Intelligent system and control logic for automated self-detection and breaking notification mode for connected vehicle

Abstract

Vehicle systems and control logic for providing self-detection and violation notification capabilities for connected vehicles, methods for making / using such systems, and vehicles equipped with such systems are presented. A method of controlling operation of a host vehicle includes a resident or remote vehicle controller or controller network determining whether a wireless communication device of the host vehicle has an active wireless connection with a remote computing node. If so, the vehicle controller receives a wireless message from a remote computing node via a wireless communication device that includes an emergency alert and hit-and-run data indicative of the target vehicle. The vehicle controller then parses the hit-and-run data from the wireless message and analyzes the parsed hit-and-run data to determine whether the host vehicle is the target vehicle. If so, the vehicle controller responsively commands one or more resident vehicle subsystems to automate one or more remedial actions for the emergency alert.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to automotive vehicles with wireless communication capabilities. More specifically, aspects of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for automating wireless notifications for connected vehicles. Background Art

[0002] Current production motor vehicles (such as modern cars) are equipped with a network of onboard controllers, sensors, and communication devices that enable a variety of vehicle services (such as navigation assistance, cellular connectivity, and multimedia entertainment). In order to provide telecommunications and informatics functionality to vehicle occupants, for example, many passenger compartments are now supplied with center console telematics units that operate as both a human-machine interface (HMI) and an in-vehicle computing device. Telematics units can be wirelessly connected to cellular networks and satellite services for purposes such as real-time navigation, customer support, vehicle diagnostics, traffic data, and digital "streaming" radio. Generally, telematics units function as two-way radio transceivers capable of simultaneously transmitting and receiving data in the form of network data packets. Data packets can be transmitted from a cellular tower to a cellular-enabled vehicle via a downlink (or download) transmission via a UHF or SHF radio signal, and conversely, data packets can be transmitted from a vehicle to a cellular tower via an uplink (or upload) transmission.

[0003] With improved short-range and long-range communication capabilities, many telematics units are now able to wirelessly transmit vehicle and occupant data to a large number of remotely located third-party recipients, such as back-office (BO) vehicle service providers that facilitate automated services and live advisor assistance. Roadside assistance services, for example, enable vehicle telematics systems to contact BO service providers for the purpose of engaging local vendors to provide vehicle towing, jump starting, or maintenance services. Many modern vehicles also have the ability to collect vehicle operation and diagnostic data, which can be sent to BO service providers via telematics devices for storage, analysis, and feedback. However, many telematics units are not capable of directly connecting to first responders or transmitting vehicle data directly to first responders during an emergency. Summary of the invention

[0004] This article presents a smart vehicle system with accompanying control logic for providing self-detection and violation notification capabilities for connected vehicles, methods for operating such systems and methods for making such systems, and wirelessly enabled "talking" vehicles equipped with such systems. As a non-limiting example, a system and method for automatically identifying a subject "host" vehicle as a target "perpetrator" vehicle and concomitantly alerting law enforcement or other first responders is presented. In a specific application, law enforcement can broadcast a cellular message containing an Amber Alert with information identifying a suspected perpetrator. The host vehicle can systematically scan these broadcast alerts via various modalities, such as a telematics unit in the vehicle, a smart phone carried by an occupant, a satellite phone service, a vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) or a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) data exchange (e.g., DSRC, mesh, BLE, WiFi, other), etc. Upon receipt, the host vehicle temporarily stores and parses relevant data from the alert, which may include license plate number, vehicle identification number (VIN), make / model / trim / color data, driver information, etc. From this information, the host vehicle can determine whether it is in fact the target vehicle; if so, the host vehicle can automatically alert law enforcement of its identity and location, as well as take corrective actions, such as to slow, stop and / or disable the host vehicle. If not the perpetrator, the host vehicle can proactively employ an on-vehicle network of sensing and communication devices to systematically scan for target vehicles. Using ADAS vehicle cameras and "invisible" V2V data exchanges, the host vehicle can identify the target vehicle and concomitantly alert law enforcement of real-time location, heading, pictures, etc.

[0005] Ancillary advantages of at least some of the disclosed concepts include control systems and programmable logic that automate self-detection and violation notification modes of operation that minimize or completely eliminate the need for human intervention to help identify target vehicles during emergency situations. The disclosed systems and methods can leverage the wireless and sensing capabilities of a vehicle to automate and enhance target vehicle identification. Other ancillary advantages can include expanding and accelerating real-time target vehicle identification and location capabilities through crowdsourced cellular, satellite, and V2X data exchanges. Additionally, a host can employ "invisible" V2V data exchanges to identify a target vehicle without the knowledge of the driver of the vehicle.

[0006] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to vehicle control protocols, system control logic, and memory stored instructions for providing a self-detection and violation notification (SDVN) mode of operation for a connected vehicle. In an example, a method for controlling the operation of a host vehicle having wireless short-range communication (SRC) and / or long-range communication (LRC) features (collectively, a "wireless communication device") and a resident or remote controller or module or network of controllers / modules (collectively, a "controller") is presented. In any order and in any combination with any of the options and features disclosed above and below, the representative method includes: assessing the LRC device or the occupant's smart phone, for example via a controller of a host vehicle, to determine whether the wireless communication device has an active wireless connection with a remote computing node; receiving a wireless message (e.g., an Amber Alert text, push, email, etc. specifying the alert type and offender information) from the remote computing node, for example via the wireless communication device; parsing the offender data from the wireless message, for example and saving it to a resident cache memory via the controller; analyzing the parsed offender data to determine whether the host vehicle is the target vehicle, for example via the controller without driver knowledge or input; and transmitting one or more command signals to one or more resident vehicle subsystems of the host vehicle, for example via the controller of the host vehicle, in response to confirming that the host vehicle is the target vehicle, to automate one or more remedial actions for the emergency alert.

[0007] Aspects of the present disclosure also relate to a computer-readable medium (CRM) for providing an SDVN operating mode for a connected vehicle. In an example, the non-transient CRM stores instructions that can be executed by one or more processors of a controller of a host vehicle. When executed, these instructions cause the controller of the host vehicle to perform operations including: determining whether the wireless communication device of the host vehicle has an active cellular connection with a remote computing node via a cellular telecommunications network; receiving a wireless message containing an emergency alert and perpetrator data indicating a target vehicle from the remote computing node via the wireless communication device; parsing the perpetrator data from the wireless message; analyzing the parsed perpetrator data to determine whether the host vehicle is the target vehicle; and in response to determining that the host vehicle is the target vehicle, commanding the resident vehicle subsystem of the host vehicle to automate remedial actions for the emergency alert.

[0008] Additional aspects of the present disclosure relate to connected vehicles with SDVN capabilities. As used herein, the terms "vehicle" and "motor vehicle" may be used interchangeably and synonymously to reference any relevant vehicle platform, such as passenger vehicles (internal combustion engine (ICE), hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), full electric vehicle (FEV), fuel cell, full and partial autonomy, etc.), commercial vehicles, industrial vehicles, tracked vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, watercraft, aircraft, etc. In an example, the motor vehicle includes a vehicle body with a passenger compartment, a plurality of road wheels mounted to the vehicle body (e.g., via a corner module coupled to an integral or frame body chassis), and other standard original equipment. The powertrain system of the vehicle may include an engine (e.g., for an ICE powertrain) or one or more traction motors operating alone (e.g., for an FEV powertrain) or one or more traction motors operating in conjunction with an internal combustion engine (e.g., for an HEV powertrain) to selectively drive one or more of the road wheels to propel the vehicle. The vehicle is also equipped with one or more wireless communication devices, which may have a cellular enabled device, a satellite transceiver module, a DSRC device, a Bluetooth The nature of the equipment, etc.

[0009] Continuing with the foregoing discussion, the vehicle is also equipped with a vehicle controller (e.g., a single controller, a network of controllers, a resident / remote controller or module, etc.) that is programmed to confirm that the wireless communication device of the vehicle has an active wireless connection with the remote computing node. If active, the controller of the host vehicle communicates with the remote computing node via the wireless communication device to receive a wireless message containing an emergency alert and perpetrator data indicating the target vehicle associated with the emergency alert. Once received, the controller parses the perpetrator data from the wireless message, and then analyzes the parsed perpetrator data to determine whether the host vehicle is the target vehicle. If so, the controller responsively commands one or more resident vehicle subsystems of the host vehicle to automate one or more remedial actions for the emergency alert.

[0010] For any of the disclosed vehicles, methods, and CRMs, a vehicle controller may respond to determining that the host vehicle is not a target vehicle by using one or more on-vehicle sensing devices to scan third-party vehicles close to the host vehicle and determine whether one of these scanned third-party vehicles is a target vehicle. If one is, the host vehicle may responsively command its resident telematics unit to transmit an alert message with location data and identification data for the scanned third-party vehicle identified as the target vehicle to the first responder. As a further option, the vehicle controller may receive a wireless cancellation message canceling the emergency alert via a wireless communication device. In this instance, the controller may responsively command one or more sensing devices of the host vehicle to terminate scanning of third-party vehicles close to the host vehicle for the target vehicle. Optionally, the perpetrator data of the target vehicle may include a license plate number, a vehicle identification number, an Internet Protocol address, a vehicle color, a vehicle brand and model, and / or any other identification data.

[0011] For any of the disclosed vehicles, methods, and CRMs, the wireless communication device of the vehicle may include a cellular-enabled modem of a telematics unit located inside the host vehicle. In this instance, the vehicle controller may respond to the host vehicle being a target vehicle by determining whether the cellular-enabled modem of the telematics unit has a cellular connection to a cellular telecommunications network. Commanding the resident vehicle subsystem to automate the remedial action may further respond to the cellular-enabled modem of the telematics unit having a cellular connection to a cellular telecommunications network. The wireless communication device of the vehicle may include one or more short-range communication devices. In this instance, the SRC device may respond to the telematics unit not having a cellular connection by broadcasting a distress message indicating that the host vehicle is the target vehicle. As a further option, simultaneously with or after broadcasting the distress message, the vehicle controller may activate the vehicle's hazard light system and / or slow down the vehicle's powertrain system to stop the host vehicle.

[0012] For any of the disclosed vehicles, methods, and CRMs, the wireless communication devices of the host vehicle may include a cellular enabled device (e.g., a telematics unit or an occupant smartphone) and an SRC device (e.g., Low Energy (BLE) module or dedicated short range communication (DSRC) unit). In this example, determining whether the wireless communication device has an active wireless connection may include: the cellular-enabled device establishes a cellular connection with the cellular telecommunications network (e.g., actively exchanging radio wave signals with a cellular tower of a base station). If an active connection is not established, the host vehicle can responsively scan for announcements of emergency alerts from a variety of third-party vehicles, and if broadcast, use an SRC device to receive emergency alerts from third-party vehicles. As a further option, the host vehicle can respond to the cellular connection being established by using an SRC device to scan for third-party vehicles broadcasting distress messages. Using the SRC device, the host vehicle can receive a distress message from one of the third-party vehicles indicating that the third-party vehicle is a target vehicle. In this instance, the telematics unit in the vehicle can transmit an alert message with location data and identification data of the third-party vehicle as the target vehicle to the first responder.

[0013] For any of the disclosed vehicles, methods, and CRMs, the remote computing node may be a local or national emergency alert system, the resident vehicle subsystem of the host vehicle may include a telematics unit, and the remedial action may include: the telematics unit transmits an alert message to a first responder having location data of the host vehicle and identification data of the host vehicle as a target vehicle. As another option, the resident vehicle subsystem may include a hazard light system of the host vehicle and / or a powertrain system of the host vehicle. In this instance, the remedial action may include: activating the hazard light system and / or slowing the powertrain system to stop the host vehicle. The resident vehicle subsystem may also include a resident anti-theft system and / or a resident automatic steering system. In this instance, the remedial action may include: the anti-theft system automatically activates a remote ignition block (RIB) mode that prevents activation of a prime mover in the powertrain system of the host vehicle, and / or the automatic steering system automatically steers the host vehicle to a desired position.

[0014] A method for controlling the operation of a host vehicle having a vehicle controller and a wireless communication device is provided, the method comprising: determining, via the vehicle controller, that the wireless communication device of the host vehicle has an active wireless connection with a remote computing node; receiving, via the wireless communication device, from the remote computing node a wireless message containing an emergency alert and perpetrator data indicating a target vehicle; parsing, via the vehicle controller, the perpetrator data from the wireless message; analyzing, via the vehicle controller, the parsed perpetrator data to determine whether the host vehicle is the target vehicle; and transmitting, via the vehicle controller, in response to determining that the host vehicle is the target vehicle, a command signal to a resident vehicle subsystem of the host vehicle to automate remedial action for the emergency alert.

[0015] The method further includes: scanning, via a sensing device of the host vehicle, third-party vehicles in proximity to the host vehicle in response to determining that the host vehicle is not the target vehicle; determining whether one of the scanned third-party vehicles is the target vehicle; and transmitting, via a telematics unit of the host vehicle, an alert message to a first responder in response to the one of the scanned third-party vehicles being the target vehicle, the alert message indicating the location and identification of the one of the scanned third-party vehicles as the target vehicle.

[0016] The method further includes: receiving, via the wireless communication device, a wireless cancellation message to cancel the emergency alert; and commanding, via the vehicle controller, in response to receiving the wireless cancellation message, one or more sensing devices of the host vehicle to stop scanning third-party vehicles that are close to the host vehicle for the target vehicle.

