Patent Abstract:
The disclosed system discourages drivers from manual use of mobile personal communications devices while operating a vehicle. Software installed on the mobile device uses the mobile device itself to determine whether the device is being used during operation of the vehicle. The system uses vehicle equipment for alerts that notify passengers as well as others outside the vehicle (such as owners, parents, other drivers, pedestrians, law enforcement agencies) that the driver is operating the vehicle while distracted by a communications device, and as such, may be operating the vehicle in an unsafe manner. The system can use a mobile device running a security app as a required or alternative entry and ignition key. A web portal enables remote control of the vehicle&#39;s systems and limitations on its operation in the presence of a particular device, even disassociating the vehicle from a particular mobile device, and provisioning of a replacement device.

Full Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to and is a nonprovisional of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/060,056, filed on Oct. 6, 2014, with title INTEGRATED VEHICLE MONITORING AND CONTROL SYSTEM BY SMARTPHONE. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to circuits and systems for monitoring and control of vehicle systems and sensors using or as a function of the presence of a personal communication device and/or app. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The dangers of drivers sending text messages or otherwise manually operating mobile telephones, smartphones, or other personal communication devices (generically, Personal Communication Devices (“PCDs”) herein) while driving are well understood, yet the behavior continues. According to the US Department of Transportation, in 2014, distracted driving caused 1,566,000 collisions, 500,000 injuries, and 6,000 deaths in the United States. Improved techniques for discouraging attention-impaired driving and/or reducing the risk associated therewith are needed. Likewise, parental management of distracted vehicle use by young drivers and fleet company management of distracted vehicle use by employees is awkward and uninformative at best, and sometimes impossible. Improved techniques for managing distracted vehicle use are also needed. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    Some embodiments of the disclosed system integrate a PCD and a vehicle, thereby allowing monitoring of driver activity and providing audible and visible warnings to passengers and external observers that a distracted driver might be operating the vehicle. In some embodiments, the system does not restrict the operation or use of PCDs by vehicle passengers accompanying the driver, provided that a passenger is seated in the front passenger compartment. In some embodiments, the system also provides for one or more specific PCDs to act as “parallel” and/or “serial” vehicle keys. Some embodiments use a physical key device as a “valet key” that allows limited operation of the vehicle. Various other embodiments of the disclosed, integrated system are intended to reduce the incidence of distracted motor vehicle operation and thereby reduce accidents and injury caused by distracted driving. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]      FIG. 1  is a top cutaway schematic view of a vehicle with a PCD use alert system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0006]      FIG. 2  is a flowchart illustrating the sequence of operation of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0007]      FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram of a computing device for use in various roles in the disclosed systems. 
           [0008]      FIG. 4  is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operation of a PCD-vehicle interlock according to the present disclosure. 
           [0009]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating an optional sequence of operation for valet key in connection with the sequence of operation in  FIG. 4 . 
           [0010]      FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating the sequence of operation for a “parallel key” interlock according to the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0011]    For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will, nevertheless, be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended; any alterations and further modifications of the described or illustrated embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein, are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art. 
         [0012]    Generally, one form of the present system is an integrated PCD-vehicle monitoring and control system that uses vehicle systems to discourage use of the PCDs features while driving and/or to enforce certain limits on operation of the vehicle. An interlock (e.g., a control connection between the PCD and the vehicle&#39;s ignition system) connects with operational systems of the vehicle and modifies their operation as a function of the operational state of the vehicle, a key, the PCD, and/or inputs thereto. 
         [0013]    With reference to  FIG. 1 , example system  100  includes vehicle  105  and PCD  110 . As is well understood in the art, vehicle  105  includes driver&#39;s seat  115 , passenger&#39;s seat  120 , and rear seats  125 , headlights  130 , taillights  135 , “Cyclops” taillight  140 , and corner/warning lights  145 . Additional standard or optional devices and sensors, such as those associated with seat belt buckles  150  and  155 , passenger seat occupant sensor  160 , Bluetooth antenna  175 , engine control microprocessor (ECM)  180 , memory  182 , alarm sound generator  185 , chime generator  187 , dashboard indicator  189 , and display  190  are included as would occur to those skilled in the art. 
