Abstract: A status of one or more subsystems positioned on one or more trailers is communicated to a tractor electrically and mechanically connected to the trailer. The status may be automatically supplied by the subsystem or may be requested either by the operator of the tractor/trailer combination or automatically by another subsystem on either the tractor or the trailer. A spread spectrum data communications signal representing the status of a respective subsystem is superposed on the power bus. The status of the respective subsystem can then be determined from the spread spectrum data communications signal. Preferably, the status of the subsystem is indicated to an operator positioned on the tractor. A command for controlling a subsystem on a trailer can also be communicated from the tractor to the trailer over the power bus. A spread spectrum data communications signal representing the command is produced on the power bus, and the subsystem is controlled based on the spread spectrum data communications signal.

Abstract: A transmitter unit has a housing adapted to be coupled in association with a trailing vehicle. The housing also has a multiple axis accelerometer adapted to sense the status of the transmitter unit and a trailing vehicle. The housing also has electronic components coupled with the accelerometer. A receiver unit has a housing adapted to be coupled in association with a leading vehicle. A user in audio proximity to the receiver unit is wirelessly signaled in the event of an anomaly at the transmitter unit.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling a vehicle with a trailer comprises determining the presence of a trailer, generating an oscillation signal indicative of trailer swaying relative to the vehicle, generating an initial weighted dynamic control signal for a vehicle dynamic control system in response to the oscillation signal, operating at least one vehicle dynamic system according to the dynamic control signal, and thereafter, iteratively generating a penalty function for the weighted dynamic control signal as a function of the oscillation signal response. A neural network with an associated trainer modifies the dynamic control signal as a function of trailer sway response.

Abstract: An electronic system is described for controlling vehicle message lighting including turn and stop indicator signal lights, which system does not require any pre-existing wiring harness in either a towing vehicle 101 or any towed vehicle 104 to be in serviceable condition. In one embodiment the system implements a reliable wireless detection method based on feedback to confirm the state of operation of any such pre-existing “vehicle indication signal drive line” and includes a control apparatus that wirelessly transmits 230 instructions to at least one local receiver 150 controlling a number of message devices, including, but not limited to, vehicle indication signal lights. Another embodiment of the system bypasses any pre-existing wiring harness and permits the operator to manually over ride its detector.

Abstract: An automotive communication method includes installing a sensor within a vehicle such that the sensor is submerged in a liquid during operation of the vehicle and/or substantially surrounded by a metallic structure during operation of the vehicle. A long wave magnetic signal is transmitted from the sensor. The signal is indicative of a condition sensed by the sensor. The signal is wirelessly received at a controller disposed within the vehicle. Receipt of the signal at the controller is responded to by adjusting a display and/or a setting within the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle lane departure warning system and method are provided having a trailer mode. The system includes an imager capturing images of a roadway forward of a vehicle and an input receiving a towing signal indicative of whether the vehicle is towing a trailer. The system also includes a processor for processing the captured images and determining whether the vehicle or trailer is expected to be departing from a lane on the roadway based on the captured images and a threshold width value. The processor selects the threshold width value based on the input towing signal such that an enhanced threshold width value is employed when the vehicle is towing a trailer. An output is provided for outputting a lane departure warning signal based on the processed images and selected threshold width value.

Abstract: An anonymous hazardous condition alert system and process enable individuals to alert property owners of potentially hazardous conditions associated with their property, and in a manner that, if desired, maintains the relative anonymity of both the alerting user and the property owner. An alerting user, upon viewing a hazardous condition, locates a telephone number on a sign disposed proximate to the property in question and calls the telephone number to be connected to a hazardous condition alert system. The system prompts the alerting user to input an identifier that is additionally displayed on the sign and that is associated with the property, and the alerting user is permitted to leave a voice message describing the hazardous condition. Thereafter, the system automatically places a call to a telephone number stored for the property owner and plays the voice message back to the property owner to alert him or her of the hazardous condition.

Abstract: A wireless tire pressure monitoring system includes a monitoring main unit installed in the truck-tractor of a towing vehicle, a receiving antenna electrically connected to the monitoring main unit, and a register set in a location within the wireless communication transmission range of the receiving antenna and stored with an ID code and location code of each sensor at each wheel of the platform of the towing vehicle. When the register receives a triggering signal containing an identification code of the monitoring main unit, the register compares and matches the identification code and the location code of every wheel of the platform with the identification code of the monitoring main unit and then sends matched data in the form of a wireless packet to the receiving antenna for enabling the monitoring main unit to recognize the installation location of every wheel of the platform of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for detecting and displaying the position of components of vehicle couplings, in particular semi-trailer couplings. A combined sensor and display unit is located in a common housing. The sensor unit comprises at least one sensor and the display unit at least one display element. The device can be mounted on the exterior of a semi-trailer coupling or of a sliding unit of a semi-trailer coupling, adjacent to a manual actuating element of a closing or locking device.

