Trailer light detection system and method

Abstract

The invention provides a trailer light detection system and method. The invention discloses a trailer lamp management system. The system may include a constant current source circuit and a processor. The constant current source circuit may be configured to supply current to the trailer lamp. The processor may be configured to: obtain a trigger signal; and causing the constant current source circuit to supply the current to the trailer light in response to obtaining the trigger signal. The processor may be further configured to determine a voltage drop in the constant current source circuit in response to supplying the current. In addition, the processor may determine that a predefined condition may be satisfied based on the voltage drop. The processor may perform a predefined action in response to determining that the predefined condition may be satisfied.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to trailer light detection systems and methods, and more particularly to systems and methods for detecting trailer lights that are in an off state. Background Art

[0002] A trailer is typically attached to a towing vehicle that drives the trailer. The trailer has a cargo space in which a user can store items to be transported, and the towing vehicle includes an engine (e.g., an internal combustion engine (ICE), an electric vehicle (EV), and / or a hybrid vehicle) that can provide power to drive the trailer. A trailer may also be in the form of a recreational vehicle (RV) that may not necessarily be used to transport items but may be used for recreational activities.

[0003] Most modern trailers are mechanically and electrically coupled to the towing vehicle. The electrical coupling enables the trailer's lights (e.g., stop lights, tail lights, turn signals, etc.) to operate in a manner similar to the corresponding lights in the towing vehicle. For example, if the towing vehicle's stop lights are illuminated, the electrical coupling between the trailer and the towing vehicle may enable the trailer's stop lights to also be illuminated at the same time and in the same manner as the towing vehicle's stop lights. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present disclosure describes a trailer light management system that is configured to facilitate detection of an electrical connection state between a vehicle and a trailer. Specifically, the system can be configured to detect an electrical connection state between a system circuit system and a trailer light, thereby enabling detection of a connection state between the vehicle and the trailer. The system can be part of a vehicle and can perform an off-state diagnostic of a trailer light to ascertain a connection state.

[0005] In some aspects, the system may include a constant current source, which may be configured to supply a low constant current pulse to the trailer light when the trailer light may be in an off state. The constant current source may supply a low constant current pulse so that the trailer light may not light up when the trailer light receives a low constant current. In response to supplying a low constant current, the system may measure a voltage drop across a circuit system associated with the constant current source. Specifically, the system may measure a voltage at the output of the constant current source and compare it with a power supply voltage provided to the constant current source (to measure the voltage drop). When the measured voltage is close to (or equal to) the power supply voltage of the constant current source, the system may determine that the trailer may not exist or is not connected to the vehicle, or that the circuit may be disconnected. In response to such a determination, the system may transmit a notification to the vehicle operator indicating that the trailer may not exist or may have been disconnected from the vehicle to a vehicle human-machine interface (HMI) and / or a user device / vehicle alarm.

[0006] On the other hand, when the voltage measured at the output of the constant current source can be less than the power supply voltage, the system can determine that the trailer light can be electrically coupled to the constant current source, thereby indicating that the trailer can be optimally coupled to the vehicle. The system can additionally determine the trailer light type based on the voltage drop measured across the constant current source circuit (i.e., the difference between the power supply voltage and the voltage at the output of the constant current source). If the trailer light is a series / parallel LED string, the forward voltage can indicate the number / count of LEDs present. If the trailer light assembly has a parallel resistor, the measured voltage drop will be smaller and indistinguishable from a short to ground condition, depending on the size of the resistor. This condition can also be similar to a trailer light that can include an incandescent bulb. In this case, the trailer light can be started before performing the above operations, and current measurements can be performed to establish or confirm that there is no short to ground.

[0007] Some trailer light assemblies may have active circuitry including front-end capacitors. Depending on the size of these capacitors, a constant current source may provide a voltage that may be close to a ramp-up. This may also be measured via an analog-to-digital input. In some scenarios, if the input capacitance is large (e.g., greater than a predefined capacitance value), the low constant current source will not be sufficient to charge the capacitor within the startup duration of the low constant current source, and may also be able to be distinguished from a short to ground.

[0008] Similar identification can be used to distinguish any ground corrosion on the trailer connector without the trailer being connected. This approach eliminates false connectivity detection.

[0009] In a further aspect, the system may include a driver unit configured to supply a high current (greater than a low constant current) to the trailer lights. The trailer lights may illuminate in response to receiving the high current. In response to determining that the voltage measured at the output of the constant current source may be less than the power supply voltage, the system may cause the driver unit to supply a high current pulse to the trailer lights. The system may then measure the current / voltage across the driver unit to confirm / ascertain that the electrical connection state between the trailer and the vehicle (as determined by measuring the voltage drop across the constant current source) is correct and accurate. In response to confirming the electrical connection state, the system may transmit a notification to the vehicle HMI and / or user device indicating to the vehicle operator that the trailer can be optimally connected to the vehicle.

[0010] In some aspects, the system may continue to perform the trailer light off state diagnostic at a predefined frequency (eg, every 1 second) by using a constant current source until the trailer light continues to be in the off state.

[0011] The present disclosure discloses a system for "detecting" a trailer light in an off state or determining the electrical connection state between the trailer light and the system, thereby detecting the connection state between the trailer and the vehicle. When the system determines that the trailer has not been optimally coupled to the vehicle, the system provides a timely notification to the vehicle operator. In addition, since the system performs the trailer light off state diagnosis by supplying a low constant current pulse, the trailer light is not illuminated during the diagnosis, thereby ensuring that the vehicle operator and / or user approaching the vehicle / trailer is not disturbed. In addition, the supply of a low constant current ensures that the vehicle battery is not significantly depleted during the off state diagnostic operation.

[0012] These and other advantages of the present disclosure are provided in detail herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference numerals may indicate similar or identical items. Various embodiments may utilize elements and / or components other than those shown in the accompanying drawings, and some elements and / or components may not be present in various embodiments. The elements and / or components in the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Throughout this disclosure, singular and plural terms may be used interchangeably, depending on the context.

[0014] Figure 1 An environment is depicted in which techniques and structures for providing the systems and methods disclosed herein may be implemented.

[0015] Figure 2 A block diagram of a trailer light management system according to the present disclosure is depicted.

[0016] Figure 3 Describes the present disclosure Figure 2 Circuit diagram of a part of the trailer light management system.

[0017] Figure 4 A flow chart of a trailer light management method according to the present disclosure is depicted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the disclosure are shown and which are not intended to be limiting.

[0019] Figure 1 An example environment 100 is depicted in which techniques and structures for providing the systems and methods disclosed herein may be implemented. Environment 100 may include a towing vehicle 105 (or vehicle 105) attached to a trailer 110. Trailer 110 may be attached to a rear portion of a vehicle, such as Figure 1 Specifically, the trailer 110 may be attached to the rear portion of the vehicle by using mechanical fasteners and / or magnetic fasteners and via an electrical coupling.

[0020] The vehicle 105 may take the form of any passenger or commercial vehicle, such as, for example, an automobile, an off-road vehicle, a work vehicle, a crossover vehicle, a van, a minivan, a taxi, a bus, a truck, etc. In addition, the vehicle 105 may be a manually driven vehicle, and / or may be configured to operate in a partially or fully autonomous mode, and may include any powertrain, such as, for example, a gasoline engine, one or more electric actuation motors, a hybrid powertrain, etc.

[0021] The trailer 110 may be a cargo trailer that may be used to transport items, or may be a recreational vehicle (RV). In some aspects, the trailer 110 may be electrically coupled to the vehicle 105 (e.g., via a wiring harness, not shown) such that one or more trailer electrical components may mimic the operation of a corresponding one or more vehicle electrical components. For example, trailer lights (such as trailer parking lights, tail lights, turn lights, reverse lights, fog lights, parking lights, etc.) may mimic the operation of corresponding vehicle lights. In one exemplary aspect, when a vehicle operator (not shown) activates a vehicle's lights (e.g., fog lights), the corresponding trailer fog lights may also be activated / illuminated.

[0022] As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, such electrical coupling between the trailer 110 and the vehicle 105 facilitates efficient vehicle operation, particularly when the vehicle 105 is being driven. For example, when the vehicle operator desires to make a turn (e.g., left or right), the vehicle operator may activate the vehicle turn signal. In response to the vehicle turn signal being activated, the trailer turn signal may also be activated, thereby providing an indication to the vehicle following the trailer 110 that the vehicle 105 / trailer 110 is about to turn. This may facilitate the vehicle operator, who may be driving the vehicle 105 / trailer 110 following the trailer 110, to efficiently maneuver the trailer vehicle, particularly in situations where the vehicle operator is unable to observe the vehicle turn signal.

[0023] There may be situations where the electrical coupling between the trailer 110 and the vehicle 105 may be interrupted or disconnected. For example, there may be situations where the trailer 110 may not be properly connected (e.g., electrically connected) to the vehicle 105 via the wiring harness, resulting in a disconnection of the vehicle and trailer electrical connection. As another example, the electrical connection may be disconnected when the vehicle 105 and trailer 110 may be traveling on a bumpy road. It may be important that the vehicle operator be aware of such a disconnected or interrupted electrical connection in a timely manner when the vehicle operator may be about to start a trip or when the vehicle 105 may be driven during a trip.

[0024] In some aspects, environment 100 may also include a trailer light management system 115 (or system 115) that may be communicatively and electrically connected to vehicle 105 and trailer 110. System 115 may be configured to control trailer lights (at Figure 2 The system 115 can be configured to operate the vehicle 105 (shown as trailer lights 208) and detect the electrical connection status between the vehicle 105 and the trailer 110. In some aspects, the system 115 can be part of the vehicle 105 and can be configured to supply current to the trailer lights. In other aspects, the system 115 can be a separate module electrically (and communicatively) connected to the vehicle 105 and the trailer 110.

[0025] The system 115 may be configured to detect the electrical connection between the vehicle 105 and the trailer 110 by determining the status of the electrical connection between the vehicle 105 and the trailer lights. When the electrical connection between the vehicle 105 and the trailer lights may be active or uninterrupted, the system 115 may determine that the vehicle 105 may be optimally connected to the trailer 110 via the wiring harness. On the other hand, when the electrical connection between the vehicle 105 and the trailer lights may be interrupted or disconnected, the system 115 may determine that the vehicle 105 is not optimally connected to the trailer 110 via the wiring harness.

