Patent Description:
Many modern electronic devices, including cell phones, tablets, laptops, and others, are often recharged using vehicle power. In addition, individuals often utilize personal volatile emitting devices in their vehicles, such as air fresheners, odor eliminators, or other devices designed to assist in eliminating pests, cleaning, or freshening the surrounding environment. In particular, many volatile emitting devices include a heat source or fan that that assist in the dispersion or release of the volatile from a cartridge. To operate heating elements, fans, and other circuitry, volatile emitting devices and other devices are designed to utilize power from the 12V accessory outlet of the vehicle.

However, many electronic devices may continue to draw power even after the vehicle has been turned off. If left connected for an extended period of time, this can result in unwanted battery drain and perhaps vehicle incapacitation, particularly for devices that draw high power. In the case of personal volatile emitting devices, volatiles may also be depleted prematurely. To avoid such difficulties, some technologies have attempted to include capabilities for determining whether a vehicle is on or off by incorporating vibration sensors, for instance. However, vibration sensors can produce errors due to their inability to discriminate vibrations unrelated to vehicle operation. In addition, vibration sensors increase device cost and design complexity.

Other technologies have been used to determine an operational state of a vehicle. For example, <CIT> discloses a device and method for detecting a vehicle engine state that includes a power input terminal and a power monitoring unit. The power input terminal is electrically connected to a battery. The power monitoring unit is electrically connected to the power input terminal and configured to detect a battery voltage of the battery and to update a standby threshold voltage predefined in the power monitoring unit according to a standby level of the battery in a steady state whenever an engine shuts down. The power monitoring unit is configured to compare the detected battery voltage and the updated standby threshold voltage, and to determine if the engine is activated according to a result of the comparison. <CIT> discloses a low voltage auto-interruption device of a car battery which comprises a voltage detection and interruption device. <CIT> discloses a circuit for ensuring the provision of starting energy in motor vehicles with internal combustion engines, which does not draw any current when consumers are switched off. <CIT> discloses a volatile material dispenser that may include an electric power sensor to detect a change of voltage from the power source when a user turns the automobile on or off.

Therefore, a need exists for a low cost, reliable way of controlling electronic devices based on the operational state of a vehicle.

The present disclosure overcomes drawbacks of previous technologies. Features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for controlling an electronic device for use in a vehicle according to claim <NUM> is provided.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device for use in a vehicle according to claim <NUM> is provided.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a volatile emitting device for use in a vehicle according to claim <NUM> is provided.

Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, wherein similar structures have similar reference numerals.

The present disclosure is directed to a novel approach for controlling electronic devices for use in a vehicle. In particular, methods for operating devices based on the operational state of the vehicle are provided. As will become apparent from the description below, methods described herein may be advantageously implemented for a wide variety of electronic devices commonly used in vehicles, including volatile emitting devices, cell phones, tablets, laptops, GPS devices, navigation units, cameras, FM broadcasters, Bluetooth devices, AC adapters, video games, air compressors, and many others.

Referring to <FIG>, steps of a process <NUM> are shown, which may be carried out using any suitable device, apparatus, or system, including devices described in the present disclosure. Steps of the process <NUM> may be implemented as a program, firmware, or executable instructions stored in non-transitory computer readable media.

The process <NUM> may begin at process block <NUM> by detecting a battery voltage of a vehicle's battery. The battery voltage is detected using a battery sensor connected or connectable to the vehicle's battery. The battery sensor may be electrically connected, but need not be physically connected, to the vehicle's battery. As will be described, in some embodiments, the battery sensor may be incorporated into, or may be part of, various electronic devices, such as portable electronic devices, volatile emitting devices, and others. In other embodiments, the battery sensor may be part of the vehicle circuitry.

In some aspects, the battery voltage detected by the battery sensor may be sampled over a predefined period of time, either intermittently or periodically using a predefined sampling frequency. By way of example, the predefined period of time may range approximately between a few seconds and <NUM> minutes. However, in some implementations, the period of time may be less than a second or longer than <NUM> minutes. Also, the predefined sampling frequency may range between approximately <NUM>, or less and <NUM>,<NUM>, or more. The battery voltage may then be analyzed by a processor to generate various information therefrom. Such information may include, for instance, maximum battery voltage, minimum battery voltage, average battery voltage, battery voltage standard deviation, rate of change of the battery voltage, and so forth.

Then, at process block <NUM>, an operational state of the vehicle is determined based on the battery voltage detected. The battery voltage is compared to one or more predefined thresholds. In addition, information obtained from the analyzed battery voltage samples may be compared to predefined signatures. Such thresholds and signatures may be obtained by measuring battery voltage in various vehicle operation scenarios.

In general, the battery voltage level depends on whether the vehicle's engine is on or off. As such, battery voltage may be used as an indicator of the operational state of the vehicle's engine. Specifically, when the engine is off, battery voltage can range up to (or approximately to) a nominal voltage of <NUM>. 6V, depending upon the battery's age and charge level. When the engine is on, the vehicle alternator charges the battery, and the battery voltage rises to the operating voltage of the vehicle alternator, which is typically greater than <NUM>. Therefore, a battery voltage above a threshold of approximately <NUM>. 0V may indicate an "ON" state of the vehicle's engine.

However, some "smart" alternators can also drive a vehicle battery at an operating voltage below <NUM>. For instance, the battery voltage may be close to a voltage corresponding to the engine being off. Therefore, a measurement below <NUM>. 0V might not conclusively indicate whether the vehicle is in an "ON" or "OFF" state. To differentiate between the two operational states, a load may be applied to the battery for a period of time while the battery voltage is monitored. Specifically, a change in the battery voltage is then used to determine the state. For instance, if the battery voltage rises, does not change at all, does not appreciably change, or drops slower than a predetermined rate, then the battery is charging, and the vehicle is in an "ON" state. Otherwise, if the battery voltage drops faster than the predetermined rate, the battery is not charging and the vehicle's engine is in an "OFF" state.

The period of time for monitoring the battery voltage may vary from a few seconds, or less, to <NUM> minutes, or more. In some aspects, the period of time may depend on the load being applied, the sampling rate of the battery voltage, as well as the time required to observe any appreciable changes in the battery voltage, if they should occur. In other aspects, the period of time may also depend on the type of vehicle. For instance, a hybrid vehicle may automatically turn off its engine at stop lights, railroad crossings, and so on, to conserve resources. Therefore, a period of time sufficient to distinguish operational states in such scenarios would be advantageous. This would allow operation of an electronic device to continue without interruption.

Although description above makes reference to the state of the vehicle's engine, the operational state of the vehicle determined at process block <NUM> may also refer to a state of the ignition, for instance, in accordance with a position of ignition key.

Referring again to <FIG>, an electronic device coupled to the vehicle's battery is then controlled at process block <NUM> in accordance with the operational state of the vehicle. The process of controlling the device may include adapting one or more functions or operational aspects of the device. In some implementations, those functions or operational aspects of the device requiring substantial power from the vehicle's battery may be turned off or converted to a low-power mode if the vehicle is in an "OFF" state or the vehicle's battery is discharged below a predetermined threshold. In one example, charging of the electronic device using the vehicle's battery may be modified or interrupted if the vehicle is determined to be in an "OFF" state. In another example, an electronic device, or various components therein, relying on power from the vehicle's battery may be turned off or entered into a low-power mode. Specifically, power to a heating element, fan or USB port of a volatile emitting device may be interrupted or reduced. It may be appreciated that these examples are not limiting, and a wide variety of a device's functions or operational aspects may be controlled based on what the operational state of the vehicle is determined to be.

In some aspects, a report may be generated, as indicated by process block <NUM>. The report may be in any form and include any information. The report may be provided to an output, and/or stored in a memory. For example, the report may be provided using a display and/or LEDs, and so forth, and indicate various battery voltages detected, a determined operational state of the vehicle, a condition of a device, a communication link, and other data or information.

Turning now to <FIG>, another flowchart setting forth steps of a process <NUM>, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, is shown. The process <NUM> may be carried out using any suitable device, apparatus, or system, including devices described in the present disclosure. Steps of the process <NUM> may be implemented as a program, firmware, or executable instructions stored in non-transitory computer readable media.

The process <NUM> may begin at process block <NUM> by detecting the battery voltage of a vehicle. As described, battery voltage is detected using a battery sensor coupled to the vehicle's battery and may be sampled intermittently or periodically over a predetermined period of time. Then, a determination is made whether the battery voltage is above a threshold, as indicated by decision block <NUM>. As an example, the threshold may be approximately <NUM>. 0V, although other thresholds may be possible.

The determination at decision block <NUM> can be made based on one or more battery voltage samples obtained at process block <NUM>, as described. In one example, the determination may be made based on whether an average battery voltage is above the threshold. If the battery voltage, or average battery voltage, is above the threshold, one or more functions or operational aspects of an electronic device coupled to the battery may be executed, as indicated by process block <NUM>. Example functions may include charging the device, operating a heating element, operating a fan, and so on.

If the battery voltage, or average battery voltage, is below the threshold, another determination may be optionally made, as indicated by decision block <NUM>. Specifically, it may be determined whether the battery voltage, or average battery voltage, is below the threshold for a time T1. In one example, T1 may be approximately <NUM> minutes, although T1 could be longer or shorter, and may depend on the sampling rate of the battery voltage, vehicle type, and other factors, as mentioned. This could help avoid, for instance, incorrect determinations based on voltage spikes or other transients. If the battery voltage, or average battery voltage, persists below the threshold for the time T1, a load is then applied to the battery, as indicated by process block <NUM>. Otherwise, process block <NUM> may be repeated, as desired.

The battery voltage may then be monitored for a time T2 at process block <NUM>. For example, the battery voltage may be monitored for approximately one minute, or less, or more. Then, a determination is made at decision block <NUM> with respect to any changes in the battery voltage. Specifically, if the battery voltage, or average battery voltage, rises, does not appreciably change, does not change at all, or drops slower than a predetermined rate as a result of the applied load, then the battery is charging. Thus, the vehicle is in an "ON" state, as indicated by process block <NUM>. Otherwise, if the battery voltage drops faster than the predetermined rate, then the battery is not charging, and the vehicle is in an "OFF" state, as indicated by process block <NUM>.

In some preferred implementations, the applied load and/or duration T2 for monitoring the battery voltage at process blocks <NUM> and <NUM> may be configured such that a determination at decision block <NUM> can be made without adversely affecting the battery. For instance, the applied load and/or duration T2 may be selected to induce a detectable change in the battery voltage when the vehicle is in an "OFF" state, and without significantly discharging the battery.

As indicated by process block <NUM>, one or more device functions or operational aspects may be stopped or modified if the vehicle is determined to be in an "OFF" state. In one non-limiting example, operation of a heating element or fan may be stopped or reduced. In another non-limiting example, the device may be placed into a low-power state or device charging may be interrupted.

Turning now to <FIG>, a schematic diagram of an electronic device <NUM>, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, is shown. As illustrated, the device <NUM> is configured to cooperate with a vehicle <NUM>. In general, the vehicle <NUM> may include an automobile, an aircraft, a boat, a drone, a golf cart, and others.

As shown, the device <NUM> may generally include a device interface <NUM>, a battery sensor <NUM>, a processor <NUM>, and a number of function modules as <NUM>. The device <NUM> may optionally include one or more input/output (I/O) modules <NUM>, a power module <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, as well as other elements or circuitry. A communication network <NUM> may also be included in the device <NUM> and configured to facilitate the exchange of data, signals, and other information between the various elements of the device <NUM>.

The device interface <NUM> may be configured to exchange data, signals, and other information with a variety of devices and/or a system. As shown in <FIG>, in some embodiments, the device interface <NUM> allows communication of signals, data, and other information with the vehicle <NUM>. In particular, the device interface <NUM> may be configured to provide an electrical wired or wireless connection between the battery of the vehicle <NUM> and various components in the device <NUM>, such as the battery sensor <NUM>, the power module <NUM>, and others. In one example, the device interface <NUM> may include one or more electrical connectors configured to make an electrical contact with the vehicle <NUM>. In some embodiments, the electrical connectors are configured to couple to a power socket of the vehicle <NUM>, thereby electrically coupling or connecting the device <NUM>, and various components therein, to the vehicle's battery.

The battery sensor <NUM> is in communication with the device interface <NUM> and configured to detect the battery voltage of the vehicle <NUM>. In some implementations, the battery sensor <NUM> may include a voltage detector configured to at least detect voltages in a range applicable to vehicle battery voltages. Example voltage detectors may include voltmeters, data acquisition cards, Arduino boards, and other analog and/or digital circuitry. In addition, in some implementations, the battery sensor <NUM> may include a variety of other electronic components and hardware for acquiring, pre-processing, and/or modifying signals (e.g. voltages or currents) received via the device interface <NUM>. In some implementations, such electronic components and hardware may be configured to sample, amplify, filter, scale, and digitize signals received by the battery sensor <NUM>. The battery sensor <NUM> may also include various protective circuitry, fault detectors, switches, and so on, configured for protecting sensitive components in the device <NUM>.

In addition to being configured to carry out various processes of the device <NUM>, the processor <NUM> is configured to execute steps, in accordance with methods of the present disclosure. Specifically, the processor <NUM> may include one or more processors or processing units configured to carry out steps to determine a state of operation of the vehicle <NUM> based on the battery voltage detected. The processor <NUM> also controls operation of the device <NUM> in accordance with the operational state, as described. In some aspects, the processor <NUM> may also determine and generate a report indicating a state of a vehicle's battery (e.g., discharged state, charging state, full state, and so on), as well as other information related to battery voltage detected and a vehicle's operational state(s). To do so, the processor <NUM> may execute hardwired instructions or programming. As such, the processor <NUM>, or various processing units therein, may therefore be application-specific due to the hardwired instructions or programming therein. Alternatively, the processor <NUM> may execute non-transitory instructions stored in the memory <NUM>, as well as instructions received via input. By way of example, the processor <NUM> may include one or more general-purpose programmable processors, such as central processing units ("CPUs"), graphical processing units ("GPUs"), microcontrollers, and the like.

In some aspects, the processor <NUM> may control one or more function modules <NUM> in the device <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the device <NUM> may include one or more function modules <NUM> that are configured to carry out specific functions in the device <NUM>. In one non-limiting example, one function module <NUM> may be configured to control a heating element, or a fan in the device <NUM>. In another non-limiting example, another function module <NUM> may be configured to control the charging of a battery in the device <NUM>. In yet another non-limiting example, another function module <NUM> may be configured to control charging of an external battery connected to the device <NUM>, where the external battery (e.g., of a cell phone or tablet) is connected via a USB port on the device <NUM>. In yet another non-limiting example, yet another function module <NUM> may be configured to control the power module <NUM> to modify a power state of the device <NUM> (e.g., normal power state, low-power state, sleep state, and so forth). Alternatively, the power module <NUM> may be controlled directly by the processor <NUM>. In yet another non-limiting example, another function module <NUM> may communicate with the I/O module(s) <NUM> to provide a report indicating a condition of the device <NUM>. To this end, the one or more function modules <NUM> may include a variety of elements, circuitry, and hardware, including various signal sources, signal processors, integrated circuits, digital-to-analog ("DAC") converters, analog-to-digital converters ("ADC"), pulse width modulation ("PWM") generators, analog/digital voltage switches, analog/digital pots, relays, and other electrical components.

As mentioned, the device <NUM> may optionally include I/O module(s) <NUM> configured to receive a variety of data, information, as well as selections, and operational instructions from an operator. To this end, the I/O module(s) <NUM> may also include various drives, ports, receptacles, and elements for providing input, including a touchpad, touch screen, buttons, switches, toggles, flash-drives, USB ports/drives, CD/DVD drives, communication ports, modules, and connectors, and so on. The I/O module(s) <NUM> may also be configured to provide a report by way of various output elements, including screens, LEDs, LCDs, alarm sources, and so on.

The power module <NUM> may be configured to provide power to various elements of the device <NUM>. In some implementations, the power module <NUM> may power the various elements by way of a vehicle battery. Additionally, or alternatively, the power module <NUM> may include an internal source of power, including a rechargeable or replaceable battery. To this end, the power module <NUM> may control the charging of the battery, as well as dissemination of power provided by the vehicle <NUM> and/or battery. In some implementations, the power module <NUM> may also provide power to an external device, or control the charging of the external device, connected to the device <NUM> using a USB port, for example.

The memory <NUM> may store a variety of information and data, including, for example, operational instructions, data, and so on. In some aspects, the memory <NUM> may include non-transitory computer readable media having instructions executable by the processor <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may also store data corresponding to detected battery voltages and information generated therefrom, including battery states, vehicle operational states, and so on.

The communication network <NUM> may include a variety of communication capabilities and circuitry, including various wiring, components, and hardware for electronic, radiofrequency ("RF"), optical, and other communication methods. By way of example, the communication network <NUM> may include parallel buses, serial buses, and combinations thereof. Example serial buses may include serial peripheral interface (SPI), I2C, DC-BUS, UNI/O, <NUM>-Wire, and others. Example parallel buses may include ISA, ATA, SCSI, PIC, IEEE, and others.

One embodiment of the device <NUM> described above is illustrated in <FIG>. Specifically, the battery sensor <NUM> may be electrically coupled to the vehicle battery <NUM> and vehicle alternator <NUM> via the device interface <NUM> and a vehicle interface <NUM>. Such coupling may be achieved using a wired, and optionally grounded, connection, as shown in <FIG>, as well as a wireless connection. In one implementation, the vehicle interface <NUM> may include an accessory outlet of the vehicle <NUM> (e.g., a 12V power socket) and the device interface <NUM> may include a plug configured to electrically and mechanically engage the accessory outlet. As shown, the battery sensor <NUM> may include a voltage divider <NUM> having a first resistor R1 and a second resistor R2. Selection of R1 and R2 may depend upon the battery voltage supplied by the vehicle battery <NUM>, as well as on the specifics of the processor <NUM>. For example, R1 and R2 may depend upon the voltage range capability of the processor <NUM>.

As shown, the processor <NUM> is also connected to a load circuit <NUM> configured to apply a load to the vehicle battery <NUM>. Specifically, the load circuit <NUM> may include a load <NUM> and a switch <NUM> configured to engage the load <NUM>, as directed by the processor <NUM>. In some implementations, the load <NUM> may be a resistor R3 (e.g., a heating element or resistive wire) and the switch <NUM> may be a transistor element. It may be readily appreciated, however, that the load <NUM> and switch <NUM> may include any elements or hardware designed to achieve the same or a similar functionality. For example, the load <NUM> may include any element or component that can draw power from the vehicle battery <NUM>, and the switch <NUM> may include any element or component that can engage the load <NUM> to the vehicle battery <NUM>. In some implementations, the load circuit <NUM> may include, or be part of, a function module <NUM>, as described with reference to <FIG>. For example, the load circuit <NUM> may be an electric circuit having a heating element configured to control or assist in the dispensing of a volatile material.

Referring again to <FIG>, the processor <NUM> then receives, samples, and processes signals (e.g. voltage signals) from the vehicle battery <NUM> by way of the battery sensor <NUM>, to determine an operational state of the vehicle <NUM>. As described, the processor <NUM> also controls the load circuit <NUM> in determining the operational state of the vehicle <NUM>. The processor <NUM> then controls the device <NUM>, and various function modules <NUM> therein, as described with reference to <FIG>.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in <FIG>, the battery sensor <NUM>, processor <NUM>, and load circuit <NUM> may be incorporated in the vehicle <NUM>, rather than the device <NUM>. As shown, the processor <NUM> may also be connected to a battery power module <NUM> configured to provide power to the device <NUM> by way of the vehicle interface <NUM> and device interface <NUM>. As described, the processor <NUM> is configured to determine an operational state of the vehicle <NUM> based on battery voltages detected using the battery sensor <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may then communicate with the battery power module <NUM> to control power provided by the vehicle battery <NUM> to the device <NUM>. For example, if it is determined that the vehicle is in an "OFF" state, or the battery is discharged below a predetermined threshold, the processor <NUM> may generate and send control signals to the battery power module <NUM> to interrupt power available to the device <NUM> at the vehicle interface <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may also generate a report and communicate the report via the vehicle interface <NUM>. In some aspects, the report may include an indication of battery state or vehicle operational state, as well as other information, such as operational instructions for the device <NUM>. For example, the operational instructions may include instructions for the device <NUM> to enter a low-power mode.

<FIG> shows one embodiment of a volatile material device <NUM> for use in a vehicle, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. As appreciated from the description above, <FIG> is provided for purposes of illustrating devices and methods, and does not limit the present disclosure in any way.

In general, the device <NUM> shown in <FIG> includes a housing <NUM> providing a cavity configured to hold a cartridge having a volatile material therein (not shown). The housing <NUM> is also configured to hold therein an electrical assembly (not shown), and optionally other elements and components. In some implementations, the electrical assembly is configured to control a release of the volatile material from the cartridge. The electrical assembly is configured to interact with a power outlet of a vehicle via socket contacts <NUM>.

Referring specifically to <FIG>, an example electrical assembly <NUM> for use in the device <NUM> is shown. The electrical assembly <NUM> includes a power stage <NUM>, a controller stage <NUM>, and a heating element <NUM>. In particular, the power stage <NUM> is configured to receive power from a vehicle's battery by way of input leads <NUM> that are connected to the socket contacts <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The power stage <NUM> is also configured to manage the received power to operate various electrical components of the electrical assembly <NUM>, such as the heating element <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the power stage <NUM> may include a pushbutton switch <NUM> having an "on" and an "off" position, for example, and a voltage regulator <NUM>. The power stage <NUM> may also include a number of other electrical components, including capacitors, resistors, inductors, diodes, and so forth. In addition, as shown in <FIG>, the power stage <NUM> may also include a number of fuses <NUM>, such as electrical and thermal fuses, for protecting circuit components of the electrical assembly <NUM> in case of electrical or thermal spikes, transients, or overload.

Still referring to <FIG>, the control stage <NUM> includes a processor <NUM> (e.g. a microcontroller) programmed to control the operation of the heating element <NUM>, and other electrical components. In addition, the control stage <NUM> also includes a slide switch <NUM> for selecting the mode of operation. Specifically, the power switch <NUM> activates inputs to the processor <NUM> to indicate a target temperature for the heating element <NUM>. By way of example, the slide switch <NUM> may include an "off" position, and a number of "on" positions, such as a "low," "medium," and "high" position, indicating an intensity level for dispersing volatile material. The position of the slide switch <NUM> may be indicated by LEDs <NUM> included in the control stage <NUM> circuitry, as shown in <FIG>. In some implementations, the same or different LEDs <NUM> may additionally, or alternatively, indicate an "OFF" or "ON" state of the vehicle.

When the pushbutton switch <NUM> and slide switch <NUM> are activated to an "on" position, the processor <NUM> can direct electric current to flow to the heating element <NUM>, using activation element <NUM> and power supplied by the power stage <NUM>. In some aspects, a PWM algorithm may be used by the processor <NUM> to allow the heating element <NUM> to heat up quickly, which in turn would allow a faster fragrance or volatile material release. In some implementations, the processor <NUM> may also be programmed such that if the slide switch <NUM> is inadvertently moved to an intermediate position that is a position between allowable settings, as described above, the electrical assembly <NUM>, or portions thereof, may be disabled, to avoid unpredictable behavior.

As shown in <FIG>, the control stage <NUM> may include a battery sensor <NUM> in communication with the processor <NUM>. The battery sensor <NUM> is configured to detect battery voltage of the vehicle's battery, as described. The processor <NUM> is configured to control a sampling of the battery voltage detected by the battery sensor <NUM>, and determine an operational state of the vehicle using the battery voltage, as described. Based on the operational state, the processor <NUM> can affect the operation of the heating element <NUM>, as well as other electrical components. In particular, the processor <NUM> may generate and send a control signal to the activation element <NUM>, which would either prevent or allow power being provided to the heating element <NUM>. For example, the processor <NUM> may deenergize the heating element <NUM> when a vehicle is in an "OFF" state. A determination of an "ON" or "OFF" state may be reported to a user, for example, using the LEDs <NUM>.

In some modes of operation, the processor <NUM> may temporarily energize the heating element <NUM> to apply a load to the vehicle's battery. This may be desirable in the case that the battery voltage detected using the battery sensor <NUM> is below a predetermined threshold (e.g. about <NUM>. As described with reference to <FIG>, applying a load (in this case the heating element <NUM>) and monitoring battery voltage for a predetermined period of time allows for determining the operational state of the vehicle. As described, the period of time may depend on the nature of the load (e.g. power draw) and other factors.

In some embodiments, the heating element <NUM> may include a thermistor <NUM> that is coupled to the processor <NUM>, and allows the processor <NUM> to shut off specific electronic components, including the heating element <NUM>, for a predetermined amount of time if a predetermined temperature is exceeded.

Although a particular implementation is shown in <FIG> for the power stage <NUM> and controller stage <NUM> for managing and controlling power provided to the heating element <NUM>, any number of modifications and variations are possible to provide functionalities as described above, as well as other functionalities. Additionally, the heating element <NUM> is shown to include a single resistive wire, yet it may be readily appreciated that any variation, such as two or more resistive wires, in accordance with the present disclosure may also be possible.

Devices and methods are presented that provide a novel approach for controlling electronic devices for use in a vehicle based on the operational state of the vehicle.

Claim 1:
A method for controlling an electronic device (<NUM>) for use in a vehicle (<NUM>), the method comprising:
detecting a battery voltage of a vehicle's battery (<NUM>) using a battery sensor (<NUM>) connected thereto;
determining an operational state of the vehicle (<NUM>) using the battery voltage, wherein the battery voltage is compared to a predetermined threshold;
applying a load to the vehicle's battery (<NUM>) if the battery voltage is below the predetermined threshold value;
identifying a change in the battery voltage due to the load;
determining the operational state of the vehicle (<NUM>) based on the change in the battery voltage; and
controlling an electronic device (<NUM>) coupled to the vehicle's battery (<NUM>) in accordance with the operational state of the vehicle (<NUM>).