Tire monitor wake up using motion detection

Abstract

Techniques for managing power of a tire monitor based on motion detection are discussed herein. For example, a tire monitor can include a motion sensor configured to generate sensor data and a communication component configured to communicate with a device, such as a mobile device. Based on the sensor data, the tire monitor can be configured to detect user-manipulated movement of the tire monitor. The tire monitor can then transition from a first power state to a second power state, wherein the second power state can be associated with more power consumption than the first power state. In examples, the communication component can be enabled in the second power state to communicate with the device to perform a variety of operations, such as to configure the tire monitor for use or to perform other operations.

Description

TIRE MONITOR WAKE UP USING MOTION DETECTIONBACKGROUND

[0001] Proper tire pressure can assist in maintaining optimal vehicle functionality. Tires with low tire pressure can pose significant safety risks and negatively affect the vehicle’s performance. For example, underinflated tires may lead to reduced vehicle responsiveness, decreased gas mileage, increased wear and tear, and even tire failure. To address these issues, a tire monitor can be attached to a tire, or to a rim on which the tire is mounted. The tire monitor measures the pressure of the associated tire and transmits the detected pressure to a computing device that forms part of a tire pressure monitoring system.

[0002] Tire monitors often include an integrated battery to power their operation. Managing the battery life of these devices can ensure their long-term functionality and reliability. One potential challenge arises during the distribution and / or storage of tire monitors prior to installation on a wheel. If a tire monitor is powered on when not in active use, its battery life may be unnecessarily depleted. This premature battery drain reduces the operational lifespan of the device, potentially requiring earlier replacement and increasing the cost of maintenance.

[0003] In addition, programming tire monitors can be cumbersome and expensive. Specialized tools, such as Low Frequency (LF) tools, are often required to configure or program tire monitors for proper operation. These tools can be costly to acquire and maintain, adding to the overall expense of deploying and managing tire monitoring systems. The process may also involve additional technical expertise, logistical challenges, and proximity requirements with the tire monitors for communication, further complicating the implementation of tire pressure monitoring systems.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Various examples are depicted in the accompanying drawings for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the disclosure. In addition, various features of different disclosed examples can be combined to form additional examples, which are part of this disclosure. Throughout the drawings, reference numbers may be reused to indicate correspondence between reference elements.

[0005] Figure 1 illustrates an example system in which the techniques discussed herein can be implemented in accordance with one or more examples.

[0006] Figure 2 illustrates example details of a tire monitor according to one or more examples.

[0007] Figures 3A and 3B illustrate an example tire monitor with a module angled / tilted relative to a valve stem according to one or more examples.

[0008] Figure 4 illustrates a tire monitor mounted to a wheel along with tangential and radial acceleration measurements that can be detected according to one or more examples.

[0009] Figure 5 illustrates an example of twisting the tire monitor of Figure 2 around an axis of a valve stem and sensor readings / measurements that can be generated during the movement according to one or more examples.

[0010] Figure 6 illustrates an example of twisting the tire monitor of Figures 3A and 3B around an axis of a valve stem and sensor readings / measurements that can be generated during the movement according to one or more examples.

[0011] Figure 7 illustrates the example system of Figure 1 with additional details for a mobile device and tire monitoring system according to one or more examples.

[0012] Figure 8 illustrates an example flow diagram of a process for transitioning a tire monitor from a first state to a second state based on motion detection and performing an operation while in the second state according to one or more examples.

[0013] Figure 9 illustrates an example flow diagram of a process for transitioning a tire monitor from a first state to a second state based on air pressure detection and performing an operation while in the second state according to one or more examples.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] This disclosure relates to systems and techniques for managing the power of a tire monitor based on motion detection. For example, before the tire monitor is attached to a wheel, the tire monitor can be configured to operate in a low power state when the tire monitor is not in use or being programmed. The tire monitor can detect user-based motion, such as gesture-based motion of the tire monitor while a user is holding the tire monitor. Such detection can be based on sensor data from a motion sensor included on the tire monitor. In some cases, the motion sensor is an accelerometer, while in other cases the motion sensor is another type of sensor. Based on detecting the user-based motion, the tire monitor can transition from the low power state to a higher power state that is associated with more power consumption, such as by enabling / activating one or more components of the tire monitor that were previously disabled / inactive. For instance, thetire monitor can activate a communication component to communicate with another device for various purposes, such as to program / configurc the tire monitor for use or for other purposes. As such, the tire monitor can selectively enable the communication component and / or another component of the tire monitor to conserve power, such as battery life of the tire monitor.

[0015] This disclosure also relates to systems and techniques for configuring / programming a tire monitor for use with a vehicle. For example, the tire monitor can include a communication component that is configured to communicate using a protocol / technique that provides certain advantages for communicating with other devices, such as communicating using Bluetooth (BT), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), or another protocol. To illustrate, the communication component can enable the tire monitor to communicate with a mobile device of a user, such as a cellular phone, to program the tire monitor for use in a vehicle. The mobile device can implement an application to facilitate the programming of the tire monitor such that the tire monitor can be configured to operate with the vehicle in which the tire monitor will be installed. As such, the tire monitor can be configured / programmed by a device that is more readily available and / or without use of a specialized tool, such as without the use of an LF tool that is generally implemented to program tire monitors in other solutions.

[0016] Although various examples are discussed in the context of selectively enabling a communication component to program a tire monitor, the communication component can be used to communicate with a device for other purposes, such as to provide tire pressure / temperature data, diagnostics data, calibration data, etc. Further, the communication component can be implemented to communicate with devices other than a mobile device, such as a tire monitoring system of a vehicle, other components of a vehicle, etc. Moreover, other components can be selectively enabled / disabled.

[0017] Figure 1 illustrates an example system 100 (also referred to as “the architecture 100”) in which the techniques discussed herein can be implemented in accordance with one or more examples. The system 100 includes a tire monitor 102 configured to communicate with a device 104 (also referred to as “the mobile device 104”) and / or a vehicle 106, such as a tire monitoring system 108 of the vehicle 106. The tire monitor 102, mobile device 104, and / or vehicle 106 can be configured to communicate with each other by sending / receiving one or more signals / data. A user 110 can interact with the tire monitor 102 and / or the mobile device 104 to configure / program the tire monitor 102 and / or perform other functionality. In examples, the tiremonitor 102 is configured to change states (also referred to as “modes” or “operational / power statcs / modcs”) for programming or other functionality based on certain user-manipulated movement of the tire monitor 102, such as gesture-based motions by the user 110 while holding the tire monitor 102. In some cases, the user 110 can also interface with the tire monitoring system 108 of the vehicle 106 via the mobile device 104 or the vehicle 106 itself to program the tire monitor or perform other acts. In examples, the tire monitor 102 may not initially be programmed for use with a specific vehicle. Thus, the tire monitor 102 may be configured based on the techniques discussed herein for such implementation. In some cases, the tire monitor 102 is an after-market item that is not initially configured for a vehicle, wherein the tire monitor 102 is programmed for a vehicle using the techniques discussed herein. Further, in some cases, the tire monitor 102 is programmed during the manufacturing process of a vehicle using the techniques discussed herein. Moreover, in other cases, the techniques discussed herein are implemented at other times.

[0018] To illustrate, in the example of Figure 1 the tire monitor 102 can initially be set to a first state 112 to conserve power of the tire monitor 102, such as during shipment, distribution, storage, etc. of the tire monitor 102. In examples, the first state 112 includes an inactive, low-power, lower-power, powered-off, disabled, or sleep state for one or more components of the tire monitor 102. When desiring to program the tire monitor 102, the user 110 can move the tire monitor 102 in a specific manner to cause the tire monitor 102 to transition to a second state 114 to facilitate programming of the tire monitor 102 or other functionality. In this example, the user 110 holds a stem portion of the tire monitor 102 and spins / rotates / twists the tire monitor 102. The tire monitor 102 can use sensor data from a motion sensor to determine that the tire monitor 102 moved in the predetermined manner, such as by determining angular motion of the tire monitor 102. In response to determining the predetermined motion, the tire monitor 102 can transition / change from the first state 112 to the second state 114 to wake or power on one or more components of the tire monitor 102. The second state 114 can include an active, high-power, higher-power, powered-on, enabled, or awake state for one or more components of the tire monitor 102. In examples, the first state 112 is associated with less power consumption than the second state 114 (e.g., the first state 112 consumes / uses a reduced amount of battery power, in comparison to the second state 114). As such, the first state 112 can be referred to as a reduced or lower-powerstate. In some cases, the second state 114 is referred to as a configuration / program state or communication state.

