Vehicle Communications

A system (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the data transfer means (22) is arranged to generate data signals for transmission onto the vehicle data bus (24) for controlling one or more vehicle systems, functions or devices.

A system (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the data transfer means (22) is arranged to receive the data signals from the data bus (24) and convert the data signals into data messages corresponding to the data signals for transmission by the communication means (30).

A system (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the vehicle bus (24) is a CAN bus and wherein the data transfer means (22) is arranged to receive CAN messages transmitted onto the CAN bus by vehicle systems or subsystems and to store said messages in a memory (34).

A system (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the mobile communications device (18) comprise a software program, application or graphical user interface for displaying to the user information relating to the status and/or operation of the vehicle based on the received information.

A system (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the information is transmitted in the form of an email, SMS message, VOIP message, telephone call or data alert.

A system (10) for controlling a vehicle (12) comprising:

• communication means (30) for wirelessly receiving a control message sent by a user from a wireless communications device (18);
• and
• data transfer means (22) arranged for converting the received control message into a data signal and to transmit said data signal onto a vehicle data (24) bus for controlling one or more vehicle systems, functions or devices.

A method of interacting remotely with a vehicle (12) comprising performing at least one of the steps of;

• a) sending a control message remotely from a user to a transceiver (30) located within the vehicle (12), translating the control message into a corresponding control data signal and transmitting said control data signal onto a vehicle data bus (24) located within the vehicle (12) and controlling at least one of a vehicle system, vehicle function or vehicle device, thereby, and
• b) receiving a status signal relating to status or operation of one or more vehicle systems or devices from a vehicle databus (24) located within the vehicle (12), converting the received data signal into a data message and wirelessly communicating the status message from a transceiver (30) located within the vehicle (12) to a remote user.

An apparatus (20) for interacting remotely with a vehicle (12), said apparatus comprising data transfer means (22) for wirelessly communicating messages between a mobile communications device (18) operable by a user and a vehicle databus (24) located within the vehicle.

A system or apparatus for monitoring and/or controlling a vehicle comprising:

• a data transfer device configured to receive data signals transmitted on a vehicle data bus relating to the status and/or operation of one or more vehicle systems or devices and to wirelessly transmit information relating to one or more of said received data signals to a mobile communications device for display to a user.