WO2002028686A1

WO2002028686A1 - Method and apparatus for accessing an electronic device located in an inaccessible area

Info

Publication number: WO2002028686A1
Application number: PCT/US2001/029117
Authority: WO
Inventors: Vaughn Brazerol; Kevin Rhoades
Original assignee: Qualcomm Incorporated
Priority date: 2000-09-30
Filing date: 2001-09-18
Publication date: 2002-04-11
Also published as: AU2001291068A1

Abstract

A method and apparatus for accessing an electronic device located in an inaccessible area of an enclosure. Two-way communications between the portable electronic device and the communication unit located onboard the enclosure are accomplished by modulating information between the two devices over a pre-existing connector associated with the enclosure.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ACCESSING AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE LOCATED IN AN INACCESSIBLE

AREA

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

I. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to electronic trailer monitoring systems used in the transportation industry and more particularly to a method and apparatus for accessing such a device when it is located in an area which is difficult to access.

II. Description of the Related Art

Mobile communication systems are used by commercial trucking companies to locate, identify and ascertain status of their vehicles, as well as to allow a vehicle operator to send and receive information. Typically, such mobile communication systems have been used to track a tractor-trailer combination, with a mobile communication unit residing within the tractor. However, there has become a need to track trailers independent of whether or not they are connected to a tractor. When trailers are unhooked from a tractor, they are liable to be left at a location and potentially forgotten. This may result in unnecessary down time and a substantial economic impact on the owner of such trailers.

In addition to keeping track of the location of trailers, it is also desirable to obtain other information regarding the trailer, such as the condition of trailer equipment, environmental conditions in the trailer, and the condition of any goods stored in the trailer. This may be achieved by placing various sensors in the trailer. The sensors are typically connected to a communication unit in the trailer in which trailer identification and cargo information is stored. Occasionally, information regarding the location and status of a trailer is transmitted directly from the communication unit to a central station, using terrestrial or satellite communications. When a tractor connects to a trailer, an identification signal is often provided from the communication unit onboard the trailer to a mobile communication unit located onboard the tractor. The identification signal informs the mobile communication unit which trailer is connected to it as well as any status information stored within the communication unit. This information may then be transmitted to the central station and then to a dispatch center associated with the tractor.

Various transmission mediums have been developed to transmit information from the communication unit to the mobile communication unit onboard the tractor. The preferred technique has been directed towards transmitting the information from the communication unit to the mobile communication unit via existing tractor-trailer electrical wiring which provides power for the trailer lights as well as for equipment in the trailer. The information is modulated onto a carrier and impressed upon the electrical power line, typically a twelve volt, direct current line which is energized from the tractor.

Occasionally, maintenance must be performed on the communication unit onboard the trailer. Presently, this involves a service technician going to the trailer and physically connecting to the communication unit with a portable computing device, such as a laptop computer. The communication unit is typically mounted inside the trailer and enclosed with a protection mechanism, such as a sturdy metal housing. The metal housing protects the communication unit from being damaged during cargo loading and unloading. To gain access to the communication unit, the service technician must therefore enter the trailer and remove the metal housing. Only then may he access the communication unit to perform necessary repairs, updates, or status inquiries. Often, access to the communication unit is blocked by the presence of cargo in the trailer.

What is needed is a quick, efficient method and apparatus for accessing the communication unit so that diagnosis and updates to the communication unit may be easily performed. Ideally, the service technician should not have to enter the trailer, nor perform any disassembly of the trailer in order to access the communication unit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The problems of the prior art are overcome by a method and apparatus for accessing an electronic device located in an inaccessible area. In one embodiment, the method and apparatus for accessing an electronic device located in an inaccessible area comprises an apparatus, the apparatus comprising a portable electronic device having a processor for executing a set of computer instructions for engaging in a two-way communication with the communication unit located in an inaccessible area of an enclosure. The portable electronic device further comprises a storage device for storing the set of computer instructions and an access cable for connecting the portable electronic device to a pre-existing connector mounted proximate to the enclosure. The connector is coupled to a bus, the bus comprising a conductor for carrying electrical signals from the connector to one or more electrical systems associated with the enclosure. The conductor is also connected to said communication unit.

In another embodiment, the method and apparatus for accessing an electronic device located in an inaccessible area comprises a method, the method comprising the steps of connecting a portable electronic device to an enclosure through a pre-existing connector mounted proximate to the enclosure. The connector is coupled to a bus, the bus comprising a conductor for carrying electrical signals from the connector to one or more electrical systems associated with the enclosure. The conductor is also connected to a communication unit located in an inaccessible area of the enclosure. Two-way communications are then engaged between the portable electronic device and the communication unit, the two-way communication carried by the conductor in the form of a first electrical signal.

An advantage of the method and apparatus for accessing to an electronic device located in an inaccessible area is that a service technician, or other personnel, does not have to physically access the enclosure holding the electronic unit in order to perform upgrades or updates to software and data, or to perform maintenance procedures such as troubleshooting to the communication unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features, objects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like reference characters identify correspondingly throughout and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a system for accessing a portable electronic device to a communication unit located in an inaccessible area of an enclosure;

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the portable electronic device of FIG. 1 and an interface cable;

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the communication unit of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram of the method for accessing a communication unit located in an inaccessible area of an enclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for accessing a communication unit located in an inaccessible area of an enclosure. Although the method and apparatus for accessing a communication unit located in an inaccessible area of an enclosure is described herein with respect to a tractor-trailer combination typically used in the trucking industry, it should be understood that the present invention could alternatively be used in other industries as well, such as the aircraft industry, the maritime industry, or the rail industry. It should also be understood that the term "inaccessible" as used herein means difficult or impossible to access.

In one embodiment, a portable electronic device is connected to a pre- existing trailer connector using an interface cable. The interface cable is capable of mating with the portable electronic device and with the pre-existing trailer connector. In this embodiment, the pre-existing connector comprises a J-560 connector, which is normally used to connect various trailer electronics, such as brake lights, turn signals, etc., to a tractor. A communication unit inside the trailer is connected to the pre-existing trailer connector through an electrical bus. The communication unit can be powered on and two-way communication accomplished using the portable electronic device. Such two-way communications may comprise the communication unit sending an identification signal to the portable electronic device, the portable electronic device uploading new software, upgrading existing software, or updating data used by the communication unit. The advantage of such a method and apparatus is that a service technician does not have to physically access the communication unit, which is time consuming and sometimes impossible if the trailer is loaded with cargo. Again, it should be understood that although the method and apparatus for accessing an electronic device located in an inaccessible area of an enclosure is described herein with respect to a trailer used in the trucking industry, the method and apparatus could be used in other applications, such as accessing a communication unit located exterior to, or within, a rail car, a warehouse, an automobile, a ship, aircraft, or other applications. In addition, the electronic device may comprise a variety of devices, including a braking system, refrigeration system, a camera, a cargo sensor, etc.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system for accessing a communication unit located in an inaccessible area of an enclosure. Shown is enclosure 100, communication unit 102, portable electronic device 104, interface cable 106, bus 108, and preexisting connector 110. Portable electronic device 104 comprises a portable computer in one embodiment. In another embodiment, portable electronic device 104 comprises a custom mobile processing unit comprising a power source, a processor, a memory for storing an executable set of computer instructions, a user interface, and an interface for connecting the processor to interface cable 106.

A service technician or other operator may need to perform various tasks using portable electronic device 104. For example, one or more electronic memories located within communication unit 102 may need to be accessed in order to load new software, to update existing software, or to add or modify new or existing data. For example, an executable set of computer instructions stored in a first memory device in communication unit 102 can be updated, while a list of system identifications (SIDs) could be updated in a second memory device. A service technician may perform such activities by connecting portable electronic device 104 to pre-existing connector 110 using interface cable 106.

