Samsara has been granted a patent for a variable multiplexer that allows compatibility with multiple vehicles. The device can be electronically configured to a desired pinout configuration based on the vehicle’s pinout configuration, enabling the use of a single standardized cable. The patent also includes a method for detecting the device’s connection to a vehicle’s communication bus and configuring the multiplexer accordingly. GlobalData’s report on Samsara gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Samsara, Usage monitoring vehicle telematics was a key innovation area identified from patents. Samsara's grant share as of September 2023 was 90%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Variable multiplexer for vehicle communication bus compatibility
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11776328B2) describes a method and system for detecting and configuring a device connected to a communication bus within a vehicle. The method involves detecting the connection of a device to the communication bus via a data link connector and receiving data from the set of pins on the communication bus. A checksum value is calculated based on the received data and a hashing algorithm. The pinout configuration for communicating with the communication bus is determined based on the checksum value, which identifies the functionality of each pin. The device's multiplexer is then configured based on the pinout configuration to enable communication with the communication bus via the data link connector.
In one embodiment, the pinout configuration is determined by transmitting a vehicle identifier, such as a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), to a remote computing system that maintains a vehicle data index. The remote computing system responds with a message identifying the pinout configuration for the specific vehicle. Alternatively, the pinout configuration can be determined by initiating a listening mode during which data transmitted via the communication bus is gathered by the device from the set of pins. The gathered data is then compared to known pinout configurations to determine the appropriate configuration.
The system described in the patent includes one or more computer processors and computer-readable mediums storing instructions for performing the method. The system detects the device connection, receives data from the communication bus, calculates the checksum value, determines the pinout configuration, and configures the multiplexer within the device.
Overall, this patent presents a method and system for automatically detecting and configuring devices connected to a communication bus within a vehicle. By determining the pinout configuration based on received data and a checksum value, the system ensures accurate and efficient communication between the device and the communication bus. This technology has the potential to simplify the integration of new devices into vehicles and improve overall connectivity and functionality.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