[0026] In some aspects, the system 115 can be configured to perform an off-state diagnostic of the trailer lights to determine the electrical connection state between the vehicle 105 and the trailer lights. Off-state diagnostics as described herein in the present disclosure means detecting the electrical connection state between the vehicle 105 and the trailer lights when the trailer lights may be in an off state (or when the vehicle ignition may be off). In some aspects, the system 115 can perform the trailer lights off-state diagnostics such that the trailer lights may not flash (or illuminate) when the system 115 performs the off-state diagnostics, thereby ensuring that vehicle operators or users approaching the vehicle 105 / trailer 110 are not disturbed.

[0027] System 115 may include a constant current source (at Figure 2105 ), which may be configured to supply a low constant current (e.g., less than or equal to 2 microamperes (μA)) to the trailer lights at a predefined frequency when the system 115 performs trailer light off state diagnostics. In response to the constant current source supplying the low constant current, the system 115 may measure the voltage at the output of the constant current source circuit. When the measured voltage may be less than the voltage supplied to the constant current source (or "power supply voltage"), the system 115 may determine that the trailer lights (and therefore the trailer 110) may be electrically connected to the vehicle 105. On the other hand, when the voltage measured at the output of the constant current circuit may be equal to or close to the power supply voltage of the constant current source, the system 115 may determine that the trailer lights have failed to be electrically connected to the vehicle 105 (or the circuit may be short-circuited). In this case, the system 115 may output a notification to a vehicle human-machine interface (HMI) or a user device (e.g., via a wireless network) indicating that the electrical connection between the vehicle 105 and the trailer 110 may be interrupted or disconnected. In response to obtaining a notification on the vehicle HMI or user device, the vehicle operator can take remedial action. In this way, the system 115 facilitates timely detection of an interrupted or disconnected electrical connection between the vehicle 105 and the trailer 110. Figure 2 and Figure 3 Further details of system 115 are described.

[0028] The vehicle 105, vehicle operator, and system 115 implement and / or perform operations as described herein in the present disclosure in accordance with the vehicle owner's manual and safety guidelines. In addition, any actions taken by the vehicle operator should comply with all rules and regulations specific to the location (e.g., federal, state, country, city, etc.) and operation of the vehicle 105. Notifications provided by the vehicle 105 or system 115 should be considered advisories and should be followed only when it is safe to do so and in compliance with any rules and regulations specific to the location and operation of the vehicle 105.

[0029] Figure 2 A block diagram of an example trailer light management system 200 (or system 200) according to the present disclosure is depicted. The system 200 may be the same as the system 115 described above. Figure 2 When Figure 3 , Figure 3 An example circuit diagram 300 of a portion of the system 200 and trailer lights associated with the trailer 110 is depicted.

[0030] The system 200 may be communicatively coupled to a vehicle onboard computer 202 (or onboard computer 202) and a vehicle human-machine interface (HMI) 204 via one or more networks. The onboard computer 202 may be associated with the vehicle 105 and may be configured to transmit instructions and / or command signals to the system 200. In addition, the system 200 may be configured to transmit notifications and / or signals to the onboard computer 202. The system 200 may additionally be configured to transmit notifications to the vehicle HMI 204 so that the vehicle operator can conveniently view / hear visual and / or auditory notifications. The system 200 may also be communicatively coupled to a user device (e.g., a user device associated with a vehicle operator, not shown) and may be configured to transmit signals / notifications / inputs to or receive signals / notifications / inputs from the user device via one or more networks. The user device may be, for example, a mobile phone, a laptop computer, a computer, a tablet computer, or any other similar device with communication capabilities.

[0031] The one or more networks described above illustrate example communication infrastructures in which the connected devices discussed in various embodiments of the present disclosure may communicate. The one or more networks may be and / or include a controller area network (CAN) or similar automotive protocol, the Internet, a private network, a public network, or other configurations operating using any one or more known communication protocols, such as, for example, Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP), Wi-Fi, UWB based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standard 802.11, and cellular technologies such as Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPDA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), and Fifth Generation (5G), to name a few examples.

[0032] In some aspects, the system 200 can be electrically coupled to a vehicle battery 206 (or multiple vehicle batteries) and a trailer light 208, which can be a trailer light associated with the trailer 110. The system 200 can be configured to obtain power from the vehicle battery 206. In some aspects, the system 200 can include the vehicle battery 206. In other aspects, the vehicle battery 206 can be external to the system 200 (e.g., Figure 2 ). In further aspects, the system 200 can be connected to one or more trailer batteries (not shown), or can include its own system battery (not shown), which can provide power to one or more system units. In addition, the system 200 can be configured to supply current to the trailer lights 208 (responsive to obtaining power from the above-mentioned batteries) and perform off-state diagnostics of the trailer lights 208, as described in detail later below.

[0033] The system 200 may include one or more units or circuit systems, including but not limited to a voltage controller 210, a high-side driver circuit 212 (or a high-side driver 212), a constant current source circuit 214 (or a constant current source 214), a voltage sensor or comparator 216 (or an analog-to-digital interface directly buffered to a headlight control unit 220 of the system 200), a battery switch resistor circuit 218, and a headlight control unit 220 (which may be electrically and / or communicatively coupled to each other).

[0034] The voltage controller 210 can be electrically connected to the vehicle battery 206 or one or more additional batteries (or energy sources) described above, and can be configured to obtain power from the vehicle battery 206 (or additional battery / energy source). The voltage controller 210 can be further configured to provide a controlled voltage (or "power supply voltage") at a predefined voltage level to the constant current source 214. The predefined voltage level can be, for example, in the range of 8 volts (V) to 10 volts (V). In a preferred aspect, the predefined voltage level can be 9V. In some aspects, the voltage controller 210 can be configured to provide a controlled voltage to the constant current source 214 when the voltage controller 210 obtains a command signal from the on-board computer 202 and / or the headlight control unit 220. An example electrical circuit system of the voltage controller 210 is shown in the circuit diagram 300. The electrical circuit system depicted in the circuit diagram 300 is for illustrative purposes only and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0035] The constant current source 214 can be configured to supply a low constant current (e.g., a "first current") to the trailer light 208 via a diode 222 in response to obtaining a controlled voltage (or supply voltage) from the voltage controller 210. The diode 222 can be part of the system 200 and can be included in the system circuit to prevent reverse current from the trailer light 208 (e.g., from the trailer light to the constant current source 214). The diode can act as an isolation between the constant current source 214 and a higher switching voltage or current. In some aspects, when the system 200 performs a trailer light off state diagnostic, the constant current source 214 can supply the first current to the trailer light 208, as described in detail later below. An example electrical circuit system of the constant current source 214 is shown in the circuit diagram 300.

[0036] In some aspects, the constant current source 214 may supply the first current to the trailer light 208 as a constant current pulse for a predefined duration. The predefined duration may be, for example, in the range of 2 milliseconds (ms) to 4 ms. In a preferred aspect, the predefined duration may be 2 ms. In addition, the first current may be less than a predefined current threshold. The predefined current threshold may be based on the type of trailer light 208 included in the trailer 110, so that the trailer light 208 may not light up in response to receiving the first current. In an exemplary aspect, when the trailer light 208 includes a light emitting diode (LED), the predefined current threshold may be equal to or less than 2 μA. In some aspects, the constant current source 214 may be able to switch between different current levels (e.g., 2 μA, 10 μA, etc.) based on the trailer light type and user input and / or command signals obtained from the onboard computer 202, the vehicle HMI 204, and / or the user device.

[0037] The voltage sensor or comparator 216 can be configured to determine a voltage drop associated with the constant current source 214 in the circuit system when the constant current source 214 supplies the first current. The voltage drop can be the difference between the power supply voltage and the voltage at the output of the constant current source 214. The voltage sensor or comparator 216 can be configured to compare the voltage at the input of the constant current source 214 (i.e., the power supply voltage) with the voltage at the output of the constant current source 214 to determine the voltage drop across the constant current source 214 in response to the constant current source 214 supplying the first current. An example electrical circuit system of the voltage comparator 216 is shown in the circuit diagram 300. In some aspects, the system 200 may also include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) voltage monitor 302 ( Figure 3 ), the ADC voltage monitor may be configured to detect / sense the voltage at the output of the constant current source 214. The ADC voltage monitor 302 may enable the system 200 to determine whether a short circuit may exist at the output of the constant current source 214 or in the circuitry between the constant current source 214 and the trailer light 208. An example electrical circuitry for one or more trailer lights 208 is shown in the circuit diagram 300.

[0038] In some aspects, the high-side driver 212 can be a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) driver. The high-side driver 212 can be configured to obtain power directly from the vehicle battery 206. In other words, the vehicle battery 206 can be configured to supply power to the high-side driver 212. The high-side driver 212 can be configured to supply a second current to the trailer light 208 in response to receiving a command signal from the on-board computer 202 and / or the light control unit 220. The second current can be greater than the first current and can be configured to light the trailer light 208. In other words, the trailer light 208 can light up in response to receiving the second current. In an exemplary aspect, the second current can be equal to or greater than 30mA.

[0039] In some aspects, when the vehicle operator or the vehicle 105 activates one or more vehicle lights (e.g., vehicle turn lights), the onboard computer 202 can send a command signal to the high-side driver 212 (directly or via the vehicle light control unit 220) to activate the corresponding trailer turn lights (when the vehicle 105 and the trailer 110 can be electrically coupled to each other). In response to receiving the command signal, the high-side driver 212 can supply a second current to the corresponding trailer turn lights to activate or illuminate the trailer turn lights. In this way, when the vehicle 105 and the trailer 110 can be electrically coupled to each other, the system 200 ensures that the trailer turn lights mimic the vehicle turn lights. In other aspects, when the system 200 performs trailer light off state diagnostics, the system 200 can use the high-side driver 212, as described later in the description below.

[0040] The light control unit 220 may include one or more units, including but not limited to a processor 224, a memory 226, a transceiver 228, and a timer 230. The units included in the light control unit 220 may be communicatively coupled to each other and to other components of the system 200, the onboard computer 202, and the vehicle HMI 204. The transceiver 228 may be configured to transmit / receive signals / data / notifications, etc. to / from one or more system components, the onboard computer 202, and the vehicle HMI 204.

[0041] The processor 224 may be configured to communicate with one or more memory devices (e.g., memory 226 and / or Figure 2The processor 224 may utilize the memory 226 to store programs in code and / or store data to perform various system operations according to the present disclosure. The memory 226 may be a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium or memory storing computer-executable instructions that enable the processor 224 to perform various system operations when executed by the processor 224. The memory 226 may include any one or combination of volatile memory elements (e.g., dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), etc.), and may include any one or more non-volatile memory elements (e.g., erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), etc.).

[0042] The timer 230 may be configured to generate one or more trigger signals at a predefined frequency (e.g., every 1 second or 2 seconds) when the system 200 may perform trailer light off state diagnostics and transmit the one or more trigger signals to the processor 224. The use of the trigger signals may be understood in conjunction with the description provided below.

[0043] In operation, the processor 224 may obtain a first trigger signal from the onboard computer 202 via the transceiver 228. The first trigger signal may instruct / signal the processor 224 to start a trailer light off state diagnostic to check whether the vehicle 105 may be electrically coupled to the trailer 110. In some aspects, the processor 224 may obtain the first trigger signal from the onboard computer 202 when the trailer light 208 may be turned off (and / or when the vehicle ignition may be turned off). As an example, when the vehicle operator mechanically (and electrically) connects the trailer 110 to the vehicle 105 (but may not activate the vehicle light and therefore the trailer light 208), the onboard computer 202 may generate the first trigger signal and send the first trigger signal to the processor 224 to start the trailer light off state diagnostic and ascertain whether the vehicle operator has properly connected the vehicle 105 to the trailer 110.

[0044] In response to obtaining the first trigger signal, the processor 224 may send a command signal to the voltage controller 210 to supply a controlled voltage (e.g., a power supply voltage of 9V) to the constant current source 214. When the constant current source 214 obtains the controlled voltage from the voltage controller 210, the constant current source 214 may supply a first current to the trailer lamp 208 as a constant current pulse for a predefined duration (e.g., 2ms). In other words, in response to obtaining the first trigger signal, the processor 224 may cause the constant current source 214 to supply the first current to the trailer lamp 208.

[0045] In some aspects, since the trailer light off state diagnostic can be performed when the vehicle ignition can be off, the first current can be maintained at a low constant value (e.g., equal to or less than 2 μA) to ensure that the vehicle battery 206 (or any other system or trailer energy source) is not depleted. The first current can also be maintained at a low constant value to ensure that the trailer light 208 is not illuminated, as described above.

[0046] In response to supplying the first current to the trailer lamp 208, the processor 224 can determine a voltage drop across the circuit system associated with the constant current source 214. As described above, the voltage drop can be the difference between the supply voltage and the voltage at the output of the constant current source 214. In some aspects, the processor 224 can obtain input from the voltage sensor or comparator 216 to determine the voltage drop in the constant current source 214 based on the obtained input. In additional or alternative aspects, the processor 224 can determine the voltage drop or voltage measured at the output of the constant current source 214 based on input / reading obtained from the ADC voltage monitor 302.

[0047] The processor 224 can be configured to determine the connection status of the trailer light to the constant current source 214 (and therefore the status of the electrical connection between the vehicle 105 and the trailer 110) based on the determined voltage drop. Specifically, in response to determining the voltage drop, the processor 224 can determine whether a predefined condition can be satisfied based on the voltage drop. In some aspects, the predefined condition can be satisfied when the voltage measured at the output of the constant current source 214 can be equal to or close to the supply voltage. In response to determining that the predefined condition can be satisfied, the processor 224 can perform a predefined action.

[0048] Specifically, in some aspects, in response to determining that the voltage measured at the output of the constant current source 214 may be equal to or close to the power supply voltage, the processor 224 may first determine whether a short circuit may exist in the circuit system connecting the constant current source 214 and the trailer light 208 based on the input / reading obtained from the ADC voltage monitor 302. When a short circuit may exist, the processor 224 may transmit / output a notification indicating the possible existence of the short circuit to the vehicle HMI 204 and / or the user device via the transceiver 228. The vehicle operator can then take remedial action to repair the short circuit.

[0049] On the other hand, in response to determining that there may not be a short circuit, when the voltage measured at the output of the constant current source 214 may be equal to or close to the power supply voltage, the processor 224 may determine that the trailer light 208 has failed to be electrically coupled with the constant current source 214. In this case, the processor 224 may transmit / output to the vehicle HMI 204 and / or the user device via the transceiver 228 a notification indicating to the vehicle operator that the trailer light 208 has failed to be electrically coupled with the constant current source 214 or that the trailer 110 has failed to be properly connected with the vehicle 105. In response to seeing / hearing the notification, the vehicle operator may properly connect the trailer 110 with the vehicle 105. In this way, the system 200 enables the vehicle operator to be promptly notified when the trailer 110 has failed to be properly connected with the vehicle 105.

