Vehicle warnings for drivers, procedures and systems

Abstract

Method (200) comprising: providing (210), by means of instructions provided by a processor (172), an initial notification of a warning to a driver of a vehicle (100) regarding information, precautions, maintenance, or repair for the vehicle (100); receiving (212) an initial acknowledgment of the warning from the driver via a user interface device; and providing (224), by means of instructions provided by the processor (172), a subsequent notification of the acknowledged warning to the driver, depending on a drive cycle and driver option settings following the initial acknowledgement, wherein the initial notification is provided in an ignition cycle, and a subsequent notification is provided after a driver request to terminate the ignition cycle and before the ignition cycle is terminated.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to vehicles, and more particularly to methods and systems for providing warnings to the vehicle operator. BACKGROUND

[0002] Today's vehicles, such as automobiles, can provide certain types of warnings to drivers, for example, regarding information, caution, maintenance, or repairs that may be necessary. While such warnings are often helpful, under certain conditions it may be desirable to provide better warnings to the driver.

[0003] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide improved techniques for providing warnings to vehicle drivers. It is also desirable to provide methods, systems, and vehicles that employ such techniques. Other desirable functions and features of the present invention will become further apparent from the following detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical field and background.

[0004] A schedule for presenting notifications in a vehicle is known from DE 10 2015 200 065 A1. US 2013 / 0 293 363 A1 describes a system and method for alarm optimization. WO 2015 / 165 811 A1 discloses a communication system and associated method.

[0005] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved method and system for providing warnings to a vehicle driver. SUMMARY

[0006] This object is achieved by a method according to independent claim 1 and a system according to independent claim 9. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The present disclosure will now be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like reference numerals designate like elements and wherein: Fig. 1 is a functional block diagram of a vehicle including an alarm system for providing instructions to a driver of the vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 2 is a flowchart of a process for providing warning to a vehicle operator, according to an exemplary embodiment in connection with the vehicle and the alarm system of Fig. 1 can be used; and Fig. Figure 3 is an illustration of a screen display for the driver associated with the process of Fig. 2 according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the disclosure or the application and uses thereof. Furthermore, there is no obligation to limit the invention to any of the theories presented in the preceding background or the following detailed description.

[0009] In Fig. 1 illustrates a vehicle 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The vehicle 100 may be one of a number of different types of automobiles, such as a sedan, station wagon, truck, or sport utility vehicle (SUV), and may have two-wheel drive (2WD) (i.e., rear-wheel drive or front-wheel drive), four-wheel drive (4WD), or all-wheel drive (AWD). Additionally, in certain embodiments, the vehicle 100 may include any number of other vehicle types.

[0010] As described in more detail below, the vehicle 100 includes an alarm system 102 for providing warnings to the driver of the vehicle 100. In particular, as explained in more detail below, the alarm system 102 provides initial notification of warning messages when a component of the vehicle 100 requires information, caution, maintenance, or repairs, receives driver responses to the initial warning messages, and provides subsequent notification of the warning messages in response to the driver's responses. In the illustrated embodiment, the alarm system 102 includes a sensor assembly 104, a transceiver 105, a controller 106, and a display 108. In various embodiments, the alarm system 102 performs various steps described further below in connection with the process 200 of the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 will be discussed in more detail.

[0011] As in Fig. 1, the vehicle 100 includes, in addition to the aforementioned alarm system 102, a chassis 112, a body 114, four wheels 116, an electronic control system 118, a steering system 150, and a braking system 160. The body 114 is disposed on the chassis 112 and substantially encloses the other components of the vehicle 100. The body 114 and the chassis 112 may together form a frame. The wheels 116 are each pivotally connected to the chassis 112 near a respective corner of the body 114. In various embodiments, the vehicle 100 may Fig. 1. For example, in certain embodiments, the number of wheels 116 may vary. In various embodiments, for example, the vehicle 100 may not have a steering system and may be steered in various other possible ways, such as by differential braking.

[0012] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the vehicle 100 includes an actuator unit 120. The actuator unit 120 includes at least one drive system 129 mounted on the chassis 112 that drives the wheels 116. In one illustrated embodiment, the actuator unit 120 includes an engine and / or motor 130. In one embodiment, the engine / motor 130 includes an electric drive / generator powered by an energy storage system (RESS) 128 (e.g., a vehicle battery). In one embodiment, the engine / motor 130 includes an internal combustion engine. In other embodiments, the engine / motor 130 may include one or more of these components or other types of engines / motors. In certain embodiments, the electronic control system 118 includes an engine / motor alarm system that controls the engine / motor 130 and / or one or more systems of the vehicle 100.

