Abstract: A system and method for providing single-action multi-source presets for vehicle entertainment systems. The method includes the steps of engaging a single-action preset button that changes the active input source to a selected preprogrammed input source and performing an action within that input source.

Abstract: A terminated call alert process involves detecting, via a processor, that a voice connection initially established between a vehicle-dedicated communications device disposed inside a vehicle and a facility has been terminated and identifying a method used to terminate the initial voice connection. Via the vehicle-dedicated communications device, the method further involves transmitting a data message to the facility, where the data message includes information pertaining to the method used to terminate the initial voice connection. Also disclosed herein is a system for accomplishing the same.

Abstract: An aftermarket telematics unit for use with a vehicle includes, but is not limited to, a housing that is configured for mounting in an interior of a vehicle, a receiver mounted within the housing and configured to receive a first short range wireless signal at a first frequency, a fob component mounted within the housing and configured to transmit a second short range wireless signal at a second frequency, and a controller mounted within the housing and coupled to the wireless receiver and the fob component. The controller is configured to provide instructions to the fob component to transmit the second short range wireless signal when the wireless receiver receives the first short range wireless signal.

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: In some embodiments, techniques for rewarding presence include detecting a presence of a mobile phone within an enclosed space, transmitting information relating to the presence of the mobile phone within the enclosed space to a server computer, wherein the server computer processes an award for the presence of the mobile phone within the enclosed space, wherein the award is associated with a user account associated with the mobile phone; and receiving from the server computer information relating to the award.

Abstract: A system and method is described for a vehicle remote starter with an advanced dynamic scheduling system.

Abstract: A vehicle communication system detects the presence of a passenger wearable communication device. The system receives audio signals from multiple sources inside or outside of a vehicle. The system processes the signals before routing the signals to multiple destinations. The destinations may include wearable personal communication devices, front and/or rear speakers, and/or a remote mobile device.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus for a monopole antenna having a radiating unit and a grounding unit is for transmitting a multimedia signal to a multimedia player device coupled to the radiating unit. The feeding apparatus includes a first feeding unit coupled to an inner conductor of a coaxial cable for feeding the multimedia signal transmitted by the coaxial cable to the radiating unit, and a second feeding unit coupled to a conducting mesh of the coaxial cable for connecting to the grounding unit.

Abstract: A navigation device (a vehicle-mounted navigation device 1) is connected, via a mobile communication network 3, to a server 5 by way of a telephone 2 connected thereto via cable 1a or radio 1b, and includes a communication control unit 12 for communicating with the server 5 by using the telephone 2 to measure parameter information about a command support status of the telephone 2 or a communication connection environment, and a main control unit 10 for transmitting the parameter information measured by the communication control unit 12 to an external storage medium 21 or the server 5, and for controlling subsequent communications according to the parameter information transmitted to the external storage medium 21 or the server 5.

Abstract: An adapter for a wireless communications device has a speaker embedded in an upper end portion, a microphone embedded in a lower end portion, and a male electrical post connector mounted in the lower end portion. The post connector is electrically connected to the speaker and microphone. The post connector has an exposed tip and extends from the lower end portion generally toward the upper end portion. A theoretical plane bisects the base into left and right lateral portions and the microphone and connector are disposed on opposing sides of the theoretical plane. The adapter is configured such that when physically mounted to the wireless communications device, and the post connector is mated to the external communications port, the microphone and speaker are electrically connected to the wireless communications device. The combination may be used for VOIP communications.

