Reactive vehicle communication and assistance system

Abstract

The invention provides a reactive vehicle communication and assistance system. A system determines a location of a particular vehicle in a dealer parking lot in response to a request for the particular vehicle received from a device of a user. The system also determines a current location of the user and wirelessly instructs the particular vehicle to signal the user with a first vehicle-external output in response to the user location being within a predefined proximity of the location of the particular vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The illustrative embodiments generally relate to a reactive vehicle communication and assistance system. Background Art

[0002] A trip to a car dealership can involve a great deal of effort and energy for both consumers and dealership personnel. Consumers want to come in, view their desired vehicle, and interact with a salesperson if needed. Dealership personnel want to educate consumers on the best options, show them a preferred car, present them with additional options, and ultimately close the deal.

[0003] The new generation is increasingly interested in on-demand ordering of goods, and this is beginning to extend to vehicles as well. In addition, even when these people visit a dealership, they are likely to have a heavy dose of the “do it yourself” mentality.

[0004] Since a car is a major purchase, it is beneficial to be able to visit a dealership and actually view or even test drive a vehicle of interest. This helps educate the consumer and helps close the deal, and increases the likelihood of being satisfied with the choice. However, if the consumer has to wait too long for assistance, the consumer may end up leaving because the on-site technology at the dealership (in terms of sales technology as well as vehicles) is generally not oriented toward a do-it-yourself experience. Summary of the invention

[0005] In a first illustrative embodiment, a vehicle includes at least one wireless transceiver and one or more processors in communication with the wireless transceiver, the one or more processors being configured to detect the presence of a signal from a wireless device of a user via the transceiver. The one or more processors are further configured to determine that the signal has remained within a predefined proximity of the vehicle for more than a predefined threshold period of time. In addition, the one or more processors are configured to communicate with an application installed on the wireless device to offer access to the vehicle to the user in response to the signal remaining within the predefined proximity of the vehicle. In response to the user accepting the offer via the wireless device, the one or more processors are configured to create an acquisition schedule customized for the user based on a user profile and output the acquisition schedule to a display of the vehicle.

[0006] In a second illustrative embodiment, a vehicle includes at least one wireless transceiver, at least one external output, and one or more processors in communication with the transceiver and the output. The one or more processors are configured to receive a request to locate the vehicle from a remote device. The one or more processors are further configured to determine whether a user location that can be determined based on the request is within a predefined proximity of the vehicle, and in response to the user location being within the predefined proximity, signal the user using the at least one external output in a predefined manner.

[0007] In a third illustrative embodiment, a system includes one or more processors configured to determine a location of a particular vehicle in a dealer lot in response to a request for the particular vehicle received from a device of a user. The one or more processors are further configured to determine a current location of the user, and in response to the user location being within a predefined proximity of the location of the particular vehicle, wirelessly instruct the particular vehicle to signal the user using a first vehicle external output. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 An illustrative example of an on-site and cloud-enhanced assistance system is shown;

[0009] Figure 2 An illustrative example of a user interaction process is shown;

[0010] Figure 3 An illustrative example of a custom display generation and rendering process is shown;

[0011] Figure 4 An illustrative vehicle access process is shown; and

[0012] Figure 5 An illustrative boot process is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples, and other embodiments may take on various forms and alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale; some features may be enlarged or minimized to show the details of a particular component. Therefore, the specific structural details and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but only as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to adopt the present invention in various ways. As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the various features shown and described with reference to any one of the drawings may be combined with the features shown in one or more other drawings to produce embodiments that are not explicitly shown or described. The combination of features shown provides representative embodiments for typical applications. However, for specific applications or embodiments, various combinations and modifications of features consistent with the teachings of the present disclosure may be desired.

[0014] In addition to having the exemplary processes performed by a vehicle computing system located in a vehicle, in certain embodiments, the exemplary processes may also be performed by a computing system that is in communication with the vehicle computing system. Such systems may include, but are not limited to, wireless devices (such as, but not limited to, mobile phones) or remote computing systems (such as, but not limited to, servers) connected via wireless devices. Such systems may be collectively referred to as vehicle associated computing systems (VACS). In certain embodiments, specific components of the VACS may perform specific portions of the processes depending on the specific implementation of the system. As an example and not limitation, if a process has a step of sending or receiving information with a paired wireless device, it is likely that the wireless device did not perform that portion of the process because a wireless device does not "send and receive" information with itself. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand when it is inappropriate to apply a particular computing system to a given solution.

[0015] Execution of the processes may be facilitated through the use of one or more processors working alone or in conjunction with one another and executing instructions stored on various non-transitory storage media such as, but not limited to, flash memory, programmable memory, hard drive, etc. Communications between the system and the processes may include the use of, for example, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular communications, and other suitable wireless and wired communications.

[0016] In each of the illustrative embodiments discussed herein, exemplary, non-limiting examples of processes that may be performed by a computing system are shown. With respect to each process, the computing system that performs the process may become a dedicated processor configured to perform the process for the limited purpose of performing the process. All processes need not be performed in their entirety, and are understood to be examples of types of processes that may be performed to implement elements of the present invention. Additional steps may be added or removed from the exemplary processes as desired.

[0017] With respect to the illustrative embodiments described in the accompanying drawings showing illustrative process flows, it should be noted that a general purpose processor may be temporarily enabled as a special purpose processor for the purpose of performing some or all of the exemplary methods illustrated by these drawings. When executing code providing instructions to perform some or all of the steps of the method, the processor may be temporarily repurposed as a special purpose processor until the method is completed. In another example, to the extent appropriate, firmware acting in accordance with a preconfigured processor may cause the processor to act as a special purpose processor provided for performing the method or some reasonable variation thereof.

[0018] The illustrative embodiments describe a system that allows a vehicle to identify a user who appears to be interested and provide automated assistance in previewing acquisition options and potentially provide vehicle access to approved users. By interacting directly with the user, the vehicle of interest can provide an automated assistance process that creates a more favorable user experience. Intelligent technology can guide the user to a specific vehicle, even using nearby vehicles in the process, and provide details about the acquisition via an in-vehicle display or the user's mobile device that can be customized and pre-verified for a given user. This reduces negative user experiences (such as seeing a price that is different than the online price) and allows the user to master at least a portion of the dealership experience without having to wait for assistance.

[0019] An interested user may visit a dealership and have one or more specific vehicles in stock or a model of interest that the user has pre-selected, at least one of which may be in stock. In other cases, the user's historical preferences and previous vehicles may be used to recommend certain comparable new model vehicles. When the user arrives, they may be directed to the location of one or more specific vehicles using the user's mobile device and / or by transmitting guidance signals to the vehicle of interest from vehicle outputs along the way. The vehicle may flash or illuminate a pattern indicating the direction the user should travel. If the precise parking location of a given vehicle is not available, or if GPS reception is poor and map-based instructions on a mobile device cannot be used to guide the user, this may be accomplished through a self-organizing vehicle network.

[0020] If desired, a group of on-site vehicles working in concert can guide the user to the destination vehicle. Vehicles with advanced high beams (such as those that can output images or text and project that information on the ground) can even be used to display, for example, the user's name and an arrow indicating the direction the user should travel to reach the destination vehicle. In less complex systems, vehicle visual (e.g., flashing lights) and / or auditory outputs can be used to guide the user. For example, a vehicle near the user can indicate travel in a certain direction through light use (such as flashing lights on the relevant side of the vehicle) or audible output, and this guidance can continue as the user travels through the parking lot. Once the user reaches the proximity of a vehicle of interest, the vehicle can emit a different pattern to attract the user's attention, or a message indicating proximity can be pushed to the user's device.

[0021] The vehicle of interest may also be transmitted to the purchaser's GPS system on the phone or in the vehicle so the purchaser can navigate using GPS navigation. In other cases, a dealership vehicle (such as an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle) may drive the purchaser to the vehicle of interest. Alternatively, if the vehicle of interest is also a semi-autonomous vehicle, the vehicle may be driven from its location in the parking lot to the dealership when the purchaser arrives or is close to arriving.

[0022] In other cases, a user may be browsing many cars and spend more than a certain amount of time looking through the windows of certain models. If the user stays for more than a threshold time (e.g., using vehicle sensors and / or via detection of persistent device signals in consistent proximity to the vehicle), the vehicle of potential interest may offer to allow the user to enter in certain circumstances, or allow the user to view customized pricing forecasts based on the user's profile (e.g., creditworthiness). The vehicle may also be able to summon on-site personnel if assistance is needed and / or grant on-demand access to approved users who, for example, have registered with a dealership or another entity and are therefore trusted to access the vehicle without personnel present.

[0023] The stored user profile can be used to run a credit check with the user's permission and present the user with precise pricing options that are immediately customized to the user's situation. This helps reduce confusion and can allow the user to have a good understanding of the ultimate requirements for obtaining a vehicle. The user may still wish to interact with a live person to complete the transaction, but this can allow at least a portion of the dealership experience to be self-service and allow the user to work with the vehicle to complete at least a portion of the experience before finding a person to complete the transaction. In addition, personnel time can be better utilized to assist customers who have reached a certain point in the decision process, and therefore the system can also allow for more efficient utilization of personnel.

[0024] Figure 1An illustrative example of a live and cloud-enhanced assistance system is shown. In this example, a vehicle 100 is a vehicle for sale parked in a dealership 130 parking lot. Dealership parking lots can be large, and vehicles can move around, so it is not always easy for a person to locate a vehicle, let alone a customer 120 who may be looking for a specific vehicle they may have seen online. Even if a customer is browsing, finding certain vehicles can be a daunting task. Then, in order to fully inspect the vehicle, the browsing customer may need to return to the dealership building to seek assistance from a salesperson.

[0025] In this example, the vehicle 100 has an onboard computing system 101, which may include various onboard computing modules, memory, microprocessors, electronic control units (ECUs), wireless communications, etc. In the example shown, at least three types of wireless communications are controlled by one or more onboard processors 103. These wireless communications include, for example, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and / or Ultra Wideband (UWB) transceivers 105, Wi-Fi transceivers 107, and telematics control units (TCUs) 109. The BLE or UWB transceiver 105 may be used for local device communications, such as detecting signals from a user 120 device 121 and communicating with the user device. The Wi-Fi transceiver may have a longer range and may be used to connect to a dealership 130 network, for example, via direct communication with an access point 131 or indirect communication (e.g., with a localized access point that is ultimately connected to the dealership through the network). The TCU 109 may be used to communicate with the cloud 140 and / or with the dealership 130 (if desired), for example, through cloud-enabled communications.

[0026] Also in this example, the vehicle system 101 includes a detection process 111. This is a process for detecting localized user device computing system 121 signals to determine when a user has been at a given vehicle. Ranging using time of flight (ToF) or other methods can determine how close the signal is and whether the signal is moving around the vehicle, away from the vehicle, towards the vehicle, etc. This information can be used to predict whether the user has shown a certain interest in the vehicle, and can be the basis for offering the user an opportunity to enter the vehicle and explore the interior. Similar information can be used to track the user's location as one or more vehicles guide the user to a vehicle of interest, and to determine when the user is at or near a destination vehicle.

[0027] For example, if the user chooses to obtain direct customized information about the vehicle, which can be proposed by the vehicle to the user device 122 application, the customization process 113 can provide user-specific pricing that adapts to the user profile. The user device computing system 121 can store the profile 129 in conjunction with the application 128, and the vehicle 100 can communicate with the application 128 through the user device transceiver 125 (e.g., BLE / UWB). The application 128 controlled by the CPU 123 can use the display 127 to display the user pricing information customized for the user. The profile can be used to pull the user's credit, or the user's credit may have been stored based on a credit inquiry that is recent enough. The cloud 140 can be used for credit checks 143 and can also store credit results 145. This information can be shared directly with the vehicle after user approval, or it can be shared with the user device and stored on the user device for vehicle access with user approval.

[0028] The vehicle 100 may also store pricing options 115 as well as current internet pricing and updated pricing data 115. Alternatively, the vehicle 100 may communicate with the cloud 140 via the gateway 141 to obtain updated data from a cloud pricing process 147, which may store a specific vehicle configuration 149. The vehicle customization process 113 may be configured to determine pricing for a given user based on creditworthiness, and may also store a list of vehicle options 117 that may be specifically applicable to the vehicle (trailer hitches, upgraded floor mats, etc.). Using the device 121 or the onboard display 119, the user may see pricing options, timing options (e.g., 3 years vs. 4 years), pricing with various feature accessories, payment changes, etc. This allows the user to interact with a specific vehicle of interest and see the price applicable to the user. This may also accommodate any special deals that may apply, and the user profile may have settings for the user to select applicable programs (student, military, etc.). If the user is verified for a given program based on a previous purchase and for a status that does not require re-verification (e.g., military), the application 128 and profile 129 may save a verification flag for that status.

[0029] The device may also have a user access code or temporary key stored in the profile 129. If the dealership knows who is accessing what vehicle and when, the dealership may be willing to give the user access to the vehicle, which may be facilitated by interaction with the application 128. The user may register at the dealership 130 and the device may receive an access code. When the user is in the vicinity of the vehicle of interest and the device 122 is storing the approved access code, the user can access the vehicle and the dealership will know which user is interacting with what vehicle. The lack of an access code may encourage the user 120 to visit the dealership, and if the user cannot access the vehicle or has additional questions, a salesperson may also be summoned to assist the particular user 120 at the vehicle 100.

[0030] The cloud 140 can communicate information to the dealership with the user's permission, such as credit rating, whether the user is interacting with a particular vehicle (which can also be reported from the application 128 or directly from the vehicle), and what pricing is shown to the user, etc. The vehicle can also communicate recorded data directly to the dealer or through the cloud, for example, the vehicle can use an internal camera to record the user interaction so that if a problem is discovered later, there is a record of the event. When determined to be irrelevant (e.g., a salesperson or other person confirms that the condition of the vehicle is satisfactory after the user interaction), the data can be discarded.

[0031] By creating a system where users can interact directly with vehicles to enhance inspection capabilities, receive direct pricing, be granted access, and generally provide some self-service, the user experience at a car dealership can be greatly enhanced. Salespeople can use their limited time to interact more with customers when specifically needed, and the overall efficiency of the dealership should increase.

[0032] Figure 2 An illustrative example of a user interaction process is shown. In this example, the vehicle 100 detects a signal at 201, such as a signal from a wireless device 122 that is in local communication (e.g., BLE, UWB, etc.). The device may not be directly connected, but the vehicle 100 may still be able to detect the presence of the device. If the device has an application 128 installed on it at 203, which is an application provided by, for example, the vehicle manufacturer or by the dealership itself, the vehicle 100 may be able to connect to the application to interact with the user 120 via the device. If there is no application, the vehicle (or other entity running the process) may notify the dealership 205 so that assistance can be provided, because in the absence of the application, the user may not be able to fully interact with the vehicle without assistance.

[0033] The device may also store a list of user features that the user is interested in. This may be established based on a user profile or historical purchases, and the user may explicitly indicate the type of vehicle of interest (e.g., SUV, truck), features (e.g., sunroof), mileage (e.g., MPG or distance per charge), etc. The user may also select whether certain features are optional or "must have" features. If the vehicle 100 finds such a list of features or specifications at 209, the vehicle may also attempt to determine if the list qualifies as a match for those features at 211. If the vehicle is a match, the vehicle may add itself to the list of possible vehicles on the user's device at 213, which may include a notification to the user. The user may specify any number of features, including but not limited to price, brand, model, trim, type, payload, towing, adaptive driver assistance features, ratings, interior features, range, doors, maximum occupancy, engine type, MPG, maximum torque / power, top speed, etc., either directly or by taking a survey for recommendation.

[0034] For example, a user may be walking through the parking lot at a dealership and have a profile expressing interest in an SUV with a desired five-passenger configuration and a desired 20mpg. Each SUV in the parking lot that matches that profile may add itself to the user's device as the user walks. The user may receive notifications from the added vehicles, and the vehicles may even flash lights or beep or chirp when added. This allows the user to quickly locate the added vehicle that matches their profile, so they can inspect the vehicle more thoroughly. The user may disable notifications, and the application may have a timeout feature to prevent adding too many vehicles that are too close (e.g., not adding a whole row of matching SUVs that would all start chirping and flashing their lights at the same time). If multiple vehicles are very close, the application may be more selective about the vehicles it allows to be added, or the vehicles may even communicate with each other to "elect" a more suitable vehicle (e.g., the discovery process may have a sorting function, so the vehicles can collectively agree on which vehicles should be added to the user's list or otherwise notify the user).

[0035] Even being able to use an ad hoc network of vehicles to discover the "best fit" vehicle in a parking lot, the detecting vehicle can communicate the user's request to other vehicles, and they can work together to search the parking lot for the closest matching vehicle or vehicles. The request can also include the user's application's connection credentials so that the matching vehicles can use the cloud to connect to the user's application via their respective TCUs, and / or the vehicles can work together to direct the user to the closest matching vehicle or a selected vehicle from a matching list.

[0036] If the user remains near the vehicle for any significant period of time exceeding a threshold at 215, which may be determined based on, for example, the presence of a signal of the user's device detected by the vehicle, the vehicle may also add itself to the user's device and / or offer to allow the user access, as discussed later herein. If desired, vehicles may also be added to the device in the background (without notification), allowing the user to walk around many cars and then view the added vehicles later.

[0037] At 217, the user may request access to or be offered access to one or more vehicles. The offer may come from the vehicle, or the user may, for example, select the vehicle from a list or scan the VIN so the device knows which vehicle to communicate with. If the user requests access, the process may check if there is a digital key or other permission stored to the user device at 219. If an offer for access is made, this check may be done before the offer is made to avoid uncomfortable situations. It is also not necessary to utilize a digital key / permission system, but doing so may allow the dealer to better track who is in what vehicle and control access in some ways.

[0038] If a digital license is present on the connected phone at 219, the process may grant access to the vehicle at 225 and display a customized user experience on the onboard display at 227. This may include displaying pricing, available option features, and generally an interactive experience that may guide the user through a series of financing and customization options. If a digital license is not present on the device, the vehicle may notify the dealer at 221 that the customer requested access, and the dealer may notify personnel to assist the customer. The process may also notify an application on the user's device at 223, which may include requesting that the user come into the dealership to obtain a temporary license and / or that dealership personnel may be available to assist shortly. The digital license may also be registered on the spot using a verification application that may obtain the user's driver's license or ID and verify that the owner of the device is the same as the ID.

[0039] Once the purchaser chooses to interact with the vehicle, the vehicle may perform a pre-driving demonstration, such as opening the enclosure, starting the engine, and presenting features of the vehicle using the vehicle display.

[0040] In another example, a driver may indicate a particular dealership in advance (e.g., a local convenient or preferred dealership). Alternatively, a dealership may be geofenced and the vehicle may "select" that dealership based on the vehicle's location as it approaches. The dealer may provide a list of existing vehicles and specifications to the vehicle or mobile device that meet any of the buyer's features or specifications. In this way, buyers may be pre-matched with certain vehicles in advance. Then, when the buyer arrives, they may have a preset list of vehicles available for viewing that meet their specifications or preferences.

[0041] Vehicles may use communications (e.g., vehicle-to-infrastructure) to communicate their location and / or feature set to dealerships. Vehicles may track relative GPS locations to dealerships, and this information may be used and / or combined with parking maps to direct customers to specific vehicles. Vehicles may also identify themselves as "sold," or this information may be available through dealership computers.

[0042] This can also happen during off-hours if the dealer allows it, so customers can browse inventory even when the dealership is closed. Dealers can control how many visiting customers are allowed during these times and whether test drives are allowed, as well as what credentials are required for a visit or drive. Vehicles in which customers show interest can store customer information and communicate that information to dealership personnel during open hours, so follow-up can be scheduled.

[0043] If the dealership is open, specifications and vehicle recommendations can be assigned to a salesperson before the customer arrives so that the salesperson is ready and waiting with the correct list of vehicles when the customer arrives. If a person is not available, the customer can proceed with computer-guided assistance, but if a person is available, the customer can have an assigned representative when they arrive who has all the correct information and recommendations for that particular customer.

[0044] Figure 3 An illustrative example of a customized display generation and presentation process is shown. In this example, the vehicle communicates with the device application at 301 and determines whether a profile exists at 303. In this case, the profile will include information that can be used to pull the user's credit and / or information that indicates the user's creditworthiness so that a customized offer can be obtained. The credit process can be completed by securely interacting with the application in conjunction with the cloud, and may not directly involve the vehicle. The vehicle may simply be notified by the application or cloud which programs the user may qualify for, which may not even require the actual credit score to be transmitted to the vehicle or obtained by the vehicle. Instead, for example, the cloud or application may indicate program A, program B, etc. (and the vehicle may associate those indications with rates), or alternatively indicate one or more qualifying rates for various duration options.

[0045] If no profile exists, then at 305 the process may instruct the application to offer to build a profile that can be used to check the user's credit (with all necessary precautions taken with the user's data). If the user accepts at 307, the process may display questions to the user or provide a form that the user can fill out at 311. If the user declines, the process may set a flag in the application at 309 so that the application does not continue to bother the user with requests to build a profile (e.g., while the user is interacting with different vehicles). The user may also be able to voluntarily use the application to build a profile, so that the flag does not prevent the user from building a profile, it may simply prevent reminders or queries for at least a limited time.

[0046] At 313, the process may also determine if there is a score (or proxy for a score) saved on the phone or in the cloud. This allows the vehicle to be customized based on credit pricing. If there is no score, the process may offer to run the user's credit at 315, which may again occur in the cloud or via the user device interacting with a secure server at 321 if the user accepts the offer at 317. If the user again declines their credit run, a flag may be set at 319 to not bother the user with the same inquiry.

[0047] Once the score is obtained or the vehicle otherwise obtains information that allows it to accurately apply the correct rate, the vehicle can determine a pricing model customized for the user's situation at 323. This can also include taking into account any approved discounts, and can also include checking Internet pricing for comparable models to ensure that the live price is not higher than the online price being displayed. The process can add any options that the user has requested (e.g., via an application) at 325, and then display the various pricing on a vehicle display (such as a center console display) at 327. The process can also push the information to the device 122 for the user to review and / or view (e.g., if the vehicle does not have a display).

[0048] The user can also request a drive using the application, where the user can be directed to a pre-assigned test drive and the vehicle can remain in communication with the dealership. If the user has a stored credit card or bank account (for assessing the cost) and a stored driver's license, this can be sufficient for the user to request a predefined test drive route without having to enter the dealership. After completing the drive, the user can answer a short survey to determine if there is a vehicle that might be a better fit to the extent there were aspects of the drive that the user did not like.

[0049] In another case, the vehicle camera may be able to use facial recognition (with the customer's permission) to identify the customer as they approach or move through the parking lot. This can help guide the customer and know when a customer of interest is approaching a vehicle of interest. Other vehicles (not of interest) can also track the location of the identified customer and keep the vehicle network informed of the location. This can also be used to track the customer if a person is looking for the customer to interact with them.

[0050] Figure 4 An illustrative vehicle access process is shown. This is an illustrative example of the remote distribution of access codes or digital keys. These may belong to a given customer and may also have an expiration time related to time, number of uses, use on a specific vehicle, etc. One dealer may prefer to provide access to all vehicles on the lot, another dealer may only want access to one vehicle at a time, and so a key or code request may be required each time a new vehicle is accessed. In the latter case, the request may be in the background for approved users, so the user does not have to ask explicitly, but the vehicle may ask, and the key may be limited to a single use so that the key cannot be used to access the vehicle later. All such codes or keys may expire when the dealership is closed, may be revoked upon request, etc., and / or may only be operable during dealership operating hours.

[0051] In this example, at 401, the process may receive notification that a user wants to access a particular vehicle on a lot. The request may come from a customer application or the vehicle itself. For example, if the request comes from a known customer and the customer's identity is verified, the customer may be considered known at 403. The dealer may then decide whether to approve the request at 411. For example, for certain high theft or expensive vehicles, the dealer may still want a person at the vehicle when the customer accesses the vehicle.

[0052] If the customer is unknown, then in this example, the request will be denied at 405. A message may be sent to the vehicle and / or mobile device at 407 notifying the customer that a salesperson is being sent to assist and / or will be there shortly. Alternatively, once the customer is known, the customer may be invited to the dealership building to register and obtain a key. At 409, the process may also send a message to the salesperson and direct them to the location of the vehicle.

[0053] If the request is approved at 411, the process may send the digital key at 413, which may allow the user to access the vehicle based on, for example, the vehicle detecting the presence of the key or code on the user's device. Using the code or key to access the vehicle may also enable the vehicle's camera at 415 to record the user's interaction with the vehicle in case problems are discovered later caused by the borrower.

[0054] Figure 5An illustrative boot process is shown. In this example, the process may locate a vehicle that a user has identified or requested on a dealer parking lot at 501. For example, this may be accomplished by sending a direct request to the vehicle for its location or using the dealer system to find a parking space. Moreover, vehicles in the ad hoc network may recognize each other and assist the process as necessary. The process determines a requester location at 503, which is where the requesting user is located. If the user is within a predefined proximity of the vehicle at 505 (e.g., close enough to hear a message or chime or see the vehicle's lights flash), the process may instruct the vehicle to output a signal at 519.

[0055] The guidance signal and the arrival signal can be varied, so the user can tell the difference between the two. In this example, the middle vehicle (between the user and the target vehicle) also guides the user to the vehicle. For example, several vehicles in a row can light up their lights in sequence to produce a series of lights that "run" in the direction the user should travel. Other modes are also possible. For example, a vehicle can simply light up its lights, and when the user arrives, the next vehicle can light up its lights, and the process can continue until the user reaches the target vehicle, for example, the target vehicle can be honked. The vehicles also do not need to be adjacent, and vehicles at a certain distance can act as guides. When there are many users browsing, guidance may have to become more precise in terms of the intervals between vehicles. However, if each vehicle closest to each user in the correct direction of travel acts as a personal guide for the user (and switches to the next nearest vehicle when the user approaches), a large number of users can be guided at the same time.

[0056] If the destination vehicle is too far away at 505, the process may select an intermediate vehicle at 507. This may be determined using an ad hoc network where the vehicles negotiate which vehicles will act as guides, or the process may use dealership records of what vehicles are located where to obtain a path for a vehicle designated to provide assistance. The process may instruct the first vehicle to emit lights or sounds as appropriate at 509.

[0057] As the user moves toward the vehicle, the process may track the user's position at 511 (or, for example, the intermediate vehicle may use sensors or sensed signals to determine the user's proximity). Once the user is within proximity of the intermediate vehicle at 513, the process may send instructions to the "next" vehicle in the guidance process at 515, and this may continue until the user approaches the final destination vehicle at 517.

[0058] Although exemplary embodiments are described above, these embodiments are not intended to describe all possible forms covered by the claims. The words used in the specification are descriptive words rather than restrictive words, and it should be understood that various changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. As previously described, the features of various embodiments can be combined to form other embodiments of the present invention that may not be explicitly described or shown. Although various embodiments may have been described as providing advantages or being superior to other embodiments or prior art implementations in terms of one or more desired characteristics, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that one or more features or characteristics may be compromised to achieve the desired overall system properties, depending on the specific application and implementation. These properties may include, but are not limited to, strength, durability, marketability, appearance, packaging, size, maintainability, weight, manufacturability, ease of assembly, etc. For this reason, embodiments described as less desirable than other embodiments or prior art implementations in terms of one or more characteristics are within the scope of the present disclosure and may be desirable for specific applications.

[0059] According to the present invention, a vehicle is provided, the vehicle having: at least one wireless transceiver; and one or more processors, the one or more processors communicating with the wireless transceiver, the one or more processors being configured to: detect the presence of a signal from a user's wireless device via the transceiver; determine that the signal has remained within a predefined proximity of the vehicle for more than a predefined threshold time period; in response to the signal remaining within the predefined proximity of the vehicle, communicate with an application installed on the wireless device to propose access to the vehicle to the user; in response to the user accepting the proposal via the wireless device, create an acquisition schedule customized for the user based on a user profile; and output the acquisition schedule to a display of the vehicle.

[0060] According to an embodiment, the one or more processors are further configured to determine whether the user has permission to access the vehicle stored relative to the application before offering access to the vehicle to the user, and wherein the offering of access to the vehicle is in response to the user having the permission.

[0061] According to an embodiment, the user profile is stored on the wireless device or in a storage device remote from the vehicle that is wirelessly accessible by the vehicle.

[0062] According to an embodiment, the user profile comprises one or more user credit parameters that can be used to customize the obtained output.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the user profile comprises one or more predefined qualifications that entitle the user to a modified acquisition schedule.

[0064] According to an embodiment, the output to the display of the vehicle includes one or more selectable options usable to modify the vehicle, and wherein selection of an option causes the one or more processors to modify the acquisition schedule based on the selected option.

[0065] According to the present invention, a vehicle is provided, the vehicle having: at least one wireless transceiver; at least one external output; and one or more processors, the one or more processors communicating with the transceiver and the output, the one or more processors being configured to: receive a request to locate the vehicle from a remote device; determine whether a user position that can be determined based on the request is within a predefined proximity of the vehicle; and in response to the user position being within the predefined proximity, use the at least one external output to signal the user in a predefined manner.

[0066] According to an embodiment, the at least one external output comprises at least one of a speaker or a vehicle lighting system.

[0067] According to an embodiment, the remote device is a wireless device of a user in direct communication with the vehicle.

[0068] According to an embodiment, the user location is determined based on a location of the wireless device indicated by coordinates from the wireless device, and the location of the vehicle is determined based on coordinates from a vehicle navigation system.

[0069] According to an embodiment, the user location is determined based on a signal received from the wireless device that can be used to determine the distance from the wireless device, and wherein the one or more processors are configured to determine the distance from the wireless device based on the signal.

[0070] According to an embodiment, the one or more processors are also configured to: determine that the remote device is not within the predefined proximity; communicate with at least one second vehicle determined to be between the vehicle and the user location; request the at least one second vehicle to use an external output of the at least one second vehicle to signal the user; and repeat the steps of communicating with another second vehicle and requesting use of the external output until the user location is within the predefined proximity.

[0071] According to the present invention, a system is provided, the system having: one or more processors, the one or more processors being configured to: determine the location of a specific vehicle in a dealer lot in response to a request for the specific vehicle received from a user's device; determine the current location of the user; and in response to the user's location being within a predefined proximity of the location of the specific vehicle, wirelessly instruct the specific vehicle to signal the user using a first vehicle external output.

