Land vehicle communications system and process for providing information and coordinating vehicle activities
First Claim
1. A process for an off board communication network for detecting and correcting a fault in a mobile vehicle having an engine engaged to a transmission engaged to a drive train for driving an axle with wheels, the vehicle having an internal communication backbone to which electronic controllers of the vehicle are electrically engaged, the electronic controllers monitoring certain vehicle components and the vehicle in contact with the off board communication network through communication means engaged to the internal communication network, comprising the steps of:
- receiving an indication of an abnormal condition in a monitored vehicle component from an electronic controller on the mobile vehicle through the vehicle internal communication network and the communication means;
comparing the indication of an abnormal condition with the vehicle component'"'"'s manufacturers'"'"' expected parameters in a data management system, and finding a significant difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters, performing the further steps of;
determining the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters;
determining the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters;
searching a ground support network for potential vehicle service providers that have both the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters and an available service bay to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters;
querying the vehicle through the communication means and receiving the location of the vehicle back from the vehicle;
querying the data management system to determine and receiving a closest by time traveled potential vehicle service provider from the potential vehicle service providers to the vehicle;
querying the data management system for and receiving driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service; and
providing the driving directions for the vehicle through the communication means to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service to the vehicle;
comparing the indication of the abnormal condition with a specific history of the vehicle component stored in the data management system and finding a significant difference from the specific history of the vehicle component, performing the further steps of;
determining the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component;
determining the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component;
searching a ground support network for potential vehicle service providers that have both the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component and an available service bay to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component;
querying the vehicle through the communication means and receiving the location of the vehicle back from the vehicle;
querying the data management system to determine and receiving a closest by time traveled potential vehicle service provider from the potential vehicle service providers to the vehicle;
querying the data management system for and receiving driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service; and
providing the driving directions for the vehicle through the communication means to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service to the vehicle; and
comparing the indication of an abnormal condition with the vehicle component'"'"'s manufacturers'"'"' expected parameters in a data management system, and comparing the indication of the abnormal condition with a specific history of the vehicle component stored in the data management system, and finding no significant difference from the specific history of the vehicle component, and finding no significant difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters, performing the further step of recording the indication of an abnormal condition in the data management system.
9 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A communication system architecture (SA) for a vehicle which may be integrated into the vehicle'"'"'s multiplexed electronic component communication system, and a process for communicating with the vehicle to provide information for and about the vehicle'"'"'s operational status and coordinating the vehicle'"'"'s activities. The communication system will include a multi-functional antenna system for the vehicle that will have the capability to receive AM/FM radio and television signals, and transmit and receive citizens band (CB) radio signals, satellite and microwave and cellular phone communications. The antenna may be installed as original equipment or as a back-fit part in the after-market. In either case the multi-functional antenna will be integrated with the vehicle'"'"'s multiplexed electronic component communication system. The process for communicating with the vehicle will involve a communication service for which the vehicle'"'"'s driver will enroll for and service will continue so long as maintenance fees are paid. The service will be capable of providing various levels of information transfer and coordination. The levels may include vehicle information such as (1) the need for servicing and location of the nearest service center with the necessary parts in stock, (2) routing, and (3) load brokering and coordination. The modular design of the system architecture (SA) will allow it to be employed with the vehicle platform that does not possess a full multiplexed electronic component communications system. The resulting vehicle, using an after-market application package, will be able to participate in some of the services.
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Citations
87 Claims
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1. A process for an off board communication network for detecting and correcting a fault in a mobile vehicle having an engine engaged to a transmission engaged to a drive train for driving an axle with wheels, the vehicle having an internal communication backbone to which electronic controllers of the vehicle are electrically engaged, the electronic controllers monitoring certain vehicle components and the vehicle in contact with the off board communication network through communication means engaged to the internal communication network, comprising the steps of:
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receiving an indication of an abnormal condition in a monitored vehicle component from an electronic controller on the mobile vehicle through the vehicle internal communication network and the communication means;
comparing the indication of an abnormal condition with the vehicle component'"'"'s manufacturers'"'"' expected parameters in a data management system, and finding a significant difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters, performing the further steps of;
determining the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters;
determining the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters;
searching a ground support network for potential vehicle service providers that have both the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters and an available service bay to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters;
querying the vehicle through the communication means and receiving the location of the vehicle back from the vehicle;
querying the data management system to determine and receiving a closest by time traveled potential vehicle service provider from the potential vehicle service providers to the vehicle;
querying the data management system for and receiving driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service; and
providing the driving directions for the vehicle through the communication means to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service to the vehicle;
comparing the indication of the abnormal condition with a specific history of the vehicle component stored in the data management system and finding a significant difference from the specific history of the vehicle component, performing the further steps of;
determining the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component;
determining the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component;
searching a ground support network for potential vehicle service providers that have both the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component and an available service bay to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component;
querying the vehicle through the communication means and receiving the location of the vehicle back from the vehicle;
querying the data management system to determine and receiving a closest by time traveled potential vehicle service provider from the potential vehicle service providers to the vehicle;
querying the data management system for and receiving driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service; and
providing the driving directions for the vehicle through the communication means to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service to the vehicle; and
comparing the indication of an abnormal condition with the vehicle component'"'"'s manufacturers'"'"' expected parameters in a data management system, and comparing the indication of the abnormal condition with a specific history of the vehicle component stored in the data management system, and finding no significant difference from the specific history of the vehicle component, and finding no significant difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters, performing the further step of recording the indication of an abnormal condition in the data management system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22)
transmitting a notice to the vehicle for a driver of the vehicle of the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters before the step of providing the driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service to the vehicle.
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3. The process of claim 1, wherein:
transmitting a notice to the vehicle for a driver of the vehicle of the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component before the step of providing the driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service to the vehicle.
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4. The process of claim 2, wherein following the step querying the data management system for and receiving driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service, the additional steps of:
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querying the data management system for any cargo being transported by the vehicle;
arranging an alternative vehicle to transport the cargo; and
arranging a rendezvous between the vehicle and the alternative vehicle to transfer the cargo.
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5. The process of claim 3, wherein following the step querying the data management system for and receiving driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service, the additional steps of:
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querying the data management system for any cargo being transported by the vehicle;
arranging an alternative vehicle to transport the cargo; and
arranging a rendezvous between the vehicle and the alternative vehicle to transfer the cargo.
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6. The process of claim 4, wherein said step of arranging an alternative vehicle to transport the cargo, comprises the steps of:
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providing a brokerage management system with a description of the cargo, a current location of the cargo, and a final destination of the cargo; and
receiving identifying information of an alternative vehicle to transport the cargo.
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7. The process of claim 6, wherein said step of arranging a rendezvous between the vehicle and the alternative vehicle to transfer the cargo, comprises the steps of:
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querying and receiving a location of the alternative vehicle;
querying the data management system for and receiving driving directions for the alternative vehicle for the fastest by time traveled route to rendezvous with the vehicle to transfer the cargo;
transmitting the fastest by time traveled route to rendezvous with the vehicle to transfer the cargo to the alternative vehicle; and
transmitting the cargo transfer rendezvous information to the vehicle.
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8. The process of claim 5, wherein said step of arranging an alternative vehicle to transport the cargo, comprises the steps of:
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providing a brokerage management system with a description of the cargo, a current location of the cargo, and a final destination of the cargo; and
receiving identifying information of an alternative vehicle to transport the cargo.
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9. The process of claim 8, wherein said step of arranging a rendezvous between the vehicle and the alternative vehicle to transfer the cargo, comprises the steps of:
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querying and receiving a location of the alternative vehicle;
querying the data management system for and receiving driving directions for the alternative vehicle for the fastest by time traveled route to rendezvous with the vehicle to transfer the cargo;
transmitting the fastest by time traveled route to rendezvous with the vehicle to transfer the cargo to the alternative vehicle; and
transmitting the cargo transfer rendezvous information to the vehicle.
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15. The process of claim 1, wherein said step of determining the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters includes the steps of:
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determining the need for further clarifying information from the vehicle;
querying the vehicle through the communication means for the further clarifying information; and
receiving the clarifying information from the vehicle through the communication means.
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16. The process of claim 1, wherein said step of determining the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component includes the steps of:
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determining the need for further clarifying information from the vehicle;
querying the vehicle through the communication means for the further clarifying information; and
receiving the clarifying information from the vehicle through the communication means.
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18. The process of claim 1, wherein:
the indication of an abnormal condition is received from an engine electronic control module.
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20. The process of claim 1, wherein:
the indication of an abnormal condition is received from a transmission electronic control module.
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22. The process of claim 1, wherein:
the indication of an abnormal condition is received from an anti-lock brake electronic control module.
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10. A process for an off board communication network for detecting and correcting a fault in a mobile vehicle having an engine engaged to a transmission engaged to a drive train for driving an axle with wheels, the vehicle having an internal communication backbone to which electronic controllers of the vehicle are electrically engaged, the electronic controllers monitoring certain vehicle components and the vehicle in contact with the off board communication network through communication means engaged to the internal communication network, comprising the steps of:
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receiving an indication of an abnormal condition in a monitored vehicle component from the mobile vehicle through the vehicle internal communication network and the communication means;
comparing the indication of an abnormal condition with an expected condition stored in a data management system, and finding a significant difference from the expected condition, performing the further steps of;
determining the need for further action for the vehicle;
transmitting instructions for further action to the vehicle through the communication means;
comparing the indication of an abnormal condition with the expected condition stored in a data management system, and finding no significant difference from the expected condition, performing the further step of recording the indication of an abnormal condition in the data management system; and
wherein said step of determining the need for further action for the vehicle includes the steps of;
determining parts required to effect a repair of the abnormal condition; and
determining a closest location of the repair parts to the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 19, 21, 23)
providing instructions to the vehicle on how and where to obtain the parts.
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12. The process of claim 10, wherein said step of determining the need for further action for the vehicle includes the steps of:
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locating an alternative vehicle to transport a cargo carried by the vehicle;
determining a rendezvous location to transfer the cargo from the vehicle to the alternative vehicle; and
notifying the alternative vehicle of the rendezvous location.
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13. The process of claim 12, wherein said step of determining the need for further action for the vehicle further includes the steps of:
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determining a fastest by time traveled route between the alternative vehicle and the vehicle; and
transmitting the fastest by time traveled route between the alternative vehicle and the vehicle to the alternative vehicle.
