Abstract: A method for arbitrating between vehicle navigation systems in the event that multiple systems are concurrently activated so that information is provided to a user by only one navigation system at a time. This method of arbitration reduces the possibility of user confusion that could otherwise occur if multiple vehicle navigation systems were simultaneously providing the user with information. According to one embodiment, the arbitration method is used in conjunction with a telematics-based system and a CD-based system that both provide turn-by-turn spoken driving directions. The method can also be used to arbitrate between any vehicle-based sources of electronically-supplied audio speech, particularly where the systems are connected to a common vehicle network that allows software control of the different vehicle systems.

Abstract: A method of sending traffic related data to a call center using a telematics unit of a vehicle. The method includes receiving a request at the telematics unit to transmit non-traffic data such as vehicle diagnostic information to the call center. Both the non-traffic data as well as traffic related data is obtained by the telematics unit and embedded into a short message service (SMS) message that is then sent to the call center. The traffic related data can be inserted only if it indicates a traffic problem and can be inserted into an otherwise unused portion of the SMS message. The received traffic related data can then be used by the call center or other remote facility to improve traffic reporting.

Abstract: A method for detecting an unauthorized programming or installation of software on an electronic module on a vehicle. The method obtains information regarding programming of the electronic module. The information may be obtained by detecting a programming session of the electronic module or after the module has been programmed. The obtained information is compared with information identifying whether programming of the electronic module is authorized or unauthorized. A determination whether the programming is authorized or unauthorized is made based on the comparison.

Abstract: A method for obtaining an electronic Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) from a vehicle. According to one embodiment, an electronic VIN request is generated at the vehicle through a vehicle user interface, such as a visual display, a microphone, a speaker, a keypad, or an electronic control or button. According to another embodiment, the electronic VIN request is generated at an entity, such as a remote call center, that is remotely located from the vehicle. In either case, the electronic VIN request causes the vehicle hardware to query one or more vehicle electronic module(s) for electronic VIN(s) stored therein, so that output related to the electronic VIN(s) can be provided.

Abstract: In examples of the invention, a vehicle diagnostics update mechanism provides a frequent connection to a vehicle telematics unit. In this way, large amounts of vehicle data that are available when the vehicle is on or cached, i.e., when the vehicle is off, can be pulled and used to provide a vehicle update to the user. In one example, a “vehicle dashboard” application running on a vehicle owner's computer in the form of a tool bar provides diagnostics updates in a quick and easy to use format. The tool bar also provides a means for executing user selections and commands and for providing alerts to the user.

Abstract: A method for informing an in-vehicle telematics unit user of a connection status generally includes establishing a connection between the telematics unit and a call center, and initiating communication between the user and a call center service advisor. Next, the communication may be temporarily suspended while maintaining the connection. A connection status signal informing the user of the status of the connection is transmitted from the call center to the telematics unit during the temporary suspension in communication. After the signal is transmitted, the communication between the user and the call center service advisor is ultimately restored.

Abstract: Parasitic loads on a vehicular battery are evaluated based on an estimated reduction in the state of charge of the battery over the course of an engine-off state.

Abstract: A method of sending traffic related data to a call center using a telematics unit of a vehicle. The method includes receiving a request at the telematics unit to transmit non-traffic data such as vehicle diagnostic information to the call center. Both the non-traffic data as well as traffic related data is obtained by the telematics unit and embedded into a short message service (SMS) message that is then sent to the call center. The traffic related data can be inserted only if it indicates a traffic problem and can be inserted into an otherwise unused portion of the SMS message. The received traffic related data can then be used by the call center or other remote facility to improve traffic reporting.

Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle's lighting functionality is disclosed herein. The method may include realizing a preferred vehicle lighting configuration and transmitting a signal to the vehicle via a radio frequency communication system. In response to the signal, the vehicle lighting system may alter a current vehicle lighting configuration to correspond with the preferred vehicle lighting configuration.

Abstract: Parasitic loads on a vehicular battery are evaluated based on an estimated reduction in the state of charge of the battery over the course of an engine-off state.

Abstract: In examples of the invention, a vehicle diagnostics update mechanism provides a frequent connection to a vehicle telematics unit. In this way, large amounts of vehicle data that are available when the vehicle is on or cached, i.e., when the vehicle is off, can be pulled and used to provide a vehicle update to the user. In one example, a “vehicle dashboard” application running on a vehicle owner's computer in the form of a tool bar provides diagnostics updates in a quick and easy to use format. The tool bar also provides a means for executing user selections and commands and for providing alerts to the user.

Abstract: A method for detecting an unauthorized programming or installation of software on an electronic module on a vehicle. The method obtains information regarding programming of the electronic module. The information may be obtained by detecting a programming session of the electronic module or after the module has been programmed. The obtained information is compared with information identifying whether programming of the electronic module is authorized or unauthorized. A determination whether the programming is authorized or unauthorized is made based on the comparison.

Abstract: A method of tracking changes of subscribers for an in-vehicle telematics service includes periodically monitoring a service record database, which includes vehicle service information that is indicative of one or more vehicle service checks performed on one or more vehicles, and recognizing that a new vehicle service check is added to the vehicle service information based upon the periodic monitoring. The method also includes extracting vehicle identifying information, which is unique to a vehicle associated with the new vehicle service check, and inferring a subscriber status change for the vehicle responsive to the extracted vehicle identifying information. Further, the method includes setting a signal indicative of the inferred subscriber status change for the in-vehicle telematics service.

Abstract: A method for informing an in-vehicle telematics unit user of a connection status generally includes establishing a connection between the telematics unit and a call center, and initiating communication between the user and a call center service advisor. Next, the communication may be temporarily suspended while maintaining the connection. A connection status signal informing the user of the status of the connection is transmitted from the call center to the telematics unit during the temporary suspension in communication. After the signal is transmitted, the communication between the user and the call center service advisor is ultimately restored.

Abstract: A system and method for vehicle design and manufacture. The method includes designing a vehicle, building a pilot vehicle of the designed vehicle, installing a telematics units in the pilot vehicle, configuring the telematics unit to monitor systems of the pilot vehicle during vehicle operation, operating the pilot vehicle in a captured test fleet, obtaining data from the telematics unit during the operating in a captured test fleet, altering vehicle design data in response to the obtained data and, building a production vehicle with the design influenced by the altered vehicle design data.

Abstract: A method for obtaining an electronic Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) from a vehicle. According to one embodiment, an electronic VIN request is generated at the vehicle through a vehicle user interface, such as a visual display, a microphone, a speaker, a keypad, or an electronic control or button. According to another embodiment, the electronic VIN request is generated at an entity, such as a remote call center, that is remotely located from the vehicle. In either case, the electronic VIN request causes the vehicle hardware to query one or more vehicle electronic module(s) for electronic VIN(s) stored therein, so that output related to the electronic VIN(s) can be provided.

Abstract: A method of realizing a preferred in-vehicle chime includes the steps of selecting the preferred in-vehicle chime from an Internet-enabled program or a call center, transmitting the preferred in-vehicle chime from the Internet-enabled program to a telematics unit operatively disposed within the vehicle, and transmitting the preferred in-vehicle chime from the telematics unit to a vehicle chime module disposed within the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for arbitrating between vehicle navigation systems in the event that multiple systems are concurrently activated so that information is provided to a user by only one navigation system at a time. This method of arbitration reduces the possibility of user confusion that could otherwise occur if multiple vehicle navigation systems were simultaneously providing the user with information. According to one embodiment, the arbitration method is used in conjunction with a telematics-based system and a CD-based system that both provide turn-by-turn spoken driving directions. The method can also be used to arbitrate between any vehicle-based sources of electronically-supplied audio speech, particularly where the systems are connected to a common vehicle network that allows software control of the different vehicle systems.

Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle's lighting functionality is disclosed herein. The method may include realizing a preferred vehicle lighting configuration and transmitting a signal to the vehicle via a radio frequency communication system. In response to the signal, the vehicle lighting system may alter a current vehicle lighting configuration to correspond with the preferred vehicle lighting configuration.

Abstract: A telematics method comprising the steps of: using a device in a vehicle, obtaining data including at least location and at least one device parameter during a time period between vehicle assembly and delivery to a retail customer; transmitting the data to a remote station for processing; conditionally communicating an alert for the vehicle responsive to the device parameter; and conditionally communicating, response to the device parameter and additional device parameters from additional vehicles, an alert for at least one of (a) a vehicle assembly plant, (b) a vehicle dealer, (c) a vehicle distribution center and (d) a vehicle logistical support center.