Demonstration of a Low-Cost Vehicle Monitoring

During the Phase I SBIR Effort, Mainstream demonstrated a unique vehicle monitoring system (VMS) for tractor trailer applications. The development was driven by the need to easily store, retrieve, and transfer key trailer parameters to the tractor and the need to electronically transfer key driver, tractor, and trailer information to roadside inspectors and maintenance personnel. In Phase I, we demonstrated a patent-pending low-cost, easily installed VMS that enables the sharing of information between a tractor, multiple trailer(s), and users. We exceeded all the Phase I objectives and also developed an improved communication method. The Phase II effort includes extensive on-road vehicle field tests to continue the success of the Phase I hardware demonstrations. Phase II will also demonstrate that this technology can be provided to the trucking industry at a minimal cost of less than ten dollars for any VMS end device. Mainstream plans to continue to work with critical key decision makers in the trucking industry, and to incorporate our industry partners into as many vehicle-testing programs as possible. Our goal is to demonstrate and license this low-cost technology to one of the industry players. Mainstream has successfully licensed technology in other industries and has a detailed marketing/commercialization plan.