[0019] In the example of Figure 1, in the second state 114, a communication component(s) 116 of the tire monitor 102 is set to an active / awake state to enable the tire monitor 102 to communicate with the mobile device 104 and / or the vehicle 106. Here, the user 110 can interact with the mobile device 104 via a programming application 118 to configure the tire monitor 102 for use with the vehicle 106. The programming application 118 can be configured to cause a communication component(s) 120 of the mobile device 104 to communicate with the communication component 116 of the tire monitor 102 and / or a communication component(s) of the vehicle 106 to send / receive program data 122 (also referred to as “configuration data 122”) to program / configure the tire monitor 102 for implementation with the vehicle 106. In some cases, the tire monitor 102 is programmed before being installed on a wheel. A wheel can refer to a rim and / or tire. In other cases, the programming occurs after the tire monitor 102 is installed on a wheel. Although various examples are discussed in the context of selectively enabling the communication component 116 of the tire monitor 102, one or more other components of the tire monitor 102 can be selectively enabled, which can be hardware or software components.

[0020] As such, the tire monitor 102 can be configured to selectively enable a component / functionality of the tire monitor 102 to conserve power and / or provide other benefits. For instance, the tire monitor 102 can conserve power by selectively enabling the communication component 116 when certain events occur, such as detecting certain motion of the tire monitor 102. This can be useful in many cases, such as when the tire monitor 102 is powered by a battery and conserving power results in conserving battery life.

[0021] In examples, the techniques discussed herein can perform motion detection with a sensor based on a sampling period for the sensor (e.g., periodically obtain and analyze sensor readings). These techniques can consume less power than maintaining the communication component 116 in an active / awake state and / or periodically using the communication component 116. For instance, the communication component 116 can have certain characteristics that consume more energy than a threshold or other components. In one illustration, the communication component 116 is configured to communicate over a Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN), such as by using Bluetooth (BT), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), etc. This can enable the tire monitor 102 to communicate with certain devices that are traditionally not able to communicatewith the tire monitor 102. For instance, the tire monitor 102 can communicate via BT or BLE with a mobile device, such as a cellular phone.

[0022] Although many examples are discussed in the context of changing a component(s) from a sleep / inactive state to an awake / active state based on certain movements, the tire monitor 102 can similarly (or alternatively) transition the component(s) from an awake state to a sleep state based on the same movement and / or a different movement. Further, although many examples discuss waking the communication component 116 of the tire monitor 102, the tire monitor 102 can wake other components and / or facilitate other functionality. In one illustration, the tire monitor 102 can wake a sensor of the tire monitor 102 based on detecting movement with another sensor of the tire monitor 102. Moreover, although techniques relate to changing states to program the tire monitor 102, the tire monitor 102 can change states to facilitate a variety of other functionality. For example, the tire monitor 102 can change states for diagnostics, calibration, programming other aspects of the tire monitor 102, etc.

[0023] As noted above, the tire monitor 102 can generally be configured to change states based on certain / predetermined user-manipulated movement of the tire monitor 102, such as gesture -based motions while the user is holding the tire monitor 102. Gesture-based motions can refer to intentional movements of the tire monitor 102 in a manner that corresponds to a predetermined movement, which may include abnormal / non-natural movements. In detecting gesture-based motion, the tire monitor 102 can analyze sensor data over a period of time (e.g., process multiple sensor readings).

[0024] Example user-manipulated movements of the tire monitor 102 (also referred to as “gesture-based motion / movements”) that can be detected include:a. Spinning / rotating / twi sting the tire monitor 102 (e.g., by holding a stem or other element of the tire monitor 102), such as that shown in Figure 1;b. Moving the tire monitor 102 back and forth a predetermined number of times over a period of time;c. Tilting the tire monitor 102 back and forth a predetermined number of times over a period of time;d. Shaking the tire monitor 102 over a period of time;e. Moving the tire monitor 102 up and down a predetermined number of times over a period of time;f. Swinging the tire monitor 102 back and forth a predetermined number of times over a period of time;g. Twisting the user’s wrist back and forth while holding the tire monitor 102 in the user’s hand; orh. Moving the tire monitor 102 in a specific shape (e.g., drawing a circle or figure-8).

[0025] In some cases, the tire monitor 102 can detect user- manipulated movement when the tire monitor 102 is positioned in a certain orientation. For example, the tire monitor 102 can detect a twisting motion when the tire monitor 102 is positioned horizontally (e.g., when an axis of the stem is parallel with the ground). This may be dependent on an orientation of a motion sensor within the tire monitor 102 (which can alter sensor readings due to the force of gravity).

[0026] In examples, the tire monitor 102 can be configured to distinguish between motion / movement that is caused by user manipulation and motion / movement that is caused by other factors. In response to motion that is caused by a user, the tire monitor 102 can change states or perform other functionality. For example, the tire monitor 102 can compare current sensor data to sensor data that has been previously classified / tagged as being related to user manipulation and / or sensor data that has been previously classified / tagged as being related to non-user manipulation. To illustrate, the tire monitor 102 can analyze sensor data associated with movement of the tire monitor 102 and classify such movement as user-manipulated movement if the sensor data matches (e.g., has a threshold amount of similarity to) a predetermined pattem / output associated with user-manipulated movement. Similarly, the tire monitor 102 can classify the movement as non-user-manipulated movement if the sensor data matches a predetermined pattem / output associated with non-user-manipulated movement, such as a pattern that occurs when the tire monitor 102 is traveling in a packaged state during distribution, a pattern that occurs when the tire monitor 102 is installed on a wheel and the wheel is rotating, or another movement where a user is not manipulating the tire monitor 102.

[0027] In examples, the tire monitor 102 identifies / detects user-manipulated movement that occurs when the user 110 is directly holding / contacting the tire monitor 102. In some cases, the tire monitor 102 includes a proximity sensor, pressure / force sensor, infrared sensor, touch sensor, etc. to assist with such detection. However, other types of sensors can be used. For example, movement of the tire monitor 102 that occurs while the user 110 is directly contacting the tire monitor 102 can be distinguished from movement that occurs while the tiremonitor 102 is being moved in a packaged state. In some illustrations, the tire monitor 102 can change states for direct user manipulation of the tire monitor 102 and refrain from changing states for indirect user manipulation (e.g., a user carrying a packaged tire monitor). Moreover, in examples the tire monitor 102 can distinguish between movement due to user manipulation of the tire monitor 102 and movement that occurs when the tire monitor 102 is mounted to a wheel.

[0028] In some cases, Artificial Intelligence (Al) techniques are implemented to learn sensor data pattems / output that are associated with user-manipulated movement and / or sensor data pattems / output that are associated with other forms of movement (e.g., forms of movement not tied directly to user manipulation). Such techniques can create an Al model that can be implemented by the tire monitor 102 to classify motion of the tire monitor 102.

[0029] Figure 2 illustrates example details of the tire monitor 102 according to one or more examples. As shown, the tire monitor 102 can include a sensor(s) 202 (sometimes referred to as “the sensor 202” for convenience), the communication component(s) 116 (sometimes referred to as “the communication component 116” for convenience), control circuitry 204, data storage 206, and / or battery (ies) 208 (sometimes referred to as “the battery 208” for convenience). Although the components / elements are illustrated as separated components / elements, in some cases the control circuitry 204, communication component 116, control circuitry 204, data storage 206, and / or battery 208 can be embodied / included together in the same component. For instance, the control circuitry 204 can include various devices (active and / or passive), semiconductor materials and / or areas, layers, regions, and / or portions thereof, conductors, leads, vias, connections, and / or the like, wherein one or more of communication component 116, data storage 206, battery 208, and / or portion(s) thereof can be formed and / or embodied at least in part in / by such circuitry components / devices. In examples, the control circuitry 204, communication component 116, data storage 206, and / or battery 208 are housed in a module 210 (sometimes referred to as “the sensor module 210”) that is attached to a valve stem 212. However, one or more of such components can be included in the valve stem 212 in some cases.

