US5825286A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vehicular data collection and transmission system and method
Assignee: SemiSystems Inc
•
Filing: 1996-08-05
•
Granted: 1998-10-20
•
Expires: 2016-08-05
Abstract
Abstract Selected vehicle operational parameters such as tire pressure, wheel temperature and vibration are sensed by sensors mounted on wheel modules secured to the individual vehicle wheels. The sensed parameters are converted to digital format and the resulting digital data is manipulated to determine if the data falls within predetermined operating ranges. The data and information resulting from the manipulation are used to modulate an RF signal transmitted to another location on the vehicle. Additional parameters are sensed at the second location, and calculations are performed on the data received from the wheel modules and the data sensed at the second location to display operational, efficiency and safety information to the vehicle operator and to make such information available to others such as vehicle owners and maintenance personnel.
Inventors
- 👤 John J. Coulthard
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 14:08
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60C; B60C23/00; B60C23/02; B60C23/04; B60C23/0408; B60C23/005; B60C23/009; B60C23/0422; B60C23/0433; B60C23/0447; B60C23/0455; G; G07; G07C; G07C5/00; G07C5/008
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 44
Claim 1
Independent Claim
154 words
A vehicle data collection system comprising: (a) wheel module means mounted on a vehicle wheel inside a tire mounted on said wheel including; i. a plurality of sensors each sensing a different vehicle operating parameter to provide an analog data signal representing said parameter; ii. means for digitizing said data signals; iii. microprocessing means connected to receive said digitized data signals and to encode such signals for transmission; said microprocessor responsive to the receipt of digitized data signals corresponding to a sensed parameter for; 1. averaging a plurality of successive digitized data signals corresponding to said sensed parameter and storing said average; 2. averaging a second plurality of successive digitized data signals corresponding to said sensed parameter and storing said average; 3. averaging said first and second stored averages; 4. comparing said first and second stored averages to detect any change in said sensed parameter; 5. scheduling transmission of said data at predetermined intervals;
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
154 words
A vehicle data collection system comprising: (a) wheel module means mounted on a vehicle wheel inside a tire mounted on said wheel including; i. a plurality of sensors each sensing a different vehicle operating parameter to provide an analog data signal representing said parameter; ii. means for digitizing said data signals; iii. microprocessing means connected to receive said digitized data signals and to encode such signals for transmission; said microprocessor responsive to the receipt of digitized data signals corresponding to a sensed parameter for; 1. averaging a plurality of successive digitized data signals corresponding to said sensed parameter and storing said average; 2. averaging a second plurality of successive digitized data signals corresponding to said sensed parameter and storing said average; 3. averaging said first and second stored averages; 4. comparing said first and second stored averages to detect any change in said sensed parameter; 5. scheduling transmission of said data at predetermined intervals;
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
83 words
reducing said predetermined interval if said change in said sensed parameter is greater than a predetermined percentage change; iv. a transmitter connected to receive encoded signals from said microprocessor and to transmit said encoded signals; (b) receiving means in said vehicle positioned remote from said wheel module for receiving said encoded data signals transmitted from said wheel modules; (c) computer means, connected to said receiving means, for receiving said data signals; and (d) display means connected to said computer for displaying said data.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
83 words
reducing said predetermined interval if said change in said sensed parameter is greater than a predetermined percentage change; iv. a transmitter connected to receive encoded signals from said microprocessor and to transmit said encoded signals; (b) receiving means in said vehicle positioned remote from said wheel module for receiving said encoded data signals transmitted from said wheel modules; (c) computer means, connected to said receiving means, for receiving said data signals; and (d) display means connected to said computer for displaying said data.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The combination set forth in claim 1 wherein said sensed parameters include tire pressure and wheel temperature.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The combination set forth in claim 1 wherein said sensed parameters include axial and radial wheel acceleration.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The combination set forth in claim 1 wherein said sensed parameters include wheel vibration.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The combination set forth in claim 1 wherein said sensed parameters include infrared sensed tire temperature.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
The combination set forth in claim 1 wherein said sensed parameters include sound.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
111 words
A method of gathering vehicle data comprising; (a) sensing selected vehicle operating parameters from within a vehicle tire mounted on a wheel on said vehicle; (b) digitizing said data within said vehicle tire and transmitting, at predetermined intervals, said data outside said vehicle tire; (c) reducing said predetermined intervals if the sensed operating parameter changes by predetermined percentage; (d) receiving said data at a location remote from said vehicle tire; (e) comparing said data to predetermined limits for each of said selected vehicle operating parameters; (f) displaying said data; and (g) energizing an alarm if said data is outside a corresponding predetermined limit for any of said selected vehicle operating parameters.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
111 words
A method of gathering vehicle data comprising; (a) sensing selected vehicle operating parameters from within a vehicle tire mounted on a wheel on said vehicle; (b) digitizing said data within said vehicle tire and transmitting, at predetermined intervals, said data outside said vehicle tire; (c) reducing said predetermined intervals if the sensed operating parameter changes by predetermined percentage; (d) receiving said data at a location remote from said vehicle tire; (e) comparing said data to predetermined limits for each of said selected vehicle operating parameters; (f) displaying said data; and (g) energizing an alarm if said data is outside a corresponding predetermined limit for any of said selected vehicle operating parameters.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 7 wherein said selected vehicle operating parameters include tire pressure and wheel temperature.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 7 wherein said vehicle operating parameters include axial and radial wheel acceleration.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 7 wherein said selected vehicle operating parameters include wheel vibration.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 7 wherein said selected vehicle operating parameters include infrared sensed tire temperature.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 7 wherein said selected vehicle operating parameters include sound.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
179 words
A method of collecting vehicle data comprising: (a) sensing a plurality of selected vehicle operating parameters from within a vehicle tire mounted on a wheel on said vehicle; (b) digitizing said data; (c) averaging a first plurality of successive digitized data signals corresponding to a sensed parameter and storing said average; (d) averaging a second plurality of successive digitized data signals corresponding to said sensed parameter and storing said average; (e) averaging said first and second stored averages; (f) comparing the first and second stored averages to detect any change in said sensed parameter; (g) scheduling transmission of said data at predetermined intervals; (h) reducing said predetermined interval if any such change in said sensed parameter is greater than a predetermined percentage change; (i) transmitting said average of averages; (j) receiving said data at a location remote from said vehicle tire; (k) comparing said data to predetermined limits for each of said selected vehicle operating parameters; and (l) energizing an alarm if said data is outside of a corresponding predetermined limit for any of said selected vehicle operating parameters.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
179 words
A method of collecting vehicle data comprising: (a) sensing a plurality of selected vehicle operating parameters from within a vehicle tire mounted on a wheel on said vehicle; (b) digitizing said data; (c) averaging a first plurality of successive digitized data signals corresponding to a sensed parameter and storing said average; (d) averaging a second plurality of successive digitized data signals corresponding to said sensed parameter and storing said average; (e) averaging said first and second stored averages; (f) comparing the first and second stored averages to detect any change in said sensed parameter; (g) scheduling transmission of said data at predetermined intervals; (h) reducing said predetermined interval if any such change in said sensed parameter is greater than a predetermined percentage change; (i) transmitting said average of averages; (j) receiving said data at a location remote from said vehicle tire; (k) comparing said data to predetermined limits for each of said selected vehicle operating parameters; and (l) energizing an alarm if said data is outside of a corresponding predetermined limit for any of said selected vehicle operating parameters.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 13 wherein said selected vehicle operating parameters include wheel temperature and tire pressure.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 13 wherein said selected vehicle operating parameters include axial and radial wheel acceleration.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 13 wherein said selected vehicle operating parameters include wheel vibration.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 13 wherein said selected vehicle operating parameters include infrared sensed tire temperature.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 13 wherein said selected vehicle operating parameters include sound.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
164 words
A vehicle data collection system comprising: (a) wheel module means mounted on a vehicle wheel including: (i) a plurality of sensors each for sensing a different one of selected vehicle operating parameters; (ii) digitizing means for digitizing data collected by said sensors; (iii) transmission means for transmitting said digitized data at predetermined intervals; (iv) an interval reducing means for reducing said predetermined intervals if the sensed operating parameter changes by a predetermined percentage; (b) receiving means in said vehicle mounted remote from said wheel module for receiving data transmitted from said wheel module; (c) a computer means, connected to said receiving means for receiving said data, said computer means comparing each of said different one of said plurality of operating data to a corresponding plurality of predetermined limits respectively for said data; (d) display means connected to said computer for displaying said data to an operator and for presenting an alarm when any of said plurality of data is outside a corresponding predetermined limit.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
164 words
A vehicle data collection system comprising: (a) wheel module means mounted on a vehicle wheel including: (i) a plurality of sensors each for sensing a different one of selected vehicle operating parameters; (ii) digitizing means for digitizing data collected by said sensors; (iii) transmission means for transmitting said digitized data at predetermined intervals; (iv) an interval reducing means for reducing said predetermined intervals if the sensed operating parameter changes by a predetermined percentage; (b) receiving means in said vehicle mounted remote from said wheel module for receiving data transmitted from said wheel module; (c) a computer means, connected to said receiving means for receiving said data, said computer means comparing each of said different one of said plurality of operating data to a corresponding plurality of predetermined limits respectively for said data; (d) display means connected to said computer for displaying said data to an operator and for presenting an alarm when any of said plurality of data is outside a corresponding predetermined limit.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
16 words
The combination set forth in claim 19 wherein said parameters include tire pressure and wheel temperature.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
16 words
The combination set forth in claim 19 wherein said parameters include axial and radial wheel acceleration.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
13 words
The combination set forth in claim 19 wherein said parameters include wheel vibration.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
15 words
