Method for obtaining electronic vehicle identification number (VIN)
First Claim
1. A method for obtaining an electronic Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) from a vehicle, comprising the steps of:
- (a) receiving a VIN identifying a vehicle via a vehicle user interface located in the vehicle;
(b) querying a plurality of vehicle electronic modules in connection with receiving the VIN identifying the vehicle, wherein each of the plurality of vehicle electronic modules is located on the same vehicle and stores an electronic VIN;
(c) receiving replies from the plurality of vehicle electronic modules in response to the query, wherein each of the plurality of vehicle electronic modules provides their stored electronic VIN so that a comparison can be made of the VIN received at step (a) and the stored electronic VINs; and
(d) presenting output related to the comparison via a vehicle hardware component.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method for obtaining an electronic Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) from a vehicle. According to one embodiment, an electronic VIN request is generated at the vehicle through a vehicle user interface, such as a visual display, a microphone, a speaker, a keypad, or an electronic control or button. According to another embodiment, the electronic VIN request is generated at an entity, such as a remote call center, that is remotely located from the vehicle. In either case, the electronic VIN request causes the vehicle hardware to query one or more vehicle electronic module(s) for electronic VIN(s) stored therein, so that output related to the electronic VIN(s) can be provided.
22 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A method for obtaining an electronic Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) from a vehicle, comprising the steps of:
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(a) receiving a VIN identifying a vehicle via a vehicle user interface located in the vehicle; (b) querying a plurality of vehicle electronic modules in connection with receiving the VIN identifying the vehicle, wherein each of the plurality of vehicle electronic modules is located on the same vehicle and stores an electronic VIN; (c) receiving replies from the plurality of vehicle electronic modules in response to the query, wherein each of the plurality of vehicle electronic modules provides their stored electronic VIN so that a comparison can be made of the VIN received at step (a) and the stored electronic VINs; and (d) presenting output related to the comparison via a vehicle hardware component. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for obtaining an electronic Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) from a remotely located vehicle, comprising the steps of:
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(a) receiving at a call center a VIN identifying a vehicle; (b) wirelessly sending a request for an electronic VIN from the call center to a vehicle telematics unit of the remotely located vehicle; (c) sending a query for the electronic VIN from the vehicle telematics unit to at least one vehicle electronic module over a communications bus in connection with receiving at the call center the VIN identifying the vehicle; (d) receiving the electronic VIN from the at least one vehicle electronic module at a vehicle hardware component over the communications bus; (e) comparing the VIN identifying the vehicle with the electronic VIN; and (f) determining whether the VIN identifying the vehicle matches the electronic VIN. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification