Communicating Towed unit (Trailer) Vehicle Identification Number(s) (VIN) to the Powered Unit

Usually the lifetime of a trailer is much longer than tractors; tractors must work with a variety types and ages of trailers over the course of their use. In many scenarios (e.g., roadside, border crossing, smart parking, connected vehicle initiative, etc.), it is necessary to identify trailer(s)' VIN(s) and know their order attached to the powered unit. An automated trailer VIN identification and sequencing system is proposed here, with the capability of identifying trailers' VINs and sorting their order. Our system is extremely low-cost and easily deployable in large scale. The proposed system will be field tested in real tractor and trailers scenarios in Phase I. In Phase II, the system will be tested in more completed scenarios and trailer configurations.