Innovative Global Systems LLC v. OnStar, LLC

Filing 1

TRANSFERREDCOMPLAINT Original Complaint against ATX Group, Inc., BSM Wireless, Inc., OnStar, LLC, Power Solutions, Inc., Progressive Casualty Insurance Company, Xirgo Technologies, LLC ( Filing fee $ 350 receipt number 0540-2733082.), filed by Innovative Global Systems LLC. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D, # 5 Exhibit E, # 6 Civil Cover Sheet)(Cooke, Michael) (Additional attachment(s) added on 10/28/2010: # 7 Exhibit A Searchable, # 8 Exhibit B Searchable, # 9 Exhibit C Searchable, # 10 Exhibit D Searchable, # 11 Exhibit E Searchable) (mjc, ). [Case transferred in from Texas Eastern; Case Number 6:10-cv-00574.]

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US007015800B2

(54)

(75)
(73)

( *)

United States Patent

(10)

Lesesky et ai.

(12)

(45)

SYSTEM, APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR
DATA COMMUNICATION BETWEEN
VEHICLE AND REMOTE DATA
COMMUNICATION TERMINAL, BETWEEN
PORTIONS OF VEHICLE AND OTHER
PORTIONS OF VEHICLE, BETWEEN TWO
OR MORE VEHICLES, AND BETWEEN
VEHICLE AND COMMUNICATIONS
NETWORK

(52)
(58)

(56)

Notice:

Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
patent is extended or adjusted under 35
U.S.c. 154(b) by 113 days.

(21)

Appl. No.: 10/842,203

(22)

Filed:

4,328,494 A

Prior Publication Data
US 2004/0207514 Al

5/1982 Goodall

(Continued)
FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS

o 744 322

EP

A2

11/1996

(Continued)
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
Translation of article entitled "Materialfiub per Infrarot,"
Technische Rundschau, 1990.

Primary Examiner-Van T. Trieu
(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Schwartz Law Firm P.C

May 10, 2004

(65)

U.S. CI. ....................................... 340/431; 340/933
Field of Classification Search ................ 340/431,
340/435,928,933,42,944,825.54,825.69;
307/9.1,10.1; 280/441.1,232; 303/7,122.1
See application file for complete search history.
References Cited
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS

Inventors: Alan Lesesky, Charlotte, NC (US); Bob
Weant, Rock Hill, SC (US)
Assignee: Vehicle Enhancement systems Inc.,
Rock Hill, SC (US)

Patent No.:
US 7,015,800 B2
Date of Patent:
Mar. 21,2006

Oct. 21, 2004

Related U.S. Application Data
(63)

Continuation-in-part of application No. 10/051,772,
filed on Jan. 17,2002, now Pat. No. 6,744,352, which
is a continuation-in-part of application No. 10/007,
032, filed on Nov. 8, 2001, now Pat. No. 6,608,554,
which is a continuation-in-part of application No.
09/569,995, filed on May 12, 2000, now Pat. No.
6,411,203, which is a continuation of application No.
08/907,861, filed on Aug. 8, 1997, now Pat. No.
6,064,299, which is a continuation-in-part of application No. 08/594,255, filed on Jan. 30, 1996, now
Pat. No. 6,111,524, which is a continuation-in-part of
application No. 08/554,907, filed on Nov. 9, 1995,
now abandoned.

(51)

Int. CI.
C08B 21/00

(57)

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. The
apparatus also preferably includes a transceiver connected to
the data communications protocol converter for transmitting
the second data communications protocol from the vehicle
and receiving the data communications protocol from
another portion of the vehicle, a remote data communications terminal, another vehicle, or another communications
network.
34 Claims, 33 Drawing Sheets

(2006.01)

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6,254,201
6,352,137
6,378,959
6,411,203
6,430,485
6,608,554
6,744,352
6,772,248

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
4,398,172
4,506,386
4,952,908
4,996,719
5,025,253
5,081,667
5,090,779
5,381,449
5,442,810
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5,488,352
5,524,034
5,570,087
5,587,890
5,677,667
5,716,071
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5,739,592
5,783,993
5,790,536
5,794,164
5,798,577
5,802,545
5,818,127
5,825,287
5,852,405
D403,659
D404,170
5,884,202
5,900,803

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8/1983
3/1985
8/1990
2/1991
6/1991
1/1992
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1/1995
8/1995
8/1995
1/1996
6/1996
10/1996
12/1996
10/1997
2/1998
3/1998
4/1998
7/1998
8/1998
8/1998
8/1998
9/1998
10/1998
10/1998
12/1998
1/1999
1/1999
3/1999
5/1999

Carroll et al.
Ichikawa et al.
Sanner
Okazaki et al.
DiLullo et al.
Drori et al.
Kramer ......................... 303/7
Jasper et al.
Jenquin
Avignon et al.
Jasper
Srygley et al.
Lemelson
Happ et al.
Lesesky et al.
Stanley et al.
Spaur et al.
Rigsby et al.
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Lesesky et al.
Coverdill
Abraham
Zarybnicky, Sr. et al.
Yoneda et al.
Lesesky
Lesesky
Arjomand
Politz

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10/2000
11/2000
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7/2001
3/2002
4/2002
6/2002
8/2002
8/2003
6/2004
8/2004

Ryan
Lesesky
Lesesky et al.
Lesesky et al.
Lesesky et al.
Arjomand
Lesesky et al.
Lesesky et al.
Lesesky et al.
Lesesky et al.
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Hullinger
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McClure et al.

FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
EP
WO
WO
WO
WO
WO
WO
WO
WO

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0802082 A2
WO 93/22848
WO 97/17232
WO 97/28988 A1
WO 98/34812
WO 98/37432
WO 99/06987
WO 99/21383
WO 99/35009

cited by examiner

10/1997
11/1993
5/1997
8/1997
8/1998
8/1998
2/1999
4/1999
7/1999

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1

2

SYSTEM, APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR
DATA COMMUNICATION BETWEEN
VEHICLE AND REMOTE DATA
COMMUNICATION TERMINAL, BETWEEN
PORTIONS OF VEHICLE AND OTHER
PORTIONS OF VEHICLE, BETWEEN TWO
OR MORE VEHICLES, AND BETWEEN
VEHICLE AND COMMUNICATIONS
NETWORK

terns In Heavy Duty VehicleApplications" and SAE standard
11939 are also known for data communications in the heavy
duty vehicle environment.
Only recently, however, has the vehicle industries, and
particularly the heavy duty vehicle industries, begun to use
sophisticated electrical electronic subsystems in and associated with these vehicles to perform varied task that usually
involve data manipulation and transmission. Previously,
computers, controllers, and computer-type electrical systems were simply not found in these vehicles, such as the
tractor and trailer combinations or recreational vehicles, in
a significant manner. Much of this previous slow or lack of
development and advances could be attributed, for example,
to the lack of governmental or other authoritative initiatives
which would have otherwise required systems to be installed
on these heavy duty vehicles to include sophisticated electronics and data communications.
Although only recently have advances been made with
data communications in the vehicle industries, and particularly the heavy duty vehicle industry, many of the advances
require extensive retrofitting or extensive additions to the
vehicle. Accordingly, many vehicle owners have been hesitant to adopt and purchase sophisticated electronics and data
communications because of the expense and uncertainty
with the advances in the technology. Yet, having the capability to monitor and communicate with the various electronic subsystems of a vehicle such as a tractor-trailer truck,
recreational vehicle, or automobile can be beneficial to the
driver, the owner, governmental officials or agencies, and
others having an interest in the vehicle industries.

5

10

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED
APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10,051,772 filed Jan. 17,2002 now U.S. 15
Pat. No. 6,744,352 which is a continuation-in-part U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/007,032 filed on Nov. 8, 2001
and now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,608,554 which is a
continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/569,995 filed on May 12, 2000 and now issued as U.S. 20
Pat. No. 6,411,203 which is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 08/907,861 filed on Aug. 8, 1997 and
now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,064,299 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/594,255
filed on Jan. 30, 1996 and now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 25
6,111,524, which is also a continuation-in-art of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 08/554,907 field on Nov. 9, 1995 and
now abandoned, and which are all incorporated herein by
reference in their entireties.
30

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of vehicle data
communications and, more particularly, to data communications from a vehicle, such as a tractor or a trailer of a truck
or an automobile, to a remote location, from a portion of a
vehicle to other portions of the vehicle, from one vehicle to
one or more other vehicles, or from a vehicle to a communications network.
Over the years, the vehicle industry and particularly the
heavy duty vehicle industry has used tractor and trailer
combinations to transport cargo over the roadways to various desired destinations. The tractors and trailer are conventionally mechanically coupled together so that the tractor
efficiently and effectively pulls the trailer. Also, this
mechanical coupling can often be an integral formed trailer
with a tractor or cab region of a vehicle such as a pick-up
truck, dump truck or other vehicle. Additionally, one or more
other trailers can also be mechanically coupled to another
trailer so that only one tractor or cab region pulls a plurality
of trailers.
Various links between the tractor and the trailer provide
vehicle subsystems, e.g., hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical,
with power and/or control signals to operate effectively.
These subsystem have associated electrical conductors,
pneumatic lines, or hydraulic lines extending between the
tractor and trailer(s) so that these subsystems can effectively
operate.
Data communications between a tractor and trailer for
these subsystems also has been developed. An example of
this data communications can be seen in U.S. Pat. No.
5,488,352 by Jasper titled "Communications And Control
System For TractorlTrailer And Associated Method" which
is assigned to the common assignee of the present application. As described in this patent, the use of the Society of
Automotive Engineering ("SAE") standard 11708 titled
"Serial Data Communications Between Microcomputer Sys-

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

With the foregoing in mind, the present invention advantageously provides a system, an apparatus and methods of
data communication between a vehicle and a remote data
communication terminal so that various operating characteristics of the vehicle can be monitored or observed. The
remote data communications terminal, for example, can be
in a portable computer, a base station, another vehicle, a
building, or a building structure. The present invention also
advantageously provides a system, an apparatus and methods of data communication for discretely and compactly
communicating data between a vehicle and a remote data
communication terminal, between portions of a vehicle,
between vehicles, and between a vehicle and a communication network. The present invention additionally provides
a system, an apparatus and methods of data communication
which is readily adapted to existing vehicle data communication technology and does not require either extensive
retrofitting or extensive and expensive additions to existing
vehicle data communication technology. The present invention further advantageously provides a system, an apparatus
and methods of data communication so that when the
apparatus is mounted to a vehicle a third party would not
readily recognize that the vehicle is equipped for data
communications from the vehicle to a remote data communications terminal to thereby reduce risk of theft, damage, or
interference with the vehicle communication.
More particularly, a combination of a vehicle and a data
communication apparatus are provided according to the
present invention. Although the vehicle is preferably a
tractor and a trailer connected to the tractor, as understood
by those skilled in the art other various types of vehicles,
including various types of heavy duty vehicles, can be used
as well according to the present invention. The tractor
preferably includes a cab. The cab can also be within an

US 7,015,800 B2

3
automobile, truck, train, airplane, or boat as well. The data
communications apparatus is preferably connected to the
tractor and the trailer for communicating data to and from
the tractor and the trailer to a remote data terminal. The data
communications apparatus preferably includes a plurality of
electrical conductors associated with and extending between
the tractor and the trailer. A connector preferably is connected to, e.g., in series with, the plurality of electrical
conductors and positioned in the cab of the tractor or other
vehicle. It will be understood by those skilled in the art,
however, that various other positions associated with the
tractor or other portions of a vehicle can be used as well
according to the present invention, e.g., along the outer
peripheral walls of a vehicle, mounted to a window of a
ve h icle, mounted to or within a trailer, or mounted to an
engine or an engine compartment of a vehicle. The apparatus
also includes vehicle data communications protocol converter connected to the plurality of electrical conductors to
convert a first data communications protocol used to communicate data along the plurality of electrical conductors to
a second data communications protocol. For example, the
second data communications protocol is preferably one of
either an infrared data communications protocol, a radio
frequency ("RF") data communications protocol, including
BIuetooth and Institute for Electronic and Electrical Engineers ("IEEE") 802.11 standards, an Internet or other global
communications network data protocol, a local area network
data communications protocol, other wireless data communications protocol, or a power line carrier ("PLC") commu.
mcations protocol, including Spread Spectrum PLC protocol. A first transceiver preferably is associated with the
connector and is connected to the vehicle data communications protocol converter to transmit and receive the seconddata communications protocol. A remote data communica.
hon terminal which preferably includes a second transceiver
to transmit the second data communications protocol to the
first transceiver and receive the data communications protocol from the first transceiver.
Also, according to another aspect of the present invention,
the data communication apparatus preferably includes a
plurality of electrical conductors associated with a vehicle.
A vehicle data communications protocol converter is preferably connected to the plurality of electrical conductors to
convert a first data communications protocol associated with
data communications along the plurality of electrical conductors to a second data communications protocol. The
apparatus also preferably includes a transceiver connected to
the vehicle data communications protocol converter to transmit the data communications protocol from the vehicle and
receive the data communications protocol from a remote
data communications terminal.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention,
an apparatus for data communications associated with a
vehicle preferably includes a transceiver housing adapted to
be connected to at least one of a plurality of electrical
conductors associated with the vehicle. A vehicle data communications protocol converter is preferably positioned in
the transceiver housing to convert a first data communications protocol associated with data communications along
the plurality of electrical conductors to a second data communications protocol. The apparatus also has a transceiver
positioned within the transceiver housing and connected to
the vehicle data communications protocol converter to transmit the second data communications protocol from the
vehicle and receive the data communications protocol from
a remote data communications terminal.

