SERVICE CENTER SUPPORT
A control unit on a vehicle requests a vehicle service appointment when service is required. Scheduling is performed first with reference to the user's calendar and then by confirmation with the user.
1 . A method of scheduling vehicle service including the steps of:
a) determining that vehicle service is needed;
b) transmitting a request for vehicle service from the vehicle;
c) receiving a proposed appointment for vehicle service;
d) presenting the proposed appointment for vehicle service as audible speech to a user;
e) receiving an audible confirmation of the proposed appointment from the user; and
f) confirming the proposed appointment in response to said step e).
2 . The method of claim 1 wherein said step a) includes the step of receiving a diagnostic code from an on-board diagnostics port.
3 . The method of claim 1 wherein said step b) further includes the step of transmitting the diagnostic code.
4 . The method of claim 1 further including the step of determining the proposed appointment based upon a calendar of the user.
5 . The method of claim 4 further including the step of determining the proposed appointment based upon a calendar of a service provider with whom the proposed appointment would be made.
6 . The method of claim 1 further including the steps of receiving a cost estimate of the vehicle service and presenting the cost estimate to the user as audible speech.
7 . A method of scheduling vehicle service including the steps of:
a) determining that vehicle service is needed;
b) transmitting a first request for vehicle service from the vehicle;
c) receiving a first proposed appointment for vehicle service;
d) presenting the first proposed appointment for vehicle service as audible speech to a user;
e) receiving an audible rejection of the first proposed appointment from the user;
f) in response to said step e), transmitting the rejection of the first proposed appointment and receiving a second proposed appointment;
g) presenting the second proposed appointment for vehicle service as audible speech to the user;
h) receiving an audible confirmation of the second proposed appointment from the user;
i) confirming the second proposed appointment in response to said step h).
8 . The method of claim 7 wherein said step a) includes the step of receiving a diagnostic code from an on-board diagnostics port.
9 . The method of claim 7 wherein said step b) further includes the step of transmitting the diagnostic code.
10 . The method of claim 7 further including the step of determining the proposed appointment based upon a calendar of the user.
11 . The method of claim 10 further including the step of determining the proposed appointment based upon a calendar of a service provider with whom the proposed appointment would be made.
12 . The method of claim 7 further including the steps of receiving a cost estimate of the vehicle service and presenting the cost estimate to the user as audible speech.