Office Action 2: Notice of Allowance (2025-04-02)

CLAIMS:
Listing of Claims

Amendments of the ClaimsThe following listing of claims will replace all prior versions, and listings, of claims in the above-identified patent application:

1\. (Currently Amended) A method of configuring a vehicle to integrate an accessory comprising:

generating, for display on a touchscreen, an initial state of an accessory-equipped vehicle, wherein the initial state includes default values of environmental variables and default values of operational parameters of vehicle and accessory components and sub-systems;
generating a graphical user interface, on the touchscreen, allowing a user to specify a test configuration comprising:a user-specified high-level accessory\-related rule relating to the operation of the accessory-equipped vehicle;
a simulated event; and
an environmental variable describing an environment in which the accessory-equipped vehicle is operating, and an operational parameter setting a state of the vehicle and accessory components and sub-systems;
simulating a resultant state of the accessory-equipped vehicle when operating under the control of the test configuration;
displaying, on the touchscreen, the resultant state of the accessory-equipped vehicle before loading the test configuration into the accessory-equipped vehicle;
receiving the user-specified high-level accessory-related rule at the accessory-equipped vehicle;

translating the received user-specified high-level accessory-related rule\[\[s\]\] into a lower- level accessory-related configuration readable by an accessory interface unit having one or more communication ports adapted for communication with sensors or actuators associated with the accessory;and
providing the lower-level accessory-related configuration to the accessory interface unit;
whereby the accessory interface unit cooperates with the sensors or actuators associated with the accessory to operate the accessory in accordance with the received user- specified high-level accessory-related rule\[\[s\]\].
2\. (Currently Amended) The method of claim 1, further comprising translating the received user-specified high-level accessory-related rule\[\[s\]\] to a low-level driver console configuration file for specifying \[\[the\]\] an appearance of one or more GUI elements on the console providing an operator of the vehicle with one or both of control of the accessory and visibility of \[\[the \]\]a status of the accessory.
3\. (Currently Amended) The method of claim 1, further comprising storing the user- specified high-level accessory-related rule\[\[s\]\] in persistent storage accessible to users tasked with configuring other vehicles with the accessory.
4\. (Currently Amended) The method of claim 3, further comprising:
retrieving he user-specified high-level accessory-related rule\[\[s\]\] from the persistent storage;
generating a graphical user interface for editing the retrieved user-specified high-level accessory-related rule\[\[s\]\];
receiving user edits of the retrieved user-specified high-level accessory-related rule\[\[s\]\];
storing the edited user-specified high-level accessory-related rule\[\[s\]\] in the persistent storage accessible to users tasked with configuring other vehicles with the accessory.
5\. (Currently Amended) The method of claim 1, further comprising generating, for display, a graphical user interface enabling \[\[the \]\]modification of a stored high-level accessory- related rule.

6\. (Currently Amended) The method of claim 12wherein providing the lower-level accessory-related configuration to the accessory interface unit comprises transmitting the lower-level accessory-related configuration to the accessory interface unit over an external communication link to the vehicle.
7\. (Currently Amended) The method of claim 12wherein the user-specified high- level accessory-related rule\[\[s\]\] comprises an event-action rule\[\[s\]\] or a condition-action rule\[\[s\]\].
8\. (Currently Amended) The method of claim 72wherein the user-specified high- level accessory-related rule\[\[s\]\] comprises thecondition-action rule\[\[s\]\] in which a\[\[the\]\] condition includes a parameter from a sensor associated with the accessory.
9\. (Currently Amended) The method of claim 72wherein \[\[the \]\]an action comprises operating an actuator to change the state of the accessory.

10\. (Currently Amended) The method of claim 12 wherein simulating the resultant state of the accessory-equipped vehicle comprises generating a software model of the accessory-equipped vehicle operating in accordance with the user-specified high- level accessory-related rule\[\[s\]\] entered by the user.

11\. (Canceled).