Abstract: Computer-readable media, systems, and methods for wirelessly communicating between a tractor and a set of trailers in a tractor-trailer environment are described. In embodiments, a tractor wireless communication device associated with a tractor is initialized and associated with a tractor initialization time. Additionally, a trailer wireless communication device associated with at least one trailer is initialized and associated with a trailer initialization time. In various embodiments, it is determined whether the tractor wireless communication device and the trailer wireless communication device are in physical proximity by comparing initialization times. Further, in various embodiments, tractor-trailer information events are communicated wirelessly between a tractor and a trailer.

Abstract: A high-level auxiliary lighting unit for towed vehicles, such as a trailer (and/or the load carried on a trailer) includes a multi-function lamp having tail, stop, and turn signal lights. An adjustable connector carries this multi-function lamp relative to a non-marring temporary clamping device, and allows a user to attach the lamp to a trailer, for example, or to a load item, and to orient the lamp to be displayed at a high level and toward the rear of the trailer or other such towed vehicle. The clamping device allows the high-level auxiliary lighting unit to be temporarily attached to a load on a trailer, or to a part of the trailer itself, in order to improve visibility for the trailer and its load, and to possibly reduce rear-end collisions.

Abstract: To test whether a trailer is coupled to a tractor when the tractor ignition switch is off, a test switch in the trailer connects a high-impedance power source in a trailer to a line carrying energy from the tractor ignition switch to the trailer's electrical load, and measures the voltage at the line. A high voltage indicates a connection only to the electrical load in the trailer and thus a decouple. A low voltage indicates a measurement of the electrical loads in both trailer and tractor and hence a coupling.

Abstract: A yaw control system capable of detecting a predetermined yaw angle of a towed vehicle and then automatically communicating with a braking system of the towed vehicle includes an actuator and a switch. The actuator and switch operate to detect when a towed vehicle, such as a trailer, has exceeded a predetermined yaw angle. In one embodiment, the yaw control system includes a switch arranged to contact a surface of a plate (i.e., actuator) when the towed vehicle exceeds the predetermined yaw angle. In another embodiment, the yaw control system includes a switch mechanism arranged to contact retractable rods (i.e., actuator) coupled to a hitch assembly when the towed vehicle exceeds the predetermined yaw angle.

Abstract: A tandem tractor and trailer system includes a tractor having a cab and a trailer, each having multiple wheel units, each wheel unit having a mounted tire and a tractor tire pressure measuring device. A first display unit mounts within the cab of the tractor and a second display unit to the exterior of the trailer, each display unit operating to communicate to an operator of the tractor a visible indicia of tractor and trailer tire inflation pressure status, respectively, based upon pressure measurements of the tractor and trailer tire pressure measuring devices, respectively. The second display unit may mount to a forward end of the trailer at a mounting location operatively visible by differentiated colored light emission through a rear view mirror to the operator of the tractor during operation of the tractor and the trailer.

Abstract: A multi-tire trailer and display system includes a trailer and a tire status display unit externally mounted to the trailer and operative to communicate a visible trailer tire inflation pressure status indicia, the display unit mounted to a forward end of the trailer at a mounting location operatively visible to an operator of a tractor during coupled operation of the tractor and the trailer. The display unit has a display panel operatively illuminated for visibly communicating the inflation status of the trailer tires and the display panel may communicate changes in the inflation status of the trailer tires by differentiated colored light emission. The display unit is at an elevated mounting location at a forward end of the trailer so as to be visible by means of a rear-view tractor mirror to an operator of a tractor coupled to the trailer as well as ground personnel.

Abstract: A system, an apparatus, and methods are provided for data communications associated with a vehicle. The apparatus preferably includes at least one electronic subsystem associated with the vehicle and a plurality of electrical conductors connected to the at least one electronic subsystem and associated with the vehicle. A vehicle data communications protocol converter is preferably connected to the plurality of electrical conductors for converting a first data communications protocol associated with data communications along the plurality of electrical conductors to a second data communications protocol such as an infrared, an RF data, an Internet, or other network communications protocol.

