Remote Driving Disablement by Route Signal Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a technique to disable remote control functions of moving objects in a factory setting with proper timing, ensuring safety and preventing unauthorized control, without increasing parts count or complexity.

Innovation Solution

A moving object equipped with a communication unit, signal detection unit, and disablement implementation unit that detects a disablement signal at predetermined locations or conditions, allowing for the irreversible disablement of remote control functions, using electromagnetic waves or radio communication signals, and incorporating positioning information for precise timing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If remote control function is disabled using a dedicated disablement signal device, then the disablement timing can be controlled properly, but the parts count increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisablement timing controlVSAvoidparts count
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling the moving object communication unit to serve dual purposes: receiving both driving control requests and disablement signals through the same communication interface. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated devices for signal emission and reception, reducing parts count while maintaining reliable disablement timing control through existing communication infrastructure

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of disablement signal emission and reception into the existing communication system. The disablement signal is transmitted through the same communication unit that handles driving control requests, combining multiple functions into a single integrated system rather than using separate dedicated components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If remote control is disabled immediately after factory manufacture, then unauthorized control is prevented, but the remote control function may be needed during transport

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunauthorized control preventionVSAvoidremote control availability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the remote control enablement state changeable based on operational conditions. The system dynamically transitions between enabled and disabled states depending on whether the moving object is in factory mode or transport mode, allowing flexible adaptation to different operational phases rather than a fixed static state

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback mechanisms where the system monitors operational context (factory vs. transport environment) and automatically adjusts the remote control state accordingly. The disablement signal reception and processing provides feedback-based control that ensures remote control is disabled during factory operations but can be re-enabled for transport scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If multiple conditions are required for disablement process, then erroneous disablement is reduced, but the complexity of disablement logic increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveerroneous disablement reductionVSAvoiddisablement logic complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by establishing clear contextual conditions (factory vs. transport mode) that must be satisfied before disablement is executed. The system preliminarily evaluates operational context and signal source validity before implementing disablement, preventing erroneous actions while maintaining manageable logic through structured conditional checks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables the proper and secure disablement of remote control functions, preventing unauthorized use and reducing the risk of errors or increased parts count, while allowing for stand-alone operation without external communication.

Implementation Method 1

a signal detection unit configured to detect a disablement signal detectable at a predetermined place along a moving route of the moving object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the disablement signal may be an electric wave for radio communication received by the moving object communication unit from outside the moving object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio wave reception: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4439210A1Moving object, remote driving system, and method of disabling remote control
Publication Date: 2024.10.02 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • EP4439210A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4439210A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4439210A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A moving object movable by remote control comprises: a moving object communication unit (190) for receiving a request for driving control from outside the moving object; a driving controller (214) capable of implementing driving control over the moving object in response to the request for driving control during a course of manufacture in a factory for manufacture of the moving object; a signal detection unit (160) for detecting a disablement signal at a predetermined place along a moving route of the moving object; and a disablement implementation unit (212) that performs a disablement process for disabling the remote control if a first condition (222) is fulfilled. The first condition (222) includes an event that the disablement signal is detected or an event that the disablement signal having been detected becomes no longer detected.