12\. (Currently Amended) A system for configuring a vehicle to integrate an accessory, wherein the system comprises control circuitry configured to:

generate, for display on a touchscreen, an initial state of an accessory-equipped vehicle, wherein the initial state includes default values of environmental variables and default values of operational parameters of vehicle and accessory components and sub-systems;
generate a graphical user interface, on the touchscreen, allowing a user to specify a test configuration comprising:a user-specified high-level accessory-related rule relating to the operation of the accessory-equipped vehicle;
a simulated event; and
an environmental variable describing an environment in which the accessory- equipped vehicle is operating, and an operational parameter setting a state of the vehicle and accessory components and sub-systems;
simulate a resultant state of the accessory-equipped vehicle when operating under the control of the test configuration;
display, on the touchscreen, the resultant state of the accessory-equipped vehicle before loading the test configuration into the accessory-equipped vehicle;
receive the user-specified high-level accessory-related rule at the accessory-equipped vehicle;
translate the received user-specified high-level accessory-related rule into alower-level accessory-related configuration readable by an accessory interface unit having one or more communication ports adapted for communication with sensors or actuators associated with the accessory; and
provide the lower-level accessory-related configuration to the accessory interface unit;
whereby the accessory interface unit cooperates with the sensors or actuators associated with the accessory to operate the accessory in accordance with the received user-specified high- level accessory-related rule.

13\. (Currently Amended) \[\[A \]\]Thesystem according to claim 12 in which:
the system comprises an embedded system, the embedded system further comprising:a controller area network port connectable to a vehicle controller area network;

one or more accessory ports connectable to electrical systems of respective accessories;
a processor;
the control circuitry being further configured to:
store the lower-level accessory-related configuration;
interpret the lower-level accessory-related configuration to generate a control signal on one of the one or more accessory ports in response to a sensor signal received on the one of the one or more accessory ports, or to cause the generation of a control signal on the one of the one or more accessory ports in response to a sensor signal received on one of the other ports of the one or more accessory ports.

14\. (Currently Amended) \[\[A \]\]Thesystem according to claim 13 in which the received sensor signal is indicative of a driver input on an accessory control element displayed on \[\[the \]\]a driver console.

15\. (Currently Amended) \[\[A \]\]Thesystem according to claim 13 in which \[\[the \]\]an output control signal controls the output of an accessory state display element on \[\[the \]\]a driver console.

16\. (Currently Amended) A computer-readable medium for configuring a vehicle to integrate an accessory, wherein the computer-readable medium tangibly embodies instructions executable by a processor to:

generate, for display on a touchscreen, an initial state of an accessory-equipped vehicle, wherein the initial state includes default values of environmental variables and default values of operational parameters of vehicle and accessory components and sub-systems;
generate a graphical user interface, on the touchscreen, allowing a user to specify a test configuration comprising:a user-specified high-level accessory-related rule relating to the operation of the accessory-equipped vehicle;
a simulated event; and
an environmental variable describing an environment in which the accessory- equipped vehicle is operating, and an operational parameter setting a state of the vehicle and accessory components and sub-systems;
simulate a resultant state of the accessory-equipped vehicle when operating under the control of the test configuration;
display, on the touchscreen, the resultant state of the accessory-equipped vehicle before loading the test configuration into the accessory-equipped vehicle;
receive the user-specified high-level accessory-related rule at the accessory-equipped vehicle;
translate the received user-specified high-level accessory-related rule into alower-level accessory-related configuration readable by an accessory interface unit having one or more communication ports adapted for communication with sensors or actuators associated with the accessory; and
provide the lower-level accessory-related configuration to the accessory interface unit;
whereby the accessory interface unit cooperates with the sensors or actuators associated with the accessory to operate the accessory in accordance with the received user-specified high- level accessory-related rule.

17\. (Original) A vehicle comprising a system according to claim 12.

