U.S. patent application number 10/631357 was filed with the patent office on 2005-02-03 for automated enrollment and activation of telematics equipped vehicles.
This patent application is currently assigned to General Motors Corporation. Invention is credited to Beiermeister, Frederick J., Gumushian, Gary M., Rockett, David W..
Application Number | 20050027438 10/631357 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34104078 |
Filed Date | 2005-02-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050027438 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rockett, David W. ; et
al. |
February 3, 2005 |
Automated enrollment and activation of telematics equipped
vehicles
Abstract
A method for automated enrollment and activation of a mobile
telematics system comprising receiving a customer data record of a
customer at a communication services database, determining a
command signal based on the customer data record, sending the
command signal to a telematics unit of a vehicle, enrolling the
customer in a telematics-unit access system based on the command
signal and activating the telematics unit of the telematics-unit
access system based on the command signal.
Inventors: |
Rockett, David W.; (Lake
Orion, MI) ; Beiermeister, Frederick J.; (Farmington
Hills, MI) ; Gumushian, Gary M.; (Bloomfield Hills,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
General Motors Corporation
Legal Staff, Mail Code 482-C23-B21
300 Renaissance Center
P.O. Box 300
Detroit
MI
48265-3000
US
|
Assignee: |
General Motors Corporation
|
Family ID: |
34104078 |
Appl. No.: |
10/631357 |
Filed: |
July 31, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
701/532 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G08G 1/205 20130101;
H04L 67/125 20130101; H04L 69/329 20130101; H04L 67/12
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
701/200 |
International
Class: |
G01C 021/26 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A method for automated enrollment and activation of a mobile
telematics system comprising: receiving a customer data record of a
customer at a communication services database; determining a
command signal based on the customer data record; sending the
command signal to a telematics unit of a vehicle; enrolling the
customer in a telematics-unit access system based on the command
signal; and activating the telematics unit of the telematics-unit
access system based on the command signal.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein sending a command signal to a
telematics unit of a vehicle further comprises: sending the command
signal from an external telematics database to a communication
services manager in a telematics call center; and sending the
command signal from the communication services manager in the
telematics call center to the telematics unit of a vehicle.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein sending a command signal to a
telematics unit of a vehicle further comprises: sending the command
signal from a communication services database in a telematics call
center to a communication services manager in the telematics call
center; and sending the command signal from the communication
services manager in the telematics call center to the telematics
unit of a vehicle.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the customer data record is
received from a source selected from the group consisting of: an
enrollment website, the customer delivery record at a vehicle
dealership, a telephone line or from the telematics unit.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the customer data record is
obtained in segments received from more than one source.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the command signal includes
customer data.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the command signal includes
customer-desired features to be activated in the telematics-unit
access system.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein the customer-desired features are
selected from the group consisting of navigation assistance,
real-time traffic advisories, directory assistance, roadside
assistance, business or residential assistance, information
services assistance, emergency assistance, and communications
assistance, vehicle personalization, vehicle data upload, vehicle
data download, unlock/lock vehicle, flash lights, honk horn,
perform diagnostic functions and perform vehicle tracking
functions.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein activating the telematics unit of
the telematics-unit access system setup further comprises;
configuring the hardware of the telematics unit in the vehicle.
10. A computer usable medium storing a computer program comprising:
computer readable code for receiving a customer data record of a
customer at a communication services database; computer readable
code for determining a command signal based on the customer data
record; computer readable code for sending the command signal to a
telematics unit of a vehicle; computer readable code for enrolling
the customer in a telematics-unit access system based on the
command signal; and computer readable code for activating the
telematics unit of the telematics-unit access system based on the
command signal.
11. The computer usable medium storing a computer program of claim
10 wherein sending a command signal to a telematics unit of a
vehicle further comprises: computer readable code for sending the
command signal from an external telematics database to a
communication services manager in a telematics call center; and
computer readable code for sending the command signal from the
communication services manager in the telematics call center to the
telematics unit of a vehicle.
12. The computer usable medium storing a computer program of claim
10 wherein sending a command signal to a telematics unit of a
vehicle further comprises: computer readable code for sending the
command signal from a communication services database in a
telematics call center to a communication services manager in the
telematics call center; and computer readable code for sending the
command signal from the communication services manager in the
telematics call center to the telematics unit of a vehicle.
13. The computer usable medium storing a computer program of claim
10 wherein activating the telematics unit of the telematics-unit
access system setup further comprises; computer readable code for
instructing a hardware configuration to be set in hardware of the
telematics unit in the vehicle.
14. A telematics-unit access system comprising: means for receiving
a customer data record at a communication services database; means
for determining a command signal based on the customer data record;
means for sending the command signal to a telematics unit of a
vehicle; means for enrolling the customer in a telematics-unit
access system based on the command signal; and means for activating
the telematics unit of the telematics-unit access system based on
the command signal.
15. The telematics-unit access system of claim 14, further
comprising: means for sending the command signal from an external
telematics database to a communication services manager in a
telematics call center; and means for sending the command signal
from the communication services manager in the telematics call
center to the telematics unit of a vehicle.
