Distributed Local Positioning System Control for Multi-User Remote Operation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current remote login capabilities for Local Positioning Systems (LPS) limit simultaneous operation by multiple users, require complex administrative setups, and inefficiently utilize network resources, making it difficult for remote operators to control multiple LPS units or collaborate on large objects with occluded regions.

Innovation Solution

A distributed operation system that allows simultaneous control of one or more LPS units by both remote and local operators through a local system with a device control application and a remote session manager, using inter-process communication channels and network sockets to manage multiple connections, enabling efficient sharing of resources and video streaming.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If remote login capabilities are implemented to allow remote operation of LPS, then operators can access the system from different physical locations, but the system limits operation to a single operator at a time and requires complex account administration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote access capabilityVSAvoidadministrative complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the LPS control functionality into separate components: a device control application running locally and remote user interface applications that can connect simultaneously. This segmentation allows multiple operators to access the system without conflicting for single-system control, as each remote user gets their own interface instance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a network-based intermediary layer that mediates between remote users and the local LPS system. Remote users connect through network sockets to the device control application, which acts as an intermediary, translating remote commands into local system actions without requiring direct desktop-level access or complex account management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If remote login capabilities are implemented to allow remote operation of LPS, then operators can access the system from different physical locations, but significant network resources are consumed and latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote access capabilityVSAvoidnetwork resource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the user interface functionality from the local LPS system and delivers it separately to remote users through network connections. Instead of replicating the entire desktop environment, only the necessary control interface and video feed are transmitted, reducing network bandwidth consumption and improving response time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple remote sessions are run to allow simultaneous control of multiple LPS units, then coverage of large objects is improved, but keyboard and mouse inputs are assigned to only one active application at a time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-unit control capabilityVSAvoidsimultaneous control capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device control application is designed to handle multiple remote connections simultaneously, making it universal in its ability to serve multiple operators. Each remote user maintains an independent interface session, allowing simultaneous control of one or more LPS units without input conflicts, as the underlying application manages multiple connection contexts concurrently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If remote operators interact with the computer system at the desktop level to access LPS, then access to attached LPS is achieved, but operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess capabilityVSAvoidoperational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a network-based intermediary layer that mediates between remote users and the local LPS system. Remote users connect through network sockets to the device control application, which acts as an intermediary, translating remote commands into local system actions without requiring direct desktop-level access or complex account management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2681893B1Distributed operation of a local positioning system
Publication Date: 2019.05.22 THE BOEING CO
  • EP2681893B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP2681893B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP2681893B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Presented is a system and method for distributed operation of Local Positioning Systems (LPS). A method includes establishing a network connection with a local controller and providing a user interface for sending device commands to an LPS associated with the local controller, and may include requesting a network address of a server for streaming video. The user interface can control a plurality of LPS units and the local controller can accept device commands from a plurality of user interfaces. A system includes a local system with interfaces to an LPS and a network that directs device control messages to the LPS from one or more remote systems, and a remote system that establishes network connections with one or more local systems and provides a user interface for sending device control messages to the one or more LPS units.