[0017] In the method, the wireless communication device includes a cellular-enabled telematics unit in the host vehicle, and the method further includes: determining, via the vehicle controller, in response to the host vehicle being the target vehicle, that the cellular-enabled telematics unit has a cellular connection with a cellular telecommunication network, wherein transmitting the command signal to the resident vehicle subsystem to automate the remedial action is further responsive to the cellular-enabled telematics unit having a cellular connection with the cellular telecommunication network.

[0018] In the method, the wireless communication device further includes a short range communication (SRC) device, the method further including broadcasting, via the SRC device, a distress message indicating that the host vehicle is the target vehicle in response to the telematics unit not having the cellular connection.

[0019] In the method, the resident vehicle subsystem includes a hazard light system and / or a powertrain system, and the method further includes: activating the hazard light system and / or slowing the powertrain system to stop the host vehicle simultaneously with or after broadcasting the distress message.

[0020] In the method, the target vehicle's offender data includes a license plate number, a vehicle identification number, an Internet Protocol address, a vehicle color, and / or a vehicle make and model.

[0021] In the method, the wireless communication device of the host vehicle includes a cellular-enabled telematics unit in the host vehicle, and wherein determining that the wireless communication device has the active wireless connection includes the telematics unit establishing a cellular connection with a cellular telecommunications network.

[0022] In the method, the wireless communication device further includes a short-range communication (SRC) device, and the method further includes: in response to the telematics unit not establishing the cellular connection with the cellular telecommunication network, scanning for reception of the emergency alert from a third-party vehicle; and receiving the emergency alert from the third-party vehicle via the SRC device.

[0023] In the method, the wireless communication device further includes a short-range communication (SRC) device, and the method further includes: scanning for reception of distress messages from third-party vehicles via the SRC device in response to the telematics unit establishing the cellular connection; receiving a distress message from one of the third-party vehicles via the SRC device indicating that the one of the third-party vehicles is the target vehicle; and transmitting an alert message to a first responder via the telematics unit, the alert message indicating the location and identification of the one of the third-party vehicles as the target vehicle.

[0024] In the method, the remote computing node is an emergency alert system, the resident vehicle subsystem includes a telematics unit, and the remedial action includes: transmitting an alert message to a first responder via the telematics unit, the alert message indicating the location and identification of the host vehicle as the target vehicle.

[0025] In the method, the resident vehicle subsystem includes a hazard light system and / or a powertrain system, and the remedial action includes activating the hazard light system and / or slowing the powertrain system to stop the host vehicle.

[0026] In the method, the resident vehicle subsystem includes a resident theft deterrent system, and the remedial action includes the resident theft deterrent system automatically activating a remote ignition block (RIB) mode operable to prevent activation of a prime mover in a powertrain system of the host vehicle.

[0027] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions is provided, the instructions being executable by one or more processors of a vehicle controller of a host vehicle, the host vehicle including a wireless communication device, the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, causing the vehicle controller to perform operations including: determining, via a cellular telecommunications network, whether the wireless communication device of the host vehicle has an active cellular connection with a remote computing node; receiving, via the wireless communication device, from the remote computing node a wireless message containing an emergency alert and perpetrator data indicating a target vehicle; parsing the perpetrator data from the wireless message; analyzing the parsed perpetrator data to determine whether the host vehicle is the target vehicle; and in response to determining that the host vehicle is the target vehicle, commanding a resident vehicle subsystem of the host vehicle to automate remedial action for the emergency alert.

[0028] A motor vehicle is provided, comprising: a vehicle body having a passenger compartment; a plurality of road wheels attached to the vehicle body; a wireless communication device attached to the vehicle body; and a vehicle controller programmed to: determine that the wireless communication device has an active wireless connection with a remote computing node; receive a wireless message containing an emergency alert and perpetrator data indicating a target vehicle from the remote computing node via the wireless communication device; parse the perpetrator data from the wireless message; analyze the parsed perpetrator data to determine whether the motor vehicle is the target vehicle; and in response to determining that the motor vehicle is the target vehicle, transmit a command signal to a resident vehicle subsystem of the motor vehicle to automate remedial action for the emergency alert.

[0029] In the motor vehicle, the vehicle controller is further programmed to: scan third-party vehicles approaching the motor vehicle via a sensing device of the motor vehicle in response to determining that the motor vehicle is not the target vehicle; determine whether one of the scanned third-party vehicles is the target vehicle; and transmit an alert message to a first responder via a telematics unit of the motor vehicle in response to the one of the scanned third-party vehicles being the target vehicle, the alert message indicating the location and identification of the one of the scanned third-party vehicles as the target vehicle.

[0030] In the motor vehicle, the vehicle controller is further programmed to: receive a wireless cancellation message to cancel the emergency alert via the wireless communication device; and in response to receiving the wireless cancellation message, command one or more sensing devices of the motor vehicle to stop scanning third-party vehicles approaching the motor vehicle for the target vehicle.

[0031] In the motor vehicle, the wireless communication device includes a telematics unit, and wherein the vehicle controller is further programmed to: in response to the motor vehicle being the target vehicle, determine whether the telematics unit has a cellular connection with a cellular telecommunications network, wherein transmitting the command signal to the resident vehicle subsystem to automate the remedial action is further responsive to the telematics unit having a cellular connection with the cellular telecommunications network.

[0032] In the motor vehicle, the wireless communication device further includes a short range communication (SRC) device, and wherein the vehicle controller is further programmed to: broadcast a distress message indicating that the motor vehicle is the target vehicle via the SRC device in response to the telematics unit not having the cellular connection.

[0033] In the motor vehicle, the wireless communication device of the motor vehicle includes a telematics unit in the motor vehicle, and wherein determining that the wireless communication device has the active wireless connection includes the telematics unit establishing a cellular connection with a cellular telecommunications network.

[0034] The above summary of the invention does not represent every embodiment or every aspect of the present disclosure. On the contrary, the above summary of the invention only provides a summary of some of the new concepts and features set forth herein. The above features and advantages and other features and attendant advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following specific embodiments of the illustrated examples and representative modes for implementing the present disclosure when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. In addition, the present disclosure explicitly includes any and all combinations and sub-combinations of the elements and features presented above and below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Figure 1 is a partially schematic side view illustration of a representative motor vehicle having a network of in-vehicle controllers, sensing devices, and communication devices for providing a self-detection and violation notification (SDVN) mode of operation according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 2 is a flow chart illustrating a representative vehicle control method for automating detection and notification of a target vehicle for a connected host vehicle in accordance with aspects of the disclosed concepts, which representative vehicle control method may correspond to instructions stored in a memory executable by a resident or remote controller, control logic circuit, programmable control unit, or other integrated circuit (IC) device or network of devices.