         [0014]    Operation of the illustrated system will now be described with reference to  FIG. 2  and continuing reference to  FIG. 1 . At the beginning of example process  200 , ECM  180  detects the presence of PCD  110  in or near vehicle  105 , identifies PCD  110 , and creates ( 210 ) a data connection therewith, such as via Bluetooth antenna  175 . In other embodiments, alternative data connection techniques are used, such as wired or wireless USB, near-field communications (NFC), or other techniques as will occur to those skilled in the art. 
         [0015]    The system  100  then monitors the transmission of vehicle  105 , such as whether the transmission is in “Park” (or, in some embodiments, either in “Park” or “Neutral”) ( 220 ). If so (a positive result at conditional block  220 ), the system continues this monitoring. When vehicle  105  is shifted out of Park (a negative result at conditional block  220 ), system  100  begins to monitor ( 230 ) PCD  110  for trigger activity. 
         [0016]    The system  100  then monitors operation of the PCD  110  and, if certain conditions (a “trigger activity”) are met, generates an alert. In some embodiments, this monitoring is performed by an app, service, or other software running on PCD  110  that monitors its activity and communicates relevant aspects of it using available communications channels to ECM  180 . In some embodiments, monitoring alternatively or additionally occurs at ECM  180  by monitoring traditional bus/interface communications. In still others, activity is monitored indirectly by detecting levels, location, direction, timing, and/or changes in the level of electromagnetic radiation emanating from sources within the passenger compartment of vehicle  105 . 
         [0017]    This monitoring continues as long as the system  100  waits for a trigger activity ( 230 ). When such an event is observed (positive result at conditional block  230 ), system  100  checks ( 240 ) whether the driver is the only adult riding in the front seat(s). This check uses, for example, a logical combination of outputs from one or more of passenger seat occupant sensor  160 , a sensor in passenger seatbelt buckle  155 , and other available sensors. If there is an adult passenger in the passenger seat (negative result at conditional block  240 ), system  100  suggests ( 250 )—using one or more of the display of PCD  110 , audio prompts played through the audio output of PCD  110  or the cabin of vehicle  105 , or another available visual or audio interface, such as display  190  built into vehicle  105 —that the other adult complete the activity. (In some implementations, when a person is present in the front passenger-side seat, the monitoring alert aspects of the system are disabled. In some others, trigger actions yield an audio and/or visual announcement to avoid driver distraction. In still others, the presence or absence of a person in the front passenger-side seat has no effect on system  100 .) The system waits ( 260 ) for the trigger activity to end, then goes back to monitoring for trigger activity. In some embodiments, the announcements, prompts, and/or alerts continue throughout the duration of the trigger activity, while in others, they stop after a period of time. 
         [0018]    If the driver is the only adult in the front seat (a positive result at conditional block  240 ), the system  100  initiates an alarm ( 270 ). In various embodiments, the alarm action includes one or more of: 
         [0019]    engaging the vehicle&#39;s flashing “hazard” lights ( 145 ); 
         [0020]    engaging the audible chime  187  in the passenger compartment, such as one that is also used to indicate an unfastened seatbelt; 
         [0021]    turn on the interior “cabin light,” “dome light,” dashboard light and/or other indicator  189 , or other interior lighting; 
         [0022]    intermittently sound the vehicle&#39;s horn or external alarm sound generator  185 ; 
         [0023]    store the date, time, and trigger information for collection and reporting; 
         [0024]    send a notification of the trigger to law enforcement authorities, insurance companies, parents, fleet managers, or other interested parties; and 
         [0025]    send notification of the presence of a distracted driver to other users of the same or similar systems who are in the geographical vicinity of vehicle  105 . 
         [0026]    System  100  then waits ( 280 ) for the conditions to occur when it should cease the alarm action(s). In various embodiments, this may be the passage of a particular amount of time (for example, 10 minutes) from triggering of the alarm, the passage of a certain amount of time after the last trigger behavior, the vehicle  105  coming to a complete stop with the transmission in “Park” (or, in some embodiments, either in “Park” or “Neutral”) and/or the ignition off (perhaps also requiring passage of a particular amount of time, such as 1-5 minutes), or some combination of two or more conditions combined using Boolean or other programmatic logic, as will occur to those skilled in the art. When the conditions for ending the alarm occur (a “yes” result at conditional block  280 ), the alarm is turned off ( 290 ), and the system returns to monitoring ( 230 ) for a trigger event. 
         [0027]    The monitoring of PCD  110  is implemented in this embodiment using a software application running on the processor of the PCD, which in the present embodiment comprises a computing device (see below). In this embodiment, the software application registers listeners with the device&#39;s operating system to get (internal, automatic, electronic) notices when the user receives, composes, and/or sends a text message, places a phone call, operates email or a chat application, actuates a physical or virtual button, interacts with an activated touchscreen, or otherwise uses the device in any other way. In other embodiments, more, fewer, or different activities are monitored. When the application receives notice of such activity from the operating system, it communicates data describing the activity to ECM  180 , which initiates an alarm. 
         [0028]    The illustrated embodiment also detects whether the vehicle operator is the sole adult in the front of the vehicle and in possession of the PCD  110 . It uses passenger seat occupant sensor  160  to determine whether a second adult is present in the front, passenger-side seat(s). If so, in some embodiments, the alarm functionality is disabled. In others, when a passenger is detected by the passenger seat occupant sensor  160 , ECM  180  plays an audio prompt, engages a chime (as when a seat belt is unfastened though a passenger is detected), and/or displays a message on the PCD  110  or display  190  suggesting that the driver ask a passenger to complete the activity. If no second adult is present, and if the driver proceeds to use the PCD  110  in spite of the warning, the alarm proceeds. 
         [0029]    While the present description is being given in terms of certain components of the system taking certain actions, sending signals, and initiating notices, those skilled in the art will appreciate that variations of signal initiation and flow can implement various embodiments without undue experimentation. For example, the system may be implemented using an aftermarket processor to implement all of the steps, using a standard external interface (e.g., Controller Area Network (CAN), OBD II, etc.) to the original equipment manufacturer&#39;s system to collect relevant sensor data and take responsive actions through other vehicle systems. In some embodiments, part of the processing is done by one or more processors built into the vehicle&#39;s original systems, with other portions of the processing occurring in an external processor. And in some embodiments, all of the vehicle-side processing occurs in original equipment. 
         [0030]    In some embodiments, information about trigger events is recorded in a memory associated with ECM  180 , including, as an example, the type of communication detected, GPS location of the vehicle at that time, sensor readings, date, and time. This data is then made available to the owner of the vehicle (such as a parent), corporate owner, fleet operator, governmental agency or entity, insurance company, law enforcement agency, or operator of a toll road or throughway on which the vehicle was operating at the time of infraction, such as through the EZ-Pass system. In some of these systems, payment of a fine for the infraction is automatically paid through the associated payment relationship between the driver/vehicle owner and the insurance company, fleet operator, or toll road operator or authority. 
         [0031]    In some embodiments, the app on the PCD  110  functions as a key for access to and operation of vehicle  105 . In these embodiments, if the app is not operating to correctly report the status of PCD  110 , vehicle  105  refuses to operate or, in a variation, refuses to perform certain functions. On the other hand, when PCD  110  is running the app in the proximity of vehicle  105 , the app can be used to start its ignition, lock doors, adjust climate control options, control the audio system, and take other actions as will occur to those skilled in the art. In a variation of this embodiment, a wireless data connection between vehicle  105  and a data center connects a web portal to the integrated control system on vehicle  105 , enabling authenticated users to control various systems of vehicle  105  via a website or remote app. In a particularly useful variation, the website or remote app is able to dynamically de-authorize PCD  110  and authorize a new device to serve as PCD  110  in the event that the existing PCD  110  is lost or stolen. 
         [0032]    In some embodiments of the systems described herein, the computing resources/devices that are applied generally take the form of a mobile, laptop, desktop, or server-type computer, as mentioned above and as will occur to those skilled in the art. With reference to  FIG. 3 , the “computer”  300  (as this example will generically be referred to) includes a processor  320  in communication with a memory  330 , input interface(s)  340 , output interface(s)  350 , and network interface  360 . Memory  330  stores a variety of data, but is also encoded with programming instructions executable to perform the functions described herein. Power, ground, clock, and other signals and circuitry (not shown) are used as appropriate as will be understood and easily implemented by those skilled in the art. 
         [0033]    The network interface  360  connects the computer  300  to a data network  370  for communication of data between the computer  300  and other devices attached to the network  370 . Input interface(s)  340  manage communication between the processor  320  and one or more touch screens, sensors, pushbuttons, UARTs, IR and/or RF receivers or transceivers, decoders, or other devices, as well as traditional keyboard and mouse devices. Output interface(s)  350  provide signals to one or more output devices (not shown) such as LEDs, LCDs, or audio output devices, local multimedia devices, local notification devices, or a combination of these and other output devices and techniques as will occur to those skilled in the art. 
         [0034]    The processor  320  in some embodiments is a microcontroller or general purpose microprocessor that reads its program from the memory  330 . The processor  320  may be comprised of one or more components configured as a single unit. Alternatively, when of a multi-component form, the processor may have one or more components located remotely relative to the others. One or more components of the processor may be of the electronic variety including digital circuitry, analog circuitry, or both. In some embodiments, the processor is of a conventional, integrated circuit microprocessor arrangement, such as one or more CORE i3, i5, or i7 processors from INTEL Corporation of 2200 Mission College Boulevard, Santa Clara, Calif. 95052, USA, or OPTERON or PHENOM processors from Advanced Micro Devices, One AMD Place, Sunnyvale, Calif. 94088, USA, while in others nontraditional or innovative data processing technology is used. In alternative embodiments, one or more reduced instruction set computer (RISC) processors, graphics processing units (GPU), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), general-purpose microprocessors, programmable logic arrays, or other devices may be used alone or in combinations as will occur to those skilled in the art. 
         [0035]    Likewise, the memory  330  in various embodiments includes one or more types such as solid-state electronic memory, magnetic memory, or optical memory, just to name a few. By way of non-limiting example, the memory  330  can include solid-state electronic Random Access Memory (RAM), Sequentially Accessible Memory (SAM) (such as the First-In, First-Out (FIFO) variety or the Last-In First-Out (LIFO) variety), Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM), Electrically Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), or Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM); an optical disc memory (such as a recordable, rewritable, or read-only DVD or CD-ROM); a magnetically encoded hard drive, floppy disk, tape, or cartridge medium; a solid-state or hybrid drive; or a plurality and/or combination of these memory types. Also, the memory in various embodiments is volatile, nonvolatile, or a hybrid combination of volatile and nonvolatile varieties. 
         [0036]    Computer programs implementing the methods described herein will commonly be stored and/or distributed either on a physical distribution medium such as CD-ROM or pluggable memory module (for example, a flash memory device with a USB interface), or via a network distribution medium such as an internet protocol and/or cellular data network, using other media, or through some combination of such distribution media. From there, they will in some embodiments be copied to a hard disk, non-volatile memory, or a similar intermediate storage medium. When the programs are to be run, they are loaded either from their distribution medium or their intermediate storage medium into the execution memory of the computer, configuring the computer to act in accordance with the methods described herein. All of these operations are well known to those skilled in the art of computer systems. 
         [0037]    The term “computer-readable medium” herein encompasses non-transitory distribution media, intermediate storage media, execution memory of a computer, and any other medium or device capable of storing a computer program implementing a method for later reading by a computer. 