[0072] According to an embodiment, the current location of the user is determined based on a location of the device indicated with the request.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the position of the vehicle is based on a record indicating parking spaces having known positions in the dealership parking lot.

[0074] According to an embodiment, the one or more processors are configured to: determine that the user location is outside the predefined proximity; determine one or more second vehicles between the user location and the location of the specific vehicle; and wirelessly instruct the one or more second vehicles to each signal the user using a second vehicle external output.

[0075] According to an embodiment, the wireless instruction is directed to a plurality of second vehicles and is sent sequentially based on the user's position being within a second predefined proximity of a given second vehicle among the second vehicles, so that when the user approaches a first one of the plurality of second vehicles, the signal is sent to a second one of the plurality of second vehicles.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the one or more second vehicles are instructed to use the external output to create a guidance signal, the guidance signal being different from the destination signal instructed to be created by the specific vehicle.

[0077] According to an embodiment, the first external output and the second external output include at least one of a vehicle light or a speaker.

[0078] According to an embodiment, the one or more processors are also configured to determine one or more positions between the user location and the location of the second vehicle, and determine the one or more second vehicles based on each of the second vehicles corresponding to one of the one or more positions.

Claims

1. A vehicle, comprising: at least one wireless transceiver; as well as one or more processors in communication with the wireless transceiver, the one or more processors being configured to: detecting, via the transceiver, the presence of a signal from a wireless device of a user; determining that the signal has remained within a predefined proximity of the vehicle for more than a predefined threshold period of time; in response to the signal remaining within the predefined proximity of the vehicle, communicating with an application installed on the wireless device to offer access to the vehicle to the user; In response to the user accepting the offer via the wireless device, creating an acquisition schedule customized for the user based on a user profile, and The acquisition schedule is output to a display of the vehicle.

2. A vehicle as described in claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to determine whether the user has permission to access the vehicle stored relative to the application before offering access to the vehicle to the user, and wherein the offering of access to the vehicle is in response to the user having the permission.

3. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the user profile is stored on the wireless device or in a storage device remote from the vehicle that is wirelessly accessible by the vehicle.

4. The vehicle of claim 3, wherein the user profile includes one or more user credit parameters that can be used to customize the obtained output.

5. The vehicle of claim 3, wherein the user profile includes one or more predefined qualifications that qualify the user for a modified acquisition schedule.

6. The vehicle of claim 1 wherein the output to the display of the vehicle includes one or more selectable options that can be used to modify the vehicle, and wherein selection of an option causes the one or more processors to modify the acquisition schedule based on the selected option.

7. A vehicle, comprising: at least one wireless transceiver; at least one external output; as well as one or more processors in communication with the transceiver and the output, the one or more processors being configured to: receiving a request to locate the vehicle from a remote device; determining whether a user location that is determinable based on the request is within a predefined proximity of the vehicle; as well as In response to the user location being within the predefined proximity, the user is signaled in a predefined manner using the at least one external output.

8. The vehicle of claim 7, wherein the at least one external output comprises at least one of a speaker or a vehicle lighting system.

9. The vehicle of claim 7, wherein the remote device is a user's wireless device that communicates directly with the vehicle.

10. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the user location is determined based on a location of the wireless device indicated by coordinates from the wireless device, and the location of the vehicle is determined based on coordinates from a vehicle navigation system.

11. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the user location is determined based on a signal received from the wireless device that can be used to determine a distance from the wireless device, and wherein the one or more processors are configured to determine the distance from the wireless device based on the signal.

12. The vehicle of claim 7, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: determining that the remote device is not within the predefined proximity; communicating with at least one second vehicle determined to be between the vehicle and the user location; requesting the at least one second vehicle to signal the user using an external output of the at least one second vehicle; as well as The steps of communicating with an additional second vehicle and requesting use of the external output are repeated until the user location is within the predefined proximity.

13. A system, comprising: One or more processors configured to: determining a location of a particular vehicle in a dealer lot in response to a request for the particular vehicle received from a device of a user; determining a current location of the user; as well as In response to the user location being within a predefined proximity of the location of the particular vehicle, wirelessly instructing the particular vehicle to signal the user using a first vehicle external output.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the current location of the user is determined based on a location of the device indicated with the request.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein the location of the vehicle is based on records indicating parking spaces having known locations in the dealership lot.

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