System and method for providing signals to external vehicle accessories

Abstract

The invention provides "systems and methods for providing signals to external vehicle accessories". A vehicle is disclosed that includes a plurality of electronic control units (ECUs), an electronic controller, and a signal provider device. The ECUs can provide a plurality of signals to the electronic controller. The electronic controller can obtain a user input indicative of a user's selection of one or more signals of interest from the plurality of signals, and can output the signals of interest to the signal provider device based on the user input. The signal provider device can be connectable with an aftermarket external vehicle accessory, and can transmit the signals of interest to the external vehicle accessory to enable operation of the accessory.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to systems and methods for providing signals indicating vehicle operating parameters to aftermarket vehicle accessories installed in a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Many users customize their vehicles with aftermarket auto parts, gadgets, and accessories to modify their visual appeal and / or performance or comfort. For example, many users install light-emitting diode (LED) strips or beams, fog lights, additional headlights, dashcams, external GPS devices, steering wheel sensors for speed or torque, etc., to modify their vehicles' visual appeal and / or performance.

[0003] Connecting such aftermarket accessories to a vehicle can be complex and / or cumbersome. For example, in many cases, a mechanic is required to remove one or more vehicle parts to access the vehicle's wiring harness and then electrically connect the aftermarket accessory to one or more wires in the harness. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure describes a custom signal provider device (or "CSP") that allows an operator or mechanic to easily connect one or more aftermarket vehicle accessories to a vehicle. The CSP may be part of the vehicle and may include multiple electrical ports through which the operator can connect external accessories to the vehicle. By using a CSP, the operator may not need to remove one or more vehicle components to access the vehicle's wiring harnesses, and then individually select and connect the wiring harnesses that provide the desired vehicle signal to the accessories (a conventional method for connecting aftermarket accessories to a vehicle). Alternatively, by using a CSP, the operator can simply connect the accessory to the electrical ports of the CSP to enable the accessory's operation (without having to individually select and connect any wires).

[0005] In addition to the CSP (Car Spare Parts System), a vehicle may also include an electronic controller, multiple electronic control units (ECUs), and a vehicle human-machine interface (HMI). ECUs can provide / output multiple vehicle signals to the electronic controllers. These vehicle signals can indicate multiple operating parameters associated with the vehicle, such as parameters related to: door open or closed status, parking light status, interior light status, taillight status, turn signal status, reversing light status, camera activation status, ignition status, and vehicle deceleration rate.

[0006] As can be understood, aftermarket accessories may require one or more vehicle signals (referred to as "signals of interest") from the aforementioned vehicle signals to operate optimally. For example, an aftermarket hood light bar may require vehicle signals indicating vehicle parking status, daytime running lights, and / or vehicle ignition status to illuminate optimally. Similarly, an aftermarket LED bar may require vehicle signals indicating vehicle deceleration rate, vehicle turning status, taillights, parking lights, and / or vehicle ignition status to illuminate optimally.

[0007] The operator can configure or select signals of interest (from the aforementioned vehicle signals) that can be transmitted to the CSP via the HMI based on aftermarket accessories that can be connected to the CSP. For example, if the aftermarket hood light bar is connected to the CSP, the operator can select vehicle signals indicating the vehicle's parking status, daytime running lights, and / or ignition status as signals of interest to be transmitted to the CSP, which can then further transmit these signals to the hood light bar to enable its operation.

[0008] In response to the operator configuring the CSP and connecting it to an accessory, the electronic controller can receive user input (indicating the selected signal of interest) from the HMI and multiple vehicle signals from the ECU. The electronic controller can also associate the user input with multiple vehicle signals to select the signal of interest and transmit them to the CSP. The CSP can also transmit the signal of interest to the connected accessory via its electrical port to enable the accessory's operation. In this way, by simply connecting the accessory to the CSP's electrical port and selecting the signal of interest on the HMI, the operator can connect the accessory to the vehicle and enable its operation without having to access the vehicle's wiring harness and individually select and connect the wires to the accessory.

[0009] The vehicle may also include one or more circuit protection components that enhance the operation of the CSP and connected aftermarket accessories. For example, the vehicle may include surge suppressors that protect accessories connected to the CSP from voltage spikes and fuses that protect the accessories from overloads and short circuits.

