System and method for automatically controlling a path of travel of a vehicle

The method and system for automatically controlling a path of travel of a vehicle include engaging an automatic control system when the security of the onboard controls is jeopardized. Engagement may be automatic or manual from inside the vehicle or remotely via a communication link. Any onboard capability to supersede the automatic control system may then be disabled by disconnecting the onboard controls and/or providing uninterruptible power to the automatic control system via a path that does not include the onboard accessible power control element(s). The operation of the vehicle is then controlled via the processing element of the automatic control system. The control commands may be received from a remote location and/or from predetermined control commands that are stored onboard the vehicle...

...26. A method of engaging an uninterruptible autopilot mode to automatically control flight operations of an air vehicle, comprising:

initiating an autopilot system of the air vehicle;

disconnecting onboard flight controls and bypassing at least one onboard accessible power control element to connect the autopilot system of the air vehicle to an alternative, inaccessible power supply in response to initiation of the autopilot system, such that the uninterruptible autopilot mode of the air vehicle is engaged, wherein bypassing at least one onboard accessible power control element comprises switching from the at least one onboard accessible power control element to an alternative, inaccessible power control element comprising at least one power limiting element so as to supply power via the alternative, inaccessible power control element to the autopilot system from the alternative, inaccessible power supply in response to initiation of the autopilot system; and
automatically navigating the air vehicle without input from onboard the air vehicle via the uninterruptible autopilot mode of the air vehicle...

http://www.google.com/patents/US7142971