Remote Work Machine Activation Using Digital Key Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional remote starting systems for work machines face security challenges due to authorization and authentication being solely owned in the cloud infrastructure, and safety precautions often prevent or make such features impractical.
Innovation Solution
A digital key framework is used to securely activate remote actions in work machines, independent of user proximity, utilizing a host server to authenticate and validate commands through a trusted network of user computing devices and work machines, without requiring proximity-based technologies like UWB or BLE.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cloud infrastructure is used for remote command authentication, then remote activation capability is improved, but security vulnerability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hosted digital authentication key framework that acts as an intermediary between the user device and work machine. The framework includes a hosted server that stores authentication keys and mediates the authentication process, preventing direct exposure of security credentials while enabling remote activation. This resolves the contradiction by allowing cloud-based remote commands without compromising security through proper architectural separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication system is segmented into distinct components: user device, hosted server, work machine, and machine computing device. Each component has a specific role in the authentication process, with security functions separated from activation functions. This segmentation allows remote activation capability while maintaining security through distributed trust boundaries.
2Reliability
If proximity-based technologies (UWB, BLE) are used for authentication, then security is improved, but operational flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces proximity-based physical authentication mechanisms (UWB, BLE requiring physical nearness) with a digital certificate-based authentication system that works over any distance. The hosted digital authentication key framework enables secure authentication through cryptographic verification rather than physical proximity, substituting mechanical/spatial constraints with digital trust mechanisms.
3Reliability
If safety precautions are implemented to prevent unauthorized access, then security is improved, but remote starting functionality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a challenge-response authentication mechanism where the hosted server provides feedback in the form of authentication challenges that must be verified before command execution. The system receives commands, verifies them against stored authentication keys, and provides feedback on authentication success before allowing remote activation. This feedback loop ensures security while enabling legitimate remote operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for securely activating actions by work machines, independent of distance between the machines and users requesting the actions. An authentication network is established between a host server, authorized users, and work machines, wherein authorized user computing devices are assigned authentication keys. A user sends a first message to the host server comprising requested actions by an identified work machine and signed with an authentication key. The host verifies authenticity of the first message, optionally adds a host signature, and transmits the verified message to the work machine. The machine controller verifies authenticity of the first message and conditionally generates a second message comprising a confirmation challenge to the user. If the user responds satisfactorily to the challenge, the machine executes the requested actions, for example relating to startup/shutdown, access control, autonomous control of operations, adjustments to machine settings, and the like.