[0037] The present disclosure is subject to various modifications and alternative forms, and some representative embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings as examples and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the new aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to the specific forms illustrated in the drawings listed above. On the contrary, the present disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, combinations, arrangements, groupings and alternatives that fall within the scope of the present disclosure as, for example, covered by the appended claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The present disclosure allows for embodiments that exist in many different forms. Under the understanding that the representative embodiments of the present disclosure are provided as illustrations of the disclosed principles rather than limitations of the broad aspects of the present disclosure, these embodiments are shown in the drawings and described in detail herein. To this extent, elements and limitations that are described in the abstract, background technology, content of the invention, illustrations of the drawings, and specific embodiments, but not explicitly set forth in the claims, should not be incorporated into the claims individually or collectively, by implication, inference, or otherwise. In addition, the records of "first", "second", "third", etc. in the specification or claims are not themselves used to establish series or numerical limitations; unless otherwise specifically stated, these names may be used for the convenience of citing similar features in the specification and drawings, and are not used to delimit between similar elements in the claims.

[0039] For purposes of this Detailed Description, unless specifically disclaimed: the singular includes the plural, and vice versa; the words "and" and "or" shall be both conjunctive and disjunctive; the words "any" and "all" shall both mean "any and all"; and the words "including," "comprising," "containing," "having," and the like shall each mean "including but not limited to." In addition, approximate words such as "about," "almost," "substantially," "generally," "approximately," and the like, may be used herein to indicate, for example, "at, about, or nearly at," or "within 0-5% of," or "within acceptable manufacturing tolerances," or any logical combination thereof. Finally, directional adjectives and adverbs such as front, rear, inboard, outboard, starboard, port, vertical, horizontal, upward, downward, front, rear, left, right, and the like may be relative to a motor vehicle, such as the forward driving direction of a motor vehicle when the vehicle is oriented for operation on a level driving surface.

[0040] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like features throughout the several views, Figure 1 A representative motor vehicle is shown in , which is generally designated at 10 and is depicted as a sedan-style electric drive vehicle for the purpose of discussion herein. The illustrated automobile 10 - also referred to herein as simply a "motor vehicle" or "vehicle" - is merely an exemplary application that can be used to practice aspects of the present disclosure. Similarly, incorporating the present concept into the illustrated wireless communication network for broadcasting Amber Alerts to connected vehicles should also be understood as a non-limiting implementation of the disclosed features. Thus, it should be understood that aspects and features of the present disclosure can be applied to other wireless network architectures, implemented for wireless transmission of other types of electronic messages, and incorporated into any logically related type of vehicle. In addition, only selected components of the motor vehicle and wireless communication network are shown and described in detail herein. However, the vehicles and systems discussed below may include many additional and replaceable features and other available peripheral components for implementing the various methods and functions of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 1 The representative vehicle 10 is initially equipped with a vehicle telecommunications and information ("telematics") unit 14 that communicates with a remotely located back office (BO) cloud computing host service 24 (e.g., or ) wireless communications. As a non-limiting example, Figure 1Some of the other vehicle hardware components 16 shown generally in FIG. 1 include an electronic video display device 18, a microphone 28, an audio speaker 30, and a variety of user input controls 32 (e.g., buttons, knobs, switches, touch pads, joysticks, touch screens, etc.). These hardware components 16 function in part as a human-machine interface (HMI) that enables a user to communicate with the telematics unit 14 and other components resident and remote from the vehicle 10. The microphone 28, for example, provides a means for the occupant to input verbal or other audible commands; the vehicle 10 employs an embedded voice processing unit that utilizes audio filtering, editing, and analysis modules to convert the input into signals. In contrast, the speaker(s) 30 provide audible output to the vehicle occupants and may be separate speakers dedicated to the telematics unit 14, or may be part of the audio system 22. The audio system 22 is operatively connected to the network connection interface 34 and the audio bus 20 to receive analog information via one or more speaker components to render it as sound.

[0042] Communicatively coupled to the telematics unit 14 is a network connection interface 34, suitable examples of which include a twisted pair / fiber optic Ethernet switch, a parallel / serial communications bus, a local area network (LAN) interface, a controller area network (CAN) interface, etc. The network connection interface 34 enables the vehicle hardware 16 to send and receive signals with each other and with various systems both onboard and offboard the vehicle body 12. This allows the vehicle 10 to automate a wide variety of vehicle functions, such as modulating the powertrain output, activating friction or regenerative brakes, controlling vehicle steering, managing the operation of the traction battery pack, controlling vehicle security and anti-theft systems, and other automated functions. For example, the telematics unit 14 can exchange signals with a powertrain control module (PCM) 52, an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) module 54, an electronic battery control module (EBCM) 56, a steering control module (SCM) 58, a brake system control module (BSCM) 60, and various other vehicle ECUs (such as a transmission control module (TCM), an engine control module (ECM), a sensor system interface module (SSIM), etc.).

[0043] Continue to refer Figure 1, the telematics unit 14 is: an onboard computing device that provides a mixture of services both individually and through its communication with other networked devices. The telematics unit 14 is generally composed of one or more processors 40, each of which may be embodied as a discrete microprocessor, a multi-core processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a dedicated control module, and / or other suitable IC devices or device networks. The vehicle 10 can be supplied with centralized vehicle control via a central processing unit (CPU) 36 operatively coupled to a real-time clock (RTC) 42 and one or more electronic memory devices 38, each of which may take the form of a CD-ROM, a magnetic disk, an IC memory device, a solid-state drive (SSD) memory, a hard disk drive (HDD) memory, flash memory, semiconductor memory (e.g., various types of RAM or ROM), etc.

[0044] Long range communication (LRC) capability with remotely located off-board devices may be provided via one or more or all of the following: a cellular chipset, a very high frequency (UHF) radio transceiver, a satellite communication (SATCOM) component (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS) transceiver), and / or a wireless modem, all of which may be provided in the vehicle. Figure 1 The middle part is shown at 44. The communication can be performed via a short-range communication device 46 (e.g., Unit or near field communication (NFC) transceiver), UWB or LPWAN communication device, dedicated short range communication (DSRC) component 48 and / or dual antenna 50 to provide short range communication (SRC) capability. The communication devices described above can provide data exchange as part of periodic broadcasts in a vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication network or a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication network (e.g., vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P), vehicle-to-device (V2D), etc.). It is contemplated that the vehicle 10 can be implemented without one or more of the components listed above, or can alternatively include additional components and functionality as desired for a particular end use.

[0045] Figure 1 The CPU 36 receives sensor data from one or more sensing devices using, for example, image detection, radar, laser, ultrasound, optical, infrared or other suitable technology, including short-range communication technology (e.g., DSRC, ad hoc mesh LAN, or ) or ultra-wideband (UWB) radio technology, for example, to perform automated vehicle operations or vehicle navigation services. According to the illustrated example, the automobile 10 can be equipped with one or more digital cameras 62, one or more distance sensors 64, one or more vehicle speed sensors 66, one or more vehicle dynamics sensors 68, and any necessary filtering, classification, fusion and analysis hardware and software for processing raw sensor data. The type, placement, number and interoperability of the distributed array of sensors on the vehicle can be adapted individually or collectively to a given vehicle platform for achieving the desired level of automation and accompanying autonomous vehicle operations.

[0046] To propel the motor vehicle 10, the electrified powertrain is operable to generate and deliver tractive torque to one or more of the vehicle's drive wheels 26. Figure 1 70 is generally represented by a traction motor 78 operatively connected to a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS), which may have the properties of a chassis-mounted traction battery pack 70. The traction battery pack 70 may generally consist of one or more battery modules 72 each containing a group of electrochemical cells 74, such as lithium-ion, lithium polymer, or nickel metal hybrid cells. A traction motor / generator (M) unit 78 draws power from the battery pack 70 and optionally delivers power to the battery pack 70. A power inverter module (PIM) 80 electrically connects the battery pack 70 to (one or more) motor / generator units 78 and modulates the transfer of current therebetween. The battery pack 70 may be configured such that module management, unit sensing, and module-to-module or module-to-host communication functionality are directly integrated into each module 72 and wirelessly performed via a wirelessly enabled battery monitoring unit (CMU) 76.

[0047] exist Figure 1Also shown is a mobile vehicle communication (MVC) system 82 that enables wireless communications between a remotely located computing node and one or more motor vehicles 10. The MVC system 82 is represented herein by a constellation diagram of GPS satellites 84, wireless service satellites 86, uplink transmission stations 88, cellular (cell) transceiver towers 90, and a mobile switching center (MSC) 92. The GPS transceiver 44 of the host vehicle can exchange radio signals with the GPS satellites 84 to derive real-time or near real-time geographic location and time data for the vehicle 10, which can be used to provide navigation and other related services to the vehicle occupants. The wireless service satellites 86 provide one-way and two-way communications with the vehicle 10 through cooperative operation with the uplink transmission stations 88, such as satellite radio and media services (e.g., music, news, video, etc.) and satellite telephone services (e.g., contacting a remote vehicle command center). Although shown with a single vehicle 10 communicating with multiple GPS satellites 84, a single wireless service satellite 86, a single uplink station 88, a single cellular tower 90, and a single MSC 92, the MVC system 82 may incorporate any number and combination of the above elements as well as other available and hereafter developed communications hardware.

[0048] The MVC system 82 may operate within a cellular communication system 96 that is configured to communicate with one another in a manner similar to that described in the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 96, and any other networking components required to link the cellular communication system 96 with various end nodes (e.g., the BO host service 24). Each cellular tower 90 can be equipped with a corresponding set of transmitting and receiving antennas for exchanging radio signals with the vehicle 10. The base stations of different cellular towers can be connected to the MSC 92 directly or via intermediate equipment (such as a base station controller (not shown)). The cellular communication system 96 can implement any suitable communication technology, including early cellular protocols (such as Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) 2G technology) or modern cellular protocols (such as 4G-LTE, 5G Advanced technology). The vehicle telematics unit 14 can act as a cellular-enabled mobile component that is registered with a cellular operator to transmit network data packets to and from the cellular communication system 96. It should be appreciated that the system 96 may present an endless number of tower / station / MSC arrangements, including co-location of a base station and a cellular tower at the same site, locating the base station and cellular tower remote from each other, a single base station serving a single cellular tower, a single cell serving multiple cellular towers, and coupling multiple base stations to a single MSC, to name just a few possible arrangements.

[0049] During operation of the motor vehicle 10, the telematics unit 14 can use the on-vehicle LRC device 44 and the SRC devices 46, 48 to systematically exchange wireless messages and data with a large number of off-vehicle entities. For example, authorized federal, state, or local agencies (such as law enforcement agencies (LEA) or intelligence and security services (FBI)) can broadcast wireless emergency alert (WEA) messages for Amber Alerts, severe weather events, criminal activities, natural disasters, etc. For Amber Alerts or other criminal activities, the disclosed systems and methods do not rely on pedestrians and bystanders to help locate and report (one or more) suspected perpetrators; instead, the sensing, computing, and wireless capabilities of crowdsourced vehicles are utilized to enhance perpetrator identification. The disclosed systems and methods are able to quickly and accurately identify the target vehicle of the perpetrator, and do so without notifying the occupants of the suspected target vehicle and without relying on visual identification of the perpetrator and / or the perpetrator's vehicle. In addition, the disclosed systems and methods utilize V2V and V2X communication capabilities, and thus do not rely solely on cellular telecommunications.

[0050] Emergency alert systems (EAS) can periodically broadcast emergency alert information via cellular networks, satellite services, analog and digital radio, and broadcast television. For vehicle applications where such communication modalities are unavailable, multi-hop V2V channels can be employed to broadcast the emergency information to the vehicle without cellular or satellite connectivity. From the alert, the subject "host" vehicle can find out whether it is the target "perpetrator" vehicle in question, such as by parsing license plate and VIN data from the received LEA alert, retrieving the host vehicle's VIN / plate information from the vehicle memory, and mapping the parsed perpetrator data with the host vehicle data to see if they match. The mapping between the perpetrator data and the data of the suspected target vehicle can be provided by a dedicated SDVN module, a center console telematics unit, or a dedicated mobile application operating on the occupant's smartphone. The multi-step notification protocol can take into account the operating state of the host vehicle, identify its communication capabilities, and utilize its on-vehicle sensor network.

[0051] Initially, the host vehicle can be notified on the cellular network that the vehicle has a cellular connection. The wireless message containing the emergency alert can be transmitted to the host vehicle by law enforcement, back office vehicle service, nearby vehicles, etc. If the self-identified target vehicle does not have a cellular connection, the vehicle can continuously broadcast (e.g., on BLE, WiFi, V2V, etc.) that it is likely to be a distress message of the target "perpetrator" vehicle. In addition to notifying the first responder, the target vehicle can also realize autonomous driving capabilities to automatically turn itself to the desired "safe" position, carefully slow down and stop the vehicle, activate its horn and / or hazard light system, and / or disable itself. If the host vehicle determines that it is not the target vehicle in question, the host vehicle can use its resident sensor array and communication capabilities to periodically scan nearby "third party" vehicles to see if a nearby "third party" vehicle matches the resolved perpetrator data. If one of the nearby vehicles is identified as a likely target "perpetrator" vehicle, the host vehicle may notify the LEA or BO vehicle service provider of the target's real-time location, heading, and other relevant data.

[0052] Next reference Figure 2 , according to aspects of the present disclosure, generally depicts at 200 a method for controlling a vehicle connected to a host vehicle (such as, Figure 1 Automobile 10) Improved method or control strategy for automating detection and notification of target vehicles. Figure 2 Some or all of the operations illustrated in FIG. 1 and described in further detail below may represent algorithms corresponding to: for example, in a primary or secondary or remote memory (e.g., Figure 1 The information is stored in the vehicle memory device 38 and / or the BO host service database 98 and is stored, for example, by an electronic controller, a processing unit, a dedicated control module, a logic circuit, or other modules or devices or a network of controllers / modules / devices (e.g., Figure 1 The vehicle CPU 36 and / or the BO host service 24 server) of the vehicle can be executed by non-transient processor executable instructions for performing any or all of the functions described above and below associated with the disclosed concept. It should be recognized that the execution order of the illustrated operation blocks can be changed, additional operation blocks can be added, and some of the operations described herein can be modified, combined or eliminated.

[0053] Method 200 begins with Figure 2A "start" terminal box 201 having a programmable controller or control module or network of controllers / modules invokes processor executable instructions stored in memory for an automated self-detection and violation notification (SDVN) process for a connected vehicle. The routine may be executed in real time, near real time, continuously, systematically, and / or at predefined time intervals (e.g., every 10 or 100 milliseconds during normal operation of the motor vehicle 10). As yet another option, the terminal box 201 may be initialized in response to a user command prompt (e.g., via a telematics input control device 32), a resident vehicle controller prompt (e.g., from the CPU 36), or a broadcast prompt signal received from a centralized backend vehicle service system (e.g., from the BO host service 24). As a non-limiting example, the method 200 may be automatically initialized during a key-on event in which a driver, owner, occupant, or other authorized operator (collectively, "user") of the vehicle 10 energizes the vehicle powertrain or enters a vehicle accessory mode. Upon completion Figure 2 When some or all of the control operations presented in the method 200 are completed, the method 200 may proceed to the "end" terminal block 237 and terminate temporarily, or alternatively may loop back to the terminal block 201 and operate in a continuous loop. The terminal block 237 may be automatically triggered in response to a power-off event in which the user disconnects power to the vehicle powertrain / accessories.

[0054] From terminal block 201, proceeding to "Cellular Connection 1" decision block 203, method 200 may execute instructions stored in memory to determine whether the host vehicle has an active cellular connection with a cellular telecommunications network. In a non-limiting example, the vehicle controller may collect signal status data indicating the real-time or near real-time cell signal status of the host vehicle, which may include actively measuring the cellular signal quality of the host vehicle. Upon receiving an ignition activation request, for example, the vehicle CPU 36 may responsively communicate with the cellular chipset and UHF radio transceiver (LRC device 44) of the telematics unit 14 to retrieve wireless signal data indicating the wireless signal status, for example, the signal quality (decibels (dB)) and / or signal strength (decibel milliwatts (dBm)) of the unit. In telecommunications, signal strength typically refers to the transmitter power output as received by a reference antenna at a certain distance from the transmitting antenna. Cellular signal strength, which may be reported as reference signal received power (RSRP), is typically measured in decibel milliwatts and may vary in a range from approximately -30 dBm to -110 dBm. Generally, a signal strength better than about -50 dBm (i.e., closer to 0) is considered a strong signal, a signal strength better than about -85 dBm is considered a usable signal, and a signal strength less than about -100 dBm is considered a weak signal. The method 200 can infer that the host vehicle has cellular connectivity upon confirming that the telematics unit 14 has a cellular signal strength greater than about -80 dBm.

[0055] Upon confirming that the host vehicle has sufficient cellular connectivity (block 203 = YES), method 200 may continue to a "distress scan" data entry block 205 to check for vehicles within proximity of the host vehicle and that may broadcast a distress signal. According to the illustrated example, Figure 1 The motor vehicle 10 may employ any one or more of the SRC devices 46, 48 described above to periodically scan for third-party vehicles within a preset proximity (e.g., approximately 50 meters (m) for UWB; approximately 100 m for BLE; approximately one (1) kilometer (km) for DSRC) to identify vehicles that are actively broadcasting distress messages. The center console telematics unit 14 of the host vehicle may instruct the dedicated BLE control module to periodically scan for available based on the vehicle-generated messages. The “Announce” channel of the vehicle; applications can look for a universally unique identifier (UUID) embedded in a wireless electronic message indicating that the vehicle is in distress.

[0056] At the "distress message" decision box 207, the host vehicle determines whether it has received a wireless distress message from one of the approaching third-party vehicles across the available short-range communication channel. For an Amber Alert or other criminal activity, the distress message may contain information indicating that the message generating vehicle is a suspected target "perpetrator" vehicle corresponding to the emergency alert event. In addition to receiving and temporarily storing the distress message, the decision box 207 may also prompt the recipient host vehicle to evaluate the distress message to extract, evaluate and confirm the authenticity of the material information embedded in the message.

[0057] In response to receiving the distress message (block 207=yes), method 200 executes a "violation notification 1" signal output block 209, where the host vehicle notifies authorities or other interested parties that the target vehicle has been identified. By way of example and not limitation, Figure 1 The telematics unit 14 may contact first responders—directly (e.g., via the LRC device 44) or indirectly (e.g., via the BO host service 24)—and transmit an alert message thereto notifying them that the target has been located and providing location data and identification data identifying the third party vehicle as the suspected target vehicle. Although not limiting in itself, Figure 2 The distress message process of the algorithm shown in is particularly beneficial for target vehicles that do not have their own active cellular connection or other means for contacting authorities.

[0058] By confirming that the host vehicle has sufficient cellular connectivity (box 203 = yes), the method 200 can proceed to the "Emergency Alert" decision box 211 to determine whether the emergency alert is received by the host vehicle from the remote computing node. Compared to the decision box 207 in which the host vehicle 10 uses the SRC device 46, 48 to scan and receive distress messages, the decision box 211 can include: the host vehicle adopts a cellular chipset, UHF radio transceiver or other suitable LRC device 44 to receive wireless electronic messages containing emergency alerts. As indicated above, the remote computing node can take on many form factors, including emergency alert systems that undertake the task of broadcasting emergency alerts and warning messages to the public. Receipt of emergency alerts can be direct, such as receiving push / email / SMS / MMS from the EAS via the telematics unit 14, or indirect, such as piggybacking a smartphone carried by an occupant via the telematics unit 14 or engaging the BO vehicle service 24 to receive data, messages and other relevant information. The received wireless message may include an emergency alert (e.g., This is an Amber Alert!) and perpetrator data identifying the target vehicle (e.g., Please Watch Out For The Following). The perpetrator data of the target vehicle may include any distinguishing information, such as license plate number, VIN, IP address, vehicle color, vehicle make / model / trim / year, driver information, victim information, etc.

