Method and system for performing telematics functions using a solar powered wireless communication device
First Claim
1. An apparatus, comprising:
- a processor configured for processing vehicle information received wirelessly from a vehicle information transceiver device coupled to a vehicle;
a short range wireless transceiver coupled to the processor for receiving the vehicle information from the vehicle information transceiver device;
a energy storage device coupled to the processor and to the short range wireless transceiver, anda light-powered energy source coupled to the energy storage device, wherein the light-powered energy source provides energy for storage in the energy storage device.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A battery-powered vehicle telematics device includes solar cells for powering the device and charging the battery. A Bluetooth® link connects the telematics device to a dongle that has been coupled to a diagnostic port of the vehicle. A USB computer connection may also provide power to the telematics device to assist the solar cells in charging the battery. The dongle and telematics devices include accelerometer components that can detect a start event and signal that the telematics device should begin operating. The accelerometers can also be used to calculate a roll angle. The telematics device can transmit a roll angle value to an active handling system or to a central server along with other vehicle information received from the dongle for further analysis and processing. A processor in the telematics device can automatically adjust and optimize the solar cell angle to maximize the capture of incident radiation.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An apparatus, comprising:
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a processor configured for processing vehicle information received wirelessly from a vehicle information transceiver device coupled to a vehicle; a short range wireless transceiver coupled to the processor for receiving the vehicle information from the vehicle information transceiver device; a energy storage device coupled to the processor and to the short range wireless transceiver, and a light-powered energy source coupled to the energy storage device, wherein the light-powered energy source provides energy for storage in the energy storage device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A system, comprising:
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a vehicle information transceiver device that includes a first processor coupled to;
a first short range wireless transceiver, a first accelerometer component, and an interface for coupling to a vehicle bus; anda remote telematics device that includes; a second processor configured for processing vehicle information received wirelessly from the vehicle information transceiver device; a second short range wireless transceiver coupled to the second processor for receiving the vehicle information from the vehicle information transceiver device; a second accelerometer component coupled to the second processor; an energy storage device coupled to the second processor and to the second short range wireless transceiver; a long range wireless transceiver coupled to the second processor; and a light-powered energy source coupled to the energy storage device, wherein the light-powered energy source provides energy for storage in the energy storage device. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method, comprising:
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determining with a vibration detecting component of a remote telematics device that an engine of a vehicle in which the remote telematics device is located has started; establishing a communication session over a short range communication link with a vehicle information transceiver device upon determination that the engine has started; receiving vehicle information from the vehicle information transceiver device over the short range communication link; determining whether the remote telematics device can transmit the vehicle information over a long range wireless communication link if energy stored in an energy storage device of the remote telematics device and an energy contribution from a light-powered energy source of the remote telematics device can provide enough energy to transmit the vehicle information over the long range wireless communication link; providing energy from the energy storage device to a long range wireless transceiver of the remote telematics device; and transmitting the vehicle information over the long range wireless communication link if a combined energy from the energy storage device and light-powered energy source can support transmitting the vehicle information over the long range wireless communication link. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification