Abstract: A vehicle personalization system and method that includes a cell phone and a vehicle. When a vehicle user prepares to use a vehicle, personalization data such as a preferred seat position is quickly transferred from the cell phone to the vehicle and used by the vehicle to adjust a vehicle feature to correspond to the preferences of the vehicle user. The cell phone and the vehicle are both equipped with near field communications (NFC) transponders to facilitate the transfer of personalization data. The vehicle also has a processor coupled to the vehicle NFC transponder to input the received personalization data that is also adapted to personalize the vehicle device in accordance with the received personalization data when the personalization data is downloaded from the cell phone to the vehicle.

Abstract: A communications system and method thereof is provided, wherein the system includes at least one transmitter configured to transmit at least one signal, and at least one receiver configured to receive at least one of the at least one transmitted signal. The communications system further includes at least one communication device configured to receive and retransmit the at least one transmittal signal, wherein the at least one communication device is mobile and operates at an altitude in a range of approximately 1,000 feet to 65,000 feet with respect to the Earth's surface.

Abstract: A multiple mode communications transceiver includes an antenna for receiving and transmitting RF energy and a first circuit selectively coupled to the antenna for transmitting and receiving FM modulated signals for terrestrial based communications. The transceiver also includes at least a second circuit selectively coupled to the antenna for transmitting and receiving satellite signals and a control circuit for selecting which of the first and second circuits are employed by the transceiver for the reception and transmission of information.

Abstract: A reader apparatus for an RFID-implanted human user is incorporated into a wristband such as a bracelet or a watchstrap worn by the user. The RFID device is subcutaneously implanted in the vicinity of the user's wrist, ensuring close proximity of the reader apparatus to the RFID device to support reliable near-field RF communications at low power levels. The wristband includes a reader coil having a plurality of turns, a reader circuit, and a rechargeable battery for powering the reader circuit. The same reader coil is used to simplify recharging of the battery by inductively coupling the reader coil to a charging coil disposed in a small charging stand or storage case. In watch strap applications, the reader circuitry and battery are disposed in a watch case affixed to the strap, and the watch case includes an alphanumeric display for communicating information from the RFID device to the user.

Abstract: A transceiver for transmitting and receiving satellite RF signals is provided. The transceiver includes RF front-end receiver circuitry capable of receiving FM radio broadcast RF signals and converting the FM radio broadcast RF signals to an intermediate frequency. The RF front-end receiver circuitry is configured to receive RF signals at greater than 108 MHz and convert the RF signals to an intermediate frequency. The transceiver also includes signal processing circuitry including at least one DSP core for demodulating intermediate frequency signals provided by the front-end circuitry and for modulating data to be transmitted into baseband modulated data signals, and at least one audio output. The transceiver further includes RF transmitter circuitry configured to convert the baseband modulated data signals provided by the at least one DSP core into modulated transmit signals having a frequency greater than 108 MHz for transmission and transmit the modulated transmit signals.

Abstract: A reader apparatus for an RFID-implanted human user is incorporated into a wristband such as a bracelet or a watchstrap worn by the user. The RFID device is subcutaneously implanted in the vicinity of the user's wrist, ensuring close proximity of the reader apparatus to the RFID device to support reliable near-field RF communications at low power levels. The wristband includes a reader coil having a plurality of turns, a reader circuit, and a rechargeable battery for powering the reader circuit. The same reader coil is used to simplify recharging of the battery by inductively coupling the reader coil to a charging coil disposed in a small charging stand or storage case. In watch strap applications, the reader circuitry and battery are disposed in a watch case affixed to the strap, and the watch case includes an alphanumeric display for communicating information from the RFID device to the user.

Abstract: A system or method for using a utility meter that is electronically addressable and serves as a communications gateway for other devices. There are numerous potential advantages to the use of addressable utility meters, and systems can incorporate one or more of those potential advantages. Emergency alerts can be sent and received through such meters. Emergency response personnel can use the information stored by the utility company in conjunction with the meter to rapidly identify the occupants of a residence or other building. Vacant properties can be monitored. E-commerce fraud can be reduced by using the addressable meter to authenticate the identity of purchasers and/or sellers. Theft of digital content from cable, satellite, and other sources can be reduced through remote monitoring. Messaging services could utilize the communication lines between meters and broader networks.

Abstract: A vehicle audio system is tested during vehicle assembly by a computer controlled system coupled to a vehicle data bus via a diagnostic connector. Radio settings are controlled via the data bus. RF signals bearing preset tones are generated according to computer command via an encoder and RF generator and coupled to the audio antenna base. A microphone in the vehicle detects tones from the speakers and a decoder analyzes the tones to determine whether a tone is correct. Certain speakers are selected for test by adjustment of Fade and Balance controls to check speaker connections. AM and FM SEEK function are checked to verify radio circuits and antenna connections.