[0059] The host vehicle may respond to not having an active cellular connection (block 203 = No) by performing an "alert scan" data entry block 213 and checking vehicles within proximity of the host vehicle to detect any vehicles that may relay an alert signal. Similar to data entry block 205, Figure 1 The motor vehicle 10 may employ any of the SRC devices 46, 48 described above to periodically scan third-party vehicles within a preset proximity of the host to identify which, if any, of those vehicles are actively broadcasting wireless messages containing emergency alerts. Thus, a potential target without cellular connectivity may scan for announcements for Amber Alerts or Crime Alerts based on the UUID and attempt to determine whether it is an associated target based on that information. In this manner, the host vehicle may receive emergency alerts via both an LRC channel (e.g., cellular data packets from an EAS) and an SRC channel (e.g., multi-hop V2V data packets received from nearby vehicles). It is conceivable that the "Emergency Alert" decision box 211 or the "Alert Scan" data input box 213 may be executed simultaneously with the "Distress Scan" data input box 205 to increase the likelihood that the host vehicle will identify the target vehicle.

[0060] Prior to, concurrently with, or after receiving a wireless message with an emergency alert, method 200 may execute an "alert cancel" decision box 215 to determine whether the active emergency alert has been canceled. Upon receiving a wireless cancel message notifying the recipient host vehicle that a previously issued emergency alert has been canceled (box 215 = yes), method 200 may responsively execute a "cancel scan" process box 217 and command one or more of the on-vehicle camera, SRC unit, and other communication and sensing devices to cease scanning for target vehicles in proximity to the host vehicle. For example, Figure 1 The digital camera 62 and BLE SRC device 46 of the motor vehicle 10 may continuously scan for distress signals, emergency alerts, and tagged perpetrators. It is possible that the host vehicle may have missed the initial wireless message, for example, due to an insufficient cellular connection or a failed download process, and thus did not receive the initial emergency alert (block 211 = No). In response to receiving a cancellation message, the host may automatically cancel an ongoing camera scan, BLE scan, etc.

[0061] Upon receiving a new emergency alert (block 211 =YES), method 200 may responsively execute a “parse alert” predefined process block 219 to identify and extract relevant information contained in the received alert. Figure 1 The CPU 36 of the host vehicle can, for example, download the incoming wireless message, locate the body (payload) segment of the message, and parse the relevant perpetrator data therefrom. The parsing can depend on the specified structure of the message, whether it is a standardized format or a unique format customized for the desired terminal application. For instances where the BLE peripheral device broadcasts the BLE announcement packet as a packet data unit (PDU) to all BLE compatible devices within range, the CPU 36 of the host vehicle retrieves the BLE announcement and accesses the variable payload of the PDU and extracts the embedded perpetrator data therefrom. The parsed perpetrator data can be temporarily stored by the CPU 36 in a cache memory or data buffer within the (one or more) memory devices 38.

[0062] After parsing the alert for relevant information, the host vehicle may perform a "self-detection" decision block 221 by evaluating the parsed information to determine if the host vehicle is the target "perpetrator" vehicle identified in the emergency alert. Figure 1, the vehicle CPU 36 may retrieve the perpetrator data from the buffer / cache and simultaneously retrieve the corresponding host vehicle data from the dedicated data field in the memory device(s) 38. The CPU 36 then compares the corresponding host vehicle data with the parsed perpetrator data to determine whether the host vehicle is the target vehicle. A positive identification of the host vehicle as the target vehicle may include matching the license plate number and VIN of the host vehicle with the license plate number and VIN of the suspect target vehicle. To eliminate false positive results, the CPU 36 may perform a secondary comparison, such as attempting to match the make / model / year of the host vehicle with the make / model / year of the target vehicle.

[0063] In response to determining that the host vehicle is not the target vehicle (block 221 =NO), the method 200 may automatically execute a “target scan” data input block 223 and attempt to identify the target vehicle from among those vehicles in proximity to the host vehicle. Figure 1 The vehicle 10 may, for example, employ any one or more of the SRC device 46, the digital camera 62, and / or other resident sensing devices to systematically scan for third-party vehicles in proximity to the host vehicle. It is contemplated that the "target scan" data entry box 223 may be executed simultaneously with the "distress scan" data entry box 205 to increase the likelihood that the host vehicle will find the target vehicle.

[0064] While scanning for third-party vehicles within the range of its sensor array, the host vehicle may execute a "target match" decision box 225 to determine whether each scanned third-party vehicle is a target "perpetrator" vehicle identified in the emergency alert. For example, the CPU 36 may concomitantly compare image data captured by (one or more) digital cameras 62 and / or vehicle-specific identification data retrieved by (one or more) SRC devices 46 with their corresponding portions of the perpetrator data parsed from the alert message. By assessing whether the retrieved data matches the parsed data, the CPU 36 may determine whether one of the scanned third-party vehicles is a target vehicle. In response to a positive identification of the scanned third-party vehicle as a target vehicle (box 225 = yes), the host vehicle may automatically execute a "violation notification 2" signal output box 227 and notify an authority or other interested party that the target vehicle has been identified. It is conceivable that the signal output box 227 may present any of the features and options described above with respect to the signal output box 209. For example, Figure 1The telematics unit 14 may wirelessly contact the local LEA and transmit thereto an alert message containing real-time or near real-time location data and identification data of the scanned third-party vehicle believed to be the target vehicle.

[0065] In response to determining that the host vehicle is the target vehicle (block 221 = yes), the method 200 may automatically execute a "Cellular Connection 2" decision block 229 to determine whether the host vehicle has an active cellular connection to a cellular telecommunications network. It is contemplated that the decision block 229 may present any of the features and options described above with respect to decision block 203. The host vehicle may respond to not having an active cellular connection (block 229 = no) by executing a "distress broadcast" signal output block 231 and outputting a distress signal to third-party vehicles within proximity of the host. As an example, the vehicle 10 may employ any of the available SRC devices 46, 48 to broadcast a distress message with real-time or near real-time location data and identification data indicating that the host vehicle is the target vehicle. In a specific example, the telematics unit 14 utilizes its BLE or V2V capabilities to broadcast an SMS alert that reads "This is the target vehicle for alert XYZ; GPS coordinates are X,Y; traveling southwest at XX MPH; the following occupant devices are available: D1, D2...DN; contact law enforcement."

[0066] During the broadcast of the distress signal, the host vehicle may simultaneously perform one or more ameliorative actions at the "Alert Remediation 1" process box 233. Simultaneously with or after the broadcast of the wireless distress message, for example, the host vehicle may activate its hazard light system (e.g., simultaneous flashing activation of all turn signal lights). As an additional or alternative option, the host vehicle controller may actively slow down the vehicle powertrain system to stop the host vehicle. Once stopped, an ignition block may be implemented to prevent restarting of the vehicle; at the same time, all vehicle doors may be unlocked. It may be desirable for at least some applications that the vehicle driver and passengers of the now identified target vehicle should not be notified that their vehicle has been identified as a target in view of the fact that one of these occupants may be a suspect in criminal activity. At this juncture, the method 200 may transition to the "End" terminal box 237 and terminate, or may loop back to the "Start" terminal box 204.

