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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1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
US006608554B2

(54)

(75)

(73)

( *)

United States Patent

(10)

Lesesky et ai.

(12)

(45)

4,398,172 A
4,506,386 A
4,952,908 A

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DATA
COMMUNICATION BETWEEN VEHICLE
AND REMOTE DATA COMMUNICATION
TERMINAL
Inventors: Alan Lesesky, Charlotte, NC (US);
Bobby Ray Weant, Rock Hill, SC (US)
Assignee: Vehicle Enhancement Systems, Inc.,
Rock Hill, SC (US)
Notice:

(21)

Appl. No.: 10/007,032

(22)

Filed:

Nov. 8, 2001
Prior Publication Data

(65)

US 2002/0060625 A1 May 23, 2002

Related U.S. Application Data
(63)

Continuation 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)
(52)
(58)

Int. CI? ................................................ G08B 21/00
U.S. CI. ........................ 340/431; 340/933; 340/944
Field of Search ................................. 340/431, 928,
340/933, 942, 944, 10.4, 10.41,825.69,
825.72; 307/10.1, 9.1

(56)

References Cited
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
4,328,494 A

* 5/1982 Goodall ................. 340/870.18

8/1983 Carroll et al. .............. 340/942
3/1985 Ichikawa et al. ........... 455/343
8/1990 Sanner ....................... 340/429

(List continued on next page.)
FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS

EP
EP
WO
WO

Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
patent is extended or adjusted under 35
U.S.c. 154(b) by 197 days.
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Patent No.:
US 6,608,554 B2
Date of Patent:
*Aug.19,2003

0744322 A2
0802082 A2
93/22848
97/17232

11/1996
10/1997
11/1993
5/1997

...................... 16/2
...................... 16/2

(List continued on next page.)
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
"Materialfiub per Infrarot", Technische Rundschau, 1990.
Translation of article entitled "Materialfiub per Infrarot",
Technische Rundschau, 1990.
Affidavit by Alan C. Lesesky.

Primary Examiner-Van Trieu
(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Bracewell & Patterson,
LLP
(57)

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and methods are provided for data communications associated with a heavy duty vehicle. The apparatus
preferably includes at least one electronic subsystem associated with the heavy duty vehicle and a plurality of electrical conductors connected to the at least one electronic
subsystem and associated with the heavy duty 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 or an RF data 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 heavy
duty vehicle and receiving the data communications protocol from a remote data communications terminal.
33 Claims, 8 Drawing Sheets

US 6,608,554 B2
Page 2

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
4,996,719
5,025,253
5,081,667
5,385,476
5,442,810
5,446,470
5,488,352
5,570,087
5,587,890
5,677,667
5,716,071
5,732,074
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

A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A

*

2/1991
6/1991
1/1992
1/1995
8/1995
8/1995
1/1996
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

Okazaki et al. ............. 455/606
Dilullo et al. ......... 340/825.54
Drori et al. ................... 379/59
Jasper ......................... 439/38
Jenquin ....................... 455/99
Avignon et al. ............ 343/713
Jasper ........................ 340/481
Lemelson ..... ... ... ... 340/870.05
Happ et al. ................. 361/826
Lesesky et al. ............. 340/431
Stanley et al. .............. 280/407
Spaur et al. ................ 370/313
Rigsby et al. ............... 307/9.1
Briski et al. ................ 340/525
Mahany et al. ............. 370/338
Beckert et al. . ... ... ... ... ... 701/1
Lesesky et al. ............ 307/10.7
Coverdill . ..... ... ... ... ...... 711/35
Abraham ............... 340/310.07
Zarybnicky, Sr. et al. .. 340/453
Yoneda et al. ......... 340/825.02

D403,659
D404,170
5,900,803
5,913,180
5,917,632
6,025,563
6,064,299
6,089,588
6,111,524
6,127,939
D434,006
6,150,793
6,254,201

S
S
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
S
A

*

B1

1/1999
1/1999
5/1999
6/1999
6/1999
2/2000
5/2000
7/2000
8/2000
10/2000
11/2000
11/2000
7/2001

Lesesky ..................... D13/156
Lesesky ..................... D26/124
Politz et al. ........... 340/825.54
Ryan ........................... 702/45
Lesesky ...................... 340/431
Lesesky et al. ............. 177/136
Lesesky et al. ............. 340/431
Lesesky et al. ............. 280/422
Lesesky et al. ............. 340/942
Lesesky et al. ............. 340/438
Lesesky et al. ............ D13/147
Lesesky et al. ............. 320/104
Lesesky et al. ........ 303/122.02

FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS

WO
WO
WO
WO
WO
WO

*

97/28988
98/34812
98/37432
99/06987
99/21383
99/35009

cited by examiner-

8/1997
8/1998
8/1998
2/1999
4/1999
7/1999

...................... 16/2
...................... 7/70

...................... 7/30
...................... 16/2

u.s. Patent

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1

2

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DATA
COMMUNICATION BETWEEN VEHICLE
AND REMOTE DATA COMMUNICATION
TERMINAL

many of the advances require extensive retrofitting or extensive additions to the heavy duty 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 heavy
duty vehicle such as a tractor-trailer truck or recreational
vehicle can be beneficial to the driver, the owner, governmental officials or agencies, and others having an interest in
the heavy duty vehicle industries.

5

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 09/569,
995 filed on May 12, 2000 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,411,203,
which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 08/907,861, filed
Aug. 8, 1997, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,064,299, which 10
is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 08/594,255 filed
Jan. 30, 1996 now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,111,524 which
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 08/554,907 filed
Nov. 9, 1995, now abandoned, the disclosures of which are
With the foregoing in mind, the present invention advanhereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
15 tageously provides an apparatus and methods of data communication between a heavy duty vehicle and a remote data
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
communication terminal so that various operating characThe present invention relates to the field of heavy duty
teristics of the vehicle can be monitor or observed. The
vehicle data communications and, more particularly, to data
present invention also advantageously provides an apparatus
communications from a heavy duty vehicle, such as a tractor 20 and methods of data communication for discretely and
or a trailer of a truck, to a remote location.
compactly communicating data between a heavy duty
vehicle and a remote data communication terminal. The
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
present invention additionally provides an apparatus and
Over the years, the heavy duty vehicle industry has used
method of data communication which is readily adapted to
tractor and trailer combinations to transport cargo over the 25 existing heavy duty vehicle data communication technology
and does not require either extensive retrofitting or extensive
roadways to various desired destinations. The tractors and
and expensive additions to existing heavy duty vehicle data
trailer are conventionally mechanically coupled together so
communication technology. The present invention further
that the tractor efficiently and effectively pulls the trailer.
advantageously provides an apparatus and methods of data
Often, one or more additional trailer are also mechanically
coupled to another trailer so that only one tractor pulls a 30 communication so that when the apparatus is mounted to a
heavy duty vehicle a third party would not readily recognize
plurality of trailers.
that the heavy duty vehicle is equipped for data communiVarious links between the tractor and the trailer provide
cations from the vehicle to a remote data communications
vehicle subsystems, e.g., hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical,
with power and/or control signals to operate effectively. 35 terminal.
These subsystem have associated electrical conductors,
More particularly, a combination of a heavy duty vehicle
pneumatic lines, or hydraulic lines extending between the
and a data communication apparatus are provided according
tractor and trailer(s) so that these subsystems can effectively
to the present invention. The heavy duty vehicle is preferoperate.
ably a tractor and a trailer connected to the tractor. The
Data communications between a tractor and trailer for 40 tractor preferably includes a cab. The data communications
apparatus is preferably connected to the tractor and the
these subsystems also has been developed. An example of
trailer for communicating data to and from the tractor and
this data communications can be seen in U.S. Pat. No.
the trailer to a remote data terminal. The data communica5,488,352 by Jasper titled "Communications And Control
tions apparatus preferably includes
System For TractorlTrailer And Associated Method" which
is assigned to the common assignee of the present applica- 45
a plurality of electrical conductors associated with and
tion. As described in this patent, the use of the Society of
extending between the tractor and the trailer. A connector is
Automotive Engineering ("SAE") standard 11708 titled
connected in series with the plurality of electrical conductors
"Serial Data Communications Between Microcomputer Sysand positioned in the cab of the tractor. The apparatus also
tems In Heavy Duty Vehicle.Applications" and SAE stanincludes vehicle data communications protocol converting
dard 11939 are also known for data communications in the 50 means connected to the plurality of electrical conductors for
heavy duty vehicle environment.
converting a first data communications protocol used to
Only recently, however, has the heavy duty vehicle induscommunicate data along the plurality of electrical conductors to a second data communications protocol. For example,
tries begun to use sophisticated electrical electronic subthe second data communications protocol is preferably one
systems in and associated with these vehicles to perform
varied task that usually involve data manipulation and 55 of either an infrared data communications protocol or a radio
frequency ("RF") data communications protocol. A first
transmission. Previously, computers, controllers, and
computer-type electrical systems were simply not found in
transceiver is associated with the connector and is connected
these vehicles, such as the tractor and trailer combinations or
to the vehicle data communications protocol converting
recreational vehicles, in a significant manner. Much of this
means for transmitting and receiving the second data comprevious slow or lack of development and advances could be 60 munications protocol. A remote data communication termiattributed, for example, to the lack of governmental or other
nal which preferably includes a second transceiver for
authoritative initiatives which would have otherwise
transmitting the second data communications protocol to the
required systems to be installed on these heavy duty vehicles
first transceiver and receiving the data communications
to include sophisticated electronics and data communicaprotocol from the first transceiver.
tions.
65
Also, according to another aspect of the present invention,
Although only recently have advances been made with
the data communication apparatus preferably includes a
data communications in the heavy duty vehicle industries,
plurality of electrical conductors associated with a heavy

US 6,608,554 B2

3

4

duty vehicle. Vehicle data communications protocol condata communications terminal having a transceiver posiverting means is preferably connected to the plurality of
tioned in a cab of a tractor of a tractor/trailer truck according
to a first embodiment of the present invention;
electrical conductors for converting a first data communications protocol associated with data communications along
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an apparatus for data
the plurality of electrical conductors to a second data com- 5 communications between a heavy duty vehicle and a remote
munications protocol. The apparatus also preferably
data communications terminal having a transceiver posiincludes a transceiver connected to the vehicle data comtioned in a cab of a tractor of a tractor/trailer truck and a
munications protocol converter for transmitting the data
remote data communications terminal positioned in the
communications protocol from the heavy duty vehicle and
hands of a driver according to a first embodiment of the
receiving the data communications protocol from a remote 10 present invention;
data communications terminal.
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a connector, a
According to yet another aspect of the present invention,
transceiver housing, and a transceiver of an apparatus for
an apparatus for data communications associated with a
data communications between a heavy duty vehicle and a
heavy duty vehicle preferably includes a transceiver housing
remote data communications terminal according to a first
adapted to be detachably connected to a connector mounted 15 embodiment of the present invention;
to a heavy duty vehicle. The connector is connected to a
FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of an apparatus for
plurality of electrical conductors associated with the heavy
data communications between a heavy duty vehicle and a
duty vehicle. Vehicle data communications protocol conremote data communications terminal according to the
verting means is preferably positioned in the transceiver
present invention;
housing for converting a first data communications protocol
FIG. 6 is a fragmentary side elevational view of an
associated with data communications along the plurality of 20
apparatus for data communications between a heavy duty
electrical conductors to a second data communications provehicle and a remote data communications terminal accordtocol. The apparatus also has a transceiver positioned within
ing to a second embodiment of the present invention;
the transceiver housing and connected to the vehicle data
FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a vehicle light
communications protocol converting means for transmitting
the second data communications protocol from the heavy 25 housing in the form of a vehicle side light marker housing
having portions thereof broken away for clarity and having
duty vehicle and receiving the data communications protoa transceiver positioned therein of an apparatus for data
col from a remote data communications terminal.
communications between a heavy duty vehicle and a remote
Still another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus
data communications terminal according to a second
for data communications associated with a heavy duty
vehicle preferably includes a transceiver housing mounted to 30 embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a connector, a
a heavy duty vehicle. The transceiver housing is preferably
transceiver housing, and a transceiver positioned in the
a vehicle light housing such as a side light marker housing.
transceiver housing of an apparatus for data communications
Vehicle data communications protocol converting means is
between a heavy duty vehicle and a remote data communipreferably positioned in the transceiver housing for converting a first data communications protocol associated with 35 cations terminal according to a third embodiment of the
present invention;
data communications along the plurality of electrical conductors to a second data communications protocol. A transFIG. 9 is a sectional view of a transceiver housing of an
ceiver is preferably positioned within the transceiver housapparatus for data communications between a heavy duty
ing and is connected to the vehicle data communications
vehicle and a remote data communications terminal taken
protocol converting means for transmitting the second data
along line 9-9 of FIG. 8 according to a third embodiment
communications protocol from the heavy duty vehicle and 40 of the present invention;
receiving the data communications protocol from a remote
FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of an apparatus for data
data communications terminal.
communications between a heavy duty vehicle and a remote
A method of data communications associated with a
data communications terminal according to a third embodiheavy duty vehicle is also provided according to the present
ment of the present invention; and
invention. The method preferably includes providing a plu- 45
FIG. 11 is schematic block diagram of an apparatus for
rality of electrical conductors associated with a heavy duty
data communications between a heavy duty vehicle and a
vehicle and converting a first data communications protocol
remote data communications terminal according to the
associated with data communications along the plurality of
present invention.
conductors to a second data communications protocol. The
second data communications protocol is preferably one of 50
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED
either an infrared data communications protocol or a radio
EMBODIMENTS
frequency ("RF") data communications protocol. The
The present invention will now be described more fully
method also includes transmitting the data communications
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
protocol from the heavy duty vehicle to a remote data
which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown.
communications terminal.
55 This invention may, however, be embodied in many different
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
forms and should not be construed as limited to the illustrated embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these illustrated
Some of the objects and advantages of the present invenembodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be
tion having been stated, others will become apparent as the
thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of
description proceeds when taken in conjunction with the
60 the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer
accompanying drawings in which:
to like elements throughout, and prime and double prime
FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a heavy duty vehicle
notation are used to indicate similar elements in alternative
in an embodiment as a tractor/trailer truck in combination
embodiments.
with an apparatus for data communications between the
FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an apparatus 30 for data communitruck and a remote data communication terminal according
to the present invention;
65 cations associated with a heavy duty vehicle 20, namely a
tractor/trailer combination or tractor/trailer truck, according
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an apparatus for data
to a first embodiment of the present invention. As undercommunications between a heavy duty vehicle and a remote

US 6,608,554 B2
5
stood 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 for coupling
the trailer 25 to the tractor 21. In addition, the tractor 21
includes an engine, such as a diesel engine or other motor,
for moving the tractor 21 to thereby pull the trailer 25. It will
also be understood by those skilled in the art that other types
of heavy duty vehicles, such as a recreational vehicle,
agricultural tractors or other heavy duty vehicles used in
association with agricultural uses, can also be used according to the present invention.

6
TABLE II
TRACTOR

5

IMPLEMENT

Vehicle Spped Optimization
Engine Speed Optimization
Implement Display
GPS (Satellite Control to Implement)

Sprayer Pressure
Speed Planning Rates
Depth Position
Hydraulic Controls
Speed Counting
Moisture Sensing

10

The data communications apparatus 30 also preferably
includes a plurality of electrical conductors 38, e.g., preferably provided by twisted pair wiring as understood by those
The data communications apparatus 30 preferably 15 skilled in the art, which are preferably connected to the
plurality of electronic subsystems 40 and associated with the
includes at least one electronic subsystem 40 associated with
heavy duty vehicle 20. The plurality of electrical conductors
the heavy duty vehicle 20. The at least one electronic
38 preferably provide one or more data communications
subsystem 40, for example, can include an anti-locking
channels or paths for data communications with the elecbrake system ("ABS") 41 connected to the heavy duty
20 tronic subsystems 40, as well as a controller 45 as described
vehicle 20. The tractor/trailer combination, however, preffurther below herein. As perhaps best illustrated in FIGS. 5
erably includes a plurality of electronic subsystems associand 11, the data communications apparatus 30 preferably
ated with tractor 21 and/or trailer 25. The electronic subalso has vehicle data communications protocol converting
systems 40 preferably produce data or includes some type of
means 33, 33', e.g., preferably provided by a vehicle data
signal generating means, e.g., preferably provided by a 25 communications protocol converter as illustrated by first and
signal generator 42. Some examples of these electronic
second data communications protocol converters 37, 39, 37',
subsystems 40 and features which may be controlled and/or
39' and a first signal booster 36, 36', connected to the
monitored by the apparatus of the present invention are
plurality of electrical conductors 38, 38' for converting a first
illustrated for a tractor/trailer combination in Table I and for
data communications protocol associated with data commuan agricultural tractor in Table II below:
30 nications along the plurality of electrical conductors 38, 38'
to a second data communications protocol. As understood by
TABLE I
those skilled in the art, the first data communications protocol is preferably according to SAE 11708, but also could
TRACTOR
TRAILER
be according to SAE 11939 or RS-485. In other words, the
35 first data communications protocol is preferably an existing
Mirror Tracking
Reefer Temperatures
Mirror with Trailer Display
Reefer Pressures
data communications protocol conventionally associated
Controls for Reefer (Engine) Trailer Identification
with the tractor/trailer combination or the heavy duty vehicle
Controls for Trailer Slide
Blind Spot Warning
20. The first data communications protocol converter 37 is
Axle
Cargo Information
preferably an RS-485 transceiver, as understood by those
Controls for Landing Gear
Smoke/Fire Detection
Overall (Tanker)
Active Faring
40 skilled in the art, which transmits and receives data comRecorder for Trailer Functions Cargo Shift
munications according to the 11708 protocol to the plurality
Satellite for Trailer Functions Weight Detection
of conductors 38 and transmits and receives data commuAnti Lock Failure
Brake System Information
nications according to the RS-485 protocol to the second
Brake By Wire
Brake By Wire
Climate Controls for Reefer
Backup Lamps
data communications protocol converter 39 and vice-versa.
Suspension Control
45
Additionally, the vehicle data communications protocol
Sliding Axle Control
converting means 33 can convert the first data communicaLiftable Tailgate
Time Pressure Monitor
tions protocol, e.g., SAE 11708, into a third data commuLamp Outage Monitor
nications protocol, e.g., RS-485, and then convert the third
Stop Lamp Saver (with doubles and
data communications protocol, e.g., RS-485, into yet the
triples)
50 second data communications protocol, e.g., IrDa or other
Water in Air Reservoir
Liftable Landing Gear
infrared or RF data communications protocol, which is used
Brake Temperature
to transmit data through-the-air to a remote data communiEmergency Line Pressure Detection
Mirror with Trailer Display
cations terminal 60, 60' (see FIGS. 5 and 11). The second
Trailer Identification
data communications protocol converter 39 preferably is a
Trailer Brake Temperature
Blind Spot Warning
Trailer Axle Temperatures
Cargo Information
55 combination of a microprocessor or other microcontroller
Trailer Security
Time Pressure Warning
connected to the RS-485 transceiver which transmits and
Weight Broadcast
Smoke Detector
receives logic level signals and an infrared IrDA compliant
Trailer Voltage Status
Roll Over Protection
integrated circuit, such as provided by Hewlett Packard or
Active Conspicuity (Lighting)
Active Tire Pressure
Rohm as understood by those skilled in the art, connected to
Backup Alarm
60 the microprocessor which transmits and receives the logic
Inventory Data Collection
level signals.
Security Warning
Trailer Engine Start
When transmitting from the vehicle 20, the IrDA comTrailer Engine Monitor
pliant integrated circuit receives logic levels from the microTractor/Changing from Reefer
controller and converts the logic levels to IrDA data comTrailer Dome Lamps
65 munications protocol based upon timed infrared pulse
Rear Door Lift (Motorized)
signals of a predetermined position, pulse widths, and/or
duration depending on the desired baud or bit rate of data

