PC-BASED AUTOMOBILE OWNER'S MANUAL, DIAGNOSTICS, AND AUTO CARE

• US 20080027603A1
• Filed: 10/08/2007
• Published: 01/31/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 06/21/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Kelan Silvester
• Original Assignee: Kelan Silvester
• Inventors: SILVESTER, Kelan
• Granted Patent: US 7,715,959 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/29
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/161 Explanation of functions, e.g. instructions
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/28 characterised by the type of the output information, e.g. video entertainment or vehicle dynamics information; characterised by the purpose of the output information, e.g. for attracting the attention of the driver
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 16/0232 for measuring vehicle parameters and indicating critical, abnormal or dangerous conditions

Abstract

A computer built into an automobile displays the owner'"'"'s manual for the car. The user requests more information about the automobile through the computer, and the additional information is displayed to the user. Information may include a description of a specific function or device of the car, service history, and/or real time status of a component of the car.

Claims

1. An automobile, comprising:

a part in the automobile;

a sensor operative to generate real-time data about the part in the automobile; and

a computer in the automobile operative to receive the real-time data from the sensor and send a message to a device if the real-time data indicates that the part is operating improperly.

2. An automobile according to claim 1, wherein the device includes a second computer.

3. An automobile according to claim 1, further comprising a docking station to which the device can be connected.

4. An automobile according to claim 1, wherein the computer includes a wireless transmitter operative to transmit the message to the device wirelessly.

5. A method for monitoring diagnostics in an automobile, comprising:

sensing a value for a part in the automobile;

receiving the value by a computer built into the automobile;

comparing the value to a valid range for the part by the computer; and

issuing a message to a device if the value is outside the valid range.

6. A method according to claim 5, wherein issuing a message includes issuing a message to a second computer if the value is outside the valid range.

7. A method according to claim 5, wherein comparing the value includes receiving the valid range from a user.

8. A method according to claim 5, wherein issuing a message includes sending an electronic message to the device.

9. A method according to claim 5, wherein issuing a message includes adding an appointment to a calendar in the device.

10. A method according to claim 5, wherein issuing a message includes displaying the message on a display of the device.

11. A method according to claim 5, wherein issuing a message includes issuing the message to the device via a docking station.

12. A method according to claim 5, wherein issuing a message includes wirelessly transmitting the message to the device.

13. An article comprising:

a storage medium, said storage medium having stored thereon instructions, that, when executed by a computer built into an automobile, result in;

sensing a value for a part in the automobile;

receiving the value by a computer built into the automobile;

comparing the value to a valid range for the part by the computer; and

issuing a message to a device if the value is outside the valid range.

14. An article according to claim 13, wherein issuing a message includes sending an electronic message to the device.

15. An article according to claim 13, wherein issuing a message includes adding an appointment to a calendar in the device.