In one embodiment, pre-existing connector 110 comprises a seven pin connector normally used to connect electrical signals from a mating unit, such as a tractor or railcar (not shown), to various areas of enclosure 100. The term "pre-existing" as used herein is to denote that connector 110 is generally already installed onto enclosure 100 and is used for purposes other than to communicate with communication unit 102, such as to provide power and signaling to enclosure 100. Such a connector is commonly known as a SAE J- 560 connector in the trucking industry. Normally, power in the form of +12 volts D.C. is supplied by a mating tractor and applied through one of the pins of connector 110. This power is used to illuminate various lights located on or inside enclosure 100. Such lights typically include brake lights, reverse lights, tail lights, marker lights, turn signals, and so on.

In prior art trailer tracking systems, the +12 volt signal is also used to power communication unit 102, under certain circumstances. In addition, a communication unit identification may also be modulated onto the +12 volt signal using well-known modulation techniques, such as PCM, QAM, AM, FM, etc.

When a tractor connects to enclosure 100 by connecting to pre-existing connector 110, power is applied to communication unit 102 and the communication unit identification is modulated onto the +12 volt line so that a computer onboard the tractor can identify the particular trailer that it has been connected to. This information is typically provided to a central dispatch station, where it is used to manage a fleet of tractors and trailers. However, the just-described prior art system has no capability to provide two-way communications, such as software updates, to communication unit 102 through the J-560 connector.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of portable electronic device 104 and interface cable 106. In one embodiment, portable electronic device 104 comprises a portable computer. In another embodiment, portable electronic device 104 comprises a dedicated device used for the specific purpose of performing troubleshooting and software updates to communication unit 102. Processor 200 executes one or more sets of executable computer instructions stored in storage device 202. Processor 200 typically comprises a microprocessor and supporting circuitry, such as the Intel 80x86 or Pentium series of microprocessors. Of course, other processors could be used in the alternative. Storage device 202 comprises one or more volatile and /or nonvolatile memories, such as a read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a hard drive, a floppy disk drive and floppy disk, or a flash memory. In one embodiment, storage device 202 comprises a hard drive for storing an executable set of computer instructions for communicating with communication unit 102.

In order to communicate with communication unit 102, a user, typically a service technician, approaches enclosure 100 and disconnects a tractor cable joining the tractor and pre-existing connector 110, if necessary. Frequently, enclosure 100 is found without having a tractor or other entity connected to it, in which case pre-existing connector 110 is immediately assessable.

In one embodiment, the user connects portable electronic device 104 to pre-existing connector 110 using interface cable 106. Interface cable 106 comprises a first connector 204, which is designed to mate with pre-existing connector 110 located on enclosure 100. Interface cable 106 optionally comprises a second connector 206, for mating with an interface 212 mounted directly to portable electronic device 104. In this case, interface 212 comprises a connector mounted directly to portable electronic device 104. In another embodiment, interface cable comprises only first connector 204, the other end of interface cable 106 being hard-wired to portable electronic device 104. In this case, interface 212 comprises a physical connection between blocking device 214 and one or more conductors comprising interface cable 106. In another embodiment, cable 106 is not used to connect portable electronic device 104 to pre-existing connector 110. In this embodiment, interface 212 comprises a connector located on portable electronic device 104 is specially designed to connect directly to pre-existing connector 110. Once portable electronic device 104 has been connected to pre-existing connector 110, the user applies power to portable electronic device 104 using user interface 208, a dedicated power switch (not shown), or any other well- known device for applying power to portable electronic device 104. Power source 210 is thus activated, which provides power to the various electronic components comprising portable electronic device 104. In one embodiment, power source 210 comprises a rechargeable battery which is not removable from portable electronic device 104. In another embodiment, power source 210 comprises a battery which is removable, thus quickly allowing a replacement of a discharged battery with a recharged one. User interface 208 typically comprises a display and keypad, although other well-known interfaces could be used in the alternative, such as a microphone and speaker combination.

