Operation and riding data collection device, and connectivity platform, for powersports vehicles

A vehicle operation and riding data collection device includes a housing defining an internal cavity, a power source supported by the housing in the internal cavity, a communications element supported by the housing in the internal cavity, a global positioning element supported by the housing in the internal cavity, at least one sensor supported by the housing in the internal cavity, and a processor configured to manage the power source, the communications element, the global positioning element, and the at least one sensor, to perform functional features corresponding to providing vehicle operation and riding data to, and receiving input from, a user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to vehicle operation, and more specifically, to a device to collect and communicate vehicle operation and riding data usable with various user functions.

Description of Related Art

Many vehicles have integrated or distributed systems to collect certain vehicle data to use for various functions. For example, on-board diagnostic systems collect vehicle data from various vehicle sensors, the collected vehicle data being relevant to diagnose potential or present component problems or failures. Some vehicles integrate equipment necessary to offer a concierge service, such as General Motors®, OnStar® service, and report information relevant to various services offered by the concierge service. For example, vehicle location can be collected and reported to the concierge service to assist in reporting an emergency. Other concierge services include in-vehicle security, hands-free calling, turn-by-turn navigation, and remote diagnostics. These integrated systems are particular to a single vehicle and cannot be transferred from one vehicle to another. These integrated systems also are installed by the vehicle manufacturer or installation specialist, and cannot be easily installed by a vehicle owner. Furthermore, no concierge services have been integrated with, or available for, powersports vehicles.

Some stand-alone devices that collect vehicle operation and riding data also exist for particular dedicated functions, such as accident detection and reporting. All these devices, whether self-contained or integrated as part of a vehicle, are limited in their narrowly scoped functions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A self-contained, vehicle operation and riding data collection device is disclosed. The vehicle operation and riding data collection device features a connectivity platform to facilitate various user and third party functions, including an interface via smart device and cloud software. The device is transportable between vehicles and can provide operation and/or riding data to an operator, an insurance company, a vehicle manufacturer, a vehicle fleet manager, a vehicle rental company, a concierge service, an emergency service provider, and others. The device is easily configurable for each different use.

In one embodiment, the vehicle data collection device includes a vehicle operation and riding data collection device including a housing defining an internal cavity, a power source supported by the housing in the internal cavity, a communications element supported by the housing in the internal cavity, a global positioning element supported by the housing in the internal cavity, at least one sensor supported by the housing in the internal cavity, and a processor configured to manage the power source, the communications element, the global positioning element, and the at least one sensor, to perform functional features corresponding to providing vehicle operation and riding data to, and receiving input from, a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The terms “about” and “approximately”, when used with a specific value, unless specified otherwise, shall mean any value within a range from the value given plus or minus10percent of the value given. For example, “approximately 10” can be any value from 9 to 11, and can also be limited to any range around 10 narrower than the range 9 to 11.

FIG. 1Ais a front-side isometric view illustrating a vehicle operation and riding data collection device100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 2is a left-side isometric view illustrating the vehicle operation and riding data collection device100ofFIG. 1A. As discussed above, the vehicle operation and riding data collection device100is self-contained and transportable between vehicles, and can provide operation and/or riding data to an operator, an insurance company, a vehicle fleet manager, a vehicle rental company, a concierge service, an emergency service provider, and others. The device100offers a platform to which components responsible for facilitating different features, functions, and/or services can be added or removed, either within a single device100, or in different models of the device100.

Referring toFIG. 1AandFIG. 2, the vehicle operation and riding data collection device100includes a housing102to house, protect, and physically support the components that facilitate the features, functions, and services provided by the vehicle operation and riding data collection device100. The housing102includes a first housing member104and a second housing member106, the second housing member106configured to be coupled with the first housing member104. At least one of the first housing member104and the second housing member106defines an internal cavity108, where components can be located and protected from dust, water, electrical shock, and other environmental hazards.

