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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US006744352B2

(54)

(75)

(73)

United States Patent

(10)

Lesesky et ai.

(12)

(45)

SYSTEM, APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR
DATA COMMUNICATION BETWEEN
VEHICLE AND REMOTE DATA
COMMUNICATION TERMINAL, BETWEEN
PORTIONS OF VEHICLE AND OTHER
PORTIONS OF VEHICLE, BETWEEN TWO
OR MORE VEHICLES, AND BETWEEN
VEHICLE AND COMMUNICATIONS
NETWORK
Inventors: Alan Lesesky, Charlotte, NC (US); Bob
Weant, Rock Hill, SC (US)
Assignee: Vehicle Enhancement Systems, Inc.,
Rock Hill, SC (US)

( * ) Notice:

Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
patent is extended or adjusted under 35
U.S.c. 154(b) by 0 days.
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

References Cited

(56)

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
4,398,172 A

Appl. No.: 10/051,772

(22)

Filed:

Jan. 17,2002
Prior Publication Data

(65)

US 2003/0003777 A1 Jan. 2, 2003

Related U.S. Application Data
(63)

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

(51)
(52)
(58)

Int. CI? ................................................ G08B 21/00
U.S. CI. ........................................ 340/431; 340/933
Field of Search ................................. 340/431, 435,
340/928, 933, 942, 944, 825.54, 825.69,
310.02; 307/9.1, 10.1; 280/441.1, 232

TltPJ'T£P
PAIH

8/1983 Carroll et al. .............. 340/942

(List continued on next page.)
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EP
EP

0744322 A2
0802082 A2
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WO

16/2

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

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

(57)
(21)

Patent No.:
US 6,744,352 B2
Date of Patent:
*Jun.l,2004

A system, an apparatus, and methods are provided for data
communications associated with a vehicle. The apparatus
preferably includes at least one electronic subsystem associated with the vehicle and a plurality of electrical conductors connected to the at least one electronic subsystem and
associated with the vehicle. A vehicle data communications
protocol converter is preferably connected to the plurality of
electrical conductors for converting a first data communications protocol associated with data communications along
the plurality of electrical conductors to a second data communications protocol such as an infrared, an RF data, an
Internet, or other network communications protocol. The
apparatus also preferably includes a transceiver connected to
the data communications protocol converter for transmitting
the second data communications protocol from the vehicle
and receiving the data communications protocol from
another portion of the vehicle, a remote data communications terminal, another vehicle, or another communications
network.
65 Claims, 33 Drawing Sheets

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Page 2

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
4,5CX5,386
4,926,417
4,952,908
4,996,719
5,007,042
5,025,253
5,081,667
5,385,476
5,442,810
5,446,470
5,488,352
5,503,421
5,570,087
5,587,890
5,677,667
5,716,071
5,732,074
5,739,592
5,783,993
5,790,536
5,794,164
5,798,577
5,802,545
5,825,287
5,852,405
D403,659

A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
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D404,170
5,884,202
5,900,803
5,917,632
6,025,563
6,064,299
6,089,588
6,094,609
6,111,524
6,127,939
D434,006
6,150,793
6,254,201
6,352,137
6,378,959
6,430,485

3/1985 Ichikawa et al. ........... 455/343

* 5/1990 Futami et al. .............. 340/438
*

*

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

Sanner ....................... 340/429
Okazaki et al. ............. 455/606
Santi ..................... 340/310.02
DiLullo et al. ........ 340/825.54
Drori et al. ................... 379/59
Jasper ......................... 439/38
Jenquin ....................... 455/99
Avignon et al. ............ 343/713
Jasper ........................ 340/431
DeLisser et al. ... ... ... 280/441.1
Lemelson ..... ... ... ... 340/870.05
Happ et al. ................. 361/826
Lesesky et al. ............. 340/431
Stanley et al. .............. 280/407
Spaur et al. ................ 370/313
Rigsby et al. ............... 307/9.1
Briski et al. ................ 340/525
Mahaney et al. ........... 370/338
Beckert et al. . ... ... ... ... ... 701/1
Lesesky et al. ............ 307/10.7
Coverdill . ..... ... ... ... ...... 711/35
Zarybnicky, Sr. et al. .. 340/453
Yoneda et al. ......... 340/825.02
Lesesky ..................... D13/156

S
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
S
A
B1
B1

B2
B1

1/1999
3/1999
5/1999
6/1999
2/2000
5/2000
7/2000
7/2000
8/2000
10/2000
11/2000
11/2000
7/2001
3/2002
4/2002
8/2002

Lesesky ..................... D26/124
Arjomand
Politz et al. ........... 340/825.54
Lesesky ...................... 340/431
Lesesky et al. .. ... ..... ... 177/136
Lesesky et al. ............. 340/431
Lesesky et al. ............. 280/422
Arjomand
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
Stegall et al. . ... ... ....... 188/1.11
Lesesky et al. .. ... ... 303/122.02
Hullinger

FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS

WO
WO
WO
WO
WO
WO
WO

*

97/17232
97/28988
98/34812
98/37432
99/06987
99/21383
99/35009

cited by examiner

5/1997
8/1997
8/1998
8/1998
2/1999
4/1999
7/1999

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

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

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1

2

Only recently, however, has the vehicle industries, and
particularly the heavy duty vehicle industries, begun to use
sophisticated electrical electronic subsystems in and associated with these vehicles to perform varied task that usually
5 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
10 development and advances could be attributed, for example,
to the lack of governmental or other authoritative initiatives
RELATED APPLICATIONS
which would have otherwise required systems to be installed
on these heavy duty vehicles to include sophisticated elecThis application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
tronics and data communications.
application Ser. No. 10/007,032 filed on Nov. 8, 2001 and
Although only recently have advances been made with
now U.S. Pat. No. 6,608,554, which is a continuation of U.S. 15
data communications in the vehicle industries, and particupatent application Ser. No. 09/569,995 filed on May 12,
larly the heavy duty vehicle industry, many of the advances
2000 and now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,411,203, which is a
require extensive retrofitting or extensive additions to the
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/907,861
vehicle. Accordingly, many vehicle owners have been hesifiled on Aug. 8, 1997 and now issued as U.S. Pat. No.
6,064,299, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent 20 tant to adopt and purchase sophisticated electronics and data
communications because of the expense and uncertainty
application Ser. No. 08/594,255 filed on Jan. 30, 1996 and
with the advances in the technology. Yet, having the capanow issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,111,524, which is also a
bility to monitor and communicate with the various eleccontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
tronic subsystems of a vehicle such as a tractor-trailer truck,
08/554,907 filed on Nov. 9, 1995 and now abandoned, and
which are all incorporated herein by reference in their 25 recreational vehicle, or automobile can be beneficial to the
driver, the owner, governmental officials or agencies, and
entireties.
others having an interest in the vehicle industries.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of vehicle data 30
With the foregoing in mind, the present invention advancommunications and, more particularly, to data communitageously provides a system, an apparatus and methods of
cations from a vehicle, such as a tractor or a trailer of a truck
data communication between a vehicle and a remote data
or an automobile, to a remote location, from a portion of a
communication terminal so that various operating characvehicle to other portions of the vehicle, from one vehicle to
teristics of the vehicle can be monitored or observed. The
one or more other vehicles, or from a vehicle to a commu- 35 remote data communications terminal, for example, can be
nications network.
in a portable computer, a base station, another vehicle, a
Over the years, the vehicle industry and particularly the
building, or a building structure. The present invention also
heavy duty vehicle industry has used tractor and trailer
advantageously provides a system, an apparatus and methcombinations to transport cargo over the roadways to variods of data communication for discretely and compactly
ous desired destinations. The tractors and trailer are con- 40 communicating data between a vehicle and a remote data
ventionally mechanically coupled together so that the tractor
communication terminal, between portions of a vehicle,
efficiently and effectively pulls the trailer. Also, this
between vehicles, and between a vehicle and a communimechanical coupling can often be an integral formed trailer
cation network. The present invention additionally provides
with a tractor or cab region of a vehicle such as a pick-up
a system, an apparatus and methods of data communication
truck, dump truck or other vehicle. Additionally, one or more 45 which is readily adapted to existing vehicle data communiother trailers can also be mechanically coupled to another
cation technology and does not require either extensive
trailer so that only one tractor or cab region pulls a plurality
retrofitting or extensive and expensive additions to existing
of trailers.
vehicle data communication technology. The present invenVarious links between the tractor and the trailer provide
tion further advantageously provides a system, an apparatus
vehicle subsystems, e.g., hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical, 50 and methods of data communication so that when the
with power and/or control signals to operate effectively.
apparatus is mounted to a vehicle a third party would not
These subsystem have associated electrical conductors,
readily recognize that the vehicle is equipped for data
pneumatic lines, or hydraulic lines extending between the
communications from the vehicle to a remote data commutractor and trailer(s) so that these subsystems can effectively
nications terminal to thereby reduce risk of theft, damage, or
operate.
55 interference with the vehicle communication.
More particularly, a combination of a vehicle and a data
Data communications between a tractor and trailer for
communication apparatus are provided according to the
these subsystems also has been developed. An example of
present invention. Although the vehicle is preferably a
this data communications can be seen in U.S. Pat. No.
tractor and a trailer connected to the tractor, as understood
5,488,352 by Jasper titled "Communications And Control
System For Tractor/Trailer And Associated Method" which 60 by those skilled in the art other various types of vehicles,
including various types of heavy duty vehicles, can be used
is assigned to the common assignee of the present application. As described in this patent, the use of the Society of
as well according to the present invention. The tractor
preferably includes a cab. The cab can also be within an
Automotive Engineering ("SAE") standard 11708 titled
"Serial Data Communications Between Microcomputer Sysautomobile, truck, train, airplane, or boat as well. The data
tems In Heavy Duty VehicleApplications" and SAE standard 65 communications apparatus is preferably connected to the
tractor and the trailer for communicating data to and from
11939 are also known for data communications in the heavy
the tractor and the trailer to a remote data terminal. The data
duty vehicle environment.
SYSTEM, APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR
DATA COMMUNICATION BETWEEN
VEHICLE AND REMOTE DATA
COMMUNICATION TERMINAL, BETWEEN
PORTIONS OF VEHICLE AND OTHER
PORTIONS OF VEHICLE, BETWEEN TWO
OR MORE VEHICLES, AND BETWEEN
VEHICLE AND COMMUNICATIONS
NETWORK

US 6,744,352 B2

3

4

communications apparatus preferably includes a plurality of
data communications protocol converter is preferably posielectrical conductors associated with and extending between
tioned in the transceiver housing to convert a first data
the tractor and the trailer. A connector preferably is concommunications protocol associated with data communicanected to, e.g., in series with, the plurality of electrical
tions along the plurality of electrical conductors to a second
conductors and positioned in the cab of the tractor or other 5 data communications protocol. A transceiver is preferably
vehicle. It will be understood by those skilled in the art,
positioned within the transceiver housing and is connected
however, that various other positions associated with the
to the vehicle data communications protocol converter to
tractor or other portions of a vehicle can be used as well
transmit the second data communications protocol from the
according to the present invention, e.g., along the outer
vehicle and receive the data communications protocol from
peripheral walls of a vehicle, mounted to a window of a 10 a remote data communications terminal.
vehicle, mounted to or within a trailer, or mounted to an
A method of data communications associated with a
engine or an engine compartment of a vehicle. The apparatus
vehicle is also provided according to the present invention.
also includes vehicle data communications protocol conThe method preferably includes providing a plurality of
verter connected to the plurality of electrical conductors to
electrical conductors associated with a vehicle and convertconvert a first data communications protocol used to com- 15
ing a first data communications protocol associated with
municate data along the plurality of electrical conductors to
data communications along the plurality of conductors to a
a second data communications protocol. For example, the
second data communications protocol. The second data
second data communications protocol is preferably one of
communications protocol is preferably one of either an
either an infrared data communications protocol, a radio
infrared data communications protocol, a radio frequency
frequency ("RF") data communications protocol, including 20
("RF") data communications protocol, including Bluetooth
Bluetooth and Institute for Electronic and Electrical Engiand IEEE 802.11 Standards, an Internet or other global
neers ("IEEE") 802.11 standards, an Internet or other global
communications network protocol, a local area network data
communications network data protocol, a local area network
communications protocol, other wireless data communicadata communications protocol, other wireless data commutions protocols, or a power line carrier communications
nications protocol, or a power line carrier ("PLC") commu- 25
protocol, including Spread Spectrum PLC protocol. The
nications protocol, including Spread Spectrum PLC protomethod also includes transmitting the data communications
col. A first transceiver preferably is associated with the
protocol from the vehicle to a remote data communications
connector and is connected to the vehicle data communicaterminal, to other portions of the vehicle, to one or more
tions protocol converter to transmit and receive the second
other vehicles, or to a communications network.
data communications protocol. A remote data communica- 30
tion terminal which preferably includes a second transceiver
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
to transmit the second data communications protocol to the
Some of the objects and advantages of the present invenfirst transceiver and receive the data communications protion having been stated, others will become apparent as the
tocol from the first transceiver.
description proceeds when taken in conjunction with the
Also, according to another aspect of the present invention, 35 accompanying drawings in which:
the data communication apparatus preferably includes a
FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a vehicle in an
plurality of electrical conductors associated with a vehicle.
embodiment as a tractor/trailer truck in combination with an
A vehicle data communications protocol converter is prefapparatus for data communications between the truck and a
erably connected to the plurality of electrical conductors to
remote data communication terminal according to the
convert a first data communications protocol associated with 40
present invention;
data communications along the plurality of electrical conFIG. 2 is a perspective view of an apparatus for data
ductors to a second data communications protocol. The
communications between a vehicle and a remote data comapparatus also preferably includes a transceiver connected to
munications terminal having a transceiver positioned in a
the vehicle data communications protocol converter to transmit the data communications protocol from the vehicle and 45 cab of a tractor of a tractor/trailer truck according to a first
embodiment of the present invention;
receive the data communications protocol from a remote
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an apparatus for data
data communications terminal.
communications between a vehicle and a remote data comAccording to yet another aspect of the present invention,
munications terminal having a transceiver positioned in a
an apparatus for data communications associated with a
vehicle preferably includes a transceiver housing adapted to 50 cab of a tractor of a tractor/trailer truck and a remote data
communications terminal positioned in the hands of a driver
be connected to at least one of a plurality of electrical
according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
conductors associated with the vehicle. A vehicle data comFIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a connector, a
munications protocol converter is preferably positioned in
transceiver housing, and a transceiver of an apparatus for
the transceiver housing to convert a first data communications protocol associated with data communications along 55 data communications between a vehicle and a remote data
communications terminal according to a first embodiment of
the plurality of electrical conductors to a second data comthe present invention;
munications protocol. The apparatus also has a transceiver
FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of an apparatus for
positioned within the transceiver housing and connected to
data communications between a vehicle and a remote data
the vehicle data communications protocol converter to transmit the second data communications protocol from the 60 communications terminal according to the present invention;
vehicle and receive the data communications protocol from
FIG. 6 is a fragmentary side elevational view of an
a remote data communications terminal.
apparatus for data communications between a vehicle and a
Still according to another aspect of the present invention,
remote data communications terminal according to a second
an apparatus for data communications associated with a
vehicle preferably includes a transceiver housing mounted to 65 embodiment of the present invention;
a vehicle. The transceiver housing is preferably a vehicle
FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a vehicle light
light housing such as a side light marker housing. A vehicle
housing in the form of a vehicle side light marker housing