[0013] With further reference to Fig. 1, the drive / motor 130 is coupled to at least some of the wheels 116 through one or more drive shafts 134. In some embodiments, the drive / motor 130 is mechanically coupled to the transmission. In other embodiments, the drive / motor 130 may instead be coupled to a generator used to power an electric motor that is mechanically coupled to the transmission. In certain other embodiments (e.g., electric vehicles), a motor and / or transmission may not be required.

[0014] The steering system 150 is mounted on the chassis 112 and controls the steering of the wheels 116. In the illustrated embodiment, the steering system 150 includes a steering wheel and a steering column (not shown). In certain embodiments, an autonomous vehicle may use steering commands generated by a computer without driver involvement.

[0015] The braking system 160 is mounted on the chassis 112 and provides braking for the vehicle 100. The braking system 160 receives inputs from the driver via a brake pedal (not shown) and provides appropriate braking via brake units (also not shown). The driver also provides inputs via an accelerator pedal (not shown) regarding a desired speed or acceleration of the vehicle, as well as various other inputs for various vehicle devices and / or systems, such as one or more vehicle radio devices, other entertainment systems, environmental control systems, lighting units, navigation systems, and the like (also not shown). Similar to the above description regarding possible variations for the vehicle 100, in certain embodiments, steering, braking, and / or acceleration may be commanded by a computer rather than a driver.

[0016] In one embodiment, the alarm system 102 is mounted on the chassis 112. The alarm system 102 receives information from various components of the vehicle 100 (e.g., including the wheels 116, the electronic control system 118, the RESS 128, the actuator assembly 120, the drive system 129, the drive / motor 130, the steering system 150, the braking system 160, and / or one or more other vehicle systems, subsystems, devices, and / or other components—collectively, vehicle “components”) and provides the driver with various alerts related to these vehicle components.For example, as previously mentioned and also described in more detail below, the alarm system 102 provides initial notifications of warnings when a component of the vehicle 100 requires information, caution, maintenance, or repairs, receives driver responses to the initial warnings, and provides, in accordance with the steps of the process 200 of the . Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 additional notifications are available in response to the driver's reactions. As previously mentioned and in Fig. 1, the alarm system 102 in one embodiment includes a sensor assembly 104, a transceiver 105, a controller 106, and a display 108.

[0017] The sensor assembly 104 includes various sensors (also referred to herein as sensor or sensing units) used to receive inputs from a driver of the vehicle 100 and to monitor certain components of the vehicle 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor assembly 104 includes one or more user interface sensors 162, drive cycle sensors 164, and component sensors 166.

[0018] User interface sensors 162 receive input from the driver regarding a user's responses to alerts provided via alarm system 102. In various embodiments, user interface sensors 162 may include one or more sensors connected to user interfaces, such as vehicle touchscreens, dials, buttons, and / or other types of user interfaces within vehicle 100, to receive input from the driver. Alternatively, in certain embodiments, some or all of the user input may instead be received via transceiver 105 (e.g., via transmissions from the driver's mobile phone and / or other electronic devices), as explained in more detail below.

[0019] Drive cycle sensors 164 receive data regarding whether a current drive cycle (e.g., a current ignition cycle) is beginning and / or ending for vehicle 100. In one embodiment, drive cycle sensors 164 include one or more vehicle ignition sensors that receive data regarding whether a request to turn off the vehicle ignition has occurred (e.g., by the driver turning the vehicle ignition key, pressing a stop button, and / or operating a key fob).

[0020] The component sensors 166 receive data about various components of the vehicle 100, including data about whether various vehicle components require or need information, caution, maintenance, or repair. In certain embodiments, the component sensors 166 receive such data directly or indirectly from vehicle components, such as the wheels 116, the electronic control system 118, RESS 128, the actuator assembly 120, the drive system 129, the drive / motor 130, the steering system 150, the braking system 160, and / or one or more other vehicle systems, subsystems, devices, and / or other components. Also, in certain embodiments, the component sensors 166 may be part of these vehicle components and / or part of control systems for these components (e.g., the ECS 118).In various embodiments, the alarm system 102 may transmit notifications of required information, precautions, maintenance, and repair of vehicle components directly from those vehicle components or other control systems.

[0021] In various embodiments, the sensor assembly 104 transmits the sensed information to the controller 106 (e.g., the processor 172 thereof) for processing, for example, as further explained below. Furthermore, in various embodiments, the sensor assembly 104 performs these and other functions according to the steps of the process 200, as described below with respect to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 described.

[0022] The transceiver 105 transmits and / or receives various information for the alarm system 102. In various embodiments, the transceiver 105 transmits various alarm messages (including initial and follow-up messages) to the driver of the vehicle 100, for example, via a vehicle display and / or an electronic transmission to the driver, for example, via text messages and / or emails to cellular phones and / or other driver electronic devices. In certain embodiments, the transceiver 105 also receives input from the driver, such as the driver's responses to alarm messages. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the transceiver 105 also communicates with one or more vehicle components (such as those listed above) when those vehicle components require information, precautions, maintenance, or repair.The sensor assembly 104, in various embodiments, performs these and other functions according to the steps of the process 200, as described below with reference to FIG. Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 described.

[0023] The controller 106 is coupled to the sensor assembly 104, the transceiver 105, and the display 108. The controller 106 utilizes the various inputs and data provided via the sensor assembly 104 and / or the transceiver 105 and provides various messages (including initial and subsequent messages) of instructions to the receiver 105 and / or the display 108 relating to alerts to the driver, including whether vehicle components require information, precautions, maintenance, or repair. In various embodiments, the controller 106, together with the sensor assembly 104, the transceiver 105, and the display 108, provides these and other functions according to the steps described below in conjunction with the schematic drawings of the vehicle 100 in Fig. 1 and the flowchart and schematic drawings relating to the process 200 in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 will be discussed.

[0024] As in Fig. 1, the controller 106 includes a computer system. In certain embodiments, the control unit 106 may also include one or more of the sensors of the sensor assembly 104, one or more other devices and / or systems or components thereof. Furthermore, it is understood that the controller 106 may otherwise be different from the Fig. 1. For example, the controller 106 may be connected to one or more remote computer systems and / or other control systems, such as wheels 116, electronic control system 118, RESS 128, drive system 129, motor 130, steering system 150 and / or braking system 160 of Fig. 1 and / or one or more other systems of the vehicle 100 or otherwise use them.

[0025] In the depicted embodiment, the computer system of controller 106 includes a processor 172, a memory 174, an interface 176, a storage device 178, and a bus 180. The processor 172 performs the calculations and control functions of the controller 106 and may include any type of processor or multiple processors, individual integrated circuits, such as a microprocessor or a suitable number of integrated circuit devices, and / or circuit boards that cooperate to perform the functions of a processing unit. During operation, the processor 172 executes one or more programs 182 contained in the memory 174 and, as such, controls the general operation of the controller 106 and the computer system of the controller 106 in general by executing the process described herein, such as the process 200 described below in connection with the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3.

[0026] Memory 174 may be any suitable type of memory. For example, memory 174 may include various types of dynamic random access memory (DRAM), such as SDRAM, various types of static RAM (SRAM), and various types of non-volatile memory (PROM, EPROM, and Flash). In certain exemplary embodiments, memory 174 is located on the same computer chip as and / or co-located with processor 172. In the depicted embodiment, memory 174 stores the aforementioned program 182 along with one or more stored values ​​184.

[0027] Bus 180 is used to transfer programs, data, status, and other information or signals between the various components of the computer system of controller 106. Interface 176 allows communication with the computer system of controller 106, for example, from a system driver and / or another computer system, and may be implemented using any suitable method and apparatus. In one embodiment, interface 176 receives the various data from the sensors of sensor array 104. Interface 176 may include one or more network interfaces for communicating with other systems or components. Interface 176 may also include one or more network interfaces for communicating with technicians and / or one or more storage interfaces that may be connected to storage devices, such as storage device 178.

[0028] The storage device 178 may be any suitable type of storage device, including random access storage devices such as hard disk drives, flash systems, floppy disk drives, and optical drives. In an exemplary embodiment, the storage device 178 includes a program product from which the memory 174 can receive a program 182 that executes one or more embodiments of one or more processes of the present disclosure, such as the steps of the process 200 (and any sub-processes thereof) described below in connection with the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. In another exemplary embodiment, the program product may be stored and / or otherwise accessed directly in memory 174 and / or on a storage disk (e.g., storage disk 186) such as that discussed below.

[0029] Bus 180 may consist of any suitable physical or logical means for interconnecting computer systems and components. This includes, without limitation, direct-wired connections, fiber optics, infrared, and wireless bus technologies. During operation, program 182 is stored in memory 174 and executed by processor 172.

[0030] While this exemplary embodiment is described in the context of a fully functioning computer system, it will be understood that those skilled in the art will recognize that the mechanisms of the present disclosure may be distributed as a program product having one or more types of non-transitory computer-readable signal carrying media used to store and carry out the distribution of the program and associated instructions, such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium containing the program and computer instructions stored therein for causing a computer processor (such as processor 172) to execute the program. Such a program product may take many forms, with the present disclosure applying equally regardless of the specific type of computer-readable signal carrying medium used for distribution.Examples of signal-bearing media include writable media, such as floppy disks, hard disks, memory cards, and optical disks; and transmission media, such as digital and analog communication links. It is understood that cloud-based storage and / or other technologies may also be used in certain embodiments. Likewise, it is understood that the computer system of the controller 106 may otherwise differ from the system described in . Fig. 1, for example, in that the computer system of the controller 106 may be connected to or otherwise utilize one or more remote computer systems and / or other control systems.

[0031] The display 108 is connected to the control unit 106 and provides messages to the driver of the vehicle 100. In particular, the display 108 presents warning messages to the driver and / or other occupants of the vehicle 100 regarding information, precautions, maintenance, or repair required for various vehicle components of the vehicle 100 (including initial and follow-up notifications as discussed above and described in more detail below). In certain embodiments, the display 108 provides these messages via a visual display within the vehicle 100. In other embodiments, the display 108 provides these messages via an audible message within the vehicle 100. In certain embodiments, the display 108 may provide visual and audible notifications and / or one or more other types of notifications (e.g.,haptic notifications, email, text, or other notifications sent to the user's mobile phone or other electronic device, and / or any number of other types of notifications). Additionally, in various embodiments, the display 108 performs these and other functions according to the steps of process 200, as described below with respect to FIG. Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 described.

[0032] Although the components of alarm system 102 (including sensor assembly 104, transceiver 105, controller 106, and display 108) are illustrated as part of the same system, it should be understood that in certain embodiments, these functions may comprise two or more systems. Additionally, in various embodiments, control system 102 may include and / or be connected to various other vehicle devices and systems in whole or in part, such as, but not limited to, actuator assembly 120 (e.g., drive system 129 and / or drive / motor 130), RESS 128, electronic control system 118, steering system 150, braking system 160, and / or one or more other systems of vehicle 100.

[0033] Fig. 2 is a flowchart of a process 200 for providing a warning to a driver of a vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment. The process 200 may be used in connection with the vehicle 100, including the alarm system 102 and other systems, subsystems, and components thereof. Fig. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment. The process 200 is also explained below in connection with FIG. 300, which depicts illustrative vehicle displays of the process 200, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0034] As in Fig. 2, the method 200 is initiated at step 202. For example, in various embodiments, the method 200 may be initiated when the vehicle 100 is placed in drive mode. In one embodiment, the process 200 is initiated when a driver has actuated an ignition of the vehicle 100 (e.g., by turning the ignition key, pressing a start button, and / or actuating a key fob, e.g., as detected via one or more drive cycle sensors 164 of Fig. 1). In one embodiment, method 200 continues throughout the ignition cycle or vehicle travel.

[0035] One or more types of alerts are identified (step 204). In one embodiment, a determination is made about one or more notification times that the driver or user wishes to monitor and / or for which the driver or user desires or requests notification. In various embodiments, this determination is made via the processor 172 of Fig. 1, for example, according to inputs or requests from the driver or user, for example, prior to the current drive cycle. In various embodiments, annotations are made regarding the driver's selection for each alert type (e.g., information, action required, and service types). For example, in certain embodiments, annotation is made regarding the driver's selection for each notification, whether (i) the driver wishes to receive further notifications; and, if so, (ii) the timing of such further notification (e.g., snooze or timer function) is determined; and (iii) the manner of delivering such further notifications (e.g., via the in-vehicle display screen, text message, email, etc.) is determined. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the various alerts are categorized based on these features.Likewise, in various embodiments, the determinations, notations, and categorizations of step 204 are performed by the processor 172 of FIG. Fig. 1 and resulting notations and characterizations in memory 174 from Fig. 1 stored as stored values ​​184.

[0036] The data is monitored with respect to various vehicle components (step 206). In one embodiment, data on various vehicle components, such as the wheels 116, the electronic control system 118, RESS 128, the actuator assembly 120, the drive system 129, the drive / motor 130, the steering system 150, and / or the braking system 160, is collected from Fig. 1 and / or one or more other vehicle systems, subsystems, devices and / or other components. Likewise, in one embodiment, the data is collected via one or more sensors of the sensor array 104 of Fig. 1 (and / or as part of corresponding vehicle components and / or control systems therefor) and the controller 106 of Fig. 1 (in particular its processor 172), e.g. via a vehicle bus (e.g. CAN bus) and / or via another wired and / or wireless communication (e.g. via the transmitter-receiver 105 of Fig. 1).

[0037] It is determined whether a condition exists that warrants a driver warning (step 208). In one embodiment, the processor 172 determines Fig. 1, based on the data from step 206, whether information, precautions, maintenance, or repairs are required for one or more vehicle components. These maintenance and / or repairs may include, for example, tire and / or wheel rotations, repair or replacement, engine coolant and / or idle, power steering, brake pad service, battery (RESS), oil changes, and / or one or more other actions for any number of components of the vehicle 100. In certain embodiments, such determinations may be made by the actual components themselves and / or associated components and / or control systems and may be provided to the processor 172 of Fig. 1, e.g. via a vehicle CAN bus and / or in another wired or wireless form (e.g. via the transmitter-receiver 105 of Fig. 1) are provided.

[0038] If it is determined in step 208 that no warning is warranted, the process returns to step 206. The data is monitored in various iterations of step 206 until it is determined that no warning is necessary.

[0039] Once it is determined in step 208 that a warning is warranted, an initial notification regarding the warning is provided (step 210). In various embodiments, the initial notification includes a message to the driver that a particular action is required for a particular vehicle component (e.g., those previously mentioned only as an example for step 208). In various embodiments, the initial notification is provided by instructions from processor 172 of Fig. 1. In certain embodiments, the processor 172 has the display 108 of Fig. 1 to visually display the warning in the vehicle 100 (e.g., on a display in the instrument panel, a front-view mirror, and / or navigation system of the vehicle 100). In certain further embodiments, the processor 172 instructs the transceiver 105 of Fig. 1, send one or more electronic messages (e.g., SMS, email) containing the warning to a mobile phone or other electronic device of the driver. Additionally, in one embodiment, the initial notification of step 210 is displayed at the beginning of the drive cycle (e.g., at the beginning of the ignition cycle) or immediately after the warning is detected.

[0040] In certain embodiments, the initial notification also includes language that allows the driver to choose whether or not to receive the subsequent notification for the respective alert (e.g., whether to be reminded of the event again in the future). Likewise, in certain embodiments, the initial notification includes language that allows the driver to set a timer for the subsequent notification for the respective alert (e.g., as part of a "snooze" function for the respective event, and / or to specify a desired time frame for the next reminder of the respective event). Additionally, in certain embodiments, the initial notification also includes language that allows the driver to select a means for receiving the subsequent notification for the respective event (e.g.,on a vehicle display, an email and / or text message sent to a mobile phone and / or other electronic device of the driver).

[0041] One or more driver responses are received (step 212). In various embodiments, a driver response includes the driver's acknowledgment of the respective warning. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the driver response also includes a driver's selection from the first notification, for example, whether they wish to receive the subsequent notification for the respective warning (e.g., whether they wish to be reminded of the respective event again in the future), the selection of a timer for the subsequent notification for the respective warning (e.g., as part of a "snooze function" for the respective event, and / or the driver's selection of a desired time frame for the next notification regarding the respective event), and / or a selection of a means for receiving the subsequent notification for the respective event (e.g.,on a vehicle display, an email to the driver and / or a text message to the driver's mobile phone).

[0042] In various embodiments, the driver's responses from step 212 are detected via one or more user interface sensors 162 by Fig. 1 (e.g., those that capture inputs from a driver on one or more user interfaces, such as a display, a dial, a button, and / or other user interfaces). In various further embodiments, the driver's responses from step 212 are transmitted via the transceiver 105 from Fig. 1, for example, from one or more transmissions and / or messages from a mobile phone or other electronic device of the driver of the vehicle 100.

[0043] The process determines various options based on the responses (step 214). In one embodiment, the processor 172 evaluates Fig. 1 different ways to implement the driver instructions.

[0044] The driver's responses are implemented (step 216). For example, in various embodiments, it is noted which alert type (e.g., informational, actionable, and service types) was acknowledged by the driver. Additionally, in various embodiments, annotations are made regarding the driver's selection for each alert type (e.g., informational, actionable, and service types). For example, in certain embodiments, annotation is made regarding the driver's selection for each notification, whether (i) the driver wishes to receive further notifications; and, if so, (ii) the timing of such further notification (e.g., snooze or timer function) is determined; and (iii) the manner of delivering such further notifications (e.g., via the in-vehicle display screen, text message, email, etc.) is determined.Likewise, in various embodiments, the determinations and notations of step 216 are performed by the processor 172 of FIG. Fig. 1 and resulting notations and characterizations in memory 174 from Fig. 1 stored as stored values ​​184.

[0045] The current drive cycle is monitored and a timer is executed (step 218). In various embodiments, one or more drive cycle sensors 164 of Fig. 1, whether a current driving cycle of a vehicle (e.g., a current ignition cycle) is about to end, e.g., by the driver turning the vehicle's ignition key, pressing a stop button, and / or operating a key fob. In further embodiments, a timer is continuously monitored for a desired time for additional notification regarding the various warnings of step 210 (e.g., either a preset time period for a subsequent notification and / or a timer selected by the user in step 212 regarding the driver's desired time for a subsequent notification).

[0046] It is determined whether the timer of step 218 has expired (step 220). In one embodiment, this determination is made by the processor 172 of Fig. 1. If it is determined that the processor has not timed out, the process executes step 218 until it is determined that the timer has expired. After determining that the timer has expired, the process proceeds to step 222.

[0047] It is determined whether a subsequent notification is warranted for each warning (step 222). In one embodiment, this includes determining whether the driver is set to receive a reminder for the respective warning. In various embodiments, this determination is made by the processor 172 of Fig. 1. In certain embodiments, this determination is made for the individual warnings of steps 208 and 210. In certain further embodiments, this determination is made only for the warnings that were acknowledged in step 212. Likewise, in various embodiments, a subsequent notification is warranted when it is determined that the current drive cycle of the vehicle (e.g., a current ignition cycle) is about to end, e.g., by the driver turning the vehicle ignition keys, pressing a stop button, and / or operating a key fob. In further embodiments, a subsequent notification is warranted when the timer reaches the time at which the subsequent notification is requested (e.g.,either a preset period for a subsequent notification and / or a time selected by the user in step 212 with regard to the desired time of a subsequent notification to the driver).

[0048] If it is determined in an iteration of step 222 that a subsequent notification is warranted, such subsequent notifications are provided (step 224). In various embodiments, the subsequent notifications are issued during the same vehicle drive cycle (e.g., the same ignition cycle) as the initial notifications of step 210.

[0049] In certain embodiments, the subsequent notifications are issued at or near the end of the current drive cycle (e.g., the current ignition cycle) of the vehicle, e.g., when the driver turns the vehicle ignition keys, presses a stop button, and / or operates a key fob. In further embodiments, the subsequent notification is provided when the timer has reached the time at which the subsequent notification is requested (e.g., either a preset time period for a subsequent notification and / or a time selected by the user in step 212 with respect to the desired time of a subsequent notification to the driver).

[0050] In certain embodiments, a subsequent notification is provided for each alert in steps 208 and 210. In certain further embodiments, a subsequent notification is provided only for the alerts acknowledged in step 212. In still further embodiments, a subsequent notification is provided only for the acknowledged alerts for which the driver has opted to receive subsequent notifications. In still further embodiments, a subsequent notification is provided for each of the notifications, except for those for which the driver has opted not to receive subsequent notifications.

[0051] In various embodiments, the subsequent notifications are provided by instructions from processor 172 of Fig. 1. In certain embodiments, the processor 172 includes the display 108 of Fig. 1 to visually display the warning in the vehicle 100 (e.g., on a display in the instrument panel, a front-view mirror, and / or navigation system of the vehicle 100). In certain further embodiments, the processor 172 instructs the transceiver 105 of Fig. 1, to send one or more electronic messages (e.g., SMS, email) containing the warning to a mobile phone or other electronic device of the driver. In various embodiments, the manner of subsequent notification from step 224 corresponds to the selections made by the vehicle driver in step 212 regarding the desired means for providing the additional notifications.

[0052] In certain embodiments, the subsequent notifications of step 224 also include speech to enable the driver to acknowledge the subsequent notifications and / or confirm the driver's selections regarding them (e.g., regarding whether to receive additional subsequent notifications, regarding a timer for such additional subsequent notifications, and regarding a means for providing these additional subsequent notifications, similar to step 210 above). Likewise, in certain embodiments, the driver is provided with the ability to scroll through the various supplemental responses of step 224.

[0053] Following step 224, the process continues with step 226, which is explained below.

[0054] Referring to step 222 of Fig. 2, if it is determined in step 222 that a subsequent notification is not justified, the process proceeds directly from step 222 to step 226 without a subsequent notification from step 224.

[0055] During step 226, a determination is made as to whether a vehicle ignition is off. In one embodiment, this determination is made by processor 172 from Fig. 1 using information from one or more of the drive cycle sensors 164 of Fig. 1. If it is determined that the ignition is not off, the process returns to step 218, and steps 218-226 are repeated until it is determined that the ignition is off in an iteration of step 226. After it is determined that the ignition is off, the process continues to step 228.

[0056] During step 228, a notification is provided indicating that there are warnings that need to be reviewed. In certain embodiments, the notifications of step 228 are executed by instructions from processor 172 of Fig. 1. In certain embodiments, the processor 172 includes the display 108 of Fig. 1 to visually display this notification (e.g., on a display in the instrument panel, a front-view mirror, and / or navigation system of the vehicle 100). In certain further embodiments, the processor 172 instructs the transceiver 105 of Fig. 1, to send one or more electronic messages (e.g., SMS, email) containing this notification to a mobile phone or other electronic device of the driver. In various embodiments, the manner of subsequent notification from step 228 corresponds to a selection by the driver, e.g., in step 204 and / or step 212.

[0057] Additionally, in various embodiments, the driver is offered options for one or more methods regarding delivery of the notifications (step 230). In certain embodiments, the options of step 230 are provided as part of or in conjunction with the notification of step 228. However, in certain other embodiments, the options of step 230 may be provided as part of one or more separate notifications and / or transmissions.

[0058] In one embodiment, process 200 continues by then receiving (step 232) and implementing (step 234) the driver's responses, similar to steps 212 and 216 above, respectively. Additionally, in one embodiment, if the driver has requested the current drive cycle (e.g., ignition cycle), the current drive cycle is terminated accordingly (step 236) (e.g., with the ignition off).

[0059] With reference to Fig. 3 illustrates exemplary driver display screens 300, 350 that are configured, according to an exemplary embodiment, to display the notifications of the respective steps 210 and 224 of the process 200 of Fig. 2. In one embodiment, the driver display screens 300, 350 may be part of the display 108 of Fig. 1 and instructions from processor 172 of Fig. 1. In further embodiments, the display screens 300, 350 are received from the transceiver 105 Fig. 1 sent, for example, via SMS and / or email to a user’s electronic device.

[0060] In the example of Fig. 3, the screen 300 includes a sequence of displays 310-340 for exemplary initial notifications of step 210 of the Fig. 2.

[0061] In particular, in the illustrated example, a first display 310 represents an initial notification (corresponding to step 210 of Fig. 2) relating to a first condition (e.g., engine overheating requiring engine idling). The first display 310 includes a description 311 of the condition (i.e., engine overheating requiring engine idling) and an option 312 to acknowledge the condition.

[0062] The second display 320 represents an initial notification (corresponds to step 210 of Fig. 2) about a second condition (e.g., a steering condition requiring power steering maintenance and, at the same time, requiring the driver to drive the vehicle 100 with particular care). The second display 320 includes a description of the condition 321 (i.e., a steering system condition requiring power steering maintenance and, in the meantime, requiring the driver to drive the vehicle 100 with particular care) and an opportunity 322 to acknowledge the condition.

[0063] The third display 330 provides a further description 331 of one or both states of the displays 310 and / or 320 and gives the driver the option 332 to choose whether to receive further notifications for one or both of these states (corresponding to step 210 of Fig. 2).

[0064] The fourth display 340 provides a further description 341 of one or both states of the displays 310 and / or 320 and gives the driver the option 342 to select a time frame (e.g., in hours and / or minutes, e.g., for a timer and / or snooze function) to receive subsequent notifications for the respective warnings (corresponding to step 210 of Fig. 2) to receive.

[0065] With further reference to Fig. 3, the display screen 350 represents an exemplary representation in connection with a subsequent notification of step 224 of the process 200 of Fig. 2, according to an exemplary embodiment. In particular, during the drive cycle, the second screen 350 displays a summary 351 of the warnings that the driver can view, as well as a further option 352 with which the driver can select how the subsequent notifications for these warnings should be made (e.g., via the display screen in the vehicle, transmission via SMS and / or transmission via email). It should be noted that the display screens 300, 350 of Fig. 3 may vary in other versions.

[0066] Accordingly, methods, systems, and vehicles are provided for providing warnings to drivers of a vehicle. The disclosed methods, systems, and vehicles provide initial notifications of warnings regarding required information, precautions, maintenance, or repairs for vehicle components, receive user responses to the initial warnings, and provide subsequent notifications regarding the warnings in response to the driver's responses.

[0067] It is understood that the disclosed methods, systems, and vehicles may vary from those illustrated in the figures and described herein. For example, the vehicle 100, the alarm system 102, and / or various components thereof may differ from those shown in Fig. 1 and described in connection therewith. Furthermore, it is understood that certain steps and / or implementations of the process 200 may differ from those described in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 and / or described above in connection therewith. Likewise, it is understood that certain steps of the methods described above may be performed simultaneously or in a different order than that described in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 and / or described above in connection therewith, and that the displays may be made by the Fig. 3 may vary in different embodiments.

Claims

[1] Method (200) comprising: providing (210), by means of instructions provided by a processor (172), an initial notification of a warning to a driver of a vehicle (100) regarding information, precautions, maintenance, or repair for the vehicle (100); receiving (212) an initial acknowledgment of the warning from the driver via a user interface device; and providing (224), by means of instructions provided by the processor (172), a subsequent notification of the acknowledged warning to the driver, depending on a drive cycle and driver option settings following the initial acknowledgement, wherein the initial notification is provided in an ignition cycle, and a subsequent notification is provided after a driver request to terminate the ignition cycle and before the ignition cycle is terminated. [2] The method (200) of claim 1, wherein the subsequent notification is provided in a subsequent drive cycle. [3] The method (200) of claim 1, wherein: the step of providing (210) the initial notification further comprises providing an opportunity to set a timer for the subsequent notification to the driver; and the step of providing (224) the subsequent notification comprises providing the subsequent notification after the timer has expired. [4] The method (200) of claim 1, wherein: the step of providing (210) the initial notification further comprises providing the driver with an opportunity to select whether or not to receive the subsequent notification; and the step of providing (224) the subsequent notification comprises providing the subsequent notification, provided that the driver has opted to receive the subsequent notification. [5] The method (200) of claim 1, wherein: the step of providing (210) the initial notification further comprises providing the driver with an opportunity to select a means for receiving the subsequent notification, the means being selected from a display on a display screen (108) of the vehicle (100), an email sent to the driver, and a text message sent to a mobile phone of the driver; and the step of providing (224) the subsequent notification comprises providing the subsequent notification via the means selected by the driver. [6] The method (200) of claim 1, wherein: the step of providing (224) the subsequent notification comprises providing the subsequent notification via a text message to a mobile phone of the driver. [7] The method (200) of claim 1, wherein: the step of providing (224) the subsequent notification comprises providing the subsequent notification via an email message to a mobile phone of the driver. [8] The method (200) of claim 1, wherein: the step of providing (224) the subsequent notification comprises providing the subsequent notification via a display screen (108) of the vehicle (100). [9] System (102) comprising: a processor (172) configured to perform a method (200) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 8.

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