Mobile Terminal Actuator Control via Cellular Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for controlling actuator elements via wireless communication using mobile devices are limited by manufacturer-specific compatibility, high costs, and security vulnerabilities, restricting their application and use.

Innovation Solution

A method that uses cellular mobile radio networks to securely control actuator elements by transmitting identification data between actuator elements and mobile terminals, employing GSM/UMTS security mechanisms to authorize control and protect against improper access, allowing universal and system-independent use of mobile terminals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manufacturer-specific control systems are used for actuator elements, then system compatibility and control reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase, and adaptability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol reliabilityVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal control system where mobile terminals can control different actuator elements from various manufacturers through a standardized interface. The actuator elements are equipped with identification means that allow the control system to recognize and authenticate devices, enabling universal compatibility while maintaining reliability through standardized communication protocols and authentication mechanisms.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If standardized control systems are used for actuator elements, then adaptability and ease of operation are improved, but security against improper control deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidsecurity vulnerability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing authentication mechanisms before control commands are executed. The actuator elements include identification means that must be authenticated by the mobile terminal before control is permitted. This preliminary security check prevents improper control while maintaining the standardized interface, as the authentication occurs before the control action is taken.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary authentication mechanism between the mobile terminal and actuator element. The identification means on the actuator element serves as an intermediary that verifies the legitimacy of control requests before executing commands, thus securing the standardized control interface against unauthorized access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If wireless communication between actuator elements and mobile terminals is enabled, then ease of operation is improved, but security against improper control deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidsecurity vulnerability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing authentication mechanisms before control commands are executed. The actuator elements include identification means that must be authenticated by the mobile terminal before control is permitted. This preliminary security check prevents improper control while maintaining the standardized interface, as the authentication occurs before the control action is taken.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

4Reliability

If system-specific control architectures are used, then control reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal control system where mobile terminals can control different actuator elements from various manufacturers through a standardized interface. The actuator elements are equipped with identification means that allow the control system to recognize and authenticate devices, enabling universal compatibility while maintaining reliability through standardized communication protocols and authentication mechanisms.

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

Data Source

PatentEP1762998B1Control of actuator elements by means of mobile terminal equipment
Publication Date: 2016.01.06 VODAFONE HOLDING GMBH
  • EP1762998B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The method involves communicating data identifying a mobile terminal (1) and/or data identifying a user of the terminal in a cellular mobile radio network (8) by an actuating unit (12) via a communication connection (19) in a short distance radio range between the actuating unit and the terminal. The terminal is operable in the radio network, where the communication connection is independent from the radio network. An authorization for controlling the actuating unit is determined based on the data identifying the terminal and/or the data identifying the user of the terminal. An independent claim is also included for a mobile terminal for use in a cellular mobile radio network and for executing a method of controlling actuating units via a wireless communication.