[0010] This disclosure discloses a custom signal provider (CSP) device that allows an operator to easily connect / install multiple aftermarket accessories to a vehicle without unnecessarily disassembling one or more vehicle components to access the vehicle's wiring harness. The CSP significantly reduces the manual workload for operators installing accessories in the vehicle and simplifies the installation process, making it less time-consuming and less prone to human error.

[0011] These and other advantages of this disclosure are provided in detail herein. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Specific embodiments are illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals may be used to indicate similar or identical items. Various embodiments may utilize elements and / or components other than those shown in the drawings, and some elements and / or components may not be present in various embodiments. Elements and / or components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Throughout this disclosure, singular and plural terms may be used interchangeably depending on the context.

[0013] Figure 1 A view of an example vehicle according to this disclosure is depicted, the example vehicle including multiple custom signal provider devices.

[0014] Figure 2 A schematic diagram depicting an example connection between vehicle components according to this disclosure is provided.

[0015] Figure 3 Block diagrams of various vehicle components according to this disclosure are depicted.

[0016] Figure 4 A flowchart is depicted of an example method for providing vehicle signals to aftermarket vehicle accessories according to this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The present disclosure will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown, and these exemplary embodiments are not intended to be limiting.

[0018] Figure 1 A view of an example vehicle 100 according to this disclosure is depicted, the example vehicle including a plurality of custom signal provider devices 102a, 102b, 102c, 102n (collectively referred to as CSP 102). Vehicle 100 may take the form of any passenger or commercial vehicle, such as an automobile, work vehicle, crossover vehicle, truck, van, minivan, taxi, bus, etc. Vehicle 100 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 system, such as a gasoline engine, one or more electric actuators, a hybrid system, etc.

[0019] CSP 102 allows an operator or mechanic (not shown) to easily attach one or more aftermarket external vehicle accessories to vehicle 100. For example, CSP 102 allows an operator to easily attach hood light strip 104, aftermarket LED strip 106 near the vehicle's taillights, steering wheel sensor indicator, additional display screen (above and above the existing vehicle display screen), additional interior and / or exterior lights, LED beams, fog lights, dashcam, external GPS unit, additional biometric authentication devices, etc., to vehicle 100.

[0020] It is understandable that such aftermarket accessories require one or more vehicle signals indicating vehicle operating parameters to function optimally. For example, the hood light bar 104 may require one or more vehicle signals indicating the vehicle's parking status, daytime running lights, and / or ignition status to illuminate optimally and at the appropriate time. The hood light bar 104 may also require a DC power or ground signal to operate optimally. These signals in Figure 1 These are collectively depicted as signal 108. As another example, LED bar 106 may require one or more vehicle signals indicating vehicle deceleration rate, vehicle turning status, taillights, parking lights, and / or vehicle ignition status to illuminate optimally and at appropriate times. LED bar 106 may also require a DC power or ground signal to operate optimally. These signals are... Figure 1 They are collectively described as signal 110.

[0021] Conventionally, to install such aftermarket accessories in vehicle 100, an operator would need to remove one or more vehicle components to access the vehicle's wiring harness, and then individually select and connect the wires that provide the required vehicle signals to the corresponding accessories. For example, to install LED strip 106 in vehicle 100, the operator would need to select from the wiring harness those wires that provide signals indicating vehicle deceleration rate, vehicle turning status, taillights, parking lights, and / or vehicle ignition status, and connect them to LED strip 106. This accessory connection method is complex, cumbersome, time-consuming, and prone to human error.

[0022] To enable operators to easily connect aftermarket accessories to vehicle 100 without manually selecting wires from the vehicle's wiring harness and connecting them to the accessories, this disclosure discloses a CSP 102 that can be installed / set in multiple different locations within vehicle 100. The CSP 102 can connect to and output one or more vehicle signals to the corresponding accessory, and the operator can select or "pre-configure" said one or more vehicle signals via a vehicle human-machine interface (HMI) 112 or a user device (not shown).

[0023] CSP 102 can be part of vehicle 100 and can be installed in multiple locations within vehicle 100 where there is a high probability of installing aftermarket external vehicle accessories. Figure 1In the exemplary aspects depicted, the CSP 102 (or its connection port for attachment) is shown located near the vehicle's headlights and taillights, the front seating area, and the driver's dashboard. It is understood that placing the CSP 102 (or its connection port) near the vehicle's lights allows for easy customization, enabling vehicle users to personalize the vehicle's appearance and functionality (according to user preferences) using widgets that can react in sync with the lights. Furthermore, mounting the CSP 102 (or its connection port) near the front seating area provides users with the opportunity to add personalized features such as enhanced comfort controls, multimedia devices, or other attachments that allow the vehicle 100 to be adapted to any specific needs of the driver or passengers. Additionally, it is understood that the dashboard is an important area for customization, as it is the focus of driver interaction. By mounting the CSP 102 (or its connection port) at the dashboard, users can integrate advanced technology solutions, such as head-up displays or customized gauges, to adapt the user's driving experience to personal preferences or needs.

[0024] It should be noted that CSP 102 is not configured to receive input signals from any external device (e.g., biometric authentication devices, custom instrument clusters, etc.) that may negatively affect the operation of the vehicle and / or the health of the occupants. CSP 102 is configured to receive signals from the in-vehicle ECU, as described later in the following description.

[0025] Figure 1 The example CSP locations depicted herein should not be construed as limiting. Without departing from the scope of this disclosure, vehicle 100 may include multiple additional CSPs at different locations.

[0026] In an exemplary aspect, when installing aftermarket accessories (e.g., LED strip 106) in vehicle 100, the operator can access the vehicle via one or more electrical connection ports of CSP 102c (in... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The LED strip 106 is connected to the CSP (e.g., CSP 102c) via electrical port 216. In this process, it may not be necessary for the operator to disassemble one or more vehicle components to access the vehicle's wiring harness and then select and connect the appropriate wires one by one to the LED strip 106 for connection. Alternatively, in this case, the operator may simply connect the LED strip 106 to the electrical connection port of the CSP (without having to individually select and connect any wires).

[0027] The operator can also access the HMI 112 (or a user device communicatively coupled to the vehicle 100) to “configure” the CSP 102c for the LED bar 106. Specifically, at this step, the operator can select one or more vehicle signals of interest (from multiple vehicle signals indicating multiple vehicle operating parameters) that the vehicle 100 should transmit to the CSP 102c, which can then further transmit signals to the LED bar 106 to achieve its operation / function. For example, in this case, the operator can select, via the HMI 112, those vehicle signals indicating vehicle deceleration rate, vehicle turning status, taillights, parking lights, and / or vehicle ignition status to be transmitted to the CSP 102c, which can then further transmit these signals to the LED bar 106 to achieve its operation.

[0028] In response to such a selection made by the operator on HMI 112, vehicle 100 can transmit the selected vehicle signal to CSP 102c (and may not transmit other vehicle signals not selected by the operator to CSP 102c), which can further transmit these signals to LED bar 106. In some aspects, when configuring CSP 102c, the operator can select from which electrical connection port of CSP 102c to transmit / output which vehicle signal, thereby achieving accurate and efficient electrical connection between CSP 102c and LED bar 106.

[0029] CSP 102 can have a predefined number of electrical connection ports, and therefore can transmit a predefined number of vehicle signals to one or more accessories connected to CSP 102. Furthermore, the operator can individually configure each CSP 102 via HMI 112 so that each accessory can be optimally connected to the corresponding CSP. For example, the operator can configure CSP 102a for the hood light bar 104 in a similar manner to that described above for its installation and operation, without having to manually select one or more vehicle wires and connect them to the hood light bar 104.

[0030] Based on the above description, it can be understood that CSP 102 enables operators to easily connect / install multiple aftermarket accessories to vehicle 100 without unnecessarily disassembling one or more vehicle components to access the vehicle's wiring harness. CSP 102 significantly reduces the manual workload of operators installing accessories in vehicle 100, and makes the installation process simpler, less time-consuming, and less prone to human error.

[0031] The following text combines Figure 2 and Figure 3 Describe additional vehicle and CSP details.

[0032] Vehicle 100 and the operator shall implement and / or perform the operations described herein in accordance with the owner's manual and safety guidelines. Additionally, any actions taken by the operator or vehicle user shall comply with all rules specific to the location (e.g., federal, state, national, city, etc.) and operation of Vehicle 100. Any notices / recommendations provided by Vehicle 100 shall be considered advice and shall be followed only in accordance with any rules specific to the location and operation of Vehicle 100.

