Remote Vehicle Control via Cellular Network Mediator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle control technologies, such as wireless key fobs using RFID, have limited range, making it difficult for users to activate vehicle functions like locating or preparing the vehicle from a distance, especially in large areas.
Innovation Solution
A system and method enabling vehicle function control through a wireless device connected to a cellular network, allowing users to interact with vehicle systems remotely via a graphical user interface, with features like engine startup, seat adjustment, and temperature control, using a processor device within the vehicle and a service provider computer for authentication and function execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RFID key fob technology is used for vehicle control, then wireless communication capability is provided, but the communication range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cellular network as an intermediary communication medium between the mobile device and the vehicle control system. Instead of direct short-range RFID communication, the system uses cellular network infrastructure (base stations, core network) to relay commands and data, enabling long-range vehicle control while maintaining reliable authenticated communication through the network mediator.
2Ease of operation
If the vehicle is located far from the user, then the user cannot activate vehicle functions using the key fob, but the user needs to control the vehicle from a distance
Solution Approach 1:
The cellular network serves as a mediator that bridges the distance gap between the user and the vehicle. The mobile device sends control commands through the cellular network infrastructure to the vehicle control system, allowing the user to activate vehicle functions from any location with cellular coverage, effectively eliminating the distance limitation of traditional key fobs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from local spatial proximity-based control (RFID requiring physical closeness) to network-based remote control (cellular network enabling distance-independent operation). This dimensional shift moves the interaction from the physical proximity domain to the network communication domain, where distance is no longer a limiting factor.
3Loss of information
If the user needs to locate the vehicle in a large parking lot, then the user must be within key fob range, but the vehicle may be out of range
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle control system provides feedback to the mobile device about the vehicle's location, status, and environmental conditions. The system receives requests from the mobile device for vehicle information and sends back relevant data such as GPS location, interior temperature, and system status, enabling the user to locate and assess the vehicle condition remotely without needing to physically approach it.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques described herein include a platform for providing user interaction with a vehicle's functions on a mobile device. In some embodiments, the vehicle and mobile device may both be in communication with a service provider computer, that may facilitate communications between the two. In some embodiments, a user is provided with various details related to the vehicle's condition as well as a list of functions that may be initiated by the user. The user is able to select one or more of the listed functions to be performed by the vehicle while located any distance from the vehicle. In some embodiments, the service provider computer may determine whether the user is authorized to initiate a particular vehicle function. Upon selection of a vehicle function from the list of vehicle functions, a processor device in the vehicle executes the function.