4
Still according to another aspect of the present invention,
an apparatus for data communications associated with a
vehicle preferably includes a transceiver housing mounted to
a vehicle. The transceiver housing is preferably a vehicle
5 light housing such as a side light marker housing. A vehicle
data communications protocol converter is preferably positioned in the transceiver housing to convert a first data
communications protocol associated with data communications along the plurality of electrical conductors to a second
data communications protocol. A transceiver is preferably
10
positioned within the transceiver housing and is connected
to the vehicle data communications protocol converter to
transmit the second data communications protocol from the
vehicle and receive the data communications protocol from
15 a remote data communications terminal.
A method of data communications associated with a
vehicle is also provided according to the present invention.
The method preferably includes providing a plurality of
electrical conductors associated with a vehicle and convert20 ing a first data communications protocol associated with
data communications along the plurality of conductors to a
second data communications protocol. The second data
communications protocol is preferably one of either an
infrared data communications protocol, a radio frequency
~ ("RF") data communications protocol, including Bluetooth
and IEEE 802.11 Standards, an Internet or other global
communications network protocol, a local area network data
communications protocol, other wireless data communications protocols, or a power line carrier communications
~ protocol, including Spread Spectrum PLC protocol. The
method also includes transmitting the data communications
protocol from the vehicle to a remote data communications
terminal, to other portions of the vehicle, to one or more
other vehicles, or to a communications network.
35

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Some of the objects and advantages of the present invention having been stated, others will become apparent as the
40 description proceeds when taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a vehicle in an
embodiment as a tractor/trailer truck in combination with an
apparatus for data communications between the truck and a
45
remote data communication terminal according to the
present invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an apparatus for data
communications between a vehicle and a remote data com50 munications terminal having a transceiver positioned in a
cab of a tractor of a tractor/trailer truck according to a first
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an apparatus for data
communications between a vehicle and a remote data com55 munications terminal having a transceiver positioned in a
cab of a tractor of a tractor/trailer truck and a remote data
communications terminal positioned in the hands of a driver
according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a connector, a
60 transceiver housing, and a transceiver of an apparatus for
data communications between a vehicle and a remote data
communications terminal according to a first embodiment of
the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of an apparatus for
65 data communications between a vehicle and a remote data
communications terminal according to the present invention;

US 7,015,800 B2
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6

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary side elevational view of an
FIG. 20 is a perspective environmental view of a system
apparatus for data communications between a vehicle and a
for data communication between portions of a vehicle using
an infrared link according to a ninth embodiment of the
remote data communications terminal according to a second
embodiment of the present invention;
present invention;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a vehicle light 5
FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of a system for
data communication between a portion of a tractor and to a
housing in the form of a vehicle side light marker housing
having portions thereof broken away for clarity and having
portion of a trailer of a heavy duty vehicle using an infrared
a transceiver positioned therein of an apparatus for data
link according to a tenth embodiment of the present invencommunications between a vehicle and a remote data comtion;
munications terminal according to a second embodiment of 10
FIG. 22 is a perspective environmental view of a system
the present invention;
for data communication between portions of a vehicle using
FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a connector, a
an infrared link according to an eleventh embodiment of the
transceiver housing, and a transceiver positioned in the
present invention;
transceiver housing of an apparatus for data communications
FIG. 23 is a a perspective environmental view of a system
between a vehicle and a remote data communications ter- 15 for data communication between portions of a vehicle using
a radio frequency link according to a twelfth embodiment of
minal according to a third embodiment of the present
invention;
the present invention;
FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of a system for
FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a transceiver housing of an
apparatus for data communications between a vehicle and a
data communication between a portion of a tractor and to a
remote data communications terminal taken along line 9-9 20 portion of a trailer of a heavy duty vehicle using a radio
frequency link according to a thirteenth embodiment of the
of FIG. 8 according to a third embodiment of the present
invention;
present invention;
FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of an apparatus for data
FIG. 25 is a perspective environmental view of a system
communications between a vehicle and a remote data comfor data communication between portions of a vehicle using
munications terminal according to a third embodiment of the 25 a radio frequency link according to an fourteenth embodipresent invention;
ment of the present invention;
FIG. 26 is a schematic view of a system for data comFIG. 11 is schematic block diagram of an apparatus for
data communications between a vehicle and a remote data
munications between portions of a vehicle and a communications network using a radio frequency link and to a remote
communications terminal according to the present inven30 data terminal through the communications network accordtion;
ing to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 12 is a perspective environmental view of a system
FIG. 27 is a schematic view of a system for data comfor data communication between vehicles using an infrared
munications between a vehicle and a remote data terminal or
communication link from a cab of tractor through a window
to a cab of a security automobile according to a fourth
communications network using a radio frequency link and
embodiment of the present invention the present invention; 35 then to remote data terminal through the communications
network according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present
FIG. 13 is a perspective environmental view of an apparatus for data communication between a trailer of a heavy
invention;
duty vehicle and a security automobile using an infrared
FIG. 28 is a schematic view of an apparatus for data
communication link mounted to a side panel of the trailer
communications having a mobile radio frequency transmitand a side panel of the security vehicle according to a fifth 40 ter and receiver mounted on a truck or automobile and a
embodiment of the present invention;
remote base radio frequency transmitter and receiver
FIG. 14 is a perspective environmental view of a system
adapted to be positioned in a remote location such as a weigh
for data communication between vehicles using a radio
station, a fuel station, or a toll booth and which is then
frequency link from a cab of a tractor to a cab of a security
connected to a remote data communications terminal posiautomobile according to a sixth embodiment of the present 45 tioned to communicate to a communications network such
invention;
as the Internet according to a seventeenth embodiment of the
FIG. 15 is a perspective environmental view of an appapresent invention;
ratus for data communication between vehicles using a radio
FIG. 29 is a schematic view of a system for data communications between portions of a vehicle and a communifrequency link mounted to a side panel of a trailer and a side
panel of a security vehicle according to a seventh embodi- 50 cations network using an infrared link and to a remote data
ment of the present invention;
terminal through the communications network according to
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a system for data
a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention;
communication between a tractor and a trailer of a heavy
FIG. 30 is a schematic view of a system for data comduty vehicle using an infrared link according to an eighth
munications between a vehicle and a remote data terminal or
55 communications network using an infrared link and then to
embodiment of the present invention;
remote data terminal through the communications network
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a system for data
communication between a tractor and a trailer of a heavy
according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invenduty vehicle using an infrared link according to the eighth
tion;
FIG. 31 is a schematic view of an apparatus for data
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a system for data 60 communications having a mobile infrared transmitter and
communication between a tractor and a trailer of a heavy
receiver mounted on a truck or automobile and a remote base
duty vehicle using a radio frequency link according to an
infrared transmitter and receiver adapted to be positioned in
eighth embodiment of the present invention;
a remote location such as a weigh station, a fuel station, or
a toll booth and which is then connected to a remote data
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a system for data
communication between a tractor and a trailer of a heavy 65 communications terminal positioned to communicate to a
duty vehicle using a radio frequency link according to the
communications network such as the Internet according to a
eighth embodiment of the present invention;
seventeenth embodiment of the present invention;

