Method and apparatus for remote vehicle communications and control
First Claim
1. 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; and
a bi-directional communication link between the secondary cellular device and the on-board electronic controller, the on-board electronic controller being programmed to recognize and accept calls placed to the secondary cellular device from a primary cellular device by the user, verify that a call placed to the secondary cellular device from the primary cellular device is being placed by an authorized user, and thereafter to process vehicle-related requests communicated from the primary cellular device to the secondary cellular device by the authorized user.
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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 a vehicle instrument panel or console. The vehicle docking station is equipped with typical cell phone electrical interfaces to supply battery charging current 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.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. 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; and a bi-directional communication link between the secondary cellular device and the on-board electronic controller, the on-board electronic controller being programmed to recognize and accept calls placed to the secondary cellular device from a primary cellular device by the user, verify that a call placed to the secondary cellular device from the primary cellular device is being placed by an authorized user, and thereafter to process vehicle-related requests communicated from the primary cellular device to the secondary cellular device by the authorized user. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A long-range communication and control method for a vehicle having an on-board electronic controller, comprising the steps of:
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receiving within the vehicle a secondary cellular device provided by a user of the vehicle; establishing a bi-directional communication link between the on-board electronic controller and the secondary cellular device; verifying that a call placed to the secondary cellular device from a primary cellular device is being placed by an authorized user; and programming the on-board electronic controller to recognize and accept verified calls placed to the secondary cellular device by the user with a primary cellular device, and thereafter to process vehicle-related requests communicated from the primary cellular device to the secondary cellular device by the user. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification