UHF truck pictogram communication

Abstract

Communication system for trucks, comprising a UHF radio module for wireless transmission of standardized picto signals in the frequency range of 433 MHz or 868 MHz, a display and control module with a 172×320 pixel 262K color IPS touch display, a dual-core processor with a clock frequency of up to 240 MHz for processing, selecting and displaying the picto signals, a control unit for transmitting at least ten defined picto signals and a power supply via the 12 / 24 V electrical system of a truck, wherein the system is designed for the vehicle-to-vehicle transmission of safety-relevant information between preceding and following trucks.

Description

1. Purpose of the invention

[0001] The purpose of the invention is to provide a simple, robust, and language-independent communication system between trucks. By transmitting standardized pictogram signals via UHF radio, safety-relevant information can be transmitted to following vehicles in real time. This increases road safety, reduces reaction times, and enables a new communication standard in heavy goods transport. 2. Technical problem

[0002] In today's road traffic, there is no direct, unambiguous, and universal means of communication between trucks. Existing systems such as brake lights, hazard warning lights, or CB radio are: • not differentiated, • language-dependent, • delayed, • not standardized, • not automated across vehicles.

[0003] This creates dangerous situations, especially during night driving, convoy driving, fog, snow or technical defects. 3. Technical field

[0004] The invention lies in the field of: • vehicle-to-vehicle communication (V2V), • UHF radio technology, • the safety and assistance systems for commercial vehicles, • the visual transmission of information using pictograms. 4. Object of the invention

[0005] The object of the invention is to create a simple, cost-effective, reliable and universally applicable communication system that: • without language, • without internet, • without infrastructure, • without manufacturer dependency

[0006] It works and immediately transmits safety-relevant information to following trucks. 5. Solution to the task

[0007] The task is accomplished using a UHF communication system that transmits defined pictogram signals (01-10) and displays them on a screen in the following vehicle. Transmission can be manual or automatic, with low latency and long range. 6. Solution approach of the invention

[0008] The solution is based on: • UHF radio transmission in the ISM band (e.g. 433 MHz or 868 MHz), • clearly defined pictogram signals, • a modular transmitter-receiver system, • a display module in the following vehicle, • Optional automatic triggering via vehicle sensors. 7. Component 7.1 Mechanical Module (if present) • Housing for transmitter and receiver • Mounting bracket for indoor or outdoor antenna • Control panel with buttons for pictogram selection • Vibration and temperature resistant construction • Fastening system for truck interiors 7.2 Electrical Module • UHF transmitter / receiver • Microcontroller for signal processing • Display unit for showing the pictogram symbols • Power supply 12 / 24 V • Optional: CAN bus connection • Memory for pictosignal protocol • LED or acoustic confirmation unit

[0009] The device according to the invention consists of a UHF module for radio transmission in the 433 MHz or 868 MHz range, combined with an integrated display and control module. The device uses a 172×320 pixel 262K color IPS touchscreen for displaying and selecting standardized pictogram signals. A dual-core processor with a clock speed of up to 240 MHz handles signal processing, protocol control, and display operation. Additionally, the device supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5 communication for optional diagnostic and update functions. Power is supplied via the 12 / 24 V electrical system of a truck. 8. Functionality and advantages

[0010] The system enables the transmission of 10 standardized pictogram signals, e.g.: • “Overtaking permitted” • “No overtaking” • “Technical defect” • “Tire problem” • "Danger" • “Slippery road surface” • “Reduce speed” • “Keep your distance” • "Wait" • “Pause”

[0011] Advantages: • Immediate, clear communication • Language-independent • Long range • Low latency • Robust against weather and obstructions to visibility • No infrastructure required • Cost-effective and universally applicable 9. Compatibility with standard products • Can be used in all truck models (12 / 24 V) • Manufacturer-independent • No mobile or internet connection required • Compatible with existing driver assistance systems • UHF modules comply with EU standards 10. Summary of the advantages • Increased road safety • Reduced probability of accidents • Universal comprehensibility • Low costs • Easy installation • High robustness • Expandable and standardizable 11. State of the art and comparison

[0012] Existing systems: • Hazard lights → too aggressive • CB radio → language-dependent • Light signals → limited informative value • Modern driver assistance systems → vehicle-internal, not vehicle-wide • V2X systems → expensive, complex, require infrastructure

[0013] None of them offer simple, direct, symbol-based information exchange between trucks. 12. Comparison to the state of the art / today

[0014] The invention offers: • Direct vehicle-to-vehicle communication • unambiguous pictograms • immediate response • no language barriers • no infrastructure • Low costs • High reliability 13. Degree of innovation

[0015] The invention is innovative because it: • Defines standardized pictograms for truck communication for the first time • Utilizes UHF technology for safety-critical short-range communication • Creates a new communication protocol between vehicles • Works independently of language, internet, or manufacturer • Can be used as an EU-wide safety standard 14. Ergonomic and sustainable features • Large, easy-to-use buttons • Minimal energy consumption • Long service life • Reusable modules • Reduction of accidents → ecological benefits • No exceedance of legal radio frequency limits

[0016] UHF truck pictogram communication Technical device description

[0017] The device consists of a UHF communication module combined with an integrated display and control module.

[0018] The main components include: • UHF module • Operating frequency: 433 MHz or 868 MHz (depending on regional ISM standard) • Range suitable for truck convoy operation • Low latency, robust wireless transmission • Support for defined pictosignal protocols • Display unit • 172 × 320 pixels, 262K Color IPS • Touch screen function for manual selection of pictogram signals • High brightness and viewing angle stability for truck interiors • Representation of the standardized pictograms (01-10) • Communication interfaces • 2.4 GHz WiFi (optional for firmware updates) • Bluetooth 5 (optional for pairing with additional modules or diagnostics) • Processor • Dual-core microcontroller, up to 240 MHz • Processing of UHF signals, protocol control and display control • Low energy consumption, suitable for 12 / 24 V electrical systems • Energy supply • Compatible with 12V and 24V truck electrical systems • Integrated voltage regulator • Protection against overvoltage, vibration and temperature

Claims

Communication system for trucks, comprising a UHF radio module for wireless transmission of standardized picto signals in the frequency range of 433 MHz or 868 MHz, a display and control module with a 172×320 pixel 262K color IPS touch display, a dual-core processor with a clock frequency of up to 240 MHz for processing, selecting and displaying the picto signals, a control unit for transmitting at least ten defined picto signals and a power supply via the 12 / 24 V electrical system of a truck, wherein the system is designed for the vehicle-to-vehicle transmission of safety-relevant information between preceding and following trucks. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the pictogram signals include the following information: "Overtaking permitted", "Overtaking prohibited", "Technical defect", "Tire problem", "Danger", "Slippery road surface", "Reduce speed", "Keep distance", "Wait", "Pause". System according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the UHF module has a range of at least 100 m to several hundred meters. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display and control module has a capacitive touch display for manual selection of pictogram signals. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device additionally includes 2.4 GHz WiFi and Bluetooth 5 interfaces for diagnostics, configuration or firmware update. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that certain pictogram signals are automatically triggered by vehicle sensors, in particular ABS warnings, tire pressure sensors or engine diagnostic systems. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device is housed in a vibration-, temperature- and moisture-resistant enclosure. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmission of the picto-signals takes place in a proprietary, interference-resistant UHF protocol. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system can be integrated into any truck model regardless of the manufacturer. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device provides optical or acoustic confirmation of successful signal transmission. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the UHF radio module can be operated in both the 433 MHz and 868 MHz ranges and automatically selects the optimal frequency range depending on range, interference level and regional regulations. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises an internal or external antenna optimized for use in vibration-intensive and electromagnetically stressed truck environments. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display and control module has an adaptive brightness control which improves the readability of the pictogram signals in direct sunlight, night driving or bad weather conditions. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dual-core processor processes a proprietary pictosignal protocol which includes error-correcting coding to ensure transmission quality. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device performs an automatic self-diagnosis which monitors the condition of the UHF module, the antenna, the power supply and the display unit and indicates malfunctions. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device has a storage unit which logs the last sent or received picto-signals in order to enable a subsequent analysis of security-relevant events.

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