Upon power up, the user may choose to perform one or more diagnostic tests or software/data updates to communication unit 102. The user chooses which piece of executable software instructions to run, using user interface 208. Upon startup of any one of the executable software instructions, power is applied to communication unit 102 from power source 210. Power may alternatively be applied to communication unit 102 upon power on of portable electronic device 102, or power may be supplied to communication unit 102 by a power supply associated with communication unit 102 independent of any power supplied by portable electronic device 104. In the case of power being applied by portable electronic device 104, the voltage from power source 210 is provided either indirectly or directly to the proper pin on interface connector 212 located on portable electronic device 104. A D.C. blocking device 214, such as a capacitor, is used to protect processor 200 from the relatively high voltage produced by power source 210. In one embodiment, interface connector 212 comprises an RS-232 connector. Other interfaces could be used in the alternative.

Once power has been applied to communication unit 102, a handshaking sequence occurs in which communication unit 102 and portable electronic device 104 exchange initial communications. Data from processor 200 is provided to modulator 216, where it is modulated using the well-known pulse code modulating (PCM) technique. The modulated data is then passed through D.C. blocking device 214, through interface cable 106, over bus 108, and finally to communication unit 102. Data from communication unit 102 is received through interface cable 106, through D.C. blocking device 214, and then to demodulator 218. Demodulator 218 comprises circuitry well-known in the art for demodulating the data from communication unit 102. The demodulated data is then provided to processor 200.

After a successful initial correspondence, the chosen executable software instructions commence. This may include updating existing executable code, loading new executable code, diagnostic procedures, updating existing data, etc. Generally, this involves two-way communications between portable electronic device 104 and communication unit 102.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of communication unit 102 located on or within enclosure 100. Shown is processor 300, storage device 302, modulator 304, demodulator 306, blocking device 308, transceiver 310, power supply 312, and bus 108. Communication unit 102 is responsible for monitoring various sensors located throughout enclosure 100 and reporting the sensor status to a central station directly using transceiver 310, or indirectly by providing the sensor information to a tractor when the tractor connects to enclosure 100.

The sensors may comprise a GPS receiver, cargo sensors, alarms, door sensors, etc. The sensor information is provided to processor 300, where it may be manipulated prior to transmission, or it may be alternatively, or in addition, stored in storage device 302 for later use.

Bus 108 comprises one or more conductors, or electrical wires, for carrying electrical signals from pre-existing connector 110. In one embodiment, bus 108 comprises a +12 volt signal line. The +12 volt signal line is connected to blocking device 308. It is also connected directly to power supply 312. The +12 volt signal line is used to provide power to communication unit 102 when enclosure 100 is in use with a tractor, or when portable electronic device 104 is connected to pre-existing connector 110 during maintenance procedures, as described herein.

Blocking device 308 blocks the relatively high voltage D.C. signal carried by bus 108 so that various electronic devices comprising communication unit 102 will not be damaged. In another embodiment, blocking device 308 is not used if the electronic circuitry is able to withstand the D.C. voltage on the +12 volt signal line.

Bus 108, in addition to carrying the +12 volt D.C. signal, also simultaneously carries modulated information between portable electronic device 104 and communication unit 102. Communication unit 102 provides modulated information to bus 108 using modulator 304. Information from processor 300 is provided to modulator 304, where it is modulated in accordance with a predetermined modulation format, such as pulse coded modulation (PCM). Other well-known techniques could be used in the alternative. The modulated information passes through blocking device 308 to bus 108, through pre-existing connector 110, and on to portable electronic device 104.