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14. The process of claim 13, wherein said step of transmitting instructions for further action to the vehicle through the communication means includes the step of:
providing instructions to the vehicle on how and where to effect the transfer of transfer the cargo from the vehicle to the alternative vehicle.
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17. The process of claim 10, wherein said step of determining the need for further action for the vehicle includes the steps of:
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determining the need for further clarifying information from the vehicle;
querying the vehicle through the communication means for the further clarifying information; and
receiving the clarifying information from the vehicle through the communication means.
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19. The process of claim 10, wherein:
the indication of an abnormal condition is received from an engine electronic control module.
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21. The process of claim 10, wherein:
the indication of an abnormal condition is received from a transmission electronic control module.
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23. The process of claim 10, wherein:
the indication of an abnormal condition is received from an anti-lock brake electronic control module.
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24. A mobile vehicle for communicating with an off board communication network, comprised of:
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an engine engaged to a transmission engaged to a drive train for driving an axle with wheels;
an internal multiplexed communication backbone allowing communication between electronic components using Society of Automotive Engineers standard communication protocols and to which electronic controllers are electrically engaged;
said electronic controllers monitoring certain vehicle components;
a lead electronic controller programmed for monitoring said certain vehicle components through said electronic controllers;
said lead electronic controller programmed for communication with the off board communication network through communication means engaged to said internal communication backbone;
said lead electronic controller programmed for transmitting an indication of an abnormal condition in one of said monitored vehicle components to the off board communication network through the vehicle internal communication backbone and the communication means;
said lead electronic controller programmed for receiving instructions for action to address the abnormal condition from the off board network through the communication means; and
said lead electronic controller programmed for notifying a driver of the vehicle of driver actions of the received instructions from the off board network. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
said lead controller is programmed for receiving a query for additional information from the off board network related to the abnormal condition;
said lead controller is programmed for obtaining the additional queried information about the abnormal condition through the internal communication backbone without driver intervention; and
said lead controller is programmed for transmitting the additional queried information to the off board communication network through the vehicle internal communication backbone and the communication means without driver intervention.
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26. The vehicle of claim 24, wherein:
the instructions said lead electronic controller is programmed for receiving for action to address the abnormal condition from the off board network includes a closest location of the repair parts to correct the abnormal condition and directions to the closest location.
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27. The vehicle of claim 24, wherein:
the indication of an abnormal condition said lead electronic controller is programmed for monitoring is monitored through an anti-lock brake electronic control module.
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28. The vehicle of claim 24, wherein:
the indication of an abnormal condition said lead electronic controller is programmed for monitoring is monitored through an engine electronic control module.
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29. The vehicle of claim 24, wherein:
the indication of an abnormal condition said lead electronic controller is programmed for monitoring is monitored through a transmission electronic control module.
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30. A process for a data management system component of an off board communication network, comprising the steps of:
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storing a vehicle component'"'"'s manufacturers'"'"' expected parameters;
receiving a query from the off board network for the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters for the vehicle;
providing the off board network with the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters for the vehicle for the off board network'"'"'s comparison of an indication of an abnormal condition with the vehicle component'"'"'s manufacturers'"'"' expected parameters, and upon the off board network finding a significant difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters, performing the further steps of;
storing a listing of most probable causes of differences from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters;
receiving a query for and providing the off board network with listing of most probable causes of differences from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters for the off board network to compare to the abnormal condition for a match between a most probable cause and the abnormal condition;
storing independent listings of vehicle parts necessary to correct each of the most probable causes of differences from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters;
receiving a query for and providing the off board network independent listings of vehicle parts necessary to correct each of the most probable causes of differences from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters for the off board network to determine the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters;
receiving a query from the off board network to determine a closest by time traveled potential vehicle service provider from a listing of potential vehicle service providers that have both the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters and an available service bay to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters;
accessing a data base to determine driving times from potential vehicle service providers to the vehicle from the listing of potential vehicle service providers that have both the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters and an available service bay to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected, choosing a closest by time traveled potential vehicle service provider, providing the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service provider to the off board network;
receiving a query from the off board network for driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service;
accessing a data base to determine the driving directions for the vehicle through the communication means to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service to the vehicle; and
providing to the off board network the driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service to the vehicle;
storing a specific history of the vehicle component;
receiving a query from the off board network for the specific history of the vehicle component;
providing the off board network with the specific history of the vehicle component for the off board network'"'"'s comparison of an indication of an abnormal condition with the specific history of the vehicle component, and upon the off board network finding a significant difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters, performing the further steps of;
storing a listing of most probable causes of differences from the specific history of the vehicle component;
receiving a query for and providing the off board network with listing of most probable causes of differences from the specific history of the vehicle component for the off board network to compare to the abnormal condition for a match between a most probable cause and the abnormal condition;
storing independent listings of vehicle parts necessary to correct each of the most probable causes of differences from the specific history of the vehicle component;
receiving a query for and providing the off board network independent listings of vehicle parts necessary to correct each of the most probable causes of differences from the specific history of the vehicle component for the off board network to determine the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component;
receiving a query from the off board network to determine a closest by time traveled potential vehicle service provider from a listing of potential vehicle service providers that have both the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component and an available service bay to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component;
accessing a data base to determine driving times from potential vehicle service providers to the vehicle from the listing of potential vehicle service providers that have both the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component and an available service bay to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected, choosing a closest by time traveled potential vehicle service provider, providing the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service provider to the off board network;
receiving a query from the off board network for driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service;
accessing a data base to determine the driving directions for the vehicle through the communication means to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service to the vehicle; and
providing to the off board network the driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service to the vehicle; and
receiving and storing a history of the indication of an abnormal condition following the off board network'"'"'s comparison of the indication of the abnormal condition with the vehicle component'"'"'s manufacturers'"'"' expected parameters, and the off board network'"'"'s comparison of the indication of the abnormal condition with a specific history of the vehicle component, and the off normal network finding no significant difference from the specific history of the vehicle component, and finding no significant difference from the specific history of the vehicle component. - View Dependent Claims (31, 32)
storing a record of cargo being carried by the vehicle needing service;
receiving a query from the off board network for any cargo being transported by the vehicle; and
transmitting the record of cargo carried by the vehicle needing service to the off board network.
