Autonomous Vehicle Secure Container with Geo-fenced Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for transporting valuable items are costly, unreliable, and vulnerable to theft due to the need for secure transportation vehicles and personnel, with high costs associated with ownership, maintenance, insurance, and security measures.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing an autonomous vehicle (AV) equipped with a physical container secured by electronic codes, where access and unlock codes are geo-fenced to ensure secure transportation between destinations, leveraging a distributed ledger for secure data storage and management, and geo-fencing technology to restrict access to authorized locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional secure transportation methods are used with personnel and vehicles, then security and reliability are improved, but costs and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous vehicle performs secure transportation tasks independently without requiring human operators. The system self-manages navigation, security protocols, and container access through automated code verification and geo-fencing mechanisms, eliminating the need for security personnel while maintaining high security standards
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical security systems (physical guards, manual vehicle operation) with electronic and software-based systems including distributed ledger technology for code management, GPS-based geo-fencing for location verification, and automated container locking mechanisms that use electronic codes instead of physical keys
2Reliability
If traditional secure transportation methods are used with personnel and vehicles, then reliability is improved, but costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous vehicle operates without human personnel, eliminating costs associated with security guards, drivers, and manual monitoring. The system autonomously manages the entire transportation process from pickup to delivery, reducing operational expenses while maintaining reliable security through automated protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses disposable or reusable electronic codes stored on the distributed ledger that can be generated, used, and discarded for each transportation task. These digital access credentials replace expensive ongoing security personnel contracts and vehicle maintenance, providing cost-effective security for each individual transport mission
3Device complexity
If electronic codes and geo-fencing are used for access control, then costs and complexity are reduced, but security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple security mechanisms into a unified system: electronic code verification is merged with geo-fencing location verification and autonomous vehicle control. The distributed ledger stores and manages all access codes, creating an integrated security architecture that maintains high security while reducing the need for separate complex systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously verifies the vehicle's location against pre-defined geo-fenced zones and checks access codes against the distributed ledger before allowing container access. This real-time feedback mechanism ensures that even if one security layer is compromised, multiple verification steps maintain overall system security and reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A method for securely transporting items in an autonomous vehicle (AV) between travel destinations includes implementing an electronic ledger on an electronic computing device. One or more electronic codes for are stored in the electronic ledger for controlling access to a physical container that can be secured in the AV. One or more destination addresses for the AV are stored in the electronic ledger. After receiving an access code that matches one of the one or more electronic codes, the physical container is secured in the AV. A destination address is obtained from the electronic ledger. The AV is directed to transport the physical container to the destination address.