         [0038]    In some embodiments, which will be discussed with reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5  and with continuing reference to  FIG. 1 , PCD  110  operates as a “serial key” to traditional key  195  that is made available to certain drivers. (That is, both traditional key  195  and PCD  110  are required for operation of vehicle  105 .) Following process  400 , the engine of vehicle  105  will only start in response to presentation of key  195  if the vehicle is in communication with (or can promptly establish communication with) one or more particular PCD&#39;s  110 . Exemplary process  400  begins with the transmission of vehicle  105  locked ( 402 ) in a “Park” (or, in some embodiments, either “Park” or “Neutral”) state. In various alternative embodiments, the vehicle&#39;s engine is also off, while in others, other features and functionality of vehicle  105  are disabled. 
         [0039]    ECM  180  receives ( 404 ) an indication of the presence of key  195 . In various embodiments, this indication includes physical insertion of key  195  into a traditional three-position ignition switch, proximity detection of a fob with a Bluetooth transceiver via Bluetooth or Bluetooth LE, NFC data exchange, RF communications, or other techniques as will occur to those skilled in the art, and key (or “physical key device”)  195  has a corresponding form. 
         [0040]    Upon receiving that indication of the presence of key  195 , ECM  180  attempts ( 406 ) to establish a data connection with a nearby PCD  110 . In some embodiments, this connection attempt occurs by way of Bluetooth protocols, wired or wireless USB, Wi-Fi, or other connection protocol as will occur to those skilled in the art. If the connection attempt is successful (“yes” at decision block  408 ), ECM  180  uses the data connection to attempt to identify ( 410 ) PCD; that is, ECM  180  reads/receives an identifier, engages in a challenge-response or other cryptographic authentication process, or otherwise determines the identity of PCD  110  using techniques that will occur to those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, this identification of PCD  110  will occur as part of the process of establishing a data connection, while in others it will be done separately. 
         [0041]    In some such embodiments, a unique identifier for the presented PCD (which might be a MAC address, Bluetooth device ID, IMEI number, encrypted authentication data, or other identifier as will occur to those skilled in the art) is communicated to ECM  180  to confirm that the particular phone is present. In some of these embodiments, the identifier is compared ( 412 ) with a list of identifiers previously stored in memory  182 . Some embodiments store this list when the system  100  is installed (such as at the factory or dealership or by an aftermarket installer), while the vehicle owner has the ability to maintain the list by way of a website, application, or through the vehicle display  190 . 
         [0042]    If the identifier for PCD  110  is on the list of acceptable devices (positive result at decision block  412 ), ECM  180  unlocks ( 414 ) the transmission (or enables the vehicle  105  to start, or otherwise enables functionality or operation that was initially limited at ( 402 )). On the other hand, if the identifier for PCD  110  is not on the list (negative result at decision block  412 ), or if the attempted connection to a PCD  110  failed (negative result at decision block  408 ), process  400  returns to waiting for a key (and does not enable [full] operation of the vehicle  105 ). 
         [0043]    In a variation on these embodiments, process  400  operates in a special “valet key” mode and/or allows override using a passcode in the absence of an approved PCD  110 . In these embodiments, upon a negative result&#39;s decision block  408  or decision block  412 , process  400  turns to subprocess  420 , shown in  FIG. 5 , (at connection point A) before returning to waiting for a key (via connection point B). Subprocess  420  in this embodiment begins by prompting ( 422 ) the driver using display  190  to proceed in “valet key” mode or for entry of a vehicle access passcode. If the user chooses to operate as a “valet key” (positive result at decision block  424 ), then system  100  imposes ( 426 ) limits on the vehicle&#39;s travel, including speed and distance limitations and other limitations as will occur to those skilled in the art. Violations of these limitations are logged and reported. Entertainment and built-in communication systems are turned off ( 428 ), and these limitations are preferably displayed ( 430 ) to the user on display device  190 . In embodiments where vehicle  105  has an available data connection, the state, location, and operation of vehicle  105  while in “valet key” mode is communicated ( 442 ) to an owner&#39;s device (perhaps using the same app as identifies an authorized PCD  110 ) so the owner can monitor that operation substantially in real time. Process  400  then continues (via connection point C) by unlocking ( 414 ) the transmission and allowing (limited) vehicle operation. 
