Remote Multi-Vehicle Control With Dynamic Operator Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle control systems limit operators to controlling a single vehicle system, requiring physical presence and restricting concurrent control of multiple systems due to communication range and visual limitations, necessitating operators to switch between vehicles manually.
Innovation Solution
A distributed control system that enables remote operators to communicatively couple with multiple vehicle systems, allowing concurrent control through advanced communication networks, including satellite communication, and dynamic assignment of remote operators to manage vehicle operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an operator controls a single vehicle system with onboard presence, then direct control and monitoring are achieved, but the operator cannot concurrently control multiple vehicle systems and must physically switch between them
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical presence requirement with a wireless communication system. The operator uses a wireless transceiver to communicate control commands and receive vehicle status information without being physically onboard, thereby eliminating the need for manual physical switching between vehicles while maintaining control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless control system enables the operator to control multiple different vehicle systems simultaneously through a single interface. The system is designed to communicate with various vehicle types (trucks, trailers, etc.) using universal protocols, allowing one operator to manage multiple vehicles concurrently without physical presence.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If remote control is implemented with limited wireless range, then operator safety is improved, but control range is restricted to approximately one mile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple communication technologies (wireless transceivers, satellite communication, cellular networks) into an integrated communication system. This hybrid approach extends the control range beyond the limitations of single-technology wireless systems while maintaining operator safety through continued remote operation.
3Reliability
If an operator control unit is communicatively linked with a single vehicle system, then accidental control of another vehicle is prevented, but the operator cannot remotely control multiple vehicle systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically manages communication links between the operator control unit and multiple vehicle systems. The controller can establish, maintain, or terminate communications with different vehicles based on operational needs, allowing flexible multi-vehicle control while implementing protocols to prevent accidental activation of the wrong vehicle through confirmation requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A distributed control system includes a remote control system configured to be communicatively coupled with plural separate vehicle systems. The remote control system is configured to remotely control operation of the vehicle systems and/or communicate with the local vehicle control system or operator. The remote control system also is configured to one or more of change how many of the vehicle systems are concurrently controlled by the remote control system or change how many remote operators of the remote control system concurrently control the same vehicle system of the vehicle systems.