System for installing, operating, and configuring an aftermarket vehicle safety system

Abstract

A system for installing, operating and configuring an aftermarket vehicle monitoring device in a vehicle comprising a controller disposed within a housing, the controller including a plurality of connection interfaces compliant with a data communication protocol for connecting to one or more vehicle monitoring devices of the vehicle, and a memory storing instructions executable by a processor of the controller to process inputs received from the one or more vehicle monitoring devices and generate outputs based on the inputs, the controller configured to receive commands from a remote device to configure the one or more vehicle monitoring devices connected to the controller.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and method for installing, operating, configuring, and adding one or more aftermarket safety systems to a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Any reference to prior art methods, apparatus, or documents is not to be construed as evidence or admission that they form, or form part of, common general knowledge.

[0003] There are many vehicle safety systems available for modern vehicles and incorporated into these vehicles.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] These vehicle safety systems are generally separate systems manufactured by separate suppliers. Each may have a separate way of fixing to the vehicle, a separate way of operating, a separate way of providing input / output data, and a separate way of monitoring.

[0005] These different safety systems pose several limitations. Several different communication protocols may be used. For example, one safety system may have its own sensors, controller box, and in-cabin display that are not compatible with the sensors, controller box, and display of a second safety system within the same vehicle.

[0006] Furthermore, the software and firmware used in the control box to control each respective safety device are likely to be proprietary to its manufacturer and are “closed” in the sense that they are unlikely to be easily upgraded or changed.

[0007] When several vehicle safety devices are added to a vehicle, such limitations render the installation and use of such multiple distinct vehicle safety systems inefficient, wasteful, costly, and environmentally unsustainable. **Means for Solving the Problem**

[0008] In one aspect, the present invention is a system for installing, operating, and configuring an aftermarket vehicle safety system, comprising a controller disposed within a housing, the controller including a plurality of connection interfaces corresponding to a data communication protocol for connecting to one or more vehicle monitoring devices of a vehicle, and a memory storing instructions executable by a processor of the controller to process inputs received from the one or more vehicle monitoring devices and generate outputs based on the inputs, the controller being configured to receive commands from a remote device to configure the one or more vehicle monitoring devices connected to the controller, and a single display connected to the controller, the display being disposed within the vehicle and adapted to display information in response to an output from the controller, and providing a system.

[0009] Preferably, the vehicle monitoring device is an aftermarket vehicle monitoring device. Preferably, the vehicle monitoring device is a combination of an aftermarket vehicle monitoring device and an OEM vehicle monitoring device.

[0010] Preferably, the single display comprises an aftermarket or non - OEM (original equipment manufacturer) display installed within the vehicle. Preferably, the single display is the only display connected to the controller. Preferably, only one display can be connected to the controller at a time.

[0011] Preferably, the controller is further configured to generate an output based on the input to control the vehicle. Preferably, the controller is configured to generate an output based on the input to control one or more components of the vehicle.

[0012] Preferably, the plurality of connection interfaces comprise one or more of an RS232 connection, a Bluetooth receiver, a CAN bus, a Wi-Fi receiver, digital I / O, analog I / O, and an Ethernet connection.

[0013] Preferably, the input includes data including an electronic signal generated by one or more vehicle monitoring devices. Preferably, the input includes data generated by one or more vehicle monitoring devices based on the functionality of the one or more vehicle monitoring devices. Preferably, the controller is configured to timestamp and / or geotag the input upon receipt of the input.

[0014] Preferably, the controller comprises a CAN bus interface for connecting to the vehicle. Preferably, the controller comprises a CAN bus interface for connecting to the OEM system of the vehicle.

[0015] Preferably, the controller is configured to connect to both the vehicle CAN bus and an aftermarket (non-OEM) vehicle monitoring device.

[0016] Preferably, the controller is configured to network-connect one or more vehicle monitoring devices together.

[0017] Preferably, the controller stores the input and output from one or more vehicle monitoring devices in memory and / or wirelessly transmits the input and output from one or more vehicle monitoring devices to a telematics hub.

[0018] Preferably, in response to the connection of an additional vehicle monitoring device, the controller is configured to obtain instructions executable by the processor of the controller to process the input received from the additional vehicle monitoring device and generate an output based on the input. Preferably, in response to the connection of an additional vehicle monitoring device, the controller is configured to wirelessly obtain instructions executable by the processor of the controller to process the input received from the additional vehicle monitoring device and generate an output based on the input.

[0019] Preferably, the display comprises a human-machine interface.

[0020] Preferably, the output includes at least one of a state corresponding to one or more vehicle monitoring devices, an alarm, an audible warning generated by a speaker within a single in-cabin display, and a visual warning displayed on the display.

[0021] Preferably, the output displayed on a single display is user-interactive.

[0022] Preferably, the controller is further configured to wirelessly receive commands from a remote device to update the firmware and / or software of one or more vehicle monitoring devices connected to the controller.

[0023] Preferably, the remote device provides commands wirelessly or via a wired connection.

[0024] Preferably, one or more vehicle monitoring devices are safety devices and / or relaxation devices for monitoring the state of the vehicle and vehicle components and / or the area around the vehicle and / or the state of the driver.

[0025] Preferably, the vehicle monitoring device includes one or more of a radar sensor, a brake pressure sensor, a driver fatigue monitor, a seat switch, a door switch, a video camera, a GNSS receiver, an air quality monitor, an RFID scanner, and a tire monitoring system.

[0026] Preferably, the controller is configured to record data generated by the vehicle monitoring device. Preferably, the data includes actions and events detected by one or more vehicle monitoring devices.

[0027] Preferably, the controller includes a battery for maintaining an internal system clock. Preferably, the battery is a rechargeable battery adapted to be recharged when the vehicle's battery is ignited. Preferably, the rechargeable battery receives a charge from the vehicle's battery.

[0028] In another aspect, the present invention is a vehicle monitoring system, a vehicle having one or more vehicle monitoring devices connected for monitoring various aspects of the vehicle and its surroundings, a controller disposed within a housing, the controller including a plurality of connection interfaces corresponding to a data communication protocol connected to one or more vehicle monitoring devices of the vehicle, a memory storing instructions executable by a processor of the controller, the processor receiving an input from one or more vehicle monitoring devices, generating an output based on the input, and transmitting the output to a secondary device, and the controller receiving a command from a remote device to configure one or more vehicle monitoring devices connected to the controller, a display connected to the controller, the display being disposed within the vehicle and displaying information in response to an output from the controller and providing a vehicle monitoring system.

[0029] In another aspect, the present invention is a method of installing, operating, and configuring an aftermarket vehicle monitoring device within a vehicle, the method comprising: providing a controller, the controller including a plurality of connection interfaces corresponding to a data communication protocol for connecting to a plurality of vehicle monitoring devices of the vehicle, and a memory storing instructions executable by a processor of the controller to process inputs received from the plurality of vehicle monitoring devices and generate an output based on the inputs; providing a single display connected to the controller, the display being disposed within the vehicle and displaying information from each of one or more vehicle monitoring devices in response to an output from the controller; connecting the controller to the plurality of vehicle monitoring devices; connecting the controller to a vehicle network of the vehicle; receiving commands from a remote device to configure one or more vehicle monitoring devices connected to the controller; receiving inputs from the plurality of vehicle monitoring devices; processing the inputs and generating an output based on the inputs; and displaying information on the single display based on the output. A method is provided that includes the steps above.

[0030] Preferably, the method includes initializing the controller upon ignition of the vehicle.

[0031] Preferably, the method includes loading instructions from the memory to the controller after initializing the controller. Preferably, the initialization and loading of the instructions are recorded in the memory.

[0032] Preferably, following initialization, the controller attempts to establish a connection with a remote server. Preferably, upon connection with the remote server, the controller performs checks for configuration updates, firmware updates, and / or time adjustment.

[0033] Preferably, the controller scans vehicle monitoring devices specified in the configuration specifications connected to the controller. Preferably, the controller identifies any vehicle monitoring device specified in the configuration specifications that is not connected to the controller, generates an error message that is stored in memory and output to a single display.

[0034] Preferably, upon identifying any vehicle monitoring device specified in a configuration specification that is not connected to the controller, the controller excludes the identified vehicle monitoring device specified in the configuration specification that is not connected to the controller from operation, reads action rules stored in memory for the vehicle monitoring devices specified in the configuration specification connected to the controller, and polls the vehicle monitoring devices specified in the configuration specification connected to the controller. Preferably, during polling, the controller reads the status of each vehicle monitoring device, compares that status with trigger conditions specified in the configuration specification, and determines whether an output action is required based on the comparison. Preferably, if the controller determines that an output action is required, the controller refers to the configuration specification, determines the output action, records the output action in memory, and controls one or more of a plurality of vehicle output systems to generate an output.

[0035] Preferably, the method includes checking the ignition state of the vehicle. Preferably, the method includes checking the ignition state of the vehicle at a predetermined interval. Preferably, if the ignition state of the vehicle indicates an off state, the controller records the off state in the memory and initiates a power-saving mode. Preferably, the power-saving mode includes disabling one or more outputs, disabling a single display, and / or putting the controller into a sleep mode with a periodic wake-up schedule. Preferably, if the ignition state of the vehicle indicates an on state, the controller records the off state in the memory and initiates a power-saving mode.

[0036] Preferably, the method includes checking the voltage of the vehicle battery. Preferably, the method includes checking the voltage of the vehicle battery at a predetermined interval. Preferably, if the voltage of the vehicle battery falls below a threshold value, the controller is disabled.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0037] The preferred features, embodiments, and variations of the present invention can be discerned from the following detailed description, which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to practice the present invention. The detailed description should in no way be regarded as limiting the scope of the foregoing summary of the present invention. The detailed description refers to several of the following drawings.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0038] FIG. 1 shows a system 10 for installing, operating, and configuring an aftermarket vehicle safety system.

[0039] System 10 includes a controller 20 disposed within a housing 21. The controller 20 includes a plurality of connection interfaces 22 corresponding to a data communication protocol for connecting to one or more vehicle monitoring devices 100-109 of the vehicle 112, and a memory 202 that stores instructions executable by a processor 200 of the controller 20 to process an input 26 received from one or more vehicle monitoring devices 100-109 and generate an output 27 based on the input 26. The controller 20 is configured to receive commands from a remote device in the form of a cloud server 113 to configure one or more vehicle monitoring devices 100-109 connected to the controller 20.

[0040] Furthermore, system 10 includes a single display in the form of a single in-cabin display 304 connected to the controller 20. The single in-cabin display 304 is disposed within the vehicle 112 and is adapted to display information in response to an output from the controller 20. The displayed information can include alerts and warnings for updating a driver or passenger of the vehicle regarding the situation of the vehicle or the surrounding area.

[0041] The single in-cabin display 304 includes a human-machine interface. The single in-cabin display 304 is an aftermarket or non-OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) display installed within the vehicle.

[0042] The single in-cabin display 304 is the only display connected to the controller and the only display connectable to the controller at any given time.

[0043] The vehicle 112 is preferably a large vehicle such as, for example, a bus, a crane, a truck, a port facility, or a mining facility.

[0044] Vehicle monitoring devices 100 - 109 take the form of aftermarket vehicle monitoring devices and OEM vehicle monitoring devices existing within the vehicle.

[0045] Similarly, the single in - cab display 304 comprises an aftermarket or non - OEM (third - party brand manufacturing company) display installed within the vehicle 112.

[0046] Vehicle monitoring devices 100 - 109 are safety devices and / or mitigation devices for monitoring the state of the vehicle and vehicle components and / or the area around the vehicle (especially large vehicles) and / or the state of the driver.

[0047] The plurality of connection interfaces 22 of the controller 20 include one or more of an RS232 connection, a Bluetooth receiver, a CAN bus, a Wi - Fi receiver, digital I / O, analog I / O, and an Ethernet connection.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of connection interfaces 22 of the controller 20 include a CAN bus interface for connecting the controller 20 to the vehicle network of the vehicle 112 in order to integrate the controller 20 with existing (e.g., OEM) devices of the vehicle 112. In this regard, the controller 20 comprises a CAN bus interface for connecting to the OEM system of the vehicle 112 via the CAN bus 111 of the vehicle 112. Data generated and transmitted by various components of the vehicle 112 can be read through the connection of the controller 20 to the CAN bus 111 of the vehicle 112 and decoded using industry - standard protocols (e.g., J1939).

[0049] The controller 20 monitors links to remote devices in the form of cloud servers 113 for incoming messages that may include remote configuration changes in the form of action rules 24, firmware updates, and time - synchronization data.

[0050] To enhance safety and monitoring, the controller 20 is connected to both the vehicle CAN bus 111 and the aftermarket (non - OEM) vehicle monitoring devices 100 - 109.

[0051] The controller 20 is configured to receive and process input 26 in the form of electronic signals from vehicle monitoring devices 100 - 109, which would otherwise not be easily compatible with the vehicle. In this regard, the controller 20 provides a "plug and play" function for a wide range of vehicle monitoring devices. To facilitate this function, the controller 20 receives configuration data, which reconfigures and updates the controller 20 so that it can interface with signals received from the vehicle monitoring devices, process those signals, and then generate outputs based on the signals received from those vehicle monitoring devices to control the vehicle and a single in - cab display.

[0052] In response to the connection of a new or additional vehicle monitoring device, the processor 200 of the controller 20 wirelessly accesses (or receives data from) the cloud server 113, thereby obtaining instructions executable by the processor 200 of the controller 20 to enable the controller 20 to process inputs received from the new or additional vehicle monitoring device and generate outputs based on the inputs.

[0053] The output 27 includes at least one of an electronic signal for controlling the vehicle, a status corresponding to the vehicle monitoring devices 100 - 109, an alert, an audible warning, and a visual warning displayed on the in - cab display 304. The output displayed on the single in - cab display 304 is user - interactive to enable the operator to confirm and / or clear the alert.

[0054] Furthermore, the controller 20 wirelessly receives commands from the cloud server 113 to update the firmware and / or software of the vehicle monitoring devices 100-109 connected to the controller 20 in order to enable the reconfiguration and update of the action rules 24. As an example, the action rules 24 regarding when to enable the automatic brake and whether to generate a proximity warning for the radar sensor on the display may be changed from 2m to 1m by wirelessly transmitting a set of updated action rules 24 from the cloud server 113 to the controller 20. In some embodiments, the controller 20 may receive commands via a wired connection.

[0055] The controller 20 stores the inputs 26 and outputs 27 from one or more of the vehicle monitoring devices 100-109 in the memory storage 202 and / or wirelessly transmits the inputs (including the timestamps and / or geotags assigned to the inputs by the controller 20 upon reception from the vehicle monitoring devices 100-109) and the outputs from the controller 20 to the telematics hub 306. In an example of use, by providing the warnings or activations of the vehicle monitoring devices 100-109 to the telematics hub 306, transparency and investigation of the repeated activations of the vehicle monitoring devices 100-109 are enabled. Further, the transmission of the inputs 26 and outputs 27 received and generated by the controller 20 to the telematics hub 306 provides a secondary source of that data in the event that the vehicle or the controller 20 is destroyed (e.g., in a fire) and the data held by the controller 20 is lost.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, vehicle monitoring devices 100 to 109 include a radar sensor 100, a brake pressure sensor 101, a driver fatigue monitor 102, a seat switch 103, a door switch 104, a video camera 105, a GNSS receiver 106, an air quality monitor 107, an RFID scanner 108, and a tire monitoring system 109. However, it will be understood that these are merely examples of vehicle monitoring devices that can be connected to the controller.

[0057] Controller 20 is configured to record time-stamped data 23 using the input 26 generated by vehicle monitoring devices 100 to 109 and the internal clock 201 within system storage 202. The time-stamped data 23 includes time-stamped actions and events. Controller 20 also includes a battery for maintaining the internal system clock 201. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery takes the form of a rechargeable battery 204 adapted to be recharged when the vehicle 112 is ignited.

[0058] Controller 20 is programmed to scan and monitor the input 26 to the controller 20 and compare the states of vehicle monitoring devices 100 to 109 with action rules 24 in the form of programmed settings included within system storage 202. Also, system storage 202 stores executable code that is loaded into RAM (Random Access Memory) 203 upon power-up and processed by processor 200. The code provides a platform including at least an operating system, software drivers for other system components, a driver for communicating with an external device (such as a single in-cabin display), and a method for accessing an action file to determine appropriate actions to take when specified conditions are met.

[0059] As noted above, the system 10 records time-stamped data 23 in the form of input 26 from vehicle monitoring devices 100-109 and actions and events corresponding to output 27 generated by the controller 20 with corresponding time stamps (e.g., event data, warnings, and activations of vehicle monitoring devices). This enables access to the smartphone or tablet for proof of compliance checks wirelessly via the telematics hub 306 or via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or CAN bus. This accurate time stamping is achieved by an internal system clock 201 that can continue to maintain the correct time without an external power source using an internal backup battery 204. As described above, this rechargeable battery 204 is charged when the controller is connected to the power supplied by the vehicle when the vehicle's ignition is on.

[0060] In some embodiments, the time-stamped data 23 provided to the telematics hub 306 can be used to generate a fleet dashboard of warnings and notifications when they occur, automatic and customizable reports, rules defining the use of vehicle monitoring devices (e.g., establishing a geofence around the dispatch base and warning the dispatch center if a vehicle leaves the base without a safety check of a particular vehicle monitoring device to ensure that the vehicle monitoring device is operating before the vehicle leaves the base), compliance tools that provide real-time information to ensure that vehicle monitoring devices are being used correctly, and when an event occurs, the data communicated between the controller and the telematics hub provides tracking data, timelines, and any recorded warnings for forensic reports to the appropriate people.

[0061] The data provided from vehicle monitoring devices 100-109 can also be cross-referenced with the output data to assist in identifying the cause of harmful events.

[0062] To monitor the movement of the vehicle (e.g., for safety monitoring or security warnings) and react thereto, the controller 20 also includes an accelerometer 205.

[0063] The controller 20 continuously monitors the inputs 26 and compares them with a set of action rules 24 (e.g., program settings) to determine whether an action of the output 27 is required.

[0064] A wide range of devices can be connected to the output stage of the controller 20 to control those devices. The controller 20 is designed to have sufficient power processing capacity to directly drive components of the vehicle 112, such as a relay 300, a solenoid 301, a small motor 302, and an indicator light 303, in response to the output generated by, for example, the CPU 200 to control the vehicle 112.

[0065] A voice alarm 307 can also be connected to the controller 20 to function as an additional output. The voice alarm 307 may be incorporated into a single in-cabin display 304.

[0066] To indicate the system status to the machine / vehicle operator, the controller 20 transmits a message to a single in-cabin display 304 disposed in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 112 according to a specified communication protocol. The single in-cabin display 304 reacts to these messages (by generating a display) to inform the operator of one or more actions taken by the controller 20. Further, these actions are stored in the system memory 202 and later transmitted to a remote cloud server 305 and / or a telematics device 306.

[0067] In use, the controller 20 receives inputs 26 in the form of electronic signals from or regarding the door switch, shear switch, gear position lever, parking brake, actuator pressure value, accelerator and service brake pedals, and vehicle speed via the CAN bus 111 of the vehicle 112 and the vehicle monitoring devices 100-109. The inputs are received by the CPU 200 and processed based on the action rules 24. In this example, an electronic signal relayed to the controller 20 indicates that the parking brake is not engaged, the seat switch indicates that the driver's seat is empty, the driver's door is open, no pressure is applied to the accelerator and service brake pedals, and the vehicle speed is below a specific threshold (e.g., 6 km / h). Based on the action rules 24, the controller 20 identifies that there is an unsafe parking condition and generates an output 27 (in the form of a signal) to activate a brake solenoid (e.g., solenoid 301 in FIG. 1) to activate the parking brake to prevent the vehicle from rolling. Additional output signals are generated to display a visual alarm, such as a flashing red screen, on a single in-cabin display 304. An audible alarm may be generated to provide additional warnings. The actions commanded by the controller 20 and the signals received as the inputs that caused those actions to be executed are transmitted to the telematics hub 306 for off-site recording, analysis, and investigation.

