Vehicle remote start request

Abstract

The invention provides a vehicle remote start request. A system includes a computer including a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to determine to disable a remote start request in a vehicle based on a current state of the vehicle. In response to disabling the remote launch request, the instruction includes an output notification. Then, upon receiving a user input overriding disabling of the remote start request, the instructions include actuating one or more vehicle components specified by the remote start request.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to remote start requests in vehicles. Background Art

[0002] Vehicles can be equipped with a remote start feature, and a user can use a remote device (e.g., a key fob or a mobile phone) to request to start the vehicle from outside the vehicle (e.g., from inside the user's home or office) using the remote start feature. In some cases, the user can schedule a remote start request for the vehicle to start at a specified or predetermined time. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A system includes a computer that includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores instructions that are executable by the processor to determine to disable a remote start request in the vehicle based on the current state of the vehicle. In response to disabling the remote start request, a notification is output, and then when a user input that overrides the disabling of the remote start request is received, one or more vehicle components specified by the remote start request are actuated.

[0004] The instructions can further include instructions for identifying a user of the vehicle based on the current state of the vehicle.

[0005] A method includes determining to disable a remote start request in the vehicle based on the current state of the vehicle. In response to disabling the remote start request, the method includes outputting a notification at a specified time, and then when a user input that overrides the disabling of the remote start request is received, one or more vehicle components specified by the remote start request are actuated.

[0006] The method can include identifying a user of the vehicle based on the current state of the vehicle.

[0007] The specified time can be determined based on the current state.

[0008] The current state of the vehicle can include the vehicle location.

[0009] The vehicle location can be an indoor location.

[0010] The vehicle location can be within a geofence area.

[0011] The current state of the vehicle can include the suspension height of the vehicle.

[0012] The current state of the vehicle can include the state of external components of the vehicle.

[0013] The current state of the vehicle can include the wheel attachment state.

[0014] The user input for disabling the override of the remote start request can be within a specified time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 is a block diagram of components of a vehicle, the components including components for implementing a remote start system.

[0016] Figure 2 Illustrates a first example vehicle location for a remote start request.

[0017] Figure 3 Illustrates a second example vehicle location for a remote start request.

[0018] Figure 4A Illustrates a third example vehicle location for a remote start request.

[0019] Figure 4B Illustrates a fourth example vehicle location for a remote start request.

[0020] Figure 5 is a process flow diagram of an example process for a remote start system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Referring Figure 1 , a vehicle system 100 can be provided to manage remote start of a vehicle 110, the remote start including receiving a remote start request and initiating or blocking a remote start in response to the remote start request. A "remote start request" is a request sent to a vehicle computer 112 from a location remote from the vehicle 110 (i.e., outside the vehicle 110 and at a distance from the vehicle) to start the vehicle 110. Starting the vehicle 110 means activating the vehicle power and / or propulsion system, i.e., activating the vehicle to a state where the vehicle can be actuated to move, e.g., activating one or more of an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, a hybrid propulsion device, a vehicle heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), etc. The system 100 can include one or more remote devices 118 for communicating with the vehicle 110. In some examples, one or more remote devices 118 can communicate with the vehicle 110 via a network 114, the network such as a local area network (LAN), such as a network, etc., and / or a wide area network (WAN), such as including cellular communication and / or the Internet. For example, a user of one or more vehicles 110 can send a remote start request via a remote device 118 through a network 114 to start the vehicle 110 from a location remote from the vehicle 110. A sensor 116 of the vehicle 110 can detect the current state of the vehicle 110, and based on the current state of the vehicle 110, the vehicle computer 112 can determine that the remote start request should be disabled. In some embodiments, a notification or message can be provided to the user of the vehicle 110 to allow the user of the vehicle 110 to override the disabling of the remote start request.

[0022] Accordingly, the system 100 of the vehicle 110 includes a vehicle computer 112 that includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor to determine to disable a remote start request in the vehicle 110 based on the current state of the vehicle 110. In response to disabling the remote start request, the instructions can include outputting a notification or message that the user can typically override the disabling of the remote start request within a specified time. The message can be output to the remote device for input by the user of the remote device, and the notification can be available for input by the user within the specified time. Then, upon receiving user input to override the disabling of the remote start request within the specified time, the instructions include actuating one or more vehicle components specified by the remote start request.

