Patent ID: 8005467
Filing Date: 2011-08-23
Classification: H04M

Abstract:
1. A method of providing a telematics readiness mode of operation to a user of a vehicle, comprising the steps of: providing a response prompt from a telematics unit of a vehicle to a vehicle occupant querying whether the occupant wants the telematics unit to enter a readiness mode in which the telematics unit monitors for subsequent input indicative of a request for emergency assistance; receiving a response input from the vehicle occupant instructing the telematics unit of the vehicle to enter into the readiness mode; entering the readiness mode in response to the response input; waiting for additional manual input; and carrying out a further action based on a determination made after waiting for the additional manual input, the further action comprising either the step of carrying out a readiness action or the step of terminating the readiness mode without performing the readiness action; wherein the receiving step further comprises receiving the response input prior to the vehicle occupant exiting the vehicle and wherein the step of carrying out a further action comprises one of the following steps: (a) carrying out the further action in response to receiving the additional manual input from the vehicle occupant after the vehicle occupant has re-entered the vehicle, (b) determining that no additional manual input was received during a selected period of time and carrying out the readiness action in response to that determination; or (c) determining that no additional manual input was received during the selected period of time and terminating the readiness mode in response to the determination without carrying out the readiness action.