SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO FACILITATE UNDERSTANDING A TOUR IN A VEHICLE

Abstract

A vehicle is disclosed that includes a transceiver, a telematics control unit, and a processor. The transceiver can be configured to receive tour information associated with a tour, and the telematics control unit can be configured to determine a real-time vehicle geolocation. The processor can be configured to receive a trigger signal and, in response to receiving the trigger signal, obtain the tour information and the real-time vehicle geolocation. The processor can further be configured to determine, based on the tour information and the real-time vehicle geolocation, that a predefined condition may be met. The processor can modify a first vehicle component setting associated with a vehicle component to a second vehicle component setting in response to the determination that the predefined condition may be met.

Description

AREA OF TECHNOLOGY

[0001] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for facilitating the undertaking of a tour in a vehicle. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] During a vacation or a visit to a new city, users may wish to take tours tailored to their interests. For example, users might want to take local tours focused on nature, history, food, science, and so on. Many users prefer to hire tour guides to make their tours engaging and informative. Experienced and knowledgeable tour guides are known to be difficult to find and expensive. Furthermore, a user may have to invest considerable time and effort to find a good tour guide, which can be inconvenient.

[0003] Therefore, a system is needed to make it easier for a user to conveniently take a tour without having to search for a tour guide. SUMMARY

[0004] This disclosure describes a vehicle configured to facilitate a user's undertaking of a tour. The tour can be associated with one or more areas of interest assigned to the user, such as nature, food, science, haunted places, etc. The vehicle can be communicatively coupled to a server capable of storing tour information associated with a multitude of tours. The server can be a crowdsourcing server to which a multitude of tour operators, companies, tour guides, individuals, etc., can submit tour information associated with the multitude of tours.The tour information can include, for example, geolocations associated with a multitude of points of interest (POIs) within a geographic area where the tour or vehicle may be located; audio, video, and / or text messages or content associated with each POI; settings associated with one or more vehicle components associated with each POI; and / or similar information. The server can transmit the tour information associated with the multitude of tours to the vehicle when the user submits a request to view the tour information to the server via a vehicle infotainment system or user device.Upon receiving tour information from the server, the vehicle can display this information on the infotainment system, and the user can select a tour to undertake or register for based on the displayed information. Upon receiving the user's tour selection, the vehicle can assist the user in navigating the route associated with the tour, using the tour information received from the server.

[0005] In some aspects, the vehicle may be configured to track its real-time location while traveling on a trip. In response to this real-time location tracking, the vehicle can determine when it approaches a geographic location associated with a point of interest (POI) ("POI Geolocation"). The vehicle can then cause the infotainment system to play the audio, video, and / or text message or content associated with the POI when it approaches the POI Geolocation. In other aspects, the vehicle can modify settings of one or more vehicle components based on trip information when it approaches the POI Geolocation. For example, the vehicle can turn on or cause one or more interior lights to flash when it approaches the POI Geolocation.In other aspects, the vehicle may cause a driver's seating area to rise or vibrate when the vehicle gets close to the POI geolocation.

[0006] In some aspects, the vehicle can cause the infotainment system to output the audio, video, and / or text message or content associated with the POI and / or modify vehicle component settings based on the vehicle's movement status. For example, the vehicle can cause the infotainment system to output only an audio message if the vehicle is likely to be moving near the POI's geolocation, and can cause the infotainment system to output a video and / or text message or content if the vehicle is likely to be stationary near the POI's geolocation.As another example, the vehicle can cause the interior lights to flash if the vehicle is possibly near the POI geolocation, and can cause the interior lights to dim (or reduce the light intensity) if the vehicle is possibly moving near the POI geolocation.

[0007] The present disclosure reveals a vehicle that can assist a user in undertaking a tour without the need for the user to search for tour guides. Using the vehicle's infotainment system, the user can browse information associated with a variety of tours available within a geographical area where the vehicle may be located, while seated in the vehicle. This enhances the user's convenience in finding a tour that meets their requirements. Furthermore, the vehicle assists the user in navigating the tour and provides audio, video, and / or text messages to enhance the user's tour experience.Additional haptic and / or visual or audible feedback provided by one or more components of the vehicle further enhances the user's touring experience in the vehicle.

[0008] These and other advantages of the present disclosure are provided in detail in this document. The systems and methods of the present disclosure should not be permitted unless the vehicle is in a parked position, switched off, not in motion, and / or otherwise in a safe operating mode in order to benefit from the systems and methods of the disclosure, the mode being to include, by way of example, operation in a fully autonomous vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference numerals may indicate similar or identical elements. Different embodiments may use different elements and / or components than those illustrated in the drawings, and some elements and / or components may not be present in different embodiments. The elements and / or components in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Throughout this disclosure, singular and plural expressions may be used interchangeably depending on the context. Fig. 1 represents an exemplary environment in which techniques and structures for providing the systems and procedures disclosed in this document may be implemented. Fig. Figure 2 presents a block diagram of an exemplary system for facilitating the undertaking of a tour in a vehicle according to the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 3 represents an exemplary view of a user interface for configuring a vehicle setting for a tour according to the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 4 represents an exemplary first view of a screen of a vehicle information system according to the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 5 represents an exemplary second view of a screen of a vehicle information system according to the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 6 represents an exemplary third view of a screen of a vehicle information system according to the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 7 presents a flowchart of an exemplary procedure for facilitating the undertaking of a tour in a vehicle according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] The disclosure is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, and is not intended to be restrictive.

[0011] Fig. Section 1 presents an exemplary environment 100 in which techniques and structures for providing the systems and procedures disclosed in this document may be implemented. The environment 100 may include a vehicle 102 and a server 104, which may be communicatively coupled. The vehicle 102 may take the form of any passenger or commercial vehicle, such as a car, a work vehicle, a crossover vehicle, a truck, a van, a minivan, a taxi, a bus, etc. The vehicle 102 may be a manually driven vehicle and / or configured to operate in a semi-autonomous or fully autonomous mode. In the exemplary aspect described in Section 102, the following applies: Fig. As shown in Figure 1, a user 106 can sit in and / or drive the vehicle 102.

[0012] Server 104 can be configured to store information associated with a variety of tours available within a geographic area where vehicle 102 may be located. These tours can be associated with various areas of interest that user 106 may have, including but not limited to nature, food, history, science, culture, and / or similar interests. For example, a first tour might be associated with museums or historical sites within the geographic area where vehicle 102 may be located, a second tour might be associated with well-known pubs within the geographic area, a third tour might be associated with haunted places (or ghost stories) within the geographic area, and / or similar interests.

[0013] In some aspects, Server 104 can obtain information associated with the multitude of tours (or "tour information") from a multitude of user devices, databases, etc. (not shown), which may be associated with a multitude of tour operators, individual tour guides, local experts, and / or the like. The tour operators, tour guides, local experts, etc., can share their respective tour information with Server 104 to enable a multitude of users (including User 106) who may be visiting the geographic area to conveniently select and undertake, or register for, one or more tours.

[0014] As one example, the tour information could include a variety of geolocations associated with a variety of points of interest (POIs) within the geographic area where vehicle 102 may be located, an audio and / or video message associated with each POI, text content associated with each POI, one or more vehicle component settings associated with each POI, and / or the like. For example, if the tour is themed around haunted places (or ghost stories), the tour information could include geolocations of a variety of haunted places within the geographic area where vehicle 102 may be located, an audio / video message and / or text content associated with each haunted place explaining / describing the history of the haunted place, details of past paranormal activity associated with the haunted place, and so on.and include expected vehicle component settings when the vehicle 102 passes by or stops at the haunted location. For example, the tour information might indicate that vehicle lights may flash or their intensity may automatically decrease when the vehicle 102 passes the haunted location, or that the vehicle 102's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system may blow cold air when the vehicle 102 passes the haunted location, and / or similar information. Such audio / video messages, text content, and / or vehicle component settings can enable the user 106 to have an immersive tour experience.

[0015] In some aspects, Server 104 can function as a crowdsourcing server, allowing numerous individuals or companies to upload information related to tours for which they are experts and can provide content. For example, a server operator (which could be an AI-based system or a human operator) can review the tour information submitted to Server 104 and potentially only store tour information on Server 104 that meets predefined quality and / or quantity threshold standards (which can be set by the server operator).

[0016] User 106 can access the tour information stored on server 104 to select / decide on a tour that user 106 might want to undertake / register for, e.g., via a vehicle infotainment system (as infotainment system 240 in Fig. 2 shown) and / or a user device (in Fig. 2 shown as user device 204). In one exemplary aspect, the user 106 can, in order to select a tour for which he or she wishes to register, first access server 104 via the vehicle infotainment system and transmit / enter one or more of the user's areas of interest to server 104. For example, the user 106 can enter "Nature" and "Scary Stories" as the user's areas of interest.

[0017] In response to receiving the user's areas of interest, Server 104 can transmit tour information associated with one or more tours that may be available in the geographic area where Vehicle 102 is located and that may be related to the user's areas of interest. Upon receiving tour information from Server 104, the vehicle's infotainment system can display the tour information. In some cases, Server 104 may not transmit all or all of the tour information associated with each tour, but may transmit a preview or a portion (or excerpts) of the tour information.For example, instead of transmitting geolocations and text content associated with all POIs on the tours, server 104 can transmit a preview of the text content and geolocations of a subset of POIs associated with each tour, so that user 106 can get an indication of what to expect on the tour.

[0018] Based on the tour information (especially the tour information preview) that can be displayed on the vehicle infotainment system, the user can select a tour to undertake or to register for.

[0019] In other aspects, the user 106 cannot enter a specific area of ​​interest while accessing the server 104. In this case, the server 104 can identify and recommend various types of tours that the user 106 can take based on the geographical area where the vehicle 102 may be located and historical data indicating tours that the user 106 may have taken in the past, and / or the like. An example view 108 of a vehicle information system screen is shown in Fig. Figure 1 shows one or more recommended tours for user 106. The recommended tours might be themed around hidden gems, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, ghost stories, street art, and so on. User 106 can browse the recommended tours on the vehicle's infotainment system (and preview tour information) and select a tour to take or register for. In some aspects, the vehicle may be stationary when user 106 selects a tour.

[0020] In response to user 106 selecting the tour, server 104 can transmit the tour information (e.g., complete or total tour information) associated with the selected tour to vehicle 102. Furthermore, server 104 can transmit the tour information to vehicle 102 when user 106 selects the tour and when vehicle 102 begins its journey / movement (i.e., when vehicle 102 starts moving).

[0021] Based on the received tour information, the vehicle 102 (or a “tour management system” of the vehicle 102, which is located in Fig. 2 (shown as tour management system 214) assists user 106 by issuing turn-by-turn navigation instructions from the vehicle infotainment system at the start of the tour or while undertaking the tour, when user 106 is driving vehicle 102, or when vehicle 102 is moving. In some aspects, the tour management system (“System”) can determine or obtain turn-by-turn navigation instructions based on the geolocations of the points of interest (POIs) included in the tour information and a digital map of the geographic area where vehicle 102 may be located (which the System may obtain from server 104 or any other server providing navigation services to vehicle 102).In one exemplary aspect, the system can first navigate vehicle 102 to a first POI that may be closest to the current vehicle geolocation, then to a second POI that may be the next one in the route assigned to the tour, and so on.

[0022] In some aspects, when vehicle 102 reaches or is located at a geolocation associated with a POI (“POI geolocation”), the system can determine whether vehicle 102 is stationary (e.g., parked or traveling at less than 4-5 miles per hour) or in motion. Based on this determination of the vehicle's movement status, the system can instruct the vehicle's infotainment system to output messages / content associated with the POI, based on tour information received from server 104. For example, if the system determines that vehicle 102 may be in motion, the system can instruct the vehicle's infotainment system to output an audio message / content associated with the POI, but not a video or text message / content.On the other hand, the system can cause the vehicle's infotainment system to display a video or text message / video or text content if the system determines that the vehicle 102 might be stationary. Furthermore, the system can allow the user 106 to purchase additional (and paid) content (e.g., additional items, movies, etc.) associated with the POI from server 104 if the system determines that the vehicle 102 might be stationary.

[0023] In additional aspects, the system can modify settings of one or more vehicle components based on the tour information if the system determines that vehicle 102 might be at the POI geolocation. For example, the system can cause interior vehicle lights to automatically flash or dim (which may correspond to vehicle component settings included in the tour information associated with the POI) if vehicle 102 might be at the POI geolocation. As another example, the system can cause the user's seat area to automatically vibrate if vehicle 102 might be at the POI geolocation.

[0024] In some aspects, the system can modify settings of one or more vehicle components, as described above, based on the vehicle's movement status (e.g., whether the vehicle 102 is stationary or in motion). For example, the system cannot cause the user seat area to vibrate or the interior vehicle lights to flash if the system determines that the vehicle 102 might be in motion. In this case, the system can only dim the lights. On the other hand, the system can enable user seat area vibration and / or flashing light operation if the vehicle 102 might be stationary. In additional aspects, the system can modify vehicle component settings based on user preferences.For example, the system cannot activate user seat area vibration if the user has deactivated the seat area vibration feature on vehicle 102, even if the tour information indicates that the user seat area should vibrate when vehicle 102 reaches the POI geolocation.

[0025] In this way, the system allows user 106 to have an immersive and informative tour experience without having to hire an external tour guide. In some aspects, user 106 can provide server 104 with ratings, reviews, feedback, etc., for the tour after its completion. Server 104 can then publish this feedback / reviews as a reference for other users.

[0026] The details of the system for facilitating the undertaking of a tour in vehicle 102 are below in conjunction with Fig. 2 described.

[0027] Vehicle 102, Server 104, and the Tour Management System implement and / or execute operations as described herein in accordance with the User Manual and Safety Guidelines. Additionally, any action taken by User 106 based on recommendations or notifications provided by Vehicle 102, Server 104, and the Tour Management System should comply with the rules specific to the location and operation of Vehicle 102 (e.g., federal, state, county, city, etc.). Recommendations or notifications provided by Vehicle 102, Server 104, and the Tour Management System should be treated as suggestions and followed only in accordance with any rules specific to the location and operation of Vehicle 102.

[0028] Fig. Figure 2 presents a block diagram of an exemplary system 200 for facilitating the undertaking of a tour in a vehicle 202 according to the present disclosure. The vehicle 202 can be the same as the vehicle 102 described above. During the description of Fig. 2 will be on Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. Referenced.

[0029] System 200 can include the vehicle 202, a user device 204, and one or more servers 206, which are communicatively coupled to each other via one or more networks 208. The user device 204 can be assigned to the user 106. The user device 204 can be, for example, a mobile phone, a laptop, a computer, a tablet, a portable device, or any other similar device with communication capabilities. The server(s) 206 can be the same as the server 104 described above in conjunction with Fig. 1 is described. In additional aspects, the server(s) 206 can be part of a cloud-based computing infrastructure and be assigned to a telematics service delivery network (SDN) that is connected to the vehicle 202 and other vehicles (in Fig. 2 (not shown), which may be part of a commercial vehicle fleet, provides digital data services, and / or includes this. In further aspects, the server(s) 206 may be assigned to a navigation service company and configured to provide the vehicle 202 with a digital map of a geographical area in which the vehicle 202 may be located. The server(s) 206 may also be configured to store information associated with historical trips undertaken by the user 106.

[0030] As described above, Server 206 can be a crowdsourcing server to which a variety of individuals or companies can upload information related to the tours for which they are experts and can provide content. In some aspects, an operator can first create an account on Server 206 to upload information related to a tour (or tour information, as described above in conjunction with...). Fig. (described in section 1) to upload / transfer to Server 206. In response to the account creation, Server 206 may provide the operator with access to one or more tutorials that the operator can view to understand the process of "creating a tour instance" on Server 206 and transferring the tour information to Server 206.

[0031] In response to understanding the process, the operator can enter a name for the tour (e.g., "Spooky Stories" tour), which is assigned to a geographic area, and upload / transmit the tour information to server 206. In some aspects, the tour information may include, but is not limited to, the geolocations of a variety of points of interest (POIs) associated with the tour within the geographic area, one or more images or videos associated with each POI, an audio and / or video message associated with each POI, text content associated with each POI, one or more vehicle component settings associated with each POI, keywords of user interest associated with the tour (e.g., whether the tour is related to nature, food, science, haunted places, etc.), and / or similar information.

[0032] An exemplary view of a user interface 300 of a user device (which may be communicatively coupled with the server 206) assigned to the operator is shown in Fig. 3. shown. Fig. Figure 3 specifically represents a view of user interface 300, in which the operator can add one or more vehicle component settings (which may be part of the tour information) associated with a POI on server 206. For example, the operator can specify that audio in vehicle 202 (e.g., using vehicle speakers) should be played through the front and rear vehicle speakers when vehicle 202 is located at the geolocation associated with the POI (POI geolocation), as shown in view 302. Fig. 3 shown. Furthermore, the operator can specify that the vehicle seating area (e.g., the driver's seat area) should vibrate and that the driver's seat area should be raised or lowered to a height of 60% when the vehicle 202 is at the POI geolocation, as shown in View 304. The operator can also specify that the upper lights of the second row of the vehicle should be turned on, while the driver's overhead light and the glove box light should not be turned on when the vehicle 202 is at the POI geolocation, as shown in View 306. In addition, the operator can upload / add one or more images associated with the POI that can be displayed on a vehicle infotainment system screen when the vehicle 202 is at the POI geolocation, as shown in View 308.The operator can additionally specify whether the display screen assigned to the vehicle infotainment system should flash or not, and enter assigned display colors when the vehicle can be located at the POI geolocation.