[0033] Figure 2 A schematic diagram 200 depicts an example connection between vehicle components according to this disclosure. Specifically, Figure 200 depicts the connection between a plurality of in-vehicle electronic control units (ECUs) 202a, 202b, 202n (collectively referred to as ECU 202), electronic controller 204, CSP 102, and HMI 112. ECU 202, electronic controller 204, CSP 102, and HMI 112 may be part of vehicle 100 and may be electrically and / or communicatively connected / coupled to each other via wired and / or wireless connections. Figure 2 Combining Figure 3 To describe it.

[0034] ECU 202 can be connected to or associated with multiple vehicle components (not shown), such as vehicle lights, sensors (e.g., ambient light sensors, seating area sensors, proximity sensors, cameras, etc.), vehicle ignition system, vehicle control unit, etc. ECU 202 can output multiple signals (e.g., CAN signals) that can be associated with or indicate multiple vehicle operating parameters. For example, ECU 202 can output signals indicating vehicle parameters associated with: door open or closed status, vehicle parking light illumination status, vehicle interior light illumination status, vehicle taillight illumination status, vehicle turn signal illumination status, vehicle reversing light illumination status, vehicle camera activation status, vehicle ignition status, vehicle deceleration rate, etc. The signals output by ECU 202 can have data related to the function or operating parameters of multiple vehicle components (e.g., vehicle lights, cameras, engine, etc.), such as data indicating when a door is open, when vehicle lights are on or in automatic mode, whether vehicle 100 is parked or in motion, etc.

[0035] The electronic controller 204 can receive multiple signals from the ECU 202. The electronic controller 204 can also receive operator or user input instructing the user to select one or more signals (from multiple signals) of interest that the operator may expect to be transmitted to the CSP 102. For example, if the CSP 102 is connected to the LED strip 106, the operator can select signals indicating vehicle deceleration rate, vehicle cornering status, taillights, parking lights, and / or vehicle ignition status as signals of interest to be transmitted to the CSP 102 to achieve operation of the LED strip, as described above. Figure 1 As stated above.

[0036] In some respects, the electronic controller 204 can be accessed via the HMI 112 (such as...). Figure 2 The electronic controller 204 may obtain user input (as shown) or a user device associated with the operator or vehicle owner, instructing the user to select a signal of interest. In an exemplary aspect, the electronic controller 204 may obtain user input after the vehicle 100 has authenticated the operator (to prevent abuse of the CSP 102 and / or any other vehicle components). The vehicle 100 may authenticate the operator via facial recognition, fingerprint recognition, authentication codes, and / or by using any other conventional authentication method.

[0037] In an exemplary aspect, ECU 202 may output one or more "transferable" signals and one or more "non-transferable" signals to electronic controller 204, such as... Figure 2 As shown. Transmissible signals can be those vehicle signals that can (e.g., by the vehicle manufacturer) be allowed to be transmitted to CSP 102, and non-transmissible signals can be those vehicle signals that may not be allowed to be transmitted to CSP 102. In some aspects, when an operator accesses HMI 112 (or user device) to select signals of interest to be transmitted to CSP 102, the operator may be able to view only the list of transmissible signals and may not be able to view the list of non-transmissible signals. Therefore, the operator may be able to select signals of interest to be transmitted to CSP 102 only from the list of transmissible signals output from ECU 202.

[0038] Furthermore, the electronic controller 204 may include a controller transceiver 206, which can receive all transmissible signals output from the ECU 202 and may not receive non-transmissible signals. The controller transceiver 206 may also receive user input from the HMI 112 (or user equipment) instructing the user to select signals of interest. In some aspects, the electronic controller 204 may also include a controller processor 302 (in... Figure 3As shown in the diagram, the controller processor can receive user input and transmittable signals from the controller transceiver 206, and can correlate or compare the user input with the transmittable signals (specifically, data included in the transmittable signals). Based on this correlation, the controller processor 302 can select the signal of interest (from all transmittable signals obtained by the controller processor 302) and output it to the CSP 102 via the controller transceiver 206, as shown in the diagram. Figure 2 As shown. Specifically, the controller processor 302 can output signal values / data associated with the signal of interest to the CSP 102 via the controller transceiver 206. In some aspects, the controller transceiver 206 can output / transmit the signal of interest to the CSP 102 via CAN or via any other communication protocol.

