Vehicle Activation Code Verification for Safe Remote Start-Up

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a risk of accidents during the start-up sequence of remotely operated vehicles due to the possibility of an operator controlling the wrong vehicle, leading to unintended movements and potential damage.

Innovation Solution

An on-board control unit in the vehicle receives a second activation code from an off-board control station via wireless communication and activates the vehicle only if the code matches a first activation code stored in the unit, ensuring that the correct vehicle is being controlled.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If remote control system operates multiple vehicles without verification, then operation efficiency is improved, but safety deteriorates due to risk of controlling wrong vehicle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation efficiencyVSAvoidsafety
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary verification by transmitting the activation code to the operator's display before the vehicle starts operation. This allows the operator to confirm they are controlling the correct vehicle in advance, preventing wrong vehicle activation while maintaining efficient multi-vehicle operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback by displaying the activation code on the operator's interface and requiring confirmation. This feedback loop ensures the operator verifies the correct vehicle is selected before operation begins, resolving the safety concern while allowing efficient fleet management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If activation code verification is implemented, then safety is improved by preventing wrong vehicle control, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The activation code serves multiple functions: it identifies the vehicle, verifies operator intent, and confirms the correct vehicle is selected. This multi-functional approach provides comprehensive safety verification without requiring separate complex systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a simple parameter change approach by transmitting and displaying a code rather than implementing complex biometric or physical verification systems. This maintains safety while minimizing added complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If operator visually inspects vehicle before operation, then safety is improved, but this becomes infeasible when operator is located far away

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidoperational feasibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a visual copy of the vehicle's identification code and transmits it to the operator's display. This allows the operator to verify the correct vehicle is selected without needing to physically inspect the vehicle, making remote operation safe and feasible.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The activation code serves as an intermediary between the vehicle and operator, providing verification information that would otherwise require direct visual inspection. This mediator enables safe remote operation by conveying essential identification information through the communication system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4363940B1An on-board control unit, an off-board control station and methods therein for enabling a safe operation of a vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.06.11 VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AB
  • EP4363940B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4363940B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4363940B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method performed by an on-board control unit (114) of a vehicle (110) for enabling a safe operation of the vehicle (110) is provided. The method comprises receiving, via a wireless communication interface (511, 115), a second activation code (312) from an off-board control station (100) capable of remotely operating the vehicle (110). The method also comprises activating the vehicle (110) for operation in case the received second activation code correspond to a first activation code (311) comprised in the on-board control unit (114). An on-board control unit (114), as well as, an off-board control station (100) and method therein for enabling a safe operation of a vehicle (110) are also provided.