Abstract: A method for deferring a telematics data upload from a vehicle equipped with wireless telephony and wireless networking communications devices. The method steps include detecting the availability of a connection to one or more wireless networks along with an associated time of day during which the connection is available, determining that one of the one or more wireless networks is periodically available at a particular time of day, receiving a request to upload data from the vehicle to a central facility via a wireless telephony connection, delaying the data upload until the particular time of day, and uploading the data to the central facility via a wireless network connection to the previously determined particular wireless network.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide for a telematics subscriber and provider to facilitate a wireless carrier to associate a cellular telephone number from a subscriber's previous telematics unit to a subscriber's newly purchased telematics unit. In addition, the telematics provider reconfigures a new telematics device in a newly purchased vehicle to retain the same cellular phone number as the subscriber's previous telematics device.

Abstract: A system and method for providing enhanced diagnostic and maintenance reporting for a vehicle over a wireless communication system. When receiving a telephone call from a subscriber requesting diagnostic assistance, a data connection is established between a call center and the subscriber's vehicle, and the needed diagnostic data is obtained by the call center so that an advisor at the call center can provide the requested assistance. The established data connection is also used to obtain additional data from the vehicle related to vehicle maintenance and this additional data is used by the advisor to provide an enhanced response to the subscriber.

Abstract: A processing system and method for controlling the distribution of certain types of electronic messages, such as SMS messages, instant messages, emails, etc., that are wirelessly sent to a vehicle. In one embodiment, a messaging application installed on a communication device diverts to a call center outgoing messages destined for the vehicle. Once the electronic message is properly checked and authenticated at the call center, it is wirelessly forwarded on to the vehicle where its contents can be displayed to the passengers. By controlling the distribution of these types of electronic messages to the vehicle, the processing method can reduce or mitigate the effects of unauthorized third party communications.

Abstract: A method of communicating information that has been formatted for Internet publication from a principal vehicle using short range wireless communication components to communicate with a second vehicle. The method includes storing a web page (blog, social networking page, etc.) or other information formatted for Internet publication in the principal vehicle. An introductory signal is transmitted to the second vehicle. A communication link is established between the principal vehicle and the second vehicle using the respective short range wireless communication components. The second vehicle is then queried for authorization to transmit the information and, if given, the information is then transmitted to the second vehicle via the communications link. User-selected categories can be used to identify common interests between users of the two vehicles. The method can be used to share user information with other potentially interested drivers to facilitate human interactions and relationships.

Abstract: A method of facilitating emergency calls from a vehicle includes receiving a call, transmitting data from a vehicle telematics unit to a call center, obtaining the location of the vehicle at the call center, determining at the call center that emergency help is needed, accessing an emergency routing database and, using the vehicle location, determining a preferred public safety answering point (PSAP), obtaining from the emergency routing database emergency contact information associated with the preferred PSAP, and establishing a three-way conference call between the call center, the vehicle telematics unit, and the preferred PSAP utilizing voice over internet protocol (VoIP). Data such as vehicle location can be transmitted to the PSAP electronically during the forwarded call.

Abstract: A timing control method for use with wireless communications involving telematics-equipped vehicles. The timing control method generally determines a temporally-distributed sequence of message response times for a group of telematics-equipped vehicles, and then includes these different response times in wireless messages that are sent to the vehicles. In reply, the vehicles use the various message response times to respond in an apportioned or distributed fashion that generally correlates with the temporally-distributed sequence; instead of all at once. In another disclosed method, the response times are determined at each vehicle itself. The methods can be used for requesting data from vehicles via SMS messages.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention buffer user preferred radio content on a radio system by monitoring the content on multiple channels in case a user desires to record one of the monitored channels. The content on the monitored channels is buffered from the start of the radio content (i.e. song, talk show, program etc.) playing on each channel. For example, aspects of the invention allow a user to record a song playing on another channel in its entirety if the user switches channels and hears a song that the user would like to record but is in the middle of the song.

Abstract: A substantially pure phase LaTaO4 photocatalyst is prepared by grinding precursors with mixture of at least two different sizes of high-density yttrium-stabilized zirconia balls to a very fine particle size and calcining the ground precursors. The LaTaO4 photocatalyst prepared by this method is useful in photolysis of water.

Abstract: A method of regulating data transmissions used with telematics-equipped vehicles. The steps include establishing a period of anticipated call center service outage, notifying a plurality of telematics units of the period of anticipated call center service outage, storing that outage information at the plurality of telematics units, and then when a call from the vehicle to the call center is desired during the service outage, the process implements a call handling procedure that delays most calls until the call center is available, but that provides alternative call solutions for urgent or occupant-placed calls. Once the call center is available, postponed calls can be staggered to avoid a large initial spike in calls received at the call center.

Abstract: A system and method that enables a user of a telematics-equipped vehicle to initiate security services by activating their vehicle keyfob. If a user senses an emergency situation, such as a person breaking into their home, they can engage a panic button on their vehicle keyfob. This causes the vehicle to send a wireless warning signal to a call center which already has emergency contact numbers on file. The call center can then call the user to see if they require assistance from a police department, fire department, ambulance, etc. In one embodiment, the method also determines if the vehicle is currently located within a certain proximity of one or more designated locations (usually the user's home or work) before contacting the user. This can reduce responses to non-emergencies, such as when a user simply presses their panic button in order to locate their vehicle in a crowded parking lot.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring data transfer performance between a central facility and a vehicle that includes calculating the message latency between the transmission and receipt of a message from a call center to the vehicle, or vice-versa. The information can be used to generate a latency map that is useful in diagnosing wireless system problems and in deciding when and how to communicate with a vehicle depending upon its location.

Abstract: A vehicle key fob for communicating information between one or more electronic devices, such as a personal or laptop computer, and a wireless-enabled vehicle. In one embodiment, a wired communications link is established between the electronic device and the vehicle key fob over a wired connection, such as a USB cable. A separate wireless communications link is established between a wireless interface located in the vehicle key fob, such as a wireless adapter, and the wireless-enabled vehicle so that information can be sent from the electronic device to the vehicle, and vice-versa, in a secured manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for implementing interactive radio features within a telematics equipped mobile vehicle. The method includes receiving radio station information, detecting an initiation command received from a user interlace, and providing the radio station information to the telematics unit responsive to the detected initiation command. The radio station information may include a radio station message having a telephone number associated with a radio station advertiser. The method may further include receiving a communication command, and initiating a wireless communication via the telematics unit responsive to the received communication command.

Abstract: A method of circumstantial speech recognition in a vehicle. A plurality of parameters associated with a plurality of vehicle functions are monitored as an indication of current vehicle circumstances. At least one vehicle function is identified as a candidate for user-intended ASR control based on user interaction with the vehicle. The identified vehicle function is then used to disambiguate between potential commands contained in speech received from the user.

Abstract: A vehicle email notification method and system that uses customer-selected severity settings to send special notifications to the subscriber. The notification system uses triggers to initiate the generation and transmission of email messages that provide diverse types of dynamic vehicle information to the subscriber. The email notifications are triggered by different events, some of which are independent of the vehicle (e.g., a monthly trigger), and others of which occur at the vehicle, such as a mileage or low oil life trigger. The notification system builds and sends to the subscriber an email message that contains the dynamic vehicle information along with a diagnostic result indicative of the severity level of a vehicle condition. That diagnostic result is compared to a customer-supplied severity setting to determine whether additional contact with the subscriber is needed. This allows the subscriber to receive special notification when a more severe condition exists.

Abstract: A method for synching online address book sources for a vehicle user is disclosed. The method includes receiving, at a server, at least two different user selected destination entries from at least two different destination entry systems in selective communication with the server, and consolidating the destination entries received from the Internet-enabled programs into a personalized online and vehicle accessible address book.

Abstract: A wireless key system for a mobile vehicle includes a key fob with a controller, a microphone operably coupled to the controller, a memory operably coupled to the controller, arid a telematics unit operably coupled to a vehicle communication bus. Verbal commands received through the microphone initiate the controller to send a function message in accordance with instructions stored in the memory to the telematics unit that activates a function through the vehicle communication bus.

Abstract: Reactors and methods for reducing the carbon monoxide concentration in a reactant stream are provided. The reactors are generally configured such that a reactant from a second reactant stream may be continuously introduced along at least a portion of the length of a first reactant stream. A membrane may separate a first reactant stream and a second reactant stream.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of operating a telematics device within a mobile vehicle communication system. The method includes generating at least one personal route profile, comparing predetermined GPS hotspots to the personal route profiles, detecting real-time traffic updates associated with the predetermined GPS hotspots, identifying GPS hotspots corresponding to the personal route profile and based on the real-time traffic updates, and providing information relating to selected identified GPS hotspots based on the real-time traffic updates. The personal route profile may be generated from a user interface. The predetermined GPS hotspots may be created based on user interface input. The selected GPS hotspots may include all identified GPS hotspots within a predetermined geographic area of the personal route profile. The selected GPS hotspots may include GPS hotspots in the forward path of a vehicle including the telematics device.