Method and system for sending pre-scripted text messages

A system employing a telematics unit and a telematics call center. The telematics unit includes a first module and a first set of at least one pre-scripted text message, and the telematics call center includes a second module and a second set of at least one pre-scripted text message. The modules operate to selectively establish a communication between telematics unit and telematics call center involving at least one of the first set of at least one pre-scripted text message and the second set of at least one pre-scripted text message.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to communications within a mobile vehicle communication systems. The present invention specifically relates to transmission and reception of pre-scripted text messages using telematics.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently, a vehicle occupant may not be able to verbally communicate with an advisor at a call center in an emergency situation, such as, for example, a traffic collision, the vehicle being submerged in water, an airbag deployment, an emergency button press, and a backup battery mode. In one instance, the vehicle occupant may be physically unable to verbally communicate with the advisor, such as, for example, a mute vehicle occupant. In another instance, the transmit feature of a telematics microphone embedded within a vehicle may be malfunctioning, the receive feature of a telematics speaker embedded within a vehicle may be malfunctioning, and/or an in-vehicle mobile phone may be malfunctioning. Nevertheless, it is important that a vehicle occupant in an emergency having the capability to communicate with an advisor.

The present invention advances the state of the art in vehicle emergency communications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One form of the present invention is a system employing a telematics unit and a telematics call center. The telematics unit includes a first module and a first set of at least one pre-scripted text message, and the telematics call center includes a second module and a second set of at least one pre-scripted text message. The modules operate to selectively establish a communication between telematics unit and telematics call center involving at least one of the first set of at least one pre-scripted text message and the second set of at least one pre-scripted text message.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of communicating between a telematics unit in a vehicle and a call center. The method includes determining whether the telematics unit is in a pre-scripted text message mode and providing a pre-scripted text message mode interface based on the determination.

Yet another aspect of the invention provides a system for communicating between a telematics unit in a vehicle and a call center. The system includes means for determining whether the telematics unit is in a pre-scripted text message mode and means for providing a pre-scripted text message mode interface based on the determination. The aforementioned, and other features and advantages of the invention will become further apparent from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments, 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.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1illustrates one embodiment of a mobile vehicle communication system (“MVCS”)100for controlling vehicle modules. MVCS100includes a mobile vehicle communication unit (“MVCU”)110, a vehicle communication network112, a telematics unit120, one or more wireless carrier systems140, one or more communication networks142, one or more land networks144, one or more satellite broadcast systems146, one or more client, personal, or user computers150, one or more web-hosting portals160, and one or more call centers170. In one embodiment, MVCU110is implemented as a mobile vehicle equipped with suitable hardware and software for transmitting and receiving voice and data communications. MVCS100may include additional components not relevant to the present discussion. Mobile vehicle communication systems and telematics units are known in the art.

MVCU110is also referred to as a mobile vehicle in the discussion below. In operation, MVCU110may be implemented as a motor vehicle, a marine vehicle, or as an aircraft. MVCU110may include additional components not relevant to the present discussion.

MVCU110, via a vehicle communication network112, sends signals to various units of equipment and systems (detailed below) within MVCU110to perform various functions such as unlocking a door, opening the trunk, setting personal comfort settings, and calling from telematics unit120. These functions are performed by sending electronic instructions to a vehicle module configured to perform a certain task or function. In facilitating interactions among the various communication and electronic modules, vehicle communication network112utilizes network interfaces such as controller-area network, International Organization for Standardization (“ISO”) Standard 9141, ISO Standard 11898 for high-speed applications, ISO Standard 11519 for lower speed applications, and Society of Automotive Engineers Standard J1850 for high-speed and lower speed applications.

MVCU110, via telematics unit120, sends to and receives radio transmissions from wireless carrier system140. Wireless carrier system140is implemented as any suitable system for transmitting a signal from MVCU110to communication network142.

Telematics unit120includes a processor122connected to a wireless modem124, a global positioning system (“GPS”) unit126, an in-vehicle memory128, a microphone130, one or more speakers132, and an embedded or in-vehicle mobile phone134. In other embodiments, telematics unit120may be implemented without one or more of the above listed components such as, for example, speakers132. Telematics unit120may include additional components not relevant to the present discussion. Telematics unit120is one example of a vehicle module.

In one embodiment, processor122is implemented as a microcontroller, controller, host processor, or vehicle communications processor. In one embodiment, processor122is a digital signal processor. In an example, processor122is implemented as an application specific integrated circuit. In another embodiment, processor122is implemented as a processor working in conjunction with a central processing unit performing the function of a general purpose processor. GPS unit126provides longitude and latitude coordinates of the vehicle responsive to a GPS broadcast signal received from one or more GPS satellite broadcast systems (not shown). In-vehicle mobile phone134is a cellular-type phone such as, for example, a digital, dual-mode (e.g., analog and digital), dual-band, multi-mode or multi-band cellular phone.

Processor122executes various computer programs that control programming and operational modes of electronic and mechanical systems within MVCU110. Processor122controls communications (e.g., call signals) between telematics unit120, wireless carrier system140, and call center170. Additionally, processor122controls reception of communications from satellite broadcast system146. In one embodiment, a voice-recognition application is installed in processor122that can translate human voice input through microphone130to digital signals. Processor122generates and accepts digital signals transmitted between telematics unit120and vehicle communication network112that is connected to various electronic modules in the vehicle. In one embodiment, these digital signals activate the programming mode and operation modes, as well as provide for data transfers such as, for example, data over voice channel communication. In this embodiment, signals from processor122are translated into voice messages and sent out through speaker132.

Wireless carrier system140is a wireless communications carrier or a mobile telephone system and transmits to and receives signals from one or more MVCU110. Wireless carrier system140incorporates any type of telecommunications in which electromagnetic waves carry signal over part of or the entire communication path. In one embodiment, wireless carrier system140is implemented as any type of broadcast communication in addition to satellite broadcast system146. In another embodiment, wireless carrier system140provides broadcast communication to satellite broadcast system146for download to MVCU110. In an example, wireless carrier system140connects communication network142to land network144directly. In another example, wireless carrier system140connects communication network142to land network144indirectly via satellite broadcast system146.

Satellite broadcast system146transmits radio signals to telematics unit120within MVCU110. In one embodiment, satellite broadcast system146may broadcast over a spectrum in the “S” band of 2.3 GHz that has been allocated by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission for nationwide broadcasting of satellite-based Digital Audio Radio Service.

In operation, broadcast services provided by satellite broadcast system146are received by telematics unit120located within MVCU110. In one embodiment, broadcast services include various formatted programs based on a package subscription obtained by the user and managed by telematics unit120. In another embodiment, broadcast services include various formatted data packets based on a package subscription obtained by the user and managed by call center170. In an example, processor122implements data packets received by telematics unit120.

Communication network142includes services from one or more mobile telephone switching offices and wireless networks. Communication network142connects wireless carrier system140to land network144. Communication network142is implemented as any suitable system or collection of systems for connecting wireless carrier system140to MVCU110and land network144.

Land network144connects communication network142to client computer150, web-hosting portal160, and call center170. In one embodiment, land network144is a public-switched telephone network. In another embodiment, land network144is implemented as an Internet protocol (“IP”) network. In other embodiments, land network144is implemented as a wired network, an optical network, a fiber network, other wireless networks, or any combination thereof. Land network144is connected to one or more landline telephones. Communication network142and land network144connect wireless carrier system140to web-hosting portal160and call center170.

Client, personal, or user computer150includes a computer usable medium to execute Internet browser and Internet-access computer programs for sending and receiving data over land network144and, optionally, wired or wireless communication networks142to web-hosting portal160. Personal or client computer150sends user preferences to web-hosting portal160through a web-page interface using communication standards such as hypertext transport protocol, and transport-control protocol and Internet protocol. In one embodiment, the data includes directives to change certain programming and operational modes of electronic and mechanical systems within MVCU110.

In operation, a client utilizes computer150to initiate setting or re-setting of user preferences for MVCU110. In an example, a client utilizes computer150to provide radio station presets as user preferences for MVCU110. User-preference data from client-side software is transmitted to server-side software of web-hosting portal160. In an example, user-preference data is stored at web-hosting portal160.

Web-hosting portal160includes one or more data modems162, one or more web servers164, one or more databases166, and a network system168. Web-hosting portal160is connected directly by wire to call center170, or connected by phone lines to land network144, which is connected to call center170. In an example, web-hosting portal160is connected to call center170utilizing an IP network. In this example, both components, web-hosting portal160and call center170, are connected to land network144utilizing the IP network. In another example, web-hosting portal160is connected to land network144by one or more data modems162. Land network144sends digital data to and receives digital data from modem162, data that is then transferred to web server164. Modem162may reside inside web server164. Land network144transmits data communications between web-hosting portal160and call center170.

