Technique for selecting a service provider to service a vehicle
First Claim
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1. A method for assisting a user of a vehicle comprising:
- determining whether the vehicle needs a maintenance service;
obtaining data concerning locations of at least first and second service providers for providing the maintenance service when it is determined that the vehicle needs the maintenance service;
obtaining data concerning a current location of the vehicle;
determining, of the at least first and second service providers, a closer service provider to the current location of the vehicle based on the data concerning the current location of the vehicle and the data concerning the locations of the at least first and second service providers; and
selecting the closer service provider to provide the maintenance service when the closer service provider is within a predetermined distance from the current location of the vehicle.
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Abstract
In a multimedia information and control system for use in an automobile, at least one interface is employed which enables a user to access information concerning the automobile and control vehicle functions in an efficient manner. The user may select one of a plurality of displayed options on a screen of such an interface. Through audio, video and/or text media, the user is provided with information concerning the selected option and the vehicle function corresponding thereto. Having been so informed, the user may activate the selected option to control the corresponding vehicle function.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. A method for assisting a user of a vehicle comprising:
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determining whether the vehicle needs a maintenance service; obtaining data concerning locations of at least first and second service providers for providing the maintenance service when it is determined that the vehicle needs the maintenance service; obtaining data concerning a current location of the vehicle; determining, of the at least first and second service providers, a closer service provider to the current location of the vehicle based on the data concerning the current location of the vehicle and the data concerning the locations of the at least first and second service providers; and selecting the closer service provider to provide the maintenance service when the closer service provider is within a predetermined distance from the current location of the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for use in a system in a vehicle comprising:
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storing data concerning locations of a plurality of service providers;
determining whether the vehicle needs a maintenance service;
retrieving at least part of the data in response to a determination that the vehicleneeds the maintenance service; comparing data concerning a current location of the vehicle with the retrieved data to identify one of the plurality of service providers which is closest to the current location of the vehicle and provides the maintenance service; and selecting the identified service provider to provide the maintenance service when the identified service provider is within a predetermined distance from the current location of the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A system for use in a vehicle comprising:
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a memory for storing data concerning locations of a plurality of service providers; a mechanism for determining whether the vehicle needs a maintenance service, at least part of the data being retrieved from the memory in response to a determination that the vehicle needs the maintenance service; and a processor for comparing data concerning a current location of the vehicle with the retrieved data to identify one of the plurality of service providers which is closest to the current location of the vehicle and provides the maintenance service, the identified service provider being selected to provide the maintenance service when the identified service provider is within a predetermined distance from the current location of the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification