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
US006411203Bl
(54)
United States Patent
(10)
Lesesky et ai.
(12)
(45)
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DATA
COMMUNICATION BETWEEN HEAVY
DUTY VEHICLE AND REMOTE DATA
COMMUNICATION TERMINAL
FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
(75)
(73)
Assignee: Vehicle Enhancement Systems, Inc.,
Rock Hill, SC (US)
( *)
Notice:
EP
EP
WO
WO
WO
WO
WO
WO
WO
WO
Inventors: Alan Lesesky, Charlotte, NC (US);
Bobby Ray Weant, Rock Hill, SC (US)
Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
patent is extended or adjusted under 35
U.S.c. 154(b) by 0 days.
Filed:
May 12, 2000
(51)
(52)
(58)
Continuation of application No. 08/907,861, filed on Aug. 8,
1997, now Pat. No. 6,064,299, which is a continuation-inpart of application No. 08/594,255, filed on Jan. 30, 1996,
which is a continuation-in-part of application No. 08/554,
907, filed on Nov. 9, 1995, now abandoned.
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.
References Cited
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
4,328,494
4,398,172
4,506,386
4,952,908
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A
A
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A
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*
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(List continued on next page.)
,-
...................... 70/0
...................... 16/2
...................... 16/2
...................... 7/70
........................ 5/0
........................ 5/0
.................... 70/30
...................... 16/2
ABSTRACT
(57)
Int. CI? ................................................ G08B 21/00
U.S. CI. ....................... 340/431; 340/933; 307/10.1
Field of Search ................................. 340/431, 435,
340/928, 933, 942, 944, 825.54, 825.69,
825.72, 825.31; 307/9.1, 10.1
(56)
16/2
Primary Examiner-Van T. Trieu
(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Allen, Dyer, Doppelt,
Milbrath & Gilchrist, P.A.
Related U.S. Application Data
(63)
11/1996
10/1997
11/1993
5/1997
8/1997
8/1998
8/1998
2/1999
4/1999
7/1999
"MaterialfiuB per Infrarot", Technische Rundschau, 1990.
Translation of article entitled "Materialfiub per Infrarot",
Technische Rundschau, 1990.
Preliminary Technical Data, "Infrared IrDA® Complaint
Transceiver" .
Affidavit by Alan C. Lesesky.
Appl. No.: 09/569,995
(22)
0744322 A2
0802082 A2
93/22848
97/17232
97/28988
98/34812
98/37432
99/06987
99/21383
99/35009
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
(21)
Patent No.:
US 6,411,203 Bl
Date of Patent:
*Jun. 25, 2002
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U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
5,081,667
5,385,476
5,442,810
5,446,470
5,488,352
5,570,087
5,587,890
5,677,667
D404,170
5,716,071
5,732,074
5,739,592
5,783,993
5,790,536
5,794,164
5,798,577
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
S
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
1/1992
1/1995
8/1995
8/1995
1/1996
10/1996
12/1996
10/1997
1/1998
2/1998
3/1998
4/1998
7/1998
8/1998
8/1998
8/1998
Drori et al. ................... 379/59
Jasper
Jenquin ....................... 455/99
Avignon et al. ............ 343/713
Jasper
Lemelson ..... ... ... ... 340/870.05
Happ et al. ................. 361/826
Lesesky et al. ............. 340/431
Lesesky ..................... D26/124
Stanley et al. ........... 280/407.1
Spaur et al. ................ 370/313
Rigsby et al. ............... 307/9.1
Briski et al. ................ 340/525
Mahaney et al. ........... 370/338
Beckert et al. . ... ... ... ... ... 701/1
Lesesky et al. ............ 307/10.7
5,802,545
5,818,127
5,825,287
5,852,405
D403,659
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
A
A
A
A
S
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
S
A
B1
9/1998 Coverdill ..................... 711/35
* 10/1998 Abraham ............... 340/310.07
*
* cited by examiner
10/1998
12/1998
1/1999
5/1999
6/1999
6/1999
2/2000
5/2000
7/2000
8/2000
10/2000
11/2000
11/2000
7/2001
Zarybnicky, Sr. et al. .. 340/431
Yoneda et al. ......... 340/825.02
Lesesky ..................... D13/156
Politz et al. .. ... ... ... 340/825.54
Ryan ..................... 340/825.31
Lesesky ...................... 340/431
Lesesky et al. .. ... ..... ... 177/136
Lesesky et al. ............. 340/431
Lesesky et al. ............. 280/422
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US 6,411,203 Bl
1
2
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DATA
COMMUNICATION BETWEEN HEAVY
DUTY VEHICLE AND REMOTE DATA
COMMUNICATION TERMINAL
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.
