U.S. patent application number 14/984021 was filed with the patent office on 2017-07-06 for methods and apparatus for wireless communication and power transfer for an external light fixture onboard a vehicle.
This patent application is currently assigned to GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC. Invention is credited to Gregory M. Castillo, Moshe Laifenfeld.
Application Number | 20170196068 14/984021 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59068943 |
Filed Date | 2017-07-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170196068 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Castillo; Gregory M. ; et
al. |
July 6, 2017 |
METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR WIRELESS COMMUNICATION AND POWER TRANSFER
FOR AN EXTERNAL LIGHT FIXTURE ONBOARD A VEHICLE
Abstract
A method for using an external lamp onboard a vehicle is
provided. The method receives, at a transceiver positioned inside a
sealed casing of the external lamp, a wireless communication signal
and a wireless power signal; and operates the external lamp using
the wireless communication signal and the wireless power
signal.
Inventors: |
Castillo; Gregory M.;
(Windsor, CA) ; Laifenfeld; Moshe; (Haifa,
IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC |
Detroit |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS
LLC
Detroit
MI
|
Family ID: |
59068943 |
Appl. No.: |
14/984021 |
Filed: |
December 30, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05B 47/12 20200101;
H05B 47/19 20200101; B60Q 2900/30 20130101; B60Q 1/0088 20130101;
F21S 45/10 20180101 |
International
Class: |
H05B 37/02 20060101
H05B037/02; F21S 8/10 20060101 F21S008/10 |
Claims
1-9. (canceled)
10. A light fixture apparatus for use onboard a vehicle, the light
fixture apparatus comprising: a sealed external housing, configured
to encase the light fixture apparatus; a transceiver positioned
inside the sealed external housing, the transceiver configured to
receive a wireless communication signal and a wireless power
signal; and at least one processor positioned inside the sealed
external housing, the at least one processor configured to operate
the light fixture apparatus, using the wireless communication
signal and the wireless power signal; wherein the transceiver
comprises a single coil; and wherein the transceiver is further
configured to receive the wireless communication signal and the
wireless power signal using the single coil.
11. The light fixture apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the
transceiver is further configured to receive the wireless
communication signal and the wireless power signal
simultaneously.
12. The light fixture apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the
transceiver is further configured to receive the wireless
communication signal and the wireless power signal at a common
frequency.
13. The light fixture apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the
wireless communication signal comprises an instruction set to carry
out an operation of the light fixture apparatus.
14. The light fixture apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the
wireless power signal provides power to carry out an operation of
the light fixture apparatus.
15. (canceled)
16. A method for using an external lamp onboard a vehicle, the
method comprising: receiving, at a transceiver positioned inside a
sealed casing of the external lamp, a wireless communication signal
and a wireless power signal; and operating the external lamp using
the wireless communication signal and the wireless power signal;
wherein receiving the wireless communication signal and the
wireless power signal further comprises: obtaining the wireless
communication signal and the wireless power signal at a common coil
set.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein receiving the wireless
communication signal and the wireless power signal further
comprises: obtaining the wireless communication signal and the
wireless power signal via a common frequency.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein receiving the wireless
communication signal and the wireless power signal further
comprises: obtaining the wireless communication signal and the
wireless power signal simultaneously.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein the wireless communication
signal comprises an instruction set to carry out an operation of
the external lamp.
20. The method of claim 16, wherein the wireless power signal
comprises power originating at a battery onboard the vehicle; and
wherein the wireless power signal provides power to carry out an
operation of the external lamp.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] Embodiments of the subject matter described herein relate
generally to wireless communication and wireless power transfer.
More particularly, embodiments of the subject matter relate to
wireless communication and wireless power transfer for devices
onboard a vehicle, such as a light fixture.
BACKGROUND
[0002] External automotive lamps or light fixtures include either a
connector or a wire harness that extends outside of the lamp itself
and links to a connector in a sheet metal "pocket" that holds the
lamp. As implemented currently, external automotive lamps leak.
Through connector or wire harness openings, water or other debris
may enter the trunk compartment or the automotive lamp. This water
leakage is most commonly associated with body sheet metal
variation, resulting in poorly fitting body gasket seals and/or
poorly sealed external connectors. The intrusion of water may
reduce the life of the automotive lamp and the vehicle, incurring
warranty costs. In addition, assembling automotive lamps with body
seal gaskets is often difficult, and may result in a less than
optimal lamp-to-vehicle seal.