[0068] Referring now to FIG. 2, a method is shown of installing, operating, and configuring an aftermarket vehicle monitoring device on a vehicle using the system described above and shown in FIG. 1.

[0069] First, when power is connected from the vehicle 112 power supply to the controller 20, at 401, the operation of the controller 20 begins. The internal code is loaded into the random access memory 203, and the CPU 200 of the controller 20 begins processing.

[0070] Next, at step 402, an initialization action is recorded in the internal memory 202 within the system log.

[0071] Following the system startup, at step 403, the controller 20 establishes a connection with a remote server (i.e., the cloud server 113). Thereby, the controller 20 can execute a series of actions including remote synchronization of configuration changes (i.e., updated action rules), firmware updates, or checks for time adjustment at step 404.

[0072] Subsequently, at step 405, the controller 20 scans for vehicle monitoring devices as specified in its configuration specification 25. In other words, the controller 20 scans for the vehicle monitoring devices specified in the configuration specification 25 that are connected to the controller 20. If it is detected that all the vehicle monitoring devices within the configuration specification 25 are connected to the controller 20, the method proceeds to step 408. Otherwise, the controller 20 identifies the vehicle monitoring devices specified in the configuration specification 25 that are not connected to the controller 20 and generates an error message at step 406 that is stored in the memory, output to a single in-cabin display 304, and / or transmitted to the vehicle network of the vehicle 112 at step 407. Thereby, an external device including the single in-cabin display 304 can receive and display the error message. However, since the controller 20 continues to function with reduced capabilities (by excluding the identified vehicle monitoring devices specified in the configuration specification 25 that are not connected to the controller 20), the unaffected system functions can function as expected.

[0073] At step 408, the controller 20 reads the action rules 24 (e.g., logic rules and instructions) stored in the memory for the vehicle monitoring devices specified in the configuration specification 25 that are connected to the controller 20, and polls the vehicle monitoring devices 100 - 109 specified in the configuration specification 25 that are connected to the controller 20.

[0074] During polling, the controller 20 reads the status of each vehicle monitoring device 100-109 at step 409, compares the status with the trigger conditions specified by the action rule 24 at step 410, and determines at step 411 whether an output action is required based on the comparison.

[0075] If the controller 20 determines that an output action is required, the controller 20 refers to the action rule 24, determines the output 27, records the output action in the memory 202 at step 413, and generates the output 27 at step 414. The action (e.g., output 27) may include sending an alarm or image to a single in-cabin display 304 and / or the vehicle network, and sending an electronic signal to a control component of the vehicle 112e (e.g., sending an electronic signal to a solenoid to control the vehicle's braking system).

[0076] At step 415, the system log of the controller action is sent to a remote server (e.g., the telematics hub 306) so that the remote monitoring system can recognize the recent action.

[0077] At step 416, the controller 20 checks the ignition state of the vehicle 112. This check may be performed at a predetermined interval or at the end of a specific sequence such as those described above.

[0078] If the ignition state of the vehicle 112 indicates an off state, the controller 20 records the off state in the memory 202 at step 417, starts the power-saving mode at step 418, and then returns to step 409. When the controller 20 enters the power-saving mode, the controller 20 can disable one or more outputs to the vehicle network, disable the single in-cabin display 304, and / or put the controller 20 into sleep mode with a periodic wake-up schedule.

[0079] When the ignition state of vehicle 112 indicates the on state, in step 419, controller 20 records the off state in memory 202 and disables the power saving mode in step 420.

[0080] The method may include checking the voltage of the battery of vehicle 112 (at predetermined intervals or as part of a sequence).

[0081] When the voltage of the battery of vehicle 112 falls below a threshold value, the functions of controller 20 are disabled, and at this time, controller 20 performs periodic polling of the battery voltage until the voltage exceeds the threshold value and the functions of controller 20 are restored.

[0082] Advantageously, the controller has software and firmware that can perform remote diagnosis and updates on each vehicle safety device via the above protocol, is fully configurable via software, and enables plug-and-play of various existing and future vehicle safety devices and solutions.

[0083] Embodiments of the system enable easy and rapid setup of various vehicle safety systems via the controller.

[0084] The controller is connected to an in-vehicle human machine interface (HMI) or display unit that displays visual and auditory warnings and commands of graphics from various vehicle safety systems. A single display also enables the driver to interact with the display by "swiping" the screen rather than being overwhelmed by all the changing information on one screen view. Other interactions, such as "push display for resetting", etc., are available to the driver.

[0085] Embodiments of the system provide a controller and a single in-vehicle display, which together provide a system for connecting one or more of the vehicle safety systems to the same controller device, which can be programmed via software executed on a tablet computer connected to the controller. The safety devices and systems are provided via the in-vehicle display and have outputs that can be output to the telematics hub. Data transmitted to the telematics hub can be used by the vehicle safety management system to provide monitoring, warnings, and alerts.

[0086] In accordance with statute, the invention is described in language more or less peculiar to structural or systematic features. The terms "comprises", "comprising", and variations thereof such as "comprised of" are used in an inclusive sense and do not exclude additional features.

[0087] It should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific features illustrated or described, since the means described in the specification include preferred forms of carrying out the invention.

[0088] Accordingly, the invention is claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims as appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A system for installing, operating, and configuring an aftermarket vehicle monitoring device in a vehicle, comprising: A controller disposed within a housing and configured to be initialized upon ignition of the vehicle, the controller comprising: A plurality of connection interfaces corresponding to a data communication protocol for connecting to one or more vehicle monitoring devices of the vehicle; A memory, Loading instructions from the memory to the controller after initializing the controller; Scanning for vehicle monitoring devices specified by a configuration specification connected to the controller; Identifying any vehicle monitoring device specified by the configuration specification that is not connected to the controller; Generating an error message stored in the memory and output to a single display; Processing inputs received from the one or more vehicle monitoring devices and generating an output based on the inputs; And a memory storing instructions executable by a processor of the controller. When identifying any vehicle monitoring device specified in the configuration specification that is not connected to the controller, the controller excludes the identified vehicle monitoring device specified in the configuration specification that is not connected to the controller from operation, reads out the action rules stored in the memory for the vehicle monitoring device specified in the configuration specification that is connected to the controller, polls the vehicle monitoring device specified in the configuration specification that is connected to the controller, and during polling, the controller reads out the state of each vehicle monitoring device as the input, compares the state with the trigger conditions specified in the configuration specification, determines whether an output action is required based on the comparison, and when the controller determines that an output action is required, the controller refers to the configuration specification, determines the output action, records the output action in the memory, and controls one or more of the plurality of vehicle output systems to generate the output. A controller configured to receive commands from a remote device to configure the one or more vehicle monitoring devices connected to the controller. A single display connected to the controller, the display being disposed within the vehicle and adapted to display information in response to the output from the controller. A system comprising the above. Claim 2 The system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of connection interfaces comprise one or more of an RS232 connection, a Bluetooth receiver, a CAN bus, a Wi-Fi receiver, a digital I / O, an analog I / O, and an Ethernet connection. Claim 3 The system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to network-connect the one or more vehicle monitoring devices. Claim 4 The system according to claim 1, wherein the controller stores the input and the output from the one or more vehicle monitoring devices in the memory and / or wirelessly transmits the input and the output from the one or more vehicle monitoring devices to a telematics hub.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein in response to the connection of a new vehicle monitoring device, the processor of the controller wirelessly accesses a server, processes the input received from the new vehicle monitoring device, and obtains new instructions executable by the processor of the controller to generate an output based on the input.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the display comprises a human machine interface.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the output includes at least one of a state corresponding to the one or more vehicle monitoring devices, an alarm, an audible alarm, and a visual warning displayed on the display.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the output displayed on the display is user interactive.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to wirelessly receive commands from a remote device to update the firmware and / or software of the one or more vehicle monitoring devices connected to the controller.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the remote device provides the command wirelessly or via a wired connection.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more vehicle monitoring devices are safety devices and / or comfort devices for monitoring the state of a vehicle and vehicle components and / or the area around the vehicle and / or the state of a driver.