[0023] The system 100 can be provided in any suitable type of ground vehicle, such as an electric vehicle, a warehouse vehicle (such as a forklift), a passenger or commercial or consumer vehicle, such as a sedan, a coupe, a truck, a sport utility vehicle, a crossover, a van, a minivan, a taxi, a bus, a motorcycle, etc.

[0024] The vehicle computer 112 includes a processor and a memory such as known, and can communicate via a vehicle network 122. The vehicle computer 112 can be a general-purpose computer having a processor and a memory as described above, and / or can include an electronic control unit (ECU) or controller for a particular function or set of functions. Alternatively or additionally, in a case where the vehicle computer 112 actually includes multiple devices, the vehicle network 122 can be used to represent communication between the devices represented as the vehicle computer 112 in the present disclosure. Further, as mentioned below, various controllers and / or sensors 116 can provide data to the vehicle computer 112 via the vehicle network 122.

[0025] The vehicle network 122 can include conventional vehicle communication buses, such as a CAN bus, a LIN bus, etc., and / or can include other wired and / or wireless technologies, such as Ethernet, Wi- Cellular, Low power consumption (BLE), etc. Thus, the vehicle computer 112, ECU, etc. can transmit messages to various devices in the vehicle 110 and / or receive messages from various devices, such as the ECU, controller, actuator, sensor 116, etc.

[0026] The vehicle sensor 116 can communicate with various vehicle components (such as the vehicle computer 112) on the vehicle network 122. The sensor 116 is a device that can obtain one or more measurements of one or more physical phenomena inside or outside the vehicle 110. Some sensors 116 detect the external world, such as radar sensors, scanning laser rangefinders, light detection and ranging (LIDAR) devices, and image processing sensors such as cameras. The LIDAR device detects the distance to an object by emitting laser pulses and measuring the time of flight of the pulses to the object and back. Sensor operation may be affected by obstructions (e.g., dust, snow, insects, etc.). Typically but not necessarily, the sensor 116 includes an analog-to-digital converter to convert the sensed analog data into a digital signal, which can be provided to a digital computer via the network 122, for example. The sensor 116 can include various devices and can be arranged to sense vehicle environmental conditions in various ways, provide data about the machine, etc. The vehicle sensor 116 can be installed in or on the vehicle 110. In addition, other sensors in or on the vehicle 110 can include cameras, short-range radar, long-range radar, LIDAR, and / or ultrasonic transducers, weight sensors, accelerometers, motion detectors, etc., that is, the sensor 116 for providing various data. Some vehicle sensors 116 detect the internal state of the vehicle 110, such as wheel speed, wheel orientation, and engine and transmission variables. Some sensors 116 detect the position or orientation of the vehicle 110, such as the global positioning system (GPS) sensor 116; accelerometers, such as piezoelectric or microelectromechanical systems (MEMS); gyroscopes, such as rate gyroscopes, ring laser gyroscopes, or fiber optic gyroscopes; inertial measurement units (IMU); and magnetometers. In addition, various controllers in the vehicle 110 can act as sensors 116 to provide data via the vehicle network 122 or bus, for example, data related to vehicle speed, position, subsystem 120, and / or component status, etc. To provide just a few non-limiting examples, the sensor data can include data for determining the position of the vehicle 110, the position of one or more vehicle components, the position of an object, the speed of an object, the type of an object, the slope of the path 124, temperature, the presence or amount of moisture, fuel / oil level, data rate, etc.

[0027] The vehicle subsystem 120 may include a location subsystem. The location subsystem may be implemented via circuitry, chips, or other electronic components that can determine the current location of the vehicle 110. The location subsystem may be implemented via a satellite-based system such as the Global Positioning System (GPS). The location subsystem may triangulate the location of the vehicle 110 based on signals received from various satellites in Earth orbit. "Location" in the context of this document is a location on the Earth's surface, which may be represented in a coordinate system such as geographic coordinates determined by a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver and / or some other coordinate system (such as a local coordinate system of a region). The location subsystem may be programmed to output a signal representing the current location of the vehicle 110 to, for example, the vehicle computer 112 via the vehicle network 122. For example, the current location of the vehicle 110 may be a stored location, a location within a geofence region 132, etc.