Web server164receives user-preference data from user computer150via land network144. In alternative embodiments, computer150includes a wireless modem to send data to web-hosting portal160through a wireless communication network142and a land network144. Data is received by land network144and sent to one or more web servers164. In one embodiment, web server164is implemented as any suitable hardware and software capable of providing web services to help change and transmit personal preference settings from a client at computer150to telematics unit120in MVCU110. Web server164sends to or receives from one or more databases166data transmissions via network system168. Web server164includes computer applications and files for managing and storing personalization settings supplied by the client, such as door lock/unlock behavior, radio station preset selections, climate controls, custom button configurations and theft alarm settings. For each client, the web server potentially stores hundreds of preferences for wireless vehicle communication, networking, maintenance and diagnostic services for a mobile vehicle.

In one embodiment, one or more web servers164are networked via network system168to distribute user-preference data among its network components such as database166. In an example, database166is a part of or a separate computer from web server164. Web server164sends data transmissions with user preferences to call center170through land network144.

Call center170is a location where many calls are received and serviced at the same time, or where many calls are sent at the same time. In one embodiment, the call center is a telematics call center, facilitating communications to and from telematics unit120in MVCU110. In an example, 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 another example, the call center contains each of these functions. In other embodiments, call center170and web-hosting portal160are located in the same or different facilities.

Call center170contains one or more voice and data switches172, one or more communication services managers174, one or more communication services databases176, one or more communication services advisors178, and one or more network systems180.

Switch172of call center170connects to land network144. Switch172transmits voice or data transmissions from call center170, and receives voice or data transmissions from telematics unit120in MVCU110through wireless carrier system140, communication network142, and land network144. Switch172receives data transmissions from and sends data transmissions to one or more web-hosting portals160. Switch172receives data transmissions from or sends data transmissions to one or more communication services managers174via one or more network systems180.

Communication services manager174is any suitable hardware and software capable of providing requested communication services to telematics unit120in MVCU110. Communication services manager174sends to or receives from one or more communication services databases176data transmissions via network system180. Communication services manager174sends to or receives from one or more communication services advisors178data transmissions via network system180. Communication services database176sends to or receives from communication services advisor178data transmissions via network system180. Communication services advisor178receives from or sends to switch172voice or data transmissions.

Communication services manager174provides one or more of a variety of services including initiating data over voice channel wireless communication, enrollment services, navigation assistance, directory assistance, roadside assistance, business or residential assistance, information services assistance, emergency assistance, and communications assistance. Communication services manager174receives service-preference requests for a variety of services from the client via computer150, web-hosting portal160, and land network144. Communication services manager174transmits user-preference and other data such as, for example primary diagnostic script to telematics unit120in MVCU110through wireless carrier system140, communication network142, land network144, voice and data switch172, and network system180. Communication services manager174stores or retrieves data and information from communication services database176. Communication services manager174may provide requested information to communication services advisor178.

In one embodiment, communication services advisor178is implemented as a real advisor. In an example, a real advisor is a human being in verbal communication with a user or subscriber (e.g., a client) in MVCU110via telematics unit120. In another embodiment, communication services advisor178is implemented as a virtual advisor. In an example, a virtual advisor is implemented as a synthesized voice interface responding to requests from telematics unit120in MVCU110.

Communication services advisor178provides services to telematics unit120in MVCU110. Services provided by communication services advisor178include enrollment services, navigation assistance, real-time traffic advisories, directory assistance, roadside assistance, business or residential assistance, information services assistance, emergency assistance, automated vehicle diagnostic function, and communications assistance. Communication services advisor178communicates with telematics unit120in MVCU110through wireless carrier system140, communication network142, and land network144using voice transmissions, or through communication services manager174and switch172using data transmissions. Switch172selects between voice transmissions and data transmissions.

In operation, an incoming call is routed to telematics unit120within mobile vehicle110from call center170. In one embodiment, the call is routed to telematics unit120from call center170via land network144, communication network142, and wireless carrier system140. In another embodiment, an outbound communication is routed to telematics unit120from call center170via land network144, communication network142, wireless carrier system140and satellite broadcast system146. In this embodiment, an inbound communication is routed to call center170from telematics unit120via wireless carrier system140, communication network142, and land network144.

