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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111111 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 4,996,719 5,025,253 A A A A A A * 5/1982 Goodall ................. 340/870.18 8/1983 3/1985 8/1990 2/1991 6/1991 * Carroll et al. .............. 340/942 Ichikawa et al. ........... 455/343 Sanner ....................... 340/429 Okazaki et al. ............. 455/606 Dilullo et al. ......... 340/825.54 33 Claims, 8 Drawing Sheets (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 I - - - - - - - ------' I 1'£l(ldIlAJ. CIJA/VFIl7£1l (.'flllfl'Vrel( I R,!-;Z3Z T.I?F : _______ I I I I I !(F To /($-1.3;2. I(f-4iSro JI70R I I I I L __________ ,_ - - - - I .3.3'--/ I _ _ .J I L I _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ,...l I ~f'.' ~J~) I...---r_--J US 6,411,203 BI Page 2 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 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 u.s. Patent ~ Jun. 25,2002 ~~ ~§ ~~ • '-I 'q ~ "I~ to- Sheet 1 of 8 US 6,411,203 Bl u.s. Patent Jun. 25,2002 Sheet 2 of 8 US 6,411,203 Bl u.s. Patent ,.., , ..1 ..J , Jun. 25, 2002 I Sheet 3 of 8 US 6,411,203 Bl J // i -, \ \ '\ , I I ~ ~t ( ~ • ~ ,J ( ? '> r . ,J J II ~ u.s. Patent Jun. 25,2002 US 6,411,203 Bl Sheet 4 of 8 ~ ~ ~ c::s ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ • ~ ~ ~ ~ ~'\, ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ -, r-.l.-------- ~ I I ~ ~ I ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ I ~ ~ ~ I I I ~ I _________ ..J I I I I I I ~ ,.l-.L.i.,~ I't-r' ~ I I I I I - I ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ I k: ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ).... ~ ~ ~ ~ I L ___ I I I I I ~ ~ ~ :.. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ "') K: .,:, ~ ~ ~ ~ ;: ~ ~ ~ ~ L ___ --r-.J ~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~ \ ~ I I \'r) t'rt u.s. Patent Jun. 25,2002 US 6,411,203 Bl Sheet 5 of 8 • ~ • ~ u.s. Patent Jun. 25, 2002 Sheet 6 of 8 US 6,411,203 Bl u.s. Patent Jun. 25,2002 --- --- Sheet 7 of 8 US 6,411,203 Bl u.s. Patent Jun. 25,2002 US 6,411,203 Bl Sheet 8 of 8 ---------.., 1"-- ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ++t I I I I I ~ c!, ~ ~ ~ ~ I ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 4- ~ ~ ~ I I _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ .J , " ~ , ~ ... ~ ~ I ..J...l.J., 't • -1"'t-( I I I I I I -------------- ----, '''of ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ '~" ~ ~ ~ ~ );; ~ I I I ~ ¥ ~ ~ '" ~ ~ ~ I L_ - - l I I r-- ..... , I I I I ~ ~ ~ J: ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ " \:i I ~ ~~ ~, ~~ l' ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ J I I ~ I ;Q , ~ I ,I ~ 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 7 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 9 10 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 11 12 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 13 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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