[0067] After confirming that the host vehicle has sufficient cellular connectivity (block 229 = yes), method 200 can proceed to "Alert Remediation 2" process block 235 and take corrective actions to resolve the emergency alert. It is contemplated that decision process block 235 can present any of the features and options described above with respect to process block 233, and vice versa. Figure 1The vehicle CPU 36 may, for example, output one or more command signals to one or more of the resident vehicle subsystems of the host vehicle to automate one or more remedial actions for the emergency alert. As noted above, the in-vehicle telematics unit 14 may contact one or more first responders and transmit an alert message thereto having host vehicle location data, host vehicle identification data, and any other relevant information identifying the host as a target. Additionally, the CPU 36 may activate the host vehicle's hazard light system and, if desired, slowing of the vehicle's powertrain system to stop the host vehicle. It may be expected that the CPU 36 also communicates with the host vehicle's resident anti-theft system and automatically activates a remote ignition block (RIB) mode that prevents restarting of the vehicle's engine and / or motor.

[0068] In some embodiments, aspects of the present disclosure can be implemented by computer executable instruction programs (such as program modules), which are generally referred to as software applications or applications executed by any of the controllers or controller variants described herein. In a non-limiting example, software can include routines, programs, objects, components, and data structures that perform specific tasks or implement specific data types. Software can form an interface to allow a computer to react according to the source of input. Software can also collaborate with other code segments to initiate multiple tasks in response to data received in conjunction with the source of received data. Software can be stored on any of a variety of storage media (such as, CD-ROM, disk, or semiconductor memory (e.g., various types of RAM or ROM)).

[0069] In addition, aspects of the present disclosure can be practiced using a variety of computer systems and computer network configurations, including multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, microcomputers, mainframe computers, etc. In addition, aspects of the present disclosure can be practiced in a distributed computing environment, in which tasks are performed by resident and remote processing devices linked through a communication network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules can be located in both local and remote computer storage media including memory storage devices. Therefore, aspects of the present disclosure can be implemented in conjunction with various hardware, software, or combinations thereof in a computer system or other processing system.

[0070] Any of the methods described herein may include machine-readable instructions for execution by: (a) a processor, (b) a controller, and / or (c) any other suitable processing device. Any algorithm, software, control logic, protocol, or method disclosed herein may be embodied as software stored on a tangible medium, such as, for example, a flash memory, a solid-state drive (SSD) memory, a hard disk drive (HDD) memory, a CD-ROM, a digital versatile disk (DVD), or other memory device. The entire algorithm, control logic, protocol, or method and / or portions thereof may be alternately executed by a device other than a controller, and / or embodied in firmware or dedicated hardware in a usable manner (e.g., implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), a field programmable logic device (FPLD), discrete logic, etc.). Further, although a specific algorithm may be described with reference to the flowchart and / or workflow diagram depicted herein, many other methods for implementing the example machine-readable instructions may be alternately used.

[0071] Aspects of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the illustrated embodiments; however, those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the precise configurations and compositions disclosed herein; any and all modifications, changes and variations apparent from the above description are within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, the present concept expressly includes any and all combinations and sub-combinations of the above elements and features.

Claims

1. A method of controlling operation of a host vehicle having a vehicle controller and a wireless communication device, the method comprising: determining, via the vehicle controller, that a wireless communication device of the host vehicle has an active wireless connection with a remote computing node; receiving, from the remote computing node via the wireless communication device, a wireless message including an emergency alert and perpetrator data indicating a target vehicle; parsing, via the vehicle controller, the perpetrator data from the wireless message; analyzing, via the vehicle controller, the parsed perpetrator data to determine whether the host vehicle is the target vehicle; as well as In response to determining that the host vehicle is the target vehicle, a command signal is transmitted, via the vehicle controller, to a resident vehicle subsystem of the host vehicle to automate a remedial action for the emergency alert.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: scanning, via a sensing device of the host vehicle, for third-party vehicles in proximity to the host vehicle in response to determining that the host vehicle is not the target vehicle; determining whether one of the scanned third-party vehicles is the target vehicle; as well as In response to the one of the scanned third-party vehicles being the target vehicle, transmitting an alert message to a first responder via the telematics unit of the host vehicle, the alert message indicating the location and identification of the one of the scanned third-party vehicles as the target vehicle.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving, via the wireless communication device, a wireless cancellation message for cancelling the emergency alert; as well as In response to receiving the wireless cancellation message, commanding, via the vehicle controller, one or more sensing devices of the host vehicle to cease scanning third-party vehicles in proximity to the host vehicle for the target vehicle.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the wireless communication device comprises a cellular-enabled telematics unit in the host vehicle, the method further comprising: determining, via the vehicle controller, in response to the host vehicle being the target vehicle, that the cellular-enabled telematics unit has a cellular connection to a cellular telecommunications network, Wherein transmitting the command signal to the resident vehicle subsystem to automate the remedial action is further responsive to the cellular-enabled telematics unit having a cellular connection with the cellular telecommunications network.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the wireless communication device further comprises a short range communication (SRC) device, the method further comprising: In response to the telematics unit not having the cellular connection, broadcasting, via the SRC device, a distress message indicating that the host vehicle is the target vehicle.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the resident vehicle subsystem comprises a hazard light system and / or a powertrain system, the method further comprising: Simultaneously with or after broadcasting the distress message, activating the hazard light system and / or slowing the powertrain system to stop the host vehicle.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the target vehicle's offender data includes a license plate number, a vehicle identification number, an Internet Protocol address, a vehicle color, and / or a vehicle make and model.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the wireless communication device of the host vehicle comprises a cellular-enabled telematics unit in the host vehicle, and wherein determining that the wireless communication device has the active wireless connection comprises: The telematics unit establishes a cellular connection with a cellular telecommunications network.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the wireless communication device further comprises a short range communication (SRC) device, the method further comprising: responsive to the telematics unit failing to establish the cellular connection with the cellular telecommunications network, scanning for receipt of the emergency alert from a third party vehicle; as well as The emergency alert is received from the third party vehicle via the SRC device.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the wireless communication device further comprises a short range communication (SRC) device, the method further comprising: scanning, via the SRC device, for receipt of distress messages from third-party vehicles in response to the telematics unit establishing the cellular connection; receiving, via the SRC device, from one of the third-party vehicles, a distress message indicating that the one of the third-party vehicles is the target vehicle; as well as An alert message is transmitted to a first responder via the telematics unit, the alert message indicating the location and identification of the one of the third party vehicles as the target vehicle.

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