GENERAL MOTORS LLC Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20150347848 | PROVIDING VEHICLE OWNER'S MANUAL INFORMATION USING OBJECT RECOGNITION IN A MOBILE DEVICE - There is provided a communication system that includes a vehicle and a mobile device, and a method uses that system to provide vehicle owner's manual information. The method includes the steps of: receiving a digital image of a portion of a vehicle; identifying an object of the vehicle in the digital image; associating the object with at least one reference object image stored in an object library comprising a plurality of reference object images; displaying owner's manual information based on the association; and storing at least a portion of the digital image in the object library as a new reference object image for future identifications. | 12-03-2015 |
20150341862 | VEHICLE TELEMATICS UNIT POWER MANAGEMENT - A system and method of power management of a telematics unit in a vehicle is provided. The method includes the steps of: determining that the vehicle is unpowered; determining that the vehicle is in a fringe region of a cellular network; and based the determining steps, entering a power-saving mode at the telematics unit. | 11-26-2015 |
20150341757 | DETECTING THE PRESENCE OF A HANDHELD COMMUNICATION DEVICE IN A VEHICLE - A system and method for determining whether a handheld communication device (HCD) is located inside a vehicle includes: receiving at a central facility a request to locate the HCD; sending a message to the vehicle with an instruction to determine if the HCD is present in the vehicle; receiving a response from the vehicle that indicates whether or not the HCD is present in the vehicle; and transmitting a message to a user of the HCD indicating whether the HCD is located inside of the vehicle. | 11-26-2015 |
20150341005 | AUTOMATICALLY CONTROLLING THE LOUDNESS OF VOICE PROMPTS - A system and method of regulating automatic speech recognition (ASR) playback of audible prompts includes: generating an audible prompt via a speaker; detecting ambient sound during the audible prompt via a microphone; obtaining a speech recognition confidence value for speech recognition performed on the ambient sound; and reducing a volume level of the audible prompt based on the speech recognition confidence value while continuing to generate the audible prompt. | 11-26-2015 |
20150319511 | STATUS-ASSISTED COMMUNICATIONS WITH A VEHICLE - A method of sending data from a central facility to a vehicle includes transmitting a vehicle identifier to a status server from a central facility located apart from the status server; obtaining at the central facility one or more vehicle status variables corresponding to the transmitted identity of the vehicle from the status server; and initiating a direct transmission of packet data from the central facility to the vehicle based on the content of the obtained vehicle status variables. | 11-05-2015 |
20150312380 | TRANSLATING CELLULAR PROTOCOLS FOR A VEHICLE TELEMATICS UNIT - A system and method of converting a cellular protocol of wireless communications at a vehicle includes receiving, at a relay device located in a vehicle, wireless communications that are sent from a vehicle telematics unit using a first cellular protocol; converting the wireless communications to a second cellular protocol at the relay device; and transmitting the converted wireless communications from the relay device to a cell tower using the second cellular protocol. | 10-29-2015 |
20150302851 | GESTURE-BASED CUES FOR AN AUTOMATIC SPEECH RECOGNITION SYSTEM - A method of recognizing continuous digits uttered by a speaker using an automatic speech recognition (ASR) system includes receiving continuous digits via a microphone as speech from a user; detecting that recognition of one or more of the continuous digits falls below a predetermined confidence threshold; prompting the user to identify the continuous digits using a body gesture; detecting the body gesture made by the user; and identifying one or more of the continuous digits based on the body gesture. | 10-22-2015 |
20150296441 | MANAGING WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SETTINGS IN A PLURALITY OF VEHICLES - A method of managing short-range wireless communications settings applied at a vehicle includes detecting a plurality of short-range wireless communications settings used by an existing vehicle; storing the plurality of short-range wireless communications settings with a subscriber identity; detecting that a person associated with the subscriber identity has begun using a new vehicle; uploading the plurality of short-range wireless communications settings from the existing vehicle to the new vehicle; and applying the plurality of short-range wireless communications settings associated with the subscriber identity to the new vehicle. | 10-15-2015 |
20150289116 | SECURE SMS MESSAGING - A mobile vehicle communications system and a method of sending one or more secure short message service (SMS) messages using that system. The method includes the steps of: (a) determining at a sender a data quantity associated with zero or more proprietary data parcels (PDPs) to send within one or more SMS messages; (b) configuring an encrypted payload of each of the one or more configured SMS messages to carry the total number of PDPs, wherein when the size of the payload would result in an SMS message exceeding 140 bytes, the configuring step includes configuring a plurality of SMS messages to carry the payload; and (c) transmitting from the mobile originated device one or more configured SMS messages. | 10-08-2015 |
20150255063 | DETECTING VANITY NUMBERS USING SPEECH RECOGNITION - A method of detecting vanity numbers using an automatic speech recognition (ASR) system includes wirelessly downloading data from a vanity number database into a vehicle; storing the uploaded data in an ASR model at the vehicle; and receiving speech input from a vehicle occupant at the vehicle; cross-referencing phonewords detected from the received speech with content from the ASR model. | 09-10-2015 |
20150248881 | DYNAMIC SPEECH SYSTEM TUNING - A system and method of tuning speech recognition systems includes performing text-to-speech conversion of text data; detecting the accuracy of speech converted from text data; determining that the detected accuracy is below a predetermined threshold; recording a user recitation of the text data in response to the determination; and storing the user recitation in an exception database located at a vehicle. | 09-03-2015 |
20150229604 | DYNAMIC DHCP FOR WI-FI CONNECTIVITY IN A VEHICLE - A system and a method using the system for wireless communication using a vehicle telematics unit, including the steps of: prior to a vehicle telematics unit establishing a network connection, assigning a temporary internet protocol (IP) address having a short-term lease duration to a mobile device to permit communication between the telematics unit and the mobile device; and if the network connection is not established prior to the expiration of the short-term lease duration, renewing the temporary IP address, wherein the renewal lease duration is shorter than the earlier lease duration. | 08-13-2015 |
20150223273 | PROVIDING CELLULAR DATA TO A VEHICLE OVER DIFFERENT DATA CHANNELS - A method and a system for providing vehicle services to at least one communication device located at a vehicle via a vehicle telematics unit. The method carried out by the system includes the steps of: receiving a request at the vehicle telematics unit for first vehicle services from a first communication device located at a vehicle; associating a first identifier with the first communication device; and providing the first vehicle services to the first communication device, wherein the vehicle services are provided according to at least one services parameter associated with the first identifier. | 08-06-2015 |
20150223151 | VEHICLE TELEMATICS SCAN RATE CONTROL - A method and a system of controlling a PLMN scan rate (PCR) in a vehicle telematics unit. The method carried out by the system includes the steps of: (a) determining a power condition that includes a powered mode, an unpowered mode, and a DRx mode; (b) determining whether the telematics unit is scanning one or more home networks or one or more visitor networks; and (c) setting the PCR based on the determined power condition and the determined network, including: (c1) when in the powered mode and scanning a visitor network, the PCR is set to a first scan rate; (c2) when in the powered mode and scanning a home network, the PCR is set to a second scan rate that is slower than the first rate; and (c3) when in the DRx mode, the PCR is set to a third scan rate that is slower than the second rate. | 08-06-2015 |
20150215986 | VEHICLE TELEMATICS CONNECTION RETRY - A method of re-establishing a cellular connection between a vehicle telematics unit and a wireless carrier system includes detecting a loss of cellular connection between a vehicle telematics unit and a wireless carrier system; accessing a technology order table (TOT) that orders a plurality of radio access technologies (RATs) capable of use at the vehicle telematics unit according to desirability; attempting to re-establish the cellular connection by: determining the RAT used by the vehicle telematics unit when the loss of cellular connection was detected; searching the TOT to locate a less desirable RAT relative to the RAT used by the vehicle telematics unit when the loss of cellular connection was detected; attempting to connect with the wireless carrier system using the less desirable RAT and a group of PLMNs that is limited to home and home-equivalent PLMNs; and if that attempt fails, attempting to connect with the wireless carrier system by iterating through each of the RATs ordered in the TOT beginning with a next less desirable RAT and including in the iteration the RAT used by the vehicle telematics unit when the loss of cellular connection was detected, wherein step (c4) uses all non-forbidden PLMNs. | 07-30-2015 |
20150215954 | VEHICLE HEAD UNIT PRIORITY - A system and a method using that system that provides multi-tainment services in a vehicle. The method includes the steps of providing a vehicle telematics unit having wireless hotspot hotspot functionality; connecting the telematics unit via short range wireless communication (SRWC) to a vehicle multi-tainment unit (VMU) and at least one mobile device; identifying the VMU connection at the telematics unit; and providing the VMU with wireless hotspot data priority over the at least one mobile device. | 07-30-2015 |
20150208457 | MANAGING TRADITIONAL WI-FI AND WI-FI DIRECT CONNECTIONS USING A WIRELESS DEVICE - A method of managing short-range wireless links between a primary wireless device and a plurality of secondary wireless devices includes initiating a short-range wireless link between the primary wireless device and a secondary wireless device configured to communicate using a traditional Wi-Fi protocol; providing the short-range wireless link between the primary wireless device and the secondary wireless device using a Wi-Fi direct protocol, wherein the primary wireless device acts as a group owner and the secondary wireless device acts as a group member; detecting the presence of an additional secondary wireless device, acting as a server, using the primary wireless device; ending use of the Wi-Fi direct protocol over the short-range wireless link between the primary wireless device and the secondary wireless device; beginning use of the traditional Wi-Fi protocol over the short-range wireless link between the primary wireless device and the secondary wireless device; and providing another short-range wireless link between the primary wireless device and the additional secondary wireless device using the Wi-Fi direct protocol, wherein the primary wireless device acts as a group member to the additional secondary wireless device. | 07-23-2015 |
20150201297 | CONTROLLING A SHORT-RANGE WIRELESS CONNECTION BETWEEN A VEHICLE TELEMATICS UNIT AND AN IN-VEHICLE AUDIO SYSTEM - A system and method of communicating using a vehicle telematics unit and an in-vehicle audio system includes detecting a vehicle event at the vehicle telematics unit; terminating any existing short-range wireless connections between the vehicle telematics unit and wireless devices carried by a vehicle occupant; establishing a short-range wireless connection between the vehicle telematics unit and the in-vehicle audio system; and providing communications between the vehicle occupant and a central facility using the short-range wireless connection established between the vehicle telematics unit and the in-vehicle audio system. | 07-16-2015 |
20150199855 | REMOTE CONTROL OF VEHICULAR WIRELESS ROUTER SETTINGS - A method of controlling a wireless hotspot at a vehicle includes receiving one or more Wi-Fi control variables along with a vehicle identity at a central facility; authenticating the received Wi-Fi control variables at the central facility using the vehicle identity; establishing a cellular connection between the central facility and a vehicle providing the Wi-Fi hotspot identified by the transmitted vehicle identity; and transmitting a command to change the Wi-Fi control variables from the central facility to the vehicle when the Wi-Fi control variables have been authenticated. | 07-16-2015 |
20150163832 | REMOTELY TRIGGERING CALLS TO A PSAP - A method of connecting a vehicle telematics unit with a public safety access point (PSAP) includes wirelessly calling a central facility using the vehicle telematics unit that generates a reason to contact the PSAP; determining a reason to contact the PSAP during the wireless call; and receiving a computer-readable command at the vehicle telematics unit from the central facility that directs the vehicle telematics unit to end the wireless call and locally place an emergency call. | 06-11-2015 |
20150151648 | Telematics Control of High Energy Electrical Power Storage Device - Implementations of the present invention contemplate using the communicative connections between telematics units in vehicles and a telematics service provider (TSP) to facilitate discharging and recharging of high energy electrical power storage devices, e.g. batteries, in vehicles. Specifically, implementations of the present invention contemplate an entity, e.g. a TSP, located remotely from a vehicle, that issues a command to a telematics unit in the vehicle to discharge or recharge an electrical power storage device in the vehicle. In some implementations, the command to discharge the storage device is issued by the TSP or other remote entity in response to a prior transmission sent by the telematics unit in the vehicle to the TSP or other entity. In other implementations, the command to discharge or recharge the storage device issued by the TSP or remote entity is triggered by the determination that a disaster may impact the vehicle. | 06-04-2015 |
20150142428 | IN-VEHICLE NAMETAG CHOICE USING SPEECH RECOGNITION - According to an embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided a method of choosing a nametag using automatic speech recognition (ASR). The method includes receiving a spoken nametag via a microphone; performing a first speech recognition analysis on the spoken nametag; determining that the first speech recognition analysis outputs only handheld wireless device nametags; performing a second speech recognition analysis that excludes the handheld wireless device nametags stored at the handheld wireless device; and combining the results of the first speech recognition analysis and the second speech recognition analysis. | 05-21-2015 |
20150142311 | Vehicular GPS/DR Navigation with Environmental-Adaptive Kalman Filter Gain - A method is provided for estimating position using an integrated Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)/dead reckoning (DR) (GNSS/DR) navigation system in a vehicle. The method includes: determining a current environment of the vehicle from a plurality of environments based on at least one parameter; calculating a Kalman filter-related parameter based on the determined current environment, wherein the Kalman filter-related parameter corresponds to a representation of weight given to GNSS navigation and DR navigation relative to one another; and estimating a position of the vehicle based on the calculated Kalman filter-related parameter utilizing a Kalman filter. | 05-21-2015 |
20150142309 | PARKING GARAGE ENVIRONMENT DETECTION AND EHPE DETERMINATION FOR VEHICULAR NAVIGATION - Implementations of the present invention contemplate obtaining a more accurate estimated horizontal position error (EHPE) under conditions in which the telematics unit of a vehicle cannot receive GNSS signals. In particular, the invention contemplates determining that a vehicle is entering a parking garage and obtaining a more accurate estimated horizontal position error (EHPE) of the vehicle in the parking garage when GNSS signals are unavailable. | 05-21-2015 |
20150133108 | REMOTELY CONTROLLING A VEHICLE TELEMATICS UNIT - A method and a system for providing control of a vehicle telematics unit using a mobile device. The method carried out by the system includes the steps of: determining a mobile device is configured to control a vehicle telematics unit; receiving at a call center a vehicle telematics unit (VTU) command from the mobile device instructing the telematics unit to provide vehicle data using short range wireless communication (SRWC); sending the VTU command from the call center to the telematics unit; and transmitting via SRWC the vehicle data. | 05-14-2015 |
20150128123 | System and Method for Preparing Vehicle for Remote Reflash Event - Implementations of the present disclosure contemplate utilizing the communicative connections between a telematics service provider (TSP) and a telematics unit in a vehicle to schedule a remote reflash event, issue instructions to the vehicle to prepare for the remote reflash event, and to administer the remote reflash event. A TSP may determine that the vehicle is presently running software for which an update is desirable. Thereafter, the TSP may transmit instructions to the vehicle to make preparations for the remote reflash event. In some implementations, the instructions may cause the vehicle to obtain a higher level of battery charge during its next drive cycle or charging event in anticipation of the remote reflash event. | 05-07-2015 |
20150120402 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENABLING AFTER-HOURS VEHICLE PICK UP - In an example of a method for enabling after-hours vehicle pick up, a server recognizes that a service payment request is outstanding for a serviced vehicle. In response to the recognizing, the server transmits an ignition block command to the serviced vehicle. The ignition block command triggers a powertrain control module of the serviced vehicle to enter a disengaged state that electrically prohibits the powertrain control module from providing tractive power to a vehicle drive wheel. At the server, a notification of a payment acceptance is received from an infotainment unit of the serviced vehicle or a mobile communications device associated with the serviced vehicle. In response to receiving the notification, the server transmits an ignition enabling command triggering the powertrain control module to enter an engaged state that electrically enables the powertrain control module to provide tractive power to the vehicle drive wheel. | 04-30-2015 |
20150106204 | METHODS FOR PROVIDING A VEHICLE WITH FUEL PURCHASING OPTIONS - In an example of a method for providing a vehicle with fuel purchasing options, vehicle data and a request for a fuel price is received at a server from a vehicle communications platform disposed in the vehicle. The vehicle data includes a vehicle identifier and a current location of the vehicle. A plurality of fuel retailers within a preset deviation around the current location of the vehicle are identified, where the preset deviation is associated with a distance that is drivable by the vehicle based on a current fuel level of the vehicle. Offers from the plurality of fuel retailers are determined based on a respective travel time to each of the fuel retailers and an amount of fuel needed by the vehicle. The offers are valid for a set period of time. The offers are transmitted to the vehicle communications platform. | 04-16-2015 |
20150100195 | ROUTING EVALUATION EVENTS - A method of task management for a vehicle telematics unit, including the steps of receiving at a vehicle task manager (VTM) a requested vehicle telematics unit task; receiving at the task manager a first evaluation event for a first condition having a THEN relation with a second condition, the first evaluation event being associated with the requested task; providing the first evaluation event to the first condition; and THEN-blocking any evaluation of second evaluation events for the second condition until the first condition evaluates as TRUE. | 04-09-2015 |
20150095156 | SERVICING SUBSCRIBER VEHICLES - At a server, a notification that a subscriber vehicle has an appointment with a dealership is received. A geo-fence is set up around the dealership. At the server, it is recognized that the subscriber vehicle has entered the geo-fence. Subscriber vehicle identifying data is received at the server, and in-vehicle infotainment capabilities of the subscriber vehicle are identified at the server by interrogation of a database in connection with the server. From the server, a message is transmitted to the subscriber vehicle that is tailored to the in-vehicle infotainment capabilities. | 04-02-2015 |
20150073649 | MANAGING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES IN A VEHICLE - A method of managing diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) in a vehicle includes generating at a vehicle a plurality of DTCs output from one or more diagnostic subtasks; assigning an ordinal number to each DTC independent of time based on the order in which the DTC occurred at the vehicle; and wirelessly transmitting to a central facility the plurality of DTCs along with the ordinal numbers assigned to each DTC. | 03-12-2015 |
20150072668 | MANAGING WIRELESS VOICE AND DATA COMMUNICATIONS - A method of controlling wireless voice and data communications includes identifying a radio access technology (RAT) in use at a vehicle telematics unit; establishing a wireless connection between the vehicle telematics unit and a central facility; wirelessly transmitting the identity of the RAT from the vehicle telematics unit to the central facility; receiving a message at the vehicle telematics unit from the central facility based on the identity of the RAT causing the vehicle telematics unit to: carry out simultaneous voice and data communications over a single wireless connection with the central facility when the identified RAT supports simultaneous voice and data communications; and establish a voice call with the central facility and receive data via short message service (SMS) messages when the identified RAT does not support simultaneous voice and data communications. | 03-12-2015 |
20150066287 | VEHICLE TELEMATICS UNIT LOCKOUT RECOVERY - A method of removing a vehicle telematics unit from an invalid state includes sensing that the vehicle telematics unit wirelessly received an invalid state code that deactivates the communication function of the vehicle telematics unit from a base station of a wireless carrier system; determining at the vehicle telematics unit that a reset trigger applicable to invalid state codes has been activated; and commanding the vehicle telematics unit to reset the invalid state code when the reset trigger has been activated thereby permitting the vehicle telematics unit to resume its communication function. | 03-05-2015 |
20150063329 | SELECTIVE VEHICLE WI-FI ACCESS - A method and system of selectively permitting access to a vehicle Wi-Fi network includes establishing a plurality of vehicular Wi-Fi access levels each of which provide access to different features at a vehicle; generating a short-range wireless signal that provides Wi-Fi network access at the vehicle; associating a wireless device with one of the established vehicular Wi-Fi access levels; receiving an identity of the wireless device at the vehicle via the short-range wireless signal; determining the level of Wi-Fi access associated with the received identity using the vehicle telematics unit; and controlling access to the different features according to the determined level of Wi-Fi access level associated with the received identity. | 03-05-2015 |
20150057926 | Automatic Detection of Parking Level In Multi-Level Structure - Implementations of the present invention contemplate utilizing the communicative connections between a telematics service provider (TSP), a communication device, and a telematics unit in a vehicle parked in a multilevel parking garage to determine location information of the vehicle and to provide such information to a subscriber of the TSP. A subscriber of a TSP may transmit a request for information pertaining to the location of a vehicle parked within a multilevel parking structure from a communication device. Upon the receipt of such a request, the TSP provides the information requested by the subscriber. In various implementations, the providing of such information by the TSP may involve querying the telematics unit in the vehicle or querying a database storing location information pertaining to one or more vehicles and may further involve performing calculations to derive the information requested by the communication device. In some implementations, the information requested by the communication device includes but is not limited to a floor number, or level, of the parking garage on which the telematics-equipped vehicle is parked. | 02-26-2015 |
20150054647 | PROVIDING NOTIFICATION THAT AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE IS LOCATED AT A VEHICLE - A method of providing an alert that a portable electronic device has been left at a vehicle. The method comprises determining that an occupant has exited the vehicle. The method further comprises detecting that a portable electronic device is located at the vehicle. When it has been determined that the occupant has left the vehicle and that the electronic device has been left behind, the method still further comprises generating an alert to notify the occupant that the electronic device has been left at the vehicle. A system for performing or utilizing the above-described methodology is also provided. | 02-26-2015 |
20140358896 | Centrally Managed Driver and Vehicle Ratings System Updated Via Over-the-Air Communications With Telematics Units - A system and method are described herein for acquiring and maintaining, in a centralized repository, driver and vehicle information for the purpose of rendering a rating for individual drivers and vehicles in accordance with established criteria and standards. A driver rating indicates the relative desirability of the particular driver given the expected wear and tear upon a vehicle arising from driver's use of the vehicle. A vehicle rating indicates the relative desirability of the particular vehicle given the use and maintenance history. Additional information is also maintained in the centralized repository that could be used to indicate an event for which a surcharge or discount is applicable. Thereafter, specified filtering criteria are applied bi-laterally to determine a set of rated vehicles that can be used by a particular rated driver. | 12-04-2014 |
20140354227 | Optimizing Vehicle Recharging to Limit Use of Electricity Generated from Non-Renewable Sources - Implementations of the present invention contemplate using the communication infrastructure represented by a network of telematics units communicatively coupled to a telematics service provider (TSP) to implement procedures designed to curtail the load placed on electricity suppliers by electric vehicles during periods of critically high demand for electricity. The present invention contemplates monitoring charging related information for multiple electric vehicles through the telematics units in those vehicles. The invention further contemplates a request from an energy utility for a response to a critically high demand for electricity and the execution of a demand response program (DRP). The DRPs involve aggregating information from a fleet of the electrically powered vehicles, processing the aggregated information, and issuing instructions to one or more vehicles in the fleet that cause the one or more vehicles to reduce the load they are placing on electricity suppliers through their charging activities. | 12-04-2014 |
20140343831 | TELEMATICS-BASED SYSTEM FOR PROTECTING AGAINST VEHICLE BATTERY DRAIN - Systems and methods are provided for detecting low vehicle battery charge and responding appropriately to prevent complete vehicle battery drainage. One method includes: monitoring the charge of the vehicle battery; determining, by a telematics unit, that the charge of the vehicle battery has reached a low battery charge threshold while the vehicle engine is off; and providing, by the telematics unit, a notification to a telematics subscriber that the vehicle battery has low charge. Another method includes: monitoring the charge of the vehicle battery; determining, by a telematics unit, that the charge of the vehicle battery has reached a low battery charge threshold while the vehicle engine is off; and in response to determining that the low battery charge threshold has been reached, disabling at least one load draining the vehicle battery. | 11-20-2014 |
20140302774 | METHODS SYSTEMS AND APPARATUS FOR SHARING INFORMATION AMONG A GROUP OF VEHICLES - Computer-implemented methods, systems and apparatus are provided for sharing information between a group of vehicles that includes a first vehicle and one or more other vehicles. Each of the vehicles includes an onboard computer system that includes a computer processor, a receiver, a transmitter, and a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform various acts. In accordance with the method, an onboard computer at the first vehicle generates information and automatically communicates that information to the other vehicles of the group of vehicles. Upon receiving this information at each of the other vehicles, the information can be processed at the onboard computers of each of the other vehicles, and then presented via human machine interfaces that are disposed within or inside each of the other vehicles. | 10-09-2014 |
20140288770 | MOUNTING SENSOR AND AFTERMARKET DEVICE EQUIPPED WITH MOUNTING SENSOR - An aftermarket device is disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the aftermarket device includes, but is not limited to, a housing that is configured to be mounted to an internal surface of a vehicle. The aftermarket device further includes, but is not limited to a processor that is mounted within the housing. The aftermarket device still further includes, but is not limited to, a mounting sensor that is associated with the housing and that is communicatively coupled with the processor. The mounting sensor is configured to detect a mounting status of the housing and to provide a signal to the processor. The signal contains information indicative of the mounting status of the housing. The processor is configured to determine that the housing is improperly mounted to the internal surface of the vehicle based on the mounting status. | 09-25-2014 |
20140288727 | COLLISION SENSOR, COLLISION SENSING SYSTEM, AND METHOD - A collision sensor, a collision sensing system, and a method of mounting a collision sensor to a vehicle are disclosed herein. An embodiment of the collision sensor includes, but is not limited to, a processor and a three-axis accelerometer that is communicatively coupled with the processor. The three-axis accelerometer is configured to detect an acceleration experienced by a vehicle and to generate a signal indicative of the acceleration. The processor is configured to obtain the signal from the three-axis accelerometer and to determine when the vehicle has experienced a collision based, at least in part, on the signal. | 09-25-2014 |
20140279019 | ELECTRONIC GLOVEBOX FOR A VEHICLE - A method and a system for providing access to a cloud computer from a vehicle. The method carried out by the system includes providing at least one client (e.g., an e-glovebox device). The method also includes configuring a cloud server to allow access to one or more clients and accessing the cloud server using the e-glovebox. The access may include uploading one or more data members to the cloud server. The access may also include downloading one or more data members from the cloud server. | 09-18-2014 |
20140270172 | SECURING A COMMAND PATH BETWEEN A VEHICLE AND PERSONAL WIRELESS DEVICE - A system and a method using that system is provided for establishing a secure communication channel between a vehicle and a mobile device. The method may include providing at least one unique mobile device identifier and at least one unique vehicle telematics unit identifier associated with the mobile device identifier to a call center. At least one of the two identifiers may be provided to a wireless service provider. Two private keys may be generated—a first private key based on the at least one unique mobile identifier and a second private key based on the at least one unique vehicle telematics unit identifier. The first private key may be provided to the mobile device within a first cryptographic envelope signed with a first cryptographic key. And the second private key may be provided to the vehicle telematics unit within a second cryptographic envelope signed with a second cryptographic key. | 09-18-2014 |
20140270158 | CONNECTION KEY DISTRIBUTION - A system and a method implementing the method pertaining to securely providing a mobile device with a cryptographic key in a vehicle. The method includes generating a cryptographic key pair. The key pair may include at least a first cryptographic key and a second cryptographic key. The method may further include creating a label using a scannable image readable by a mobile device; the scannable image may be based on the second cryptographic key. And the method may include providing the label to the vehicle for displaying the scannable image. | 09-18-2014 |
20140256304 | INTERFACE DEVICE FOR PROVIDING VEHICLE SERVICES USING A VEHICLE AND A MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE - A method and system for providing vehicle services using a vehicle and a mobile communications device includes receiving at a vehicle a wireless communication sent from an interface device physically attached to the mobile communications device; linking the interface device with one or more vehicle modules; and communicating between one or more vehicle modules and the mobile communications device via the interface device. | 09-11-2014 |
20140248860 | Provisioning Automotive SIM Cards without Removal from Vehicle - A system and method are provided for re-provisioning a telematics unit of a telematics-equipped vehicle for wireless services. The re-provisioning process includes: connecting a computing device to an on-board diagnostics interface of the telematics-equipped vehicle; accessing a subscriber identification card of the telematics unit via the on-board diagnostics interface; requesting subscription information from a subscriber credentials server via a network connection; receiving the subscription information; and reprogramming the subscriber identification card of the telematics unit for wireless services based on the received subscription information. | 09-04-2014 |
20140247158 | VEHICLE-RELATED MESSAGING METHODS AND SYSTEMS - Vehicle-related messaging methods and systems are disclosed herein. In one of the methods, a telematics unit disposed in a vehicle detects that the vehicle is no longer in operation. Upon making the detection, the telematics unit automatically transmits a message to a device, where the message includes a suggestion, a recommendation, an indication, or a notification pertaining to a vehicle utility. An application resident on the device, or on a cloud computing system in communication with the device, presents the message on the device by displaying i) the suggestion, the recommendation, the indication, or the notification and ii) a plurality of actionable items associated with the suggestion, the recommendation, the indication, or the notification. | 09-04-2014 |
20140213216 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR BASE STATION DETECTION - Methods and systems for unauthorized base station detection are disclosed herein. In an example of the method, an in-vehicle controller of a vehicle or an application of a mobile communications device scans a cellular radio environment to identify an available base station. By a signal detection unit in operative communication with the in-vehicle controller or the application, a strength of a signal of the available base station is detected. The in-vehicle controller or the application recognizes that the signal strength is out of the expected signal strength range, and determines that the available base station is the unauthorized base station. While in connection with the unauthorized base station, the in-vehicle controller or the application determines a location of the unauthorized base station. Other examples of the method are also disclosed herein. | 07-31-2014 |
20140206392 | RECEIVING A SERVICE IN A VEHICLE BASED ON LOCATION DATA OF A MOBILE DEVICE WITHIN THE VEHICLE - A method and a system for providing a vehicle service to a vehicle based on the location data of a mobile device. The method carried out by the system includes a step of receiving at a call center vehicle location data from a vehicle. After receiving vehicle location data, the method may then include receiving at the call center mobile device location data from the mobile device. The method may include determining whether the mobile device is located within the vehicle based upon the vehicle location data and the mobile device location data. And if the mobile device is located within the vehicle, the method may include initiating at least one vehicle service from the call center in response to the determination. | 07-24-2014 |
20140201748 | TELEMATICS CONTROL UTILIZING RELATIONAL FORMULAS - A telematics unit is provided. The telematics unit includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium and a processor, configured to execute a telematics task manager application according to processor-executable instructions stored on the non-transitory computer-readable medium. The telematics task manager application comprises a plurality of tasks. Each task includes one or more subtasks. Each subtask including subtask-specific triggering logic for execution of one or more actions based on the triggering logic. The triggering logic is based on modular condition blocks. | 07-17-2014 |
20140200742 | AUTOSTARTING A VEHICLE BASED ON USER CRITERIA - A method of remotely performing a vehicle autostart function when starting a vehicle engine. A vehicle may be associated with a handheld communication device (HCD) using a vehicle mobile application (e.g., on the HCD). Using the application, a configuration of at least one vehicle function and autostart criteria may be received. The auto-start criteria may define a geographic area. It may be determined that the vehicle and the HCD are located within the geographic area at a time when it is desirable to autostart the vehicle. Weather data may be determined for the geographic area at that time. The vehicle's engine may be autostarted and at least one vehicle autostart function may be performed. | 07-17-2014 |
20140200740 | SHORT RANGE WIRELESS COMMUNICATION BETWEEN A VEHICLE AND A HANDHELD COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE - A method and system for establishing short range wireless communication (SRWC) between a handheld communications device (HCD) and a vehicle telematics unit. In some instances, the communication may be established following a disconnection event between the telematics unit and a wireless carrier network. The SRWC may include Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct as well as other suitable protocols or technologies. Once SRWC is established, the telematics unit may receive a vehicle command from the HCD and perform the command. | 07-17-2014 |
20140199989 | VEHICLE TELEMATICS UNIT MANAGEMENT - A method and system for maintaining a wireless carrier system presence at a vehicle telematics unit in a vehicle includes placing the vehicle telematics unit in a quiescent mode that suspends its signal transmitting functions; instructing the vehicle telematics unit to periodically exit the quiescent mode and transmit a query that determines if the wireless carrier system used by a telematics service provider has changed; when the wireless carrier system has changed, receiving a new wireless profile associated with a new wireless carrier system; and storing the new wireless profile in a universal integrated circuit card (UICC) hardwired at the vehicle. | 07-17-2014 |
20140199965 | PREVENTING UNAUTHORIZED USE OF VEHICLE WIRELESS SERVICES - A method and system for temporarily disabling vehicle wireless services to prevent a third-party such as a bailee from using one or more vehicle wireless services without authorization. The wireless services may accrue cellular data charges to the vehicle user's account. The method includes configuring a telematics unit to identify a valet event, determining the occurrence of the valet event at the telematics unit, and initiating a valet mode in the vehicle based on the determination. In the valet mode, the vehicle wireless services may be temporarily disabled. | 07-17-2014 |
20140195151 | HIGH FIDELITY HORIZONTAL POSITION ERROR ESTIMATION FOR VEHICULAR GPS/DR NAVIGATION - A method is provided for determining an Estimated Horizontal Position Error (EHPE) with respect to a navigation system onboard a telematics-equipped vehicle by utilizing a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) navigation system in combination with a dead reckoning (DR) navigation system. The method includes: receiving GNSS positioning information from the GNSS navigation system; receiving DR positioning information from the DR navigation system; applying, by a telematics unit, a Kalman filter to the GNSS positioning information and the DR positioning information; calculating, by the telematics unit, the EHPE corresponding to the navigation system onboard the telematics-equipped vehicle based on the GNSS positioning information, the DR positioning information, and the Kalman filter. | 07-10-2014 |
20140194149 | SINGLE TRANSCEIVER FOR USE WITH MULTIPLE CELLULAR NETWORKS - A system and method for wirelessly communicating over two wireless networks having different communication protocols using a single transceiver of a vehicle telematics unit. The method includes monitoring a first network for an incoming page using a transceiver and a first network access device (NAD); the transceiver and the first NAD may be components of a cellular device, such as a vehicle telematics unit. The method includes monitoring a second network for another incoming page using the same transceiver and a second NAD. The second NAD also may be a component of the cellular device. When a page is received over the second network, a call may be connected using the second NAD, and the first network may be periodically monitored for an incoming page without disconnecting the call of the second network. | 07-10-2014 |
20140192711 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SERVING BINARY SHORT MESSAGE SERVICE CONTENT TO DIFFERENT WIRELESS NETWORKS - Systems and methods are described for serving binary short message service (SMS) content to multiple mobile devices that use different wireless networks to receive data. One implementation involves a method for serving binary SMS content to the subscribers of a telematics service provider (TSP) on multiple mobile devices that are provisioned with multiple wireless networks. The method involves receiving a binary SMS at a receiving module of an external short message entity (ESME), translating the SMS into a protocol data unit (PDU), and routing the PDU to an SMS gateway producing application. The PDU is directed to a virtual serial port, which is created by the gateway producing application and mapped to a physical serial port at a terminal server. The PDU is sent from the terminal server to a data modem that is provisioned with a wireless carrier, and the data modem is instructed to transmit the SMS to a mobile device. | 07-10-2014 |
20140142805 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IN-VEHICLE FUNCTION CONTROL - A method and a system for in-vehicle function control are disclosed herein. In an example of the method, an in-vehicle controller recognizes that a predetermined driver is operating a vehicle. The in-vehicle controller receives data from at least one vehicle system, the data being indicative of a driving behavior of the predetermined driver. The in-vehicle controller compares the data with any of i) positive metrics or ii) negative metrics to categorize the driving behavior. In response to the categorized driving behavior, a signal is provided. In response to the signal, access is granted to any of (i) an infotainment function or (ii) an increased number or range associated with an infotainment function, if the categorized driving behavior is associated with a predetermined number of the positive metrics. | 05-22-2014 |
20140133392 | MOBILE TERMINATING PACKET CONNECTION - A method of establishing a packet data connection includes accessing a Domain Name Server (DNS) to obtain an Internet Protocol (IP) address of a vehicle telematics unit; initiating a mobile-terminated packet data connection with the vehicle telematics unit using the IP address of the vehicle telematics unit; and establishing the mobile-terminated packet data connection when the vehicle telematics unit determines that a hostname representing an IP address of a third party initiating the mobile-terminated packet data connection matches at least one approved hostname recognized by the vehicle telematics unit. | 05-15-2014 |
20140133374 | OWNER SELECTABLE AND CONTEXT ADJUSTABLE DRX TIMING - A method is provided for user customization and context-based adjustment of a discontinuous reception (DRx) schedule for a telematics-equipped vehicle. The method includes receiving, by a telematics unit of the vehicle, user input of DRx schedule information; determining, by the telematics unit, that ignition of the vehicle has been switched off; determining, by the telematics unit, an applicable DRx schedule from a plurality of DRx schedules, wherein the plurality of DRx schedules are based on the user input DRx schedule information; and executing, by the telematics unit, the applicable DRx schedule. The method further includes adjustment of the applicable DRx schedule based on a contextual parameter. | 05-15-2014 |
20140128072 | MULTIMODE ACQUISITION FOR A WIRELESS DEVICE - A method of re-attempting to wirelessly connect a vehicle telematics unit with a wireless carrier system includes detecting that a primary retry method has failed; and carrying out a secondary retry method that: determines whether the vehicle telematics unit will communicate using a first radio access technology (RAT) or a second RAT; re-attempts a cellular connection with one or more base stations using a first RAT attachment procedure when it is determined that the vehicle telematics unit will communicate using the first RAT; and re-attempts a cellular connection with one or more base stations using a second RAT attachment procedure when it is determined that the vehicle telematics unit will communicate using the second RAT. | 05-08-2014 |
20140122385 | Statistical Data Learning Under Privacy Constraints - A computer-implemented method is provided for statistical data learning under privacy constraints. The method includes: receiving, by a processor, a plurality of pieces of statistical information relating to a statistical object and aggregating, by the processor, the plurality of pieces of statistical information so as to provide an estimation of the statistical object. Each piece of statistical information includes an uncertainty variable, the uncertainty variable being a value determined from a function having a predetermined mean. The number of pieces of statistical information aggregated is proportional to the reliability of the estimation of the statistical object. | 05-01-2014 |
20140108306 | METHOD FOR TEACHING AN AFTERMARKET ACCESSORY COMPONENT, AND AN AFTERMARKET ACCESSORY COMPONENT CONFIGURED TO LEARN - A method for teaching an aftermarket accessory component how to actuate a vehicle function is disclosed herein. The aftermarket accessory component is configured to monitor communications across a vehicle bus. The method includes, but is not limited to, sampling message traffic transmitted across the vehicle bus while the vehicle function is not actuated. The method further includes setting filters in the aftermarket accessory component based on the sampled message traffic. The method further includes prompting a user to actuate the vehicle function in a first manner. The method further includes collecting filtered message traffic from the vehicle bus while the vehicle function is actuated in the first manner. The method further includes parsing the filtered message traffic to identify a command associated with actuation of the vehicle function. The method further includes testing the command to confirm that the command actuates the vehicle function. | 04-17-2014 |
20140097959 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR IDENTIFYING WIRING OF A TELEMATICS SYSTEM - Methods and systems are provided for detecting a power line of a telematics unit is incorrectly wired. In one example, a system includes a first module that evaluates at least one of a validity of a global positioning system and a powered on status of the telematics unit. A second module determines that the power line of the telematics unit is incorrectly wired based on the at least one of the validity of a global positioning system and the powered on status. | 04-10-2014 |
20140075198 | FULLY AUTHENTICATED CONTENT TRANSMISSION FROM A PROVIDER TO A RECIPIENT DEVICE VIA AN INTERMEDIARY DEVICE - A method, system, and computer readable medium containing programming for handling fully authenticated transmission of video or other data (content) from a provider to a recipient device via an intermediary device. An inner envelope containing the content and/or security features is prepared and digitally signed using a private cryptographic key. The signed inner envelope is then included in a second, outer envelope which may also include some or all of the content. The outer envelope is also digitally signed, thereby forming a data package which may be sent from the provider to the intermediary device. If the signature of the outer envelope is authenticated at the intermediary device, then the inner envelope is sent to the recipient device which then uses the inner signature to verify its authenticity. Authenticated content may then be presented or otherwise used at the recipient device. | 03-13-2014 |
20140074315 | VEHICLE-INCIDENT DETECTION METHOD AND SYSTEM - A vehicle-incident detection method is disclosed herein. Vehicle data is received at a cloud computing system from a vehicle, where the vehicle data is generated by the vehicle in response to an initial detection of a vehicle-related event. After receiving the data, the cloud computing system requests additional vehicle data from the vehicle. The additional vehicle data is generated by the vehicle at a time subsequent to the initial detection of the vehicle-related event. The additional vehicle data is received from the vehicle, and an application resident in the cloud computing system analyzes the vehicle data and the additional vehicle data to determine that the vehicle-related event occurred. The application includes computer readable code embedded on a non-transitory, tangible computer readable medium for performing the analyzing. Also disclosed herein is a vehicle-incident detection system. | 03-13-2014 |
20140067152 | PROVIDING VEHICLE OPERATING INFORMATION USING A WIRELESS DEVICE - A method of collecting vehicle operating information using a wireless device includes the steps of communicatively linking a wireless device located within a vehicle to a vehicle telematics unit; receiving vehicle data at the wireless device from the vehicle telematics unit using the link; recording the received vehicle data at the wireless device; detecting that the wireless device is no longer present in the vehicle; and wirelessly transmitting the recorded vehicle data to a central facility using the wireless capabilities of the wireless device based on the detection. | 03-06-2014 |
20140031005 | AUTOMATED VEHICLE INTRUSION DEVICE - A method of identifying abnormal activity within a communication system between one or more vehicles and a wireless carrier system. The method may include receiving a first record from a wireless carrier system or a call center. It may further include automatically receiving a second record from a data logger via a vehicle telematics unit. The second record may be a data upload record and includes information pertaining to a wireless connection that includes an event type (mode) and a call type (mode). The event type may indicate whether the wireless connection was SMS, circuit switched, or packet switched. The call type may indicate a transaction during the wireless connection. The method may include determining the occurrence of an abnormal activity based on the first record and the second record. And the method may also include providing a report. | 01-30-2014 |
20140019135 | SENDER-RESPONSIVE TEXT-TO-SPEECH PROCESSING - A method of speech synthesis including receiving a text input sent by a sender, processing the text input responsive to at least one distinguishing characteristic of the sender to produce synthesized speech that is representative of a voice of the sender, and communicating the synthesized speech to a recipient user of the system. | 01-16-2014 |
20130337801 | METHOD OF COMMUNICATING BETWEEN A VEHICLE AND A TELEMATICS SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE - A method of communicating between a vehicle and a telematics subscription service includes wirelessly linking a vehicle telematics unit to a session initiation protocol (SIP) proxy server; placing a telephone call from the vehicle telematics unit that is received by the SIP proxy server via the wireless link; establishing a SIP connection between the vehicle telematics unit and a telematics subscription service using the SIP proxy server in response to the placed telephone call; and communicating packetized data between the vehicle telematics unit and the telematics subscription service via the SIP connection. | 12-19-2013 |
20130337782 | PREVENTING GENERATION OF SPURIOUS SIGNALS DURING TRANSMISSION - A system and method for data communication over a cellular communications network that allows the transmission of digital data over a voice channel connection using a vocoder that prevents the generation of spurious signals during transmission. The method utilizes a signaling waveform which varies in amplitude, frequency, phase, or combination thereof without exhibiting periodic nullities. | 12-19-2013 |
20130337762 | CALL CENTER BASED ZONED MICROPHONE CONTROL IN A VEHICLE - A method and system for providing call center emergency services to one or more occupants of a vehicle having a plurality of listening zones within a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The method involves detecting a potential emergency condition, sending an emergency notification to a call center, receiving a listening zone control signal identifying at least one of a plurality of listening zones in the vehicle, and supplying audio received from the identified listening zones(s) to the call center via a voice call between the vehicle and call center. | 12-19-2013 |
20130335449 | METHOD OF GENERATING ANTHROPMORPHIC VEHICLE IMAGES - A method of generating anthropomorphic vehicle images for a vehicle owner is shown that includes providing a plurality of anthropomorphic vehicle images on a visual display for a vehicle owner to select; receiving a selection of an anthropomorphic vehicle image from the vehicle owner using a wireless device; obtaining vehicle data using one or more vehicle sensors located on the vehicle; altering at least a portion of the selected anthropomorphic vehicle image based on the accessed vehicle data; and displaying the altered anthropomorphic vehicle image on a wireless device to the vehicle owner. | 12-19-2013 |
20130329634 | RESOLVING IP ADDRESSES IN A WIRELESS ENVIRONMENT - A method of anonymously resolving Internet Protocol (IP) addresses using a distributed network includes defining a virtual geographic area that comprises a micro dynamic domain name server (MDDNS); wirelessly receiving at a central facility a geographic attribute of a telematics unit; determining at the central facility that the telematics unit is within the virtual geographic area using the received geographic attribute; and transmitting an IP address of a host telematics unit in the MDDNS to the telematics unit. | 12-12-2013 |
20130321134 | AFTERMARKET MODULE ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR COMMUNICATING OVER A VEHICLE BUS - An aftermarket module arrangement for installation into a vehicle having a vehicle bus and an electric power source is disclosed herein. The arrangement includes, but is not limited to, a module configured to communicatively couple with the vehicle bus and to electrically couple with the electric power source via a first electric power line, and further configured to engage in power line communications over the first electric power line. The arrangement further includes an aftermarket module configured to electrically couple with the electric power source over a second electric power line and to engage in power line communications over the second electric power line. The aftermarket module is further configured to communicatively couple with the module via power line communications and to communicate over the vehicle bus through the module. | 12-05-2013 |
20130310010 | METHOD OF COMMUNICATING BETWEEN A VEHICLE AND A TELEMATICS SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE - A method of communicating between a vehicle and a telematics subscription service includes initiating a call from a vehicle telematics unit to a telematics subscription service via a wireless carrier system; accessing a vertical service code telephone number that is associated with the telematics subscription service and stored at a vehicle carrying the vehicle telematics unit; establishing a call between the vehicle telematics unit and the telematics subscription service using the accessed vertical service code telephone number; and wirelessly transmitting vehicle-related data between the vehicle telematics unit and the telematics subscription service over the established call. | 11-21-2013 |
20130309977 | DEVICE-VEHICLE INTEROPERABILITY VERIFICATION METHOD - A device-vehicle interoperability verification method is disclosed herein. Vehicle information is obtained by a mobile communications device, and this vehicle information pertains to a vehicle within which the device is being used or is going to be used. The vehicle information and device identification information is transmitted from the device to a server. The transmission occurs in response to a command generated by an application resident on the device, which includes computer readable code, embedded on a tangible, non-transitory computer readable medium, for performing the transmission. A data aggregator at the server queries a database to obtain data pertaining to an interoperability between the device and the vehicle, and a communications module at the server sends a message to the device that includes at least the data pertaining to the interoperability between the device and the vehicle. | 11-21-2013 |
20130304475 | SWITCHING BETWEEN ACOUSTIC PARAMETERS IN A CONVERTIBLE VEHICLE - A method of configuring an acoustics system of a convertible vehicle to receive speech from an occupant of the vehicle who is using hand-free technology. The position of the top of the convertible is first determined and based upon whether the top is up or down, an audio reception configuration is selected. The audio reception configuration includes a set of tuning parameters and a microphone arrangement. The acoustics system is then configured based upon the determination of whether the top is up or down. | 11-14-2013 |
20130300340 | ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR RECHARGING A RECHARGEABLE BACKUP BATTERY - An arrangement for recharging a rechargeable backup battery of a telematics unit associated with a vehicle is disclosed herein. The arrangement includes, but is not limited to, an electrical device electrically coupled with the rechargeable backup battery. The electrical device is configured to convert light energy into electricity. The arrangement further includes a charge controller that is configured to direct an electric current from the electrical device into the rechargeable backup battery to recharge the rechargeable backup battery when the vehicle is in an off state. | 11-14-2013 |
20130295889 | REMOTE COMMUNICATION DEVICE CALL ORIGINATION USING A DATA CHANNEL COMMUNICATION PATH - A system and method for carrying out communications with a remote communication device (RCD) utilizes a data channel communication path to provide a call request from the RCD to a telematics services provider (TSP). In response to the call request, the TSP obtains a temporary phone number and sends it back to the RCD which then places a voice call to the TSP using the phone number. The received call is connected to an advisor to handle voice communication with the caller using the RCD. Based on the prior association of the assigned temporary phone number with the calling RCD, the TSP is able to recognize the caller or calling device based on the number called and then automatically provide the advisor with relevant information about the caller or calling RCD, such as the caller's name or subscription account information. | 11-07-2013 |
20130295888 | REMOTE COMMUNICATION DEVICE CALL ORIGINATION USING A DATA CHANNEL COMMUNICATION PATH - A system and method for carrying out communications with a remote communication device (RCD) utilizes a data channel communication path to provide a call request from the RCD to a telematics services provider (TSP). In response to the call request, the TSP obtains a temporary phone number and sends it back to the RCD which then places a voice call to the TSP using the phone number. The received call is connected to an advisor to handle voice communication with the caller using the RCD. Based on the prior association of the assigned temporary phone number with the calling RCD, the TSP is able to recognize the caller or calling device based on the number called and then automatically provide the advisor with relevant information about the caller or calling RCD, such as the caller's name or subscription account information. | 11-07-2013 |
20130290199 | Monitoring and Aiding User Compliance with Vehicle Use Agreements - A method is described for using a telematics system to monitor compliance with a vehicle use agreement. Monitoring is facilitated by vehicle sensors and GPS components. The method includes receiving information from onboard vehicle sensors, applying the vehicle data received from onboard vehicle sensors with pre-stored information pertaining to the vehicle use agreement, and determining whether the information acquired from onboard vehicle sensors indicates potential non-compliance with the use agreement. Information pertaining to the use agreement is stored in an onboard telematics unit or in a database maintained by a Telematics Service Provider. Upon identification of potential non-compliance with the vehicle use agreement, the telematics system notifies an interested party. Furthermore, interested parties are provided with options for addressing the detected potential non-compliance with the vehicle use agreement. | 10-31-2013 |
20130281023 | ENABLING FEATURES AND DISPLAY REMINDERS ON A MOBILE PHONE - A method and system of providing a reminder message to a vehicle user, comprising the steps of establishing a short-range wireless communication between a vehicle and a mobile phone or other handheld communications device carried by the user; determining a vehicle trip initiation or termination involving the vehicle user; and providing a reminder message to the vehicle user via the handheld communications device in response to that determination. In addition, the method may comprise the step of transmitting an instruction from the handheld communications device comprising the execution of an auxiliary vehicle function. | 10-24-2013 |
20130275761 | PROCESSING MESSAGES RECEIVED AT A VEHICLE - A system and method for processing messages received at a vehicle. The method carried by the system involves wirelessly receiving at a vehicle a first communication message having secure credentials and a message signature for a second communication message. Then, the vehicle authenticates the first communication message via its secure credentials. Later, the vehicle wirelessly receives the second communication message and validates this second message using the message signature from the first message. In response to the validation, the second message is processed at the vehicle. | 10-17-2013 |
20130275368 | Maintaining Electrical Vehicle Recharging Station Data - Maintaining an electricity powered vehicle recharging database is described where updating is based on recharging information provided by a subscriber via a telematics unit on the electric vehicle relating to a recharge event. Maintaining the database is carried out by receiving an indication that a recharge event has occurred, receiving additional information pertaining to the recharge event, comparing the recharge event information with recharge information for a previous recharge event stored in the database. Based upon the received information and comparison to existing information stored in the database, the received, information is used to conditionally update the information maintained in the database maintained by the telematics service provider. | 10-17-2013 |
20130271275 | VEHICLE TELEMATICS COMMUNICATION FOR PROVIDING MOBILE DEVICE ALERTS - A method of providing a mobile device alert to a vehicle operator, where the method may provide an alert in the event that a mobile phone or other such device is not detected. In an exemplary embodiment, the method detects operation of a vehicle, such as when the ignition is started. Then, the method attempts detection of a mobile phone or other such wireless device associated with an operator of the vehicle. If the method determines that the attempted detection failed, then an alert is presented within the vehicle to help prevent the vehicle operator from leaving in the vehicle without his or her mobile device. | 10-17-2013 |
20130252680 | VEHICLE INTERIOR COMPONENT FOR SUPPORTING A COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - An vehicle interior component for supporting a communication system is disclosed herein. The vehicle interior component includes, but is not limited to, a body that is adapted for attachment to an interior of the vehicle and that is configured to receive a smartphone. The vehicle interior component further includes a hardware module that is configured to communicatively couple with the smartphone. The vehicle interior component still further includes a user input module communicatively coupled with the hardware module. The user input module is configured to generate a first input signal in response to a first user input and to transmit the first input signal to the hardware module. The hardware module is further configured to generate a first output signal and to transmit the first output signal to the smartphone in response to receiving the first input signal. | 09-26-2013 |
20130211832 | SPEECH SIGNAL PROCESSING RESPONSIVE TO LOW NOISE LEVELS - A method of speech recognition in a vehicle. Audio including noise and a speech signal representative of an utterance from a user is received via a microphone, and a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for the received audio is calculated using a processor. It is determined whether the calculated SNR is greater than a predetermined SNR. If so, then a noise distribution is identified for addition to the received audio, and noise corresponding to the identified noise distribution is injected into the received audio to produce noise-injected audio including the speech signal. | 08-15-2013 |
20130211828 | SPEECH PROCESSING RESPONSIVE TO ACTIVE NOISE CONTROL MICROPHONES - Speech processing for a vehicle, including receiving speech from a user via at least one speech microphone that converts the speech into a speech signal, receiving vehicle noise via at least one active noise control microphone that converts the noise into a vehicle noise signal, and processing the speech signal in response to the vehicle noise signal to reduce vehicle noise in the speech signal. | 08-15-2013 |
20130197795 | Estimation of Vehicle Location - A method for estimating the position of a telematics-equipped vehicle during navigation includes: receiving a partial map corresponding to a route; receiving Global Positioning System (GPS) data corresponding to a current position of the vehicle; performing a closest street (CS) mapping based on the GPS data and the partial map so as to provide an estimation for a vehicle position on a street of the partial map; performing speed sum (SS) mapping based on the estimated vehicle position and speed readings corresponding to vehicle speed so as to provide an estimation of distance traveled with reference to a previous vehicle position; and presenting a map matched vehicle position to a user based on the CS mapping and the SS mapping. | 08-01-2013 |
20130196612 | TELEMATICS UNIT AND MOBILE DEVICE PAIRING WITH MISSING DEVICE NOTIFICATIONS - The described method and system provide for forgotten phone notification and vehicle theft notification. A method includes: activating a configurable device pairing program module associated with a short-range wireless unit of the telematics unit when a triggering condition is satisfied; determining, using the configurable device pairing program module and short-range wireless unit, whether the paired mobile device is within range of the short-range wireless unit; and providing, in response to a determination that the paired mobile device is not within range of the short-range wireless unit, a notification to the paired mobile device that the vehicle is being operated in the exception state that is based, at least in part, upon the paired mobile device not being detected during the determining step. | 08-01-2013 |
20130179807 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DATABASE BROWSING - A method of enabling browsing of database tables on a computer system includes providing a configuration file to identify database table characteristics and to develop a graphical user interface (GUI) in communication with a database. The method further includes displaying on the GUI a main screen including: a record as a row from a specified database table; a related database table name, the table name being related to the specified database table; and a detail as a value in a column from the specified database table for the record displayed. The method still further includes receiving a selection from the GUI of the table. The method also includes navigating to another main screen on the GUI in response to the selection from the GUI. | 07-11-2013 |
20130179071 | IDENTIFYING A NETWORK RECORD CORRESPONDING TO A PARTICULAR ROUTING EVENT - A method for associating routing event records with network records in a system including a GPS device, the method including: receiving, from the UPS device, a route request; sending, to the UPS device, route information corresponding to a route calculated based on the route request; storing, in a database, a routing event record corresponding to the sending of the route information; comparing a parameter of the routing event record with a corresponding parameter of a network record generated by a wireless carrier to determine whether the network record matches up with the routing event record; and associating the routing event record with the matched network record. | 07-11-2013 |
20130166305 | SPEECH RECOGNITION ADJUSTMENT BASED ON MANUAL INTERACTION - A method of operating a speech recognition system on a vehicle having a visual display and manually-operated input device that includes initiating a speech recognition system, controlling menu selections on a visual display using a manually-operated input device, receiving a notification from the manually-operated input device indicating that the user is manipulating the device in conjunction with the menu selections on the visual display, and adjusting operation of the speech recognition system based on input received by the manually-operated input device. | 06-27-2013 |
20130163511 | METHOD OF WIRELESSLY COMMUNICATING DATA BETWEEN VEHICLES AND CENTRAL FACILITIES - A method of wirelessly communicating packetized data between a vehicle and a central facility includes receiving a request at a vehicle telematics unit to transmit packetized data; determining whether the vehicle telematics unit is communicating through a roaming wireless carrier system; and delaying the transmission of packetized data between the vehicle telematics unit and a central facility until the vehicle telematics unit is no longer communicating through the roaming wireless carrier system. | 06-27-2013 |
20130158778 | METHOD OF PROVIDING INFORMATION TO A VEHICLE - A method of providing information to a vehicle involves selecting content, and a source from which the information is retrievable. The information pertains to the content and the content is associated with an entity. The vehicle is tracked in real time. Via a telematics unit of the vehicle, vehicle data obtained from the tracking (including at least a then-current vehicle location and speed) is uploaded to an offboard server. The data is utilized, by a processor associated with the offboard server, to identify the entity that is within proximity of the vehicle. Information from the selected content source is obtained via the offboard server. The information is associated with the entity. The information is transmitted to the telematics unit. The information that is displayed to the vehicle is associated with an object representing the entity that is within the field of view of a vehicle occupant. | 06-20-2013 |
20130151064 | APPLICATION FOR A COMMUNICATIONS AND PROCESSING DEVICE - An application for a communications and processing device includes a computer program embedded on a non-transitory, tangible medium. The computer program includes computer readable code for establishing respective connections between the communications and processing device and a telematics unit of a vehicle, an information system of an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), and an information system of a dealer associated with the OEM. The application further includes computer readable code for at least i) tailoring at least one vehicle system of the vehicle with user-selected preferences, ii) tailoring a user account associated with the vehicle, and iii) providing information pertaining to the vehicle or to a program associated with the vehicle. | 06-13-2013 |
20130149998 | AUTHENTICATING MESSAGES SENT BETWEEN A VEHICLE AND A CENTRAL FACILITY - A system and method for transmitting short message service (SMS) messages between a vehicle and a central facility includes determining an authentication tone having a unique characteristic, generating an SMS message that includes computer-readable data representing the authentication tone; sending the SMS message to a central facility, establishing a call between the central facility and the vehicle using a vehicle telematics unit and a wireless carrier system, generating the determined authentication tone at the vehicle, and transmitting the generated authentication tone over the established call to the central facility. | 06-13-2013 |
20130149985 | EXTENDING THE RANGE OF VEHICULAR CELLULAR COMMUNICATIONS - A method of carrying out communications using a vehicle telematics unit includes identifying a cellular base station in wireless communication with a vehicle telematics unit; attempting an emergency call via the identified cellular base station using the vehicle telematics unit; determining that a forward link portion of a cellular signal between the vehicle telematics unit and the identified cellular base station lacks sufficient strength to place the attempted emergency call; and transmitting emergency communications via the identified cellular base station using a reverse link portion of the cellular signal based on the determination. | 06-13-2013 |
20130147616 | ENTRYWAY CONTROL AND MONITORING SYSTEM - An entryway control and monitoring system includes a remote controller to open and close an entryway and a telematics unit. The remote controller and the telematics unit are each disposed in a vehicle. The system further includes any of i) a vehicle bus that operatively connects the remote controller to the telematics unit, or ii) respective short range wireless connection units disposed in each of the remote controller and the telematics unit that selectively operatively connect the remote controller and the telematics unit. Computer readable code embedded on a non-transitory, tangible computer readable medium is executable by a processor of the telematics unit to at least one of control or monitor an operation of the remote controller. | 06-13-2013 |
20130132286 | METHOD AND SYSTEMS FOR SERVICING A SUBSCRIBER VEHICLE - A method for servicing a subscriber vehicle involves establishing a connection, via a telematics unit, with a communications device at a third party facility. A packet data message is sent from the telematics unit to a telematics service center. The packet data message includes identification information of the vehicle, and is sent using an internet protocol address of the third party facility. Via a processor associated with the telematics service center, the subscriber vehicle is identified from the identification information, and the third party facility is identified from the internet protocol address. A notification message is sent from the telematics service center to the third party facility, where the message indicates that the subscriber vehicle is available for servicing. Also disclosed herein are systems for accomplishing the same. | 05-23-2013 |
