Detecting a tire rotation on a telematics-equipped vehicle
AssigneeGeneral Motors Corporation
InventorsJeffrey P. Rysenga, Russ Eling
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A system and method for detecting a rotation of the vehicle tires between different wheel locations. The method carried out by the system involves obtaining and storing TPM sensor identification numbers and their corresponding tire locations. Next, the system checks the sensors periodically to determine if any of the sensors have changed tire location. Based on that change, the system determines if a tire rotation has occurred; for example, by matching changes in sensor positions with known tire rotation patterns. This approach allows the system to detect and record a tire rotation, as well as to take some automated action, such as subsequently notifying the vehicle owner when the next scheduled tire rotation is due.
Claims20
A method of detecting a vehicle tire rotation using a vehicle system module, comprising the steps of:
- (a) obtaining identification numbers and corresponding tire locations for a plurality of tire pressure monitoring (TPM) sensors attached to tires of a vehicle;
- (b) storing the identification number and corresponding tire location for each of the TPM sensors;
- (c) determining a change in the tire locations of at least one of the TPM sensors using at least one vehicle system module located onboard the vehicle;
- and
- (d) determining that a tire rotation has occurred based on the change.
A method of detecting and responding to a vehicle tire rotation using a vehicle telematics unit, comprising the steps of:
- (a) obtaining identification numbers and corresponding tire locations for a plurality of tire pressure monitoring (TPM) sensors installed on a vehicle;
- (b) storing the identification numbers and their corresponding tire locations;
- (c) obtaining updated identification numbers and their corresponding tire locations for the TPM sensors following a reprogramming of a TPM system located on the vehicle;
- (d) comparing the updated and stored locations for the TPM sensors;
- and
- (e) if one or more of the TPM sensors has changed tire locations, then:
- (e1) determining that a tire rotation has occurred based on the change;
- (e2) recording the tire rotation;
- and
- (e3) providing a user of the vehicle with a customized service that is based on the tire rotation;
- wherein at least one of the foregoing steps is carried out using a vehicle telematics unit.
A vehicle that detects tire rotations performed on the vehicle, comprising a vehicle having inflated tires and a tire pressure monitoring (TPM) system that includes a plurality of TPM sensors each of which is located on a different one of the tires, wherein the tires and their associated TPM sensors are each located at one of a number of tire locations around the vehicle, and wherein the vehicle is programmed to carry out the following steps:
- (a) obtaining identification numbers and corresponding tire locations for the TPM sensors;
- (b) storing the identification number and corresponding tire locations;
- (c) determining a change in the tire locations of at least one of the TPM sensors;
- and
- (d) determining that a tire rotation has occurred based on the change.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.