Patent Publication Number: US-2017349146-A1

Title: Keyless vehicle system that enables servicing

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/174,206 filed on even date herewith, entitled “KEYLESS CAR SHARING MECHANISM USING SMARTPHONES AND INBUILT WIFI SYSTEMS FOR AUTHENTICATION”, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to a keyless vehicle/servicing system, and in particular to a system/method that permits picking up and dropping off vehicles to be serviced and loaner vehicles without physically transferring a conventional key or keyfob for entry and operation of the vehicles. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Maintenance and servicing of motor vehicles is normally required. Typically, a customer drops off a vehicle at a vehicle servicing center, and arranges for transportation that can be used by the customer while the vehicle is being serviced. For example, the servicing center may provide the customer with a loaner vehicle that is driven by the customer while the customer&#39;s vehicle is being serviced. 
     However, scheduling service, and arranging for transportation can be problematic. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One aspect of the present disclosure is a method of servicing keyless vehicles. Each keyless vehicle includes a security system including a wireless communication system that is capable of communicating with a remote wireless device such as a smartphone. The security system permits entry and operation of the keyless vehicle if the security system receives a unique (authorized) security signal or code from a smartphone. The security system of the keyless vehicles can be configured to require receipt of a security signal that is unique to a particular keyless vehicle. The method utilizes a security program for smartphones that permits smartphones to generate an authorized signal that is received by the security system of the keyless vehicles via the wireless communication system. A user utilizes a smart phone to unlock/unlatch and enter the vehicle and to operate the keyless vehicle. The smart phone may be provided with unique security data for one or more specific vehicles whereby the smart phone is able to generate a unique security signal (e.g. wireless) as required by the security systems of the specific keyless vehicles. The unique security data may comprise a numerical code or other suitable data. The security data provides a unique “key” that can be utilized to enter and/or operate a specific keyless vehicle. The method includes receiving a service request and unique first security data for a first keyless vehicle, from a customer. Information concerning a location of a first keyless vehicle requiring service is also received. A technician or other authorized person is transported to the first keyless vehicle in a second (loaner) keyless vehicle. A customer&#39;s smartphone that is equipped with the security program is provided with unique second security data concerning the second/loaner keyless vehicle whereby a customer can enter and operate the second/loaner keyless vehicle utilizing the customer&#39;s smartphone. The authorized person enters and operates the first keyless vehicle utilizing a second smartphone that is equipped with the security program and has access to the unique first security data. The authorized person drives the first keyless vehicle to a service facility where the car is serviced. After the vehicle has been serviced, an authorized person can drive the first keyless vehicle to a location selected by the customer utilizing a second smartphone, and the authorized person can then drive the second keyless vehicle back to the service facility. 
     These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present disclosure will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a flow chart showing a first step of a process for providing vehicle service; 
         FIG. 1A  is a schematic view of a system incorporating the steps of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2  is a flow chart showing a second step of a process for providing vehicle service; 
         FIG. 2B  is a schematic view of a system incorporating the steps of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a flow chart showing a third step of a process for providing vehicle service; and 
         FIG. 3C  is a schematic view of a system incorporating the steps of  FIG. 3 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 4 . However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical charac-teristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     The present application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/718,448 filed on May 21, 2015 and entitled “ALTERNATE BACKUP ENTRY FOR VEHICLES,” U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/880,377, filed on Oct. 12, 2015 and entitled “KEYLESS VEHICLE SYSTEM,” U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/468,368, filed on Aug. 26, 2014 and entitled “ELECTRONIC VEHICLE SECURITY SYSTEM DEVOID OF LOCK CYLINDERS,” U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/468,634, filed on Aug. 26, 2014 and entitled “KEYLESS VEHICLE DOOR LATCH SYSTEM WITH POWERED BACKUP UNLOCK” all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     For purposes of description, a keyless vehicle servicing system/method is described herein as including Step A ( FIGS. 1 and 1A ), Step B ( FIGS. 2 and 2B ), and Step C ( FIGS. 3 and 3C ).  FIGS. 1, 2, and 3  are flow charts showing Steps A, B, C, respectively, and  FIGS. 1A, 2B , and  3 C are schematic drawings showing steps A, B, and C, respectively. However, it will be understood that the present invention is not limited to any particular steps, combination of steps, or sequence of steps, and the arrangement of the system and method as described herein in connection with the Figures is not limiting with respect to the scope of the invention, unless the claims explicitly recite specific steps, sequences, and/or other limitations. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 1A  a system  1  includes a first keyless vehicle  2  that is owned, leased, or otherwise used by a customer  4 . Keyless vehicle  2  includes a wireless communication and security system  6  that is configured to communicate wirelessly with a first wireless device  8  that is operated by customer  4 . The wireless device  8  may comprise a mobile cell phone, smartphone, or the like that may be programmed with a security program. The smartphone  8  is configured to communicate wirelessly with security/wireless communication system  6  of keyless vehicle  2  utilizing a cellular data system  10  including cell towers  10 A,  10 B, etc. and other related components. The cellular system may provide access to a global communications network  12  (e.g. the internet) that connects and exchanges data  13  to computers and other devices. A user&#39;s home or office  14  may include one or more computers (not shown) and/or other devices that communicate with smartphone  8  and/or security/wireless communication system  6  and/or network  12 . Similarly, a garage/vehicle service facility  16  (e.g. a car dealership having a repair facility) may also include one or more computers (not shown) and/or other devices that communicate via the cellular network  10  and/or the network  12 . 
     As discussed in more detail in copending U.S. application Ser. No. 14/880,377 the security/wireless communication system  6  of keyless vehicle  2  is configured to communicate with smartphone  8 . Smartphone  8  may be operably connected to system  6  of vehicle  2  directly by a line such as a USB cable, or it may communicate with system  6  directly or indirectly utilizing WiFi and/or cellular wireless signals. The smartphone  8  is configured to provide a unique security code (i.e. a digital “key”) that may be transmitted to the security/wireless communication system  6 . Smartphone  8  can be configured to receive/acquire a digital key from a remote source to enable smartphone  8  to operate one or more keyless vehicles. If the security/wireless communication system  6  recognizes the digital “key,” the electronic latch system  18  of the keyless vehicle  2  can be unlocked by user/customer  4  to gain entry to the keyless vehicle  2 . If the security key data is recognized by the security/wireless communication system  6 , a user/customer  4  can then start and operate the keyless vehicle  2 . Thus, the smartphone  8  operates as a wireless fob and provides Passive Entry/Passive Start (“PEPS”) capability/functionality that permits user entry and operation of keyless vehicle  2  without use of a conventional mechanical key. A plurality of keyless vehicles can be provided, and each keyless vehicle  2  can be configured to require receiving a unique digital key signal, whereby each keyless vehicle requires a different digital key for operation. A plurality of smartphones  8  having unique digital keys can be configured to operate a plurality of associated vehicles, whereby each smartphone  8  can operate an associated keyless vehicle. Optionally, a digital key for a specific keyless vehicle  2  may be acquired by more than one smartphone  8 , whereby more than one smartphone  8  can operate a specific keyless vehicle  2 . Also, a single smartphone  8  may optionally acquire more than one digital key, whereby a single smartphone  8  can be used to operate a plurality of keyless vehicles  2 . 
     As discussed in more detail in U.S. application Ser. No. 14/880,377, keyless vehicle  2  may include a powered “E-latch” latch system  18  that utilizes electrically powered actuators to latch vehicle doors  20 A,  20 B, etc. without use of a mechanical key. The powered door latch system  18  is operably connected to the security/wireless communication system  6 , and selectively locks/unlocks doors  20 A,  20 B etc., and also selectively unlatches/latches doors  20 A,  20 B, etc. according to predefined criteria. Because a conventional keyfob and/or a mechanical key is not required, the keyless vehicle  2  may be referred to herein as a keyless vehicle. However, it will be understood that a “keyless” keyless vehicle  2  may, optionally, include one or more conventional lock cylinders to provide emergency or backup vehicle access and/or operation in case the powered door latch system  18  is inoperable and/or to provide operation (e.g. ignition) of keyless vehicle  2  in the event the security/wireless communication system  6  is inoperable or disabled due to the loss of power, or the like. Thus, the term “keyless vehicle” as used herein generally refers to a vehicle that can be entered and/or operated without use of conventional mechanical keys. 
     The electronic latch system  18  may optionally include a user input device such as a touchpad  19 . If a smartphone  8  is not available to transmit a wireless security signal to system  6 /latch system  18  to actuate (unlock and/or unlatch) the vehicle door latches of electronic latch system  18 , a user can input a vehicle access code using touchpad  19 . If the access code entered using touchpad  19  is recognized by the security system  6 , the latch system  18  unlocks and/or unlatches the vehicle door to permit a user to enter the interior of keyless vehicle  2 . Vehicle  2  may include both a passive entry function provided by smartphone  8  and touchpad  19  for entry, or the vehicle  2  may include only passive entry, or only touchpad entry. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the smartphone  8  may be configured/programmed utilizing a service app whereby the smartphone  8  displays an icon  22  ( FIG. 1A ). During a first step  24  of the process shown in  FIG. 1 , a customer opens a service app icon  22  on smartphone  8 , and selects “service” and logs in. It will be understood that the smartphone  8  may include a touch screen, keys, audio recognition capabilities, and other user input features. Accordingly, it will be understood that the present invention is not limited to use of icons, touch screens, or other specific input features. Furthermore, it will be understood that the term “smartphone” as used herein generally refers to a mobile wireless communications device such as a cellular phone or the like that is capable of performing many of the functions of a computer and includes cellular and/or WiFi and/or Bluetooth wireless communication capability. However, the term “smartphone” as used herein is not limited to any specific device, but rather refers to virtually any mobile wireless device such as a cell phone, tablet, portable computer, or other wireless communication device. 
     After a user opens the service app at step  24 , a user can then choose a “Service” or “Repair” option. The service app may be configured to provide an option to pick a previously saved session. At step  28 , a user can select a service/repair date from a calendar, or by entering a date, based on the customer&#39;s needs and the dealership availability. The dealership (e.g. vehicle service facility/dealership  16 ,  FIG. 1A ) may have a computer system and/or smartphones that are configured to communicate with the smartphone  8  to provide data utilizing the service app concerning dates and/or times that are available for servicing a vehicle. Additional facilities  16  (e.g. dealerships or “garages”) may be connected to a central website that is operated by a central authority that coordinates and interconnects with individual websites for individual dealers. 
     At step  30 , the customer may be prompted to indicate if a loaner vehicle is required. If a loaner vehicle is required, a prompt may appear on the cell phone  8  asking the customer to select “loaner vehicles available” or otherwise indicate that a loaner vehicle is required. At step  34 , the service app provides a list of available vehicles that is displayed on the smartphone  8 . 
     At step  36 , the customer can provide credit card and smartphone information. The service app (program) on smartphone  8  may be configured to enable a user to select previously stored credit card and/or smartphone information. As discussed in more detail below, the smartphone information may include unique security data (a “key”) that can be used by authorized personnel from the vehicle service facility/dealership  16  to enter and operate the customer&#39;s keyless vehicle  2 . 
     At step  38 , a customer may be prompted to decide if the keyless vehicle  2  requiring services should be picked up at a location that is remote from the vehicle service facility/dealership  16 . Step  38  may involve a prompt or other input feature provided by the service app on smartphone  8 . If the customer&#39;s keyless vehicle  2  is to be picked up, the customer provides vehicle location information utilizing smartphone  8  at step  40 . The smartphone  8  may be configured to require a passcode to provide location access as shown at step  42 . At step  44 , the customer provides all pertinent information. The pertinent information may include the location of keyless vehicle  2 , pick up times, or other notes or information concerning the vehicle, pick up location, etc. If vehicle  2  includes a touchpad  19 , the customer may provide the security code for touchpad  19 . 
     At step  46 , a service/repair acceptance form is made available to the customer. The service/acceptance form may comprise a digital file that is provided to the smartphone  8  of customer  4  by a vehicle service facility/dealership  16  utilizing the cellular network and/or network  12  ( FIG. 1A ). The smartphone  8  may be configured to provide an acceptance input that can be accepted or refused by a customer as shown at step  48 . If the customer does not accept the form, the process is cancelled, and the service session (e.g. data entered by a user) is saved as shown at step  50 . If the customer accepts the form at step  48 , the process continues as shown by the circle  52 . 
     The steps shown in  FIG. 1  may be accomplished via a service App installed on smartphone  8 , and/or via a computer or other suitable device having access to network  12 . 
     The next part of the process “Step B” continues at start  54  as shown in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 2B  is a schematic view showing the system  1  during step B shown in  FIG. 2 . As shown in  FIG. 2B , the vehicle service facility/dealership  16  may utilize a second keyless vehicle  2 A that includes a powered door latch system  18 A and a security/wireless communication system  6 A that correspond to the latch system  18  and security/wireless communication system  6 , respectively of keyless vehicle  2 . As discussed in more detail below, the second keyless vehicle  2 A may comprise a loaner vehicle having a security/wireless communication system  6 A that is configured to require a second unique security code or key to permit actuation of second keyless vehicle  2 A. Keyless vehicle  2 A may optionally include a touchpad  19 A that provides for user input of a security code. Thus, keyless vehicles  2  and  2 A may have substantially identical security/wireless communication systems  6 , but the security/wireless communication systems  6  and  6 A may be configured to require different security data/codes/keys to obtain entry and to operate the vehicles  2  and  2 A. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 2 , step  54  is initiated if customer  4  requests that the customer&#39;s keyless vehicle  2  be picked up at a location that is remote from vehicle service facility/dealership  16 , and if the customer  4  indicates that a second or loaner keyless vehicle  2 A is required. At step  56 , the dealership/service facility  16  schedules the service/repair, and plans for pickup of the customer&#39;s keyless vehicle  2 , and also plans for delivery of a second or loaner keyless vehicle  2 A to the location of the customer  4 . 
     At the scheduled time/day, the facility/dealership  16  sends a technician or other authorized personnel  4 A and loaner keyless vehicle  2 A to the pickup point. The pickup point generally corresponds to the location information entered by the customer  4  as discussed above in connection with  FIG. 1 , and may comprise the customer&#39;s home or office  14 . The technician  4 A may utilize a smartphone  8 A that has been programmed to include a service app that is substantially identical to the service app utilized by the customer&#39;s smartphone  8 . The smartphone  8 A may include second unique security data that is identified by the security/wireless communication system  6 A of second keyless vehicle  2 A to thereby enable technician  4 A to enter and operate second keyless vehicle  2 A. 
     As shown at step  60  ( FIG. 2 ), the technician  4 A may enter the pickup location specified by the customer into smartphone  8 A. Alternatively, the keyless vehicles  2  and  2 A may be configured to send GPS location information utilizing the cellular system  10  and/or network  12 . Thus, if a customer  4  transmits a pass code for the location information of the keyless vehicle  2  to the facility/dealership  16 , technician  4 A can enter the pass code into second smartphone  8 A such that the technician  4 A can load location information concerning keyless vehicle  2  into smartphone  8 A and/or security/wireless communication system  6 A. As shown at step  60 , the technician  4 A may send a text message notification to the customer&#39;s smartphone  8  utilizing the smartphone  8 A. For example, a text message indicating that the technician  4 A is going to a specified location at a specified time to pick up the customer&#39;s keyless vehicle  2  may be sent. 
     As shown at step  62  ( FIG. 2 ), the customer&#39;s smartphone  8  may provide a prompt, and customer  4  can accept or cancel the appointment. If the appointment is cancelled, the service session may be saved as shown at step  64 . If the customer accepts the appointment, the technician  4 A programs the customer vehicle security code/key into second smartphone  8 A. Alternatively, the security code/key may be transmitted directly from first smartphone  8  to second smartphone  8 A. 
     As shown at step  68 , if technician  4 A needs a pass code to enter a customer&#39;s home or office  14 , the technician enters the building after entering the code as shown at step  70 . 
     At step  72 , technician  4 A approaches and unlocks keyless vehicle  2 , and drops off loaner keyless vehicle  2 A. Because the smartphone  8 A has been programmed to include the unique security data (i.e. the keys) for both wireless/keyless vehicles  2  and  2 A, the technician  4 A can enter and operate both wireless vehicles  2  and  2 A utilizing smartphone  8 A. 
     Alternatively, keyless vehicle  2  may be configured to require that the technician  4 A to enter a security code using touchpad  19  to enter keyless vehicle  2 . If keyless vehicle  2  is configured in this way, the technician  4 A must “sync” smartphone  8 A with system  6  prior to operating keyless vehicle  2 . During the synching process, smartphone  8 A communicates a security signal to vehicle system  6  wirelessly or via a USB cable or the like, and system  6  only completes the handshake and authorizes operation of keyless vehicle  2  if: 1) the correct security code is entered via touchpad  19 , and 2) a smartphone  8 A providing a recognized/authorized security signal is detected in the keyless vehicle  2 . Thus, after technician  4 A enters keyless vehicle  2 , the vehicle  2  does not start unless the vehicle  2  recognizes smartphone  8 A and the home office (dealership OEM) recognizes that the individual (smartphone number) is authorized to synch/handshake with keyless vehicle  2 . 
     At step  74 , notification is sent to the customer&#39;s smartphone  8  that the loaner keyless vehicle  2 A is ready. The vehicle security data or key for the second keyless vehicle  2 A is delivered to the customer&#39;s smartphone  8 . The vehicle security data/key for the second keyless vehicle  2 A may be transmitted wirelessly directly from second smartphone  8 A to smartphone  8 . If keyless vehicle  2 A includes a touchpad  19 A, the security code for touchpad  19 A may be supplied to the customer  4  via smartphone  8  or other device. 
     The technician  4 A then drives the customer&#39;s keyless vehicle  2  to the facility/dealership  16  as shown at step  78 . As shown at step  80  the customer  4  still has access to keyless vehicle  2  via the service app, and can locate the keyless vehicle  2  and/or check the progress of the vehicle service/repair for the keyless vehicle  2  utilizing the smartphone  8 . Step  82  corresponds to the end of Step B shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     With further reference to  FIGS. 3 and 3C , step C begins at the oval designated  84 . At step  86 , technician  4 A reaches the dealership (driving the customer&#39;s keyless vehicle  2 ), and starts the service/repair procedure. At step  88 , the service progress is entered into the vehicle repair history utilizing second smartphone  8 A and/or a computer or other suitable device (not shown) at the vehicle service facility/dealership  16 . At step  90  if additional repairs are needed, details and a request to progress are texted or otherwise communicated to the customer&#39;s smartphone  8  as shown at step  92 . The information may be transmitted from second smartphone  8 A and/or other suitable devices (not shown) at dealership  16 . A phone call may be made if needed. 
     If the customer does not accept changes as shown at step  94 , the technician  4 A only completes the previously agreed upon repairs as shown at step  98 . The technician  4 A also updates the status of the keyless vehicle  2  using the service app. If the customer does accept the changes at step  94 , the technician  4 A completes the repairs and updates the status of keyless vehicle  2  in the service app. 
     As shown at step  100 , the technician  4 A then drives the customer&#39;s keyless vehicle  2  to a drop off location (e.g. home/office  14 ) requested by a customer. As discussed above, technician  4 A can utilize smartphone  8 A to enter and operate the customer&#39;s keyless vehicle  2 . 
     As shown at steps  102  and  104 , the technician  4 A uses a pass code supplied by the customer  4  to enter the building if necessary, and the technician  4 A may notify the customer  4  that the keyless vehicle  2  has been dropped off utilizing a text message sent from smartphone  8 A to smartphone  8  or by other suitable communication. Technician  4 A may call customer  4  utilizing smartphone  8 A if required/requested by a customer  4 . 
     As shown at step  106 , the technician  4 A then picks up loaner keyless vehicle  2 A and sends a notification to customer  4  (i.e. smartphone  8 ) utilizing smartphone  8 A. The notification may include gas usage if necessary. The technician  4 A can enter and operate loaner keyless vehicle  2 A utilizing smartphone  8 A as discussed above. As shown at step  108 , the technician  4 A then drives the second loaner keyless vehicle  2 A back to the dealership  16 , thus ending the processes shown at  110 . 
     After the customer repossesses the keyless vehicle  2 , the second smartphone  8 A is reconfigured or reset to erase the digital key for the customer&#39;s keyless vehicle  2 , such that smartphone  8 A can no longer be used to operate keyless vehicle  2 . 
     It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.