SYSTEM AND TELEMATICS UNIT FOR RECORDING TELEMATICS UNIT SEPARATIONS

Abstract

A system (10) for detecting a disconnection of a vehicle system module (VSM) (28), the system (10) comprising: a memory (38) configured to include a program and a processor (36) configured to execute the program, the program enabling the processor (36) to: Detecting a separation event; and in response to detecting the separation event, collecting VSM location data; characterized in that the disconnect event is a hard-wired connection between the VSM (28) and a communication bus (58) being disconnected; wherein the disconnection event is detected when the VSM (28) has ceased to receive periodic heartbeat signals from one or more other VSMs (28) via the communication bus (58) or after the VSM (28) has transmitted a beacon test configured to indicate whether the VSM (28) is still firmly connected to one or more other VSMs (28).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a system according to the preamble of claim 1 and a telematics unit according to the preamble of claim 5 for detecting a disconnection of a vehicle system module, as essentially known from US 2012 / 0 286 950 A1.

[0002] Further prior art can also be found in US 2012 / 0 029 758 A1. INTRODUCTION

[0003] Vehicles are often stolen to resell their parts as spare parts. Vehicle telematics units are particularly sought after by criminals because of their resale value on the black market. Furthermore, when a vehicle includes a telematics unit that connects wirelessly to remote parties, thieves tend to disconnect the telematics unit from the rest of the vehicle's electronics (or remove it entirely from the vehicle) while hot-wiring the vehicle to disable the device from notifying authorities of this criminal activity and from tracking the vehicle's location after the vehicle has been removed from the scene.Accordingly, it is desirable to be able to indicate the location of the telematics unit after the device has been unlawfully separated from the rest of the vehicle's components, as well as to provide a theft warning in the hopes of enabling recovery of the stolen vehicle and its telematics unit. Furthermore, other desirable functions and features will be apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background of the invention. SUMMARY

[0004] A system having one or more computers may be configured to perform particular operations or actions by installing software, firmware, hardware, or a combination thereof on the system that, in operation, causes or prompts the system to perform the actions. One or more computer programs may be configured to perform particular operations or actions by including instructions that, when executed by the computing device, cause the device to perform the actions. One general aspect includes memory configured to include a program and a processor configured to execute the program, wherein the program enables the processor to detect a disconnect event and, in response to the detected disconnect event, to collect VSM location data.Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems, devices, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the method.

[0005] Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The system wherein the program further enables the processor to transmit the location data to a remote device in response to the detected disconnection event. The system wherein the program further enables the processor to send a theft warning to a remote device in response to the detected disconnection event. The system wherein the VSM is a telematics unit. The system wherein the disconnection event is the VSM being disconnected from a primary antenna. System wherein the disconnection event is the VSM being disconnected from a communications bus; and wherein the program further enables the processor to determine if the VSM is disconnected from a vehicle power source; and collect location data in response to both detecting the disconnection event and determining that the VSM is disconnected from the vehicle power source.The system wherein the program further enables the processor to send both the location data and a theft warning to a remote device in response to the detected disconnection event and when the VSM is determined to be disconnected from the vehicle power source. System wherein: the disconnection event is the disconnection of the VSM from a vehicle power source; and wherein the program further enables the processor to determine whether the VSM is disconnected from a communications bus; and to collect location data in response to both the disconnection event being detected and the VSM being determined to be disconnected from the communications bus. System wherein the program further enables the processor to send both the location data and a theft warning to a remote device in response to the disconnection event to be detected and when the VSM is determined to be disconnected from the communications bus.Implementations of the described techniques may include hardware, a method or process, or computer software on a computer-accessible medium.

[0006] A general aspect includes a telematics unit including a memory configured to contain a program and a processor configured to execute the program, wherein the program enables the processor to detect a disconnection event, collect location data of the telematics unit in response to the detected disconnection event, transmit the location data to a remote device, and send a theft notification to a remote device. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems, devices, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the method.

[0007] Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The telematics unit further includes: a backup battery and a backup antenna; wherein the location data and the theft alarm are transmitted to the remote device via the backup antenna; and wherein telematics power is provided after the disconnection event via the backup battery. A telematics unit, wherein the disconnection event is the disconnection of the telematics unit from a communications bus; and wherein the program further enables the processor to determine whether the telematics unit is disconnected from a vehicle power source; and collect location data of the telematics unit, communicate the location data to a remote device, and, in response to both detecting the disconnection event and determining that the telematics unit is disconnected from the vehicle power source, send a theft alert to the remote device.A telematics unit, wherein the disconnection event is the disconnection of the telematics unit from a vehicle power source; and wherein the program further enables the processor to determine whether the telematics unit is disconnected from a communications bus; and in response to both detecting the disconnection event and determining that the telematics unit is disconnected from the communications bus, collect location data of the telematics unit, communicate the location data to a remote device, and send a theft warning to the remote device. Implementations of the described techniques may include hardware, a method or process, or computer software on a computer-accessible medium.

[0008] A general aspect includes a method for detecting the removal of telematics units, the method including: detecting a disconnection event via a processor; and in response to detecting the disconnection event via the processor, collecting location data of the telematics units. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems, devices, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the method.

[0009] Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The method further includes communicating the location data to a remote device in response to detecting the disconnection event. The method further includes communicating a theft indication to a remote device in response to detecting the disconnection event. Method wherein the disconnection event is a telematics unit being disconnected from a primary antenna. The method further includes: the disconnection event being a telematics unit being disconnected from a communications bus; and determining, via the processor, whether the telematics unit is disconnected from a vehicle power source; and collecting, via the processor, location data of the telematics unit in response to detecting the disconnection event and when the processor has determined that the telematics unit is disconnected from the vehicle power source.The method further includes communicating, via the processor, both the telematics location data and a theft warning to a remote device in response to both sensing the disconnection event and the processor determining that the telematics unit is disconnected from the vehicle power source. A method wherein: the disconnection event is a telematics unit being disconnected from a vehicle power source; and determining, via the processor, whether the telematics unit is disconnected from a communications bus; and collecting, via the processor, location data of the telematics unit in response to both sensing the disconnection event and determining that the telematics unit is disconnected from the communications bus. Implementations of the described techniques may include hardware, a method or process, or computer software on a computer-accessible medium.

[0010] The above features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages of the present teachings, will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of the teachings when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a communication system capable of utilizing the system and method disclosed herein according to exemplary embodiments; Fig. 2 is a flowchart of a process for detecting the distance of telematics units according to exemplary embodiments; Fig. 3 is a flowchart of another process for detecting the distance of telematics units according to exemplary embodiments; and Fig. 4 is a flowchart of another process for detecting the distance of telematics units according to exemplary embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples, and other embodiments may take various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be shown larger or smaller to illustrate the details of particular components. Accordingly, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to variously utilize the present invention.As those skilled in the art will understand, various features illustrated and described with reference to any of the figures may be combined with features illustrated in one or more other figures to produce embodiments not explicitly illustrated or described. The illustrated combinations of features provide representative embodiments for typical applications. However, various combinations and modifications of the features consistent with the teachings of this disclosure may be desirable for particular applications and implementations.

[0012] With reference to Fig. 1, an operating environment is illustrated that includes a communication system 10 and that may be used to implement the method disclosed herein. The communication system 10 generally includes a vehicle 12 that includes the vehicle electronics 20, a battery 41, one or more wireless carrier systems 70, a land communication network 76, a computer or server 78, a vehicle backend service facility 80, and a constellation of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) satellites 86. It is understood that the disclosed method may be used with any number of different systems and is not specifically limited to the operating environment shown herein. Thus, the following paragraphs provide only a brief overview of such a communication system 10; however, other systems not shown herein could also employ the disclosed methods.

[0013] The vehicle 12 is shown as a passenger car in the illustrated embodiment, but it should be understood that any other vehicle, including motorcycles, trucks, sports utility vehicles (SUVs), recreational vehicles (RVs), marine vessels, aircraft, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), etc., may also be used. Some of the vehicle electronics 20 are generally in Fig. 1 and include a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver 22, a body control module or unit (BCM) 24, other vehicle system modules (VSMs) 28, a telematics unit 30, vehicle user interfaces 50-56, and an onboard computer 60. Some or all of the various vehicle electronics may be connected for communication with one another via one or more communication buses, such as communication bus 58. Communication bus 58 provides network connections to the vehicle electronics using one or more network protocols and may employ a serial data communication architecture. Examples of suitable network connections include a controller area network (CAN), a media-oriented system transfer (MOST), a local interconnect network (LIN), a local area network (LAN), and other suitable connections, such as Ethernet or others, includingcomply with known ISO, SAE, and IEEE standards and specifications. In further embodiments, a wireless communication network may be used that utilizes short-range wireless communication (SRWC) to communicate with one or more of the vehicle's VSMs. In one embodiment, the vehicle 12 may use a combination of a hardwired communication bus 58 and SRWCs. The SRWCs may be implemented, for example, using the telematics unit 30.

[0014] The primary power source of vehicle 12 is battery 41, which powers all components of vehicle 12, such as vehicle electronics 20. Battery 41 may also be connected to vehicle bus 58 to communicate with one or more VSMs 28. For example, telematics unit 30 may receive one or more heartbeats from battery 41 to ensure a power source connection is maintained.

[0015] The vehicle 12 may include numerous vehicle system modules (VSMs) as part of the vehicle electronics 20, such as the GNSS receiver 22, BCM 24, the telematics unit 30 (vehicle communication system), the vehicle user interfaces 50-56, and the onboard computer 60, as described in more detail below. The vehicle 12 may also include other VSMs 28 in the form of electronic hardware components located throughout the vehicle that receive input from one or more sensors and use the sensed inputs to perform diagnostic, monitoring, control, reporting, and / or other functions. Each of the VSMs 28 is rigidly connected to the other VSMs, including the telematics unit 30, via the communication bus 58.Furthermore, each of the VSMs may include and / or be communicatively coupled to suitable hardware that enables communication within the vehicle via the communication bus 58; this hardware may include, for example, bus interface connectors and / or modems. One or more VSMs 28 may have their software or firmware updated periodically or occasionally, and, in some embodiments, such vehicle updates may be over-the-air (OTA) updates received by a computer 78 or remote device 80 via the landline 76 and telematics units 30. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the aforementioned VSMs are only examples of some of the modules that may be used in the vehicle 12, but numerous other modules are also possible. It should also be noted that these VSMs may also be referred to as electronic control units, or ECUs.

[0016] The global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver 22 receives radio signals from a constellation of 86 GNSS satellites. The GNSS receiver 22 can be configured for use with various GNSS implementations, including the Global Positioning System (GPS) for the United States, the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) for China, the Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) for Russia, Galileo for the European Union, and various other satellite navigation systems. For example, the GNSS receiver 22 can be a GPS receiver that receives GPS signals from a constellation of 86 GPS satellites. And in another example, the GNSS receiver 22 may be a BDS receiver that receives a plurality of GNSS (or BDS) signals from a constellation of GNSS (or BDS) satellites 86.The received GNSS may determine a current vehicle location based on the reception of a plurality of GNSS signals from the constellation of GNSS satellites 86. The vehicle location information may then be communicated to the telematics unit 30 or another VSM, such as the onboard computer 60. In one embodiment (as shown in FIG. Fig. 1), the wireless communication module 30 and / or a telematics unit may be integrated with the GNSS receiver 22 such that, for example, the GNSS receiver 22 and the telematics unit 30 (or the wireless communication device) are directly connected to each other rather than being connected via the communication bus 58. In further embodiments, the GNSS receiver 22 is a separate, stand-alone module, or a GNSS receiver 22 may be integrated into the telematics unit 30 in addition to a separate, stand-alone GNSS receiver connected to the telematics unit 30 via the communication bus 58.

[0017] The body control module (BCM) 24 may be used to control various VSMs of the vehicle and to obtain information about the VSMs, including their current condition or status, and sensor information. The BCM 24 is comprised of Fig. 1 as electrically connected to the communication bus 58. In some embodiments, the BCM 24 may be integrated with or part of a center stack module (CSM) and / or integrated with the telematics unit 30 or the onboard computer 60. Or, the BCM may be a separate device connected to other VSMs via the bus 58. The BCM 24 may include a processor and / or memory, which may be similar to the processor 36 and memory 38 of the telematics unit 30, as discussed below. The BCM 24 may communicate with the wireless device 30 and / or one or more vehicle system modules, such as an engine control module (ECM), an audio system 56, or other VSMs 28; in some embodiments, the BCM 24 may communicate with these modules via the communication bus 58.Software stored in memory and executable by the processor enables the BCM to control one or more vehicle functions, including, for example, controlling the central locking system, the air conditioning system, the power mirrors, controlling the vehicle's primary drive (e.g., engine, primary drive system), and / or controlling various other vehicle modules. In one embodiment, the BCM 24 may be used (at least in part) to detect a vehicle event, such as an on-state or an off-state, based on one or more on-vehicle sensor values, as explained in more detail below.

[0018] As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the telematics unit 30 is capable of communicating data via Short Range Wireless Communications (SRWC) using the SRWC circuitry 32 and / or via cellular communications using a cellular chipset 34. The telematics unit 30 may provide an interface between various VSMs of the vehicle 12 and one or more devices external to the vehicle 12, such as one or more networks or systems at the remote facility 80. This allows the vehicle to communicate data or information with remote systems, such as the remote facility 80.

[0019] In at least one embodiment, telematics unit 30 may also function as a central vehicle computer capable of performing various vehicle tasks. In such embodiments, telematics unit 30 may be integrated with onboard computer 60 such that onboard computer 60 and device 30 are a single module. Or, telematics unit 30 may be a separate central computer for vehicle 12 in addition to onboard computer 60. Additionally, the wireless communication device may be integrated with or as part of other VSMs, such as a center stack module (CSM), a body control module (BCM) 24, an infotainment module, a head unit, a telematics unit, and / or a gateway module. In some embodiments, telematics unit 30 is a standalone module and may be implemented as an OEM-installed (embedded) or aftermarket device installed in the vehicle.

[0020] In the illustrated embodiment, the telematics unit 30 includes a backup battery 29, the SRWC circuitry 32, the cellular chipset 34, a processor 36, memory 38, SRWC antenna 33, primary antenna 35, and internal backup antenna 37. The telematics unit 30 may be configured to communicate wirelessly according to one or more short-range wireless communications (SRWC), such as Wi-Fi™, WiMAX™, Wi-Fi™ Direct, other IEEE 802.11 protocols, ZigBee™, Bluetooth™, Bluetooth™, Bluetooth™ Low Energy (BLE), or near-field communication (NFC). As used herein, Bluetooth™ refers to any of the Bluetooth™ technologies, such as Bluetooth Low Energy™ (BLE), Bluetooth™ 4.1, Bluetooth™ 4.2, Bluetooth™ 5.0, and other Bluetooth™ technologies that may be developed. As used herein, Wi-Fi™ or Wi-Fi™ technology refers to any of the Wi-Fi™ technologies, such as IEEE 802.11b / g / n / ac or any other IEEE 802.11 technology.And in some embodiments, the telematics unit 30 can be configured to communicate using IEEE 802.11p so that the vehicle can perform vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication or vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication with infrastructure systems or devices, such as the remote facility 80. And in other embodiments, other protocols can be used for V2V or V2I communication. The short-range wireless communication (SRWC) circuitry 32 enables the telematics unit 30 to send and receive SRWC signals, such as BLE signals. The SRWC circuitry can enable the device 30 to connect to another SRWC device.Furthermore, in some embodiments, the telematics unit 30 may include a cellular chipset 34, enabling the device to communicate via one or more cellular protocols, such as those used by the cellular carrier system 70, via the primary antenna 35 and the backup antenna 37. In such a case, the telematics unit 30 is a user equipment (UE) with which cellular communication may be conducted via the cellular carrier system 70.

[0021] The primary antenna 35 is used for communication 30 during normal operation of the telematics unit and is generally known to be located throughout the vehicle 12 at one or more locations external to the telematics unit 30. The internal backup antenna 37 may be used to conduct communication in cases where communication between the cellular chipset 34 and the primary antenna 35 has been lost (e.g., if the hardwiring between the chipset and the antenna has been broken) or if the telematics unit 30 has otherwise been disconnected / removed from the rest of the vehicle electronics 20 and / or the battery 41. The backup antenna 37 (secondary antenna) is integrated into the telematics unit 30 and may be installed in a concealed location within the housing of the telematics unit 30.As shown, the backup antenna 37 is located within the cellular chipset 34; however, the backup antenna 37 may be installed anywhere within the confines of the telematics unit 30. Additionally, the backup antenna 37 may be hardwired directly to the cellular chipset 34 or connected via one or more SRWC protocols. The backup battery 29 may be a rechargeable battery (e.g., a lithium-ion battery) integrated into the telematics unit 30 and used to power the device when it has failed or is otherwise disconnected from the vehicle's main power source (e.g., battery 41). In one or more embodiments, the backup battery 29 may be installed in a concealed location within the housing of the telematics unit 30.

[0022] The telematics unit 30 may enable the vehicle 12 to communicate with one or more local or remote networks (e.g., one or more networks at the remote facility 80 or computers 78) via packet-switched data communications. This packet-switched data communication may be accomplished through the use of a non-vehicle wireless access point or cellular system connected to a landline network via a router or modem. When used for packet-switched data communications, such as TCP / IP, the data transmission device 30 may be configured with a static Internet Protocol (IP) address or may be configured to automatically receive an assigned IP address from another device on the network, such as a router or network address server.

[0023] Packet-switched data communication may also occur through the use of a cellular network, which may be accessible to device 30. Communication device 30 may transmit data over wireless carrier system 70 via a cellular chipset 34. In such a scenario, radio transmissions may be used to establish a communication channel, such as a voice channel and / or a data channel, with wireless carrier system 70 so that voice and / or data transmissions may be sent and received over the channel. Data may be sent either over a data connection, such as via packet data transmission over a data channel, or over a voice channel using techniques known in the art.For combined services that include both voice and data communications, the system can use a single call over a voice channel and switch between voice and data transmission over the voice channel as needed, again using techniques well known to those skilled in the art.

[0024] The processor 36 may be any type of device capable of processing electronic instructions, including microprocessors, microcontrollers, host processors, controllers, vehicle communication processors, and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). It may be a dedicated processor for the data transmission device 30, or it may be shared with other vehicle systems. The processor 36 executes various types of digitally stored instructions, such as software or firmware programs, stored in the memory 38, which enable the device 30 to provide a wide variety of services. For example, in one embodiment, the processor 36 may execute programs or process data to perform at least a portion of the method described herein.Memory 38 may include any suitable non-transitory, computer-readable medium; these include various types of RAM (random access memory, including various types of dynamic RAM (DRAM) and static RAM (SRAM)), ROM (read-only memory), solid-state drives (SSDs) (including other solid-state storage, such as solid-state hybrid drives (SSHDs)), hard disk drives (HDDs), magnetic or optical disk drives, which store some or all of the software required to perform the various functions of external devices described herein. In one embodiment, telematics unit 30 also includes a modem for communicating information over communications bus 58.

[0025] The vehicle electronics 20 also include several user interfaces for the vehicle occupants to receive and / or retrieve information, including a visual display 50, one or more push buttons 52, a microphone 54, and an audio system 56. As used herein, the term "vehicle user interface" broadly encompasses any suitable form of electronic device, including both hardware and software components located within the vehicle, that allows a vehicle user to communicate with or through a component of the vehicle. The push button(s) 52 enable manual user input to the communication device 30 to provide further data, responses, and / or control inputs. The audio system 56 provides audio output to a vehicle occupant and may be an associated standalone system or part of the primary vehicle audio system.According to one embodiment, the audio system 56 is operatively coupled to both the vehicle bus 58 and an entertainment bus (not shown) and can provide AM, FM and satellite radio, CD, DVD, and other multimedia functionality. This functionality can be provided in conjunction with the infotainment module or independently. The microphone 54 provides audio input to the telematics unit 30 to enable the driver or other occupants to perform voice commands and / or hands-free calling via the wireless carrier system 70. For this purpose, it can be connected to an integrated automatic speech processing unit utilizing human-machine interface (HMI) technology known to those skilled in the art. The visual display or touchscreen 50 is preferably a graphic display and can be used to provide a variety of input and output functions.The display 50 may be a touchscreen on the instrument panel, a warning indicator reflected from the windshield, or another display. Various other vehicle user interfaces may also be used, the interfaces being described in . Fig. 1 are merely examples of a specific implementation.

[0026] The wireless carrier system 70 may be any suitable cellular system. The carrier system 70 is illustrated with a cellular tower 72; however, the carrier system 70 may include one or more of the following components (e.g., depending on the cellular technology): cellular towers, base transmission stations, mobile switching centers, base station controllers, developed nodes (e.g., eNodeBs), mobility management units (MMEs), serving and PGN gateways, etc., as well as any other network components that may be required to connect the wireless carrier system 70 to the fixed network 76 or to connect the wireless carrier system to user equipment (UEs, e.g., which may include telematics equipment in the vehicle 12). The carrier system 70 may implement any suitable communications technology, including GSM / GPRS technology, CDMA or CDMA2000 technology, LTE technology, etc.In general, wireless carrier systems 70, their components, the arrangement of their components, the interaction of the components, etc. are largely known in the art.

[0027] In addition to using the wireless carrier system 70, a different wireless carrier system in the form of satellite communications may be used to provide unidirectional or bidirectional communications with the vehicle. This may be accomplished using one or more communications satellites (not shown) and an uplink transmitter station (not shown). The unidirectional communications may, for example, be satellite radio services, wherein programmed content data (news, music, etc.) is received from the uplink transmitter station, packaged for upload, and then transmitted to the satellite, which broadcasts the programming to the subscribers. Bidirectional communications may, for example, be satellite telephony services using the one or more communications satellites to relay telephone communications between the vehicle 12 and the uplink transmitter station.When used, this satellite telephony can be used either in addition to or instead of the wireless carrier system 70.

[0028] The fixed network 76 may be a conventional land-based telecommunications network connected to one or more landline telephones and connecting the wireless carrier system 70 to the remote location 80. For example, the fixed network 76 may include a public switched telephone network (PSTN) such as that used to provide landline telephony, packet-switched data communications, and Internet infrastructure. One or more segments of the fixed network 76 could be implemented using a standard wired network, a fiber optic or other optical network, a cable network, power lines, other wireless networks such as wireless local area networks (WLANs) or networks providing wireless broadband access (BWA), or any combination thereof.

[0029] Computers 78 (only one shown) may be used for one or more purposes, such as providing backend vehicle services for a plurality of vehicles (such as vehicle 12) and / or providing other vehicle-related services. Computers 78 may be any of a number of computers accessible via a private or public network, such as the Internet.Other such accessible computers 78 may include, for example: a computer at a service center to which diagnostic information and other vehicle data may be uploaded from the vehicle; a client computer used by the vehicle owner or another subscriber for various purposes, such as accessing and / or receiving data transmitted from the vehicle, setting and / or configuring subscriber preferences, or controlling vehicle functions; or a vehicle telemetry data server that receives and stores data from a plurality of vehicles.