Abstract: An in-vehicle apparatus having a handsfree function is disclosed, which includes an incoming mail reception determination section, a mode determination section and a control section. The incoming mail reception determination section determines whether a cellular phone receives an incoming mail. The mode determination section determines which one of a handset communication mode and a handsfree communication mode is selected in the cellular phone. The control section performs control regarding whether a mail reception notice should be issued to a user. The control section prohibits the mail reception notice from being issued to the user when the incoming mail reception determination section determines that the cellular phone receives the incoming mail and when the mode determination section determines that the cellular phone is in the handsfree communication mode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to technology which performs wireless communications of a vehicle by selectively operating a wireless communications module of a vehicle connected to an AP (Access Point) which collects vehicle information according to the state of the vehicle. The present invention includes a vehicle information storage unit that stores vehicle information collected from each electronic control unit of a vehicle; a wireless communications module that performs wireless communications with an AP (Access Point); and a wireless communications controller that controls a connection state of the AP with the wireless communications module by selectively operating the wireless communications module according to the state of the vehicle, and sends the vehicle information to the AP through the wireless communications module.

Abstract: The equipment comprises a pilot box (10) mounted on the dashboard, an offset box (12) and a link (14) for coupling these boxes. The pilot box comprises a signal processing and equipment control digital processor (18) and, coupled to this processor, an information display screen (20), means for applying user commands, and means (26) of wireless coupling with a remote phone (28). The offset box (12) comprises an audio amplifier (52) and a power supply (46) linked to the vehicle electrical network (48). The coupling link is consisted of a bidirectional digital bus adapted to convey concurrently digital signals and power supply currents. The offset box comprises an audio codec (56) coupling the digital bus to the audio amplifier, and an interconnection arrangement (38, 50, 58, 60, 64) for the wire connection to a plurality of peripheral devices (40, 42, 44, 62, 68, 72) of the equipment.

Abstract: There is provided a structure and a method to detect a signal prompted by the use of a wireless communications device in a motor vehicle or, optionally, in the area of a vehicle operator station. A signal detection will set off audible and/or visual alarms. The alarms may continue until the signal is no longer detected.

Abstract: A method and system are presented for restricting the use of a portable electronic device by a driver who is operating a vehicle. A body area network (BAN) signal is sent from a vehicle device in the vehicle in close proximity to the driver. The BAN signal is transmitted using the driver's biological body as a signal transmission path. The portable electronic device includes a receiver configured to detect the BAN signal when the device is in close proximity to the driver. The portable electronic device is further configured to disable or restrict at least one function in response to detection of the BAN signal, thereby preventing or restricting use of the portable electronic device when the driver is seated in and operating the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicular multimode cellular/PCS phone including a chipset located in the vehicle for communicating with at least one of a plurality of wireless service provider networks; an multimode antenna in communication with the chipset for communicating with a wireless base antenna of at least one of the plurality of wireless service provider networks; at least one medium port for receiving a removable medium, the removable medium containing at least one of access numbers, access codes, and access authentication numbers of at least one of the plurality of wireless service provider networks.

Abstract: A method and system of communication between a vehicle telematics unit and a call center via a personal mobile device identifier. The method involves detecting the presence of a personal mobile device at a vehicle, receiving a mobile device identifier from the mobile device, assigning the mobile device identifier to a telematics unit in the vehicle, establishing a data session between the telematics unit and a call center, and sending the mobile device identifier to the call center via the data session.

Abstract: One or more embodiments include a computer-implemented method and system for providing reply reminders to a vehicle occupant in a vehicle. Information indicating one or more unanswered communications from a nomadic telephone device may be wirelessly received at a vehicle computer. Time and/or date information for the unanswered communication may also be received. By automatically monitoring a passage of time, a determination may be made if one or more unanswered communications have been answered within a predefined reply period. If the one or more unanswered communications have not been answered within the predefined reply period, a reply reminder may be generated and presented in a vehicle.

Abstract: A hands-free apparatus in a vehicle has two cellular phones connected through simultaneous HFP connections, with one of the two cellular phones having a private call and the other of the two cellular phones receiving a voice call. The hands-free apparatus displays on a touch screen a call transfer switch for switching the private call to the hands-free call regarding the call of the first cellular phone and a response switch for responding to the voice call to the second cellular phone. In this manner, both of the private call and the voice call are appropriately handled by a user without any restriction even when the voice call is received by the second cellular phone during the hands-free call of the first cellular phone.