[0039] The electronic controller 204 may also include a controller memory 304. The controller processor 302 may be configured to communicate with one or more memory devices, said one or more memory devices being configured to communicate with a corresponding computing system (e.g., controller memory 304 and / or...). Figure 2 The controller processor 302 may communicate with one or more external databases (not shown in the diagram). The controller processor 302 may utilize the controller memory 304 to store programs in code and / or store data to perform aspects of the present disclosure. The controller memory 304 may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or memory that stores program code that enables the controller processor 302 to perform operations according to the present disclosure. The controller memory 304 may include any or a 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.).

[0040] As described above, the signal values / data associated with the signal of interest output by the controller transceiver 206 are obtained by the CSP 102. In some aspects, the CSP 102 may include multiple components, including but not limited to the device transceiver 208, the device processor 210, the digital-to-analog converter 212, the power stage unit 214 (or power stage 214), multiple electrical connection ports 216a, 216b, 216c, 216d, 216n (collectively referred to as electrical ports 216), and the device memory 306 (which may be similar to the controller memory 304). The device transceiver 208 can receive the signal of interest (specifically, the signal values / data associated with the signal of interest) from the electronic controller 204 / controller transceiver 206. In this way, the CSP 102 can obtain the signal of interest from the electronic controller 204 via the device transceiver 208.

[0041] Device processor 210 (which may be similar to controller processor 302) can receive signals of interest from device transceiver 208 and can transmit the received signals to digital-to-analog converter 212. Digital-to-analog converter 212 can convert the received signals of interest (which may be in digital form) into analog signals and transmit the analog signals to power stage 214. Power stage 214 may include or be electrically connected to electrical port 216 and can transmit analog signals of the desired format (e.g., as a 12 volt / 1 ampere signal) to electrical port 216 selected or configured by the operator.

[0042] An operator can connect an aftermarket accessory (e.g., LED bar 106) to the CSP 102 via electrical port 216. Electrical port 216 can transmit signals of interest (specifically, analog signals associated with the signals of interest obtained from power stage 214 / digital-to-analog converter 212) to the LED bar 106 to enable its operation. In this way, the CSP 102 provides the signal of interest to the aftermarket accessory based on the signal selected by the operator on the HMI 112. In some respects, the CSP 102 / power stage 214 can also transmit DC signals and / or ground signals to the aftermarket accessory via electrical port 216 for optimal operation.

[0043] In some respects, not all signals output from the CSP 102 must be used for a single purpose (i.e., only for one aftermarket accessory). If the CSP 102 is located in a vehicle location providing a greater number of output signals than the aftermarket accessory might require, other signals output by the CSP 102 can be used for different applications or for different purposes. For example, as... Figure 1As illustrated in the example, not all signals output from CSP 102a, 102c are used by or fed to the hood light bar 104 and LED bar 106.

[0044] Vehicle 100 may include one or more additional components that enhance the operation of CSP 102 and connected aftermarket accessories. For example, vehicle 100 may include one or more circuit protection components 310, which may include components such as surge suppressors 312, fuses 314, etc. Surge suppressors 312 can protect external vehicle accessories connected to CSP 102 from voltage spikes, and fuses 314 can protect external vehicle accessories from overloads and short circuits. In some aspects, circuit protection components 310 may be part of vehicle 100 and may be located / connected to... Figure 2 At different locations in the circuit depicted in Figure 200 (e.g., in the circuit connecting the electronic controller 204 to the CSP 102). In other respects, the circuit protection component 310 may be part of the CSP 102.

[0045] In other aspects, vehicle 100 can perform several steps to ensure that CSP 102 operates optimally. For example, vehicle 100 can periodically update / upgrade the software associated with electronic controller 204 to ensure optimal operation. Vehicle 100 can also disable unnecessary services and change default credentials, provide strong authentication and access control to prevent misuse of vehicle components and / or accessories, implement data encryption to protect vehicle data during signal transmission, keep CSP 102 and / or electronic controller 204 (collectively, “devices”) on a separate network from the main vehicle network to minimize the probability of unauthorized access, back up vehicle data, etc. Vehicle 100 can also ensure that all devices are properly grounded to prevent static charge buildup and electric shock, use shielded cables for signal transmission to reduce electromagnetic interference that may affect device operation, and keep devices away from sources of electromagnetic interference, such as electric motors and radio frequency equipment. In addition, the vehicle 100 can use a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) to protect the device from power outages and provide backup power in the event of a power outage, keep the device in an environment with controlled temperature and humidity conditions to prevent condensation and corrosion, and use a sealed housing to protect the device from dust and moisture.