US 7,015,800 B2

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7

FIG. 32 is a schematic view of a system for data compIers for coupling the trailer 25 to the tractor 21. In addition,
munications to a remote data terminal using a communicathe tractor 21 includes an engine, such as a diesel engine or
tion network module mounted to a vehicle according to an
other motor, for moving the tractor 21 to thereby pull the
eighteenth embodiment of the present invention;
trailer 25. Although the present invention is particularly
FIG. 33 is a schematic view of a system for data com- 5 advantageous to heavy duty vehicles, it will also be undermunications between a vehicle and a communications netstood by those skilled in the art that other types of vehicles,
work using an infrared link where the communications
such as a recreational vehicle, agricultural tractors or other
network is located at a weigh station having a power line
heavy duty vehicles used in association with agricultural
carrier interface and a link to a communications network
uses, automobiles, e.g., sedans, sports cars, luxury cars, race
through a network module such an Internet chip according 10 cars, train cars, pick-up trucks, sports recreations vehicles,
to a nineteenth embodiment of the present invention;
and boats can also be used according to the present invenFIG. 34 is a schematic view of a system for data comtion.
munications between a vehicle and a remote communicaThe data communications apparatus 30 preferably
tions network using an infrared link where the communicaincludes at least one electronic subsystem 40 associated with
tions network is located in a weight station and the
communications network has a power line carrier interface 15 the vehicle 20. The at least one electronic subsystem 40, for
example, can include an anti-locking brake system ("ABS")
to a remote data communications terminal according to a
41 connected to the vehicle 20. The tractor/trailer combinatwentieth embodiment of the present invention;
tion or other vehicle, however, preferably includes a pluralFIG. 35 is a schematic view of an apparatus for data
ity of electronic subsystems associated with tractor 21
communications to be mounted to a vehicle having a communications protocol interface for a vehicle, a communica- 20 and/or trailer 25. The electronic subsystems 40 preferably
produce data or includes some type of signal generating
tions protocol for transmitting to a remote data communications terminal or communications network, and for
means, e.g., preferably provided by a signal generator 42.
communicating to a remote communications network such
Some examples of these electronic subsystems 40 and
as the Internet according to a twenty-first embodiment of the
features which may be controlled and/or monitored by the
present invention; and
25 apparatus of the present invention are illustrated for a
FIG. 36 is a schematic view of a system for data comtractor/trailer combination in Table I and for an agricultural
munications between a vehicle having a power line carrier
tractor in Table II below:
communication link and having mounted thereto communication to a remote data communications terminal using
TABLE I
either an infrared or radio frequency link in communication 30
with the power line carrier communication link, to a comTRACTOR
TRAILER
munications network using a communications network modMirror Tracking
Reefer Temperatures
ule such an Internet connected to the power line carrier
Mirror with Trailer Display
Reefer Pressures
communication link, to a cellular communicaitons link
Controls for Reefer (Engine)
Trailer Identification
having a cellular communications module in communication 35 Controls for Trailer Slide
Blind Spot Warning
with the power line carrier communications link, and a
Cargo Information
Axle
Smoke/Fire Detection
Controls for Landing Gear
positioning system data communications network in comOverfill (Tanker)
Active Faring
munication with the power line carrier communications link
Cargo Shift
Recorder for Trailer Functions
according to a twenty-second embodiment of the present
Weight Detection
Satellite for Trailer Functions
invention.
Anti Lock Failure
40 Brake System Information
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present invention will now be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown.
This invention may, however, be embodied in many different
forms and should not be construed as limited to the illustrated embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these illustrated
embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be
thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of
the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer
to like elements throughout, and prime and double prime
notation are used to indicate similar elements in alternative
embodiments.
FIGS. 1-36 illustrate various embodiments of system,
apparatus 30 and methods for data communication between
a vehicle 20 and a remote data communication terminal,
between portions of vehicle and other portions of vehicle,
between two or more vehicles, and between a vehicle and a
communications network according to the present invention.
FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an apparatus 30 for data communications associated with a vehicle 20, such as a tractor/trailer
combination or tractor/trailer truck of a heavy duty vehicle
(s), according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
As understood by those skilled in the art, the tractor/trailer
combination preferably includes a tractor 21 connected to a
trailer 25 for pulling the trailer 25. The tractor 21 and trailer
25 include respective frames and coupling means or cou-

Brake By Wire
Climate Controls for Reefer
Fuel Levels
Oil Levels
Engine Temperature
Battery Voltage Levels
45 Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
Functions
Transmission System Functions
Lighting System Functions
Vehicle Speed
50 Engine Speed
Mirror with Trailer Display
Trailer Identification
Trailer Brake Temperature
Trailer Axle Temperatures
55 Trailer Security
Weight Broadcast
Trailer Voltage Status
GPS (Satellite Control to Implement)
Vehicle Identification

60

65

Brake By Wire
Backup Lamps
Suspension Control
Sliding Axle Control
Liftable Tailgate
Time Pressure Monitor
Lamp Outage Monitor
Stop Lamp Saver
(with Doubles and Triples)
Water in Air Reservoir
Liftable Landing Gear
Brake Temperature
Emergency Line
Pressure Detection
Vehicle Identification
Blind Spot Warning
Cargo Information
Time Pressure Warning
Smoke Detector
Roll Over Protection
Active Conspicuity (Lighting)
Active Tire Pressure
Backup Alarm
Inventory Data Collection
Security Warning
Trailer Engine Start
Trailer Engine Monitor
Tractor/Changing from Reefer
Trailer Dome Lamps
Rear Door Lift (Motorized)
Rear Door Status

US 7,015,800 B2

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10

infrared or RF data communications protocol such as Bluetooth, 802.11 Standard, or other RF data communications
TABLE II
protocols, or a designated communications network protocol
TRACTOR
IMPLEMENT
such as the Internet, which is used to transmit data through5 the-air to a remote data communications terminal 60, 60'
Vehicle Speed Optimization
Sprayer Pressure
Speed Planning Rates
Engine Speed Optimization
(see FIGS. 5 and 11). The second data communications
Implement Display
Depth Position
protocol converter 39 preferably is a combination of a
Hydraulic Controls
GPS (Satellite Control to Implement)
microprocessor or other micro controller connected to the
Speed Counting
RS-485 transceiver which transmits and receives logic level
Moisture Sensing
10 signals and an infrared IrDA compliant integrated circuit,
such as provided by Hewlett Packard or Rohm as understood
The data communications apparatus 30 also preferably
by those skilled in the art, connected to the microprocessor
includes a plurality of electrical conductors 38, e.g., preferwhich transmits and receives the logic level signals, a
ably provided by twisted pair wiring as understood by those
Bluetooth, 802.11 Standard or other RF data communicaskilled in the art, or other conductor configurations such as 15 tions protocol compliant integrated circuit, or a designated
single wire, which are preferably connected to the plurality
communication network, such as the Internet, compliant
of electronic subsystems 40 and associated with the vehicle
integrated circuit, such as provided by Zilog, e.g., the eZ80
20. The plurality of electrical conductors 38 preferably
Webserver, as understood by those skilled in the art.
provide one or more data communications channels or paths
When transmitting from the vehicle 20, the IrDA comfor data communications with the electronic subsystems 40, 20 pliant integrated circuit receives logic levels from the microas well as a controller 45 as described further below herein.
controller and converts the logic levels to IrDA data comFor example, data can be directly communicated, e.g.,
munications protocol based upon timed infrared pulse
on/off, status, threshold levels, RS-232, or RS-485 protosignals of a predetermined position, pulse widths, and/or
cols, through the conductors or power line carrier ("PLC")
duration depending on the desired baud or bit rate of data
communication protocols such as Spread Spectrum, e.g., 25 communications. The IrDA integrated circuit also receives
CEBus, X-lO, such as offered by Cogency Semiconductor,
an infrared data communications protocol and transmits
Inc. of Canada or Intellon Corp. of Ocala, Fla. or other
logic levels when receiving data communications from a
protocols along the conductors as understood by those
remote data communications terminal 60. The IrDA inteskilled in the art.
grated circuit can include a built-in infrared transceiver 35,
As perhaps best illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 11, the data 30 e.g., an infrared light emitting diode and an infrared photocommunications apparatus 30 preferably also has vehicle
detector or photodiode. At least the infrared light emitter or
data communications protocol converting means 33, 33',
light emitting diode, however, is preferably not built into the
e.g., preferably provided by a vehicle data communications
IrDA integrated circuit because the vehicle data communiprotocol converter as illustrated by first and second data
cations protocol converting means 33 also preferably
communications protocol converters 37, 39, 37', 39' and a 35 includes the first signal booster 36. If infrared is used, for
first signal booster 36, 36', connected to the plurality of
example, an infrared transceiver or emitter/detector pair
electrical conductors 38, 38' for converting a first data
such as provided by Sharp Corp., namely the Opto-Eleccommunications protocol associated with data communicatronic Devices Division such as Model No. GP2W0004YP.
tions along the plurality of electrical conductors 38, 38' to a
If infrared is one or more of the first, second, or third data
second data communications protocol. As understood by 40 communications protocol as described herein, then preferthose skilled in the art, the first data communications proably one or more coverings to effect shading and/or filtering
tocol is preferably according to SAE 11708, but also could
of a receiver or detector portion of an infrared transceiver is
be according to SAE 11939, SAE 11587, RS-485, or power
preferably used to reduce any impact or interference from
line carrier ("PLC") protocols as well. In other words, the
station,room or other lights which may emit infrared or near
first data communications protocol is preferably an existing 45 infrared wavelengths of light and to increase the ease and
data communications protocol associated with a vehicle 20.
clarity of recognition of a data communications signal. The
The first data communications protocol converter 37 is
covering, for example, can be a hood or cup formed closely
preferably an RS-485 transceiver, as understood by those
adj acent at least a portion of the receiver or detector other
skilled in the art, which transmits and receives data comthan the standard encapsulation of the receiver or detector so
munications according to the 11708 or other protocols to the 50 that the potential interfering light is shaded out or reduced so
plurality of conductors 38 and transmits and receives data
that it is not directed toward the receiver as much. In
communications according to the RS-485 protocol to the
addition to or as an alternative, different filtering techniques
second data communications protocol converter 39 and
can be used as well such as covering the receiver with a lens
vice-versa. Other data communication protocols such as
or other filter which assists in enhancing data communicaglobal communications network, e.g., Internet, protocol can 55 tion signal recognition, especially in environments which
be used as well according to the present invention. A
may otherwise cause signal recognition to be somewhat
through-the-air data communications protocol, however, can
difficult. For example, an infrared receiver or detector can
be particularly advantageous so that a driver or passenger
have a standard encapsulation and then according to the
does not have to exit a vehicle, locate a cable, and connect
present invention a lens or protective covering can be used
it to a vehicle and yet can accomplish accurate and efficient 60 to overlie or surround the encapsulated receiver or detector.
data communications.
Then still, a hood, cup, or other protective and shading
Additionally, the vehicle data communications protocol
member can be used to further shade or cover the lens to yet
converting means 33 can convert the first data communicafurther reduce interference from room, station, or other
tions protocol, e.g., SAE 11708, into a third data commulights or to enhance signal recognition.
The second data communications protocol is preferably
nications protocol, e.g., RS-485, and then convert the third 65
one of either an infrared data communications protocol, an
data communications protocol, e.g., RS-485, into yet the
second data communications protocol, e.g., IrDa or other
RF data communications protocol, or a designated commu-

US 7,015,800 B2
11

12

trailer 25 of the truck. The second embodiment also illusnications network protocol such as the Intemet. In other
words, the second data communications protocol is prefertrates a connector 50' known to those in the vehicle art, and
ably a through-the-air type of data communications protocol
namely the trucking industry. This connector 50', however,
which does not require equipment to be coupled to the
is advantageously modified by adding a transceiver housing
vehicle 20 when obtaining data therefrom or monitoring 5 34 and a transceiver 35 as described further below herein. In
each of the first and second embodiments, the connector 50,
vehicle operational conditions. If the data communications
is according to an RF data communications protocol as
50' preferably includes a plurality of pins 55 having a
illustrated in FIG. 11, then the second data communication
predetermined pin configuration. The connector 50, 50' also
protocol converter 39' preferably includes an RF data compreferably has one of either a generally cylindrical or a
munications integrated circuit or analog circuit as under- 10 generally rectangular shape.
stood by those skilled in the art which receives and transmits
The connector 50, 50' also preferably has first and second
logic levels to a microprocessor or microcontroller and
mating connector portions 51, 52, 51', 52' which are joined
together by a frictional fit so that the plurality of pins 55 are
transmits and receives RF data communications according to
matingly received into a corresponding plurality of contact
predetermined RF data communications protocol, e.g., a
simple modulation scheme or a more complex protocol such 15 elements 56. As understood by those skilled in the art, the
connector 50, 50' can also have some type of connector
as CEBus as understood by those skilled in the art.
Additionally, particularly on the transmit portion of the
aligning means associated therewith for readily aligning the
first and second mating connector portions 51, 52, 51', 52'.
vehicle data communications converting means 33, the
converting means 33 also preferably includes a signal
A transceiver housing 34 is preferably detachably conbooster 36, e.g., preferably provided by amplification cir- 20 nected to the connector 50, 50'. The transceiver housing 34,
34' also preferably includes a translucent cover member 31
cuitry and/or power boosting circuitry, which advantageously boosts the transmit signal to thereby increase the
for transmitting the second data communications protocol
successful transmit range of the associated transmit portion
therethrough. In a first embodiment of the transceiver housof the transceiver 35.
ing 34, the transceiver housing 34 can either include the
An infrared data communications protocol, such as IrDA 25 second mating connector portion 52 being formed as a
portion of or integrally as a single piece therewith, or the
as understood by those skilled in the art, can be particularly
advantageous in association with vehicles for numerous
second mating connector portion 52 can define the transceiver housing 34. The transceiver housing 34 in this
reasons. For example, dirt, dust, grime, corrosive atmoembodiment likewise preferably has one of either a cylinspheres, vibration, rough handling, or other obstacles can
often be readily overcome with appropriate design of the 30 drical or a rectangular shape. The transceiver housing 34
driving and receiving electronics. Also, infrared data compreferably includes or has integrally formed as one piece
munications is immune from electromagnetic interference
therewith an optically translucent cover member 31 for
("EMI") which, as understood by those skilled in the art, can
transmitting and receiving infrared or RF data communicaimpact other types of data communications media. Further,
tions therethrough to the remote data communications terinfrared data communications would not interfere with other 35 minal 60. Advantageously, because the transceiver housing
type of through-the-air data communications channels such
34 forms a portion of or readily attaches to a standard
as RF data communications.
vehicle connector, e.g., the first mating connector portion 51,
If an RF data communications protocol is used, as underthe data communications apparatus 30 is readily adapted to
stood by those skilled in the art, then the RF data commuexisting vehicle data communication technology and does
nications protocol preferably has designated bandwidths or 40 not require either extensive retrofitting or extensive and
other techniques used to reduce noise.
expensive additions to existing vehicle data communication
As illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 and 4, a connector 50 is
technology.
As perhaps best illustrated in FIGS. 6-7, in a second
preferably connected to the plurality of electrical conductors
38. The connector 50 can also be connected to one or more
embodiment of the transceiver housing 34', the transceiver
of the electronic subsystems 40, e.g., an ABS system, 45 housing 34' can advantageously be a vehicle light housing
preferably through the electrical conductors 38. For
mounted to the vehicle 20 for housing a vehicle light. The
example, the connector 50 can be a six-pin Deutch connector
vehicle light housing, for example, can advantageously be a
or other well known connector associated with trucks or
side-marker light housing mounted to the trailer 25 of a truck
so that a third party would not readily recognize that the
other vehicles (see FIG. 4). The connector 50, in a first
embodiment, also can be advantageously positioned in the 50 truck is equipped with the data communications apparatus
cab 23 of the tractor 21 of the truck (see FIGS. 2-3). This
30.
location, for example, is a secure position for a transceiver
A transceiver 35 is preferably positioned within the transceiver housing 34, 34' and connected to the vehicle data
35, as described further below herein, because the cab 23 can
communications protocol converting means 33 for transmitbe locked and a security alarm system or other security
system can be associated with the cab 23. Additionally, the 55 ting the second data communications protocol from the
vehicle 20 and receiving the data communications protocol
cab 23 provides a convenient position for the driver, govfrom a remote data communications terminal 60. For infraemment officials, or others involved in the related industry
to provide access to operational conditions of the vehicle 20.
red data communications, for example, the transceiver 35
This further takes advantage of existing positions of vehicle
(see also FIG. 4) preferably includes a plurality of infrared
connectors to tap into or access the plurality of electrical 60 light emitter or light emitting diodes, a plurality of infrared
photodiodes, and associated drive and amplification circonductors 38 which provide data or information to the cab
cuitry as understood by those skilled in the art.
of the tractor without requiring extensive rewiring, retrofitting, or adding expensive equipment to the vehicle 20.
As also understood by those skilled in the art, the transceiver 35 is preferably only a physical layer signal processAs perhaps best illustrated in FIGS. 8-10, in a second
embodiment of the connector 50', for example, the connector 65 ing transceiver, e.g., infrared or radio frequency, and preferably includes a combination transmitter and receiver
50' can be positioned more closely in association with one of
which collects data or information from the various subthe electronic subsystems 40 such as the ABS system of the