The housing102can also facilitate attachment to a vehicle, and accordingly, can include an attachment element configured differently for different vehicles. The vehicle data collection device100can conceivably be used with, or adapted for use with, any vehicle. The depicted embodiment is configured to be attached to a tubular member of a vehicle, or in particular, a handlebar, such as that of a motorcycle. The first housing member104and the second housing member106together form a clamp that can clamp around the tubular member or handlebar by pivoting from an open position to a closed (i.e. clamped) position. The second housing member106can pivot at a hinge112joining the second housing member106to the first housing member104at a first end114of the second housing member106. In the closed position, the first housing member104and the second housing member106form a radially inward-facing annular wall116, and the radially inward-facing wall116defines a tubular hole113that receives the vehicle's tubular member or handlebar. Further, a fastening element118can secure a second end120of the second housing member106, opposite the first end114, to the first housing member104to prevent pivoting of the second housing member106and lock the vehicle data collection device in the closed position. The radially inward-facing wall116can be lined with a gripping pad122to promote friction with the tubular member or handlebar, and to reduce wear against the surface of the tubular member or handlebar.

The internal components contained in the cavity108can include a power supply124and/or a power source126to power the vehicle operation and riding data collection device100. The power supply124can receive an electrical signal from a cable128electrically connected to an external power source (not shown) that is external to the housing102of the vehicle operation and riding data collection device100. For example, the external power source can be a battery of the vehicle. The power source126can be a battery also, though supported in the cavity108of the housing102. A rechargeable battery, such as a lithium ion battery can save the cost and hassle of replacing disposable batteries, and can avoid battery compartment access issues. In case the power supply124fails, such as might occur during a vehicle accident or car breakdown, the power source126can continue providing power to the vehicle operation and riding data collection device100. Alternatively, the power source126can be the primary source of power provided to the vehicle operation and riding data collection device100.

The internal components contained in the cavity108can also include one or more sensors130to detect particular events, changes, or qualities related to the vehicle and its operation. The one or more sensors130can include, for example, an accelerometer, a tilt sensor, a gyroscope, an optical sensor, or other now-known or future-developed sensors. Data detected can correspond to vehicle acceleration, vehicle tilt, vehicle velocity, vehicle location, engine parameters, and more.

In addition to vehicle data obtained by the sensors130, a global positioning element, such as, but not limited to, a global positioning antenna132and receiver133configured to communicate with the Global Positioning System can facilitate collection of vehicle location data. Further, one or more communications elements134,135,136, can include, but not be limited to, a mobile antenna, a wireless antenna, a wireless modem, a cellular network antenna, and a radio wireless local area networking antenna. Each of the different communications elements134,135,136can be configured for an appropriate communication with an appropriate device or network, such as a cellular carrier network (e.g. 4G or 5G), a local area network, or direct device-to-device. Some of these communications elements134,135,136can facilitate further collection of vehicle-related data. For example, via the communications elements134,135,136, the vehicle operation and riding data collection device100can receive vehicle telemetry data previously collected by the vehicle or by another device connected to the vehicle. One such device includes a vehicle diagnostic device200, as shown inFIG. 4, which illustrates a motorcycle300, the vehicle operation and riding data collection device100attached to a handlebar302of the motorcycle300, and the vehicle diagnostic device200positioned to be connected to an on-board diagnostic system port304. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/941,573, which is incorporated herein by reference, describes the vehicle diagnostic device200. The communications elements134,135,136can be configured to communicate with the vehicle diagnostic device200to receive diagnostic data, which is originally detected by sensors integrated with and/or distributed throughout the motorcycle.

Referring again toFIGS. 1A, 2, and 3, the data collected by the vehicle operation and riding data collection device100can be stored in a memory138and/or provided to the vehicle operator for personal use, to an insurance company to aid in setting individualized insurance rates, to a concierge service to enhance the services offered, to an emergency service provider, to a fleet manager (e.g. vehicle rental company or transport company), to a vehicle manufacturer to provide data that can increase vehicle safety, to vehicle dealers to improve particularized vehicle financing, as well as a vast variety of others. Vehicle operation and riding data collected can facilitate or enhance a variety of applications and services, including but not limited to predictive maintenance, usage-based insurance, vehicle safety studies, vehicle manufacturer's customer experience improvement, location-based services, telematics exchanges, value added offers by dealers and other qualified third-party service providers, roadside assistance, training programs, ride planning, payment services, smart parking, navigation, etc. For example, the vehicle operation and riding data collection device100can enable a vehicle manufacturer to offer their customers such value-added services as predictive maintenance, tailored extended service contracts, concierge and roadside assistance services, customized offerings from a manufacturer and trusted partners, and more. In another example, for a fleet manager, the vehicle operation and riding data collection device100can be configured to provide tamper-proof, real-time vehicle operation and riding data, including mileage data, riding pattern data, crash detection data, vehicle health data, and more. Back end software used by the fleet manager can allow easy tracking of individual vehicles, and organized visualization of various data parameters, saving and converting of data, and more.

The communications devices134,135,136are configured to send and receive information signals to other devices, as desired. Further, a cloud-based platform can be a hub, whereby the vehicle operation and riding data collection device100communicates to and from the cloud-based platform, and to each other service provider or entity seeking to utilize the data collected by the vehicle operation and riding data collection device100, or seeking to communicate with the vehicle operation and riding data collection device100, can access the data and/or communicate to and from the vehicle operation and riding data collection device100via the cloud-based platform.FIG. 5is a diagram illustrating a cloud-based platform400accessible by the user, operator, or customer402, as well as third party users408. A user402can be a vehicle operator or rider, while examples of a third party user408includes, but is not limited to, an insurance company, a fleet manager, a vehicle manufacturer, an emergency service, a concierge service, and a vehicle dealer. Data collected by the vehicle operation and riding data collection device100can be sent to a database in the cloud-based platform400, which can use Blockchain technology for security and easy distribution of data. The devices100,200can be accessed using a specified software application404running on any smart device, such as a smart phone, tablet, smartwatch, personal computer, laptop, etc. The cloud-based platform400can also be accessed using the specified software application404. The user402can track vehicle and riding data in real time at the user interface panel140(seeFIGS. 1-3), or using the specified software application404running on a smart device connected directly to the vehicle operation and riding data collection device100or the cloud-based platform400.

The cloud-based platform400and the vehicle operation and riding data collection device100are configured to allow users402or third party developers406to create new software applications (“apps”) that work with the vehicle operation and riding data collection device100. For example, game apps, safety apps, services apps, event-based apps, and streaming apps can be desirable types of apps to run in complement with the cloud-based platform400, the vehicle operation and riding data collection device100, and/or the specified software application404.

Third party users408can also be permitted access to the cloud-based platform400to access vehicle operation and riding data for their own purposes, or to provide services to the vehicle operator402. These third parties and users402can create and/or use applications for use with the vehicle operation and riding data collection device100to suit their particular needs or desires. An insurance company, for example, can set more accurate and individualized premium rates based on riding data and vehicle diagnostic data. Third party users408can also use the data to offer services to the vehicle user. Service-offering third parties410can include, for example, vehicle dealerships, insurance companies, stores, shops, roadside and assistance providers. Third parties408,410can have computing devices or smart devices with software configured to interact and/or communicate with the cloud-based platform400, and to receive data particularized to their needs. Some services, such as payment services412(e.g. automatic payments, smart parking, etc.), can be integrated directly into the vehicle operation and riding data collection device100—configuring the processor to run these applications. The third parties408,410can also access the vehicle operation and riding data in real time.

In one example, the vehicle operation and riding data collection device100can enable a vehicle manufacturer to offer their customers such value-added services as predictive maintenance, tailored extended service contracts, concierge and roadside assistance services, customized offerings from a manufacturer and trusted partners, and more. In another example, for a fleet manager, the vehicle operation and riding data collection device100can be configured to provide tamper-proof, real-time vehicle operation and riding data, including mileage data, riding pattern data, crash detection data, vehicle health data, and more. Back end software used by the fleet manager can allow easy tracking of individual vehicles, and organized visualization of various data parameters, saving and converting of data, and more

The vehicle operation and riding data collection device100, alone or in combination with the cloud-based platform400, can also facilitate vehicle-to-vehicle communication (referred to hereafter as “V2V”) between vehicles equipped with the vehicle operation and riding data collection device100or another device that supports V2V communication protocol. Further, the vehicle operation and riding data collection device100can enable a vehicle's connection to the internet of things or a smart city infrastructure (referred hereinafter as “V2X”) directly or using the cloud-based platform400. V2V and V2X414technologies require each vehicle to have a wireless telematics unit onboard. The specified software application404is configured to implement current and future V2V and V2X standards. The vehicle operation and riding data collection device100can provide wireless telematics functionality required for millions of powersports vehicles (e.g., motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, etc.) already in use that do not have telematics units onboard. The vehicle operation and riding data collection device100is configured to be able to integrate with the Internet of Things, such as but not limited to smart homes, traffic lights, and other smart features of smart cities and smart highway infrastructures.

Referring again toFIGS. 1A, 2, and 3, the vehicle operator, or an operator of the vehicle operation and riding data collection device100, can directly access the collected data, and can control the functions, at a user interface panel140. InFIG. 1A, the user interface panel140includes a pushbutton142, to allow an operator to manually send a distress signal alerting emergency services to the location of the vehicle operation and riding data collection device100, and/or to allow the operator to directly call and speak with an operator. The pushbutton142can include a cap143and a pushbutton switch and backlight LED144to illuminate the pushbutton142. The cap143can be transparent or translucent so the backlight LED144can illuminate through the cap143. The user interface panel140also can include a microphone146and a speaker148, a biometric sensor150to facilitate secure access, and a connector152for a storage device or other electronic device to connect directly to the vehicle operation and riding data collection device100. The biometric sensor150can be configured for compatibility with a vehicle's integrated security system, such that the biometric sensor150can be configured to lock, unlock, and/or start a vehicle's engine. A cover154can be moved between a closed, protective position covering the user interface panel140and an open, non-protective position allowing visual and tactile access to the user interface panel140.

InFIG. 1B, an alternative embodiment of the user interface panel140is shown having a display screen145. The display screen145can be an illuminated panel, such as a backlit LCD or LED display. The display screen142can be a touchscreen. In this embodiment, the pushbutton142ofFIG. 1Acan be embodied as a capacitive or virtual button on the display screen145.

FIG. 1Cillustrates a relatively simplified embodiment in which the cover154can be non-removably mounted because no features are accessible beneath the cover154. An LED155can provide illumination from the user-interface panel140.

In addition to the ability to interface with, and control, the vehicle operation and riding data collection device100at the user interface panel140, a variety of other now-known or future developed devices can be used to interface with, and control, the vehicle operation and riding data collection device100through direct communication with the communication elements134,135,136and/or the cloud-based platform400.FIG. 6, for example, illustrates further connectivity of the vehicle operation and riding data collection device100with the cloud-based platform400, a smart phone410, a smart watch420, and the diagnostic device200.

Referring again toFIGS. 1-3, connecting all the electronic components of the vehicle operation and riding data collection device100is a processor or microcontroller156. The processor156is configured to manage the other internal electronic components (i.e., the power supply124, the power source126, the at least one sensor130, the global positioning elements (e.g., GPS antenna and receiver132,133), the communications elements134,135,136, the memory138, the display screen142, the emergency pushbutton143, the backlight LED144, the microphone146, the speaker148, the biometric sensor150, and/or the connector152) to perform the functional features corresponding to providing data to and receiving input from, a vehicle operator, an insurance company, a concierge service, an emergency service provider, a fleet manager (e.g. vehicle rental company or transport company), the cloud-based platform400and services offered through the cloud-based platform400, and/or others.

FIG. 7is a schematic showing connectivity of each internal electronic component of a vehicle operation and riding data collection device700. A three-axis gyroscope702and a three-axis accelerometer704can detect vehicle tilt and acceleration data. The gyroscope702is particularly useful for a motorcycle, to detect the tilt angle of the motorcycle. Data detected by the sensors702,704is communicated to a microcontroller unit706. A real-time clock703keeps time, which is useful to provide a time stamp to the microcontroller unit706corresponding to the data detected by sensors702,704. The real-time clock703has a backup power source705to provide power if a primary power source fails. Other detected and/or collected vehicle data can be sent to the microcontroller unit706as well. For example, a Global Positioning System antenna708and receiver710can receive vehicle geolocation data and send the geolocation data to the microcontroller unit706. Vehicle geolocation data can also be received at a cellular network antenna712and wireless modem714, and passed to the microcontroller unit706. The mobile network antenna712allows the device to connect to a cellular 4G or 5G network in order to transfer data to the cloud, as well as enabling V2V and V2X communication. The mobile network antenna712can also be used to for concierge and emergency services.

The microcontroller unit706is in two way communication with a memory716, so the microcontroller706can store and retrieve the vehicle data and other data. The wireless modem714is in two-way communication with an audio input/output unit718, which includes a microphone720for input, and a speaker722for output. The audio input/output unit718can be used in conjunction with the wireless modem714and mobile mobile network antenna712for a user to speak with a third party (e.g., an emergency services dispatcher, or a representative at a third party service company, etc.) through the vehicle operation and riding data collection device700.

A fingerprint reader724can be used to prevent unauthorized use of the vehicle operation and riding data collection device700. The fingerprint reader724can be trained to a user's fingerprint, which the fingerprint reader724can detect. The detected fingerprint data can be communicated to the microcontroller unit706, and if the fingerprint data is determined to represent a fingerprint of an authorized user, the microcontroller unit706can grant access.

An OLED display726, which can be a capacitive touch screen, serves as a user interface with the vehicle operation and riding data collection device700. The microcontroller unit706is in two-way communication with the display726, receiving input from the display726as a result of input from a user, and controlling a response by the display726.

An emergency LED728, a pushbutton730, and a tamper switch732each provide data to the microcontroller unit706. The tamper switch732detects when someone has tampered with the device700. When activated, the tamper switch732sends a signal to the microcontroller unit706, and the microcontroller unit706can store a log of the tamper in the memory716, or report the tamper to an insurance company or other appropriate entity. When the pushbutton730is pushed, a signal that the pushbutton730has been activated is sent to the microcontroller unit706. In response, the microcontroller706manages a call to a call center operator utilizing the wireless modem714and the mobile network antenna712. The operator can assist in a capacity desired by the user, including requests for information, connection to an emergency service dispatcher, etc. In the case the microcontroller706determines an accident has occurred, the microcontroller706sends a signal to activate the emergency LED728, calling an emergency service provider using the wireless modem714and mobile network antenna712, and sending vehicle location coordinates. The vehicle location coordinates can be sent via text message or internet, for example.

A second wireless modem734configured for use with Wi-Fi or Blue-tooth can be included, along with a second antenna736, to provide connectivity over Blue-tooth or Wi-Fi to local area networks or compatible devices (e.g. smartphones, smartwatches, laptops, personal computers, the diagnostic device200, etc.). Internet connection and connection to a cloud-based server or cloud based application can be accomplished conveniently through the second wireless modem734and the second antenna736. A direct communication link can be established between the second wireless modem734and a vehicle diagnostic device to receive and pass to the microcontroller unit706vehicle diagnostic data.

The vehicle operation and riding data collection device700receives an electrical signal from an external power source738, and alternatively from an internal rechargeable battery740. A power supply742receives the electrical signal and converts the electrical signal to an appropriate voltage and current.

Referring again toFIGS. 1-3, the internal electronic components of the vehicle operation and riding data collection device100(i.e., the power supply124, the power source126, the sensors130, the global positioning antenna and receiver132,133, the communications elements134,135,136, the memory138, the display screen142, the emergency pushbutton143, the backlight LED144, the microphone146, the speaker148, the biometric sensor150, the connector152, and/or the processor156) can be arranged positionally within the internal cavity108in a great variety of ways. One or more printed circuit boards can be mounted within the internal cavity108, arranged around the tubular hole113, and the internal electronic components can be mounted on the printed circuit boards to provide the desired electrical interconnectivity. While the particular positional arrangement can be chosen from a large number of possibilities, generally, the internal components are arranged to fill the internal cavity108. In the particular embodiment ofFIGS. 1A, 2, and 3, three printed circuit boards are arranged around the tubular hole113.FIG. 8Ashows each of the three printed circuit boards from a side view, a top view, and a bottom view. Referring toFIGS. 1A, 2, 3, and 8A, on a first printed circuit board160, the power supply124, sensors130, memory138, processor156, communications element136(e.g., a Bluetooth/Wi-Fi antenna), and power source126are mounted. On a second printed circuit board162, communications element135(e.g., wireless modem), communications element134(e.g., cellular network antenna), and global positioning antenna and receiver132,133are mounted. On a third printed circuit board164, the pushbutton142, the microphone146, the speaker148, the biometric sensor150, and the connector152are mounted.

FIG. 8Bshows the third printed circuit board164as it is configured for the embodiment of the vehicle operation and riding data collection device100ofFIG. 1B. In this embodiment, on the printed circuit board164, the display screen145, the microphone146, the speaker148, and the connector152are mounted.