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Remote control of associated vehicle devices

  • US 9,123,186 B2
  • Filed: 04/15/2014
  • Issued: 09/01/2015
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/14/2012
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method, comprising:

  • (a) receiving, by a microprocessor executable vehicle control system, a request from a vehicle occupant to perform a vehicle task, function or operation;

    (b) determining, by the microprocessor executable vehicle control system, that the vehicle occupant has been authenticated successfully;

    (c) accessing, by the microprocessor executable vehicle control system, an account for the vehicle occupant, the account defining rights and privileges of the user with respect to controlling a vehicle task, function or operation, wherein the vehicle task, function or operation is one or more of the following;

    monitoring, controlling, and/or operating an engine control unit (“

    ECU”

    ), transmission control unit (“

    TCU”

    ), door setting, window setting, blind spot monitor, safety equipment, vehicle sensor, vehicle engine, head light control unit, power steering, display panel, switch state control unit, power control unit, brake control unit, alert to a user and/or remote monitoring entity of a potential problem with a vehicle operation, emission control, entertainment system, and media and/or multimedia content;

    (d) determining, by the microprocessor executable vehicle control system, at least one of an area and/or zone occupied by the vehicle occupant and an operating state of the vehicle; and

    (e) based upon the account corresponding to the vehicle occupant and the at least one of an area and/or zone occupied by the vehicle occupant and an operating state of the vehicle, applying, by the microprocessor executable vehicle control system, the following rules;

    (i) when the account permits the vehicle occupant to perform the requested vehicle task, function or operation, performing or causing to be performed the vehicle task, function or operation; and

    (ii) when the account does not permit the vehicle occupant to perform the requested vehicle task, function or operation, not performing or causing to be performed the vehicle task, function or operation.

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