AUTOMATED, TARGETED DIAGNOSTIC PROBE USING A VEHICLE TELEMATICS UNIT
First Claim
1. A method of supplying data for use in providing diagnostic assistance to a vehicle, comprising the steps of:
- obtaining indicator data representative of vehicle diagnostic information that is presented via a vehicle instrument panel;
placing an occupant-initiated call to a call center using a telematics unit installed in the vehicle; and
transmitting the indicator data via the call once it is established with the call center.
14 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
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.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A method of supplying data for use in providing diagnostic assistance to a vehicle, comprising the steps of:
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obtaining indicator data representative of vehicle diagnostic information that is presented via a vehicle instrument panel; placing an occupant-initiated call to a call center using a telematics unit installed in the vehicle; and transmitting the indicator data via the call once it is established with the call center. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method of processing a call received at a call center to provide diagnostic assistance to a vehicle, comprising the steps of:
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(a) receiving a call from a vehicle telematics unit; (b) receiving data from the telematics unit via the call; (c) processing the received data and identifying from it indicator data representative of vehicle diagnostic information that is presented via the vehicle'"'"'s instrument panel; (d) selecting a diagnostic test for one or more specific vehicle modules based on the indicator data; and (e) transmitting a command to the vehicle telematics unit that initiates the diagnostic test on the specific vehicle module(s). - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method of providing diagnostic assistance to a vehicle, comprising the steps of:
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(a) obtaining indicator data representative of an illuminated warning light displayed on a vehicle instrument panel; (b) placing an occupant-initiated call to a call center using a telematics unit installed in the vehicle; (c) entering a data mode with the call center when the call is established between the telematics unit and call center and then carrying out the following steps (c1)-(c6); (c1) transmitting the indicator data to the call center via the call; (c2) identifying a diagnostic test for one or more specific vehicle modules using the indicator data; and (c3) transmitting a command to the vehicle telematics unit that initiates the diagnostic test on the vehicle module(s); (c4) carrying out the diagnostic test at the vehicle on the vehicle module(s); (c5) obtaining diagnostic data resulting from the diagnostic test; and (c6) sending the diagnostic data to the call center; (d) switching from the data mode to a voice mode with the call center and carrying out the following steps (d1)-(d2); (d1) transferring the call to an advisor at the call center; and (d2) providing diagnostic assistance to the vehicle occupant using the diagnostic data. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16)
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Specification