Abstract: Presented are vehicle control systems and logic for monitoring device batteries to provision virtual key functionality, methods for making/using such systems, and vehicles equipped with such systems. A method of operating a vehicle includes wire or wirelessly connecting a remote keyless entry (RKE) system with a wireless-enabled portable electronic device (PED) of a user. A vehicle controller receives a unique virtual key code from the user's PED to enable use of the RKE system and, after receiving the virtual key code, determines a battery charge level of the PED's battery. The vehicle controller then determines if the battery charge level is less than a preset minimum charge level and if the vehicle powertrain is off. If the powertrain is off and the battery charge level is less than the minimum charge level, the controller responsively commands a resident vehicle subsystem to execute a control operation for charging the PED battery.

Abstract: Methods for prioritizing and routing audio signals between consumer electronic devices using wireless communication standards are provided. In one embodiment, a method for prioritizing and routing audio signals between consumer electronic devices includes receiving a device prioritization designation for at least two connectivity technology-enabled devices. The prioritization designation designates a first of the at least two connectivity technology-enabled devices as having a higher priority than another of the at least two connectivity technology-enabled devices. The method further includes connecting with each of the at least two connectivity technology-enabled devices and providing an audio signal to the first of the at least two connectivity technology-enabled devices.

Abstract: Methods for prioritizing and routing audio signals between consumer electronic devices using wireless communication standards are provided. In one embodiment, a method for prioritizing and routing audio signals between consumer electronic devices includes receiving a device prioritization designation for at least two connectivity technology-enabled devices. The prioritization designation designates a first of the at least two connectivity technology-enabled devices as having a higher priority than another of the at least two connectivity technology-enabled devices. The method further includes connecting with each of the at least two connectivity technology-enabled devices and providing an audio signal to the first of the at least two connectivity technology-enabled devices.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Methods for providing emergency service to a mobile vehicle are disclosed herein. One method involves monitoring a network country code broadcast from a communications network provider and comparing the network country code with a list of country codes stored in the telematics unit. This method further includes determining where to direct an emergency call by the telematics unit based on the comparing. Another method involves notifying a telematics service provider of a need for emergency services and, in response to a denial for the services, monitoring the network country code broadcast and comparing the network country code with the list of country codes to determine where to direct the emergency call. Yet another method involves notifying a telematics service provider of a need for emergency services and, in response to a denial for the services, automatically notifying another service provider of the same.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Methods for providing emergency service to a mobile vehicle are disclosed herein. One method involves monitoring a network country code broadcast from a communications network provider and comparing the network country code with a list of country codes stored in the telematics unit. This method further includes determining where to direct an emergency call by the telematics unit based on the comparing. Another method involves notifying a telematics service provider of a need for emergency services and, in response to a denial for the services, monitoring the network country code broadcast and comparing the network country code with the list of country codes to determine where to direct the emergency call. Yet another method involves notifying a telematics service provider of a need for emergency services and, in response to a denial for the services, automatically notifying another service provider of the same.

Abstract: The invention presents a method for providing activation parameters for a telematic device by receiving at least one telematic device specific activation attribute from a telematic device manufacturer at a remote activation server. Additionally, the remote activation server receives at least one mobile vehicle specific attribute from a mobile vehicle manufacturer. At least one data feed attribute is created as a function of the telematic device specific activation attribute and the mobile vehicle specific attribute, and is stored within a database in communication with the remote activation server.

Abstract: The invention presents a method for providing activation parameters for a telematic device by receiving at least one telematic device specific activation attribute from a telematic device manufacturer at a remote activation server. Additionally, the remote activation server receives at least one mobile vehicle specific attribute from a mobile vehicle manufacturer. At least one data feed attribute is created as a function of the telematic device specific activation attribute and the mobile vehicle specific attribute, and is stored within a database in communication with the remote activation server.