16. The telematics-unit access system of claim 14, further
comprising: means for sending the command signal from a
communication services database in a telematics call center to a
communication services manager in the telematics call center; and
sending the command signal from the communication services manager
in the telematics call center to the telematics unit of a vehicle.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to automated enrollment and
activation of mobile telematics systems. In particular, the
invention relates to a computer usable medium and means for
automatic enrollment in a telematics system and activation of
system service.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Information and interactive services available to mobile
vehicles are increasing due to the demand of mobile vehicle
operators for services such as navigation assistance, directory
assistance, vehicle maintenance assistance, roadside assistance,
information services assistance and emergency assistance. Requests
for many of these services occur when a vehicle is outside of a
home region, for example, during personal travel or business trips
to neighboring or distant cities. In addition, the number of
vehicles outfitted with suitable equipment to request and receive
service information is growing. Projections are that by 2006 a
majority of new American cars will be installed with some type of
telematics unit to provide wireless communication and
location-based services. These services are accessible through
interfaces such as voice-recognition computer applications,
touch-screen computer displays, computer keyboards, or a series of
buttons on the dashboard or console of a vehicle.
[0003] Currently, telematics service call centers, in-vehicle
compact disk (CD) or digital video display (DVD) media, web
portals, and voice-enabled phone portals provide various types of
location services, including driving directions, stolen vehicle
tracking, traffic information, weather reports, restaurant guides,
ski reports, road condition information, accident updates, street
routing, landmark guides, and business finders.
[0004] For example, traffic and driving directions are accessible
through a voice portal that uses incoming number identification to
generate location information based on the area code or prefix of
the phone number, or to access location information stored in a
user's profile associated with the phone number. In some cases
users are prompted to enter more details through a voice interface.
Other examples are web and wireless portals that offer
location-based services such as maps and driving directions where
the user enters both start and end addresses. Some of these
services will have a voice interface.
[0005] This system applies to vehicles, which leave a factory with
a telematics system described above already installed. Once the
vehicle is sold by a dealership the customer is enrolled in the
telematics system database and the system is activated. There are
several opportunities for initiation of the telematics system to
occur. In one scenario, initiation of a telematics service occurs
upon purchase of the vehicle prior to leaving the dealership. Then
the dealer calls a telematics call center using the telematics
system to provide data on the subscriber to a real communication
service advisor at the telematics call center. The dealer must also
provide details on the telematics services desired by the
subscriber to the communication service advisor in a time consuming
interaction.
[0006] In a second scenario, initiation of a telematics service
occurs after the vehicle leaves the dealership. Then the customer
calls a telematics call center using the telematics system to
provide data on the subscriber to a real communication service
advisor at the telematics call center. The customer must also tell
the communication service advisor which telematics services they
want in their subscription package during a time consuming
interaction with the communication service advisor.
[0007] It is desirable, therefore, to provide a system and method
to reduce the time required to enroll a new subscriber in a
telematic system that overcomes these and other disadvantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] One aspect of the present invention provides a method for
automated enrollment and activation of a mobile telematics system
comprising receiving a customer data record of a customer at a
communication services database, determining a command signal based
on the customer data record, sending the command signal to a
telematics unit of a vehicle, enrolling the customer in a
telematics-unit access system based on the command signal and
activating the telematics unit of the telematics-unit access system
based on the command signal.
[0009] A second aspect of the present invention provides a computer
usable medium storing a computer program comprising computer
readable code for receiving a customer data record of a customer at
a communication services database, computer readable code for
determining a command signal based on the customer data record,
computer readable code for sending the command signal to a
telematics unit of a vehicle, computer readable code for enrolling
the customer in a telematics-unit access system based on the
command signal and computer readable code for activating the
telematics unit of the telematics-unit access system based setup
based on the command signal.
[0010] A third aspect of the present invention provides
telematics-unit access system comprising means for receiving a
customer data record at a communication services database, means
for determining a command signal based on the customer data record,
means for sending the command signal to a telematics unit of a
vehicle, means for enrolling the customer in a telematics-unit
access system based on the command signal and means for activating
the telematics unit of the telematics-unit access system based on
the command signal.
[0011] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the
invention will become further apparent from the following detailed
description of the presently preferred embodiment, read in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The detailed
description and drawings are merely illustrative of the invention
rather than limiting, the scope of the invention being defined by
the appended claims and equivalents thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a telematics-unit access
system for a vehicle in accordance with the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a system for
providing data to a telematics-unit access system, in accordance
with a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a system for
providing data to a telematics-unit access system, in accordance
with a second embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart representative of a first
portion of a second embodiment in accordance with the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart representative of a second
portion of a second embodiment in accordance with the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart representative of a third
portion of a second embodiment in accordance with the present
invention; and
[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart representative of a fourth
portion of a second embodiment in accordance with the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for providing
access to a telematics unit in a mobile vehicle. Telematics-unit
access system 100 includes a mobile vehicle 110, a telematics unit
120, one or more wireless carrier systems 140, one or more
communication networks 150, one or more land networks 160, and one
or more call centers 170. A telematics unit 120 provides the
telecommunications link in one embodiment of this present
invention. Mobile vehicle 110 includes vehicles such as cars, vans
or trucks equipped with suitable hardware and software for
transmitting and receiving voice and data communications.