Abstract: A removable trailer hitch security system, comprising a housing assembly. The housing assembly comprises first and second ends and at least first, second, third, and fourth walls. The first and second walls comprise first holes that align. The first holes having first cooperative dimensions and shape to receive a first locking pin therethrough. The first end receives a hitch of a trailer assembly. A male member protrudes from the second end. The male member has a distal end. The male member further comprises fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth walls. The fifth and sixth walls comprises second holes that align. The second holes have second cooperative dimensions and shape to receive a second locking pin therethrough. The distal end inserts into a hitch receiver of a vehicle assembly. The present invention further comprises first and second cable assemblies and an electrical system.

Abstract: A system on a railroad hopper car for providing an indication, observable by a person located either proximate to or remote from the hopper car, of a condition of a lock arranged in operable combination with a mechanism on the hopper car for controlling discharge of material from the hopper car. The system includes electric circuitry and a sensor for providing a signal when each discharge mechanism lock on the railcar is in the locked condition and for producing another signal when each discharge mechanism lock on the railcar is in the unlocked condition. An illuminable indicator, mountable on a side of the railroad hopper car, is responsive to signals from the circuitry for displaying the condition of the discharge mechanism locks. A method for visually displaying a condition of a lock on a railroad hopper car as through use of illumination is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and a system for recognizing the state of connection between a first connector half (3) of a towing vehicle (1) and a second connector half (4) of a trailer vehicle (2) in which the trailer vehicle (2) has at least one pneumatic circuit (5), the pressure level of which is detected by a pressure sensor (6) and is provided as an electronic signal to the towing vehicle (1) by means of a trailer control device (7) to render optical control of the correct connection of the connector halves (3, 4) unnecessary. The electronic signal is read by a control device (8) on the vehicle side and a return message about the connection state is displayed by means of a signal device (15).

Abstract: A vehicle monitoring system which can readily identify information transmitted from each detecting device without requiring registration of identifying information of the detecting device is to be provided. Detecting devices transmit vehicle information including at least the result of detection and self-identifying information; a tractor relaying device and a trailer relaying device add their self-identifying information to vehicle data received on the basis of the identifying information of the detecting devices and transmit the vehicle data, and transmit registration data including their own relaying device IDs and types indicating the registration of the relaying device IDs; the tractor relaying device stores the relaying device ID of the registration data transmitted from the trailer relaying device on the basis of the type information and transmits that registration data, and transmits vehicle data received from the trailer relaying device on the basis of the relaying device ID.

Abstract: A device for controlling the height of a load or load carrier behind the cab of a truck includes a sensor supported on a power operated air deflector on the roof of the cab. The sensor is arranged, during vertical movement of the rear end of the air deflector, to sense the maximum height of the load or the load carrier behind the cab and to send signals representing the maximum height to an indicator inside the cab.

Abstract: A system for encouraging the use of a load stabilizer in a cargo carrying vehicle comprising a storage device which has a detector, the detector being adapted to sense the presence or absence of a stabilizing member such as a shoring bar, the detector being designed to emit a first signal upon sensing the presence of the stabilizing member and to emit a second signal upon sensing the absence of the stabilizing member. The signal could activate or trigger a visual or audio indicator or alternatively the signal will allow or prevent an action being taken.

Abstract: A visual indicator assembly and adaptor for a trailer includes a control circuit electrically coupled to a plurality of lamps positioned in a rear header of the trailer. The control circuit is configured to supply a first voltage signal to the plurality of lamps in response to a power signal and supply a second voltage signal to the plurality of lamps in response to a brake signal. The second voltage signal is greater than the first voltage signal.

Abstract: A vehicle monitoring system which may easily identify information transmitted from each of detecting devices without registration of identification information of the detecting devices and a transponder thereof are provided. A display is disposed in a distal end of the transponders all connected in series through a cable. Each of the detecting devices detects conditions in a predetermined portion of a vehicle and transmits vehicle information including measurement results, its own identification information and the number of transmissions. Each of the transponders determines whether the vehicle information transmitted from the detecting devices is received or not based on the identification information of the detecting devices registered in advance, and transmits the vehicle information to the transponder connected to the transmitting side or the display, when it determines that the vehicle information is to be received.