12. A vehicle monitoring system, a vehicle having one or more vehicle monitoring devices connected to monitor various aspects of the vehicle and its surroundings, a controller disposed within a housing, the controller including a plurality of connection interfaces corresponding to a data communication protocol connected to the one or more vehicle monitoring devices of the vehicle, a memory, loading instructions from the memory to the controller after initializing the controller, scanning for vehicle monitoring devices specified in a configuration specification connected to the controller, identifying any vehicle monitoring devices specified in the configuration specification not connected to the controller, generating an error message stored in the memory and output to a single display, receiving inputs from the one or more vehicle monitoring devices, generating outputs based on the inputs, and transmitting the outputs to a secondary device, and a memory storing instructions executable by a processor of the controller. When identifying any vehicle monitoring device specified in the configuration specification that is not connected to the controller, the controller excludes the identified vehicle monitoring device specified in the configuration specification that is not connected to the controller from operation, reads out the action rules stored in the memory for the vehicle monitoring device specified in the configuration specification connected to the controller, polls the vehicle monitoring device specified in the configuration specification connected to the controller, and during polling, the controller reads out the state of each vehicle monitoring device as the input, compares the state with the trigger conditions specified in the configuration specification, determines whether an output action is required based on the comparison, and when the controller determines that an output action is required, the controller refers to the configuration specification, determines the output action, records the output action in the memory, and controls one or more of a plurality of vehicle output systems to generate the output. A controller that receives commands from a remote device to configure the one or more vehicle monitoring devices connected to the controller. A single display connected to the controller, the display being disposed within the vehicle and displaying information in response to the output from the controller. A vehicle monitoring system comprising the above.

13. A method of installing, operating, and configuring an aftermarket vehicle monitoring device in a vehicle, comprising: Providing a controller, the controller including a plurality of connection interfaces corresponding to a data communication protocol for connecting to a plurality of vehicle monitoring devices of the vehicle, and a memory storing instructions executable by a processor of the controller to process inputs received from the plurality of vehicle monitoring devices and generate an output based on the inputs. Providing a single display connected to the controller, wherein the display is disposed within the vehicle and displays information from each of the one or more vehicle monitoring devices in response to the output from the controller; Connecting the controller to the plurality of vehicle monitoring devices; Connecting the controller to the vehicle network of the vehicle; Receiving a command from a remote device to configure the one or more vehicle monitoring devices connected to the controller; Initializing the controller upon ignition of the vehicle; Loading instructions from the memory to the controller after initializing the controller; Scanning for vehicle monitoring devices specified by a configuration specification connected to the controller; Identifying any vehicle monitoring devices specified by the configuration specification that are not connected to the controller; Generating an error message stored in the memory and output to a single display; Receiving input from the plurality of vehicle monitoring devices; Processing the input and generating an output based on the input, When identifying any vehicle monitoring device specified in the configuration specification that is not connected to the controller, the controller excludes the identified vehicle monitoring device specified in the configuration specification that is not connected to the controller from operation, reads out the action rules stored in the memory for the vehicle monitoring device specified in the configuration specification that is connected to the controller, polls the vehicle monitoring device specified in the configuration specification that is connected to the controller, and during polling, the controller reads out the state of each vehicle monitoring device as the input, compares the state with the trigger conditions specified in the configuration specification, determines whether an output action is required based on the comparison, and also, when the controller determines that an output action is required, the controller refers to the configuration specification, determines the output action, records the output action in the memory, and controls one or more of the plurality of vehicle output systems to generate the output, steps; Displaying information on the single display based on the output; A method comprising.

14. Following initialization, the controller attempts to establish a connection with a remote server, and upon connection with the remote server, the controller performs checks for configuration updates, firmware updates, and / or time adjustment, the method according to claim 13.

15. Checking the ignition state of the vehicle at a predetermined interval, recording the off state in the memory when the ignition state of the vehicle indicates an off state, and starting a power-saving mode, the power-saving mode including disabling one or more outputs to the vehicle network, disabling the single display, and / or putting the controller into sleep mode with a periodic wake-up schedule, the method according to claim 13.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein when the ignition state of the vehicle indicates an on state, the off state is recorded in the memory and the power saving mode is disabled.

17. The method according to claim 13, comprising a step of checking a voltage of a battery of the vehicle, wherein when the voltage of the battery of the vehicle is lower than a threshold value, the controller is disabled.

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