[0050] In another aspect, the predefined condition can be satisfied when the voltage measured at the output of the constant current source 214 can be less than the supply voltage. In response to determining that the voltage measured at the output of the constant current source 214 can be less than the supply voltage, the processor 224 can determine that the trailer light 208 can be electrically connected to the constant current source 214, and therefore the trailer 110 can be properly connected to the vehicle 105.

[0051] When the voltage measured at the output of the constant current source 214 may be less than the power supply voltage, the processor 224 may be further configured to determine the trailer light type based on the voltage drop across the constant current source 214 (i.e., the difference between the power supply voltage and the voltage measured at the output of the constant current source 214). In some aspects, the trailer light 208 may include one or more different types of trailer lights, for example, a light with an LED, an incandescent lamp, a light with a capacitive load, etc., and the processor 224 may determine the trailer light type based on the voltage drop. In some aspects, when the trailer light 208 includes an LED, the voltage drop may be proportional to the forward voltage of the LED. In addition, the voltage drop may be low when the trailer light 208 includes an incandescent lamp, and ramps up during capacitor charging when the trailer light 208 includes a capacitive load. The processor 224 may examine the voltage drop curve to determine the trailer light type.

[0052] In another aspect, when the processor 224 determines that the trailer 110 can be properly connected to the vehicle 105 and the trailer light type based on the voltage drop across the constant current source 214, the processor 224 can perform additional diagnostics to confirm the vehicle trailer electrical connection status and the determined trailer type. The processor 224 can perform additional diagnostics to obtain confidence in the discovery identified by measuring the voltage drop across the constant current source 214.

[0053] In some aspects, to perform additional diagnostics and in response to determining that the voltage measured at the output of the constant current source 214 may be less than the supply voltage, the processor 224 may transmit a command signal to the high-side driver 212 to supply a second current pulse to the trailer light 208. In other words, in response to determining that the voltage measured at the output of the constant current source 214 may be less than the supply voltage, the processor 224 may cause the high-side driver 212 to supply the second current to the trailer light 208 for a predefined short duration. In some aspects, the processor 224 may cause the high-side driver 212 to supply the second current to the trailer light 208 by transmitting a notification to the vehicle HMI 204 via the transceiver 228 requesting the vehicle operator to activate the vehicle lights (e.g., depressing the vehicle brakes to activate the vehicle brake lights). When the vehicle operator activates the vehicle brake lights, a command signal may be transmitted by the onboard computer 202 (via the processor 224) to the high-side driver 212 to cause the high-side driver 212 to supply the second current to the trailer light 208. In other aspects, the processor 224 itself can send a command signal to the high-side driver 212 to supply the second current to the trailer light 208 without requesting the vehicle operator to depress the vehicle brakes. In some aspects, the processor 224 can cause the high-side driver 212 to supply the second current once (or twice) to the trailer light 208. This can all be done while the vehicle is stationary.

[0054] When the trailer light 208 can be electrically coupled to the high-side driver 212 or when the trailer 110 can be electrically coupled to the vehicle 105, in response to receiving the second current, the trailer light 208 can flash or light up once (because the second current can be supplied to the trailer light 208 once, as described above). When the trailer light 208 flashes, the processor 224 can measure the current / voltage across the high-side driver 212 to find out the connection between the trailer 110 and the vehicle 105. Specifically, because the second current can be significantly greater than the first current, the reading / finding determined based on measuring the current / voltage across the high-side driver 212 may be more accurate. When the current / voltage measured across the high-side driver 212 indicates an electrical connection between the trailer 110 (or trailer light 208) and the vehicle 105 (or high-side driver 212), the processor 224 can use confidence to determine that the trailer 110 can be optimally connected to the vehicle 105. In some aspects, the processor 224 can also determine the trailer lamp type based on the current / voltage measured across the high-side driver 212 or based on the second current provided by the high-side driver 212 to the trailer lamp 208 using a confidence level.

[0055] In response to determining (using the confidence level) that the trailer 110 can be optimally connected to the vehicle 105 and the trailer light type, the processor 224 can transmit a notification to the vehicle HMI 204 and / or user device via the transceiver 228 indicating that the electrical connection may be successful (and the corresponding trailer light type for reference by the vehicle operator).

[0056] Furthermore, when the detection or determination of an electrical connection between the trailer 110 and the vehicle 105, as identified by measuring the voltage at the output of the constant current source 214, corroborates with the determination / discovery identified by using the high-side driver 212 as described above, the processor 224 may determine that the constant current source 214 may be used to accurately perform trailer light off state diagnostics. In response to such a determination, the processor 224 may activate the trailer light 208 by performing the trailer light off state diagnostics at a predefined frequency (e.g., every 1 second) using the constant current source 214 until the vehicle operator activates the vehicle light.

[0057] When the processor 224 performs the trailer light off state diagnosis at a predefined frequency, the processor 224 may obtain a trigger signal (e.g., a second trigger signal) from the timer 230 at a predefined frequency. In response to obtaining the second trigger signal, the processor 224 may cause the constant current source 214 to supply the first current to the trailer light 208, as described above. In addition, the processor 224 may determine the voltage drop across the constant current source 214 to find out the electrical connection state between the trailer 110 and the vehicle 105, as described above. The processor 224 may continue to perform the trailer light off state diagnosis at a predefined frequency (e.g., every 1 second) (because the processor 224 obtains the second trigger signal from the timer 230 every 1 second), and thus continue to check the connection state between the trailer 110 and the vehicle 105 every 1 second. Based on the trailer light off state diagnosis, when the processor 224 determines that the electrical connection may be interrupted or disconnected at any time, the processor 224 may transmit a notification to the vehicle HMI 204 and / or the user device via the transceiver 228, as described above. In this manner, the processor 224 assists the vehicle operator by indicating a broken or disconnected electrical connection between the vehicle 105 and the trailer 110 in a timely manner.

[0058] In further aspects, the processor 224 can obtain input / readings from the battery switch resistor circuit 218 to check for a short circuit of a battery (e.g., the vehicle battery 206 and / or the one or more additional batteries described above) on the output. In some aspects, the processor 224 can check for a short circuit of the battery before the processor 224 causes the constant current source 214 to supply the first current to the trailer light 208. The battery switch resistor circuit 218 can also be used to discharge any capacitors that may be included in the circuit system of the trailer light 208. The system 200 can also include a ground short circuit circuit 304, which can be used by the processor 224 to determine / decipher a ground short circuit.

[0059] Although the above description describes aspects of the system 200 detecting the connection status of trailer lights, in some aspects, the system 115 can also be used to detect the operating status of vehicle lights. The above description should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure to only detecting trailer lights.

[0060] Furthermore, the constant current source 214 may be implemented or arranged in a number of different configurations within the system 200 in order to eliminate very large resistors in the circuit that may be susceptible to leakage.

[0061] Figure 4 A flow chart of an example trailer light management method 400 according to the present disclosure is depicted. Figure 4 The following process is exemplary and is not limited to the steps described below. Furthermore, alternative embodiments may include more or fewer steps than shown or described herein, and may include the steps in an order different from the order described in the example embodiments below.

[0062] refer to Figure 4 , at step 402, the method 400 may begin. At step 404, the method 400 may include: obtaining, by the processor 224, a first trigger signal. At step 406, the method 400 may include: in response to obtaining the first trigger signal, causing, by the processor 224, the constant current source 214 to supply a first current to the trailer lamp 208. At step 408, the method 400 may include: in response to supplying the first current, determining, by the processor 224, a voltage drop across a circuit system associated with the constant current source 214.

[0063] At step 410, the method 400 may include: determining, by the processor 224, based on the voltage drop, that a predefined condition may be satisfied. In an exemplary aspect, as described above, when the voltage measured at the output of the constant current source 214 may be equal to the supply voltage, the processor 224 may determine that the predefined condition may be satisfied. At step 412, the method 400 may include: in response to determining that the predefined condition may be satisfied, performing a predefined action by the processor 224. In an exemplary aspect, as described above, when the voltage measured at the output of the constant current source 214 may be equal to the supply voltage, the processor 224 may transmit a notification to the vehicle HMI 204 and / or the user device. The notification may provide an indication to the vehicle operator that the trailer 110 has failed to be optimally coupled (e.g., electrically coupled) to the vehicle 105.

[0064] At step 414 , the method 400 may stop.

[0065] In the above disclosure, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part of the above disclosure, which illustrate specific implementations in which the present disclosure can be practiced. It should be understood that other implementations can be utilized and structural changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. References to "one embodiment", "embodiment", "example embodiment" and the like in this specification indicate that the described embodiment may include specific features, structures or characteristics, but each embodiment may not necessarily include the specific features, structures or characteristics. In addition, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, when describing features, structures or characteristics in conjunction with an embodiment, whether or not explicitly described, those skilled in the art will recognize such features, structures or characteristics in conjunction with other embodiments.

[0066] In addition, where appropriate, the functions described herein may be performed in one or more of the following: hardware, software, firmware, digital components, or analog components. For example, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) may be programmed to perform one or more of the systems and programs described herein. Certain terms are used throughout the specification and claims to refer to specific system components. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, components may be referred to by different names. This document is not intended to distinguish between components that have different names but the same function.

[0067] It should also be understood that the word "example" as used herein is intended to be non-exclusive and non-limiting in nature. More specifically, the word "example" as used herein indicates one of several examples, and it should be understood that no undue emphasis or preference is placed on the specific example described.

[0068] Computer-readable media (also referred to as processor-readable media) include any non-transitory (e.g., tangible) media that participate in providing data (e.g., instructions) that can be read by a computer (e.g., by a processor of a computer). Such media can take many forms, including but not limited to non-volatile media and volatile media. A computing device may include computer-executable instructions, where the instructions may be executable by one or more computing devices (such as those listed above) and stored on a computer-readable medium.

[0069] With respect to the processes, systems, methods, heuristics, etc. described herein, it should be understood that although the steps of such processes, etc. have been described as occurring according to a certain ordered sequence, such processes may be practiced by performing the described steps in an order different from the order described herein. It should also be understood that certain steps may be performed simultaneously, other steps may be added, or certain steps described herein may be omitted. In other words, the descriptions of the processes herein are provided for the purpose of illustrating various embodiments and should in no way be construed as limiting the claims.

