Abstract: A communication bridge includes interfaces to interact with first and second communication networks and drivers to operate the first and second interfaces. A first internal memory of the communication bridge contains addresses of devices using the first communication network and a second internal memory contains addresses of devices using the second communication network. First and second master application processors in the communication bridge and are in operable communication with respective interfaces and internal memories. The first master application processor associates an address of a message received from a device on the first communication network with the address of a device on the second communication network to enable transmission of the message thereto. The second master application processor associates an address of a message received from a device on the second communication network with the address of a device on the first communication network to enable transmission of the message thereto.

Abstract: A vehicle switch module includes a sub-network having switches connected thereto and a sub-network controller in operative communication with the sub-network and the switches. Each switch includes a microprocessor programmed to generate switch messages that include address and switch logic state data. The sub-network controller transmits switch queries onto the sub-network to a number of switch addresses to determine a connection status and switch state of switches in the switch module and receives switch messages responsive to the queries from switches at addresses to which the switch queries were transmitted. The received switch messages verify the identity of a switch in the module and provide a switch state for the switch. The sub-network controller interprets the received switch messages and—based on the switch address and switch state data in the messages—controls operation of a vehicle output or load associated with each of the switches.

Abstract: A communication bridge includes interfaces to interact with first and second communication networks and drivers to operate the first and second interfaces. A first internal memory of the communication bridge contains addresses of devices using the first communication network and a second internal memory contains addresses of devices using the second communication network. First and second master application processors in the communication bridge and are in operable communication with respective interfaces and internal memories. The first master application processor associates an address of a message received from a device on the first communication network with the address of a device on the second communication network to enable transmission of the message thereto. The second master application processor associates an address of a message received from a device on the second communication network with the address of a device on the first communication network to enable transmission of the message thereto.

Abstract: A vehicle switch module includes a sub-network having switches connected thereto and a sub-network controller in operative communication with the sub-network and the switches. Each switch includes a microprocessor programmed to generate switch messages that include address and switch logic state data. The sub-network controller transmits switch queries onto the sub-network to a number of switch addresses to determine a connection status and switch state of switches in the switch module and receives switch messages responsive to the queries from switches at addresses to which the switch queries were transmitted. The received switch messages verify the identity of a switch in the module and provide a switch state for the switch. The sub-network controller interprets the received switch messages and—based on the switch address and switch state data in the messages—controls operation of a vehicle output or load associated with each of the switches.

Abstract: An indicator unit is provided to display information to occupants in a motor vehicle. An interface to a communication network provides data required for the specific information being displayed. The indicator unit is adapted to fit into a standard sized aperture found in motor vehicle dashboards, thereby enabling indicators for different operating parameters as desired by the owner to be incorporated into the dashboard of a particular vehicle. An input device also may be provided by which an occupant of the motor vehicle can control operation of the indicator unit.

Abstract: An indicator unit is provided to display information to occupants in a motor vehicle. An interface to a communication network provides data required for the specific information being displayed. The indicator unit is adapted to fit into a standard sized aperture found in motor vehicle dashboards, thereby enabling indicators for different operating parameters as desired by the owner to be incorporated into the dashboard of a particular vehicle. An input device also may be provided by which an occupant of the motor vehicle can control operation of the indicator unit.

Abstract: An indicator unit is provided to display information to occupants in a motor vehicle. The indicator unit is adapted for connection to a communication network and intercepts messages that carry data between other vehicle equipment. A control circuit is programmed to identify the existing network messages that carry the data needed for the information display. The control circuit operates a display device in response to received data. Because the indicator eavesdrops on the network and intercepts existing data messages, other equipment in the motor vehicle do not have to be programmed to communicate specifically with the indicator. This facilitates adding specific indicators to a particular truck.