Abstract:
A computer-implemented method includes registering at least one medical condition associated with a vehicle occupant. The method also includes monitoring environmental conditions for the onset of a trigger likely to cause complications with regards to the medical condition. The method further includes warning the vehicle occupant about the onset of the trigger. The method also includes adjusting a vehicle component or system, via the VCS, in response to the onset of the trigger.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/941,483 filed Nov. 8, 2010, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The illustrative embodiments generally relate to a vehicle computing system reacting to detected or input medical conditions. 
         [0003]    Heart attacks, seizures, even a lapse into unconsciousness due to, for example, dehydration or choking, can occur at unexpected moments. In fact, these events are typified by such unplanned incidences, with typically little to no forewarning. In addition to these extreme examples, a variety of medical emergencies or conditions can arise at any time. 
         [0004]    If a person suffering from a condition that would benefit from, if not require, medical assistance, becomes symptomatic in the presence of another party capable of providing, or at least contacting medical help, undesired eventualities can often be avoided. Severe allergy attacks can be met with antihistamines or steroid shots. A lapse into unconsciousness can be addressed with resuscitation, or prevented entirely with swift assistance. Heart attacks can be quickly responded to by EMS, and seizure victims can be helped to prevent injury to themselves until the seizure passes. 
         [0005]    If these conditions arise while a person is alone, however, the consequences may be much more dire. Permanent injury or even death may result. Additionally, if these conditions arise while driving a motor vehicle, especially if the driver is alone, serious injury may result from an accident caused by the onset of the condition, even if the condition itself would not have resulted in injury. 
         [0006]    Some emergency conditions come upon a victim so suddenly that no preventative measure can be taken. Many emergency conditions, however, can be projected as a possible consequence of a known medical condition. Further, especially when the medical condition is known, there are often a few minutes or more of symptoms leading up to the onset of an emergency event. 
         [0007]    If the window in which symptoms occurs is small, the sufferer may have only a brief period of time in which to react. This may result in a call to 911, a call to a trusted friend or relative, or a call to a doctor. With the exception of 911, which is hopefully always available, any other party contacted my not be available, or may not be able to help. With only potentially minutes to respond to a potentially fatal condition, a patient cannot afford to place unanswered call after unanswered call. 
         [0008]    Further, even if the patient is successful in reaching a 911 operator, an ambulance or other EMS may not be in an ideal position to respond. Or, the call to 911 may not have been needed, and thus a valuable and finite medical resource is being improperly utilized. Unfortunately, a person suffering from an apparent emergency condition is not always in a position to make a determination as to whether or not a call to 911 is needed. Even though it is advisable to err on the side of caution in such an instance, many people may over-react to non-threatening conditions. 
         [0009]    It may also actually be faster for a person to report to a hospital or care-provider themselves, especially if they are already in a vehicle, than to wait for an ambulance, assuming that the safe transportation services of an ambulance driver are not required. Of course, if the person does not know that the closest hospital/pharmacy/care provider is only a few miles away, that person is likely to opt to wait for EMS to arrive, even if the EMS may take a much longer time to arrive than would the drive to the care provider. This consideration may be particularly relevant in the case that a second party is present in a vehicle and is capable of transporting the patient without an imminent risk of the driver becoming unconscious or otherwise incapable of operating the vehicle. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0010]    In a first illustrative embodiment, a computer-implemented method includes registering, via a vehicle computing system (VCS) included in a vehicle, at least one medical condition associated with a vehicle occupant. The illustrative method also includes monitoring environmental conditions, via the VCS, for the onset of a trigger likely to cause complications with regards to the medical condition. 
         [0011]    The illustrative method further includes warning the vehicle occupant, via the VCS, about the onset of the trigger. Finally, the illustrative method includes adjusting a vehicle component or system, via the VCS, in response to the onset of the trigger. 
         [0012]    In a second illustrative embodiment, a computer-implemented method includes providing an input to a vehicle computing system (VCS), the input allowing a vehicle occupant to input a medical condition or symptom. The illustrative method also includes receiving an input to the VCS corresponding to a medical condition or symptom. 
         [0013]    The illustrative method further includes comparing, via the VCS, the input condition or symptom to a list of known conditions and symptoms and providing via the VCS, medical information regarding the condition or symptom. 
         [0014]    The illustrative method additionally includes receiving via the VCS, input indicating whether the condition or symptom is a current condition or symptom. This illustrative method also includes providing recommended medical assistance information to address the condition or symptom, if the condition or symptom is a current condition or symptom via the VCS. 
         [0015]    The illustrative method further includes determining if the condition or symptom is a critical condition or symptom, based at least in part on information stored in conjunction with the list of known conditions and symptoms. The illustrative method additionally includes providing emergency medical contact information, including at least one of an option to immediately dial an emergency operator through the VCS or a local medical care provider within close proximity to current GPS coordinates of a vehicle in which the VCS is included, if the condition is a critical condition or symptom. 
         [0016]    In a third illustrative embodiment, a vehicle computing apparatus (VCA) includes registering programmed logic circuitry to register at least one medical condition associated with a vehicle occupant. The illustrative apparatus also includes monitoring programmed logic circuitry to monitor environmental conditions, for the onset of a trigger likely to cause complications with regards to the medical condition. The illustrative apparatus additionally includes warning programmed logic circuitry to warn the vehicle occupant about the onset of the trigger. The illustrative apparatus additionally includes adjusting programmed logic circuitry to adjust a vehicle component or system in response to the onset of the trigger. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  shows an illustrative example of a vehicle computing system; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  shows an illustrative example of a process for monitoring a medical device; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  shows an illustrative example of a process for predicting an imminent symptom onset; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  shows an illustrative example of a process for responding to an alert condition with pertinent information; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  shows an illustrative example of a symptom analysis database access; and 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  shows an illustrative example of a process for responding to a potential emergency condition with emergency information. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0023]    As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention. 
         [0024]    Although the following describes the invention in terms of illustrative embodiments, these examples are provided for non-limiting illustrative purposes only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention thereto. 
         [0025]      FIG. 1  illustrates an example block topology for a vehicle based computing system  1  (VCS) for a vehicle  31 . An example of such a vehicle-based computing system  1  is the SYNC system manufactured by THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY. A vehicle enabled with a vehicle-based computing system may contain a visual front end interface  4  located in the vehicle. The user may also be able to interact with the interface if it is provided, for example, with a touch sensitive screen. In another illustrative embodiment, the interaction occurs through, button presses, audible speech and speech synthesis. 
         [0026]    In the illustrative embodiment  1  shown in  FIG. 1 , a processor  3  controls at least some portion of the operation of the vehicle-based computing system. Provided within the vehicle, the processor allows onboard processing of commands and routines. Further, the processor is connected to both non-persistent  5  and persistent storage  7 . In this illustrative embodiment, the non-persistent storage is random access memory (RAM) and the persistent storage is a hard disk drive (HDD) or flash memory. 
         [0027]    The processor is also provided with a number of different inputs allowing the user to interface with the processor. In this illustrative embodiment, a microphone  29 , an auxiliary input  25  (for input  33 ), a USB input  23 , a GPS input  24  and a BLUETOOTH input  15  are all provided. An input selector  51  is also provided, to allow a user to swap between various inputs. Input to both the microphone and the auxiliary connector is converted from analog to digital by a converter  27  before being passed to the processor. Although not shown, numerous of the vehicle components and auxiliary components in communication with the VCS may use a vehicle network (such as, but not limited to, a CAN bus) to pass data to and from the VCS (or components thereof). 
         [0028]    Outputs to the system can include, but are not limited to, a visual display  4  and a speaker  13  or stereo system output. The speaker is connected to an amplifier  11  and receives its signal from the processor  3  through a digital-to-analog converter  9 . Output can also be made to a remote BLUETOOTH device such as PND  54  or a USB device such as vehicle navigation device  60  along the bi-directional data streams shown at  19  and  21  respectively. 
         [0029]    In one illustrative embodiment, the system  1  uses the BLUETOOTH transceiver  15  to communicate  17  with a user&#39;s nomadic device  53  (e.g., cell phone, smart phone, PDA, or any other device having wireless remote network connectivity). The nomadic device can then be used to communicate  59  with a network  61  outside the vehicle  31  through, for example, communication  55  with a cellular tower  57 . In some embodiments, tower  57  may be a WiFi access point. 
         [0030]    Exemplary communication between the nomadic device and the BLUETOOTH transceiver is represented by signal  14 . 
         [0031]    Pairing a nomadic device  53  and the BLUETOOTH transceiver  15  can be instructed through a button  52  or similar input. Accordingly, the CPU is instructed that the onboard BLUETOOTH transceiver will be paired with a BLUETOOTH transceiver in a nomadic device. 
         [0032]    Data may be communicated between CPU  3  and network  61  utilizing, for example, a data-plan, data over voice, or DTMF tones associated with nomadic device  53 . Alternatively, it may be desirable to include an onboard modem  63  having antenna  18  in order to communicate  16  data between CPU  3  and network  61  over the voice band. The nomadic device  53  can then be used to communicate  59  with a network  61  outside the vehicle  31  through, for example, communication  55  with a cellular tower  57 . In some embodiments, the modem  63  may establish communication  20  with the tower  57  for communicating with network  61 . As a non-limiting example, modem  63  may be a USB cellular modem and communication  20  may be cellular communication. 
         [0033]    In one illustrative embodiment, the processor is provided with an operating system including an API to communicate with modem application software. The modem application software may access an embedded module or firmware on the BLUETOOTH transceiver to complete wireless communication with a remote BLUETOOTH transceiver (such as that found in a nomadic device). 
         [0034]    In another embodiment, nomadic device  53  includes a modem for voice band or broadband data communication. In the data-over-voice embodiment, a technique known as frequency division multiplexing may be implemented when the owner of the nomadic device can talk over the device while data is being transferred. At other times, when the owner is not using the device, the data transfer can use the whole bandwidth (300 Hz to 3.4 kHz in one example). 
         [0035]    If the user has a data-plan associated with the nomadic device, it is possible that the data-plan allows for broad-band transmission and the system could use a much wider bandwidth (speeding up data transfer). In still another embodiment, nomadic device  53  is replaced with a cellular communication device (not shown) that is installed to vehicle  31 . In yet another embodiment, the ND  53  may be a wireless local area network (LAN) device capable of communication over, for example (and without limitation), an 802.11g network (i.e., WiFi) or a WiMax network. 
         [0036]    In one embodiment, incoming data can be passed through the nomadic device via a data-over-voice or data-plan, through the onboard BLUETOOTH transceiver and into the vehicle&#39;s internal processor  3 . In the case of certain temporary data, for example, the data can be stored on the HDD or other storage media  7  until such time as the data is no longer needed. 
         [0037]    Additional sources that may interface with the vehicle include a personal navigation device  54 , having, for example, a USB connection  56  and/or an antenna  58 ; or a vehicle navigation device  60 , having a USB  62  or other connection, an onboard GPS device  24 , or remote navigation system (not shown) having connectivity to network  61 . 
         [0038]    Further, the CPU could be in communication with a variety of other auxiliary devices  65 . These devices can be connected through a wireless  67  or wired  69  connection. Also, or alternatively, the CPU could be connected to a vehicle based wireless router  73 , using for example a WiFi  71  transceiver. This could allow the CPU to connect to remote networks in range of the local router  73 . Auxiliary device  65  may include, but are not limited to, personal media players, wireless health devices, portable computers, and the like. 
         [0039]    In the illustrative embodiments, a vehicle computing system is capable of being “aware” of various medical conditions of the occupants, and to respond accordingly when an environmental or detected medical condition may impact those occupant&#39;s health. 
         [0040]    Additionally, the vehicle computing system may responsively answer queries about particular symptoms input thereto, including providing warnings about necessity of imminent care, or advice about a service provider or other place of business that may provide a solution to a problem or projected problem. 
         [0041]    In one illustrative example, a person recognizes an onset of, or an existing symptom in themselves or another passenger. Because this embodiment provides access to a medical database, through, for example, but not limited to, a remote connection, it is possible to diagnose a variety of conditions using the latest medical knowledge. 
         [0042]    In this embodiment, the passenger or patient will first enter a medical condition—such as diabetes, into a database entry screen. Alternatively, the enterer may elect to speak the condition if no visual display is available or easily interacted with. 
         [0043]    If the enterer does not know what medical condition corresponds to an occurring symptom, the enterer can instead elect to input the symptom. In another illustrative embodiment, the enterer may elect a portion of the body that is suffering, and be provided with a list of common symptoms, in case that person cannot adequately describe as input the occurring symptom. 