[0020] In some embodiments of this invention, telematics unit 120
includes a digital signal processor (DSP) 122 connected to a
wireless modem 124, a global positioning system (GPS) receiver or
GPS unit 126, a memory 128, a microphone 130, one or more speakers
132, and an embedded or in-vehicle phone 134. DSP 122 is also
referred to as a microcontroller, controller, host processor, or
vehicle communications processor. Functions provided by GPS unit
126 include longitude and latitude coordinates of the vehicle. The
in-vehicle phone 134 is selected from the group including, but not
limited to, an analog, digital, dual-mode, dual-band, multi-mode or
multi-band cellular phone.
[0021] Telematics unit 120 has capability to store phone numbers
and messages in memory 128. Telematics unit 120 has capability to
set or reset calling-state indicators and to enable or disable
various cellular-phone and telematics-unit functions when directed
by microcode running on DSP 122. Telematics unit 120 has capability
to send and receive over-the-air messages using, for example, a
pseudo-standard air-interface function or other proprietary and
non-proprietary communication links.
[0022] DSP 122 executes various computer programs and computer
program code that control programming and operational modes of
electronic and mechanical systems within telematics unit 120. DSP
122 has capability to control communications between telematics
unit 120, wireless carrier system 140, and call center 170. In some
embodiments of this invention, voice-recognition application is
installed in DSP 122 to translate human voice input through
microphone 130 to digital signals. The capability to, for example,
program in-vehicle phone 134 will be controlled with verbal
commands that are translated by voice-recognition software executed
by DSP 122. Alternatively, in other embodiments of this invention,
pushing buttons on an interface of telematics unit 120 or
in-vehicle phone 134 will be used to indicate a termination code or
a recipient code. The interface to telematics unit 120 includes one
or more buttons on the telematics unit, radio console, or
associated keyboard or keypad. In other embodiments, the interface
to telematics unit 120 includes other forms of preference and data
entry including touch-screens, wired or wireless keypad remotes, or
other wirelessly connected devices such as Bluetooth-enabled
devices.
[0023] DSP 122 controls, generates and accepts digital signals
transmitted between telematics unit 120 and a vehicle communication
bus 112 that is connected to various electronic modules and sensors
in mobile vehicle 110. Some functional capabilities of DSP 122
include activation of various programming and operation modes, as
well as provision for data transfers. Additional functional
capabilities of DSP 122 include translation of signals into voice
messages to be sent out through speaker 132. One of the generated
voice messages might, for example, include a phone number prompt
given when a user has requested and entered a programming mode of
in-vehicle phone 134.
[0024] Mobile vehicle 110 via telematics unit 120 has the
capability to send and receive radio transmissions from wireless
carrier system 140. Wireless carrier system 140 includes any
suitable system for transmitting a signal from mobile vehicle 110
to communication network 150.
[0025] Communication network 150 includes services provided by one
or more mobile telephone switching offices and wireless networks.
Communication network 150 includes connect wireless carrier system
140 to land network 160. Communication network 150 includes any
suitable system or collection of systems for connecting wireless
carrier system 140 to mobile vehicle 110 and land network 160.
Communication network 150 has capability to send and receive short
messages according to established protocols such as IS-637
standards for short message service (SMS), IS-136 air-interface
standards for SMS, and GSM 03.40 and 09.02 standards. Similar to
paging, an SMS communication might, for example, be posted along
with an intended recipient, such as a communication device in
mobile vehicle 110.
[0026] Land network 160 is a public-switched telephone network.
Land network 160 includes Internet protocol (IP) networks. Land
network 160 also includes wired networks, optical networks, fiber
networks, other wireless networks, or any combination thereof. Land
network 160 is connected to one or more landline telephones. In
some embodiments of the invention, land network 160 and
communication networks 150 are connected to call center 170. In
some embodiments, communication network 150 and land network 160
connect wireless carrier system 140 to a communication node or call
center 170.
[0027] In one embodiment of the invention, call center 170 includes
one or more voice and data switches 172, one or more communication
services managers 174, one or more communication services databases
176, one or more communication services advisors 178, and one or
more bus systems 180.
[0028] Call center 170 is a location with capability to receive
many calls to be serviced at the same time and to send many calls
at the same time. In some embodiments of this invention, the call
center is a telematics call center, prescribing communications to
and from telematics unit 120 in mobile vehicle 110. In alternate
embodiments, the call center is a voice call center, providing
verbal communications between an advisor in the call center and a
subscriber in a mobile vehicle. In some embodiments of the present
invention, the call center contains each of these functions. In
some embodiments of the present invention, call center 170 is
capable of receiving a telematics unit access requests from a
telematics user via wireless carrier system 140, communication
network 150, over land network 160, or any combination thereof.
[0029] In some embodiments of the present invention, call center
170 contains one or more voice and data switches 172, where the
switches 172 are connected to land network 160 and the switches 172
transmit voice or data transmissions from call center 170. In
alternate embodiments, switch 172 receives voice or data
transmissions from telematics unit 120 in mobile vehicle 110
through wireless carrier system 140, communication network 150, and
land network 160. In other embodiments, switch 172 receives from or
sends to one or more communication services managers 174 data
transmissions via one or more bus systems 180. In some embodiments,
communication services manager 174 is comprised of suitable
hardware and software capable of providing requested communication
services to telematics unit 120 in mobile vehicle 110. In some
embodiments, communication services manager 174 sends to or
receives from one or more communication services databases 176 data
transmissions via bus system 180. In some embodiments,
communication services manager 174 sends to or receives from one or
more communication services advisors 178 data transmissions via bus
system 180. In some embodiments, communication services database
176 sends to or receives from communication services advisor 178
data transmissions via bus system 180. In some embodiments,
communication services advisor 178 receives from or sends to switch
172 voice or data transmissions.
[0030] Communication services manager 174 provides one or more of a
variety of services, including enrollment services, navigation
assistance, vehicle personalization, vehicle data upload, vehicle
data download, replenish subscriber minutes, unlock/lock vehicle,
flash lights, honk horn, perform diagnostic functions and perform
vehicle tracking functions. Communication services manager 174 has
the capability to transmit data to telematics unit 120 in mobile
vehicle 110 through wireless carrier system 140, communication
network 150, land network 160, voice and data switch 172, and bus
system 180. In some embodiments, communication services manager 174
stores or retrieves data and information from communication
services database 176. In some embodiments, communication services
manager 174 provides requested information to communication
services advisor 178. In some embodiments, communication services
manager 174, along with the other components of call center 170,
sends over-the-air messages to enable or disable telematics unit
120 through land network 160, communication network 150, and
wireless carrier system 140.
[0031] In some embodiments, communication services advisor 178 is a
real advisor or a virtual advisor. A real advisor is a human being
in verbal communication with a user or subscriber in mobile vehicle
110 via telematics unit 120. In some embodiments, the virtual
advisor is a synthesized voice interface responding to requests
from telematics unit 120 in mobile vehicle 110. This virtual
advisor includes one or more recorded messages.
[0032] Communication services advisor 178 provides services to
telematics unit 120 in mobile vehicle 110. Possible services
provided by communication services advisor 178 are enrollment
services, navigation assistance, real-time traffic advisories,
directory assistance, roadside assistance, business or residential
assistance, information services assistance, emergency assistance,
and communications assistance. In some embodiments, communication
services advisor 178 communicates with telematics unit 120 in
mobile vehicle 110 through wireless carrier system 140,
communication network 150, and land network 160 using voice
transmissions, or through communication services manager 174 and
switch 172 using data transmissions.
[0033] In one embodiment, mobile vehicle 110 initiates a service
request to call center 170 by sending a voice or digital-signal
command to telematics unit 120 which in turn, sends an
instructional signal or a voice call through wireless modem 124,
in-vehicle phone 134, wireless carrier system 140, communication
network 150, and land network 160 to call center 170. In some
embodiments, call center 170 determines mobile identification
numbers and telematics unit identifiers associated with a
telematics unit access request, compare mobile identification
numbers and telematics unit identifiers with a database of
identifier records, and send calling-state messages to the
telematics unit based on the request and identification
numbers.
[0034] In some embodiments, software including a program to provide
access to the telematics unit resides, at least in part, at the
call center. Such a program includes computer program code to
receive a telematics unit access request, to determine a mobile
identification number, and to determine a telematics unit
identifier. The program compares the mobile identification number
and the telematics unit identifier with a database of identifier
records, and sends a calling-state message based on the telematics
unit access request. In some embodiments, the software is provided
on any suitable computer usable medium such as a compact disc,
digital video disc, magnetic media, semiconductor memory,
nonvolatile or permanent memory. Computer program code, which
resides on any suitable computer usable medium such as magnetic,
optical, or semiconductor media, has the capability to store the
updated mobile identification number and calling-state indicator in
the telematics unit, and enable the cellular phone. Computer
program code to set the calling-state indicator to a predefined
billing state and to disable the embedded cellular phone, in some
embodiments, resides, in part, within the telematics unit and is
executed by a processing unit within the telematics unit.
[0035] FIG. 2 is an illustration in block diagram of the flow of
data 200 required to enroll a subscriber and activate a
telematics-unit access system 100 according to the present
invention. The vehicle factory 205 manufactures a vehicle 110 with
a telematic unit 120. The vehicle 110 is shipped to vehicle
dealership 215 where it is offered for sale to potential customers
(not shown). When the factory 205 ships the vehicle 110 to the
vehicle dealership 215, it also transmits data about the vehicle to
a vehicular database 210, which is in the external telematics
database 225. The vehicular database contains data on a plurality
of vehicles with telematic units 120 installed. The vehicle data is
transferred via one or more wireless carrier systems 140, one or
more communication networks 150 and one or more land networks 160.
The data sent to vehicular database 210 includes, but is not
limited to, the vehicle identification number, the electronic
serial number of the cell phone 134, and the name and location of
the vehicle dealership 215 to which the vehicle 110 was shipped.
The vehicular database 210 is a portion of an external telematics
database 225.
[0036] When a customer purchases a vehicle 110 with an installed
telematics unit 120, the customer is enrolled as a subscriber in
the telematics-unit access system 100 and the subscriber account is
activated with the features desired by the customer.