[0030] The vehicle backend service facility 80 is a remote facility, meaning it is located at a physical location remote from the vehicle 12. The vehicle backend service facility 80 (or "remote facility 80" for short) may be designed to provide a variety of different system backend functions to the vehicle electronics 20 using one or more electronic servers 82. The vehicle backend service facility 80 includes vehicle backend service servers 82 and databases 84 that may be stored on a variety of storage devices. The remote location 80 receives and transmits data via a modem connected to the landline network 76. Data transmissions may also occur through wireless systems, such as IEEE 802.11x, GPRS, and the like.Those skilled in the art will appreciate that although only one remote device 80 and one computer 78 are depicted in the illustrated embodiment, numerous remote devices 80 and / or computers 78 may be used.

[0031] The servers 82 may be computers or other computing devices that include at least one processor and memory. The processor may be any type of device capable of processing electronic instructions, including microprocessors, microcontrollers, host processors, controllers, vehicle communication processors, and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). The processors may be dedicated processors used only for the servers 82 or may be shared with other systems. The at least one processor may execute various types of digitally stored instructions, such as software or firmware, that enable the servers 82 to provide a variety of services. For network communication (e.g.,For intra-network communication, inter-network communication, including Internet connections, the servers may include one or more network interface cards (NICs) (including, for example, wireless NICs (WNICs)) that may be used to transport data to and from the computers. These NICs may enable one or more servers 82 to connect to each other, to databases 84, or to other network devices, including routers, modems, and / or switches. In a particular embodiment, the NICs (including WNICs) of the servers 82 may enable the establishment of SRWC connections and / or include Ethernet ports (IEEE 802.3) to which Ethernet cables may be connected, which may provide a data connection between two or more devices.The remote device 80 may include a number of routers, modems, switches, or other network devices that may be used to provide network functions, such as connection to the landline network 76 and / or the cellular carrier system 70.

[0032] The databases 84 may be stored on a variety of memories, such as a live temporary memory or a suitable non-transitory, computer-readable medium; these include various types of RAM (random access memory, including various types of dynamic RAM (DRAM) and static RAM (SRAM)), ROM (read-only memory), solid-state drives (SSDs) (including other solid-state memories, such as solid-state hybrid drives (SSHDs)), hard disk drives (HDDs), magnetic or optical disk drives, which store some or all of the software required to perform the various functions of external devices described herein. One or more databases in the remote facility 80 may store various information and may include a vehicle operation database that stores information about the operation of various vehicles (e.g.,Vehicle telemetry or sensor data). The remote server 80 can thus also be used to distribute software (and / or software updates) to the various vehicles, including vehicle 12. PROCEDURE

[0033] Now to Fig. 2, which illustrates one embodiment of a method 200 for detecting an instance of disconnection of telematics unit 30 to indicate the occurrence of theft of telematics unit 30 and to support remedial action by remote device 80. One or more aspects of the method 200 for detecting telematics disconnection may be augmented by vehicle telematics unit 30, which may include one or more executable instructions incorporated into storage device 38 and executed by controller 36. One or more subsidiary aspects of the method 200 may otherwise be augmented, for example, by remote device 80, which may include one or more executable instructions incorporated into databases 84 and executed by server 82.

[0034] The method 200 is supported by the telematics unit 30 being configured to establish one or more communication protocols with the remote device 80. This configuration may be performed by the vehicle manufacturer at or near the time of installation or retrofitting of the telematics unit, or as an aftermarket item (e.g., via vehicle download using the communication system 10 presented above or during vehicle maintenance, to name a few examples). In at least one implementation, one or more instructions are provided to the telematics unit 30 and stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., on the storage device 38).

[0035] The method 200 begins at 201, where the vehicle 12 is placed in the compromised position in which one or more thieves enter the vehicle cabin with the intent of removing and stealing at least the telematics unit 30. Furthermore, the method 200 begins at 201, where the hard-wired connection between the telematics unit 30 and the communications bus 58 is severed (e.g., by snipping). In step 210, the telematics unit 30 detects after some time that it has received periodic heart signals from one or more of the other VSMs 28 and concludes that the telematics unit 30 is no longer properly connected to the communications bus 58. In step 220, the telematics unit 30 determines whether it is still receiving power from the battery 41.This determination may be made when the telematics unit 30 detects whether it is still receiving the periodic heartbeat signals from the battery 41, or when the telematics unit 30 tests its connection to the battery 41, or when the telematics unit 30 detects that it has begun or needs to begin servicing the backup battery 29, or by another determination method. If the telematics unit 30 determines that its connection to the battery 41 has been severed, the method 200 further proceeds to step 230, as this may be a strong indication that the telematics unit 30 has been criminally disconnected / removed from the rest of the vehicle 12. The method 200 otherwise proceeds to conclusion 202, as a disconnection between the communications bus 58 in conjunction with a connection remaining at the vehicle's power source generally does not cause the undesirable criminal disconnection / removal.Distance of the telematics unit 30 from the vehicle 12.

