Transacting e-commerce and conducting e-business related to identifying and procuring automotive service and vehicle replacement parts

• US 6,389,337 B1
• Filed: 05/03/2000
• Issued: 05/14/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 04/24/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: USA Technologies, Inc.
• Original Assignee: H. Brock Kolls
• Inventors: Kolls, H. Brock
• Primary Examiner(s): Cuchlinski, Jr., William A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Donnelly, Arthur D.
• Application Number:
  US09/564,471
• Time in Patent Office: 741 Days
• Field of Search: 701/24, 701/29, 701/33, 370/313, 370/401, 370/457, 455/456, 340/438, 340/439, 731/173, 705/26, 700/244, 700/236, 700/241, 702/184, 702/185
• US Class Current: 701/29
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/04 operating on the propulsion system, e.g. engine or drive motor
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/045 by limiting or cutting the electrical supply to the propulsion unit
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/1004 Alarm systems characterised by the type of sensor, e.g. current sensing means using door lock sensors B60R25/1001
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/25 using biometry
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/33 of global position, e.g. by providing GPS coordinates
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 17/007 Wheeled or endless-tracked vehicles G01M17/08 takes precedence

Abstract

An in-vehicle device data communicates with Internet based data processing resources for the purpose of transacting e-mail, e-commerce, and e-business. The in-vehicle device and the Internet based data processing resources can effectuate a wide variety of e-mail, e-commerce, and e-business including accessing auto part databases, warranty, customer, and other remote databases. In addition, e-mail, e-commerce, and e-business transactions can include vehicle security and vehicle service management, data communicating Internet based radio, audio, MP3, MPEG, video, and other types of data. Furthermore, e-mail, e-commerce, and e-business transactions can include interactive advertising, promotional offers, coupons, and supporting other remote data communications.

The in-vehicle device can also include functionality for remote monitoring of vehicle performance, data communicating and accessing remote Internet based content and data, and effectuating adjustments and control of vehicle operation. Remote monitoring and control of vehicle operation can be by way of an Internet based data processing resource and can include engine control system programming and setting adjustment, vehicle monitoring, and transmission of vehicle telemetry and metric data. Vehicle telemetry and metric data can include global positioning system (GPS) data, vehicle operational data, engine performance data, and other vehicle data.

The in-vehicle device can also wirelessly data communicate with a communication interface device (COM device) or an Internet appliance. Such COM devices or Internet appliances can data communicate wirelessly with an in-vehicle device and simultaneously data communicate in a wired or wireless mode of operation to Internet based data processing resources, and to other data processing resources.

Claims

1. A system for wirelessly collecting a plurality of data associated with a vehicle and for using collected said plurality of data to query a plurality of databases, or a plurality of global network based data processing resources for the purpose of servicing said vehicle, including determining automotive replacement parts for said vehicle comprising:

an in-vehicle device interconnected with said vehicle, said in-vehicle device having a vehicle engine control system interface for interfacing said in-vehicle device to said vehicle engine control system wherein, said in-vehicle device monitors said vehicle engine, said in-vehicle device having a wireless transceiver for wirelessly data communicating between said in-vehicle device and a plurality of data communicating devices; and

a communication interface device for data communicating wirelessly with a plurality of data communicating devices, and for receiving said plurality of data from said in-vehicle device, said communication interface device having a data communication connection with a personal computer, said communication interface device is an Internet appliance;

wherein, said plurality of databases are accessible by said communication interface device, or accessible by said personal computer;

wherein said vehicle by way of said in-vehicle device data communicates said plurality of data to said communication interface device for the purpose of accessing and querying results from said plurality of databases or from said global network based data processing resources, and for associating said plurality of data with a plurality of data elements and storing the result in a database.

2. The system in accordance with claim 1 wherein, said in-vehicle device further comprises:

a vehicle monitor and metering interface for measuring or monitoring vehicle telemetry data and vehicle metric data wherein, said in-vehicle device can by way of said wireless transceiver data communicate vehicle engine status to said communication interface device, and a plurality of global network based data processing resources.

3. The system in accordance with claim 2 wherein, said vehicle monitor and metering interface further comprises at least one of the following:

an accelerometer for measuring or monitoring said vehicle acceleration changes;

a tachometer for measuring or monitoring said vehicle velocity;

or

an odometer for measuring and monitoring said vehicle travel distance.

4. The system in accordance with claim 1 wherein, said in-vehicle device further comprises:

a vehicle radio interface for interconnecting said in-vehicle device to a vehicle radio wherein, said vehicle radio interface communicates analog and digital signals between said in-vehicle device and said vehicle radio, said vehicle radio can by way of said vehicle radio interface data communicate with said communication interface device, and said plurality of global network based data processing resources.

5. The system in accordance with claim 4 wherein, said vehicle radio can by way of said vehicle radio interface data communicate with said plurality of global network based data processing resources, such data communication can include monitoring of radio station selections, or listening content, or effectuating download and broadcast of digital content from said plurality of global network based data processing resources.

6. The system in accordance with claim 1 wherein, said in-vehicle device further comprises:

an alarm system interface for monitoring vehicle security status wherein, said in-vehicle device can by way of said wireless transceiver data communicate vehicle security status to said communication interface device, and said plurality of global network based data processing resources, wherein such data communication between said in-vehicle device can include command and control instructions to start, stop, enable or disable said vehicle engine.

7. The system in accordance with claim 1 wherein, said in-vehicle device further comprises:

a personal data assistant interface for data communicating between said in-vehicle device and a personal data assistant device.

8. The system in accordance with claim 7 wherein, said personal data assistant interface supports a plurality of communication protocols and standards including WIRELESS APPLICATION PROTOCOL and standard, and BLUETOOTH compliant protocol and standard.

9. The system in accordance with claim 1 wherein, said in-vehicle device further comprises:

a user interface including a display, and a microphone for enabling a user to issue voice commands to said in-vehicle device, and for enabling a user to access local data and remote data wherein, remote data can be located on said plurality of global network based data processing resources.

10. The system in accordance with claim 9 wherein, said in-vehicle device is located external to said vehicle passenger compartment area and said user interface is electrically tethered to said in-vehicle device, such that a user can interact with said user interface from within said vehicle passenger compartment area.

11. The system in accordance with claim 1 wherein, said in-vehicle device further comprises:

a global positioning receiver interface for data communicating global positioning data between said in-vehicle device and a plurality of global network based data processing resources.

12. The system in accordance with claim 1 wherein, said in-vehicle device is retrofitted into said vehicle, and said communication interface device is located external to said vehicle.

13. The system in accordance with claim 1 wherein, said communication interface device is located within or located in wireless proximity to an auto part store, or a vehicle dealership, or a vehicle manufacturer plant, or a vehicle service center.

14. The system in accordance with claim 1 wherein, said wireless transceiver supports a plurality of communication protocols and standards including WIRELESS APPLICATION PROTOCOL and standard, and BLUETOOTH compliant protocol and standard.

15. The system in accordance with claim 1 wherein, said wireless transceiver is a wireless modem, or a wireless phone transceiver.

16. The system in accordance with claim 1 wherein, said wireless transceiver is a programmable storage device, said programmable storage device being wired or wirelessly programmed with said plurality of data by said in-vehicle device and physically carried by a user, such that when said programmable storage device is in wireless proximity to said communication interface device said plurality of data is wirelessly data communicated from said programmable storage device to said communication interface device.

17. A method of servicing a vehicle by communicating a plurality of data wirelessly from said vehicle for the purpose of utilizing said plurality of data to determine a plurality of service recommendations, or a plurality of replacement part recommendations comprising the steps of:

a) receiving said plurality of data from an in-vehicle device wherein, said in-vehicle device is interconnected with said vehicle;

b) accessing a plurality of databases to obtain information related to said vehicle, said plurality of databases can include both a plurality of local databases, and a plurality of remote databases accessible by way of a global network;

c) determining said plurality of service recommendations, or said plurality of replacement part recommendations based on user preferences, said plurality of data, or said plurality of databases query results;

d) allowing a user from said vehicle to review and select at least one of said plurality of service recommendations, or at least one of said plurality of replacement part recommendations;

e) effectuating an e-commerce or an e-business transaction to place an order for said user selected said plurality of service recommendations, or to place an order for said user selected said plurality of replacement part recommendations; and

f) confirming said e-commerce, or said e-business order placement.

18. The method of servicing a vehicle in accordance with claim 17 wherein, the step of confirming said e-commerce, or said e-business order further comprises the step of:

a) charging a plurality of fees for transacting said e-commerce, or said e-business transaction.

19. A method of servicing a vehicle including determining a plurality of service recommendations, or determining a plurality of replacement part recommendations comprising the steps of:

a) monitoring a plurality of said vehicle data, communicated wirelessly between an in-vehicle device located in said vehicle, and a communication interface device;

b) analyzing said plurality of data to determine said vehicle operational state, said vehicle engine performance levels, or said vehicle service requirements;

c) accessing a plurality of databases to obtain information related to determining said plurality of service recommendations, or said plurality of replacement part recommendations wherein, said plurality of databases can include both a plurality of local databases, or a plurality of remote databases accessible by way of a global network;

d) determining said plurality of service recommendations, or said plurality of replacement part recommendations based on analysis in step b, user preferences, or said plurality of databases query results; and

e) presenting analysis, recommendations, and other results to at least one of the following;

a mechanic, a customer, a user, a manufacture, a service center, an auto part store, or any appropriate plurality of agents or plurality of agencies;

f) allowing said user from said vehicle to review and select at least one of said plurality of service recommendations, or select at least one of said plurality of replacement part recommendations;

g) effectuating an e-commerce or an e-business transaction to place an order for said user selected said plurality of service recommendations, or place an order for said user selected said plurality of replacement part recommendations; and

h) confirming said e-commerce, or said e-business order placement.

20. The method of performing remote diagnostics in accordance with claim 19 wherein, the step confirming said e-commerce, or said e-business order placement further comprises the step of:

a) charging a plurality of fees for transacting said e-commerce, or said e-business transaction.

21. A method of performing remote diagnostics on a vehicle comprising the steps of:

a) receiving at a communication interface device a plurality of data, said plurality of data being data communicated by an in-vehicle device located in said vehicle, or data communicated by a programmable storage device carried by a user;

b) communicating said plurality of data from said communication interface device to a remote location by way of a network;

c) analyzing said plurality of data at said remote location to determine said vehicle operational state and engine performance levels, and for performing remote said vehicle diagnostics;

d) accessing a plurality of databases to obtain information related to determining a plurality of service recommendations, or determining a plurality of replacement part recommendations wherein, said plurality of databases can include both a plurality of local databases, or a plurality of remote databases accessible by way of a global network;

e) determining said plurality of service recommendations, or said plurality of replacement part recommendations based on analysis in step c, said user preferences, or said plurality of databases query results; and

f) allowing said user from said vehicle to review and select at least one of said plurality of service recommendations, or select at least one of said plurality of replacement part recommendations;

g) effectuating an e-commerce or an e-business transaction by placing an order for said user selected said plurality of service recommendations, or by placing an order for said user selected said plurality of replacement part recommendations; and

h) confirming said e-commerce, or said e-business order placement.

22. The method of performing remote diagnostics in accordance with claim 21 wherein, the step of confirming said e-commerce or said e-business order further comprises the step of:

a) charging a plurality of fees for transacting said e-commerce, or said e-business transaction.

23. A system for wirelessly collecting a plurality of data associated with a vehicle and for using collected said plurality of data to query a plurality of databases, or a plurality of global network based data processing resources for the purpose of servicing said vehicle, including determining automotive replacement parts for said vehicle comprising:

an in-vehicle device interconnected with said vehicle, said in-vehicle device having a vehicle engine control system interface for interfacing said in-vehicle device to said vehicle engine control system wherein, said in-vehicle device monitors said vehicle engine, said in-vehicle device having a wireless transceiver for wirelessly data communicating between said in-vehicle device and a plurality of data communicating devices; and

a communication interface device for data communicating wirelessly with a plurality of data communicating devices, and for receiving said plurality of data from said in-vehicle device, said communication interface device having a data communication connection with a personal computer;

said in-vehicle device further comprises at least one of the following;

a vehicle monitor and metering interface for measuring or monitoring vehicle telemetry data and vehicle metric data wherein, said in-vehicle device can by way of said wireless transceiver data communicate vehicle engine status to said communication interface device, and a plurality of global network based data processing resources, said vehicle monitor and metering interface include at least one of the following;

an accelerometer for measuring or monitoring said vehicle acceleration changes, a tachometer for measuring or monitoring said vehicle velocity;

or an odometer for measuring and monitoring said vehicle travel distance;

