Trailer Mileage Tracking Using Weighted GPS Distance Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the transport industry, accurately tracking the mileage and maintenance of trailers is challenging, especially when trailers are shared or leased, as existing methods like hubometers are expensive, prone to inaccuracies, and rely on human operators, making it difficult to monitor distance traveled and ensure proper maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A trailer tracking system utilizing a computing device with sensors and communication technologies to calculate distance traveled using multiple techniques (straight-line, road-based routing, road-based matrix, and bias confirmation) and maintain parts inventory, ensuring accurate mileage tracking and maintenance scheduling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If hubometers are used to track trailer mileage, then distance tracking is provided, but the system becomes expensive and prone to inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical hubometers with an electronic GPS-based tracking system. The GPS receiver collects position data, and a processor calculates distance traveled using multiple calculation techniques (straight-line, road-based routing, road-based matrix), eliminating the need for mechanical odometers and their associated complexities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computing device as an intermediary between the trailer and the tracking system. This device receives position fixes, performs multiple distance calculation techniques, and provides a weighted average distance, serving as a mediator that resolves the contradiction between accuracy and complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple calculation techniques are used to determine distance, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the distance calculation process into four distinct techniques: straight-line calculation, road-based routing calculation, road-based matrix calculation, and bias confirmation calculation. Each technique is applied to discrete position fixes, and the results are combined using weighted averages to achieve high accuracy without overwhelming complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters by applying different weights to different calculation techniques based on their reliability. The system dynamically adjusts the weighting of each calculation method according to conditions such as signal availability and geographic context, optimizing accuracy while managing computational complexity.
3Productivity
If trailers are shared or leased to others, then resource utilization improves, but monitoring maintenance and mileage becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the GPS tracking system continuously monitors trailer location and calculates distance traveled, then reports this information to the owner. The system provides ongoing feedback on mileage and maintenance status, enabling owners to track shared trailers accurately without relying on leasees to report manually.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking system operates autonomously to monitor and report trailer usage and maintenance needs. The GPS device automatically collects position data, performs calculations, and provides mileage information without requiring human intervention from leasees, enabling self-service tracking that maintains data accuracy even when trailers are shared.
Data Source
AI summary
A method at a computing device for calculating a distance travelled, the method including receiving a plurality of discrete position fixes; determining a first distance travelled over the plurality of discrete position fixes by using a first calculation technique between successive discrete position fixes; determining a second distance travelled over the plurality of discrete position fixes by using a second calculation technique between successive discrete position fixes; applying a first weight to the first distance travelled and a second weight to the second distance travelled; and determining the distance travelled using a weighted average of the first distance travelled and the second distance travelled.