Abstract: Mobile storage trailers are often left unattended on construction sites. A mobile asset protection unit and method is utilized for a variety of interrelated purposes, including securing, managing, and tracking a single or fleet of non-self-propelled storage trailers. The method hereby details a means of tracking and accounting for a fleet of any type of mobile trailers. The mobile asset protection unit receives a distress signal from a variety of peripherals. The circuitry will immediately sound and alarm and/or relay the signal to the communications unit. The communications unit will notify the user via any one of a number of interfaces, including via cellular technology and/or internet technology. The user then relays a response to the distress signal that is in turn received and executed by the unit to ensure the protection of the storage trailer.

Abstract: The invention provides a device, system, and method for wireless communication with a vehicle, comprising a receiver mounted in or on the vehicle for receiving data from a wireless transmitter, and a microprocessor in communication with the receiver for processing the data. The data has a format adapted to be processed by the microprocessor and is intended for receipt by all vehicles within a predetermined wireless range that have microprocessors capable of processing its standard format. The invention also provides a method for wireless communication with a vehicle, comprising transmitting data having a standard format, receiving the data having a standard format, and processing the data having a standard format. The data is intended for receipt by all vehicles within a predetermined range that have microprocessors capable of processing its standard format.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for detecting and for displaying the position of components of vehicle couplings comprising: a display device; having its own voltage source, and; sensor mechanisms. The displaying mechanisms can be attachable to or adjacent to the vehicle coupling. At least two sensor mechanisms are provided of which at least one mechanism is situated at a distance from the display mechanisms.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and system for position based tracking of operation of a transport refrigeration unit (TRU). A client application is provided on a data logger connected to the TRU. The client application determines position data of the TRU with respect to predefined geographic zones, acquires operational data of the TRU when the TRU is within the predefined geographic zones, and communicates with a remote server via wired communication or wireless communication. When the TRU arrives at a new facility that has not been defined as a geographic zone that the TRU operates in, a new geographic zone for the new facility is defined. The client application notifies a user of the TRU regarding control of the TRU's operating conditions based on the position data and the operational data. The control of the operating conditions ensures compliance of the user with TRU airborne toxic control measures.

Abstract: A method for configuring a tire pressure monitoring system on a towing vehicle having an integrated trailer brake controller to monitor a tire pressure for a towed vehicle that verifies connection of the towed vehicle to the towing vehicle, detects a signal at the integrated trailer brake controller, the signal being indicative of a confirmation of the trailer connection between the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle and communicates the trailer connection confirmation signal to the tire pressure monitoring system to initiate communication between the tire pressure monitoring system and tire pressure sensors on the towed vehicle.

Abstract: A system, an apparatus, and methods are provided for data communications associated with a vehicle. The apparatus preferably includes at least one electronic subsystem associated with the vehicle and a plurality of electrical conductors connected to the at least one electronic subsystem and associated with the vehicle. A vehicle data communications protocol converter is preferably connected to the plurality of electrical conductors for converting a first data communications protocol associated with data communications along the plurality of electrical conductors to a second data communications protocol such as an infrared, an RF data, an Internet, or other network communications protocol.

Abstract: A method of providing a user controllable sign, on the trailer of a tractor-trailer rig. The tractor includes a cab and the trailer is electrically connected to the tractor by way of a jack that provides a set number of electrical connections between the tractor and the trailer. The method begins with the installation of a manual input device in the cab. This device creates a signal that can be overlaid on a jack input without disrupting the input and is electrically connected to a jack input. Also, a signal receiving unit is installed in the trailer, and is connected to a wire electrically connected to the jack input that receives the user signal from the manual input device. This unit is able to determine the presence of the signal from the manual input device. Also installed in the trailer, is a sign deployment controller that is at least in part responsive to the user signal receiving unit. Finally, a sign assembly, controlled by the sign deployment controller, is installed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for an improved consumer oriented secure surveillance system directed to a freight hauling. The method disclosed includes that an authorized tractor driver (e.g., contractor) and/or authorized tractor and the trailer (provided by the consumer) utilize a specified authorization code. A location tracking device is attached to the trailer and stores the specified authorization code. Location information of the location tracking device and the authorized tractor driver and/or an authorized tractor are monitored by an end-user along a destination route. The consumer can control usage of unauthorized tractor driver(s) (e.g., subcontractor(s)) and/or and unauthorized tractor(s) (e.g., subcontractor's tractor(s)) for freight shipment; thus, freight integrity can be controlled, optimized, and maintained to a desired consumer confidence level.

