Patent Description:
Vehicles can include cars, trucks, boats, and airplanes, as well as vehicles or vehicular equipment for military, construction, farming, or recreational use. Vehicles can be customized or personalize via vehicle electronics. Vehicle electronics can include electronic systems used in vehicles. Vehicle electronics can include electronics for the drivetrain of a vehicle, the body or interior features of the vehicle, entertainment systems in the vehicle, and other parts of the vehicle. Ignition, engine, and transmission electronics can be found in vehicles with internal combustion powered machinery such as conventional cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, planes, military vehicles, forklifts, tractors and excavators. Related elements for control of electrical vehicular systems are also found in hybrid and electric vehicles such as hybrid or electric automobiles. For example, electric cars can rely on power electronics for main propulsion motor control and managing the battery system.

In general, vehicle electronics can be distributed systems and can include a powertrain control module and powertrain electronics, a body control module and body electronics, interior electronics, and chassis electronics, safety and entertainment electronics, and electronics for passenger and driver comfort systems. Also, vehicle electronics can include electronics for vehicular automation. Such electronics can include or operate with mechatronics, artificial intelligence, and distributed systems. A vehicle using automation for complex tasks, including navigation, may be referred to as semi-autonomous. A vehicle relying solely on automation can be referred to as autonomous. Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has categorized autonomy in to six levels. Level <NUM> or no automation. Level <NUM> or driver assistance, wherein the vehicle can control either steering or speed autonomously in specific circumstances to assist the driver. Level <NUM> or partial automation, wherein the vehicle can control both steering and speed autonomously in specific circumstances to assist the driver. Level <NUM> or conditional automation, wherein the vehicle can control both steering and speed autonomously under normal environmental conditions, but requires driver oversight. Level <NUM> or high automation, wherein the vehicle can complete a travel autonomously under normal environmental conditions, not requiring driver oversight. And, level <NUM> or full autonomy, wherein the vehicle can complete a travel autonomously in any environmental conditions.

A user profile is an electronic, digital, or computerize representation of a specific user. User profiles can be used by operating systems, computer programs, other types of computing systems, e-commerce and social media systems, as well as automotive infotainment systems. A mobile user profile is a type of user profile that can be used by at least a mobile device. A user profile can include a representation of a person's identity and can be considered a computer representation of a user model. A user model is data structure that can be used to capture certain characteristics about an individual user. And, the process of obtaining the user profile can be called user modeling or profiling. A user profile can also be used to store the description of characteristics of a person. The information of a user profile can be used by various types of systems such as any type of system considering characteristics and preferences of a person. <CIT> discloses a vehicle personalization system and method that includes a cell phone and a vehicle. When a vehicle user prepares to use a vehicle, personalization data such as a preferred seat position is quickly transferred from the cell phone to the vehicle and used by the vehicle to adjust a vehicle feature to correspond to the preferences of the vehicle user. The cell phone and the vehicle are both equipped with near field communications (NFC) transponders to facilitate the transfer of personalization data. The vehicle also has a processor coupled to the vehicle NFC transponder to input the received personalization data that is also adapted to personalize the vehicle device in accordance with the received personalization data when the personalization data is downloaded from the cell phone to the vehicle.

The dependent claims relate to preferred embodiments.

The present invention will be understood more fully from the detailed description given below and from the accompanying drawings of various embodiments of the invention.

At least some embodiments disclosed herein relate to vehicles that can be customized and personalized via mobile user profiles. An example vehicle in some embodiments can include a body, a powertrain, vehicle electronics, and a computing system. The computing system of the vehicle can be configured to: receive data fields of a driver profile of a user from a mobile device; estimate, using machine learning, configurations of vehicle functions for the vehicle according to the data fields; and control settings of a set of components of the vehicle, via the vehicle electronics, according to the estimated configurations. The set of components of the vehicle can include components of the body, or the powertrain, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the powertrain of a vehicle can be attached to a body and/or a chassis of the vehicle. The powertrain of the vehicle can include an engine, suspension and steering systems, and a final drive. The final drive can include at least one of wheels, a continuous track, propeller, a reaction-propulsion or electric-propulsion drive, or any combination thereof. The vehicle electronics of such a vehicle can include electronics for the body, or the powertrain, or any combination thereof.

At least some embodiments disclosed herein can be, include, or be a part of a networked system that includes mobile devices and vehicles and that is configured to implement customization and personalization of vehicles via mobile user profiles. Such a system can include a vehicle that includes at least a body, a powertrain, vehicle electronics, and a computing system. The system can also include a mobile device that includes at least a user interface and a computing system.

In some embodiments, the user interface (UI) of a mobile device can include any type of UI. And, the computing system of the mobile device can be configured to send, according to user input received via the UI, a plurality of data fields of a driver profile of a user to a computing system of a vehicle. The computing system of the mobile device can also be configured to estimate, using machine learning, a plurality of configurations of vehicle functions for the vehicle according to the plurality of data fields. The plurality of data fields can include settings of a plurality of components of another vehicle for the user. The computing system of the mobile device can also be configured to send the estimated plurality of configurations to the computing system of the vehicle to at least partially control settings of a set of components of the vehicle. The set of components of the vehicle can include components of a powertrain of the vehicle.

In some embodiments, a mobile device can store a user profile that contains configuration and preference information specific to a user. When the mobile device is securely connected to a vehicle, the user profile can be used to control the customization or personalization of the settings and/or the behavior of the vehicle such that any vehicle that is compatible with the technologies disclosed herein can be used by the user in a way that is like the way the user uses his or her own vehicle. In other words, compatible vehicles can be dynamically transformed to behave like a vehicle owned by the user.

It is easy for a vehicle to remember its last used configuration; however, it is more complex to port a configuration across different vehicles from different manufacturers. For example, if a seat is adjusted by a user in a first brand of vehicle and then the user adjusts a seat in a second brand of vehicle, an algorithm (such as a machine learning algorithm) can be used for the system to do a translation and estimation for determining the preferred seat configuration in the second brand of vehicle. Also, for example, it is easy for a vehicle to recall the last mode of driving used by a user (e.g., sport, mountain, normal, eco); but, porting such a preference and then translating that preference in another vehicle can be complex. Fortunately, such complexities can be mitigated by the systems and methods described herein.

Also, drive by wire is becoming more popular in vehicles. Thus, the relation between how much the user pushes or turns versus how much the vehicle steers, accelerates, or brakes can be adjustable, customizable, and personalizable. This allows a vehicle to be reconfigured to be driven in a way more like another vehicle. Drive by wire, steer-by-wire, fly-by-wire, or x-by-wire technology include the use of electrical or electro-mechanical systems for performing vehicle functions traditionally achieved by mechanical linkages. This technology replaces the traditional mechanical control systems with electronic control systems using electromechanical actuators and human-machine interfaces such as pedal and steering feel emulators. Components such as the steering column, intermediate shafts, pumps, hoses, belts, coolers and vacuum servos and master cylinders thus can be eliminated from the vehicle. Such technologies can be integrated with the systems and methods described herein.

<FIG> illustrate an example networked system <NUM> that includes at least mobile devices and vehicles (e.g., see mobile devices <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and vehicles <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>) and that is configured to implement customization and personalization of vehicles via mobile user profiles, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

The networked system <NUM> is networked via one or more communications networks <NUM>. Communication networks described herein, such as communications network(s) <NUM>, can include at least a local to device network such as Bluetooth or the like, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), the Intranet, a mobile wireless network such as <NUM> or <NUM>, an extranet, the Internet, and/or any combination thereof. Nodes of the networked system <NUM> (e.g., see mobile devices <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and vehicles <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>) can each be a part of a peer-to-peer network, a client-server network, a cloud computing environment, or the like. Also, any of the apparatuses, computing devices, vehicles, sensors or cameras, and/or user interfaces described herein can include a computer system of some sort (e.g., see vehicle computing systems <NUM> and <NUM>). And, such a computer system can include a network interface to other devices in a LAN, an intranet, an extranet, and/or the Internet. The computer system can also operate in the capacity of a server or a client machine in client-server network environment, as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment, or as a server or a client machine in a cloud computing infrastructure or environment.

As shown in <FIG>, the system <NUM> can include at least a vehicle <NUM> that includes a vehicle computing system <NUM>, a body and controllable parts of the body <NUM>, a powertrain and controllable parts of the powertrain <NUM>, a body control module <NUM>, a powertrain control module <NUM>, and a controller area network (CAN bus) <NUM> that connects at least the vehicle computing system, the body control module, and the powertrain control module. Also, as shown, the vehicle <NUM> is connected to the network(s) <NUM> via the vehicle computing system <NUM>. Also, shown, vehicle <NUM> and mobile devices <NUM> and <NUM> are connected to the network(s) <NUM>. And, thus, are communicatively coupled to the vehicle <NUM>.

The vehicle <NUM> includes vehicle electronics, including at least electronics for the controllable parts of the body <NUM> and the controllable parts of the powertrain <NUM>. As shown, the vehicle <NUM> includes the controllable parts of the body <NUM> and such parts and subsystems being connected to the body control module <NUM>. The body includes at least a frame to support the powertrain. A chassis of the vehicle can be attached to the frame of the vehicle. The body can also include an interior for at least one driver or passenger. The interior can include seats. The controllable parts of the body <NUM> can also include one or more power doors and/or one or more power windows. The body can also include any other known parts of a vehicle body. And, the controllable parts of the body <NUM> can also include a convertible top, sunroof, power seats, and/or any other type of controllable part of a body of a vehicle. The body control module <NUM> can control the controllable parts of the body <NUM>.

Also, as shown, the vehicle <NUM> also includes the controllable parts of the powertrain <NUM>. The controllable parts of the powertrain <NUM> and its parts and subsystems are shown being connected to the powertrain control module <NUM>. The controllable parts of the powertrain <NUM> can include at least an engine, transmission, drive shafts, suspension and steering systems, a final drive, and powertrain electrical systems. The final drive can include at least one of wheels, a continuous track, propeller, a reaction-propulsion or electric-propulsion drive, or any combination thereof. The powertrain can also include any other known parts of a vehicle powertrain and the controllable parts of the powertrain <NUM> can include any other known controllable parts of a powertrain.

The computing system <NUM> can be configured to receive a plurality of data fields of a driver profile of a user from a mobile device (e.g., see mobile devices <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>). The user may be an owner of the vehicle <NUM>. The computing system <NUM> can also be configured to estimate, using machine learning, a plurality of configurations of vehicle functions for the vehicle <NUM> according to the plurality of data fields. The plurality of data fields can include settings of a plurality of components of another vehicle for the user (e.g., see vehicle <NUM>, which can be another vehicle used by the user or owned by the user). The computing system <NUM> can also be configured to control settings of a set of components of the vehicle <NUM>, via the vehicle electronics (e.g., see body control module <NUM> and powertrain control module <NUM>), according to the estimated plurality of configurations. The set of components of the vehicle <NUM> can include components of the controllable parts of the body <NUM>, or the controllable parts of the powertrain <NUM>, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the computing system <NUM> can be configured to identify settings of the components of the vehicle <NUM>. In such embodiments, the computing system <NUM> can also be configured to associate the identified settings to the driver profile of the user. The association can occur when the user selects to have the identified settings associated with the driver profile (such as from the mobile device of the user). The computing system <NUM> can also be configured to communicate the associated settings to the mobile device used by the user to update a version of the driver profile stored on the mobile device (e.g., see mobile devices <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>).

In some embodiments, the computing system <NUM> can include a central control module (CCM), central timing module (CTM), and/or general electronic module (GEM).

Also, in some embodiments, the vehicle can include an electronic control unit (ECU) is any embedded system in automotive electronics that controls one or more of the electrical systems or subsystems in the vehicle. Types of ECU can include engine control module (ECM), powertrain control module (PCM), transmission control module (TCM), brake control module (BCM or EBCM), CCM, CTM, GEM, body control module (BCM), suspension control module (SCM), or the like. Door control unit (DCU). Types of ECU can also include power steering control unit (PSCU), one or more human-machine interface (HMI) units, powertrain control module (PCM)-which can function as at least the ECM and TCM, seat control unit, speed control unit, telematic control unit, transmission control unit, brake Control Module, and battery management system.

As shown in <FIG>, the system <NUM> can include at least a vehicle <NUM> that includes at least a vehicle computing system <NUM>, a body (not depicted) having an interior (not depicted), a powertrain (not depicted), a climate control system (not depicted), and an infotainment system (not depicted). The vehicle <NUM> can include other vehicle parts as well.

The computing system <NUM>, which can have similar structure and/or functionality as the computing system <NUM>, can be connected to communications network(s) <NUM> that can include at least a local to device network such as Bluetooth or the like, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), an intranet, a mobile wireless network such as <NUM> or <NUM>, an extranet, the Internet, and/or any combination thereof. The computing system <NUM> can be a machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. Also, while a single machine is illustrated for the computing system <NUM>, the term "machine" shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform a methodology or operation. And, it can include at least a bus (e.g., see bus <NUM>) and/or motherboard, one or more controllers (such as one or more CPUs, e.g., see controller <NUM>), a main memory (e.g., see memory <NUM>) that can include temporary data storage, at least one type of network interface (e.g., see network interface <NUM>), a storage system (e.g., see storage system <NUM>) that can include permanent data storage, and/or any combination thereof. In some multi-device embodiments, one device can complete some parts of the methods described herein, then send the result of completion over a network to another device such that another device can continue with other steps of the methods described herein.

<FIG> also illustrates example parts of the computing system <NUM>. The computing system <NUM> can be communicatively coupled to the network(s) <NUM> as shown. The computing system <NUM> includes at least a bus <NUM>, a controller <NUM> (such as a CPU), memory <NUM>, a network interface <NUM>, a data storage system <NUM>, and other components <NUM> (which can be any type of components found in mobile or computing devices such as GPS components, I/O components such various types of user interface components, and sensors as well as a camera). The other components <NUM> can include one or more user interfaces (e.g., GUIs, auditory user interfaces, tactile user interfaces, etc.), displays, different types of sensors, tactile, audio and/or visual input/output devices, additional application-specific memory, one or more additional controllers (e.g., GPU), or any combination thereof. The bus <NUM> communicatively couples the controller <NUM>, the memory <NUM>, the network interface <NUM>, the data storage system <NUM> and the other components <NUM>. The computing system <NUM> includes a computer system that includes at least controller <NUM>, memory <NUM> (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) such as synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) or Rambus DRAM (RDRAM), static random-access memory (SRAM), cross-point memory, crossbar memory, etc.), and data storage system <NUM>, which communicate with each other via bus <NUM> (which can include multiple buses).

In some embodiments, the computer system <NUM> can include a set of instructions, for causing a machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein, when executed. In such embodiments, the machine can be connected (e.g., networked via network interface <NUM>) to other machines in a LAN, an intranet, an extranet, and/or the Internet (e.g., network(s) <NUM>). The machine can operate in the capacity of a server or a client machine in client-server network environment, as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment, or as a server or a client machine in a cloud computing infrastructure or environment.

Controller <NUM> represents one or more general-purpose processing devices such as a microprocessor, a central processing unit, or the like. More particularly, the processing device can be a complex instruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, reduced instruction set computing (RISC) microprocessor, very long instruction word (VLIW) microprocessor, single instruction multiple data (SIMD), multiple instructions multiple data (MIMD), or a processor implementing other instruction sets, or processors implementing a combination of instruction sets. Controller <NUM> can also be one or more special-purpose processing devices such as an ASIC, a programmable logic such as an FPGA, a digital signal processor (DSP), network processor, or the like. Controller <NUM> is configured to execute instructions for performing the operations and steps discussed herein. Controller <NUM> can further include a network interface device such as network interface <NUM> to communicate over one or more communications network (such as network(s) <NUM>).