Abstract: A controller acquires first phonebook data from a portable Bluetooth phone via a Bluetooth interface portion, and stores the first phonebook data in a storage portion. A use flag is attached to the first phonebook data of the portable Bluetooth phone stored in the storage portion. When the use flag is set to “1,” the controller stores a copy of the first phonebook data of the portable Bluetooth phone in the storage portion as second phonebook data for an in-vehicle phone. When the in-vehicle phone is selected, as a used phone, the second phonebook data for the in-vehicle phone stored in the storage portion is available.

Abstract: A vehicle has a dashboard, a windshield, a driver area with a steering wheel. A transceiver transmits and receives digital data for both text messages and voice messages. A voice activated wireless electronic device with a keyboard and a screen is built into the dashboard. A voice assembly includes a speaker and a microphone. A text assembly includes a display mounted in the dashboard. A joystick is adapted to allow a driver to manipulate data on both the screen of the electronic device and the display. A central processing unit operatively couples the transceiver, electronic device, speaker, microphone, and joystick.

Abstract: At least one of outbound call history data, inbound call history data, and phone book data is transferred to a handsfree apparatus for use in a vehicle at a predetermined timing for the purpose of obtaining near realtime update of the inbound/outbound call history data from a cellular phone. By utilizing simultaneous connection of HFP and PBAP, the handsfree apparatus establishes a Bluetooth communication with the cellular phone through HFP first, and then establishes another communication through PBAP simultaneously, for receiving the inbound call history data and the outbound call history data stored before establishing the Bluetooth communication from the cellular phone. The handsfree apparatus can thus be capable of placing a call by using the outbound call history data and the inbound call history data stored in a work memory after receiving those data.

Abstract: A system, method and computer readable medium comprised of in-vehicle passive monitoring and information management system elements which together detect, identify, report and discourage unsafe wireless device use by the operator of a vehicle. An in-vehicle monitoring device determines the vehicle's operational state and location, identifies wireless device transmitter emissions within the vehicle and communicates to a remote information management system using a wireless network, or after-the-fact, using a local network to a locally-installed software version of the information management system. The information management system collects information retrieved from in-vehicle devices and correlates this information with other database information to provide users with timely alerts, tracking, and records of unsafe wireless device use.

Abstract: Provided are a method and an accessory apparatus for receiving and reproducing DMB data. The DMB accessory apparatus receives DMB data, converts data formats of the received DMB data into multimedia data formats which can be reproduced by a typical mobile terminal, and transmits the DMB data converted into the mobile terminal reproducible data formats to the mobile terminal. Accordingly, even a mobile terminal, which does not have a function of receiving and reproducing DMB data, can reproduce the DMB data.

Abstract: A telephone apparatus having a calling card support function is disclosed. The telephone apparatus includes: a card information storage section for storing therein card information on a calling card; a controller for making a telephone call with use of the card information stored in the card information storage section, by using telephone communication means; and a card information reception section for receiving the card information stored in a cellular phone from the cellular phone. The controller allows the card information reception section to receive the card information stored in the cellular phone from the cellular phone. The controller records the received card information in the card information storage section when the card information reception section receives the card information stored in the cellular phone from the cellular phone.

Abstract: A method controls a functional element of an ear-level device of a type including a functional element, a memory, a microphone and a speaker, each coupled to a processor. Communication between the ear-level device and a companion device, such as a mobile phone, is established. A functional element for control is selected through the user interface of the companion device. A control instruction for controlling the selected functional element is chosen using the user interface and is transmitted from the companion device to the ear-level device to provide instruction to the ear-level device to control the selected functional element in the chosen way.

