WO1997028988A1 - Ordinateur de transmission de donnees - Google Patents

Ordinateur de transmission de donnees Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1997028988A1
WO1997028988A1 PCT/US1997/002241 US9702241W WO9728988A1 WO 1997028988 A1 WO1997028988 A1 WO 1997028988A1 US 9702241 W US9702241 W US 9702241W WO 9728988 A1 WO9728988 A1 WO 9728988A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
port
leads
controller
data
vehicle
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1997/002241
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Charles Scott Carmody
Original Assignee
Charles Scott Carmody
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Charles Scott Carmody filed Critical Charles Scott Carmody
Priority to AU20508/97A priority Critical patent/AU2050897A/en
Publication of WO1997028988A1 publication Critical patent/WO1997028988A1/fr

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R16/00—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for
    • B60R16/02—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements
    • B60R16/03—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements for supply of electrical power to vehicle subsystems or for
    • B60R16/0315—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements for supply of electrical power to vehicle subsystems or for using multiplexing techniques
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R16/00—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for
    • B60R16/02—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements
    • B60R16/03—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements for supply of electrical power to vehicle subsystems or for
    • B60R16/0315—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements for supply of electrical power to vehicle subsystems or for using multiplexing techniques
    • B60R2016/0322—Temporary code for documents to be reclassified to G08C, H04L or H04Q

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to apparata for providing data transmission between vehicles and different data-utilizing devices.
  • the present invention relates more specifically to a Data Communications Computer (DCC) which may be installed in vehicles or other products which generate or otherwise utilize data in electronic form to allow communication between and control of the vehicle and the data-utilizing products.
  • DCC Data Communications Computer
  • U.S. Patent 5,081,667 to Drori et al. describes a system integrating vehicle security and a variety of different cellular telephones into a vehicle's electronics system.
  • the system utilizes a controller which is installed between the cellular telephone, the vehicle electronics, and the vehicle security.
  • the controller includes firmware for allowing the vehicle owner to call the vehicle using the telephone, discern its security status, and activate security features such as activation/deactivation of the ignition, the door locks, etc.
  • the controller also includes a library of firmware translation protocols for different proprietary cellular telephone schemes.
  • the system may be configured for communication with different telephone schemes by the user's input of a code on the telephone keypad corresponding to the desired telephone scheme, thereby enabling the appropriate translation protocol.
  • the RESCU Remote Emergency Satellite Cellular Unit
  • GPS Global Positioning System
  • the clearinghouse can then contact roadside service providers in the area of the vehicle and request that assistance be dispatched to the vehicle location.
  • ONSTAR a system currently installed in CADILLAC vehicles, provides features similar to those of RESCU.
  • the ONSTAR system also contacts a clearinghouse when the vehicle security is triggered. It is then possible to track and recover a stolen vehicle via GPS.
  • the vehicle owner may also call the clearinghouse for remote control of vehicle security features such as remote unlocking of the vehicle doors, or to get directions to a desired location, which the clearinghouse provides by correlating the GPS- specified vehicle location to the clearinghouse's geographic/map database.
  • the Mobile Security Network system is unique in that it is available as an aftermarket stand-alone unit which may be mounted on a sun visor or the like.
  • the AutoLink system is of interest because it allows transmission of data from a vehicle's diagnostics system to the clearinghouse for relay to roadside assistance service providers so that vehicle status is known before assistance units are dispatched.
  • the POSSE system (Audiovox Corporation, Hauppage, NY, USA) allows a vehicle owner to call a clearinghouse which can remotely activate vehicle security.
  • the clearinghouse can offer remote activation of other vehicle features as well, such as locking/unlocking of doors, engine starting, and adjustment of the heating/cooling system.
  • RECALL (Recall, London, England) is a system similar to POSSE, and future versions are proposed to inco ⁇ orate GPS links.
  • Etak geographic databases (Etak, Menlo Park, CA, USA) have been used in conjunction with GPS units and wireless communications systems to allow delivery of geographic data to vehicles and personal computers via wireless communications.
  • the aforementioned systems do not solve the problem addressed by this disclosure, that is, the rapid, easy, and inexpensive addition of multiple aftermarket components into a vehicle, and/or removal and replacement of undesired components. Rather, the aforementioned systems are "closed-ended”: they provide for the installation of integrated cellular, security, and (in some cases) GPS and other features, but they do not allow for safe and easy installation oi further aftermarket products or the removal or replacement of existing features. To add further features, these systems require
  • GPS systems such as the NVA-N751A (Alpine Electronics, Torrance, CA, 90501 ) and the JRC 8820DR (JRC, Forth Worth, TX, USA) provide GPS units designed for stand ⁇ alone use or for installation in a vehicle as an aftermarket product, and include sophisticated integrated databases with convenient output delivery via voice output or display screens. However, if an owner of one of the aforementioned integrated systems wished to "upgrade" to one of these sophisticated GPS units, the dedicated GPS unit would need to be installed in parallel with the integrated system (including its built-in GPS system, if present).
  • the console is installed in a vehicle in connection with the vehicle electrical system.
  • the console includes a number of ports wherein aftermarket product modules such as lamps, compasses, garage door openers, etc. can be mounted, and the addition of an appropriately-configured shorting bar connects these modules to the desired circuits in the vehicle electrical system.
  • aftermarket product modules such as lamps, compasses, garage door openers, etc.
  • the console requires the use of proprietary aftermarket products insofar as the console design dictates the form of the products that can be installed therein.
