Variable function communication gateway for vehicles

• US 8,086,368 B2
• Filed: 01/06/2009
• Issued: 12/27/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 01/06/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Bosch Security Systems Incorporated (Robert Bosch GmbH), Robert Bosch GmbH
• Original Assignee: Bosch Security Systems Incorporated (Robert Bosch GmbH)
• Inventors: Anderson, David L., Petricoin, Dennis Michael Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): BROWN, DREW J
• Application Number:
  US12/349,002
• Publication Number:
  US 20100174439A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,085 Days
• Field of Search: 701/29, 701/32, 701/33
• US Class Current: 701/29
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/008 communicating information to a remotely located station transmission systems for measured values G08C
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2818 from a device located outside both the home and the home network access arrangements H04L12/2856; for remote control or remote monitoring of applications H04L67/025; arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless eletrical link G08C17/00; telephonic communication systems adapted for combination with remote control systems H04M11/007
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2836 Protocol conversion between an external network and a home network controlling appliance services of a home automation network from a device located outside the home and the home network H04L12/2818; protocol conversion H04L69/08; adaptation of digital video signals for transport over a specific home network H04N7/24
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2012/2841 Wireless
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2012/40215 Controller Area Network CAN
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2012/40273 the transportation system being a vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/1095 Replication or mirroring of data, e.g. scheduling or transport for data synchronisation between network nodes
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/52 specially adapted for the location of the user terminal
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/06 adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/16 Gateway arrangements

Abstract

A vehicle communication gateway configured to be located within an overland vehicle. In one embodiment, the vehicle communication gateway includes a controller; a memory connected to the controller; a short-range wireless communication interface connected to the controller; a long-range wireless communication interface connected to the controller; and an input-output module configured to connect to a CAN bus, an in-vehicle entertainment system, and a user interface. The controller is configured to receive information from the CAN bus, the in-vehicle entertainment system, and the user interface. The controller generates diagnostic messages regarding vehicle systems based on information received through the CAN bus. The controller also synchronizes files between the in-vehicle entertainment system and extra-vehicular devices, and communicates with in-building systems through the short-range wireless communication interface. Messages are sent to one or more destinations such as a vehicle manufacturer, a vehicle repair shop, and a mobile phone of a vehicle occupant through the long-range wireless communication interface.

Claims

1. A vehicle communication gateway configured to be located within an overland vehicle, the vehicle communication gateway comprising:

a controller;

a memory connected to the controller;

a short-range wireless communication interface connected to the controller;

a long-range wireless communication interface connected to the controller; and

an input-output module configured to connect to a CAN bus, an in-vehicle entertainment system, and a user interface,

wherein the controller is configured to receive information from the CAN bus, the in-vehicle entertainment system, and the user interface;

to generate diagnostic messages regarding vehicle systems based on information received through the CAN bus;

to synchronize files between the in-vehicle entertainment system and extra-vehicular devices;

to communicate with in-building systems through the short-range wireless communication interface; and

to communicate with at least one destination selected from the group of a vehicle manufacturer IT system, a vehicle repair service provider IT system, and a mobile phone of a vehicle occupant through the long-range wireless communication interface.

2. A vehicle communication gateway of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to receive information from a GPS and to generate messages regarding the vehicle'"'"'s location.

3. A vehicle communication gateway of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to initiate a diagnostic scan of one or more in-vehicle systems.

4. A vehicle communication gateway of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to receive at least one message from one or more extra-vehicular devices and control one or more vehicle systems based on the at least one message from the one or more extra-vehicular devices.

5. A vehicle communication gateway of claim 4, wherein the controller controls the one or more vehicle systems by generating CAN bus compliant messages.

6. A method of communicating between vehicle systems and extra-vehicular devices, the method comprising:

communicating with one or more in-building systems through a short-range wireless communication interface;

communicating with at least one destination selected from the group of a vehicle manufacturer IT system, a vehicle repair service provider IT system, and a mobile phone through a long-range wireless communication system;

receiving information from a CAN bus, a vehicle entertainment system, and an in-vehicle user interface;

generating diagnostic messages regarding vehicle systems based on information received through the CAN bus; and

synchronizing files between the in-vehicle entertainment system and extra-vehicular devices.

7. A method of claim 6, further comprising receiving information from a GPS and generating messages regarding the vehicle'"'"'s location.

8. A method of claim 6, further comprising initiating a diagnostic scan of one or more in-vehicle systems.

9. A method of claim 6, further comprising receiving at least one message from one or more extra-vehicular devices and controlling one or more vehicle systems based on the at least one message from the one or more extra-vehicular devices.

10. A method of claim 9, wherein controlling the one or more vehicle systems includes generating CAN bus compliant messages.