Abstract:
A secure remote actuation system includes a remote input receptor that receives one or more user inputs from a user, a cloud-based network stores the one or more acceptable inputs, a network device obtains the one or more user inputs from the remote input receptor, the network device obtains the one or more user inputs from the remote input receptor while the user is using the user interface, a cloud-based network compares the one or more user inputs to the one or more acceptable inputs, the acceptable inputs at least partially derived from dynamically changing environmental parameters, and a remote device is controlled based on the comparison of the one or more user inputs to the one or more acceptable inputs.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Pat. No. 15/414,859 filed on Jan. 15, 2017 which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 14/461,166 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Pat. No. 14/323,549 filed on Jul. 3, 2014; and U.S. Pat. No. 14/323,618 filed on Jul. 3, 2014; and U.S. Pat. No. 14/461,128 filed on Aug. 15, 2014; all entitled “Secure Remote Actuation System” which are incorporated by reference herein for all that they contain. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to remote actuation systems comprising devices capable of performing remote operations. Examples of typical remote actuation systems include thermostats, which may control heating and cooling devices from a remote location, and garage door openers, which may provide remote access to secured areas. The remote portions of such devices commonly require a portable power source, such as a battery or photovoltaic cell. It is also typical of such devices to comprise communications means, such as a radio frequency transceiver, to receive and/or relay information. 
         [0003]    For example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,331,544 to Kraus et al., which is incorporated herein for all that it discloses, describes a system that remotely operates a door lock. The door lock may be powered by a battery and be configured to send and receive radio frequency signals as part of a mesh network. In such a mesh network, each connected device acts as a communication node that can send and receive packets of information to any other device in the network. The door lock may further comprise a memory module where individual user codes are stored and a logic module to compare user codes to input codes at the door to allow access decisions to be made at the door without transmissions. 
         [0004]    Such systems typically require continuing communications over a network that may cause rapid consumption of power. Thus, various attempts have been made to conserve power in such systems. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,614,945 to Brunius, et al., which is incorporated herein for all that it discloses, describes communicating information between a plurality of instrument monitoring units to a remotely located data collection unit. The monitoring units are radio frequency transponder circuits that are operatively connected to one or more instruments whose parameters are being monitored. The transponders continuously monitor one or more parameters of the instrument(s) with which they are associated. The transponders collect and accumulate parameter information and/or data from their associated instruments and continually listen for a “wake-up” signal from an interrogate receiver/data collection unit. 
         [0005]    Despite these advances in the art, improved means of conserving power in remote actuation systems is desirable. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    A secure remote actuation system includes a remote input receptor that receives one or more user inputs from a user, a cloud-based network stores the one or more acceptable inputs, a network device obtains the one or more user inputs from the remote input receptor, the network device obtains the one or more user inputs from the remote input receptor while the user is using the user interface, a cloud-based network compares the one or more user inputs to the one or more acceptable inputs, the acceptable inputs at least partially derived from dynamically changing environmental parameters, and a remote device is controlled based on the comparison of the one or more user inputs to the one or more acceptable inputs. 
         [0007]    Dynamically changing environmental parameters may comprise changes in one or more of altitude, telemetric parameters, longitudinal coordinates, latitudinal coordinates, global positioning parameters, strength-of-signal maps, spatial object positioning data, or combinations thereof. Dynamically changing environmental parameters may create safety bounds defining the acceptable inputs. The acceptable inputs may be dynamically defined by a position of the remote device. The acceptable inputs may be dynamically defined by an altitude of the remote device. The acceptable inputs may be dynamically defined by an orientation of the remote device. Acceptable inputs may be dynamically defined based on an acceleration of the remote device. Acceptable inputs may be dynamically defined based on velocity of the remote device. The acceptable inputs may be dynamically defined by a signal strength of the remote device. The acceptable inputs may be dynamically defined by a projected future position of the remote device based on a cloud-based map of a route of the remote device. Acceptable inputs may be dynamically defined by a position of the remote device compared to other moving devices within a predefined radius of the remote device. A remote device may be a robot or self-driving vehicle. A user device may communicate wirelessly or by wire through the Internet or wide area network. Acceptable inputs may be dynamically updated based on one or more sensors attached to the remote device. Acceptable inputs may be dynamically updated based in part on a user input. One or more sensors attached to the remote device may be one or more of temperature, pressure, altitude, speed, velocity, or a combination of sensors thereof. Acceptable inputs may be dynamically updated based on weather conditions. Acceptable inputs may be dynamically updated by geographic boundaries. 