OFFICE ACTION:
DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Prosecution History
Claims 1-17 of US application 17/948,031 filed 9/19/22 were examined. Examiner filed a non-final rejection on 9/30/24.
Applicant filed remarks and amendments on 2/27/25. Claims 1-10 and 12-16 were amended. Claim 11 was cancelled. Claims 1-10 and 12-17 are presently pending and presented for examination.
Reasons for Allowance
Claims 1-10 and 12-17 are allowed over the prior art of record.
The closest prior art of record is Bongard et al. (US 20200369148 A1) in view of Oh (US 20220036758 A1) in further view of Chan et al. (US 20230059562 A1), hereinafter referred to as Bongard, Oh and Chan, respectively. The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance:
Regarding claims 1, 12 and 16, Bongard discloses A method of configuring a vehicle to integrate an accessory (See at least Fig. 1 in Bongard: Bongard discloses that the system 10 is associated with a plurality of the accessories 12 installed to the vehicle 14 [See at least Bongard, 0033])  comprising:
generating, for display on a touchscreen, an initial state of an accessory-equipped vehicle, wherein the initial state includes default values of operational parameters of vehicle and accessory components and sub-systems (See at least Fig. 5 in Bongard: Bongard discloses current values of certain operational parameters of the vehicle, which may be regarded as default values [See at least Bongard, 0079]);
generating a graphical user interface, on the touchscreen, allowing a user to specify a test configuration (See at least Fig. 1 in Bongard: Bongard discloses that the UI module 16 is configured to provide interface controls to allow a user 13 to provide input, for example, to affect operation of any of the accessories 12 associated with the vehicle 14 [See at least Bongard, 0036]) comprising:
a user-specified high-level accessory-related rule relating to the operation of the accessory-equipped vehicle (See at least Fig. 1 in Bongard: Bongard discloses that the UI module 16 is configured to provide interface controls to allow a user 13 to provide input, for example, to affect operation of any of the accessories 12 associated with the vehicle 14 [See at least Bongard, 0036]); and
an operational parameter setting a state of the vehicle and accessory components and sub-systems (See at least Fig. 1 in Bongard: Bongard discloses that the UI module 16 output is configured for controlling operation of the one or more accessories 12, this typically involves communicating with the at least one or more accessories via the wireless communication interface 25 to cause at least one of initiating operation of at least one of the one or more accessories 12, ceasing operation of at least one of the one or more accessories 12, and adjusting operation of at least one of the one or more accessories 12 [See at least Bongard, 0044]);
receiving the user-specified high-level accessory-related rule at the accessory-equipped vehicle (See at least Fig. 1 in Bongard: Bongard discloses that the UI module 16 is configured to provide interface controls to allow a user 13 to provide input, for example, to affect operation of any of the accessories 12 associated with the vehicle 14 [See at least Bongard, 0036]);
translating the received user-specified high-level accessory-related rule into a lower- level accessory-related configuration readable by an accessory interface unit having one or more communication ports adapted for communication (See at least Fig. 1 in Bongard: Bongard discloses that the UI module 16 output is configured for controlling operation of the one or more accessories 12, this typically involves communicating with the at least one or more accessories via the wireless communication interface 25 to cause at least one of initiating operation of at least one of the one or more accessories 12, ceasing operation of at least one of the one or more accessories 12, and adjusting operation of at least one of the one or more accessories 12 [See at least Bongard, 0044]. Preparing the rules for transmission to the accessories via communication interface 25 and transmitting them may be regarded as translating them) with sensors or actuators associated with the accessory (See at least Fig. 1 in Bongard: Bongard discloses that the accessories include a pair of driving lights 121, a pair of air springs 122, an air compressor 123, and a locking differential 124 [See at least Bongard, 0033]. Bongard further discloses that at least some of the accessories 12 are associated with sensor apparatus 28 [See at least Bongard, 0033]); and
providing the lower-level accessory-related configuration to the accessory interface unit (See at least Fig. 1 in Bongard: Bongard discloses that the UI module 16 output is configured for controlling operation of the one or more accessories 12, this typically involves communicating with the at least one or more accessories via the wireless communication interface 25 to cause at least one of initiating operation of at least one of the one or more accessories 12, ceasing operation of at least one of the one or more accessories 12, and adjusting operation of at least one of the one or more accessories 12 [See at least Bongard, 0044]);
whereby the accessory interface unit cooperates with the sensors or actuators associated with the accessory to operate the accessory in accordance with the received user- specified high-level accessory-related rule (See at least Fig. 1 in Bongard: Bongard discloses that the UI module 16 output is configured for controlling operation of the one or more accessories 12, this typically involves communicating with the at least one or more accessories via the wireless communication interface 25 to cause at least one of initiating operation of at least one of the one or more accessories 12, ceasing operation of at least one of the one or more accessories 12, and adjusting operation of at least one of the one or more accessories 12 [See at least Bongard, 0044]. Bongard further discloses that the accessories include a pair of driving lights 121, a pair of air springs 122, an air compressor 123, and a locking differential 124 [See at least Bongard, 0033]. Bongard further discloses that at least some of the accessories 12 are associated with sensor apparatus 28 [See at least Bongard, 0033]).
Oh teaches wherein the initial state includes default values of environmental variables (Oh teaches that the test-driving experience service providing server may execute the vehicle test-driving virtual experience mode to provide a virtual driving environment setting interface by which at least one of a virtual driving parameter and a scenario for setting an environment of the virtual driving on the basis of the vehicle description application is set [See at least Oh, 0023]), wherein the test configuration inputted via a touchscreen further comprises a simulated event (Oh teaches that the test-driving experience service providing server may execute the vehicle test-driving virtual experience mode to provide a virtual driving environment setting interface by which at least one of a virtual driving parameter and a scenario for setting an environment of the virtual driving on the basis of the vehicle description application is set [See at least Oh, 0023]. The virtual driving may be regarded as a simulated event); and
an environmental variable describing an environment in which the vehicle is operating (Oh teaches that the test-driving experience service providing server may execute the vehicle test-driving virtual experience mode to provide a virtual driving environment setting interface by which at least one of a virtual driving parameter and a scenario for setting an environment of the virtual driving on the basis of the vehicle description application is set [See at least Oh, 0023]),
wherein the method further comprises simulating a resultant state of the accessory-equipped vehicle when operating under the control of the test configuration (Oh teaches that the test-driving experience service providing server may provide a test-driving virtual experience scenario image which is an augmented reality image providing the virtual driving experience environment on the basis of at least one of the set virtual driving parameter and scenario [See at least Oh, 0024]); and
displaying, on the touchscreen, the resultant state of the accessory-equipped vehicle (when the test-driving virtual experience scenario image is output, the test-driving experience service providing server may include event content related to a second vehicle function in the test-driving virtual experience scenario image and output the test-driving virtual experience scenario image).
However, none of the prior art of record, taken either alone or in combination, teaches or suggests where the vehicle’s resultant state after the simulation as per the user-specified test configuration is displayed before loading the test configuration into the accessory-equipped vehicle.
While Bongard does deal with integration an accessory, as discussed above, the changes made via the user interface do not involve simulating operation of a vehicle in an environment and they also immediately take effect in the vehicle, rather than displaying results of such a simulation first (See at least Fig. 1 in Bongard: Bongard discloses that the UI module 16 output is configured for controlling operation of the one or more accessories 12, this typically involves communicating with the at least one or more accessories via the wireless communication interface 25 to cause at least one of initiating operation of at least one of the one or more accessories 12, ceasing operation of at least one of the one or more accessories 12, and adjusting operation of at least one of the one or more accessories 12 [See at least Bongard, 0044]. There is no suggestion here that the state of any accessory is displayed to the user before the changes it implements take effect, nor is there any simulation of a vehicle in an environment).
Conversely, Oh does discuss simulation of driving of a vehicle using user-specified parameters as discussed above without loading any test information into an actual vehicle (See at least [Oh, 0023]). Oh further teaches displaying the results of the simulation (See at least [Oh, 0024]). However, Oh is silent as to whether or not the displaying of the results occurs before, during, or after any step of loading the test configuration into the vehicle, since Oh does not teach loading data into a real physical vehicle at all post-simulation.
Chan does not address the deficiencies of Bongard or Oh. Chan does teach a typical vehicle simulation system in the prior art whereby there is communication between the simulation system and the vehicle (See at least [Chan, 0056]). However, Chan is silent as to whether test configuration information is transferred to the vehicle before, during, or after any step of displaying simulation results to the user (See at least [Chan, 0096]). Chan also suggests that the simulation system may even be present onboard the vehicle, which would of course not be conducive to avoiding loading the test configuration information into the vehicle only after displaying it (See at least [Chan, 0056]).
In other words, the specific order of operations of a user entering in an accessory-related test configuration via a touch screen, followed by displaying the resultant state of the simulation using that test configuration to the user before ever loading the test configuration information into the particular accessory-equipped vehicle is not taught by the prior art of record.
For at least the above stated reasons, claims 1, 12 and 16 are allowed over the prior art of record.
Regarding claims 2-10, these claims are allowed at least by virtue of their dependence on claim 1.
Regarding claims 13-15 and 17, these claims are allowed at least by virtue of their dependence on claim 12.
Any comments considered necessary by applicant must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee.  Such submissions should be clearly labeled “Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.”
Conclusion

