METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND APPARATUSES FOR CONSUMER TELEMATICS

• US 20080319665A1
• Filed: 06/02/2008
• Published: 12/25/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 05/31/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Incorporated (Verizon Communications Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Verizon Telematics Inc. (Verizon Communications Inc.)
• Inventors: Berkobin, Eric, Blumer, Frederick T.
• Granted Patent: US 9,747,729 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/213
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/008 communicating information to a remotely located station transmission systems for measured values G08C
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/085 using electronic data carriers

Abstract

Provided are methods, systems, and apparatuses for aftermarket telematics. In one aspect, provided is an apparatus comprising a telematics control unit configured for consumer installation, consumer use, and the like. The apparatus can be installed in a vehicle. In another aspect, provided are systems and methods for operation of the apparatus.

Claims

1. An apparatus for aftermarket telematics, comprising:

a vehicle interface, coupled to a vehicle bus, wherein the vehicle interface is configured to receive vehicle performance data through the vehicle bus;

a GPS receiver, configured for determining a vehicle location;

a wireless transceiver, configured for transmitting the vehicle performance data and the vehicle location and for communication between a vehicle occupant and a central monitoring station; and

a processor, coupled to the vehicle interface, the GPS receiver, and the wireless transceiver, wherein the processor is configured for receiving the vehicle performance data and the vehicle location, for providing the vehicle performance data and the vehicle location to the wireless transceiver, and for managing communication between the vehicle occupant and the central monitoring station.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a microphone.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a speaker.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a display device.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vehicle interface comprises an OBD cable.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wireless transceiver is a cellular transceiver.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured for providing emergency services and non-emergency services.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the emergency services comprise automatic crash notification and 911 services.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the non-emergency services comprise location based services, navigation services, vehicle tracking services, geo-fencing services, and concierge services.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a third party interface.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the third party interface comprises one or more of, a serial port, a USB port, and a Bluetooth transceiver.

12. A system for aftermarket telematics, comprising:

a consumer installed telematics device, configured for receiving vehicle performance data through a vehicle bus, receiving vehicle location data, transmitting the vehicle performance data and the vehicle location data, and for communication between a vehicle occupant and a central monitoring station; and

a central monitoring station, configured for receiving the vehicle performance data and the vehicle location, for communication between the vehicle occupant and the central monitoring station, and for providing emergency and non-emergency services to a vehicle occupant.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the consumer installed telematics device comprises a microphone.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein the consumer installed telematics device comprises a speaker.

15. The system of claim 12, wherein the consumer installed telematics device comprises a display device.

16. The system of claim 12, wherein the consumer installed telematics device comprises an OBD cable.

17. The system of claim 12, wherein the consumer installed telematics device comprises a cellular transceiver.

18. The system of claim 12, wherein the emergency services comprise automatic crash notification and 911 services.

19. The system of claim 12, wherein the non-emergency services comprise location based services, navigation services, vehicle tracking services, geo-fencing services, and concierge services.

20. A method for aftermarket telematics comprising:

providing a consumer accessible website;

receiving, through the website, one or more approved vehicle identification numbers (VINs); and

transmitting the one or more approved VINs to a consumer installed telematics device.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising receiving one or more approved features for each of the one or more approved VINs.

22. The method of claim 20, further comprising receiving one or more geo-fences for the one or more approved VINs.

23. The method of claim 20, further comprising receiving a default set of approved features for any VIN that is not an approved VIN.

24. A method for aftermarket telematics comprising:

determining a vehicle identification number (VIN) of a vehicle connected to a consumer installed telematics device;

determining if the VIN is an approved VIN; and

adjusting functionality of the consumer installed telematics device based on the determination whether the VIN is an approved VIN.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein if the VIN is not an approved VIN, de-activating the consumer installed telematics device.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein adjusting functionality of the consumer installed telematics device based on the determination whether the VIN is an approved VIN comprises determining one or more approved features available and activating the one or more approved features.

27. The method of claim 25, wherein if the VIN is an approved VIN, activating one or more of automatic crash notification, 911 services, location based services, navigation services, vehicle tracking services, geo-fencing services, and concierge services.

28. The method of claim 25, wherein if the VIN is not an approved VIN, activating stolen vehicle tracking.