Remote Vehicle Control via Throttle Position

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Solution Overview

Problem

In autonomous vehicles, there is a need for a system that allows human operators to occasionally take control without the need for traditional vehicle control interfaces, which are expensive and consume significant space, while ensuring secure and efficient transition between autonomous and non-autonomous modes.

Innovation Solution

A remote vehicle control system that uses a computer with a processor and memory to detect throttle positions and engage the vehicle's transmission based on specified modes, allowing human operators to control the vehicle through a remote control device that can communicate with the vehicle's computer via wired or wireless connections, and includes authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional vehicle control interfaces are installed in the vehicle, then human operators can control the vehicle, but the cost increases and space is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehuman control capabilityVSAvoidcontrol interface requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control interface is extracted from the vehicle and placed in a remote device. The patent describes a system where a remote computing device communicates with the vehicle's computer over a network, allowing the operator to control the vehicle from outside the vehicle. This eliminates the need for traditional control interfaces inside the vehicle cabin.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

A communication network acts as an intermediary between the remote control device and the vehicle's computer. The patent specifies that the remote computing device communicates with the vehicle's computer over a network, enabling control functionality without direct physical connection or traditional interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If authentication mechanisms are added to prevent unauthorized access, then security improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunauthorized access preventionVSAvoidauthentication system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Authentication is performed preliminarily before allowing remote control access. The patent describes that the remote computing device must be authenticated by the vehicle's computer before the system enables remote operation capabilities. This preliminary authentication ensures security before the control function is activated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Area of stationary object

If remote control capability is implemented, then space requirements are reduced, but communication reliability must be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle interior spaceVSAvoidremote control operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle's computer is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the autonomous vehicle controller and as the receiver for remote control commands. The patent describes that the same computer system that manages autonomous vehicle operations also receives and processes authentication and control signals from remote devices, eliminating the need for separate dedicated remote control hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10883596B2Remote vehicle control

Publication Date: 2021.01.05 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A remote vehicle control is activated. A throttle position on the control is maintained for a specified time. A transmission of a vehicle is engaged based on the throttle position.