Abstract: An emergency call receiving unit for a vehicle. The emergency call receiving unit includes: a detection unit for detecting a trigger event of an accident-damaged vehicle; a control unit for generating a locating signal; a transmitting unit for repeated transmission of the locating signal to a receiver and the repeated transmission of the locating signal is triggered by a trigger event and the locating signal enables finding of the vehicle. A number of the rescue guideline of the respective vehicle and an RSSI for the rescue signal are received upon locating at least one vehicle involved in an accident depending on the reception field strength of the locating signal.

Abstract: A system for using at least one mobile terminal in a motor vehicle, such as a passenger automobile or a two-wheeled vehicle in particular, having at least one mobile terminal, a display device situated in the vehicle, an operating device provided in the vehicle, and a communication interface between the vehicle and the mobile terminal are provided. The mobile terminal and/or a terminal integration device provided in the vehicle be provided with a terminal sequence controller, which calls up an operating and/or display interface on the vehicle display device for operating functions and/or software applications of the mobile terminal and is operated via the vehicle operating device.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiment contains a key fob configured to communicate wirelessly with a vehicle and a communication network. The key fob further includes, a first transceiver configured to communicate data to the vehicle to allow access and operation of the vehicle and to receive data indicating that an emergency event has been detected at the vehicle. The key fob also includes a second transceiver configured to access a telecommunications network. Additionally, the key fob contains a circuit configured to cause the second transmitter to automatically dial a 911 operator in the event the data received by the transceiver indicates that an emergency event has been detected at the vehicle.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for navigation of a vehicle using cellular networks that involves determining, with an inertial navigation system, a vehicle location estimate. The method also involves transmitting, with a transmit antenna, a transmit signal to the cellular tower requesting a cell identification (CID); and receiving, with a receive antenna, a receive signal from the cellular tower containing the CID. Further, the method involves determining the cellular tower location by looking up the CID in a lookup table; determining a difference in time from the time the transmit signal was sent to the time the receive signal was received; calculating the distance from the vehicle to the cellular tower by using the time difference; and refining the vehicle location estimate by using the cellular tower location, the distance from the vehicle to the cellular tower, and the angle of the transmit antenna and the receive antenna.

Abstract: A system for reducing peaks comprises a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to determine phase offsets for a plurality of input signals. The phase offsets are determined using trials of phase offsets to determine a selected set of phase offsets. The processor is further configured to modulate the input data signals using the selected set of phase offsets to produce modulated phase offset data signals and to generate a sum of modulated phase offset data signals, such that the sum has a lower peak value as compared to the sum not using the selected set of phase offset signals.

Abstract: A method of operating a personal electronic device and an in-vehicle infotainment system includes running an application on one of the personal electronic device and the in-vehicle infotainment system. It is sensed that the personal electronic device has been, or soon will be, moved into or out of a proximity of the in-vehicle infotainment system. Information regarding a state of the one of the personal electronic device and the in-vehicle infotainment system is transferred to the other of the personal electronic device and the in-vehicle infotainment system. An application is selected for the other of the personal electronic device and the in-vehicle infotainment system. The selected application is used to replicate the state of the one of the personal electronic device and the in-vehicle infotainment system on the other of the personal electronic device and the in-vehicle infotainment system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a key-less ignition system for a vehicle. The system allows a user to automatically start the engine of a vehicle via a push button and a remote passive transponder. The system finds particular application in conjunction with smaller vehicles such as motorcycles. In one specific embodiment of the invention, the system is used in connection with an anti-theft device, such as a wheel lock. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the key-less ignition system is used in connection with a records management system, whereby service technicians can remotely retrieve maintenance records relating to the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for identifying the position of a stolen vehicle is provided that includes the steps of detecting the start of an engine of the vehicle, retrieving vehicle identification information, establishing a connection to an external database of stolen vehicles, transmitting the retrieved vehicle identification information via a wireless communication system to the database and verifying whether the identified vehicle is in the database of stolen vehicles. If the identified vehicle is in the list of stolen vehicles, the position of the vehicle is then determined.

Abstract: A wireless communications device includes a location-dependent alarm which a user can set to be triggered at a target location. A GPS receiver embedded in the wireless device provides position data representative of the current location. When the current location matches the target location, the alarm is triggered. This enables the user to set the alarm to wake him upon arrival at a particular location, e.g. a specific station on a commuter train. In another example, the wireless device can wake the user at one time of morning if the user is sleeping in one location and at a second time if the user is sleeping in a second location.

Abstract: A remote control system for use with vehicles and other devices having remotely controllable features. The system may include a fob or other similar type of device to support wireless signal communications used to facilitate the remote control. The system may further include a portable device to support display dependent controls or other controls unsuited to the fob. The fob may support wireless communications between the portable device and the controlled device.

Abstract: An exemplary method provides for a wireless mobile unit an alert representing a warning that legally imposed restrictions on the use of wireless mobile units by drivers of moving vehicles in predetermined zones. The method includes determining by a communication system if a first mobile unit is being used for wireless communications, and acquiring by the communication system the location of the first mobile unit. The communication system compares the location of the first mobile unit to locations of the predetermined zones having restrictions on the use of wireless mobile units by drivers of moving vehicles. Upon the first mobile unit entering a warning zone that is adjacent the predetermined zone and the first mobile unit being used for wireless communications, the transmission of an alert is initiated to the first mobile unit.

Abstract: A car alert device featuring a microprocessor operatively connected to a transmitter; a body controller operatively connected to the microprocessor, the body controller is configured to detect if a window is open, if an interior light is on, if the headlights are on, if a door is unlocked, or if the alarm system is activated; wherein the microprocessor is configured to receive input signals from the body controller when the body controller detects the window is open or the interior light is on or the headlights are on or the door is unlocked or the alarm system is activated, wherein upon receipt of the input signals the microprocessor sends output commands to the transmitter to cause the transmitter to send alert messages to the cellular phone of the user.

Abstract: A system for activating and deactivating a remotely controlled vehicle starter includes a handheld mobile communication device having at least a speaker mounted therein and a wireless transmitter having at least a start switch mounted therein. A first wire connects a negative voltage supply path to the speaker circuit with a negative voltage supply path to the start switch circuit. A variable resistor is provided and has a pair of end terminals. There is a second wire having each of a first end thereof electrically connected to a positive voltage supply path to the speaker circuit and an opposed second end thereof electrically connected to one terminal end of the variable resistor. A third wire is also provided to connect an opposed end terminal of the variable resistor to a positive voltage supply path to the start switch.

Abstract: A method of activating a device involves establishing communication between the device and another device and receiving, at the other device, a message including activation information from a third party facility. The activation information includes a header and a mobile dialing number. The method further includes using the header to identify the message as an activation message for the device and, via the device, retrieving the identified message from the other device. The mobile dialing number is stored in a memory associated with the device, where the mobile dialing number enables the third party facility to initiate communication with the device.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling calls in a vehicle during an emergency situation that includes identifying an emergency situation and placing a voice call or a data call to the vehicle in response to the emergency situation. If the placed call cannot be connected because the vehicle has another call in progress, then an SMS message is sent to the vehicle which contains a command used by the vehicle to interrupt the in-progress call. This enables a call center or public safety personnel to obtain remote access in emergency situations, such as when the vehicle location needs to be determined or an occupant of the vehicle is contacted.

Abstract: Disclosed is a key-less ignition system for a vehicle. The system allows a user to automatically start the engine of a vehicle via a push button and a remote passive transponder. The system finds particular application in conjunction with smaller vehicles such as motorcycles. In one specific embodiment of the invention, the system is used in connection with an anti-theft device, such as a wheel lock. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the key-less ignition system is used in connection with a records management system, whereby service technicians can remotely retrieve maintenance records relating to the vehicle.

Abstract: Location determination signals are received and a location of interest is determined from the location determination signals. A communication service with a known, valid base station via a first communication channel is established and synchronized. A first rate of rise of a signal strength indicator associated with the first communication channel is monitored and a second rate of rise of a signal quality indicator associated with the first communication channel is also monitored. When at least one of the first rate rises at a rate greater than a first predetermined threshold rate and the second rate rises at a rate greater than a second predetermined threshold rate, a warning message is transmitted to the known, valid base station before synchronization of the communication service is lost with the known, valid base station.

Abstract: A communication terminal capable of obtaining assist data without making a configuration of an information providing device for transmitting the assist data complicated is provided. Processing performed by a communication terminal includes the steps of: storing an obtained identifier in a buffer area for a base station for which assist data should be obtained and a buffer area for a standby base station; obtaining an identifier of a wireless base station from a received signal and storing the identifier in a RAM; storing an identifier of a wireless base station after change in the buffer area for a standby base station; and storing the identifier stored in the buffer area for a standby base station in the buffer area for a base station for which assist data should be obtained when the identifier stored in the buffer area for a standby base station is not stored in the buffer area for a base station for which assist data should be obtained.

Abstract: An electronic key system includes a vehicle equipped with vehicle equipment, and a mobile phone having an electronic key function including ID information for the vehicle equipment. The vehicle equipment compares the ID information of the electronic key provided in the mobile phone with standard ID information of the vehicle equipment, makes the vehicle and/or the vehicle equipment perform a first operation when the ID information match and a second operation when the ID information cannot be detected. The vehicle equipment transmits history information along with the first and second operations to the mobile phone.

Abstract: A hearing system includes a first hearing instrument having a first receiver for wireless data communication with a device in a wireless network, and a first communication controller that is configured for controlling the wireless data communication in accordance with a protocol of the wireless network according to which, a transmitter of the device is controlled to transmit wireless data in a specific time slot in a frame of time slots, and the first receiver of the first hearing instrument is repeatedly enabled to receive data for an activated time period and disabled from receiving data for a de-activated time period, wherein the first communication controller is further configured for synchronizing the first hearing instrument to the device in the wireless network by adjusting a sum of the activated time period and the de-activated time period to be different from a duration of the frame so that the specific time slot for the transmission of data by the transmitter and the activated time period will overl

Abstract: A method of activating a device involves establishing communication between the device and another device and receiving, at the other device, a message including activation information from a third party facility. The activation information includes a header and a mobile dialing number. The method further includes using the header to identify the message as an activation message for the device and, via the device, retrieving the identified message from the other device. The mobile dialing number is stored in a memory associated with the device, where the mobile dialing number enables the third party facility to initiate communication with the device.

Abstract: Communications are maintained between a base station and a stolen vehicle tracking (SVT) module disposed with a vehicle. At the SVT module at the vehicle, it is determined whether jamming is occurring with communications between the SVT module and the base station and a temperature is measured at the SVT module. When jamming is detected, an adjustment is determined for a frequency of an oscillator of the SVT module and the adjustment is based at least in part upon the temperature. The frequency of operation of an oscillator is adjusted according to the adjustment. A message is transmitted to the base station according to the adjusted frequency.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic device (1) that is to be incorporated into a motor vehicle. Said device (1) comprises a radio module (18) for establishing a short-distance wireless connection to an authorized cellular telephone (2) which is identified based on an identification key for the authorized cellular telephone (2) stored in a memory element (28) of the electronic device (1). In order to make it easier to retrieve the electronic device after the same has been stolen, the electronic device (1) further comprises means for detecting dismounting of the electronic device (1) from a motor vehicle as well as means for automatically establishing a short-distance wireless connection to another cellular telephone and automatically initializing a mobile wireless connection to said other cellular telephone when an identification key for the other cellular telephone is to be or is stored for the first time in the memory element (28) after restarting the electronic device once dismounting has been detected.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for detecting unauthorized movement of a moveable object where the system includes a GPS receiver, cellular modulator, processor, pager modem, sensor and two-way pager. When the system is coupled to a moveable object and is armed via the pager, the sensor is monitored by the processor to determine when a possible theft of the moveable object may be occurring. In an embodiment, the sensor is a multiple axis accelerometer. In one embodiment the accelerometer is a two axes accelerometer where the sensor detects small movements of the object is two axes. When the sensor is triggered, the processor pages the two-way pager. The processor also determines the system's location via the GPS receiver. The processor generates a message including the system's location and unique system identifier. The processor transmits the message to a monitoring center via a cellular network (and the cellular modulator).

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a vehicle given to a third party. The system includes a system controller; a mode-indicating device coupled to the system controller; and an authenticator coupled to the system controller. Here, the system controller is adapted to communicate a driving restriction to the vehicle upon an activation of the mode-indicating device by an authorized driver and until a deactivation of the mode-indicating device by the authorized driver, the system controller is adapted to restrict the activation and the deactivation of the mode-indicating device unless the authorized driver has been authenticated by the authenticator, and the driving restriction includes a limit selected from the group consisting of a limit in number of starts, a limit in speed, a limit in acceleration, a limit in number of minutes, a limit in distance, a limit in gears, a limit in locations, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method of tracking a lost mobile electronic device connected to a wireless or wired network is provided. The method includes: storing user identity information included in a user identity card inserted into the mobile device, a warning message, and information regarding a destination of the warning message; and when a new user identity card is inserted into the mobile device, comparing user identity information stored in the new user identity card with the stored user identity information and automatically transmitting the warning message to the destination of the warning message if the user identity information stored in the new user identity card is not identical to the stored user identity information. Accordingly, it is possible to easily track a lost mobile electronic device connected to a wireless or wired network.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic circuit for detecting, identifying, and/or activating a digital device, including a touch-and-hold connector configured to hold an object of interest, the digital device coupled to the touch-and-hold connector, for example, wherein the digital device has a unique digital registration number, a microcontroller that reads the unique digital registration number of the digital device, a storage receptacle configured to selectively receive the touch-and-hold connector, a light-emitting source coupled to the storage receptacle and associated with the touch-and-hold connector, and an electrical power source.

Abstract: Disclosed is a key-less ignition system for a vehicle. The system allows a user to automatically start the engine of a vehicle via a push button and a remote passive transponder. The system finds particular application in conjunction with smaller vehicles such as motorcycles. In one specific embodiment of the invention, the system is used in connection with an anti-theft device, such as a wheel lock. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the key-less ignition system is used in connection with a records management system, whereby service technicians can remotely retrieve maintenance records relating to the vehicle.

Abstract: A cellular alarm notification signal is received wirelessly from an alarming vehicle, and a position of a cellular transceiver of the alarming vehicle is requested and provided to police, security, emergency personnel, and/or surveillance cameras. A vehicle alarm notification is sent directly to the owner of a particular vehicle immediately upon alarm, or to the police, or to building security to dispatch an investigative team, or to a building surveillance company to activate or monitor a relevant security camera. In addition to the alarming status of the vehicle, the cellular alarm notification cellular call may provide a position of the alarming vehicle to the notified party, obtained through appropriate location services provided in a wireless system to satisfy requirements for responding in a personal emergency to a requesting public safety access point (PSAP).

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a vehicle given to a third party. The system includes a system controller; a mode-indicating device coupled to the system controller; and an authenticator coupled to the system controller. Here, the system controller is adapted to communicate a driving restriction to the vehicle upon an activation of the mode-indicating device by an authorized driver and until a deactivation of the mode-indicating device by the authorized driver, the system controller is adapted to restrict the activation and the deactivation of the mode-indicating device unless the authorized driver has been authenticated by the authenticator, and the driving restriction includes a limit selected from the group consisting of a limit in number of starts, a limit in speed, a limit in acceleration, a limit in number of minutes, a limit in distance, a limit in gears, a limit in locations, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide for an apparatus and method for input/output management in a mobile environment. One embodiment includes a mobile unit comprising at least one processor, a data bus interface and a computer readable memory persistently storing a unique hardware identification. The mobile unit can receive a wireless signal and, based on the wireless signal, communicate a set of data across the data bus. The persistent unique hardware identification of the mobile unit is used to restrict access to data received at the mobile unit via the wireless signal.

Abstract: A method for providing menu tree assistance includes receiving a voice request from a user via a telematics unit and a wireless network and determining a voice menu tree based on the voice request. The method further includes receiving at least one response based on the voice menu tree, determining a failure or confirmation based on the at least one response and converting the response to data based on the determined confirmation. The method further includes recording the response based on the determined failure and providing the recorded response and data to an advisor at a call center. A system and a computer readable medium including computer program code are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a freight management system a translator in a monitor system receives and transmits data in standard freight message format from and to a number of users, as well as in a variety of wireless formats to and from freight assets, and automatically in real time translates between the formats. The translator receives sensed data from the freight assets and transmits the translated data to the respective users while transmitting commands in wireless format to the freight assets on the basis of data received in standard freight message format.

Abstract: A vehicle locator system is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the vehicle locator system includes a vehicle locator/charging unit having a unit microprocessor, a first cell phone circuitry and a first GPS and or RF circuitry connected to the unit microprocessor, a charge plug and a charge port connected to the charge plug; and a cell phone having a cell phone microprocessor, a second cell phone circuitry, a second GPS and or RF circuitry and a display connected to the cell phone microprocessor and a charge port adapted for connection to the charge port of the vehicle locator/charging unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety/security method and device for two-wheeled vehicles and similar. The inventive device comprises a processor which is connected to a geographic positioning centre (CL) and to a communication unit (UT) with a cellular telephone system which can communicate with a party. The aforementioned processor is also connected to a start/stop sensor (M/A), a movement sensor (AC) and an inclinometer (CV) and to means of identifying the vehicle and/or the driver. The processor is programmed so as to: centralise and store the data originating from the above-mentioned sensors; select a device state from numerous pre-determined states including one or more sensitive states; and, when a sensitive state has been selected, compose and transmit a message containing data relating to said state, vehicle and/or driver identification data and geographic positioning data.

Abstract: The anti-theft device contains a control circuit housed in a casing. The control circuit contains a microprocessor, a memory, a detection unit, a radio unit, and a GPS unit, and is connected to a supersonic sensor, a microwave sensor, an air-pressure sensor, and one ore more image capturing elements. When the motor vehicle is broken in, the control circuit detects such an event by evaluating the multiple signals collected by the sensors, and by processing the images captured by the image capturing elements. The control circuit then dials a preset numbers and plays a pre-recorded voice message asking for help. In the mean time, the continuous images captured by the image capturing elements are delivered a predetermined mobile phone or a computer so that the owner of the motor vehicle or some other people could monitor what is happening at the scene.

Abstract: An accessory-type GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver comprises a mobile terminal side plug connector, and a cradle/hand-free side receptacle connector disposed substantially opposite thereto. The GPS receiver further comprises a power supply that receives power from a mobile terminal power charge line being operatively coupled between the mobile terminal side plug connector and the cradle/hand-free side receptacle connector. The plug connector is used to pass GPS data directly to a mobile terminal. The receptacle connector is used to pass non-GPS data to the mobile terminal via the plug connector.

Abstract: A method and a system for controlling communications between a vehicle telematics device and a call center. The method includes determining an emergency condition. A communications priority is determined. Information is selectively communicated between the vehicle telematics device and the call center based on the emergency condition and the communications priority. The system includes means for determining an emergency condition, and means for determining a communications priority. The system further includes means for selectively communicating information between the vehicle telematics device and the call center based on the emergency condition and the communications priority.

Abstract: A control system for improving the security level of a security device. A portable device is provided with a communication function and has a portable device ID code. A security controller includes a memory for recording a controller ID code. The security controller communicates with the portable device to determine whether the portable device ID code matches the controller ID code, and controls deactivation of security functions for a door lock driver and an engine controller based on the determination result. In response to a restriction request signal, the management apparatus transmits a function restriction signal to the security controller. The security controller prohibits or restricts control of the door lock driver or the engine controller when receiving the function restriction signal and communicating with the portable device.

Abstract: A security control system for improving security. The security control system includes a portable device, having a communication function and a portable device ID code. A security controller includes a memory for recording a controller ID code. The security controller communicates with the portable device and determines whether the portable device ID code matches the controller ID code. In accordance with the determination, the security controller selectively deactivates the security functions of a door lock driver and an engine controller. The security controller records and registers the portable device ID code as the controller ID code in the memory and transmits a registration signal containing the portable device ID code. A portable device management apparatus receives the registration signal from the security controller and manages the portable device based on the registration signal.

Abstract: A portable terminal device and a program for reading information, which can read a code correctly with simple operations, and a recording medium having the program recorded thereon. A portable telephone with a camera has a camera for inputting information of an image of interest, a small light, which emits light through the operation of ON/OFF button while reading a bar code, an LCD display part for displaying information, and a control part including a CPU for controlling the whole device. The control part switches photography modes depending on the existence of objects such as natural images or bar codes. The control part recognizes a bar code when the device switches to a mode for bar code photography. Then, the device notifies a user of the results of the recognition and then performs a predetermined process based on the content of the recognition.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic device (1) that is to be incorporated into a motor vehicle. Said device (1) comprises a radio module (18) for establishing a short-distance wireless connection to an authorized cellular telephone (2) which is identified based on an identification key for the authorized cellular telephone (2) stored in a memory element (28) of the electronic device (1). In order to make it easier to retrieve the electronic device after the same has been stolen, the electronic device (1) further comprises means for detecting dismounting of the electronic device (1) from a motor vehicle as well as means for automatically establishing a short-distance wireless connection to another cellular telephone and automatically initializing a mobile wireless connection to said other cellular telephone when an identification key for the other cellular telephone is to be or is stored for the first time in the memory element (28) after restarting the electronic device once dismounting has been detected.

Abstract: An electro-optical device includes a display section that has a display region, a plurality of sound-production bodies that are disposed to overlap the display section and produce sound, and a first frame that is disposed between the display section and the sound-production bodies and holds the display section. The first frame forms air spaces for the plurality of sound-production bodies. In the first frame, sound-guiding paths and sound-releasing holes are formed to correspond to the plurality of sound-production bodies, respectively.

Abstract: A vehicle security system includes a vehicle security controller for operating at least one vehicle body position actuator to reposition the vehicle body responsive to at least one vehicle security sensor. The vehicle may include the vehicle wheels, the vehicle body, and at least one vehicle body position actuator connected therebetween. A respective vehicle body position actuator may be provided for each vehicle wheel, and the controller may operate the actuators in a predetermined pattern to reposition the vehicle body in a rocking motion. Rocking of the vehicle body is more readily noticed by persons adjacent the vehicle, and the rocking produces sweeping headlight beams that also more noticeable. If the thief were to enter the vehicle, the thief's actions would be impaired by the rocking of the vehicle.

Abstract: The heterodyne receiver includes an antenna, a local oscillator, a mixer mixing a signal received by the antenna with a local oscillation signal generated by the local oscillator to produce an IF signal, and a demodulator demodulating the IF signal. The local oscillator is configured to set a frequency of the local oscillation signal at such a frequency that a frequency of the IF signal becomes a predetermined intermediate frequency when any one of intended signals having frequencies within a predetermined frequency range is being received by the antenna, and to fix the frequency of the local oscillation signal at a predetermined oscillation frequency when any one of the intended signals is not being received by the antenna.

Abstract: A method and system for locating a stolen vehicle includes the steps of receiving at least one stolen vehicle input associated with the stolen vehicle at a call center and assigning a first ping rate responsive to the input. An automated request is sent in accordance with the ping rate over a first predetermined time period from the call center to a telematics unit of the stolen vehicle using a wireless network.

Abstract: System for providing a virtual vehicle boundary. The system includes a method for activating a virtual fence for use with a delivery vehicle. The method comprises steps of detecting a protection event, determining that the protection event is an activation event, and activating a selected virtual fence based the activation event.

Abstract: A combination vehicle alarm and locator device. The device includes a housing, a vehicle alarm activator positioned within the housing including a transmitter for activating an alarm system on a vehicle and an infrared transmitting device located in the housing for communicating with a Global Positioning Satellite system for determining a location of the device. A key ring selectively extends from a side of the housing. The vehicle alarm activator includes an alarm activation button extending from the housing for activating the vehicle alarm activator to transmit the infrared signal. The transmitter device includes a processor, a memory device for storing identification information concerning the device and an activation button for activating the processor to retrieve the identification information from the memory for transmission to the Global Positioning Satellite system.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a hand-held communication device in a vehicle is disclosed. In an embodiment of the invention, the hand-held communication device is controlled by a driver advocate or workload manager module. To control the cellular telephone, at least a transmitter is coupled to the diagnostic connector (e.g., an OBD-II connector) in the vehicle, which can be coupled directly to the connector via a dongle or can be coupled via a cable. The transmitter receives instructions from the workload manager module and transmits them to the cellular telephone, preferably via a short-range wireless protocol such as Bluetooth, although fully wired links can also be used as well. So that the cellular telephone can properly interpret and act on these commands, an application program (e.g., a Java applet) is preferably downloaded to the telephone through any suitable means.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for replenishing call-use authorization to a mobile vehicle. A call-use authorization request is received from a user. User credit availability information is determined. A replenishment amount request is received from the user. Call-use authorization data is updated based on the credit availability information and the replenishment amount request. The updated call-use authorization data is sent to an in-vehicle communication device by using a dual-tone multiple frequency protocol.