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communications. The IrDA integrated circuit also receives
This further takes advantage of existing positions of vehicle
an infrared data communications protocol and transmits
connectors to tap into or access the plurality of electrical
logic levels when receiving data communications from a
conductors 38 which provide data or information to the cab
remote data communications terminal 60. The IrDA inteof the tractor without requiring extensive rewiring,
grated circuit can include a built-in infrared transceiver 35 5 retrofitting, or adding expensive equipment to the vehicle
e.g., an infrared light emitting diode and an infrared photo~
20.
detector or photodiode. At least the infrared light emitter or
As perhaps best illustrated in FIGS. 8-10, in a second
light emitting diode, however, is preferably not built into the
embodiment of the connector 50', for example, the connector
IrDA integrated circuit because the vehicle data communi50' can be positioned more closely in association with one of
cations protocol converting means 33 also preferably
the electronic subsystems 40 such as the ABS system of the
includes the first signal booster 36.
10
trailer 25 of the truck. The second embodiment also illusThe second data communications protocol is preferably
trates a connector 50' known to those in the heavy duty
one of either an infrared data communications protocol or an
vehicle art, and namely the trucking industry. This connector
RF data communications protocol. In other words, the
50', however, is advantageously modified by adding a transsecond data communications protocol is preferably a 15
ceiver housing 34 and a transceiver 35 as described further
through-the-air type of data communications protocol which
below herein. In each of the first and second embodiments,
does not require equipment to be coupled to the heavy duty
the connector 50, 50' preferably includes a plurality of pins
vehicle 20 when obtaining data therefrom or monitoring
55 having a predetermined pin configuration. The connector
vehicle operational conditions. If the data communications
50, 50' also preferably has one of either a generally cylinis according to an RF data communications protocol as 20
drical or a generally rectangular shape.
illustrated in FIG. 11, then the second data communication
The connector 50, 50' also preferably has first and second
protocol converter 39' preferably includes an RF data commating connector portions 51, 52, 51', 52' which are joined
munications integrated circuit or analog circuit as undertogether by a frictional fit so that the plurality of pins 55 are
stood by those skilled in the art which receives and transmits
logic levels to a microprocessor or microcontroller and 25 matingly received into a corresponding plurality of contact
elements 56. As understood by those skilled in the art, the
transmits and receives RF data communications according to
connector 50, 50' can also have some type of connector
predetermined RF data communications protocol, e.g., a
aligning means associated therewith for readily aligning the
simple modulation scheme or a more complex protocol such
first and second mating connector portions 51, 52, 51', 52'.
as CEBus as understood by those skilled in the art.
A transceiver housing 34 is preferably detachably conAdditionally, particularly on the transmit portion of the 30
nected to the connector 50, 50'. The transceiver housing 34,
vehicle data communications converting means 33, the
34' also preferably includes a translucent cover member 31
converting means 33 also preferably includes a signal
for transmitting the second data communications protocol
booster 36, e.g., preferably provided by amplification cirtherethrough. In a first embodiment of the transceiver houscuitry and/or power boosting circuitry, which advantageously boosts the transmit signal to thereby increase the 35 ing 34, the transceiver housing 34 can either include the
second mating connector portion 52 being formed as a
successful transmit range of the associated transmit portion
portion of or integrally as a single piece therewith, or the
of the transceiver 35.
second mating connector portion 52 can define the transAn infrared data communications protocol, such as IrDA
ceiver housing 34. The transceiver housing 34 in this
as understood by those skilled in the art, can be particularly
advantageous in association with heavy duty vehicles for 40 embodiment likewise preferably has one of either a cylindrical or a rectangular shape. The transceiver housing 34
numerous reasons. For example, dirt, dust, grime, corrosive
preferably includes or has integrally formed as one piece
atmospheres, vibration, rough handling, or other obstacles
therewith an optically translucent cover member 31 for
can often be readily overcome with appropriate design of the
transmitting and receiving infrared or RF data communicadriving and receiving electronics. Also, infrared data communications is immune from electromagnetic interference 45 tions therethrough to the remote data communications terminal 60. Advantageously, because the transceiver housing
("EMI") which, as understood by those skilled in the art, can
34 forms a portion of or readily attaches to a standard
impact other types of data communications media. Further,
vehicle connector, e.g., the first mating connector portion 51,
infrared data communications would not interfere with other
the data communications apparatus 30 is readily adapted to
type of through-the-air data communications channels such
50 existing heavy duty vehicle data communication technology
as RF data communications.
and does not require either extensive retrofitting or extensive
As illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 and 4, a connector 50 is
and expensive additions to existing heavy duty vehicle data
preferably connected to the plurality of electrical conductors
communication technology.
38. The connector 50 can also be connected to one or more
As perhaps best illustrated in FIGS. 6-7, in a second
of the electronic subsystems 40, e.g., an ABS system,
preferably through the electrical conductors 38. For 55 embodiment of the transceiver housing 34', the transceiver
housing 34' can advantageously be a vehicle light housing
example, the connector 50 can be a six-pin Deutch connector
mounted to the heavy duty vehicle 20 for housing a vehicle
or other well known connector associated with trucks or
light. The vehicle light housing, for example, can advantaother heavy duty vehicles (see FIG. 4). The connector 50, in
geously be a side-marker light housing mounted to the trailer
a first embodiment, also can be advantageously positioned in
the cab 23 of the tractor 21 of the truck (see FIGS. 2-3). This 60 25 of a truck so that a third party would not readily recognize
that the truck is equipped with the data communications
location, for example, is a secure position for a transceiver
apparatus 30.
35, as described further below herein, because the cab 23 can
be locked and a security alarm system or other security
A transceiver 35 is preferably positioned within the transsystem can be associated with the cab 23. Additionally, the
ceiver housing 34, 34' and connected to the vehicle data
cab 23 provides a convenient position for the driver, gov- 65 communications protocol converting means 33 for transmitting the second data communications protocol from the
ernment officials, or others involved in the related industry
to provide access to operational conditions of the vehicle 20.
heavy duty vehicle 20 and receiving the data communica-

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tions protocol from a remote data communications terminal
as a data communications interface to the personal computer
60. For infrared data communications, for example, the
68 or other data terminal.
transceiver 35 (see also FIG. 4) preferably includes a pluThe data communications apparatus 30 according to the
rality of infrared light emitter or light emitting diodes, a
present invention preferably also includes at least one conplurality of infrared photodiodes, and associated drive and 5 troller 45 connected to the at least one electronic subsystem
amplification circuitry as understood by those skilled in the
40 and the plurality of electrical connectors 38 for controlart.
ling data communications along the plurality of electrical
As also understood by those skilled in the art, the transconductors 38, e.g., to and from the electronic subsystem(s)
ceiver 35 is preferably only a physical layer signal process40. As understood by those skilled in the art, the controller
ing transceiver, e.g., infrared or radio frequency, and pref- 10 45 preferably includes a microprocessor or microcomputer
erably includes a combination transmitter and receiver
operating under stored program control to perform various
which collects data or information from the various subfunctions related to the monitoring and control of various
systems and communicates the data to one or more remote
electronic subsystems on either or both of the tractor 21 and
data communications terminals 60. The transceiver 35 is
trailer 25 or to the remote data communications terminals
preferably a first transceiver 35, and the one or more remote 15 60.
data communication terminals 60 preferably each include a
As set forth previously above, each electronic subsystem
second transceiver 65, 65' for transmitting the second data
40 to be controlled and/or monitored preferably includes
communications protocol to the first transceiver 35 and
signal generating means, e.g., preferably provided by a
receiving the second data communications protocol from the
first transceiver 35. The second transceiver 65, 65' is pref- 20 signal generator, connected to the controller 45 for generating a signal related to the operation of the vehicle 20. The
erably similar to the first transceiver 35 as described herein
controller 45, for example, produces or outputs a number of
above and accordingly for brevity will not be repeated
digital or analog output controls in the form of relay contact
herein.
closures or other signals to either the subsystems or to the
The first and second transceivers 35, 35',65,65' also each
transceiver 35. The controller 45, for example, can also be
include a signal processing physical layer. Advantageously,
25 an ABS controller which actuates control valves on the
the second data communications protocol only uses the
trailer 25 to control the brake chambers of the brakes
physical layer of the first and second transceivers 35, 65 for
associated with the trailer 25.
signal processing and not a data link layer ("DLL") as
As illustrated in FIGS. 1-11, the present invention also
understood by those skilled in the art. By only using the
physical layer for signal processing, the data communica- 30 includes methods of data communications associated with a
heavy duty vehicle 20. The method preferably includes
tions and coding or modulation schemes for the communiproviding a plurality of electrical conductors 38 associated
cations is greatly simplified and the data conversion from
with a heavy duty vehicle 20 and converting a first vehicle
one data communications protocol to another data commudata communications protocol associated with data communications protocol is also simplified.
35 nications along the plurality of electrical conductors 38 to a
The remote data communications terminal 60 is prefersecond data communications protocol. The method also
ably a computer, e.g., provided by a portable laptop or
includes transmitting the second data communications prohandheld computer, or other portable or substantially statocol from the heavy duty vehicle 20 to a remote data
tionary remote data collection stations as understood by
communications terminal 60. The first data communications
those skilled in the art. The remote data communications
40 protocol is preferably either SAE 11708 or SAE 11939. The
terminal 60 also includes remote data communications prosecond data communications protocol, on the other hand, is
tocol converting means 63, e.g., preferably provided by a
preferably one of either an infrared data communications
remote data communication protocol converter as illustrated
protocol or an RF data communications protocol.
by the third data communications protocol converter 69 and
The method can also include receiving the second data
the second signal booster 66, for converting the second data
communications protocol received by the remote data com- 45 communications protocol from the remote data communications terminal 60, controlling data communications along
munications terminal to a third data communications prothe plurality of electrical conductors 38, and generating a
tocol associated with the computer. The third data commusignal related to the operation of the vehicle 20. For
nications protocol, for example, can be RS-232, RS-422,
example, the remote data communications terminal 60 can
RS-423 or other data communications protocol, as understood by those skilled in the art. If two conversions occur in 50 be a computer, and the method can include remotely converting the second data communications protocol received
the vehicle data converter 33, e.g., RS-485 to RS-232 and
by the remote data communications terminal 60 to a third
RS-232 to IrDA or RF, then the third data communications
data communications protocol associated with the computer.
protocol would actually be yet a fourth data communications
The method additionally can include positioning a conprotocol as sequentially illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 10. The
remote data communications protocol converting means 63, 55 nector 50 so as to be connected in series with the plurality
of electrical conductors 38, positioning a transceiver 35 in
e.g., a remote data communications protocol converter, also
association with the connector 50, detachably connecting a
preferably includes data signal boosting means, e.g., a
transceiver housing 34 to the connector 50, and positioning
second signal booster 66 similar to the first signal booster 36
the transceiver 35 within the transceiver housing 34. The
as described above herein, for boosting the range of the
signal between the remote data communications terminal 60 60 transceiver housing 34 preferably includes a translucent
cover member 31 for transmitting and receiving the second
and the first transceiver 35 of the data communications
data communications protocol therethrough.
apparatus 30 to thereby increase the effective range of
The method can still further include providing at least one
transmission for which the apparatus 30 is anticipated to be
electronic subsystem 40 associated with the heavy duty
used. The remote data communications terminal also preferably includes a predetermined data communications pro- 65 vehicle 20 and connected to the plurality of electrical
tocol transceiver 61, 61', e.g., preferably provided by an
conductors 38 related to operation of the heavy duty vehicle
RS-232 transceiver as understood by those skilled in the art,
20. The transceiver 35 is preferably a first transceiver, and

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the remote data communication terminal 60 includes a
7. An apparatus as defined in claim 6, wherein said at least
one electronic subsystem comprises an anti-locking brake
second transceiver 65. The method also includes transmitsystem, and wherein said connector is also connected to said
ting the second data communications protocol to the first
anti-locking brake system.
transceiver 35 and receiving the second data communica8. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, further comprising
tions protocol from the first transceiver 35. The first and 5
a controller connected to said at least one electronic subsecond transceivers 35, 65 each preferably include a physisystem and said plurality of electrical connectors for concal layer, and the method further includes transmitting and
trolling data communications along said plurality of electrireceiving the second data communications protocol only
cal conductors and signal generating means connected to
using the physical layer of the first and second transceivers
10 said controller for generating a signal related to the opera35,65.
tion of the vehicle.
In the drawings and specification, there have been dis9. An apparatus as defined in claim 8, wherein said remote
closed a typical preferred embodiment of the invention, and
data communications terminal comprises a computer and
although specific terms are employed, the terms are used in
further includes remote data communications protocol cona descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
verting means for converting the second data communicaThe invention has been described in considerable detail with 15
tions protocol received by said remote data communications
specific reference to these illustrated embodiments. It will be
terminal to a third data communications protocol associated
apparent, however, that various modifications and changes
with said computer.
can be made within the spirit and scope of the invention as
10. An apparatus as defined in claim 9, wherein said third
described in the foregoing specification and as defined in the
20 data communications comprises at least one of the followappended claims.
ing: RS-232, RS-422, and RS-423.
That which is claimed:
11. An apparatus for data communications associated with
1. A vehicle data communication apparatus comprising:
a vehicle, the apparatus comprising:
at least one electronic subsystem associated with a vehicle
a plurality of electrical conductors associated with the
and related to the operation of the vehicle;
vehicle;
a plurality of electrical conductors connected to the at 25
a vehicle data communications protocol converter conleast one electronic subsystem and associated with the
nected to said plurality of electrical conductors to
vehicle;
convert a first data communications protocol associated
a connector connected to said plurality of electrical conwith data communications along the plurality of elecductors and positioned in the vehicle;
trical conductors to a second data communications
30
vehicle data communications protocol converting means
protocol; and
connected to said plurality of electrical conductors for
a transceiver connected to said vehicle data communicaconverting a first data communications protocol assotions protocol converter to transmit the second data
ciated with data communications along the plurality of
communications protocol from the vehicle and to
electrical conductors to a second data communications 35
receive the second data communications protocol from
protocol;
a remote data communications terminal not connected
a first transceiver associated with said connector and
to the vehicle.
connected to said vehicle data communications proto12. An apparatus as defined in claim 11, further compriscol converting means for transmitting and receiving the
ing a connector connected in series with said plurality of
second data communications protocol; and
40 electrical conductors, wherein said transceiver is associated
with said connector, and wherein said transceiver is posia remote data communications terminal including a sectioned to transmit and receive the second data communicaond transceiver for transmitting the second data comtions protocol to the remote data communications terminal.
munications protocol to said first transceiver and
13. An apparatus as defined in 12, further claim comprisreceiving the second data communications protocol
45 ing a transceiver housing detachably connected to said
from said first transceiver.
2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, further comprising
connector, and wherein said transceiver is positioned within
a transceiver housing detachably connected to said connecsaid transceiver housing.
14. An apparatus as defined in claim 12, further compristor and positioned within the vehicle, and wherein said first
ing at least one electronic subsystem associated with the
transceiver is positioned within said transceiver housing.
3. An apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said first 50 vehicle and related to operation of the vehicle, the at least
and second transceivers each include a signal processing
one electronic subsystem including an anti-locking brake
physical layer, and wherein the second data communications
system connected to the vehicle, and wherein said connector
is also connected to said anti-locking brake system.
protocol only uses the physical layer of the first and second
transceivers for signal processing.
15. An apparatus as defined in claim 14, wherein said
4. An apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein said 55 connector includes a plurality of pins having a predetermined pin configuration, and wherein said connector has one
connector includes a plurality of pins having a predeterof either a generally cylindrical or a generally rectangular
mined pin configuration, and wherein said connector has one
shape.
of either a substantially cylindrical or a substantially rect16. An apparatus as defined in claim 15, wherein said
angular shape.
5. An apparatus as defined in claim 4, wherein said 60 connector comprises a six-pin connector positioned within a
connector comprises a six-pin connector having first and
passenger area of a vehicle having first and second connecsecond connector portions thereof, and wherein the second
tor portions thereof, and wherein the second connector
connector portion defines said transceiver housing.
portion defines said transceiver housing.
6. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the first
17. An apparatus as defined in claim 14, wherein said
data communications protocol comprises one of the data 65 transceiver comprises a first RF transceiver, and wherein the
communications protocols specified by at least one of the
remote data communication terminal includes a second RF
following: SAE 11708, SAE 11939, and RS-48S.
transceiver in communication with said first RF transceiver

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for transmitting the second RF data communications protocol to said first RF transceiver and receiving the second RF
data communications protocol from said first RF transceiver.
18. An apparatus as defined in claim 17, wherein the first
and second RF transceivers each include a signal processing
physical layer, and wherein the second local-area data communications protocol only uses the physical layer of the first
and second transceivers for signal processing and not a data
link layer to thereby simplify coding or conversion schemes.
19. An apparatus as defined in claim 18, further comprising a vehicle light housing connected to an outer surface of
the vehicle for housing a vehicle light, and wherein said RF
transceiver is positioned in said vehicle light housing.
20. An apparatus as defined in claim 19, wherein said
vehicle light housing comprises a side-marker light housing.
21. An apparatus as defined in claim 20, wherein said RF
transceiver comprises a first RF transceiver, and wherein the
remote data communication terminal includes a second RF
transceiver for transmitting the second data communications
protocol to said first RF transceiver and receiving the second
RF data communications protocol from said first RF transcelver.
22. An apparatus as defined in claim 21, wherein the first
and second RF transceivers each include a physical layer,
and wherein the second local-area data communications
protocol only uses the physical layer of the first and second
transceivers and not a data link layer to thereby simplify
coding or conversion schemes.
23. An apparatus as defined in claim 18, wherein said
remote data communications terminal comprises a computer
not connected to the vehicle and further includes a remote
data communications protocol converter to convert the second RF data communications protocol received by said
remote data communications terminal to a third data communications protocol associated with said computer.
24. A method of data communications associated with a
vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:
converting a first vehicle data communications protocol
associated with data communications along a plurality
of electrical conductors associated with a vehicle to a
second data communications protocol; and
transmitting the second data communications protocol
from a vehicle to a remote data communications terminal not connected to the vehicle.
25. A method as defined in claim 24, further comprising
receiving the second data communications protocol from the

remote data communications terminal, controlling data communications along the plurality of_electrical conductors,
and generating a signal related to the operation of the
vehicle.
26. A method as defined in claim 25, further comprising
positioning a connector so as to be connected in series with
the plurality of electrical conductors and positioning a
transceiver in association with the connector.
27. A method as defined in claim 26, further comprising
detachably connecting a transceiver housing to the connector and positioning the transceiver within the transceiver
housing, the connector being positioned within a vehicle.
28. A method as defined in claim 24, further comprising
providing at least one electronic subsystem associated with
the vehicle and connected to the plurality of electrical
conductors related to operation of the vehicle.
29. A method as defined in claim 24, wherein the step of
transmitting includes providing a first RF transceiver, and
wherein the remote data communication terminal includes a
second RF transceiver positioned in communication with the
first transceiver, the method further comprising transmitting
a second RF data communications protocol to the first RF
transceiver and receiving the second RF data communications protocol from the first RF transceiver.
30. A method as defined in claim 29, wherein the first and
second RF transceivers each include a physical layer, and the
method further comprising transmitting and receiving the
second RF data communications protocol only using the
physical layer of the first and second RF transceivers and not
the data link layer to thereby simplify coding or conversion
schemes.
31. A method as defined in claim 29, wherein the remote
data communications terminal comprises a computer not
connected to the vehicle, and the method further comprises
remotely converting the second RF data communications
protocol received by the remote data communications terminal to a third data communications protocol associated
with the computer.
32. A method as defined in claim 31, wherein the first data
communications protocol comprises one of the data communications protocols specified by at least one of the
following: SAE 11708, SAE 11939, and RS-48S.
33. A method as defined in claim 31, wherein said third
data communications comprises at least one of the following: RS-232, RS-422, and RS-423.

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