Abstract: A vehicle-based computing apparatus includes a computer processor in communication with persistent and non-persistent memory. The apparatus also includes a local wireless transceiver in communication with the computer processor and configured to communicate wirelessly with a wireless device located at the vehicle. The processor is operable to receive, through the wireless transceiver, a connection request sent from a nomadic wireless device, the connection request including at least a name of an application seeking to communicate with the processor. The processor is further operable to receive at least one secondary communication from the nomadic device, once the connection request has been processed. The secondary communication is at least one of a speak alert command, a display text command, a create phrase command, and a prompt and listen command.

Abstract: A wireless device operates in an operating state determined as a function of the wireless device's physical speed. In some implementations, the wireless device determines the physical speed using a GPS (global positioning system). If the wireless device determines based on the physical position and/or physical speed that the user is driving an automobile in a region in which using a wireless device is not permitted while driving, then the wireless device automatically disables device features. However, if the user is actually a passenger, then the user may over-ride the automatic disabling of device features. In some implementations, the wireless device also informs other wireless users that communication is inappropriate or impossible. In some implementations, the wireless device also informs a communications node to process communications directed to the wireless device.

Abstract: Location information is received at a mobile device from the memory of a vehicle device. The mobile device is updated based on the location information. Sensor data is received from at least one sensor measuring movement of the mobile device, and an estimated location of the mobile device is calculated based at least in part on the location information and the sensor data.

Abstract: A system and method for internally controlling a mobile communication system, the mobile communication system internally inhibiting communication of a mobile communication device when the communication device achieves a threshold of predetermined momentum, a motion monitoring routine internal to the mobile communication device initiates with device turn on and periodically updates momentum, inhibiting device usage if motion is sustained, when the motion monitoring routine does not detect device motion above the threshold no inhabitation is deployed and full usage including connection to a cellular network is available, a inhibit safety override is facilitated for emergencies or other circumstances, a time out of inhibit when motion has ceased below the threshold for a sustained period.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for playing local device information over a telephone connection. In one aspect, a method includes establishing, by a first electronic client communication device, an audio connection between the first electronic client communication device and a remote second electronic client communication device, determining that a user has selected a control of the first electronic client communication device, selecting, with a computer system and in response to determining that the user selected the control, text data that is associated with the user or the first client communication device, translating, with the computer system, the text data into a speech signal, and playing the speech signal to the remote second client device over the audio connection by electronically inserting the speech signal into the audio connection.

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 system and method for monitoring and reporting telematics unit communication network system acquisition and scanning performance is disclosed herein. An example of the method includes monitoring a scan of all cellular networks that are available to a vehicle telematics unit, and during the monitoring, recognizing a predetermined trigger. In response to the predetermined trigger, a memory buffer in the telematics unit stores data associated with at least one of performance or outcome of the scan. At least some of the stored data is transmitted from the telematics unit to a server in selective communication with the telematics unit.

Abstract: A mobile telephone or cellular telephone unit and a rear view mirror housing of an automobile are combined to provide an improved telephone apparatus that enables a hands-free use by a driver while operating the vehicle, the improved telephone apparatus includes a rear view mirror housing, the housing including a rear view mirror, telephone and SIM card for sending and receiving telephone calls and instant video image, the image display and SIM card are removably connected thereto. A telephone key pad is cooperatively connected to the telephone for dialing the telephone. An attachment bracket attaches the mirror housing to the vehicle. The housing has the electronic circuitry incorporated therewith to which a telephone and video assembly is connectable. A remote device, and computer process to communicate with the motor vehicle without the need for an automated hub, or Network Operating Center (NOC).

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: A handsfree call apparatus includes: a speaker held in the vicinity of a user's ear by a holding unit with a speaker unit thereof not being attached to a baffle board so as to mix sounds emitted from the front and back of a diaphragm thereof; a microphone, which is provided to a region where sounds emitted from the front and back of the diaphragm of the speaker are mixed and canceled out, configured to collect the call voice of the user; an output unit configured to output a call voice signal of the user from the microphone to transmit this to a call partner; and an input unit configured to receive a call voice signal from the call partner to supply this to the speaker.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for providing a linkage service of address book data between telematics and a mobile terminal by interworking with a mobile communication network. According to the present invention, an address book data link service providing method of a call transfer service providing system between telematics and a mobile terminal that interworks with a mobile communication network, comprises (a) receiving a call transfer service request information from a telematics device mounted in a vehicle and distinguishing a subscriber of the telematics device; (b) searching a service registration information of the subscriber and checking information about the telematics device and the mobile terminal of the subscriber; and (c) transferring an address book data of the mobile terminal of the subscriber to the telematics device.

Abstract: A cradle for a mobile phone includes a rear bearing surface; left and right side walls; two guide rails being located on the front side of the left and right side walls and protruding laterally from the side walls; a bottom part comprising a connector element for mechanically and electrically engaging a bottom connector of the mobile phone, the rear bearing surface, said side walls and the guide rails define left and right slots extending parallel to the side walls for receiving left and right side sections of a mobile phone; guiding a phone being inserted into the cradle to the bottom part; and retaining a mobile phone received against forces acting in a direction substantially perpendicular to the slots; how to lock the connector element onto a bottom connector of a mobile phone received in the cradle for retaining the mobile phone inside the cradle is shown.

Abstract: A handsfree device in communication with a remote communication device by one of wireless communication and wired communication for establishing a handsfree call includes a call interruption detection unit for detecting a call interruption by a second call while the remote communication device is involved in a first call and a response command transfer unit for transferring a response command to the remote communication device in response to the call interruption when the call interruption is detected by the call interruption detection unit.

Abstract: A method is provided for creating a phonebook for a hands-free telephone system in a vehicle using phonebook entries retrieved from a remote phonebook of a mobile phone over a wireless communication link between a control module of the hands-free telephone system and the mobile phone. The method includes receiving a remote phonebook from the mobile phone, the remote phonebook including a plurality of entries, each entry including text data and numeric data, identifying the text data in each entry, generating an acoustic baseform for each entry based on the text data for each entry, storing the acoustic baseform for each entry in a baseform list, and storing the plurality of entries in a mobile phonebook associated with the baseform list.

Abstract: A vehicular adapter (100) provides an interface to accommodate a variety of contacts located on different surfaces of a portable radio (200). The vehicular adapter includes a rotating pocket (116), pivot arms (136, 150, 152) and a locking mechanism (126). The rotating pocket (116) provides a first set of contacts (124). One pivot arm (136) provides an antenna probe (120) on one surface of the vehicular adapter while another pivot arm (152) provides connector side contacts (122) to a side surface of the vehicular adapter. The pivot arms (136, 150, 152) pivot in response to the rotating pocket (116) being rotated thereby moving their respective contacts into position for mating with the portable radio (200).

Abstract: According to one aspect of one embodiment of the present invention, a safety control system for vehicles, includes, a communication device having at least one of an input accessible from within the vehicle and an output communicated within the vehicle, at least one sensor operable to sense at least one condition related to vehicle operation, and a controller communicated with the sensor and the communication device to selectively suppress at least one of said input and said output in response to a sensed parameter of said at least one condition being outside of a threshold. When an input is suppressed, the driver is prevented from accessing or inputting information into the communication device. When an output is suppressed, communication between the device and the driver of a vehicle is suppressed to, among other things, avoid distracting the driver during certain driving situations or conditions relating to the driver, vehicle and/or environment.

Abstract: A cell phone is mated with the vehicle system and thereafter used to obtain access to the vehicle. A user who has a cell phone automatically can obtain access to the vehicle. An embodiment describes a USB key that provides access to the vehicle, and in an emergency, either a complete or partial version of the key can be downloaded from a server.

Abstract: An in-vehicle handsfree apparatus establishes concurrent connection between a BT interface device and a cellular phone with respect to a handsfree profile (HFP) for realizing a handsfree phone call, a message access profile (MAP) for realizing a mail transfer, and an audio video profile (AVP) for realizing an audio data transfer. During a duration of the concurrent connection being established, a disconnection request of HFP or MAP occurs. In such a case, MAP is disconnected in conjunction with having disconnected HFP, or HFP is disconnected in conjunction with having disconnected MAP.

Abstract: Some embodiments disclose an electrical accessory configured to transmit one or more first data signals from a first electrical device to a receiving device. The electrical accessory is also configured to transmit second data signals to the first electrical device. The first electrical device can include a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting and storing mobile device usage by a driver of a vehicle. An antenna in a vehicle is configured and positioned to detect mobile device signals from the driver area in the vehicle. A processor in communication with the antenna analyzes the detected signals for frequency and strength. The antenna and processor may communicate with vehicle data collection systems (e.g., GPS, telemetry, etc.) such that the mobile device usage data may be collected along with the vehicle operation data. The mobile device usage data and vehicle operational data can be evaluated to determine the impact of mobile device usage by the driver of a vehicle. The data may be especially useful to the trucking, train, bus, and mass transit industries in order to educate drivers about the dangers associated with using mobile devices while driving.

Abstract: Methods and systems for deactivation of one or more applications operating on a transferable device are provided.

Abstract: A method and device for activating a media player enables efficient and convenient access to media files. The method includes determining that a wireless communication device is not operatively coupled to a network. An operative coupling of a speaker system to the wireless communication device is detected. The media player is then activated automatically in response to detecting the operative coupling of the speaker system to the wireless communication device.

Abstract: A process is provided for transmitting phone book data from a mobile telephone to an external device, wherein a Bluetooth communication channel is established between the mobile telephone and the external device. Based on the Bluetooth communication channel, as the first Bluetooth service, a Bluetooth telephony service is established. A transmission of phone book data from the mobile phone to the external device is initiated based on one of at least two predetermined manners of access.

Abstract: A hands-free telephone conversation apparatus can reduce negative influence of an echo on a sound to be transmitted to a far-end user without deteriorating the sound.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a safety feature configured to prevent at least some forms of use of the device when the user is traveling beyond a speed threshold. The device may detect its linear speed, compare that speed to a threshold, and provide a response or blocking function upon detecting that the speed has exceeded a threshold. In one embodiment, the device is a cell phone configured to disable the transmission and reception of voice and text, conceal its display screen, and disable incorporated games, cameras, internet access, etc., if the cell phone is moving faster than walking speed. The blocking function in a cell phone may be partially overridden by the introduction of hands-free equipment. The introduction of a hands-free earpiece and microphone may serve to override the blocking of voice transmission and reception, and may also enable a voice activated dialing and/or answering function.

Abstract: An in-vehicle apparatus having a handsfree function is disclosed. The in-vehicle apparatus is connectable with multiple cellular phones at a same time using a handsfree communication protocol. When a first cellular phone and a second cellular phone of the multiple cellular phones are respectively and simultaneously in a handset communicating state and in a calling state, the in-vehicle apparatus does not display a transfer switch for the first cellular phone and displays an answer switch for the second cellular phone, the transfer switch for the first cellular phone being user operable to switch the first cellular phone from the handset communicating state into a handsfree communicating state, the answer switch for the second cellular phone being user operable to switch the second cellular phone from the calling state into the handsfree communicating state.

Abstract: Constant phone-call quality is kept irrespective of setting of a tone adjusting function of a cellular phone under connection. There is provided a sound collector for collecting voices and converting the voices to a voice signal, a communication unit for communicating with a cellular phone terminal according to a predetermined communication protocol, and a reproducing unit for reproducing the voice signal received in the communication unit.

Abstract: An audio handling device comprising: a source of audio data; a microphone; a loudspeaker; a transmitter for transmitting audio data; modification means for modifying the audio data; and a control unit for controlling the operation of the device, the control unit being capable of receiving signals from the microphone and configuring the conveying of audio data from the source to one or both of the loudspeaker and the transmitter; the control unit being capable of configuring the device such that during at least a probing period the modification means modifies audio data from the source and the modified audio data is transmitted by the transmitter, and being arranged to select in dependence on data dependent on signals received from the microphone whether to apply audio data from the source to the loudspeaker.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for controlling use of handset communication device for communication by driver. A system in accordance with an embodiment includes: an obtaining component for obtaining driving state information of the vehicle; a directional antenna for capturing a wireless communication signal of the handset communication device around the driver; a judging component for judging whether a driving state of the vehicle is in an unstable state based on predefined criteria and the driving state information of the vehicle; and a control component for transmitting a remote control signal, based on a judging result of the judging component, to intervene in a communication of the handset communication device during a call.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically configuring a communications system between a local mode in which a local communications device (such as an in-vehicle device or “land-line phone”) is active and a remote mode in which a mobile communications device is active and coupled to the communications system. One example of the method includes searching for a Bluetooth™ enabled device, selecting the remote mode of operation responsive to detection of the Bluetooth™ enabled device, and selecting the local mode of operation responsive to failure to detect the Bluetooth™ enabled device. In one example, selecting the local mode of operation includes activating the local communications device, and selecting the remote mode of operation includes activating local Bluetooth™ systems to connect the Bluetooth™ enabled device to the communications system.

Abstract: A portable device includes a safety feature that prevents some forms of use when the device is moving. The device may detect its speed or movement, compare that to a threshold, and provide a response or blocking function upon exceeding that threshold. The device may be a cell phone configured to disable transmission and reception of voice/text, conceal its display screen, and disable incorporated features and functions, if the cell phone is moving faster than walking speed or the movement is uncharacteristic of walking. The blocking function may be partially overridden based on a safety policy, which can be managed and customized. The introduction of hands-free devices may serve to override a blocking function and enable other functions.

Abstract: A telephone apparatus is disclosed. The telephone apparatus acquires card information on multiple calling cards from a communication terminal and stores the acquired card information. The telephone apparatus performs, via the communication terminal, telephone communication with a communication counterpart by using a first one of the calling cards stored in the telephone apparatus. When the balance on the first one of the calling cards is changed into zero balance and when the telephone communication link is forcibly disconnected, the telephone apparatus causes the communication terminal to redial by using a second one of the calling cards in order to restart the telephone communication with the same communication counterpart.

Abstract: A data processing system and method for an in-vehicle short range wireless communication network are provided. The data processing system and method enable providing audio data of at least one source through different output means, while displaying video data corresponding to the audio data on a single display. The data processing system of the present invention includes a speaker installed within a vehicle; a master terminal mounted onto the vehicle for outputting an audio through the speaker; and a first slave terminal for outputting an audio received from the master terminal through a wireless channel established between the master and first slave terminals.

Abstract: A hands-free mobile phone apparatus adapted for use in automobiles is disclosed. The apparatus may comprise a sequence of structural plates that provide for the simple secure retention and use of a mobile device while driving an automobile, and a locking mechanism for securing the apparatus against an automobile safety restraint or harness. The apparatus may comprise a rotational member, which allows a user to rotationally adjust the mobile device within the apparatus of the disclosure.

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: Implementation of mobile device communications (MCD) management is provided. A method includes intercepting an input command received on an MCD, the command intercepted in response to detecting a presence of a fixed communications device (FCD), which is embedded in a vehicle within range of the MCD. The method also includes acquiring biometric data from a user of the MCD. The method includes determining an activity status of the vehicle. If the activity status reflects the vehicle is active, the method includes acquiring biometric data for an operator of the vehicle via a biometric scanner of the vehicle and comparing the biometric data from the vehicle with the biometric data for the user of the MCD. If the biometric data from the vehicle matches the biometric data from the MCD, the method includes retrieving an account record for the user and implementing an action specified in the account record. If the activity status reflects the vehicle is inactive, the method includes executing the command.

Abstract: A vehicle hands-free communication apparatus includes an identifier receiver, a storage, a compatibility information receiver, a renewing device, a determination device, a connecting device, and an informing device. The identifier receiver receives a phone identifier from a mobile phone. The storage stores compatibility information. The compatibility information receiver receives renewed compatibility information. The renewing device replaces the compatibility information stored in the storage with the renewed compatibility information. The determination device determines whether the mobile phone is compatible with the hands-free communication apparatus by comparing the phone identifier and the stored compatibility information. The connecting device establishes a communication between the apparatus and the mobile phone when the determination device determines that the mobile phone is compatible with the apparatus.

Abstract: An emergency call device, system and method for a vehicle is specified in which, on occurrence of a certain event, a data record is generated which thereupon is transmitted during an emergency call. The event may be an external request by an operator or a trigger signal inside a vehicle. In this way, the operator may obtain the most recent information at any time during the emergency call.

Abstract: An in-vehicle handsfree apparatus connects a handsfree profile (HFP) with a cellular phone, and then connects a service discovery profile (SDF) with the cellular phone to thereby designate a compliance state of the cellular phone with respect to a phone book access profile (PBAP) as a PBAP compliance flag. Then, when a user performs an operation to require an all item transfer to transfer all items of phone book data registered in the cellular phone, the handsfree apparatus refers to the PBAP compliance flag to thereby select and connect either the PBAP or an object push profile (OPP) with the cellular phone.

Abstract: A method and system that limits the use of a communication device present in an area controlled by an intelligent controller. The intelligent controller detects any present communication devices in the area and conducts an inventory providing information about each detected device. The intelligent controller compares that information to a standard of use data, which specifies the conditions need to be present for allowing the usage of a communication device. If such conditions are not met, the intelligent controller sends commands to the communication device to restrict its functionality. Else if, the intelligent controller is incapable of restricting the communication device, it can notify authorities of unauthorized usage of a communication device in the restricted area.

Abstract: A wireless communication system includes a plurality of base stations, a mobile wireless communication device which makes wireless communication with the base stations, a terminal device, and a router through which the base stations make communication with an IP network. The terminal device transmits an address thereof to the mobile wireless communication device, before the mobile wireless communication device makes link with one of the base stations. The terminal device fabricates a frame addressed to an address of the router, and transmits the frame to the router, after the mobile wireless communication device has made link with one of the base stations. The router transmits an address thereof to the base stations, before the mobile wireless communication device makes link with one of the base stations.

Abstract: The remote control includes a central button and side buttons. Touch sensors are associated with each of the buttons, with the central button being associated with a multizone touch pad that is activatable in different manners as a function of the movement of the finger over said pad. A set of pushbutton electromechanical switches is provided, comprising a central switch and one side switch in common for the buttons of each pair of side buttons. Selector means serve, on detecting a state transition of a side switch, to select a control signal as a function of that one of the touch sensors that is activated by contact with one of the side buttons associated with the switch. The movement of the finger over the central button is analyzed in order to distinguish between rectilinear movement and circular movement of the finger, and in order to determine the direction of said movement.

Abstract: A driving recorder of the present invention is provided with: a data collecting portion that collects driving condition data of a vehicle; a storage portion that stores the driving condition data in a non-volatile manner; a communications portion that performs mutual communications with a mobile telephone terminal, using a cable or wirelessly; and a control portion that comprehensively controls these portions each provided as a functional part, wherein the control portion controls the communications portion to thereby permit the communications portion to transmit and receive the driving condition data to and from the mobile telephone terminal.

Abstract: A system for accommodating a mobile telephone in a compartment in a motor vehicle. The compartment is electromagnetically shielded against the emission of radio signals from the mobile telephone. The system includes a connector for transmitting an antenna signal from an antenna of the motor vehicle to the mobile telephone, an electromagnetically shielded housing with an opening for inserting the mobile telephone into the housing and for removing the mobile telephone from the housing, and an elastically deformable retaining element that is designed to be electromagnetically absorbing. In a closed state of the housing in which the opening of the housing is at least partially closed, the opening at least partially shields against the emission of radio signals of the mobile telephone from the housing. In the closed state the retaining element secures the mobile telephone in a temporary position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for facilitating short-range wireless communications between a mobile wireless device and an auxiliary device. The wireless device includes a short-range transceiver for communicating with an auxiliary device; a signal module for providing a mode control signal; and, a control module for controllably shifting a short-range transceiver between a power saver mode and a search mode based on the mode control signal received from the signal module. When in the search mode, the short-range transceiver is operable to search for the auxiliary device to communicate therewith. When in a power saver mode, the short-range transceiver is not operable to search for the auxiliary device.

Abstract: Techniques for facilitating interoperation between a portable media device having an RF tuner and an accessory device. In certain embodiments, the portable media device and the accessory can exchange various commands pertaining to the capabilities, state, and/or operation of the tuner. For example, in one set of embodiments the accessory can send one or more commands requesting information about the capabilities of the tuner, and the portable media device can provide the requested capability information. In another set of embodiments, the accessory can send one or more commands requesting execution of a particular action with respect to the tuner, and the portable media device can perform the requested action. In this manner, certain embodiments of the present invention enable a user to control the tuner functionality of the portable media device via the accessory, rather than, e.g., via an input interface located directly on the portable media device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method and system for providing a terminal switching service between a telematics terminal and a mobile terminal, and the method according to the present invention comprises a switching step for receiving a terminal switching request from the telematics terminal mounted in a vehicle on a mobile communication network and providing the telematics terminal with a mobile communication service to be provided to the mobile terminal; a restoration request receiving step for receiving a terminal switching restoration request from the telematics terminal that sensed another passenger in the vehicle on the mobile communication network; and a restoring step for restoring information of each terminal to a state before terminal switching on the mobile communication network according to the restoration request.

Abstract: A method (200) and device (100) for answering an incoming call to an electronic communication device enables the device to answer the incoming call using one of a plurality of answer modes, in response to when an answer call signal is input from a user of the device. The method (200) comprises allowing the device (100) to answer the incoming call, using a first answer mode, in response to an answer call signal input from a user at a user interface of the device before expiration of a first predetermined time period (step 205). The device is then allowed to answer the incoming call, using a second answer mode, in response to an answer call signal input from the user at the user interface of the device after expiration of the first predetermined time period (step 210).

Abstract: A method of reducing channel utilization in a vehicle communication network is disclosed. The method includes a step of reducing the transmitting power of messages sent over the vehicle communication network when channel saturation occurs. The method also includes a step of increasing the transmitting period of messages sent over the vehicle communication network when channel saturation occurs. The method further includes steps of modifying the transmitting power and transmitting period of messages according to vehicle speed.

Abstract: A digital broadcasting receiving apparatus has a fixed unit and a portable unit removably attached to the fixed unit. The fixed unit includes a tuner portion, a first memory, an audio decoder portion, an audio amplification/control portion and a first radio IF. The tuner portion receives digital broadcasting including encoded information. The first memory stores information included in the digital broadcasting. The audio decoder portion decodes audio information included in the digital broadcasting. The audio amplification/control portion outputs the audio information to a speaker. The first radio IF transmits information to the portable unit. The portable unit has a second radio IF, a second memory, a second CPU and a display/operation portion. The second radio IF receives information from the fixed unit. The second memory stores information. The second CPU decodes information. The display/operation portion displays the decoded information.