MXPA01007726A - Communications accessory with improved vehicle ignition sense - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and apparatus for managing power consumption of a communications accessory (80) attached to a vehicle based on the state of vehicle's (10) ignition (14) and upon the power on/off history of the wireless communications device attached to the communications accessory. The method determines whether the last powering off of the wireless communications device was due to user action. If so, then the wireless communications device is left in a powered off state when the ignition is turned back on. If, instead, the last powering off of the wireless communications device was in response to an automatically generated request from the communications accessory (prompted bythe ignition being turned off), the wireless communications device is powered back on when the ignition is turned back on. An ignition sense circuit (40) determines the power state of the vehicle's ignition and tracks the recent power on/off history of the wireless communications device. Based on information from the ignition sense circuit, power control logic (42) automatically turns the wireless communications device back on according to the method when the vehicle's ignition is turned back on. In addition, the correctness of the ignition sense line (74) installation may be checked via a combination of a status flag and a suitable timer. If the timer expires, the status flag is set to indicate an improper installation of the ignition sense line.

Description

ACCESSORY OF COMMUNICATIONS WITH DETECTION OF IGNITION OF IMPROVED VEHICLE Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the field of vehicle communication accessories and, more particularly, to a method for managing the flow of energy through a vehicle accessory depending on the ignition state of the vehicle.

Background of the Invention Communication accessories, such as hands-free adapters and the like, are typically deployed to act as an interface between a communication device and is wireless, such as a cellular phone, and a vehicle electrical system. Such accessories commonly extract energy from the vehicle's electrical system and supply power to the wireless communications device for charging, etc. When the vehicle is operating, the electrical load on the vehicle from the accessory and the wireless communications device is relatively small compared to the general electrical demands of the vehicle itself. However, when the vehicle is not operating, the accessory needs to consume as little energy as possible so as not to deplete the vehicle's battery. According to the industrial standards for vehicles, the consumption of maximum current allowed when the vehicle is not operating is typically one milliamp. In the prior art, an ignition detection functionality has been developed which was used to determine if the ignition of the vehicle was on or off. Commonly, this ignition detection functionality was achieved by monitoring a switched-mode power line of the vehicle. This ignition detector was used to turn on or off the communication accessory in a binary form. That is, when the vehicle was turned on, the communications accessory would be on; but when the ignition of the vehicle was off, the communications accessory would be off. Typically, a wireless communication device connected to the communication accessory had the same power on / off state as the communication accessory, representing, for example, that when the communication accessory was turned on, the communications device was likely to be On and when the accessory was turned off, the wireless communications device was turned off. However, the user does not always want the wireless communications device to be on with the ignition of the vehicle turned on. For example, if the user has physically turned off the wireless communications device, the user may not want to receive calls until the user intervenes to activate the wireless communications device. However, according to the prior art, the wireless communications device would be switched on automatically when the vehicle was turned on. In addition, it was possible that the installer of the ignition detector line could inadvertently connect the ignition detector to a line that was connected to the continuous power (directly to the vehicle's battery). In such a situation, the accessory and the wireless communications device would consider the ignition always on and undesirably deplete the vehicle's battery. In addition, some communication accessories may have additional functionality, such as the ability to adapt background noise, which must be ready for instant cooperation with the wireless communication device. That is, the communication accessory may have functions that take time to prepare adequately for the operation, although they must be in an essential way instantly ready for use when a wireless communication device is coupled to the communication accessory, if the associated vehicle is turned on. Because such functions will most likely require the use of energy, the ability of the communication accessory to properly determine the ignition status of the vehicle will allow for more prudent energy management associated with the operation of those functions.

Consequently, there remains a need for a communication accessory having an energy management scheme wherein the power consumption of the communication accessory, both internally and through the communication accessory, is not only made in the state of ignition of the vehicle, but also in the history of the wireless communications device attached to the communication accessory. In addition, there is a separate need for a method for a communication accessory to determine if the ignition detecting line has been installed correctly.

Brief Description of the Invention.

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for managing the power consumption of a communication accessory coupled to a vehicle based on the ignition state of the vehicle and the power on / off history of the communications device attached to the communication accessory . The method determines whether the last shutdown of the wireless communication device was due to a user action, such as the pressure of the on / off switch on the communications device. If so, then the wireless communications device is left in an off state when the ignition is turned on again (after it has been previously turned off). If, instead, the last shutdown of the wireless communications device was in response to a request generated automatically from the communication accessory (indicated by, among others, the ignition that is turned off), the wireless communication device it is turned on again when the ignition is turned on as well. For some preferred embodiments, suitable timers and status checks are employed to make the transition from the wireless communication device to a sleep state in a more friendly manner. The apparatus of the present invention includes an ignition detector circuit which, if the ignition detecting line is installed, determines the energy state of the ignition of the vehicle and tracks the recent power on / off history of the wireless communications device. . The ignition detector circuit operates with power control logic to control the power state of the wireless communications device when the ignition of the vehicle is turned on again. Based on the information from the ignition detector circuit, the power control logic automatically turns on the wireless communications device if the last shutdown of the wireless communications device was caused by the power control logic. If, instead, the last shutdown of the wireless communications device was the result of a user action, the power control logic leaves the wireless communications device turned off. In this way, the selection of the user of an on / off state for the wireless communication device has priority while still providing useful power management so as not to unduly deplete the vehicle's battery. Separately, or in combination with the foregoing, the correct installation of the ignition detector line can be verified by the present invention. To do so, a status signal is first set to a predetermined indication that the ignition detector line is not installed. Subsequently, when a first signal is detected on the ignition detection line, such as an indication that the ignition is on, the status signal is changed to indicate a suitable installation of the ignition detection line and a timer is set. If a second signal is detected on the ignition detector line, such as an indication that the ignition is off, the timer is disabled. If the timer ends, the status signal is set to indicate an improper installation of the ignition detector line.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a simplified block diagram of a communication accessory of the present invention connected to a vehicle and a wireless communication device. Figure 2 is a general state diagram of the energy management scheme.

Figure 3 is a simplified flow chart of the ISOFF_POFF state. Figure 4 is a simplified flow diagram of the ISOFF_PON state. Figure 5 is a simplified flow chart of the ISON_POFF state. Figure 6 is a simplified flow chart of the ISON_PON state. Figure 7 is a simplified flow chart of the IS..TO state. Figure 8 is a simplified flow chart of the WAIT state. Figure 9 is a simplified flow chart of the AUTO_OFF state.