[0030] The sensor 202 (sometimes referred to as “the sensing element 202”) can be configured to generate sensor dataZsignal(s) associated with one or more measured attributes / characteristics. For example, the sensor 202 can include a pressure sensor configured to generate pressure data indicating air pressure within an associated tire. Additionally, or alternatively, the sensor 202 can include a temperature sensor configured to generate temperaturedata indicating temperature within an associated tire. The sensor 202 can also, or alternatively, include a motion scnsor(s), such as an accclcromctcr(s), gyroscopc(s), inertial measurement unit(s), resolver(s), rotary sensor(s), position sensor(s), shock sensor(s), or the like. A motion sensor can generate sensor data indicative of motion. The sensor 202 can generate updated data at a predetermined frequency (e.g., according to a sampling rate). The sensor 202 can be configurable (e.g., the sampling rate can be adjustable). For example, the sensor 202 can generate data at a first sampling rate when a vehicle is in motion and at a second sampling rate when the vehicle is stationary. Further, in examples, the sensor 202 includes a proximity sensor, pressure / force sensor, infrared sensor, touch sensor, etc. to detect contact / proximity of a user. The sensor 202 can be arranged at a certain location and / or in a particular manner on the tire monitor 102 to provide optimal sensor data for typical use of the tire monitor 102, such as to provide optimal sensor data when the tire monitor 102 is mounted to a wheel. The orientation of the sensor 202 can be known relative to an x-axis, y-axis, and / or z-axis of the tire monitor 102 such that sensor data can be interpreted relative to such axes. Moreover, in some cases the sensor 202 includes a magnetometer.

[0031] In examples where the sensor 202 includes an accelerometer, the accelerometer can be configured to generate acceleration data indicative of acceleration. For instance, an accelerometer can be configured to measure acceleration of the tire monitor 102. The tire monitor 102 can include a single or multiple accelerometers. In examples, an accelerometer outputs a g-force reading, where 1g is equal to 9.81 m / s2. In other examples, another output is produced, such as raw data (which may or may not be converted to a more understandable measurement).

[0032] The sensor 202 can be configured to detect / output a reading / measurement relative to one or more sensing axes, such as an x-axis 214, y-axis 216, and / or z-axis 218. For instance, an accelerometer can measure g-forces along the x-axis 214, y-axis 216, and / or z-axis 218. As such, a multiple-axis sensor can be implemented. In some cases, the sensor 202 can output a measurement / reading with components along several axes, such as ax, ay, and / or az. In examples, the sensor 202 is configured to generate a more sensitive / granular measurement along a certain axis. For instance, the sensor 202 can detect smaller amounts of acceleration along the x-axis 214 in comparison to the sensing z-axis 218 or y-axis 216 in some illustrations, or vice versa. The axes 214, 216, 218 can be the same as or different than the axes of the tire monitor 102.

[0033] In some implementations, measurements from the sensor 202 are correlated to (e.g., classified / labeled as) a certain type of measurement that is based on a configuration of thetire monitor 102 when mounted to a wheel. For instance, the tire monitor 102 can generally be mounted to a wheel 402 (c.g., rim and / or tire) in the orientation shown in Figure 4, such that the sensing x-axis 214 is substantially tangent to the wheel 402 (e.g., tangent to an outer / perimeter rim surface of the rim, outer / perimeter / tread surface of the tire, etc.). In such configuration, an acceleration measurement along the sensing x-axis 214 can be interpreted as tangential acceleration, for instance. Whereas an accelerometer measurement along the sensing y-axis 216 or z-axis 218 (depending on the orientation of the module 210) can be interpreted as radial / centrifugal acceleration.

[0034] In some cases, the tire monitor 102 can interpret measurements along a certain sensing axis as a certain type of measurement whether or not the tire monitor 102 is actually mounted to the wheel 402. For example, an acceleration measurement along the x-axis 214 can be interpreted as tangential acceleration, even if the tire monitor 102 is not mounted to the wheel 402 or it is unknown whether the tire monitor 102 is mounted to the wheel 402. In some cases, a tangential acceleration measurement and / or a radial / centrifugal measurement is a combination of measurement along several sensing axes.

[0035] In examples, the tire monitor 102 is configured to detect user-manipulated movement of the tire monitor 102 based on a measurement relative to a certain axis. For instance, the tire monitor 102 can use sensor data / output relative to the x-axis 214 (or the y-axis 216 / z-axis 218) to determine whether a user is twisting the tire monitor 102 with the user’s hand, such as in the example discussed in Figure 1. The selected / designated sensing axis can be predetermined, in some cases. As noted above, the x-axis 214 can generally be associated with tangential acceleration, since the x-axis 214 is oriented tangent to a wheel when the tire monitor 102 is installed on the wheel. In some cases where the predetermined user movement to wake the tire monitor 102 includes twisting the tire monitor 102, the x-axis 214 may be oriented to detect such twisting. In examples, this can prevent false wakeups for other motion, such as motion that may be experienced during shipment. However, another sensing axis can be selected / designated for detecting certain user movements.

[0036] Further, in examples, the tire monitor 102 is configured to detect a speed / acceleration of an associated wheel / vehicle based on a sensor measurement from a different sensing axis than that used for user-manipulated movement (or the same sensing axis, in some cases). For instance, when mounted to a wheel, the tire monitor 102 can use sensor data associatedwith the sensing y-axis 216 or z-axis 218 to determine a speed and / or acceleration of the associated wheel or vehicle.

[0037] In the example of Figure 2, the module 210 is substantially aligned with the valve stem 212. For instance, a longitudinal axis of the valve stem 212 is substantially aligned with or parallel to an axis of the module 210 (e.g., an axis that passes through the module 210 is the same as or parallel to the y-axis 216 of the sensor 202). In other examples, the module 210 is angled / tilted relative to the valve stem 212, such as that shown in Figures 3A and 3B. Here, a longitudinal axis 302 of the valve stem 212 is angled relative to an axis of the module 210, such as the y-axis 216. As such, the sensor 202 can also be angled relative to the valve stem 212. In Figure 3B, the .r-axis 214 travels into and out of the page. In some cases, orienting the module 210 in the manner shown in Figures 3A and 3B can be optimal for obtaining a sensor reading when the tire monitor 102 is mounted to a wheel. For instance, the module 210 can be placed substantially parallel to an outer perimeter surface of the wheel (e.g., the main tire tread). Although various examples illustrate the sensor 202 aligned relatively straight / flat within the module 210, in examples the sensor 202 and / or other components of the tire monitor 102 are angled within the module 210 with or without angling the module 210. For instance, the sensor 202 can be angled relative to the valve stem 212 to the orientation of Figure 3B even though the module 210 may take the orientation of Figure 2. Although the sensor 202 is illustrated at a certain location on the module 210, the sensor 202 can be positioned anywhere within the module 210.

[0038] The communication component 116 (sometimes referred to as “the network interface 116”) can be configured to communicate with one or more devices over a communication network. For example, the communication component 116 can send / receive data in a wireless (or wired, in some cases) manner over a network. In some examples, the communication component 116 can implement a wireless technology such as Bluetooth (BT), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi, near field communication (NFC), or the like. In some examples, the communication component 116 includes a transceiver (e.g., transceiver circuitry embodied in one or more devices) configured to transmit / receive signals wirelessly, a receiver configured to receive signals, and / or a transmitter configured to transmit signals. The communication component 116 can include an antenna.

[0039] The communication component 116 can be configured to generate, receive, and / or transmit signals using one or more communication protocols or standards. In examples, thecommunication component 116 is configured to transmit data at frequencies equal to or greater than a certain frequency. The communication component 116 can gcncratc / scnd output signals in the form of radio frequency (RF) signals carrying information generated by the sensor 202, information for programming the tire monitor 102, information for establishing a communication connection, or any information / data associated with the tire monitor 102 or another device. In some cases, the communication component 116 includes a first communication component that is configured to operate in a first frequency range and a second communication component configured to operate in a second frequency range, wherein the first frequency range is lower than the second frequency range, or vice versa. In some examples, when both are enabled / active, the first communication component is associated with a lower amount of power consumption than that second communication component, or vice versa. In examples, the first communication component (e.g., low-power consumption component) is maintained in an active / awake state, while the second communication component is selectively enabled / activated. However, the tire monitor 102 can include one or more communication components, wherein any number of the communication components can be configured to be selectively enabled / activated.