S
This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 08/907,861
filed on Aug. 8, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,064,249, which
is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 08/594,255 filed on
Jan. 30, 1996, which a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No.
08/554,907, filed Nov. 9, 1995, which has been abandoned.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
10
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of heavy duty
vehicle data communications and, more particularly, to data
communications from a heavy duty vehicle, such as a tractor
or a trailer of a truck, to a remote location.
15
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Over the years, 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.
Often, one or more additional trailer are also mechanically
coupled to another trailer so that only one tractor 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 Systems 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 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 heavy duty vehicle industries,
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
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
With the foregoing in mind, the present invention advantageously provides an apparatus and methods of data communication between a heavy duty vehicle and a remote data
communication terminal so that various operating characteristics of the vehicle can be monitor or observed. The
present invention also advantageously provides an apparatus
and methods of data communication for discretely and
compactly communicating data between a heavy duty
vehicle and a remote data communication terminal. The
present invention additionally provides an apparatus and
method of data communication which is readily adapted to
existing heavy duty vehicle data communication technology
and does not require either extensive retrofitting or extensive
and expensive additions to existing heavy duty vehicle data
communication technology. The present invention further
advantageously provides an apparatus and methods of data
communication so that when the apparatus is mounted to a
heavy duty vehicle a third party would not readily recognize
that the heavy duty vehicle is equipped for data communications from the vehicle to a remote data communications
terminal.
More particularly, a combination of a heavy duty vehicle
and a data communication apparatus are provided according
to the present invention. The heavy duty vehicle is preferably a tractor and a trailer connected to the tractor. The
tractor preferably includes a cab. 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 is connected in series with the
plurality of electrical conductors and positioned in the cab of
the tractor. The apparatus also includes vehicle data communications protocol converting means connected to the
plurality of electrical conductors for converting 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 or a radio frequency ("RF")
data communications protocol. A first transceiver is associated with the connector and is connected to the vehicle data
communications protocol converting means for transmitting
and receiving the second data communications protocol. A
remote data communication terminal which preferably
includes a second transceiver for transmitting the second
data communications protocol to the first transceiver and
receiving 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 heavy
duty vehicle. Vehicle data communications protocol converting means 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. The apparatus also preferably
US 6,411,203 Bl
3
4
includes a transceiver connected to the vehicle data comFIG. 3 is a perspective view of an apparatus for data
munications protocol converter for transmitting the data
communications between a heavy duty vehicle and a remote
communications protocol from the heavy duty vehicle and
data communications terminal having a transceiver posireceiving the data communications protocol from a remote
tioned in a cab of a tractor of a tractor/trailer truck and a
data communications terminal.
5 remote data communications terminal positioned in the
According to yet another aspect of the present invention,
hands of a driver according to a first embodiment of the
an apparatus for data communications associated with a
present invention;
heavy duty vehicle preferably includes a transceiver housing
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a connector, a
adapted to be detachably connected to a connector mounted
transceiver housing, and a transceiver of an apparatus for
to a heavy duty vehicle. The connector is connected to a 10 data communications between a heavy duty vehicle and a
plurality of electrical conductors associated with the heavy
remote data communications terminal according to a first
duty vehicle. Vehicle data communications protocol conembodiment of the present invention;
verting means is preferably positioned in the transceiver
FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of an apparatus for
housing for converting a first data communications protocol
data communications between a heavy duty vehicle and a
associated with data communications along the plurality of 15
remote data communications terminal according to the
electrical conductors to a second data communications propresent invention;
tocol. The apparatus also has a transceiver positioned within
FIG. 6 is a fragmentary side elevational view of an
the transceiver housing and connected to the vehicle data
apparatus for data communications between a heavy duty
communications protocol converting means for transmitting
the second data communications protocol from the heavy 20 vehicle and a remote data communications terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
duty vehicle and receiving the data communications protoFIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a vehicle light
col from a remote data communications terminal.
housing in the form of a vehicle side light marker housing
Still another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus
having portions thereof broken away for clarity and having
for data communications associated with a heavy duty
vehicle preferably includes a transceiver housing mounted to 25 a transceiver positioned therein of an apparatus for data
communications between a heavy duty vehicle and a remote
a heavy duty vehicle. The transceiver housing is preferably
data communications terminal according to a second
a vehicle light housing such as a side light marker housing.
embodiment of the present invention;
Vehicle data communications protocol converting means is
preferably positioned in the transceiver housing for convertFIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a connector, a
ing a first data communications protocol associated with 30 transceiver housing, and a transceiver positioned in the
data communications along the plurality of electrical contransceiver housing of an apparatus for data communications
ductors to a second data communications protocol. A transbetween a heavy duty vehicle and a remote data communiceiver is preferably positioned within the transceiver houscations terminal according to a third embodiment of the
ing and is connected to the vehicle data communications
present invention;
protocol converting means for transmitting the second data 35
FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a transceiver housing of an
communications protocol from the heavy duty vehicle and
apparatus for data communications between a heavy duty
receiving the data communications protocol from a remote
vehicle and a remote data communications terminal taken
data communications terminal.
along line 9-9 of FIG. 8 according to a third embodiment
A method of data communications associated with a
of the present invention;
heavy duty vehicle is also provided according to the present 40
FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of an apparatus for data
invention. The method preferably includes providing a plucommunications between a heavy duty vehicle and a remote
rality of electrical conductors associated with a heavy duty
data communications terminal according to a third embodivehicle and converting a first data communications protocol
ment of the present invention; and
associated with data communications along the plurality of
45
FIG. 11 is schematic block diagram of an apparatus for
conductors to a second data communications protocol. The
data communications between a heavy duty vehicle and a
second data communications protocol is preferably one of
remote data communications terminal according to the
either an infrared data communications protocol or a radio
present invention.
frequency ("RF") data communications protocol. The
method also includes transmitting the data communications
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED
protocol from the heavy duty vehicle to a remote data 50
EMBODIMENTS
communications terminal.
The present invention will now be described more fully
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
Some of the objects and advantages of the present invenwhich preferred embodiments of the invention are shown.
tion having been stated, others will become apparent as the 55 This invention may, however, be embodied in many different
description proceeds when taken in conjunction with the
forms and should not be construed as limited to the illusaccompanying drawings in which:
trated embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these illustrated
embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be
FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a heavy duty vehicle
thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of
in an embodiment as a tractor/trailer truck in combination
with an apparatus for data communications between the 60 the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer
to like elements throughout, and prime and double prime
truck and a remote data communication terminal according
notation are used to indicate similar elements in alternative
to the present invention;
embodiments.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an apparatus for data
communications between a heavy duty vehicle and a remote
FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an apparatus 30 for data communidata communications terminal having a transceiver posi- 65 cations associated with a heavy duty vehicle 20, namely a
tractor/trailer combination or tractor/trailer truck, according
tioned in a cab of a tractor of a tractor/trailer truck according
to a first embodiment of the present invention. As underto a first embodiment of the present invention;
US 6,411,203 Bl
5
6
stood by those skilled in the art, the tractor/trailer combiTABLE II
nation preferably includes a tractor 21 connected to a trailer
25 for pulling the trailer 25. The tractor 21 and trailer 25
TRACTOR
IMPLEMENT
include respective frames and coupling means for coupling
Vehicle Speed Optimization
Sprayer Pressure
the trailer 25 to the tractor 21. In addition, the tractor 21 5
Engine Speed Optimization
Speed Planning Rates
includes an engine, such as a diesel engine or other motor,
Implement Display
Depth Position
Hydraulic Controls
GPS (Satellite Control to Implement)
for moving the tractor 21 to thereby pull the trailer 25. It will
Speed Counting
also be understood by those skilled in the art that other types
Moisture Sensing
of heavy duty vehicles, such as a recreational vehicle, 10
agricultural tractors or other heavy duty vehicles used in
The data communications apparatus 30 also preferably
association with agricultural uses, can also be used accordincludes a plurality of electrical conductors 38, e.g., prefering to the present invention.
