Abstract: A method of conducting vehicle usage data analysis is provided. The method includes providing usage data about at least one vehicle to a database. The usage data may be analyzed and compared to a member of a set of vehicle development models to determine whether to update a vehicle development model. The usage data may also be analyzed to determine whether to transmit a communication to a vehicle.

Abstract: A rental/car-share (RCS) vehicle access and management system and method, in some embodiments, utilizes barcodes, QR codes (or NFC/RFID), GPS, and a mobile app coupled with a wireless network to enable customers to bypass the reservation desk and pickup and drop off reserved RCS vehicles using a mobile phone, tablet or laptop. The QR code, RFID, or NFC communication with the mobile application allows for identification of the vehicle by a mobile application, which, if authorized, can access the vehicle via a temporary access code issued by remote servers. The remote servers and/or mobile application communicates with a control module that plugs into the on-board diagnostics module of the rental/car-share (RCS) vehicle and includes a host processing unit with a processor, an accelerometer, data storage, a GPS with internal GPS antenna; a wireless modem with internal antenna, and CAN bus transceivers connected with the processor, and a USB programmable interface.

Abstract: A method for performing transform calibration of an accelerometer of a telematics device during installation in a vehicle includes placing the device in the vehicle at an initial position having a known alignment with a given frame of reference of the vehicle, moving the telematics device from the initial position to a final installation position in the vehicle with a tri-axial rate gyroscope of the device concurrently tracking and integrating the angle changes to provide a set of coordinates of the final installation position, and transform calibrating the accelerometer of the device using the set of coordinates so as to leave the device installed at the final position with its accelerometer transform calibrated with respect to the given frame of reference.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for servicing a target device with a remote access device. The target device has a target-device input/output interface and the remote access device has a remote-access-device input/output interface that are operatively coupled at the hardware level. A wireless communication link is established between the remote access device and a communications network to establish a communication link between a computer remote from the target device and from the remote access device. Service instructions are received from the computer at the remote access device over the communication link. The received service instructions are transmitted through the coupled input/output interfaces to service the target device.

Abstract: A device is provided for use with a vehicle. The device includes a mode-determining component, a first detecting component and a second detecting component. The mode-determining component can generate an in-vehicle signal. The first detecting component can detect a first parameter and can generate a first detector signal based on the first detected parameter. The second detecting component can detect a second parameter and can generate a second detector signal based on the second detected parameter. The mode-determining component can further generate a crash mode signal based on the in-vehicle signal, the first detector signal and the second detector signal.

Abstract: Through the present subject matter, mobile devices subscribers may be provided information pertaining to a motor vehicle. The characteristics of the motor vehicle are monitored. The information indicative of the monitored characteristics is sent to an entity that is not performing the monitoring of the motor vehicle. The mobile device subscriber may also choose more than one individual to receive the information. The system for providing information pertaining to a motor vehicle has additional features such as a qualification system that will prevent the motor vehicle from starting if the appropriate qualifying information is not entered; and may be configured with multi-media communications capabilities.

Abstract: A device includes a processor in communication with a first port, a second port and a third port. The first port is configured to communicate via a diagnostic cable with an electronic control unit of a vehicle. The diagnostic able cable has a first end configured to connect to a vehicle port and a second end configured to connect to the first port. The processor is configured to selectively test the communication capability of the diagnostic cable when the first end of the diagnostic cable is connected to the third port and the second end of the diagnostic cable is connected to the first port.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a method of authenticating a vehicle telematics device. The method includes receiving, at a server, identifying information for a vehicle telematics device and receiving, at the server, information identifying an account to which the vehicle telematics device is to be associated. The method also includes authenticating the vehicle telematics device by finalizing an association between the vehicle telematics device and the account if data that is specified for authentication is received at the server from the vehicle telematics device and if that data is obtained by the vehicle telematics device within a time window that is specified for authentication.

Abstract: The invention is a system for interfacing mobile phones with an on-board diagnostic computer in a vehicle, wherein the on-board diagnostic computer monitors a set of operational characteristics of a vehicle. The information derived from this system will be processed on the mobile phone coupled with additional information and displayed on the mobile phones screen, while simultaneously transmitting this information over the internet to be stored in a database.

