Multi-Network Vehicle Remote Control via Action Codes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle management and control systems are limited by their ability to communicate over a single network, are susceptible to disablement, and can only remotely manage a limited number of vehicular functions, restricting their usability for tracking and control applications.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle computing system that utilizes multiple networks (such as WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular, and satellite) to enable communication with a user device, allowing remote management and control of vehicular functions even when the vehicle is powered down, using processors and communication devices to send and receive action codes for functions like locking doors or sounding alarms, and prioritizing networks for reliable data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single network is used for vehicle communication, then the system is simpler to implement, but the reliability and coverage are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle communication system is configured to support multiple network types (cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth, satellite) simultaneously, enabling the system to adapt to different communication environments and maintain reliability regardless of which network is available. The system can automatically select appropriate networks based on availability and suitability for the specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes communication parameters such as network selection, transmission protocols, and power levels based on the operational state of the vehicle and available networks. This allows the system to optimize communication reliability while managing complexity through adaptive parameter adjustment rather than fixed configurations.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the vehicle is powered down to save energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but remote management and control functionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle communication system is segmented into independent low-power communication modules that can operate separately from the main vehicle systems. These modules remain in standby mode with minimal power consumption, allowing them to receive and process remote commands even when the vehicle is powered down, while main systems remain in sleep mode to conserve energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring wake-up triggers and command buffers that can be activated by low-power communication modules. When a remote command is received while the vehicle is off, the system prepares the necessary wake-up sequences and command interpretations in advance, enabling seamless transition to full operation without energy loss.
3Adaptability or versatility
If remote management features are expanded, then functionality is improved, but system security and vulnerability to disablement increase
Solution Approach 1:
A secure intermediary layer is introduced between the communication interfaces and vehicle control systems. This intermediary implements authentication, encryption, and authorization protocols that verify the legitimacy of remote commands before executing them. The intermediary acts as a security gateway that maintains system integrity while enabling expanded remote management capabilities across multiple networks.
4Reliability
If multiple networks are supported, then communication coverage and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system implements self-service through automatic network selection, connection management, and failover mechanisms. The system autonomously monitors available networks, selects the most appropriate one based on predefined criteria, and switches between networks without user intervention. This self-managing approach reduces the perceived complexity for users while maintaining comprehensive multi-network support.
Data Source
AI summary
Certain embodiments herein relate to enabling remote activation of a vehicle's functions or features via multiple networks that may connect the vehicle to a user device operated by a user. A user may utilize the user device to send action codes to a vehicle that, when received and processed by the vehicle, may cause the vehicle to perform one or more functions corresponding to the action codes, in some examples, such functionality may be implemented for stolen vehicle tracking and parental controls. Various devices and/or program code in a vehicle may configured to detect and communicate multiple networks, such as Bluetooth®, a wireless fidelity (WiFi) network, a WiFi Direct network, a cellular network (including third generation and fourth generation), a radio network, a satellite, etc. As described herein, program code may run as firmware and processors and memory devices, for example, may operate out of band.