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32. The process of claim 31, the additional steps of:
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receiving a location of an alternative vehicle to transport the cargo carried by the vehicle needing service;
receiving a status of the mobility of the vehicle needing service;
receiving a query from the off board network for a fastest by time traveled from the alternative vehicle to a rendezvous location with the vehicle needing service;
accessing a data base to determine the driving directions for the alternative vehicle to the fastest by time traveled from the alternative vehicle to a rendezvous location with the vehicle needing service; and
providing to the off board network the driving directions for the alternative vehicle to the fastest by time traveled from the alternative vehicle to a rendezvous location with the vehicle needing service.
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33. A process for an off board communication network for detecting and correcting a fault in a mobile vehicle having an engine engaged to a transmission engaged to a drive train for driving an axle with wheels, the vehicle having an internal communication backbone to which electronic controllers of the vehicle are electrically engaged, the electronic controllers monitoring certain vehicle components and the vehicle in contact with the off board communication network through communication means engaged to the internal communication network, comprising the steps of:
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receiving a query about an perceived condition of a vehicle from a driver of the mobile vehicle through the vehicle internal communication network and the communication means;
comparing the driver perceived condition with the vehicle component'"'"'s manufacturers'"'"' expected parameters in a data management system, and finding a significant difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters, performing the further steps of;
determining the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters;
determining the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters;
searching a ground support network for potential vehicle service providers that have both the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters and an available service bay to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters;
querying the vehicle through the communication means and receiving the location of the vehicle back from the vehicle;
querying the data management system to determine and receiving a closest by time traveled potential vehicle service provider from the potential vehicle service providers to the vehicle;
querying the data management system for and receiving driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service; and
providing the driving directions for the vehicle through the communication means to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service to the vehicle;
comparing the perceived condition with a specific history of the vehicle component stored in the data management system and finding a significant difference from the specific history of the vehicle component, performing the further steps of;
determining the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component;
determining the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component;
searching a ground support network for potential vehicle service providers that have both the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component and an available service bay to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component;
querying the vehicle through the communication means and receiving the location of the vehicle back from the vehicle;
querying the data management system to determine and receiving a closest by time traveled potential vehicle service provider from the potential vehicle service providers to the vehicle;
querying the data management system for and receiving driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service; and
providing the driving directions for the vehicle through the communication means to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service to the vehicle; and
comparing the perceived condition with the vehicle component'"'"'s manufacturers'"'"'expected parameters in a data management system, and comparing the perceived condition with a specific history of the vehicle component stored in the data management system, and finding no significant difference from the specific history of the vehicle component, and finding no significant difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters, performing the further step of recording the perceived condition in the data management system. - View Dependent Claims (34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41)
transmitting a notice to the vehicle for the driver of the vehicle of the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters before the step of providing the driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service to the vehicle.
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35. The process of claim 33, wherein:
transmitting a notice to the vehicle for the driver of the vehicle of the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component before the step of providing the driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service to the vehicle.
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36. The process of claim 34, wherein following the step querying the data management system for and receiving driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service, the additional steps of:
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querying the data management system for any cargo being transported by the vehicle;
arranging an alternative vehicle to transport the cargo; and
arranging a rendezvous between the vehicle and the alternative vehicle to transfer the cargo.
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37. The process of claim 35, wherein following the step querying the data management system for and receiving driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service, the additional steps of:
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querying the data management system for any cargo being transported by the vehicle;
arranging an alternative vehicle to transport the cargo; and
arranging a rendezvous between the vehicle and the alternative vehicle to transfer the cargo.
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38. The process of claim 36, wherein said step of arranging an alternative vehicle to transport the cargo, comprises the steps of:
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providing a brokerage management system with a description of the cargo, equipment required to transfer the cargo from one vehicle or trailer to another, a current location of the cargo, and a final destination of the cargo; and
receiving identifying information of an alternative vehicle to transport the cargo.
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39. The process of claim 38, wherein said step of arranging a rendezvous between the vehicle and the alternative vehicle to transfer the cargo, comprises the steps of:
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querying and receiving a location of the alternative vehicle;
querying the data management system for and receiving driving directions for the alternative vehicle for the fastest by time traveled route to rendezvous with the vehicle to transfer the cargo;
transmitting the fastest by time traveled route to rendezvous with the vehicle to transfer the cargo to the alternative vehicle; and
transmitting the cargo transfer rendezvous information to the vehicle.
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40. The process of claim 37, wherein said step of arranging an alternative vehicle to transport the cargo, comprises the steps of:
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providing a brokerage management system with a description of the cargo, a current location of the cargo, and a final destination of the cargo; and
receiving identifying information of an alternative vehicle to transport the cargo.
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41. The process of claim 40, wherein said step of arranging a rendezvous between the vehicle and the alternative vehicle to transfer the cargo, comprises the steps of:
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querying and receiving a location of the alternative vehicle;
querying the data management system for and receiving driving directions for the alternative vehicle for the fastest by time traveled route to rendezvous with the vehicle to transfer the cargo;
transmitting the fastest by time traveled route to rendezvous with the vehicle to transfer the cargo to the alternative vehicle; and
transmitting the cargo transfer rendezvous information to the vehicle.
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42. A process for an off board communication network for detecting and correcting a fault in a mobile vehicle having an engine engaged to a transmission engaged to a drive train for driving an axle with wheels, the vehicle having an internal communication backbone to which electronic controllers of the vehicle are electrically engaged, the electronic controllers monitoring certain vehicle components and the vehicle in contact with the off board communication network through communication means engaged to the internal communication network comprising the steps of:
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receiving a query about an perceived condition of a vehicle from a driver of the mobile vehicle through the vehicle internal communication network and the communication means;
comparing the driver perceived condition with an expected condition stored in a data management system, and finding a significant difference from the expected condition, performing the further steps of;
determining the need for further action for the vehicle;
determining parts required to effect a repair of the driver perceived condition;
determining a closest location of the repair parts to the vehicle;
transmitting instructions for further action to the vehicle through the communication means;
comparing the driver perceived condition with the expected condition stored in a data management system, and finding no significant difference from the expected condition, performing the further step of recording the driver perceived condition in the data management system. - View Dependent Claims (43, 44, 45, 46, 47)
providing instructions to the vehicle on how and where to obtain the parts.
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44. The process of claim 43, wherein said step of determining the need for further action for the vehicle includes the steps of:
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locating an alternative vehicle to transport a cargo carried by the vehicle;
determining a rendezvous location to transfer the cargo from the vehicle to the alternative vehicle; and
notifying the alternative vehicle of the rendezvous location.
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45. The process of claim 44, wherein said step of determining the need for further action for the vehicle further includes the steps of:
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determining a fastest by time traveled route between the alternative vehicle and the vehicle; and
transmitting the fastest by time traveled route between the alternative vehicle and the vehicle to the alternative vehicle.
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46. The process of claim 45, wherein said step of transmitting instructions for further action to the vehicle through the communication means includes the step of:
providing instructions to the vehicle on how and where to effect the transfer of transfer the cargo from the vehicle to the alternative vehicle.
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47. The process of claim 42, wherein said step of determining the need for further action for the vehicle includes the steps of:
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determining the need for further clarifying information from the vehicle;
querying the vehicle through the communication means for the further clarifying information; and
receiving the clarifying information from the vehicle through the communication means.
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48. A process for an off board communication network for directing the routing, and operation of a network of mobile vehicles, the vehicles of the network each having an internal communication backbone to which electronic controllers of the vehicles are electrically engaged, the electronic controllers monitoring certain external parameters, and the vehicles of the network in contact with the off board communication network through communication means engaged to the internal communication network of each network vehicle, comprising the steps of:
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receiving an indication of an external condition in environments which may impact at least one of the network vehicles;
querying each of the network vehicles and receiving the location and current route of each of the network vehicles;
comparing the external condition in environments which may impact the transit along a current route of at least one of the network vehicles with the location and route of each of the network vehicles, and generating a listing of route impacted vehicles, and performing the following steps;
querying the data management system to determine and receiving an alternate route for each of the route impacted vehicles;
querying the data management system for and receiving driving directions for the route impacted vehicles to transit the specific alternate routes; and
providing the driving directions for the route impacted vehicles through the communication means to transit the specific alternate routes; and
comparing the external condition in environments which may impact the operation along a current route of at least one of the network vehicles with the location and route of each of the network vehicles, and generating a listing of operation impacted vehicles, and performing the following steps;
querying the data management system to determine and receiving alternate operation instructions for each of the operation impacted vehicles; and
providing the alternate operation instructions for the operation impacted vehicles through the communication means. - View Dependent Claims (49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66)
the external condition in environments which may impact at least one of the network vehicles is inclement weather.
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50. The process of claim 49, wherein:
the inclement weather indication is provided by a weather service through a data management system.
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51. The process of claim 49, wherein:
the inclement weather condition is provided from onboard vehicle sensors on at least one of network vehicles.
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52. The process of claim 51, wherein:
the onboard sensors measure temperature and humidity.
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53. The process of claim 51, wherein:
the onboard sensors measure road surface friction through downward aimed infrared transceivers.
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54. The process of claim 48, wherein:
the external condition in environments which may impact at least one of the network vehicles is impaired road visibility.