Abstract: A hands-free device disposed in a vehicle identifies a speech direction of an outgoing voice when a hands-free call operation is received. The device extracts callee information from the outgoing voice provided by an occupant to identify a portable communication terminal. In particular, the portable communication terminal is identified when the callee information extracted is registered in a telephone book data of the portable communication terminal. When the speech direction of the outgoing voice is identified as a driver side, the portable communication terminal identified is linked to the driver as a driver-linked terminal. Accordingly, a call being received by a portable communication terminal that is linked to the driver is performed as a hands-free call, whereas a call being received by a portable communication terminal not linked to the driver is not performed as a hands-free call.

Abstract: In order to facilitate the modulation of speech delivery to a participant that is driving or otherwise performing a parallel task, a feedback mechanism is incorporated in order to inform the remote participant of the progress of the delivery of his/her speech at their end of the conversation. In this way, the remote participant is both aware of the modulation occurring at the other end and can adjust their speech to adapt to the current conditions, using the feedback as a guide.

Abstract: A reception device including a transmission part having transmission cables transmitting a signal and/or power of a main-body device, an antenna part provided along the transmission cables from main-body-device-side ends of the transmission cables to a point between the main-body-device-side ends and the other ends of the transmission cables so that a high-frequency-signal-transmission path is formed, a high-frequency-elimination circuit provided at the main-body-device-side ends, which eliminates entry of the high-frequency signal to the main-body device, and a tuner that connects one of ends of the antenna part, the end being provided on the main-body-device side, to an antenna-input terminal and that receives a broadcast wave falling within the first frequency band corresponding to the antenna part's length is provided. The other end of the antenna part is an open end.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes generating a first signal; generating vibrations in a mobile device based on the first signal; and sensing, using a microphone associated with the mobile device, sound generated by the vibrations. The method further includes generating an output based on the sound sensed by the microphone, measuring a level of the sound based on the output, and detecting a resonant frequency of the mobile device based on the level of the sound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method and system for releasing terminal switching between a mobile terminal and a telematics terminal, and the method according to the present invention comprises receiving from the mobile terminal a terminal switching release request including an identification code representing terminal switching release; restoring information of the mobile terminal by inactivating information of the telematics terminal set as information of the mobile terminal in a home location register and activating information of the mobile terminal based on the identification code; and transmitting a mobile terminal activation command to a first switching center, where the mobile terminal is located, to allow a mobile communication service of the mobile terminal.

Abstract: Methods for providing emergency service to a mobile vehicle are disclosed herein. One method involves monitoring a network country code broadcast from a communications network provider and comparing the network country code with a list of country codes stored in the telematics unit. This method further includes determining where to direct an emergency call by the telematics unit based on the comparing. Another method involves notifying a telematics service provider of a need for emergency services and, in response to a denial for the services, monitoring the network country code broadcast and comparing the network country code with the list of country codes to determine where to direct the emergency call. Yet another method involves notifying a telematics service provider of a need for emergency services and, in response to a denial for the services, automatically notifying another service provider of the same.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for disabling text-entry capabilities. In one embodiment, a mobile station detects that it is being supported by a given single hand of a user and not by two hands of the user. The mobile station also detects that it is being operated by the single given hand of the user and not by two hands of the user. Optionally, the mobile station also determines that it is moving at greater than a threshold rate or detects more than a threshold degradation in text-entry proficiency. In response to detecting at least that the mobile station is being supported and operated by the single given hand of the user and not by two hands of the user, the mobile station disables one or more text-entry capabilities.

Abstract: A mobile device can detect, select and use an external antenna supported by an attached accessory device. The mobile device queries the accessory device whether it supports an external antenna and receives an indication of whether the accessory device supports external antennas. The indication can comprise a list of accessory device pins operatively coupled to supported external antennas. The mobile device selects an external antenna for use by the mobile device. The selection can comprise selecting a mobile device pin operatively coupled to the selected external antenna. The selected mobile device pin can be a predetermined pin or a pin that is both operatively coupled to a supported external antenna and configured to operate as an external antenna pin. The mobile device can use the selected external antenna. The mobile device can switch between an internal antenna and an external antenna operatively coupled to a selected mobile device pin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a broadband wireless access system, and more particularly, to a method for a mobile station to save power for prescribed duration without performing a paging procedure and apparatus therefor. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method of a DCR (deregistration with content retention) mode operation of a mobile station in a broadband wireless access system includes transmitting a first message including a first code indicating an entry request at the DCR mode to a base station, receiving a second message including a second code indicating whether to allow the entry request from the base station, and if the second code is set to a value indicating an allowance of the entry request, operating in the DCR mode while a preset timer is valid.