Abstract: A vehicle communication system includes a control unit in a vehicle, a vehicle data bus operable to transmit vehicle data to the control unit, and a mobile communication device having data network access. The mobile device has a self-contained mode in which the mobile communication device processes and displays the network data received via the data network and in which the control unit transmits the vehicle data to the mobile communication device. The mobile communication device also has an immersive mode in which the control unit processes the network data received via the data network and in which the control unit converts the vehicle data to audible speech and plays the audible speech in the vehicle.

Abstract: The specification and drawing figures describe and show a method and system of monitoring CANbus information across an integrated wireless equipment management system and a mobile wireless communications system. The CANbus, mounted in a vehicle, provides communication and diagnostic information among vehicle components that, because the CANbus also is operatively connectable to the integrated wireless equipment management system, may be transmitted across that system. The CANbus includes one or more original parameters associated with sensors that are converted into virtual sensors to provide selective vehicle information to a terminal of the integrated wireless equipment management system.

Abstract: A system and method for an automotive diagnostic server can provide a portable vehicle diagnostic tool to identify a failed vehicle component. It may also provide a remote information device to serve as a connecting intermediary between devices, and to allow remote control of the devices and to provide information to a user. A remote diagnostic device to analyze data and interpret information to aid the user in making, using, maintaining, and fixing a piece of equipment or product may also be included. Web server functionality may be incorporated into the portable vehicle diagnostic tool to allow dissemination of the diagnostic information resulting from the diagnostic testing, and the web server may be accessed by a web browser of the remote information device.

Abstract: An enhanced emergency notification system comprising a vehicle location device located in a vehicle, an emergency notification device located in the vehicle, a receiving/transmitting device, and an emergency responder receiving device. The vehicle location device is configured to provide data regarding a current location of the vehicle. The emergency notification device is configured to send a first signal upon a specified event, wherein the first signal includes information on the location of the vehicle obtained from the vehicle location device. The receiving/transmitting device is configured to directly receive the first signal from the emergency notification device and transmit a second signal within a range, wherein the second signal includes at least the same information as the first signal. The emergency responder receiving device is configured to directly receive the second signal from the receiving/transmitting device when within the range.

Abstract: A method of regulating data transmissions used with telematics-equipped vehicles. The steps include establishing a period of anticipated call center service outage, notifying a plurality of telematics units of the period of anticipated call center service outage, storing that outage information at the plurality of telematics units, and then when a call from the vehicle to the call center is desired during the service outage, the process implements a call handling procedure that delays most calls until the call center is available, but that provides alternative call solutions for urgent or occupant-placed calls. Once the call center is available, postponed calls can be staggered to avoid a large initial spike in calls received at the call center.

Abstract: A system for using at least one mobile terminal in a motor vehicle, such as a passenger automobile or a two-wheeled vehicle in particular, having the at least one mobile terminal and a communication interface between the motor vehicle and the mobile terminal is provided. A software version transmission device transmits a software version message indicating which sequence controllers and/or control unit data are stored and/or installed in one or more control units of the motor vehicle. The software version message is analyzed to ascertain whether the vehicle-external download device has one or more current sequence controllers and/or control unit data ready for downloading, which are downloaded via a communication link and stored in the mobile terminal. An updating device stores and/or installs the sequence controllers and/or control unit data stored in the mobile terminal in the at least one affected control unit.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the system of the invention automatically replicates a user's personal computing environment and provides associated remote server access using authentication credentials and data files supplied by a local handheld device as coordinated by session level software common to the handheld device, the replicated system, the system on which the replication occurs, and the remote servers. The application enables a handheld computing device to transfer a user's various online account credentials to a user's other computing devices securely and automatically. Thereafter the other computing device accesses a user's cloud-based storage and various on-line accounts and also pulls selected documents, bookmarks and related information directly from a user's handheld.

Abstract: An approach is provided for complementing various devices and/or instruments by utilizing augmented reality and providing an adaptive user interface to a user at a user device. A user device determines one or more information items associated with at least one instrument panel of at least one vehicle. Then the user device determines one or more representations of the one or more information items and causes, at least in part, a presentation of the one or more information items at the user device, wherein the user device may complement and/or may be substituted for the at least one instrument panel.

Abstract: Client devices periodically capture ambient audio waveforms, generate waveform fingerprints, and upload the fingerprints to a server for analysis. The server compares the waveforms to a database of stored waveform fingerprints, and upon finding a match, pushes content or other information to the client device. The fingerprints in the database may be uploaded by other users, and compared to the received client waveform fingerprint based on common location or other social factors. Thus a client's location may be enhanced if the location of users whose fingerprints match the client's is known. In particular embodiments, the server may instruct clients whose fingerprints partially match to capture waveform data at a particular time and duration for further analysis and increased match confidence.

Abstract: A system has a Link device coupled to an on-board diagnostics (OBD) system of a vehicle, the Link device enabled to monitor trouble codes presented by the OBD system, and having a port enabled to transmit to and receive from external devices, a mobile communication device, the device having a display screen, and an application (App) executing on the mobile communication device from a non-transitory medium. The Link device receives trouble codes from the vehicle OBD system and transmits them to either to the App or to an Internet-connected server, where the trouble codes are associated with the issues they represent, and wherein the App, having associated the trouble codes with the issues or having received the association data from the server, presents a display to the driver comprising at least the problem represented by the problem code and suggested action to correct the problem.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle state monitoring system in which, when a vehicle (2) has been in a driving stopped state for a reference duration or more, a message is sent to a contact address associated with a vehicular identifier of the vehicle (2). The timing for sending the message may be determined on the basis of an SOC level of a battery (23) identified from vehicle information or estimated on the basis of a length of a last driving duration identified from the vehicle information.

Abstract: A mobile communications device comprising a location sensing system, producing a location output; a memory, storing a set of locations and associated events; a telecommunications device, communicating event and location information between a remote system and said memory; and a processor, processing said location output in conjunction with said stored locations and associated events in said memory, to determine a priority thereof.

Abstract: A system for triggered request for downloaded information from a vehicle-based monitor comprises a transmitter, a receiver, and a processor. The processor is coupled to the transmitter and the receiver. The processor is configured to determine whether it is desired to receive one or more data from a vehicle-based monitor. In the event that it is desired to receive one or more data from the vehicle-based monitor, the processor is configured to provide an indication that it is desired to receive the one or more data from the vehicle-based monitor. The processor is configured to receive the one or more data.

Abstract: A system for testing a launch vehicle comprises a flight control section including flight electronics, and a non-flight test section coupled to the flight control section. The non-flight test section comprises a first control module in communication with the flight electronics, and a second control module that provides redundancy in communication with the flight electronics. A first network serial interface is coupled to the first control module and configured to provide communication to ground support equipment, and a second network serial interface is coupled to the second control module and configured to provide communication to the ground support equipment. Only one of the first and second control modules is selected at a given point in time to send data to the flight control section. When a non-flight hardware error occurs in the selected control module, the other control module is automatically selected to send data to the flight control section.

Abstract: Wireless communication takes place between a first computing device and an appliance having a data center including diagnostic data. A subset of the diagnostic data may be communicated to a first server using a communications network and in turn information associated with the subset of the diagnostic data may be communicated to a second server. The second server then provides feedback to the first server that may be at least partially communicated to the first computing device. Wireless communication may also take place between a second computing device and the appliance, the second computing device selectively receiving a different subset of the diagnostic data. Subsets of different diagnostic data from different computing devices may result in a larger subset of the diagnostic data.

Abstract: An in-vehicle mobile communication and routing apparatus for use with a taxi cab, public safety vehicle, delivery truck, fire truck, emergency vehicle, or any vehicle. Embodiments of the invention include a system incorporating the apparatus and a method for using the same. The mobile apparatus is attachable to a vehicle and includes a plurality of long-range transceivers communicatively coupled with one or more databases located remotely from the vehicle, and a plurality of short-range transceivers communicatively coupled with one or more devices external to the mobile apparatus and proximally located to the vehicle. An intelligent power supply is structured to monitor a battery condition of the vehicle and initiate a controlled shutdown of the mobile apparatus responsive to at least one of a timer countdown and a voltage threshold of a vehicle battery. Devices external to the mobile apparatus communicate with an in-vehicle processor and one or more remote databases.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate to systems, methods, and apparatus for providing marketing materials related to recommended service, maintenance, repair, and combinations thereof for a particular vehicle. In at least one implementation, a vehicle diagnostics monitor can read various parameters from the vehicle's OBD connection. The vehicle parameters then can be used to identify and recommend services and repairs to be performed on a vehicle as well as to provide marketing materials related to such services and repairs.

Abstract: In a first illustrative embodiment, a system includes a mobile device processor configured to communicate wirelessly with both a remote server and a vehicle computing system (VCS). The processor is further configured to query the VCS for a module version, relay the module version to a remote system and receive information relating to an updated module version and module. The processor is also configured to query the VCS for vehicle battery information, inform a user of battery sufficiency for a recommended installation of the updated module, and, responsive to a user instruction to proceed with installation, instruct the VCS to download and install the updated module.

Abstract: A data acquisition device includes a wired module configured to provide a wired connection to a vehicle for gathering vehicle data from the vehicle during operation of the vehicle. The data acquisition device is configured to be mounted inside the vehicle. The data acquisition device further includes short-range wireless communication module configured to wirelessly send the vehicle data in real-time to a portable wireless data transfer and display device in close proximity to the data acquisition device during operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for enabling an automotive module indicator in a wireless communication system comprising receiving a capability inquiry message from a wireless network; determining an information content for a capability message in response to the capability inquiry message; and transmitting the capability message to the wireless network. In one aspect, the apparatus and method comprising transmitting a capability inquiry message to a mobile device; and receiving a capability message from the mobile device in reply to the capability inquiry message, wherein the capability message includes an automotive indicator field to indicate presence or absence of an automotive module.

Abstract: An other vehicle information providing device, can be configured to assign priority to a plurality of other vehicle information inputted to the own vehicle and provides other vehicle information having high priority. The other vehicle information providing device includes a priority memory means for storing priority information. An information switching index value calculation means which predicts future priority after a lapse of a predetermined period based on the stored priority information, which can include latest priority and priority previous to the latest priority, and calculates an information switching index value based on the latest priority, the priority previous to the latest priority, the priority before the priority previous to the latest priority and the future priority. An information providing means provides other vehicle information based on the information switching index value.

Abstract: A system and method for alerting interested parties of component failure are provided. The system made up of a diagnostic tool for identifying a failed component, a reporting device for creating alerts, a routing device to ensure interested parties receive the proper alerts, and a memory to store information for associating parties with the alerts. Information is gathered to create an alert used to notify interested parties of instances of component failures. The alerts are routed to parties known to have an interest in the failure of the component. The system and method may provide information that allows for better planning and design of parts, greater availability to ensure a sufficient inventory of parts, more accurate diagnosis of issues, and more effective preventative maintenance.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a stable communication between a vehicle's on-board connectivity layer include at least one vehicle located communication node and at least one vehicle associatable communication node, and an off-board connectivity layer including at least one remote system located communication node, wherein each communication node communicates with at least one other communication node over a communication connection, and in case the communication connection to the at least one communication node is disturbed or interrupted, a communication connection to another communication node is established.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for remotely initiating a software trace on an avionics device operating on an aircraft is provided. The method includes at the avionics device, receiving one or more messages sent from a ground station over an aeronautical datalink to the aircraft, wherein the one or more messages conform to a protocol of the aeronautical datalink. The one or more messages are interpreted to identify any commands for the avionic device therein. If the one or more messages include one or more commands for tracing software on the avionic device, the software on the avionic device is traced in response to the one or more commands. Trace data obtained from tracing the software can be sent to a memory device for storage.