[0028] The vehicle computer 112 may use any suitable technique to determine the vehicle location. Additionally, in examples where the remote start system 100 is implemented inside a building or structure, the navigation system may use an Indoor Positioning System (IPS), which may include various suitable mechanisms to allow the vehicle computer 112 to determine the location of the vehicle 110. For example, the vehicle computer 112 may detect or receive electronic signals via a network 114 (such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ultra-Wideband, etc.), and / or may detect landmarks provided in the driving area of the vehicle 110, such as magnets, QR codes, infrared-visible markers, etc. The location data provided by the location subsystem may be provided when the vehicle 110 is not in use (e.g., parked and in an unstarted state) and / or when the vehicle 110 is in an operating state (e.g., moving) to determine the location of the vehicle 110. For example, the computer 112 may receive signals or communications via a network associated with a location (e.g., via or other local area network) associated with a location (e.g., a designated garage or other parking location). Alternatively or additionally, the vehicle camera sensor 116 may scan QR codes, etc., and / or may detect markers or landmarks, etc., via the network 114, for example, based on data provided by a remote computer server (not shown) according to QR code technology, and the programming of the computer 112 associates the markers or landmarks, etc., with a location and / or determines the location associated therewith.

[0029] The propulsion system included in the vehicle subsystem 120 may include one or more of an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, a hybrid propulsion device including an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors, etc.

[0030] A vehicle communication module (not shown) may communicate on vehicle network 122 with various vehicle components such as vehicle computer 112, vehicle sensors 116, etc., and may communicate via wireless communication with entities external to vehicle 110. The vehicle communication module 122 may include, for example, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) or vehicle-to-infrastructure or external world (V2X), including cellular vehicle-to-everything (CV2X) wireless communication (cellular and / or DSRC, etc.) vehicle-to-external to connect to another vehicle and / or a remote server (not shown). The vehicle communication module 122 may include one or more mechanisms for communicating with other devices, including any desired combination of wireless (e.g., cellular, wireless, satellite, microwave, and radio frequency) communication mechanisms and any desired network topology (or multiple topologies when multiple communication mechanisms are utilized). Exemplary communications provided via the module may include cellular, Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11, dedicated short-range communication (DSRC), cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X), etc.

[0031] A remote start request may be sent from remote device 118 to vehicle computer 112. In the context of the present disclosure, "starting" vehicle 110 may be any operation that allows the propulsion device of vehicle 110 to operate vehicle heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), etc. For example, "starting" may include activating one or more of an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, a hybrid propulsion device, etc.

[0032] After receiving the remote start request, vehicle computer 112 may send a signal to remote start system 100 to start vehicle 110. For example, remote device 118 may be a mobile or portable device such as a key fob associated with vehicle 110, or a portable computing device such as a smart phone or a tablet computer; it is also possible that remote device 118 is an example such as a desktop computer and / or a laptop computer, etc.

[0033] Remote device 118 may be any suitable device that provides a user interface (e.g., a graphical user interface (GUI)) to allow a user to provide input. Remote device 118 may have the ability to allow a user to initiate and / or schedule a remote start request. For example, a user may use an application downloaded to the remote device, e.g., an application provided by the vehicle original equipment manufacturer (such as ) may provide remote start initiation and / or scheduling capabilities and may be further extended or modified to support the operations described herein.

[0034] In some examples, the remote start request can be a "real-time" remote start request. In such examples, a user can provide an input to send a remote start request when they want to initiate a remote start. For example, the user can press a button on a key fob or make a selection in a remote device application to immediately send a remote start request. In other examples, the remote start request can be scheduled to be sent to the vehicle computer 112 at a specified time. In other words, the remote start request can be scheduled for a time in the future rather than immediately. In such examples, the user can select a specific future time in the remote device application to send the remote start request to the vehicle computer 112.

[0035] Upon receiving a remote start request, the vehicle computer 112 can determine the current state of the vehicle 110. The "current state" of the vehicle refers to a set of values that describe one or more current conditions of the vehicle and / or the environment around the vehicle. The current state of the vehicle 110 can be determined based on data from one or more vehicle sensors 116. The current state of the vehicle provides the vehicle computer 112 with data indicating whether the remote start request sent to the vehicle 110 should be disabled. In some examples, the current state of the vehicle 110 can indicate that the remote start request can be enabled (or not disabled). In such examples, enabling the remote start request allows the user to start the vehicle 110 when the user is away from the vehicle 110. The distance from the vehicle 110 can be based on the position of the vehicle 110 relative to the user and / or the remote device. In other examples, the current state of the vehicle 110 can indicate that the remote start request can be disabled. In such examples, disabling the remote start request prevents the vehicle 110 from starting unless another condition is met (e.g., an override input is provided).

[0036] The following are non-limiting examples of the current state that can be evaluated by the vehicle computer 112 when determining whether to disable a remote start request. Table 1 includes a list of examples of the current state for example data types of the vehicle that can be used to determine the current state. Such information is further described after Table 1.

[0037] Table 1: Examples of Current State and Data for Determining Current State

[0038]

[0039] As an example, the current state of vehicle 110 can include the location of vehicle 110, i.e., the vehicle location. The location of vehicle 110 can be determined based on GPS data, data from vehicle sensors 116 that sense external vehicle environmental conditions (e.g., cameras, LIDAR, etc.) of vehicle 110, or any other suitable data from any other suitable vehicle sensors 116. For example, as described above, vehicle computer 112 can use the data from camera sensor 116 to obtain an image of a marker or notation (e.g., QR code, etc.) that can indicate the vehicle location. In other words, vehicle sensors 116 can sense the external world to determine the current state based on the location of vehicle 110.

[0040] Determining whether to disable the remote start capability can be based on the vehicle location included in the current state of the vehicle. For example, when the location data indicates that the location of vehicle 110 is within an area 126 of a map designated as an open space (e.g., outside a parking lot, driveway, parking garage, etc.), the remote start request is not disabled when vehicle computer 112 receives a remote start request. "Open space" herein means a space that is not fully enclosed, e.g., an outdoor space or a space that is not fully within an enclosed structure (e.g., a car parking location with an overhead cover but no walls or with walls that do not fully enclose the parked vehicle). In Figure 2 the example shown, vehicle 110 is parked in parking space 128 in area 126 (e.g., open space), and thus the remote start request will not be disabled based on the determined location in area 126.

[0041] Referring Figure 3 , in other examples, when the location data shows that vehicle 110 is in a location determined to be unsuitable for a remote start request, vehicle computer 112 can disable the remote start request based on the determined location. Locations such as vehicle dealerships, service centers, home garages, or any other suitable location that may be an indoor location can be examples of locations where the remote start request can be disabled.

[0042] Continuing to refer Figure 3 , regarding the current state determined based on vehicle sensors 116 that sense external vehicle environmental conditions, a camera or other sensors 116 can identify the external vehicle environmental conditions. As an example, vehicle sensors 116 can identify that vehicle 110 is located in an indoor location (e.g., structure 130). In such an example, the remote start request can be disabled based on determining that vehicle 110 is indoors. Vehicle sensors 116 can use conventional image recognition techniques, trained neural networks, etc. to identify the characteristics of the indoor location (such as walls, windows, tools, equipment, markers (such as QR codes, etc.)) to determine that the remote start request can be disabled. In Figure 3In the example shown, vehicle 110 is parked inside structure 130 (e.g., an indoor location), and remote start requests can be disabled because vehicle 110 is identified as being inside structure 130.

[0043] Regarding the current state determined based on GPS data, the location of vehicle 110 can be determined based on geofence area 132. A "geofence area 132" is an area specified by geographical coordinates, e.g., a rectangle or other polygon having corners defined by corresponding coordinate pairs. A geofence area can be defined within which vehicle 110 can operate and / or perform specified operations, e.g., move at or below a specified speed, etc. A geofence area can be defined based on various features on the ground such as roads or sections thereof, a radius from a predetermined / stored location / building, an area covered by a predetermined / stored location / building, etc. In Figure 3 the example shown, in addition to vehicle 110 being parked inside structure 130, vehicle 110 is also located inside geofence area 132. In such an example, when vehicle 110 is within geofence area 132, remote start requests can be disabled.

[0044] As another example, the distance between the vehicle location and the user can be used to determine whether to enable or disable a remote start request. For example, location data (e.g., GPS data) from remote device 118 can be used to determine whether the user is within a threshold distance of vehicle 110. The location of remote device 118 can be compared with the location data (e.g., GPS data) of vehicle 110, and if the distance between vehicle 110 and remote device 118 is greater than the threshold distance, the remote start request can be disabled. If the distance between vehicle 110 and remote device 118 is less than the threshold distance, the remote start request can be enabled.