The data storage system <NUM> can include a machine-readable storage medium (also known as a computer-readable medium) on which is stored one or more sets of instructions or software embodying any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein. The data storage system <NUM> can have execution capabilities such as it can at least partly execute instructions residing in the data storage system. The instructions can also reside, completely or at least partially, within the memory <NUM> and/or within the controller <NUM> during execution thereof by the computer system, the memory <NUM> and the controller <NUM> also constituting machine-readable storage media. The memory <NUM> can be or include main memory of the system <NUM>. The memory <NUM> can have execution capabilities such as it can at least partly execute instructions residing in the memory.

The vehicle <NUM> can also have vehicle body control module <NUM> of the body, powertrain control module <NUM> of the powertrain, a power steering control unit <NUM>, a battery management system <NUM>, infotainment electronics <NUM> of the infotainment system, and a CAN bus <NUM> that connects at least the vehicle computing system <NUM>, the vehicle body control module, the powertrain control module, the power steering control unit, the battery management system, and the infotainment electronics. Also, as shown, the vehicle <NUM> is connected to the network(s) <NUM> via the vehicle computing system <NUM>. Also, shown, vehicle <NUM> and mobile devices <NUM> and <NUM> are connected to the network(s) <NUM>. And, thus, are communicatively coupled to the vehicle <NUM>.

As shown, the vehicle <NUM> includes vehicle electronics, including at least electronics for the body and the powertrain of the vehicle as well as for other components of the vehicle. It can be inferred from <FIG> that the vehicle <NUM> includes at least the body, the body's interior (which can have seats and other interior furnishings), the powertrain, the climate control system, the infotainment system since corresponding electronics are shown as being a part of the vehicle <NUM>. The body of the vehicle <NUM> includes at least a frame to support the powertrain as well as body electrical systems. A chassis of the vehicle <NUM> can be attached to the frame of the vehicle. The interior can provide seating for at least one driver or passenger. In other words, the interior can include one or more seats. The body can also include one or more doors and/or one or more windows. The body can also include any other known parts of a vehicle body. Also, the powertrain can include any other known parts of a vehicle powertrain.

In some embodiments, the body of the vehicle <NUM> can include doors and windows and an interior of the body can include seating, a dashboard, or center console, or any combination thereof. The body and the interior can also include or the vehicle <NUM> can also include passenger and driver comfort systems having climate control systems, or seat adjustment systems, or any combination thereof. The body and the interior can also include or the vehicle <NUM> can also include information and entertainment systems (or an infotainment system which is a combination of information and entertainment systems). As shown, the vehicle electronics of vehicle <NUM> can include electronics for the interior, the passenger and driver comfort systems, and the information and entertainment systems. And, in such embodiments, the set of components of the vehicle can include components of the interior, the passenger and driver comfort systems, or the information and entertainment systems, or any combination thereof. And, since the computing system <NUM> can be similar to the system <NUM>, it can also be configured to control settings of such a set of components of the vehicle <NUM>, via the vehicle electronics, according to the estimated plurality of configurations (e.g., see vehicle body control module <NUM> of the body, powertrain control module <NUM> of the powertrain, power steering control unit <NUM>, battery management system <NUM>, and infotainment electronics <NUM> of the infotainment system).

In some embodiments, such as in vehicles <NUM> and <NUM>, the powertrain can include a braking system, an exhaust system, a fuel supply system, or a transmission system, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, such as in vehicles <NUM> and <NUM>, the computing system can include a memory, and the memory is configured to store the estimated plurality of configurations estimated by the computing system.

In some embodiments, such as in vehicles <NUM> and <NUM>, a communication of the associated settings to the mobile device is over a secured and authenticated connection (such as a secured and authenticated connection over network(s) <NUM>), and the driver profile can be communicated, by the mobile device to the computing system of the vehicle over a similar secured and authenticated connection.

Also, in some embodiments, the vehicle <NUM> can include an electronic control unit (ECU) is any embedded system in automotive electronics that controls one or more of the electrical systems or subsystems in the vehicle. Types of ECU can include engine control module (ECM), powertrain control module (PCM), transmission control module (TCM), brake control module (BCM or EBCM), CCM, CTM, GEM, body control module (BCM), suspension control module (SCM), or the like. Door control unit (DCU). Types of ECU can also include power steering control unit (PSCU), one or more human-machine interface (HMI) units, powertrain control module (PCM)-which can function as at least the ECM and TCM, seat control unit, speed control unit, telematic control unit, transmission control unit, brake Control Module, and battery management system.

In some embodiments, the driver profile is associated with the user, the plurality of data fields is related to driver preferences of the user, and the driver preferences can include one or more groups of settings for vehicle components, each group of the group(s) of settings is for a specific vehicle product having a vehicle make and model. The driver preferences can also include a plurality of user-inputted preferences, each user-inputted preference of the plurality of user-inputted preferences is either a general vehicular preference, a preference related to a vehicle product, a preference related to a vehicle model, or a preference related to a vehicle brand. In such embodiments, each group of the group(s) of settings can include settings for a vehicle body, a powertrain, a chassis, vehicle electronics, a vehicle interior, passenger and driver comfort systems, or vehicle information and entertainment systems, or any combination thereof. In such embodiments, each group of the group(s) of settings can include automated driving configurations.