[0046] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating an example method 400 for providing vehicle signals to aftermarket vehicle accessories according to this disclosure is provided. Further description can be made with reference to the preceding figures. Figure 4The 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 these steps in a different order than that described in the following example embodiments.

[0047] Method 400 begins at step 402. At step 404, method 400 may include connecting ECU 202 to electronic controller 204 such that electronic controller 204 can obtain multiple vehicle signals from ECU 202. At step 406, method 400 may include connecting HMI 112 to electronic controller 204. At step 408, method 400 may include connecting electronic controller 204 to CSP 102. As described above, CSP 102 can receive signals of interest from electronic controller 204, and the operator selects the signal of interest from the multiple vehicle signals via HMI 112.

[0048] At step 410, method 400 may include connecting CSP 102 to an aftermarket external accessory. As described above, after the aftermarket external accessory is connected to CSP 102, CSP 102 may transmit signals of interest obtained from electronic controller 204 to the aftermarket external accessory to enable its operation. Method 400 may end at step 412.

[0049] In the foregoing disclosure, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the foregoing disclosure, illustrating specific embodiments in which the present disclosure may be practiced. It should be understood that other embodiments and structural changes may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. References to “an embodiment,” “embodiment,” “exemplary embodiment,” etc., in this specification indicate that the described embodiment may include specific features, structures, or characteristics, but each embodiment may not necessarily include said specific features, structures, or characteristics. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, when features, structures, or characteristics are described in connection with embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize such features, structures, or characteristics in conjunction with other embodiments, whether explicitly described or not.

[0050] Furthermore, where appropriate, the functions described herein may be performed by 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 those skilled in the art will appreciate, components may be referred to by different names. This document is not intended to distinguish between components with different names but identical functions.

[0051] It should also be understood that the term "example" as used herein is intended to be non-exclusive and non-restrictive in nature. More specifically, the term "example" as used herein refers to one of several examples, and it should be understood that there is no undue emphasis or preference on the particular example described.

[0052] Computer-readable media (also known as processor-readable media) include any non-transitory (e.g., tangible) medium that contributes to providing data (e.g., instructions) that can be read by a computer (e.g., by the computer's processor). Such media can take many forms, including but not limited to non-volatile and volatile media. Computing devices may include computer-executable instructions, wherein the instructions can be executed by one or more computing devices (such as those listed above) and stored on a computer-readable medium.

[0053] Regarding the processes, systems, methods, heuristics, etc., described herein, it should be understood that although the steps of such processes, etc., are described as occurring in a certain ordered order, such processes can be practiced by performing the described steps in a different order than that described herein. It should also be understood that some steps may be performed simultaneously, other steps may be added, or some steps described herein may be omitted. In other words, the description of processes herein is provided for the purpose of illustrating various embodiments and should in no way be construed as limiting the claims.

[0054] Therefore, it should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Many embodiments and applications beyond the examples provided will become apparent upon reading the above description. The scope should not be determined by reference to the above description, but rather by reference to the appended claims and the full scope of their equivalents. It is anticipated and expected that the techniques discussed herein will evolve in the future, and the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. In conclusion, it should be understood that modifications and changes are possible with this application.

[0055] Unless explicitly indicated otherwise herein, all terms used in the claims are intended to be given their ordinary meaning as understood by one skilled in the art as described herein. Specifically, unless the claims explicitly limit the recitation to the contrary, the use of singular articles such as “a,” “the,” or “the” should be interpreted as one or more of the elements indicated by the recitation. Unless otherwise specifically stated or otherwise understood in the context of use, conditional language such as, in particular, “can,” “may,” “may,” or “may” is generally intended to express that some 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.

[0056] According to an embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a surge suppressor for protecting external vehicle accessories from voltage spikes.

[0057] According to an embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a fuse for protecting external vehicle accessories from overload and short circuit.

