Linked Trailer Identification Using Bluetooth Angle and RSSI Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current telematics systems struggle to reliably identify individual trailers parked together in loading areas due to interference from adjacent trailers, leading to inaccurate linking of trucks and trailers.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing Bluetooth direction of arrival (DoA) and received signal strength indicator (RSSI) calculations to determine the closest trailer based on angle and signal strength, pairing the tractor and trailer IDs, and transmitting linked information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless ID devices are used to identify trailers, then trailer identification is enabled, but reliable distinction between adjacent trailers cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces angular dimension analysis (Angle of Arrival/Angle of Departure) to the existing wireless signal-based identification system. By calculating angles from the tractor to multiple potential trailer ID devices and comparing these angular positions, the system achieves precise distinction between adjacent trailers that were previously indistinguishable using signal strength alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) as an intermediary parameter to determine signal quality and distance, and combines it with angular calculations to create a multi-parameter identification system. This intermediary approach allows the system to filter out false identifications and reliably distinguish between trailers parked close together.
2Productivity
If trailers are parked close together in loading areas, then space utilization is improved, but trailer identification becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds angular measurement capability to the identification system, enabling it to distinguish between trailers based on their angular position relative to the tractor. This dimensional addition allows accurate identification even when trailers are parked within a few feet of each other, maintaining high loading area utilization while solving the identification difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the identification parameters from simple signal strength detection to a combination of RSSI levels and calculated angles. This parameter transformation enables the system to maintain accurate trailer identification even in high-density parking conditions where signal strength alone becomes insufficient.
3Ease of operation
If current telematics systems are used for trailer identification, then basic identification is possible, but accurate linking of trucks and trailers cannot be confirmed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors hook-up criteria, scans for transmitting devices, calculates angles and RSSI levels, and confirms the linked combination. This multi-step feedback process ensures reliable confirmation of truck-trailer linking, going beyond basic identification to verify the actual coupled state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enhances the basic identification operation by adding angular calculation capability. This additional dimensional analysis provides the reliability needed to confirm accurate truck-trailer linking, transforming the operation from simple detection to verified confirmation of the coupled state.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid and reliable identification of towed trailers, ensuring accurate linking of trucks and trailers during hook-up and unhooking processes.
Implementation Method 1
scanning for one or more transmitting devices when hook-up event criteria are met
Implementation Method 2
determining which transmitting devices are sufficiently close to require an angle calculation based on RSSI levels
Implementation Method 3
performing an Angle of Departure/Angle of Arrival calculation for each of the selected signals
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a system and method which allow for the rapid and reliable identification of towed trailers parked together in loading areas. According to a first preferred embodiment, an exemplary method of the present includes: monitoring hook-up criteria indicating that the first truck is maneuvering to hook-up with the first trailer; scanning for one or more transmitting devices when hook-up event criteria are met; determining which transmitting devices are sufficiently close to require an angle calculation based on RSSI levels; performing an Angle of Departure/Angle of Arrival calculation for each of the selected signals; determining which of the closest identified trailers have an Angle of Departure/Angle of Arrival which falls within a pre-set threshold; identifying a hook-up trailer based on detecting the Angle of Arrival/Angle of Departure and the compared RSSI levels; pairing the hook-up trailer ID device with a tractor ID device of the first truck; and transmitting paired ID information linking the hook-up trailer ID and the tractor ID device.