Auto-Pairing Wireless Audio Visual System Using Power Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing pairing methods for camera/monitor systems in vehicular environments, particularly when the camera is mounted on a trailer and the monitor is in the truck cab, are cumbersome and may compromise safety due to the manual and proximity-dependent nature of the pairing process, especially when trailers are frequently coupled and decoupled.
Innovation Solution
An auto-pairing method and apparatus that uses electrical power sequencing to initiate the transmitter into a pairing mode, allowing the receiver to search for and signal the transmitter, enabling efficient communication without manual operator intervention, specifically by utilizing the vehicle's power wiring to automate the pairing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual pairing initiation is used on both transmitter and receiver, then pairing can be established, but the operator must physically access both devices within proximate locale and time, which becomes burdensome when devices are not easily accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter automatically enters pairing mode upon detecting power sequencing conditions (vehicle ignition on + accessory power on), eliminating the need for manual operator initiation. The system serves itself by using the vehicle's existing power state to trigger pairing, rather than requiring human intervention to press buttons or initiate sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary pairing setup during vehicle startup sequences, before the operator needs to use the devices. By detecting the power sequencing early in the startup process, the transmitter prepares the pairing state in advance, so that when the operator later accesses the devices, pairing is already established or ready to complete automatically.
2Reliability
If manual pairing initiation is required within a proximate time period (2 minutes), then pairing can be completed, but the process becomes burdensome when devices are frequently coupled and decoupled as with trailers
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter enters pairing mode periodically or on-demand based on power sequencing events, rather than requiring a continuous 2-minute window. Each time the vehicle ignition and accessory power are turned on, the transmitter automatically re-initiates pairing mode, providing multiple opportunities for pairing without requiring the operator to act within a specific time window.
3Reliability
If the transmitter is placed in pairing mode manually by pressing a button, then pairing can be initiated, but the operator must leave the truck cab to access the trailer-mounted transmitter
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter automatically enters pairing mode by detecting the vehicle's power sequencing state through its power feed wire, eliminating the need for the operator to physically press any buttons on the transmitter. The system uses the existing power wiring to both power the device and trigger pairing, making the operator's task as simple as turning on the vehicle ignition.
4Extent of automation
If existing power wiring is used to automate pairing initiation, then manual intervention is eliminated, but the system must reliably detect power sequencing states to trigger pairing mode
Solution Approach 1:
The power feed wire to the transmitter serves multiple functions: it provides electrical power to the device and simultaneously acts as a signal source for detecting pairing initiation conditions. By using the existing power wiring for dual purposes, the system avoids adding separate sensing wires or complex detection circuits, simplifying the overall design while achieving reliable automation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of auto-pairing a receiver/transmitter system for use with a vehicle having an operator portion and a transporting portion, the method including the steps of initiating, searching and sending. The initiating step initiates the transmitter into a pairing mode by way of an electrical power sequencing of the transmitter. The searching step searches for the transmitter to be in the pairing mode by the receiver. The sending step sends a signal to the transmitter that the transmitter is paired to the receiver upon the receiver finding the transmitter to be in the pairing mode in the searching step.