Vehicle Communications

• US 20130211623A1
• Filed: 05/25/2011
• Published: 08/15/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 05/25/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Jaguar Cars Limited (TATA Motors Limited)
• Original Assignee: Jaguar Cars Limited (TATA Motors Limited)
• Inventors: Pickering, Carl, Thompson, Simon, Thomas, Peter
• Granted Patent: US 9,251,631 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/2
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 1/003 to auxiliary motors, e.g. for pumps, compressors
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2210/30 AC to DC converters
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2210/40 DC to AC converters
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/28 Door position
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/34 Cabin temperature
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/547 Voltage
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/549 Current
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/622 by satellite navigation
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/70 Interactions with external data bases, e.g. traffic centres
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/80 Time limits
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2250/10 by alarm
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2250/16 by display
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2260/52 drive range estimation, e.g. of estimation of available travel distance
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 3/0069 relating to the isolation, e.g. ground fault or leak current
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 3/04 Cutting off the power supply under fault conditions protective devices and circuit arrangements in general H01H; H02H
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 50/16 with provision for separate direct mechanical propulsion
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 50/51 characterised by AC-motors
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/65 involving identification of vehicles or their battery types
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 58/12 responding to state of charge [SoC]
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 58/20 having different nominal voltages
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 16/023 : for transmission of signals between vehicle parts or subsystems
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/01 : operating on vehicle systems or fittings, e.g. on doors, seats or windscreens
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00507 : keyless data carrier having more than one function
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2209/62 : Comprising means for indicating the status of the lock
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/008 : communicating information to a remotely located station transmission systems for measured values G08C
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/08 : Registering or indicating performance data other than driving, working, idle, or waiting time, with or without registering driving, working, idle or waiting time
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/0816 : Indicating performance data, e.g. occurrence of a malfunction
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/0841 : Registering performance data recording measured values G01D; information storage G11B
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00309 : operated with bidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/226 : Delivery according to priorities
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/12 : specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/70 : Energy storage systems for electromobility, e.g. batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/7072 : Electromobility specific charging systems or methods for batteries, ultracapacitors, supercapacitors or double-layer capacitors
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/72 : Electric energy management in electromobility
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/12 : Electric charging stations
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/14 : Plug-in electric vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/16 : Information or communication technologies improving the operation of electric vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/167 : Systems integrating technologies related to power network operation and communication or information technologies for supporting the interoperability of electric or hybrid vehicles, i.e. smartgrids as interface for battery charging of electric vehicles [EV] or hybrid vehicles [HEV]
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 30/14 : Details associated with the interoperability, e.g. vehicle recognition, authentication, identification or billing

Abstract

A method and apparatus 10 for interacting remotely with a vehicle 12 comprising data transfer means 22 for wirelessly communicating messages between a mobile communications device 18 operable by a user and a vehicle databus 24 located within the vehicle 12. Optionally, the data transfer means 22 is arranged to wirelessly communicate with the mobile communications device 18 via a web server 14, a web portal or other internet-connected host system. The data transfer means 22 may be arranged to wirelessly communicate with the web portal via a GSM or other cellular communications network 13. After the vehicle engine has stopped, communication of messages may continue on an intermittent basis, or may be suspended after a predetermined time has elapsed or when the vehicle battery voltage reaches a predetermined threshold. High priority messages may be communicated at any time after the vehicle engine has stopped.

Claims

1. A system (10) for monitoring and/or controlling a vehicle (12) comprising:

data transfer means (22) for receiving data signals transmitted on a vehicle data bus (24) relating to the status and/or operation of one or more vehicle systems or devices; and

communication means (30) for wirelessly transmitting information relating to one or more of said received data signals to a mobile communications device (18) for display to a user.

2. A system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communication means (30) is arranged to transmit the information relating to the one or more received data signals to the mobile communications device (18) via a web server, web portal or other internet-connected host system (14).

3. A system (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the communication means is arranged to communicate with the web portal via a GSM or other cellular communications network (13).

4. A system (10) as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the web portal is arranged to communicate with the mobile communications device via a GSM or other cellular communications network (13).

5. A system (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the data transfer means (22) is arranged to generate data signals for transmission onto the vehicle data bus (24) for controlling one or more vehicle systems, functions or devices.

6. A system (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the data transfer means (22) is arranged to receive the data signals from the data bus (24) and convert the data signals into data messages corresponding to the data signals for transmission by the communication means (30).

7. A system (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the data transfer means (22) is arranged to encrypt the data messages before transmission by the communication means (30).

8. A system (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the vehicle bus (24) is a CAN bus and wherein the data transfer means (22) is arranged to receive CAN messages transmitted onto the CAN bus by vehicle systems or subsystems and to store said messages in a memory (34).

9. A system (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the mobile communications device (18) comprise a software program, application or graphical user interface for displaying to the user information relating to the status and/or operation of the vehicle based on the received information.

10. A system (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the information is transmitted in the form of an email, SMS message, VOIP message, telephone call or data alert.

11. A system (10) as claimed in any of claims 2-10, wherein the web portal (14) is arranged to receive control messages from the mobile communications device (18) and to transmit said control message to the communication means (30).

12. A system (10) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the communication means (30) is arranged to receive control messages from the web portal (14) and wherein the data transfer means (22) is arranged to convert the received control messages into data signals and transmit the same onto the data bus (24) for controlling one or more vehicle systems, functions or devices.

13. A system (10) for controlling a vehicle (12) comprising:

communication means (30) for wirelessly receiving a control message sent by a user from a wireless communications device (18); and

data transfer means (22) arranged for converting the received control message into a data signal and to transmit said data signal onto a vehicle data (24) bus for controlling one or more vehicle systems, functions or devices.

14. A system (10) as claimed in claim 13 wherein the mobile communications device (18) is arranged to transmit the control message to the communications means (30) via a web server, web portal or other internet-connected host system (14).

15. A system (10) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the mobile communications device (18) is arranged to communicate with the web portal (14) via a GSM or other cellular communications network (13).

16. A system (10) as claimed in claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the web portal (14) is arranged to communicate with the communication means (30) via a GSM or other cellular communications network (13).

17. A system (10) as claimed in any of claims 13-16 wherein the data transfer means (22) is arranged to receive a data signal relating to the status and/or operation of one or more vehicle systems or devices from the vehicle databus (24) and to convert the data signal into a corresponding data message;

and wherein the communications means (30) is arranged to wirelessly transmit said corresponding data message to the wireless communications device (18) for display to the user.

18. A system (10) as claimed in any of claims 13-17 wherein at least one of the control message and the data message comprises an email, an SMS message, a VOIP message, a telephone call or a data alert.

19. A system (10) as claimed in claim 17 or 18 wherein the data transfer means (22) and the communications means (30) are arranged to transmit a corresponding data message comprising a plurality of vehicle status parameters when the vehicle engine is stopped.

20. A system (10) according to any of claims 17-19 wherein the corresponding data message includes information relating to any of vehicle climate, vehicle cabin temperature, exterior temperature, air-conditioning status, seat heater status, screen demister status, steering wheel heater status, vehicle security state, vehicle location, door status, bonnet status, tailgate status, alarm status, immobiliser status, vehicle position, amount of fuel used during journey, fuel economy attained, time at idle, time at optimum speed, route start and end points, distance travelled, route taken, time of journey, average speed, maximum speed attained, odometer reading, fluid level status such as oil level, fuel level, washer fluid level, coolant level, vehicle battery voltage, coolant temperature, vehicle lock status, vehicle door status, tyre pressure status, exterior lamp status.

21. A system (10) as claimed in any of claims 17-20 wherein, after the vehicle engine is stopped, transmission of data messages and reception of control messages by the communications means (30) is suspended when the vehicle battery voltage reaches a predetermined threshold.

22. A system (10) as claimed in any of claims 17-21 wherein transmission of data messages and reception of control messages by the communications means (30) is suspended after a first predetermined period after the vehicle engine is stopped.

23. A system (10) as claimed in claim 22 wherein transmission of data messages and reception of control messages by the communications means (30) continues intermittently for a second predetermined period after the first predetermined period has elapsed.

24. A system (10) as claimed in any of claims 21-23 wherein the communications means (30) is responsive to transmit data messages having a high priority at any time after the vehicle engine has stopped.

25. A system (10) as claimed in any of claims 17-24 wherein the communications means (30) is operated intermittently to transmit data messages and receive control messages based on historical usage thereof by the user.

26. A method of interacting remotely with a vehicle (12) comprising performing at least one of the steps of;

a) sending a control message remotely from a user to a transceiver (30) located within the vehicle (12), translating the control message into a corresponding control data signal and transmitting said control data signal onto a vehicle data bus (24) located within the vehicle (12) and controlling at least one of a vehicle system, vehicle function or vehicle device, thereby, and

b) receiving a status signal relating to status or operation of one or more vehicle systems or devices from a vehicle databus (24) located within the vehicle (12), converting the received data signal into a data message and wirelessly communicating the status message from a transceiver (30) located within the vehicle (12) to a remote user.

27. A method as claimed in claim 26 wherein the transceiver (30) is arranged to communicate with a mobile communications device (18).

28. A method as claimed in claim 27 wherein the transceiver (30) is arranged to communicate with the mobile communications device (18) via a web server, a web portal or other internet-connected host system (14).

29. A method as claimed in claim 28 wherein at least one of the mobile communications device (18) and the transceiver (30) is arranged to communicate with the web portal (14) via a GSM or other cellular communications network (13).

30. A method as claimed in any of claims 26-29 comprising the steps of measuring the vehicle battery voltage level after the vehicle engine has stopped and suspending transmission of data messages and reception of control messages by the transceiver (30) when the measured vehicle battery voltage reaches a predetermined threshold.