[0033] In response to the operator's device adding / transmitting the tour information described above to Server 206, Server 206 can receive the tour information. In some aspects, a server operator can check the received tour information for quality and / or quantity before allowing Server 206 to store the tour information as described above.

[0034] In a manner similar to that described above, Server 206 can receive tour information associated with a multitude of tours from a multitude of tour operators and companies, and Server 206 can store the received tour information. Server 206 can transmit the tour information to Vehicle 202 when Vehicle 202 or User Device 204 sends a request to Server 206 to receive the tour information via Network 208.

[0035] The network(s) 208 illustrate(s) an exemplary communication infrastructure in which the connected devices discussed in various embodiments of this disclosure can communicate. The network(s) 208 may be and / or include the Internet, a private network, a public network, or another configuration operating using any one or more known communication protocols, such as Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP), Bluetooth, or other similar technologies. ® BLE ®, Wi-Fi based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standard 802.11, ultra-wideband (UWB) and mobile communication technologies such as Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPDA), Long-Term Evolution (LTE), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and Fifth Generation (5G), to name a few examples.

[0036] The vehicle 202 can include a variety of units, including an automotive computer 210, a vehicle control unit (VCU) 212, and a tour management system 214 (or system 214). The VCU 212 can include a variety of electronic control units (ECUs) 216, which are arranged in communication with the automotive computer 210.

[0037] The user device 204 can connect to the automotive computer 210 and / or the system 214 via the network 208, which can communicate via one or more wireless connections, and / or can communicate using near field communication (NFC) protocols, Bluetooth ® -Protocols, Wi-Fi, Ultra Wideband (UWB) and other possible data connection and sharing techniques directly connect to the vehicle 202.

[0038] In some aspects, the automotive computer 210 and / or the system 214 can be installed at any location in the vehicle 202 according to the disclosure. Furthermore, the automotive computer 210 can be operated as a functional component of the system 214. The automotive computer 210 can be or include an electronic vehicle control unit comprising one or more processors 218 and a memory 220. In addition, the system 214 can be separate from the automotive computer 210 (as in Fig. 2 shown) or integrated as part of the automotive computer 210.

[0039] The processor(s) 218 ​​can be arranged in communication with one or more storage devices, which are arranged in communication with the respective computing systems (e.g., the memory 220 and / or one or more external databases located in Fig. (2 not shown). The processor(s) 218 ​​can use the memory 220 to store programs in code and / or to store data for performing aspects according to the disclosure. The memory 220 can be a non-transient, machine-readable storage medium or memory for storing tour management program code. The memory 220 can include any or a combination of volatile memory elements (e.g., dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random-access memory (SDRAM), etc.) and can include any or several non-volatile memory elements (e.g.,including erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), etc.).

[0040] According to some aspects, the VCU 212 can share a power bus with the automotive computer 210 and be configured and / or programmed to transmit data between vehicle systems, connected servers (e.g., the server(s) 206), and other vehicles (in Fig. 2 not shown), which are operated as part of a vehicle fleet. The VCU 212 can include or communicate with any combination of the ECUs 216, such as a body control module (BCM) 222, an engine control module (ECM) 224, a transmission control module (TCM) 226, a telematics control unit (TCU) 228, a driver assistance technologies (DAT) control unit 230, etc. The VCU 212 can also include and / or communicate with a vehicle perception system (VPS) 232, which has connectivity to and / or control of one or more vehicle sensor systems 234.The vehicle sensor system 234 may include one or more vehicle sensors, including, but not limited to, a radio detection and ranging sensor (RADAR or “radar”) configured to detect and locate objects inside and outside the vehicle 202 using radio waves, seat area belt buckle sensors, seat area sensors, a light detection and ranging sensor (LiDAR or “Lidar”), door sensors, proximity sensors, temperature sensors, wheel sensors, one or more ambient weather or temperature sensors, vehicle interior and exterior cameras, steering wheel sensors, an inertial measurement unit (IMU), etc.

[0041] In some aspects, the VCU 212 can control operational aspects of the vehicle and implement one or more sets of instructions received from the user device 204 from one or more sets of instructions stored in the memory 220, including instructions that serve as part of the system 214.

[0042] The TCU 228 can be configured and / or programmed to provide vehicle connectivity with wireless computing systems inside and outside the vehicle 202, and can include a navigation receiver (NAV receiver) 236 for receiving and processing a GPS signal, a BLE ® -Module (BLEM) 238, a Wi-Fi transceiver, a UWB transceiver and / or other wireless transceivers (in Fig. 2 not shown) include those for wireless communication (which includes mobile communication) between the vehicle 202 and other systems (e.g. a vehicle key fob, in Fig. (2 not shown), can be configured to computers and modules. The TCU 228 can be arranged to communicate with the ECUs 216 via a bus. In some aspects, the TCU 228 can be configured to determine a real-time vehicle geolocation, e.g., via the NAV receiver 236.

[0043] The ECUs 216 can control aspects of vehicle operation and communication using inputs from human drivers, inputs from the automotive computer 210, the system 214 and / or via wireless signal inputs received via the wireless connection(s) from other connected devices, such as the user device 204, the server(s) 206.

[0044] The BCM 222 generally integrates sensors, vehicle performance indicators, and variable throttles assigned to the vehicle systems. It may also include processor-based power distribution circuits capable of controlling functions associated with the vehicle body, such as lights, windows, security, camera(s), audio system(s), speakers, windshield wipers, door locks and access control, various comfort controls, seat vibration, seat height, etc. The BCM 222 can also function as a gateway for bus and network interfaces to communicate with remote ECUs (in Fig. 2 not shown) to interact.

[0045] The DAT 230 controller can provide Level 1 to Level 3 automated driving and driver assistance functionality, which may include, for example, active parking assistance, reversing assistance, adaptive cruise control, and / or lane keeping assist, among other features. The DAT 230 controller can also provide aspects of user and environmental input that can be used for user authentication.

[0046] In some aspects, the automotive computer 210 can connect to an infotainment system 240. The infotainment system 240 can include a touchscreen interface section and can incorporate voice recognition features and biometric identification capabilities that can identify users based on facial recognition, voice recognition, fingerprint identification, or other biological identification methods. In other aspects, the infotainment system 240 can also be configured to receive user instructions via the touchscreen interface section and / or to output or display notifications, navigation maps, trip information, etc., on the touchscreen interface section.

[0047] In the computer system architecture of the automotive computer 210, the VCU 212, and / or the system 214, certain computing modules may be omitted. It goes without saying that the in Fig. The computing environment shown in Figure 2 is an example of a possible implementation according to the present disclosure and should therefore not be considered restrictive or exclusive.

[0048] According to some aspects, the system 214 can be integrated into the ECUs 216 and / or run as part of them. Regardless of whether it is integrated into the automotive computer 210 or the ECUs 216, or operated as an independent computing system in the vehicle 202, the system 214 can include a transceiver 244, a processor 242, and a computer-readable memory 246.

[0049] The transceiver 242 can be configured to receive information / input from one or more external devices or systems, such as the user device 204, the server(s) 206, and / or the like, via the network 208. For example, the transceiver 242 can be configured to receive a user request from user 106 via the user device 204 to view tour information on the infotainment system 240 or the user device 204. The transceiver 242 can also be configured to receive tour information, a digital map of the geographical area in which the vehicle 202 may be located, information associated with the historical user tour selection, and / or the like from the server 206. Furthermore, the transceiver 242 can transmit notifications, requests, signals, etc., to the external devices or systems.Additionally, the transceiver 242 can be configured to receive information / inputs from vehicle components, such as the infotainment system 240, the vehicle sensor system 234, one or more ECUs 216, and / or the like. Furthermore, the transceiver 242 can transmit signals (e.g., command signals) or notifications to the vehicle components, such as the infotainment system 240, the BCM 222, and / or the like.

[0050] The processor 244 and the memory 246 can be the same as or similar to the processor 218 and the memory 220, respectively. In some aspects, the processor 244 can use the memory 246 to store programs in code and / or data for performing aspects according to the disclosure. The memory 246 can be a non-transient, computer-readable storage medium or memory for storing the tour management program code. In some aspects, the memory 246 can additionally store instructions / information / data received from the server 206, the user device 204, and / or the like.

[0051] During operation, the user 106 can input a request to the infotainment system 240 or the user device 204 to view tour information associated with a variety of tours that may be available in the geographical area where the vehicle 202 may be located. In some aspects, the user 106 can input the request even when the vehicle 202 is stationary. A stationary vehicle, as described herein, may indicate a vehicle that is either parked or moving at a speed of less than four to five miles per hour.

[0052] In some aspects, the user 106 can also enter one or more user interest areas along with the request, such as nature or enchanted places, which are associated with how the user 106 would like to take a tour. In response to the user 106 entering the request, the processor 244 can receive a trigger signal from the infotainment system 240 or the user device 204. The trigger signal can include the request and the user interest areas (if provided by the user 106).

[0053] In response to receiving the trigger signal and the user's areas of interest, the processor 244 can receive a preview of tour information via the transceiver 242. This preview is associated with a variety of tours that may be available in the geographic area where the vehicle 202 can be located and that may be associated with the user's areas of interest. In a scenario where the user 106 does not provide an area of ​​interest, the processor 244 can receive a preview of tour information associated with all tours that may be available in the geographic area where the vehicle 202 can be located and can shortlist a variety of recommended tours from all tours based on information associated with historical tours undertaken by the user 106 (which the processor 244 can receive from the server 206 via the transceiver 242).In other aspects, if the user 106 does not provide an area of ​​interest, the server 206 can itself identify the multitude of recommended tours for the user 106 based on the information associated with the historical tours and can transmit the preview of tour information associated with the multitude of recommended tours to the processor 244 (via the transmitter-receiver 242).

[0054] In some aspects, when user 106 is driving on a route from a starting point to a destination, they can provide the starting point and destination to the processor 244 (via the transmitter 242 and the infotainment system 240 or the user device 204) and request the processor 244 to provide tour information associated with tours available on the route between the starting point and the destination. In this case, the processor 244 can receive a preview of tour information from the server 206 that is associated with such available tours on the user's route.

[0055] In response to receiving the preview of tour information associated with the multitude of tours from server 206, as described above, processor 244 can cause infotainment system 240 to display tour names (as shown in view 108). Fig. 1) and / or to display a preview of tour information. In some aspects, the processor 244 can display a preview of tour information when the user 106 makes a request to the infotainment system 240 to view a preview of tour information associated with a tour (e.g., by clicking on a tour name or tour icon displayed in the infotainment system 240). An example preview of tour information associated with a tour (Tour "Scary Stories") is shown in Fig. 4 shown. Fig. Figure 4 specifically represents a user interface 400 of the infotainment system 240, on which a preview of tour information assigned to the "Ghost Stories" tour is displayed. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the preview may include a section of Route 402 associated with the tour and overlaid on a digital map of a geographic area where Route 402 may exist, geolocation symbols 404 associated with one or more POIs present on Route 402, an image and / or snippets of text content 406 associated with one or more POIs, an audio preview (or video preview) 408 configured to provide an audible overview or summary of the tour, and / or the like.

[0056] In response to viewing the tour names associated with the multitude of tours and / or previewing tour information associated with one or more tours on the infotainment system 240, user 106 can select a tour to undertake or register for. In some cases, user 106 can select the tour by clicking an "Add to Route" icon 410 on the user interface 400 or by entering the tour selection using any other means available on the infotainment system 240 or the user device 204. If user 106 does not wish to select the tour but may be interested in registering for it in the future, user 106 can click a "Save" icon 412 on the user interface 400 to instruct server 206 to save the tour to a user account on server 206 for future use.

[0057] In response to user 106 selecting the tour (e.g., when user 106 clicks the "Add to Route" icon 410), processor 244 can receive another trigger signal from the infotainment system 240 (or user device 204) indicating to processor 244 that user 106 wishes to undertake or register for the selected tour. This trigger signal may include the user's tour selection. Upon receiving the trigger signal described above, processor 244 can obtain "complete" tour information associated with the selected tour from server 206 (via transceiver 242) and a real-time vehicle geolocation from TCU 228.

[0058] Although the preceding description describes one aspect in which the processor 244 receives the trigger signal to obtain complete tour information when the user 106 selects the tour on the infotainment system 240 (or the user device 204), in other aspects the processor 244 can receive the trigger signal when the vehicle 102 is moving or when the journey on the tour begins. In this case, the processor 244 can receive the trigger signal from one or more ECUs 216 and can obtain the complete tour information from the server 206 when the vehicle 202 begins to move.

[0059] In some aspects, the user can configure 106 vehicle settings before starting the selected tour. For example, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the user can set a volume of audio messages that can be output by the infotainment system or vehicle speakers (not shown) when the vehicle is traveling through the multitude of POIs on the tour, enable or disable a seat vibration feature, enable or disable a climate control feature (i.e., whether or not the processor is allowed to change the vehicle's HVAC settings based on tour information), enable or disable an ambient lighting control feature (i.e., whether or not the processor is allowed to change the vehicle's lighting settings based on tour information), and enable or disable an automatic loading route guidance feature (i.e., whether or not the processor is allowed to change the vehicle's lighting settings based on tour information)., whether the processor 244 is allowed or not allowed to automatically change the route of the tour to add charging stations / fueling stations on the route based on the state of charge (SOC) of the vehicle battery or the vehicle's fuel level), enable or disable a community tag feature 512 (i.e., whether the processor 244 is allowed or not allowed to display social community tags on the infotainment system 240 when the vehicle 202 may be driving on the tour) and / or the like.

[0060] As a result of user 106 configuring the vehicle settings, user 106 / vehicle 202 can begin the journey on the tour. In some cases, user 106 / vehicle 202 can begin the journey on the tour directly after selecting the tour and can skip configuring the vehicle settings.

[0061] In some aspects, the processor 244 can, when the vehicle 202 starts the journey on the tour or when the user 106 selects the tour on the infotainment system 240, display a digital map (e.g., a digital map 602, as in Fig. (shown in Figure 6) of the geographical area containing the multitude of POIs associated with the selected tour is obtained from Server 206 (or any other server providing navigation services). The digital map 602 may include location icons that correspond to the geolocations of the multitude of POIs. When the vehicle 202 begins driving on the tour, the processor 244 can cause the infotainment system 240 to display the digital map 602. The processor 244 can also determine turn-by-turn navigation instructions based on the digital map 602 (or obtained from Server 206) while the vehicle 202 is driving on the tour. The processor 244 can cause the infotainment system 240 to output the turn-by-turn navigation instructions to assist the user 106 / the vehicle 202 while driving on the tour.

[0062] In other aspects, Processor 244 can obtain the real-time vehicle geolocation from TCU 228 when Vehicle 202 is potentially traveling on the tour. In response to receiving the real-time vehicle geolocation, Processor 244 can use the received tour information and the real-time vehicle geolocation to check or determine whether a predefined condition can be met. In some aspects, Processor 244 can determine that the predefined condition can be met if the real-time vehicle geolocation can match a geolocation of a POI (or a POI geolocation) from the multitude of POIs associated with the tour. In other words, Processor 244 can determine that the predefined condition can be met if Vehicle 202 is potentially near or at the POI geolocation.

[0063] In response to the determination that the predefined condition may be met, processor 244 causes an audio or video message and / or text content associated with the POI to be played / displayed on the infotainment system 240 (as shown in view 604 from Fig. 6 shown), and / or can modify settings of a vehicle component (or one or more vehicle components) based on the tour information from a first setting to a second setting, as described below.

[0064] In some aspects, in response to determining that the predefined condition may be met, the processor 244, based on inputs received from one or more ECUs 216, can first determine whether the vehicle 202 is possibly in motion or stationary. The processor 244 can cause the infotainment system 240 to output an audio message associated with the POI (as determined from the "complete" trip information) if the processor 244 determines that the vehicle 202 is possibly in motion. Conversely, the processor 244 can cause the infotainment system 240 to output the video message and / or text content if the processor 244 determines that the vehicle 202 is possibly stationary.In this way, the processor 244 can determine, based on the vehicle's movement status, an optimal type of content / message to be displayed or output by the infotainment system 240, and can accordingly cause the infotainment system 240 to display / output an audio, video, or text message / content.

[0065] Similarly, in response to determining that the predefined condition may be met, the processor 244 can modify settings of one or more vehicle components based on the vehicle's movement status and trip information. Examples of vehicle components include, but are not limited to, vehicle lights, a vehicle seating area, a vehicle fragrance system, the infotainment system 240, a vehicle speaker system, and a vehicle HVAC system, and / or the like. In a first exemplary aspect, the processor 244, in response to determining that the predefined condition may be met and the vehicle 202 may be stationary, can determine settings of one or more vehicle components and modify them from the first setting to the second setting based on the trip information.For example, the processor 244 can, via the BCM 222, cause one or more interior vehicle lights to change from a fully illuminated state ("first setting") to a flashing state ("second setting") based on trip information if the vehicle 202 is possibly stationary. As another example, the processor 244 can cause the volume settings of the vehicle speaker system or the infotainment system 240 to change from a low volume state ("first setting") to a high volume state ("second setting") based on trip information if the vehicle 202 is possibly stationary.As another example, the processor 244 can use the BCM 222 to cause a driver's seat area to switch from a non-vibrating state ("first setting") to a vibrating state ("second setting") based on tour information, if the vehicle 202 is possibly stationary. In other words, the processor 244 can cause the driver's seat area to vibrate if the predefined condition can be met and if the vehicle 202 is possibly stationary.

[0066] In a second exemplary aspect, the processor 244, in response to determining that the predefined condition may be met and the vehicle 202 may be in motion, can determine settings of one or more vehicle components and modify them from the first setting to the third setting based on the trip information. For example, the processor 244 can use the BCM 222 to cause one or more interior vehicle lights to change from a fully illuminated state ("first setting") to a dimmed state ("third setting") based on the trip information if the vehicle 202 may be in motion.As another example, the processor 244 can, via the BCM 222 and based on trip information, change the activation state of the vehicle's fragrance system from an off state ("first setting") to an on state ("third setting") if the vehicle 202 is possibly in motion. As yet another example, the processor 244 can, via the BCM 222 and based on trip information, increase heating or cooling effects or fan speed associated with the vehicle's HVAC system if the vehicle 202 is possibly in motion.

[0067] In this way, processor 244, in response to determining that the predefined condition may be met, can modify settings assigned to one or more vehicle components based on tour information and the vehicle's movement status. Furthermore, if vehicle 202 is traveling on the tour, processor 244 can allow user 106 to request additional information (which may be subject to a fee) associated with one or more points of interest (POIs) from server 206 via infotainment system 240. Processor 244 can also allow user 106 to upload photos, annotations, content, etc.Adding / uploading information associated with one or more points of interest (POIs) to a social community hosted on server 206, interacting with content provided by other users, providing suggestions / feedback on tour information associated with the tour, and / or similar actions. Furthermore, if vehicle 202 deviates from the route assigned to the tour, processor 244 can be configured to pause the tour and resume it (after skipping one or more POIs that vehicle 202 may have missed due to the route deviation) when vehicle 202 returns to the route assigned to the tour.

[0068] The processor 244 can additionally enable the user 106 to provide the server 206 with ratings, feedback, suggestions, etc., related to the tour via the infotainment system 240 when the vehicle 202 has finished driving on the tour and is stationary.

[0069] In some aspects, the processor 244 can further be configured to receive one or more tutorials from the server 206 regarding the use of tour information and a feature for undertaking a tour with a vehicle (i.e., a feature for enabling tour selection, configuring vehicle settings, etc.) and display them on the infotainment system 240 for the user's reference. The user 106 can view the tutorials at any time, even when the vehicle 202 is stationary, to understand how to use the aforementioned feature for undertaking a tour with a vehicle.

[0070] Fig. Figure 7 presents a flowchart of an exemplary procedure 700 for facilitating the undertaking of a tour in the vehicle 202 according to the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 7 may be described with continued reference to earlier figures. The following process is exemplary and is not limited to the steps described below. Moreover, alternative embodiments may include more or fewer steps than are shown or described in this document, and these steps may be in a sequence that differs from the sequence described in the following exemplary embodiments.

[0071] Procedure 700 begins at step 702. At step 704, procedure 700 may involve processor 244 receiving the trigger signal from the infotainment system 240, the VCU 212, and / or the user device 204. As described above, processor 244 may receive the trigger signal when user 106 selects a tour from the multitude of tours or when vehicle 202 begins driving on the tour.

[0072] In step 706, procedure 700 can include obtaining the tour information from server 206 and the real-time vehicle geolocation from TCU 228 by processor 244. In step 708, procedure 700 can include determining, based on the tour information and the real-time vehicle geolocation, that the predefined condition can be met by processor 244. As described above, the predefined condition can be met if the real-time vehicle geolocation can be equivalent to the POI geolocation.

[0073] In step 710, in response to determining that the predefined condition may be met, as described above, procedure 700 may involve modifying settings associated with one or more vehicle components based on the tour information provided by processor 244.

[0074] Procedure 700 can end at step 712.

[0075] The preceding disclosure refers to the accompanying drawings, which form part thereof and illustrate specific implementations in which the present disclosure can be practically implemented. It is understood that other implementations may be used and structural modifications made without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. References in the description to "an embodiment," "an exemplary embodiment," etc., indicate that the described embodiment may include a specific feature, structure, or property, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that specific feature, structure, or property. Furthermore, such formulations do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.Furthermore, if a feature, structure or property is described in connection with an embodiment, the person skilled in the art will recognize such a feature, structure or property in connection with other embodiments, whether this is expressly described or not.

[0076] Furthermore, the functions described in this document may be performed in one or more hardware, software, firmware, digital components, or analog components. For example, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) may be programmed to execute one or more of the systems and procedures described in this document. Certain terms are used throughout the description, and patent claims refer to specific system components. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the components may be designated by other names. This document does not distinguish between components that differ in name but not in function.

[0077] It is also understood that the word "example," as used in this document, is not intended to be exclusive or restrictive. In particular, the word "example," as used in this document, indicates one of several examples, and it is understood that no undue emphasis or preference is placed on the specific example described.

[0078] A computer-readable medium (also called a processor-readable medium) comprises any non-volatile (e.g., physical) medium involved in providing data (e.g., instructions) that can be read by a computer (e.g., by a computer's processor). Such a medium can take many forms, including, without limitation, both non-volatile and volatile media. Computing devices can contain computer-executable instructions, the instructions being executable by one or more computing devices, such as those listed above, and being stored on a computer-readable medium.

[0079] With regard to the processes, systems, procedures, heuristics, etc., described in this document, it is understood that, although the steps of such processes, etc., have been described as following a certain orderly sequence, such processes could be implemented in practice in such a way that the described steps are carried out in a sequence that differs from the sequence described in this document. Furthermore, it is understood that certain steps could be carried out simultaneously, that other steps could be added, or that certain steps described in this document could be omitted. In other words, the descriptions of processes in this document serve the purpose of illustrating various embodiments and should in no way be interpreted as limiting the patent claims.

