#27: Apple wants to use iPhone to locate, interact with cars
The two patents, published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, describe Apple inventions for using an iOS device to find a parked car in a parking structure, getting guidance to said car, gathering parking fee information and, once near the automobile, activating vehicle functions like door locks, power windows and the engine starter.
First, Apple's "Method for Locating a Vehicle" outlines a method in which a mobile device can pair with a vehicle via Bluetooth to determine whether it is in a parked state. If the condition is met, the handset then communicates with a wireless system within the parking structure to determine a parking location before moving away from the vehicle.
When returning to the parking structure, the mobile device can access the parking structure's location system to request current positioning data. The received information is then compared to the vehicle location already stored on the device to determine a route back to the car.
In another embodiment, the automobile itself communicates with the parking structure's location system, which logs the car's position and stores the data for later access by a mobile device. This method also allows the parking system to handle guidance and routing directions, which are subsequently sent to a handset upon request.
Another related Apple patent application seeks to turn the iPhone into a Swiss Army knife of sorts for auto owners. That invention describes using a Bluetooth pairing between your smartphone and car that brings greater intelligence to the common tasks of remote door opening and starting.
Unlike current car key fobs where you simply push a button to open or start your car, the smartphone would also allow you to set some parameters.
For instance, the patent could automatically unlock your car whenever it senses the phone within a certain distance. Another example could allow remote starting – but set the auto’s max speed to a crawl, perhaps slowing any potential car thief.
Perhaps most intriguing for those of us parents who always considered giving our teens the remote starter is the potential to forbid use of car’s certain functions. A teen could turn on the heater in sub-zero winters, but not the radio, eliminating the mind-jangling ruckus before you’ve had a second cup of coffee.
This would be so helpful! Especially for me. These kind of new inventions always puts my faith back into the patent system, which allows for such innovation and gives incentives for people to keep trying something new and wacky.
ReplyDeleteThis technology has definitely been long overdue when today we can locate anything pretty much anywhere on the planet. It seems like Apple will have to discuss with owners of parking structures to implement such system though.
ReplyDeletePretty interesting technology--I'm sure Google has already thought of this, with regards to their autonomous car. Would be interesting to see what, if any, protect their own autonomous car and its integration with an Android phone.
ReplyDeletethank you for bringing such a interesting patent to my attention. I cannot wait to get on of these. It would be convenient to leave a carpool sharing person in the car. Soon we will have our cars picking us up, like batman.
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