[0058] According to the present invention, a method includes: connecting a plurality of electronic control units (ECUs) to an electronic controller of a vehicle, wherein the plurality of ECUs are configured to output a plurality of signals, and wherein the electronic controller is configured to: receive the plurality of signals from the plurality of ECUs; receive user input instructing a user to select one or more signals of interest from the plurality of signals; and output one or more signals based on the user input; and connecting the electronic controller to a signal provider device, wherein the signal provider device is configured to: connect to an external vehicle accessory; receive one or more signals from the electronic controller; and transmit the one or more signals to the external vehicle accessory to enable operation of the external vehicle accessory.

[0059] In one aspect of the invention, the plurality of signals are associated with a plurality of vehicle operating parameters.

[0060] In one aspect of the invention, the signal provider device is further configured to transmit DC electrical signals and grounding signals to external vehicle accessories.

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising: Multiple electronic control units (ECUs) are configured to output multiple signals; Electronic controller, the electronic controller being configured to: The multiple signals are obtained from the multiple ECUs; Obtain user input instructing the user to select one or more signals of interest from the plurality of signals; and Output one or more signals based on the user input; as well as A signal provider device, wherein the signal provider device is configured to: Connect to external vehicle accessories; The one or more signals are obtained from the electronic controller; and The one or more signals are transmitted to the external vehicle accessory to enable external vehicle accessory operation.

2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the electronic controller obtains the user input via a vehicle human-machine interface (HMI) or user device.

3. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the plurality of signals are associated with a plurality of vehicle operating parameters.

4. The vehicle as claimed in claim 3, wherein the plurality of vehicle operating parameters include parameters associated with one or more of the following: door open or closed state, vehicle parking light illumination state, vehicle interior light illumination state, vehicle taillight illumination state, vehicle turn signal illumination state, vehicle reversing light illumination state, vehicle camera activation state, vehicle ignition state, and vehicle deceleration rate.

5. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the signal provider device is further configured to transmit a DC signal and a ground signal to the external vehicle accessory.

6. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the signal provider device comprises: A transceiver configured to receive the one or more signals from the electronic controller; One or more electrical ports; as well as A processor configured to acquire the one or more signals from the transceiver and transmit the one or more signals to the one or more electrical ports, wherein: The signal provider device is connected to the external vehicle accessory via the one or more electrical ports, and The one or more electrical ports are configured to transmit the one or more signals to the external vehicle accessory to enable operation of the external vehicle accessory.

7. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the signal provider device is installed in the vehicle near the headlights or taillights, the front seating area, or the driver's dashboard.

8. The vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a surge suppressor for protecting the external vehicle accessory from voltage spikes.

9. The vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a fuse for protecting the external vehicle accessory from overload and short circuit.

10. A signal provider apparatus, comprising: A transceiver configured to receive one or more signals of interest from an electronic controller of the vehicle, wherein the electronic controller is configured to: Multiple signals are obtained from multiple electronic control units (ECUs) of the vehicle; Obtain user input instructing the user to select one or more signals of interest from the plurality of signals; and Output one or more signals to the transceiver; One or more electrical ports; as well as A processor configured to acquire the one or more signals from the transceiver and transmit the one or more signals to the one or more electrical ports, wherein: The signal provider device is connected to an external vehicle accessory via one or more electrical ports, and The one or more electrical ports are configured to transmit the one or more signals to the external vehicle accessory to enable operation of the external vehicle accessory.

11. The signal provider device of claim 10, wherein the electronic controller obtains the user input via a vehicle human-machine interface (HMI) or user device.

12. The signal provider device of claim 10, wherein the plurality of signals are associated with a plurality of vehicle operating parameters.

13. The signal provider device of claim 12, wherein the plurality of vehicle operating parameters includes parameters associated with one or more of the following: door open or closed state, vehicle parking light illumination state, vehicle interior light illumination state, vehicle taillight illumination state, vehicle turn signal illumination state, vehicle reversing light illumination state, vehicle camera activation state, vehicle ignition state, and vehicle deceleration rate.

14. The signal provider apparatus of claim 10, wherein the processor is further configured to transmit DC signals and ground signals to the external vehicle accessory via the one or more electrical ports.

15. The signal provider device of claim 10, wherein the signal provider device is installed in the vehicle near the headlights or taillights, the front seating area, or the driver's dashboard.

Images