Abstract: A system for managing electrical power requirements between at least two power grids including a number of automotive vehicles each of which has an electric motor which propels the vehicle at least partly during its operation. An electric battery is contained in each vehicle as well as a wireless transmitter. A processor contained within each vehicle communicates with the wireless transmitter to transmit information to a base station indicative of the state of charge of the battery, vehicle identification information, and vehicle destination. The base station or upstream entity processes the data from the multiple vehicles to estimate the geographic power requirements necessary to recharge the batteries and then redirects power among at least two different power grids in order to meet those geographic power requirements.

Abstract: A vehicular diagnostic tool configured to interface with a plurality of vehicular computing systems that each utilize a different communications protocol. The tool includes a transceiver that itself includes a voltage threshold controller and a current threshold controller. Also, a method of using a single vehicular diagnostic tool to communicate with a plurality of vehicular computing systems that each utilize a different communications protocol.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for remote service evaluation and recommendation. The method includes obtaining owner authorization to access diagnostic data associated with an automobile for a trusted, owner-designated repair technician with whom the owner has a preexisting relationship and obtaining diagnostic data for the automobile. The method further includes transmitting, via a network connection, the diagnostic data to the owner-designated repair technician at a location remote from the automobile and receiving, via the network connection, a recommendation from the owner-designated repair technician based upon the diagnostic data, the recommendation including a recommended service and a time for completing the recommended service.

Abstract: A system for wireless process control comprises at least a first wireless network, which is used to communicate real-time instructions and data between one or more pieces of mobile equipment to at least one other piece of mobile equipment. In one variant, a second wireless network is provided, using a different radio frequency band, to concurrently communicate the same or substantially the same real-time instructions and data as are communicated over the first wireless network.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to distributed control of a platoon of vehicles with nonlinear dynamics. Distributed receding horizon control algorithms are presented to derive sufficient conditions that guarantee asymptotic stability, leader-follower string stability, and predecessor-follower string stability, following a step speed change in the platoon. Vehicles compute their own control in parallel, and receive communicated position and velocity error trajectories from their immediate predecessor. Leader-follower string stability requires additional communication from the lead car at each update, in the form of a position error trajectory. Communication from the lead car is required only once at initialization. Provided an initially feasible solution can be found, subsequent feasibility of the algorithms are guaranteed at every update. The theory is generalized for nonlinear decoupled dynamics, and is thus applicable to fleets of planes, robots, or boats, in addition to cars.

Abstract: Operation of the industrial vehicle is managed by devices onboard the vehicle. One such management device includes a portable memory device issued to a person authorized to operate the vehicle. The vehicle control system, by reading data from the portable memory device, determines whether the person is permitted to operate that particular industrial vehicle and if so enables that operation. Another management device transmits a data signal through a power line on the industrial vehicle and uses a magnetically permeable wire bead in a unique manner to negate a short circuit effect that a component has on the data signal transmission. A further management device includes a module to interface a data acquisition module, designed to connect to a communication network of one type of industrial vehicle, for use with other vehicles.

Abstract: A system and method for providing diagnostic assistance to a driver of a vehicle when calling a call center following a diagnostic warning being displayed on the vehicle instrument panel. Upon establishing the call, indicator data representative of the warning is automatically sent to the call center where it is used to select one or more diagnostic tests targeted to particular vehicle systems associated with the warning. The test is carried out at the vehicle and the resulting diagnostic data sent back to the call center. The call is then switched to an advisor at the call center and the received diagnostic data is used to aid the advisor in providing the diagnostic assistance to the driver.

Abstract: A system includes a database that stores an expert knowledgebase, and one or more servers configured to implement an expert system. The one or more servers receive sensor data associated with sensors from automobile maintenance systems associated with respective ones of multiple automobiles, and analyze the sensor data, using the expert system and the expert knowledgebase, to diagnose whether the multiple automobiles require maintenance and/or repair. The one or more servers send, via a network, results of the analysis of the sensor data to service stations for scheduling maintenance and/or repair of the multiple automobiles.

Abstract: A rental/car-share (RCS) vehicle access and management system and method, in some embodiments, utilizes barcodes, QR codes (or NFC/RFID), GPS, and a mobile app coupled with a wireless network to enable customers to bypass the reservation desk and pickup and drop off reserved RCS vehicles using a mobile phone, tablet or laptop. The QR code, RFID, or NFC communication with the mobile application allows for identification of the vehicle by a mobile application, which, if authorized, can access the vehicle via a temporary access code issued by remote servers. The remote servers and/or mobile application communicates with a control module that plugs into the on-board diagnostics module of the rental/car-share (RCS) vehicle and includes a host processing unit with a processor, an accelerometer, data storage, a GPS with internal GPS antenna; a wireless modem with internal antenna, and CAN bus transceivers connected with the processor, and a USB programmable interface.

Abstract: A method for conducting a vehicle-related survey that gathers information regarding a specific area of interest from a vehicle user or vehicle hardware. In general, this method utilizes vehicle data to generate a survey having a variety of questions and instructions that are generally directed towards the area of interest. The instructions can be designed to place the vehicle into a predetermined configuration in an attempt to recreate a known vehicle problem or condition. Once the survey is generated, it is wirelessly sent from a call center or other remote facility to one or more vehicles over a wireless carrier system, and is then presented to the vehicle user. The responses provided can be stored locally, sent back to the call center for further analysis, or processed in a variety of different ways to find out more information regarding the area of interest.

Abstract: An in-vehicle device includes a storage unit storing a PIN code and an in-vehicle device ID kept confidential for a user and registered one for each vehicle; a first authentication unit determining whether the in-vehicle device is allowed to be connected to a mobile terminal on the basis of a comparison of the PIN code; a second authentication unit requesting an in-vehicle device ID from the mobile terminal that has been connected through authentication performed by the first authentication unit and authenticating the mobile terminal by comparing the in-vehicle device ID transmitted from the mobile terminal in response to the request with the in-vehicle device ID registered in the in-vehicle device; and a data transmission unit transmitting predetermined vehicle data, obtained from a vehicle equipped with the in-vehicle device and indicating a vehicle state, to the mobile terminal that has been authenticated by the second authentication unit.

Abstract: A system for updating a charge station database including information about charge station location and/or characteristic by determining and verifying charge station location and characteristics after a vehicle connects to a charging station. The vehicle determines (probes) the charge station location based upon the location of the vehicle while connected to the charging station. This location information is transmitted by the vehicle to a central database.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the communication of vehicle data, diagnostics and related information with a network remote from the vehicle, and more particularly to communications and storage of vehicle data in the cloud. In one or more preferred embodiments, vehicle information is securely gathered from a vehicle, processed in accordance with instructions and a profile set remotely, and stored at a remote data store, where remote access to such information can be accommodated through applications, smartphones and other remote devices.

Abstract: A cooperative diagnostic and prognosis system for generating a prognosis of at least one component in a vehicle. An in-vehicle diagnostic unit determines a diagnostic signature of the component each time an occurrence of a condition is triggered and transmits the diagnostic signature to an off-board diagnostic unit. The off-vehicle diagnostic unit determines a SOH of the component and a rate-of-change in the SOH of the component. The off-vehicle diagnostic unit determines whether the rate-of-change in the SOH is greater than a threshold. The off-vehicle diagnostic unit requests additional information from the vehicle in response to the rate-of-change in the SOH being greater than the threshold. The additional information relating to operating parameter data associated with the component. The off-vehicle diagnostic unit receives the requested information and predicts a time-to-failure of the component.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for driver performance assessment and improvement. The systems and methods may be: active for warning purposes only; passive for monitoring purposes only; and active and passive. Any of the foregoing system and methods may be cooperative as well.

Abstract: Techniques for providing localized power infrastructure and data infrastructure are disclosed. A transportable system for providing localized power infrastructure and data infrastructure can include: a data network service engine configured to function as a local data network service provider; a power generation engine configured to function as a local power service provider that generates and distributes power locally; a deployment engine configured to assist in deploying one or more components of the transportable system; and a maintenance engine configured to maintain operation and security of the transportable system. In some embodiments, multiple transportable systems can be deployed and then centrally monitored or controlled as a single, utility system and/or a single data delivery infrastructure.