[0037] The word customer and subscriber are used interchangeably
within this document to describe the person who buys the vehicle
and subscribes to the telematics-unit access system 100. The dealer
selling the vehicle 110 to the customer, as part of the sales,
enters data about the customer in a dealership database (not
shown). Some of this customer data is automatically sent to the
customer database 220, as illustrated by the dashed arrow 216
connecting the vehicle dealership 215 and the customer database
220. The customer data is sent to the customer database 220 in a
format, such as, for example, a customer delivery report. The
customer delivery report may include, but is not limited to the
customer name, address, phone number, selling dealer, the desired
features in the telematics-unit access system 100 and vehicle
identification number of the purchased vehicle 110. The customer
data may be transmitted to the customer database 220 at the end of
the day or periodically during the day or the week. The customer
base data transmission is completed via one or more wireless
carrier systems 140, one or more communication networks 150 and one
or more land networks 160. The customer is enrolled as a subscriber
in the telematics-unit access system 100 and the subscriber account
is activated with the features desired by the customer based on a
command signal determined by a the customer data or customer data
record.
[0038] The customer database 220 is then linked to the vehicle
database 210, both in the external telematics database 225, by the
vehicle identification number. The linked customer and vehicle data
is sent to the communications service manager 174 of the telematics
call center 170 as a command signal. All command signals may be
transmitted to the telematics call center 170 at the end of the day
or periodically during the day or the week. The command signals are
transmitted in many ways including one or more wireless carrier
systems 140, one or more communication networks 150 and one or more
land networks 160.
[0039] Upon receipt of the command signal the customer is
automatically enrolled in the telematics-unit access system 100 by
the communication services manager 174, which populates the account
with customer data. Activation of the telematics unit 120 occurs
automatically according to the present invention, when a command
signal is determined based on the customer data record and the
command signal, operable to is sent to the telematics unit 120 of a
vehicle 110 to configure the hardware of the telematics unit 120
according to the command signal.
[0040] In some embodiments, the telematics unit 120 sends notice to
the communications service manager 174 of the telematics call
center 170 that the customer wishes to activate the telematics-unit
access system 100 of a vehicle 110. In some embodiments, notice
that a subscriber is ready to activate the telematics-unit access
system 100 is initiated by an action taken at the telematics unit
120, such as, for example, pressing a specified button operable to
initiate activation of the subscriber account. When such notice is
received, the telematics call center 170 activates the service in
the telematics-unit access system 100 with the requested features.
Such features include, but are not limited to, navigation
assistance, real-time traffic advisories, directory assistance,
roadside assistance, business or residential assistance,
information services assistance, emergency assistance, and
communications assistance, vehicle personalization, vehicle data
upload, vehicle data download, unlock/lock vehicle, flash lights,
honk horn, perform diagnostic functions, perform vehicle tracking
functions or combinations of any or all of the above. The
activation process includes transmission of a description of
service options to the customer sitting in the vehicle 110 through
the telematics unit 120 to provide an introduction of the service
to the customer. The activation process also includes transmission
of instructions from the telematics call center 170 to the
telematics unit 120, which set the hardware of the installed
telematics unit 120 to provide the requested service features.
[0041] Alternately, if notice is received at the telematics call
center 170 that a subscriber is ready to activate the
telematics-unit access system 100 of a vehicle 110 prior to receipt
of the command signal at the telematics call center 170, the
communications services manager 174 of the telematics call center
170 places a request to receive the command signal from the
external telematics database 225. If the customer data record has
not yet been sent by the vehicle dealership 215, the communications
services manager may periodically place a request to receive the
command signal from the external telematics database 225 until the
data is received. Additionally, the communications services manager
174 will initiate a transmission of a description of service
options to the customer sitting in the vehicle 110 through the
telematics unit 120.
[0042] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the flow of data 300 required
to enroll a subscriber and activate a telematics-unit access system
100 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In
this system the vehicular database 210 and the customer database
220 are located in the communication services database 176 of the
telematics call center 170 rather than being at a separate
location, such as the external telematics database 225 illustrated
in FIG. 2. the vehicular database 210 and the customer database 220
are in communication with each other.
[0043] As in FIG. 2, the vehicle factory 205 manufactures a vehicle
110 with a telematic unit 120. The vehicle 110 is shipped to
vehicle dealership 215 where it is offered for sale to potential
customers. Again, the factory 205 also transmits vehicle data to a
vehicular database 210, which contains data on a plurality of
vehicles with telematic units 120 installed. In system 300, the
vehicular database 210 is a portion of the communication services
database 176 of the telematics call center 170.
[0044] When a customer purchases a vehicle 110 with an installed
telematics unit 120, the customer is enrolled as a subscriber in
the telematics-unit access system 100 and the subscriber account is
activated with the features desired by the customer. The dealer
selling the vehicle 110 to the customer, as part of the sales,
enters data about the customer in a dealership database (not
shown). Some of this customer data is automatically sent to the
customer database 220, as illustrated by the dashed arrow 216
connecting the vehicle dealership 215 and the customer database
220. The customer database 220 is located in the communication
services database 176 within the telematics call center 170. As in
system 200, the customer data may be sent to the customer database
220 at the end of the day or periodically during the day or the
week. The customer is enrolled as a subscriber in the
telematics-unit access system 100 and the subscriber account is
activated with the features desired by the customer based on a
command signal determined by a the customer data record or the
customer database 220.
[0045] The customer database 220 is then linked to the vehicle
database 210, both in the communication services database 176, by
the vehicle identification number. The linked customer data and
vehicle data is transmitted to the communications service manager
174 of the telematics call center 170 as a command signal via one
or more bus systems 180 (FIG. 1) within the telematics call center
170.