US 6,744,352 B2

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having portions thereof broken away for clarity and having
FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of a system for
a transceiver positioned therein of an apparatus for data
data communication between a portion of a tractor and to a
communications between a vehicle and a remote data comportion of a trailer of a heavy duty vehicle using an infrared
munications terminal according to a second embodiment of
link according to a tenth embodiment of the present inventhe present invention;
5 tion;
FIG. 22 is a perspective environmental view of a system
FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a connector, a
transceiver housing, and a transceiver positioned in the
for data communication between portions of a vehicle using
an infrared link according to an eleventh embodiment of the
transceiver housing of an apparatus for data communications
between a vehicle and a remote data communications terpresent invention;
minal according to a third embodiment of the present 10
FIG. 23 is a a perspective environmental view of a system
invention;
for data communication between portions of a vehicle using
FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a transceiver housing of an
a radio frequency link according to a twelfth embodiment of
apparatus for data communications between a vehicle and a
the present invention;
remote data communications terminal taken along line 9-9 15
FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of a system for
of FIG. 8 according to a third embodiment of the present
data communication between a portion of a tractor and to a
invention;
portion of a trailer of a heavy duty vehicle using a radio
FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of an apparatus for data
frequency link according to a thirteenth embodiment of the
communications between a vehicle and a remote data compresent invention;
munications terminal according to a third embodiment of the 20
FIG. 25 is a perspective environmental view of a system
present invention;
for data communication between portions of a vehicle using
FIG. 11 is schematic block diagram of an apparatus for
a radio frequency link according to an fourteenth embodidata communications between a vehicle and a remote data
ment of the present invention;
communications terminal according to the present invenFIG. 26 is a schematic view of a system for data comtion;
25 munications between portions of a vehicle and a communiFIG. 12 is a perspective environmental view of a system
cations network using a radio frequency link and to a remote
for data communication between vehicles using an infrared
data terminal through the communications network accordcommunication link from a cab of tractor through a window
ing to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention;
to a cab of a security automobile according to a fourth
FIG. 27 is a schematic view of a system for data comembodiment of the present invention the present invention; 30 munications between a vehicle and a remote data terminal or
FIG. 13 is a perspective environmental view of an appacommunications network using a radio frequency link and
ratus for data communication between a trailer of a heavy
then to remote data terminal through the communications
duty vehicle and a security automobile using an infrared
network according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present
communication link mounted to a side panel of the trailer
invention;
and a side panel of the security vehicle according to a fifth 35
FIG. 28 is a schematic view of an apparatus for data
embodiment of the present invention;
communications having a mobile radio frequency transmitFIG. 14 is a perspective environmental view of a system
ter and receiver mounted on a truck or automobile and a
for data communication between vehicles using a radio
remote base radio frequency transmitter and receiver
frequency link from a cab of a tractor to a cab of a security
adapted to be positioned in a remote location such as a weigh
automobile according to a sixth embodiment of the present 40 station, a fuel station, or a toll booth and which is then
invention;
connected to a remote data communications terminal posiFIG. 15 is a perspective environmental view of an appationed to communicate to a communications network such
ratus for data communication between vehicles using a radio
as the Internet according to a seventeenth embodiment of the
frequency link mounted to a side panel of a trailer and a side
present invention;
panel of a security vehicle according to a seventh embodi- 45
FIG. 29 is a schematic view of a system for data comment of the present invention;
munications between portions of a vehicle and a communiFIG. 16 is a perspective view of a system for data
cations network using an infrared link and to a remote data
communication between a tractor and a trailer of a heavy
terminal through the communications network according to
duty vehicle using an infrared link according to an eighth
a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention;
50
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 30 is a schematic view of a system for data comFIG. 17 is a perspective view of a system for data
munications between a vehicle and a remote data terminal or
communication between a tractor and a trailer of a heavy
communications network using an infrared link and then to
duty vehicle using an infrared link according to the eighth
remote data terminal through the communications network
embodiment of the present invention;
55 according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a system for data
communication between a tractor and a trailer of a heavy
FIG. 31 is a schematic view of an apparatus for data
duty vehicle using a radio frequency link according to an
communications having a mobile infrared transmitter and
eighth embodiment of the present invention;
receiver mounted on a truck or automobile and a remote base
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a system for data 60 infrared transmitter and receiver adapted to be positioned in
communication between a tractor and a trailer of a heavy
a remote location such as a weigh station, a fuel station, or
duty vehicle using a radio frequency link according to the
a toll booth and which is then connected to a remote data
eighth embodiment of the present invention;
communications terminal positioned to communicate to a
communications network such as the Internet according to a
FIG. 20 is a perspective environmental view of a system
for data communication between portions of a vehicle using 65 seventeenth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 32 is a schematic view of a system for data coman infrared link according to a ninth embodiment of the
present invention;
munications to a remote data terminal using a communica-

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

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

50

60

65

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

US 6,744,352 B2

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infrared or RF data communications protocol such as
Bluetooth, 802.11 Standard, or other RF data communicaTABLE II
tions protocols, or a designated communications network
TRACTOR
IMPLEMENT
protocol such as the Internet, which is used to transmit data
5 through-the-air to a remote data communications terminal
Sprayer Pressure
Vehicle Speed Optimization
60, 60' (see FIGS. 5 and 11). The second data communicaEngine Speed Optimization
Speed Planning Rates
tions protocol converter 39 preferably is a combination of a
Implement Display
Depth Position
Hydraulic Controls
GPS (Satellite Control to Implement)
microprocessor or other micro controller connected to the
Speed Counting
RS-485 transceiver which transmits and receives logic level
Moisture Sensing
10 signals and an infrared IrDA compliant integrated circuit,
such as provided by Hewlett Packard or Rohm as understood
by those skilled in the art, connected to the microprocessor
The data communications apparatus 30 also preferably
which transmits and receives the logic level signals, a
includes a plurality of electrical conductors 38, e.g., preferBluetooth, 802.11 Standard or other RF data communicaably provided by twisted pair wiring as understood by those
skilled in the art, or other conductor configurations such as 15 tions protocol compliant integrated circuit, or a designated
communication network, such as the Internet, compliant
single wire, which are preferably connected to the plurality
integrated circuit, such as provided by Zilog, e.g., the eZ80
of electronic subsystems 40 and associated with the vehicle
Webserver, as understood by those skilled in the art.
20. The plurality of electrical conductors 38 preferably
provide one or more data communications channels or paths
When transmitting from the vehicle 20, the IrDA comfor data communications with the electronic subsystems 40, 20 pliant integrated circuit receives logic levels from the microas well as a controller 45 as described further below herein.
controller and converts the logic levels to IrDA data comFor example, data can be directly communicated, e.g.,
munications protocol based upon timed infrared pulse
on/off, status, threshold levels, RS-232, or RS-485
signals of a predetermined position, pulse widths, and/or
protocols, through the conductors or power line carrier
duration depending on the desired baud or bit rate of data
("PLC") communication protocols such as Spread 25 communications. The IrDA integrated circuit also receives
Spectrum, e.g., CEBus, X-lO, such as offered by Cogency
an infrared data communications protocol and transmits
Semiconductor, Inc. of Canada or Intellon Corp. of Ocala,
logic levels when receiving data communications from a
Fla. or other protocols along the conductors as understood
remote data communications terminal 60. The IrDA inteby those skilled in the art.
grated circuit can include a built-in infrared transceiver 35,
As perhaps best illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 11, the data 30 e.g., an infrared light emitting diode and an infrared photodetector or photodiode. At least the infrared light emitter or
communications apparatus 30 preferably also has vehicle
light emitting diode, however, is preferably not built into the
data communications protocol converting means 33, 33',
IrDA integrated circuit because the vehicle data communie.g., preferably provided by a vehicle data communications
cations protocol converting means 33 also preferably
protocol converter as illustrated by first and second data
communications protocol converters 37, 39, 37', 39' and a 35 includes the first signal booster 36. If infrared is used, for
example, an infrared transceiver or emitter/detector pair
first signal booster 36, 36', connected to the plurality of
such as provided by Sharp Corp., namely the Optoelectrical conductors 38, 38' for converting a first data
Electronic Devices Division such as Model No.
communications protocol associated with data communicaGP2W0004YP.
tions along the plurality of electrical conductors 38, 38' to a
second data communications protocol. As understood by 40
If infrared is one or more of the first, second, or third data
those skilled in the art, the first data communications procommunications protocol as described herein, then prefertocol is preferably according to SAE 11708, but also could
ably one or more coverings to effect shading and/or filtering
be according to SAE 11939, SAE 11587, RS-485, or power
of a receiver or detector portion of an infrared transceiver is
line carrier ("PLC") protocols as well. In other words, the
preferably used to reduce any impact or interference from
first data communications protocol is preferably an existing 45 station,room or other lights which may emit infrared or near
infrared wavelengths of light and to increase the ease and
data communications protocol associated with a vehicle 20.
clarity of recognition of a data communications signal. The
The first data communications protocol converter 37 is
preferably an RS-485 transceiver, as understood by those
covering, for example, can be a hood or cup formed closely
skilled in the art, which transmits and receives data comadj acent at least a portion of the receiver or detector other
munications according to the 11708 or other protocols to the 50 than the standard encapsulation of the receiver or detector so
that the potential interfering light is shaded out or reduced so
plurality of conductors 38 and transmits and receives data
that it is not directed toward the receiver as much. In
communications according to the RS-485 protocol to the
second data communications protocol converter 39 and
addition to or as an alternative, different filtering techniques
vice-versa. Other data communication protocols such as
can be used as well such as covering the receiver with a lens
global communications network, e.g., Internet, protocol can 55 or other filter which assists in enhancing data communication signal recognition, especially in environments which
be used as well according to the present invention. A
may otherwise cause signal recognition to be somewhat
through-the-air data communications protocol, however, can
difficult. For example, an infrared receiver or detector can
be particularly advantageous so that a driver or passenger
have a standard encapsulation and then according to the
does not have to exit a vehicle, locate a cable, and connect
it to a vehicle and yet can accomplish accurate and efficient 60 present invention a lens or protective covering can be used
to overlie or surround the encapsulated receiver or detector.
data communications.
Then still, a hood, cup, or other protective and shading
Additionally, the vehicle data communications protocol
member can be used to further shade or cover the lens to yet
converting means 33 can convert the first data communicafurther reduce interference from room, station, or other
tions protocol, e.g., SAE 11708, into a third data communications protocol, e.g., RS-485, and then convert the third 65 lights or to enhance signal recognition.
The second data communications protocol is preferably
data communications protocol, e.g., RS-485, into yet the
one of either an infrared data communications protocol, an
second data communications protocol, e.g., IrDa or other

US 6,744,352 B2
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RF data communications protocol, or a designated commu50' can be positioned more closely in association with one of
nications network protocol such as the Internet. In other
the electronic subsystems 40 such as the ABS system of the
words, the second data communications protocol is prefertrailer 25 of the truck. The second embodiment also illusably a through-the-air type of data communications protocol
trates a connector 50' known to those in the vehicle art and
which does not require equipment to be coupled to the 5 namely the trucking industry. This connector 50', how'ever,
vehicle 20 when obtaining data therefrom or monitoring
is advantageously modified by adding a transceiver housing
vehicle operational conditions. If the data communications
34 and a transceiver 35 as described further below herein. In
is according to an RF data communications protocol as
each of the first and second embodiments, the connector 50,
illustrated in FIG. 11, then the second data communication
50' preferably includes a plurality of pins 55 having a
protocol converter 39' preferably includes an RF data compredetermined pin configuration. The connector 50, 50' also
munications integrated circuit or analog circuit as under- 10
preferably has one of either a generally cylindrical or a
stood by those skilled in the art which receives and transmits
generally rectangular shape.
logic levels to a microprocessor or microcontroller and
The connector 50, 50' also preferably has first and second
transmits and receives RF data communications according to
mating connector portions 51, 52, 51', 52' which are joined
predetermined RF data communications protocol, e.g., a
simple modulation scheme or a more complex protocol such 15 together by a frictional fit so that the plurality of pins 55 are
matingly received into a corresponding plurality of contact
as CEBus as understood by those skilled in the art.
elements 56. As understood by those skilled in the art, the
Additionally, particularly on the transmit portion of the
connector 50, 50' can also have some type of connector
vehicle data communications converting means 33, the
converting means 33 also preferably includes a signal 20 aligning means associated therewith for readily aligning the
first and second mating connector portions 51, 52, 51', 52'.
booster 36, e.g., preferably provided by amplification cirA transceiver housing 34 is preferably detachably concuitry and/or power boosting circuitry, which advantanected to the connector 50, 50'. The transceiver housing 34,
geously boosts the transmit signal to thereby increase the
34' also preferably includes a translucent cover member 31
successful transmit range of the associated transmit portion
for transmitting the second data communications protocol
of the transceiver 35.
An infrared data communications protocol, such as IrDA 25 therethrough. In a first embodiment of the transceiver housing 34, the transceiver housing 34 can either include the
as understood by those skilled in the art, can be particularly
second mating connector portion 52 being formed as a
advantageous in association with vehicles for numerous
portion of or integrally as a single piece therewith, or the
reasons. For example, dirt, dust, grime, corrosive
atmospheres, vibration, rough handling, or other obstacles 30 second mating connector portion 52 can define the transceiver housing 34. The transceiver housing 34 in this
can often be readily overcome with appropriate design of the
embodiment likewise preferably has one of either a cylindriving and receiving electronics. Also, infrared data comdrical or a rectangular shape. The transceiver housing 34
munications is immune from electro-magnetic interference
preferably includes or has integrally formed as one piece
("EMI") which, as understood by those skilled in the art, can
impact other types of data communications media. Further, 35 therewith an optically translucent cover member 31 for
transmitting and receiving infrared or RF data communicainfrared data communications would not interfere with other
tions therethrough to the remote data communications tertype of through-the-air data communications channels such
minal 60. Advantageously, because the transceiver housing
as RF data communications.
34 forms a portion of or readily attaches to a standard
If an RF data communications protocol is used, as understood by those skilled in the art, then the RF data commu- 40 vehicle connector, e.g., the first mating connector portion 51,
the data communications apparatus 30 is readily adapted to
nications protocol preferably has designated bandwidths or
existing vehicle data communication technology and does
other techniques used to reduce noise.
not require either extensive retrofitting or extensive and
As illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 and 4, a connector 50 is
expensive additions to existing vehicle data communication
preferably connected to the plurality of electrical conductors
technology.
38. The connector 50 can also be connected to one or more 45
As perhaps best illustrated in FIGS. 6-7, in a second
of the electronic subsystems 40, e.g., an ABS system,
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 vehicle 20 for housing a vehicle light. The
or other well known connector associated with trucks or
other vehicles (see FIG. 4). The connector 50, in a first 50 vehicle light housing, for example, can advantageously be a
side-marker light housing mounted to the trailer 25 of a truck
embodiment, also can be advantageously positioned in the
so that a third party would not readily recognize that the
cab 23 of the tractor 21 of the truck (see FIGS. 2-3). This
truck is equipped with the data communications apparatus
location, for example, is a secure position for a transceiver
30.
35, as described further below herein, because the cab 23 can
A transceiver 35 is preferably positioned within the transbe locked and a security alarm system or other security 55
ceiver housing 34, 34' and connected to the vehicle data
system can be associated with the cab 23. Additionally, the
communications protocol converting means 33 for transmitcab 23 provides a convenient position for the driver, govting the second data communications protocol from the
ernment officials, or others involved in the related industry
vehicle 20 and receiving the data communications protocol
to provide access to operational conditions of the vehicle 20.
This further takes advantage of existing positions of vehicle 60 from a remote data communications terminal 60. For infrared data communications, for example, the transceiver 35
connectors to tap into or access the plurality of electrical
(see also FIG. 4) preferably includes a plurality of infrared
conductors 38 which provide data or information to the cab
light emitter or light emitting diodes, a plurality of infrared
of the tractor without requiring extensive rewiring,
photodiodes, and associated drive and amplification cirretrofitting, or adding expensive equipment to the vehicle
65 cui try as understood by those skilled in the art.
20.
As perhaps best illustrated in FIGS. 8-10, in a second
As also understood by those skilled in the art, the transembodiment of the connector 50', for example, the connector
ceiver 35 is preferably only a physical layer signal process-

US 6,744,352 B2

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data communications terminal also preferably includes a
ing transceiver, e.g., infrared or radio frequency, and prefpredetermined data communications protocol transceiver
erably includes a combination transmitter and receiver
which collects data or information from the various sub61, 61', e.g., preferably provided by an RS-232 transceiver
or other type of transceiver as understood by those skilled in
systems and communicates the data to one or more remote
data communications terminals 60. It will be understood by 5 the art, as a data communications interface to the personal
computer 68 or other data terminal.
those skilled in the art that the apparatus is not limited to
The data communications apparatus 30 according to the
communication by a physical layer signal processing
present invention preferably also includes at least one contransceiver, but that other communication protocol techtroller 45 connected to the at least one electronic subsystem
niques can be used as well. The transceiver 35 is preferably
a first transceiver 35, and the one or more remote data 10 40 and the plurality of electrical connectors 38 for controlling data communications along the plurality of electrical
communication terminals 60 preferably each include a secconductors 38, e.g., to and from the electronic subsystem(s)
ond transceiver 65, 65' for transmitting the second data
40. As understood by those skilled in the art, the controller
communications protocol to the first transceiver 35 and
45 preferably includes a microprocessor or microcomputer
receiving the second data communications protocol from the
first transceiver 35. The second transceiver 65, 65' is pref- 15 operating under stored program control to perform various
functions related to the monitoring and control of various
erably similar to the first transceiver 35 as described herein
electronic subsystems on either or both of the tractor 21 and
above and accordingly for brevity will not be repeated
trailer 25 or to the remote data communications terminals
herein.
60.
The first and second transceivers 35, 35',65,65' also each
As set forth previously above, each electronic subsystem
include a signal processing physical layer. Advantageously, 20
40 to be controlled and/or monitored preferably includes
the second data communications protocol only uses the
signal generating means, e.g., preferably provided by a
physical layer of the first and second transceivers 35, 65 for
signal generator, connected to the controller 45 for genersignal processing and not a data link layer ("DLL") as
ating a signal related to the operation of the vehicle 20. The
understood by those skilled in the art. By only using the
physical layer for signal processing, the data communica- 25 controller 45, for example, produces or outputs a number of
digital or analog output controls in the form of relay contact
tions and coding or modulation schemes for the communiclosures or other signals to either the subsystems or to the
cations is greatly simplified and the data conversion from
transceiver 35. The controller 45, for example, can also be
one data communications protocol to another data commuan ABS controller which actuates control valves on the
nications protocol is also simplified.
The remote data communications terminal 60 is prefer- 30 trailer 25 to control the brake chambers of the brakes
associated with the trailer 25.
ably a computer, e.g., provided by a portable laptop or
Alternatively, as illustrated in FIGS. 12-36, the apparatus
handheld computer, or other portable or substantially staalso provides communication between vehicles, from portionary remote data collection stations as understood by
tions of a vehicle, e.g., within nodes, and communication to
those skilled in the art. The remote data communications
terminal, for example, can be positioned at one or more 35 other communication networks such as in a building or a
global communications network. In these embodiments, a
locations where a vehicle owner, another vehicle, security
vehicle, such as a tractor-trailer combination which is actusystem, or other data collection point such as an entrance to
ally two vehicles, e.g., a tractor 135 and a trailer 140,
a shop, station, or fuel island desires to collect data. The
communicates with another vehicle, namely a security
second transceiver does not need to be near or adjacent the
computer or other terminal itself as long as the second 40 vehicle such as a law enforcement or police vehicle 160 (see
FIGS. 12-13 and FIGS. 14-15). In these embodiments, for
transceiver is positioned to receive the second data commuexample, a first infrared or RF transceiver preferably is
nication protocol from the vehicle. The remote data comadvantageously mounted to a trailer 140 (or a tractor 135)
munications terminal 60 also includes remote data commufor communication with the security vehicle 160 using
nications protocol converting means 63, e.g., preferably
provided by a remote data communication protocol con- 45 wireless data communications. The security vehicle 160
then has a second infrared or RF transceiver mounted thereto
verter as illustrated by the third data communications profor wireless data communications between the vehicles.
tocol converter 69 and the second signal booster 66, for
In this manner, the security vehicle 160, for example, can
converting the second data communications protocol
gather information such as vehicle identification data, secure
received by the remote data communications terminal to a
third data communications protocol associated with the 50 information such as vehicle and/or cargo weight, driver
registration information, cargo contents, or operation charcomputer. The third data communications protocol, for
example, can be RS-232, RS-422, RS-423 or other data
acteristics of the vehicle without the need to stop the vehicle.
This, in turn, provides an added level of security to highway
communications protocol, as understood by those skilled in
the art. If two conversions occur in the vehicle data conor other roadway travel, especially in the event of a stolen,
verter 33, e.g., RS-485 to RS-232 and RS-232 to IrDAor RF, 55 unauthorized, hijacked, or other potentially dangerous or
hazardous situation. In these embodiments, the security
then the third data communications protocol would actually
vehicle 160 is preferably equipped with a remote data
be yet a fourth data communications protocol as sequentially
illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 10. The remote data communicacommunications terminal or other data collection, gathering,
or transmitting device such as mounted to a side panel of a
tions protocol converting means 63, e.g., a remote data
communications protocol converter, also preferably includes 60 door, positioned in a dashboard region of the security vehicle
data signal boosting means, e.g., a second signal booster 66
160, positioned along one of the windows of the security
similar to the first signal booster 36 as described above
vehicle 160, or positioned in association with the trunk or
herein, for boosting the range of the signal between the
engine compartments of the security vehicle 160. The apparemote data communications terminal 60 and the first transratus 130 in these embodiments is preferably substantially
ceiver 35 of the data communications apparatus 30 to 65 similar to the one described in the above embodiments and
thereby increase the effective range of transmission for
can be positioned in a light marker housing or other housing
for communication between vehicles.
which the apparatus 30 is anticipated to be used. The remote

