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This paper describes an economical rear obstacle detection system that eliminates the tractor to trailer cable connection using infrared (IR) wireless communication. The Trailer Subsystem operates whenever power is applied to the trailer from the J560 power connector. The subsystem transmits Obstacle Detection information to the tractor via an IR transmitter. The Tractor Subsystem is activated when the vehicle is put in reverse. 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.

Truck and bus accidents result in several billion dollars of loss per year. The advanced warning and situation analysis that can be provided by Obstacle Detection Systems have been shown to have the potential to significantly reduce this loss. Ultrasonic detection technology has been applied to obstacle detection on this class of vehicles in short range and low relative velocity situations. Fleet field tests have shown that drivers, who generally expect perfect system performance, are the key to the successful expansion of the application of Obstacle Detection Devices.

An electrical quick heat system, composed of a three-phase alternator, a resistive heating assembly, and simple controls can be easily integrated with a standard hot water heating system or utilized with its own blower and plenum chamber. Such a system, with a 5 in. diameter alternator, can supply up to 2.5 kW of power which can be used to give greater than 100 F air temperature boost in less than 30 sec. The simplicity of the system should bring it within most economic bogeys for automotive quick heat systems.