         [0044]    Once the condition/symptom is input, a brief diagnosis may be made, or further questions may be asked to evaluate the symptom. It may be preferable to err on the side of caution, and one precautionary measure may include the display (or available audio input of) a “call 911” option during the entire display/menu interaction. 
         [0045]    Once a condition has been reasonably diagnosed, the system may provide a recommended option or action. For example, the system may recommend or offer the option to visit a care provider or source of medical supplies. Additionally or alternatively, if a situation is critical, the system may offer the option to visit or contact an emergency care provider. 
         [0046]    In another illustrative embodiment, the vehicle computing system may be aware of existing medical conditions pertaining to occupants of the vehicle. This information may be input on a trip by trip basis, or may be retrieved from a medical profile (local or remote) associated with a vehicle occupant. 
         [0047]    In an instance such as this, the computing system may detect the onset or likely onset of a symptom. For example, in one illustrative embodiment, the vehicle computing system may detect the imminent onset of an environmental condition, such as pollen, extreme cold, etc, that may be detrimental to a vehicle occupant. In another example, the system may detect the imminence of a condition based on incoming data from a connected medical monitoring device. 
         [0048]    In either event, the system may take action or recommend action to counteract the onset of the condition. In the case of an environmental condition, the vehicle computing system may offer to use vehicle systems to offset the predicted environmental condition. In the case of a predicted medical emergency, the system may project imminent symptoms and, in the event these symptoms occur, offer medical advice to aid in the treatment or addressing of the symptoms or likely to occur emergency condition. 
         [0049]      FIG. 2  shows an illustrative example of a process for monitoring a medical device. In this illustrative embodiment, the vehicle computing system accesses an account associated with a vehicle occupant, and/or a medical device associated with a vehicle occupant  201 . 
         [0050]    Based on information obtained from a profile and/or medical devices connected to a vehicle computing system, the vehicle computing system registers one or more conditions which are to be monitored  203 . These conditions could be general conditions, symptoms, or environmental elements that may affect or cause an onset of symptoms. 
         [0051]    Once the conditions have been registered, the system monitors the passengers and environment for the existence of the registered conditions  205 . This monitoring may be done by, for example, vehicle sensors, connections to medical devices, or connections to remote information provision systems that may provide condition information. 
         [0052]    If the onset of a condition that is being monitored is detected, the system determines whether or not a warning is appropriate  207 . For example, if a potentially adverse environmental condition is detected, the vehicle computing system may warn the occupants of the detected condition. Similarly, if the onset of a potential emergency condition, through the development of, or build up of factors likely to lead to adverse symptoms is detected, the vehicle computing system may similarly warn the occupant(s)  209 . 
         [0053]    Additionally or alternatively, the vehicle may be programmed to take one or more actions  211  in the event of the onset of an adverse environmental or symptomatic state. For example, the vehicle computing system may reactively activate a vehicle system (HVAC, vehicle lights, nav display with medical provider information, etc)  213 , depending on the particulars of a detected medical or environmental condition. One non-limiting example of such an action is described with respect to  FIG. 3 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 3  shows an illustrative example of a process for predicting an imminent symptom onset. In this illustrative embodiment, a vehicle computing system is programmed to reactively adjust a vehicle component, in response to a detected environmental condition that may cause an adverse medical reaction. 
         [0055]    For example, without limitation, in this embodiment, the vehicle computing system determines that a passenger (or driver) has an allergic condition that is triggered in the presence of increased pollen  301 . By monitoring a remote pollen report  303  (or by having pollen data sent to the vehicle computing system), the vehicle computing system can determine when the pollen count is above an acceptable level, and may further determine if the vehicle is projected to pass into a region where pollen count is high. Both of these determinations may be made at least in part based on the current GPS coordinates of the vehicle, and it may also be useful to include data from a route-planning engine in the case of predictive pollen forecasting. 
         [0056]    If a pollen count beyond a tolerable level is not detected or projected to be imminently upcoming  305 , the vehicle computing system may simply continue to monitor the pollen without further action. 
         [0057]    If, however, the pollen count passes a threshold, the vehicle computing system first issues a warning to the vehicle occupants  307 . The warning may simply be a warning about the onset of a high pollen environment, or the warning could include additional information. For example, the warning could recommend that an antihistamine be taken, based on the projected or determined pollen level. The system could further provide the user with a route to a location likely to sell an antihistamine, in the event that the user does not have one handy. This extra information could all be displayed simultaneously, or it could be the result of user selected options. Additionally, the vehicle computing system could output this information in an audible manner. 
         [0058]    In this embodiment, two additional actions are associated with a predicted or occurring pollen problem. First, the system may switch to using recycled air  309 , if a vehicle HVAC system is currently in operation. The system may either automatically switch to recycled air, or the system may ask the user if the system should switch to recycled air. If the switch is to be made, the vehicle computing system adjusts the current HVAC setting so that recycled air is being used  311 . 
         [0059]    Additionally or alternatively, the vehicle computing system may ask the user if any open windows should be closed (or automatically close the windows)  313 . If the windows are to be closed, the system may automatically enable electric windows to close themselves  315 . Additionally, although not shown, if an exterior temperature exceeds a certain threshold, the vehicle computing system may enable the HVAC system if the windows are closed. This could be an automatic action or in response to a user agreeing to this course of action. 
         [0060]      FIG. 4  shows an illustrative example of a process for responding to an alert condition with pertinent information. In this illustrative embodiment, a vehicle computing system detects the presence of a blood sugar monitor that is currently monitoring the blood sugar of a vehicle occupant  401 . The vehicle computing system connects to the blood sugar monitor and monitors data therefrom  403 . 
         [0061]    If the blood sugar of the vehicle occupant drops below a threshold level  405 , the vehicle computing system will warn the occupant of the condition  407 . This may allow the occupant to obtain a source of sugar, and avoid going into anaphylactic shock. The severity of the warning may also increase in proportion to a deficiency in blood sugar levels, and at dangerous levels, emergency medical information (and possibly a “quick 911” option) may also be provided to the occupant. 
         [0062]    Further, in this illustrative embodiment, the vehicle computing system may provide a quick access point of interest  411 , such as a location where blood sugar could be raised, or the location of a medical provider who can address a critical issue. This option could be provided in response to a user request, or may be automatically provided depending on the severity of the blood sugar deficiency. 
         [0063]      FIG. 5  shows an illustrative example of a symptom analysis database access. In this illustrative embodiment, a passenger uses a medical database to access relevant information about a symptom from which a vehicle occupant may be suffering. The input may be done on a navigation display or through a vehicle microphone. Additionally, if the vehicle computing system is in communication with a wireless device, the input may be done through the screen of the device and relayed to the vehicle computing system. 
         [0064]    In this illustrative embodiment, the vehicle computing system first receives a request to launch a medical condition database access application  501 . Once the application is initiated, the vehicle computing system provides a menu allowing input of a condition or symptom  503 . From this point, the system receives input from an occupant  505 . The input could be a medical condition, a medical symptom, or a more generalized request (e.g., without limitation—“headache”, “pack pain”, etc.). 
         [0065]    If the condition is known, the vehicle computing system stores that condition or symptom with an account associated with the occupant for which the request is being made  513 . This assumes that the system is capable of such storage, and that an account exists for the particular occupant having the condition or exhibiting the symptom. By storing the information, it can later be transferred to a permanent medical record, provided to a care provider for analysis, and used in later diagnoses without having to be input again. 
         [0066]    If the condition/symptom/request is unknown, the system may suggest similar or likely conditions/symptoms  509 . If one of these suggestions is accepted/selected  511 , the system stores the selected option with the appropriate account. 
         [0067]    Once the condition/symptom/request has been input, the system may request to know whether or not this is a condition from which the occupant is currently suffering  515 . If the condition is current, and is a critical one, this may allow the system to provide immediate assistance to the occupant. 
         [0068]    If the input represents a current state of an occupant, the vehicle computing system, in this embodiment, may list one or more symptoms associated with a condition  517  (assuming, of course, that a condition has been input and not a precise symptom). The system then receives input from the occupant regarding any possible symptoms  519 . For example, if the condition was “diabetes” then the symptom may be “light headedness” or “dizziness” or “low blood sugar”, etc. If the input symptom represents a critical or possibly critical condition  521  (for example, if the symptom represent a likelihood that the occupant may soon go into shock, unconsciousness, etc), the vehicle computing system may present a warning to the occupant  529 . 