[0080] Accordingly, it is understood that the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Many other embodiments and applications beyond the examples provided will become apparent from reading the preceding description. The scope should not be determined by reference to the foregoing description, but instead by reference to the attached claims, together with the full scope of equivalents to which these claims entitle. It is anticipated and intended that there will be future developments in the prior art discussed in this document and that the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. Overall, it is understood that the application may be modified and varied.

[0081] All terms used in the patent claims shall have their general meanings as known to a person skilled in the art in the field of the technologies described herein, unless expressly stated otherwise herein. In particular, the use of singular articles, such as "a," "an," "the," "a," "a," etc., shall be understood to refer to one or more of the specified elements, unless a claim expressly limits this. Phrases expressing conditional relationships, such as "may," "could," "may," or "could," are generally intended to convey that certain embodiments may include certain features, elements, and / or steps, whereas other implementations may not include them, unless expressly stated otherwise or the context makes it clear otherwise.Therefore, such formulations, which express conditional relationships, should generally not imply that features, elements and / or steps are required in any way for one or more embodiments.

[0082] In one aspect of the invention, the tour information comprises at least one of the following: a plurality of geolocations associated with a plurality of points of interest (POIs) on the tour, an audio message or a video message associated with one or more POIs of the plurality of POIs, text content associated with one or more POIs of the plurality of POIs, and one or more vehicle component settings associated with one or more POIs of the plurality of POIs.

[0083] In one aspect of the invention, the predefined condition is met if the real-time vehicle geolocation corresponds to a geolocation that is assigned to a first POI of the plurality of POIs.

[0084] In one aspect of the invention, the vehicle component comprises at least one of the following: a vehicle light, a vehicle seating area, a vehicle fragrance system, a vehicle infotainment system, a vehicle speaker system and a vehicle heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC system).

[0085] In one aspect of the invention, receiving the trigger signal includes receiving the trigger signal when the vehicle begins the journey on the tour.

[0086] According to the present invention, a non-transient, computer-readable storage medium is provided on which instructions are stored which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to: receive a trigger signal; receive tour information associated with a tour and a real-time vehicle geolocation associated with a vehicle in response to receiving the trigger signal; determine that a predefined condition is met, based on the tour information and the real-time vehicle geolocation; and modify a first vehicle component setting associated with a vehicle component to a second vehicle component setting in response to determining that the predefined condition is met.

Claims

[1] Vehicle comprising: a transceiver configured to receive tour information associated with a tour; a telematics control unit configured to determine a real-time vehicle geolocation; and a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the telematics control unit, the processor configured to: Receiving a trigger signal; Obtaining the tour information and real-time vehicle geolocation in response to receiving the trigger signal; Determining that a predefined condition is met based on the tour information and the real-time vehicle geolocation; and Modifying a first vehicle component setting associated with a vehicle component to a second vehicle component setting in response to determining that the predefined condition is met. [2] The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the transceiver receives the trip information from a server and wherein the processor receives the trigger signal from a vehicle infotainment system, a vehicle control unit, or a user device. [3] The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the tour information comprises at least one of the following: a plurality of geolocations associated with a plurality of points of interest (POIs) on the tour, an audio message or a video message associated with one or more POIs of the plurality of POIs, text content associated with one or more POIs of the plurality of POIs, and one or more vehicle component settings associated with one or more POIs of the plurality of POIs. [4] The vehicle of claim 3, wherein the predefined condition is met when the real-time vehicle geolocation corresponds to a geolocation associated with a first POI of the plurality of POIs. [5] The vehicle of claim 4, wherein the processor is further configured to determine whether the vehicle is moving or stationary in response to determining that the predefined condition is met. [6] The vehicle of claim 5, wherein the processor is further configured to: in response to determining that the vehicle is moving, determining the second vehicle component setting associated with the first POI based on the tour information; and Modifying the first vehicle component setting to the second vehicle component setting in response to determining the second vehicle component setting. [7] The vehicle of claim 6, wherein the processor is further configured to: in response to determining that the vehicle is stationary, determining a third vehicle component setting associated with the first POI based on the tour information; and Modifying the first vehicle component setting to the third vehicle component setting in response to determining the third vehicle component setting. [8] The vehicle of claim 5, wherein the processor is further configured to: in response to determining that the vehicle is moving and the predefined condition is met, causing a vehicle infotainment system to output the audio message associated with the first POI; and in response to determining that the vehicle is stationary and the predefined condition is met, causing the vehicle infotainment system to output at least one of the video message and the text content. [9] The vehicle of claim 3, wherein the processor is further configured to: Obtaining a digital map of a geographic area comprising the plurality of POIs from a server; and causing a vehicle infotainment system to display the digital map, wherein the digital map includes a plurality of location icons associated with the plurality of POIs. [10] The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the processor is further configured to: Determining turn-by-turn navigation instructions based on the digital map as the vehicle travels on the tour; and Output of turn-by-turn navigation instructions. [11] The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the vehicle component comprises at least one of the following: a vehicle lamp, a vehicle seating area, a vehicle fragrance system, a vehicle infotainment system, a vehicle speaker system, and a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of the vehicle. [12] The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the processor receives the trigger signal when the vehicle begins travel on the tour. [13] The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to: Obtaining information associated with a plurality of tours from a server; Causing a vehicle infotainment system to display the information associated with a plurality of tours; and Getting a selection of the tour from the variety of tours from a user. [14] The vehicle of claim 13, wherein the processor receives the trigger signal when the tour is selected. [15] Method comprising: Receiving, by a processor, a trigger signal; Obtaining, by the processor, tour information associated with a tour and a real-time vehicle geolocation associated with a vehicle in response to receiving the trigger signal; Determining, by the processor, that a predefined condition is met based on the trip information and the real-time vehicle geolocation; and Modifying, by the processor, a first vehicle component setting associated with a vehicle component to a second vehicle component setting in response to determining that the predefined condition is met.

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