[0070] Therefore, it should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Upon reading the above description, many embodiments and applications other than the examples provided will be apparent. The scope should not be determined with reference to the above description, but should be determined with reference to the entire scope of the appended claims and equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is anticipated and expected that the technology discussed herein will develop in the future, and the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. In short, it should be understood that the present application is capable of modification and change.

[0071] Unless explicitly indicated to the contrary in this article, all terms used in the claims are intended to be given their ordinary meanings as understood by the skilled person described herein. Specifically, unless the claim states an explicit limitation to the contrary, the use of singular articles such as "one", "the", "said" and the like should be interpreted as describing one or more of the indicated elements. Unless otherwise specifically stated or understood in other ways within the context when used, conditional language such as, in particular, "can", "may", "can" or "may" is generally intended to express that certain embodiments may include certain features, elements and / or steps, while other embodiments may not include certain features, elements and / or steps. Therefore, such conditional language is generally not intended to imply that one or more embodiments require each feature, element and / or step in any way.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the present invention is further characterized by a voltage sensor, which is configured to compare the power supply voltage with the voltage at the output terminal of the constant current source circuit, and wherein the processor is further configured to: obtain input from the voltage sensor; and determine the voltage drop in the constant current source circuit based on the input.

[0073] According to the present invention, a trailer light management method includes: obtaining a trigger signal by a processor; in response to obtaining the trigger signal, causing the constant current source circuit to supply current to the trailer light by the processor; in response to supplying the current, determining a voltage drop in the constant current source circuit by the processor, wherein the voltage drop is the difference between a power supply voltage to the constant current source circuit and a voltage at an output end of the constant current source circuit; determining by the processor that a predefined condition is satisfied based on the voltage drop; and in response to determining that the predefined condition is satisfied, executing a predefined action by the processor.

[0074] In one aspect of the present invention, obtaining the trigger signal includes obtaining the trigger signal when the trailer light is turned off.

[0075] In one aspect of the invention, said constant current source circuit supplies said current to said trailer lamp as constant current pulses for a predefined duration.

[0076] According to the present invention, a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions is provided, which, when executed by one or more processors, results in the execution of operations, which include: obtaining a trigger signal; causing a constant current source circuit to supply current to a trailer light in response to obtaining the trigger signal; determining a voltage drop in the constant current source circuit in response to supplying the current, wherein the voltage drop is the difference between a power supply voltage to the constant current source circuit and a voltage at an output terminal of the constant current source circuit; determining that a predefined condition is satisfied based on the voltage drop; and performing a predefined action in response to determining that the predefined condition is satisfied.

Claims

1. A trailer light management system, comprising: a constant current source circuit configured to supply a first current to the trailer lamp; as well as a processor communicatively coupled to the constant current source circuit, wherein the processor is configured to: obtaining a first trigger signal; causing the constant current source circuit to supply the first current to the trailer lamp in response to obtaining the first trigger signal; determining a voltage drop in the constant current source circuit in response to supplying the first current, wherein the voltage drop is a difference between a power supply voltage to the constant current source circuit and a voltage at an output terminal of the constant current source circuit; determining that a predefined condition is satisfied based on the voltage drop; and A predefined action is performed in response to determining that the predefined condition is satisfied. 2 . The trailer light management system of claim 1 , wherein the processor is configured to obtain the first trigger signal when the trailer light is turned off.

3. The trailer light management system according to claim 2, further comprising: A timer, wherein the processor is configured to obtain the first trigger signal from the timer.

4. The trailer light management system of claim 1, wherein the constant current source circuit is configured to supply the first current to the trailer light as a constant current pulse for a predefined duration. 5 . The trailer light management system of claim 1 , wherein the trailer light is not illuminated in response to receiving the first current when the first current is less than a predefined current threshold.

6. The trailer light management system of claim 1, wherein the predefined condition is satisfied when the voltage measured at the output of the constant current source circuit is equal to the supply voltage.

7. The trailer light management system of claim 6, wherein the predefined action comprises transmitting a notification to a vehicle human machine interface (HMI) or a user device, and wherein the notification indicates that the trailer light is not coupled to the constant current source circuit.

8. The trailer light management system of claim 1, wherein the predefined condition is satisfied when the voltage measured at the output of the constant current source circuit is less than the supply voltage.

9. The trailer light management system of claim 8, wherein the predefined action comprises determining a trailer light type based on the voltage drop.

10. The trailer light management system of claim 8, further comprising: A driver circuit is configured to supply a second current to the trailer lamp, wherein the second current is greater than the first current, and wherein the trailer lamp illuminates in response to receiving the second current.

11. The trailer light management system of claim 10, wherein the predefined action comprises causing the driver circuit to supply the second current to the trailer light.

12. The trailer light management system of claim 11, wherein the processor is further configured to determine a trailer light type based on the second current.

13. The trailer light management system of claim 12, further comprising: A vehicle battery is configured to provide power to the driver circuit.

14. The trailer light management system of claim 13, further comprising: A voltage controller is configured to obtain power from the vehicle battery, wherein the voltage controller is configured to supply a predefined controlled voltage to the constant current source circuit.

15. The trailer light management system of claim 1, further comprising: A diode, wherein the constant current source circuit is configured to supply the first current to the trailer lamp via the diode.

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