[0040] The control circuitry 204 can include one or more processing modules / units, chips, dies (e.g., semiconductor dies including come or more active and / or passive devices and / or connectivity circuitry), microprocessors, micro-controllers, digital signal processors (DSPs), microcomputers, central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), programmable logic devices, state machines (e.g., hardware state machines), logic circuitry, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), program- specific standard products (ASSPs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), and / or any device that manipulates signals (analog and / or digital) based on hard coding of the circuitry and / or operational instructions. In examples, the control circuitry includes or is referred to as one or more processors or processing circuitry. Control circuitry can further comprise one or more storage devices, which can be embodied in a single memory device, a plurality of memory devices, and / or embedded circuitry of a device. Such data storage can comprise read-only memory, random access memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory, flash memory, cache memory, data storage registers, and / or any device that stores digital information. In some examples in which control circuitry comprises a hardware state machine (and / or implements a software state machine), analog circuitry, digitalcircuitry, and / or logic circuitry, data storage device(s) / register(s) storing any associated operational instructions can be embedded within, or external to, the circuitry comprising the state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and / or logic circuitry.

[0041] The data storage 206 (sometimes referred to as “the memory 206”) can include any suitable or desirable type of computer-readable media. For example, one or more computer-readable media can include one or more volatile data storage devices, non-volatile data storage devices, removable data storage devices, and / or nonremovable data storage devices implemented using any technology, layout, and / or data structure(s) / protocol, including any suitable or desirable computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data types. One or more computer-readable media that can include, but is not limited to, phase change memory, static random-access memory (SRAM), dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), other types of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, compact disk readonly memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store information for access by a computing device. As used in certain contexts herein, computer-readable media may not generally refer to communication media, such as modulated data signals and carrier waves. As such, computer-readable media generally refers to non-transitory media.

[0042] In some instances, the data storage 206 stores program data (also known as “configuration data”) for configuring / programming a tire monitor. Program data can include / indicate vehicle identification data including to an identifier for a vehicle / vehicle type (e.g., identifying a vehicle that will be associated with the tire monitor 102), communication data related to protocol parameters for communicating (e.g., a protocol to implement, frequency range, etc.), wheel identifier data indicating a wheel in which the tire monitor 102 is associated (e.g., right front, back left, etc.), sample rates data indicating a sample rate of obtaining sensor data, threshold data indicating a threshold(s) for sending alerts about air pressure / temperature, power status data indicating a battery status or amount of remaining power of the tire monitor 102, health / diagnostic data indicating a health of the tire monitor 102 or battery 208, etc. Program data can include / indicate any parameter / value that is relevant to configuring the tire monitor 102. Programdata can be exchanged to configure the tire monitor 102 for use with a particular vehicle, type of vehicle, type of communication protocol, etc.

[0043] The sensor 202, communication component 116, control circuitry 204, data storage 206, and / or battery 208 can be electrically and / or communicatively coupled using certain connectivity circuitry / devices / features, which may or may not be part of the control circuitry 204. For example, the connectivity feature(s) can include one or more printed circuit boards configured to facilitate mounting and / or interconnectivity of at least some of the various components / circuitry. In some examples, two or more of the components can be electrically and / or communicatively coupled to each other. The battery 208 can include one or more batteries, such as a lithium-based battery, a lead-acid battery, an alkaline battery, and / or another type of battery.

[0044] As noted above, the tire monitor 102 can be configured to operate in one or more states / modes (also referred to as “operational / power states / modes”). A state of the tire monitor 102 can refer to a functional / operational state of one or more hardware or software components of the tire monitor 102. For instance, when the tire monitor 102 or a component of the tire monitor 102 is in an active state (also referred to as a high-power, higher-power, powered-on, enabled, or awake state), the tire monitor 102 or component can be enabled / powered on for use. In contrast, when the tire monitor 102 or a component of the tire monitor 102 is in an inactive state (also referred to as a low-power, lower-power, powered-off, disabled, or sleep state), the tire monitor 102 or component can be disabled / powered off. In one example, the tire monitor 102 is configured to selectively implement a programming or communication state wherein a certain component(s) of the tire monitor 102 is enabled to facilitate programming of the tire monitor 102 or communication (or a certain type of communication).

[0045] The tire monitor 102 can change states based on various factors. In some cases, the tire monitor 102 changes states based on user- manipulated movement. To illustrate, the tire monitor 102 can transition between states based on detecting certain motion with a motion sensor. Further, in some cases, the tire monitor 102 transitions states based on changes in air pressure. To illustrate, the tire monitor 102 can transition from a sleep state to an awake state when more than a threshold amount of air pressure change is detected over a period of time or air pressure above a threshold is detected. Here, the tire monitor 102 can monitor air pressure with a pressure sensor. The tire monitor 102 can awake when first mounted to a wheel and air is provided to fill up thetire. Moreover, in some cases, the tire monitor 102 can change states when other events occur, which can be based on sensor data from the sensor 202 and / or other information.

[0046] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate top views of examples of twisting the tire monitor 102 around an axis 502 of the valve stem 212 and sensor readings / measurements that can be obtained at various locations. In the examples of Figures 5 and 6, the sensor 202 is implemented as an accelerometer. Figure 5 illustrates an example where the module 210 is oriented in the manner shown in Figure 2 with a longitudinal axis of the valve stem 212 substantially aligned with the module 210. Here, sensor data along the sensing z-axis 218 can be used for detecting the twisting motion. Figure 6 illustrates an example where the module 210 is oriented in the manner shown in Figures 3A and 3B with a longitudinal axis of the valve stem 212 angled relative to the module 210. Here, sensor data along the sensing x-axis 214 can be used for detecting the twisting motion. In Figures 5 and 6, the tire monitor 102 uses sensor data to detect angular motion of the tire monitor 102. Although example sensing axes are used in Figures 5 and 6, other sensing axes can additionally, or alternatively, be used, even if such axis is not optimally positioned to sense acceleration. For instance, a certain sensing axis can be designated / selected beforehand to use for detecting motion.

[0047] The sensing axis that is selected / used for motion detection can be selected due to the characteristics of the sensing axis, orientation of the sensing axis relative to the valve stem 212 or module 210, etc. In one example, a particular sensing axis can be more sensitive to acceleration, such as configured to detect relatively small amounts of acceleration (e.g., less than a threshold). In another example, the sensing axis that is used for motion detected is the sensing axis that is associated with tangential motion when the tire monitor 102 is mounted to a wheel. This can be referred to as the sensing axis that is substantially tangent in the mounted / installed / attached configuration. In examples, the tire monitor 102 can use sensor data that has components from several sensing axes (e.g., ax, ay, and / or az).

[0048] In the examples of Figures 5 and 6, a user holds the tire monitor 102 by the valve stem 212 and twists the tire monitor 102, such that the module 210 (housing the sensor 202) spins around the longitudinal axis 502 of the valve stem 212 (an axis into an out of the page). The sensor 202 can be configured to obtain / generate acceleration data according to a sample rate (e.g., periodically). The sample rate can be configured / adjusted to satisfy certain criteria. In this example, based on the sampling rate, the tire monitor 102 captures accelerationmeasurements / readings from the sensor 202 at points 504 around a circle 506 as the tire monitor 102 is twisted. Such acceleration measurements can be indicative of tangential / angular / rotational motion / acceleration. As shown, the acceleration measurements are obtained at different angles around to the circle 506 (e.g., the path the sensor 202 takes). In some cases, the tire monitor 102 can determine that the movement is angular motion when one or more acceleration readings are above a threshold, when a sum of acceleration readings over a period of time are above a threshold, when an average acceleration reading over a period of time is above a threshold, etc. In examples, angular motion can be detected based on a relatively small signal (e.g., detecting less than 2g’s, 1g, ,5g’s, .Ig’s, etc.). In examples, when angular motion is detected, the tire monitor 102 can determine that the tire monitor 102 is being twisted and change states of one or more components. As such, in examples, the tire monitor 102 can transition states in response to detecting angular motion.