         [0069]    In addition to the warning, the vehicle computing system may provide one or more caregivers who can address the situation  531 . These caregivers could be proximate to the vehicle&#39;s current position, and may also be vetted based on insurance information that is known by the vehicle computing system. 
         [0070]    For example, if the occupant is in a critical or semi-critical state, the vehicle computing system may find local caregivers and then cross reference that list with preferred providers as can be known from the occupant&#39;s insurance information. Both in and out of network caregivers may be provided, with some indication (such as estimated distance or time) as to how far away the caregiver is located. The system may also provide an option, for example, to immediately dial 911 if the condition is serious enough. 
         [0071]    In addition to providing directions, the system may provide a contact number for the caregiver and give the occupant the option of calling the caregiver. This may assist in determining the seriousness of the condition and can further inform the caregiver that a patient arrival is imminent. 
         [0072]    The occupant can then select a particular caregiver  537  and the vehicle computing system will provide routing instructions to that caregiver  539 . This should allow the occupant to reach the caregiver in a timely manner. 
         [0073]    If the system does not determine that the condition is a “critical” condition, the system may still ask the occupant if medical assistance  523  is desired. If no medical assistance is needed or is believed to be needed, the system may provide advice  525  based on the input information. This could be, for example, advice on how to alleviate a symptom, or could be advice that recommends medical assistance if X or Y symptom persists or occurs. 
         [0074]    If, after reading the advice, the occupant determines that help or further assistance is needed  527 , the vehicle computing system may provide a solution to a particular problem (“take the following medication,” “contact a physician,” etc.)  533 . If there is a location associated with the advice  535 , the system will receive input of a selected location and provide directions. 
         [0075]    For example, the vehicle computing system may recommend the ingestion of a particular medicine. Using local pharmacy information, a number of options as to where this medication may be obtained could be provided. The user could then select a particular location and the vehicle would be routed to that location. Again, phone numbers and the option to call the location may also be provided, in case prescription medication is needed, so that the medication may be available by the time the occupant arrives. 
         [0076]    If the input condition/symptom/request is not a current state, or if the vehicle is not being routed in response to the state, the vehicle computing system may ask the occupant if the condition should be monitored  541 . If desired, the system can monitor the local environment for factors that could affect the condition (e.g., allergies and pollen), it may periodically ask for input on a symptom to determine if the symptom is persisting, worsening, improving, etc., or it may monitor an associated and connected medical or wellness device  543 . 
         [0077]    If the monitoring detects in a state where the occupant needs to be warned of an imminent emergency or danger, the system can provide an adequate warning  545 . 
         [0078]    Finally, once the condition is addressed, the system asks the occupant if any additional information is needed or additional symptoms or conditions need to be input  547 . 
         [0079]      FIG. 6  shows an illustrative example of a process for responding to a potential emergency condition with emergency information. In this illustrative embodiment, the vehicle computing system monitors an occupant  601  having, for example, an attached medical device. Other monitoring may also be possible. For example, it may be possible, using vehicle systems such as microphones or cameras, to detect an onset of a severe allergic reaction or other condition. 
         [0080]    If an emergency condition is detected  603 , a warning is provided to the vehicle occupant  605  and a menu of options with more information or other steps to be taken is also provided  607 . This may contain, for example, an “quick 911” option (selection of which immediately dials 911), a list of providers or locations where assistance can be had, a corresponding list of phone numbers, one or more known emergency contacts, etc. 
         [0081]    If the selected option includes a request to travel to a location  609 , the vehicle computing system routes the vehicle to the selected location  611 . Otherwise, the system provides a solution in conjunction with the requested information (dials a number, brings up symptom information, etc)  613 . 
         [0082]    Once the initial solution has been provided, the vehicle computing system may ask the occupant if more information is required  615 . If no more information is needed, and the requested solution included a location to which the vehicle had not yet been routed  617 , the system may route the vehicle to the location  611 . 
         [0083]    If more information is required, the system may access, for example, a medical database  621  and provide information on the condition or symptom that was detected at the initiation of the process  623 . 
         [0084]    Although the invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments, these embodiments were provided for exemplary purposes only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the disclosed examples. 
         [0085]    While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, the features of various implementing embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the invention.