WIRELESS COMMUNICATION

OBSTACLE DETECTION SYSTEM WITH WIRELESS COMMUNICATION

All previously available rear obstacle detection systems designed for tractor/trailer
trucks, require the installation of a separate cable, with quick-connect capability,
between the tractor and trailer. The separate cable, adds significant cost for
hardware and installation and burdens the driver with its connection and
disconnection. The latter concern being the most significant to the fleet managers
because it can lead to system malfunction and/or cable damage if this added chore is
not done properly and consistently. ECHOVISION has developed a rear obstacle
detection system that eliminates the tractor to trailer cable connection using
infrared (IR), wireless communication.

The wireless communication system has the advantages of reduced installation cost
(approximately 1/2 hour) and no additional burden on the driver to connect and
disconnect the system. The driver only has to execute his normal hook-up of the
J560 power connector and trailer air lines and the rig is ready to roll.

The ECHOVISION wireless communication system has a trailer subsystem and a
tractor subsystem. The trailer subsystem consists of 2 sensor modules and a small
IR transmitter module. The tractor subsystem consists of a small IR received and a
smart display module. The trailer subsystem operates whenever power is applied
to the trailer. During operation the subsystem performs a self-test, checks for
obstacles and then formulates a status word that is transmitted to the tractor via the
IR transmitter. The status word defines the location of any detected obstacle and
the pass/fail results of the self-test. This routine repeats continuously as long as
power is applied to the trailer.

The tractor subsystem is activated from the vehicle back-up light switch. Thus the
entire system is active only when the vehicle is backing. During operation this
subsystem receives and decodes the transmitted signal from the trailer and
determines what, if any, warnings should be given the operator. If the trailer
subsystem indicates a self-test failure or if the Tractor Subsystem fails to receive a
proper word the "FAULT" LED will be activated. Otherwise the "READY" LED
will be activated.

The transmitter utilizes IR diodes to get line-of-sight transmission that avoids cross
talk between similarly equipped trucks operating in proximity to one another. This
system uses 3 diodes in series, oriented at different angles relative to the horizontal
axis of the trailer so that communication can be maintained as the angle between the
tractor and trailer changes.