Mobile App Remote Control for Commercial Doors via Live Video

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote control systems for large industrial and commercial doors are costly and limited in features, requiring dedicated remote devices and lacking effective monitoring capabilities, especially for users who are not physically close to the door.

Innovation Solution

A mobile application that enables remote control and monitoring of commercial doors through live streaming video, using a central server and door controller unit connected to a video camera and door actuator, allowing users to manage multiple doors from a single app and providing scalable, secure, and feature-rich access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If dedicated remote control devices are used for each door, then remote control capability is provided, but system cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidsystem cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile device runs a universal application that can control multiple different doors through a central server, eliminating the need for dedicated remote devices for each door. The system supports unlimited users and doors through a single platform, achieving multi-functionality and cost reduction.

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

Solution Approach 2:

A central server acts as an intermediary between mobile devices and door controllers, enabling remote control functionality without requiring direct communication between dedicated remotes and doors. This mediator approach allows standard mobile devices to function as controllers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Extent of automation

If motion sensors or load sensors are used for monitoring, then automated detection is provided, but reliability in preventing door damage is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomated detectionVSAvoiddoor damage prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides real-time video feedback to users about door status and surrounding environment, allowing them to make informed decisions about door operation. This visual feedback loop compensates for the limitations of automated sensors by enabling human judgment in preventing damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If specialized remote devices are used for each door, then door control is enabled, but device complexity and scalability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor control functionalityVSAvoidsystem scalability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single mobile application serves as a universal controller for unlimited doors and users, eliminating the need for specialized devices for each door. The system architecture supports scalable addition of users and doors without increasing device complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses software-based control through mobile devices instead of hardware-based dedicated remotes. This software copying approach allows the same control functionality to be replicated across unlimited users and doors without physical device proliferation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

4Ease of operation

If existing Wi-Fi based remote control systems are used, then remote access is provided, but security and monitoring features are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote access capabilityVSAvoidsecurity and monitoring features
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides comprehensive video feedback and status monitoring to users, enabling them to verify door status and environment before and during door operation. This enhances security and monitoring capabilities beyond simple remote control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The central server acts as a secure intermediary that authenticates users, manages permissions, and coordinates communication between mobile devices and door controllers. This mediator layer enhances security while enabling remote access functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10689898B2Internet-based remote control and monitoring system for commercial doors using mobile devices
Publication Date: 2020.06.23 THE WICHITA STATE UNIV
  • US10689898B2 patent drawing
  • US10689898B2 patent drawing
  • US10689898B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A remote control door closure operating system is based on a central server with a backend database identifying a collection of controllable doors and a plurality of authorized users and corresponding credentials. A door interface unit is adapted to communicate with an authorized user to supply a live video stream of a respective door and to execute door opening and closing commands from the authorized user. A mobile device has a user application program configured to interact with the central server and door interface unit in order to 1) obtain configuration data, 2) authenticate the authorized user, 3) receive the live video stream, and 4) initiate the door opening and closing commands. Safe operation of the door opening/closing operation is encouraged by maximizing use of video surveillance before and during door operations and by conducting separate security authentications for video streaming and for door operation requests.