APPLICANT REBUTTAL: REMARKS
Summary of Applicant's Reply
Applicant has amended claim 1 as indicated in the above claims. Support for the
amendments is found in original claims 1 and 11, and paragraphs 3, 15, 16, 41, 43 and 55 of the original description.
Claims 12 and 16 have been amended in a corresponding manner.
Claims 2, 4-10 and 13-15 have been amended in response to the formalities listed in section 2 of the Office action.
Claim 3 has been amended to correct a typographical error.
Claim 11 has been cancelled without prejudice or disclaimer.
The Examiner's rejections are respectfully traversed.
Claim Objections
Claims 1-2 and 4-16 were objected to due to certain informalities. The above amendments address these objections.
Applicant's Reply to the Rejections Under 35 U.S.C.
Q
Claims 1-11 and 16 were rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 112. Claim 1 has been amended to recite that the display is
a touchscreen
and that the accessory interface unit
has one or more communication ports.
In view of these amendments, these rejections are moot.
Applicant's Reply to the Rejections Under 35 U.S.C.
Q
102 and
Q
Claims 1-2 and 5-17 were rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by U.S. Publication No. 2020/0369148 to Bongard et al. ("Bongard").
Claim 3 was rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103 as being unpatentable over Bongard in view of U.S. Publication No. 2020/0231168 to Uthaicharoenpong et al. ("Uthaicharoenpong").
Claim 4 was rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103 as being unpatentable over Bongard in view of Uthaicharoenpong, and in further view of U.S. Publication No. 2020/0216087 to Kim et al. ("Kim").
These rejections are respectfully traversed.
Bongard discloses a system and method for controlling vehicle accessories through a configurable user interface (UI) module connected to a processor and memory. The UI module receives inputs and generates outputs based on stored UI rules and a shared parameter list. These rules govern the generation of outputs when specific states appear in the parameter list. Both the UI module and a controller module respond to these states. The UI allows user input through a graphical interface displayed on a touchscreen and can process input from users, the vehicle, or sensors. The system enables users to control or adjust accessories, such as starting or stopping an accessory, or modifying its operational settings.
However, Bongard fails to disclose at least:
"generating, for display on a touchscreen, an initial state of an accessory-equipped
vehicle,
wherein the initial state includes default values of environmental variables and default values of operational parameters of vehicle and accessory components and sub-systems
[emphasis added];
generating a graphical user interface, on the touchscreen, allowing a user to specify
a test configuration
[emphasis added] comprising:
a user-specified high-level accessory-related rule relating to the operation of
the accessory-equipped vehicle;
a simulated event
[emphasis added]; and
an environmental variable describing an environment in which the accessory-
eq
uipped vehicle is operating, and an operational parameter setting a state of the
vehicle and accessory components and sub-systems
[emphasis added];
simulating a resultant state of the accessory-e
q
uipped vehicle when operating under the control of the test configuration
[emphasis added];
displaying, on the touchscreen, the resultant state of the accessory-equipped vehicle
before loading the test configuration into the accessory-e
q
uipped vehicle
[emphasis added];"
Uthaicharoenpong and Kim, either alone or in combination, fail to fill the gaps of Bongard.
For at least these reasons, Applicant respectfully submits that each of the amended independent claims is patentable. Applicant further respectfully submits that the dependent claims, as amended, are patentable by virtue of their respective direct and ultimate dependencies from allowable independent claims, as well as by virtue of the patentably distinct subject matter that they recite.
Conclusion


CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US20190202380A1: Claims:
A method for efficient power management of a finite power storage unit that provides a finite amount of power to a vehicle accessory, the method comprising: receiving an input parameter, wherein the input parameter includes one of a desired runtime for the vehicle accessory and a desired condition setting for the vehicle accessory; receiving an environment data; a processor determining an output parameter based on the input parameter and the environment data, wherein the output parameter includes one of an acceptable condition setting for the vehicle accessory and a predicted runtime for the vehicle accessory; providing the output parameter to a display for displaying the output parameter; and the processor controlling operation of the vehicle accessory based on the output parameter.
receiving an input parameter, wherein the input parameter includes one of a desired runtime for the vehicle accessory and a desired condition setting for the vehicle accessory;
receiving an environment data;
a processor determining an output parameter based on the input parameter and the environment data, wherein the output parameter includes one of an acceptable condition setting for the vehicle accessory and a predicted runtime for the vehicle accessory;
providing the output parameter to a display for displaying the output parameter; and
the processor controlling operation of the vehicle accessory based on the output parameter.
The method of claim 1 , wherein when the input parameter is the desired condition setting for the vehicle accessory, the output parameter is the predicted runtime for the vehicle accessory to achieve the desired condition setting, and wherein when the input parameter is the desired runtime of the vehicle accessory, the output parameter is the acceptable condition setting for the vehicle accessory to achieve the desired runtime.
wherein when the input parameter is the desired runtime of the vehicle accessory, the output parameter is the acceptable condition setting for the vehicle accessory to achieve the desired runtime.
The method of claim 1 , wherein the vehicle accessory includes a heating, ventilation, air conditioning or refrigeration (HVACR) system and the finite power storage unit is an auxiliary power unit (APU).
The method of claim 1 , wherein the vehicle accessory includes a transport refrigeration unit.
The method of claim 1 , wherein receiving the environment data includes receiving weather data from a server.
The method of claim 5 , wherein the weather data includes a solar load forecast.
The method of claim 1 , wherein the finite power storage unit includes one or more batteries, and wherein the environment data includes a state of charge of each of the one or more batteries.
wherein the environment data includes a state of charge of each of the one or more batteries.
The method of claim 7 , wherein determining the state of charge of each of the one or more batteries includes: connecting one of the one or more batteries to a load; measuring a current draw and a voltage drop across the one of the one or more batteries; and determining the state of charge of the one of the one or more batteries based on the current draw and the voltage drop across the one of the one or more batteries.
connecting one of the one or more batteries to a load;
measuring a current draw and a voltage drop across the one of the one or more batteries; and
determining the state of charge of the one of the one or more batteries based on the current draw and the voltage drop across the one of the one or more batteries.
The method of claim 7 , wherein determining the state of charge of the one or more batteries includes: measuring a voltage of each of the one or more batteries; engaging at least one of the one or more batteries with a load; measuring a current draw and a voltage drop across the at least one of the one or more batteries; disengaging the at least one of the one or more batteries from the load; measuring a open circuit voltage of the at least one of the one or more batteries; and determining the state of charge of the at least one of the one or more batteries based on the open circuit voltage of the at least one of the one or more batteries.
measuring a voltage of each of the one or more batteries;
engaging at least one of the one or more batteries with a load;
measuring a current draw and a voltage drop across the at least one of the one or more batteries;
disengaging the at least one of the one or more batteries from the load;
measuring a open circuit voltage of the at least one of the one or more batteries; and
determining the state of charge of the at least one of the one or more batteries based on the open circuit voltage of the at least one of the one or more batteries.
The method of claim 1 , further comprising: storing the output parameter in a memory; updating the environment data; determining an updated output parameter using the updated environment data; determining a deviation of the updated output parameter from a stored value of the output parameter that is stored in the memory; and providing an alert regarding a change to the output parameter.
storing the output parameter in a memory;
updating the environment data;
determining an updated output parameter using the updated environment data;
determining a deviation of the updated output parameter from a stored value of the output parameter that is stored in the memory; and
providing an alert regarding a change to the output parameter.
The method of claim 1 , wherein determining the output parameter includes: entering the environment data into a model correlating vehicle accessory condition setting and runtime; entering the input parameter into the model correlating vehicle accessory condition setting and runtime; and determining the output parameter based on the model correlating vehicle accessory condition setting and runtime.
entering the environment data into a model correlating vehicle accessory condition setting and runtime;
entering the input parameter into the model correlating vehicle accessory condition setting and runtime; and
determining the output parameter based on the model correlating vehicle accessory condition setting and runtime.
A finite power storage unit and vehicle accessory system, comprising: a vehicle accessory; a finite power storage unit that provides a finite amount of power to the vehicle accessory; an input device that receives an input parameter, wherein the input parameter includes one of a desired runtime for the vehicle accessory and a desired condition setting for the vehicle accessory; and a processor that: receives an environment data, determines an output parameter based on the input parameter and the environment data, and controls operation of the vehicle accessory based on the output parameter, wherein the output parameter includes one of an acceptable condition setting for the vehicle accessory and a predicted runtime for the vehicle accessor, and wherein the processor provides the output parameter to a display for displaying the output parameter.
a vehicle accessory;
a finite power storage unit that provides a finite amount of power to the vehicle accessory;
an input device that receives an input parameter, wherein the input parameter includes one of a desired runtime for the vehicle accessory and a desired condition setting for the vehicle accessory; and
a processor that: receives an environment data, determines an output parameter based on the input parameter and the environment data, and controls operation of the vehicle accessory based on the output parameter,
receives an environment data,
determines an output parameter based on the input parameter and the environment data, and
controls operation of the vehicle accessory based on the output parameter,
wherein the output parameter includes one of an acceptable condition setting for the vehicle accessory and a predicted runtime for the vehicle accessor, and
wherein the processor provides the output parameter to a display for displaying the output parameter.
The vehicle accessory and power source system of claim 12 , further comprising a communications link for receiving environment data.
The vehicle accessory and power source system of claim 12 , wherein the vehicle accessory includes a heating, ventilation, air conditioning or refrigeration (HVACR) system and the finite power storage unit is an auxiliary power unit.
The vehicle accessory and power source system of claim 12 , wherein the vehicle accessory includes a transport refrigeration unit.
The vehicle accessory and power source system of claim 12 , wherein when the input parameter is the desired condition setting for the vehicle accessory, the output parameter determined by the processor is the predicted runtime for the vehicle accessory to achieve the desired condition setting, and wherein when the input parameter is the desired runtime for the vehicle accessory, the output parameter determined by the processor is the acceptable condition setting for the vehicle accessory to achieve the desired runtime.
wherein when the input parameter is the desired runtime for the vehicle accessory, the output parameter determined by the processor is the acceptable condition setting for the vehicle accessory to achieve the desired runtime.
The vehicle accessory and power system of claim 12 , further comprising: a memory storing a model associating a vehicle accessory condition setting with a system runtime based on the input parameter and the environment data, wherein the processor determines the output parameter based on the input parameter, the environment data and the model.
a memory storing a model associating a vehicle accessory condition setting with a system runtime based on the input parameter and the environment data,
wherein the processor determines the output parameter based on the input parameter, the environment data and the model.
A user interface for a vehicle accessory powered by a finite power storage unit, comprising: a condition setting display showing a condition setting of the vehicle accessory; a condition setting control allowing a user to input a desired condition setting of the vehicle accessory; a runtime display showing a runtime of the vehicle accessory when powered by the finite power storage unit; and a runtime control allowing the user to input a desired runtime for the vehicle accessory, wherein, when the user inputs the desired condition setting of the vehicle accessory on the condition setting control, the runtime display is automatically updated based on the desired condition setting to display a predicted runtime of the vehicle accessory to achieve the desired condition setting of the vehicle accessory, and wherein, when the user inputs the desired runtime of the vehicle accessory on the runtime control, the condition setting display is automatically updated based on the desired runtime to display an acceptable condition setting of the vehicle accessory to achieve the desired runtime of the vehicle accessory.
a condition setting display showing a condition setting of the vehicle accessory;
a condition setting control allowing a user to input a desired condition setting of the vehicle accessory;
a runtime display showing a runtime of the vehicle accessory when powered by the finite power storage unit; and
a runtime control allowing the user to input a desired runtime for the vehicle accessory,
wherein, when the user inputs the desired condition setting of the vehicle accessory on the condition setting control, the runtime display is automatically updated based on the desired condition setting to display a predicted runtime of the vehicle accessory to achieve the desired condition setting of the vehicle accessory, and
wherein, when the user inputs the desired runtime of the vehicle accessory on the runtime control, the condition setting display is automatically updated based on the desired runtime to display an acceptable condition setting of the vehicle accessory to achieve the desired runtime of the vehicle accessory.
The user interface of claim 18 , further comprising an operating mode selection allowing selection of an operating mode for the vehicle accessory.
The user interface of claim 18 , further comprising: an additional vehicle accessories display that displays a list of one or more additional vehicle accessories on the finite power storage unit; and an additional vehicle accessories control allowing the user to input one or more desired additional vehicle accessories for operation, wherein, when the user inputs one or more desired additional vehicle accessory accessories for operation, at least one of: the condition setting display is automatically updated based on the inputted one or more desired additional vehicle accessories for operation and the desired runtime to display an acceptable condition setting of the vehicle accessory, and the runtime display is automatically updated based on the inputted one or more desired additional vehicle accessories for operation and the desired condition setting to display the predicted runtime of the vehicle accessory.
an additional vehicle accessories display that displays a list of one or more additional vehicle accessories on the finite power storage unit; and
an additional vehicle accessories control allowing the user to input one or more desired additional vehicle accessories for operation,
wherein, when the user inputs one or more desired additional vehicle accessory accessories for operation, at least one of: the condition setting display is automatically updated based on the inputted one or more desired additional vehicle accessories for operation and the desired runtime to display an acceptable condition setting of the vehicle accessory, and the runtime display is automatically updated based on the inputted one or more desired additional vehicle accessories for operation and the desired condition setting to display the predicted runtime of the vehicle accessory.
the condition setting display is automatically updated based on the inputted one or more desired additional vehicle accessories for operation and the desired runtime to display an acceptable condition setting of the vehicle accessory, and
the runtime display is automatically updated based on the inputted one or more desired additional vehicle accessories for operation and the desired condition setting to display the predicted runtime of the vehicle accessory.
Ref US20190118653A1: Claims:
- 10 . (canceled)
A device for controlling an interior lighting system of a vehicle, wherein the interior lighting system has an array of a plurality of light sources to produce internal lighting and/or reading lighting, the device comprising: a control unit configured to individually control the plurality of light sources of the array to produce the internal lighting and/or the reading lighting; and an input unit connected to the control unit, wherein the input unit has a touch-sensitive screen configured for input of a current set of control information for the control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to control the plurality of light sources on the basis of the current set of control information, and wherein the input unit is configured to display, on the basis of the current set of control information, associated internal lighting and/or reading lighting for an illuminable region in the vehicle interior on the screen.
a control unit configured to individually control the plurality of light sources of the array to produce the internal lighting and/or the reading lighting; and
an input unit connected to the control unit, wherein the input unit has a touch-sensitive screen configured for input of a current set of control information for the control unit,
wherein the control unit is configured to control the plurality of light sources on the basis of the current set of control information, and
wherein the input unit is configured to display, on the basis of the current set of control information, associated internal lighting and/or reading lighting for an illuminable region in the vehicle interior on the screen.
The device of claim 11 , further comprising: a first input element on the touch-sensitive screen configured to confirm the current set of control information, wherein the control unit is configured to implement internal lighting and/or reading lighting in the vehicle interior corresponding to the current set of control information by controlling the plurality of light sources correspondingly, only after selection of the first input element to confirm the current set of control information.
a first input element on the touch-sensitive screen configured to confirm the current set of control information,
wherein the control unit is configured to implement internal lighting and/or reading lighting in the vehicle interior corresponding to the current set of control information by controlling the plurality of light sources correspondingly, only after selection of the first input element to confirm the current set of control information.
The device of claim 11 , wherein the control unit is configured to implement, during the input of a current set of control information into the input unit, internal lighting and/or reading lighting associated with the current set of control information in the vehicle interior in real time by controlling the plurality of light sources correspondingly.
The device of claim 11 , wherein a set of control information comprises at least one of: a color temperature, a value of luminous flux for setting a brightness of the internal lighting and/or the reading lighting, an illumination region of the reading lighting in the vehicle interior, a lighting scenario for the internal lighting, a lighting scenario for the reading lighting, a start time and/or an end time or a period of time for the activation of the internal lighting and/or the reading lighting by the control unit, a time course of the color temperature, a time course of the value of the luminous flux for the brightness, a time course of an arrangement, shape, and/or size of the illumination region of the reading lighting in the vehicle interior, a temporally variable lighting scenario for the internal lighting, and a temporally variable lighting scenario for the reading lighting.
a color temperature,
a value of luminous flux for setting a brightness of the internal lighting and/or the reading lighting,
an illumination region of the reading lighting in the vehicle interior,
a lighting scenario for the internal lighting,
a lighting scenario for the reading lighting,
a start time and/or an end time or a period of time for the activation of the internal lighting and/or the reading lighting by the control unit,
a time course of the color temperature,
a time course of the value of the luminous flux for the brightness,
a time course of an arrangement, shape, and/or size of the illumination region of the reading lighting in the vehicle interior,
a temporally variable lighting scenario for the internal lighting, and
a temporally variable lighting scenario for the reading lighting.
The device of claim 12 , wherein the input unit having the touch-sensitive screen is configured to allow a user to select a state from predetermined states of the vehicle and/or a state from predetermined states of a surrounding region of the vehicle, and can associate the state(s) with the current set of control information, the device further comprises a memory unit configured to save the current set of control information and the selected state of the vehicle and/or the selected state of the surrounding region of the vehicle, the touch-sensitive screen further comprises a second input element configured to initiate saving the current set of control information and the associated state of the vehicle and/or of the surrounding region of the vehicle in the memory unit.
the input unit havin
[Truncated to input limit]