Remote Control Provisioning for Heterogeneous Construction Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for remotely controlling construction equipment face challenges due to varying specifications among different types and manufacturers, requiring dedicated remote stations or frequent adjustments, and issues with peer-to-peer communication across private networks.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a remote control device, construction equipment, virtual private network (VPN) relay servers, and a remote control server that registers and manages device provisioning information, establishes VPN connections using UDP hole punching or relay servers, and converts control signals to IP messages, enabling control of heterogeneous equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated remote stations are provided for each construction equipment type and manufacturer, then control compatibility is improved, but device complexity and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal remote station design that can control multiple types of construction equipment from different manufacturers through a single device. The system achieves this by establishing VPN connections to access equipment control networks and converting control signals to match different equipment specifications, eliminating the need for separate dedicated remote stations for each equipment type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes control signal parameters (such as CAN bus baud rates, message formats, and protocol types) based on the target equipment being controlled. The remote station automatically adjusts these parameters to match the specific equipment specifications, enabling a single universal device to control heterogeneous equipment without requiring physical reconfiguration or dedicated hardware for each equipment type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If remote control settings are changed frequently to match different construction equipment, then control adaptability is improved, but operation time and efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures multiple equipment profiles with their specific control parameters, communication protocols, and signal formats. When connecting to different construction equipment, the remote station automatically selects and applies the appropriate pre-configured profile, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration and reducing setup time while maintaining adaptability to various equipment types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic equipment identification and parameter detection through feedback mechanisms. When connecting to construction equipment via VPN, the remote station automatically detects the equipment type, manufacturer, and specific control parameters, then dynamically configures itself without requiring manual intervention. This feedback-driven automatic configuration significantly reduces the time needed to adapt to different equipment while maintaining full compatibility.
3Ease of operation
If peer-to-peer communication is used across private networks, then direct control is improved, but network connectivity and security are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a VPN relay server as an intermediary between the remote station and construction equipment located on private networks. This mediator enables direct control functionality by establishing secure VPN connections through the relay server, allowing the remote station to communicate with equipment on restricted networks without requiring direct peer-to-peer access, thus maintaining both control capability and network security.
Data Source
AI summary
A construction equipment remote control system of the present invention is a system capable of remotely controlling heterogeneous construction equipment using a single remote control device, and is a remote control system capable of automatically setting a remote control device to match construction equipment to be controlled remotely using provisioning information of construction equipment registered when the remote control device selects the construction equipment to be controlled remotely.