Abstract: Various synchronization and content acquisition tasks able to be performed by a portable device are governed by reference to a budget. In operation, the budget may be adjusted as a function of a state of a battery associated with the portable device, as a function of one more file sizes associated with content to be acquired, as a function of a data transfer rate, and/or as a function of a temperature associated with the portable device. A filter may also be provided for use in determining which content the portable device will acquire.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to facilitating communications and interoperability between/among applications and services. Such applications and services may be running on or associated with disparate platforms. The apparatus of the present invention provides for a message set that can be used by services to advertise available services, and by applications to identify desired services. According to certain embodiments, applications may subscribe to available services. In a further aspect of some embodiments, applications executable on and services available from disparate platforms are not required by themselves to support communications between/among the platforms. Instead, such support may be obtained from facilities that are provided as part of the platform itself.

Abstract: A system (10) for storing and using information associated with geographic locations of interest to a mobile user comprises a mobile apparatus (100) and a remote apparatus (200). The mobile apparatus accepts and transmits information associated with a mobile user's geographic position. The remote apparatus (200) receives the transmitted information, stores the information along with data indicative of the position and time as a waypoint, and allows the user to retrieve and manipulate waypoints. The system is preferably realized as a vehicle information system (20) that allows a vehicle user to store waypoints descriptive of different locations encountered during travel. Each waypoint includes the geographic position of its corresponding location, the time, and may include appended information such as a voice message or a picture. The waypoints are stored in a remote server accessible from both the vehicle and an auxiliary apparatus such as a standard telephone (310) or a personal computer (330).

Abstract: An internet radio for portable applications and uses such as in an automobile. The internet radio allows access to a host of audio, visual and other information. Normal radio channel function is provided along with programmable content and channel selection, as well as automatic content and channel updating by location and style. Internet access is also provided. Direct or targeted advertising, as well as electronic commerce is supported. Connection to the internet is through wireless communications. Programmability is achieved off-line via a web page and remote computer. Customized information is also communicated to the radio such as stock quotes, travel information, advertising, and e-mail. Onboard global positioning allows for channel updating by location, traffic information, geographic advertising and available similar content.

Abstract: A telematics system that includes a security controller is provided. The security controller is responsible for ensuring secure access to and controlled use of resources in the vehicle. The security measures relied on by the security controller can be based on digital certificates that grant rights to certificate holders, e.g., application developers. In the case in which applications are to be used with vehicle resources, procedures are implemented to make sure that certified applications do not jeopardize vehicle resource'0 security and vehicle users' safety. Relationships among interested entities are established to promote and support secure vehicle resource access and usage. The entities can include vehicle makers, communication service providers, communication apparatus vendors, vehicle subsystem suppliers, application developers, as well as vehicle owners/users.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are provided for sharing information in a distributed system. After information is received, it is stored on a bulletin board. In use, the information is shared, in real-time, among a plurality of heterogeneous processes.

Abstract: A method for controlling message transmission by a telecommunications device (110). A trigger configuration signal (150) including a dynamic logic expression (160) is received by the telecommunications device (110). The dynamic logic expression (160) defines one or more conditions associated with the transmission of a message (140). The telecommunications device (110) applies the dynamic logic expression (160) and transmits the message (140) if the dynamic logic expression (160) is satisfied.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of integrating a personal communications system (102) includes a telematics device (106) coupled to a vehicle (107), where the telematics device (106) can exchange data with at least one vehicle system (139, 140) and where telematics device (106) includes a service providing entity (126). A remote device (104) having a service requesting entity (156) can access and exchange data with the telematics device (106) utilizing the service requesting entity (156) to interact with at least one vehicle system (139, 140) and utilize and exchange data with service providing entity (126). A selection is made between a first wireless network protocol (110) and a second wireless network protocol (112) in order to access telematics device (106).

Abstract: A distributed navigation system and method for providing driving instructions to a user. The system includes a service center having a navigation server and associated workstations. The service center stores driving instructions in a continuously updated map database. In response to a user request the instructions are transmitted by way of a wireless network to a client device residing in the user vehicle. The instructions are assembled into sequential stepwise driving directions and stored in a storage device in the client device. Commands from the user trigger playback of the driving instructions in a stepwise fashion.

Abstract: A distributed vehicle information processing and vehicle control system has at least one first system part on board the vehicle side and at least a second system part, each for carrying out one or more vehicle-related application functions, with the system parts communicating with one another via an associated data transmission network. The systems parts have a component-based construction composed of different components, which communicate with one another in order to carry out different functions. Each component has a function-calling interface, via which the function carried out by the component can be called up by other components, in this system part or in another system part, and a configuration interface via which its configuration can be defined and varied. A configuration manager unit, provided for this purpose, configures the components via this interface depending on what other components are present in the system.

Abstract: A distributed navigation system and method for providing driving instructions to a user. The system includes a service center having a navigation server and associated workstations. The service center stores driving instructions in a continuously updated map database. In response to a user request the instructions are transmitted by way of a wireless network to a client device residing in the user vehicle. The instructions are assembled into sequential stepwise driving directions and stored in a storage device in the client device. Commands from the user trigger playback of the driving instructions in a stepwise fashion.

Abstract: An internet radio for portable applications and uses such as in an automobile enables providing navigational services to be provided to a wireless communication device, and comprises the steps of providing a user interface in said wireless communication device for providing navigational services to a user; downloading updated navigational data from a remote network; and providing navigational services based upon said updated navigational data. Customized information is also communicated to the radio such as stock quotes, travel information, advertising, and e-mail. Onboard global positioning allows for channel updating by location, traffic information, geographic advertising and available similar content.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electrode for the resistance welding of sheets of surface-treated steel. A thin disk of high melting-point metal is permanently attached to the electrode's shaft or cap at the contact surface. The grain of the high melting-point metal is oriented at an angle to the axis of the electrode and the rolled-out material has a flattened grain.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of a wear resistant, temper resisting steel alloy of______________________________________ 0.30 to 0.40% carbon 1.0 to 1.60% silicon 0.50 to 0.80% manganese 2.0 to 2.6% chromium maximum 0.025% phosphorus maximum 0.025% sulfur the remainder iron and limited contaminants. ______________________________________The alloy is used as the work material for making dredger teeth forged in a close-die, especially suction dredger teeth, which teeth after the forging are heated to a temperature above the A.sub.3 temperature, are hardened in oil and tempered.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for manufacturing a worked weldable, low temperature ferritic steel consisting of0.015 to 0.08% C0.1 to 0.5% Si0.3 to 0.6% Mn<0.015% P<0.015% S4 to 7% Ni0 to 1.5% Cuthe rest iron and unavoidable impurities in normal amounts which is characterized in that the steel has added to it 0.15 to 0.25% vanadian and 0.020 to 0.030% nitrogen; the steel being rolled and then cooled to room temperature and finally subjected to a one time normalizing. Such a steel is usable as work material for making construction part especially for the transport and storage of liquified natural gas and having at a temperature of -196.degree. C. a notch charpy impact value at longitudinal test samples of more than 42 J.