Modulated information from portable electronic device 104 is received by blocking device 308 over bus 108. The modulated information passes through blocking device 308, where it is then available to demodulator 306. Demodulator 306 demodulates the signal to provide information to processor 300. Such information comprises diagnostic tests, new executable computer instructions, and updates to existing executable computer instructions and associated data. Executable computer instructions and associated data is stored in storage device 302. Typically, storage device 302 comprises more than one type of electronic storage. For example, in one embodiment, storage device 302 comprises an EEPROM for storing executable computer instructions and a flash memory for storing data associated with the executable computer instructions. Other memory configurations are of course possible.

Communication unit 102 performs various functions which are controlled by the executable computer instructions stored in storage device 302. For example, communication unit 102 monitors various sensors located on or within enclosure 100, processes information received from the sensors, and provides the processed information to either a central station via transceiver 310 or by providing the processed information to a tractor when the tractor connects to enclosure 100.

In one embodiment, the processed information is transmitted to a central station via transceiver 310 using a communication technique commonly referred to as Aeris Microburst™ technology. This method of wireless communication was developed by Aeris.net Inc., of San Jose, California. Microburst involves the transmission of short data messages over a control channel of an analog cellular communication system. Microburst service is not available in every geographical area, due to the lack of cellular coverage and due to a lack of an operation agreement with every cellular service provider. Of course, any other method of wireless communication is possible, including CPDP, cellular, satellite, FM, and so on.

Cellular service in the United States is generally divided into geographic regions, or markets, in which at least two service providers are licensed to offer cellular service. Each market uses two pre-assigned frequency bands corresponding to the two service providers offering service. The two pre- assigned frequency bands are commonly known as the 'A' side and the 'B' side. Typically, Aeris Microburst service in available through one service provider in each market. However, whether Microburst is available on the 'A' side or the 'B' side depends on which service provider is offering Microburst service and which particular market the service is being provided. Therefore, Microburst service might be available on the 'A' side in a first market, and available on the 'B' side in a second market.

Consequently, transceiver 310 must be informed as to which frequency band Microburst service is available, or if it is even available at all. In one embodiment, transceiver 310 is informed as to the coverage status of any particular geographic area by determining a present location, then comparing the present location with a table of System Identifications (SIDs) stored in storage device 302. SIDs specify which cellular communication system is providing service to any given geographic region. If the communication unit 102 is within the coverage area of Microburst service, the table will indicate which "side" the service is available. Transceiver 310 may then transmit and receive information on the proper frequency band.

The table of SID information is generally stored in storage device 302 prior to installation of communication unit 102 into enclosure 100. However, as time passes, the SID information may change. For instance, Microburst service could be added to a coverage area previously not offering Microburst service. In this case, it is desirable to update the SID table so that transceiver 310 will know that Microburst service is available in the new service area.

Portable electronic device 104 is used for this purpose. A user of portable electronic device 104 approaches enclosure 100 and connects portable electronic device 104 to enclosure 100 using interface cable 106 and pre-existing connector 110. Power is applied to portable electronic device 104, which in turn provides power to power supply 312, in one embodiment. Power supply 312 then applies power to communication unit 102 to allow two-way communications with portable electronic device 104. After communications have been established, portable electronic device 104 provides the updated SID information to storage device 302.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram of the method for accessing a communication unit located inside an enclosure. In step 400, a user of portable electronic device 104 connects portable electronic device 104 to enclosure 100 using interface cable 106 and pre-existing connector 110.

In step 402, the user applies power to portable electronic device which, in turn, applies power to communication unit 102, in one embodiment.

In step 404, two-way communications are engaged between portable electronic unit 104 and communication unit 102 in the form of typical handshaking protocols which are well-known in the art.

