Cellular Remote Interface Device for Long-Range Vehicle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote starters and alarm systems for vehicles often rely on short-range communication methods like infrared signals, which are inadequate for long-distance control, and satellite-based solutions are costly and require expensive subscriptions.
Innovation Solution
A universal cellular-based remote operation system that includes a RF receiver in the vehicle and a remote interface device with a cellular transceiver, RF transmitter, and controller, allowing users to control their vehicle from a computing device via a network, using a distribution center to manage communication and forward commands to the vehicle's control module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If infrared signal or short-range communication is used for remote control, then the device complexity is low, but the communication distance is limited and cannot satisfy long-distance control needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cellular network as an intermediary communication medium between the remote control device and the vehicle. The remote control device communicates with a cellular base station, which then forwards commands to the vehicle's control module, enabling long-distance communication without requiring direct line-of-sight or complex proprietary communication hardware in the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the universal cellular network infrastructure already widely deployed for mobile phones, making the remote control system compatible with existing cellular technology. This allows the system to leverage established communication protocols and infrastructure rather than requiring dedicated communication hardware, thereby reducing overall system complexity while achieving long-distance control.
2Length of moving object
If satellite-based remote starter is used, then long-distance control capability is achieved, but the cost of ownership and installation is very high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive satellite-based communication systems with affordable cellular network technology. The cellular network infrastructure already exists widely and charges minimal fees compared to satellite services, making the remote control system economically viable for mass market adoption while maintaining long-distance control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the cellular network as a cost-effective intermediary for communication between the remote control device and the vehicle. This intermediary approach avoids the need for expensive satellite transponders and ground stations, leveraging instead the widely deployed cellular infrastructure that already provides ubiquitous coverage at fraction of the cost.
3Length of moving object
If cellular-based remote control system is implemented, then long-distance control and cost-effectiveness are achieved, but the system requires integration of multiple components (cellular transceiver, RF transmitter, control module)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the remote control system into distinct functional modules: a cellular transceiver for receiving commands, an RF transmitter for sending signals to the vehicle, and a control module for processing logic. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture by clearly defining interfaces and responsibilities between modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple communication functions (cellular reception, RF transmission, and control processing) into an integrated remote control device that communicates with the vehicle through existing RF interfaces. This merging approach allows the system to leverage existing vehicle RF receivers and control modules while adding cellular connectivity, thereby reducing the need for completely new hardware in the vehicle.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables long-distance remote control of vehicles without the need for rewiring, providing features like remote start, location tracking, and alarm control through a smartphone or computer, reducing costs and enhancing user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The transceiver may include a processor and an antenna. The transceiver may receive a control command via cellular communication link.
Implementation Method 2
The RF transmitter may transmit a RF command over the RF communication link to the RF receiver.
Data Source
AI summary
A remote operation system remotely controls a vehicle. The system may include a RF receiver and a remote interface device. The RF receiver resides in the vehicle and receives RF commands via a RF communication link. The remote interface device may be packaged in a housing and installed in the vehicle. The remote interface device includes a cellular transceiver, a RF transmitter, and a controller. The cellular transceiver may receive a given command via a cellular communication link. The controller may retrieve the given command from the cellular transceiver, and translate the given command to a RF command. The controller may transmit the RF command to the RF receiver by way of the RF transmitter.