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In addition, such as shown in FIGS. 16-19, the apparatus
130' also includes communications between a tractor and a
trailer as two separate vehicles or as a combination of one
vehicle. In these embodiments, a first transceiver preferably
is mounted to the rearward portions of the tractor and a
second transceiver preferably is mounted to the forward
portions of the trailer so that the distance between the
transceivers is minimized and be readily ascertainable. In
this manner, a driver can monitor the contents of the trailer
without having to leave his seat to physically inspect the
trailer. The driver can also be made aware of various trailer
conditions. In turn, the tractor can have a remote data
terminal positioned therein so that the trailer has the first
data communications protocol in a network within the
trailer, the first data communications protocol is converted to
the second data communications protocol for a through the
air wireless communication between the trailer and the
tractor, the tractor receives the second data communications
protocol, and then converts it to a third data communications
protocol for a remote terminal such as positioned in the cab
of the tractor for displaying, viewing, and interfacing with
the driver or passenger.
Also, for example, a high speed and a low speed data
communications protocol such as PLC can coexist on the
same power lines. Also, two or more low speed data communications protocols, such as CEBus and Power Bus, can
coexist on the same lines if desired as a PLC communications. At low speed, although there may be a certain amount
of conflict between the communication protocols, the communication protocols preferably share the available bandwidth where coexistence is desired or occurs. Adding PowerBus nodes to a CEBus network will reduce the throughput
of the CEBus network, but should not result in communication failures using either technology. Although lower
speeds, e.g., less than 100 kilobits per second (Kbps), may
be desired due to lower cost and increased reliability for
certain types of communication, but higher speeds, e.g.,
greater than 100 Kbps can be used as well according to the
present invention. Higher speeds, for example, are particular
applicable to shared broadband access, low-latency audio
and video streaming, and high reliability using high speed
PLC integrated circuit or chip sets such as provided by
Cogency Semiconductor, Inc. of Canada or Intellon Corp. of
Ocala, Fla. More preferably, these higher speeds are even
higher than 10 Megabits per second (Mbps). The higher
speed PLC, for example, can use orthogonal frequencydivision multiplexing signal processing over power lines as
understood by those skilled in the art and can be used as an
alternative to lower speed PLC or, more preferably, in
conjunction with lower speed PLC. When used in conjunction with the lower speed PLC, the higher speed PLC is
preferably positioned in the same controller, but two separate controllers can be used as well as understood by those
skilled in the art.
As illustrated in FIGS. 1-36, the present invention also
includes methods of data communications associated with a
vehicle 20. The method preferably includes providing a
plurality of electrical conductors 38 associated with a
vehicle 20 and converting a first vehicle data communications protocol associated with data communications along
the plurality of electrical conductors 38 to a second data
communications protocol. The method also includes transmitting the second data communications protocol from the
vehicle 20 to a remote data communications terminal 60.
The first data communications protocol is preferably either
SAE 11708 or SAE 11939. The second data communications
protocol, on the other hand, is preferably one of either an

infrared data communications protocol or an RF data communications protocol.
The method can also include receiving the second data
communications protocol from the remote data communications terminal 60, controlling data communications along
the plurality of electrical conductors 38, and generating a
signal related to the operation of the vehicle 20. For
example, the remote data communications terminal 60 can
be a computer, and the method can include remotely converting the second data communications protocol received
by the remote data communications terminal 60 to a third
data communications protocol associated with the computer.
The method additionally can include positioning a connector 50 so as to be connected in series with the plurality
of electrical conductors 38, positioning a transceiver 35 in
association with the connector 50, detachably connecting a
transceiver housing 34 to the connector 50, and positioning
the transceiver 35 within the transceiver housing 34. The
transceiver housing 34 preferably includes a translucent
cover member 31 for transmitting and receiving the second
data communications protocol therethrough.
The method can still further include providing at least one
electronic subsystem 40 associated with the heavy duty
vehicle 20 and connected to the plurality of electrical
conductors 38 related to operation of the vehicle 20. The
transceiver 35 is preferably a first transceiver, and the remote
data communication terminal 60 includes a second transceiver 65. The method also includes transmitting the second
data communications protocol to the first transceiver 35 and
receiving the second data communications protocol from the
first transceiver 35. The first and second transceivers 35, 65
each preferably include a physical layer, and the method
further includes transmitting and receiving the second data
communications protocol only using the physical layer of
the first and second transceivers 35, 65.
In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed a typical preferred embodiment of the invention, and
although specific terms are employed, the terms are used in
a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
The invention has been described in considerable detail with
specific reference to these illustrated embodiments. It will be
apparent, however, that various modifications and changes
can be made within the spirit and scope of the invention as
described in the foregoing specification and as defined in the
appended claims.
That which is claimed:
1. A vehicle comprising:
a cab; and
a data communications apparatus connected to said cab
for communicating data to and from said cab, said data
communications apparatus comprising:
at least one electronic subsystem associated with the
vehicle and related to the operation of the vehicle;
a plurality of electrical conductors connected to the at
least one electronic subsystem and associated with
the vehicle;
a connector connected in series with said plurality of
electrical conductors and positioned in said cab;
vehicle data communications protocol converting
means connected to said 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;
a first transceiver associated with said connector and
connected to said vehicle data communications pro-

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tocol converting means for transmitting and receivthe second data communications protocol from a
ing the second data communications protocol; and
remote data communications terminal.
a remote data communications terminal including a
12. An apparatus as defined in claim 11, further comprissecond transceiver for transmitting the second data
ing a connector connected in series with said plurality of
communications protocol to said first transceiver and 5 electrical conductors, and wherein said transceiver is assoreceiving the second data communications protocol
ciated with said connector.
from said first transceiver.
13. An apparatus as defined in claim 12, further compris2. A vehicle as defined in claim 1, further comprising a
ing a transceiver housing detachably connected to said
transceiver housing detachably connected to said connector
connector, and wherein said transceiver is positioned within
and positioned within the cab, and wherein said first trans- 10 said transceiver housing.
ceiver is positioned within said transceiver housing.
14. An apparatus as defined in claim 13, wherein the
3. A vehicle as defined in claim 2, wherein the second data
second data communications protocol comprises one of
communications protocol comprises one of either an infraeither an infrared data communications protocol, an RF data
red data communications protocol, an RF data communicacommunications protocol, a global communication network
tions protocol, a global communications network protocol, 15 protocol, or a power line carrier communications protocol,
or a power line carrier protocol, and wherein said transceiver
and wherein said transceiver housing includes a translucent
housing includes a translucent cover member for optically
cover member for transmitting the second data communitransmitting the data communications protocol therecations protocol therethrough.
through.
15. An apparatus as defined in claim 14, wherein said
4. A vehicle as defined in claim 3, wherein said first and 20 connector includes a plurality of pins having a predetersecond transceivers each include a signal processing physimined pin configuration, and wherein said connector has one
cal layer, and wherein the second data communications
of either a generally cylindrical or a generally rectangular
protocol only uses the physical layer of the first and second
shape.
transceivers for signal processing.
16. An apparatus as defined in claim 15, wherein said
5. A vehicle as defined in claim 4, wherein said connector 25 connector comprises a six-pin connector having first and
includes a plurality of pins having a predetermined pin
second connector portions thereof, and wherein the second
configuration, and wherein said connector has one of either
connector portion defines said transceiver housing.
a generally cylindrical or a generally rectangular shape.
17. An apparatus as defined in claim 12, further compris6. A vehicle as defined in claim 5, wherein said connector
ing at least one electronic subsystem associated with the
comprises a six-pin connector having first and second con- 30 heavy duty vehicle and related to operation of the vehicle,
nector portions thereof, and wherein the second connector
the at least one electronic subsystem including an antiportion defines said transceiver housing.
locking brake system connected to the vehicle, and wherein
7. A vehicle as defined in claim 5, wherein the first data
said connector is also connected to said anti-locking brake
communications protocol comprises one of the data comsystem.
munications protocols specified by either SAE 11708, SAE 35
18. An apparatus as defined in claim 17, wherein said
11939, or IEEE 802.11 Standard.
transceiver comprises a first transceiver, and wherein the
8. A vehicle as defined in claim 7, wherein said at least one
remote data communication terminal includes a second
electronic subsystem comprises an anti-locking brake
transceiver for transmitting the second data communications
system, and wherein said connector is also connected to said
protocol to said first transceiver and receiving the second
anti-locking brake system.
40 data communications protocol from said first transceiver.
9. A vehicle as defined in claim 8, further comprising a
19. An apparatus as defined in claim 18, wherein the first
controller connected to said at least one electronic suband second transceivers each include a signal processing
system and said plurality of electrical connectors for conphysical layer, and wherein the second data communications
trolling data communications along said plurality of electriprotocol only uses the physical layer of the first and second
cal conductors and signal generating means connected to 45 transceivers for signal processing.
said controller for generating a signal related to the opera20. An apparatus as defined in claim 19, wherein said
tion of the vehicle.
remote data communications terminal comprises a computer
10. A vehicle as defined in claim 9, wherein said remote
and further includes remote data communications protocol
data communications terminal comprises a computer and
converting means for converting the second data communifurther includes remote data communications protocol con- 50 cations protocol received by said remote data communicaverting means for converting the second data communications terminal to a third data communications protocol
tions protocol received by said remote data communications
associated with said computer.
terminal to a third data communications protocol associated
21. An apparatus as defined in claim 20, further compriswith said computer.
ing a controller connected to said at least one electronic
11. An apparatus for data communications associated with 55 subsystem and said plurality of electrical connectors for
a vehicle, the apparatus comprising:
controlling data communications along said plurality of
a plurality of electrical conductors associated with the
electrical conductors and signal generating means connected
vehicle;
to said controller for generating a signal related to the
a vehicle data communications protocol converter conoperation of the vehicle.
nected to said plurality of electrical conductors to 60
22. An apparatus as defined in claim 11, further comprisconvert a first data communications protocol associated
ing a vehicle light housing connected to the heavy duty
with data communications along the plurality of elecvehicle for housing a vehicle light, and wherein said transtrical conductors to a second data communications
ceiver is positioned in said vehicle light housing.
protocol; and
23. An apparatus as defined in claim 22, wherein said
a transceiver connected to said vehicle data communica- 65 vehicle light housing comprises a side-marker light housing.
tions protocol converter to transmit the second data
24. An apparatus as defined in claim 23, wherein said
communications protocol from the vehicle and receive
transceiver comprises a first transceiver, and wherein the

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remote data communication terminal includes a second
34. An apparatus as defined in claim 33, wherein said
transceiver for transmitting the second data communications
transceiver housing comprises a vehicle light housing conprotocol to said first transceiver and receiving the second
nected to said connector for housing a vehicle light, and
data communications protocol from said first transceiver.
wherein said transceiver is positioned in said vehicle light
25. An apparatus as defined in claim 24, wherein the first 5 housing.
and second transceivers each include a physical layer, and
35. An apparatus as defined in claim 34, wherein said
wherein the second data communications protocol only uses
vehicle light housing comprises a side-marker light housing.
the physical layer of the first and second transceivers.
36. An apparatus as defined in claim 33, wherein said
26. An apparatus as defined in claim 22, wherein the first
remote data communications terminal comprises a computer
data communications protocol comprises one of the data 10 and further includes remote data communications protocol
communications protocols specified by either SAE 11708,
converting means for converting the second data communiSAE 11939, or IEEE 802.11 Standard.
cations protocol received by said remote data communica27. An apparatus for data communications associated with
tions terminal to a third data communications protocol
a vehicle, the apparatus comprising:
associated with said computer.
at least one electronic subsystem associated with the 15
37. An apparatus as defined in claim 36, further comprisvehicle;
ing a controller connected to said at least one electronic
a plurality of electrical conductors connected to the at
subsystem and said plurality of electrical connectors for
least one electronic subsystem and associated with the
controlling data communications along said plurality of
vehicle;
electrical conductors and signal generating means connected
a vehicle data communications protocol converter con- 20 to said controller for generating a signal related to the
nected to said plurality of electrical conductors to
operation of the vehicle.
convert a first data communications protocol associated
38. An apparatus as defined in claim 37, wherein the first
data communications protocol comprises one of the data
with data communications along the plurality of electrical conductors to a second data communications
communications protocols specified by either SAE 11708,
25 SAE 11939, or IEEE 802.11 Standard.
protocol;
39. An apparatus for data communications associated with
a connector connected to said plurality of electrical cona vehicle, the apparatus comprising:
ductors;
a transceiver housing adapted to be detachably connected
a transceiver housing connected to said connector; and a
to a connector mounted to a vehicle, the connector
transceiver positioned within said transceiver housing
being connected to a plurality of electrical conductors
connected to said vehicle data communications proto- 30
associated with the vehicle;
col converter to transmit the second data communications protocol from the vehicle and receive the data
a vehicle data communications protocol converter posicommunications protocol from a remote data commutioned in said housing to convert a first data communications protocol associated with data communicanications terminal.
tions along the plurality of electrical conductors to a
28. An apparatus as defined in claim 27, wherein the 35
second data communications protocol comprises one of
second data communications protocol; and a transeither an infrared data communications protocol, an RF data
ceiver positioned within said transceiver housing and
communications protocol, a global communications netconnected to said vehicle data communications protocol converter to transmit the second data communicawork protocol, or a power line carrier communications
protocol, and wherein said transceiver housing includes a 40
tions protocol from the vehicle and receive the data
translucent cover member for transmitting the second data
communications protocol from a remote data commucommunications protocol therethrough.
nications terminal.
40. An apparatus as defined in claim 39, wherein the
29. An apparatus as defined in claim 28, wherein the at
least one electronic subsystem includes an antilocking brake
second data communications protocol comprises one of
system connected to the heavy duty vehicle, and wherein 45 either an infrared data communications protocol, an RF data
said connector is also connected to said anti-locking brake
communications protocol, a global communications netsystem.
work protocol, or a power line carrier communications
30. An apparatus as defined in claim 28, wherein said
protocol, and wherein said transceiver housing includes a
connector includes a plurality of pins having a predetertranslucent cover member for transmitting the second data
mined pin configuration, and wherein said connector has one 50 communications protocol therethrough.
of either a generally cylindrical or a generally rectangular
41. An apparatus as defined in claim 40, wherein the
shape.
connector of the vehicle is positioned in a cab of the vehicle.
42. An apparatus as defined in claim 40, wherein the
31. An apparatus as defined in claim 30, wherein said
connector comprises a six-pin connector having first and
connector of the vehicle is positioned in associated with an
second connector portions thereof, and wherein the second 55 anti-locking braking system of the trailer of a truck.
43. An apparatus as defined in claim 40, wherein the
connector portion defines-said transceiver housing.
32. An apparatus as defined in claim 28, wherein said
connector has first and second mating connector portions,
transceiver comprises a first transceiver, and wherein the
and wherein said transceiver housing includes the second
remote data communication terminal includes a second
mating connector portion for connecting to the connector of
transceiver for transmitting the second data communications 60 the vehicle.
protocol to said first transceiver and receiving the second
44. An apparatus as defined in claim 43, wherein said
data communications protocol from said first transceiver.
transceiver housing has one of either a generally cylindrical
33. An apparatus as defined in claim 32, wherein the first
or a generally rectangular shape.
and second transceivers each include a signal processing
45. An apparatus as defined in claim 43, wherein said
physical layer, and wherein the second data communications 65 transceiver includes a signal processing physical layer, and
protocol only uses the physical layer of the first and second
wherein the second data communications protocol only uses
transceivers for signal processing.
the physical layer of said transceiver for signal processing.

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46. An apparatus as defined in claim 40, wherein the first
communications protocol comprises one of the data communications protocols specified by either SAE 11708, SAE
11939, or IEEE 802.11 Standard.
47. An apparatus for data communications associated with
a vehicle, the apparatus comprising:
a transceiver housing mounted to a vehicle;
a vehicle data communications protocol converter positioned in said housing to convert a first data communications protocol associated with data communications along a plurality of electrical conductors to a
second data communications protocol; and
a transceiver positioned within said transceiver housing
and connected to said vehicle data communications
protocol converter to transmit the second data communications protocol from the vehicle and receive the data
communications protocol from a remote data communications terminal.
48. An apparatus as defined in claim 47, wherein said
transceiver housing comprises a vehicle light housing
mounted to the vehicle, and wherein said transceiver and
said vehicle data converter are both positioned in said
vehicle light housing.
49. An apparatus as defined in claim 48, wherein said
vehicle light housing comprises a side-marker light housing.
50. An apparatus as defined in claim 49, wherein the
second data communications protocol comprises one of
either an infrared data communications protocol, an RF data
communications protocol, a global communications network protocol, or a power line carrier communication
protocol, and wherein said side marker light housing
includes a translucent cover member for transmitting the
second data communications protocol therethrough.
51. An apparatus as defined in claim 50, wherein said side
marker light housing of the vehicle is mounted to a trailer of
a truck.
52. An apparatus as defined in claim 51, wherein said side
marker light housing is also connected to an antilocking
braking system of the trailer of the truck.
53. An apparatus as defined in claim 50, wherein said
transceiver includes a signal processing physical layer, and
wherein the second data communications protocol only uses
the physical layer of said transceiver for signal processing.
54. An apparatus as defined in claim 53, wherein the first
communications protocol comprises one of the data communications protocols specified by either SAE 11708, SAE
11939, or IEEE 802.11 Standard.
55. A method of data communications associated with a
vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: providing a
plurality of electrical conductors associated with a vehicle;
converting a first vehicle data communications protocol
associated with data communications along the plurality of
electrical conductors to a second data communications protocol; and

transmitting the second data communications protocol
from the vehicle to a remote data communications
terminal.
56. A method as defined in claim 55, further comprising
receiving the second data communications protocol from the
remote data communications terminal.
57. A method as defined in claim 56, further comprising
controlling data communications along the plurality of electrical conductors and generating a signal related to the
operation of the vehicle.
58. A method as defined in claim 57, further comprising
positioning a connector so as to be connected in series with
the plurality of electrical conductors and positioning a
transceiver in association with the connector.
59. A method as defined in claim 58, further comprising
detachably connecting a transceiver housing to the connector and positioning the transceiver within the transceiver
housing.
60. A method as defined in claim 59, wherein the second
data communications protocol comprises one of either an
infrared data communications protocol, an RF data communications protocol, a global communications network
protocol, or a power line carrier communications protocol,
and wherein the transceiver housing includes a translucent
cover member for transmitting and receiving the second data
communications protocol therethrough.
61. A method as defined in claim 60, further comprising
providing at least one electronic subsystem associated with
the vehicle and connected to the plurality of electrical
conductors related to operation of the vehicle.
62. A method as defined in claim 61, wherein the transceiver comprises a first transceiver, and wherein the remote
data communication terminal includes a second transceiver,
the method further comprising transmitting the second data
communications protocol to the first transceiver and receiving the second data communications protocol from the first
transceiver.
63. A method as defined in claim 62, wherein the first and
second transceivers each include a physical layer, and the
method further comprising transmitting and receiving the
second data communications protocol only using the physical layer of the first and second transceivers.
64. A method as defined in claim 63, wherein the remote
data communications terminal comprises a computer, and
the method further comprises remotely converting the second data communications protocol received by the remote
data communications terminal to a third data communications protocol associated with the computer.
65. A method as defined in claim 64, wherein the first data
communications protocol comprises one of the data communications protocols specified by either SAE 11708, SAE
11939, or IEEE 802.11 Standard.

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* * * * *

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION
PATENT NO. : 6,744,352 B2
DATED
: June 1, 2004
INVENTOR(S) : Alan Lesesky and Bob Weant

Page 1 of 1

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is
hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 5,
Line 30, please delete the second occurrence of "the present invention".
Column 10,
Line 45, after "station," insert a space after "," and before "room".

Signed and Sealed this
Fourteenth Day of September, 2004

JONW.DUDAS
Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office