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55. The process of claim 54, wherein:
the impaired road visibility condition is provided from onboard vehicle sensors on at least one of the network vehicles.
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56. The process of claim 55, wherein:
the onboard sensors are forward aimed infrared transceivers.
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57. The process of claim 48, wherein:
the external condition in environments which may impact at least one of the network vehicles impacts road traffic flow.
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58. The process of claim 57, wherein:
the road traffic impacting condition is provided by a governmental authority through a data management system.
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59. The process of claim 57, wherein:
the road traffic impacting condition is provided from at least one of network vehicles.
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60. The process of claim 48, wherein:
the external condition in environments which may impact at least one of the network vehicles are animal road crossings.
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61. The process of claim 60, wherein:
the animal road crossings condition is provided from at least one of network vehicles.
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62. The process of claim 61, wherein:
the animal road crossings condition is sensed by onboard infrared sensors.
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63. The process of claim 48, wherein:
the external condition in environments which may impact at least one of the network vehicles is a civil disturbance provided by a news source through a data management system.
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64. The process of claim 48, wherein:
the external condition in environments which may impact at least one of the network vehicles is a potential vehicle highjacker.
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65. The process of claim 64, wherein:
the vehicle highjacker condition is provided from at least one of network vehicles.
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66. The process of claim 64, wherein:
the vehicle highjacker condition is sensed by onboard cameras engaged to the internal communication network of the sensing network vehicle.
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67. A data management system for engagement to an off board communication network for directing the routing, and operation of a network of mobile vehicles, the vehicles of the network each having an internal communication backbone to which electronic controllers of the vehicles are electrically engaged, the electronic controllers monitoring certain external parameters, and the vehicles of the network in contact with the off board communication network through communication means engaged to the internal communication network of each network vehicle, comprising:
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a computer useable medium having computer readable program means embodied in said medium for causing storage of network vehicle sensed conditions communicated through the communication means engaged to the internal communication network of the sensing network vehicles, the vehicle sensed conditions in environments which may impact at least one of the network vehicles;
computer readable program means for causing communication with, querying, and receiving weather information in environments which may impact at least one of the network vehicles from a weather service;
computer readable program means for causing communication with, querying, and receiving information on a civil disturbance in environments which may impact at least one of the network vehicles; and
computer readable program means for causing communication with, reception of, and response to queries on the vehicle sensed conditions, including weather information, and civil disturbances. - View Dependent Claims (68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73)
the vehicle sensed conditions are local temperature and humidity.
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69. The data management system of claim 67, wherein:
the vehicle sensed conditions is local road surface friction measured through downward aimed infrared transceivers.
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70. The data management system of claim 67, wherein:
the vehicle sensed conditions is local road visibility friction measured through forward aimed infrared transceivers.
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71. The data management system of claim 67, wherein:
the vehicle sensed conditions is a local road traffic condition.
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72. The data management system of claim 67, wherein:
the vehicle sensed conditions are animal road crossings measured through forward aimed infrared transceivers.
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73. The data management system of claim 67, wherein:
the vehicle sensed condition is a vehicle highjacker condition sensed by onboard cameras engaged to the internal communication network of the sensing network vehicle.
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74. A mobile vehicle for communicating with an off board communication network, comprised of:
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an engine engaged to a transmission engaged to a drive train for driving an axle with wheels;
a multiplexed internal communication backbone allowing communication between electronic components using Society of Automotive Engineers standard communication protocols and to which electronic controllers are electrically engaged;
said electronic controllers monitoring certain vehicle components;
a lead electronic controller programmed for monitoring said certain vehicle components through said electronic controllers;
said lead electronic controller programmed for communication with the off board communication network through communication means engaged to said internal communication backbone;
said lead electronic controller programmed for transmitting an indication of an external condition through one of said monitored vehicle components to the off board communication network through the vehicle internal communication backbone and the communication means;
said lead electronic controller programed for receiving instructions for action to address external conditions from the off board network through the communication means; and
said lead electronic controller programmed for notifying a driver of the vehicle of driver actions of the received instructions from the off board network. - View Dependent Claims (75, 76, 77, 78)
the external condition is local external temperature and humidity.
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76. The mobile vehicle of claim 74, wherein:
the external condition is local road surface friction measured through downward aimed infrared transceivers.
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77. The mobile vehicle of claim 74, wherein:
the external condition is local road visibility measured through forward aimed infrared transceivers.
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78. The mobile vehicle of claim 74, wherein:
the external condition is animal road crossings measured through forward aimed infrared transceivers.
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79. A process for an off board communication network for tracking and directing routine and periodic maintenance on a mobile vehicle having an engine engaged to a transmission engaged to a drive train for driving an axle with wheels, the vehicle having an internal communication backbone to which electronic controllers of the vehicle are electrically engaged, the electronic controllers monitoring certain vehicle components and the vehicle in contact with the off board communication network through communication means engaged to the internal communication network, comprising the steps of:
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storing a listing of routine and periodic maintenance activities required for the vehicle, the routine and periodic maintenance activities each maintenance activity having an initiating condition;
receiving an indication of an initiating condition for a routine and periodic maintenance activity for a vehicle component from an electronic controller on the mobile vehicle through the vehicle internal communication network and the communication means;
determining the parts necessary to implement the routine and periodic maintenance activity;
searching a ground support network for potential vehicle service providers that have both the parts necessary to implement the routine and periodic maintenance activity and an available service bay to implement the routine and periodic maintenance activity on the vehicle;
querying the vehicle through the communication means and receiving the location of the vehicle back from the vehicle;
querying the data management system to determine and receiving a closest by time traveled potential vehicle service provider from the potential vehicle service providers to the vehicle;
querying the data management system for and receiving driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service; and
providing the driving directions for the vehicle through the communication means to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service to the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (80, 81, 82)
querying the data management system for any cargo being transported by the vehicle;
arranging an alternative vehicle to transport the cargo; and
arranging a rendezvous between the vehicle and the alternative vehicle to transfer the cargo.
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81. The process of claim 80, wherein said step of arranging an alternative vehicle to transport the cargo, comprises the steps of:
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providing a brokerage management system with a description of the cargo, a current location of the cargo, and a final destination of the cargo; and
receiving identifying information of an alternative vehicle to transport the cargo.
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82. The process of claim 81, wherein said step of arranging a rendezvous between the vehicle and the alternative vehicle to transfer the cargo, comprises the steps of:
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querying and receiving a location of the alternative vehicle;
querying the data management system for and receiving driving directions for the alternative vehicle for the fastest by time traveled route to rendezvous with the vehicle to transfer the cargo;
transmitting the fastest by time traveled route to rendezvous with the vehicle to transfer the cargo to the alternative vehicle; and
transmitting the cargo transfer rendezvous information to the vehicle.
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83. A process for a vehicle load brokerage management system component of an off board communication network, comprising the steps of:
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storing data on a network of mobile vehicles including locations, cargo carrying ability, and operating area of the vehicles in the mobile vehicle network;
receiving a request for a cargo carrying arrangement from a requesting vehicle in the mobile vehicle network;
storing descriptions of any cargo needing transport by a vehicle, a current location of the cargo, and a final destination of the cargo from an off board communication network along with a query for a specific cargo carrying vehicle from the network of mobile vehicles to transport the cargo;
comparing the cargo needing transport to the cargo carrying ability of the requesting vehicle;
deriving a listing of general routes between each cargo needing transport'"'"'s current location and each final destination, comparing the listing of general routes for cargo needing transport to an operating area of requesting vehicle, deriving a listing of potential cargo carrying arrangements for the requesting vehicle that are both general routes for cargo needing transport and need delivery within the operating area of the requesting vehicle;
communicating the listing of potential cargo carrying arrangements for the requesting vehicle to the requesting vehicle;
receiving an acceptance of the offer from the requesting vehicle to carry a specific cargo needing transport from the listing of potential cargo carrying arrangements; and
communicating identifying information of the requesting vehicle to transport the cargo to the off board network. - View Dependent Claims (84)
querying and receiving a rendezvous location between the requesting vehicle and the specific cargo needing transport;
querying and receiving a current location of the requesting vehicle;
communicating the current location of the requesting vehicle;
requesting and receiving driving directions between the requesting vehicle and the specific cargo needing transport; and
communicating the driving directions to the requesting vehicle.
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85. A computer program product for an off board communication network for detecting and correcting a fault in a mobile vehicle having an engine engaged to a transmission engaged to a drive train for driving an axle with wheels, the vehicle having an internal communication backbone to which electronic controllers of the vehicle are electrically engaged, the electronic controllers monitoring certain vehicle components and the vehicle in contact with the off board communication network through communication means engaged to the internal communication network, said computer program product comprising:
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a computer useable medium having computer readable program code means embodied in said medium for causing the off board network to receive an indication of an abnormal condition in a monitored vehicle component from an electronic controller on the mobile vehicle through the vehicle internal communication network and the communication means;
computer readable program code means for causing the off board network to compare the indication of an abnormal condition with the vehicle component'"'"'s manufacturers'"'"'expected parameters in a data management system, and the off board network finding a significant difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters, computer readable program code means for causing the off board network to perform the further steps of;
determining the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters;
determining the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters;
searching a ground support network for potential vehicle service providers that have both the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters and an available service bay to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters;
querying the vehicle through the communication means and receiving the location of the vehicle back from the vehicle;
querying the data management system to determine and receiving a closest by time traveled potential vehicle service provider from the potential vehicle service providers to the vehicle;
querying the data management system for and receiving driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service; and
providing the driving directions for the vehicle through the communication means to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service to the vehicle;
computer readable program code means for causing the off board network to compare the indication of the abnormal condition with a specific history of the vehicle component stored in the data management system and the off board network finding a significant difference from the specific history of the vehicle component, computer readable program code means for causing the off board network to perform the further steps of;
determining the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component;
determining the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component;
searching a ground support network for potential vehicle service providers that have both the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component and an available service bay to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component;
querying the vehicle through the communication means and receiving the location of the vehicle back from the vehicle;
querying the data management system to determine and receiving a closest by time traveled potential vehicle service provider from the potential vehicle service providers to the vehicle;
querying the data management system for and receiving driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service; and
providing the driving directions for the vehicle through the communication means to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service to the vehicle; and
computer readable program code means for causing the off board network to compare the indication of an abnormal condition with the vehicle component'"'"'s manufacturers'"'"' expected parameters in a data management system, and comparing the indication of the abnormal condition with a specific history of the vehicle component stored in the data management system, and the off board network finding no significant difference from the specific history of the vehicle component, and finding no significant difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters, computer readable program code means for causing the off board network to perform the further step of recording the indication of an abnormal condition in the data management system.
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86. A computer program product for an off board communication network for detecting and correcting a fault in a mobile vehicle having an engine engaged to a transmission engaged to a drive train for driving an axle with wheels, the vehicle having an internal communication backbone to which electronic controllers of the vehicle are electrically engaged, the electronic controllers monitoring certain vehicle components and the vehicle in contact with the off board communication network through communication means engaged to the internal communication network, said computer program product comprising:
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a computer useable medium having computer readable program code means embodied in said medium for causing the off board network to receive an indication of an abnormal condition in a monitored vehicle component from the mobile vehicle through the vehicle internal communication network and the communication means;
computer readable program code means for causing the off board network to compare the indication of an abnormal condition with an expected condition stored in a data management system, and the off board network finding a significant difference from the expected condition, computer readable program code means for causing the off board network to perform the further steps of;
determining the need for further action for the vehicle;
transmitting instructions for further action to the vehicle through the communication means;
computer readable program code means for causing the off board network to compare the indication of an abnormal condition with the expected condition stored in a data management system, and the off board network finding no significant difference from the expected condition, computer readable program code means for causing the off board network to perform the further step of recording the indication of an abnormal condition in the data management system.
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87. A computer program product for a data management system component of an off board communication network, said computer program product comprising:
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a computer useable medium having computer readable program code means embodied in said medium for causing the data management system to store a vehicle component'"'"'s manufacturers'"'"' expected parameters;
computer readable program code means for causing the data management system to receive a query from the off board network for the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters for the vehicle;
computer readable program code means for causing the data management system to provide the off board network with the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters for the vehicle for the off board network'"'"'s comparison of an indication of an abnormal condition with the vehicle component'"'"'s manufacturers'"'"' expected parameters, and upon the off board network finding a significant difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters, computer readable program code means for causing the data management system to perform the further steps of;
storing a listing of most probable causes of differences from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters;
receiving a query for and providing the off board network with listing of most probable causes of differences from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters for the off board network to compare to the abnormal condition for a match between a most probable cause and the abnormal condition;
storing independent listings of vehicle parts necessary to correct each of the most probable causes of differences from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters;
receiving a query for and providing the off board network independent listings of vehicle parts necessary to correct each of the most probable causes of differences from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters for the off board network to determine the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters;
receiving a query from the off board network to determine a closest by time traveled potential vehicle service provider from a listing of potential vehicle service providers that have both the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters and an available service bay to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters;
accessing a data base to determine driving times from potential vehicle service providers to the vehicle from the listing of potential vehicle service providers that have both the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters and an available service bay to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected, choosing a closest by time traveled potential vehicle service provider, providing the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service provider to the off board network;
receiving a query from the off board network for driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service;
accessing a data base to determine the driving directions for the vehicle through the communication means to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service to the vehicle; and
providing to the off board network the driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service to the vehicle;
computer readable program code means for causing the data management system to store a specific history of the vehicle component;
computer readable program code means for causing the data management system to receive a query from the off board network for the specific history of the vehicle component;
computer readable program code means for causing the data management system to provide the off board network with the specific history of the vehicle component for the off board network'"'"'s comparison of an indication of an abnormal condition with the specific history of the vehicle component, and upon the off board network finding a significant difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters, computer readable program code means for causing the data management system to perform the further steps of;
storing a listing of most probable causes of differences from the specific history of the vehicle component;
receiving a query for and providing the off board network with listing of most probable causes of differences from the specific history of the vehicle component for the off board network to compare to the abnormal condition for a match between a most probable cause and the abnormal condition;
storing independent listings of vehicle parts necessary to correct each of the most probable causes of differences from the specific history of the vehicle component;
receiving a query for and providing the off board network independent listings of vehicle parts necessary to correct each of the most probable causes of differences from the specific history of the vehicle component for the off board network to determine the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component;
receiving a query from the off board network to determine a closest by time traveled potential vehicle service provider from a listing of potential vehicle service providers that have both the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component and an available service bay to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component;
accessing a data base to determine driving times from potential vehicle service providers to the vehicle from the listing of potential vehicle service providers that have both the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component and an available service bay to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected, choosing a closest by time traveled potential vehicle service provider, providing the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service provider to the off board network;
receiving a query from the off board network for driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service;
accessing a data base to determine the driving directions for the vehicle through the communication means to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service to the vehicle; and
providing to the off board network the driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service to the vehicle; and
computer readable program code means for causing the data management system to receive and store a history of the indication of an abnormal condition following the off board network'"'"'s comparison of the indication of the abnormal condition with the vehicle component'"'"'s manufacturers'"'"' expected parameters, and the off board network'"'"'s comparison of the indication of the abnormal condition with a specific history of the vehicle component, and the off normal network finding no significant difference from the specific history of the vehicle component, and finding no significant difference from the specific history of the vehicle component.
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Specification