IP Library Granted Patent US 11,017,360
Granted Patent B2
US 11,017,360 · App. 16/280,020 · Granted May 25, 2021

Methods for cloud processing of vehicle diagnostics and providing electronic keys for servicing

Inventors: Angel A. Penilla (Sacramento, CA); Albert S. Penilla (Sunnyvale, CA)
Assignee: Emerging Automotive, LLC
G06Q10/20G01M17/007G06Q10/06314G06Q10/1095G06Q30/08G07C5/006G07C5/0808G06Q30/0282G06Q30/0283G06Q30/0611G07C5/008H04W4/023
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 11,017,360
App. No.
16/280,020
Granted
May 25, 2021
Kind
B2
Abstract

A method and system for diagnosing and providing access to a vehicle for servicing the vehicle are provided. One method is provided for accessing the vehicle for servicing the vehicle. The method includes receiving, by a server, vehicle data that is used for diagnostics of the vehicle. Recommending, via the server, a service job needed for the vehicle based on the diagnostics. Receiving, by the server, approval from a user account associated with the vehicle to process the service job on the vehicle. The approval includes approval of a service provider to perform the service job on the vehicle. Generating an electronic key by the server for the vehicle for performing the service job on the vehicle by the service provider. The electronic key has a set of restrictions that limit types of access and use of the vehicle for when the service provider performs the service job on the vehicle. The method then includes sending the electronic key to the service provider. The electronic key is usable by the service provider based on the set of restrictions.

Claims (26)

1. A computer-implemented method for accessing a vehicle for servicing the vehicle, comprising:

receiving, by a server, vehicle data that is used for diagnostics of the vehicle;

recommending, by the server, a service job for the vehicle based on the diagnostics;

receiving, by the server, approval from a user account associated with the vehicle to process the service job on the vehicle, the approval includes approval of a service provider to perform the service job on the vehicle;

generating, by the server, an electronic key for the vehicle for performing the service job on the vehicle by the service provider, the electronic key has a set of restrictions that limit types of access and use of the vehicle for when the service provider performs the service job on the vehicle; and

sending the electronic key to the service provider, the electronic key being for use by the service provider based on the set of restrictions.

2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the set of restrictions include a geographic limitation and time limitation on use of the vehicle for performing the service job by the service provider.

3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the server is one of a plurality of servers that are operated by an online service provider, the vehicle is registered with the online service provider using the user account, the online service provider is configured to handling operations for a plurality of user accounts and a plurality of vehicles.

4. The computer-implemented method of claim 3 , wherein the online service provider is operated by a manufacturer of the vehicle or a service entity for the vehicle or a combination of the manufacturer of the vehicle and the service entity.

5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the diagnostics are made based on collected sensor data of the vehicle.

6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the diagnostics are based on data received from systems of the vehicle that are collected by electronics of the vehicle and transmitted to the server over a wireless connection.

7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the recommendation includes a recommended solution for handling the service job, the recommended solution includes predicting the solution based on learning from past solutions, conditions, actions or features.

8. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the recommendation includes a recommended solution for handling the service job, the recommended solution includes predicting the solution based on analysis of crowd sourced solutions related to the service job.

9. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the diagnostics includes examination of data from one or more of a vehicle history database or a manufacturer's database for a vehicle type of the vehicle, the examining is configured to adjust a confidence level for selecting the service job.

10. The computer-implemented method of claim 9 , the confidence level is at least in part influenced based on analysis of user comments from crowd sourced data.

11. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the approval from the user account is responsive to the recommended service job, the recommended service job being sent to the user account for viewing by a user of the user account from a device having Internet access.

12. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the recommended service job is sent via a notification.

13. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein use of the vehicle is recorded when the electronic key is active or in use, the use being made viewable via the user account.

14. The computer-implemented method of claim 13 , wherein a violation of the set of restrictions is recorded with the electronic key is active or in use.

15. The computer-implemented method of claim 14 , further comprising,

sending a notification to the user account for the violation.

16. The computer-implemented method of claim 13 , wherein the electronic key enables a user device of service provider to unlock, move and lock the vehicle, the user device is configured to communicate with electronics of the vehicle to enable the service provider to unlock, move and lock the vehicle.

17. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the service job is related to one of a vehicle repair, or a software update, or a recall repair, or a regular service, or a system failure, or a preventative repair, or a combination of two or more thereof.

18. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the diagnostics of the vehicle includes processing vehicle data as raw metrics that are processed against diagnostics data from one or more databases that include service history databases, recall or fix history databases, repairs required databases, repairs performed databases, vehicle software versions databases, software updates databases, or combinations thereof.

19. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the diagnostics of the vehicle is further performed at least partially by electronics of the vehicle.

20. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the electronic key is configured to be used by a portable device of the service provider, the electronic key is configured to communicate with electronics of the vehicle upon having the portable device be within a proximity of the vehicle, the electronics of the vehicle is configured to enable said access and user of the vehicle, based on communication with the electronic key to enable the service provider to handle the service job.

Continuity (10)
Continuation 15786578 · Oct 17, 2017
Continuation 15615812 · Jun 6, 2017
Continuation In Part 14176138 · Feb 9, 2014
Continuation In Part 14063837 · Oct 25, 2013
Continuation In Part 13842158 · Mar 15, 2013
Continuation In Part 13452882 · Apr 22, 2012
Provisional Application 61896007 · Oct 25, 2013
Provisional Application 61745729 · Dec 24, 2012
Provisional Application 61478436 · Apr 22, 2011
Related Publication 20190188651A1 · Jun 20, 2019
Cited By (3)
US 12,228,950 US 12,596,009 US 12,637,093