Towed Object Length Detection Using Short-Range Wireless Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle-to-everything (V2X) systems require manual entry of the length of towed objects, leading to potential errors and inaccuracies in safety messages, as the length of towed objects is not always reflected, affecting collision avoidance and route planning.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that uses short-range wireless signals, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or ultra-wide band signals, from sensors mounted on towed objects to automatically determine the position and combined length of towing vehicles and towed objects, which are then populated into safety messages, enabling accurate transmission of vehicle and towed object information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual entry of towed object length is required, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-measurement of the towed object length by utilizing existing wireless communication signals (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, UWB) between the towing vehicle and towed object. The processor automatically calculates the distance based on signal transmission characteristics, eliminating the need for manual input while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement and entry methods with electronic wireless signal-based measurement. By using signal processing to determine distance, the system achieves automated, accurate measurement without physical contact or human intervention.
2Device complexity
If manual entry of towed object length is used, then device complexity remains low, but loss of information occurs when data is not entered
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects and transmits the towed object length information without requiring user input. The processor continuously monitors the wireless connection and self-updates the safety messages with accurate length data, ensuring information is never lost due to user oversight.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes continuous feedback through wireless communication between the towing vehicle and towed object. This ongoing signal exchange enables real-time detection of the towed object's presence and dimensions, automatically populating safety messages with current information.
3Measurement precision
If automatic detection using wireless signals is implemented, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system leverages existing multi-functional wireless communication components (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, UWB) that serve both communication and measurement purposes. By making these existing components perform dual functions, the patent achieves accurate automatic measurement without adding dedicated measurement hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with simpler electronic signal processing. Using wireless signal characteristics (time of flight, signal strength) to determine distance eliminates the need for physical measurement devices while reducing overall system complexity.
4Ease of operation
If manual entry is required, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity decreases due to time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic detection and population of safety message data without requiring user actions. The processor continuously monitors wireless signals and self-updates the system, eliminating time-consuming manual entry while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous automatic monitoring and updating of towed object information through ongoing wireless communication. This continuous operation eliminates interruptions for manual data entry, improving productivity while keeping the system easy to operate.
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
This solution ensures accurate and automatic inclusion of towed object information in safety messages, enhancing collision avoidance and route planning by eliminating the need for manual data entry and reducing human error.
Implementation Method 1
determining a distance from one or more antennas coupled to a receiver in the vehicle to a remote sensor on the towed object by processing short-range wireless signals received from the remote sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include systems and methods for automatically populating a safety message, such as a Basic Safety Message (BSM), with a position and combined length of a vehicle and a towed object. Some embodiments include determining a distance from one or more antennas coupled to a receiver in the vehicle to a remote sensor on the towed object by processing short-range wireless signals received from the remote sensor. Some embodiments include populating the safety message with a position of the vehicle and the towed object based on the determined distance from the one or more antennas to the remote sensor.