Smart License Plate Frame for Swappable Vehicle Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle registration plate tracking systems are often hardwired to a single vehicle, making it difficult for large fleets and dealerships to track the location and usage of multiple plates and vehicles efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A smart frame for vehicle registration plates equipped with a GNSS module, cellular communication, NFC, and motion detection, allowing it to associate with a vehicle's NFC tag or Bluetooth-compatible key fob, and transmit location data via cellular networks to a database server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hardwired tracking systems are used for vehicle registration plates, then tracking functionality is provided, but the system cannot be easily moved or swapped between vehicles and requires complex installation
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking system is segmented into a separate removable frame unit that can be independently installed on different vehicles. The frame contains all necessary electronics (GNSS, cellular modem, motion sensor) as a self-contained module, allowing it to be easily removed and reinstalled on different vehicles without complex hardwiring to the vehicle's electrical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The smart frame is designed as a universal tracking device that can be mounted on multiple different vehicles. By incorporating motion detection capabilities and automatic activation, the single frame unit can serve multiple vehicles sequentially, eliminating the need for separate hardwired systems for each vehicle.
2Reliability
If continuous GNSS and cellular communication are activated, then real-time location tracking is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous operation, the GNSS and cellular communication modules are activated periodically based on motion detection events. The motion sensor triggers location updates only when the vehicle is in motion or when the frame is installed on a vehicle, reducing power consumption while maintaining reliable tracking capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own motion sensor to automatically determine when activation is necessary. The frame self-manages its power consumption by detecting motion and automatically activating tracking functions only when movement is detected, without requiring external control or continuous power supply.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the smart frame is mounted in various orientations on different vehicles, then versatility is improved, but antenna performance may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is designed to operate effectively in multiple orientations by utilizing three-dimensional space for signal reception. The GNSS and cellular antennas are positioned and configured to maintain optimal signal acquisition regardless of the frame's mounting orientation on the vehicle, allowing the system to function reliably whether mounted vertically, horizontally, or at angles.
Data Source
AI summary
A smart frame for a vehicle registration plate and related system and methods are disclosed. The smart frame may be configured to be mounted proximate to a near-field communication (NFC) tag hosted by a vehicle and associated with its vehicle identification number (VIN) or other identifier. In turn, the smart frame may read and relay an identification (ID) code of the NFC tag to a server via cellular communication. In addition, the smart frame may be configured to receive global navigational satellite system (GNSS) signal(s) including data pertaining to the current geophysical location of the smart frame and to relay that over the cellular connection for use in tracking the smart frame (and vehicle, if any). Furthermore, the smart frame may be configured to communicate with external computing device(s) via Bluetooth communication, which may facilitate location and tracking of the smart frame (and vehicle, if any) in a given space.