Transmitter Apparatus and System for Remote Signaling

• US 20080258899A1
• Filed: 07/13/2004
• Published: 10/23/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 07/13/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Terry J. Stiles
• Original Assignee: Terry J. Stiles
• Inventors: Kokaji, Kenji, Penman, Randal D.P., Stiles, Terry J., Kosolofski, Matthew J.
• Granted Patent: US 7,973,651 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/471
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/305 Indicating devices for towed vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2900/30 Lamps commanded by wireless transmissions

Abstract

An electronic system is described for controlling vehicle message lighting including turn and stop indicator signal lights, which system does not require any pre-existing wiring harness in either a towing vehicle 101 or any towed vehicle 104 to be in serviceable condition. In one embodiment the system implements a reliable wireless detection method based on feedback to confirm the state of operation of any such pre-existing “vehicle indication signal drive line” and includes a control apparatus that wirelessly transmits 230 instructions to at least one local receiver 150 controlling a number of message devices, including, but not limited to, vehicle indication signal lights. Another embodiment of the system bypasses any pre-existing wiring harness and permits the operator to manually over ride its detector. Advantageously, the portable control transmitter apparatus and each receiver apparatus 150 of the invented system are easily installed by a nontechnical person requiring minimal tooling and then operated by an unskilled user.

Claims

1-49. -49. (canceled)

50. A method of wirelessly operating a remote vehicle indication signal system, from a vehicle with a wired vehicle indication signal system that has generated a vehicle indication signal, the method comprising the steps:

wirelessly detect said vehicle indication signal generated by said wired vehicle indication signal system; and

wirelessly transmit, to a receiver in said remote vehicle indication signal system, instructions to activate a remote vehicle indication signal that corresponds to said vehicle indication signal generated by said wired vehicle indication signal system.

51. The method as in claim 50 wherein to wirelessly detect said vehicle indication signal generated by said wired vehicle indication signal system, a photosensor detects light or infrared emissions caused by said wired vehicle indication signal system.

52. The method as in claim 50 wherein to wirelessly detect said vehicle indication signal generated by said wired vehicle indication signal system, a position sensor detects at least one position of at least one input device causing said vehicle indication signal to be generated.

53. The method as in claim 50 wherein to wirelessly detect said vehicle indication signal generated by said wired vehicle indication signal system, a microphone detects audible emissions caused by said wired vehicle indication signal system.

54. The method as in claim 50 further comprising the step:

use feedback to verify the generation of said vehicle indication signal corresponding to said input device.

55. A transmitter apparatus, for use as part of a vehicle indication signal system, the apparatus comprising:

a base communicably coupleable to a vehicle;

input means coupled to said base, for providing input instructions to said apparatus respecting a vehicle indication signal;

processing means communicably connected to said input means, for executing said instructions and generating output instructions in response to said input instructions; and

output means communicably connected to said processing means, for wirelessly sending said output instructions to at least one receiver that delivers said vehicle indication signal.

56. The apparatus as in claim 55 wherein said base is communicably coupled to said vehicle in a manner selected from the group consisting of:

permanently built-in to a portion of said vehicle, modularly insertable into and removable from a cavity in said vehicle, and surface mounted to a portion of said vehicle.

57. The apparatus as in claim 55 wherein said input means comprises a photo-sensor mounted in visual communication with an external signal lamp, an external signal lamp lens, or an internal instrument panel lamp for a vehicle indication signal system on a towing vehicle, and said at least one receiver is coupled to a trailing vehicle.

58. The apparatus as in claim 55 wherein said input means are selected from the group consisting of:

a signal lever, a hazard switch, a brake activation sensor, an ignition switch, a plurality of general purpose switches, a multi-function switch, a keypad, a photo-sensor, a sequential switching circuit, a data bus, a microphone, and an electromagnetic card.

59. A detector transmitter apparatus, for use as part of a vehicle indication signal system for remote secondary signaling, the apparatus comprising:

a base;

wireless detection means coupled to said base, for detecting at least one primary signal without coupling to a source of signals;

processing means communicably connected to said wireless detection means, for identifying said at least one primary signal and generating output instructions in response thereto; and

output means communicably connected to said processing means, for wirelessly sending said output instructions to at least one remote receiver that delivers at least one secondary signal.

60. The apparatus as in claim 59 wherein each of said at least one primary signal is of a type selected from the group consisting of:

electromagnetic field disturbance, visible light, velocity, position, sound, fluid motion, and fluid pressure.

61. The apparatus as in claim 59 wherein said wireless detection means comprises at least one visible light sensor positioned proximal a vehicle indicator light for detecting visible light emitted from said vehicle indicator light.

62. The apparatus as in claim 59 wherein said wireless detection means comprises at least one inertial sensor coupled to a vehicle for detecting changes in velocity of said vehicle or in position of any portion of said vehicle.

63. The apparatus as in claim 59 wherein said wireless detection means comprises a scanner and at least one reflector affixed in a known position relative to a signal lever for detecting changes in position of said signal lever.

64. The apparatus as in claim 62 wherein said inertial sensor comprises a mercury switch module coupled to a turn signal switch for delivering a vehicle indication signal.

65. The apparatus as in claim 62 wherein said inertial sensor comprises a mercury switch module coupled to a brake pedal arm member for delivering a vehicle indication signal.