The combination set forth in claim 19 wherein said parameters include infrared sensed tire temperature.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
12 words
The combination set forth in claim 19 wherein said parameters include sound.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
173 words
A vehicle data collection system comprising: (a) wheel module means mounted on a vehicle wheel including: (i) a plurality of sensors each for sensing a different one of selected vehicle operating parameters; (ii) digitizing means for digitizing data collected by said sensors; (iii) transmission means for transmitting said digitized data at predetermined intervals; (iv) a interval reducing means for reducing said predetermined intervals if the sensed operating parameter changes by a predetermined percentage; (b) receiving means in said vehicle mounted remote from said wheel module for receiving data transmitted from said wheel module; (c) a computer means, connected to said receiving means for receiving said data and comparing the data to both predetermined efficiency limits with respect to each sensed operating parameter and to predetermined safety limits for each of said operating parameters; (d) display means connected to said computer for displaying said data to an operator and for presenting an alarm when any of said plurality of data is outside of said predetermined efficiency limits or outside of said predetermined safety limits.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
173 words
A vehicle data collection system comprising: (a) wheel module means mounted on a vehicle wheel including: (i) a plurality of sensors each for sensing a different one of selected vehicle operating parameters; (ii) digitizing means for digitizing data collected by said sensors; (iii) transmission means for transmitting said digitized data at predetermined intervals; (iv) a interval reducing means for reducing said predetermined intervals if the sensed operating parameter changes by a predetermined percentage; (b) receiving means in said vehicle mounted remote from said wheel module for receiving data transmitted from said wheel module; (c) a computer means, connected to said receiving means for receiving said data and comparing the data to both predetermined efficiency limits with respect to each sensed operating parameter and to predetermined safety limits for each of said operating parameters; (d) display means connected to said computer for displaying said data to an operator and for presenting an alarm when any of said plurality of data is outside of said predetermined efficiency limits or outside of said predetermined safety limits.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
16 words
The combination set forth in claim 25 wherein said parameters include tire pressure and wheel temperature.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
16 words
The combination set forth in claim 25 wherein said parameters include axial and radial wheel acceleration.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
13 words
The combination set forth in claim 25 wherein said parameters include wheel vibration.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
15 words
The combination set forth in claim 25 wherein said parameters include infrared sensed tire temperature.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
12 words
The combination set forth in claim 25 wherein said parameters include sound.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
171 words
A vehicle data collection system comprising: (a) wheel module means mounted on a vehicle wheel inside a tire mounted on said wheel including: (i) a plurality of sensors each for sensing a different one of selected vehicle operating parameters; (ii) digitizing means for digitizing data collected by said sensors; (iii) transmission means for transmitting said digitized data at predetermined intervals; (iv) a interval reducing means for reducing said predetermined intervals if the sensed operating parameter changes by a predetermined percentage; (b) receiving means in said vehicle mounted remote from said wheel module for receiving data transmitted from said wheel module; (c) a computer means, connected to said receiving means for receiving said data, said computer means comparing each of said different one of said plurality of operating data to a corresponding plurality of predetermined limits respectively for said data; (d) display means connected to said computer for displaying said data to an operator and for presenting an alarm when any of said plurality of data is outside a corresponding predetermined limit.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
171 words
A vehicle data collection system comprising: (a) wheel module means mounted on a vehicle wheel inside a tire mounted on said wheel including: (i) a plurality of sensors each for sensing a different one of selected vehicle operating parameters; (ii) digitizing means for digitizing data collected by said sensors; (iii) transmission means for transmitting said digitized data at predetermined intervals; (iv) a interval reducing means for reducing said predetermined intervals if the sensed operating parameter changes by a predetermined percentage; (b) receiving means in said vehicle mounted remote from said wheel module for receiving data transmitted from said wheel module; (c) a computer means, connected to said receiving means for receiving said data, said computer means comparing each of said different one of said plurality of operating data to a corresponding plurality of predetermined limits respectively for said data; (d) display means connected to said computer for displaying said data to an operator and for presenting an alarm when any of said plurality of data is outside a corresponding predetermined limit.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
16 words
The combination set forth in claim 31 wherein said parameters include tire pressure and wheel temperature.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
16 words
The combination set forth in claim 31 wherein said parameters include axial and radial wheel acceleration.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
13 words
The combination set forth in claim 31 wherein said parameters include wheel vibration.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
15 words
The combination set forth in claim 31 wherein said parameters include infrared sensed tire temperature.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
12 words
The combination set forth in claim 31 wherein said parameters include sound.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4254312A
Cited
US4717905A
Cited
US5335540A
Cited
US5359886A
Cited
US5274355A
Cited
US5589815A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-10-19 | 2002-04-20 | 2002-10-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-10-19 | 2006-04-20 | 2006-10-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-10-19 | 2010-04-20 | 2010-10-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |