Information system and method

Abstract

An information system 10 for managing at least one vehicle 16 (e.g. a fleet) comprises at least one display device 12 (e.g. a self-standing touch screen) for presenting all information related to the at least one vehicle 16 and for controlling commands to the information system 10, and an electronic computing device 15 which can be wirelessly coupled (e.g. via a secure encrypted connection) to a server 14 through which information relating to the at least one vehicle is up and / or downloadable. The server may comprise maintenance records, location data, and performance metrics. The information system is configured to receive access information (e.g. vehicle identification numbers, vehicle type, owner information and / or vehicle status) from the at least one first vehicle and display at least one status of the vehicle. The electronic computing device may collect diagnostic data and error messages from the vehicle and display them. The system may provide real-time data to the user about the vehicle, e.g. location, engine diagnostics, or fuel consumption, or speed, milage and a route. A corresponding method, computer program and computer-readable medium are also provided.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of automobiles and more specifically to an information system for managing at least one vehicle according to claim 1. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for operating such information system, a corresponding computer program product and a corresponding non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

[0002] The US 2022 052 865 AA discloses an intelligent screen in a method or an apparatus for interactive control of smart home based on an intelligent screen. Therefore smart home appliances can be shown on the intelligent screen.

[0003] Using this kind of intelligent screen and / or method for displaying information about vehicles can be used for proper management of vehicles. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The objective of the present invention is to provide a method and a system through which vehicle management from drivers inside vehicles can be easily accomplished.

[0005] This objective is accomplished through an information system with the features of claim 1, as well as by a method according to the present invention and by utilizing a corresponding computer program product and a corresponding non transitory computer-readable storage medium. Advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention relates to an information system for managing at least one vehicle, comprising at least one display device for presenting all information relating to the at least one vehicle and for controlling commands to the communication system. Furthermore, the information system comprises an electronic computing device, which may be wirelessly coupled to a server through which information relating to the at least one vehicle is downloadable, while the system is configured to receive access information from the at least one first vehicle and display at least one status of the vehicle.

[0007] In other words, the provided information system is configured for vehicle management. This information system includes the at least one display device responsible for presenting comprehensive information related to the vehicle and enabling, command control for the information system. The information system also comprises the electronic computing device, capable of the wireless coupling with the server, facilitating the download and also upload of information relating to the vehicle. This information system is specifically configured to receive access information from the first vehicle and display vehicle status.

[0008] Such a smart vehicle management system based on the provided information serves as a tool for monitoring and controlling multiple vehicles efficiently. With this system the management of a fleet of vehicles and access real-time status updates is possible. At its core, the system incorporates a user-friendly display device, offering an overview of all important or pertinent vehicle data. Operators or users can access information related to each vehicle in their fleet and issue commands through the integrated control interface. Furthermore, the electronic computing device acts wirelessly connecting itself to a central server. This connection allows for the exchange of information between the vehicles and the central hub. The server houses a wealth of data, including maintenance records, location data, and performance metrics. Each vehicle equipped with this system provides access credentials, enabling secure interaction with the central server. This ensures that only authorized personnel can monitor and manage the fleet. One of the system's features is also its ability to display real-time vehicle status. Whether it is tracking the location, monitoring engine diagnostics, or assessing fuel consumption, this information empowers fleet managers to make informed decisions promptly. In summary, this smart vehicle management system provides an intuitive interface for operators to oversee multiple vehicles effortlessly, harnesses wireless technology for data exchange, and delivers real-time vehicle status updates, ultimately enhancing efficiency, safety, and maintenance practices across the fleet.

[0009] Furthermore, the display device can be a touch screen display, allowing users to control and access commands and information through touch input. Such a display device or touch screen display can already be installed in the vehicle so there is no need for an extra display device. Alternative it is possible, to set up a new display device just for the information system.

[0010] It is also possible that the electronic computing device is used as additional functionality to collect diagnostic data and error messages from the vehicle and present them to the user. Consequently, the user can obtain information about the vehicle and take care of it through interaction with the information system, making choices and more.

[0011] It is also possible that the access information of the first vehicle includes information such as vehicle identification number, vehicle type, owner information and vehicle status. Furthermore, it is possible to install a wireless coupling between the electronic computing device and the server through a secure encryption connection, and during a confident download of information, also for upload information. The information system is capable of providing the user with real time data concerning the vehicle, including information such as speed, consumption, mileage and route as more different information regarding the at least one vehicle.

