Vehicle Docking Station for Remote Cellular Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for long-range remote communication and control of vehicles using personal communication devices are costly due to the need for on-board cellular transceivers and separate service contracts, and are prone to obsolescence as technology advances.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing user-provided primary and secondary cellular devices, where the secondary device is docked in a vehicle and connected via a docking station to establish a bi-directional data link with the vehicle's on-board computer, allowing for low-cost remote communication and control, with the user able to select and upgrade devices based on functionality and price.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an on-board cellular transceiver is installed in the vehicle, then long-range remote communication and control capability is achieved, but vehicle cost and owner cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cellular transceiver function from the vehicle's on-board equipment and relocates it to a user-borne personal communication device. The vehicle only retains a simple docking station with basic electrical interfaces, while the full cellular communication capability resides in the user's personal device, thereby eliminating the need for expensive on-board cellular hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a docking station as an intermediary component that connects the user's personal communication device to the vehicle's electrical system and data bus. This docking station serves as a bridge, allowing the personal device to access vehicle functions without requiring the vehicle to have integrated cellular transceiver hardware.
2Reliability
If an on-board cellular transceiver is installed in the vehicle, then long-range remote communication and control capability is achieved, but a separate cellular service contract is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cellular communication function into the user's existing personal communication device, which already has an established cellular service contract. By utilizing the personal device's existing cellular subscription, the system eliminates the need for a separate vehicle-specific cellular service contract, simplifying the service requirement structure.
3Reliability
If an on-board cellular transceiver is installed in the vehicle, then long-range remote communication and control capability is achieved, but owner upgrade expense increases when technology advances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication system into two independent parts: the vehicle's docking station (which remains relatively static) and the user's personal communication device (which can be freely upgraded). This segmentation allows the user to upgrade their personal device to access new communication technologies without requiring vehicle modifications, thereby improving upgrade flexibility.
4Ease of manufacture
If a user-borne personal communication device is used for remote access, then vehicle cost is reduced, but the device must be continuously connected to the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic system where the personal communication device can operate in two modes: docked mode (connected to the vehicle for full functionality) and portable mode (carried by the user for basic cellular functions). The docking station provides automatic connection when the device is placed in it, enabling seamless transition between modes and maintaining both cost-effectiveness and user convenience.
Data Source
AI summary
Long-range remote communication and control of a vehicle is achieved with primary and secondary cellular devices provided by the vehicle user. The primary cellular device is retained by the user, while the secondary cellular device is dedicated to the vehicle and placed in a docking station provided in the vehicle passenger compartment. The vehicle docking station is equipped with typical cell phone electrical interfaces to supply power and to establish a bi-directional data communication link between the secondary cellular device and an on-board vehicle computer. The secondary cellular device remains activated, and provides a low-cost remotely accessible communication link between the on-board vehicle computer and the primary cellular device or any other phone, provided that specified security conditions are satisfied.