FIG. 2illustrates a pre-scripted text message system employing a pre-scripted text module200and pre-scripted text messages220stored within telematics unit120(FIG. 1), and a pre-scripted text module300and pre-scripted text messages320stored within call center170(FIG. 1). Module200and module300are structurally configured with hardware, software, firmware or any combination thereof to implement a pre-scripted text message method as represented by flowcharts210and310illustrated inFIG. 3. Any communication of one or more text messages between telematics unit120and call center170during an implementation of flowchart210and flowchart310by module200and module300, respectively, can be based on a conventional communication protocols and formats, such as, for example, SMS, GSM, CDMA, AMPS, 802.11 (all versions), and any other FCC Part 15 protocol.

Referring toFIG. 3, module200is active during a stage S212of flowchart210in determining whether to activate pre-scripted text messaging for telematics units120. In one embodiment, module200proceeds to a stage S214of flowchart210to enter telematics unit120into the pre-scripted text message function mode in response to an activation command from vehicle110(FIG. 1) or mobile phone134(FIG. 1). In a second embodiment, module200performs an impedance test of audio lines of microphone130, speaker132, and phone134whereby module200proceeds to stage S214of flowchart210to enter telematics unit120into the pre-scripted text message function mode via diagnostic trouble code upon a failure of one or more of the audio lines.

Upon initially entering the pre-scripted text message function mode during stage S214, module200displays messages220(e.g., exemplary pre-text messages220illustrated inFIG. 4) on a navigation screen within vehicle110and/or a display screen of phone134. In one embodiment, module200can also communicate an entering of telematics unit120into the pre-scripted text message function mode to call center170. Thereafter, module200proceeds to stage S216of flowchart210to transmit one or more messages220to call center170and/or to receive one or more messages320from call center170. In a second embodiment, module200a transmission of a first message220to call center170is an indication that telematics units120has entered into the pre-scripted text message function mode to call center170.

Module300is passive during a stage S312of flowchart310in determining whether to activate pre-scripted text messaging for call center170. In one embodiment, module300proceeds to a stage S314of flowchart310to enter call center170into a pre-scripted text message function mode upon receiving notification that telematics unit120has been entered into a pre-scripted text message function mode. In a second embodiment, module300proceeds to stage S314of flowchart310to enter call center170into a pre-scripted text message function mode upon an initial receipt of a message220from telematics units120.

Upon initially entering the pre-scripted text message function mode during stage S314, module300displays the received message220as well as messages320(e.g., exemplary pre-text messages320illustrated inFIG. 4) on an advisor screen for a real advisor178(FIG. 1) or maps the received message220as well as messages320for a virtual advisor178. Thereafter, module300proceeds to stage S316of flowchart310to transmit one or more messages320to telematics unit120and/or to receive additional messages220from telematics unit120.

FIG. 5illustrates one embodiment of a method500for communicating between a telematics unit and a call center in accordance with one aspect of the invention. Method500begins at step510by determining whether the telematics unit is in a pre-scripted text message mode. Determining whether the telematics unit is in a pre-scripted text message mode is described in further detail with reference toFIGS. 8 and 9. At step520, method500provides a pre-scripted text message mode interface based on the determination. Providing a pre-scripted text message mode interface is described in further detail with reference toFIG. 10.

FIG. 6illustrates one embodiment of a method600for communicating between a telematics unit and a call center in accord with one aspect of the invention. Method600begins at step610by storing a pre-scripted text message. In one embodiment, the pre-scripted text message is stored in the telematics unit (e.g.120ofFIG. 1). In another embodiment, the pre-scripted text message is stored at the call center (e.g.170ofFIG. 1). The pre-scripted text message may be any predetermined message, such as, for example, the messages described inFIG. 4.

At step620, the method determines whether the telematics unit is in a pre-scripted text message mode. Determining whether the telematics unit is in a pre-scripted text message mode is described in further detail with reference toFIGS. 8 and 9. At step630, method600provides a pre-scripted text message mode interface based on the determination. Providing a pre-scripted text message mode interface is described in further detail with reference toFIG. 10.

FIG. 7illustrates one embodiment of a method700for communicating between a telematics unit and a call center in accord with one aspect of the invention. At step710, the method determines whether the telematics unit is in a pre-scripted text message mode, as further described inFIGS. 8 and 9. At step720, a pre-scripted text message mode interface is provided based on the determination, as described in further detail with reference toFIG. 10.

At step730, a pre-scripted text message is received from the pre-scripted text message mode interface. In one embodiment, the pre-scripted text message is received at the telematics unit, such as telematics unit120ofFIG. 1. The pre-scripted text message is received in response to, for example, a button push on the pre-scripted text message mode interface.

At step740, the received pre-scripted text message is transmitted from the telematics unit to the call center (e.g. call center170ofFIG. 1). The pre-scripted text message is transmitted over a wireless network, such as wireless carrier system140ofFIG. 1. The pre-scripted text message transmission may be accomplished using any known communication protocol. In one embodiment, the communication protocol is a FCC Part 15 protocol, such as, for example, 802.11, Bluetooth, GSM, CDMA, etc.

At step750, a text message is received from the call center at the telematics unit in response to the transmitted pre-scripted text message. The text message from the call center is displayed using the pre-scripted text message mode interface, in one embodiment. The text message from the call center may be either a form response generated automatically, or a customized response prepared by an advisor (e.g. advisor178ofFIG. 1). The pre-scripted text message transmission may be accomplished using any known communication protocol. In one embodiment, the communication protocol is a FCC Part 15 protocol, such as, for example, 802.11, Bluetooth, GSM, CDMA, etc.

FIG. 8is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of method800to determine whether a telematics unit is in a pre-scripted text message mode, in accordance with one aspect of the invention. At step810, the method determines whether the telematics is in a pre-scripted text message mode. After initiating the determination, the method consults several factors.

In one embodiment, illustrated at820, the method tests the impedance of at least one circuit to determine if the electronics are performing other than as designed. In the case of an abnormal result, i.e. the electronic circuit is not functioning properly as illustrated by an impedance reading other than as expected, the telematics unit shifts into a pre-scripted text message mode. In one embodiment, the circuit is an audio circuit, such as, for example, a circuit controlling a microphone configured to receive sound from inside the vehicle (e.g. vehicle110ofFIG. 1) cabin.

In one embodiment, illustrated at830, an airbag is monitored to determine an airbag deployment status. In the event that an airbag has been deployed, the telematics unit enters a pre-scripted text message mode.

In one embodiment, illustrated at840, a mode input is received. A mode input is any deliberate input to deliberately enter into a pre-scripted text message mode. In one embodiment, a mode input in an emergency mode input to alert the call center to an emergency wherein the user does not desire to speak or communicate with the call center audibly. An emergency mode input, in one embodiment, comprises an emergency button press. In another embodiment, a mode input sets the telematics unit in a pre-scripted text message mode until changed. Such a setting may be desirable for persons who have difficulty communicating orally or listening to oral communications, or merely prefer reading to speaking.

In executing method800, any of the steps820,830,840may be included in the method, or any combination of the steps. A combination of steps may be executed in any order.

FIG. 9is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of method900to determine whether a telematics unit is in a pre-scripted text message mode, in accordance with one aspect of the invention.

At step910, a Diagnostic Trouble Code (“DTC”) is set, indicating that the telematics unit has entered a pre-scripted text message mode. In one embodiment, the DTC is stored in the telematics unit. In another embodiment, the DTC is transmitted, via a wireless network (e.g.140ofFIG. 1), to the call center. The DTC may be transmitted, in such an embodiment, to the call center either upon entry into pre-scripted text message mode, or at a later time during a data transfer session. In one embodiment, the DTC is set in response to an equipment event, such as in the event that a microphone does not operate as expected.

At step920, method900determines whether the telematics unit is in a pre-scripted text message mode in response to the set DTC. In one embodiment, method900continues with the method as outlined inFIG. 6.

FIG. 10illustrates a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of method1000to provide a pre-scripted text message mode interface, in accordance with one aspect of the invention. At step1010, the pre-scripted text message mode interface is provided. At step1020, the pre-scripted text message mode interface is displayed on a display screen. A display screen may be any device configured to show a perceptible image. For example, the display screen, in one embodiment, is a monitor. In another embodiment, the display screen is a navigation screen. In another embodiment, the display screen is a radio display unit. In one embodiment, the display screen includes a touch sensitive screen. In another embodiment, the display screen is a driver information display. In another embodiment, the display screen includes buttons or other input devices configured to control pre-scripted text messages.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive.