Patent Publication Number: US-7596439-B2

Title: Method for controlling a remote monitoring device

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to methods of controlling remote monitoring devices. In particular, the invention relates to controlling remote monitoring devices in communication with telematics systems. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Monitoring an environment from a distance has disadvantages. For example, an environment may be wet, shorting out electronic equipment. Other applications require only intermittent monitoring, such as monitoring upon occurrence of a predetermined event. Further, transmitting monitoring data to a destination can be difficult. 
     It is therefore desirable to provide a method of controlling a remote monitoring device that overcomes the limitations, challenges, and obstacles described above. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One aspect of the present invention provides a method of controlling a remote monitoring device from a vehicle. The method includes sending a command signal from a telematics unit via a wi-fi connection to the remote monitoring device. The method further includes receiving data from the remote monitoring device via a wi-fi connection at the telematics unit, and sending the data to a destination via a wireless network. 
     Another aspect of the present invention provides a computer usable medium encoded with computer readable code for controlling a remote monitoring device from a vehicle. The computer readable code includes computer readable code for sending a command signal from a telematics unit via a wi-fi connection to the remote monitoring device and computer readable code for receiving data from the remote monitoring device via a wi-fi connection at the telematics unit. Additionally, the medium includes computer readable code for sending the data to a destination via a wireless network. 
     A third aspect of the present invention provides a system for controlling a remote monitoring device from a vehicle. The system includes means for sending a command signal from a telematics unit via a wi-fi connection to the remote monitoring device, means for receiving data from the remote monitoring device via a wi-fi connection at the telematics unit; and means for sending the data to a destination via a wireless network. 
     The aforementioned 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 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a system for controlling a remote monitoring device in accordance with the present invention; and 
         FIG. 2  is a flowchart representative of one embodiment of a method for controlling a remote monitoring device in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of a system for controlling a remote monitoring device in accordance with the present invention at  100 . System  100  includes a mobile vehicle communication unit (MVCU)  110 ; a vehicle communication network  112 ; a telematics unit  120 ; one or more wireless carrier systems  140 ; one or more communication networks  142 ; one or more land networks  144 ; one or more client, personal, or user computers  150 ; one or more web-hosting portals  160 ; and one or more call centers  170 . In one embodiment, MVCU  110  is implemented as a mobile vehicle equipped with suitable hardware and software for transmitting and receiving voice and data communications. In an example, a display is embedded in MVCU  110 . The display is a dialed digital display such as a radio unit or an instrument panel. MVCS  100  may include additional components not relevant to the present discussion. 
     MVCU  110  is referred to as a mobile vehicle in the discussion below. In operation, MVCU  110  may be implemented as a motor vehicle, a marine vehicle, or as an aircraft. MVCU  110  may include additional components not relevant to the present discussion. 
     MVCU  110 , via a vehicle communication network  112 , sends signals to various units of equipment and systems (detailed below) within MVCU  110  to perform various functions such as unlocking a door, opening the trunk, setting personal comfort settings, and calling from telematics unit  120 . In facilitating interactions among the various communication and electronic modules, vehicle communication network  112  utilizes network interfaces such as controller-area network (CAN), 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 (SAE) Standard J1850 for high-speed and lower speed applications. 
     MVCU  110 , via telematics unit  120 , sends and receives radio transmissions from wireless carrier system  140 . Wireless carrier system  140  is implemented as any suitable system for transmitting a signal from MVCU  110  to communication network  142 . 
     Telematics unit  120  includes a processor  122  connected to a wireless modem  124 , a global positioning system (GPS) unit  126 , an in-vehicle memory  128 , a microphone  130 , one or more speakers  132 , and an embedded or in-vehicle mobile phone  134 . In other embodiments, telematics unit  120  may be implemented without one or more of the above listed components such as, for example, speakers  132 . Telematics unit  120  may include additional components not relevant to the present discussion. 
     Remote monitoring device  101  is in wireless electronic communication with telematics unit  120 . Wireless electronic communication exists over a wi-fi connection established between the remote monitoring device  101  and telematics unit  120 . A wi-fi connection establishes communication with a protocol for short-range electronic communication such as a FCC Part 15 protocol, 802.11 (b, g, etc.), Bluetooth®, or other similar protocols. Remote monitoring device  101  is any device configured to monitor the environment in an area adjacent the remote monitoring device, and configured to be compatible with a wi-fi connection. In one embodiment, remote monitoring device  101  is capable of monitoring any physical, chemical, electrical, magnetic, nuclear, or other phenomena in the environment as desired for a particular application. In one embodiment, remote monitoring device  101  is a camera. In one embodiment, remote monitoring device  101  is a Geiger counter. In another embodiment, remote monitoring device  101  is a video camera. In another embodiment, remote monitoring device  101  is a digital camera. In one embodiment, remote monitoring device  101  is an audio device. In another embodiment, remote monitoring device  101  is a data collection device. As used herein, audio device includes any device configured to record sounds surrounding the remote monitoring device. In one embodiment, remote monitoring device  101  includes memory devices, such as those known in the art, for storing data obtained by operation of the remote monitoring devices. Memory devices include, but are not limited to, removable media, hard drives, flash memory, floppy discs, or the like. 
