Abstract: A system, a method, and an article of manufacture for automatically selecting media content for an entity are provided. In particular, the system monitors media content selections of the entity to determine media content preferences and then automatically selects media content for the entity based upon the media content preferences.

Abstract: A vehicle stability monitoring system and a method and an article of manufacture for determining vehicle stability are provided. The vehicle stability monitoring system includes a plurality of vehicle sensors generating a plurality of signals. The vehicle stability monitoring system further includes a computer operably communicating with the plurality of vehicle sensors. The computer is configured to calculate a first value indicative of vehicle stability at a first predetermined time based on the plurality of signals.

Abstract: A media storage system, and method for carrying out same, including a media storage device including a microprocessor coupled to a storage member, wherein the storage member includes a protected portion and an unprotected portion, and at least one channel adapted to receive pushed content wherein the microprocessor is coupled to the at least one channel for transferring the pushed content to the protected portion of the storage member.

Abstract: Although current radio receivers support playback of audio from multiple sources, none support easy searching for content across these sources. There is no mechanism for locating specific content independent of the source that it is found on. The invention is to have an entertainment system which utilizes metadata to offer a feature that will allow the user to listen to any audio source based on their listening preference. This invention also allows the user of a radio receiver to be able to easily locate music of a particular genre without regard to the actual source. This invention further provides a mechanism for the music stored on a hard drive to be used to create a personalized radio station, complete with inserts of localized information.

Abstract: A vehicle diagnostic system and a method for monitoring vehicle controllers are provided. The method includes generating a first message having a fault status value when a fault condition is detected, utilizing a first controller. The first controller controls a first device. The method further includes receiving the first message at a supervisory controller and sending a second message from the supervisory controller to a second controller indicating a second operational state for the second controller, in response to the first message. The method further includes transitioning an operational state of the second controller from a third operational state to the second operational state in response to the second message.

Abstract: A wireless battery charging system and method includes a self-structuring antenna system for monitoring a wide area and detecting wireless devices within the area, a transceiver for establishing two-way communication with a wireless device detected within the area, and a computer for adjusting the self-structuring antenna system to focus electromagnetic energy beamed to the wireless device according to information received from the wireless device detected within the area. The wireless battery charging system and method preferably includes a charging cradle that has a self-structuring antenna system that monitors a cradle charging area and detects a wireless device in the cradle, a transceiver for establishing two-way communication with the wireless device in the cradle, and a computer for adjusting the self-structuring antenna system to focus electromagnetic near-field energy to the wireless device in the cradle according to information received from the wireless device in the cradle.

Abstract: An entertainment system uses a user interface with existing head unit controls, such as radio preset controls and tuner controls, to select an audio file is selected for playback. In particular, a user can access audio files using the preset controls to access associated metadata, such as artist, album, and genre information.

Abstract: A web based navigation system for a land vehicle accesses a land navigation website and obtains land navigation data for traveling from a selected starting point to a selected destination. The land navigation data is transferred from the computer to the land vehicle wirelessly or by a portable data storage device and navigation instructions are presented to the driver of the land vehicle visually and/or audibly via a user interface device in the vehicle based on the land navigation data.

Abstract: A system that provides quick access to previously selected audio is disclosed. The system includes processor logic that evaluates at least a first and second user-selected audio. An input controller is dynamically-coded by the processor logic for recalling audio information associated with the first user-selected audio when the second user-selected audio is being processed by the processor logic. A method for providing quick access to previously selected audio is also disclosed. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A self-powered, wireless sensor assembly is provided for sensing crankshaft position of an engine comprising a rotatable flywheel having a ring gear. The sensor assembly includes an electromagnetic sensor responsive to structural features on the ring gear when the ring gear rotates. A power supply is coupled to generate a direct current in response to the output signal from the electromagnetic sensor. A transceiver is coupled to one of the following sensors: a magnetostatic sensor energized by the power supply and responsive to the structural features on the ring gear to generate an output signal when the ring gear rotates, and the electromagnetic sensor. The transceiver is configured to wirelessly transmit the output signal from that one sensor, wherein the output signal from that one sensor comprises information indicative of the instantaneous speed of said engine.