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14

systems and communicates the data to one or more remote
the art, as a data communications interface to the personal
data communications terminals 60. It will be understood by
computer 68 or other data terminal.
The data communications apparatus 30 according to the
those skilled in the art that the apparatus is not limited to
communication by a physical layer signal processing transpresent invention preferably also includes at least one conceiver, but that other communication protocol techniques 5 troller 45 connected to the at least one electronic subsystem
can be used as well. The transceiver 35 is preferably a first
40 and the plurality of electrical connectors 38 for controltransceiver 35, and the one or more remote data communiling data communications along the plurality of electrical
conductors 38, e.g., to and from the electronic subsystem(s)
cation terminals 60 preferably each include a second trans40. As understood by those skilled in the art, the controller
ceiver 65, 65' for transmitting the second data communications protocol to the first transceiver 35 and receiving the 10 45 preferably includes a microprocessor or microcomputer
second data communications protocol from the first transoperating under stored program control to perform various
ceiver 35. The second transceiver 65, 65' is preferably
functions related to the monitoring and control of various
electronic subsystems on either or both of the tractor 21 and
similar to the first transceiver 35 as described herein above
and accordingly for brevity will not be repeated herein.
trailer 25 or to the remote data communications terminals
The first and second transceivers 35, 35',65,65' also each 15 60.
include a signal processing physical layer. Advantageously,
As set forth previously above, each electronic subsystem
the second data communications protocol only uses the
40 to be controlled and/or monitored preferably includes
physical layer of the first and second transceivers 35, 65 for
signal generating means, e.g., preferably provided by a
signal processing and not a data link layer ("DLL") as
signal generator, connected to the controller 45 for generunderstood by those skilled in the art. By only using the 20 ating a signal related to the operation of the vehicle 20. The
controller 45, for example, produces or outputs a number of
physical layer for signal processing, the data communications and coding or modulation schemes for the communidigital or analog output controls in the form of relay contact
cations is greatly simplified and the data conversion from
closures or other signals to either the subsystems or to the
one data communications protocol to another data commutransceiver 35. The controller 45, for example, can also be
nications protocol is also simplified.
25 an ABS controller which actuates control valves on the
trailer 25 to control the brake chambers of the brakes
The remote data communications terminal 60 is preferably a computer, e.g., provided by a portable laptop or
associated with the trailer 25.
handheld computer, or other portable or substantially staAlternatively, as illustrated in FIGS. 12-36, the apparatus
also provides communication between vehicles, from portionary-remote data collection stations as understood by
those skilled in the art. The remote data communications 30 tions of a vehicle, e.g., within nodes, and communication to
terminal, for example, can be positioned at one or more
other communication networks such as in a building or a
locations where a vehicle owner, another vehicle, security
global communications network. In these embodiments, a
vehicle, such as a tractor-trailer combination which is actusystem, or other data collection point such as an entrance to
a shop, station, or fuel island desires to collect data. The
ally two vehicles, e.g., a tractor 135 and a trailer 140,
second transceiver does not need to be near or adjacent the 35 communicates with another vehicle, namely a security
computer or other terminal itself as long as the second
vehicle such as a law enforcement or police vehicle 160 (see
FIGS. 12-13 and FIGS. 14-15). In these embodiments, for
transceiver is positioned to receive the second data communication protocol from the vehicle. The remote data comexample, a first infrared or RF transceiver preferably is
munications terminal 60 also includes remote data commuadvantageously mounted to a trailer 140 (or a tractor 135)
nications protocol converting means 63, e.g., preferably 40 for communication with the security vehicle 160 using
provided by a remote data communication protocol conwireless data communications. The security vehicle 160
verter as illustrated by the third data communications prothen has a second infrared or RF transceiver mounted thereto
tocol converter 69 and the second signal booster 66, for
for wireless data communications between the vehicles.
converting the second data communications protocol
In this manner, the security vehicle 160, for example, can
received by the remote data communications terminal to a 45 gather information such as vehicle identification data, secure
information such as vehicle and/or cargo weight, driver
third data communications protocol associated with the
registration information, cargo contents, or operation charcomputer. The third data communications protocol, for
example, can be RS-232, RS-422, RS-423 or other data
acteristics of the vehicle without the need to stop the vehicle.
This, in turn, provides an added level of security to highway
communications protocol, as understood by those skilled in
the art. If two conversions occur in the vehicle data con- 50 or other roadway travel, especially in the event of a stolen,
verter 33, e.g., RS-485 to RS-232 and RS-232 to IrDAor RF,
unauthorized, hijacked, or other potentially dangerous or
hazardous situation. In these embodiments, the security
then the third data communications protocol would actually
vehicle 160 is preferably equipped with a remote data
be yet a fourth data communications protocol as sequentially
illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 10. The remote data communicacommunications terminal or other data collection, gathering,
tions protocol converting means 63, e.g., a remote data 55 or transmitting device such as mounted to a side panel of a
door, positioned in a dashboard region of the security vehicle
communications protocol converter, also preferably includes
data signal boosting means, e.g., a second signal booster 66
160, positioned along one of the windows of the security
similar to the first signal booster 36 as described above
vehicle 160, or positioned in association with the trunk or
herein, for boosting the range of the signal between the
engine compartments of the security vehicle 160. The apparemote data communications terminal 60 and the first trans- 60 ratus 130 in these embodiments is preferably substantially
similar to the one described in the above embodiments and
ceiver 35 of the data communications apparatus 30 to
can be positioned in a light marker housing or other housing
thereby increase the effective range of transmission for
for communication between vehicles.
which the apparatus 30 is anticipated to be used. The remote
In addition, such as shown in FIGS. 16-19, the apparatus
data communications terminal also preferably includes a
predetermined data communications protocol transceiver 65 130' also includes communications between a tractor and a
trailer as two separate vehicles or as a combination of one
61, 61', e.g., preferably provided by an RS-232 transceiver
or other type of transceiver as understood by those skilled in
vehicle. In these embodiments, a first transceiver preferably

