Patent ID: 12246661

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments of the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description.

Detailed reference will now be made to one or more potential embodiments of the disclosure, which are illustrated inFIGS.1through9.

The following abbreviations are used in this disclosure:IC: Intercept CircuitIIC: Individual Intercept CircuitPPD: Personal Data DevicePPWN: Commercially Provided and Publicly Available
Cellular Wireless NetworkSCS: Supplemental Control SignalVECU: Vehicle Engine Control UnitVECUCS: VECU Control Signal

The vehicle-tracking wiring harness100(hereinafter invention) comprises a wiring harness101, a control circuit102, and a VECU103. The control circuit102mounts in the wiring harness101. The wiring harness101electrically connects to the VECU103or individual electrical systems. The VECU103is provisioned with a vehicle. The control circuit102mounts in the wiring harness101. The wiring harness101electrically connects into the VECU103or other electrical systems through current factory connectors or flying leads that require splicing such that the installation of the invention100may or may not require splicing cables within the VECU103or other electrical systems of the vehicle. The control circuit102remotely controls the operation of selected function within the VECU103or other electrical systems of the vehicle.

The control circuit102monitors the GPS location of the vehicle. In the first potential embodiment of the disclosure, the invention100remotely controls: a) the fuel pump of the vehicle; and/or b) the ignition of the vehicle; and/or, c) the audible and visual signaling devices of the vehicle.

The VECU103is an electric circuit that powers various systems in a vehicle. The VECU103is the electric system of the vehicle. The VECU103or vehicle electric control signals controls the operation of all electrically powered devices in the vehicle. The VECU103is defined elsewhere in this disclosure. It shall be noted that the invention100is capable of being installed in vehicles that have a VECU103as well as vehicles that do not have a VECU103. Moreover, vehicles that do not have a VECU103still use electrical control signals to turn on or off different electrical devices in the vehicle, such as a fuel pump or an ignition. So for purposes of this specification, the electrical signals are being used for both scenarios.

The VECU103comprises a plurality of VECU103control signals131and an electric power system132. The plurality of VECU103control signals131or vehicle electric signals131control the operation of the electrically powered device(s) in the vehicle. The electric power system132provides the electric energy required to operate the electrically powered device(s) in the vehicle.

The plurality of VECU103control signals131comprises a collection of electric control signals generated by the VECU103. Each VECU103control signal selected from the plurality of VECU103control signals131controls the operation of an electrically powered device in the vehicle. Each VECU103control signal selected from the plurality of VECU103control signals131controls an electrically powered device in the vehicle that is controlled by both the VECU103and the control circuit102that is further electrically connected to an individual intercept circuit151selected from the plurality of intercept circuits122.

The control circuit102is an electric circuit. The control circuit102is incorporated into the wiring harness101. The control circuit102remotely controls the electrically powered devices in the vehicle that are controlled by both the VECU103and the control circuit102. The control circuit102receives a plurality of VECU103control signals131. The plurality of VECU103control signals131electrically control the electrically powered devices in the vehicle that are controlled by both the VECU103and the control circuit102. The control circuit102retransmits the plurality of VECU103control signals131to the electrically powered devices in the vehicle that are controlled by both the VECU103and the control circuit102. The control circuit102comprises a logic module121, a plurality of intercept circuits122, and a GPS module123. The logic module121, the plurality of intercept circuits122, and the GPS module123are electrically interconnected.

The logic module121is a readily and commercially available programmable electronic device that is used to manage, regulate, and operate the control circuit102. The communication module141is a wireless electronic communication device that allows the logic module121to wirelessly communicate with a personal data device163. Specifically, the communication module141establishes a wireless communication link161between the control circuit102and the personal data device163through a commercially provided and publicly available cellular wireless network162. Both the logic control module and the communication module are available as one commercially available tracking device to simplify use and production. These tracking devices provide both logic control to devices in the vehicle as well as communication through a cellular wireless network162.

The communication module141further comprises a wireless communication link161and a personal data device163. The personal data device163is a programmable electrical device. The personal data device163further comprises an application. The personal data device163provides data management and communication services through one or more functions referred to as an application. The application is a set of logical operating instructions that are performed by the personal data device163. The application of the personal data device163forms an interface between the control circuit102and the personal data device163that allows the personal data device to remotely control the operation of the electrically powered devices in the vehicle that that are controlled by both the VECU103and the control circuit102.

The GPS module123is an electrical device that communicates with the GPS to determine the GPS coordinates of the GPS module123. When queried by the logic module121, the GPS module123transfers the GPS coordinates to the logic module121. The logic module121transmits the GPS coordinates to the personal data device163.

The logic module121is an electric circuit. The logic module121remotely controls the operation of the electrically powered devices in the vehicle that are controlled by both the VECU103and the control circuit102. The logic module121receives the operating instructions for the remote control of each controlled electric device from the personal data device163. The logic module121transmits the received operating instructions to an electric device through an individual intercept circuit151selected from the plurality of intercept circuits122. The logic module121electrically connects to the plurality of intercept circuits122. The logic module121further comprises a communication module141and a plurality of supplemental control signals142.

The plurality of supplemental control signals142comprises a collection of electric control signals generated by the logic module121. Each supplemental control signal selected from the plurality of supplemental control signals142electrically11connects to an individual intercept circuit151selected from the plurality of intercept circuits122.

The plurality of intercept circuits122comprises a collection of individual intercept circuits151. Each individual intercept circuit151selected from the plurality of intercept circuits122is an electric circuit. Each individual intercept circuit151selected from the plurality of intercept circuits122receives a control signal from the plurality of VECU103control signals131for an electrically powered devices in the vehicle that are controlled by both the VECU103and the control circuit102. The selected individual intercept circuit151further receives a control signal selected from the plurality of supplemental control signals142for the same electrical device. The selected individual intercept circuit151merges the two received control signals such that the operation of the shared electric device can be operated by either the plurality of VECU103control signals131or the plurality of supplemental control signals142. The individual intercept circuit151selected from the plurality of intercept circuits122is identical.

Each individual intercept circuit151comprises a SCS relay152, a VECUCS relay153, a VECUCS input plug154, an IIC control signal155and an IIC output plug156.

The SCS relay152electrically connects to a supplemental control signal selected from the plurality of supplemental control signals142. The SCS relay152receives the supplemental control signal selected from the plurality of supplemental control signals142. The SCS relay152transmits the received supplemental control signal to the IIC control signal155. The SCS relay152is an electric device that limits the flow of electricity to a single direction. The SCS relay152allows the flow of electricity from the plurality of supplemental control signals142to the IIC control signal155. The SCS relay152prevents the back flow of electricity from the IIC control signal155into the plurality of supplemental control signals142.

The VECUCS relay153is a relay. The VECUCS relay153electrically connects to a VECU103control signal selected from the electric power system132. The VECUCS relay153receives the VECU103control signal selected from the electric power system132. The VECUCS relay153transmits the received VECU103control signal to the IIC control signal155. The VECUCS relay153is an electric device that limits the flow of electricity to a single direction. The VECUCS relay153allows the flow of electricity from the electric power system132to the IIC control signal155. The VECUCS relay153prevents the back flow of electricity from the IIC control signal155into the electric power system132.

The VECUCS input plug154is a plug. The VECUCS input plug154forms a termination for a VECUCS cable selected from the plurality of VECUCS cables111. The selected VECUCS cable removably attaches to the VECUCS input plug154. The selected VECUCS cable forms an electric connection with the VECUCS input plug154that transmits a control signal selected from the electric power system132to the VECUCS input plug154. The VECUCS input plug154forms an electric connection with the VECUCS relay153. The VECUCS input plug154transmits the received control signal to the VECUCS relay153.

The IIC control signal155simultaneously forms an electric connection between: a) the SCS relay152and the IIC output plug156; and, b) and the VECUCS relay153and the IIC output plug156. The IIC control signal155transmits a control signal to the IIC output plug156when a logical condition is true. The logical condition is selected from the group consisting of: a) the SCS relay152is receiving a control signal from the plurality of supplemental control signals142; and, b) the VECUCS relay153is receiving a control signal from the plurality of VECU103control signals131.

The IIC output plug156is an electrical termination. The IIC output plug156forms a detachable connection with an electrically powered device in the vehicle that is controlled by both the VECU103and the control circuit102.

The plurality of intercept circuits122further comprises a first individual interrupt circuit171, a second individual interrupt circuit172, and a third individual interrupt circuit173.

The first individual interrupt circuit171forms an electric circuit that is used by the control circuit102and the VECU103to cut off the operation of the fuel pump of the19vehicle. The first individual interrupt circuit171allows the control circuit102to disable the vehicle.

The second individual interrupt circuit172forms an electric circuit that is used by the control circuit102to disable the operation of the ignition of the vehicle.

The third individual interrupt circuit173forms an electric circuit that is used by the control circuit102and the VECU103to disable the operation of the ignition of the vehicle. The third individual interrupt circuit173allows the control circuit102to remotely control the audible and visual signaling devices of the vehicle. The third individual interrupt circuit173is used to help identify the specific location of the vehicle and to deter theft.

The wiring harness101is a cable harness. The cable harness is defined elsewhere in this disclosure. The wiring harness101forms a plurality of electric connections between the fuel pump, the ignition, and/or the VECU103and the control circuit102. The wiring harness101further forms a plurality of electric connections between the control circuit102and the electrically powered devices in the vehicle that are controlled by both the VECU103and the control circuit102.

The wiring harness101comprises a plurality of VECUCS cables111, a plurality of SCS cables112, a plurality of IC output cables113, and a device power cable114. The plurality of VECUCS cables111electrically connect the control circuit102to the plurality of VECU103control signals131. The plurality of IC output cables113electrically connect the control circuit102to the electrically powered devices in the vehicle. The plurality of SCS cables112forms a portion of the internal wiring of the control circuit102. Specifically, the plurality of SCS cables112electrically connect the logic module121to the plurality of intercept circuits122. The device power cable114is an electrical connection between the electric power system132(battery, alternator, fuse box, VECU, or other power source from the vehicle) and the control circuit102. The device power cable114transmits from the electrical power system132.

Each cable selected from the plurality of VECUCS cables111forms an electric connection between the plurality of VECU103control signals131of the VECU103and an individual intercept circuit151selected from the plurality of intercept circuits122. Each cable selected from the plurality of VECUCS cables13transmits a control signal selected from the plurality of VECU103control signals131to the appropriate individual intercept circuit151selected from the plurality of intercept circuits122. Each cable selected from the plurality of VECUCS cables111plugs directly into the VECUCS input plug154of the associated individual intercept circuit151.

Each cable selected from the plurality of SCS cables112forms an electric connection between the plurality of supplemental control signals142of the logic module121and an individual intercept circuit151selected from the plurality of intercept circuits122. Each cable selected from the plurality of SCS cables112transmits a control signal selected from the plurality of supplemental control signals142to the appropriate individual intercept circuit151selected from the plurality of intercept circuits122.

Each cable selected from the plurality of IC output cables113forms an electric connection between the plurality of intercept circuits122and the plurality of supplemental control signals142of the logic module121. Each cable selected from the plurality of IC output cables113transmits a control signal selected from the plurality of VECU103control signals131to the appropriate individual intercept circuit151selected from the plurality of intercept circuits122.

The device power cable114forms an electric connection between the electric power system132(the battery, fuse box, alternator, VECU, or alternative power from vehicle) and the logic module121of the plurality of supplemental control signals142. The device power cable114transmits electric energy from the electric power system132to the logic module121. The device power cable114provides the logic module121with the electric energy necessary to operate the control circuit102. The device power114cable also provides power to the controlled vehicle system such as but not limited to fuel pump, ignition, audible and visual signaling devices, or other systems.

The following definitions were used in this disclosure:

Application or App: As used in this disclosure, an application or app is a self-contained piece of software that is especially designed or downloaded for use with a personal data device.

Appropriate Authority: As used in this disclosure, an appropriate authority is a previously determined person or organization that is designated to send and receive alarm or other notification messages regarding a monitored system or activity.

Bluetooth™: As used in this disclosure, Bluetooth™ is a standardized communication protocol that is used to wirelessly interconnect electronic devices.

Cable: As used in this disclosure, a cable is a collection of one or more insulated wires covered by a protective casing that is used for transmitting electricity or telecommunication signals.

Cable Harness: As used in this disclosure, a cable harness refers to an electromechanical structure comprising a harness structure and a plurality of cables. The cable harness is used as a component that mounts within a larger structure. The plurality of cables mount on the harness structure such that position of any first cable selected from the plurality of cables remains roughly fixed relative to the position of any second cable selected from the plurality of cables. By roughly fixed is meant that terminating ends of each of cable selected from the plurality of cables can move freely relative to the harness structure. This freedom of movement ensures that each of the plurality of cables can be used to form an electrical connection within the larger structure. The terms wire harness and wiring harness are synonyms for cable harness.

Commercially Provided and Publicly Available Cellular Wireless Network: As used in this disclosure, a commercially provided and publicly available cellular wireless network refers to subscription based publicly available wireless network commonly used to provide wireless communication access for personal data devices. The commercially provided and publicly available cellular wireless network will typically provide voice communication, data communication services, and SMS and MMS messaging services. The commercially provided and publicly available cellular wireless network is commonly referred to as the cellular network. The commercially provided and publicly available cellular wireless network is abbreviated as the PPWN.

Communication Link: As used in this disclosure, a communication link refers to the structured exchange of data between two objects.

Fuel: As used in this disclosure, fuel refers to a substance that undergoes a chemical combustion reaction to release chemical potential energy.

GPS: As used in this disclosure, and depending on the context, GPS refers to: a) a system of navigational satellites that are used to determine the position, known as GPS coordinates, and velocity of a person or object; b) the system of navigational satellites referred to in the first definition that are used to synchronize to global time; or, c) an electronic device or that uses the system of navigational satellites referred to in the first definition to determine the position of a person or object. GPS is an acronym for Global Positioning System. GPS may also be cell-phone based, and not reliant on Satellites. Methods to determine the distance and direction between any two sets of GPS coordinates are well-known and documented in the navigational arts.

Hand Tool: As used in this disclosure, a hand tool refers to a tool that is small and light enough to allow a person to hold the tool during use.

Hardwired: As used in this disclosure, the term hardwired refers to a physical electrical connection, generally using cable, between two electrical circuits or circuit elements. Such a hardwired connection is considered more reliable than a wireless connection.

Lead: As used in this disclosure, a lead is a conductor that is physically used to electrically connect an electrical component into a larger circuit assembly.

Logic Module: As used in this disclosure, a logic module is a readily and commercially available electrical device that accepts digital and analog inputs, processes the digital and analog inputs according to previously specified logical processes and provides the results of these previously specified logical processes as digital or analog outputs. The disclosure allows, but does not assume, that the logic module is programmable. Additionally, the logic module can be combined with the communication module in a commercially available tracker device.

PDD: As used in this disclosure, PDD is an acronym for personal data device.

Personal Data Device: As used in this disclosure, a personal data device is a handheld logical device that is used for managing personal information and communication. Examples of personal data device include, but are not limited to, cellular phones, tablets, and smartphones.

Plug: As used in this disclosure, a plug is an electrical termination that electrically connects a first electrical circuit to a second electrical circuit or a source of electricity. As used in this disclosure, a plug will have one or more metal pins.

Port: As used in this disclosure, a port is an electrical termination that is used to connect a first electrical circuit to a second external electrical circuit. In this disclosure, the port is designed to receive a plug.

PPWN: As used in this disclosure, the PPWN is an acronym for publicly provided wireless network. The PPWN refers to a commercially provided and publicly available cellular wireless network.

Pump: As used in this disclosure, a pump is a mechanical device that uses suction or pressure to raise or move fluids, compress fluids, or force a fluid into an inflatable object. Within this disclosure, a compressor refers to a pump that is dedicated to compressing a fluid or placing a fluid under pressure.

Relay: As used in this disclosure, a relay is an automatic electronic, electromagnetic, or electromechanical device that reacts to changes in voltage or current by opening or closing a switch in an electric circuit. Relays are further defined with a coil and a switch. Applying a voltage to the coil, usually referred to as energizing the coil, will cause the coil to change the position of the switch. This definition is not intended to preclude the substitution of a transistor for a relay. Within this disclosure, a transistor can be considered as a relay. In this scenario, the base voltage is analogous to the coil of the relay and the current flow from the collector to the emitter is analogous to the operation of the switch of the relay. Those skilled in the electrical arts will recognize that this substitution can be made without undue experimentation. The transistor is defined in greater detail elsewhere in this disclosure.

