Trailer light detection systems and methods

Abstract

A trailer light management system is disclosed. The system may include a constant current source circuit and a processor. The constant current source circuit may be configured to supply current to a trailer light. The processor may be configured to receive a trigger signal and cause the constant current source circuit to supply current to the trailer light in response to the receipt of the trigger signal. The processor may further be configured to determine a voltage drop in the constant current source circuit in response to the supply of current. Furthermore, based on the voltage drop, the processor may determine that a predefined condition may be met. Finally, in response to the determination that the predefined condition may be met, the processor may perform a predefined action.

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[0001] The present disclosure relates to trailer lamp detection systems and methods, and more particularly to systems and methods for detecting trailer lamps in an OFF state. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Trailers are typically attached to tow vehicles that power the trailers. Trailers have a cargo area where users can store goods to be transported, and the tow vehicles contain engines (e.g., internal combustion engines (ICE), electric vehicles (EV), and / or hybrids) that can provide power to drive the trailers. Trailers can also be in the form of recreational vehicles (RVs), which are not necessarily used to haul cargo but can be used for recreational activities.

[0003] Most modern trailers are coupled to their towing vehicles both mechanically and electrically. Electrical coupling allows the trailer lights (e.g., brake lights, tail lights, cornering lights, etc.) to operate in a similar manner to the corresponding lights in the towing vehicle. For example, if the towing vehicle's brake lights are illuminated, an electrical coupling between the trailer and the towing vehicle can allow the trailer's brake lights to also illuminate at the same time and in the same manner as the towing vehicle's brake lights. SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure describes a trailer light management system configured to facilitate detection of the status of an electrical connection between a vehicle and a trailer. Specifically, the system may be configured to detect the status of an electrical connection between a system circuit and trailer lights, thereby enabling detection of the connection status between the vehicle and the trailer. The system may be part of the vehicle and may perform off-state diagnostics of trailer lights to determine the connection status.

[0005] In some aspects, the system may include a constant current source that may be configured to supply a low constant current pulse to the trailer lights when the trailer lights may be in an OFF state. The constant current source may supply the low constant current pulse such that the trailer lights cannot illuminate when the trailer lights receive the low constant current. In response to supplying the low constant current, the system may measure a voltage drop across circuitry associated with the constant current source. In particular, the system may measure a voltage at an output of the constant current source and compare it to a supply voltage provided to the constant current source (to measure the voltage drop).If the measured voltage approaches (or equals) the supply voltage of the constant current source, the system may determine that the trailer may not be present or connected to the vehicle, or the circuit may be open. In response to such a determination, the system may transmit a notification to a vehicle human-machine interface (HMI) and / or a user device / vehicle alarm indicating to a vehicle driver that the trailer may not be present or may have been disconnected from the vehicle.

[0006] Conversely, if the measured voltage at the constant current source output may be less than the supply voltage, the system may determine that the trailer lights may be electrically coupled to the constant current source, indicating that the trailer may be optimally coupled to the vehicle. The system may additionally determine a trailer light type based on the voltage drop measured across the constant current source circuit (i.e., the difference between the supply voltage and the voltage at the constant current source output). If the trailer light is a series / parallel LED string, the forward voltage may indicate the quantity / number of LEDs present. If the trailer light assembly has a parallel resistor, the measured voltage drop will be small, depending on the resistor size, and indistinguishable from a ground fault condition.Such a condition may also be similar to a trailer light, which may include a light bulb. In such a case, the trailer light may be turned ON before performing the procedure described above, and a current measurement may be taken to determine or confirm that there is no short to ground.

[0007] Some trailer light assemblies may contain active circuitry, including ballast capacitors. Depending on the size of these capacitors, the constant current source can provide a voltage that can approximate a ramp. This can also be measured via an analog-to-digital input. In certain scenarios, if the input capacitance is large (e.g., greater than a predefined capacitance value), the low constant current source would be insufficient to charge the capacitor within the ON duration of the low constant current source and may also be indistinguishable from a ground fault.

[0008] A similar identification can be used to distinguish any corrosion on a ground on a trailer connector without a trailer connected. This method eliminates false connectivity detection.

[0009] In further aspects, the system may include a driver unit configured to supply a high current (greater than the 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 measured voltage at the output of the constant current source may be less than the 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 at the driver unit to confirm / determine that the status of the electrical connection 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 the electrical connection status being confirmed, the system may transmit a notification to the vehicle MMS and / or user device indicating to the vehicle driver that the trailer may be optimally connected to the vehicle.

[0010] In some aspects, the system may continue to perform off-state diagnostics on the trailer lights at a predefined frequency (e.g., every 1 second) using the constant current source until the trailer lights continue to be in the off state.

[0011] The present disclosure discloses a system for "sensing" trailer lights in an OFF state or determining a status of electrical connections between the trailer lights and the system, thereby sensing a connection status between the trailer and the vehicle. The system provides timely notifications to the vehicle operator when the system determines that the trailer may not be optimally coupled to the vehicle. Furthermore, because the system performs the OFF-state diagnostics on the trailer lights by applying a low, constant current pulse, the trailer lights do not illuminate during the diagnostics, ensuring that the vehicle operator and / or users near the vehicle / trailer are not disturbed. Furthermore, the application of low, constant current ensures that the vehicle battery does not significantly discharge during the OFF-state diagnostic process.

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

[0013] The detailed description is presented with reference to the accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference numerals may indicate similar or identical elements. Different elements and / or components than those illustrated in the drawings may be used for different embodiments, and some elements and / or components may not be present in different embodiments. The elements and / or components in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Throughout the disclosure, the singular and plural terms may be used interchangeably, depending on the context. Fig. 1 depicts an environment in which techniques and structures for providing the systems and methods disclosed herein may be implemented. Fig. 2 depicts a block diagram of a trailer lamp management system according to the present disclosure. Fig. 3 forms a circuit diagram of a section of the trailer lamp management system Fig. 2 according to the present disclosure. Fig. 4 depicts a flowchart of a trailer lamp management method according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The disclosure is described in more detail below in this specification with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are shown and are not intended to be limiting.

[0015] Fig. 1 depicts an exemplary environment 100 in which techniques and structures for providing the systems and methods disclosed herein may be implemented. The environment 100 may include a towing vehicle 105 (or a vehicle 105) attached to a trailer 110. The trailer 110 may be attached to a rear portion of the vehicle, as shown in Fig. 1. In particular, the trailer 110 may be attached to the rear portion of the vehicle using mechanical and / or magnetic fasteners and via electrical coupling.

[0016] The vehicle 105 may take the form of any passenger or commercial vehicle, such as a car, an SUV, a work vehicle, a crossover vehicle, a delivery van, a minivan, a taxi, a bus, a truck, etc. Further, the vehicle 105 may be a manually driven vehicle and / or configured to operate in a partially or fully autonomous mode, and may include any powertrain, such as a gasoline engine, one or more electrically actuated electric motors, a hybrid system, etc.

[0017] The trailer 110 may be a cargo trailer used to haul goods, or may be a recreational vehicle (RV). In some aspects, the trailer 110 may be electrically coupled (e.g., via a wiring harness, not shown) to the vehicle 105 such that one or more trailer electrical components may mimic operation of one or more corresponding vehicle electrical components. For example, trailer lights (such as the trailer's brake lights, tail lights, cornering lights, backup lights, fog lights, parking lights, etc.) may mimic operation of corresponding vehicle lights. In one example aspect, when a vehicle operator (not shown) turns on a vehicle light, e.g., a fog light, the corresponding trailer fog light may also be turned on / illuminated.

[0018] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that such an electrical coupling between the trailer 110 and the vehicle 105 enables efficient vehicle operation, particularly when the vehicle 105 is being driven. For example, when the vehicle operator wishes to make a turn (e.g., turn left or right), the vehicle operator may turn on the vehicle turning lights. In response to the vehicle turning lights being turned on, the trailer turning lights may also be turned on, providing an indication to a vehicle following the trailer 110 that the vehicle 105 / trailer 110 is about to turn. This may make it easier for the vehicle operator following the trailer 110 to have the vehicle 105 / trailer 110 maneuver the trailer vehicle efficiently, particularly when the vehicle operator is unable to see the vehicle turning lights.

[0019] There may be cases where the electrical connection between the trailer 110 and the vehicle 105 may be interrupted or broken. For example, there may be cases where the trailer 110 may not be properly connected (e.g., electrically connected) to the vehicle 105 via the wiring harness, resulting in a broken electrical connection between the vehicle and the trailer. As another example, the electrical connection may be broken when the vehicle 105 and the trailer 110 may be traveling on a bumpy road. It may be important for the vehicle operator to be aware of such a broken or interrupted electrical connection in a timely manner when the vehicle operator may be about to begin a trip or when the vehicle 105 may be driven during the trip.

[0020] In some aspects, the environment 100 may further include a trailer light management system 115 (or system 115) that may be communicatively and electrically connected to the vehicle 105 and the trailer 110. The system 115 may be configured to control the operation of trailer lights (in Fig. 2 as trailer lights 208) and detect the status of electrical connections between the vehicle 105 and the trailer 110. In some aspects, the system 115 may be part of the vehicle 105 and may be configured to supply power to the trailer lights. In other aspects, the system 115 may be a separate module electrically (and communicatively) connected to the vehicle 105 and the trailer 110.

[0021] The system 115 may be configured to detect an 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. If 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. Conversely, if the electrical connection between the vehicle 105 and the trailer lights may be intermittent or broken, the system 115 may determine that the vehicle 105 may not be optimally connected to the trailer 110 via the wiring harness.

[0022] In some aspects, the system 115 may be configured to perform an off-state diagnostic of the trailer lights to determine the status of the electrical connection between the vehicle 105 and the trailer lights. Off-state diagnostics, as described herein in the present disclosure, refer to detecting a status of an electrical connection 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 may perform an off-state diagnostic on the trailer lights such that the trailer lights may not flicker (or illuminate) when the system 115 performs the off-state diagnostics, thereby ensuring that the vehicle operator or users in the vicinity of the vehicle 105 / trailer 110 are not disturbed.

[0023] The system 115 may include a constant current source (in Fig. 2 as constant current source 214) that 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 the off-state diagnostic on the trailer lights. In response to the constant current source supplying the low constant current, the system 115 may measure a voltage at an output of the constant current source circuit. The system 115 may determine that the trailer lights (and thus the trailer 110) may be electrically connected to the vehicle 105 if the measured voltage may be less than a voltage supplied to the constant current source (or the "supply voltage").On the other hand, the system 115 may determine that the trailer lights may not be electrically connected to the vehicle 105 (or the circuit may be shorted) if the measured voltage at the output of the constant current source circuit may be equal to or close to the supply voltage of the constant current source. In this case, the system 115 may issue a notification to a human-machine interface (HMI) of the vehicle 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 broken. In response to receiving the notification on the vehicle HMI or user device, the vehicle operator may take corrective action.In this manner, the system 115 facilitates timely detection of an open or broken electrical connection between the vehicle 105 and the trailer 110. Further details of the system 115 are described below in connection with the . Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 described.

[0024] The vehicle 105, the vehicle operator, and the system 115 implement and / or perform operations as described herein in the present disclosure in accordance with the user manual and safety guidelines. Furthermore, any action taken by the vehicle operator should comply with all rules and regulations specific to the location and operation of the vehicle 105 (e.g., federal, state, county, city, etc.). Notifications provided by the vehicle 105 or the system 115 should be treated as suggestions and followed only when safe to do so and when adhering to the rules and regulations specific to the location and operation of the vehicle 105.

[0025] Fig. 2 depicts a block diagram of an exemplary trailer lamp management system 200 (or system 200) according to the present disclosure. The system 200 may be similar to the system 115 described above. During the description of Fig. 2 will be on Fig. 3, which depicts an exemplary wiring diagram 300 of a portion of the system 200 and trailer lights associated with the trailer 110.

[0026] The system 200 may be communicatively coupled to an on-board vehicle computer 202 (or an on-board computer 202) and a human-machine interface (HMI) 204 of the vehicle via one or more networks. The on-board computer 202 may be associated with the vehicle 105 and may be configured to transmit instructions and / or command signals to the system 200. Further, the system 200 may be configured to transmit notifications and / or signals to the on-board computer 202. The system 200 may additionally be configured to transmit notifications to the vehicle HMI 204 to enable the vehicle operator to conveniently view / listen to visual and / or audible notifications. The system 200 may further be communicatively coupled to a user device (e.g.,a user device associated with the vehicle driver (not shown) and may be configured to transmit / receive signals / notifications / inputs to or from the user device via the network(s). The user device may be, for example, a mobile phone, a laptop, a computer, a tablet, or any other similar device with communication capabilities.

[0027] The network(s) described above illustrate an exemplary communications infrastructure in which the connected devices discussed in various embodiments of this disclosure may communicate. The network(s) may be and / or include a Controller Air Network (CAN) or similar protocols, the Internet, a private network, a public network, or any other configuration operating using one or more of any known communications protocols, such as Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP), Bluetooth ® , BLE ®, WLAN based on the 802.11 standard of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), UWB and mobile radio 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.

[0028] In some aspects, the system 200 may be electrically coupled to a vehicle battery 206 (or vehicle batteries) and trailer lights 208, which may be the trailer lights associated with the trailer 110. The system 200 may be configured to obtain power from the vehicle battery 206. In some aspects, the system 200 may include the vehicle battery 206. In other aspects, the vehicle battery 206 may be external to the system 200 (as in Fig. 2). In further aspects, the system 200 may be connected to one or more trailer batteries (not shown) or may include its own system batteries (not shown) that may provide power to one or more system units. Furthermore, the system 200 may be configured to supply power to the trailer lights 208 (in response to receiving power from the batteries described above) and to perform off-state diagnostics of the trailer lights 208, as described in more detail later below.

[0029] The system 200 may include one or more units or circuits, including, but not limited to, a voltage controller 210, a high-side driver circuit 212 (or high-side driver 212), a constant current source circuit 214 (or constant current source 214), a voltage sensor or comparator 216 (or directly buffered to an analog-to-digital interface of a luminaire control unit 220 of the system 200), a battery-switched resistor circuit 218, and the luminaire control unit 220, which are electrically and / or communicatively coupled to one another.

[0030] The voltage controller 210 may be electrically connected to the vehicle battery 206 or one or more additional batteries (or power sources) described above and may be configured to obtain power from the vehicle battery 206 (or additional batteries / power sources). The voltage controller 210 may be further configured to provide a controlled voltage (or a "supply voltage") to the constant current source 214 at a predefined voltage level. The predefined voltage level may, for example, be in a range of 8 to 10 volts (V). In a preferred aspect, the predefined voltage level may be 9 V. In some aspects, the voltage controller 210 may be configured to provide the controlled voltage to the constant current source 214 when the voltage controller 210 receives a command signal from the on-board computer 202 and / or the lamp control unit 220.An exemplary electrical circuit of the voltage controller 210 is illustrated in circuit diagram 300. The electrical circuit depicted in circuit diagram 300 is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0031] The constant current source 214 may be configured to supply a low constant current (e.g., a "first current") to the trailer lights 208 via a diode 222 in response to the controlled voltage (or supply voltage) being obtained from the voltage controller 210. The diode 222 may be part of the system 200 and may be included in the system circuitry to prevent reverse current from the trailer lights 208 (e.g., to the constant current source 214). The diode may act as isolation between the constant current source 214 and a higher switching voltage or current. In some aspects, the constant current source 214 may supply the first current to the trailer lights 208 when the system 200 performs the OFF-state diagnostics on the trailer lights, as described in more detail later below. An example electrical circuit of the constant current source 214 is illustrated in circuit diagram 300.

[0032] In some aspects, the constant current source 214 may supply the first current to the trailer lights 208 as a constant current pulse for a predefined period of time. The predefined period of time may, for example, be in a range of 2 to 4 milliseconds (ms). In a preferred aspect, the predefined period of time may be 2 ms. Further, the first current may be less than a predefined current threshold. The predefined current threshold may be based on the types of trailer lights 208 included in the trailer 110, such that the trailer lights 208 may not illuminate in response to receiving the first current. In an example aspect, the predefined current threshold may be equal to or less than 2 µA if the trailer lights 208 include light-emitting diodes (LEDs).In some aspects, the constant current source 214 may be switchable between different current levels (e.g., 2 µA, 10 µA, etc.) based on trailer lamp types and user inputs and / or command signals obtained from the onboard computer 202, the vehicle HMI 204, and / or the user device.

[0033] The voltage sensor or comparator 216 may be configured to determine a voltage drop in the circuit associated with the constant current source 214 when the constant current source 214 supplies the first current. The voltage drop may be a difference between the supply voltage and a voltage at an output of the constant current source 214. The voltage sensor or comparator 216 may be configured to compare a voltage at an input of the constant current source 214 (i.e., the supply voltage) with a 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 of the voltage comparator 216 is illustrated in circuit diagram 300.In some aspects, the system 200 may further include a voltage monitor 302 for an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) (in . Fig. 3) that may be configured to sense / detect 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 be present at the output of the constant current source 214 or in the circuit between the constant current source 214 and the trailer lights 208. Example electrical circuits of one or more trailer lights 208 are shown in the circuit diagram 300.

[0034] In some aspects, the high-side driver 212 may be a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) driver. The high-side driver 212 may be configured to obtain power directly from the vehicle battery 206. In other words, the vehicle battery 206 may be configured to supply power to the high-side driver 212. The high-side driver 212 may be configured to supply a second current to the trailer lamps 208 in response to receiving command signals from the onboard computer 202 and / or the lamp control unit 220.

[0035] The second current may be greater than the first current and may be configured to illuminate the trailer lights 208. In other words, the trailer lights 208 may illuminate in response to receiving the second current. In one example aspect, the second current may be equal to or greater than 30 mA.

[0036] In some aspects, when the vehicle operator or the vehicle 105 turns on one or more vehicle lights (e.g., vehicle turning lights), the on-board computer 202 may send (directly or via the light control unit 220) a command signal to the high-side driver 212 to turn on the corresponding trailer turning lights (when the vehicle 105 and the trailer 110 may be electrically coupled together). In response to receiving the command signal, the high-side driver 212 may supply the second current to the corresponding trailer turning lights to turn on or illuminate the trailer turning lights. In this way, the system 200 ensures that the trailer turning lights mimic the vehicle turning lights when the vehicle 105 and the trailer 110 may be electrically coupled together.In further aspects, the system 200 may use the high-side driver 212 when the system 200 performs the OFF-state diagnostics on the trailer lights, as described later in the description below.

[0037] The lighting control unit 220 may include one or more units, including, among others, a processor 224, a memory 226, a transceiver 228, and a timer 230. The units included in the lighting control unit 220 may be communicatively coupled to each other and to other components of the systems 200, the on-board computer 202, and the vehicle MMS 204. The transceiver 228 may be configured to transmit / receive signals / data / notifications, etc., to / from one or more system components, the on-board computer 202, and the vehicle MMS 204.

[0038] The processor 224 may be in communication with one or more storage devices (e.g., the memory 226 and / or one or more external databases located in Fig. 2 are not shown). The processor 224 may utilize the memory 226 to store programs as code and / or data for performing various system operations in accordance with the present disclosure. The memory 226 may be a persistent computer-readable storage medium or a memory having computer-executable instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processor 224, enable the processor 224 to perform various system operations. The memory 226 may include any one or a combination of volatile memory elements (e.g., dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), etc.) and one or more non-volatile memory elements (e.g., erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), etc.).

[0039] 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 system 200 can perform the OFF-state diagnostics on the trailer lights and transmit the trigger signal(s) to processor 224. The use of trigger signals can be understood in conjunction with the description provided below.

[0040] 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 indicate / signal the processor 224 to begin the OFF-state diagnostics on the trailer lights 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 lights 208 may be OFF (and / or when the vehicle ignition may be OFF).As an example, if the vehicle operator mechanically (and electrically) connects the trailer 110 to the vehicle 105 (but cannot turn on the vehicle lights and thus the trailer lights 208), the onboard computer 202 may generate and send the first trigger signal to the processor 224 to begin the OFF-state diagnostics on the trailer lights and determine if the vehicle operator has properly connected the vehicle 105 to the trailer 110.

[0041] In response to acquiring the first trigger signal, the processor 224 may send a command signal to the voltage controller 210 to supply the controlled voltage (e.g., the supply voltage of 9 V) to the constant current source 214. When the constant current source 214 acquires the controlled voltage from the voltage controller 210, the constant current source 214 may supply the first current to the trailer lights 208 as a constant current pulse for a predefined period of time (e.g., 2 ms). In other words, in response to acquiring the first trigger signal, the processor 224 may cause the constant current source 214 to supply the first current to the trailer lights 208.

[0042] In some aspects, because the OFF-state diagnostics may be performed on the trailer lights when the vehicle ignition may be OFF, the first current may 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 power source) is not drained. The first current may also be maintained at a low constant value to ensure that the trailer lights 208 are not illuminated, as described above.

[0043] In response to the first current being supplied to the trailer lights 208, the processor 224 may determine a voltage drop across the circuit associated with the constant current source 214. As described above, the voltage drop may be a difference between the supply voltage and a voltage at the output of the constant current source 214. In some aspects, the processor 224 may obtain inputs from the voltage sensor or comparator 216 to determine the voltage drop across the constant current source 214 based on the obtained inputs. In additional or alternative aspects, the processor 224 may determine the voltage drop or voltage measured at the output of the constant current source 214 based on inputs / measurements obtained from the ADC voltage monitor 302.

[0044] The processor 224 may be configured to determine the trailer light connection status to the constant current source 214 (and thus the status of the electrical connection between the vehicle 105 and the trailer 110) based on the determined voltage drop. In particular, in response to determining the voltage drop, the processor 224 may determine, based on the voltage drop, whether a predefined condition may be met. In some aspects, the predefined condition may be met when the voltage measured at the output of the constant current source 214 is equal to or close to the supply voltage. In response to determining that the predefined condition may be met, the processor 224 may perform a predefined action.

[0045] Specifically, in response to determining that the voltage measured at the output of constant current source 214 is equal to or close to the supply voltage, processor 224 may, in some aspects, first determine, based on the inputs / readings obtained from ADC voltage monitor 302, whether a short circuit exists in the circuit connecting constant current source 214 and trailer lights 208. If a short circuit may exist, processor 224 may transmit / output a notification to vehicle MMS 204 and / or the user device via transceiver 228 indicating to the vehicle operator that a short circuit may exist. The vehicle operator may then take remedial action to have the short circuit corrected.

[0046] On the other hand, in response to determining that no short circuit exists, the processor 224 may determine that the trailer lights 208 cannot be electrically coupled to the constant current source 214 if the voltage measured at the output of the constant current source 214 is equal to or close to the supply voltage. In this case, the processor 224 may transmit / output a notification to the vehicle MMS 204 and / or the user device via the transceiver 228 indicating to the vehicle operator that the trailer lights 208 cannot be electrically coupled to the constant current source 214 or that the trailer 110 cannot be properly connected to the vehicle 105. In response to seeing / hearing the notification, the vehicle operator may properly connect the trailer 110 to the vehicle 105.In this way, the system 200 enables the vehicle driver to receive timely notification when the trailer 110 cannot be properly connected to the vehicle 105.

[0047] In further aspects, the predefined condition may be met if the voltage measured at the output of the constant current source 214 may be less than the supply voltage. In response to determining that the voltage measured at the output of the constant current source 214 is less than the supply voltage, the processor 224 may determine that the trailer lights 208 may be electrically coupled to the constant current source 214, and thus the trailer 110 may be properly connected to the vehicle 105.

[0048] The processor 224 may be further configured to determine a trailer light type based on the voltage drop across the constant current source 214 (i.e., the difference between the supply voltage and the voltage measured at the output of the constant current source 214) when the voltage measured at the output of the constant current source 214 may be less than the supply voltage. In some aspects, the trailer lights 208 may include one or more different types of trailer lights, e.g., lights with LEDs, incandescent bulbs, lights with capacitive loads, etc., and the processor 224 may determine the trailer light type based on the voltage drop. In some aspects, the voltage drop may be proportional to the forward voltage of the LEDs when the trailer lights 208 include LEDs.Furthermore, the voltage drop may be low if the trailer lights 208 include incandescent bulbs and may increase during capacitor charging if the trailer lights 208 include capacitive loads. The processor 224 may examine the voltage drop profile to determine the trailer light type.

[0049] In further aspects, if the processor 224 determines that the trailer 110 may be properly connected to the vehicle 105 based on the voltage drop across the constant current source 214 and determines the trailer light type, the processor 224 may perform additional diagnostics to confirm the status of the electrical connection between the vehicle and the trailer and the determined trailer type. The processor 224 may perform the additional diagnostics to gain certainty regarding the results identified by measuring the voltage drop across the constant current source 214.

[0050] In some aspects, to perform the 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 pulse of the second current to the trailer lights 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 lights 208 for a predefined short period of time.In some aspects, the processor 224 may cause the high-side driver 212 to supply the second current to the trailer lights 208 by transmitting a notification to the vehicle MMS 204 via the transceiver 228 requesting the vehicle operator to turn on a vehicle light (e.g., apply a vehicle brake to turn on vehicle brake lights). When the vehicle operator turns on the vehicle brake lights, a command signal may be transmitted by the on-board computer 202 to the high-side driver 212 (via the processor 224) to request the high-side driver 212 to supply the second current to the trailer lights 208. In other aspects, the processor 224 may send the command signal itself to the high-side driver 212 to supply the second current to the trailer lights 208 without requesting the vehicle operator to apply the vehicle brakes.In some aspects, processor 224 may cause high-side driver 212 to supply the second current to trailer lights 208 once (or twice). This may all occur when the vehicle is stationary.

[0051] In response to receiving the second current, the trailer lights 208 may flash or illuminate once (since the second current may be supplied to the trailer lights 208 once, as described above) if the trailer lights 208 may be electrically coupled to the high-side driver 212 or if the trailer 110 may be electrically coupled to the vehicle 105. When the trailer lights 208 flash, the processor 224 may measure current / voltage at the high-side driver 212 to determine the connection of the trailer 110 to the vehicle 105. In particular, because the second current may be significantly greater than the first current, the measurements / results determined based on measuring the current / voltage at the high-side driver 212 may be more accurate. If theIf the current / voltage measured at the high-side driver 212 indicates an electrical connection between the trailer 110 (or the trailer lights 208) and the vehicle 105 (or the high-side driver 212), the processor 224 may determine with confidence that the trailer 110 may be optimally connected to the vehicle 105. In some aspects, the processor 224 may further determine with confidence the trailer light type based on the measured current / voltage at the high-side driver 212 or based on the second current provided to the trailer lights 208 by the high-side driver 212.

[0052] In response to determining (with certainty) that the trailer 110 may be optimally connected to the vehicle 105 and determining the trailer lamp type, the processor 224 may transmit, via the transceiver 228, a notification to the vehicle MMS 204 and / or the user device indicating that the electrical connection may be successful (and the corresponding trailer lamp type for reference by the vehicle operator).

[0053] Furthermore, if the detection or determination of the 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, matches the determination / results identified 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 the OFF-state diagnostics on the trailer lights. In response to such a determination, the processor 224 may perform the OFF-state diagnostics on the trailer lights at a predefined frequency (e.g., every 1 second) using the constant current source 214 until the vehicle operator turns on the vehicle lights, thereby turning on the trailer lights 208.

[0054] When the processor 224 performs the OFF-state diagnostics on the trailer lights at the predefined frequency, the processor 224 may obtain trigger signals (e.g., second trigger signals) from the timer 230 at the predefined frequency. In response to obtaining a second trigger signal, the processor 224 may cause the constant current source 214 to supply the first current to the trailer lights 208, as described above. Further, the processor 224 may determine the voltage drop across the constant current source 214 to determine the status of the electrical connection between the trailer 110 and the vehicle 105, as described above. The processor 224 may continue to perform the OFF-state diagnostics on the trailer lights at the predefined frequency, e.g.,every 1 second (since the processor 224 obtains the second trigger signals every 1 second from the timer 230) and thus continues to check the connection status between the trailer 110 and the vehicle 105 every 1 second. Based on the OFF-state diagnostics on the trailer lights, the processor 224 can transmit a notification to the vehicle MMS 204 and / or the user device via the transceiver 228 if the processor 224 determines that the electrical connection may be interrupted or broken at any time, as described above. In this way, the processor 224 assists the vehicle operator by timely indicating an interrupted or broken electrical connection between the vehicle 105 and the trailer 110.

[0055] In further aspects, the processor 224 may obtain inputs / measurements from the battery-switched resistor circuit 218 to check for a battery short (e.g., the vehicle battery 206 and / or one or more additional batteries described above) at the output. In some aspects, the processor 224 may check for a battery short before the processor 224 causes the constant current source 214 to supply the first current to the trailer lights 208. The battery-switched resistor circuit 218 may also be used to discharge any capacitors that may be included in the circuitry of the trailer lights 208. The system 200 may further include a ground fault circuit 304 that may be used by the processor 224 to determine / decode a ground fault.

[0056] Although the above description describes an aspect in which system 200 detects trailer light connection status, in some aspects, system 115 may also be used to detect the operational status of vehicle lights. The above examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure to detecting only trailer lights.

[0057] Furthermore, the constant current source 214 in the system 200 can be implemented or arranged in a variety of different configurations, thus eliminating very large resistors in the circuit that can be susceptible to leakage current.

[0058] Fig. 4 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary trailer lamp management method 400 according to the present disclosure. Fig. 4 may be described with continued reference to previous figures. The following process is exemplary and not limited to the steps described below. Moreover, alternative embodiments may include more or fewer steps than illustrated or described herein, and may include these steps in an order that differs from the order described in the following embodiments.

[0059] Related to Fig.4, the method 400 may begin at step 402. At step 404, the method 400 may include obtaining, by the processor 224, the first trigger signal. At step 406, the method 400 may include causing, by the processor 224, the constant current source 214 to supply the first current to the trailer lights 208 in response to obtaining the first trigger signal. At step 408, the method 400 may include determining, by the processor 224, the voltage drop across the circuit associated with the constant current source 214 in response to supplying the first current.

[0060] At step 410, the method 400 may include determining, by the processor 224, that the predefined condition may be met based on the voltage drop. In one example aspect, the processor 224 may determine, as described above, that the predefined condition may be met when the voltage measured at the output of the constant current source 214 may correspond to the supply voltage. At step 412, the method 400 may include performing, by the processor 224, a predefined action in response to determining that the predefined condition may be met. In one example aspect, the processor 224 may transmit a notification to the vehicle HMI 204 and / or the user device when the voltage measured at the output of the constant current source 214 may correspond to the supply voltage, as described above.The notification may provide the vehicle operator with an indication that the trailer 110 may not be optimally coupled (e.g., electrically coupled) to the vehicle 105.

[0061] At step 414, the method 400 may end.

[0062] In the foregoing disclosure, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and illustrate specific implementations in which the present disclosure may be practiced. It is understood that other implementations may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. References in the specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," etc., indicate that the described embodiment may include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that specific feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, such phrases are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.Furthermore, if a feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with one embodiment, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described.

[0063] Furthermore, the functions described in this document may be performed in one or more of hardware, software, firmware, digital components, or analog components, as appropriate. For example, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) may be programmed to perform one or more of the systems and procedures described in this document. Certain terms used throughout the specification and claims refer to specific system components. As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, components may be referred to by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components that differ in name but not in function.

[0064] It is also understood that the word "example," as used in this document, is intended to be non-exclusive and non-limiting. In particular, the word "example," as used in this document, indicates one of several examples, and it is understood that no undue emphasis or preference is placed on the specific example described.

[0065] A computer-readable medium (also referred to as a processor-readable medium) includes any non-transitory (e.g., physical) medium that participates in providing data (e.g., instructions) that can be read by a computer (e.g., by a processor of a computer). Such a medium may take many forms, including, but not limited to, non-transitory media and volatile media. Computing devices may include computer-executable instructions, where the instructions may be executable by one or more computing devices, such as those listed above, and may be stored on a computer-readable medium.

[0066] With respect to the processes, systems, methods, heuristics, etc. described in this specification, it is to be understood that although the steps of such processes, etc., have been described as occurring according to a certain ordered sequence, such processes could be implemented in practice such that the described steps are performed in an order that differs from the order described in this specification. Further, it is to be understood that certain steps could be performed concurrently, that other steps could be added, or that certain steps described in this specification could be omitted. In other words, the descriptions of processes in this specification are for the purpose of illustrating various embodiments and should in no way be construed to limit the claims.

[0067] Accordingly, it is to be understood that the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments and applications other than the examples listed will become apparent from a reading of the foregoing description. The scope should be determined not by reference to the foregoing description, but instead by reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is anticipated and intended that there will be future developments in the art discussed herein, and that the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. Overall, it is understood that the application is susceptible of modification and variation.

[0068] All terms used in the claims are intended to have their general meaning as known to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the technologies described in this specification apply, unless expressly stated otherwise herein. In particular, the use of the singular articles, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," etc., is intended to refer to one or more of the specified elements, unless a claim expressly limits otherwise.Conditional language, such as "may," "could," "may," or "may possibly," is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments may include certain features, elements, and / or steps, while other embodiments may not include them, unless specifically stated otherwise or clear from the particular context used. Thus, such conditional language is generally not intended to imply that features, elements, and / or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a voltage sensor configured to compare the supply voltage with the voltage at the output of the constant current source circuit, and wherein the processor is further configured to: obtain inputs from the voltage sensor; and determine the voltage drop in the constant current source circuit based on the inputs.

[0070] According to the present invention, a trailer light management method includes: acquiring, by a processor, a trigger signal; causing, by the processor, a constant current source circuit to supply current to a trailer light in response to acquiring the trigger signal; determining, by the processor, a voltage drop in the constant current source circuit in response to supplying the current, wherein the voltage drop is a difference between a supply voltage to the constant current source circuit and a voltage at an output of the constant current source circuit; determining, by the processor, that a predefined condition is met based on the voltage drop; and performing, by the processor, a predefined action in response to determining that the predefined condition is met.

[0071] In one aspect of the invention, obtaining the trigger signal comprises obtaining the trigger signal when the trailer light is OFF.

[0072] In one aspect of the invention, the constant current source supplies the trailer light with current as a constant current pulse for a predefined period of time.

[0073] According to the present invention, a durable computer-readable medium is provided having stored thereon computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, result in performing operations comprising: acquiring a trigger signal; causing a constant current source circuit to supply current to a trailer light in response to acquiring the trigger signal; determining a voltage drop in the constant current source circuit in response to supplying the current, the voltage drop being a difference between a supply voltage to the constant current source circuit and a voltage at an output of the constant current source circuit; determining that a predefined condition is met based on the voltage drop; and performing a predefined action in response to determining that the predefined condition is met.

Claims

[1] Trailer light management system comprising: a constant current source circuit configured to supply a first current to a trailer light, and a processor communicatively coupled to the constant current source circuit, the processor 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 receiving the first trigger signal; Determining a voltage drop in the constant current source circuit in response to supplying the first current, the voltage drop being a difference between a supply voltage to the constant current source circuit and a voltage at an output of the constant current source circuit; Determining that a predefined condition is met based on the voltage drop; and Performing a predefined action in response to determining that the predefined condition is met. [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 of 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 current to the trailer light as a constant current pulse for a predefined period of time. [5] The trailer light management system of claim 1, wherein when the first current is less than a predefined current threshold, the trailer light is not illuminated in response to receiving the first current. [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 corresponds to the supply voltage. [7] The trailer light management system of claim 6, wherein the predefined action comprises transmitting a notification to a human-machine interface (HMI) of the vehicle or a user device, and wherein the notification indicates that the trailer light is not coupled to the constant current source circuit. [8] Trailer light management system according to claim 1, wherein the predefined condition is met when the voltage measured at the output of the constant current source 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 configured to supply a second current to the trailer light, wherein the second current is greater than the first current, and wherein the trailer light 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 configured to provide power to the driver circuit. [14] The trailer light management system of claim 13, further comprising a voltage controller configured to obtain power from the vehicle battery, the voltage controller 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 light via the diode.

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