[0045] In addition to identifying that the vehicle 110 is indoors, the vehicle sensor 116 can also sense other phenomena to determine the current vehicle state. For example, the vehicle sensor 116 can sense whether an external component of the vehicle 110 is attached to the vehicle 110 and whether it is in a position to support the vehicle 110 and / or for the movement of the vehicle 110. Such components can include the wheels 134 of the vehicle 110. The wheels 134 can be identified as not attached to the vehicle. For example, the wheels 134 can be identified as being spaced apart from the vehicle 110. In other words, the wheels 134 can be spaced apart from the vehicle 110 by a distance such that it is not possible for the wheels 134 to be attached to the vehicle 110; for example, the wheels 134 can be located away from the vehicle 110 by more than the maximum allowable suspension height. In addition to the vehicle sensor 116, tags associated with each of the wheels 134 (such as radio frequency identification (RFID) tags) can also indicate that the wheels 134 are not within a threshold distance from the vehicle 110, and thus the wheels 134 may not be attached to the vehicle 110. An RFID reader can be used to determine whether an RFID tag associated with a wheel is within the range of the RFID reader or whether the wheel is within a threshold distance from the vehicle. The vehicle 110 and / or the tags can provide a wheel attachment status. The wheel attachment status provides sensor data to the vehicle computer 112 regarding whether the wheels 134 are attached to the vehicle 110 or not. In an example where the vehicle sensor 116 or a component tag identifies that the wheels 134 or other external components are not attached to the vehicle 110, a remote start request can be disabled. In Figure 3 the example shown, the wheels 134 of the vehicle 110 are not attached to the vehicle 110 and are spaced apart from the vehicle 110 such that a remote start request can be disabled.

[0046] Reference Figure 4A and Figure 4B , as another example, the vehicle sensor 116 can identify vehicle conditions under which a remote start request can be disabled. Examples of vehicle conditions can be the suspension height H or the ride height of the vehicle 110. In such an example, when the vehicle 110 is suspended on a lift 136 (e.g., for repair), the suspension height H is typically greater than when the wheels are resting on the ground and supporting the vehicle 110. Using vehicle design information and / or data from empirical testing, a predetermined height threshold can be established, where a determination of a height H above the threshold can be interpreted as meaning that the vehicle is on a lift or suspension equipment. If the distance between the wheels 134 and the rest of the vehicle 110 is greater than a predetermined threshold, a remote start request can be disabled. In Figure 4A the example shown, the vehicle 110 is not suspended above the road 124, i.e., the wheels 134 of the vehicle 110 are in contact with the road 124. In Figure 4BIn the example shown, the wheel 134 is spaced upward from the road 124 because the vehicle 110 is suspended on the lift 136 for repair. Thus, Figure 4B the suspension height H in Figure 4A is greater than the suspension height H in

[0047] Other examples of vehicle conditions for determining the current state of the vehicle 110 can include fluid levels, pressure levels, and / or temperature levels of certain components in the vehicle 110. The fluid level can include fluids such as fuel, oil, or any other suitable fluid of the vehicle 110. When the fluid level is outside the upper or lower threshold, the remote start request can be disabled. The fluid level can be measured by a vehicle sensor 116 associated with a particular fluid. The pressure level can include the pressure of a fluid such as fuel, oil, or any other suitable fluid of the vehicle 110. When the pressure level is outside the upper or lower threshold, the remote start request can be disabled. The pressure level can be measured by a vehicle sensor 116 associated with a particular fluid. In an example of a vehicle that uses an electric motor for propulsion, the temperature of a battery such as a traction battery can be measured. If the temperature of the battery is higher than a certain temperature, the remote start request can be disabled. The temperature can be measured by a vehicle sensor 116 associated with the battery.

[0048] The vehicle sensor 116 can be used to identify the user of the vehicle 110. For example, a camera of the vehicle 110 (inside or outside the vehicle 110) can identify the user and enable or disable the remote start request based on the user's identity (e.g., biometric data such as face recognition, fingerprint recognition), or other suitable types of biometric data can be used to determine the user's identity, which in turn can be used to determine whether the user is authorized to start the vehicle.

[0049] The current state of the vehicle 110 can be determined based on an input provided by the user of the remote device 118. For example, the remote start request can be disabled based on a user input for disabling the remote start request and / or based on a user input or stored data associated with the current state indicating that the remote start request should be disabled. As an example, the user can schedule a service appointment through an application on the remote device 118, such as The application can be modified or extended to allow such user operations. During such an appointment, the remote start request can be disabled so that vehicle 110 does not start during the service appointment; that is, computer 112 can include programming to disable any remote start requests received when scheduling a service appointment. In an example where the remote device 118 is a key fob, the user can program the key fob to be associated with a specific user of vehicle 110. For example, the key fob can be associated with a service location, a service technician, a valet user, a family member of the user, or any other suitable association; that is, vehicle computer 112 can be programmed to associate the key fob with it. In such examples, features of vehicle 110 can be enabled or disabled based on detecting the key fob (e.g., the identifier of the key fob), and determining whether to enable or disable features of vehicle 110 can be based on the identity of the user associated with the key fob, the location associated with the key fob, etc. For example, the remote start request can be disabled based on identifying a key fob associated with a certain user in or near vehicle 110.

[0050] As another example, vehicle sensor 116 can identify a person (e.g., a repair technician or other user) standing near vehicle 110 (e.g., within a distance such as five or ten feet) for a predetermined period of time and / or can detect the use of tools on vehicle 110, e.g., a connection to a service port such as an OBD port. A person can be identified by using conventional image recognition techniques, training a conventional neural network, stored image data, stored biometric data associated with different people, etc. In such examples where it can be determined that a vehicle service scenario is occurring, the start request can be disabled.

[0051] The above current states can be evaluated individually or in conjunction with one or more other current states to determine whether to disable the remote start request. As an example, the location of the vehicle (e.g., the vehicle is at a service center for repair) can be used alone to determine the current state of the vehicle. As another example, the suspension height can be used in combination with camera data identifying a repair technician near the vehicle to determine the current state of the vehicle. Any other suitable combination can be used based on the remote start request.

[0052] In a case where a remote start request is sent to vehicle computer 112 and the current state of vehicle 110 indicates that the remote start request is to be disabled, vehicle computer 112 can output a notification or message to the user to determine whether to override the disabling of the remote start request. In other words, in some embodiments, the user is able to override the disabling of the remote start request to allow vehicle 110 to be remotely started. The notification can prompt the user for an input regarding whether to override the disabling of the remote start request.

[0053] As an example, the vehicle computer 112 can transmit a notification to the remote device 118 or an application on the remote device 118. The notification can appear on the user interface of the remote device 118. The notification can request user input regarding whether to override the disabling of the remote start request. For example, the user interface of the device 118 can include options for "Yes" to override the disabling and "No" to not override the disabling. When the user input is "Yes", the remote start request can be overridden and the remote start request can be enabled. In this example, when the user input is "No", the remote start request is not overridden and the remote start request is disabled, i.e., the vehicle 110 will be disabled or prevented from starting. In other examples, the notification can be output to any suitable interface such that the user can receive the notification, such as a user interface inside the vehicle 110, etc.

[0054] The user may be prohibited or prevented from responding to the notification after a predetermined amount of time (or "designated time"), i.e., user input in response to the notification will not be accepted after the predetermined amount of time. The designated time can be based on empirical testing or simulation to specify how long a user typically needs to view the notification and respond to it and / or to prevent starting the vehicle after conditions defining the current state of the vehicle may have changed. Additionally, the designated time can be dynamically selected or changed based on the current state of the vehicle 110 or any other suitable condition of the vehicle 110. For example, the designated time can vary based on the location of the vehicle, the identified user of the vehicle, or any other characteristic described herein for determining the current state of the vehicle. If the user does not provide input in response to the notification within the designated time, in some embodiments, the remote start request will default to being disabled. On the other hand, if the user provides input to respond to the notification within the designated time, the remote start request can be enabled, i.e., the disabling of the remote start request can be overridden.

[0055] Upon receiving user input to override the disabling of the remote start request within the designated time, one or more vehicle components specified by the remote start request can be actuated. The remote start requests described herein include sending a request to start the vehicle, and power components (e.g., the vehicle's propulsion device, the vehicle's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)) that are used in the normal operation of the vehicle are typically activated to an "on" state by the remote start request.

[0056] When the remote start request is disabled, in some embodiments, the vehicle computer 112 can be programmed to receive and evaluate a second remote start request, for example, in a manner similar to that just described for the first remote start request. For example, after a period of time, the user can send a new (i.e., second) remote start request. In such an example, the system 100 may have been reset to receive the second remote start request.

[0057] The vehicle computer 112 may store instructions that may be executed by a processor of the computer 112 to control components of the vehicle 110, such as by actuating vehicle components and / or providing commands to other components or computers in the vehicle. Figure 5 FIG. Figure 5 is a process flow diagram 500 of an example process 500 for the system 100, where the steps of the process 500 may be performed according to the programming of the computer 112.

[0058] Now referring Figure 5 FIG. Figure 5 , the example process 500 begins at decision block 505, where the computer 112 determines (e.g., according to programming that may be executed when the vehicle is in an off or sleep state, where the computer 112 is configured to listen for remote start requests, e.g., via the network 114) whether the vehicle computer 112 has received a remote start request. When it is determined that the vehicle computer 112 has received a remote start request, the process 500 moves to block 510. If the vehicle computer 112 has not received a remote start request, the process 500 returns to its start.

[0059] Referring to block 510, the process 500 includes determining the current state of the vehicle 110.

[0060] Next, at decision block 515, based on determining the current state, the process 500 includes determining whether the current state indicates that the remote start request should be disabled. If the current state indicates that the remote start request should be disabled, the process 500 moves to block 520. If the current state indicates that the remote start request should be enabled, the process 500 moves to block 555.

[0061] Referring to block 520, based on determining the current state of the vehicle 110 and the current state of the vehicle 110 indicating that the remote start request should be disabled, the process 500 includes determining to disable the remote start request in the vehicle 110, i.e., the vehicle computer 112 disables the remote start request. The process 500 then continues to block 525.

[0062] Referring to block 525, in response to disabling the remote start request, the process 500 includes outputting a notification. As discussed above, the notification may be output to, for example, the remote device 118 or a user interface inside the vehicle 110. The notification may be available, for example, on the remote device 118 or the user interface, and / or may accept user input in response to the notification for no more than a specified time. The process 500 continues to block 530.

[0063] Referring to decision block 530, process 500 includes determining whether a user input has been received within a specified time. The input may include an input on a user interface. The vehicle computer 112 may receive a message that the user has provided an input to the user interface, e.g., including data based on the input, e.g., the user has provided an input to override a remote start disable. For example, in the case of the remote device 118, the remote device may send a message to the vehicle computer 112 indicating the user input. If an input from the user is received, process 500 moves to block 535. If no input is received, process 500 moves to block 540.

[0064] Referring to decision block 535, based on determining that a user input has been received, process 500 includes determining whether the user input is an input to override a remote start request. The vehicle computer 112 may again receive a message including data provided by the user input. For example, the remote device 118 may send a message to the vehicle computer indicating that the input is an input to override a remote start request. If the user input is an input to override a remote start request, process 500 moves to block 555. If the user input is not an override input, process 500 moves to block 545.

[0065] Referring to decision block 540, based on determining that no user input has been received, process 500 includes determining whether a specified time has elapsed. If the specified time has elapsed, process 500 moves to block 545. If the specified time has not elapsed, process 500 returns to decision block 530 to again determine whether the user has provided an input.

[0066] Referring to block 545, in the absence of receiving a user input to override a remote start request or when it is determined that the specified time has elapsed, process 500 includes disabling the remote start request. After the remote start request is disabled, process 500 returns to block 505.

[0067] Referring to decision block 550, which may be after block 515, the vehicle computer 112 determines whether to continue process 500. The process may be interrupted for any suitable reason (e.g., the application on the remote device 118 is closed, the application receives a user input to cancel the remote start request, the battery of the vehicle 110 is depleted, etc.). If process 500 is not continued, process 500 ends after block 550. Otherwise, process 500 moves to block 555.

[0068] Referring to block 555, in the event of receiving a user input to override a remote start request or when it is determined that the current state does not indicate that the remote start request can be disabled, process 500 includes actuating one or more vehicle components in accordance with the remote start request, e.g., a propulsion device of the vehicle, vehicle heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), etc. Once the remote start request is enabled, process 500 ends.