31. A method as claimed in any of claims 26-30 comprising the steps of measuring time after the vehicle engine has stopped and suspending transmission of data messages and reception of control messages by the transceiver (30) after a first predetermined period of time has elapsed.

32. A method as claimed in claim 31 comprising the steps of measuring time after the end of the first predetermined period of time has elapsed and intermittently transmitting data messages or receiving control messages by the transceiver (30) for a second predetermined period of time after the first predetermined period of time has elapsed.

33. A method as claimed in any of claims 30-32 comprising the step of transmitting data messages having a high priority from the transceiver at any time after the vehicle engine has stopped.

34. A method as claimed in any of claims 30-33 comprising the step of operating the transceiver (30) intermittently to transmit data messages and receive control messages based on historical usage thereof by the user.

35. An apparatus (20) for interacting remotely with a vehicle (12), said apparatus comprising data transfer means (22) for wirelessly communicating messages between a mobile communications device (18) operable by a user and a vehicle databus (24) located within the vehicle.

36. An apparatus (20) as claimed in claim 35 wherein the data transfer means (22) is arranged to wirelessly communicate with the mobile communications device (18) via a web server, a web portal or other internet-connected host system (14).

37. An apparatus (20) as claimed in claim 36 wherein the data transfer means (22) is arranged to wirelessly communicate with the web portal (14) via a GSM or other cellular communications network (13).

38. An apparatus (20) as claimed in claim 37 wherein the data transfer means (22) comprises a look-up table (34) of vehicle databus signals cross-referenced against the messages.

39. An apparatus (20) as claimed in any of claims 35-38 wherein the data transfer means (22) is arranged to receive vehicle databus signals, to convert the received databus signals into messages comprising corresponding data messages and to wirelessly communicate the data message to the mobile communications device (18).

40. An apparatus (20) as claimed in any of claims 35-38 wherein the data transfer means (22) is arranged to receive a message comprising a control message remotely from the mobile communications device (18), to convert the control message into a corresponding control databus signal, and to transmit said control databus signal onto a vehicle data bus (24) using a databus controller (28).

41. An apparatus (20) as claimed in claim 39 or 40 wherein the corresponding data message comprises a format which is reconfigurable by the user.

42. An apparatus (20) as claimed in any of claims 39-41 wherein at least one of the control message and the corresponding data message comprises an email, an SMS message, a VOIP message, a telephone call or a data alert.

43. An apparatus (20) as claimed in any of claims 39-42 wherein the data transfer means (22) is arranged to transmit the corresponding data message at a time selectable by the user.

44. An apparatus (20) as claimed in any of claims 39-43 wherein the data transfer means (22) is arranged to transmit a corresponding data message comprising a plurality of vehicle status parameters when the vehicle engine is stopped.

45. An apparatus (20) as claimed in any of claims 39-44 wherein the corresponding data message includes information relating to at least one of vehicle climate, vehicle cabin temperature, exterior temperature, air-conditioning status, seat heater status, screen demister status, steering wheel heater status, vehicle security state, vehicle location, door status, bonnet status, tailgate status, alarm status, immobiliser status, vehicle position, amount of fuel used during journey, fuel economy attained, time at idle, time at optimum speed, route start and end points, distance travelled, route taken, time of journey, average speed, maximum speed attained, odometer reading, fluid level status such as oil level, fuel level, washer fluid level, coolant level, vehicle battery voltage, coolant temperature, vehicle lock status, vehicle door status, tyre pressure status, exterior lamp status.

46. An apparatus (20) as claimed in claim 45 wherein the information included in the corresponding data message is selectable by the user.

47. An apparatus (20) as claimed in any claims 39-46 wherein, after the vehicle engine is stopped, transmission of corresponding data messages and reception of control messages by the data transfer means (22) is suspended when the vehicle battery voltage reaches a predetermined threshold.

48. An apparatus (20) as claimed in any of claims 39-47 wherein transmission of corresponding data messages and reception of control messages by the data transfer means (22) is suspended after a first predetermined period after the vehicle engine is stopped.

49. An apparatus (20) as claimed in claim 48 wherein transmission of corresponding data messages and reception of control messages by the data transfer means (22) continues intermittently for a second predetermined period after the first predetermined period has elapsed.

50. An apparatus (20) as claimed in any of claims 39-49 wherein the transfer means (22) is responsive to transmit data messages having a high priority at any time after the vehicle engine has stopped.

51. An apparatus (20) as claimed in any of claims 39-50 wherein the data transfer means (22) is operated intermittently to transmit corresponding data messages and receive control messages based on historical usage thereof by the user.

52. A vehicle (12) having an apparatus according to any of claims 35-51 for interacting remotely therewith.

53. A system or apparatus for monitoring and/or controlling a vehicle comprising:

a data transfer device configured to receive data signals transmitted on a vehicle data bus relating to the status and/or operation of one or more vehicle systems or devices and to wirelessly transmit information relating to one or more of said received data signals to a mobile communications device for display to a user.