Abstract: Intelligent wireless dispatch systems are provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a dispatch computer and mobile data terminals positioned on a vehicle and in wireless communication with the dispatch computer. The system displays a plurality of drivers arranged in a driver stack, receives exception information from each mobile data terminal, displays a formatted driver icon corresponding to each driver in the driver stack, and sorts the drivers in the driver stack by prioritized exception information. The system is configured to display a driver assignment list for each driver including one or more assignments and to wirelessly transmit an assignment message to the mobile data terminals according to an update to a driver assignment list. The mobile data terminals are configured to display the assignment message for acceptance or rejection. Additional embodiments may also include voice-over-IP capability for two-way communication between the dispatcher and driver.

Abstract: An in-vehicle hands-free phone system includes: a base station; a portable terminal that is wirelessly connected to the base station; and an in-vehicle device that includes: an information acquisition portion that acquires information about a portable terminal that is connected to the in-vehicle device; a storage portion that stores a number sequence whose intermediate portion includes a predetermined code; and a tone sending-out control portion that sends the number sequence stored in the storage portion to the portable terminal and causes the portable terminal to send out the number sequence in a tone. The tone sending-out control portion determines a tone sending-out behavior about a number sequence part that is subsequent to the predetermined code on the basis of the information acquired by the information acquisition portion.

Abstract: The operation of a vehicle electronic module is influenced by vehicle-state received on a vehicle communication bus. The electronic module analyzes vehicle-state data that includes information about the vehicle's environment. The electronic module improves or maintains electronic module performance by adjusting communication processing parameters to improve driver or passenger communication.

Abstract: A selective cell phone text messaging function disabling system prevents a vehicle occupant from text messaging while driving. Other occupants of the vehicle can text message using their cell phones. The driver's cell phone text messaging functionality is turned off by a signal broadcasting system as the driver enters the vehicle through the driver-side door. When the driver exits the vehicle through the driver-side door, the cell phone resumes its texting capability, preserving text messaging functionality while the driver is not operating the vehicle.

Abstract: Immediately after making connection of a Bluetooth communications link with a cellular phone, an in-vehicle handsfree apparatus makes connection of a handsfree phone call protocol while not making connection of a massage access profile. When a start trigger that an arrival of an electronic mail from a communications network then arises in the cellular phone, the in-vehicle handsfree apparatus makes connection of the message access profile with the cellular phone, thereby enabling a transfer of information of the mail from the cellular phone 3 by using a data transfer function of the message access profile if the cellular phone undergoing the arrival of the mail is a model compliant with the message access profile.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining data during a multi-way call involving at least a vehicle telematics unit, call center, and third party such as a public safety answering point (PSAP). While connected together in at least a three-way voice call, the connection from the telematics unit is switched out of the call and connected to a data modem to receive vehicle data uploaded from the telematics unit. This can be used to provide vehicle location and other vehicle information such as current vehicle conditions and operational state. Thereafter, the telematics unit connection is switched back into the multi-way call to permit continued voice communications between the parties. The uploaded vehicle data can then be used by the call center or PSAP to provide emergency or other assistance.

Abstract: A method of adaptively communicating between a telematics unit of a vehicle and a call center based on acoustic conditions. A communication session is initiated between a telematics unit and a call center and vehicle sensors are monitored for acoustics-related parameters. The acoustics-related parameters are analyzed, and it is determined if one or more of the acoustics-related parameters are indicative of an unacceptably noisy condition. The communication session is established as a live communication session between the telematics unit and a live advisor at the call center, if one or more of the acoustics-related parameters are indicative of an unacceptably noisy condition.

