US 9123186

A comprehensive analysis of United States Patent 9,123,186 reveals its focus on personalizing a vehicle's settings based on occupant recognition and location. The patent is currently at the center of litigation involving major automotive manufacturers.

Summary of US Patent 9,123,186

• Title: Remote control of associated vehicle devices
• Assignee: The current assignee is AutoConnect Holdings LLC. The original assignee was Flextronics AP LLC.
• Inventor: Christopher P. Ricci
• Filing Date: April 15, 2014
• Issue Date: September 1, 2015
• Abstract: The patent describes a system and method that can recognize a person in a vehicle using various sensors. Based on the person's identity and the vehicle's location, the system can automatically configure the vehicle's electronic devices to the person's preferences. This can include settings for entertainment, communication, and navigation. The system can also provide notifications to the user.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims

The independent claims of a patent define the core of the invention in the broadest terms. US Patent 9,123,186 has two independent claims: claim 1 and claim 10.

• Independent Claim 1: This claim describes a method for controlling a vehicle's electronic devices. In simple terms, the method involves:

  • Using sensors in the vehicle to detect the presence of a person.
  • Identifying who the person is.
  • Determining the vehicle's current location.
  • Using the person's identity and the vehicle's location to look up their saved preferences.
  • Automatically adjusting the vehicle's electronic devices (like the radio, climate control, or navigation system) to match those preferences.

• Independent Claim 10: This claim describes a system that carries out the method outlined in claim 1. The system consists of:

  • One or more sensors to detect and identify a person in the vehicle.
  • A location-determining component (like GPS).
  • A processor that is connected to the vehicle's electronic devices.
  • A memory storage that holds the programming for the processor.
  • The programming instructs the processor to identify the person, determine the vehicle's location, find the person's preferences based on their identity and location, and then control the vehicle's electronics accordingly.

In essence, both independent claims cover the concept of a "smart" vehicle that recognizes its occupants and automatically customizes the in-car environment and device settings based on who they are and where they are.

Litigation

As of the date of this report, US Patent 9,123,186 is involved in patent infringement lawsuits filed by AutoConnect Holdings LLC against major automobile manufacturers. Court dockets indicate active cases, including:

• AutoConnect Holdings LLC v. Toyota Motor Corporation: Filed in the Eastern District of Texas.
• AutoConnect Holdings LLC v. Ford Motor Company: Filed in the District of Delaware.

There is no information available at this time regarding any appeals filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) for the 2026 docket.