Advanced wireless vehicle services
View Patent ↗A network connected vehicle computer unit is disclosed. Services are provided to a vehicle, having the vehicle computer unit, over a wireless network to control, manage, provide safety to, and maintain the vehicle.
1. A network connected vehicle computer unit configured in a vehicle, the network connected vehicle computer unit comprising:
circuitry configured to receive and update vehicle maintenance and operation information sent over a cellular data network using internet protocol (IP);
the circuitry further configured to receive an instruction sent over the cellular data network using IP to remotely control locks or a horn of the vehicle, wherein the instruction is provided based on a plurality of security levels and based on a request for permission of control of the vehicle;
circuitry configured to contact a vehicle management system over the cellular data network using IP based on an unauthorized operator accessing the vehicle;
circuitry configured to detect an accident involving the vehicle; and
circuitry configured to send a message over the cellular data network using IP to notify the management system of the accident.
2. The network connected vehicle computer unit of claim 1 , wherein the vehicle management system contacts law enforcement.
3. The network connected vehicle computer unit of claim 1 , wherein the access of the vehicle indicates that the vehicle was stolen.
4. The network connected vehicle computer unit of claim 1 , further comprising:
circuitry configured to connect to the Internet over the cellular data network.
5. A method performed by a network connected vehicle computer unit, the method comprising:
receiving and updating, by the network connected vehicle computer unit, vehicle maintenance and operation information sent over a cellular data network using internet protocol (IP);
receiving, by the network connected vehicle computer unit, an instruction sent over the cellular data network using IP to remotely control locks or a horn of a vehicle, wherein the instruction is provided based on a plurality of security levels and based on a request for permission of control of the vehicle;
contacting, by the network connected vehicle computer unit, a vehicle management system over the cellular data network using IP based on an unauthorized operator accessing the vehicle;
detecting, by the network connected vehicle computer unit, an accident involving the vehicle; and
sending, by the network connected vehicle computer unit, a message over the cellular data network using IP to notify the vehicle management system of the accident.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the vehicle management system is law enforcement.
7. The method of claim 5 , wherein the access of the vehicle indicates that the vehicle was stolen.
8. The method of claim 5 , further comprising:
connecting, by the network connected vehicle computer unit, to the Internet over the cellular data network.