[0012] Therefore, the present invention relates to a consumer electronic product which can also be seen as a digital garage with 3D graphics and controls, designed as an addon purchase for vehicle owners. This product aims to offer resources and features as a vehicle add-on accessory. It includes the display device or a desktop unit with the same interior design elements of the vehicle and a 12.3 inch display or another display combination, custom software based on operating systems, integration with a cloud or a server for accessing vehicle information, settings and profiles and the ability for customers to add older vehicles without losing access to an ownership history. System may also provide access to available connected vehicle features including shopping portals and streaming services. The potential benefits of this product include increased brand loyalty, push notifications for vehicle upgrades, tracking the production status of new ordered cars and the option to sell an information about the vehicles.

[0013] Further advantages, features, and details of the present invention derive from the following description of preferred embodiments as well as from the drawing. The features and feature combinations previously mentioned in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned in the following description of the figure and / or shown in the figure alone can be employed not only in the respectively indicated combination but also in any other combination or taken alone without leaving the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0014] The novel features and characteristic of the presesnt disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system and / or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described below, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0015] The drawings show in:

[0016] Fig. 1 an information system for a management of vehicles.

[0017] In the figures the same elements or elements having the same function are indicated by the same reference signs. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration". Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0019] While the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawing and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[0020] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion so that a setup, device or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus preceded by “comprises” or “comprise” does not or do not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or method.

[0021] In the following detailed description of the embodiment of the present disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawing that forms part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration a specific embodiment in which the disclosure may be practiced. This embodiment is described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0022] Fig. 1 illustrates the technical structure of an information system 10 for vehicle 16 management. The information system 10 uses a display device 12 and shows also a server 14 which may be used in the information system 10 to download or upload information about the vehicles 16. An electronic computing device 15 of the information system 10, wirelessly coupled to the server 14, is also shown in the illustration and is used for the communication between the information system 10 and the server 14 through which information regarding the vehicle 16 can be downloaded or uploaded.

[0023] The display device 12 is connected to the information system 10 allowing the user to display all relevant vehicle information on a user interface and control command through touch input. The wireless communication between the information system 10 and the server 14 is accomplished through a secure inscription connection to ensure the confidence of downloaded information. Overall, the illustration shows the technical configuration of the information system 10 with the display device 12 serving as the central interface for the vehicle management, along with the wireless communication with the server 14 for data transmission and storage related to the vehicle 16. Reference Signs 10 12 14 15 16 information system display device server electronic computing device vehicle

Claims

1. An information system (10) for managing at least one vehicle (16), comprising at least one display device (12) for presenting all information relating to the at least one vehicle (16) and for controlling commands to the information system (10), and an electronic computing device (15), which can be wirelessly coupled to a server (14) through which information relating to the at least one vehicle (16) is up- and / or downloadable, wherein the information system (10) is configured to receive access information from the at least one first vehicle (16) and to display at least one status of the vehicle (16).

2. An information system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe display device (12) is a self-standing touchscreen display.

3. An information system (10) according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in thatthe electronic computing device (15) is additionally configured to collect diagnostic data and error messages from the at least one vehicle (16) and to display them to the user.

4. An information system (10) according any one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe access information of the at least one vehicle (16) includes information such as vehicle identification numbers, vehicle type, owner information, and / or vehicle status.

5. An information system (10) according any one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe wireless coupling between the electronic computing device (15) and the server (14) is through a secure encryption connection.

6. An information system (10) according any one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatit is designed to provide real-time data to the user about the at least one vehicle (16).

7. A method for operating an information system (10) for management of at least one vehicle (16), comprising at least one display device (12) through which all information relating to the at least one vehicle (16) is displayed, and commands are controlled for the information system (10), wherein an electronic computing device (15) is wirelessly coupled to a server (14) through which information relating to the at least one vehicle (16) can be up- and / or downloaded, wherein the information system (10) is configured to receive access information from the at least one first vehicle (16) and display at least one status of the vehicle (16).

8. A computer program product comprising program code means for performing a method according to claim 7.

9. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising at least the computer program product according to claim 8.

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