Auxiliary Controller Module for Remote Vehicle Override

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional remote access and control systems for vehicles and facilities are increasingly susceptible to malicious interference and hijacking due to vulnerabilities in radio frequency communication, leading to loss of control and potential safety risks.

Innovation Solution

A navigation controller system that integrates an auxiliary controller module, which communicates via a different mode (e.g., cellular signals) to override the primary controller, allowing for coded messaging to activate and take control of the device, providing a backup mechanism to regain control in case of hijacking or loss of communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If radio frequency communication is used for remote control, then convenience and efficiency are improved, but susceptibility to malicious interference and hijacking increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote control convenienceVSAvoidcontrol security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary authentication mechanism that verifies the legitimacy of control signals before executing commands. The authentication module acts as a mediator between the remote controller and the controlled device, checking cryptographic signatures or tokens to ensure the signal originates from an authorized source, thereby preventing hijacking while maintaining remote control functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary authentication actions before executing remote control commands. By pre-establishing cryptographic keys, tokens, or trusted certificates between the controller and controlled device, the system validates control signals in advance, ensuring that only authenticated commands are processed, thus preventing malicious interference before it can affect system operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If RF signal strength is increased to overcome jamming, then control reliability improves, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol signal reliabilityVSAvoidtransmitter energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical approach of increasing RF signal power with a cryptographic authentication system. Instead of transmitting stronger signals to overcome jamming, the system uses cryptographic verification to authenticate control signals, allowing reliable operation at lower power levels by verifying signal legitimacy through digital signatures or tokens rather than relying on signal strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If authentication mechanisms are added to verify control signals, then security against hijacking improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol signal authenticityVSAvoidsystem architectural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal authentication module that can work across different communication protocols and device types. The authentication mechanism is designed as a multi-functional component that handles various authentication methods (cryptographic signatures, tokens, certificates) through a unified interface, reducing overall system complexity by providing a single authentication solution that works across multiple scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11679894B1System and method for enabling the emergency remote override of a hijacked operation of a vehicle, a device or a facility

Publication Date: 2023.06.20 CHINOY RAYOMOND H

AI summary

A navigation controller system and method for retrieving control of a remotely controlled device includes an onboard primary controller supportable on a remotely controlled device and adapted to control operation thereof, a base controller adapted to communicate with the onboard primary controller by a first mode of communications to provide instructions to control and operate the remotely controlled device, and an auxiliary controller module supportable on the remotely controlled device either separately from or integrated into the onboard primary controller and adapted to communicate with the base controller by a second mode of communications not the same as the first mode of communications so that the auxiliary controller module acts as a backup to disable, disconnect or otherwise take over control from the onboard primary controller when it is rendered non-responsive to communications from the base controller.