     In one embodiment, processor  122  is implemented as a microcontroller, microprocessor, controller, host processor, or vehicle communications processor. In an example, processor  122  is implemented as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In another embodiment, processor  122  is implemented as a processor working in conjunction with a central processing unit (CPU) performing the function of a general purpose processor. GPS unit  126  provides 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 phone  134  is a cellular-type phone such as, for example, an analog, digital, dual-mode, dual-band, multi-mode or multi-band cellular phone. 
     Processor  122  executes various computer programs that control programming and operational modes of electronic and mechanical systems within MVCU  110 . Processor  122  controls communications (e.g., call signals) between telematics unit  120 , wireless carrier system  140 , and call center  170 . In one embodiment, a voice-recognition application is installed in processor  122  that can translate human voice input through microphone  130  to digital signals. Processor  122  generates and accepts digital signals transmitted between telematics unit  120  and a vehicle communication network  112  that 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. 
     Communication network  142  includes services from one or more mobile telephone switching offices and wireless networks. Communication network  142  connects wireless carrier system  140  to land network  144 . Communication network  142  is implemented as any suitable system or collection of systems for connecting wireless carrier system  140  to MVCU  110  and land network  144 . 
     Land network  144  connects communication network  142  to computer  150 , web-hosting portal  160 , and call center  170 . In one embodiment, land network  144  is a public-switched telephone network (PSTN). In another embodiment, land network  144  is implemented as an Internet protocol (IP) network. In other embodiments, land network  144  is implemented as a wired network, an optical network, a fiber network, other wireless networks, or any combination thereof. Land network  144  is connected to one or more landline telephones. Communication network  142  and land network  144  connect wireless carrier system  140  to web-hosting portal  160 , and call center  170 . 
     Client, personal, or user computer  150  includes a computer usable medium to execute Internet browser and Internet-access computer programs for sending and receiving data over land network  144  and, optionally, wired or wireless communication networks  142  to web-hosting portal  160 . Computer  150  sends user preferences to web-hosting portal  160  through a web-page interface using communication standards such as hypertext transport protocol (HTTP), and transport-control protocol and Internet protocol (TCP/IP). In one embodiment, the data includes directives to change certain programming and operational modes of electronic and mechanical systems within MVCU  110 . In operation, a client utilizes computer  150  to initiate setting or re-setting of user preferences for MVCU  110 . User-preference data from client-side software is transmitted to server-side software of web-hosting portal  160 . User-preference data is stored at web-hosting portal  160 . 
     Web-hosting portal  160  includes one or more data modems  162 , one or more web servers  164 , one or more databases  166 , and a network system  168 . Web-hosting portal  160  is connected directly by wire to call center  170 , or connected by phone lines to land network  144 , which is connected to call center  170 . In an example, web-hosting portal  160  is connected to call center  170  utilizing an IP network. In this example, both components, web-hosting portal  160  and call center  170 , are connected to land network  144  utilizing the IP network. In another example, web-hosting portal  160  is connected to land network  144  by one or more data modems  162 . Land network  144  sends digital data to and receives digital data from modem  162 , data that is then transferred to web server  164 . Modem  162  can reside inside web server  164 . Land network  144  transmits data communications between web-hosting portal  160  and call center  170 . 
     Web server  164  receives user-preference data from user computer  150  via land network  144 . In alternative embodiments, computer  150  includes a wireless modem to send data to web-hosting portal  160  through a wireless communication network  142  and a land network  144 . Data is received by land network  144  and sent to one or more web servers  164 . In one embodiment, web server  164  is implemented as any suitable hardware and software capable of providing web services to help change and transmit personal preference settings from a client at computer  150  to telematics unit  120  in MVCU  110 . Web server  164  sends data transmissions to or receives data transmissions from one or more databases  166  via network system  168 . Web server  164  includes 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 servers  164  are networked via network system  168  to distribute user-preference data among its network components such as database  166 . In an example, database  166  is a part of or a separate computer from web server  164 . Web server  164  sends data transmissions with user preferences to call center  170  through land network  144 . 
     Call center  170  is 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 unit  120  in MVCU  110 . 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 center  170  and web-hosting portal  160  are located in the same or different. facilities. 
     Call center  170  contains 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 network systems  180 . 
     Switch  172  of call center  170  connects to land network  144 . Switch  172  transmits voice or data transmissions from call center  170  and receives voice or data transmissions from telematics unit  120  in MVCU  110  through wireless carrier system  140 , communication network  142 , and land network  144 . Switch  172  receives data transmissions from and sends data transmissions to one or more web-hosting portals  160 . Switch  172  receives data transmissions from or sends data transmissions to one or more communication services managers  174  via one or more network systems  180 . 
     Communication services manager  174  is any suitable hardware and software capable of providing requested communication services to telematics unit  120  in MVCU  110 . Communication services manager  174  sends data transmissions to or receives data transmissions from one or more communication services databases  176  via network system  180 . Communication services manager  174  sends data transmissions to or receives data transmissions from one or more communication services advisors  178  via network system  180 . Communication services database  176  sends data transmissions to or receives data transmissions from communication services advisor  178  via network system  180 . Communication services advisor  178  receives from or sends to switch  172  voice or data transmissions. 
     Communication services manager  174  provides one or more of a variety of services, including enrollment services, navigation assistance, directory assistance, roadside assistance, business or residential assistance, information services assistance, emergency assistance, and communications assistance. Communication services manager  174  receives service-preference requests for a variety of services from the client via computer  150 , web-hosting portal  160 , and land network  144 . Communication services manager  174  transmits user-preference and other data to telematics unit  120  in MVCU  110  through wireless carrier system  140 , communication network  142 , land network  144 , voice and data switch  172 , and network system  180 . Communication services manager  174  stores or retrieves data and information from communication services database  176 . Communication services manager  174  can provide requested information to communication services advisor  178 . 
     In one embodiment, communication services advisor  178  is 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 MVCU  110  via telematics unit  120 . In another embodiment, communication services advisor  178  is implemented as a virtual advisor. In an example, a virtual advisor is implemented as a synthesized voice interface responding to requests from telematics unit  120  in MVCU  110 . 
     Communication services advisor  178  provides services to telematics unit  120  in MVCU  110 . Services provided by communication services advisor  178  include enrollment services, navigation assistance, real-time traffic advisories, directory assistance, roadside assistance, business or residential assistance, information services assistance, emergency assistance, and communications assistance. Communication services advisor  178  communicates with telematics unit  120  in MVCU  110  through wireless carrier system  140 , communication network  142 , land network  144 , and web-hosting portals  160  using voice transmissions. In an alternative embodiment, communication services manager  174  communicates with telematics unit  120  in MVCU  110  through wireless carrier system  140 , communication network  142 , land network  144 , and web hosting portals  160  using voice transmissions. Switch  172  selects between voice transmissions and data transmissions. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a flowchart  200  representative of one embodiment of a method for controlling a remote monitoring device from a vehicle. Method  200  begins at  205 . 
     A command signal is sent from a telematics unit to a remote monitoring device via a wi-fi connection at  210 . In one embodiment, the telematics unit is implemented as telematics unit  120  of  FIG. 1 . In one embodiment, the remote monitoring device is implemented as remote monitoring device  101  of  FIG. 1 . A command signal is any signal that includes an instruction for the remote monitoring device to take a particular action. For example, a command signal may instruct the remote monitoring device to take a picture. In another example, the command signal instructs the remote monitoring device to begin recording. In yet another example, the command signal includes an instruction to take a series of pictures at a predetermined interval. In one embodiment, the command signal includes instructions for the remote monitoring device to transmit data to the telematics unit. 
     In one embodiment, the command signal is sent to the telematics unit from a command source. A command source may be a user operating a controller configured to issue a command signal. In one embodiment, the telematics unit receives the command signal via a wi-fi network. In another embodiment, the telematics unit receives the command signal over a wireless network. In yet another embodiment, the telematics unit receives the command signal from a subcarrier of a satellite radio broadcast. 
     In another embodiment, the command signal is sent in response to a trigger. A trigger is any event that is intended to result in activation of the remote monitoring device. For example, an odometer trigger results in activation of the remote monitoring device when the vehicle travels, for example, 10 miles. In such an example, a camera mounted to the front of the vehicle will take a picture every 10 miles. In another example, the trigger is a time trigger. For example, a camera will take a picture every 30 minutes. In another example, the telematics unit will periodically “wake up” and activate the remote monitoring device. The trigger is a speedometer trigger, activated by a particular speed, in another example. Other triggers include ignition triggers (every 3 ignition cycles), event trigger (such as airbag deployment), or a GPS trigger (at a particular GPS location). 
     In yet another embodiment, the trigger is a monitoring trigger, and activates when the telematics unit comes within range of a particular remote monitoring device. For example, a law enforcement agency mounts a camera to a street light, and positions vehicles within range of the remote monitoring device. Thus, monitoring may be concealed by alternating the model vehicle that is within range of the remote monitoring device. 
     In another embodiment, a particular telematics unit is matched to a particular remote monitoring device, and the presence of the matched combination triggers the remote monitoring device. 
     In response to receiving the command signal, the remote monitoring device activates. For example, the remote monitoring device takes a picture in response to an appropriate command signal. In one embodiment, the remote monitoring device stores data recorded or obtained by activation on media prior to transmitting the data to the telematics unit. After activating and obtaining data, remote monitoring device transmits the data to the telematics unit via a wi-fi connection. 
     Data from the remote monitoring device is received at the telematics unit via a wi-fi connection at  220 . The telematics unit stores the data in one embodiment. For example, data is stored in memory  138 . 
     Data is sent to a destination via a wireless network by the telematics unit at  230 . The destination for the data is the call center, in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the destination is a user computer, e.g. computer  150 , or other user device. If the call center is the destination, in one embodiment, the data is then transmitted to a user computer or device. The data may be sent in any appropriate method, such as email, ftp, or other transfer mechanism. In one embodiment, the wireless network is implemented as system  140 . 
     Method  200  ends at  235 . 
     While the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are presently considered to be preferred, various changes and modifications can 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.