Abstract: A wireless communications device is controlled in accordance with motion thereof. If the device is determined to be in motion, such as in a vehicle, use of the device is restricted. Discrimination between vehicular motion and ambulatory motion is provided. While in motion, use of the device can be allowed under specific exception conditions. Exception conditions include the device being used by a passenger of a vehicle, a 911 call, or a call to a designated number. The ability to control the device in accordance with motion thereof can be remotely activated and deactivated, thus allowing, for example, parental control of a device belong to a child.

Abstract: In a speech device for a hands-free system in a vehicle, at least one microphone is arranged on a guide element encompassing a safety belt. The guide element is fixed to a free end of a holding element, along which there is arranged a first line section of a signal line and/or a supply line of the microphone. One attachable end of the holding element that is opposite the free end, can be fixed in particular to a vehicle seat associated with the safety belt by means of a detachable mechanical connection that comprises at least one electric contact for the microphone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system to display information about an object. The system includes a mobile device to relay information about an object to a location content provider. The location content provider formats the information into a visual representation and transmits the information to, one or more digital television provides. One or more of the digital television provides can forward the information to a recipient to display on the recipient's television.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a signal processing system, comprising a number of microphones and loudspeakers, a hands-free set configured to receive a telephone signal from a remote party and to transmit a microphone signal supplied by at least one of the microphones to the remote party; an in-vehicle communication system configured to receive a microphone signal supplied by at least one of the microphones; receive the telephone signal; amplify the microphone signal to obtain at least one first output signal; output the at least one first output signal and/or a second output signal corresponding to the telephone signal to at least one of the loudspeakers; and wherein the signal processing systems is configured to detect speech activity in the telephone signal and to control the in-vehicle communication system to reduce amplification of the microphone signal by a damping factor, if it is detected that speech activity is present in the telephone signal.

Abstract: At least one of outbound call history data, inbound call history data, and phone book data is transferred to a handsfree apparatus for use in a vehicle at a predetermined timing for the purpose of obtaining near realtime update of the inbound/outbound call history data from a cellular phone. By utilizing simultaneous connection of HFP and PBAP, the handsfree apparatus establishes a Bluetooth communication with the cellular phone through HFP first, and then establishes another communication through PBAP simultaneously, for receiving the inbound call history data and the outbound call history data stored before establishing the Bluetooth communication from the cellular phone. The handsfree apparatus can thus be capable of placing a call by using the outbound call history data and the inbound call history data stored in a work memory after receiving those data.

Abstract: A system for monitoring hands-free accessibility of media items for play at a vehicle includes a vehicle entertainment computing system (VECS) configured to receive predetermined rules for voice-activated access of the media items. Violations of the rules are detected based on media item metadata. If a violation is detected, a prompt is outputted. Media items are retrieved and played based on voice-activated requests. One embodiment includes a method for monitoring hands-free accessibility of media items for play at a vehicle. A system for formatting media items for accessibility at a VECS includes a media item incompatibility resolution system (MIIRS) configured to resolve violations of the predetermined rules by receiving additional rules relating to formatting violating media items. The media items are searched and the violations addressed by reformatting the media items for voice-activated access. The media items are outputted to the MIIRS.

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 voice acquisition system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly attached at an inner portion of the windshield of a vehicle equipped with the interior rearview mirror assembly. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes at least two microphones for receiving audio signals within a cabin of the vehicle and generating an output indicative of the audio signals. A control is in the vehicle and is responsive to the output from the at least one microphone. The control at least partially distinguishes vocal signals from non-vocal signals present in the output. The at least two microphones provide sound capture for at least one of a hands free cell phone system, an audio recording system and a wireless communication system.