Abstract:
A brake light pulser, particularly for center high middle stop lamps, that senses the voltage and current requirements for various types of light-emitting devices (LEDs, LED arrays, incandescent lamps, etc.) and adjusts the supplied current and voltage to the particular type of light-emitting device to which it is connected. A microprocessor with a flash-based architecture is used to process the sensed current and amperage into signals to control a constant current/constant voltage controller to provide correctly configured power to a MOSFET. The MOSFET is controlled by the microprocessor, which stores pulse command sequences programmed in directly over a CAN bus or remotely via a serial data link from a built-in RF transceiver. The pulsed configured power output of the MOSFET is supplied to a brake light.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/364,205 filed Jul. 19, 2016 to the same inventors. 
     
    
     FIELD OF ART 
       [0002]    This invention relates to a method and system for detecting whether a brake light is an incandescent light (bulb) or a light emitting diode (LED) and then controlling the voltage and/or the current to and through the light allowing for automatic control over the light. Particularly, this invention relates to the aftermarket installation of a device that will control a brake light in a vehicle, in a manner that helps prevent rear end collisions or increase the safety of the vehicles occupants, and in a manner that is universal in that it has identical results regardless of the manufacturer of the automobile or type of light being controlled. The invention is also further applicable to different sequences or different behaviors in the pulsing of the light that can be modified or made unique from application to application depending on the users&#39; needs with the modification being facilitated after installation, in real time, or in the future via RF or other communication techniques. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Presently, installing aftermarket brake light pulsing devices is popular amongst car dealerships wishing to increase profits while giving customers a real and tangible benefit to the expense of having the dealership install an aftermarket device. Dealerships install this device in new and used vehicles either in advance of or at the time of purchase and the consumer agrees to pay for this installation under the premise of increased safety or insurance rebates. In recent years, light bulbs are more and more being replaced with LEDs or arrays of LEDs, all of which have different power requirements from manufacturer to manufacturer and from bulb to LED. In many cases, these newer LED and or LED arrays have internal circuitry so specific to its design that, in order to control the light properly with an aftermarket device, a circuit that may work for an incandescent bulb, in most cases, will not function correctly for an LED or LED array. Furthermore, a circuit that works for one specific LED or LED array might not work with another LED or incandescent bulb. This leaves dealers with either limiting the inventory to which they can install product to or, in some cases, installing product into vehicles that will fail to operate properly, only to have the expense of removing them and or losing customer confidence. Having a microprocessor controlled device that samples the power being consumed by the light during normal operation and has the circuitry and firmware necessary to intelligently take control of the light using the proper method, will not only provide a solution that will function properly in more vehicles, but also give confidence to the vehicle dealer that they can rely on consistent and proper operation when they install the device over prior devices. 
         [0004]    Some retailers, such as motorcycle dealership, may wish to have a different sequence of pulsing more fit for a motorcycle. At present, this requires another device to be manufactured or changes to be made to the circuitry of the current devices. A programmable, microprocessor controlled device with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or Cellular capabilities can be programmed on or before delivery in a matter of minutes. In cases where future events or circumstances require a change to the sequence or behavior, in the field, programmability opens up endless possibilities for useful applications. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    In an embodiment, a brake light pulser operable to adaptively supply correct voltage and amperage to any one of a plurality of various types of light-emitting devices, each type of light-emitting device of the plurality of various types of light-emitting devices having a unique voltage requirement and a unique amperage requirement. That brake light pulser, where the various types of light-emitting devices include: an LED; an LED array; and an incandescent light source. That brake light pulser, including a power supply which, when installed, is adapted to: receive brake light power from an automotive power source; and supply DC input power to a microprocessor and an RF transceiver. That brake light pulser, including a sensor which, when installed, is adapted to: measure the unique voltage requirement and the unique amperage requirement; and communicate the unique voltage requirement and the unique amperage requirement to a microprocessor. That brake light pulser, including the microprocessor which, when installed, is adapted to: receive communication of the measured unique voltage requirement and the unique amperage requirement; store samples of the measured unique voltage requirement and the unique amperage requirement; generate control signals responsive to the stored unique voltage requirement and the unique amperage requirement samples; and communicate the control signals to a constant voltage/constant current controller. That brake light pulser, including the microprocessor having; a flash-based architecture; a Contoller Area Network (CAN) bus connection adapted to communicate programming instructions to the microprocessor, where the instructions determine at least one pulse command sequence; and a capacity to store the at least one pulse command sequence. That brake light pulser, including the constant voltage/constant current controller which, when installed, is adapted to: receive brake light power from an automotive power source; receive communication of the control signals from the microprocessor; configure the brake light power responsive to the control signals; and provide the configured brake light power to a MOSFET. That brake light pulser, including an RF transceiver which, when installed, is adapted to: communicate programming instructions to the microprocessor, where the instructions determine the at least one pulse command sequence; and communicate data to a user. That brake light pulser, including the MOSFET which, when installed, is adapted to: receive the configured brake light power from the constant voltage/constant current controller; receive the at least one pulse command sequence from the microprocessor: pulse the configured brake light power responsive to the at least one pulse command sequence; and supply the pulsed configured brake light power to a brake light. 
         [0006]    A brake light pulser operable to: adaptively supply correct voltage and amperage to any one of a plurality of various types of light-emitting devices, each type of light-emitting device of the plurality of various types of light-emitting devices having a unique voltage requirement and a unique amperage requirement; and where the various types of light-emitted devices include: an LED; an LED array; and an incandescent light source. That brake light pulser, including a sensor which, when installed, is adapted to measure the unique voltage requirement and the unique amperage requirement; and communicate the unique voltage requirement and the unique amperage requirement to a microprocessor. That brake light pulser, including the microprocessor which, when installed, is adapted to: receive communication of the measured unique voltage requirement and the unique amperage requirement; store samples of the measured unique voltage requirement and the unique amperage requirement; generate control signals responsive to the stored unique voltage requirement and the unique amperage requirement samples; and communicate the control signals to a constant voltage/constant current controller. That brake light pulser, including the microprocessor having; a flash-based architecture; a Contoller Area Network bus connection adapted to communicate programming instructions to the microprocessor, where the instructions determine a pulse command sequence; and a capacity to store the pulse command sequence. That brake light pulser, including the constant voltage/constant current controller which, when installed, is adapted to: receive brake light power from an automotive power source; receive communication of the control signals from the microprocessor; configure the brake light power responsive to the control signals; and provide the configured brake light power to a MOSFET. That brake light pulser, including an RF transceiver which, when installed, is adapted to: communicate programming instructions to the microprocessor, where the instructions determine at least one pulse command sequence; and communicate data to a user. That brake light pulser, including the MOSFET which, when installed, is adapted to: receive the configured brake light power from the constant voltage/constant current controller; receive the at least one pulse command sequence from the microprocessor: pulse the configured brake light power responsive to the at least one pulse command sequence; and supply the pulsed configured brake light power to a brake light. 
         [0007]    A brake light pulser: operable to adaptively supply correct voltage and amperage to any one of a plurality of various types of light-emitting devices, each the type of light-emitting device of the plurality of various types of light-emitting devices having a unique voltage requirement and a unique amperage requirement; including a sensor which, when installed, is adapted to: measure the unique voltage requirement and the unique amperage requirement; and communicate the unique voltage requirement and the unique amperage requirement to a microprocessor; including the microprocessor which, when installed, is adapted to: receive communication of the measured unique voltage requirement and the unique amperage requirement; store samples of the measured unique voltage requirement and the unique amperage requirement; generate control signals responsive to the stored unique voltage requirement samples and the unique amperage requirement samples; and communicate the control signals to a constant voltage/constant current controller; where the microprocessor includes: a flash-based architecture; a Controller Area Network bus connection adapted to communicate programming instructions to the microprocessor, where the instructions include at least one pulse command sequence; a serial communications link between the microprocessor and an RF transceiver adapted to communicate remotely-originated programming instructions to the microprocessor, where the instructions include at the least one pulse command sequence; and storage capacity for the at least one pulse command sequence. That brake light pulser, including: the constant voltage/constant current controller which, when installed, is adapted to: receive brake light power from an automotive power source; receive communication of the control signals from the microprocessor; configure the brake light power responsive to the control signals; and provide the configured brake light power to a MOSFET; including the MOSFET which, when installed, is adapted to: receive the configured brake light power from the constant voltage/constant current controller; receive the at least one pulse command sequence from the microprocessor; pulse the configured brake light power responsive to the at least one pulse command sequence; and supply the pulsed configured brake light power to a brake light; That brake light pulser, including an RF transceiver which, when installed, is adapted to: communicate programming instructions to the microprocessor, where the instructions determine the at least one pulse command sequence; and communicate data to a user. That brake light pulser, including a power supply which, when installed, is adapted to: receive brake light power from an automotive power source; and supply DC input power to the microprocessor and the RF transceiver. 
         [0008]    In one embodiment of the present invention, a microprocessor controls the power to a brake light in a manner that allows full control of a brake light regardless of the lights pre-existing circuitry and power requirements, and in a manner that is programmable in the field and/or in real time. 
         [0009]    The present invention is manufactured with crimp on or PCB connections that allow for quick and easy installation into most vehicles in a manner that allows full control over a brake light, i.e. a center high middle stop lamp (CHMSL). 
         [0010]    The present invention contains a circuit and/or firmware that has the ability to control the power to the light with either a constant current or constant voltage method allowing for consistent results in intensity and appearance regardless of bulb type or manufacturer or pre-existing circuitry. 
         [0011]    The circuit and or firmware can have the ability to interface and communicate with a Closed Area Network (CAN) within the vehicle into which it is being installed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary programmable microprocessor-controlled brake light control mechanism circuit, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary firmware program flow of the exemplary programmable microprocessor-controlled brake light control mechanism circuit of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0015]    As used and described herein, “microprocessor” includes micro controllers and similar reprogrammable controllers, regardless of circuit configuration. 
         [0016]    The invention is manufactured with crimps and connections that allow for installation in most automobiles and vehicles in the target market. After installation, and when the vehicle operator engages the braking system of the vehicle, the invention immediately senses that the brake is engaged and allows normal power to the light while taking samples of this power usage and recording these values as a reference point in determining the best way to control the light. Reference sample values are saved to flash memory within the microprocessor and other reference measurements may be taken at certain intervals depending on the firmware. Reference sample values include current and voltage and may include any other characteristic deemed reliable in making the best determination as to the proper control method or procedure. The reference values are samples taken fast enough that, in an extremely short amount of time, the circuit and firmware can accurately determine what type of light is being controlled as well as the best method to use to control the light. Finally, control of the light is initiated and any sequence, intensity, or pattern of light pulses that may decrease the probability of a rear end collision or increase the overall safety of the vehicles occupants can be implemented. 
         [0017]    The invention contains a wireless capability with which to communicate with outside devices. This communication allows existing inventory to be reprogrammed for a new customer requirements, or to reprogram and modify previously installed devices with new firmware. This communication may include, for non-limiting examples, Cellular, WiFi or Bluetooth, all of these methods, or another similarly effective method. 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary programmable microprocessor-controlled brake light control mechanism circuit  100 , in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. There are six major components to the circuit  100 . Five-volt DC (hereinafter “5 VDC”) power supply  102  receives positive brake light power  104  from an automotive power source to develop a potential relative to battery ground  106  and provides 5 VDC  108  to the microprocessor  110  and the radio  146 . A 5 VDC power supply  102  was chosen to keep thermal ratings at a minimum. In an additional embodiment, a 3.3 VDC power supply may be used. The power supply  102  simply takes the voltage  104  that is normally supplied to the brake light  142  and regulates it down to a level that is required by the microprocessor  146  and other major components of the circuit  100 . The 5 VDC power supply  102  does not affect the resulting power  140  to the brake light  142 . 
         [0019]    Hall affect current sensor  118  measures the current drawn by the brake light  142  as measured between positive brake light power  104  and battery ground  106 . Sensor  118  is preferred for accuracy, low component count, and direct serial communication connection  124  to the microprocessor  110 . The brake light current, up to fifteen amps DC, can accurately be measured with sensor  118 . Most currently deployed brake lights rarely exceed four amps DC, enabling use with any brake light  142  in any vehicle to be measured. The output  124  of sensor  118  is used to control the current and voltage to the brake light  142 , as will be discussed further below. In various other embodiments, similarly effective sensors may be used. 
         [0020]    Microprocessor  110  has a flash based architecture, enabling high speed computation and versatility for future use. Microprocessor  110  operates at more than four Million Instructions Per Second (MIPS), leaving plenty of room for calculating inputs  124 ,  126 ,  128 , and  114 , configuring outputs  116 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128 , and  114  and initiating a pulse sequence in fractions of a second, thereby helping to cut reaction time to any threat of a rear end collision. The microprocessor  110  is equipped with serial communications and can communicate with all peripheral smart devices  118 ,  130 , and  146  in the circuit  100  as well as most peripherals that may comprise future revisions. Because the microprocessor  110  is flash based, it can be programmed and reprogrammed as many times as needed and is able to store data even if power is completely lost to the circuit  100 . 
         [0021]    Microprocessor  110  can be remotely programmed to produce various pulse sequences, including control of pulse length, frequency, and intensity. For non-limiting example. a pulse sequence making the light bright for 0.6 seconds, then dim for 0.2 seconds, repeating five times, and then returning to normal brake light operation. For another non-limiting example, motorcycle riders prefer longer pulse sequences than automobile drivers, and these differences can be accommodated by the same programmable microprocessor-controlled brake light control mechanism circuit  100  using different programs in the microprocessor  110 . Further, the programmable microprocessor-controlled brake light control mechanism circuit  100  adapts to the differences in the type of vehicle and the type of brake light  142 . For yet another non-limiting example, there is a preference to avoid pulse frequencies that may excite epileptic responses in persons observing the pulse sequence, and those frequencies can be avoided by appropriate programming. 
         [0022]    The constant current/constant voltage controller  130  portion of the circuit  100  receives positive brake light power  104  from an automotive power source and develops a potential relative to battery ground  106 . Controller  130  is also in serial communication  126  with microprocessor  110 . Constant current/constant voltage controller  130  configures the configured power output  136 , responsive to signals from the microprocessor  110 , to power the brake light  142 , regardless of whether brake light  142  uses any incandescent bulb, any LED, or any LED array and regardless of the vehicle type. 
         [0023]    Those of skill in the art, enlightened by the present disclosure, will appreciate that an LED array may eventually have one or more failed LEDs in the array, thereby causing a small change in power consumption. The present invention can sense that change and adapt to it. Additionally, incandescent bulbs may experience changes in power consumption with age, and the present invention can adapt to such changes. 
         [0024]    The power MOSFET  136  is a switch operable to switch the configured power output  136  from the constant current/constant voltage controller  130  to various output  140  power levels, responsive to MOSFET control signals  116  from the microprocessor  110 . The various output  140  power levels modulate the brightness of the brake light  142 . Brake light  142  is coupled to battery ground  106  to complete the circuit  100 . 
         [0025]    The radio  146  portion of the circuit  100  may be configured with various communication protocols, responsive to the needs of the customer. For non-limiting examples, communications protocols may be cellular, RF, WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, or other available RF protocol. The radio circuit  146  can be used to reprogram the microprocessor via serial communications link  128 , enabling firmware  200  (see  FIG. 2 ) revisions, and alterations. Serial communications link  128  can also be used to supply data to a user. Power for the radio circuit  146  is from a potential developed between 5 VDC input  108  and ground  112 . 
         [0026]    CAN bus  114  can be used to reprogram the microprocessor from a user interface within the vehicle or coupled to the vehicle CAN bus  114 . 
         [0027]      FIG. 2  is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary firmware  200  program flow of the exemplary programmable microprocessor-controlled brake light control mechanism circuit  100  of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Design constraints on the firmware  200  include speed and accuracy. The firmware  200  only operates when the brake is applied  202 , so recording two or three sample values  224  and then letting the circuit  100  use these values in the future saves time for future calculations once the reference sample values are stored  224 . The firmware  200  first checks  204  if initialized sample values are stored in flash memory by checking  204  a register flag to confirm there are saved samples available. If so, sampling  218  is not necessary and an output configuration is already stored  224 . In step  206 , stored samples and the stored output configuration is retrieved from flash memory and used in step  208  to configure the output to the brake light  142  and configure the timers that control the power MOSFET  138 . In step  210 , the pulse sequence is performed, responsive to the output configuration and the timer configuration, to pulse the brake light  142 . Although the brake light circuit  100  might be programmed for many cycles of pulsing, in between each cycle the firmware  200  checks  212  for a request for communication on the serial port  128  from the radio  146 . If communication is requested, the normal pulse sequence is abandoned and the communications sub-routine is begun  226  to perform a requested task  228  which is either a software update or software modification routine. Additionally, saved values can also be sent externally for evaluation by engineers or technicians via radio  146 . 
         [0028]    Referring again to step  204 , if there are no samples saved when the brake is applied  202 , the firmware  200 , in step  218 , samples brake light power levels from sensor  118 . Based on the samples, the firmware  200  determines, in step  220 , the type of illumination source used in the brake light  142 . Based on that determination  220 , the output configuration is initialized in step  222 . In step  224 , the sample data and output configuration is saved, the flag is set to indicate that samples have been saved, and control is passed to step  208 . 
         [0029]    Only one exemplary embodiment has been presented, but many others are within the scope of the present invention. Particularly, using a microprocessor/sensor system to determine the type of illumination source used by a brake light and adapting power to that illumination source is one of several advantageous novelties of the present invention. The use of a single microprocessor to control the current and voltage as well as the pulse sequence is an advantageous novelty of the present invention. Reprogrammability of the microprocessor via radio during brake light operation is another advantageous novelty of the present invention. Configuring both amperage and voltage of the power supplied to the brake light is yet another advantageous novelty of the present invention. Combinations of exemplified advantageous novelties constitute additional advantageous novel features of the invention. Those of skill in the art, enlightened by the present disclosure, will be aware of variations and substitutions that perform the same functions, all of which are within the scope of the present invention.