ably 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.
erably includes a plurality of electronic subsystems associAs perhaps best illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 11, the data
ated with tractor 21 and/or trailer 25. The electronic subcommunications apparatus 30 preferably also has vehicle
systems 40 preferably produce data or includes some type of
data communications protocol converting means 33, 33',
signal generating means, e.g., preferably provided by a
25 e.g., preferably provided by a vehicle data communications
signal generator 42. Some examples of these electronic
protocol converter as illustrated by first and second data
subsystems 40 and features which may be controlled and/or
communications protocol converters 37, 39, 37', 39' and a
monitored by the apparatus of the present invention are
first signal booster 36, 36', connected to the plurality of
illustrated for a tractor/trailer combination in Table I and for
electrical conductors 38, 38' for converting a first data
an agricultural tractor in Table II below:
30 communications protocol associated with data communications along the plurality of electrical conductors 38, 38' to a
TABLE I
second data communications protocol. As understood by
those skilled in the art, the first data communications proTRACTOR
TRAILER
tocol is preferably according to SAE 11708, but also could
Mirror Tracking
Reefer Temperatures
35 be according to SAE 11939 or RS-485. In other words, the
Mirror with Trailer Display
Reefer Pressures
first data communications protocol is preferably an existing
Controls for Reefer (Engine)
Trailer Identification
data communications protocol conventionally associated
Controls for Trailer Slide
Blind Spot Warning
with the tractor/trailer combination or the heavy duty vehicle
Axle
Cargo Information
Controls for Landing Gear
Smoke/Fire Detection
20. The first data communications protocol converter 37 is
Overall (Tanker)
Active Faring
40 preferably an RS-485 transceiver, as understood by those
Cargo Shift
Recorder for Trailer Functions
skilled in the art, which transmits and receives data comWeight Detection
Satellite for Trailer Functions
munications according to the 11708 protocol to the plurality
Anti Lock Failure
Brake System Information
of conductors 38 and transmits and receives data commuBrake By Wire
Brake By Wire
Climate Controls for Reefer
Backup Lamps
nications according to the RS-485 protocol to the second
Suspension Control
45 data communications protocol converter 39 and vice-versa.
Sliding Axle Control
Additionally, the vehicle data communications protocol
Liftable Tailgate
Time Pressure Monitor
converting means 33 can convert the first data communicaLamp Outage Monitor
tions protocol, e.g., SAE 11708, into a third data commuStop Lamp Saver (with
nications protocol, e.g., RS-485, and then convert the third
doubles and triples)
50 data communications protocol, e.g., RS-485, into yet the
Water in Air Reservoir
Liftable Landing Gear
second data communications protocol, e.g., IrDa or other
Brake Temperature
infrared or RF data communications protocol, which is used
Emergency Line Pressure Detection
Mirror with Trailer Display
to transmit data through-the-air to a remote data communiTrailer Identification
cations terminal 60, 60' (see FIGS. 5 and 11). The second
Trailer Brake Temperature
Blind Spot Warning
Trailer Axle Temperatures
Cargo Information
55 data communications protocol converter 39 preferably is a
Trailer Security
Time Pressure Warning
combination of a microprocessor or other microcontroller
Weight Broadcast
Smoke Detector
connected to the RS-485 transceiver which transmits and
Trailer Voltage Status
Roll Over Protection
receives logic level signals and an infrared IrDA compliant
Active Conspicuity (Lighting)
Active Tire Pressure
integrated circuit, such as provided by Hewlett Packard or
Backup Alarm
60 Rohm as understood by those skilled in the art, connected to
Inventory Data Collection
the microprocessor which transmits and receives the logic
Security Warning
level signals.
Trailer Engine Start
Trailer Engine Monitor
When transmitting from the vehicle 20, the IrDA comTractor/Changing from Reefer
pliant integrated circuit receives logic levels from the microTrailer Dome Lamps
65 controller and converts the logic levels to IrDA data comRear Door Lift (Motorized)
munications protocol based upon timed infrared pulse
signals of a predetermined position, pulse widths, and/or
US 6,411,203 Bl
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8
duration depending on the desired baud or bit rate of data
to provide access to operational conditions of the vehicle 20.
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 inte- 5 of the tractor without requiring extensive rewiring,
grated circuit can include a built-in infrared transceiver 35
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 communi- 10
50' 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.
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 15
50', however, is advantageously modified by adding a transsecond data communications protocol is preferably a
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 20
50, 50' also preferably has one of either a generally cylinis according to an RF data communications protocol as
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 understood by those skilled in the art which receives and transmits 25 together by a frictional fit so that the plurality of pins 55 are
matingly received into a corresponding plurality of contact
logic levels to a microprocessor or microcontroller and
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.
30
A transceiver housing 34 is preferably detachably conAdditionally, particularly on the transmit portion of the
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 circuitry and/or power boosting circuitry, which advanta- 35 therethrough. In a first embodiment of the transceiver housing 34, the transceiver housing 34 can either include the
geously boosts the transmit signal to thereby increase 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
as understood by those skilled in the art, can be particularly 40 ceiver housing 34. The transceiver housing 34 in this
embodiment likewise preferably has one of either a cylinadvantageous in association with heavy duty vehicles for
drical 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
45 transmitting and receiving infrared or RF data communicadriving and receiving electronics. Also, infrared data comtions therethrough to the remote data communications termunications is immune from electro-magnetic interference
minal 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
type of through-the-air data communications channels such 50 the data communications apparatus 30 is readily adapted to
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, 55
embodiment of the transceiver housing 34', the transceiver
preferably through the electrical conductors 38. For
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
a first embodiment, also can be advantageously positioned in 60 geously be a side-marker light housing mounted to the trailer
25 of a truck so that a third party would not readily recognize
the cab 23 of the tractor 21 of the truck (see FIGS. 2-3). This
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 65 ceiver housing 34, 34' and connected to the vehicle data
communications protocol converting means 33 for transmitcab 23 provides a convenient position for the driver, government officials, or others involved in the related industry
ting the second data communications protocol from the
US 6,411,203 Bl
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heavy duty vehicle 20 and receiving the data communicaRS-232 transceiver as understood by those skilled in the art,
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 5 present invention preferably also includes at least one conplurality of infrared photodiodes, and associated drive and
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 process- 10 40. As understood by those skilled in the art, the controller
ing transceiver, e.g., infrared or radio frequency, and pref45 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 15 trailer 25 or to the remote data communications terminals
preferably a first transceiver 35, and the one or more remote
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
receiving the second data communications protocol from the 20 signal generating means, e.g., preferably provided by a
signal generator, connected to the controller 45 for generfirst transceiver 35. The second transceiver 65, 65' is prefating 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 25
transceiver 35. The controller 45, for example, can also be
include a signal processing physical layer. Advantageously,
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 30
includes methods of data communications associated with a
physical layer for signal processing, the data communicaheavy 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 commu35 data communications protocol associated with data communications protocol is also simplified.