In such embodiments, the plurality of user-inputted preferences can include driving mode preferences of the user for at least one of a vehicle product, or a vehicle model, or any combination thereof. The driving mode preferences can include preferences for at least one of a performance mode, a fuel economy mode, a tow mode, an all-electric mode, a hybrid mode, an AWD mode, a FWD mode, a RWD mode, or a 4WD mode, or any combination thereof for at least one of a vehicle product, or a vehicle model, or any combination thereof.

As shown in <FIG>, the system <NUM> can include at least a mobile device <NUM>. The mobile device <NUM>, which can have somewhat similar structure and/or functionality as the computing system <NUM> or <NUM>, can be connected to communications network(s) <NUM>. And, thus, be connected to vehicles <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> as well as mobile devices <NUM> and <NUM>.

The mobile device <NUM>, depending on the embodiment, can be or include a mobile device or the like, e.g., a smartphone, tablet computer, IoT device, smart television, smart watch, glasses or other smart household appliance, in-vehicle information system, wearable smart device, game console, PC, or digital camera, or any combination thereof. As shown, the mobile device <NUM> can be connected to communications network(s) <NUM> that includes at least a local to device network such as Bluetooth or the like, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), an intranet, a mobile wireless network such as <NUM> or <NUM>, an extranet, the Internet, and/or any combination thereof.

Each of the mobile devices described herein can be or be replaced by a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a web appliance, a server, a network router, a switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. The computing systems of the vehicles described herein can be a machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine.

Also, while a single machine is illustrated for the computing systems and mobile devices described herein, the term "machine" shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies or operations discussed herein. And, each of the illustrated mobile devices can each include at least a bus and/or motherboard, one or more controllers (such as one or more CPUs), a main memory that can include temporary data storage, at least one type of network interface, a storage system that can include permanent data storage, and/or any combination thereof. In some multi-device embodiments, one device can complete some parts of the methods described herein, then send the result of completion over a network to another device such that another device can continue with other steps of the methods described herein.

<FIG> also illustrates example parts of the mobile device <NUM>, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The mobile device <NUM> can be communicatively coupled to the network(s) <NUM> as shown. The mobile device <NUM> includes at least a bus <NUM>, a controller <NUM> (such as a CPU), memory <NUM>, a network interface <NUM>, a data storage system <NUM>, and other components <NUM> (which can be any type of components found in mobile or computing devices such as GPS components, I/O components such various types of user interface components, and sensors as well as a camera). The other components <NUM> can include one or more user interfaces (e.g., GUIs, auditory user interfaces, tactile user interfaces, etc.), displays, different types of sensors, tactile, audio and/or visual input/output devices, additional application-specific memory, one or more additional controllers (e.g., GPU), or any combination thereof. The bus <NUM> communicatively couples the controller <NUM>, the memory <NUM>, the network interface <NUM>, the data storage system <NUM> and the other components <NUM>. The mobile device <NUM> includes a computer system that includes at least controller <NUM>, memory <NUM> (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) such as synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) or Rambus DRAM (RDRAM), static random-access memory (SRAM), cross-point memory, crossbar memory, etc.), and data storage system <NUM>, which communicate with each other via bus <NUM> (which can include multiple buses).

To put it another way, <FIG> is a block diagram of mobile device <NUM> that has a computer system in which embodiments of the present disclosure can operate. In some embodiments, the computer system can include a set of instructions, for causing a machine to perform some of the methodologies discussed herein, when executed. In such embodiments, the machine can be connected (e.g., networked via network interface <NUM>) to other machines in a LAN, an intranet, an extranet, and/or the Internet (e.g., network(s) <NUM>). The machine can operate in the capacity of a server or a client machine in client-server network environment, as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment, or as a server or a client machine in a cloud computing infrastructure or environment.

The data storage system <NUM> can include a machine-readable storage medium (also known as a computer-readable medium) on which is stored one or more sets of instructions or software embodying any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein. The data storage system <NUM> can have execution capabilities such as it can at least partly execute instructions residing in the data storage system. The instructions can also reside, completely or at least partially, within the memory <NUM> and/or within the controller <NUM> during execution thereof by the computer system, the memory <NUM> and the controller <NUM> also constituting machine-readable storage media. The memory <NUM> can be or include main memory of the device <NUM>. The memory <NUM> can have execution capabilities such as it can at least partly execute instructions residing in the memory.

While the memory, controller, and data storage parts are shown in example embodiments to each be a single part, each part should be taken to include a single part or multiple parts that can store the instructions and perform their respective operations. The term "machine-readable storage medium" shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing or encoding a set of instructions for execution by the machine and that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present disclosure. The term "machine-readable storage medium" shall accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to, solid-state memories, optical media, and magnetic media.

