Wireless tilt sensor system and method

Abstract

Wireless sensor system for detecting the position of an object on a vehicle, comprising: a wireless sensor (5) adapted to detect the position of an object on a vehicle with respect to a first position and a second position, wherein the wireless sensor (5) is attached to the object, has a power source for operating the wireless sensor (5), and wherein the wireless sensor (5) is adapted to wirelessly transmit data indicating the position of the object; and a transceiver module (3) with a connection for receiving electrical energy from the vehicle and an alarm logic (15) for generating a signal indicating a status of the object, wherein the transceiver module (3) is adapted to receive the transmitted data and to determine, at least partially, on the basis of the transmitted data, whether to generate an alarm, wherein the alarm indicates the position of the object, wherein the transceiver module (3) is adapted to determine when the vehicle is started by detecting a voltage drop, and wherein the wireless sensor (5) is adapted to automatically detect the position of the object when the vehicle is started.

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to devices, systems, and methods for determining the position of a tailgate, door, or the like. More specifically, the devices, systems, and methods relate to the use of one or more sensors for determining the position of a tailgate, door, or the like. Background of the invention

[0002] Smaller trucks, such as those commonly referred to as pickups, often have tailgates that swing around a horizontal axis from a vertically closed position to a horizontally open position. Larger trucks, such as vans and semi-trailers, often have one or more rear doors that swing vertically from an open to a closed position. While driving, these doors should normally be in a closed position to prevent cargo from shifting or falling off the vehicle. It is often difficult for an operator to see a truck's tailgate or cargo door due to the vehicle's design or cargo obstructing the view. A trailer pulled by a tractor unit can also block the operator's view of doors at the rear of the trailer.A better way is needed to determine the position of tailgates, doors, and other objects on vehicles.

[0003] Document US 8,410,921 B1 discloses a wireless device that visually indicates to the driver of a pickup truck when the tailgate is open or unsecured in the lowered position. A sensor attached to the tailgate mechanism sends a radio signal to an indicator light that can be mounted anywhere on the dashboard. The system increases safety and protects the vehicle from potential damage to the tailgate and cargo bed. Summary of the invention

[0004] One embodiment is a wireless sensor system for detecting a tailgate, door, or other object on a vehicle that is left in an open position or moving from a closed position to an open position, and for triggering an alarm to warn the vehicle driver. The wireless sensor system includes a wireless sensor and a transceiver module. The transceiver module can be plugged into the vehicle's cigarette lighter socket to receive its power supply. The wireless sensor detects movement of an object on the vehicle from a first position to a second position or from its first position. For example, a tailgate or door (hereafter described using the term "tailgate") may have moved from a closed position to an open position.If the object changes its position or is left in an open position, the wireless sensor sends data to the transceiver module indicating the movement or position of the tailgate. The transceiver module receives the transmitted data and, based at least in part on this data, determines whether to generate an alarm or a notification, and if so, generates the alarm.

[0005] One embodiment is a method for detecting the movement / position of a vehicle's tailgate. The method first uses a wireless sensor on the vehicle to detect the initial position of the object. Next, the wireless sensor detects that the object has moved to a second position. The sensor wirelessly transmits this information to a transceiver module plugged into the vehicle's cigarette lighter socket. The information indicates a change in the tailgate's position or simply that the tailgate is not in the initial or closed position. Brief description of the drawing

[0006] One or more preferred embodiments, representing the best embodiment(s), are shown in the drawing and in the following description. The invention is precisely and clearly demonstrated and explained in the attached claims.

[0007] The accompanying drawing, which is included in and forms part of the description, illustrates various exemplary methods and other exemplary embodiments of different aspects of the invention. It should be apparent that the element boundaries depicted (e.g., boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) in the figures represent one possible example of such boundaries. A person skilled in the art will recognize that in some examples, one element may be designed as several elements, or several elements may be designed as one element. In some examples, an element shown as an internal component of another element may be designed as an external component, and vice versa. Furthermore, elements may not be drawn to scale. Fig. Figure 1 represents an exemplary wireless sensor system for detecting when a tailgate on a vehicle is open. Fig. Figure 2 represents an exemplary transceiver module of the wireless sensor system. Fig. Figure 3 presents exemplary details of the transceiver module of the wireless sensor system. Fig. Figure 4 presents an exemplary procedure for detecting a tailgate position and generating a message.

[0008] Throughout the drawing, similar numbers refer to similar parts. Detailed description of the drawing

[0009] Fig. Figure 1 represents a representative embodiment of a wireless sensor system 1 that determines the position of a tailgate 8 of a truck 2 and warns its driver if there is an undesired change in the tailgate 8's position. For example, the system 1 can generate a visual and / or audible warning when the tailgate 8 moves from a closed position to an open position. In other embodiments, the system 1 can be used on other motor vehicles, agricultural equipment, construction equipment, or other types of equipment to warn operators of an undesired position or change in position of an object attached to the respective vehicle. For example, knowing the position of a snowplow blade, a tractor attachment, and the like can be useful to the operator.The wireless sensor system 1 eliminates potentially dangerous conditions where, for example, an open tailgate could cause loss of property, traffic accidents, or theft.

[0010] The wireless sensor system 1 comprises two primary devices: a transceiver module 3 and a wireless sensor 5. As described below, the transceiver module 3 receives a wireless signal / data from the wireless sensor 5 indicating the position of an object, such as a door or tailgate 8. The transceiver module 3 then displays an indicator (regarding the presence or absence of an alarm) on the transceiver module 3 and / or causes a position indicator or alarm to be displayed on a vehicle display system or instrument panel, or on another device, such as a mobile phone or other suitable device.

[0011] The transceiver module 3 and the wireless sensor 5 can be implemented with various functional logic units that perform the functionality of these devices. For example, the transceiver module 3 can be implemented with alarm logic 15, as shown in Fig. 3 shown, which generates signals to activate lights and / or acoustic devices to indicate to an operator of the vehicle 2 the status of a tailgate, door and the like.

[0012] “Logic,” as used here, includes but is not limited to hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations of each to perform a function or action and / or to cause a function or action to be performed by another logic, process, and / or system. For example, depending on the desired application or need, logic may include a software-controlled microprocessor, discrete logic such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device, an instruction-containing memory device, or the like. Logic may include one or more gates, combinations of gates, or other circuit components. Logic may be implemented entirely as software. Where multiple logics are described, it may be possible to incorporate the multiple logics into a single physical logic.Similarly, where a single logical logic is described, it may be possible to divide this single logical logic between several physical logics.

[0013] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the transceiver module 3 can be configured in various arrangements with different functionalities. For example, in one embodiment, the transceiver module 3 can be a USB charger / transceiver and plug into an existing 12 V auxiliary power outlet in the cabin of a vehicle. The transceiver module 3 can have a round 12 V connector that can be plugged into a cigarette lighter socket. For example, the cigarette lighter connector can have two USB charging ports 11, as shown in Figure 2. Fig. Figure 3 shows the transceiver module 3, and it can be similar to a cigarette lighter connector according to USCAR4. This transceiver module 3 can additionally have status indicator lights 7 and an audible alarm unit 9.

[0014] More precisely, and in some configurations, the transceiver module 3 can be a USB charger / transceiver that conforms to the SAE / USCAR4 standard for cigarette lighter and wall outlets. The USB charging ports 11 can have a minimum output of two amps each. Some embodiments of the transceiver module 3 can have status lights 7. The status lights 7 can be a single tri-color light or, alternatively, several individually colored status lights. The individual colored lights can be, for example, a red light to indicate that a tailgate or door is open, a green light to indicate that a tailgate or door is closed, and an orange light to indicate that the battery charge of the wireless sensor 5 is low, or some other such fault indication. The lights 7 can be backlit and, when activated, shine through a translucent lens.The lights 7 can be LED displays and are vertically oriented in one embodiment, but can be other lighting devices, as a person skilled in the art can see. The transceiver module 3 can contain a printed circuit board, preferably no more than a single-sided, double-sided board. A buzzer suitable for generating acoustic signals in the transceiver module 3 can operate at approximately 83 dBA - 2.3 kHz and can be similar to the outdoor buzzer type (PUI AUDIO P / N# AI-1223-TWT-3V-2-R).

[0015] The components of the transceiver module 3 can be mounted in a housing 13, which, for example, is made of a rigid material such as plastic. For easier assembly, the housing 13 can be made of two halves, as shown in Fig. 2 is shown and best seen. The housing 13 can be any suitable color and in some embodiments is colored black with translucent aperture areas above the lamps 7.

[0016] "Rigid material" is defined here as any material that retains its shape when formed and is neither a liquid nor a gas. For example, rigid materials include steel, aluminum, plastic, wood, etc.

[0017] In one example, the transceiver module 3 is adapted to integrate into the computer and electrical systems (not shown) of the vehicle 2. For example, the transceiver module 3 can be plugged into the OBD2 port of the vehicle 2, the on-board diagnostics port, or any other suitable vehicle connector to communicate with the vehicle 2's systems. It should be clear that the transceiver module 3 can communicate with the vehicle 2's systems either wirelessly or via a wired connection. The transceiver module 3 can also be adapted to communicate information received from the wireless sensor 5 to a user or driver via the vehicle 2's systems. For example, after receiving a message from the wireless sensor 5, the transceiver module 3 can warn the user via the vehicle 2's dashboard that a tailgate 8 is in an open position.

[0018] In one example, the transceiver module 5 can be adapted to communicate information to a smartphone or other similar type of mobile computing device via Bluetooth or another suitable wireless protocol, thus providing a user with a warning or notification of an open tailgate 8 via the computing device.

[0019] Again with reference to Fig. In Figure 1, the wireless sensor 5 is attached to the tailgate 8. Those skilled in the art will understand that the sensor 5 can be attached to the tailgate 8 of the vehicle 2 using screws, bolts, other mechanical fasteners, adhesive, or in any other known manner. The sensor can be powered by battery power, solar power, a renewable energy source, or another power source, as those skilled in the art will also understand. Depending on the transmission range, the wireless sensor 5 can take on various forms to accommodate larger or more powerful transmitters, larger solar cells, or other components that would increase the transmission range or overall functionality. In some embodiments, the sensor 5 can be a wireless tilt sensor.In one example, sensor 5 includes an accelerometer and / or a gyroscope for detecting and thus determining the orientation when the tailgate 8 is in an open or closed position. It should therefore be clear that sensor 5 can be independent insofar as it can measure and determine position and orientation without relying on additional external components.

[0020] Although the wireless sensor is 5 in Fig. While Figure 1 shows sensor 5 mounted on a pickup truck, sensor 5 can be mounted on a lifting gate or doors of a semi-trailer, on moving objects on agricultural equipment, and the like. Sensor 5 can also be mounted on double or single swing doors. When mounted in these configurations, sensor 5 (a reed switch, Hall effect sensor, or the like) can be actuated by a magnet or other contactless means. In other configurations, sensor 5 can also be actuated by a mechanical switch.

[0021] The wireless sensor 5 can have a suitable shape to house its internal components in a casing made of a rigid material, such as plastic or another suitable material. In some arrangements, the sensor 5 has a cylindrical shape and dimensions smaller than Ø1.5" × 3 / 8". As mentioned previously, the wireless sensor 5 can include a solar cell for recharging the sensor 5.

[0022] In other configurations, the wireless sensor system 1 can also provide a warning to an operator of the vehicle 2 that an object is behind the vehicle 2 while reversing, or that the vehicle is close to a wall or other object. As ordinary experts understand, this functionality can be implemented by processing images captured by the same or an additional wireless sensor 5, and / or by transmitting electromagnetic waves from the sensor 5 and determining how far an object is from the rear of the vehicle 2 by determining how long these electromagnetic waves take to bounce back from the object and return to the sensor 5. An object detection logic 17 in the sensor 5 and / or transceiver module 3 can execute some of the algorithms and logic for detecting objects near the rear of the vehicle 2.This information relating to objects near the rear of vehicle 2 can be sent to a Bluetooth device or other such device in the cabin of vehicle 2 and can also be forwarded to a user's telephone or mobile computer device located near vehicle 2.

[0023] To conserve energy, sensor 5 can be switched off when the vehicle hatch is open. For example, a tilt switch in sensor 5 can cut off the device's power supply. The transceiver module 3 can then assume that the hatch is closed or the door is open when there is no signal; this would be one way to potentially save energy. The wireless sensor 5 would also have a power-saving mode, and changing the sensor state in any way would wake it up as a further means of saving energy.

[0024] In some configurations, but not required in all configurations, the wireless sensor system 1 can be implemented in other useful ways and have other features. For example, the wireless sensor system 1 can be implemented, at least partially, according to the Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE) standard or the ANT+ protocol. In other configurations, the sensor 5 is able to transmit to the transceiver 3 from a central position of the tailgate, and can transmit to the transceiver module 3 in any position (open, closed, or in between) of the tailgate, with a test load of metal obstacles (metal tools and building materials on the cargo bed).

[0025] It should be understood that sensor 5 can be configured to communicate with multiple devices, either simultaneously or sequentially. For example, sensor 5 can be configured to send information regarding an open tailgate 8 to transceiver module 3, to the vehicle's systems, and to a mobile computer device. This allows the vehicle's driver to receive two redundant warnings in case one of the warnings fails.

[0026] After describing the components of wireless sensor system 1 along with some of their features, the operation of the entire wireless sensor system 1 will now be explained. For example, when the tailgate of vehicle 2 is moved from a closed position (top) to an open position (bottom), the wireless sensor 5 detects this movement and sends a wireless signal to the transceiver indicating this movement. The wireless sensor 5 can detect this movement by sensing the release of a pressure switch, a change in a magnetic field at the switch 5, or in some other way. The transceiver module 3 can decode the signal / message from the wireless sensor 5 and determine whether to generate an audible alarm, a visual signal, and / or other alarms or signals via an alarm interface.For example, an alarm generation logic 15 in the transceiver module 3 can generate an alarm / warning that is audible and associated with a continuous flashing - one second off / one second on - of one of the lights 7, such as a red LED.

[0027] In some configurations, if the tailgate is subsequently moved from the open position to the closed position (top), the wireless sensor 5 detects this movement and sends a wireless signal to the transceiver indicating this movement. The wireless sensor 5 can detect this by sensing a push button being pressed down again, a change in the magnetic field at the push button, or by other means. The transceiver module 3 can decode the signal / message from the wireless sensor 5 and determine that the tailgate has been closed. Once this is detected, the alarm generation logic 15 in the transceiver module 3 can turn off the red LED and illuminate a green LED in a constant, non-flashing green light, thus ending the audible alarm.

[0028] While the preceding example is presented as an example of detecting the movement of a truck's tailgate, the sensor system 1 can operate similarly in other vehicles to monitor swing doors on other trucks, the movement of components on agricultural equipment, and the like. In some other arrangements, the actuation of sensor 5 and the sensor 5 itself may be designed differently, or may consist of a reed switch or Hall-effect sensor on the sensor side and a magnet on the opposite door or door frame. When sensor 5 comes into close proximity with the magnet, it would then change its state to indicate that the door is closed.

[0029] It should be understood that two different conditions can exist for starting a vehicle. In certain vehicles, the electrical connections remain switched on; therefore, it may be necessary to detect the voltage fluctuation of the vehicle 2 during starting. For example, many vehicles manufactured outside the USA switch off the cigarette lighter socket with the ignition, so the transceiver module 3 may not be powered during starting if it is used in such a vehicle. Of course, the vehicle's electrical connection is switched off in vehicles of this type, and the transceiver module 3 will soon be powered after the vehicle starts. Under these conditions, the transceiver module 3 may have logic and circuitry to wait for a state of full power supply before deciding whether the tailgate 8 is up or down.A check of the condition of flap or door 8 is carried out soon after the transceiver module 3 is switched on.

[0030] However, in other vehicles the socket is constantly supplied with power. However, there can be a voltage fluctuation at the socket during vehicle start-up, which is shown in curve 30 of Fig. Figure 4 illustrates a variety of different vehicles. In this case, the wireless sensor system 1 automatically checks the status of the tailgate 8 being closed or the door being open when the vehicle 2 is started. Specifically, the wireless sensor system 1 is able to determine when a vehicle is starting by detecting the voltage fluctuation. If the tailgate 8 is closed or the door is open and the voltage drop is detected, the transceiver module 3 can cause a red light 7 to flash. In some arrangements, the transceiver module 3 can include logic to create a one-second pause after the vehicle 2 starts and then begin a series of beeps. One second after the end of the beep sequence, the transceiver module 3 can repeat the beep sequence for a total of two beeps. The transceiver module 3 can continue to flash a red light 7 until the tailgate or door is subsequently closed.

[0031] It should be understood that such a vehicle check is carried out when vehicle 2 is started, as a driver may have forgotten that flap 8 is down or the door is open, or someone else may have opened the door without the driver's knowledge. Performing the check when vehicle 2 is started is important because this is the point at which an incident is most likely to be avoidable. In particular, this is the point at which the driver is in close proximity to the alarm (i.e., in the cigarette lighter socket) and can therefore be warned before vehicle 2 moves.

[0032] Exemplary procedures can be better understood with reference to flowcharts. For simplicity, the procedures are explained as a series of blocks. It should be noted that the procedures are not restricted by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur in different sequences and / or in parallel with other blocks than those shown and described. Furthermore, fewer than all of the blocks shown may be required to execute an exemplary procedure. Blocks can be combined or divided into multiple components. Additional and / or alternative procedures may also utilize additional blocks not shown.

[0033] Fig.Section 5 describes a method 500 for detecting the position of an object on a vehicle. The method 500 begins at 502 with the detection of the object's initial position using a wireless sensor on the vehicle. Next, at 504, the wireless sensor detects that the object has moved to a second position. At 506, the sensor wirelessly transmits this information to a transceiver module plugged into the vehicle's cigarette lighter socket. This information indicates a change in the object's position from the first to the second position. At 508, the transceiver module determines, based on the transmitted information, whether to generate an alarm. At 510, an alarm unit specifically generates the alarm, at least partially based on this specific determination.

Claims

[1] Wireless sensor system for detecting the position of an object on a vehicle, comprising: a wireless sensor (5) adapted to detect the position of an object on a vehicle with respect to a first position and a second position, wherein the wireless sensor (5) is attached to the object, has a power source for operating the wireless sensor (5), and wherein the wireless sensor (5) is adapted to wirelessly transmit data indicating the position of the object; and a transceiver module (3) with a connection for receiving electrical energy from the vehicle and an alarm logic (15) for generating a signal indicating a status of the object, wherein the transceiver module (3) is adapted to receive the transmitted data and to determine, at least partially, on the basis of the transmitted data, whether to generate an alarm, wherein the alarm indicates the position of the object, wherein the transceiver module (3) is adapted to determine when the vehicle is started by detecting a voltage drop, and wherein the wireless sensor (5) is adapted to automatically detect the position of the object when the vehicle is started. [2] Wireless sensor system according to claim 1, wherein the wireless sensor (5) is an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a Hall effect sensor or a reed switch. [3] Wireless sensor system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wireless sensor (5) detects a movement of the object out of the first position by detecting a change in a magnetic field of a pressure switch being released, and wherein the wireless sensor (5) detects a movement of the object into the first position by detecting a change in a magnetic field of the pressure switch being pressed. [4] Wireless sensor system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the wireless sensor (5) further comprises a tilt switch for switching off the power supply to the wireless sensor (5) when the object is in the second position. [5] Wireless sensor system according to claim 4, wherein the transceiver module (3) generates an alarm if the transceiver module (3) does not receive any data from the wireless sensor (5). [6] Wireless sensor system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the alarm logic (15) generates an alarm / warning that is audible. [7] Wireless sensor system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transceiver module (3) has a status light (7) and wherein the alarm logic (15) generates a warning that is visible. [8] Wireless sensor system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection for receiving electrical energy is selected from the group consisting of: USB charging port and round 12V connector which can be plugged into a cigarette lighter socket. [9] Wireless sensor system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the power source of the wireless sensor (5) is a battery or a renewable power source. [10] Wireless sensor system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the power source of the wireless sensor (5) is a solar cell. [11] Wireless sensor system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transceiver module (3) is adapted to couple with a computer system of the vehicle. [12] Wireless sensor system according to claim 11, wherein the transceiver module (3) is adapted to connect to the vehicle's computer system via an on-board diagnostics port. [13] Wireless sensor system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein a warning is communicated to a dashboard of the vehicle. [14] Wireless sensor system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transceiver module (3) is adapted to couple with a mobile computer device. [15] Wireless sensor system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the wireless sensor (5) is adapted to detect an object behind the vehicle. [16] Wireless sensor system according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an additional wireless sensor for detecting an object behind the vehicle, wherein the object-detecting sensor is selected from the group consisting of a sensor for capturing images and a sensor for detecting electromagnetic waves. [17] Method for detecting the position of an object on a vehicle using a wireless sensor system according to any of the preceding claims, comprising: Detecting an initial position of the object using a wireless sensor (5) on the vehicle; Detect with the wireless sensor (5) that the object has moved to a second position; wireless transmission of information from the wireless sensor (5) to a transceiver module (3), wherein the information indicates a change in the position of the object from the first position to the second position; Targeted determination at the transceiver module (3) of whether a warning should be generated based on the transmitted information; and Targeted generation of the warning, whereby the warning indicates the position of the object.

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