[0036] In step 230, in response to the disconnect event, the telematics unit 30, powered by the backup battery 29, begins tracking via its integrated GNSS receiver 22. This location data may also be stored in memory 38. In optional step 240, in further response to the disconnect event, the telematics unit 30 transmits the location data to the remote device 80 using the cellular chipset 34 and the integrated backup antenna 37. This allows the remote device 80 to determine the location of the telematics unit 30. In optional step 250, in yet another response to the disconnect event 37, the telematics unit 30 also transmits a theft alert to the remote device 80 using the cellular chipset 34 and the integrated backup antenna. Theft alerts are known to cause the remote device 80 to check whether the remote telematics unit 30 has been stolen from the vehicle 12.The theft warning may also cause the remote device 80 to inform authorities (e.g., the police) of the location of a stolen telematics unit 30 (so that authorities can track the stolen telematics unit 30, and if the device is not completely removed from it, the stolen vehicle 12). The theft warning may also cause the remote device 80 to know to contact the owner of the vehicle 12 (e.g., via their smartphone) to inform them of the theft problem. After step 250, the method 200 proceeds to termination 202, where it may deactivate and completely disable the backup battery 29, making it appear to have been completely deactivated.

[0037] Now to Fig. 3, which illustrates another embodiment of a method 300 for detecting an instance of disconnection of the telematics unit 30 to indicate the occurrence of theft of the telematics unit 30 and to support remedial action by the remote device 80. One or more aspects of the method 300 for detecting telematics disconnection may be augmented by the vehicle telematics unit 30, which may include one or more executable instructions incorporated into the storage device 38 and executed by the controller 36. One or more subsidiary aspects of the method 300 may otherwise be augmented, for example, by the remote device 80, which may include one or more executable instructions incorporated into databases 84 and executed by the server 82.

[0038] The method 300 is supported by the telematics unit 30 being configured to establish one or more communication protocols with the remote device 80. This configuration may be performed by the vehicle manufacturer at or near the time of installation or retrofitting of the telematics unit, or as an aftermarket item (e.g., via vehicle download using the communication system 10 presented above or during vehicle maintenance, to name a few examples). In at least one implementation, one or more instructions are provided to the telematics unit 30 and stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., on the storage device 38).

[0039] The method 300 begins at 301, where the vehicle 12 is placed in the compromised position where one or more thieves enter the vehicle cabin with the intent of removing and stealing at least the telematics unit 30. Furthermore, the method 300 begins at 301 by disconnecting the hard-wired connection between the telematics unit 30 and the battery 41. In step 310, the telematics unit 30 detects after some time that it is no longer receiving power from the battery 41. This may occur if the telematics unit 30 detects that it is also no longer receiving the periodic heartbeat signals from the battery 41, if the telematics unit 30 is testing its connection to the battery 41, or if the telematics unit 30 detects that it has begun or needs to begin servicing the backup battery 29. In step 320, the telematics unit 30 determines whether it is still properly connected to the communication bus 58.To this end, the telematics unit 30 may wait until it receives one or more periodic heartbeats from another VSM 28, or the telematics unit 30 may transmit a beacon test to see if it is still connected to another VSM 28. If the telematics unit 30 determines that its connection to the communications bus 58 has been severed, the method 300 further proceeds to step 330, as this is a strong indication that the telematics unit 30 has been criminally disconnected / removed from the rest of the vehicle 12. The method 300 otherwise proceeds to conclusion 302, as a disconnection from the battery 41 associated with a connection remaining with the communications bus 58 generally does not indicate the undesirable criminal disconnection / removal of the telematics unit 30 from the vehicle 12 (although it may, for example, indicate a replacement of the battery 41).

[0040] In step 330, in response to this type of disconnect event, the telematics unit 30, powered by the backup battery 29, begins tracking via its integrated GNSS receiver 22. This location data may also be stored in memory 38. In optional step 340, in further response to this disconnect event, the telematics unit 30 transmits the location data to the remote device 80 using the cellular chipset 34 and the integrated backup antenna 37. This allows the remote device 80 to determine the location of the telematics unit 30. In optional step 350, in yet another response to this disconnect event, the telematics unit 30 also transmits a theft report to the remote device 80 using the cellular chipset 34 and the integrated backup antenna 37.After step 350, the method 300 proceeds to termination 302 where it may turn off and completely deactivate the backup battery 29 so that it appears to have been completely removed from service.

[0041] Now to Fig.4, which illustrates another embodiment of a method 400 for detecting an instance of disconnection of telematics unit 30 to indicate the occurrence of theft of telematics unit 30 and to support remedial action by remote device 80. One or more aspects of method 400 for detecting telematics disconnection may be augmented by vehicle telematics unit 30, which may include one or more executable instructions incorporated into storage device 38 and executed by controller 36. One or more subsidiary aspects of method 400 may otherwise be augmented, for example, by remote device 80, which may include one or more executable instructions incorporated into databases 84 and executed by server 82.

[0042] The method 400 is supported by the telematics unit 30 being configured to establish one or more communication protocols with the remote device 80. This configuration may be performed by the vehicle manufacturer at or near the time of installation or retrofitting of the telematics unit, or as an aftermarket item (e.g., via vehicle download using the communication system 10 presented above or during vehicle maintenance, to name a few examples). In at least one implementation, one or more instructions are provided to the telematics unit 30 and stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., on the storage device 38).

[0043] The method 400 begins at 401, where the vehicle 12 is placed in the compromised position in which one or more thieves enter the vehicle cabin with the intent to remove and steal at least the telematics unit 30. Furthermore, the method 400 begins at 401, where the hard-wired connection between the telematics unit 30 and the primary antenna 45 is severed. The method 400 may alternatively begin at 401, wherein the hard-wired connection between the telematics unit 30 and the communication bus 58 is severed. Alternatively, the method 400 may begin at 401, wherein the hard-wired connection between the telematics unit 30 and the battery 41 is severed. In step 410, the telematics unit 30 detects, after a predetermined period of time (e.g., 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 30 minutes, 90 minutes, etc.), that it has been disconnected from the antenna 45 (e.g.,after it has not transmitted any data to the remote device 80), the communication bus 58 or the battery 41.

[0044] In step 420, in response to this type of disconnection event, the telematics unit 30 begins tracking via its integrated GNSS receiver 22. This location data may also be stored in memory 38. In optional step 430, in response to detecting this disconnection event, the telematics unit 30 transmits the location data to the remote device 80 using the cellular chipset 34 and the integrated backup antenna 37. This allows the remote device 80 to detect the location of the telematics unit 30. In optional step 440, in further response to this disconnection event, the telematics unit 30 also transmits a theft notification to the remote device 80 using the cellular chipset 34 and the integrated backup antenna 37.After step 440, the method 400 proceeds to termination 402 where it may turn off and completely deactivate the backup battery 29 so that it appears to have been completely removed from service.

Claims

[1] A system (10) for detecting a disconnection of a vehicle system module (VSM) (28), the system (10) comprising: a memory (38) configured to include a program and a processor (36) configured to execute the program, the program enabling the processor (36) to: Detecting a separation event; and in response to detecting the separation event, collecting VSM location data; characterized by , that the disconnect event is a hard-wired connection between the VSM (28) and a communication bus (58) being disconnected; wherein the disconnection event is detected when the VSM (28) has ceased to receive periodic heartbeat signals from one or more other VSMs (28) via the communication bus (58) or after the VSM (28) has transmitted a beacon test configured to indicate whether the VSM (28) is still firmly connected to one or more other VSMs (28). [2] The system (10) of claim 1, wherein the program further enables the processor (36) to transmit the VSM location data to a remote device (80) in response to the detected disconnection event. [3] The system (10) of claim 1, wherein the program further enables the processor (36) to send a theft warning to a remote device (80) in response to the detected disconnection event. [4] The system (10) of claim 1, wherein the program further enables the processor (36) to: Determining whether the VSM (28) is disconnected from a vehicle power source; and Collecting VSM location data in response to both detecting the disconnect event and determining that the VSM (28) is disconnected from the vehicle (12) power source. [5] Telematics unit (30), comprising: a memory (38) configured to include a program and a processor (36) configured to execute the program, the program enabling the processor (36) to: Detecting a separation event; and in response to the detected separation event, includes the following: Collecting telematics unit position data; Transmitting the telematics unit position data to a remote device (80); and transmitting a theft warning to the remote device (80); characterized by , that the disconnection event is a hard-wired connection between the telematics unit (30) and a communications bus (58) being disconnected; wherein the disconnection event is detected when the telematics unit (30) has ceased to receive periodic heartbeat signals from one or more other VSMs (28) via the communication bus (58), or after the VSM (28) has transmitted a beacon test configured to indicate whether the VSM (28) is still firmly connected to one or more other VSMs (28).

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