As shown in <FIG>, the mobile device <NUM> can include a user interface (e.g., see other components <NUM>). The user interface can be configured to provide a graphical user interface (GUI), a tactile user interface, or an auditory user interface, or any combination thereof. For example, the user interface can be or include a display connected to at least one of a wearable structure, a computing device, or a camera or any combination thereof that can also be a part of the mobile device <NUM>, and the display can be configured to provide a GUI. Also, embodiments described herein can include one or more user interfaces of any type, including tactile UI (touch), visual UI (sight), auditory UI (sound), olfactory UI (smell), equilibria UI (balance), and gustatory UI (taste).

Also, as shown in <FIG>, the mobile device <NUM> can include a computing system (e.g., see the bus <NUM>, controller <NUM>, the memory <NUM>, the network interface <NUM>, and the storage system <NUM>, which are all components of the computing system). The computing system can be configured to send, according to user input received via the user interface, a plurality of data fields of a driver profile of a user to a computing system of a vehicle. The computing system can also be configured to estimate, using machine learning, a plurality of configurations of vehicle functions for the vehicle according to the plurality of data fields. The plurality of data fields having settings of a plurality of components of another vehicle for the user. The computing system can also be configured to send the estimated plurality of configurations to the computing system of the vehicle to at least partially control settings of a set of components of the vehicle. The set of components of the vehicle having components of a powertrain of the vehicle.

In such an embodiment, computing system can also be configured to request the computing device of the vehicle to identify settings of the components of the vehicle as well as request the computing device of the vehicle to associate the identified settings to the driver profile of the user, when the user selects, via the user interface, to have the identified settings associated with the driver profile. The computing system can also be configured to receive the associated settings from the computing device of the vehicle, and update the driver profile stored in the mobile device according to the received associated settings.

<FIG> illustrates a flow diagram of example operations of method <NUM> that can be performed by aspects of the networked system depicted in <FIG>, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the method <NUM> can be performed by a computing system and/or other parts of any vehicle depicted in <FIG>.

In <FIG>, the method <NUM> begins at step <NUM> with receiving, by a vehicle (e.g., see vehicle <NUM>), a plurality of data fields of a driver profile of a user from a mobile device. For example, step <NUM> can include receiving, by a computing system of a vehicle (e.g., see computing systems <NUM> and <NUM>), a plurality of data fields of a driver profile of a user from a mobile device (e.g., see mobile devices <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>).

At step <NUM>, the method <NUM> continues with estimating, using machine learning, configurations of vehicle functions for the vehicle according to the plurality of data fields. For example, step <NUM> can include estimating, by the computing system, using machine learning, a plurality of configurations of vehicle functions for the vehicle according to the plurality of data fields. The plurality of data fields can include settings of a plurality of components of another vehicle for the user (e.g., see vehicle <NUM> or vehicle <NUM>) and/or the vehicle for the user (e.g., see vehicle <NUM>).

At step <NUM>, the estimating of the plurality of configurations of vehicle functions can at least be partially according to an artificial neural network (ANN). In such embodiments, the estimating can include processing the plurality of data fields of the driver profile as input data according to a set of neurons of the ANN to generate output data. And, the estimating can include deriving the plurality of configurations of vehicle functions according to the generated output data. Besides use of an ANN, other machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques can be used in the estimating of the plurality of configurations of vehicle functions. For example, different machine learning models and training models can be used (such as federated training). For example, the estimations can include the use of one or more of ANNs, decision trees, support vector machines, Bayesian networks, and/or genetic algorithms. Also, different approaches of machine learning can be used in the estimations, such as supervised learning, unsupervised learning, reinforcement learning, self learning, feature learning, sparse dictionary learning, anomaly detection, and association rules can be used.

At step <NUM>, the method <NUM> continues with controlling settings of a set of components of the vehicle, via vehicle electronics, according to the estimated configurations. For example, step <NUM> can include controlling, by the computing system, settings of a set of components of the vehicle, via vehicle electronics of the vehicle (e.g., see body control module <NUM> and powertrain control module <NUM>), according to the estimated plurality of configurations. The set of components of the vehicle can include components of a powertrain of the vehicle and/or other components of the vehicle such as body components (e.g., frame and interior components, doors and door parts, windows and window parts, etc.), climate control components and other comfort components, safety components, and infotainment components.

The powertrain components can include couplings to the chassis, engine components, suspension and steering components, the final drive, and powertrain electrical systems. With vehicles having internal combustion powered machinery, the powertrain components can include ignition, engine and transmission components. The powertrain components can also include related components for control of electrical systems which can be found in hybrid and electric vehicles such as hybrid or electric automobiles. For example, the powertrain components can include power electronics for the main propulsion motor control as well as managing the battery system. And, the powertrain components can include electronics for propulsion and control of autonomous cars and vehicles. In some embodiments, powertrain and its components can include an engine, suspension and steering systems, and a final drive. The final drive can include at least one of wheels, a continuous track, propeller, a reaction-propulsion or electric-propulsion drive, or any combination thereof. And, in such embodiments and others, the vehicle electronics can include electronics for the powertrain.

At step <NUM>, the method <NUM> continues with identifying settings of the components of the vehicle. For example, step <NUM> can include identifying, by the computing system, settings of the components of the vehicle. The step <NUM> can occur after a request is received from a user to identify the settings (e.g., see step <NUM> depicted in <FIG>).

At step <NUM>, the method <NUM> continues with associating the identified settings to the driver profile of the user. For example, step <NUM> can include associating, by the computing system, the identified settings to the driver profile of the user. The step <NUM> can occur after receiving a request from a user to associate the identified settings with the user profile (e.g., see step <NUM> depicted in <FIG>). For example, step <NUM> can occur when the user selects to have the identified settings associated with the driver profile.

At step <NUM>, the method <NUM> continues with communicating the associated settings to the mobile device used by the user to update a version of the driver profile (such as a version of the driver profile stored on the mobile device). For example, step <NUM> can include communicating, by the computing system, the associated settings to the mobile device used by the user to update a version of the driver profile stored on the mobile device. The communicating of the associated settings to the mobile device can be over a secured and authenticated connection. Also, in such embodiments and others, the driver profile can be communicated, by the mobile device to the computing system of the vehicle over a similar secured and authenticated connection.

In some embodiments, including the embodiments described with respect to method <NUM> as well as method <NUM>, the driver profile can be associated with the user and the plurality of data fields can be related to driver preferences of the user. The driver preferences can include one or more groups of settings for vehicle components. Each group of the group(s) of settings can be for a specific vehicle product having a vehicle make and model. Also, the driver preferences can include a plurality of user-inputted preferences. Each user-inputted preference of the plurality of user-inputted preferences can be either a general vehicular preference, a preference related to a vehicle product, a preference related to a vehicle model, or a preference related to a vehicle brand.

Also, each group of the group(s) of settings can include settings for a vehicle body, a powertrain, a chassis, vehicle electronics, a vehicle interior, passenger and driver comfort systems, or vehicle information and entertainment systems, or any combination thereof. And, each group of the group(s) of settings can include automated driving configurations. For example, each group of the group(s) of settings can include settings for configurations and preferences related to the various levels of automation according to the SAE. Each group of the group(s) of settings can include settings for: no automation preferences or configurations (level <NUM>), driver assistance preferences or configurations (level <NUM>), partial automation preferences or configurations (level <NUM>), conditional automation preferences or configurations (level <NUM>), high automation preferences or configurations (level <NUM>), or full preferences or configurations (level <NUM>).

In some embodiments, it is to be understood that steps <NUM> to <NUM> can be implemented as a continuous process such as each step can run independently by monitoring input data, performing operations and outputting data to the subsequent step. Also, steps <NUM> to <NUM> can be implemented as discrete-event processes such as each step can be triggered on the events it is supposed to trigger and produce a certain output. It is to be also understood that <FIG> represents a minimal method within a possibly larger method of a computer system more complex than the ones presented partly in <FIG>. Thus, the steps depicted in <FIG> can be combined with other steps feeding in from and out to other steps associated with a larger method of a more complex system.

<FIG> illustrates a flow diagram of example operations of method <NUM> that can be performed by aspects of the networked system depicted in <FIG>, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the method <NUM> can be performed by any mobile device depicted in <FIG>. Also, the method <NUM> can be performed by another type of computing device such as a IoT device, smart television, smart watch, glasses or other smart household appliance, in-vehicle information system, wearable smart device, game console, PC, or digital camera, or any combination thereof.

In <FIG>, the method <NUM> begins at step <NUM> with sending, by a computing device (e.g. see mobile devices <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>), data fields of a driver profile of a user to a vehicle. The sending of data fields at step <NUM> can be according to user input received via a UI of a mobile device. For example, the step <NUM> can include sending by a mobile device (e.g. see mobile devices <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>), according to user input received via a UI of the mobile device, a plurality of data fields of a driver profile of a user to a computing system of a vehicle (e.g., see vehicle <NUM>).

At step <NUM>, the method <NUM> continues with estimating by the computing device, using machine learning, configurations of vehicle functions for the vehicle according to the plurality of data fields. The plurality of data fields can include settings of a plurality of components of another vehicle for the user (e.g., see vehicle <NUM> or vehicle <NUM>) and/or the vehicle for the user (e.g., see vehicle <NUM>).

At step <NUM>, the method <NUM> continues with sending, by the computing device, the estimated plurality of configurations to the computing system of the vehicle to at least partially control settings of a set of components of the vehicle. The set of components of the vehicle can include components of a powertrain of the vehicle and/or other components of the vehicle such as body components (e.g., frame and interior components, doors and door parts, windows and window parts, etc.), climate control components and other comfort components, safety components, and infotainment components.

At step <NUM>, the method <NUM> continues with requesting, by the computing device, the vehicle to identify settings of the components of the vehicle. For example, the step <NUM> can include requesting, by the computing device, the computing device of the vehicle to identify settings of the components of the vehicle. This can occur after the user selects for the identification of the settings via a UI of the computing device.

At step <NUM>, the method <NUM> continues with requesting, by the computing device, the vehicle to associate the identified settings to the driver profile of the user. The step <NUM> can occur when the user selects, via the user interface, to have the identified settings associated with the driver profile. For example, the step <NUM> can include requesting, by the computing device, the computing device of the vehicle to associate the identified settings to the driver profile of the user, when the user selects, via the user interface, to have the identified settings associated with the driver profile.

At step <NUM>, the method <NUM> continues with receiving, by the computing device, the associated settings from the vehicle. For example, the step <NUM> includes receiving, by the computing device, the associated settings from the computing device of the vehicle. And, at step <NUM>, the method <NUM> continues with updating, by the computing device, the driver profile according to the received associated settings. For example, the step <NUM> includes updating, by the computing device, the driver profile stored in the computing device (e.g., the mobile device) according to the received associated settings.

In some embodiments, a mobile device can store a user profile that contains configuration and preference information specific to a user of the mobile device. The user profile can include configuration and preference information specific to one or more vehicles as well. Upon a secure and/or authenticated connection to one or more computing devices of a vehicle (e.g., based on exchanging a security key), a mobile device can communicate user profile information to the one or more computing devices of the vehicle. This allows a mobile device to configure vehicle settings as long as the vehicle has one or more computing devices compatible with an application that transfers the user profile information from the mobile device to the computing device(s) of the vehicle. In other words, in such examples, the user profile is used to control the customization of settings and/or the behavior of a compatible vehicle so that the vehicle can be adjusted to behave or perform in a customized way for the user.

The vehicular user profile information can be generated manually via a UI in which the user enters configurations/preferences for one or more vehicles, and/or the vehicular user profile information can be generated automatically via sensors of the mobile device, feedback from automotive electronics or the computing device(s) of vehicle(s), or from user profile information related to vehicle preference and configuration information that was gathered from other sources such as from Internet browsing, preferences shown in social media, etc. For example, a user that shows interest in sports cars online may have a vehicular user profile having a preference for a sports driving mode or performance driving mode in general. On the other hand, a user that shows an interest online in fuel economy or saving money in general may have a vehicular user profile having a preference for a fuel-economy mode. Also, for example, a user that keeps their passenger environment at approximately <NUM> degrees Fahrenheit may have a profile showing a preference for <NUM> degrees. The preference for <NUM> degrees could also come from a non-vehicular source such as an HVAC controller in the user's home. As imagined, the configurations/preferences are endless and the ways of generating the configurations/preferences are endless as well.

The configuration and preference information can pertain to adjustments of the vehicle via automotive electronics (such as adjustments in the transmission, engine, chassis, passenger environment, safety features, etc. via respective automotive electronics). The configuration and preference information can also pertain to automated driving configurations and preferences. The configuration and preference information can pertain to the various levels of automation according to the SAE. Such information can pertain to no automation preferences or configurations (level <NUM>), driver assistance preferences or configurations (level <NUM>), partial automation preferences or configurations (level <NUM>), conditional automation preferences or configurations (level <NUM>), high automation preferences or configurations (level <NUM>), or full preferences or configurations (level <NUM>).

Preference information can include driving mode preferences such as sports or performance mode, fuel economy mode, tow mode, all-electric mode, hybrid mode, AWD mode, FWD mode, RWD mode, 4WD mode, etc. The modes can be specific or general. For example, user prefers specific sports mode of a specific automaker. Or, for example, user prefers fuel economy modes in general over performance modes or sports modes.

On the other hand, configuration information can include specific transmission configurations, engine configurations, chassis configurations, for the user for one or more vehicles. The configuration information can be based on the preference information. And the configuration information can adjust parts of the vehicle via respective electronics for the parts.

The preferences/configurations from the user profile can also relate to preferences/configurations of in-car entertainment systems, automotive navigation systems, passenger conform systems, electronic integrated cockpit systems, etc..

It is to be understood that a vehicle described herein can be any type of vehicle unless the vehicle is specified otherwise. Vehicles can include cars, trucks, boats, and airplanes, as well as vehicles or vehicular equipment for military, construction, farming, or recreational use. Electronics used by vehicles, vehicle parts, or drivers or passengers of a vehicle can be considered vehicle electronics. Vehicle electronics can include electronics for engine management, ignition, radio, carputers, telematics, in-car entertainment systems, and other parts of a vehicle. Vehicle electronics can be used with or by ignition and engine and transmission control, which can be found in vehicles with internal combustion powered machinery such as gas-powered cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, planes, military vehicles, forklifts, tractors and excavators. Also, vehicle electronics can be used by or with related elements for control of electrical systems found in hybrid and electric vehicles such as hybrid or electric automobiles. For example, electric vehicles can use power electronics for the main propulsion motor control, as well as managing the battery system. And, autonomous vehicles almost entirely rely on vehicle electronics.

The present disclosure also relates to an apparatus for performing the operations herein. This apparatus can be specially constructed for the intended purposes, or it can include a general-purpose computer selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in the computer. Such a computer program can be stored in a computer readable storage medium, such as any type of disk including floppy disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs, and magnetic-optical disks, read-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs), EPROMs, EEPROMs, magnetic or optical cards, or any type of media suitable for storing electronic instructions, each coupled to a computer system bus.

Claim 1:
A system comprising:
at least one processing device (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
memory (<NUM>, <NUM>) containing instructions configured to instruct the at least one processing device (<NUM>, <NUM>) to:
receive, from a mobile device (<NUM>, <NUM>) of a user, signaling indicative of data fields corresponding to settings for components of a first vehicle;
determine, based on the received signaling, new settings for components of a second vehicle, wherein the data fields comprise inputs to a machine-learning model, and the settings for the components of the second vehicle correspond to an output from the machine-learning model; and
configure, based on the new settings, the components of the second vehicle.