US 7,015,800 B2
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cations terminal 60, controlling data communications along
is mounted to the rearward portions of the tractor and a
second transceiver preferably is mounted to the forward
the plurality of electrical conductors 38, and generating a
portions of the trailer so that the distance between the
signal related to the operation of the vehicle 20. For
transceivers is minimized and be readily ascertainable. In
example, the remote data communications terminal 60 can
this manner, a driver can monitor the contents of the trailer 5 be a computer, and the method can include remotely conwithout having to leave his seat to physically inspect the
verting the second data communications protocol received
trailer. The driver can also be made aware of various trailer
by the remote data communications terminal 60 to a third
conditions. In turn, the tractor can have a remote data
data communications protocol associated with the computer.
terminal positioned therein so that the trailer has the first
The method additionally can include positioning a condata communications protocol in a network within the 10 nector 50 so as to be connected in series with the plurality
of electrical conductors 38, positioning a transceiver 35 in
trailer, the first data communications protocol is converted to
association with the connector 50, detachably connecting a
the second data communications protocol for a through the
air wireless communication between the trailer and the
transceiver housing 34 to the connector 50, and positioning
the transceiver 35 within the transceiver housing 34. The
tractor, the tractor receives the second data communications
protocol, and then converts it to a third data communications 15 transceiver housing 34 preferably includes a translucent
cover member 31 for transmitting and receiving the second
protocol for a remote terminal such as positioned in the cab
data communications protocol therethrough.
of the tractor for displaying, viewing, and interfacing with
The method can still further include providing at least one
the driver or passenger.
electronic subsystem 40 associated with the heavy duty
Also, for example, a high speed and a low speed data
communications protocol such as PLC can coexist on the 20 vehicle 20 and connected to the plurality of electrical
same power lines. Also, two or more low speed data comconductors 38 related to operation of the vehicle 20. The
munications protocols, such as CEBus and Power Bus, can
transceiver 35 is preferably a first transceiver, and the remote
coexist on the same lines if desired as a PLC communicadata communication terminal 60 includes a second transtions. At low speed, although there may be a certain amount
ceiver 65. The method also includes transmitting the second
of conflict between the communication protocols, the com- 25 data communications protocol to the first transceiver 35 and
munication protocols preferably share the available bandreceiving the second data communications protocol from the
width where coexistence is desired or occurs. Adding Powfirst transceiver 35. The first and second transceivers 35, 65
erBus nodes to a CEBus network will reduce the throughput
each preferably include a physical layer, and the method
of the CEBus network, but should not result in communifurther includes transmitting and receiving the second data
cation failures using either technology. Although lower 30 communications protocol only using the physical layer of
speeds, e.g., less than 100 kilobits per second (Kbps), may
the first and second transceivers 35, 65.
be desired due to lower cost and increased reliability for
In the drawings and specification, there have been discertain types of communication, but higher speeds, e.g.,
closed a typical preferred embodiment of the invention, and
greater than 100 Kbps can be used as well according to the
although specific terms are employed, the terms are used in
present invention. Higher speeds, for example, are particular 35 a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
applicable to shared broadband access, low-latency audio
The invention has been described in considerable detail with
and video streaming, and high reliability using high speed
specific reference to these illustrated embodiments. It will be
apparent, however, that various modifications and changes
PLC integrated circuit or chip sets such as provided by
can be made within the spirit and scope of the invention as
Cogency Semiconductor, Inc. of Canada or Intellon Corp. of
Ocala, Fla. More preferably, these higher speeds are even 40 described in the foregoing specification and as defined in the
appended claims.
higher than 10 Megabits per second (Mbps). The higher
The invention claimed is:
speed PLC, for example, can use orthogonal frequencydivision multiplexing signal processing over power lines as
1. vehicle comprising:
understood by those skilled in the art and can be used as an
a tractor and a trailer connected thereto; and
alternative to lower speed PLC or, more preferably, in 45
a data communications apparatus connected to said tractor
and said trailer to communicate data to and from said
conjunction with lower speed PLC. When used in conjunctractor and said trailer, said data communications appation with the lower speed PLC, the higher speed PLC is
preferably positioned in the same controller, but two separatus comprising:
rate controllers can be used as well as understood by those
at least one electronic subsystem associated with the
vehicle and related to the operation of the heavy duty
skilled in the art.
50
As illustrated in FIGS. 1-36, the present invention also
vehicle;
includes methods of data communications associated with a
at least one electrical conductor connected to the at
least one electronic subsystem and associated with
vehicle 20. The method preferably includes providing a
the vehicle;
plurality of electrical conductors 38 associated with a
a connector connected to the at least one electrical
vehicle 20 and converting a first vehicle data communica- 55
conductor;
tions protocol associated with data communications along
vehicle data communications protocol converting
the plurality of electrical conductors 38 to a second data
means connected to said plurality of electrical concommunications protocol. The method also includes transmitting the second data communications protocol from the
ductors for converting a first data communications
protocol associated with data communications along
vehicle 20 to a remote data communications terminal 60. 60
the plurality of electrical conductors to a second RF
The first data communications protocol is preferably either
SAE 11708 or SAE 11939. The second data communications
data communications protocol; and
protocol, on the other hand, is preferably one of either an
a first RF transceiver associated with said connector
and connected to said vehicle data communications
infrared data communications protocol or an RF data comprotocol converting means to transmit and receive
munications protocol.
65
the second RF data communications protocol.
The method can also include receiving the second data
2. A vehicle as defined in claim 1, further comprising:
communications protocol from the remote data communi-

