Mechanical Teleassistance Mode Selection to Block Unauthorized Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Autonomous and semi-autonomous machines face security vulnerabilities in teleassistance modes, allowing unauthorized access and control by malicious parties, which can compromise safety.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a mechanical selector to toggle between non-teleassistance and teleassistance modes, requiring physical engagement at the machine to enable teleassistance, thereby reducing unauthorized remote access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If teleassistance mode is enabled through remote communication systems, then operational assistance and control capabilities are improved, but security vulnerabilities increase allowing unauthorized access and malicious control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveteleassistance operational capabilityVSAvoidunauthorized access and malicious control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a mechanical selector as an intermediary device between the operator and the teleassistance communication system. This physical switch requires direct human interaction at the machine location, creating a mediating layer that prevents remote unauthorized activation while still allowing legitimate teleassistance operations when properly initiated

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces purely electronic/software-based mode switching with a mechanical selector system. This substitution of mechanical control for electronic control creates a physical barrier against remote hacking attempts, as the mechanical switch cannot be actuated through software or remote communication channels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If remote operation systems are implemented for teleassistance, then operational control and monitoring are improved, but security risks and vulnerability to hacking increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidsystem security against unauthorized access

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by requiring the mechanical selector to be physically switched at the machine location before teleassistance mode can be activated. This preliminary physical authentication step ensures that only authorized personnel present at the machine can enable remote operations, preventing unauthorized remote access before it can occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional teleassistance enabling methods are used, then operational flexibility is improved, but security vulnerabilities and exposure to unauthorized control increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode switching flexibilityVSAvoidunauthorized mode activation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical selector serves as a physical intermediary that must be directly manipulated at the machine location. This intermediary device maintains operational flexibility for legitimate users while blocking unauthorized activation attempts, as the mechanical switch cannot be actuated remotely through communication channels or software exploits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20260050259A1Security of teleassistance operating modes in autonomous systems and applications

Publication Date: 2026.02.19 NVIDIA CORP

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to reducing vulnerabilities associated with teleassistance operating modes. In particular, in some embodiments, a system may include a control system configured to control one or more operations of a machine, in which the control system has a first operating mode (e.g., a non-teleassistance mode) and a second operating mode (e.g., a teleassistance mode). The system may further include a mechanical selector configured to cause selection between the first operating mode and the second operating mode via a mechanical mechanism.