[0069] Executable instructions can be compiled or interpreted by computer programs created using a variety of programming languages and / or technologies, which alone or in combination include, but are not limited to, Java TM , C, C++, Visual Basic, Java Script, Perl, HTML, and the like. Typically, a processor (e.g., a microprocessor) receives instructions, for example, from a memory, a computer-readable medium, etc., and executes these instructions, thereby performing one or more processes, which include one or more of the processes described herein. Such instructions and other data can be stored and transmitted using a variety of computer-readable media. Files in a networking device are typically a collection of data stored on a computer-readable medium such as a storage medium, random access memory, etc. A computer-readable medium includes any medium that participates in providing data (e.g., instructions) that can be read by a computer. Such a medium can take many forms, including but not limited to non-volatile media, volatile media, etc. Non-volatile media includes, for example, optical disks or magnetic disks and other persistent memories. Volatile media includes dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which typically constitutes the main memory. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, floppy disks, flexible disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, any other magnetic media, CD ROMs, DVDs, any other optical media, any other physical media with a hole pattern, RAMs, PROMs, EPROMs, flash EEPROMs, any other memory chips or cartridges, or any other media from which a computer can read.

[0070] The use of “responsive to,” “based on,” and “when determining...” herein (including with reference to process 500) indicates a causal relationship, and not merely a temporal relationship.

[0071] The term “exemplary” is used herein in the sense of representing an example.

[0072] In the drawings, like reference numerals indicate like elements. Additionally, some or all of these elements may be changed. With respect to the media, processes, systems, methods, etc. described herein, it should be understood that although the steps of such processes etc. have been described as occurring in a certain ordered sequence, such processes can be practiced by executing the described steps in an order different from that described herein. It should also be understood that certain steps may be executed simultaneously, other steps may be added, or certain steps described herein may be omitted. In other words, the description of the processes herein is provided for the purpose of illustrating certain embodiments and should in no way be construed as limiting the claimed invention.

[0073] The present disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terms used are intended in a descriptive nature and not in a limiting sense. The numerical adjectives "first" and "second" are used herein only as identifiers and do not denote order or importance. Given the above teachings, many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible, and the present disclosure may be practiced in other ways than specifically described.

[0074] According to the present invention, there is provided a system having: a computer including a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor to: determine to disable a remote start request in the vehicle based on a current state of the vehicle; output a notification in response to disabling the remote start request; and then actuate one or more vehicle components specified by the remote start request upon receiving a user input that overrides the disabling of the remote start request.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the current state of the vehicle includes the vehicle location.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the vehicle location is an indoor location.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the vehicle location is within a geofence area.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the current state of the vehicle includes the suspension height of the vehicle.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the current state of the vehicle includes the state of external components of the vehicle.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the current state of the vehicle includes the wheel attachment state.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the instructions further include instructions for identifying a user of the vehicle based on the current state of the vehicle.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the user input for overriding the disabling of the remote start request is within a specified time.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the specified time is determined based on the current state.

[0084] According to the present invention, a method includes: determining to disable a remote start request in the vehicle based on a current state of the vehicle; outputting a notification in response to disabling the remote start request; and then actuating one or more vehicle components specified by the remote start request upon receiving a user input that overrides the disabling of the remote start request.

[0085] In one aspect of the present invention, the current state of the vehicle includes the vehicle position.

[0086] In one aspect of the present invention, the vehicle position is an indoor position.

[0087] In one aspect of the present invention, the vehicle position is within a geofence area.

[0088] In one aspect of the present invention, the current state of the vehicle includes the suspension height of the vehicle.

[0089] In one aspect of the present invention, the current state of the vehicle includes the state of the external components of the vehicle.

[0090] In one aspect of the present invention, the current state of the vehicle includes the wheel attachment state.

[0091] In one aspect of the present invention, the method includes identifying a user of the vehicle based on the current state of the vehicle.

[0092] In one aspect of the present invention, the user input for overriding the remote start request is disabled within a specified time.

[0093] In one aspect of the present invention, the specified time is determined based on the current state.

Claims

1. A method, comprising: Determining to disable a remote start request in the vehicle based on a current state of the vehicle; Outputting a notification in response to disabling the remote start request; And then Actuating one or more vehicle components specified by the remote start request upon receiving a user input that overrides the disabling of the remote start request.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the current state of the vehicle includes a vehicle location.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the vehicle location is an indoor location.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein the vehicle location is within a geofence area.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the current state of the vehicle includes a suspension height of the vehicle.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the current state of the vehicle includes an external component state of the vehicle.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the current state of the vehicle includes a wheel attachment state.

8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising identifying a user of the vehicle based on the current state of the vehicle.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the user input for overriding the disabling of the remote start request is within a specified time.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the specified time is determined based on the current state.

11. A computer programmed to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A vehicle comprising a computer programmed to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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