Method for realizing a preferred in-vehicle chime

A method of realizing a preferred in-vehicle chime includes the steps of selecting the preferred in-vehicle chime from an Internet-enabled program or a call center, transmitting the preferred in-vehicle chime from the Internet-enabled program to a telematics unit operatively disposed within the vehicle, and transmitting the preferred in-vehicle chime from the telematics unit to a vehicle chime module disposed within the vehicle.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to vehicles, and more particularly to realizing preferred in-vehicle chimes.

BACKGROUND

Many vehicles are fitted with chime modules, which provide a notification chime to alert a vehicle user/operator of any of a multitude of vehicle settings, operations, and/or conditions. A chime module may alert a vehicle user to the fact that a key is in the ignition after the vehicle is off, the headlamps are on after the vehicle is off, a door is ajar, a safety restraint should be enabled, the fuel level is low, an object is in the path of the vehicle, a device has been selected or a button on a device pushed, and/or the like.

A chime module typically uses a standard, factory-installed tone to alert a user. For example, a standard, factory-installed tone may be “dong,” “ding,” or “ding-dong.” Current chime modules generally cannot be personalized or altered. Thus, the user may succumb to the pre-existing vehicle chime or replaces the entire chime module to change the sound of the in-vehicle chime.

As such, it would be desirable to provide an alterable and/or personalizable in-vehicle chime(s), and a method for altering and/or personalizing the chime(s) of a chime module.

SUMMARY

A method of realizing a preferred in-vehicle chime includes the steps of selecting the preferred in-vehicle chime from an Internet-enabled program, transmitting the preferred in-vehicle chime from the Internet-enabled program to a telematics unit operatively disposed within the vehicle, and transmitting the preferred in-vehicle chime from the telematics unit to a vehicle chime module operatively disposed within the vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the method and system disclosed herein advantageously allow a vehicle user/operator to select preferable vehicle chime(s) from a location remote from the vehicle. The user/operator may also advantageously customize the vehicle chimes so that each chime is associated with a predetermined triggering event.

It is to be understood that, as defined herein, a user may include vehicle operators and/or passengers. Furthermore, the terms “connect/connected/connection,” “engage/engaged/engagement/engageable,” and/or the like are broadly defined herein to encompass a variety of divergent connected arrangements and assembly techniques. These arrangements and techniques include, but are not limited to (1) the direct communication between one component and another component with no intervening components therebetween; and (2) the communication of one component and another component with one or more components therebetween, provided that the one component being “engaged with” or “connected to” the other component is somehow in operative communication with the other component (notwithstanding the presence of one or more additional components therebetween). Additionally, two components may be permanently, semi-permanently, or releasably engaged with and/or connected to one another.

Referring now toFIG. 1, the system10includes a vehicle12, a vehicle communications network14, a telematics unit18, a wireless communication system (including, but not limited to, one or more wireless carrier systems40, one or more communication networks42, and/or one or more land networks44). In an embodiment, the wireless communication system is a two-way radio frequency communication system. In another embodiment, the wireless communication system also includes one or more call centers46and/or one or more Internet-enabled programs68. In yet another embodiment, vehicle12is a mobile vehicle with suitable hardware and software for transmitting and receiving voice and data communications. System10may include additional components suitable for use in telematics units18.

In an embodiment, via vehicle communications network14, the vehicle12sends signals from the telematics unit18to various units of equipment and systems16within the vehicle12to perform various functions, such as unlocking a door, executing personal comfort settings, and/or the like. In facilitating interaction among the various communications and electronic modules, vehicle communications network14utilizes interfaces such as controller area network (CAN), ISO standard 11989 for high speed applications, ISO standard 11519 for lower speed applications, and Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standard J1850 for high speed and lower speed applications.

The telematics unit18may send and receive radio transmissions from wireless carrier system40. In an embodiment, wireless carrier system40may be a cellular telephone system and/or any other suitable system for transmitting signals between the vehicle12and communications network42. Further, the wireless carrier system40may include a cellular communication transceiver, a satellite communications transceiver, a wireless computer network transceiver (a non-limitative example of which includes a Wide Area Network (WAN) transceiver), and/or combinations thereof.

Telematics unit18may include a processor20operatively coupled to a wireless modem22, a location detection system24(a non-limitative example of which is a global positioning system (GPS)), an in-vehicle memory26, a microphone28, one or more speakers30, an embedded or in-vehicle mobile phone32, and/or a short-range wireless communication network38(e.g. a Bluetooth® unit).

It is to be understood that the telematics unit18may be implemented without one or more of the above listed components, such as, for example, speakers30. Yet further, it is to be understood that the speaker30may be a component of the vehicle audio system, which may accept audio and other signals from the telematics unit18. Telematics unit18may include additional components and functionality as desired for a particular end use.

Processor20may be a micro controller, a controller, a microprocessor, a host processor, and/or a vehicle communications processor. In another embodiment, processor20may be an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Alternatively, processor20may be a processor working in conjunction with a central processing unit (CPU) performing the function of a general-purpose processor.

Non-limitative examples of the location detection system24include a Global Position Satellite receiver, a radio triangulation system, a dead reckoning position system, and/or combinations thereof. In particular, a GPS provides accurate time and latitude and longitude coordinates of the vehicle12responsive to a GPS broadcast signal received from a GPS satellite constellation (not shown). In-vehicle mobile phone32may be a TTY compatible cellular type phone, such as, for example an analog, digital, dual-mode, dual-band, multi-mode and/or multi-band cellular phone.

Associated with processor20is a real time clock (RTC)34providing accurate date and time information to the telematics unit hardware and software components that may require date and time information. In one embodiment, date and time information may be requested from the RTC34by other telematics unit components. In other embodiments, the RTC34may provide date and time information periodically, such as, for example, every ten milliseconds.

Processor20may execute various computer programs that interact with operational modes of electronic and mechanical systems within the vehicle12. It is to be understood that processor20controls communication (e.g. call signals) between telematics unit18, wireless carrier system40, call center46, and Internet-enabled program68.

Further, processor20may generate and accept digital signals transmitted between the telematics unit18and the vehicle communication network14, which is connected to various electronic modules in the vehicle12. In one embodiment, these digital signals activate the programming mode and operation modes within the electronic modules, as well as provide for data transfer between the electronic modules. In another embodiment, certain signals from processor20may be translated into vibrations and/or visual alarms.

It is to be understood that software58may be associated with processor20for monitoring and/or recording the incoming caller utterances.

The communications network42may include services from one or more mobile telephone switching offices and/or wireless networks. Communications network42connects wireless carrier system40to land network44. Communications network42may be any suitable system or collection of systems for connecting the wireless carrier system40to the vehicle12and the land network44.

The land network44connects the communications network40to the call center46and/or the Internet-enabled program68. In one embodiment, land network44is a public switched telephone network (PSTN). In another embodiment, land network44is an Internet Protocol (IP) network. In still other embodiments, land network44is a wired network, an optical network, a fiber network, another wireless network, and/or any combinations thereof. The land network44may be connected to one or more landline telephones. It is to be understood that the communications network42and the land network44connect the wireless carrier system40to the call center46and/or the Internet-enabled program68.

Call center46contains one or more data switches48, one or more communication services managers50, one or more communication services databases52containing subscriber profile records and/or subscriber information, one or more communication services advisors54, and one or more network systems56. In an embodiment, the call center46may include a catalog of downloadable chimes. In a further embodiment, the call center46may be in communication with the Internet-enabled program68via any suitable wireless communication network and/or wired (e.g. land line(s)) communication network. It is to be understood that the telematics unit18may connect to a program at the call center46to access the downloadable chimes, and/or the telematics unit18/user may connect with an advisor54to access downloadable chimes.

Switch48of call center46connects to land network44. Switch48transmits voice or data transmissions from call center46, and receives voice or data transmissions from telematics unit18in vehicle12through wireless carrier system40, communications network42, and land network44. Switch48receives data transmissions from, or sends data transmissions to one or more communication service managers50via one or more network systems56.

Call center46may contain one or more service advisors54. In one embodiment, service advisor54may be human. In another embodiment, service advisor54may be an automaton.

The system10also includes an Internet-enabled program68that is operatively connected to at least the wireless carrier system40. In an alternate embodiment, the Internet-enabled program68is directly operatively connected to the land network44or the call center46(illustrated by the phantom lines). It is to be understood that the telematics unit18may be in communication with the Internet-enabled program68via the wireless carrier system40alone, or in addition to the land network44and/or the call center46.

Referring now toFIG. 2, a method96for realizing a preferred in-vehicle chime generally includes selecting the preferred in-vehicle chime from the Internet-enabled program68or the call center46, as depicted at reference numeral100. The preferred in-vehicle chime is then transmitted to the vehicle telematics unit18, as depicted at reference numeral104, where the chime is operatively stored, as depicted at reference numeral108. The chime is then transmitted to the chime module, as depicted at reference numeral112.

In an embodiment, selecting the preferred in-vehicle chime is accomplished by accessing the Internet-enabled program68and submitting a request for the preferred in-vehicle chime. It is to be understood that the Internet-enabled program68may be accessed via any device that is capable of connecting (wirelessly or with a wire) with the Internet. As a non-limitative example, the Internet-enabled program68may be accessed from a computer having an Internet connection. Furthermore, the Internet-enabled program68may be accessed, and thus the preferred in-vehicle chime may be selected, from a location that is remote from, or that is inside of, the vehicle12.

The Internet-enabled program68may include a catalog of downloadable chimes whereby a user of the program68may browse and select one or more available chimes. The Internet-enabled program68may be an Internet website that includes the catalog of chimes. The Internet-enabled program68is also configured to receive a request from a user for a preferred in-vehicle chime. It is to be understood that two or more preferred in-vehicle chimes may be selected substantially simultaneously or sequentially. When a request for a preferred in-vehicle chime is made, it is to be understood that the user may have to input information about, for example, the vehicle12, the desired chime, the triggering event to which the desired chime will be associated, or the like, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the user may set up an account with the Internet-enabled program68so that such information is stored, thereby simplifying the process when the user makes subsequent requests.

In another embodiment, selecting the preferred in-vehicle chime is accomplished by the user/telematics unit18submitting such a request to the call center46. It is to be understood that the request may be in any suitable form, such as, for example, a button press or an utterance recognized via an interactive voice recognition (IVR) system.

A catalog of downloadable chimes may be presented to the user/subscriber in response to a request or a signal from the user/telematics unit18; and/or the user may prefer as a chime an audio emission then-currently emanating from the vehicle sound system (e.g. from the radio), whereby the user may select a preferred chime by inputting another signal substantially simultaneous to or sequentially with hearing the preferred chime. It is to be understood that the selection may be in any suitable form, such as, for example, a button press or an utterance recognized via an interactive voice recognition (IVR) system.

In another embodiment, a catalog of downloadable chimes (or a portion thereof) may be transmitted to the telematics unit18and presented to the user therefrom. If a portion of a catalog of downloadable chimes is transmitted, the downloadable chimes included may be selected based upon recent download popularity or then-current season (such as, for example, Christmas jingles).

As previously stated, the request for the preferred in-vehicle chime may include identifying a triggering event for the preferred in-vehicle chime. Non-limitative examples of a triggering event for the preferred in-vehicle chime include key-in-the-ignition, exterior lamps on with ignition off, door ajar, safety restraints not fastened, low fuel, object in the vehicle path, device selected, and/or combinations thereof.

It is to be understood that the preferred in-vehicle chime may be triggered by any of the above non-limiting examples. Generally, the key-in-the-ignition chime may alert the user that the key remains in the ignition after the vehicle12has been turned off; the exterior lamps on with ignition off chime may alert the user that the exterior vehicle12lamps remain on when the key has been removed from the ignition or the vehicle12has been turned off; the door ajar chime may alert the user that a door is ajar during vehicle12operation or when the key is in the ignition; the safety restraints not fastened chime may alert the user that a vehicle occupant's safety restraint is not engaged during vehicle12operation or when the key is in the ignition; the low fuel chime may alert the user of a low fuel level; the object in the vehicle path chime may alert a user to objects in the vicinity of the vehicle12during vehicle12operation; and the device in use chime may sound when the user changes settings for in-vehicle features such as, for example, audio system options, video system options (e.g., DVD player), interior climate controls, and/or the like, and/or combinations thereof.

As previously stated, the system10for realizing a preferred in-vehicle chime may also include the vehicle telematics unit18operatively connected to the Internet-enabled program68. In an embodiment of the method disclosed herein, the preferred in-vehicle chime may be transmitted from the Internet-enabled program68to the vehicle telematics unit18. The request made using the Internet-enabled program68is processed, and the chime(s) is/are transmitted to the vehicle telematics unit18via the wireless communication system (e.g., the wireless carrier system40, the land network44, and/or the call center46).

In an alternate embodiment, after the request for the preferred in-vehicle chime is operatively made after interfacing with the Internet-enabled program68, the request and/or the file containing the preferred in-vehicle chime may then be transmitted to the call center46where it is received and/or analyzed. The call center46may then transmit the file containing the selected chime to the telematics unit18via the wireless communication system. The chime may be stored in the telematics unit18until it is ultimately transmitted via a communications bus to a chime module70(discussed further hereinbelow). It is to be understood that the chime module70may be located within and/or operatively controlled by the body control module (BCM). In an alternate embodiment, the telematics unit18itself may function as the chime module70. In yet another alternate embodiment, the chime module70may be a stand-alone unit.

In another embodiment, after the request for the preferred in-vehicle chime is operatively made via the Internet-enabled program68, the program68may analyze the request and transmit the chime via the wireless communication system to the telematics unit18, and ultimately to the chime module70.

As stated, the vehicle telematics unit18may operatively store the preferred in-vehicle chime. In an embodiment, the preferred in-vehicle chime may be operatively stored in the telematics unit18subsequent to transmitting the preferred in-vehicle chime to the vehicle12(e.g., the telematics unit18) and prior to transmitting the preferred in-vehicle chime to the vehicle chime module70. It is to be understood that the period of time for storing the chime module in the telematics unit18may range anywhere from seconds to days, depending, at least in part, on the state of the vehicle12during the request. For example, if the user requests the preferred chime, and then turns on the vehicle12within an hour of the request, the telematics unit18will store the chime for about 1 hour. In another example, if one user requests the preferred chime while another user is operating the vehicle12, the telematics unit18may substantially simultaneously transmit the chime to the chime module70.

The previously mentioned chime module70is shown inFIG. 1as being a component of the vehicle12and operatively connected to and in communication with the telematics unit18. The vehicle chime module70may receive the chime(s) from the telematics unit18. The vehicle chime module70is capable of storing the preferred chime(s) indefinitely, or at least until a user replaces that particular preferred chime(s).

In an embodiment, the preferred in-vehicle chime is transmitted to the vehicle chime module70upon recognition of a signal. As a non-limitative example, the signal may be emitted upon initiation of a vehicle12ignition cycle. Thus, in this example embodiment, a user starts the vehicle12, and upon initiation of an ignition cycle, a signal is sent which commands the telematics unit18to transmit the stored preferred chime to the vehicle chime module70, which saves any new preferred chimes and/or updates and replaces previously stored chimes with the preferred chimes. In another embodiment, during vehicle12operation, the user may provide a signal to the telematics unit18via any suitable means, such as, for example, a button press or an utterance into an interactive voice recognition (IVR) system. In yet another embodiment, the signal may be initiated via a polling method, such as, for example, checking for a chime download event at predetermined intervals.

As indicated, the selected preferred in-vehicle chime(s) may replace previously stored in-vehicle chime(s). In an embodiment, two or more different preferred in-vehicle chimes may be selected, and the vehicle chime module70is capable of transmitting one of the preferred in-vehicle chimes to replace one of the previously stored chimes and transmitting the second of the preferred in-vehicle chimes to replace a second of the previously stored chimes. As a non-limitative example, a user may request/select a preferred in-vehicle door ajar chime and a preferred in-vehicle low fuel chime. The chimes are both transmitted to the vehicle telematics unit18. In this example, when the preferred chimes are transmitted from the telematics unit18to the chime module70, the preferred in-vehicle door ajar chime replaces a previously stored in-vehicle door ajar chime, and the preferred in-vehicle low fuel chime replaces a previously stored in-vehicle low fuel chime.

In an embodiment, the vehicle12has a vehicle audio system in communication with the vehicle chime module70. It is to be understood that upon the occurrence of a triggering event, the preferred chime for that event may be audibly emitted via the vehicle audio system. The chime module70may also be configured (either in addition to or instead of the vehicle audio system) to emit the preferred vehicle chime(s).