Machine-to-Machine Remote Control Without Cellular Infrastructure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-line of sight (NLOS) remote control systems for machines are cumbersome and costly, requiring extensive infrastructure and cellular connectivity, which is not feasible in all worksites due to space constraints and limited cell service, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that enables a first machine to switch to a remote control mode, allowing it to control other machines on the worksite through a network, using controllers and communication devices to transmit instructions and feedback, reducing the need for extensive infrastructure and cellular connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional NLOS remote control system is implemented, then remote control capability is achieved, but infrastructure complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential remote control functionality from the complex traditional NLOS system by utilizing the machine's existing communication device and controller. Instead of requiring a separate NLOS station with multiple monitors and servers, the system uses the machine's own onboard components to establish remote control capability, thereby eliminating the need for extensive external infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the machine's communication device and controller serve multiple functions: they are used both for the machine's normal operation and for establishing remote control connections. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated remote control infrastructure, as the same components perform both operational and remote control communication tasks.
2Ease of operation
If a traditional NLOS station is deployed, then remote control is enabled, but space requirements and budget costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the physical NLOS station structure from the worksite by implementing remote control functionality directly on the machine. The controller and display device on the machine itself serve as the remote control interface, eliminating the need for a separate physical station that would require dedicated space on the worksite.
3Ease of operation
If cellular network is used for NLOS communication, then remote control signal transmission is achieved, but reliability decreases in areas with limited cell service
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a direct peer-to-peer communication channel between the controlling machine and the controlled machine, eliminating the cellular network as an intermediary. By using the machines' own communication devices to establish direct connections, the system bypasses unreliable cellular infrastructure and achieves more reliable communication in areas with limited cell service.
4Reliability
If manual operation is used due to no cell service, then machine operation is maintained, but productivity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes direct communication between machines using their onboard communication devices as intermediaries, eliminating the need for manual operation. This direct machine-to-machine communication enables automated remote control functionality even in areas with no cell service, thereby maintaining productivity and operational efficiency without requiring human operators to be physically present or manually control each machine.
Data Source
AI summary
Non-line of sight (NLOS) remote control for machines is accomplished by a remote-control station with cellular connectivity to run multiple machines remotely. However, NLOS is expensive and may not work in areas with low cell tower coverage. Accordingly, the present disclosure pertains to providing on-machine remote control to operators of machines at a worksite. The on-machine remote control allows one machine to actively control another machine through connectivity between those two machines. For example, a tractor operator may use on-machine remote control to take control of a compactor, such that the compactor may be run using the tractor controls.