20130130675 | METHOD OF SELECTING WIRELESS BASE STATIONS - A method of selecting a wireless carrier system using a vehicle telematics unit includes identifying the system identity of a first base station with which a vehicle telematics unit is presently registered; detecting the presence of a second base station having a different system identity using the vehicle telematics unit; determining that the system identity of the first base station is preferred by the vehicle telematics unit with respect to the system identity of the second base station; and registering the vehicle telematics unit with the second base station when the signal strength of the second base station is greater than the signal strength of the first base station. | 05-23-2013 |
20130130665 | METHOD OF INITIATING A HANDS-FREE CONFERENCE CALL - A method of operating a vehicle telematics unit includes storing a conference call access code; initiating a conference call from a vehicle based on verbal commands received from a vehicle occupant; receiving a request for the conference call access code from an automated telephone attendant (ATA) while initiating the conference call; determining that the ATA has requested the conference call access code using a speech recognition function at the vehicle; and sending the stored conference call access code to the ATA based on the determination of the speech recognition function. | 05-23-2013 |
20130130639 | PROVIDING EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION SERVICES USING A VEHICLE TELEMATICS UNIT AND A MOBILE DEVICE - A system and method for providing a communication about a potential vehicular crash via a vehicle telematics unit and a personal mobile device. In one embodiment, the method carried out by the system receives a notification of a potential vehicular crash from a personal mobile device located at the vehicle. Then, the method confirms the occurrence of the crash by the vehicle telematics unit. Later, the method provides a wireless communication about the crash to one or more parties. | 05-23-2013 |
20130124032 | REPAIR ASSIST SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE SERVICING - A vehicle repair assist system for repairing a vehicle fault in a vehicle. A symptom input module is provided for entering vehicle symptom information relating to the fault. A diagnostic code module retrieves diagnostic trouble codes from the vehicle. The diagnostic trouble codes are generated in response to a fault occurrence. A knowledge-based fault module identifies potential causes of the vehicle fault based on at least one of the symptom information and diagnostic trouble codes. A repair assistant module identifies recommended repair parts and repair procedures for repairing the cause of the vehicle fault. The repair assistant module communicates with the knowledge-based fault module for obtaining a prioritized listing of the recommended repair parts and repair procedures for repairing the vehicle fault. | 05-16-2013 |
20130115933 | AFTERMARKET TELEMATICS UNIT AND METHOD FOR DETECTING A TARGET MOUNTING ANGLE THEREOF - An aftermarket telematics unit is disclosed herein. The aftermarket telematics unit includes, but is not limited to a housing that is configured to be mounted to an internal surface of a vehicle. The aftermarket telematics unit further includes an angle detection unit that is associated with the housing and that is configured to detect a mounting angle of the housing. The aftermarket telematics unit still further includes a processor that is associated with the housing. The processor is configured to perform an initial configuration procedure and is further configured to discontinue the initial configuration procedure when the mounting angle is out of a target range. | 05-09-2013 |
20130109416 | VEHICLE TELEMATICS COMMUNICATION USING TEXT ENCODING OF BINARY DATA | 05-02-2013 |
20130090782 | METHOD OF COMMUNICATING WITH A VEHICLE HAVING A TELEMATICS UNIT - A system and method for communicating between a vehicle having a vehicle telematics unit and a central facility includes establishing a virtual private network (VPN) connection between a vehicle and a central facility; constructing a data message for communication between the vehicle and the central facility using the VPN; transmitting the data message via the VPN using an unreliable transmission protocol; and determining if the transmitted data message arrived at its destination. | 04-11-2013 |
20130080173 | CORRECTING UNINTELLIGIBLE SYNTHESIZED SPEECH - A method and system of speech synthesis. A text input is received in a text-to-speech system and, using a processor of the system, the text input is processed into synthesized speech which is established as unintelligible. The text input is reprocessed into subsequent synthesized speech and output to a user via a loudspeaker to correct the unintelligible synthesized speech. In one embodiment, the synthesized speech can be established as unintelligible by predicting intelligibility of the synthesized speech, and determining that the predicted intelligibility is lower than a minimum threshold. In another embodiment, the synthesized speech can be established as unintelligible by outputting the synthesized speech to the user via the loudspeaker, and receiving an indication from the user that the synthesized speech is not intelligible. | 03-28-2013 |
20130080172 | OBJECTIVE EVALUATION OF SYNTHESIZED SPEECH ATTRIBUTES - A method of evaluating attributes of synthesized speech. The method includes processing a text input into a synthesized speech utterance using a processor of a text-to-speech system, applying a human speech utterance to a speech model to obtain a reference wherein the human speech utterance corresponds to the text input, applying the synthesized speech utterance to at least one of the speech model or an other speech model to obtain a test, and calculating a difference between the test and the reference. The method also can be used in a speech synthesis method. | 03-28-2013 |
20130059575 | DEVICE-INTEROPERABILITY NOTIFICATION METHOD AND SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR ASSESSING AN INTEROPERABILITY OF AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH A VEHICLE - A device-interoperability notification method and system are disclosed herein. The method involves establishing a connection between an electronic device and a telematics unit operatively disposed in a vehicle. Via the telematics unit, data obtained from the device is transmitted to a data aggregator at a call center. From the data, the data aggregator recognizes that an interoperability issue exists between the device and the vehicle within which the device is disposed. Via a communications module at the call center, a message is sent to the telematics unit or the electronic device, and this message includes information pertaining to an interoperability of the electronic device with the vehicle. The system includes elements to perform the steps of the method above. Also disclosed herein is a method for assessing the interoperability between an electronic device and a vehicle. | 03-07-2013 |
20130046592 | Mobile Application for Providing Vehicle Information to Users - The described method and system provide for quickly and intuitively presenting users with a variety of detailed vehicle information through a mobile application on a mobile computing device. The mobile computing device is preferably a mobile phone having at least a camera, a display, a processor, and a tangible non-transient computer-readable medium for storing appropriate programming and vehicle information. By pointing a camera at a vehicle, the mobile computing device receives images of the vehicle and may identify various objects or features of the vehicle. The mobile computing device then overlays these identifications on top of images of the vehicle displayed to a user corresponding to the location of the identified objects or features in the images. The user can then select the various objects or features to receive further detailed vehicle information regarding the selection. | 02-21-2013 |
20130046432 | VEHICLE TELEMATICS COMMUNICATIONS FOR PROVIDING DIRECTIONS TO A VEHICLE SERVICE FACILITY - A method of providing directions to a vehicle service facility includes generating a vehicle service alert that includes vehicle operating data, sending the vehicle service alert to a vehicle telematics service subscriber, offering the vehicle telematics service subscriber a choice of one or more vehicle service facilities for responding to the vehicle service alert, and if the vehicle owner chooses a vehicle service facility, providing turn-by-turn directions to the chosen vehicle service facility. | 02-21-2013 |
20130017847 | TERMINATED CALL ALERT PROCESS AND SYSTEMAANM DOHERTY; JAMESAACI WYANDOTTEAAST MIAACO USAAGP DOHERTY; JAMES WYANDOTTE MI USAANM BLANCK; MICHAEL J.AACI CLARKSTONAAST MIAACO USAAGP BLANCK; MICHAEL J. CLARKSTON MI US - A terminated call alert process involves detecting, via a processor, that a voice connection initially established between a vehicle-dedicated communications device disposed inside a vehicle and a facility has been terminated and identifying a method used to terminate the initial voice connection. Via the vehicle-dedicated communications device, the method further involves transmitting a data message to the facility, where the data message includes information pertaining to the method used to terminate the initial voice connection. Also disclosed herein is a system for accomplishing the same. | 01-17-2013 |
20130017800 | TYY INTERFACE MODULE SIGNAL TO COMMUNICATE EQUIPMENT DISRUPTION TO CALL CENTERAANM Gouvia; Jacquelyn A.AACI Royal OakAAST MIAACO USAAGP Gouvia; Jacquelyn A. Royal Oak MI USAANM Bradburn; Travis L.AACI OrtonvilleAAST MIAACO USAAGP Bradburn; Travis L. Ortonville MI US - The described method and system provide for determining whether to immediately contact a PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point) or attempt to communicate with a telematics services subscriber before contacting the PSAP in the event of an emergency. If a subscriber associated with the telematics unit is deaf and/or mute, and a TIM (TTY (TeleTYpewriter) Interface Module) or TTY device is not available to the subscriber, the subscriber may not be able to communicate with a call center regarding an emergency situation. Thus, expedited emergency procedures are executed by the call center in such a situation to avoid delay and facilitate the arrival of assistance as soon as possible. | 01-17-2013 |
20130016637 | VEHICLE BATTERY POWER SAVE TIMERAANM Yi; Ki HakAACI WindsorAACO CAAAGP Yi; Ki Hak Windsor CAAANM Shamoun; Christopher N.AACI Commerce TownshipAAST MIAACO USAAGP Shamoun; Christopher N. Commerce Township MI US - The described method and system provide for processing telematics service-related calls on a telematics-equipped vehicle when the vehicle ignition is off. By utilizing one or more call timers, the described invention is able to prevent excessive drain to the vehicle battery while still providing broad access to telematics services when the vehicle ignition is off. Certain types of calls may be excepted from the call timers, and different types of calls may use different call timers. A call center may also intervene and modify the process by changing the values of the timers. | 01-17-2013 |
20130013197 | VARIABLE CORRIDOR NAVIGATION - The described method and system provide for GPS navigation utilizing variable route corridors. The method may be implemented at a GPS-capable device (e.g. a telematics unit in one implementation) or through a call center that provides navigation services to a telecommunications device (e.g. a telematics unit in another implementation). A user input corresponding to an intended destination is received and a route to the intended destination is calculated with a variable route corridor. The variable route corridor is calculated based on map features, such as other streets not on the route, the width of streets on the route, and map data inaccuracies. In preferred implementations, the system and method are implemented within the context of a GPS unit that is part of a telematics unit in a vehicle. | 01-10-2013 |
20130013196 | NAVIGATION BLIND STARTUP - The described method and system provide for GPS navigation utilizing a previously stored position as a starting port when current position information is not available. The method may be implemented at a GPS-capable device (e.g. a telematics unit in one implementation) or through a call center that provides navigation services to a telecommunications device (e.g. a telematics unit in another implementation). A user input corresponding to an intended destination is received, it is determined whether current position information of the user is available; and, if not available, a route to the intended destination is calculated based on a previously stored position of the user. It may further be determined whether current position information of the user subsequently becomes available, and, when available, it may further be determined whether the user is on the calculated route that was based on the previously stored position of the user. If the user is not on route, a new route may be recalculated based on the current position of the user, which became available. In preferred implementations, the system and method are implemented within the context of a GPS unit that is part of a telematics unit in a vehicle. | 01-10-2013 |
20120327918 | TIMING ADJUSTMENT FOR EXTENDING THE WIRELESS RANGE OF A VEHICLE TELEMATICS UNIT - A system and method of extending the range of a vehicle telematics unit includes determining that a vehicle telematics unit is outside of a geographic range beyond which time division multiple access (TDMA) transmissions sent from the vehicle telematics unit to a base station arrive at the base station after a time slot allocated to the vehicle telematics unit in a time frame has passed; calculating a time delay that causes the TDMA transmissions to arrive at the base station in the allocated time slot of a subsequent time frame; and sending TDMA transmissions from the vehicle telematics unit at a time determined using the time delay. | 12-27-2012 |
20120323577 | SPEECH RECOGNITION FOR PREMATURE ENUNCIATION - Methods of automatic speech recognition for premature enunciation. In one method, a) a user is prompted to input speech, then b) a listening period is initiated to monitor audio via a microphone, such that there is no pause between the end of step a) and the beginning of step b), and then the begin-speaking audible indicator is communicated to the user during the listening period. In another method, a) at least one audio file is played including both a prompt for a user to input speech and a begin-speaking audible indicator to the user, b) a microphone is activated to monitor audio, after playing the prompt but before playing the begin-speaking audible indicator in step a), and c) speech is received from the user via the microphone. | 12-20-2012 |
20120320825 | METHOD OF SPEEDING CALL FLOW - A system and method for communicating between a vehicle and a central facility includes initiating at a vehicle a request for turn-by-turn directions; establishing a packet-switched call between the vehicle and a central facility using a wireless carrier system and a mobile dialed number (MDN) associated with the vehicle; receiving determined route information at the vehicle from the central facility via the packet-switched call; offering a vehicle occupant a service option that uses a circuit-switched call; and if the vehicle occupant accepts the service option, directing the wireless carrier system to establish the circuit-switched call using the MDN while maintaining the packet-switched call in a dormant state. | 12-20-2012 |
20120316771 | ROUTE PORTALS - The described method and system provide for utilizing portals during GPS navigation to avoid unnecessary off-route notifications and route recalculation in problem areas. The method and system are described in the context of a GPS unit that is part of a telematics unit in a vehicle. If the route calculated by the GPS unit includes certain problem areas such as tunnels and stacked bridges, the GPS unit may utilize portals to process GPS navigation through those areas. When a user enters a portal, normal GPS navigation is suspended and certain features are disabled. For example, the user will not longer receive Turn-by-Turn (TBT) directions, off-route notifications, error notifications, and route recalculation notifications, until the GPS unit determines that the user has arrived at a second portal or until the user manually re-enables those features. The portals should be preferably located at the inlets and outlets to the problem areas. Thus, while the user is in a problem area, errant GPS information may be discarded or ignored, and the provision of unnecessary off-route notifications and route recalculations to the user may be avoided. | 12-13-2012 |
20120316770 | NEUTRAL ZONES FOR NAVIGATION - The described method and system provide for treatment of certain areas as neutral zones during GPS navigation to avoid unnecessary off-route notifications and route recalculation. A GPS unit determines whether the user has entered a geographic region designated as a neutral zone, and does not provide the user with off-route notifications while the user is within the neutral zone. Not providing off-route notifications may be implemented by the GPS device by considering the user to be within the calculated route while the user is within a neutral zone, or by disabling off-route notifications (and route recalculation) while the user is within the neutral zone. The neutral zone may be defined by a set of GPS coordinates. The neutral zone may further be polygonal, and the size of the neutral zone may be based on the accuracy of the GPS device. | 12-13-2012 |
20120303203 | METHOD OF DETERMINING A STATUS OF A VEHICLE ON A ROADWAY AND METHOD AND SYSTEM OF COMMUNICATING THE SAME - A method of determining a status of a vehicle on a roadway, in one example, includes monitoring a then-current vehicle speed by an in-vehicle processor, and during the monitoring, determining that the speed has exceeded a pre-established threshold speed. When the speed exceeds the threshold speed, an algorithm is triggered. Upon triggering the algorithm, a sub-routine is initiated that determines if the vehicle is caught in a traffic jam. Also disclosed herein is a method and system for communicating the vehicle status determination to an outside entity. | 11-29-2012 |
20120302265 | VEHICLE TELEMATICS COMMUNICATION FOR PROVIDING VEHICLE TELEMATICS SERVICES - A method and system for providing a communication message to a vehicle occupant using a vehicle telematics unit. The method carried out by the system involves receiving a broadcasted message having a plurality of different codes at a vehicle telematics unit, generating a text message by converting at least some of the codes into one or more words, and concatenating the words together to form the text message. The method further involves presenting the text message to an occupant of the vehicle. | 11-29-2012 |
20120302262 | Method and process for activating a telematics device without a pre-activated MDN - The described principles provide a method and system for circumventing the use of live MDNs and nongeographic prefixes in new vehicle-hosted telematics devices, while allowing the purchaser/user convenient use of the vehicle-hosted telematics device. The telematics unit is programmed or configured from the manufacturer with the same parameters as a cancelled or deactivated unit, with a cleared number for re-acquisition. A geographically specific MIN/MDN is later programmed into the device based on one or more preset locational and other VDU triggers. | 11-29-2012 |
20120299714 | HUMAN-MACHINE INTERFACE (HMI) AUTO-STEER BASED UPON-LIKELIHOOD TO EXCEED EYE GLANCE GUIDELINES - The described method and system provide for HMI steering for a telematics-equipped vehicle based on likelihood to exceed eye glance guidelines. By determining whether a task is likely to cause the user to exceed eye glance guidelines, alternative HMI processes may be presented to a user to reduce ASGT and EORT and increase compliance with eye glance guidelines. By allowing a user to navigate through long lists of items through vocal input, T9 text input, or heuristic processing rather than through conventional presentation of the full list, a user is much more likely to comply with the eye glance guidelines. This invention is particularly useful in contexts where users may be searching for one item out of a plurality of potential items, for example, within the context of hands-free calling contacts, playing back audio files, or finding points of interest during GPS navigation. | 11-29-2012 |
20120295592 | Vehicle Component Identification and Configuration Registry Reporting System - A method and system for utilizing a telematics unit on a telematics-equipped vehicle as a register for ECU Critical Information (ECI) associated with the ECUs in the vehicle, which may include their serial numbers, configurations, software images, and other data includes the telematics unit querying ECUs within the telematics-equipped vehicle such as, for example, when the vehicle is started. The ECUs may then provide the telematics unit with the ECI associated with each ECU. The ECI may be encrypted, and the telematics unit may provide each module that it queries with a nonce used in the encryption process. The telematics unit may then decrypt the ECI received from each of the ECUs and compare the received ECI to previously stored ECI. If the received ECI is different from the previously stored ECI, the telematics unit may send the new ECI to a TSP call center. Both the telematics unit and the call center may replace the previously stored ECI with the new ECI and may maintain records of previously stored ECI and updates to the ECI. | 11-22-2012 |
20120289166 | AUTOMATING DIAL ATTEMPTS TO A TELEMATICS OR CELLULAR DEVICE - A system and method of managing communications with a vehicle telematics unit includes determining that a data transmission to a vehicle telematics unit over a wireless carrier system has failed; automatically performing a network registration check with the wireless carrier system to determine the registration status of the vehicle telematics unit based on the data transmission failure; and deciding whether to re-transmit the data to the vehicle based on the results of the network registration check. | 11-15-2012 |
20120286950 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETECTING THEFT OF AN ITEM - Various examples of a method and a system for detecting theft of an item are disclosed herein. The method includes at least detecting with an aftermarket telematics unit a loss of electrical power being supplied to the aftermarket telematics unit and switching the aftermarket telematics unit to an alternate source of electrical power. The aftermarket telematics unit detects an occurrence of a second condition subsequent to detecting the loss of electrical power. The second condition may be a movement of the aftermarket telematics unit above a predetermined speed, or a diminution of strength of a wireless signal received from a component of the vehicle to below a predetermined threshold. The unit transmits a report containing information that is indicative of a theft event to a third party when the loss of electrical power and the occurrence of the second condition are detected. | 11-15-2012 |
20120286725 | Methodologies for Implementing Smart Control of Vehicle Charging - The described method and system provide for remotely controlling the charging operation of plurality of vehicles. In one implementation, a call center may receive a request from a utility regarding a particular grid and sends out an inquiry to locate vehicles in that grid. Once the vehicles have been located, the call center sends a command to those vehicles corresponding to the utility's request. In another implementation, vehicles may register information with the call center every time a charging event takes place, and the call center keeps track of the location of each vehicle based on the registration. When the call center receives a request from a utility, the call center may directly send out commands to vehicles based on the request. In other implementations, vehicle charging may be remotely controlled through the call center by consumers, the utility, or a home energy management system (HEMS). The charging control may further be customized based on a variety of information and preferences provided to the call center by the consumer, utility, or HEMS. | 11-15-2012 |
20120282908 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS - A method for controlling mobile communications involves identifying an operator of the mobile vehicle, where the operator is associated with a mobile communications device. Via a telematics unit disposed in the mobile vehicle, the method further involves recognizing, while the vehicle is in motion, that the mobile communications device is not located in a predefined location inside a cabin area of the vehicle, and in response to a command generated by the telematics unit based on the recognizing, automatically adjusting a functionality of an audio system disposed in the vehicle. | 11-08-2012 |
20120282906 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS - A method for controlling mobile communications involves establishing an RFID connection between an RFID tag disposed on or at a predefined location inside a cabin area of a vehicle and an RFID reader attached to a mobile communications device. Upon breaking the RFID connection, an application resident on the device recognizes that the device is no located in the predefined location. A message is automatically sent to an entity outside of the vehicle, where the message indicates that the device is no longer located at the predefined location inside the vehicle. | 11-08-2012 |
20120274456 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING AN ERROR IN THE INSTALLATION OF AN ELECTRICAL COMPONENT - A system and method for detecting an error in the installation of an electrical component in a vehicle having a vehicle bus is disclosed herein. The system includes, but is not limited to a vehicle communication interface that is configured to be communicatively coupled with the vehicle bus and to detect a first power state of the vehicle. The system further includes an aftermarket telematics unit that is configured to be electrically connected to the vehicle and to wirelessly communicate with the vehicle communication interface. The vehicle communication interface is further configured to detect a second power state of the aftermarket telematics unit, to compare the first power state with the second power state, and to alert a third party when the first power state and the second power state do not correspond with one another. | 11-01-2012 |
20120271503 | BULB OUTAGE DETECTION AND PART NUMBER LOOKUP USING A TELEMATICS-EQUIPPED VEHICLE - An automated system and method for detecting and responding to bulb outages on a vehicle. The method carried out by the system utilizes a telematics unit installed onboard the vehicle and includes the steps of: (a) receiving bulb status information at the telematics unit indicating the failure of a bulb on the vehicle and providing the telematics unit with bulb data for identifying the bulb; (b) obtaining bulb replacement information using the bulb data; and (c) providing the bulb replacement information to a recipient associated with the vehicle. The bulb replacement information can be emailed or otherwise sent electronically to the recipient and can include a replacement part number or other ordering and installation information. | 10-25-2012 |
20120269330 | Navigation System Support of In-Vehicle TTY System - The described method and system provide for utilizing a navigation system to facilitate communications between a call center and a disabled individual who may have difficulty hearing or speaking. In one implementation, if TTY services are unavailable through a TIM or TTY device, a call center may communicate with occupants of a vehicle through a vehicle navigation unit, utilizing a display and input method associated with the navigation unit. In another implementation, the call center may communicate with occupants of a vehicle through the navigation unit in the first instance. | 10-25-2012 |
20120264395 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ROUTING CALLS AT A CALL CENTER BASED ON SPOKEN LANGUAGES - Various examples of a methods and systems are disclosed herein for routing calls at a call center based on spoken languages. In one example, a method includes, but is not limited to, receiving, by a call center, information indicating a request for assistance from a driver of a vehicle and information indicating one or more languages spoken by the driver. The call center automatically identifies an available advisor who speaks at least one language spoken by the driver. The call center automatically directs the request for assistance to the available advisor. | 10-18-2012 |
20120262283 | ODOMETER VERIFICATION AND REPORTING USING A TELEMATICS-EQUIPPED VEHICLE - A system and method for providing an odometer verification for a vehicle. The method carried out by the system includes the steps of: (a) receiving authorization from a customer to periodically store odometer information obtained from the customer's vehicle; (b) configuring at least one processing device such that it automatically stores odometer readings and associated correlation parameter values for the vehicle; (c) receiving a request for an odometer verification; (d) analyzing the odometer readings and associated correlation parameter values in response to the request; (e) determining a verification result based on the analysis; and (f) sending the verification result to a recipient in response to the determination. | 10-18-2012 |
20120258725 | OTA INITIATION METHOD FOR TELEMATICS SYSTEM IN 2G GSM/3G WCDMA NETWORK - The described method and system provide for over-the-air configuration of a telematics-equipped vehicle by wireless carriers and telematics service providers (TSPs). Regardless of whether a telematics-equipped vehicle has been provisioned for cellular service or not, the TSP and wireless carrier may control undesirable location updating from the vehicle, for example, by setting certain triggers or conditions upon the telematics unit before processing location updates provided by the telematics unit. These triggers or conditions may also be programmed into the telematics unit, whether through an OTA configuration session, or pre-loaded during manufacture. The TSP or wireless carrier may conduct OTA configuration sessions with the telematics unit to provision the telematics unit for cellular service, or provide the telematics unit with software or firmware updates. | 10-11-2012 |
20120258705 | TELEMATICS SYSTEMS AND METHODS WITH MULTIPLE ANTENNAS - Vehicle telematics systems and methods for vehicle telematics systems are provided. The telematics system includes a first antenna, a second antenna, and a processing device. The first antenna is disposed at a first location on the vehicle. The second antenna is disposed at a second location on the vehicle. The second location is remote from the first location. The processing device is coupled to the first antenna and the second antenna. The processing device is configured to monitor a parameter that is indicative as to whether the first antenna is operational, communicate using the first antenna if the parameter indicates that the first antenna is operational, and communicate using the second antenna if the parameter indicates that the first antenna is not operational. | 10-11-2012 |
20120252364 | METHOD OF USING A SMART PHONE AS A TELEMATICS DEVICE INTERFACE - A system and method for controlling a vehicle telematics unit via a smart phone using the steps of: storing a software application for remotely controlling the telematics unit at the smart phone; using the stored software application to communicatively connect the smart phone with the telematics unit via a short-range wireless communication link; receiving data from the telematics unit that is used to display a menu of telematics service selections at the smart phone; receiving a telematics service selection from a vehicle occupant at the smart phone that is chosen from one of the displayed telematics service selections; and transmitting a command that controls at least one function of the vehicle based on the received telematics service selection from the smart phone to the telematics unit over the short-range wireless communication link. | 10-04-2012 |
20120245934 | SPEECH RECOGNITION DEPENDENT ON TEXT MESSAGE CONTENT - A method of automatic speech recognition. An utterance is received from a user in reply to a text message, via a microphone that converts the reply utterance into a speech signal. The speech signal is processed using at least one processor to extract acoustic data from the speech signal. An acoustic model is identified from a plurality of acoustic models to decode the acoustic data, and using a conversational context associated with the text message. The acoustic data is decoded using the identified acoustic model to produce a plurality of hypotheses for the reply utterance. | 09-27-2012 |
20120244850 | MEID-BASED PAGING TO REACH DE-ACTIVATED TELEMATICS MODULES - A method of operating a telematics unit includes replacing a mobile identification number (MIN) or a mobile dialed number (MDN) stored in a telematics unit with a temporary geographical mobile identification number (GMIN) that prevents the telematics unit from using all of its features; associating the GMIN with a mobile equipment identification number (MEID) of the vehicle telematics unit; storing the associated GMIN and MEID at a central facility; paging the telematics unit using the associated GMIN and MEID; and instructing the telematics unit via the page to communicate with the central facility over a wireless data connection. | 09-27-2012 |
20120244816 | Telematics Provisioning System for Deactivated Devices - The disclosed invention provides a system and method for efficiently establishing a data call connection from a TSP call center to deactivated telematics units without a subscriber profile being in an HLR or VLR and without the use of a “500” number. An equipment identifier associated with a deactivated telematics unit may be delivered to the wireless network provider, and a calling line ID based on the equipment identifier and a common number for deactivated telematics units may be translated into a paging address through which the deactivated telematics unit may be paged. An appropriate paging strategy based on the network topology may be used to page the deactivated telematics unit and establish a data call connection with the deactivated telematics unit. The deactivated telematics unit may then be provisioned or perform or have performed on it other functions based on the data call connection. | 09-27-2012 |
20120243528 | Mobile Application DRx Synchronization with Embedded Vehicle Hardware - The described method and system provide for synchronizing a mobile application on a mobile device with a DRx (discontinuous receive) schedule of a vehicle. When the vehicle ignition is turned off, a telecommunications unit on the vehicle sends a synchronization message to the mobile device, which allows the mobile application to synchronize with the DRx schedule of the vehicle. The DRx schedule includes a standby mode, a cyclic mode, and a powered down mode for the vehicle, and user requests inputted into the mobile application will be processed according to the mobile application's determination of vehicle availability during those modes. The mobile application is thus able to inform the user of the vehicle status at any point during the vehicle's DRx schedule without requiring any further information from the vehicle after the synchronization message. | 09-27-2012 |
20120235807 | DETECTING A TIRE ROTATION ON A TELEMATICS-EQUIPPED VEHICLE - 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. | 09-20-2012 |
20120231821 | VEHICLE TELEMATICS COMMUNICATION FOR PROVIDING HANDS-FREE WIRELESS COMMUNICATION - A system and method for providing a vehicle occupant with hands-free usage of text messaging services over a mobile phone via a vehicle telematics unit. The method enables a vehicle occupant to send and receive communication messages such as text messages in a hands-free manner. For sending text messages, a spoken communication message is received from the occupant at the vehicle and sent to a call center for conversion to a text message using a speech to text server. The converted text message is then sent to the mobile phone for texting to the intended recipient. Received text messages can be sent from the mobile phone to the telematics unit, converted to speech and played audibly to the occupant in the vehicle. | 09-13-2012 |
20120221188 | VEHICLE HMI REPLACEMENT - The described method and system provide for a removable computing device as part of a HMI of a vehicle which may be utilized to provide consumers with a personalized driving experience, comprehensive infotainment services, and a more sophisticated avenue for third parties to interact with the consumer. Specifically, the computing device may be a tablet computer, and may communicate with vehicle components wirelessly or through a wired connection and through a communications gateway or other interface. The tablet computer may be a general purpose computer with specific applications designed for vehicle-related functions stored on it. The tablet may provide the user with a plurality of functional interfaces, such as interfaces relating to conventional instrument gauges, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) controls, a radio, infotainment services, diagnostics monitoring, and vehicle module reflashing. | 08-30-2012 |
20120219142 | CALL TRANSFER PROCESS AND SYSTEM - A call transfer process involves receiving a voice call at a call center from a caller, and initially servicing the voice call by a call center advisor. The servicing includes obtaining information from the caller pertaining to a purpose for which the voice call was made. Via the advisor, the method further involves answering at least one question pertaining to the voice call, where the question(s) is/are generated by a computer program run by a processor connected to an advisor workstation and is/are presented to the advisor on the advisor workstation during the voice call. Based on answer(s) to the question(s) and via the computer program, a particular department associated with the call center is recommended that is capable of further servicing the voice call. The voice call is transferred to the recommended department. Also disclosed herein is a system for accomplishing the same. | 08-30-2012 |
20120218154 | SLOT ANTENNA IN A SOLAR-REFLECTIVE GLAZING - The described method and system provide an antenna feed for a slot antenna that may be patterned into a solar-reflective glazing layer with a virtual ground that is a short electrical distance from the antenna. One implementation of the present invention provides an antenna feed for a slot antenna patterned into the solar-reflective glazing used in a vehicle windshield. Because the antenna feed may incorporate a virtual ground that is a short electrical distance from the slot antenna, antenna performance may be improved over conventional on-glass vehicle antenna systems which use the vehicle chassis as a ground. Furthermore, patterning the slot antenna into the solar-reflective glazing layer and using a virtual ground in the antenna feed provides flexibility in antenna placement. | 08-30-2012 |
20120215403 | METHOD OF MONITORING A VEHICLE DRIVER - A method of monitoring a vehicle driver involves monitoring any of an eye or facial position of the vehicle driver via a tracking device operatively disposed in a vehicle that is then-currently in operation. Based on the monitoring, via a processor operatively associated with the tracking device, the method further involves determining that the eye or facial position of the vehicle driver is such that the vehicle driver's eyes are, or the vehicle driver's face is focused on an object disposed inside an interior of the vehicle. In response to the determining, a functionality of the object is automatically altered. | 08-23-2012 |
20120209609 | USER-SPECIFIC CONFIDENCE THRESHOLDS FOR SPEECH RECOGNITION - A method of automatic speech recognition includes receiving an utterance from a user via a microphone that converts the utterance into a speech signal, pre-processing the speech signal using a processor to extract acoustic data from the received speech signal, and identifying at least one user-specific characteristic in response to the extracted acoustic data. The method also includes determining a user-specific confidence threshold responsive to the at least one user-specific characteristic, and using the user-specific confidence threshold to recognize the utterance received from the user and/or to assess confusability of the utterance with stored vocabulary. | 08-16-2012 |
20120197643 | MAPPING OBSTRUENT SPEECH ENERGY TO LOWER FREQUENCIES - A speech signal processing system and method which uses the following steps: (a) receiving an utterance from a user via a microphone that converts the utterance into a speech signal; and (b) pre-processing the speech signal using a processor. The pre-processing step includes extracting acoustic data from the received speech signal, determining from the acoustic data whether the utterance includes one or more obstruents; estimating speech energy from higher frequencies associated with the identified obstruents, and mapping the estimated speech energy to lower frequencies. | 08-02-2012 |
20120196585 | Global Automatic Cellular Provisioning - The described method and system provide for the provisioning of a telematics unit on a telematics-equipped vehicle with cellular service information without pre-loading the information during manufacture of the vehicle or telematics unit. A telematics unit may be manufactured without cellular service information (e.g. MIN, MDN, carrier information) pre-loaded. At the vehicle assembly plant where the telematics unit is installed on a vehicle, the assembly plant's programming system may determine the final country destination for the vehicle and program the destination of the vehicle into the telematics unit. The assembly plant may further obtain vehicle attribute data (including a cellular identifier for the telematics unit) and send the data to a TSP. The TSP may then work with the wireless carrier in the destination country to assign the telematics unit a phone number and other cellular service information. After the telematics unit has determined that the vehicle is at the destination, the telematics unit may connect to a network using cellular commands to request an “over-the-air” cellular programming session. The wireless carrier may then push a phone number and other cellular service information into the telematics unit through the over-the-air cellular programming session. | 08-02-2012 |
20120196564 | Hands Free Calling System for Telematics Users Using A Network-Based Pre-Pay System - The described invention provides a method and system for allowing subscribers of a telematics service provider (TSP) to make hands-free phone calls within their vehicles through a telematics unit over a network or hardware-based pre-pay system, wherein the telematics unit or a wireless network provider associated with the TSP controls the ingoing and outgoing hands-free calling (HFC) processes. The wireless network provider, through its system at a remote call center or through the telematics unit, may determine whether the subscriber has subscribed to the TSP's HFC service, whether the subscriber has a sufficient remaining balance to initiate, receive or continue a call, and whether a user of the telematics unit is “roaming.” When a user attempts to make or receive a call through the telematics unit, the wireless network provider or the telematics unit may handle the incoming or outgoing call processing, and may further provide subscriber account balance notifications to the user. | 08-02-2012 |
20120193981 | System and Method for Automatically Managing Current Draw from A Telematics Device in Transit - The described method and system provide for reduction of the current draw from a vehicle battery caused by a telematics unit while the vehicle is in transit. By programming the telematics unit with instructions to ignore the awake algorithm or awake parameters while the vehicle is being shipped, or by programming the telematics unit to apply a different set of load-saving awake parameters while the vehicle is being shipped, the current draw from the vehicle battery caused by the telematics unit during shipping can be reduced. The telematics unit may implement a typical awake algorithm or awake parameters (e.g., non-load-saving parameters) after the occurrence of a predetermined trigger, such as the telematics unit determining that the vehicle has reached a destination area. | 08-02-2012 |
20120191291 | AFTERMARKET TELEMATICS SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A COMMUNICATIVELY PAIRED DEVICE - A method for controlling a communicatively paired device for use with a vehicle (“ATU”) includes, but is not limited to, the steps of detecting a first power state of the vehicle using a vehicle communication interface (“VCI”) that is communicatively coupled to a communication bus on the vehicle, transmitting a wireless signal corresponding to the first power state from the VCI to the communicatively paired device, and altering a second power state of the communicatively paired device to correspond with the first power state. | 07-26-2012 |
20120187916 | Virtual Charge for Electric Vehicles - The described method and system provides for dynamic adjustment of the lower charge threshold of an electrically-powered vehicle to allow a fuel-depleted vehicle also low on battery charge to continue to be operated. The vehicle's telematics unit monitors the fuel level and charge level via the vehicle bus or other vehicle resources to determine if the vehicle is running low on fuel and electric charge. If the telematics unit determines that the fuel is depleted and the charge level is approaching, meets or falls below the lower threshold, the telematics unit communicates the vehicle fuel status and vehicle position to a call center along with vehicle identification data. The call center determines the amount of charge required to reach one or more local fueling stations or other points of interests and propose destination recommendations to the driver. The driver may then select one of the recommendations, and the call center transmits a new lower charge threshold to the vehicle. | 07-26-2012 |
20120181982 | Localized Charging of Electric Vehicles - The described method and system provide for managing the charging of individual electric vehicles with respect to local substations or grids to lower the load on a given substation or grid. When the load on a substation or grid reaches a warning threshold, a call center may facilitate the implementation of a charging plan to reduce the load. The call center may locate and identify vehicles that are being charged in the relevant area and may further manage the charging of the located vehicles to reduce the load through a charging plan. The plan may be based on the current State of charge of each vehicle, the historical use and projected use of each vehicle, vehicle charging patterns, and the severity of the load on the substation or grid. | 07-19-2012 |
20120179315 | NAVIGATION SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USING VEHICLE STATE INFORMATION FOR ROUTE MODELING - A vehicle includes a powertrain controller, an energy storage system (ESS), a traction motor, an electrical device such as an HVAC system and/or auxiliary system, and a navigation system. The navigation system generates a recommended eco-route or other travel route. The navigation system receives vehicle state information including a current powertrain state from the controller and a power load value from the device(s), including a state of charge of the ESS. The vehicle state information is used to select between a charge-depleting and a charge-sustaining costing model. The route is generated using the selected model, and then displayed. The navigation system includes a host machine which selects the model and generates the route, and a display screen for displaying the route. A method for generating the route includes receiving the current powertrain state and power load values, and using the state information to select between the charge-depleting and charge-sustaining models. | 07-12-2012 |
20120172012 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE WHILE LOCATED IN A MOBILE VEHICLE - A method for controlling a mobile communications device while located in a mobile vehicle involves pairing the mobile communications device with a telematics unit via short range wireless communication. The method further involves, receiving an incoming text message at the mobile device while the mobile device is paired with the telematics unit. Upon receiving the text message, a text messaging management strategy is implemented via the telematics unit and/or the mobile device, where the text messaging management strategy is executable via an application that is resident on the mobile device. | 07-05-2012 |
20120158241 | Increasing Vehicle Range by Minimizing Trapped HVAC Energy - A method of increasing a range of a vehicle by decreasing trapped HVAC energy at an end of a trip. The method may include the steps of: determining a destination list based on locations where the vehicle may be parked in the future, the destination list accessible by a control module in the vehicle; determining HVAC reduction regions around each of the locations on the destination list, the HVAC reduction regions accessible by the control module; operating a HVAC system while the vehicle is moving; tracking the location of the vehicle relative to the locations on the destination list; and the control module automatically reducing the energy usage of the HVAC system when the vehicle enters one of the HVAC reduction regions. | 06-21-2012 |
20120157083 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING DISCHARGE AUTHORIZATION TO A BATTERY-POWERED VEHICLE VIA A TELEMATICS SYSTEM - The described method and system allows for the utilization of a telematics unit on a telematics-equipped vehicle to prevent the unauthorized discharge of a vehicle battery. A user may communicate an authorization request for allowing discharge of the vehicle battery through a telematics unit or telematics service provider (TSP) call center. If approved by the TSP call enter or telematics unit, an authorization, which may include an authorization code, is communicated to a charge controller which controls the discharge of the vehicle battery. Alternatively, the user may communicate an authorization code directly to the telematics unit which passes it on to the charge controller for approval. | 06-21-2012 |
20120150701 | Hierarchical Processing of Tolling Options for Telematics Services - The described method and system provide a system and method for efficiently and effectively processing the hierarchical selecting and switching between tolling options associated with a telematics service and tolling a subscriber's account accordingly such that the provision of telematics service to a user of the telematics unit is uninterrupted if possible and the optimal tolling option is utilized. Many different types of telematics services exists, and each telematics service may have a corresponding set of tolling options, including various telematics-based (internal) and network-based (external) tolling options, prepaid and postpaid tolling options, as well as other types of tolling options. The disclosed invention allows the telematics service system to select an optimal tolling option and switch between tolling options without interrupting the provision of service based on a hierarchy of tolling options corresponding to the telematics service requested by the user. | 06-14-2012 |
20120150541 | MALE ACOUSTIC MODEL ADAPTATION BASED ON LANGUAGE-INDEPENDENT FEMALE SPEECH DATA - A method of generating proxy acoustic models for use in automatic speech recognition includes training acoustic models from speech received via microphone from male speakers of a first language, and adapting the acoustic models in response to language-independent speech data from female speakers of a second language, to generate proxy acoustic models for use during runtime of speech recognition of an utterance from a female speaker of the first language. | 06-14-2012 |
20120149356 | METHOD OF INTELLIGENT VEHICLE DIALING - A method of operating a vehicle telematics unit includes determining the location of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle telematics unit; determining if telematics dialing software operated by the vehicle telematics unit includes a verbal dialing protocol used at the determined vehicle location; if not, identifying one or more verbal dialing protocols used at the determined location of the vehicle; requesting telematics dialing software that includes the one or more identified verbal dialing protocols; receiving the requested telematics dialing software from a central facility; and storing the received telematics dialing software at the vehicle. | 06-14-2012 |
20120147863 | METHOD OF VALIDATING 1X PACKET AVAILABILITY IN A VEHICLE TELEMATICS UNIT - A method of communicating with a telematics-equipped vehicle includes receiving a circuit-switched telephone call at a central facility from a telematics-equipped vehicle via a wireless carrier system that is in local communication with the telematics-equipped vehicle; determining during the circuit-switched telephone call that a separate packet-data communication session between the telematics-equipped vehicle and the central facility is desired; identifying the wireless carrier system that is in local communication with the telematics-equipped vehicle; querying the identified wireless carrier system from the central facility to determine whether the telematics-equipped vehicle is authorized to establish a packet-data communication session using the identified wireless carrier system; if so, obtaining an Internet protocol (IP) address from the identified wireless carrier system; and commencing the exchange of data between the telematics-equipped vehicle and the central facility using the obtained IP address. | 06-14-2012 |
20120146766 | METHOD OF PROCESSING VEHICLE CRASH DATA - A method of processing vehicle crash data includes the steps of receiving vehicle data obtained at a vehicle during a vehicle crash, determining the identity of the vehicle, estimating the severity of the vehicle crash using the determined vehicle identity and the received vehicle data, and providing the estimated severity to an emergency responder. | 06-14-2012 |
20120143615 | System and Method for Auctioning Geoboxed Flexible, Semi-Locked or Locked Radio Presets - The described system and method provides for the auctioning of radio presets in a vehicle and loading radio preset information into radio preset slots of the vehicle including different types of presets and different sets of preset information corresponding to different preset zones. Multiple auctions may be conducted for each vehicle or group of vehicles, and the auctions may be based on a variety of factors such as different types of presets, different preset zones, number of vehicles, type of vehicles, etc. Once the auction or auctions are won, radio preset slots corresponding to the results of the auctions may be loaded into vehicles at the manufacturer, dealership, or upon the occurrence of a geobox trigger when a vehicle is determined to be inside a particular preset zone. | 06-07-2012 |
20120143492 | Methods to Improve Route Quality Using Off-Route Data - The described principles provide a method and system for identifying potentially closed roads and potentially open roads based on reroute requests, and of accommodating the potential road closure. If a reroute request is received from a user on a given route, the avoided roads of the route may be deemed potentially closed. If a predetermined number or a statistically significant number of users treat the road as potentially closed in this manner, it may be deemed closed. Similarly, if a supposedly closed road is chosen by a predetermined number of users, as evidenced by reroute requests, then the supposedly closed road may be deemed to be open. Moreover, observation of reroute requests also allows the system to automatically learn a user's route preferences. | 06-07-2012 |
20120142367 | METHOD OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN A VEHICLE TELEMATICS UNIT AND A CALL CENTER - A method and system of communication between a vehicle telematics unit and a call center via a personal mobile device identifier. The method involves detecting the presence of a personal mobile device at a vehicle, receiving a mobile device identifier from the mobile device, assigning the mobile device identifier to a telematics unit in the vehicle, establishing a data session between the telematics unit and a call center, and sending the mobile device identifier to the call center via the data session. | 06-07-2012 |
20120140688 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR NOTIFYING BACK OFFICE PRIOR TO END OF TELEMATICS UNIT STANDBY PERIOD - The described method and system provide for notification to network applications by a telematics unit in standby mode of when the telematics unit is switching away from standby mode and will be come unavailable for communication with the network applications. The network application may include mobile applications for mobile devices (such as smartphones) and web applications accessible through web pages. The telematics unit may communicate with the back office(s) of the network applications. If the vehicle is a plug-type vehicle, the telematics unit or network application may further extend the standby period of the telematics unit or vehicle when the vehicle is plugged in. | 06-07-2012 |
20120129510 | METHODS FOR REMINDING A USER OF A TASK ASSOCIATED WITH A COMMUNICATION - Methods for reminding a user of a task associated with a communication are disclosed herein. One example of the method involves reminding the user of a task associated with an incoming communication, and another example of the method involves reminding the user of a task associated with an outgoing communication. | 05-24-2012 |
20120127050 | MULTI-FUNCTION ANTENNA - An antenna includes a CPW transmission line and a radiating portion. The radiating portion is coupled to the CPW transmission line and is substantially coplanar with the CPW transmission line. The radiating portion is configured to produce a first linear polarization at a first frequency, a circular polarization at a second frequency, and a second linear polarization at a third frequency. The radiating portion includes a conductive material extending from the CPW transmission line and forming a plurality of openings in the radiating portion. The openings are asymmetric with respect to a first region of the radiating portion that is disposed on a first side of the CPW transmission line and a second region of the radiating portion that is disposed on a second side of the CPW transmission line. | 05-24-2012 |
20120126967 | METHOD OF DETECTING A VEHICLE TIRE THEFT - A system and method for detecting a missing vehicle tire and notifying a user of the vehicle about a potential vehicle tire theft. The method carried out by the system involves detecting that a tire is missing from a vehicle using a vehicle tire pressure monitoring (TPM) system and thereafter providing a notification of the missing tire via a wireless communication sent from a telematics unit on the vehicle. The wireless communication can be sent automatically by the telematics unit in response to the detection. Identification numbers or other data reported by sensors used in the TPM system can be used to determine if a tire is missing. | 05-24-2012 |
20120123629 | METHOD OF PROVIDING DIRECTIONS TO A VEHICLE SERVICE FACILITY - A method of providing directions to a vehicle service facility includes generating a vehicle service alert that includes vehicle operating data, sending the vehicle service alert to a vehicle telematics service subscriber, offering the vehicle telematics service subscriber a choice of one or more vehicle service facilities for responding to the vehicle service alert, and if the vehicle owner chooses a vehicle service facility, providing turn-by-turn directions to the chosen vehicle service facility. | 05-17-2012 |
20120118769 | HOLDER FOR A TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE - A holder for a telecommunications device includes a container including a side wall connected to a base. Together the side wall and base define a cavity. Side wall defines an opening of the container at an end of the side wall distal to the base. A resilient insert is disposed inside the cavity. The insert includes a bottom portion that abuts the base and a feature for releasably retaining the device inside the container. A lid is in selective locking engagement with the side wall's distal end. When in locking engagement, the lid encloses the opening of the container to retain the device inside the holder, and to muffle a sound and/or a vibration produced by the device. A locking mechanism is operatively attached to the container and/or the lid, and holds the lid and the container together when the lid is in locking engagement with the distal end. | 05-17-2012 |
20120109649 | SPEECH DIALECT CLASSIFICATION FOR AUTOMATIC SPEECH RECOGNITION - Automatic speech recognition including receiving speech via a microphone, pre-processing the received speech to generate acoustic feature vectors, classifying dialect of the received speech, selecting at least one of an acoustic model or a lexicon specific to the classified dialect, decoding the acoustic feature vectors using a processor and at least one of the selected dialect-specific acoustic model or selected lexicon to produce a plurality of hypotheses for the received speech, and post-processing the plurality of hypotheses to identify one of the plurality of hypotheses as the received speech. | 05-03-2012 |
20120095675 | METHOD FOR CREATING AND TAKING A DRIVING TOUR - Embodiments of methods for creating and taking a driving tour using information derived from crowd sourcing are disclosed herein. A method includes, but is not limited to accessing an Internet website that is configured to enable a user to compose a driving tour based in part on the information derived from crowd sourcing and in part on a user-specified criterion. The method further includes inputting the user-specified criterion into the Internet website. The method further includes creating the driving tour using the Internet website, the driving tour having a point of interest. The method further includes obtaining an electronic file from the Internet website containing the driving tour. The method further includes loading the electronic file into a mobile device. The method still further includes utilizing the mobile device and the electronic file to take the driving tour. | 04-19-2012 |
20120094657 | CONFIGURING OF VEHICLE COMMUNICATIONS MODULES - A system and method for configuring a vehicle user interface that provides hands-free use of a mobile communications device by a vehicle operator. First, the mobile communications device located at a vehicle is linked with a vehicle user interface in the vehicle so that the driver or other occupant can carry out hands-free telephone calls through the mobile device. Then, an evaluation phone call is placed using the mobile device so that volume levels, noise, etc. can be checked. Based on an analysis of that evaluation call, at least one audio parameter of the vehicle user interface is configured and is thereafter used to improve the audio communication between the user and the vehicle user interface. | 04-19-2012 |
20120089298 | AFTERMARKET TELEMATICS UNIT AND METHOD FOR INSTALLATION VERIFICATION - An aftermarket telematics unit (“ATU”) for use with a telematics service system having a call center is disclosed herein. The ATU is adapted for mounting to a vehicle and is configured for operation in an on-mode, a standby-mode, and an off-mode. The aftermarket telematics unit includes, but is not limited to, a memory unit and a processor that is operatively connected to the memory unit. The processor is configured to send a first notification to the call center when a number of transitions from the off-mode to the on-mode experienced by the ATU exceeds a predetermined number during a first predetermined length of time. The processor is further configured to send a second notification to the call center when the ATU has been continuously operating in the on-mode for greater than a second predetermined length of time. | 04-12-2012 |
20120087293 | Telematics Device Reactivation Via Broadcast SMS Alert - The disclosed invention provides a system and apparatus for deactivating unused telematics units in a cost effective manner, while allowing later contact with the unit by the service provider. The service provider deactivates a device by replacing a valid MIN with an invalid default MIN, deactivating the normal CDMA registration process, and implementing a reduced frequency registration regimen. A regionally broadcast SMS message is subsequently used to reach the deactivated module. The SMS message is configured in such a way as to cause the targeted device to place a cellular call using a non-validating wireless number to a call center of the service provider. Once the telematics provider has a dedicated link call with the module, it executes a desired action, e.g., providing a newly provisioned MIN, shutting down the device entirely, collecting stored data from the device, etc. | 04-12-2012 |
20120083970 | AFTERMARKET TELEMATICS SYSTEM - An aftermarket telematics system for use with a vehicle having a vehicle bus is disclosed herein. The aftermarket telematics system includes, but is not limited to, an aftermarket telematics unit that is configured to be mounted to the vehicle, to communicate with the vehicle bus, and to detect when the vehicle has been turned off. The aftermarket telematics system also includes a vehicle communication interface device configured to connect to the vehicle bus, to be communicatively coupled with the aftermarket telematics unit, and to facilitate communication between the aftermarket telematics unit and the vehicle bus. The aftermarket telematics unit is further configured to send a sleep command to the vehicle communication interface device when the aftermarket telematics unit detects that the vehicle has been turned off. The vehicle communication interface device is configured to sleep in accordance with the sleep command. | 04-05-2012 |
20120071140 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS - A method for controlling mobile communications involves identifying an operator of the mobile vehicle, where the operator is associated with the mobile communications device. The method further includes recognizing, via a telematics unit in the mobile vehicle, a first in-vehicle trigger to initiate a vehicle data upload event with a telematics service center. The vehicle data for the vehicle data upload event includes information of the mobile vehicle and of the operator of the mobile vehicle. Upon receiving the vehicle data at the telematics service center, transmitting a request from the service center to a mobile communications service provider to disable at least one of an incoming communication for the mobile communications device or an outgoing communication from the mobile communications device. The method further involves disabling the incoming and/or outgoing communication. | 03-22-2012 |
20120068897 | ANTENNA SYSTEM AND FILTER - Antenna systems and antenna filters are provided, for example for use in a windshield or on a roof of a vehicle. An antenna system comprises a first antenna, a second antenna, and a filter. The first antenna is configured to operate at a first frequency. The second antenna is configured to operate at a second frequency. The filter is coupled to the first antenna. The filter is configured to create an open circuit condition at the second frequency and reduce secondary radiation between the first and second antennas. | 03-22-2012 |
20120068896 | MICROWAVE ANTENNA ASSEMBLIES - A microwave antenna assembly includes a first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer, a conductive layer, a first conductive patch, and a second conductive patch. The conductive layer is disposed in an inner region between the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer. The conductive layer includes a slot. A first conductive patch is surrounded by the slot. The second conductive patch is disposed against the second dielectric layer outside the inner region, and is electromagnetically coupled to the first conductive patch. | 03-22-2012 |
20120065831 | Charge Reminder Notification to Increase Electric Only Efficiency - The described method and system provide a reminder to an electric vehicle user to charge a battery of the electric vehicle to optimize electric-only driving opportunities. The electric vehicle includes a telematics unit, and the vehicle user is associated with a mobile communications device remote from the vehicle. The described technique includes determining a location of the vehicle, comparing the location to a home location of the vehicle user, and retrieving vehicle battery charge state and expected electric only range. If certain conditions are met, the user is prompted via the remote device to plug in the vehicle for charging and/or to alter the vehicle charge profile to achieve full charge in the time remaining. | 03-15-2012 |
20120046036 | PRIMARY CONNECTION STRATEGY FOR VEHICLE ORIGINATED CELLULAR COMMUNICATION TO A CALL CENTER - A system and method for making vehicle originated calls to a telematics service provider or other call center. The method includes identifying a call type associated with a desired wireless communication of speech or data to the call center, and then carrying out one of a number of different call connection processes depending on the call type. For voice channel cellular connections, an in-band modem cellular connection is preferably established in most instances using a connection retry strategy that includes primary, secondary, and possibly tertiary connection attempts. The system and method can be carried out in connection with various cellular system technologies, but is especially suited for use with GSM systems. | 02-23-2012 |
20120041640 | VEHICLE MIRROR AND TELEMATICS SYSTEM - Vehicle mirrors and telematics systems are provided. A vehicle mirror comprises a mirror housing and an accelerometer. The mirror housing is configured to be mounted within a vehicle. The accelerometer is disposed within the mirror housing, and is configured to measure an acceleration of the vehicle. A diagnostics device is configured to provide diagnostics information pertaining to the vehicle. A navigation device is configured to provide navigation information as to a position of the vehicle. A controller is coupled to the accelerometer, the diagnostics device, and the navigation device. The controller is configured to generate vehicle determinations using the acceleration, the diagnostics information, and the navigation information. A transmitter is coupled to the controller, and is configured to transmit determination information pertaining to the vehicle determinations. | 02-16-2012 |
20120038473 | WIRELESS MONITORING OF BATTERY FOR LIFECYCLE MANAGEMENT - The disclosed invention provides a system and apparatus for monitoring battery status and usage to facilitate battery protection, battery repurposing and battery maintenance. Wireless interrogation of a battery's location and key attributes provides efficiencies to manage the total lifecycle of an electric vehicle battery, whether installed in a vehicle or in an environment external to the vehicle environment. A wireless battery tether, combined with a wireless battery reader, a wireless battery gateway and a centralized battery monitoring server allows management of the high-voltage battery through its lifecycle. | 02-16-2012 |
20120036467 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING A TOUR - Systems and methods are provided for producing tours. The system includes, but is not limited to a data storage device that is configured to store a plurality of POI inputs and/or routes. A server is operatively coupled to the data storage device and is configured to host a website accessible via a worldwide computer network, obtain a search criterion from a user accessing the website, retrieve a subset of the POI inputs and/or routes corresponding to the search criterion from the data storage device, arrange the POI inputs and/or routes of the subset in a manner corresponding to the search criterion to form the tour, at least temporarily store the tour in an electronic file compatible with a mobile device, and electronically deliver the electronic file to the user. | 02-09-2012 |
20120035923 | IN-VEHICLE TEXT MESSAGING EXPERIENCE ENGINE - The disclosed invention provides a system and apparatus for providing a telematics system user with an improved texting experience. A messaging experience engine database enables voice avatar/personality selection, acronym conversion, shorthand conversion, and custom audio and video mapping. As an interpreter of the messaging content that is passed through the telematics system, the system eliminates the need for a user to manually manipulate a texting device, or to read such a device. The system recognizes functional content and executes actions based on the identified functional content. | 02-09-2012 |
20120030470 | WIRELESS PROGRAMMING OF VEHICLE MODULES - A system and method for programming a vehicle module via a secure local area wireless connection. The method carried by the system involves establishing a wireless connection between a vehicle telematics unit and a dealership wireless node. Then, the dealership sends via the wireless node a digital certificate to the vehicle telematics unit. The vehicle uses the digital certificate to verify that the dealership is authorized to provide the vehicle with an upgrade to one or more of the vehicle's components. In response of the verification, an upgrade is performed to one or more vehicle components via the wireless communication. | 02-02-2012 |
20120030467 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR FACILITATING COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN VEHICLES AND SERVICE PROVIDERS - Methods and systems for facilitating communications between a vehicle and a service provider are provided. A first address of a vehicle communication device and a second address of a service provider communication device are obtained at a remote location that is remote to both the vehicle and the service provider. A set of keys, including a first key and a second key, is generated at the remote server. The first key is for use by the vehicle in establishing communications with the service provider, and the second key is for use by the service provider in establishing communications with the vehicle. The first key is provided to the vehicle, and the second key is provided to the service provider. | 02-02-2012 |
20120029964 | METHOD FOR UPDATING AN ELECTRONIC CALENDAR IN A VEHICLE - A method for updating an electronic calendar in a vehicle involves uploading an appointment to the electronic calendar, where the appointment includes a description of an event, a time block for the event, and a travel time preceding the time block. An alert is set in a telematics unit of the vehicle, where the alert notifies a vehicle occupant of the appointment. The alert is configured to be activated in response to a trigger. At a time subsequent to the time block of the event, one of i) a memo is uploaded to the electronic calendar indicating that the alert was activated, or ii) another memo is uploaded to the electronic calendar indicating that the alert was not activated. | 02-02-2012 |
20120029763 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ALERTING A DRIVER TO A CONDITION OF A VEHICLE - A system for alerting a driver to a condition of a vehicle is disclosed herein. The system includes, but is not limited to, a telematics unit that is mounted to the vehicle and that is configured to receive a fault notification from a subsystem on board the vehicle when a fault in the subsystem is detected. A call center is remotely located from the vehicle and is communicatively connected to the telematics unit. The telematics unit is configured to provide the fault notification to the call center. The call center is configured to initiate communication with the driver if the fault falls within a first category of faults and to set a trigger in the telematics unit to initiate contact with the call center upon a next ignition actuation of the vehicle if the fault falls within a second category of faults. | 02-02-2012 |
20120029758 | TELEMATICS UNIT AND METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INITIATING VEHICLE CONTROL USING TELEMATICS UNIT INFORMATION - A method and system are provided for initiating control of a vehicle. A telematics unit includes a connector and a relay unit. The connector is configured to be coupled to a vehicle component. The relay unit is coupled to the connector, and is configured to provide information pertaining to the connector's coupling to the vehicle component. The immobilizer unit is configured to be coupled to the telematics unit, and includes a receiver and a processor. The receiver is configured to receive the information. The processor is coupled to the receiver, and is configured to initiate a measure of control of the vehicle if the information indicates that the telematics unit has been tampered with. | 02-02-2012 |
20120028681 | MULTI-TONE DETECTION FOR IN-BAND DATA MODEM LINK ESTABLISHMENT IN WIRELESS NETWORKS - A method and system for modem signaling over a voice channel of a cellular or other wireless communication system. A plurality of sequential tones are transmitted, each of which corresponds to at least one network type and contains at least one primary frequency selected so as to successfully be passed through its associated network type. This permits the use of modem signaling to establish a data connection regardless of the type of network equipment utilized, so that the method will work with both newer and older generation vocoders and other network equipment. | 02-02-2012 |
20120028656 | METHOD OF IDENTIFYING TELEMATICS CALLS - A method of identifying telematics calls includes the steps of receiving at a vehicle telematics unit a paging message used to connect a call over a wireless carrier system; determining at the vehicle telematics unit if the paging message used to connect the call includes a Mobile Identification Number (MIN) or a Mobile Equipment Identifier (MEID); and establishing the call and, if the vehicle telematics unit determines that the paging message includes the MEID, entering into a mode in which the vehicle telematics unit uses a modem for receipt and transmission of data | 02-02-2012 |