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a remote data communications terminal including a secwith said connector, and wherein said transceiver is positioned to transmit and receive the second RF data commuond RF transceiver to transmit the second RF data
communications protocol to said first RF transceiver
nications protocol to the communications terminal.
and receiving the second RF data communications
14. An apparatus as defined in claim 13, further compris5 ing a transceiver housing detachably connected to said
protocol from said first RF transceiver.
3. A vehicle as defined in claim 2, wherein said first and
connector, and wherein said RF transceiver is positioned
second transceivers each include a signal processing physiwithin said transceiver housing.
cal layer, and wherein the second data communications
15. An apparatus as defined in claim 12, further comprising at least one electronic subsystem associated with the
protocol only uses the physical layer of the first and second
10 vehicle and related to operation of the vehicle, the at least
transceivers for signal processing.
4. A vehicle as defined in claim 2, further comprising a
one electronic subsystem including an anti-locking brake
system connected to the vehicle, and wherein said connector
controller connected to said at least one electronic subis also connected to said anti-locking brake system.
system and said plurality of electrical connectors for con16. An apparatus as defined in claim 15, wherein said
trolling data communications along said plurality of electrical conductors and signal generating means connected to 15 connector includes a plurality of pins having a predetersaid controller for generating a signal related to the operamined pin configuration, and wherein said connector has one
tion of the vehicle.
of either a generally cylindrical or a generally rectangular
5. A vehicle as defined in claim 4, wherein said remote
shape.
data communications terminal comprises a computer and
17. An apparatus as defined in claim 16, wherein said
further includes remote data communications protocol con- 20 connector comprises a six-pin connector positioned within a
verting means for converting the second data communicapassenger area of a vehicle having first and second connector portions thereof, and wherein the second connector
tions protocol received by said remote data communications
portions defines said transceiver housing.
terminal to a third data communications protocol associated
with said computer.
18. An apparatus as defined in claim 15, wherein said RF
6. A vehicle as defined in claim 5, wherein said third data 25 transceiver comprises a first RF transceiver, and wherein the
data communication terminal includes a second RF transcommunications comprises at least one of the following:
RS-232, RS-422, and RS-423.
ceiver in communication with said first RF transceiver to
7. A vehicle as defined in claim 1, further comprising a
transmit the second RF data communications protocol to
transceiver housing detachably connected to said connector
said first RF transceiver and receive the second RF data
and positioned within the cab of the tractor, and wherein said 30 communications protocol from said first RF transceiver.
19. An apparatus as defined in claim 18, wherein the first
first transceiver is positioned within said transceiver housing.
and second RF transceivers each include a signal processing
8. A vehicle as defined in claim 1, wherein said connector
physical layer, and wherein the second local-area data communications protocol only uses the physical layer of the first
includes a plurality of pins having a predetermined pin
configuration, and wherein said connector has one of either 35 and second transceivers for signal processing and not a data
a substantially cylindrical or a substantially rectangular
link layer to thereby simplify coding or, alternatively, conshape.
version schemes.
9. A vehicle as defined in claim 8, wherein said connector
20. An apparatus as defined in claim 18, wherein said data
comprises a six-pin connector having first and second concommunications terminal comprises a remote computer not
nector portions thereof, and wherein the second connector 40 connected to the vehicle and further includes remote data
portion defines said transceiver housing.
communications protocol converting means for converting
10. A vehicle as defined in claim 1, wherein the first data
the second the second RF data communications protocol
communications protocol comprises one of the data comreceived by said remote data communications terminal to a
third data communications protocol associated with said
munications protocols specified by at least one of the
45 computer.
following: SAE 11708, SAE 11939, and RS-48S.
21. An apparatus as defined in claim 12, further compris11. A vehicle as defined in claim 1, wherein said at least
one electronic subsystem comprises an anti-locking brake
ing a vehicle light housing connected to an outer surface of
system, and wherein said connector is also connected to said
the vehicle for housing a vehicle light, and wherein said RF
anti-locking brake system.
transceiver is positioned in said vehicle light housing.
22. An apparatus as defined in claim 21, wherein said
12. An apparatus for data communications associated with 50
a vehicle, the apparatus comprising:
vehicle light housing comprises a side-marker light housing.
at least one electrical conductor associated with the
23. An apparatus as defined in claim 22, wherein said RF
vehicle;
transceiver comprises a first RF transceiver, and wherein the
vehicle data communications protocol converting means
data communication terminal includes a second RF transconnected to said at least one electrical conductor for 55 ceiver to transmit the second data communications protocol
to said first RF transceiver and receive the second RF data
converting a first data communications protocol assocommunications protocol from said first RF transceiver.
ciated with data communications along the plurality of
electrical conductors to a second RF data communica24. An apparatus as defined in claim 23, wherein the first
tions protocol; and
and second RF transceivers each include a physical layer,
an RF transceiver associated with said vehicle data com- 60 and wherein the second local-are data communications
munications protocol converting means to transmit the
protocol only uses the physical layer of the first and second
second RF data communications protocol and receive
transceivers and not a data link layer to thereby simplify
the second RF data communications protocol from a
coding or conversion schemes.
data communications terminal.
25. A method of data communications associated with a
13. An apparatus as defined in claim 12, further compris- 65 vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:
ing a connector connected in series with said at least one
providing at least one electrical conductor associated with
electrical conductor, wherein said transceiver is associated
a vehicle;

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converting a first vehicle data communications protocol
wherein the data communication terminal includes a second
associated with data communications along the at least
RF transceiver positioned in communication with the first
one electrical conductor to a second RF data commutransceiver, the method further comprising transmitting a
nications protocol; and
second RF data communications protocol to the first RF
transmitting the second RF data communications protocol 5 transceiver and receiving the second RF data communicato a data communications terminal.
tions protocol from the first RF transceiver.
26. A method as defined in claim 25, further comprising
31. A method as defined in claim 30, wherein the first and
receiving the second RF data communications protocol from
second RF transceivers each include a physical layer, and the
the data communications terminal, controlling data communications along the at least one electrical conductor, and 10 method further comprising transmitting and receiving the
second RF data communications protocol only using the
generating a signal related to the operation of the vehicle.
physical layer of the first and second RF transceivers and not
27. A method as defined in claim 25, further comprising
the data link layer to thereby simplify coding or, alternapositioning a connector so as to be connected in series with
tively, conversion schemes.
the at least one electrical conductor and positioning an RF
15
transceiver in association with the connector.
32. A method as defined in claim 30, wherein the data
28. A method as defined in claim 27, further comprising
communications terminal comprises a computer, and the
detachably connecting a transceiver housing to the connecmethod further comprises converting the second RF data
tor and positioning the transceiver within the transceiver
communications protocol received by the data communicahousing, the connector being positioned within a passenger
tions terminal to a third data communications protocol
compartment of a vehicle.
20 associated with the computer.
29. A method as defined in claim 27, wherein the step of
33. A method as defined in claim 32, wherein said third
transmitting includes providing a first RF transceiver, and
data communications protocol comprises at least one of the
wherein the data communication terminal includes a second
following: RS-232, RS-422, and RS-423.
RF transceiver positioned in communication with the first
34. A method as defined in claim 30, wherein the first data
transceiver, the method further comprising transmitting a 25
communications protocol comprises one of the data comsecond RF data communications protocol to the first RF
munications protocols specified by at least one of the
transceiver and receiving the second RF data communicafollowing: SAE 11708, SAE 11939, and RS-48S.
tions protocol from the first RF transceiver.
30. A method as defined in claim 25, wherein the step of
transmitting includes providing a first RF transceiver, and
* * * * *