Towed Object Length Detection for Accurate V2X Safety Messages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle-to-vehicle communication systems require manual entry of towed object length, which is prone to human error, leading to inaccurate safety messages and potential collisions.
Innovation Solution
Utilize short-range wireless sensors, such as backup cameras or proximity sensors, mounted on towed objects to automatically measure and communicate distance to the towing vehicle, enabling accurate population of Basic Safety Messages (BSMs) with combined vehicle and towed object dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual entry of towed object length is used, then the system is simple to operate, but the measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service measurement where the sensor automatically detects and reports the towed object length without requiring manual input from the operator. The sensor mounted on the towed object self-measures its distance from the towing vehicle and communicates this data automatically, eliminating human error while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical entry system with an electronic sensor-based measurement system. Instead of manually entering length values, the system uses sensors (such as cameras or distance sensors) to automatically detect and measure the towed object dimensions, substituting mechanical human interaction with automated electronic detection.
2Reliability
If manual entry of towed object length is used, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of safety messages deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by having the sensor continuously monitor the distance between the towing vehicle and towed object, and automatically update the safety messages with this real-time data. The sensor feedback loop ensures that the V2X system receives accurate, up-to-date dimensional information without manual intervention, improving reliability while managing complexity through automated closed-loop control.
3Measurement precision
If automatic sensor measurement is used, then the measurement precision and reliability improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system performs self-service measurement automatically, detecting and reporting the combined length of the towing vehicle and towed object without requiring operator intervention. This maintains ease of operation as the system works autonomously, while achieving high measurement precision through automated electronic detection rather than manual input.
4Loss of information
If manual entry is used, then the ease of operation is high, but the loss of information increases due to human error or failure to enter data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the manual data entry mechanical process with an automated electronic data collection system. Sensors mounted on the towed object automatically detect and transmit dimensional information, eliminating the need for manual input and preventing information loss due to human error or omission, while managing system complexity through integrated electronic architecture.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
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.