  • console is well-suited for rapidly and easily connecting aftermarket product modules, to the vehicle's power system, it does not provide for connections between two or more aftermarket products to allow them to interact or communicate, nor does it accommodate aftermarket products which require more complex data transfer and signal conditioning/buffering in relation to the vehicle electronics.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5, 179,503 to Fours et al. illustrates a power distribution box for vehicles having operational principles similar to that of the Suman et al. device.
  • Buffering modules containing diodes, fuses, relays, etc. may be installed in the box between vehicle aftermarket products and the vehicle battery /alternator to meet changing power demands in vehicles as new products are added or removed. While the Fonts et al. device addresses the problem of power distribution as new products are added, it does not directly address the installation and interactive/communicative interconnection of the products themselves, nor does it address the need for a system that provides rapid and easy installation of aftermarket products utilizing data and communications lines.
  • McCulloch illustrates a vehicle electrical system wherein the vehicle components are connected to the vehicle power source via digitally-controlled relays, and a central controller provides signals to turn the relays on and off to actuate the components.
  • An important aspect of the invention rests in its scheme for allowing digital actuation of the vehicle components without having inadvertent actuation due to electronic noise, and without the speed -reducing effects of oversampling.
  • French Patent 2,626, 1 16 to Renault Vehicles illustrates an apparatus similar to that of U.S. Patent 4,302,841 to McCulloch.
  • the DCC is a device which serves as a nexus for data transmission between two or more aftermarket products which utilize electronic data, such as the vehicle electronics and one or more vehicle aftermarket products.
  • the DCC is installed in the vehicle via plugging in or hardwiring the vehicle electronics at a DCC input-output (I/O) port in connection with the I/O port's data leads.
  • I/O input-output
  • Aftermarket products are then connected to the DCC in similar fashion, preferably at plug-in I/O ports (e.g. , RS-232 or SCSI-standard data leads) to allow fast and easy installation.
  • the mere act of plugging in products will not enable them to communicate with the vehicle electronics, or to each other. This is done by providing the DCC's controller with programs which connect the desired ports in communicating relationship. Where the products at the ports of interest are not capable of direct communication owing to incompatible signal formats, the programs can also apply desired data translation protocols and/or enable signal conditioners (analog-to-digital converters, filters, etc.) to allow data to reach the receiving I/O port(s) in intelligible condition.
  • signal conditioners analog-to-digital converters, filters, etc.
  • the DCC can interactively link the products for communication when the products are installed at respective I/O ports in the DCC and properly configured programs are executed in the controller to provide the desired switching, translation, and signal conditioning relations between the ports.
  • each of the I/O ports of the DCC also include power supply leads. This allows products installed for data communications at the I/O ports to also be appropriately powered at the I/O ports, eliminating the need to tap the products directly into the vehicle's power system/leads. As an illustration, a
  • I/O port may include power/ground leads as well as data leads so that the DCC can power a product installed at the I/O port as well as sending and receiving data to and from the product.
  • each of the I/O ports of the DCC include communications leads, e.g. , sockets for receiving CTS (cellular telephone system) or RTS
  • radio telephone system connects. This allows products such as cellular telephones and pagers to be plugged into the DCC in communication with the controller, and thus to other products.
  • the installation of the DCC in a vehicle allows vehicle and vehicle aftermarket product manufacturers, vendors and installers to provide customers with a wide variety of aftermarket products (i.e. , options and accessories) without costly and time-consuming installation. Improper installation may cause malfunction or destruction of the vehicle electronics and/or product components, thereby leading to expensive repairs, or worse yet potential legal liability if a critical component is damaged.
  • the problem is compounded by some manufacturers intentionally suppressing dissemination of information about their data protocols so that they can maintain some degree of control over product installation, and thereby obtain a share of the profits.
  • the DCC can be installed into the wiring harness of a vehicle in communication with the vehicle's electronics, e.g., its sensors and control leads.
  • the DCC's I/O ports which are preferably configured in accordance with well-known standards (e.g. , the RS-232 standard for data), then allow easy and rapid connection of aftermarket products to the
  • DCC so that the DCC is inte ⁇ osed between the vehicle electronics and these products.
  • Programs are provided in the DCC to allow it to provide the desired data transmission/conversion and signal conditioning between the vehicle electronics and the products.
  • Different programs can provide different input/output relations and signal conditioning; for example, one program could allow a vehicle security system connected at one I/O port to correctly communicate with the vehicle electronics, while another program could allow a remote tracking system connected to another I/O port to correctly communicate with a cellular telephone system installed at another I/O port and/or with the vehicle electronics.
  • Different products may have different I/O protocols, and the programs configure the DCC to provide these protocols when they are required between
  • I/O ports As a result, a wide variety of products may be installed in a vehicle if the products are attached to the DCC and the proper programs are provided. The difficulty of product installation is greatly eased because all an installer needs to do is plug a product into a compatible I/O port and then install programs which are configured with the addressing and data translation/signal conditioning protocols required for the product to communicate with product(s) at other I/O port(s). Programs for allowing existing and new products to communicate are easily provided by programmers of ordinary skill provided they know the required data translation protocol involved (e.g. , conversion of data from a flat ASCII format to a proprietary format), and whether and what type of signal conditioning should be actuated.
  • data translation protocol e.g. , conversion of data from a flat ASCII format to a proprietary format
  • one program can provide the controller with the proper communication protocol between two products X and Y, while another could provide the controller with the communication protocol if product X was instead (or also) to communicate with product Z, and so on.
  • multiple programs with the same translation/signal conditioning protocols but different addressing schemes can be easily prepared. For example, one program could allow communication between products X and Y installed at respective ports 1 and 2, another program could allow communication between products X and Y if they were instead installed at respective ports 1 and 3, and so on.
  • the DCC also has the potential to decrease the cost and bulk of aftermarket products because in some cases the DCC programs can configure the I/O relations, data collection and manipulation, and signal conditioning of the DCC to fulfill some or all of the functions of certain aftermarket products.
  • the DCC controller may include sufficient volatile memory that it can store data on the vehicle's status (such data being supplied by sensors connected at an I/O port, or by the vehicle diagnostics system, which is connected to the DCC with the remainder of the vehicle wiring harness). Since this arrangement effectively allows the DCC to provide the functions of a "black box" event recorder, there is no need to install a separate black box recordation apparatus at an I/O port. Thus, it can be appreciated that the DCC's use of programs to dictate its functionality can alleviate the need to add additional hardware.
  • the DCC can also enhance the performance of aftermarket products installed at I/O ports, or reconfigure their appearance and/or performance to suit a vehicle owner's desires.
  • existing integrated aftermarket products systems do not inco ⁇ orate geographic databases for use in conjunction with their GPS owing to the cost of memory and database upkeep.
  • the DCC can duplicate this system if GPS and cellular telephone systems are installed and a clearinghouse is provided for allowing call-in access to geographic data. If the vehicle owner later grew tired of the inconvenience of calling the clearinghouse to receive data, the owner could install a "secondary memory" at one I/O port (e.g.
  • a personal computer or solid-state or magneto-optical read-only or read-write memory devices
  • the owner can then install an output device (e.g. , a voicebox or display screen) at another I/O port for receiving data output in voice or visual form, or alternatively can install programs for allowing data output via voice delivery through the cellular telephone.
  • the owner can then install the programs necessary for allowing the desired communications between the newly-added products.
  • the vehicle owner can change databases, database media, and database output devices at a later date provided new programs are activated in the DCC to accommodate any new communication/translation protocols. In some cases, the user's desires for changes to the system may be met by a change of programs rather than changes of or additions to hardware.
  • Installers only need to know how to attach a product to the I/O ports and install the DCC programs (and perhaps configure the programs beforehand to fit particular products installed at particular I/O ports, but they do not have to be knowledgeable about vehicle electronics. Thus, installation of optional and aftermarket products is rapid and virtually foolproof.
  • the programs can be rapidly reconfigured by programmers to allow adaptation of the DCC's I/O relations and signal conditioning, thereby allowing rapid and low-cost tuning or "re-tooling" of the DCC's communications if refinements are necessary.
  • Examples of products and options currently in existence which may be used in combination with the DCC are cellular communication systems, radio communication systems, GPS or other tracking systems, ledger data storage systems, custom data recording systems, computer access and recording systems, maintenance recording system, sales call report systems, accounting systems, remote start systems, security systems, emergency call systems, vehicle operations systems (e.g. , CAN networks), vehicle diagnostics reporting systems (e.g. , DDEC systems), accident recording ("'black box”) or reporting systems, fleet management systems, mileage recording systems, vehicle operating costs systems, hijack prevention systems, and passenger recording systems.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the DCC installed within a vehicle.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic of the DCC of FIG. 1 installed within the vehicle wiring harness.
  • FIG. 3 is a more detailed schematic of the DCC of FIG. 1 installed within a vehicle wiring harness.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates the connection of the DCC to a variety of exemplary products.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary DCC in accordance with the present invention, and as it might appear when installed within a vehicle.
  • the general structure and operation of the DCC will be described with reference to this block diagram, and alternate and more specific embodiments of the DCC will be discussed later in this Detailed Description.
  • the DCC is depicted at the center of the diagram inte ⁇ osed between the vehicle electronics and one or more optional or aftermarket products.
  • the vehicle electronics and data collection devices are illustrated at the left-hand side of the diagram, and may include the vehicle power, vehicle starter, vehicle ignition, vehicle door locks, etc. These vehicle electronics are connected to the DCC by several leads.
  • the DCC includes several I/O ports.
  • FIG. 1 shows three I/O ports, each being adapted for connection of power leads, data leads, and communications leads.
  • One or more of the I/O ports may include any other leads necessary for connecting aftermarket products to vehicle electronics, and can either be adapted for lead connection in accordance with a "generic" or proprietary standard (such as the one illustrated in FIG. 1) or known data, power, or telecommunications interface standards (e.g. , RS-232 for data, 12 V plug for power where automotive applications are concerned, etc.). This allows one or more aftermarket products to each be connected by its leads to a respective DCC I/O port having the appropriate interface.
  • a “generic" or proprietary standard such as the one illustrated in FIG. 1
  • known data, power, or telecommunications interface standards e.g. , RS-232 for data, 12 V plug for power where automotive applications are concerned, etc.
  • Signal conditioning buffering, level conversion, and analog-digital conversion where necessary
  • the controller of the DCC and the vehicle electronics, and also (or alternatively) between the controller and the I/O ports.
  • the data leads are generally contemplated to transmit digital signals, they could instead transmit analog signals (e.g. , control and feedback signals) where analog aftermarket products are connected to the I/O ports.