[0003] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a more effective
seal to protect an automotive lamp and the vehicle to which it is
attached. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics
will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and
the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings and the foregoing technical field and background.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0004] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method
for using an external lamp onboard a vehicle. The method receives,
at a transceiver positioned inside a sealed casing of the external
lamp, a wireless communication signal and a wireless power signal;
and operates the external lamp using the wireless communication
signal and the wireless power signal.
[0005] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a light
fixture apparatus for use onboard a vehicle. The light fixture
apparatus includes: a sealed external housing, configured to encase
the light fixture apparatus; a transceiver positioned inside the
sealed external housing, the transceiver configured to receive a
wireless communication signal and a wireless power signal; and at
least one processor positioned inside the sealed external housing,
the at least one processor configured to operate the light fixture
apparatus, using the wireless communication signal and the wireless
power signal.
[0006] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system
for using an external light fixture onboard a vehicle. The system
includes: a first transceiver embedded in a sheet metal pocket for
holding the external light fixture, the first transceiver
configured to wirelessly transmit a communication signal and a
power signal; a second transceiver positioned inside the external
light fixture, the second transceiver configured to wirelessly
receive the communication signal and the power signal; and at least
one processor communicatively coupled to the second transceiver,
the at least one processor configured to: interpret the
communication signal and the power signal; and operate the external
light fixture using the communication signal and the power signal,
based on the interpretation.
[0007] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify
key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter,
nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of
the claimed subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] A more complete understanding of the subject matter may be
derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when
considered in conjunction with the following figures, wherein like
reference numbers refer to similar elements throughout the
figures.
[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an external lighting system 100 for
operation onboard a vehicle, in accordance with the disclosed
embodiments;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a diagram of internal transceiver circuitry, in
accordance with the disclosed embodiments;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a flow chart that illustrates an embodiment of a
process for operating an external light fixture control system
onboard a vehicle; and
[0012] FIG. 4 is a flow chart that illustrates an embodiment of a
process for operating an external light fixture onboard a
vehicle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] The following detailed description is merely illustrative in
nature and is not intended to limit the embodiments of the subject
matter or the application and uses of such embodiments. As used
herein, the word "exemplary" means "serving as an example,
instance, or illustration." Any implementation described herein as
exemplary is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or
advantageous over other implementations. Furthermore, there is no
intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented
in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the
following detailed description.
[0014] The subject matter presented herein relates to methods and
apparatus used to operate an external light fixture onboard a
vehicle using wireless communication and power signals. The
external light fixture includes a transceiver positioned inside a
completely sealed housing. In certain embodiments, the external
light fixture is generally wireless (i.e., not connected with
wiring), and receives communication and power signals via the
transceiver. A system for controlling the external light fixture
includes another transceiver that receives communication signals
and power signals from a control module, and wirelessly transmits
these communication signals and power signals to the external light
fixture. In certain embodiments, communications between the light
fixture and the system for controlling the external light fixture
are bidirectional.
[0015] Certain terminologies are used with regard to the various
embodiments of the present disclosure. A vehicle may be, without
limitation, any one of a number of different types of types of
automobiles (cars, trucks, motorcycles, sport-utility vehicles,
vans, etc.), aviation vehicles (such as airplanes, helicopters,
etc.), watercraft (boats, ships, jet skis, etc.), trains,
all-terrain vehicles (snowmobiles, four-wheelers, etc.), military
vehicles (Humvees, tanks, trucks, etc.), rescue vehicles (fire
engines, ladder trucks, police cars, emergency medical services
trucks and ambulances, etc.), spacecraft, hovercraft, and the like.
An external light fixture may also be referred to as an external
lamp or an automotive lamp, and may be implemented using any light
fixture or luminary device affixed to, and operated by, a vehicle.
A transceiver may be implemented using a standard radio transceiver
and/or one or more transmitter-receiver pairs.
[0016] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an external lighting system 100 for
operation onboard a vehicle, in accordance with the disclosed
embodiments. It should be appreciated that FIG. 1 depicts a
simplified embodiment of the external lighting system 100, and that
a realistic and practical implementation of the external lighting
system 100 may include additional elements or components. As shown,
the external lighting system 100 includes an external light fixture
102 and a control system 130 for operating the external light
fixture 102.
[0017] The external light fixture 102 may be implemented using a
headlamp, a tail lamp, or any type of external lighting device
applicable for operation onboard a vehicle. In the embodiment
shown, the external light fixture 102 is a sealed structure. In
other words, the external light fixture 102 includes a sealed
housing 104 that contains internal circuitry, hardware, and/or
other contents used in operation of the external light fixture. The
sealed housing 104 encases the external light fixture 102. The
sealed housing 104 is "sealed" because it does not include holes or
other openings into the external light fixture 102, thereby
preventing leaks and protecting the internal contents of the
external light fixture 102 from water, contaminants, and other
debris. The internal hardware and circuitry of the external light
fixture 102 includes a light fixture transceiver 106, a
microprocessor 108, one or more light bulbs 110, and internal
wiring 112.
[0018] The light fixture transceiver 106 may be implemented using
any standard transceiver compatible with a single-line and/or
multi-line, serial communication protocol. Exemplary embodiments of
compatible transceivers may include, without limitation: wireless
power transfer (WPT) transceivers, magnetic resonant coupling (MRC)
transceivers, local interconnect network (LIN) transceivers, and/or
controller area network (CAN) transceivers. In some embodiments,
the light fixture transceiver 106 may include a single transceiver,
or one or more transceivers, wherein each transceiver is configured
as a transmitter and a receiver. Some embodiments, however, may
include any number of transmitters and receivers appropriate to the
application.
[0019] The light fixture transceiver 106 is configured to receive
wireless signals for power and communication for the external light
fixture 102. Power signals are received and used to provide
electrical energy for operation of the external light fixture 102.
Communication signals are received and interpreted to provide an
instruction set for operating the external light fixture 102. The
microprocessor 108 may be implemented using any combination of one
or more processors and some type of system memory (as described
below with regard to the control system 130). The microprocessor
108 interprets the communication signals received by the light
fixture transceiver 106 to identify the instruction set, and
initiates various operations of the external light fixture 102,
based on the instruction set from one or more communication
signals. The light fixture transceiver 106 is further configured to
transmit wireless signals providing diagnostic information, status
information, or other information associated with the external
light fixture 102.
[0020] The light bulbs 110 may be implemented using any type of
bulb appropriate to light fixtures onboard a vehicle. In exemplary
embodiments, the light bulbs 110 may be implemented using one or
more light emitting diodes (LEDs). Other embodiments, however, may
use organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). The internal wiring 112
is configured to transmit signals between the microprocessor 108
and the light bulbs 110, and may be implemented using any wiring
appropriate for automobile light fixture applications.
[0021] In the embodiment shown, the external light fixture 102 is
not physically connected to wiring onboard the vehicle (i.e.,
wiring external to the sealed housing 104 of the external light
fixture 102). Here, the light fixture transceiver 106 is used to
transmit and receive communication and power signals between the
external light fixture 102 and other systems onboard the vehicle,
rendering additional wiring is unnecessary. In other embodiments,
the external light fixture 102 may be connected to a reduced number
of wires, rather than eliminating all wiring connecting the
external light fixture 102. Here, the light fixture transceiver 106
transmits and receives one or more communication and power signals,
while the external light fixture 102 may receive and/or transmit
certain designated signals via wiring.
[0022] The control system 130 for operating the external light
fixture 102 is implemented onboard a vehicle, and may include any
hardware elements, software elements, and other features necessary
to operate the external light fixture 102. Moreover, a practical
implementation of the control system 130 will include additional
elements and features that support conventional functions and
operations. The control system 130 may include, without limitation:
a control unit 120, a wire harness 118, and a control system
transceiver 116 in a sheet metal pocket 114 designed to hold the
external light fixture 102 onboard the vehicle. These elements and
features of the control system 130 may be operatively associated
with one another, coupled to one another, or otherwise configured
to cooperate with one another as needed to support the desired
functionality--in particular, operating the external light fixture
102, as described herein. For ease of illustration and clarity, the
various physical, electrical, and logical couplings and
interconnections for these elements and features are not depicted
in FIG. 1. Moreover, it should be appreciated that embodiments of
the control system 130 will include other elements, modules, and
features that cooperate to support the desired functionality. For
simplicity, FIG. 1 only depicts certain elements that relate to the
techniques described in more detail below.