In step 406, portable electronic unit 104 engages in additional two-way communications with communication unit 102, such as troubleshooting, software updates/upgrades, and data updates. Information is transmitted on bus 108 by modulating information and providing the modulated information to bus 108. The advantage of this method is that the user does not have to enter enclosure 100 and physically access communication unit 102 to perform the tasks. This saves time and allows access to communication unit 102 where it might not otherwise be possible. The previous description of the preferred embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. The various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without the use of the inventive faculty. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

WE CLAIM:

Claims

1. A method for accessing a communication unit located in an inaccessible area of an enclosure, comprising the steps of: connecting a portable electronic device to said enclosure through a pre- existing connector mounted proximate to said enclosure, said connector coupled to a bus, said bus comprising a conductor for carrying electrical signals from said connector to one or more electrical systems associated with said enclosure, said conductor also connected to said communication unit; engaging in a two-way communication with said communication unit using said portable electronic device, said two-way communication carried by said conductor in the form of a first electrical signal.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said pre-existing connector comprises a trailer connector and said mating unit comprises a tractor.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein said pre-existing connector comprises a railcar connector and said mating unit comprises a railcar.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein said portable electronic device comprises a portable computer running a set of executable computer instructions.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein said portable electronic device comprises a dedicated device comprising: a power source; a processor connected to said power source for running a set of executable computer instructions used to provide said two-way communications with said communication unit; a storage device connected to said power supply and to said processor, said storage device for storing said set of executable computer instructions and associated data; a user interface connected to said power supply and to said processor for allowing a user to engage in two-way communications with said communication unit using said set of executable computer instructions.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein said conductor simultaneously carries a second electrical signal.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein said second electrical signal is a direct current voltage.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein said two-way communication comprises upgrading executable code to said communication unit.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein said two-way communication comprises information for performing a troubleshooting procedure to said communication unit.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein said two-way communication comprises updating data associated with a set of executable computer instructions stored in a storage device associated with said communication unit.

11. An apparatus for accessing a communication unit located in an inaccessible area of an enclosure, comprising: a portable electronic device comprising: a processor for executing a set of computer instructions for engaging in a two-way communication with said communication unit; a storage device for storing said set of computer instructions; and an interface for connecting said portable electronic device to a pre- existing connector mounted proximate to said enclosure, said pre-existing connector coupled to a bus, said bus comprising a conductor for carrying electrical signals from said pre-existing connector to one or more electrical systems associated with said enclosure, said conductor also connected to said communication unit.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said interface comprises a connector for mating directly with said pre-existing connector.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said interface comprises: a connector mounted to said portable electronic device; and an interface cable for connecting said portable electronic device to said pre-existing connector.

14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said interface comprises an interface cable for connecting said portable electronic device to said pre-existing connector, said interface cable having a first connector for mating with said preexisting connector, wherein said interface cable is hard-wired to said portable electronic device.

15. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising a power source for providing power to said communication unit, said power carried by said conductor simultaneously with said two-way communication.

16. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising: a modulator for modulating information from said processor; and a demodulator for demodulating information received from said communication unit.

17. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said two-way communication comprises upgrading executable code to said communication unit.

18. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said two-way communication comprises information for performing a troubleshooting procedure to said communication unit.

19. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said two-way communication comprises updating data associated with a set of executable computer instructions stored in a storage device associated with said communication unit.

20. A system for accessing a communication unit located in an inaccessible area of an enclosure, comprising: a portable electronic device comprising: a processor for executing a set of computer instructions for engaging in a two-way communication with said communication unit; a storage device for storing said set of computer instructions; an interface cable for connecting said portable electronic device to a pre- existing connector mounted proximate to said enclosure; a bus comprising a conductor for carrying electrical signals from said connector to one or more electrical systems associated with said enclosure, said conductor also connected to said communication unit; said communication unit comprising: a second processor for executing a second set of computer instructions for engaging in two-way communications with said portable electronic device; and a storage device for storing said second set of computer instructions and further for storing data associated with said second set of computer instructions.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein: said portable electronic device further comprises: a modulator for modulating information from said processor; and a demodulator for demodulating information received from said second processor; and said communication unit further comprises: a second modulator for modulating information from said second processor; and a second demodulator for demodulating information received from said processor.