Detailed description A communication accessory 20 employing the present invention uses a multi-state energy management scheme to control its power and the energized state of a coupled wireless communication device 80. The energy management scheme searches for the state of the vehicle 10 and the history of the wireless communication device 80 to determine what actions it should take. Therefore, in contrast to prior art schemes that only look for the state of the vehicle, the energy management method of the present invention depends on the ignition state of the vehicle 10 and the history of the associated wireless communications device 80. It will be used a cell phone as an illustrative example of the wireless communication device; however, the present invention is not limited in that way and, instead, functions with any wireless communications device 80, such as a cell phone, a personal digital assistant, a pager and the like. In addition, a hands-free adapter with a battery charger will be used as an illustrative example of the communication accessory 20, although it should be understood that the present invention is suitable for a wide variety of communication accessories 20, including hands-free adapters, chargers of battery position locators and the like designed for use with vehicles. The present invention is used in a vehicle environment. The communications accessory 20 is already placed between the vehicle 10 and the telephone 80 and communicates and / or monitors the actions of both. See Figure 1. Of course, the removable telephone 80 of the communication accessory 20, although the communication accessory 20 is assumed to be attached relatively permanently to the vehicle 10 once installed. For purposes of understanding the present invention, the vehicle 10 includes a battery 12, an ignition 14, a motor 16 and an alternator 18. The battery 12 stores the electrical energy and provides the same for starting and operating the motor 16 and for powering any accessories of the vehicle. The ignition 14 causes the motor 16 to start and stop and is typically controlled by the user through a multi-position contact lock. For purposes of illustration of this invention, ignition 14 will be considered "off" when the contact lock is in the off and on positions, and "on" in all other positions (typically operation and accessory). The motor 16 provides energy to the vehicle 10 commonly through an internal combustion process. The alternator 18 converts the mechanical energy of the engine 16 into electric power for use of the battery 12 and / or the other parts of the engine 16. For the present invention, the particular details of the configuration and operation of those parts are not important except for understand that the vehicle 10 functions as a power source for the communication accessory 20 and the telephone 80 through the communication accessory 20 which can be turned on or off through the ignition 14. The communication accessory 20 of the present invention is electrically located between the vehicle 10 and the telephone 80 when the telephone 80 is connected to the communication accessory 20. The communication accessory 20 typically includes an energy management circuit 40, a charging circuit 24, an audio subsystem 26 and a telephone interface port 28 and commonly has three modes: off, dormant and active. In the off mode, the communication accessory 20 is not receiving power from the vehicle 10. In the active mode, the communication accessory 20 is drawing power from the vehicle 10 and the internal components of the communication accessory 20 are commonly powered complete In the latent mode, the communications accessory 20 is extracting a limited amount of energy from the vehicle 10, although most of the internal components of the communication accessory 20 are turned off or in a very low energy mode. The power management circuit 40 is a logic circuit that at least partially controls the overall operation of the communication accessory 20 by controlling the energy within the communication accessory 20 and the energy flowing to the telephone 80 through the communication accessory. 20. For example, the power management circuit 40 may function to turn off several portions of the communication accessory 20 at selected times, such as turning off the audio subsystem 26 where the telephone 80 is not actively involved in a call and Ignition 14 is off. The power management circuit 40 commonly includes a d energy handler 42, an ignition sense controller 50 and an ignition detector 60. The energy handler 42 and the ignition sense controller 50 are commonly located in a microprocessor that sends commands to the other portions of the communication accessory 20 and maintains various status signals. The power management circuit 40 communicates with the communication device 80 through the interface port 28 and with several other portions of the communication accessory 20, such as the charging circuit 24, the audio subsystem 26, etc. The microprocessor of the energy management circuit 40 preferably includes an operational latent mode where very little energy is consumed. In this latent mode, the microprocessor preferably monitors interrupts, such as the IGNIT_STAT (ON) and PONE_STAT (ON) interrupts described below, generated by other portions of the power management circuit 40 and assumes a normal alert mode of detection of such interruptions. Conversely, the microprocessor should preferably register the operational latent mode when the other portions of the communication accessory 20 and the telephone 80 are switched off if connected. For purposes of understanding the present invention, the particular details of the operation of the energy handler 42 are not important and any known logic can be used for the energy handler 40, except as described below. In addition, the power driver 42 includes, or communicates with, suitable common registers for various status signals 23, 25. The charging circuit 24 operates to convert the energy of the vehicle 10 to a suitable type of battery charge associated with the telephone 80 in a manner well known in the art. The audio subsystem 28 operates to control a loudspeaker and microphone associated with the communication accessory 20 to generate and detect audible sounds in a manner well known in the art. The telephone interface port 28 allows communication between various parts of the communication accessory 20 and the telephone 80, including the exchange of the command ß status information. The ignition detector 60 monitors the ignition detector line 74 for indications that the ignition of the vehicle 14 has been turned on or off as described below. The ignition sense controller 50 monitors the current ignition status of the vehicle 14 and tracks the present and past history of the telephone 80 to update the status information relevant to the energy handler 42. In addition, the ignition detection controller 50 also communicates with the telephone, commonly via the interface port 28, to send the on and off commands. The ignition detection controller 50 can be any suitable logic circuit, for example a state machine and can be a portion of the energy handler 42 or can be a separate module. The ignition detection controller 50 communicates with the energy manager 42, with the telephone 80 via the interface port 28 and with the ignition detector 60. The ignition detection controller 50 preferably includes three timers, an installation timer 52, a security timer 54 and an ignition detector timer (timer IS) 56. The installer timer 52 and security timer 54 are typically designed for extended periods, in the order of one or more hours. The IS 56 timer is commonly designed for shorter periods, such as less than five minutes. These timers may be of any type of hardware or software known in the art. The remaining details of the configuration, construction and operation of the communication accessory 20 are well known in the art and an additional explanation thereof, except as given below, is not necessary for the understanding of the present invention. The communication accessory 20 is commonly electrically connected to the vehicle 10 by three lines. Two direct power lines 70, 72 connecting the communication accessory 20 to the battery 12 by means of the main electrical system of the vehicle. These lines are typically referred to as a positive line 70 and a ground line 72 and are commonly disconnected by the vehicle 10, implying that the communication accessory 20 can form a circuit therewith and extract energy from the battery 12 at the discretion of the vehicle. communication accessory 20. In addition, the power management circuit 40 is preferably connected to the vehicle via an ignition detector line 74. this ignition detector line 74 is preferably connected to some switched line 13 in the vehicle so that the switched line 13 is inactive when the ignition of the vehicle 14 is not turned on. However, as described below, in the present invention it also functions to determine when the ignition detector line 74 is not installed or is installed incorrectly. Therefore, the ignition detector line 74 is not always connected to a switched line 13 in the vehicle. The ignition detection controller 50 controls the operation of the communication accessory 20. In the described embodiment, the ignition detection controller 50 has seven states: ISOFF_POFF; ISOFF_PON; ISON.PON; ISON_POFF; IS ^ TO; WAIT and AUTO_OFF. This logic diagram is shown in FIG. 2. In the first initialization, the vehicle ignition detection status (VISS) signal 23 is set to a NOT NSTALLED default, and the call status signal (CALLSTAT) 25 is set to a default of IDLE. The signal VISS 23 is intended to be an indicator of the status of the installation of the ignition detector line 74. The signal VISS 23 has three provisions, INSTALLED_OK for a good installation, INSTALL_ERR for an installation error and NOT_INSTALLED for an indication that The ignition detisser line 74 is not installed. The signal CALLSTAT 25 is intended to indicate the status of an active telephone 80 and can be of any number of states, such as free, call, connection, active, hold, wait, alert, busy, etc. For the purposes of this invention, those states can be grouped into two classes, I DLE and ACTIVE. The IDLE class includes the inactive state; the ACTIVE class includes all the other states of the active telephone 80. Of course, a switched off telephone 80 will not have active status. When installed first, the ignition detection controller 50 registers the ISOFF_POFF status, which is shown in greater detail in Figure 3. In this state, the telephone 80 and the ignition 14 are off. When recording the ISOFF_POFF status, the power management circuit 40 must be activated, even if monitoring of the ignition 14 or of the telephone 80 is on. For example, the energy handler circuit 40 could monitor the interface port 28 and verify the delays. If there are delays at the interface port 28, the power management circuit 40 can assume that the telephone 80 is turned off. Otherwise, the telephone 80 can be considered as switched on. A similar latent detection approach can be performed with the ignition detector line 74. Upon receipt of an indication that the telephone 80 has been switched on (PONE_STAT (ON) interruption) or the ignition 14 has been turned on (IGNIT_STAT (ON) interruption). ), the microprocessor of the power management circuit 40 will be alerted. When the microprocessor of the energy management circuit 40 is alert, the energy extracted from the vehicle 10 will be greater, such as more than one milliampere. For the typical embodiment described, the ignition detection controller 50 is operative when the microprocessor of the power management circuit 40 is alert. The ignition detection controller 50, in the ISOFF_POFF state, verifies either an IGN interrupt IT_STAT (ON) or a PHONE_STAT (ON). The IGN interrupt IT_STAT (ON) is generated by the ignition detector 60 and occurs when a signal is detected on the ignition detector line 74. The PHONE_STAT (ON) interruption occurs when a communication channel is established between the telephone 80 and a remote device. Upon notification of an IGN interrupt iT_STAT (ON) in the ISOFF__POFF state, the ignition sense controller 50 establishes the VISS 23 signal in INSTALLED_OK to indicate that at least some signal has been received in the ignition detection line 74, fixed ßl installation timer 52 for a prolonged period of time like twelve hours, and register the status ISON_POFF. For reference, the installation timer 52 is intended to assist in the determination of whether the ignition detector line 74 is properly installed or not. If the installation timer 52 ends, then this is an indication that the ignition detector line 74, while installed, is not properly installed. Alternatively, upon notification of the interruption PHONE_STAT (ON) in the state ISOFF_POFF, the signal VISS 23 is verified. If the signal VISS 23 is not equal to INSTALLED_OK, the security timer 54 is set for a long period, such like one of twelve hours. If the VISS 23 signal is ISTALLED_OK, the security timer 54 is set for a shorter period, such as one hour. For reference, the security timer 54 is optionally provided to help ensure that the battery of the vehicle 12 is not unduly depleted. At the termination of the security timer 54, the communication accessory 20 must stop the extraction of more than one milliampere of energy from the vehicle 10. The different times of arrangement of the security timer 54 are provided so that the telephone 80 has a lower probability of unexpectedly turning on by a user when the ignition detector line 74 is not installed correctly or not installed at all, but will be turned off after a shorter period to conserve vehicle power when the detector line Ignition 74 is installed correctly. After setting the security timer 54, the ignition detection controller 50 registers the ISOFF_PON state. In the ISOFF_PON state, which is shown in greater detail in Figure 4, the ignition 14 is off, although the telephone 80 is on. If, while in this state, the ignition sense controller 50 receives an indication of an active telephone status 80, the CALLSTAT 25 signal is updated. If, instead, the security timer 54 is terminated, the status CALLSTAT 25 is verified. If it is IDLE status, the ignition detection controller 50 instructs the 80 telephone to turn off (disconnect); if the status is not IDLE, the security timer 54 is reset to a suitable distance time, such as one hour. Similarly, if the keypressure is observed, the VISS 23 signal is verified and the security timer 54 is reset to either twelve hours or one hour depending on whether the VISS 23 signal is INSTALLED_OK or not. At the conclusion of the above situations, the ignition detection controller 50 remains in the ISOFF_PON state. The resetting of the security timer helps to avoid the non-timely shutdown of the telephone 80, and the ISOFF_PON status is made ßn ßl when there is some indication that the telephone 80 is actively used. By comparison, while in the state tSOFF_PON, the interrupt PHONE_STAT (ON) is received, indicating that the telephone 80 has completed a disconnection, the ignition detection controller 50 returns to the ISOFF_POFF state. It is anticipated that the disconnection of the telephone in such a situation occurs due to a user action; specifically, the user will have manually pressed an on / off switch on the telephone 80, or otherwise has directly indicated to the telephone 80 that it must be turned off, by voice command or similar means. This kind of shutdown by "user action" is compared to the "automatic" shutdown of the telephone 80 under the direction of the communication accessory 20, as described in more detail below. In addition, the communication accessory 20 deals with the removal of the telephone 80 from the communication accessory 20 as the equivalent of sending an interrupt PHONE_STAT (OFF). Instead, if while in the ISOFF_PON state, an IGNIT_STAT (ON) interrupt is received, indicating that the vehicle 14 ignition has been turned on, the VISS 23 signal is set to INSTALLED_OK, the installation timer 52 is reset at twelve hours, the security timer 54 is disabled without it being terminated and the ignition detection controller 50 enters the ISON_PON state. In the ISON-POFF state, which is shown in greater detail in Figure 5, the ignition 14 is on, even if the telephone 80 is off. If, while in this state, the installation timer 52 is terminated, the VISS 23 signal is changed to INSTALLED_ERR and the ignition detection controller. 50 remains in the ISON_POFF state. If the ignition detection controller 50 receives an interruption PHONE_STAT (ON), which indicates that the telephone 80 has completed the ignition, the ignition detection controller 50 goes to the ISON_PON state. If instead, an interrupt is received! GNIT _STAT (OFF), the signal VISS 23 is set to INSTALLED_OK, the timer of installation 52 is disabled without being terminated and the ignition detection controller 50 enters the ISOFF_POFF state. In the ISON_PON state, which is shown in greater detail in FIG. 6, both the ignition 14 and the telephone 80 are on. If, while in this state, the installation timer 52 is terminated, the VISS signal 23 is changed to 1NSTALLED_ERR and the ignition detection controller 50 remains in the ISON_PON state. If, instead, the ignition detection controller 50 receives an indication of a change in call status, the signal CALLSTAT 25 is updated and, the ignition detection controller 50 remains in the ISON_PON state. If the ignition detection controller 50 receives an interrupt PHONE_STAT (OFF), which indicates that the telephone 80 has completed a disconnection, the ignition detection controller 50 enters the ISON_POFF state. If an IGN interrupt IT_STAT (OFF) is received, the VISS 23 signal is set to INSTALLED_OK, the installation timer 52 is disabled without being terminated, the IS 56 timer is set to a very short period, such as twelve seconds, and the ignition detection controller 50 enters, to the IS_TO state. In the IS_TO state, which is shown in greater detail in FIG. 7, ignition 14 is off and telephone 80 is on. If, while in this state, the ignition detection controller 50 receives an indication of an active telephone status 80, the signal CALLSTAT 25 is updated. Similarly, if the pressure of a button is observed, the timer IS 56 is reset to twelve seconds. At the conclusion of the above situations, the ignition detection controller 50 remains in the IS_TO state. If the interrupt PHONE_STAT (OFF) is received, which indicates that the telephone 80 has completed a disconnection, the timer IS 56 is disabled without being terminated and the ignition detection controller 50 returns to the ISOFF_POFF state. If an IGN interrupt IT_STAT (ON) is received, the timer IS 56 is disabled without being terminated and the ignition detection controller 50 enters the ISON_PON state. If the timer IS 56 is terminated, the signal CALLSTAT 25 is checked. If the signal CALLSTAT is not IDLE, the timer IS 56 is reset to twelve seconds and the ignition detection controller 50 remains in the IS_TO state. If the signal CALLSTAT 25 is IDLE, the ignition detection controller 50 instructs the telephone 80 to turn off, sending a PHONESTATUS (OFF) request to the telephone 80 via the interface port 28, and the ignition detection switch 50 pass to WAIT status. The instruction of the telephone 80 to turn off is the start of an "automatic" shutdown. In the WAIT state, which is shown in greater detail in Figure 8, the ignition 14 is off and the telephone 80 must be in the shutdown process. This state is essentially a wait state between the IS_TO state and the AUTO_OFF state. While in this state, if an IGN interrupt IT_STAT (ON) is received, the ignition detection controller 50 goes to the ISON.PON state. If a change in call status occurs, the updated CALLSTAT is verified; if IDLE, the ignition detection controller 50 remains in the WAIT state if it is not IDLE, the timer IS 56 is reset to twelve seconds and the ignition detection controller 50 re-enters the IS_TO state. If the PHONE_STAT (OFF) interrupt is received, which indicates a successful shutdown of the telephone 80, the ignition sensing controller 50 goes into the AUTO_OFF state. In this situation, the "automatic" shutdown of the telephone 80 is completed upon reception of the PHONE_STAT (OFF) interrupt. In the AUTO_OFF state, which is shown in greater detail in Figure 9, the ignition 14 and the telephone 80 are off. This state differs from the ISOFF_POFF state in which it can only be recorded by the ignition detection controller 50 which causes the telephone 80 to turn off after the user turns off the ignition 14 (and timer IS 56 is terminated). The primary purpose of this state is to allow the telephone 80 to be turned on automatically when the ignition 14 of the vehicle is turned on. If, while in this state, the interrupt PHONE_STST (ON) is received, which indicates that the user has intervened to turn on the telephone 80, the security timer 54 is set at one hour and the ignition detection controller 50 enters the ISOFF_PON status. If, instead, the IGN interrupt IT_STAT (ON) is received, the ignition detection controller 50 issues an instruction to the telephone 80 to start the shutdown, by sending, for example, a PHONESTATUS (ON) request to the telephone. 80 through the interface port 28 and the ignition detection controller 50 enters the ISON_POFF state. In the AUTO_OFF mode and the ISOFF_POFF states, the energy management circuit 40 must be in the latent mode, thereby reducing the energy wear of the communication accessory 20 to less than one milliampere. In other modes, the power management circuit 40 must be in the active mode.

Typically, the security timer 54 is used to ensure that the telephone 80 is turned off for at least a specified time after the ignition 14 is turned off. The installation timer 52 and the VISS 23 signal interact to verify that the Ignition detector line 74 is properly installed. The timer IS 56 allows a short waiting period to operate after the ignition 14 is turned off before instructing the telephone 80 to start the disconnection. The particular periods used for those timers 52, 54, 56 in the above description are only preferred arrangements and do not represent limitations; instead, a wide variety of periods are possible as a matter of design choice. The ignition detection controller 50 represents an approach to update various status signals for use by other processes of the communication accessory 20. In addition, the ignition detection controller logic described above performs several unique functions. First, the scheme changes the response of the communication accessory 20 to the ignition 14 that is turned on to depend not only on the status of the ignition 14, but also on the history of the telephone 80. That is, the scheme will automatically turn off a free telephone 80 after of a short period (at the end of the timer IS 56) once the ignition 14 is turned off. In addition, the scheme will automatically instruct the telephone 80 to turn on in response to the ignition of the ignition 14, when the scheme is responsible for shutting down previously the telephone 80. However, in comparison with the prior art, the scheme will not instruct the telephone to turn on when the ignition 14 is turned on in the special case that the user has previously intervened to turn off the telephone 80. For ease of reference, This feature is called the user's priority feature. Secondly, the scheme allows the installation of the ignition detector line 74 to be verified. If it is not installed, then the VISS 23 signal will remain in NOT_INSTALLED, and the only available states will be ISOFF_POFF and ISOFF_PON. In case it is installed incorrectly, the VISS 23 signal will be set to INSTALLED_ERR when the installation timer 52 is finished. This normally indicates that the ignition detector line 74 is installed on a non-switched line and is therefore installed on wrong way. There is a slight possibility that the installation timer 52 may terminate even when the ignition detecting line 74 is properly installed, as in the case where the vehicle 10 is a long-haul truck operating continuously for more than twelve hours, although not this is considered to be probable and is handled by restoring the signal VISS 23 to I NSTALLED_OK before it enters the ISOFF_POFF or IS_TO states. If the ignition detector line 74 is installed improperly, the only states available are ISOFF_POFF, ISOFF_PON, ISON_POFF and ISON_PON. Once the installation timer 52 ends, the only states available are ISOFF_POFF and ISOFF_PON. For ease of reference, this feature is called the installation verification feature. Third, a scheme allows a security timer 54 to be set intelligently and restored when it is readily apparent that the user is interacting with the telephone 80. For ease of reference, this feature is called an intelligent security feature. . While the above-described embodiment has the user's priority feature, the installation verification feature and the intelligent security feature, this is not required. Instead, any of these characteristics may be present while the others are optional. Therefore, some modalities may have only the user priority feature, while others may have the user priority feature and the installation verification feature but not the intelligent security; and even others may have the installation verification and intelligent security feature, but not the user priority feature, etc. Therefore, with the present invention, the power handling of a communication accessory can be set not only with respect to the ignition state of the vehicle 14, but also the history of the wireless communication device 80 attached to the communication accessory 20. Said power management scheme allows the telephone 80 to be automatically instructed to turn on via the communication accessory 20 when the communication accessory 20 is the cause of the telephone 80 being turned on. If, instead, the user turns off the telephone 80, the communication accessory 20 will not turn on the telephone 80 without intervention of the user. Separately or in combination with it, the power management scheme may optionally include a method to determine if the ignition detection line 74 has been installed correctly. Finally, from the above description, it should be evident that the security timer 54 is used to prevent the telephone 80 from draining the battery of the vehicle 12 if the telephone 80 for some reason is left in the vehicle for a long period, without have the ignition detector line 74 installed correctly. It should be noted that the safety timer, while preferred, is not required. The present invention can, of course, be carried out in other specific forms different from those set forth herein without departing from the spirit and essential features of the invention. The current modalities, therefore, should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes that fall within the meaning and range of equivalence of the appended claims are intended to be encompassed in them.

Claims (17)

CLAIMS.

1. A method for controlling the on / off state of a wireless communications device connected to a vehicle ignition system, comprising: a) monitoring the energy state of the ignition system of the vehicle; b) automatically shutting down the wireless communications device by supplying a control signal to the wireless communications device that instructs the wireless communications device to turn off in response to the ignition of the ignition system of the vehicle, said signal supply control comprising waiting a predetermined period after the ignition system of the vehicle is turned off and delaying the generation of the control signal for an additional amount of time if said wireless communication device is active when the predetermined period elapses; and c) subsequently, in response to ignition of the ignition system of the vehicle: i) automatically turning on the wireless communications device if the wireless communications device was finally turned off in response to a control signal; ii) leave the wireless communications device turned off if the wireless communication device was finally turned off by the user.

The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the delay generated by the control signal for an additional amount of time if the wireless communications device is active when the predetermined period has elapsed comprises delaying the generation of the control signal until the wireless communications device enters an inactive state.

3. The method according to claim 1, further including periodically checking the status of the wireless communications device after the ignition system of the vehicle is turned off and automatically turning off the wireless communications device when the wireless communications device enter an inactive state.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the wireless communications device is selected from the group consisting of cell phones, personal digital assistants and satellite cell phones.

The method according to claim 1, further including electrically connecting the wireless communication device to a communication accessory, and wherein the communication accessory automatically performs the supply of the control signal in response to the shutdown of the communication system. ignition of the vehicle.

6. A method for controlling the on / off status of a wireless communications device connected to a vehicle in response to the ignition of the vehicle's ignition system, the wireless communications device that is turned off when the ignition system of the vehicle is turned on , the wireless communication device having a plurality of active call states including an inactive call state, the method comprising: a) turning on the wireless communications device b) igniting the ignition of the vehicle, and subsequently turning off the ignition e start a first timer; c) automatically instructing the wireless communications device to turn off if the first timer is terminated and the wireless communication device is in the inactive call state; d) subsequently, determine if the wireless communications device was finally turned off by the user; e) subsequently, based on said determination: i) automatically turn on the wireless communications device if the wireless communication device was finally turned off automatically in response to the ignition of the vehicle ignition, the automatic ignition including the supply of a control signal to the wireless communications device that indicates to the wireless communications device to turn on; and ii) leaving the wireless communication device in the off state if the wireless communication device was finally turned off by the user's action.

7. A method of monitoring the on / off status of a wireless communications device connected to a vehicle in response to ignition of the ignition system of the vehicle, the wireless communications device that shuts off when the ignition system of the vehicle is turned on , the wireless communications device connected to the vehicle by means of a communication accessory having a latent mode and an active mode, the method comprising: a) igniting the ignition system of the vehicle, turning on the wireless communications device and operating the accessory d. communications in the active mode, and subsequently turning off the ignition system while the wireless communications device is on and initiating a first timer in response thereto; and subsequently: i) shutting down the wireless communications device in response to the user's action before the first timer ends, and in response thereto, disabling the first timer without termination thereof and placing the communication accessory in the mode latent; ii) turn on the ignition system and unhabit the first timer without it having terminated in response to it, or iii) in response to the termination of the first timer, the communication accessory automatically instructs the wireless communications device to shut down; b) subsequently, determine if the wireless communications device was finally turned off by the user's action; c) subsequently, based on said determination: i) automatically turn on the wireless communications device, if the wireless communications device was finally turned off automatically in response to the ignition of the ignition of the vehicle, said automatic ignition including the supply of a control signal to the wireless communications device that instructs the wireless communications device to turn on; and ii) leaving the wireless communications device in the off state if the wireless communications device was finally turned off by the user.

8. A method of monitoring the on / off status of a wireless communications device connected to a vehicle based on the current ignition status of the vehicle and the history of the wireless communications device when the ignition of the vehicle is ignited, comprising: a) connecting the wireless communication device to a communication accessory, the communication accessory that is connected to the vehicle and that monitors the ignition status of said vehicle; b) turn on the wireless communications device; c) subsequently, turn off the ignition and set a first timer; d) the communication accessory automatically instructs the wireless communications device to turn off in response to the terminating timer by supplying a control signal to the wireless communication device that instructs the wireless communication device to turn off, said providing the control signal comprising waiting for a predetermined period after the ignition system of the vehicle is turned off and delaying the generation of the control signal for an additional amount of time if the wireless communication device is active when the period elapses predetermined; and e) subsequently igniting the ignition, and in response thereto, the communications accessory automatically instructs the wireless communications device to turn on unless the last shutdown of the wireless communications device is by the user's action.

9. A method for determining whether an ignition detecting line is correctly installed between a communication accessory and a vehicle, said vehicle having a variable operating ignition between an on and an off state, comprising: a) establishing a status signal for a predetermined indication that the ignition detector line is not installed; b) subsequently, detecting a first signal through the ignition detection line, and, in response thereto, establishing a status signal to indicate a suitable installation of the ignition detection line and setting a timer during a first period; c) disable the timer before termination in response to the detection of a second signal by means of the ignition detection line; and d) establishing said status signal to indicate an improper installation of the ignition detecting line in response to the termination of the timer.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that the first signal is indicative that the ignition enters the ignition state. eleven .

The method according to claim 9, characterized in that the second signal is indicative that the ignition enters the off state.

12. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that the communication accessory is a hands-free adapter.

13. An accessory connected to a vehicle ignition system for controlling the on / off state of a wireless communications device, the accessory comprising: a) an ignition detector circuit for detecting the power state of the ignition system of the vehicle; vehicle; the ignition detection circuit including a first timer having an associated predetermined period; and b) a power control logic connected to the ignition detection circuit and the wireless communication device to control the on / off state of the wireless communications device, the power control logic that is operative to: i) automatically turn off the wireless communications device after the ignition system of the vehicle is turned off by supplying a control signal which instructs the wireless communications device to turn off after waiting for at least the predetermined period after the ignition is turned off. vehicle ignition system, wherein the power control logic delays the generation of the controt signal beyond the termination of the predetermined period if the wireless communication device is active when the predetermined period elapses; ii) automatically turn on the wireless communications device after the ignition system of the vehicle is turned on, by supplying a control signal to the wireless communications device, instructing the wireless communications device to turn on, when the device Wireless communications was finally turned off automatically; iii) leaving the wireless communications device turned off after the ignition system of the vehicle is turned on when the wireless communication device was finally turned off by the user.

The accessory according to claim 13, characterized in that the wireless communication device is a cellular telephone.

15. The accessory according to claim 14, further including an ignition detector line connected to the ignition system of the vehicle and operative to indicate changes in the state of the ignition system of the vehicle, and wherein the ignition detection circuit monitors said ignition line. ignition detector. The accessory according to claim 13, further including a charging circuit in communication with and selectively enabled by the power control logic, the charging circuit which is selectively operable to charge the wireless communication device. The accessory according to claim 13, characterized in that the accessory is a hands-free adapter. SUMMARY. A method and apparatus for managing the power system of a communication accessory connected to a vehicle based on the ignition state of the vehicle and the power on / off history of the wireless communications device connected to the communication accessory. The method determines if the last deactivation of the energy was due to a user action. If so, then the wireless communications device is left in a dead state when the ignition is activated again. If, instead, the last power deactivation of the wireless communications device was in response to a request generated automatically from the communication accessory (requested by the ignition that was deactivated), the wireless communications device is turned on again when the ignition is activated. An ignition detection circuit determines the energy state of the ignition of the vehicle and tracks the recent on / off history of the wireless communications device. Based on the ignition detection circuit information, the power control logic again turns on the wireless communications device according to the method when the ignition of the vehicle is turned on. In addition, the accuracy of the installation of the ignition detection line can be verified by means of a combination of status signal and a suitable timer. If the timer is terminated, the status signal is set to indicate an improper installation of the ignition detection line.