[0046] Upon receipt of the command signal at the communication
services manager 174, the customer is automatically enrolled by the
communication services manager 174 in the telematics-unit access
system 100, which populates the account with customer data.
Activation of the telematics unit 120 occurs automatically
according to the present invention, when a command signal is
determined based on the customer data record and the command
signal, operable to is sent to the telematics unit 120 of a vehicle
110 to configure the hardware of the telematics unit 120 according
to the command signal.
[0047] In some embodiments, the telematics unit 120 sends notice to
the communications service manager 174 of the telematics call
center 170 that the customer wishes to activate the telematics-unit
access system 100 of a vehicle 110. In some embodiments, notice
that a subscriber is ready to activate the telematics-unit access
system 100 is initiated by an action taken at the telematics unit
120, such as, for example, pressing a specified button operable to
initiate communication with the telematics call center 170 in order
to activate the telematics-unit access system 100. When such notice
is received, the telematics call center 170 generates a command
signal based on the customer data record and uses the command
signal to activate the subscriber service in the telematics-unit
access system 100 with the requested features. Such features
include, but are not limited to, navigation assistance, real-time
traffic advisories, directory assistance, roadside assistance,
business or residential assistance, information services
assistance, emergency assistance, and communications assistance,
vehicle personalization, vehicle data upload, vehicle data
download, unlock/lock vehicle, flash lights, honk horn, perform
diagnostic functions, perform vehicle tracking functions or
combinations of any or all of the above. The activation process
includes transmission of a description of service options to the
customer sitting in the vehicle 110 through the telematics unit 120
as an introduction of the service to the customer. The activation
process also includes transmission of instructions from the
telematics call center 170 to the telematics unit 120, which set
the hardware of the installed telematics unit 120 to provide the
requested service features.
[0048] Alternately, if notice is received at the telematics call
center 170 that a subscriber is ready to activate the
telematics-unit access system 100 of a vehicle 110 prior to receipt
of the command signal by the communication service manager 174, the
communications services manager 174 requests input about command
signal from the communication services database 176 via one or more
bus systems 180 (FIG. 1). If the customer data record has not yet
been sent by the vehicle dealership 215, the communications
services manager may periodically place a request to receive the
command signal from the communication services database 176 until
the data is received.
[0049] The data flow described in FIGS. 2 and 3 is comprised of one
or more vehicular databases 210, one or more customer databases
220, one or more external telematics databases 225, one or more
communication services managers 174, one or more communication
services databases 176. Databases in the same location are linked
by one or more bus systems 180. Databases in remote locations
communicate via one or more wireless carrier systems 140, one or
more communication networks 150 and one or more land networks
160.
[0050] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart 400 representative of a first
portion of an embodiment in accordance with the present invention
and will be discussed using FIG. 3 and FIG. 1 as an exemplary
system. During stage S402 the vehicle factory 205 ties the vehicle
identification number (VIN) with the electronic serial number (ESN)
of the cell phone 134 in the telematics unit 120 installed in the
vehicle 110 and transmits this data into the vehicular database
(VDB) 210. During stage S404 the factory 205 does a preliminary
activation of the telematics unit in vehicle 110 and ships vehicle
110 to the vehicle dealership 215. During stage S406 the vehicle
110 is in the dealership 215 stock. The vehicle 110 is available to
be taken for a test drive by potential customers by the dealer at
this time. During stage S408 the vehicle 110 is powered up. During
stage S410 the dealer indicates if the vehicle 110 is sold. Upon an
indication from the dealer that the vehicle 110 is not sold, the
flow progresses to stage S412. During stage S412, the
telematics-unit access system 100 is demonstrated by providing
demonstration scripting in vehicle for the potential customer to
hear. Then the flow progresses back to stage S406. If the dealer
indicates that vehicle 110 has been sold during stage 410, the flow
progresses to stage S414. During stage S414 it is determined if a
communication with the telematics call center (CC) 170 was
initiated by, for example, the press of a button at the telematics
unit 120. If it is determined that a communication was not
initiated with the telematics call center (CC) 170 the flow
proceeds to stage S416. Stage S416 indicates that the flow
continues at stage S502 in FIG. 5.
[0051] If it is determined that a communication was initiated with
the telematics call center (CC) 170 during stage S414, then the
flow proceeds to stage S418. During stage S418 it is determined if
the customer data is available at the telematics call center (CC)
170. If it is determined the customer data is not available at the
telematics call center (CC) 170, the flow proceeds to stage S420.
Stage S420 indicates that the flow continues at stage S602 in FIG.
6. If, during stage S418, it is determined the customer data is not
available at the telematics call center (CC) 170, the flow proceeds
to stage S422. Stage S422 indicates that the flow continues at
stage S702 in FIG. 7.
[0052] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart 500 representative of a
second portion of an embodiment in accordance with the present
invention and will be discussed using FIG. 3 and FIG. 1 as an
exemplary system. Stage S502 indicates that FIG. 5 is a
continuation of the flow from stage S416 in FIG. 4. During stage
S504 it is determined if customer data was delivered to the
telematics call center 170. If customer data was not delivered to
the telematics call center (CC) 170, then the flow continues to
stage S506. During stage S506 the vehicle 110 is delivered to the
customer. During stage S508 the customer data is received at the
telematics call center (CC) 170. Specifically the communication
services database 176 receives the customer data at the customer
database 220. In some embodiments of the present invention, some or
all of the customer data, which forms the command signal, is
received at the customer database 220 from the vehicle dealership
215. Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention,
some or all of the customer data, which forms the command signal,
is received from the telematics unit 120 at the telematics call
center 170 and input to the communication services database 176
where it is stored in the customer database 220. This information
may be received in many ways including, but not limited to,
enrollment on the Internet (not illustrated), the customer delivery
record, illustrated as a dashed line 216 from the vehicle
dealership 215 to the customer database 220 in FIG. 3, a telephone
call to the telematics call center 170 (not illustrated) or an
initiating communication at the telematics unit 120 by the dealer
or the customer.
[0053] During stage S510 it is determined if the account has been
activated. If the account has been activated the flow proceeds to
stage S514. During stage S514 an initial subscriber communication
for the new subscriber is generated by the telematics-unit access
system 100. This includes, in a preferred embodiment, mailing a
package of information to the subscriber to inform the subscriber
about the telematics-unit access system 100.
[0054] During stage S516 it is determined if the subscriber has
used the telematics-unit access system 100 during the first 30 days
of service. If it is determined that the subscriber has never used
the telematics-unit access system 100 in the first 30 days of
service, the flow proceeds to stage S518. During stage S518 a
welcome call is provided to the new subscriber when the vehicle 110
is turned on and the customer is in the vehicle 110. This is to
educate the new subscriber about the system options, in case they
are unfamiliar with the telematics-unit access system 100 or
uncertain about how to use the telematics-unit access system 100.
During stage S520 normal operation begins.
[0055] If, during stage S516, it is determined that the subscriber
has used the telematics-unit access system 100 in the first 30 days
of service, the flow proceeds to stage S520 and normal operation
begins.
[0056] If, during stage S510, it is determined that the account has
not been activated the flow proceeds to stage S512. During stage
S512 a basic enrollment of the customer automatically occurs and
the system is activated with the basic service by a transmission of
instructions from the telematics call center 170 to the telematics
unit 120, which configure the hardware of the installed telematics
unit 120 to provide the automated basic service features. Basic
service features will, in one embodiment, include only a few of the
multiple options available to the subscriber. Then the flow
proceeds to stage S514. During stage S514 an initial subscriber
communication for the new subscriber is generated by the
telematics-unit access system 100. This includes, in a preferred
embodiment, mailing a package of information to the subscriber to
inform the subscriber about the telematics-unit access system 100.
The flow then proceeds to S516 and the remainder of the flow chart
as discussed above.
[0057] If during stage S504 it is determined that customer data was
delivered to the telematics call center 170, the flow continues to
stage S522. During stage S522 the vehicle 110 is delivered to the
customer.
[0058] During stage S524 it is determined if the account has been
activated. If the account has been activated the flow proceeds to
stage S528. During stage S528 an initial subscriber communication
for the new subscriber is generated by the telematics-unit access
system 100. This includes, in a preferred embodiment, mailing a
packing of information to the subscriber to inform the subscriber
about the telematics-unit access system 100. The flow then proceeds
to S516 and the remainder of the flow chart as discussed above.
[0059] If, during stage S524, it is determined that the account has
not been activated the flow proceeds to stage S526. During stage
S526 a basic enrollment of the customer automatically occurs and
the system is activated with the basic service by a transmission of
instructions from the telematics call center 170 to the telematics
unit 120, which configure the hardware of the installed telematics
unit 120 to provide the automated basic service features. Basic
service features will, in one embodiment, include only a few of the
multiple options available to the subscriber. Then the flow
proceeds to stage S528. During stage S528 an initial subscriber
communication for the new subscriber is generated by the
telematics-unit access system 100. This includes, in a preferred
embodiment, mailing a package of information to the subscriber to
inform the subscriber about the telematics-unit access system 100.
The flow then proceeds to S516 and the remainder of the flow chart
as discussed above.
[0060] All possible flows for FIG. 5 have now been described. At
any point during this flow the customer has the option to modify
the services which are provided by the automatic basis
enrollment.
[0061] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart 600 representative of a third
portion of an embodiment in accordance with the present invention
and will be discussed using FIG. 3 and FIG. 1 as an exemplary
system. Stage S602 indicates that FIG. 6 is a continuation of the
flow from stage S420 in FIG. 4. During stage S604 it is determined
if the customer is in the vehicle 110 with the dealer who sold the
car. If it is determined that the customer is not with the dealer
in the vehicle 110, the flow proceeds to stage S606. During stage
S606 the dealer inputs the customer requested options for service
in the telematics-unit access system 100. The flow then proceeds to
stage S608.
[0062] If during stage S604 it is determined that the customer is
in the car with the dealer the flow proceeds to stage S620. During
stage S620 the customer receives a description of the service
options via the telematics unit 120 in the vehicle 110. During
stage S622 the customer inputs their name zip code and the desired
service options via the telematics unit 120. The desired options
for access to the telematics-unit access system 100 are, in some
embodiments, dependent upon the zip code of the customer, since all
the features may not be available in all geographical areas.
[0063] After stages S606 and S622, the flow proceeds to stage S608.
During stage S608 the telematics-unit access system 100 is
activated for the subscriber by a transmission of instructions from
the telematics call center 170 to the telematics unit 120, which
set the hardware of the installed telematics unit 120 to provide
the requested service features. During stage S610 the account is
populated with all or supplemental customer data. The customer data
may include, but is not limited to, the customer name, address,
phone number, selling dealer and vehicle identification number of
the purchased vehicle 110.
[0064] Then the flow proceeds to stage S612. During stage S612 an
initial subscriber communication for the new subscriber is
generated by the telematics-unit access system 100. This includes,
in a preferred embodiment, mailing a package of information to the
subscriber to inform the subscriber about the telematics-unit
access system 100.
[0065] During stage S614 it is determined if the subscriber has
used the telematics-unit access system 100 during the first 30 days
of service. If it is determined that the subscriber has never used
the telematics-unit access system 100 in the first 30 days of
service, the flow proceeds to stage S616. During stage S616 a
welcome call is provided to the new subscriber when the vehicle 110
is turned on and the customer is in the vehicle 110. This is to
educate the new subscriber about the system options, in case they
are unfamiliar with the telematics-unit access system 100 or
uncertain about how to use the telematics-unit access system 100.
During stage S618 normal operation begins.
[0066] If, during stage S614, it is determined that the subscriber
has used the telematics-unit access system 100 in the first 30 days
of service, the flow proceeds to stage S618 and normal operation
begins.
[0067] FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart 700 representative of a forth
portion of an embodiment in accordance with the present invention
and will be discussed using FIG. 3 and FIG. 1 as an exemplary
system. Stage S702 indicates that FIG. 7 is a continuation of the
flow from stage S422 in FIG. 4. The flowchart 700 of FIG. 7 is
identical to the flowchart 600 of FIG. 6 except that a stage S610
is not included since all required customer data was determined to
be available during stage S418 of FIG. 4.
[0068] During stage S704 it is determined if the customer is in the
vehicle 110 with the dealer who sold the car. If it is determined
that the customer is not with the dealer in the vehicle 110, the
flow proceeds to stage S706. During stage S706 the dealer inputs
the customer requested options for service in the telematics-unit
access system 100. The flow then proceeds to stage S608.
[0069] If during stage S704 it is determined that the customer is
in the car with dealer the flow proceeds to stage S718. During
stage S718 the customer receives a description of the service
options via the telematics unit 120 in the vehicle 110. During
stage S720 the customer inputs their name zip code and the desired
service options via the telematics unit 120. The desired options
for access to the telematics-unit access system 100 are, in some
embodiments, dependent upon the zip code of the customer, since all
the features may not be available in all geographical areas.
[0070] After stages S706 and S720, the flow proceeds to stage S708.
During stage S708 the telematics-unit access system 100 is
activated for the subscriber by a transmission of instructions from
the telematics call center 170 to the telematics unit 120, which
set the hardware of the installed telematics unit 120 to provide
the requested service features.
[0071] Then the flow proceeds to stage S710. During stage S710 an
initial subscriber communication for the new subscriber is
generated by the telematics-unit access system 100. This includes,
in a preferred embodiment, mailing a package of information to the
subscriber to inform the subscriber about the telematics-unit
access system 100.
[0072] During stage S712 it is determined if the subscriber has
used the telematics-unit access system 100 during the first 30 days
of service. If it is determined that the subscriber has never used
the telematics-unit access system 100 in the first 30 days of
service, the flow proceeds to stage S714. During stage S714 a
welcome call is provided to the new subscriber when the vehicle 110
is turned on and the customer is in the vehicle 110. This is to
educate the new subscriber about the system options, in case they
are unfamiliar with the telematics-unit access system 100 or
uncertain about how to use the telematics-unit access system 100.
During stage S618 normal operation begins.
[0073] If, during stage S712, it is determined that the subscriber
has used the telematics-unit access system 100 in the first 30 days
of service, the flow proceeds to stage S716 and normal operation
begins.
[0074] By the embodiments described herein, the enrollment and
activation process is automated reducing enrollment costs,
improving the relationship between the telematic system provider
and the dealership, and improving the quality of customer data.
[0075] The automated enrollment and activation process described in
FIG. 2 to FIG. 7 will automatically determine if a vehicle 110 is
in an extended telematic service area and configure the telematics
unit 120 in the vehicle 110 appropriately. If the vehicle factory
205 does not supply the required vehicle data to the vehicular
database 210, the traditional enrollment process is available.
Other aspects of the invention include determining if an incoming
call is the first call from a newly activated telematics unit 120
and minimizing the data collected from the dealer or subscriber via
land line telephone, cell phone or the telematics unit 120, since
the extended data is available from the customer data record.
[0076] The automated enrollment and activation process supports web
pre-enrollment by allowing reception of web-specific data fields
and will report exceptions and failures to the automated enrollment
process for attention and resolution. In some embodiments of the
present invention, the automated enrollment and activation process
has defaults such as assigning the customer on the customer
database 220 as the primary driver in the account, unless otherwise
noted, and selecting the subscription package with a 12 month
duration, if there is more than one subscription package option
from which to choose.
[0077] While the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are
presently preferred, various changes and modifications may be made
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The
scope of the invention is indicated in the appended claims, and all
changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents are
intended to be embraced therein.
* * * * *