SMS: As used in this disclosure, SMS is an abbreviation for short message service. The short message service is a service that is often provided with the cellular services that support personal data devices. Specifically, the SMS allows for the exchange of written messages between personal data devices. The SMS is commonly referred to as text messaging. A common enhancement of SMS is the inclusion of the delivery of multimedia services. This enhanced service is often referred to as Multimedia Media Services which is abbreviated as MMS.

Subscription: As used in this disclosure, a subscription refers to a contractual arrangement for the delivery of a product or access to a service on a recurring basis. The subscribed product or service can be provided on a continuous basis or on a scheduled basis. The term subscription often implies that the subscribed product or service has been paid for in advance.

Terminal: As used in this disclosure, a terminal is the end point of a conductor. A terminal can be the conducting wire itself or may have attached to is a device designed to facilitate an electrical connection. The terminal is also called a termination.

Termination: As used in this disclosure, a termination is an electrical device that electrically connects to the end of an electric circuit path.

Tool: As used in this disclosure, a tool is a device, an apparatus, or an instrument that is used to carry out an activity, operation, or procedure. A tool generally comprises a working element and a handle.

Transistor: As used in this disclosure, a transistor is a general term for a three terminal semiconducting electrical device that is used for electrical signal amplification and electrical switching applications. There are several designs of transistors. A common example of a transistor is an NPN transistor that further comprises a collector terminal, an emitter terminal, and a base terminal and which consists of a combination of two rectifying junctions (a relay is an example of a rectifying junction). Current flowing from the collector terminal through the emitter terminal crosses the two rectifier junctions. The amount of the electric current crossing the two rectified junctions is controlled by the amount of electric current that flows through the base terminal. This disclosure assumes the use of an NPN transistor. This assumption is made solely for the purposes of simplicity and clarity of exposition. Those skilled in the electrical arts will recognize that other types of transistors, including but not limited to, field effect transistors and PNP transistors, can be substituted for an NPN transistor without undue experimentation.

VECU: As used in this disclosure, the VECU is an acronym for the Vehicle Engine Control Unit of the vehicle. The VECU is an electronic device that controls the operation of all electrical subsystems within a vehicle. Additionally, the wiring harness may be wired/connected to the vehicle wiring bypassing the VECU OR be used in vehicles where a VECU is not present and the wiring harness is wired/connected to the vehicle's electrical system.

Vehicle: As used in this disclosure, a vehicle is a device that is used for transporting passengers, goods, or equipment. The term motorized vehicle specifically refers to a vehicle can move under power provided by an electric motor or an internal combustion engine. The term vehicle generically applies to motorized vehicles and vehicles without a motor. A motorized vehicle further comprises an electrical system that can be used as a source of electric energy. The enclosed passenger space of a vehicle is known as a cab.

WiFi™: As used in this disclosure, WiFi™ refers to the physical implementation of a collection of wireless electronic communication standards commonly referred to as IEEE 802.11x.

Wire: As used in this disclosure, a wire is a structure with the general appearance of a cord or strand that is formed from an electrically conductive metal.

Wireless: As used in this disclosure, wireless is an adjective that is used to describe a communication link between two devices that does not require the use of physical cabling.

Wireless Communication Establishment Technology: As used in this disclosure, a wireless communication establishment technology refers to technology that establishes a wireless communication link between a first logical device and a second logical device. Usually, the operation of a wireless communication establishment technology is initiated by the push of a button. An example of such a technology is the WiFi™ protected setup technology (WPS™).

Working Element: As used in this disclosure, the working element of a tool is the physical element on the tool that performs the actual activity, operation, or procedure the tool is designed to perform. For example, the cutting edge of a blade is the working element of a knife.

With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationship for the various components of the invention described above and inFIGS.1through9include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function, and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the invention.

It shall be noted that those skilled in the art will readily recognize numerous adaptations and modifications which can be made to the various embodiments of the present invention which will result in an improved invention, yet all of which will fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the following claims. Accordingly, the invention is to be limited only by the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.