Remote Vehicle Control via Digital Twin Simulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote control systems for motor vehicles are overly complex and require significant hardware and software capabilities, making them impractical for widespread use, especially for motor vehicles, as they necessitate a stationary device with immense resources and personnel, which is not feasible for motor vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A remote control system that allows for remote monitoring and control of motor vehicles using personal data terminals, where a control center coordinates communication between the vehicle and operators, enabling remote control via data communication links, with low demands on precision, allowing for steering, braking, and basic control, and can be operated by both human operators and driving agent programs, with a payment system for remuneration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a stationary remote control center with immense hardware and software capacities is used, then remote control functionality is achieved, but device complexity and resource requirements become too high for motor vehicle applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control functionalityVSAvoidhardware and software capacities
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses virtual copies of the vehicle environment (camera feeds, sensor data, digital twins) transmitted to remote operators instead of requiring operators to physically interact with the vehicle. This allows remote control functionality with reduced hardware requirements at the vehicle end, as only lightweight communication and data transmission components are needed rather than complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a communication network and data transmission system as an intermediary between the vehicle and remote operators. This mediator handles the complex processing and transmission of vehicle status data, control commands, and environmental information, allowing the vehicle itself to maintain simpler hardware while still achieving reliable remote control through the intermediary infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If remote control systems are implemented with high precision requirements, then control accuracy is improved, but ease of operation decreases due to increased complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol accuracyVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements control with adaptive precision requirements - using high precision only when necessary (e.g., during critical maneuvers or hazardous conditions) and lower precision for routine operations. This partial application of high precision maintains control accuracy when needed while keeping the system easier to operate during normal conditions, avoiding the constant complexity of maximum precision control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the control system dynamically adjustable in terms of precision requirements based on driving conditions, vehicle status, and operator capability. The system can switch between different control modes (automatic, semi-automatic, manual) and adjust the level of precision needed, making operation easier during routine tasks while maintaining high accuracy when required by the situation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If autonomous driving systems are developed to handle all driving situations, then driver assistance is improved, but device complexity and technical challenges increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving situation coverageVSAvoidtechnical challenges
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the autonomous driving function into modular components: perception systems (sensors, cameras), decision-making modules (control algorithms), and execution systems (actuator control). Each module can be independently developed, tested, and improved. This segmentation allows the system to handle diverse driving situations through coordinated modular components rather than requiring a single monolithic complex system, reducing overall technical challenges while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2762988B1Demand-activated remote control and/or monitoring system for motor vehicles
Publication Date: 2019.06.19 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC
  • EP2762988B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2762988B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2762988B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The remote control system has control center (13) adapted to requirement remote monitoring and/or remote control of a motor vehicle (1) away from the central office. A data communications link is between motor vehicle and personal data terminal (14a) after acceptance of offer for implementation to perform remote control the vehicle, to deliver personal data. The personal data terminal is provided for remote monitoring and/or remote control of vehicle over data-communication link according to driving simulation computer games.