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 45
communications protocol from the remote data communicommunications protocol received by the remote data comcations 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,
RS-423 or other data communications protocol, as under- 50 example, the remote data communications terminal 60 can
be a computer, and the method can include remotely constood by those skilled in the art. If two conversions occur in
verting 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 55
nector 50 so as to be connected in series with the plurality
remote data communications protocol converting means 63,
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
as described above herein, for boosting the range of the 60 the transceiver 35 within the transceiver housing 34. The
transceiver housing 34 preferably includes a translucent
signal between the remote data communications terminal 60
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
used. The remote data communications terminal also pref- 65 electronic subsystem 40 associated with the heavy duty
vehicle 20 and connected to the plurality of electrical
erably includes a predetermined data communications protocol transceiver 61, 61', e.g., preferably provided by an
conductors 38 related to operation of the heavy duty vehicle
US 6,411,203 Bl
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20. The transceiver 35 is preferably a first transceiver, and
5. Aheavy duty vehicle as defined in claim 4, wherein said
the remote data communication terminal 60 includes a
connector comprises a six-pin connector having first and
second transceiver 65. The method also includes transmitsecond connector portions thereof, and wherein the second
ting the second data communications protocol to the first
connector portion defines said transceiver housing.
transceiver 35 and receiving the second data communica- 5
6. A heavy duty vehicle as defined in claim 1, wherein the
first data communications protocol comprises one of the data
tions protocol from the first transceiver 35. The first and
second transceivers 35, 65 each preferably include a physicommunications protocols specified by at least one of the
cal layer, and the method further includes transmitting and
following: SAE 11708, SAE 11939, and RS-48S.
receiving the second data communications protocol only
7. Aheavy duty vehicle as defined in claim 6, wherein said
using the physical layer of the first and second transceivers 10 at least one electronic subsystem comprises an anti-locking
35,65.
brake system, and wherein said connector is also connected
In the drawings and specification, there have been disto said anti-locking brake system.
closed a typical preferred embodiment of the invention, and
8. A heavy duty vehicle as defined in claim 1, further
although specific terms are employed, the terms are used in
comprising a controller connected to said at least one
a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. 15 electronic subsystem and said plurality of electrical connecThe invention has been described in considerable detail with
tors for controlling data communications along said plurality
specific reference to these illustrated embodiments. It will be
of electrical conductors and signal generating means conapparent, however, that various modifications and changes
nected to said controller for generating a signal related to the
can be made within the spirit and scope of the invention as
operation of the vehicle.
described in the foregoing specification and as defined in the
9. Aheavy duty vehicle as defined in claim 8, wherein said
20
appended claims.
remote data communications terminal comprises a computer
That which is claimed:
and further includes remote data communications protocol
1. A heavy duty vehicle comprising:
converting means for converting the second data communia tractor and a trailer connected thereto, said tractor
cations protocol received by said remote data communicaincluding a cab; and
25 tions terminal to a third data communications protocol
a data communications apparatus connected to said tractor
associated with said computer.
and said trailer for communicating data to and from
10. A heavy duty vehicle as defined in claim 9, wherein
said tractor and said trailer, said data communications
said third data communications comprises at least one of the
apparatus comprising:
following: RS-232, RS-422, and RS-423.
at least one electronic subsystem associated with the 30
11. An apparatus for data communications associated with
heavy duty vehicle and related to the operation of the
a vehicle, the apparatus comprising:
heavy duty vehicle;
a plurality of electrical conductors associated with the
a plurality of electrical conductors connected to the at
vehicle;
least one electronic subsystem and associated with the
vehicle data communications protocol converting means
heavy duty vehicle;
connected to said plurality of electrical conductors for
35
a connector connected to said plurality of electrical conconverting a first data communications protocol assoductors and positioned in said cab of said tractor;
ciated with data communications along the plurality of
vehicle data communications protocol converting means
electrical conductors to a second RF data communicaconnected to said plurality of electrical conductors for
tions protocol; and
converting a first data communications protocol asso- 40
an RF transceiver connected to said vehicle data commuciated with data communications along the plurality of
nications protocol converting means for transmitting
electrical conductors to a second RF data communicathe second RF data communications protocol from the
tions protocol;
heavy duty vehicle and receiving the second RF data
a first RF transceiver associated with said connector and
communications protocol from a remote data commuconnected to said vehicle data communications proto- 45
nications terminal not connected to the vehicle.
col converting means for transmitting and receiving the
12. An apparatus as defined in claim 11, further comprissecond RF data communications protocol; and
ing a connector connected in series with said plurality of
a remote data communications terminal including a secelectrical conductors, wherein said transceiver is associated
ond RF transceiver for transmitting the second RF data
with said connector, and wherein said transceiver is posicommunications protocol to said first RF transceiver 50 tioned to transmit and receive the second RF data communications protocol to the remote data communications terand receiving the second RF data communications
minal.
protocol from said first RF transceiver.
2. A heavy duty vehicle as defined in claim 1, further
13. An apparatus as defined in claim 12, further compriscomprising a transceiver housing detachably connected to
ing a transceiver housing detachably connected to said
said connector and positioned within the cab of the tractor, 55 connector, and wherein said RF transceiver is positioned
within said transceiver housing.
and wherein said first transceiver is positioned within said
14. An apparatus as defined in claim 12, further compristransceiver housing.
ing at least one electronic subsystem associated with the
3. A heavy duty vehicle as defined in claim 2, wherein said
vehicle and related to operation of the vehicle, the at least
first and second transceivers each include a signal processing physical layer, and wherein the second data communi- 60 one electronic subsystem including an anti-locking brake
cations protocol only uses the physical layer of the first and
system connected to the vehicle, and wherein said connector
second transceivers for signal processing.
is also connected to said anti-locking brake system.
4. A heavy duty vehicle as defined in claim 3, wherein said
15. An apparatus as defined in claim 14, wherein said
connector includes a plurality of pins having a predeterconnector includes a plurality of pins having a predetermined pin configuration, and wherein said connector has one 65 mined pin configuration, and wherein said connector has one
of either a substantially cylindrical or a substantially rectof either a generally cylindrical or a generally rectangular
angular shape.
shape.
US 6,411,203 Bl
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14
16. An apparatus as defined in claim 15, wherein said
transmitting the second RF data communications protocol
connector comprises a six-pin connector positioned within a
from the heavy duty vehicle to a remote data commupassenger area of a vehicle having first and second connecnications terminal not connected to the vehicle.
tor portions thereof, and wherein the second connector
25. A method as defined in claim 24, further comprising
5 receiving the second RF data communications protocol from
portion defines said transceiver housing.
17. An apparatus as defined in claim 14, wherein said RF
the remote data communications terminal, controlling data
transceiver comprises a first RF transceiver, and wherein the
communications along the plurality of electrical conductors,
remote data communication terminal includes a second RF
and generating a signal related to the operation of the
transceiver in communication with said first RF transceiver
vehicle.
for transmitting the second RF data communications proto- 10
26. A method as defined in claim 25, further comprising
positioning a connector so as to be connected in series with
col to said first RF transceiver and receiving the second RF
the plurality of electrical conductors and positioning an RF
data communications protocol from said first RF transceiver.
transceiver in association with the connector.
18. An apparatus as defined in claim 17, wherein the first
27. A method as defined in claim 26, further comprising
and second RF transceivers each include a signal processing
detachably connecting a transceiver housing to the connecphysical layer, and wherein the second local-area data com- 15 tor and positioning the transceiver within the transceiver
munications protocol only uses the physical layer of the first
housing, the connector being positioned within a passenger
~~~T ~~~~~~~ t~:~~~~!~c~~!~~,~i!~:}~~r~~:~~~,~r~~=~==n~co~athb=~==d~~~:a c_o_m~P,-a_r_tm_e_n_t_o_f_a_v_e_h_ic_l_e_.__________________
___
UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION
Page 1 of 1
PATENT NO.
: 6,411,203 Bl
DATED
: June 25, 2002
INVENTOR(S) : Alan Lesesky et al.
It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is
hereby corrected as shown below:
Column 13,
Line 22, please delete "i s" and insert -- is -- therefor.
Signed and Sealed this
Third Day of December, 2002
JAMES E. ROGAN
Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office
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