Abstract: A system for mounting in a vehicle and for providing route information calculated by a remote source (116) to a display is provided. The system includes a display interface (124) for providing a signal to the display (108). The system further includes a communications device (120). The system yet further includes a processor (122) operatively coupled to the communications device (120) and the display interface (124), wherein the processor (122) is configured to cause vehicle position information to be sent to the remote source (116) via the communications device (120). The processor is further configured to receive route information from the remote source (116) via the communications device (120). The processor (122) is yet further configured to provide a representation of the route information to the display interface (124), the route information conveying directions from a position of the vehicle to a destination.

Abstract: A method for providing an audible prompt to a user within a vehicle. The method includes retrieving one or more data files from a memory device. The data files define certain characteristics of an audio prompt. The method also includes creating the audio prompt from the data files and outputting the audio prompt as an audio signal.

Abstract: A method is provided for connecting an in-vehicle communication system to a plurality of wireless communication networks, including a mobile telephony network and an internet protocol network. The in-vehicle communication system is configured to roam between the plurality of wireless communication networks, wherein the method includes the step of receiving a first wireless communication signal from one of the plurality of wireless communication networks. The method also includes the step of detecting a second wireless communication signal from a second of the plurality of wireless communication networks. The method further includes the step of determining an intensity level of the first and second wireless communication signals. The method further includes the step of switching the in-vehicle communication system to one of the plurality of wireless communication networks based on the intensity level of the first and second wireless communication signals.

Abstract: Automobile, Reader and Method facilitating mobile commerce by a user of an automobile is disclosed, the automobile being equipped with a reader to be placed inside of the automobile, the reader being able to read purchasing instrument data of at least one of a contactless credit card or smart card-type credit card or NFC-enabled handset, and the reader being further connected to a wireless communication interface of the automobile, the wireless communication interface being able to transmit the purchasing instrument data to a point of sale.

Abstract: The present vehicle vision system enhances visibility internally and externally with respect to the vehicle. A vision system is provided which is configured to switch between a plurality of modes. The system further includes a far-field effect which alters the focal length of the display in the vision system so as to reduce driver eye strain during operation. The vision system may be incorporated into various locations throughout the vehicle (e.g., the vehicle overhead console).

Abstract: An instrument cluster includes a display using persistence of vision. The display includes a moving portion and light sources carried by the moving portion. The persistence of vision effect gives the display a resolution that is greater than the number of light sources carried by the moving portion. The display may be connected to a vehicle bus such that it can communicate with sensors and other devices connected to the vehicle bus.

Abstract: A system including a self-powered, mobile camera unit is provided for displaying an area outside a normal viewing area to a vehicle driver. The camera unit includes a camera for generating images of objects, a camera control unit for controlling the camera, a camera transceiver unit coupled to the camera control unit for wirelessly transmitting the images and a first plurality of docking connectors coupled to the camera control unit. The system also includes a vehicle transceiver unit for wirelessly receiving the transmitted images, a vehicle control unit coupled to the vehicle transceiver unit, a display coupled to the vehicle control unit for displaying the received images inside the normal viewing area of the vehicle driver, and a second plurality of docking connectors removably interconnected, both physically and electrically, to the first plurality of docking connectors at a docking station and coupled to the vehicle control unit.

Abstract: A motor vehicle drive recorder system and system for recording motor vehicle data in response to an event declared by an occupant of a motor vehicle includes a sensor for generating sensor signals indicative of motor vehicle data as a function of time. A switch generates an event signal indicative of a declared event in response to an occupant of the motor vehicle actuating the switch. A memory device stores the sensor signals as a function of time. An output device outputs the sensor signals stored in the memory device. A processor is operable with the sensor, the switch, the memory device, and the output device to write sensor signals into the memory device, to mark at least one sensor signal written to the memory device as corresponding in time to the declared event in response to the switch generating an event signal, and to transfer from the memory device to the output device the sensor signals stored in the memory device proximate in time to the declared event.

Abstract: A vehicle computer system provides a firewall between an auto PC and its application software and the vehicle bus and vehicle components. The firewall prevents unauthorized access by software in the auto PC to the vehicle bus and vehicle components. Preferably, the firewall utilizes encryption technology within the handshake between the auto PC software and firewall.

Abstract: An electrical junction box for a vehicle includes a housing and a circuit disposed in the housing for receiving power from a remote power source. At least one power switching device is electrically connected to the circuit for switching power from the power source to a remote electrically-actuated device in the vehicle. A controller operates the at least one switching device. The junction box is characterized by the controller being removably connected to the circuit. In a first version, the controller is packaged in a protective case separate from the junction box housing. In a second version, the controller is accessibly packaged within the electrical junction box housing. Both embodiments accomplish one object of the present invention to provide a controller for an electrical junction box which is easily and quickly removable for service repair or replaceable for micro-processor chip upgrade.

Abstract: An interface communicates with a computer mounted in a vehicle. The interface includes an input device, adapted to be removed from the vehicle, having a first electrical connector. A docking site, having a second electrical connector adapted to receive the first electrical connector, is mounted in the vehicle for supporting the input device. A communication cable connects the second electrical connector to the computer thereby providing a communication path between the input device and the computer. In one embodiment, the input device includes a transmitter circuit for producing and transmitting wireless control signals. In this manner, the input device may be used to remotely control an electrical accessory device in the vehicle, such as a door lock/unlock motor. In another embodiment, the input device is used to enable the engine ignition system of the vehicle. In this manner, the vehicle may be started without an ignition key yet still be protected against theft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device to serve as an interface between a vehicle computer and a user. The interface comprises a docking site mounted within the vehicle and connected to the computer through a high-speed serial communication cable. The docking site receives an input device and establishes an electrical connection between the input device and the vehicle computer. The input device may be any of a variety of palm held computers. The input device permits a user to access the vehicle computer which in turn controls a variety of vehicle components.

Abstract: A connector is provided having a set of spaced blades that cooperate to penetrate the coating of a wire to make electrical contact with the wire while the connector is bent therearound. The blades are disposed circumferentially about the wire at approximately 120.degree. intervals. The connector may have a plurality of sets of blades. Further, a method of forming a connection between a wire having a coating and a connector is disclosed having the steps of extending a first, a second and a third blade from a connector body, the second blade disposed between the first and third blades, and bending the body about a portion between the first and second blades and about a portion between the second and third blades so that the blades engage the wire through the coating.

Abstract: A mixed freight handling system, particularly for limited access areas such as an end-opening trailer at a dock, includes a telescoping conveyor overlapping a fixed conveyor and translatable into the trailer to receive hand liftable articles. A freight manipulator includes an appropriate and changeable freight manipulator tool mounted on an extendible boom and is translatable adjacent and along the conveyors to the dock edge. The tool is extendible into the trailer for engaging and supporting manually nonliftable freight for transfer to or from a freight conveyor extending alongside the path of the manipulator. The telescoping conveyor includes a base section engaged with a track, an inclinable lift section, and a liftable and laterally swingable head section. The manipulator includes a chassis engaged with a track straddling the fixed and telescoping conveyors and has a tunnel formed therethrough, allowing the passage of articles on the conveyors therebeneath.

Abstract: A mixed freight handling system, particularly for limited access areas such as an end-opening trailer at a dock, includes a telescoping conveyor overlapping a fixed conveyor and translatable into the trailer to receive hand liftable articles. A freight manipulator includes an appropriate and changeable freight manipulator tool mounted on an extendible boom and is translatable adjacent and along the conveyors to the dock edge. The tool is extendible into the trailer for engaging and supporting manually nonliftable freight for transfer to or from a freight conveyor extending alongside the path of the manipulator. The telescoping conveyor includes a base section engaged with a track, an inclinable lift section, and a liftable and laterally swingable head section. The manipulator includes a chassis engaged with a track straddling the fixed and telescoping conveyors and has a tunnel formed therethrough, allowing the passage of articles on the conveyors therebeneath.

Abstract: A mixed freight handling system, particularly for limited access areas such as an end-opening trailer at a dock, includes a telescoping conveyor overlapping a fixed conveyor and translatable into the trailer to receive hand liftable articles. A freight manipulator includes an appropriate and changeable freight manipulator tool mounted on an extendible boom and is translatable adjacent and along the conveyors to the dock edge. The tool is extendible into the trailer for engaging and supporting manually nonliftable freight for transfer to or from a freight conveyor extending alongside the path of the manipulator. The telescoping conveyor includes a base section engaged with a track, an inclinable lift section, and a liftable and laterally swingable head section. The manipulator includes a chassis engaged with a track straddling the fixed and telescoping conveyors and has a tunnel formed therethrough; allowing the passage of articles on the conveyors therebeneath.