[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 63/252,392 filed October 5, 2021, entitled “TAIL LIGHT TRACKER”, and U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 63/289,562 filed December 14, 2021, entitled “TAIL LIGHT TRACKER”. This and all other referenced extrinsic materials are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Where a definition or use of a term in a reference that is incorporated by reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein is deemed to be controlling.

Field of the Invention

[0001] The field of the invention is tracking, in particular, devices for tracking and monitoring vehicle movement.

Background

[0002] The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] Tail lights with built-in communication signals for tracking the movement and location of vehicles are known. US 8,752,988 to Tornio describes a tail light with a built- in RF signal communication antenna for tracking a vehicle. However Tornio does not appear to monitor speed or motion of the vehicle. Tornio also does not appear to teach a tail light with a built-in cell transmitter for communicating location or motion data to a remote user.

[0004] US 9,432,068 to Stahlin teaches a tail light connected with an antenna for tracking location and a transmitter for wirelessly communicating location data to a remote user. However, Stahlin does not appear to teach concealment of the antennas inside a housing of the tail light for concealment. Stahlin also does not appear to teach tracking motion of the vehicle with a motion sensor. [0005] US 9,835,728 and US 10,539,678 to Zeng teaches a tail light with a concealed GPS antenna for tracking location of a trailer. However Zeng does not appear to teach an external powerbank for monitoring location of the trailer when is disconnected from a vehicle battery for extended periods of time. Zeng also does not appear to teach a tail light that has an audible and/or visible alarm to help locate the trailer in a crowded storage space and/or to signal that the trailer has been stolen. In addition, Zeng does not appear to teach that the tail light can communicate with an external sensor via RF to monitor conditions inside the trailer, such as temperature and/or humidity.

[0006] US 10,713,613 to Hage teaches a tracking device hidden in a tail light, however the GPS antenna must be located in a remote device to establish a reliable GNSS signal.

[0007] Thus, there remains a need for improved tail light devices with hidden tracking capabilities.

Summary of The Invention

[0008] The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems, and methods in which a vehicle tracking device comprises a tail light housing that encloses a light (for indicating a brake or a turn), a processor, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium, a cellular transmitter, a global positioning satellite (GPS) antenna, and a battery. The housing may also include one or more sensors such as a motion sensor to determine motion and speed of the vehicle. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium has executable software instructions programmed to acquire data from the motion sensor and determine location information of a vehicle using the GPS antenna. The executable software instructions are also programmed to wirelessly send motion sensor data and/or location information to a remote device using the cellular transmitter.

[0009] In other aspects, the executable software instructions include an alarm module programmed to produce an alarm based on at least one of the sensor data and the location information. The tail light housing can include an audio transmitter that produces an audible sound when the alarm module determines an alarm event is triggered. The alarm module is further programmed to wirelessly communicate an alarm to a remote device using the cellular transmitter. The alarm module is also programmed to blink the light and emit an audible sound upon receiving a command from a user to facilitate visually locating the vehicle.

[0010] In yet other aspects, the vehicle tracking device can include a power bank disposed outside the tail light housing and electrically coupled with the processor. The power bank can also include a magnet for removably coupling the power bank to the vehicle or a trailer pulled by the vehicle. The executable software instructions include a recharge module programmed to recharge the battery inside the tail light housing using a charge signal from the power bank. It is also contemplated that the processor and/or power bank can be electrically coupled with the vehicle’s battery.

[0011] In preferred embodiments, the housing has no visible features of any tracking components so that the tail light appears to be a normal tail light. Such visible features may include seams, compartments, openings, or electrical components (e.g., sim card, data ports, charging ports, etc.) that are not present in an ordinary (non-tracking device) tail light.

[0012] In another aspect, the tail light housing can further include an RF receiver that is configured to wirelessly communicate with an RF transmitter in a remote sensor. For example, the RF receiver can wirelessly communicate with the RF transmitter of a temperature/humidity sensor that is disposed inside a trailer hauled by the vehicle. In such embodiments, the executable software instructions can include a notification module programmed to send a notification about the temperature and/or humidity of the trailer. The notification module can also be programmed to send a notification when the battery inside the tail light housing is low or a battery inside the sensor is low. It is also contemplated that the notification module can send a remote user a notice when the vehicle or trailer exceeds a speed limit or experiences a collision.

[0013] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components. Brief Description of The Drawings

[0014] Figure l is a front view of one embodiment of an exemplary vehicle tail light tracking device.

[0015] Figure 2 is a back view of the vehicle tracking device of figure 1.

[0016] Figure 3 is a back view of the vehicle tracking device of figure 1 with the electrical connectors disconnected.

[0017] Figure 4 is a back view of the vehicle tracking device of figure 1 with the back panel of the housing removed.

[0018] Figure 5 is an exploded view of the vehicle tracking device housing of figure 1.

[0019] Figure 6 is a back view of the power bank of the vehicle tail light tracking device of figure 1.

Detailed Description

[0020] The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus, if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

[0021] It should be noted that any language directed to a computer or a computer system should be read to include any suitable combination of computing devices, including servers, interfaces, systems, databases, agents, peers, engines, controllers, or other types of computing devices operating individually or collectively. One should appreciate the computing devices comprise a processor configured to execute software instructions stored on a tangible, non-transitory computer readable storage medium (e.g., hard drive, solid state drive, RAM, flash, ROM, etc.). The software instructions preferably configure the computing device to provide the roles, responsibilities, or other functionality as discussed below with respect to the disclosed apparatus. In especially preferred embodiments, the various servers, systems, databases, or interfaces exchange data using standardized protocols or algorithms, possibly based on HTTP, HTTPS, AES, publicprivate key exchanges, web service APIs, known financial transaction protocols, or other electronic information exchanging methods. Data exchanges preferably are conducted over a packet-switched network, the Internet, LAN, WAN, VPN, or other type of packet switched network.

[0022] Figure 1 shows a front view of a vehicle tail light tracking device 100, which comprises a tail light housing 101 and a power bank 102. Housing 101 is removably coupled with power bank 102 via a wired electrical connection 103. Housing 101 is also electrically coupled with an electrical connector 104 and a wired electrical connection 105. In a preferred embodiment, electrical connector 104 is configured to provide electrical current to power bank 102 from a vehicle battery.

[0023] Figure 2 shows a back view of vehicle tracking device 100. Wired electrical connection 105 is coupled with housing 101 via an electrical connector 106. Power bank 102 further comprises a magnet 111. In a preferred embodiment, wired electrical connection 103 comprises a quick-release connector 110. In an alternative embodiment, quick-release connector 110 is configured for remote user operation. Advantageously, a remote user can command the quick-release connector 110 to disengage from housing

101 via a wireless communication with a cellular antenna in housing 101. Power bank

102 can then be removed from the vehicle or trailer in order to reduce visibility of tail light device 100.

[0024] Figure 3 depicts a similar back view of vehicle tracking device 100, except with the quick-release connector 110 and electrical connector 104 disengaged from the housing 101.

[0025] Figure 4 depicts a back view of housing 101 with a back panel removed to show interior space 107 and internal battery 108 removed therefrom. Wired electrical connection 103 electrically couples power bank 102 to the processor 112 inside interior space 107.

[0026] Figure 5 depicts an exploded view of housing 101, revealing a grommet 120, cover 121, light board 122, antenna 123, motherboard 124, housing body 125, and battery holding plate 126 (with an optional gasket 112) that are disposed within interior space 107. Housing 101 is preferably water resistant. Grommet 120 can be made of rubber, plastic, metal, or any other material suitable for covering the face of tracking device 100. Light board 122 has one or more light devices (e.g., LEDs) that are electrically coupled with internal battery 108 via motherboard 124. In a preferred embodiment, battery holding plate 126 includes fasteners (not shown) for installation and/or removal of internal battery 108 from vehicle tracking device 100.

[0027] Motherboard 124 has a processor, a GPS radio configured for tracking data monitoring, and a cellular radio (with a SIM card) configured for wireless data communication. GPS radio is preferably configured to provided near real time tracking. Antenna 123 is electrically coupled with the GPS radio and the cellular radio and is a cellular transmitter that sends wirelessly send data from motherboard 124 to a remote device. Motherboard 124 can also include one or more sensors for measuring and monitoring motion (e.g., accelerometer, inertial measurement unit), temperature, humidity, or any other attribute or condition of tail light tracking device 100. Antenna 123 is configured to send GPS data and sensor data to a remote user. In some embodiments, antenna 123 can also be configured to wirelessly communicate with an external sensor located inside the cargo space of the trailer to monitor conditions of the cargo during transportation, such as temperature and humidity.

[0028] In an alternative embodiment, light board 122 includes a secondary antenna (not shown) electrically coupled with the GPS radio and the cellular radio and is configured to wirelessly send data from motherboard 124 to a remote device. It is also contemplated that antenna 123 can be dedicated to handling cellular communications (e.g., cellular transmitter) while the secondary antenna is dedicated to handling GPS signals (e.g., GPS antenna). The secondary antenna could be disposed directly on motherboard 124. However, it is also contemplated that the secondary antenna can be disposed on light board 122 and electrically coupled with motherboard 124.

[0029] The processor of motherboard 124 can include one or more modules (e.g., software instructions) for performing various functions. For example, the processor can include a notification module programmed to generate and send a notification containing GPS or sensor data. Advantageously, the notification can be generated from data harvested from a vehicle, or a trailer pulled by the vehicle. In certain embodiments, the notification module is programmed to send a notification when a battery (e.g., power bank 102, internal battery 108, external sensor battery, vehicle battery) reaches a low charge level. In an exemplary embodiment, a low charge level would be 10% or less. It is also contemplated that the notification module can send a remote user a notification when the vehicle or trailer exceeds a speed limit or experiences a collision. It is further contemplated that the notification module can send a remote user a notification when a temperature threshold is exceeded.

[0030] The processor modules can also include an alarm module programmed to produce an alarm based on GPS or sensor data. In certain embodiments, the alarm module produces an audible sound via an audio transmitter (e.g., speaker), disposed within interior space 107, and electrically coupled with the processor 122. In a preferred embodiment, the alarm module is further programmed to wirelessly communicate an alarm to a remote device using the antenna 123. Advantageously, the alarm module is configured to blink the light board 121 and/or emit an audible sound upon receiving a command from a user device to facilitate visually locating a vehicle, or a trailer pulled by the vehicle.

[0031] The processor modules can also include a charging module programmed to monitor a battery life or capacity and provide a charge signal to the batter when low. For example, the charging module could charge internal battery 108 using power bank 102 and/or a vehicle battery. The charging module could also charge power bank 102 using a vehicle battery. In some embodiments, the charging module is configured to charge the power bank 102 using the vehicle battery, and the power bank 102 then charges internal battery 108.

[0032] Figure 6 shows a back view of power bank 102. The back side of power bank 102 has a magnet 111 for removably coupling the power bank 102 to the frame of the vehicle or trailer. In a preferred embodiment, the magnet I l l is configured as a permanent magnet. In an alternative embodiment, the magnet I l l is configured as a temporary magnet, such as an electromagnet. Advantageously, a user can remotely disengage a temporary magnet 111 from contact with a vehicle, or a trailer pulled by the vehicle.

[0033] The inventive subject matter provides a tail light tracking device that can replace a conventional tail light (e.g., no tracking capabilities) to provide tracking capabilities in addition to performing normal tail light functions such as braking and turn signaling. The contemplated tail light tracking devices appear to be a conventional tail light from the outside and any tracking components (e.g., antennas, sensors) are hidden inside the housing.

[0034] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term “attached to” and “coupled to” are intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms “attached to,” “coupled to,” “attached with,” and “coupled with” are used synonymously.

[0035] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the amended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . . and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.