Remote Control Deactivation by Position-Based Access Zones

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a risk of unauthorized remote control of moving objects, such as vehicles, which can lead to security and operational issues, particularly in controlled environments like factories where these objects are produced.

Innovation Solution

A remote control system that includes a moving object with a deactivation unit, a position information acquisition unit, a determination unit, and a deactivation command unit, which deactivates remote control when the object is outside a predetermined region, preventing unauthorized control by transmitting a deactivation command based on position information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If remote control is enabled for moving objects, then operational flexibility and productivity are improved, but security risks and unauthorized control possibilities increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidunauthorized control risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating different remote control accessibility zones: a first region (factory premises) where remote control is permitted and a second region (outside factory) where remote control is prohibited. This spatial differentiation allows the system to maintain operational flexibility within the factory while preventing unauthorized control outside, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and security risks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the geographic space into distinct regions with different remote control policies. By dividing the area into a first region (where moving objects are produced) and a second region (outside the factory), the system enables remote control only in the controlled factory environment while blocking it in external areas, thereby maintaining productivity benefits while eliminating security vulnerabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If remote control is deactivated outside a predetermined region, then security against unauthorized control is improved, but operational convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunauthorized control preventionVSAvoidoperational convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing geographic boundaries (first region and second region) and pre-configuring the control system to automatically enforce remote control restrictions based on location. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for manual authorization decisions, maintaining security while preserving operational convenience through automated enforcement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies self-service by enabling the moving object or control system to automatically determine its own location and enforce appropriate remote control policies without external intervention. The system autonomously activates or deactivates remote control based on whether it is within the first or second region, maintaining both security and operational ease

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4439517A1Remote control system, remote control deactivation device, and remote control deactivation method
Publication Date: 2024.10.02 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • EP4439517A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4439517A1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4439517A1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A remote control system includes: a moving object configured to be movable by remote control, the moving object including a deactivation execution unit configured to deactivate the remote control; a position information acquisition unit configured to acquire position information regarding the moving object; a determination unit configured to determine whether the moving object is located inside or outside a predetermined first region using the position information; and a deactivation command unit configured to transmit a deactivation command to the moving object when the determination unit determines that the moving object is located outside the first region, the deactivation command being a command for causing the deactivation execution unit to deactivate the remote control.