         [0044]    If the user elects not to enter “valet key” mode (negative result at decision block  424 ) and decides to enter a passcode (positive result at decision block  432 ), system  100  accepts entry of a passcode ( 434 ) and compares ( 436 ) the entered passcode with one or more stored, authorized passcodes. If a match is found (positive result from decision block  438 ), use of the passcode is logged ( 440 ), and the user is guided ( 450 ) through the process of pairing PCD  110  with system  100  and adding PCD  110  to the list of acceptable devices (see above discussion regarding decision block  412 ) or otherwise managing that list. Process  400  continues (via connection point C) by unlocking the transmission ( 414 ). On the other hand, if the user elects not to enter a passcode (negative result at decision block  432 ) or the entered passcode is not on the list of authorized passcodes (negative result at decision block  438 ), process  400  returns (via connection point B) to waiting for presentation of the key at block  404 . 
         [0045]    In variations on these embodiments, entry of an acceptable passcode (positive result at decision block  438 ) gives the user the option of adding a new PCD  110  to the list of authorized devices. If that new PCD  110  is present and activated, the transmission may be unlocked (or other functionality enabled), and vehicle  105  continues as described above. If the user entered a correct passcode and does not want to add a new PCD  110 , but needs to operate vehicle  105 , system  100  prompts the user via display  190  to certify that no PCD  110  is in vehicle  105 . In some implementations, in contrast with process  420  illustrated in  FIG. 5 , multiple passcode entry attempts are allowed before the vehicle turns off and removal of operational limitations is aborted. Passcode entry and valet mode operation are logged and reported. 
         [0046]    Similarly, as will now be discussed with reference to  FIG. 6  and continuing reference to  FIG. 1 , software on PCD  110  operates in some embodiments as a “parallel key” to traditional key  195 . (That is, vehicle  105  is configured to operate using either PCD  110  or key  195  for operation.) In this process  450 , vehicle  105  begins in the state of waiting to detect the presence of key  195  or PCD  110 . (While this and other waiting and monitoring states described herein may be implemented using polling, interrupt, or other techniques as will occur to those skilled in the art,  FIG. 6  illustrates the state as a tight conditional loop.) If ECM  180  does not connect to and identify a PCD  110  (negative result at decision block  452 ), ECM  180  determines whether a key  195  is present (as discussed above, though here illustrated only as decision block  454 ). If there is also no key  195  (negative result at decision block  454 ), process  450  continues its waiting. 
         [0047]    If a PCD  110  is connected (positive result at decision block  452 ) or key  195  is detected, authenticated, and running appropriate software (positive result at decision block  454 ), the vehicle  105  is unlocked ( 456 ), and its ignition switch is enabled ( 458 ). Activity monitoring software is enabled ( 460 ) on PCD  110 , and the transmission is unlocked ( 462 ). 
         [0048]    In some alternative embodiments, upon detection of a key  195  at decision block  454 , system  100  operates in “valet key” mode as described herein together with a positive result at decision block  424  and blocks  426 ,  428 , and  430  in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0049]    Some embodiments are advantageously used to manage the vehicle use by minors, employees, fleet drivers, and the like. In these restricted-use embodiments, the driver&#39;s key  195  cannot operate vehicle  105  without an authenticated PCD  110  that is running associated software. Various parameters of operation of vehicle  105  are monitored, such as speed, location, radio volume, time of operation, location, seatbelt usage, and other parameters as will occur to those skilled in the art. In some implementations, all such data is logged and reported, while in others, data beyond certain limits is logged and reported. In some embodiments, one or more of these parameters are limited so that limits are imposed on settings (such as radio volume) or operation (such as starting the car after certain time) by leveraging the connection between the PCD  110  and ECM  180 . 