[0049] In some examples, the user may be requested to hold the tire monitor 102 in a certain orientation while twisting the tire monitor 102 to wake the tire monitor 102. For instance, the user may be requested to twist the tire monitor 102 while holding the tire monitor 102 in an orientation where the longitudinal axis 502 of the valve stem 212 is substantially parallel to the ground, such as that shown in Figure 1. Although other orientations may also be used. In some cases, the orientation parallel to the ground may provide optimal sensor readings depending on the configuration / characteristics of the sensor 202. In examples, sensor readings obtained as the tire monitor 102 is twisted in an orientation parallel to the ground can result in a sinusoidal representation / signal of the sensor readings. For instance, the sensor 202 can experience an increase in g-force from a baseline / equilibrium position as the sensor 202 rotates from 12 o’clock to 3 o’clock, a decrease in g-force toward the baseline as the sensor 202 rotates from 3 o’clock to 6 o’clock, a decrease in g-force from the baseline as the sensor 202 rotates from 6 o’clock to 9 o’clock, and an increase in g-force toward the baseline as the sensor 202 rotates from 9 o’clock back to 12 o’clock.

[0050] Figure 7 illustrates the example system 100 with additional details for the mobile device 104 and tire monitoring system 108 of the vehicle 106 in accordance with one or more examples. As noted above, the tire monitor 102, the mobile device 104, and / or the vehicle 106 can configured to communicate with each other over one or more networks. The one or more networks can comprise one or more Body Area Networks (BANs), Wireless Personal AreaNetworks (WPANs), one or more local area networks (LANs), one or more wide area networks (WANs), one or more Internet area networks (IANS), one or more cellular networks, the Internet, and so on. The one or more networks can include one or more wireless and / or one or more wired networks. In some examples, the tire monitor 102, the mobile device 104, and / or the vehicle 106 can implement a wireless technology, such as Bluetooth (BT), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), WiFi, near-field communication (NFC), Ultra-Wideband (UWB), satellite communication, Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC), Vehicle-to-Every thing (V2X) (e.g., Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X), Vehicle-to-Device (V2D), Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G), Vehicle-to-Network (V2N), and the like), etc. For example, the tire monitor 102, the mobile device 104, and / or the vehicle 106 are configured to transmit / receive data at frequencies equal to or greater than a certain frequency, such as 1 GHz, 2 GHz, 3 GHz, 5 GHz, etc. In some illustrations, an associated communication component of each device can implement BLE that operates using the 2.4 GHz frequency range, ultra-wideband (UWB) that operates using frequencies from 3.1 GHz to 10.6 GHz, etc.

[0051] The vehicle 106 can include a variety of types of vehicles. Example vehicles include fleet vehicles (e.g., rental cars, taxis, logistics and delivery vehicles, etc.), two-wheeled vehicles (e.g., motorcycles, bicycles, scooter, etc.), one-wheeled vehicles, off-road vehicles (e.g., all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility task vehicles (UTVs), etc.), passenger vehicles (e.g., sedans, SUVs, hatchbacks, minivans, etc.), commercial vehicles (e.g., light trucks, heavy trucks, buses, etc.), industrial vehicles (e.g., bulldozers, excavators, agricultural tractors, etc.), specialty vehicles (e.g., ambulances, fire trucks, military vehicles, etc.), recreational vehicles (e.g., motorhomes, camper vans, etc.), construction vehicles (e.g., dump trucks, combine harvesters, etc.), aircraft (e.g., airplanes), watercraft (e.g., boats, ships, etc.), trailers, machinery (e.g., cranes, forklifts, mining vehicles), spacecraft, trains, self-balancing vehicle (e.g., one / two-wheeled vehicle), etc.

[0052] As noted above, the vehicle 106 includes the tire monitoring system 108 configured to manage various aspects of the vehicle 106, such as one or more tire monitors. The tire monitoring system 108 can include control circuitry 702, data storage 704, and / or one or more communication components 706 (also referred to as “the communication component 706” for convenience) to implement functionality. The various components of the tire monitoring system 108 can be electrically and / or communicatively coupled using certain connectivity circuitry / devices / features, which may or may not be part of the control circuitry 702.

[0053] The vehicle 106 can include one or more tires that can each include a tire monitor, such as the tire monitor 102. Each tire monitor can be couplcd / attachcd to a tire (e.g., via a tire mount, valve mount, or the like). The tire monitoring system 108 can be configured to communicate with one or more tire monitors to receive / send data / mes sages. The tire monitoring system 108 can be configured to communicate with tire monitors installed / configured at manufacture / assembly and / or tire monitors installed / configured thereafter (e.g., aftermarket tire monitors). Although various examples are discussed in the context of a tire monitor, the techniques / systems can similarly be implemented in other architectures where a sensor is used, such as any context where air pressure, temperature, motion, or other sensor data is generated / used.

[0054] In examples, the tire monitoring system 108 can receive sensor data from the tire monitor 102 indicating tire pressure or temperature in the associated tire. The sensor data can be used to determine whether the tire pressure or air temperature is outside of a certain predefined operating limit, such as determining that the pressure / air temperature of the tire is lower than a first threshold (e.g., the tire is underinflated), higher than a second threshold (e.g., the tire is overinflated), etc. In some cases, a tire monitor is configured to a sleep state when the vehicle 106 is stationary / not is use for more than a threshold amount of time. The tire monitor can detect motion of an associated wheel (e.g., the vehicle 106 is moving) based on sensor data and wake up from the sleep state to send sensor data to the tire monitoring system 108. Further, the tire monitoring system 108 can communicate with other components of the vehicle 106, such as to send tire pressure or air temperature data, send an alert regarding tire pressure or air temperature, etc. In some cases, information that is sent by the tire monitoring system 108 is output to a user.

[0055] Moreover, in examples, the tire monitoring system 108 can facilitate other functionality for the vehicle 106. For instance, the tire monitoring system 108 can cause a tire to be inflated or deflated based on underinflation or overinflation of the tire, determine a speed of the vehicle 106 based on sensor data from a tire monitor, detect motion of the vehicle 106 based on sensor data from a tire monitor, program a tire monitor (with or without the assistance of the mobile device 104), etc. Furthermore, in examples, the tire monitoring system 108 communicates with the mobile device 104 to facilitate various functionality with the mobile device 104, such as to program the tire monitor 102 using the mobile device 104, present / display / output information / data via the mobile device 104, etc. In one illustration, the mobile device 104, tire monitor 102, and tiremonitoring system 108 operate in cooperation to program / configure the tire monitor 102 (which may not initially be configured for the vehicle 106) for use with the vehicle 106.

[0056] The mobile device 104 can be implemented as one or more computing devices, such as one or more one or more laptops computers, one or more smartphones, one or more electronic reader devices, one or more mobile handsets, one or more personal digital assistants, one or more portable navigation devices, one or more portable gaming devices, one or more tablet computers, one or more wearable devices (e.g., a watch), one or more portable media players, one or more virtual reality devices / headsets, one or more augmented reality devices / headsets, one or more spatial computers / headsets, one or more cameras, and so on. Although discussed in the context of a mobile device, in some cases another type of computing device is implemented, such as one or more desktop computers, one or more servers, one or more televisions, one or more set-top boxes, one or more appliances, one or more security systems, one or more home-based computer systems, one or more projectors, etc.

[0057] In examples, the mobile device 104 is configured as a general-purpose device designed for various purposes outside the tire monitoring space. However, the mobile device 104 can be a specialized / dedicated purpose tool designed specifically for communication with a tire monitor. For instance, the mobile device 104 can be a Low Frequency (LF) tool configured / designed specifically for communication with a tire monitor (when the LF tool is within a predetermined proximity to the tire monitor, such as within a few inches, within less than 12 inches, etc.). An LF tool (also referred to as a “LF trigger / activation tool”) can be configured to communicate with a frequency below a certain frequency, such as below 200 kHz, 500 kHz, 1 MHz, 1 GHz, etc. In one illustration, an LF tool operates in the 125 kHz range.

