De-queue Logic for Vehicle Recovery Mesh Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle recovery systems, such as LoJack®, face delays and increased costs due to the need to call multiple communication towers to activate a stolen vehicle's transponder, which can be thwarted by thieves and may fail if land line connections are problematic.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where only a few primary remote transmitting units are called by the center, with secondary units listening for messages and re-transmitting the activation signal for a predetermined time, reducing unnecessary transmissions and improving reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the center calls each RTU to activate the VLU transponder, then the activation message can be transmitted to all towers, but the time required for activation increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-establishes a mesh network topology among RTUs before activation is needed. Each RTU is pre-configured with the addresses of neighboring RTUs and activation protocols, so when activation is required, the message can be rapidly propagated through the pre-established communication paths without needing to set up connections in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The activation message transmission is segmented into multiple hops through the RTU network. Instead of the center calling each RTU sequentially, the message is divided and transmitted through multiple RTUs simultaneously in parallel paths, reducing the total activation time while maintaining reliable delivery through redundant pathways.
2Reliability
If the center calls each RTU to activate the VLU transponder, then all towers can transmit activation messages, but the cost of activation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RTU network acts as an intermediary message distribution system. Instead of the center directly communicating with each RTU (expensive), the center communicates with one or a few gateway RTUs, which then relay the activation message through the mesh network to all other RTUs using lower-cost wireless mesh communication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The activation message is copied and re-transmitted by each RTU in the mesh network. Instead of the center sending separate expensive calls to each RTU, the center sends one message that is copied and propagated through the network, reducing the total number of expensive center-to-RTU communications required.
3Reliability
If RTUs continuously transmit activation messages, then the VLU can be activated, but airwave congestion increases
Solution Approach 1:
RTUs transmit activation messages periodically at controlled intervals rather than continuously. The system uses duty cycling where RTUs activate transmission only during scheduled time windows when activation is needed, then remain silent otherwise, reducing airwave congestion while ensuring periodic opportunity for VLU activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where RTUs monitor airwave conditions and adjust their transmission behavior accordingly. When congestion is detected or when activation acknowledgment is received, RTUs reduce or cease transmission. The VLU transponder provides feedback when activated, allowing the network to stop message propagation and clear the airwaves.
Data Source
AI summary
A recovery system with repeating communication capabilities. The system includes a station configured to send an activation message, at least a first “primary” remote transmitting unit responsive to the station and configured to transmit the activation message and at least a one “secondary” remote transmitting unit. That unit includes a receiver which receives the activation message, a transmitter for transmitting the activation message, and a controller responsive to the receiver and controlling the transmitter. The controller is programmed to transmit the activation message and then automatically stop transmission of the activation message after a predetermined time period unless the activation message is again received.