         [0008]    A secure remote actuation system may comprise a remote input receptor and a network. The remote input receptor may comprise a user interface for receiving user inputs from a user. The network may comprise a combination of computer systems interconnected by telecommunications equipment or cables allowing information to be exchanged. The network may also comprise a network device for obtaining the user inputs from the remote input receptor. One or more acceptable inputs may be stored on the network. In the present invention, the network device obtains the user inputs from the remote input receptor while the user is using the user interface and then the network compares the user inputs to the acceptable inputs. 
         [0009]    The remote input receptor may also comprise a communication device, such as a radio frequency transceiver, for sending the user inputs to the network device. The remote input receptor may further comprise a portable power source, such as a battery or solar panel. 
         [0010]    The remote input receptor may be capable of executing a low power function after the user inputs are received from the user, wherein power is cut from unneeded subsystems and reduced in others until reactivated. The remote input receptor may exit the low power function when the user begins to use the user interface again. 
         [0011]    The remote input receptor may additionally comprise a surveillance device to detect the user, such as a camera, a microphone, a proximity sensor, or a combination thereof. The remote input receptor may then exit the low power function when the surveillance device detects the user. 
         [0012]    The user interface may comprise buttons, a visual display, capacitive sensors, a microphone, a vibration recognition module, a proximity sensor, a fingerprint scanner, a retina scanner, a voice recognition module, or a combination thereof as a means for receiving acceptable inputs from a user. 
         [0013]    The remote input receptor may comprise data connection ports. Such data connection ports may be disposed in an interior of the remote input receptor. 
         [0014]    The network may comprise a software application allowing for an individual to control the acceptable inputs. For example, the software application may allow the individual to edit, add, or delete the acceptable inputs from the network, change parameters, change personal settings, alter system firmware, and/or conduct diagnoses. 
         [0015]    The network device may further comprise an internal memory unit for storing the acceptable inputs, the user inputs, a history of user inputs, input parameters, and/or access parameters. Additionally, the network may be operably connected to and capable of controlling various actionable devices, such as a thermostat, a television, an automated window, automated blinds, a ventilation system, a sprinkler system, a lighting element, an indoor positioning system, an access control device, or a combination thereof. The access control device may be an electromechanical locking mechanism or a garage door opener that may secure an enclosed area, room, building, or delivery box. 
         [0016]    The acceptable user inputs may be partially derived from dynamically changing environmental parameters, wherein the dynamically changing environmental parameters create safety bounds and comprise one or more of: altitude, telemetric parameters, longitudinal coordinates, latitudinal coordinates, global positioning parameters, strength-of-signal maps, and spatial object positioning data. 
         [0017]    The acceptable user inputs may be dynamically defined by a position, an altitude, an orientation, an acceleration, a velocity, a signal strength, or a projected future position of the remote device. The acceptable user inputs may further be dynamically defined by a position of the remote device compared to other moving remote devices. 
         [0018]    The remote device may be a robot or a self-driving vehicle. 
         [0019]    The user device may communicate either through a wire or wirelessly to the Internet. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]      FIG. 1  is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a network device operably connected to a network. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a partially cutaway perspective view of an embodiment of a network device forming part of a network, the network device comprising a plurality of components supported by a printed circuit board disposed therein. 
           [0022]      FIG. 3 a    is a perspective view of an embodiment of a remote input receptor. 
           [0023]      FIG. 3 b    is a partially cutaway perspective view of an interior of the remote input receptor shown in  FIG. 3 a    comprising a plurality of components supported by a printed circuit board disposed therein. 
           [0024]      FIGS. 4 a  and 4 b    are perspective views of an embodiment of a portion of a user and a remote input receptor comprising a user interface and operably connected to a network. 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of elements of an embodiment of a secure remote actuation system associated with an enclosed area. 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a secure remote actuation system associated with a self-driving car. 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a secure remote actuation system associated with a self-driving boat. 
           [0028]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a secure remote actuation system associated with an unmanned aerial vehicle. 
           [0029]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a secure remote actuation system associated with a self-driving train. 
           [0030]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a secure remote actuation system associated with cable propelled transit. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0031]      FIG. 1  shows an embodiment of a network device  1200  forming a part of a network  110 . The network  110  may comprise a combination of computer systems interconnected by telecommunications equipment or cables allowing information to be exchanged. In various embodiments, network devices may comprise a desktop or laptop computer, a cell phone, a computer server, or other devices capable of communicating on such a network. 
         [0032]      FIG. 2  shows an interior  206  of an embodiment of a network device  2200  forming part of a network  210 . The network device  2200  may comprise a plurality of components supported by a printed circuit board  209  disposed therein. For instance, the embodiment of the network device  2200  shown comprises a microcontroller  211  and an internal memory unit  212  capable of obtaining and storing one or more user inputs from a remote input receptor (not shown). The network device  2200  may also comprise a communication device  213 , such as a radio frequency transceiver, for receiving the one or more user inputs. The radio frequency transceiver may be a universal device capable of communicating with a plurality of other devices by reciprocating various radio frequency transmissions. 
         [0033]      FIGS. 3 a  and 3 b    show a perspective view and a partially-cutaway perspective view, respectively, of an embodiment of a remote input receptor  300   b  comprising an interface  301   a  and an interior  306   b  with a plurality of components supported by a printed circuit board  309   b  disposed therein. 
         [0034]    The printed circuit board  309   b  may support at least a microcontroller  311   b  and a communication device  303   b.  After a user supplies one or more user inputs, the remote input receptor  300   b  may transmit the one or more user inputs to a network (not shown). The network may store and compare one or more acceptable inputs to the one or more user inputs. If the one or more user inputs correspond with the one or more acceptable inputs, the network may perform an operation. 
         [0035]    The communication device  303   b  may comprise a radio frequency transceiver or other known communication apparatus. The communication device  303   b  may communicate at a sub-1 GHz frequency. It may be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that communications at sub-1 GHz frequencies may be more capable of propagating through environmental obstacles, such as a plurality of walls in a residential home, than communications at frequencies higher than 1 GHz. It may therefore be desirable for said communication device  303   b  to transmit signals at a sub-1 GHz frequency. In some applications, it may be desirable to communicate at a 2.4 GHz or 5.8 GHz frequency to achieve compatibility with other devices, such as those that communicate using ZigBee, Z-Wave, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi. 
         [0036]    The remote input receptor  300   b  may be powered by a portable power source  304   b,  such as one or more galvanic or voltaic batteries, one or more solar cells, or other known means of portable power. The remote input receptor  300   b  may execute a low power function after a user has submitted a user input to the user interface  301   a.  Such a low power function may be executed for a predetermined amount of time or until a user starts to use the user interface  301   a  again. When the low power function is executed, the remote input receptor  300   b  may cut power from unneeded subsystems and reduce power in others until reactivated. This low power function, combined with not requiring continuous intermittent communication with the network, may enable the portable power source  304   b  of the remote input receptor  300   b  to last significantly longer than portable power sources of other known remote actuation systems. 
         [0037]    The remote input receptor  300   b  may further comprise one or more surveillance devices  305   b,  such as a security camera, a microphone, a proximity sensor, or other known surveillance means. For example, a security camera may be disposed within the interior  306   b  of the remote input receptor  300   b,  with a lens of the camera extending through an exterior  307   b  of the remote input receptor  300   b.  The one or more security devices  305   b  may continuously gather and transmit information from an environment to a network (as shown in  FIG. 1 ). Additionally, the one or more surveillance devices  305   b  may trigger the remote input receptor  300   b  to exit the low power function when the one or more surveillance devices  305   b  detect a user. 
         [0038]    The remote input receptor  300   b  may comprise one or more data connection ports  308   b  for interacting with firmware of the remote input receptor  300   b,  such as altering or updating the firmware, running system diagnostics, or managing acceptable inputs and/or input parameters. In some embodiments, such firmware functions may also be performed via a network (not shown). The one or more data connection ports  308   b  may be disposed on the interior  306   b  of the remote input receptor  300   b  to aid in preventing undesired access or accumulation of debris from the surrounding environment. The one or more data connection ports  308   b  may be able to be accessed by detaching a portion of the exterior  307   b  of the remote input receptor  300   b.    
         [0039]      FIG. 4 a    shows an embodiment of a remote input receptor  400   a,  a network  410   a , and a user  420   a.  The remote input receptor  400   a  may comprise a user interface  401   a  for receiving one or more user inputs from the user  420   a.  The user interface  401   a  shown comprises one or more buttons  402   a.  Such user interfaces may also comprise a visual display, one or more capacitive sensors, a microphone, a vibration recognition module, a proximity sensor, a fingerprint scanner, a retina scanner, a voice recognition module, or other known interfacing means. 
         [0040]      FIG. 4 b    shows an embodiment of a user  420   b  supplying one or more user inputs into a remote input receptor  400   b  by pressing at least one button  402   b  on a user interface  401   b . The one or more user inputs may comprise a keystroke, or any other action receivable by a user interface. As the user  420   b  supplies each of the one or more user inputs to the user interface  401   b,  the remote input receptor  400   b  may send a signal  430   b  representing each of the user inputs to a network  410   b.  The network  410   b  may perform an operation upon receipt of a correct succession of signals or deny an operation upon receipt of an incorrect succession of signals. 
         [0041]      FIG. 5  shows an embodiment of an enclosed area  550  comprising an access barrier  560 , such as a door, for blocking or allowing access to the enclosed area  550 . The access barrier  560  may comprise an actionable device  570 , such as a garage door motor or a door lock, for permitting or denying access to the enclosed area  550 . A network  510  may be operably connected to the actionable device  570 , wherein the network  510  is capable of actuating the actionable device  570 . 
         [0042]    A remote input receptor  500  capable of receiving one or more user inputs may be disposed in, near, or on an exterior  551  of the enclosed area  550 . The remote input receptor  500  may be connected to the network  510  via a wireless connection  530 . As a user begins supplying a user input to the remote input receptor  500 , the network  510  may obtain the user input from the remote input receptor  500 . For example, if a user supplies one or more user inputs to the remote input receptor  500 , the remote input receptor  500  may send the user inputs to the network  510 . If the user inputs are found to be acceptable at the network  510 , such as being one of a list of acceptable inputs, the network  510  may perform an operation, such as opening or closing the access barrier  560 , or engaging or disengaging a door lock. 
         [0043]    In various embodiments, an actionable device may comprise an access control device, such as an electromechanical door lock, a garage door motor, or another access restricting mechanism. Actuation of the access control device may comprise an opening of a door or an engagement or disengagement of a lock. In these embodiments, a user may gain access to a secure area by supplying inputs to a remote input receptor that match one or more acceptable inputs. In other embodiments, an actionable device may comprise a thermostat, a television, an automated window, automated blinds, a ventilation system, a sprinkler system, a lighting element, an indoor positioning system, or other such devices known in the art. 
         [0044]    The network  510  may comprise one or more electronic devices  5100 . In the embodiment shown, the one or more electronic devices  5100  comprises a smartphone. However, other embodiments of an electronic device may comprise a laptop or desktop computer, a tablet, or other devices capable of communicating over such a network. The electronic device  5100  may comprise a software application for management of the network  510  including creating, deleting, or editing one or more acceptable inputs. 
         [0045]    Additionally, the software application may be used to create, delete, or edit one or more input parameters. Such input parameters may be used to determine one or more conditions upon which an actuated system may operate. For example, the one or more input parameters may comprise a predetermined user interface interaction sequence, such as a combination of keystrokes supplied by a user, a combination of user inputs, a predetermined sequence of user inputs, a time window during which the network  510  may receive one or more user inputs, a limitation on which one or more user inputs may be supplied to gain access to the secure area  550 , or a limitation on how many times one or more user inputs may be received by the network  510 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 6  shows an embodiment of a user  600 , a remote input receptor  610 , a network  620 , a network device  630 , and a self-driving car  640 . As the user  600  begins supplying a user input to the remote input receptor  610 , the network  620  may obtain the user input from the remote input receptor  610  through the network device  630 . If the user inputs are found to be acceptable at the network  620 , such as being one of a list of acceptable inputs, the network  620  may perform an operation, such as driving the self-driving car  640  to a desired destination. The acceptable user inputs may be partially derived from dynamically changing parameters such as the position, acceleration, velocity, signal strength, or a projected future position of the self-driving vehicle  640 , which will continuously send this information to the network  620 . The acceptable user inputs may be partially derived from dynamically changing environmental parameters as well, wherein the dynamically changing environmental parameters create safety bounds and comprise one or more of: altitude, telemetric parameters, longitudinal coordinates, latitudinal coordinates, global positioning parameters, strength-of-signal maps, and spatial object positioning data. The acceptable user inputs may further be dynamically defined by a position of the self-driving car compared to other moving remote devices. 
         [0047]      FIG. 7  shows an embodiment of a user  700 , a remote input receptor  710 , a network  720 , a network device  730 , and a self-driving boat  740 . As the user  700  begins supplying a user input to the remote input receptor  710 , the network  720  may obtain the user input from the remote input receptor  710  through the network device  730 . If the user inputs are found to be acceptable at the network  720 , such as being one of a list of acceptable inputs, the network  720  may perform an operation, such as driving the self-driving boat  740  to a desired destination. The acceptable user inputs may be partially derived from dynamically changing parameters such as the position, acceleration, velocity, signal strength, or a projected future position of the self-driving vehicle  740 , which will continuously send this information to the network  720 . The acceptable user inputs may be partially derived from dynamically changing environmental parameters as well, wherein the dynamically changing environmental parameters create safety bounds and comprise one or more of: altitude, telemetric parameters, longitudinal coordinates, latitudinal coordinates, global positioning parameters, strength-of-signal maps, and spatial object positioning data. The acceptable user inputs may further be dynamically defined by a position of the self-driving boat compared to other moving remote devices. 
         [0048]      FIG. 8  shows an embodiment of a user  800 , a remote input receptor  810 , a network  820 , a network device  830 , and an unmanned aerial vehicle  840 . As the user  800  begins supplying a user input to the remote input receptor  810 , the network  820  may obtain the user input from the remote input receptor  810  through the network device  830 . If the user inputs are found to be acceptable at the network  820 , such as being one of a list of acceptable inputs, the network  820  may perform an operation, such as driving the unmanned aerial vehicle  840  to a desired destination, whether it be to deliver or pick up an item. The acceptable user inputs may be partially derived from dynamically changing parameters such as the position, acceleration, velocity, signal strength, or a projected future position of the unmanned aerial vehicle  740 , which will continuously send this information to the network  820 . The acceptable user inputs may be partially derived from dynamically changing environmental parameters as well, wherein the dynamically changing environmental parameters create safety bounds and comprise one or more of: altitude, telemetric parameters, longitudinal coordinates, latitudinal coordinates, global positioning parameters, strength-of-signal maps, and spatial object positioning data. The acceptable user inputs may further be dynamically defined by a position of the unmanned aerial vehicle compared to other moving remote devices. 
         [0049]      FIG. 9  shows an embodiment of a user  900 , a remote input receptor  910 , a network  920 , a network device  930 , and a self-driving train  940 . As the user  900  begins supplying a user input to the remote input receptor  910 , the network  920  may obtain the user input from the remote input receptor  910  through the network device  930 . If the user inputs are found to be acceptable at the network  920 , such as being one of a list of acceptable inputs, the network  920  may perform an operation, such as driving the self-driving train  940  to a desired destination. The acceptable user inputs may be partially derived from dynamically changing parameters such as the position, acceleration, velocity, signal strength, or a projected future position of the self-driving train  940 , which will continuously send this information to the network  920 . The acceptable user inputs may be partially derived from dynamically changing environmental parameters as well, wherein the dynamically changing environmental parameters create safety bounds and comprise one or more of: altitude, telemetric parameters, longitudinal coordinates, latitudinal coordinates, global positioning parameters, strength-of-signal maps, and spatial object positioning data. The acceptable user inputs may further be dynamically defined by a position of the self-driving train compared to other moving remote devices. 
         [0050]      FIG. 10  shows an embodiment of a user  1000 , a remote input receptor  1010 , a network  1020 , a network device  1030 , and a gondola lift  1040 . As the user  1000  begins supplying a user input to the remote input receptor  1010 , the network  1020  may obtain the user input from the remote input receptor  1010  through the network device  1030 . If the user inputs are found to be acceptable at the network  1020 , such as being one of a list of acceptable inputs, the network  1020  may perform an operation, such as running the cables of the gondola lift  1040  for a desired amount of time. The acceptable user inputs may be partially derived from dynamically changing parameters such as the position, acceleration, velocity, signal strength, or a projected future position of the gondola lift  1040 , which will continuously send this information to the network  1020 . 
         [0051]    Whereas the present invention has been described in particular relation to the drawings attached hereto, it should be understood that other and further modifications apart from those shown or suggested herein, may be made within the scope and spirit of the present invention.