Systems, methods and articles for a server providing communications and services involving automobile head units

摘要

Network communications, Web-based services and customized services using the Web-based services may be provided to drivers and users via the automobile head unit in the vehicle and via their mobile device. The automobile head unit in the vehicle and the mobile device are communicatively linked via a short range wireless connection. Also, these devices may communicate over a network such as a cellular network to a service provider that provides entertainment and informational services to the mobile device and the head unit of the vehicle. The user's profile and preferences are able to follow the user to various locations and into vehicles because this information is stored at a server accessible by the user's mobile device, and in some embodiments, also the head unit. The mobile device may provide services to the head unit if it does not have wider network connectivity over the short range wireless connection.

主权项

1. A computer-implemented method, comprising:
receiving, by at least one processor of a server, information regarding a head unit of an automobile; receiving, by the at least one processor of the server, information regarding a communications device associated with the head unit of the automobile; uniquely identifying, by the at least one processor of the server, the head unit based at least in part on the received information and other previously stored information regarding the head unit and communications device; and providing, by the at least one processor of the server and based at least in part on a vehicle identification number (VIN) associated with the uniquely identified head unit, one or more services to one or more of the uniquely identified head unit and the associated communications device.