary, or distributed systems through configurable interfaces and control architectures.
How does LightForce handle loss of remote command or RF link?
LightForce transitions according to predefined authority and safeguard logic, which may include reverting to local control, holding the last valid command, or entering a constrained operational mode.
Can multiple LightForce units operate within the same system?
Yes. LightForce supports distributed, redundant, and coordinated multi-node architectures, enabling subsystem partitioning, hierarchical control, or voting-based fault tolerance.
Does integration with cloud or AI services affect real-time control performance?
No. Real-time control loops remain local and deterministic. Cloud or external services operate in a supervisory capacity and do not interrupt time-critical execution paths.
How do I find the serial number for my LightForce device?
The serial number is printed on a sticker adhered to your device and has the format shown below. Image Placeholder
Definitions
This section provides precise meanings for technical terms and system-specific concepts used throughout LightForce documentation to ensure clarity and consistency.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Sensor Fusion | The process of combining data from multiple sensors to produce a unified and more accurate state estimate. |
| State Estimate | The calculated position, velocity, and attitude of the vehicle at a given time. |
| GNSS-Denied Environment | An operational environment in which satellite navigation signals are unavailable, degraded, or intentionally disrupted. |
| Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) | A sensor module that measures linear acceleration and angular velocity. |
| Visual Odometry | The estimation of motion using sequential camera imagery. |
| Navigation Solution | The computed output representing vehicle position, velocity, and orientation. |
| Dead Reckoning | Position estimation based on previously determined position and measured motion inputs. |
| Fail-Safe Mode | A predefined system state entered upon detection of critical faults to maintain safety. |
| Robustness | The ability of the system to maintain performance under disturbances or uncertainties. |
| Latency | The time delay between sensor measurement and system output. |
Acronyms & Abbreviations
This section lists shortened forms of terms used in this document, together with their full expressions, to facilitate clear and unambiguous interpretation.
| Acronym | Expanded Form |
|---|---|
| GNSS | Global Navigation Satellite System |
| IMU | Inertial Measurement Unit |
| INS | Inertial Navigation System |
| UAV | Unmanned Aerial Vehicle |
| UAS | Unmanned Aircraft System |
| EKF | Extended Kalman Filter |
| UKF | Unscented Kalman Filter |
| PWM | Pulse Width Modulation |
| CAN | Controller Area Network |
| UART | Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter |
| I²C | Inter-Integrated Circuit |
| SPI | Serial Peripheral Interface |
| RMS | Root Mean Square |
| OEM | Original Equipment Manufacturer |
| EMI | Electromagnetic Interference |
Symbols & Units
This section defines the symbols, measurement units, and notation conventions used in specifications, equations, and performance descriptions used across LightForce documentation.
| Symbol | Parameter | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| V | Voltage | Volt (V) |
| I | Current | Ampere (A) |
| P | Power | Watt (W) |
| R | Resistance | Ohm (Ω) |
| f | Frequency | Hertz (Hz) |
| t | Time | Second (s) |
| T | Temperature | Degree Celsius (°C) |
| m | Mass | Kilogram (kg) |
| g | Acceleration due to gravity | Metre per second squared (m/s²) |
| a | Acceleration | Metre per second squared (m/s²) |
| ω | Angular velocity | Radian per second (rad/ s ) |
| θ | Angle | Radian (rad ) |
| τ | Torque | Newton metre (N·m ) |
| F | Force | Newton (N) |
| p | Pressure | Pascal (Pa) |
| v | Velocity | Metre per second (m/s) |
| d | Distance / Displacement | Metre (m) |
| C | Capacitance | Farad (F) |
| L | Inductance | Henry (H) |
| ρ | Density | Kilogram per cubic metre (kg/ m ³) |
| φ | Roll angle | Radian (rad) |
| θ | Pitch angle | Radian (rad) |
| ψ | Yaw angle | Radian (rad) |
| σ | Standard deviation | Same as measured quantity |
| μ | Mean value | Same as measured quantity |