a vehicle radio interface for interconnecting said in-vehicle device to a vehicle radio wherein, said vehicle radio interface communicates analog and digital signals between said in-vehicle device and said vehicle radio, said vehicle radio can by way of said vehicle radio interface data communicate with said communication interface device, and said plurality of global network based data processing resources, said vehicle radio can by way of said vehicle radio interface data communicate with said plurality of global network based data processing resources, such data communication can include monitoring of radio station selections, or listening content, or effectuating download and broadcast of digital content from said plurality of global network based data processing resources;

an alarm system interface for monitoring vehicle security status wherein, said in-vehicle device can by way of said wireless transceiver data communicate vehicle security status to said communication interface device, and said plurality of global network based data processing resources, wherein such data communication between said in-vehicle device can include command and control instructions to start, stop, enable, or disable said vehicle engine;

a personal data assistant interface for data communicating between said in-vehicle device and a personal data assistant device;

a user interface including a display, and a microphone for enabling a user to issue voice commands to said in-vehicle device, and for enabling a user to access local data or remote data wherein, remote data can be located on said plurality of global network based data processing resources;

or

a global positioning receiver interface for data communicating global positioning data between said in-vehicle device and a plurality of global network based data processing resources;

wherein, said plurality of databases are accessible by said communication interface device, or accessible by said personal computer;

wherein, said vehicle by way of said in-vehicle device data communicates said plurality of data to said communication interface device for the purpose of accessing and querying results from said plurality of databases or from said global network based data processing resources, and for associating said plurality of data with a plurality of data elements and storing the result in a database.

24. A system for wirelessly collecting a plurality of data associated with a vehicle and for using collected said plurality of data to query a plurality of databases, or a plurality of global network based data processing resources for the purpose of servicing said vehicle, including determining automotive replacement parts for said vehicle comprising:

an in-vehicle device interconnected with said vehicle, said in-vehicle device having a vehicle engine control system interface for interfacing said in-vehicle device to said vehicle engine control system wherein, said in-vehicle device monitors said vehicle engine, said in-vehicle device having a wireless transceiver for wirelessly data communicating between said in-vehicle device and a plurality of data communicating devices; and

a communication interface device for data communicating wirelessly with a plurality of data communicating devices, and for data communicating with said in-vehicle device;

said in-vehicle device further comprises at least one of the following;

a vehicle monitor and metering interface for measuring or monitoring vehicle telemetry data and vehicle metric data wherein, said in-vehicle device can by way of said wireless transceiver data communicate vehicle engine status to said communication interface device, and a plurality of global network based data processing resources, said vehicle monitor and metering interface include at least one of the following;

an accelerometer for measuring or monitoring said vehicle acceleration changes, a tachometer for measuring or monitoring said vehicle velocity;

or an odometer for measuring and monitoring said vehicle travel distance;

a vehicle radio interface for interconnecting said in-vehicle device to a vehicle radio wherein, said vehicle radio interface communicates analog and digital signals between said in-vehicle device and said vehicle radio, said vehicle radio can by way of said vehicle radio interface data communicate with said communication interface device, and said plurality of global network based data processing resources, said vehicle radio can by way of said vehicle radio interface data communicate with said plurality of global network based data processing resources, such data communication can include monitoring of radio station selections, or listening content, or effectuating download and broadcast of digital content from said plurality of global network based data processing resources;

an alarm system interface for monitoring vehicle security status wherein, said in-vehicle device can by way of said wireless transceiver data communicate vehicle security status to said communication interface device, and said plurality of global network based data processing resources, wherein such data communication between said in-vehicle device can include command and control instructions to start, stop, enable, or disable said vehicle engine;

a personal data assistant interface for data communicating between said in-vehicle device and a personal data assistant device;

a user interface including a display, and a microphone for enabling a user to issue voice commands to said in-vehicle device, and for enabling a user to access local data or remote data wherein, remote data can be located on said plurality of global network based data processing resources;

or

a global positioning receiver interface for data communicating global positioning data between said in-vehicle device and a plurality of global network based data processing resources;

wherein, said vehicle by way of said in-vehicle device data communicates said plurality of data to said communication interface device for the purpose of accessing and querying results from said plurality of databases or from said global network based data processing resources, and for associating said plurality of data with a plurality of data elements and storing the result in a database.