         [0050]    In some embodiments, PCD  110  periodically communicates information to ECM  180 , confirming that the monitoring software (mentioned herein) is still operating and detecting no trigger events. If the software detects a trigger event, or if ECM  180  loses communication with PCD  110 , or if the periodic signal is not received within a particular window of time, ECM  180  responds as to a trigger event (e.g., as described above). In some variations of these embodiments, ECM  180  only allows the vehicle&#39;s engine to be started if authenticated communication can be established with any of one or more previously approved PCD&#39;s  110 . The list of approved PCD&#39;s  110  can be maintained by an interaction with display  190  that includes authentication using a particular pass code, an “owner” device, or other techniques as will occur to those skilled in the art. 
         [0051]    In some variations of this embodiment, the app on PCD  110  is further operable to control systems of vehicle  105 , such as starting the engine, locking or unlocking the doors, opening the trunk, triggering alarms, flashing or turning on lights, adjusting climate control, managing or controlling the entertainment or navigation systems, adjusting environmental controls, logging maintenance activities/schedules/diagnoses, enabling an engine block or fuel supply heater based on temperature sensors in the vehicle, and the like. In some implementations, the app on PCD  110  enables a navigation app also on PCD  110  to connect to and override a navigation system built into vehicle  105  so that the display  190  and other interface components of vehicle  105  operate as user interface devices for the navigation app. Some or all of the data collected by the app or by ECM  180  in communication (and communication attempts) with PCD  110  may be communicated to the vehicle owner (or fleet owner, insurance company, law enforcement agency, toll road operator, etc.) for accountability or other purposes. These communications (commands and data) proceed in some embodiments via a local data connection such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, or other wired or wireless protocol as will occur to those skilled in the art), while in others they pass through a wireless wide-area network (such as the cellular data network and/or the Internet). 
         [0052]    Similarly, settings for system  100  are managed in some embodiments by means of a website or other interface as will occur to those skilled in the art. Any relevant parameter of system  100 , from the identities of authorized PCD&#39;s  110  to the speed and distance allowed under “valet key” operation and the like can be customized. For vehicles  105  that have persistent, long-range data connections (such as via cellular data networks), settings are communicated to ECM  180  either immediately, the next time the vehicle is powered on and connected to the network, or at some polling interval. Vehicles  105  that do not have such data connections leverage the data connections of PCD&#39;s  110  that connect to ECM  180  to download settings updates. 
         [0053]    Throughout this description, various data elements are described as being collected, logged, and/or reported. In each case, various embodiments store those data elements in a memory ( 182 ,  330 , etc.) that is part of one or more systems on vehicle  105 , part of PCD  110 , or elsewhere. The data may be periodically summarized as will occur to those skilled in the art. In various embodiments, the data or summary is transferred in real time, at regular intervals, and/or at opportune times when data connections (or inexpensive data connections, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) are available. In various implementations, these transfers go to one or more drivers of vehicle  105 , parents, fleet owners/operators, cloud computing servers, Internet sites, vehicle manufacturers, government agencies, insurance companies, banks, contractors, accountability partners, and other interested persons. 
         [0054]    In variations of the embodiments described herein, ECM  180  (see  FIG. 1 ) comprises a plurality of processors  320  (see  FIG. 3 ), and the various actions by, connections with, and communications involving ECM  180  in those descriptions involve separate processing components that might or might not have anything to do with traditional “engine control” or traditional “ECM&#39;s.” 
         [0055]    The term “computer-readable medium” herein encompasses non-transitory distribution media, intermediate storage media, execution memory of a computer, and any other medium or device capable of storing a computer program implementing a method for later reading by a computer. 
         [0056]    When an act is described herein as occurring “as a function of” something, the system is configured so that the act is performed in different ways depending on one or more characteristics of that thing. 
         [0057]    In this description, and “identifier” means something that uniquely identifies a thing, and “identifying” means uniquely determining which among multiple possibilities a thing is. 
         [0058]    In this description, a “personal communication device” (PCD) might be a smartphone, smart watch, tablet computer, Google Glass, or other individually usable device that has built-in data communication capabilities. 
         [0059]    All publications, prior applications, and other documents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if each had been individually incorporated by reference and fully set forth. While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1