[0058] As illustrated, the mobile device 104 can include control circuitry 708, data storage 710, and / or one or more communication components 120. The various components of the mobile device 104 can be electrically and / or communicatively coupled using certain connectivity circuitry / devices / features, which may or may not be part of the control circuitry 708. In examples, the communication component 120 includes a first communication component configured to communicate over a cellular network and / or a second communication component configured to communicate over another type of network (e.g., BT, BLE, etc.). Thus, the mobile device 104 can be referred to as a cellular device (e.g., a cellular phone, tablet, wearable, or another device that isconfigured to communicate over a cellular network). In some cases, the mobile device 104 is not configured to communicate over the same frequency range as an LF tool.

[0059] In examples, the data storage 710 stores the programming application 118 that is configured to facilitate programming of the tire monitor 102. A user (not illustrated) can interface with the mobile device 104 using the programming application 118 to program the tire monitor 102, such as for use with the vehicle 106. The programming application 118 can provide an interface to output / display content related to programming the tire monitor 102. The programming application 118 can operate in cooperation with one or more Input / Output (I / O) components of the mobile device 104 to receive input and / or provide output. The one or more I / O components can also be used for other purposes to interface with a user.

[0060] An I / O component(s) can include one or more electronic displays configured to display data, one or more speakers configured to output an audio signal, one or more buttons configured to receive input, one or more microphones configured to detect sound and convert the sound into an electrical signal, one or more imaging devices, and / or one or more haptic feedback devices configured to produce various types of haptic sensations, including vibrations, forces, textures, or motions (to provide tactile information to the user). The one or more displays can include one or more liquid-crystal (LCD) displays, light-emitting diode (LED) displays, organic LED displays, plasma displays, electronic paper displays, and / or any other type of technology. In some examples, the one or more displays include one or more touchscreens configured to receive input and / or display data. The one or more buttons can include one or more mechanical pushbuttons configured to be depressed or pushed, one or more touch buttons configured to receive touch input, or any other type of button. The one or more imaging devices can include one or more cameras configured to capture an image(s) of an environment, one or more depth / range sensors configured to generate depth information for an environment, and so on.

[0061] The communication component 706 of the vehicle 106 and / or the communication component 120 of the mobile device 104 (sometimes referred to as a “network interface”) can be configured to communicate with one or more devices over a communication network. In some examples, the communication component 120 / 706 includes a transceiver (e.g., transceiver circuitry embodied in one or more devices) configured to transmit / receive signals wirelessly, a receiver configured to receive signals, and / or a transmitter configured to transmit signals. The communication component 120 / 706 can include an antenna. The communicationcomponent 120 / 706 can be configured to generate, receive, and / or transmit signals using one or more communication protocols or standards. The communication component 120 / 706 can generate / send output signals in the form of radio frequency (RF) signals carrying information. In some cases, the communication component 120 / 706 transmits / receives sensor data, programming data for programming the tire monitor 102, data for establishing a communication connection, or other information / data. In some cases, the communication component 120 / 706 includes a first communication component that is configured to operate in a first frequency range and a second communication component configured to operate in a second frequency range, wherein the first frequency range is lower / higher than the second frequency range.

[0062] The control circuitry 702 of the vehicle 106 and / or the control circuitry 708 of the mobile device 104 can include one or more processing modules / units, chips, dies (e.g., semiconductor dies including come or more active and / or passive devices and / or connectivity circuitry), microprocessors, micro-controllers, digital signal processors (DSPs), microcomputers, central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), programmable logic devices, state machines (e.g., hardware state machines), logic circuitry, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), program- specific standard products (ASSPs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), and / or any device that manipulates signals (analog and / or digital) based on hard coding of the circuitry and / or operational instructions. In examples, the control circuitry includes or is referred to as one or more processors or processing circuitry. Control circuitry can further comprise one or more storage devices, which can be embodied in a single memory device, a plurality of memory devices, and / or embedded circuitry of a device. Such data storage can comprise read-only memory, random access memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory, flash memory, cache memory, data storage registers, and / or any device that stores digital information. In some examples in which control circuitry comprises a hardware state machine (and / or implements a software state machine), analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and / or logic circuitry, data storage device(s) / register(s) storing any associated operational instructions can be embedded within, or external to, the circuitry comprising the state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and / or logic circuitry.

[0063] The data storage 704 of the vehicle 106 and / or the data storage 710 of the mobile device 104 (sometimes referred to as “memory”) can include any suitable or desirable typeof computer-readable media. For example, one or more computer-readable media can include one or more volatile data storage devices, non-volatile data storage devices, removable data storage devices, and / or nonremovable data storage devices implemented using any technology, layout, and / or data structure(s) / protocol, including any suitable or desirable computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data types. One or more computer-readable media that can include, but is not limited to, phase change memory, static random-access memory (SRAM), dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), other types of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store information for access by a computing device. As used in certain contexts herein, computer-readable media may not generally refer to communication media, such as modulated data signals and carrier waves. As such, computer-readable media generally refers to non-transitory media.

[0064] Figure 8 illustrates an example flow diagram of a process 800 for transitioning a tire monitor from a first state to a second state based on motion detection and performing an operation while in the second state in accordance with one or more examples. The example process 800 can be performed in the context of system 100 and / or other systems. For example, one or more of the individual operations / blocks of the process 800 can be performed by the tire monitor 102. However, the process 800 can be performed in other systems / architectures and / or by other devices. Further, the system 100 can be used to perform other process. Although discussed in the context of the tire monitor 102, the process 800 can be performed at least in part by the mobile device 104, the tire monitoring system 108, and / or other devices.

[0065] At 802, the process 800 includes using a sensor of a tire monitor to generate sensor data indicative of motion. For example, the sensor 202 of the tire monitor 102 can be configured to generate / obtain sensor data indicative of motion of the tire monitor 102. In some cases, the sensor 202 is a motion sensor, such as an accelerometer(s), gyroscope(s), inertial measurement unit(s), resolver(s), rotary sensor(s), position sensor(s), shock sensor(s), etc. In examples, sensor data is generated while the tire monitor 102 is not coupled to a wheel (e.g., while a user is holding the tire monitor 102). However, sensor data can be generated while the tire monitor 102 is mounted to the wheel, in some cases.

[0066] In examples, the sensor 202 is configured to provide sensor data for one or more sensing axes. For instance, the sensor 202 can detect first acceleration (e.g., generate first sensor data) along a first sensing axis and detect second acceleration (e.g., generate second sensor data) along a second sensing axis. In some cases, the first sensing axis is associated with tangential acceleration and the second sensing axis is associated with radial / centrifugal acceleration when the tire monitor 102 is mounted to a wheel. The sensor data that is provided to the control circuitry 204 for processing can include the first sensor data associated with the first sensing axis and / or second sensor data associated with the second sensing axis. In some cases, third sensor data for a third sensing axis is also generated and / or provided to the control circuitry 204. In examples, the sensor 202 is configured to detect smaller amounts of acceleration along a particular sensing axis than another sensing axis. In some cases, the sensor 202 is configured to provide relatively sensitive readings / measurements that are less than a certain / threshold value, such as 5g’ s, 2g’ s, 1g, .5g’s, .Ig’s, etc.

[0067] At 804, the process 800 includes determining that a user caused the movement of the tire monitor. For example, the tire monitor 102 can process / analyze (e.g., using the control circuitry 204) the sensor data generated at block 802 to determine / detect whether the motion is associated with user manipulation of the tire monitor 102 (sometimes referred to as “user-manipulated movement”). In some cases, user-manipulated movement includes gesture-based movement that occurs while the user holds the tire monitor 102. In one illustration, sensor data is generated while a user holds the valve stem 212 (e.g., with the user’s fingers) and twists / rotates the tire monitor 102 around the valve stem 212. The sensor data can be processed to determine that the user moved the tire monitor 102 in such a manner. In other illustrations, other types of motion are determined.

[0068] In examples, the tire monitor 102 is configured to determine that a user caused the movement of the tire monitor 102 when angular motion is detected. In one illustration, the tire monitor 102 can process sensor data from one or more sensing axes to determine that the module 210 of the tire monitor 102 is rotating around the valve stem 212 of the tire monitor 102. In other illustrations, other types of motion / movement are detected to determine that a user caused the movement of the tire monitor 102.

[0069] In examples, sensor data is generated while the tire monitor 102 is positioned in a certain orientation. This can cause the sensor data to take a certain form / representation overtime, which can be detected by the tire monitor 102. For instance, sensor data can be generated while the tire monitor 102 is substantially parallel to the ground surface (c.g., the valve stem 212 is parallel to the ground surface). Here, sensor data over a period of time can take the form of at least a portion of a sinusoidal signal (e.g., a sine wave) since the readings / measurements will fluctuate over time due to a change in the orientation of a sensing axis of the sensor 202 and the gravity of earth. To illustrate, the sensor 202 can experience an increase in g’s from a baseline as the sensor 202 rotates from 12 o’clock to 3 o’clock, a decrease in g’s toward the baseline as the sensor 202 rotates from 3 o’clock to 6 o’clock, a decrease in g’s from the baseline as the sensor 202 rotates from 6 o’clock to 9 o’clock, and / or an increase in g-force toward the baseline as the sensor 202 rotates from 9 o’clock back to 12 o’clock. The tire monitor 102 can be configured to detect any degree of a rotation and determine that such degree of rotation is angular motion. In other words, the tire monitor 102 can detect angular motion for any number of degrees of rotation. This can avoid detecting other unintended motion, such as non-angular motion of a vehicle accelerating while the tire monitor 102 is in a package, non-angular motion from bumps in the road while the tire monitor 102 is packaged, etc.

[0070] In examples, sensor data from a particular sensing axis of a sensor is used at block 804 to determine that a user caused the movement of the tire monitor. For instance, as noted above, the sensor 202 can generate first sensor data for a first sensing axis, generate second sensor data for a second sensing axis, and so on. In some cases, the first sensing axis is associated with tangential acceleration and the second sensing axis is associated with radial / centrifugal acceleration when the tire monitor 102 is mounted to a wheel. The first sensing axis can be orthogonal to the second sensing axis. In one illustration, the tire monitor 102 selects the first sensor data for processing at block 804. In another illustration, the tire monitor 102 selects the second sensor data for processing. In yet another illustration, the tire monitor 102 selects sensor data from other sensing axes and / or a combination of sensor data. In some cases, the sensing axis that is selected is based on the position / orientation of the sensor 202 within the module 210 and / or relative to the valve stem 212, so that optimal sensor readings are generated based on the particular user movement implemented.

[0071] At 806, the process 800 includes transitioning the tire monitor from a first state to a second state. For example, the tire monitor 102 can initially be set to a first state where one or more components are disabled / inactive. Based on determining that the user caused the movementof the tire monitor 102 at block 804, the tire monitor 102 can transition from the first state to a second state where the one or more components arc cnablcd / activc. That is, the tire monitor 102 can activate / power on the one or more components. In examples, the second state is associated with more power consumption than the first state. Although the second state can be associated with less power consumption, in some cases. Further, although various examples are discussed in the context of selectively enabling / disabling a component(s) to change states of the tire monitor 102, other actions can occur.

[0072] In examples, the tire monitor 102 is configured to transition to the second state when a certain user-manipulated movement of the tire monitor 102 is determined. For example, the tire monitor 102 can be configured such that first movement (e.g., twisting of the tire monitor 102) causes the tire monitor 102 to transition to the second state, while second movement (e.g., a user moving the tire monitor 102 up-and-down) causes the tire monitor 102 to remain in the first state. As such, the tire monitor 102 can distinguish between different types of user-manipulated movement in some cases.

[0073] At 808, the process 800 includes performing an operation(s) while the tire monitor is in the second state. For example, the communication component 116 of the tire monitor 102 can be enabled / activated at block 806. Once enabled, the communication component 116 can enter a discovery / connection state in an attempt to establish a connection with another device. Once a connection is established, the tire monitor 102 can receive (using the communication component 116) configuration / program data including one or more parameters / values for configuring / programming the tire monitor 102. Based on the configuration / program data, the tire monitor 102 can be configured / programed, such as for use in a specific vehicle. Further, in other examples, other operations are performed, such as sending / receiving diagnostics data for the tire monitor 102, sending / receiving calibration data to calibrate the tire monitor 102, sending / receiving battery status information regarding the health or power level of the battery 208, etc. In some examples, transitioning states at block 806 includes enabling a component other than the communication component 116. Here, the operation performed at block 808 can include acts other than communication. Although communication can also be performed.

[0074] In examples, different operations are performed for different user-manipulated movement of the tire monitor 102. For instance, a twisting movement can cause the communication component 116 to be enabled and enter a programming state, as discussed inexamples. Whereas moving the tire monitor 102 in a particular shape (e.g., drawing a figure-8), can cause the tire monitor 102 to enter a diagnostic state and provide diagnostic data regarding the tire monitor 102. A variety of other operations can alternatively, or additionally, be performed.

[0075] Figure 9 illustrates an example flow diagram of a process 900 for transitioning a tire monitor from a first state to a second state based on air pressure detection and performing an operation while in the second state in accordance with one or more examples. The example process 900 can be performed in the context of system 100 and / or other systems. For example, one or more of the individual operations / blocks of the process 900 can be performed by the tire monitor 102. However, the process 900 can be performed in other systems / architectures and / or by other devices. Further, the system 100 can be used to perform other process. Although discussed in the context of the tire monitor 102, the process 800 can be performed at least in part by the mobile device 104, the tire monitoring system 108, and / or other devices.

[0076] At 902, the process 900 includes using a sensor of a tire monitor to generate sensor data indicative of air pressure. For example, the tire monitor 102 can be mounted to a wheel and the sensor 202 can be configured to generate / obtain sensor data indicative of air pressure within the tire. In examples, the sensor 202 is a pressure sensor, such as an air pressure sensor.

[0077] At 904, the process 900 includes detecting more than a threshold amount of pressure increase in a tire. For example, the tire monitor 102 can determine that air pressure in an associated tire increased by more than a threshold amount based on sensor readings / measurements over a period of time. In some cases, such detection can indicate that the tire is being inflated after the tire monitor 102 is mounted / attached to the wheel. In some cases, at block 904, the tire monitor 102 determines that air pressure within an associated tire increased above a threshold, such as a relatively low threshold (e.g., 5 psi, 10 psi, 15 psi, etc.) indicating that the tire is being filled with air for the first time.

[0078] At 906, the process 900 includes transitioning the tire monitor from a first state to a second state. For example, the tire monitor 102 can initially be set to a first state where one or more components are disabled / inactive. Based on detecting more than the threshold amount of pressure increase at block 904, the tire monitor 102 can transition from the first state to a second state where the one or more components are enabled / active. In examples, the second state is associated with more power consumption than the first state. Although the second state can be associated with less power consumption, in some cases. Further, although various examples arediscussed in the context of selectively enabling / disabling a component(s) to change states of the tire monitor 102, other actions can occur. In some cases, the opcration(s) performed at block 906 are similar to or the same as the operation(s) performed at block 806.

[0079] At 908, the process 900 includes performing an operation(s) while the tire monitor is in the second state. For example, the communication component 116 of the tire monitor 102 can be enabled / activated at block 906. Once enabled, the communication component 116 can communicate with another device to configure / program the tire monitor 102. In some cases, the operation(s) performed at block 908 are similar to or the same as the operation(s) performed at block 808.

[0080] The processes 800 and / or 900 (as well as each process described herein) are illustrated as a logical flow diagram / graph, each diagram of which represents a sequence of operation s / acts that can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. In the context of software, the operations represent executable instructions stored on one or more computer-readable media that, when executed by control circuitry, perform the recited operations. Generally, executable instructions include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and the like that cause particular functions to be performed or implement particular data types. The order in which the operations are described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described operations can be combined in any order and / or in parallel to implement a process. Further, any number of the described operations can be omitted.Additional Examples

[0081] Example 1. A tire monitor comprising: a motion sensor configured to generate sensor data; a communication component configured to communicate with a device; and control circuitry communicatively coupled to the communication component and configured to: detect user-manipulated movement of the tire monitor based on the sensor data; based on the detection, transition the tire monitor from a first power state to a second power state, the second power state being associated with more power consumption than the first power state; and cause the communication component to communicate with the device while the tire monitor is in the second power state.

[0082] Example 2. The tire monitor of any example herein, including example 1, wherein the control circuitry is configured to transition the tire monitor from the first power stateto the second power state by transitioning the communication component from an inactive state to an active state.

[0083] Example 3. The tire monitor of any example herein, including examples 1-2, wherein the communication component is configured to communicate using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).

[0084] Example 4. The tire monitor of any example herein, including examples 1-3, wherein the control circuitry is configured to detect the user-manipulated movement of the tire monitor by detecting angular' motion of the tire monitor around a valve stem of the tire monitor.

[0085] Example 5. The tire monitor of any example herein, including examples 1-4, wherein the user-manipulated movement includes twisting the tire monitor.

[0086] Example 6. The tire monitor of any example herein, including examples 1-5, wherein the communication with the device includes receiving configuration data from the device and the control circuitry is further configured to configure the tire monitor for use with a vehicle based on the configuration data.

[0087] Example 7. A method comprising: generating, by a sensor of a tire monitor, sensor data indicative of motion; determining, by the tire monitor and based on the sensor data, that the motion is caused by a user moving the tire monitor; based on the determining, transitioning the tire monitor from a first power state to a second power state, the second power state being associated with more power consumption than the first power state; receiving, by the tire monitor and from a mobile device, configuration data while the tire monitor is in the second power state; and configuring the tire monitor based on the configuration data.

[0088] Example 8. The method of any example herein, including example 7, wherein the determining includes determining rotation of the tire monitor about an axis of the tire monitor.

[0089] Example 9. The method of any example herein, including examples 7-8, wherein the generating sensor data includes generating sensor data while the user twists the tire monitor with a valve stem of the tire monitor substantially parallel to a ground surface.

[0090] Example 10. The method of any example herein, including examples 7-9, wherein the determining includes determining that the sensor data represents at least a portion of a sinusoidal signal.

[0091] Example 11. The method of any example herein, including examples 7-10, wherein the sensor data indicates less than 2g’s of acceleration.

[0092] Example 12. The method of any example herein, including examples 7-11, wherein the sensor is configured to detect first acceleration along a first sensing axis and detect second acceleration along a second sensing axis, the first sensing axis being associated with tangential acceleration and the second sensing axis being associated with radial acceleration when the tire monitor is mounted to a wheel.

[0093] Example 13. The method of any example herein, including examples 7-12, wherein the sensor data includes sensor data associated with the first sensing axis.

[0094] Example 14. The method of any example herein, including examples 7-13, wherein the sensor is configured to detect smaller amounts of acceleration along the first sensing axis than the second sensing axis.

[0095] Example 15. The method of any example herein, including examples 7-14, wherein the generating the sensor data occurs before the tire monitor is attached to a wheel.

[0096] Example 16. A tire monitor comprising: a pressure sensor configured to generate pressure data indicating air pressure; a communication component configured to communicate with a cellular device; and control circuitry communicatively coupled to the communication component and configured to: detect an increase in air pressure of a tire by more than a threshold based on the pressure data; based on the detection, transition the tire monitor from a first power state to a second power state, the second power state being associated with more power consumption than the first power state; receive, via the communication component, configuration data from the cellular device; and configure the tire monitor for use based on the configuration data.

[0097] Example 17. A vehicle comprising: the tire coupled to the tire monitor of any example herein, including example 16; and a tire monitoring system configured to communicate with the tire monitor to receive the pressure data or additional pressure data.

[0098] Example 18. The tire monitor of any example herein, including examples 16- 17, wherein the control circuitry is configured to receive the configuration data over a Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN).

[0099] Example 19. The tire monitor of any example herein, including examples 16- 18, wherein the communication component is configured to communicate using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).

[0100] Example 20. The tire monitor of any example herein, including examples 16-19, wherein the control circuitry is configured to transition the tire monitor from the first power state to the second power state by transitioning the communication component from an inactive state to an active state.

[0101] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” The word “coupled”, as generally used herein, refers to two or more elements that may be either directly connected, or connected by way of one or more intermediate elements. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the above description using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively.

[0102] The above description of examples of the disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed above. While specific examples, and examples, are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, while processes or blocks may be presented in a given order, alternative examples may perform routines having steps, or employ systems having blocks, in a different order, and some processes or blocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and / or modified. Each of these processes or blocks may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, while processes or blocks may be at times shown as being performed in series, these processes or blocks may instead be performed in parallel or at different times.

[0103] The features described herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system / techniques described above. The elements and acts of the various examples described above can be combined to provide further examples.

[0104] While some examples have been described, these examples have been presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the techniques and systems described herein can be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the techniques and systems described herein can be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. Claims and their equivalentsare intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

Claims

WHAT TS CLAIMED TS:

1. A tire monitor comprising:a motion sensor configured to generate sensor data;a communication component configured to communicate with a device; andcontrol circuitry communicatively coupled to the communication component and configured to:detect user-manipulated movement of the tire monitor based on the sensor data; based on the detection, transition the tire monitor from a first power state to a second power state, the second power state being associated with more power consumption than the first power state; andcause the communication component to communicate with the device while the tire monitor is in the second power state.

2. The tire monitor of claim 1, wherein the control circuitry is configured to transition the tire monitor from the first power state to the second power state by transitioning the communication component from an inactive state to an active state.

3. The tire monitor of claim 1, wherein the communication component is configured to communicate using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).

4. The tire monitor of claim 1, wherein the control circuitry is configured to detect the user-manipulated movement of the tire monitor by detecting angular motion of the tire monitor around a valve stem of the tire monitor.

5. The tire monitor of claim 1, wherein the user- manipulated movement includes twisting the tire monitor.

6. The tire monitor of claim 1, wherein the communication with the device includes receiving configuration data from the device and the control circuitry is further configured to configure the tire monitor for use with a vehicle based on the configuration data.

7. A method comprising:generating, by a sensor of a tire monitor, sensor data indicative of motion; determining, by the tire monitor and based on the sensor data, that the motion is caused by a user moving the tire monitor;based on the determining, transitioning the tire monitor from a first power state to a second power state, the second power state being associated with more power consumption than the first power state;receiving, by the tire monitor and from a mobile device, configuration data while the tire monitor is in the second power state; andconfiguring the tire monitor based on the configuration data.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the determining includes determining rotation of the tire monitor about an axis of the tire monitor.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the generating sensor data includes generating sensor data while the user twists the tire monitor with a valve stem of the tire monitor substantially parallel to a ground surface.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the determining includes determining that the sensor data represents at least a portion of a sinusoidal signal.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the sensor data indicates less than 2g’ s of acceleration.

12. The method of claim 7, wherein the sensor is configured to detect first acceleration along a first sensing axis and detect second acceleration along a second sensing axis, the first sensing axis being associated with tangential acceleration and the second sensing axis being associated with radial acceleration when the tire monitor is mounted to a wheel.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the sensor data includes sensor data associated with the first sensing axis.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the sensor is configured to detect smaller amounts of acceleration along the first sensing axis than the second sensing axis.

15. The method of claim 7, wherein the generating the sensor data occurs before the tire monitor is attached to a wheel.

16. A tire monitor comprising:a pressure sensor configured to generate pressure data indicating air pressure;a communication component configured to communicate with a cellular device; and control circuitry communicatively coupled to the communication component and configured to:detect an increase in air pressure of a tire by more than a threshold based on the pressure data;based on the detection, transition the tire monitor from a first power state to a second power state, the second power state being associated with more power consumption than the first power state;receive, via the communication component, configuration data from the cellular device; andconfigure the tire monitor for use based on the configuration data.

17. A vehicle comprising:the tire coupled to the tire monitor of claim 16; anda tire monitoring system configured to communicate with the tire monitor to receive the pressure data or additional pressure data.

18. The tire monitor of claim 16, wherein the control circuitry is configured to receive the configuration data over a Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN).

19. The tire monitor of claim 16, wherein the communication component is configured to communicate using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).

20. The tire monitor of claim 16, wherein the control circuitry is configured to transition the tire monitor from the first power state to the second power state by transitioning the communication component from an inactive state to an active state.

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