[0023] The control unit 120 is suitably configured to provide an
instruction set and electrical energy for the external light
fixture 102, and to transmit these power and communication signals
to the control system transceiver 116 for further transmission to
the external light fixture 102. In certain embodiments, the control
unit 120 is implemented using an electronic control unit (ECU), or
a combination multiple ECUs, onboard a vehicle. In some
embodiments, the control unit 120 is implemented using a particular
type of ECU such as, for example, a body control module (BCM). The
control unit 120 generally includes, without limitation, at least
one processor 122, system memory 124, and a light fixture control
module 126.
[0024] The at least one processor 122 may be implemented or
performed with one or more general purpose processors, a content
addressable memory, a digital signal processor, an application
specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array, any
suitable programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor
logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination designed to
perform the functions described here. In particular, the at least
one processor 122 may be realized as one or more microprocessors,
controllers, microcontrollers, or state machines. Moreover, the at
least one processor 122 may be implemented as a combination of
computing devices, e.g., a combination of digital signal processors
and microprocessors, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more
microprocessors in conjunction with a digital signal processor
core, or any other such configuration.
[0025] The control unit 120 could include system memory 124
integrated therein and/or system memory 124 operatively coupled
thereto, as appropriate to the particular embodiment. In practice,
the system memory 124 could be realized as RAM memory, flash
memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, a hard disk, a
removable disk, or any other form of storage medium known in the
art. In certain embodiments, the system memory 124 includes a hard
disk, which may also be used to support functions of the control
unit 120. The system memory 124 can be coupled to the at least one
processor 122 such that the at least one processor 122 can read
information from, and write information to, the system memory 124.
In the alternative, the system memory 124 may be integral to the at
least one processor 122. As an example, the at least one processor
122 and the system memory 124 may reside in a suitably designed
application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).
[0026] The light fixture control module 126 is suitably configured
to generate and provide appropriate control instructions, commands,
and/or signals for operation of the external light fixture 102. In
practice, the light fixture control module 126 may be implemented
with (or cooperate with) the at least one processor 122 to perform
at least some of the functions and operations described in more
detail herein. In this regard, the light fixture control module 126
may be realized as suitably written processing logic, application
program code, or the like.
[0027] The light fixture control module 126 initiates transmission
of electrical energy, in the form of a power signal, to the
external light fixture 102. The power signal originates at the
vehicle battery, and is received by the control unit 120 for
further transmission to the external light fixture 102. In addition
to the transmission of electrical energy, the light fixture control
module 126 further provides a communication signal to the external
light fixture 102. Here, the control unit 120 may be unaware of the
existence of the light fixture 102. In some embodiments, the
control unit 120 communicates over a local interconnect network
(LIN), oblivious to the fact that a wireless lamp is installed. At
the base of the light fixture 102 a LIN receiver (i.e., transceiver
106) and a controller (i.e., microcontroller 108) transform
received signals into a wireless power transfer (WPT) signal
generated locally at the base. In other embodiments, the control
unit 120 transmits a WPT signal over existing, dedicated LIN wires
that are amplified at the base to the levels needed for power
transfer and communication. In still other embodiments, the control
unit 120 transmits over power lines that are selected by the base,
processed, and relayed over WPT to the light fixture 102.
[0028] The communication signal transmitted by the light fixture
control module 126 includes an instruction set for operation of the
external light fixture 102. The instruction set is created by the
light fixture control module 126 when a user input signal is
received at the vehicle, indicating that the user is attempting to
operate the external light fixture 102 in some way. For example,
the user may execute a turn signal onboard the vehicle. Here, the
control unit 120 receives and interprets the user input, creates an
instruction set based on the user input, and transmits the
instruction set to the external light fixture 102 for performing a
turn signal (e.g., a timed flashing of at least a portion of the
hardware of the external light fixture 102). In this example, the
external light fixture 102 receives and executes the instruction
set, resulting in operating the external light fixture 102
according to the user input instructions. In certain embodiments,
the light fixture control module 126 is configured to transmit an
instruction set requesting diagnostics and/or status information
from the external light fixture 102. In this example, the external
light fixture 102 receives and executes the instruction set,
resulting in a return communication (i.e., a communication from the
external light fixture 102 to the control system 130) that includes
the requested diagnostics and/or status information.
[0029] The control unit 120 provides the above-described power
signals and communication signals to the external light fixture 102
by transmitting the signals to the control system transceiver 116
via a wire harness 118. The wire harness 118 is communicatively
coupled to the control unit 120, and in certain embodiments, the
wire harness 118 may be implemented using any standard wire harness
for use onboard a vehicle and compatible with single-line and/or
multi-line, serial communication. In certain embodiments, the wire
harness 118 transmits communication signals compatible with a local
interconnect network (LIN) communication protocol. It should be
appreciated that, although a wire harness 118 may be used in
exemplary embodiments of the present invention, practical
applications of the invention may use any method of signal
transmission appropriate to vehicle onboard communication.
[0030] Similar to the light fixture transceiver 106, the control
system transceiver 116 may be implemented using any standard
transceiver compatible with a single-line and/or multi-line, serial
communication protocol. In certain embodiments, the control system
transceiver 116 may include a single transceiver, or one or more
transceivers, wherein each transceiver is configured as a
transmitter and a receiver. Some embodiments, however, may include
any number of transmitters and receivers appropriate to the
application.
[0031] The control system transceiver 116 is positioned or embedded
in a sheet metal pocket 114 that is used to hold the external light
fixture 102. The control system transceiver 116 seals the sheet
metal pocket 114, preventing water and other debris from entering
the trunk of the vehicle. The use of the control system transceiver
116 (which seals the sheet metal pocket 114) in combination with
the light fixture transceiver 106 (which is located inside a sealed
housing 104 for the external light fixture 102) provides a fully
functioning external lighting system 100 that prevents damage to
the vehicle and/or external light fixture 102 due to leaks, water
damage, damage due to debris, or the like.
[0032] The control system transceiver 116 is configured to receive,
from the control unit 120, signals for power and communication for
the external light fixture 102, and to transmit, wirelessly, the
power signals and communication signals to the external light
fixture 102 via the light fixture transceiver 106. An exemplary
embodiment of the internal structure of the transceivers used to
transmit and receive the power signals and communication signals
between a control system transceiver 116 and a light fixture
transceiver 106 is illustrated below with regard to FIG. 2.
[0033] FIG. 2 is a diagram of internal transceiver circuitry 200,
in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. As shown, the
internal transceiver circuitry 200 includes circuitry for two
transceivers. Each transceiver includes one or more coils used for
transmitting and/or receiving power signals and communication
signals. For purpose of this example, the first coil set 202 may be
associated with a control system for a light fixture and the second
coil set 204 may be associated with the light fixture, as described
above with respect to FIG. 1. In certain embodiments, the first
coil set 202 and/or the second coil set 204 is implemented using a
single coil. In some embodiments, one or both of the first coil set
202 and the second coil set 204 are implemented using more than one
coil. In this example using more than one coil, each coil set
behaves as if it included only one coil.
[0034] The first coil set 202 is configured to transmit power
signals and communication signals for operation of the external
light fixture, and the second coil set 204 is configured to receive
the transmitted power signals and communication signals. This
transmitting-and-receiving process is accomplished at each coil
set, and thus at each transceiver, using the same coil(s) for power
and communication signals, using a common frequency for power and
communication signals, and wherein the power signal and the
communication signal are transmitted and received
simultaneously.
[0035] In certain embodiments of the first coil set 202 and the
second coil set 204, the power signals and the communication
signals are transmitted by a first single coil and received by a
second single coil. In other words, instead of transmitting power
signals using a separate transmission apparatus than that used to
transmit communication signals, the first coil set 202 transmits
both signals using the same coil at the same frequency. When the
first coil set 202 and/or the second coil set 204 is implemented
using more than one coil, the same combination of coils that
transmit the power signal also transmits the communication signal.
In other words, the power signal and the communication signal are
transmitted from a common coil or a common coil set.
[0036] As shown, the internal transceiver circuitry 200 is
configured to provide a wireless power transfer (WPT) from the
first coil set 202 to the second coil set 204. Here, the
communication protocol is embedded into the same coils (i.e., the
first coil set 202 and the second coil set 204) that are
transferring power from one transceiver to another, thus providing
communication signals and power to the external light fixture
onboard the vehicle. Exemplary embodiments of the invention use
Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK) to carry out communication over
the WPT coils. However, it should be appreciated that other
embodiments of the present invention may employ other methods for
providing communication signals over the same coils used for WPT,
such as M-phase shift keying (M-PSK), quadrature amplitude
modulation (QAM), differential BPSK (DBPSK), or the like.
[0037] In certain embodiments, the internal transceiver circuitry
may be configured to provide isolated electrical systems for each
function of an external light fixture. For example, a single
transmitting coil may be used for a turn signal function, a second
single transmitting coil may be used for a brake-light function,
and a third single transmitting coil may be used for a standard
tail light function. In this example, each function is associated
with an individual circuit, and therefore each function is
electrically isolated from other functions. Electrically isolated
circuits may be implemented using multiple transceivers on the
control system side and on the external light fixture side. A
system configured in this way provides the benefits of an isolated
power supply for the hardware associated with each function, and
when a particular function becomes inoperable, the other functions
remain usable.
[0038] FIG. 3 is a flow chart that illustrates an embodiment of a
process 300 for operation of a control system for an external light
fixture onboard a vehicle. The various tasks performed in
connection with process 300 may be performed by software, hardware,
firmware, or any combination thereof For illustrative purposes, the
following description of process 300 may refer to elements
mentioned above in connection with FIGS. 1-2. In practice, portions
of process 300 may be performed by different elements of the
described system. It should be appreciated that process 300 may
include any number of additional or alternative tasks, the tasks
shown in FIG. 3 need not be performed in the illustrated order, and
process 300 may be incorporated into a more comprehensive procedure
or process having additional functionality not described in detail
herein. Moreover, one or more of the tasks shown in FIG. 3 could be
omitted from an embodiment of the process 300 as long as the
intended overall functionality remains intact.
[0039] First, the process 300 receives a battery voltage from the
vehicle battery (step 302), and converts the battery voltage to a
power signal appropriate for wireless transmission to an external
light fixture (step 304). The power signal appropriate for wireless
transmission is a fixed frequency power signal in the kHz-MHz
range.
[0040] The process 300 then receives an external light fixture
operation signal (step 306). The external light fixture operation
signal may be received as a result of user input and/or as a result
of an automatic operation onboard the vehicle. For example, a user
may provide input by activating a lever inside the vehicle to
execute a turn signal. As another example, the vehicle may have
headlights and/or tail lights that automatically activate when
certain outside conditions are met (e.g., the windshield wipers are
activated indicating that the weather is rainy, or it is dark
outside). In this example, when the vehicle receives a signal
indicting that the outside conditions are met, the vehicle provides
an operation signal to the external light fixture to activate
(i.e., initiate operation of) the external light fixture.
[0041] The external light fixture operation signal may also include
a request from a control system or diagnostics system onboard the
vehicle, requesting status and/or diagnostics information from the
external light fixture. Status and diagnostics information may
include reporting when a light bulb or LED is damaged, when a
function of the external light fixture is not operational, or when
any of the hardware or circuitry in the external light fixture is
not functioning.
[0042] Next, the process 300 converts the operation signal to a
communication signal for wireless transmission to the external
light fixture (step 308). The communication signals are modulated
over the power signal. The communication signals are much lower in
amplitude, therefore only small changes to the overall signal's Q
are observed (e.g., the efficiency of the WPT system remains
high).
[0043] The process 300 then transmits the power signal and the
communication signal (step 310). Here, the process 300 transmits
the power signal and the communication signal using the same coil
or coils. The process 300 uses a single coil (or set of coils) to
transmit both signals. In some embodiments, the process 300
transmits the power signal and the communication signal over the
same coil(s) simultaneously, and in some embodiments, the process
300 transmits the power signal and the communication signal using
the same frequency.
[0044] FIG. 4 is a flow chart that illustrates an embodiment of a
process 400 for operation of an external light fixture onboard a
vehicle. The process 400 is presented from the perspective of the
external light fixture, and presents the steps taken at the
external light fixture to carry out functionality at the external
light fixture. First, the process 400 receives a power signal and
as communication signal (step 402). Here, the process 400 receives
the power signal and the communication signal using the same coil
or coils. The process 400 uses a single coil (or set of coils) to
receive both signals. In some embodiments, the process 400 receives
the power signal and the communication signal over the same coil(s)
simultaneously, and in some embodiments, the process 400 receives
the power signal and the communication signal using the same
frequency.
[0045] The process 400 then uses the power signal to provide
electrical energy for operation of the external light fixture (step
404). The power signal is used to provide the electrical energy for
the internal hardware of the external light fixture, which may
include a microprocessor, one or more light bulbs and/or light
emitting diodes (LEDs), and any other hardware or device required
to perform functionality of an external light fixture.
[0046] Next, the process 400 interprets the communication signal to
recognize an instruction set (step 406), and executes the
instruction set (step 408). In certain embodiments, the instruction
set may include commands applicable to operation of the external
light fixture. Operation of the external light fixture may include
headlight functionality, tail light functionality, turn signal
functionality, hazard signal functionality, sequences of flashes,
animations, or any other functionality appropriate for a light
fixture onboard a vehicle. In some embodiments, the instruction set
may include a request for status information and/or diagnostic
information associated with the external light fixture.
[0047] Techniques and technologies may be described herein in terms
of functional and/or logical block components, and with reference
to symbolic representations of operations, processing tasks, and
functions that may be performed by various computing components or
devices. Such operations, tasks, and functions are sometimes
referred to as being computer-executed, computerized,
software-implemented, or computer-implemented. In practice, one or
more processor devices can carry out the described operations,
tasks, and functions by manipulating electrical signals
representing data bits at memory locations in the system memory, as
well as other processing of signals. The memory locations where
data bits are maintained are physical locations that have
particular electrical, magnetic, optical, or organic properties
corresponding to the data bits. It should be appreciated that the
various block components shown in the figures may be realized by
any number of hardware, software, and/or firmware components
configured to perform the specified functions. For example, an
embodiment of a system or a component may employ various integrated
circuit components, e.g., memory elements, digital signal
processing elements, logic elements, look-up tables, or the like,
which may carry out a variety of functions under the control of one
or more microprocessors or other control devices.
[0048] When implemented in software or firmware, various elements
of the systems described herein are essentially the code segments
or instructions that perform the various tasks. The program or code
segments can be stored in a processor-readable medium or
transmitted by a computer data signal embodied in a carrier wave
over a transmission medium or communication path. The
"computer-readable medium", "processor-readable medium", or
"machine-readable medium" may include any medium that can store or
transfer information. Examples of the processor-readable medium
include an electronic circuit, a semiconductor memory device, a
ROM, a flash memory, an erasable ROM (EROM), a floppy diskette, a
CD-ROM, an optical disk, a hard disk, a fiber optic medium, a radio
frequency (RF) link, or the like. The computer data signal may
include any signal that can propagate over a transmission medium
such as electronic network channels, optical fibers, air,
electromagnetic paths, or RF links. The code segments may be
downloaded via computer networks such as the Internet, an intranet,
a LAN, or the like.
[0049] For the sake of brevity, conventional techniques related to
signal processing, data transmission, signaling, network control,
and other functional aspects of the systems (and the individual
operating components of the systems) may not be described in detail
herein. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various
figures contained herein are intended to represent exemplary
functional relationships and/or physical couplings between the
various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or
additional functional relationships or physical connections may be
present in an embodiment of the subject matter.
[0050] Some of the functional units described in this specification
have been referred to as "modules" in order to more particularly
emphasize their implementation independence. For example,
functionality referred to herein as a module may be implemented
wholly, or partially, as a hardware circuit comprising custom VLSI
circuits or gate arrays, off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic
chips, transistors, or other discrete components. A module may also
be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field
programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable
logic devices, or the like. Modules may also be implemented in
software for execution by various types of processors. An
identified module of executable code may, for instance, comprise
one or more physical or logical modules of computer instructions
that may, for instance, be organized as an object, procedure, or
function. Nevertheless, the executables of an identified module
need not be physically located together, but may comprise disparate
instructions stored in different locations that, when joined
logically together, comprise the module and achieve the stated
purpose for the module. A module of executable code may be a single
instruction, or many instructions, and may even be distributed over
several different code segments, among different programs, and
across several memory devices. Similarly, operational data may be
embodied in any suitable form and organized within any suitable
type of data structure. The operational data may be collected as a
single data set, or may be distributed over different locations
including over different storage devices, and may exist, at least
partially, merely as electronic signals on a system or network.
[0051] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented
in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated
that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be
appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or embodiments described
herein are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or
configuration of the claimed subject matter in any way. Rather, the
foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the
art with a convenient road map for implementing the described
embodiment or embodiments. It should be understood that various
changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements
without departing from the scope defined by the claims, which
includes known equivalents and foreseeable equivalents at the time
of filing this patent application.
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