  • analog signals e.g. , control and feedback signals
  • digital-to-analog conversion may occur in the signal conditioners associated with the DCC, or it can occur in the products themselves if they include the appropriate signal conditioning equipment.
  • the controller connects the products at the I/O ports with the vehicle electronics and data collection devices by providing the proper switching and signal conditioning relations therebetween, thereby connecting the vehicle electronics leads in communication with the desired I/O port leads.
  • the controller's switching and signal conditioning relations are determined by one or more programs which are downloaded into the controller's memory as software, or which are alternatively provided as firmware (i .e. , are burned or otherwise permanently installed therein). If the programs are to be downloaded, this may be done at an unoccupied I/O port, at a separately provided dedicated data input port
  • each of the I/O ports may serially or simultaneously communicate with the vehicle electronics. If desired, the
  • the DCC can allow communication between products at different I/O ports as well as between the products and the vehicle electronics.
  • the DCC functions as a communications hub which is connected to vehicle electronics and I/O port "spokes, " and which allows each spoke to communicate with any other spoke.
  • certain commonly encountered aftermarket products may be hardwired or integrated into the DCC, rather than installed into an I/O port, e.g. , the remote control antenna illustrated in FIG. 1.
  • Some aftermarket products can also be wholly provided by the DCC in the form of a program; for example, with the use of the proper programs, the DCC can function as a "black box" or event recorder without adding any products at an I/O port.
  • the DCC may also include "dedicated" I/O ports (not shown) which are specially designed for connection to particular types of aftermarket products.
  • an I/O port may be configured to include only data leads (e.g. , leads configured to RS-232 or SCSI standards), power leads (e.g. , leads configured to NEMA or IEC 12V, 9V or 5V outlet standards), or telecommunications leads (e.g. , CTS or RTS leads) if it is known that the DCC will likely interface with products which only require one of these types of leads.
  • an I/O port may be configured to include a combination of two types of these leads if it is contemplated that candidate products will not require leads of the omitted type.
  • FIG. 2 A second embodiment of a DCC is shown in greater detail in FIG. 2 at the reference numeral 46.
  • the DCC 46 is connected to the vehicle wiring harness 41 by a connector 42 including a series of leads 1-20.
  • the leads 1-20 may be connected to any or all of the circuits and devices in the vehicle wiring harness 41 .
  • FIG. 2 illustrates connection to such exemplary components as the battery 21 ; the ground 22; a start circuit 23 and a start enable circuit 24.
  • an ignition circuit 25 which provides an optional security feature which is discussed in greater detail below; an ignition circuit 25; a door lock circuit 26; a brake circuit 27; speed count or speedometer circuit 28; a fuel pump circuit 29; an engine temperature circuit 30; an oil pressure circuit 31 ; a tachometer/engine rpm circuit 32; a right signal circuit 33; a left signal circuit 34; a headlight circuit 35; a fuel gauge circuit 36; and remaining circuits A 37, B 38, C 39, D 40, etc. , which represent other circuits within the wiring harness 41 that the installer wants to communicate with the DCC 46.
  • the DCC 46 includes one or more universal I/O ports depicted at 43-45, each of which includes data, power, and telecommunications leads.
  • the leads of the I/O ports 43-45 may utilize male-female connects or any other type of connection for allowing aftermarket products to be easily installed, and preferably use well-known connectivity standards (e.g. , RS-232 for data).
  • the I/O ports 43-45 can contain any number of data leads, but will generally have a number of data leads which are equal to or less than the number of leads provided by connector 42. For example, in the DCC 46 illustrated in
  • the I/O ports 43-45 could have twenty data leads so that each I/O port can potentially connect to a product which communicates with all of leads 1-20 when the DCC 46 is active. In this case, it is understood that when an I/O port 43-45 is to connect to a device having less than twenty data I/O channels, some of the connection junctions of the ports 43-45 may stand idle. If desired, adapters may be provided for inte ⁇ osition between the device and an I/O port 43-45 which provide a conductive bridge between the active data leads and the product, and terminate any idle leads.
  • an adapter can terminate fifteen leads of the I/O port and bridge the five remaining leads to the appropriate product leads.
  • Such adapters may also be useful if the interconnectivity standard (e.g. , the pin configuration) between the DCC and the product are different since the adapter can be configured to provide a bridge between different standards.
  • an adapter can bridge each of the twenty pins to the appropriate holes so that the desired port and product leads are connected.
  • the DCC 46 may also include a number of dedicated I/O ports adapted for connection to particular species of products when it is highly likely that the DCC will be used in conjunction with these products.
  • Three exemplary dedicated I/O ports are illustrated in FIG. 2: a radio frequency interface port 47, a display indicator/beeper port 48, and an instrument panel feed port 49.
  • the radio frequency (RF) interface port 47 is specifically designed for connection to radio frequency controlled devices, e.g. , remote control systems for remotely unlocking doors or starting the vehicle.
  • the RF port 47 could differ from the universal I/O ports 43-45 by, for example, including only power and communication leads and excluding data leads.
  • the display indicator/beeper port 48 is specifically designed to provide a display or other signal to a vehicle user to indicate that the DCC 46 is active.
  • the display port 48 may only include power leads for activating a display light plugged into the port 48, and it can exclude the data and communication leads.
  • the instrument panel feed port 49 is specifically designed to connect to the instrument panel of the vehicle so that the instrument panel receives its input data from the DCC 46. It is understood that the functionality of all of the dedicated I/O ports 47-49 could be provided by universal I/O ports 43-45, and that dedicated ports 47-49 are shown merely to illustrate that the DCC 46 may include dedicated I/O ports which are specifically configured for certain types of connectivity. It is also understood that an essentially unlimited number of universal and/or dedicated I/O ports may be provided in the DCC 46 within the limitations of space constraints and controller speed and capacity.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a third embodiment of the DCC.
  • the DCC's signal conditioner is provided at 87, between the controller 1 19 and the vehicle wiring harness 70.
  • the signal conditioner 87 is connected to the vehicle wiring harness 70 via leads 50-69.
  • the vehicle main battery and ground are connected to voltage/current protection devices 71 (e.g. , fuses) through leads 50 and 51 ; a voltage regulator 74 (e.g. , a three-terminal IC voltage regulator or series voltage regulator) through leads 72 and 73; and power conditioning devices 77 through leads 75 and 76.
  • a backup battery 128 is connected to the power conditioning devices through leads 128 and 129 so that the controller 119 and memory 1 15 have power if the main battery is drained or removed.
  • the main battery and ground are ultimately connected to the controller 1 19 via leads 78 and 79.
  • the leads 54-69 from vehicle 70 are connected to the controller 1 19 via leads 88-103, with the signal conditioner 87 acting as a buffer to prevent possible damage to the controller 119.
  • the controller 1 19 is in turn connected to a serial multiplexer 120 for serially connecting the controller leads 127 to the universal I/O ports 121 , 123, and 125 so that each I/O port will be allocated a time for communication with the controller 1 19.
  • No signal conditioners are illustrated between I/O ports 121 , 123, and 125 and the controller 119 because this embodiment is contemplated to use uniform power standards between the controller 1 19 and the products installed at the I/O ports.
  • a signal conditioner or conditioners may be provided at any of the I/O ports 121, 123 and 125 if the aftermarket products to be installed use a signal protocol different from that of the controller 1 19, e.g. , where the products use 12 VDC (the standard for many automotive products) and the controller uses 5 VDC (the standard for many commonly available controllers). Where commonly encountered standards like these are involved, routine off-the-shelf power conversion components are readily available for use as signal conditioners.
  • programmable signal conditioning circuitry (controlled by independent controllers or by the controller 1 19 and associated programs) may be required.
  • Programmable signal conditioning circuitry of this type is available from PicoPower Technology, Inc. , Opti Inc. , National Semiconductor Co ⁇ . , and other manufacturers of active power management chips/devices.
  • the start and start enable circuits 52 and 53 are provided as a security feature for the vehicle, and their leads 52 and 53 are situated in the ignition circuit.
  • leads 52 and 53 are connected to close the ignition circuit to allow the vehicle to start when the ignition switch is closed.
  • An optional bypass switch 82 allows closure of the leads 52 and 53 to allow ignition to occur without triggering the start enable relay 80, and the lead 86 is provided so that the controller 119 may sense when the start and start enable circuits 52 and 53 are energized.
  • the start signal may be provided to the start enable relay 81 when, for example, a security device at an I/O port 121 , 123, or 125 sends an appropriate command to the controller 1 19.
  • FIG. 4 Two dedicated I/O ports are illustrated in FIG. 4, an antenna port 108 and a beeper/display port 109.
  • One or more antennas may be installed at the antenna port 108 to allow transmission and reception of broadcast signals, such as cellular phone, GPS, or radio control signals.
  • the beeper/display port 109 can be connected to buzzers, display indicator lights, display screens, etc. to indicate the status of the DCC. As an example, when the DCC is operational, a light could come on at the port 109.
  • Both ports 108 and 109 are illustrated with the signal conditioner 87 interposed between the ports and the controller 1 19 because both ports will generally require signal conditioning. Either of these ports 108 and 109 may be located similarly to the I/O ports 121, 123, and 125 if these ports 108 and 109 include their own dedicated signal conditioners.
  • controller 1 19 Numerous suitable controllers are available for use as controller 1 19, a particularly preferred embodiment being the IBM POWER PC 400 microprocessor.
  • a crystal 118 is provided as a timing oscillator for the controller 1 19.
  • the memory 1 15 stores the programs utilized by the controller 1 19 for providing switching and signal conditioning between the I/O ports 121 , 123, and 125, the vehicle leads 54-69, and GPS/cellular leads 132, 133.
  • the memory 115 can store software modules to provide the desired signal conditioning and switching algorithms to the controller 119, or it could instead have the switching and signal conditioning programs permanently "burned in" as firmware rather than being downloaded.
  • the programs are permanently installed in the memory 115, they may be provided in the DCC in disabled form, and the programs can be enabled by an aftermarket product installer by entering an activation code into the memory 115 via an I/O port 121/123/125 (e.g. , by plugging in a computer or PCMCIA card which provides the code), the communications leads 132/133 (e.g. , by transmitting the activation code to the DCC via wireless communications), or via a separately provided activation code entry port (not shown).
  • the memory 1 15 may utilize a combination of permanent and downloaded programs so that some programs are initially provided with the DCC and other programs can be loaded in later, either in their entirety or via activation by an activation code.
  • IBM POWER PC 400 microprocessor is used for the controller 119, it is recommended that the programs be written in the IBM JAVA programming language.
  • the memory 115 is contemplated to generally have 64 KB-1.5MB capacity, though capacities may grow in the future if need arises and as higher capacities become less expensive.
  • Exemplary forms of memory 1 15 are a battery-backed static random access memory (SRAM), and a 512 KB SRAM has been found to work well in the DCC illustrated in FIG. 3.
  • Alternate exemplary embodiments utilize an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) to allow downloading, erasure, and upgrading of programs.
  • the memory 1 15 may have space allocated for data storage so that data from the vehicle 70 or I/O ports 121 , 123, and 125 may be stored and later downloaded to an I/O port.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a global positioning system (GPS) module 132 and a cellular module 133 connected to the controller 1 19 via leads 130 and 131.
  • GPS global positioning system
  • the GPS module 132 and cellular module 133 are optional features which could be added at I/O ports 121 , 123, and 125, but which are instead provided by dedicated circuits in FIG. 3.
  • the GPS module 132 can receive location data from a satellite and relay it to the controller 119 for processing (if necessary) and output to one or more of the vehicle 70 (e.g.
  • the cellular module 133 can be configured for personal communications or for remote data transmission. As an example, if the cellular module 133 is intended for use in remote data transmission, the cellular module 133 might communicate data from any or all of leads 54-69, an I/O port 121 , 123, or 125, or from another device (e.g. , the GPS module 132) to a remote data receiving device.
  • a separate cellular telephone for personal communication might be provided by simply plugging it into any one of the I/O ports 121, 123, and 125; alternatively, one of these ports can be equipped with a cellular handset or other input/output device so that a cellular telephone is formed when used in conjunction with the cellular module (transceiver) 133.
  • the crystal 1 10, clock 1 12, and associated leads 1 1 1 and 1 13 are other optional components which are recommended for hardwiring into the DCC due to their high utility.
  • the clock 112 is a real-time clock which is connected to the controller 119 to provide a time signal to the I/O ports 121 , 123, and 125, the vehicle 70, or to another device (e.g. , the cellular module 133).
  • the clock 1 12 could be used to add a date/time stamp or a time display to the vehicle 70 display or a device at an I/O port
  • the clock 1 12 can help to apply the TTI (Transmit Terminal Identification) stamp to facsimiles processed by the controller 1 19 and delivered via the cellular module 133.
  • TTI Transmit Terminal Identification
  • GPS and cellular features when taken alone or together, are particularly useful in a DCC.
  • the majority of currently available off-the-shelf GPS and cellular modules require their own dedicated microprocessors.
  • controllers are relatively expensive components.
  • a vehicle diagnostics status recorder is a simple example of a product which can be entirely provided by the DCC.
  • the DCC need only make a running record of the status of the vehicle electronics in the memory 1 15.
  • the programs can record and erase the data in first-in, first-out order to conserve memory.
  • Another product which could easily be wholly replaced by programs in the DCC is an automotive security system.
  • the door lock lead 55 triggers electronic door locks
  • the DCC programs may easily be configured to lock the vehicle doors upon the occurrence of certain events. In that case, no hardware need be plugged into the I/O ports 121, 123, and 125; the entirety of the security system is provided by the DCC.
  • the DCC can simply provide a portion of the functionality of certain aftermarket products, with the remainder of the functionality being provided by components installed at the I/O ports 121 , 123, and
  • a secondary memory e.g. , a personal computer, or more simply semiconductor memory devices, magneto-optical memories, etc.
  • a secondary memory e.g. , a personal computer, or more simply semiconductor memory devices, magneto-optical memories, etc.
  • the DCC security system may have a peripheral security product (e.g. , a receiver for a radio frequency DALLAS key) at an I/O port so that the DCC programs plus the peripheral product form the complete security system.
  • the DCC can perform all, some, or none of the functions of aftermarket products: it can be programmed to entirely replace products; to provide a part of the functionality of products so that less hardware components are needed at the I/O ports; or to merely function as an open circuit with a desired switching configuration and/or desired gain/attenuation between the vehicle electronics and one or more I/O ports. All of these choices are possible if properly-configured programs are provided in the DCC.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates the connection of a global positioning system (GPS), a cellular telephone, and a personal computer to the DCC. Each of these will be discussed in turn.
  • GPS global positioning system
  • the GPS requires a power supply and a data output port in order to communicate with the vehicle.
  • the GPS can be rapidly plugged into an I/O port, and the appropriate program (or access code) can be loaded into the memory of the DCC to allow communication with the vehicle.
  • the POWER-POS, POWER-GND, and DATA IN leads of an I/O port can be activated by the controller to provide the GPS with power and a means for delivering data.
  • the controller can then deliver this data to the vehicle electronics, and four of the unoccupied vehicle electronics leads, e.g. , A, B, C, and D, could form north, south, east, and west indicators to function as a compass on the dash of the vehicle.
  • the controller could additionally or alternatively deliver the data to a different I/O port, or to a hardwired feature such as the cellular module 133 of FIG. 3 so that the data can be transmitted to a remote location.
  • the programs in. the memory of the DCC provide the proper signal conditioning and switching algorithms to the DCC so that data, power, etc. are appropriately routed and enabled, and so that the desired functionality is achieved.
  • the cellular telephone illustrated in FIG. 4 may simply require connection to the POWER-POS and POWER-GND leads of the I/O port so that it has a power supply.
  • the program or access code entered into the DCC would simply have the controller complete a connection between the vehicle battery and ground and the POWER-POS and POWER-GND connections, plus providing any signal conditioning required for operation.
  • the cellular telephone if it requires an antenna, it can also be connected to one of the CTS (cellular telephone service) or RTS (radio telephone service) communication leads, which are then connected to an antenna, e.g. , the antenna port 108 illustrated in FIG. 3.
  • CTS cellular telephone service
  • RTS radio telephone service
  • the personal computer may plug into an I/O port in connection with the DATA IN and DATA OUT ports illustrated in FIG. 1 , and additionally to the POWER-POS and POWER-GND ports if the computer requires a power supply. Provided the appropriate program or access code is entered in the DCC memory, the personal computer can then perform functions such as recording data from any one or more of the vehicle's leads (54-69 in FIG. 1); serving as a display for DCC program output; and so on.
  • a particular aftermarket product can be made to provide a far greater range of functions when connected to the DCC than the range of functions the product would provide when taken alone.
  • a DCC is installed in a vehicle between the vehicle's system diagnostics port and a cellular module. It is a relatively simple matter for a programmer of ordinary skill to develop programs for having the DCC receive diagnostic data from the diagnostics port (such data having a format in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer's chosen diagnostic data protocol, e.g. , EEC-IV or MCU) and convert it into a standard telephony data transmission format (e.g.
  • the program could be configured so that the DCC's detection of vehicle airbag deployment can cause the execution of a routine which determines vehicle location by use of GPS technology and then automatically delivers a voice message relaying the vehicle location to authorities via a cellular telephone call to 91 1 or other emergency number.
  • the program can be configured to allow vehicle manufacturers or servicers to remotely determine vehicle diagnostics via a cellular telephone call, thereby allowing convenient vehicle warranty checkups and malfunction diagnosis.
  • the program can also apply G3 (Group 3) facsimile processing algorithms to the examples noted above so that the message delivered to authorities or vehicle manufacturers/servicers is delivered in the form of a facsimile transmission. From these examples, it will be appreciated that for any one or more products connected to the DCC, the use of different programs can provide for a wide variety of different functions.
  • the DCC within a vehicle. It is important to note that the use of the DCC is not limited to vehicles, and the DCC can be used with a wide variety of other products. In this case, the input leads from the vehicle in the Figures discussed above are simply replaced with input leads from the product in question. Alternatively, rather than connecting the DCC to the product in question via "hardwiring," the product in question could simply be connected to a DCC I/O port to allow it to communicate with products connected at other I/O ports. While the DCC could conceivably be installed in other products as well, it is contemplated that the DCC will achieve particularly high utility when installed in mobile or portable products, e.g. , vehicles and laptop computers. To illustrate, a DCC could be installed within or otherwise connected to wireless telecommunications devices within a laptop computer to allow wireless modem/fax capabilities. GPS could also be inco ⁇ orated to allow tracking of the computer for theft protection or other pu ⁇ oses.
  • Etak (Menlo Park, CA. USA) provides geographic databases which may be combined with GPS systems to provide, for example, navigation and routing tools. These databases are available in a variety of media and data formats, and are provided with software development tools for use in exploiting these databases.
  • any means plus function clauses are intended to encompass the structures described above as performing their recited function, and also both structural equivalents and equivalent structures.
  • a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents insofar as a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure parts together whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the context of fastening parts, a nail and a screw are equivalent structures.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
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Abstract

Appareil comprenant un contrôleur interposé entre l'électronique d'un véhicule et des ports multiples présentant des connexions de transmission de données, d'alimentation et sans fil, les ports étant destinés à recevoir différents types de produits du marché secondaire de l'automobile. Des programmes se trouvant dans une mémoire associée au contrôleur indiquent les ports communiquant avec d'autres ports sélectionnés et/ou l'électronique du véhicule, si des données transmises entre différents ports ou l'électronique du véhicule doivent être traduites en différents formats, transformées en données représentant d'autres quantités physiques ou encore manipulées; et si des unités de conditionnement de signaux entre le contrôleur et les ports et/ou l'électronique du véhicule doivent être actionnées pour une mise en mémoire tampon, une conversion de niveau, une conversion analogique-numérique ou numérique-analogique, etc. L'appareil permet également l'installation ou le retrait rapide et facile de produits du marché secondaire de l'automobile par leur branchement/débranchement sur ou de leurs ports et l'installation/le retrait de programmes appropriés.
PCT/US1997/002241 1996-02-12 1997-02-12 Ordinateur de transmission de donnees WO1997028988A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU20508/97A AU2050897A (en) 1996-02-12 1997-02-12 Data communications computer

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

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US1145796P 1996-02-12 1996-02-12
US60/011,457 1996-02-12
US3636097P 1997-01-24 1997-01-24
US60/036,360 1997-01-24

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EP1627778A1 (fr) * 2004-04-21 2006-02-22 C.R.F. Societa' Consortile per Azioni Véhicule avec 2 réseaux sans fil et une passerelle connectant ces deux
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DE102005042060A1 (de) * 2005-05-24 2006-11-30 Continental Teves Ag & Co. Ohg Rückwirkungsfreie Auskopplung von CAN-Bus-Signalen
DE102006005942A1 (de) * 2006-02-09 2007-08-23 Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag Verfahren zur Unterstützung der Fehlersuche für ein Kraftfahrzeug
US7369936B2 (en) 1996-08-22 2008-05-06 Omega Patents, L.L.C. Remote start control system including an engine speed data bus reader and related methods
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US6297731B1 (en) 1996-08-22 2001-10-02 Kenneth E. Flick Vehicle remote control system having keyless entry and piggyback control features and associated methods
US6696927B2 (en) 1996-08-22 2004-02-24 Omega Patents, L.L.C. Vehicle security system for a vehicle having a data communications bus and related methods
US6243004B1 (en) 1996-08-22 2001-06-05 Kenneth E. Flick Vehicle security system with inductive coupling to a vehicle having a data communications bus and related methods
US6275147B1 (en) 1996-08-22 2001-08-14 Kenneth E. Flick Vehicle security system for a vehicle having a data communications bus and related methods
US6756885B1 (en) 1996-08-22 2004-06-29 Omega Patents, L.L.C. Multi-vehicle compatible control system for reading from a data bus and associated methods
US6756886B2 (en) 1996-08-22 2004-06-29 Omega Patents, L.L.C. Remote start system including an engine speed data bus reader and related methods
US7369936B2 (en) 1996-08-22 2008-05-06 Omega Patents, L.L.C. Remote start control system including an engine speed data bus reader and related methods
US6771167B1 (en) 1996-08-22 2004-08-03 Omega Patents, L.L.C. Vehicle alert system for vehicle having a data bus and associated methods
US6812829B1 (en) 1996-08-22 2004-11-02 Omega Patents, L.L.C. Remote start system for a vehicle having a data communications bus and related methods
US6346876B1 (en) 1996-08-22 2002-02-12 Kenneth E. Flick Multi-vehicle compatible control system generating command signals on a data bus and associated methods
US7205679B2 (en) 1996-08-22 2007-04-17 Omega Patents, L.L.C. Remote start system for a vehicle having a data communications bus and related methods
WO1999041108A1 (fr) * 1996-08-22 1999-08-19 Flick Kenneth E Systeme de securite pour vehicule presentant un bus de communication de donnees et procedes associes
US7046126B2 (en) 1996-08-22 2006-05-16 Omega Patents, L.L.C. Vehicle window control system for a vehicle having a data communications bus and associated methods
US6249216B1 (en) 1996-08-22 2001-06-19 Kenneth E. Flick Vehicle security system including adaptor for data communications bus and related methods
US7031826B2 (en) 1996-08-22 2006-04-18 Omega Patents, L.L.C. Remote start control system for starting an engine of a vehicle based on selected vehicle data carried by a data communications bus and associated methods
EP1001385A3 (fr) * 1998-11-12 2001-10-04 Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems, LLC Communication instantanée par satellite
EP1001385A2 (fr) * 1998-11-12 2000-05-17 Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems, LLC Communication instantanée par satellite
US6604038B1 (en) 1999-11-09 2003-08-05 Power Talk, Inc. Apparatus, method, and computer program product for establishing a remote data link with a vehicle with minimal data transmission delay
WO2001036234A1 (fr) * 1999-11-17 2001-05-25 Vehicle Enhancement Systems, Inc. Procede de communication de donnees entre un vehicule et un terminal distant
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US7434643B2 (en) 1999-11-17 2008-10-14 Lesesky Alan C Method for data communication between a vehicle and a remote terminal
EP1419935A1 (fr) * 1999-11-17 2004-05-19 Vehicle Enhancement Systems, Inc Appareil et méthode de transmission des données à distance entre un véhicule et un appareil terminal
DE10064934A1 (de) * 2000-12-23 2002-06-27 Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag Standardinterface für Fahrzeuge
EP1254811A1 (fr) * 2001-05-02 2002-11-06 Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft Dispositif de communication pour véhicules assurant des fonctions d'interface universel
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EP1502803A1 (fr) * 2003-07-31 2005-02-02 Harman/Becker Automotive Systems GmbH Dispositif et méthode pour programmer un dispositif de commande pour un composant d'un véhicule
US7489233B2 (en) 2003-08-27 2009-02-10 Omega Patents, L.L.C. Vehicle security device having pre-warn features and related methods
US7501937B2 (en) 2003-08-27 2009-03-10 Omega Patents, L.L.C. Vehicle security device including pre-warn indicator and related methods
US7010402B2 (en) 2004-03-30 2006-03-07 Omega Patents, L.L.C. Vehicle control system including multi-vehicle controller using vehicle code learning index and related methods
EP1627778A1 (fr) * 2004-04-21 2006-02-22 C.R.F. Societa' Consortile per Azioni Véhicule avec 2 réseaux sans fil et une passerelle connectant ces deux
US8976015B2 (en) 2005-05-24 2015-03-10 Continental Teves Ag & Co. Ohg Extraction of can bus signals without feedback
DE102005042060A1 (de) * 2005-05-24 2006-11-30 Continental Teves Ag & Co. Ohg Rückwirkungsfreie Auskopplung von CAN-Bus-Signalen
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US11074589B2 (en) 2005-08-15 2021-07-27 Innovative Global Systems, Llc Driver activity and vehicle operation logging and reporting
US11386431B1 (en) 2005-08-15 2022-07-12 Innovative Global Systems, Llc Driver activity and vehicle operation logging and reporting
DE102006005942A1 (de) * 2006-02-09 2007-08-23 Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag Verfahren zur Unterstützung der Fehlersuche für ein Kraftfahrzeug
US8121751B2 (en) 2006-02-09 2012-02-21 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Method for assisting in error detection for a motor vehicle
FR2986759A1 (fr) * 2012-02-13 2013-08-16 Gruau Laval Vehicule automobile a usage dedie comprenant un reseau local a commutation de paquets connectant des equipements specifiques

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