Abstract: A proximity sensor system for a vehicle includes a first remote sensor that senses objects in a rearward area relative to the vehicle. A trailer detection module determines that one of the objects is a trailer that is attached to the vehicle based on a repeating pattern of signals from the first remote sensor. A response module selectively responds to the objects other than the trailer based on the objects outside of a predetermined distance threshold. An indicator responds to response module signals.

Abstract: A module, system, and method for presenting vehicle and trailer data to a client. A vehicle information module (VIM) is configured to interpret, store, and communicate to interested clients the status of a vehicle and/or a trailer. Interested clients or end-users may include a GUI, a database, an Interrogative Diagnostics & Prognostics System and other future stakeholders, such as a fleet management system, a logistics system, a maintenance system, and a mobile personal digital assistant.

Abstract: A system for assisting the alignment of a hitch pin mounted on the rear of a vehicle with a hitch socket mounted on the front of a trailer. The system includes a camera mounted to the vehicle and positioned to capture an image rearwardly of the vehicle. A video display is contained within the vehicle which displays the image captured by the camera. A processor is also contained in the vehicle which calculates a preferred path of travel of the vehicle to position the hitch pin in alignment with the hitch socket. The processor is programmed to provide instructions to an operator of the vehicle of the required steering to maintain the vehicle on the preferred path of travel. The processor recalculates the preferred path of travel whenever the vehicle veers from the preferred path of travel by a preset threshold.

Abstract: The present invention, Trailer Tattler, effectively alerts drivers, that a trailer is connected to the back of the vehicle, with an audible sound and/or a visual signal or message. This system prevents anyone from getting in the vehicle and beginning to drive, when they may be unaware that a trailer is attached. This system would be useful to anyone who uses a vehicle to pull a trailer of any type. The audio and/or the visual alert of the current invention could assist in avoiding accidents and help to promote conscious driving.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing specified output intensity distribution requirements from a single LED source, wherein the apparatus includes a single LED source and a cover, including a lens, that captures and controls the non-collimated light of the LED source and limits its spread vertically and horizontally as well as producing intensity variations within the output pattern. In one aspect of the invention, the lens is on the same order of size as the LED source, the cover has an exposed surface area several times larger than the area of the lens and is primarily configured to have retroreflective properties.

Abstract: Communications between a tractor and trailer are established and secured using a wired connection between the physically connected tractor and trailer. Wireless ID or authentication information is communicated between tractor and trailer using the wired connection. Thereafter, a wireless, secure RF communication link may be established between the tractor and trailer using the ID/authentication information. Further, wireless messages may be encrypted between tractor and trailer using the identification/authentication information received over the wired connection.

Abstract: An alarm system for use with unloading tractor-trailers includes an alarm that is physically located within the tractor-trailer and connected to a fixed structure located outside the tractor-trailer. If the tractor-trailer inadvertently pulls away from the loading dock while a forklift driver is in the trailer, the alarm will go off inside the trailer making the forklift driver aware of the movement of the trailer.

Abstract: A system and method for generating an alert signal for a trailer. Proper truck/trailer matching is based on a proximity analysis between position reports for a truck and position reports for a trailer. In one embodiment, this proximity analysis is triggered by a detection of movement in a trailer. In the proximity analysis, unexpected deviations in proximity between a truck and a trailer would lead to a generation of an alert signal that is sent to the appropriate management system for investigation.

Abstract: A method of determining whether an electronic component on a trailer is functioning from within a passenger compartment of a vehicle having an electrical connection with the trailer generally includes determining a first electronic component configuration associated with the trailer and determining an electrical load profile for a terminal in the electrical connection between the vehicle and the trailer based on the first electronic component configuration of the trailer. The method also includes associating the electronic component on the trailer with the electrical load profile for the terminal in the electrical connection and monitoring a value descriptive of an electrical load at the terminal in the electrical connection. The method further includes informing a user in the passenger compartment that the electronic component is not functioning when the value is less than a threshold value.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for binary communication between a vehicle and a trailer transmits high voltage and low voltage signals detectable as high bits and low bits aggregated into messages. A controller in the vehicle and trailer subsystems each include transceivers for transmitting messages across the vehicle's powerbus that are detectable when current flows across the powerbus. The apparatus and method are useful for controlling trailer brakes via a blue wire interface.

Abstract: A container transportation monitoring system is disclosed, which comprises a wireless transmitting module, a wireless receiving module, and a monitoring center. The wireless transmitting module is located on a container, and the wireless receiving module is located on a container crane or a tractor. Besides, the wireless receiving unit of the wireless receiving unit receives the container information transmitted through the wireless transmitting unit of the wireless transmitting module, and the container information is then transmitted to the monitoring center through the monitoring transmitting unit. When the monitoring transmitting unit receives the container information, the container information is compared with the database container information stored in a database, and the comparing result is output to the monitoring device.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for measuring a weight and location of a payload in a carrying means coupled to a vehicle. The method including sensing the weight of the payload with at least one sensor, sensing the location of the payload with the at least one sensor, generating a location of the payload with respect to one or more axles rotatably supporting the carrying means, determining whether the weight of the payload is below a maximum weight threshold, determining whether the location of the payload is below a maximum distribution threshold with respect to the one or more axles, and presenting results to a user.

Abstract: A hitch mounting assisting system includes a hitch and a hitch connector. A housing is removably mounted on the hitch. The housing has an opening therein. A tether has a free end extending through the opening and removably coupled to the hitch connector. A shaft is rotatably mounted in the housing. A first switch and a second switch are mounted in the housing. The shaft actuates the first switch when the shaft rotates in a first direction and actuates second switch when the shaft rotates in a second direction. The tether rotates the shaft in the first or second directions relative to a direction of misalignment between the hitch and hitch connector. A display screen is in communication with the first and second switches. The display screen indicates required movement of the hitch relative to the hitch connector to align the hitch and the hitch connector.

Abstract: A system, device, and method for monitoring an uncontrolled area around a mobile object uses a distributed antenna, which can be a leaky coaxial cable, enclosing its perimeter. A field disturbance sensor, such as a microwave sensor, detects an intruder entering a protected area defined by field of the antenna. An alarm signal is sent to a wireless transceiver for transmission of an alarm event to a remote station. A biometric sensor, such as a passive infrared heat detector, can be used in conjunction with the field disturbance sensor to reduce possible false alarms. Identification of a legitimate alarm may alternatively be verified with video images obtained near an area of interest in proximity to the mobile object, which may be forwarded by the wireless transceiver to a remote station for analysis.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for monitoring and reporting the tethered/untethered status of a mobile asset are described. An asset tracking device comprises a sensor and circuit that detects whether a physical connection exists between a tractor portion and a trailer portion of a tractor/trailer vehicle. The physical connection is detected through the connection of an air hose coupling (or glad hand) at the trailer front wall. The sensor is continuously monitored by the sensor circuit and when a change is detected, the circuit sends a signal that turns on the power to the rest of the system. This enables the system to run in a very low power mode for extended periods of time. The sensor, which is located on the air hose (glad hand) coupling, senses the presence (or non-presence) of a tractor attached to the trailer and sends a trigger signal to turn on the power to the rest of the system, enabling the system to operate for extended periods of time on battery power.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting the connection of a trailer to a vehicle. The apparatus is connected to a pneumatic pressure line of the trailer's service braking system, and measures the pressure of the system to determine if the trailer is properly connected to the vehicle when the vehicle's engine is running. Further, the apparatus also contains an algorithm that monitors the signals from other vehicle systems, and uses that information to determine the trailer characteristics. The vehicle engine control system receives information from the apparatus and adjusts the various vehicle systems accordingly.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing instructions to an operator of a single motor vehicle or a vehicle having a trailer attached during backing up procedures, said apparatus comprising: a transmitter unit for wirelessly transmitting data, wherein the transmitter unit includes a plurality of predefined directives and a plurality of activation means wherein each of the plurality of activation means is capable of transmitting one of the plurality of predefined directives; and a receiver unit for wirelessly receiving data from the transmitter, wherein the receiver unit includes a plurality of indicator means wherein each of the plurality of indicators means is capable of indicating one of the plurality of predefined directives; wherein the predefined directives include at least a backdown directive, a stop directive, a left directive, a right directive, and a forward directive, and wherein in trailer operations mode, the activation means corresponding to the right directive results in the indicator means corresponding to

Abstract: A system and method for generating an alert signal for a trailer. Proper truck/trailer matching is based on a proximity analysis between position reports for a truck and position reports for a trailer. In one embodiment, this proximity analysis is triggered by a detection of movement in a trailer. In the proximity analysis, unexpected deviations in proximity between a truck and a trailer would lead to a generation of an alert signal that is sent to the appropriate management system for investigation.