Control module activation of vehicles in a key-off state to determine driving routes

• Main Authors: Dave A. Herman, Nunzio DeCia, Arun Dutta, Bill Dierker, Justin Cartwright
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 09.01.2019
• Subjects: ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE; ELECTRICITY; WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS

A remote processor for a vehicle determines the location of the vehicle when in a key-off state, identifies an event associated with the location, then sends an activation signal to the vehicle at a time based on the end time of the event. Upon receipt of the signal, a telematic control unit is activated and determines a driving route from the location. The vehicle may send a status signal including location and battery charge level to the remote processor prior to being put in the key-off state. The processor may then determine the current level of the battery based on this initial measurement and the length of time the vehicle has been parked. The processor may only activate the control unit if the current charge level is greater than a predetermined threshold, and may further determine an activation duration after which the control unit returns to sleep mode if the vehicle remains in a key-off state. The event may be a sporting event, a work shift or a showing at a movie theatre. The system may be used to determine a route to a target destination prior to the driver approaching the vehicle.