Method and apparatus for remote vehicle communications and control
First Claim
1. A long-range communication and control apparatus for a vehicle having an on-board electronic controller, comprising:
- a primary cellular device and a secondary cellular device provided by a user of the vehicle;
a docking station in the vehicle in which the secondary cellular device is received;
a bi-directional communication link between the secondary cellular device and the on-board electronic controller, wherein the on-board electronic controller is programmed to recognize and accept calls placed to the secondary cellular device from the primary cellular device by the user, and thereafter to process vehicle-related requests communicated from the primary cellular device to the secondary cellular device by the user, whereinthe secondary cellular device includes an internal charge storage device; and
a power cable linking the docking station to a vehicle power outlet to supply power from the power outlet to the secondary cellular device via said internal charge storage device.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Long-range remote communication and control of a vehicle is achieved with primary and secondary cellular devices provided by the vehicle user. The primary cellular device is retained by the user, while the secondary cellular device is dedicated to the vehicle and placed in a docking station provided in the vehicle passenger compartment. The vehicle docking station is equipped with typical cell phone electrical interfaces to supply power and to establish a bi-directional data communication link between the secondary cellular device and an on-board vehicle computer. The secondary cellular device remains activated, and provides a low-cost remotely accessible communication link between the on-board vehicle computer and the primary cellular device or any other phone, provided that specified security conditions are satisfied.
9 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A long-range communication and control apparatus for a vehicle having an on-board electronic controller, comprising:
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a primary cellular device and a secondary cellular device provided by a user of the vehicle; a docking station in the vehicle in which the secondary cellular device is received; a bi-directional communication link between the secondary cellular device and the on-board electronic controller, wherein the on-board electronic controller is programmed to recognize and accept calls placed to the secondary cellular device from the primary cellular device by the user, and thereafter to process vehicle-related requests communicated from the primary cellular device to the secondary cellular device by the user, wherein the secondary cellular device includes an internal charge storage device; and a power cable linking the docking station to a vehicle power outlet to supply power from the power outlet to the secondary cellular device via said internal charge storage device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A long-range communication and control apparatus for a vehicle having an on-board electronic controller, comprising:
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a primary cellular device and a secondary cellular device provided by a user of the vehicle; a docking station in the vehicle in which the secondary cellular device is received; and a bi-directional communication link between the secondary cellular device and the on-board electronic controller, wherein the on-board electronic controller is programmed to recognize and accept calls placed to the secondary cellular device from the primary cellular device by the user, and thereafter to process vehicle-related requests communicated from the primary cellular device to the secondary cellular device by the user, wherein the secondary cellular device is designed to operate in a range of temperature and humidity conditions that can occur in a vehicle passenger compartment. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification