Abstract: A system for facilitating wireless communication between an accessory and a device comprising a device capable of converting at least an audio signal into a signal transmittable by a wireless communication means; a wireless communication means associated with the device capable of transmitting the converted signal; an accessory, including a docking cradle comprising a plurality of pins, wherein at least one pin on the docking cradle is capable of receiving an audio signal; and an adaptor capable of communicatively coupling with the accessory's docking cradle, the adaptor being capable of receiving the transmission from the wireless communication means associated with the device and converting the signal into an audio signal that can be received by the accessory via the docking cradle.

Abstract: The device comprises a microphone for detecting a speech signal from a near speaker, and a loudspeaker for reproducing a speech signal from a remote speaker. The processing for canceling the interfering acoustic echo implements an adaptive linear filtering algorithm. Double talk situations are detected by: evaluating an index representative of the convergence or divergence of the algorithm; assessing a predetermined condition for detecting a double talk situation; and if the condition is satisfied, modifying at least one parameter of the algorithm in response to the detection. The representative index may be the norm of the gradient vector describing the adaptation of the filter from one iteration of the algorithm to the next, the conditions being a comparison between the gradient and a threshold. The parameter that is modified double talk situation may be the adaptation stepsize of the algorithm, and also the gain control of an echo suppression stage.

Abstract: An in-vehicle navigation apparatus performs the following: according to an initial operation of a user to register a handsfree function, connecting a handsfree profile with a cellular phone and registering a handsfree function to be associated with the cellular phone; if the cellular phone has an audio visual function, displaying an audio visual function registration window for querying a user whether to register the audio visual function; and according to an operation of the user to register the audio visual function, connecting an audio visual profile with the cellular phone and registering the audio visual function to be associated with the cellular phone that was registered as being associated with the handsfree function.

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: The invention provides a method and system for responding to digital vehicle requests. After a telematics unit receives a voice query and converts the voice query to a compressed digital signal, the signal is transmitted to a call center node. The signal is then parsed at the call center node to determine an inquiry. The call center node may then formulate at least one response to the inquiry and transmit the at least one formulated response in a digital format over the wireless network to the telematics unit. The at least one formulated response is then translated to an analog format at the telematics unit.

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 (100) is not operatively coupled to a network. An operative coupling of a speaker system (205) to the wireless communication device (100) is detected. The media player is then activated automatically in response to detecting the operative coupling of the speaker system (205) to the wireless communication device (100).

Abstract: A method for providing activity pattern based battery charging alerts for mobile devices, the method includes: monitoring usage patterns of a mobile device; determining periods of activity and inactivity for the mobile device's usage; creating an activity log detailing the determined periods of activity and inactivity; monitoring levels of available battery charge for the mobile device; correlating the levels of available battery charge with the activity log; and generating a charging advisory alert in response to at least one of: an available battery charge dropping below a threshold value prior to a period of device inactivity, or toward the end of a period of activity.

Abstract: A Bluetooth control system for mobile devices used in a car is disclosed for controlling Bluetooth communication. The Bluetooth control system comprises a separated controller and a main controlling box. The separated controller comprises a control panel and a controller board. When a user presses the control panel, the controller board issues a control signal correspondingly. The main controlling box comprises a Bluetooth module for communication with the mobile device, a digital signal processing module electrically connected to the Bluetooth module, and a control module electrically connected to the Bluetooth module and the digital signal processing module, respectively. The control module comprises a microprocessor for controlling the Bluetooth communication between the mobile device and the Bluetooth module, transforming a digital signal from the mobile device into an analog signal, and transmitting the analog signal to a speaker, according to the control signal from the separated controller.

Abstract: An in-wall video/audio signal adapter device including a first adapter and a second adapter. The first adapter includes a transmitter unit fixed on a mount. The mount can be locked in a first cavity previously formed on a wall. The second adapter includes a receiver unit fixed on a mount. The mount can be locked in a second cavity previously formed on the wall. CAT5/CAT6 Internet signal transmission cables are previously embedded in the wall. The Internet signal transmission cables are connected between the first adapter and the second adapter.

Abstract: This disclosure describes audio mixing techniques that intelligently combine two or more audio signals into an output signal. The techniques allow audio to be combined, yet create perceptual differentiation between the different audio signals. The result is that a user is able to hear both audio signals in a combined output, but the different audio signals do not perceptually interfere with one another. The techniques are relatively simple to implement and are well suited for radio telephones.

Abstract: A dialing mode of a telematics unit in a vehicle is controlled by monitoring for dialing digits from a vehicle occupant, determining whether the type of dialing digits are continuous dialing digits or discrete dialing digits, establishing a continuous mode for receiving continuous dialing digits or a discrete mode for receiving discrete dialing digits based on the determination, and if the type of dialing digits changes, switching the established mode.

Abstract: A vehicle communication system may retrieve “in case of emergency” (ICE) information from a wireless device. The ICE information may include contact information, medical information, etc., and may be transferred to an emergency provider, if the vehicle communication system places an emergency call. The information may also be retrieved at some point before an emergency call is placed and stored in a memory circuit of the vehicle communication 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: The hearing device is adapted to automatically requesting an establishment of a communication connection to at least one hearing device support provider. The hearing device support provider may comprise a person knowledgeable in hearing devices, at the hearing device seller and/or at the hearing device manufacturer, and it may comprise a computer with a suitable software. Said automatically requesting said establishment of said communication connection will usually happen, when at least one change in internal status of the hearing device occurs, like a failure or a memory overflow or the upcome of a repeatedly occurring event. The hearing device may by itself decide upon the type of change in internal status, which hearing device support provider to connect to. Typically, at least one long-range communication connection is involved.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing vehicle occupants to wirelessly chat with each other over a DSRC channel. A vehicle occupant may initiate a chatting session by wirelessly transmitting a request to speak with an occupant of another vehicle in its vicinity on a certain topic in a multi-hop manner. If the request is accepted by the occupant of another vehicle to enter into a chatting session on that topic, a wireless communications link is established between the two vehicles, where messages may be transmitted through other intermediate vehicles. The chatting session is maintained by monitoring the signal strength of the links between the vehicles in the chain of vehicles and new links are re-established if any of the existing links fail.

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: A method and system for sending information in the form of a wireless message to a wireless device subscriber requesting advertising, product, or service information is described. The method includes assigning an information request code by a service provider to the information provided by an advertiser, presenting or displaying the information request code along with an advertisement to potential consumers, receiving the information request code from the wireless device, and sending a wireless message to the potential consumer's wireless communication device. The system includes an advertisement comprising an information request code, a wireless communication device operable for sending the information request code and receiving a wireless data message, a wireless communication center in communication with a wireless network and operable for relaying, storing, and forwarding the wireless data message to the wireless communication device.

Abstract: A method of acquiring a preferred ringtone for a telematics unit in a vehicle includes indicating, via a user interface panel in communication with the telematics unit, that an audio emission is related to the preferred ringtone. The audio emission emanates from a vehicle audio system operatively disposed in the vehicle. The method further includes transmitting the preferred ringtone to the vehicle via the telematics unit. The preferred ringtone notifies a user of an incoming communication.

Abstract: An in-vehicle handsfree apparatus establishes a handsfree profile connection with each of a first cellular phone and a second cellular phone at the same time. When the first cellular phone is under telephone call, the second cellular phone receives an incoming call. The in-vehicle handsfree apparatus receives from the second cellular phone a ring tone, which is previously registered in the second cellular phone. Herein, the in-vehicle handsfree apparatus does not output the ring tone registered in the second cellular phone. Instead, the in-vehicle handsfree apparatus generates a ring tone to thereby output it in addition to a reception sound received from the first cellular phone under the telephone call.

Abstract: A handsfree system includes a handsfree apparatus and a phone. The handsfree apparatus has a database including a primary control program and a model-specific program. The primary control program enables the handsfree phone call when coupled with the phone. The model-specific program is operated to resolve a model-dependent constraint by being incorporated in the primary control program. The model-dependent constraint arises when coupled with the phone. The model-specific program is associated with phone model information and program specification information to specify the model-specific program independent of the phone model information. Phone model information and program specification information are acquired from a phone coupled with the handsfree apparatus. Model-specific program corresponding to the acquired program specification information is retrieved from the database when the acquired phone model information is not included in the database.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a feedback mechanism that informs a user of a communication device to adjust the volume, pitch, tone or other characteristic of his voice so as to compensate for noise in the surrounding environment. The feedback mechanism includes feedback circuitry that analyzes audio signals from the microphone and preferably from one or more additional environmental noise sensors. From the analysis, the feedback circuitry determines characteristics of the user's voice and characteristics of the environmental noise, and provides an analysis of how the user might modify his voice to best compensate for environmental noise. This analysis results in an indication to the user, such as through a vibration, a sound, or graphical indication on the device, which tells the user whether and to what extent the user should adjust a characteristic of his voice to best overcome such environmental noise.

Abstract: A cellular phone receives an incoming call from a communication network in a state where an in-vehicle navigation apparatus cannot execute a handsfree control relative to the incoming call. If a permission for a notice of an incoming call is set, a display device displays information of “under an answer suspension state” indicating that an answer to the relative incoming call is being suspended. A user can recognize via the navigation apparatus that an answer to an incoming call is under the answer suspension state, thus concentrating on driving operation without need of manipulating the cellular phone to respond to the incoming call.

Abstract: A voice acquisition system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly. The mirror assembly may include a microphone for receiving audio signals within a cabin of the vehicle and generating an output indicative of these audio signals. The microphone may provide sound capture for a hands free cell phone system, an audio recording system and/or an emergency communication system. The system may include a control that is responsive to the output from the microphone and that distinguishes vocal signals from non-vocal signals present in the output. The microphone may provide sound capture for at least one accessory of the equipped vehicle, and the accessory may be responsive to a vocal signal captured by the microphone. The interior rearview mirror assembly may include at least one accessory, such as an antenna, a video device, a security system status indicator, a tire pressure indicator display and/or a loudspeaker.

Abstract: An in-vehicle apparatus determines in the vicinity the presence of a portable terminal designated with a device requiring restriction on radio transmission as a device name thereof. Radio transmission from a cellular phone is thereby restricted. In contrast, when determining in the vicinity the absence of the portable terminal designated with a device requiring restriction on radio transmission, the restriction on radio transmission from the cellular phone is removed. In the event of a person with a cardiac pacemaker getting on the vehicle, if the person carries a portable terminal designated with a device requiring restriction on radio transmission as a device name, the concern of the person about a possibility that the cellular phone has a bad influence on the cardiac pacemaker can be prevented.

Abstract: When telephone directory data is transmitted from a cellular phone to a vehicular handsfree apparatus, only a portion of the telephone directory data that reflects call history data of outbound calls or inbound calls is selectively transmitted, for use as the telephone directory data in the apparatus, in a manner that associates registration names used in the cellular phone with telephone numbers in the call history data transmitted from the cellular phone, instead of transmitting all of registered telephone directory data.

Abstract: A method for compensating for frequency shifts during transmission of an RF control signal includes receiving a request to enter a transmission mode from a user. A carrier signal having a frequency is generated and the frequency of the carrier signal is measured. The measured frequency of the carrier signal is compared to a desired frequency to determine if there is a difference between the measured frequency and the desired frequency. If there is a difference, it is determined if data is being modulated on the carrier signal. If data is not being modulated on the carrier signal, a correction is applied to the carrier signal frequency.

Abstract: A method for providing a context specific speaker adaptation user interface is disclosed. The method allows a specific user of a voice activated system to train a voice recognition system to understand specific uttered commands by receiving a training sequence initiation input, sending at least one command to be trained, receiving a selection input, prompting a verbal input, recording the verbal input, and linking a voice input with an instruction corresponding with the command input.

Abstract: A communication device includes: (1) a wireless adapter at which a wireless headset is communicatively connected to the communication device and at which is received a first acoustic input that includes a speech input and a first ambient noise input; (2) a microphone that receives a second acoustic input, which includes a second ambient noise input; and (3) a dual-channel adaptive noise canceller that utilizes the second ambient noise input to filter the first ambient noise input out of the first acoustic input to generate an acoustic output that primarily comprises the speech input.

Abstract: This invention pertains to methods and apparatus for data communications from vehicles, to obtain emergency, concierge and other services, using a voice channel of a digital wireless telecommunications network. Signaling is described for commencing data sessions after establishing a voice channel call. The call may be initiated from the vehicle automatically, and the call taker location may be unattended. Signaling methods are selected for traversing both newer and legacy vocoders for ubiquitous operation.

Abstract: A wireless control system for use in a vehicle and for use with a remote electronic system is provided. The wireless control system includes a transceiver for mounting in the vehicle. The transceiver is configured to communicate according to a Bluetooth communications standard. The transceiver is further configured to provide a control signal to the remote electronic system. The transceiver is also trainable to provide a carrier frequency and control information for the control signal.

Abstract: A mobile phone holder comprising a base (6), a cover (1) connected to the base and provided with a cavity (2) for inserting a mobile phone, side protrusions (3) with guides to guide the mobile phone, and a locating base (4), the locating base having a slot (25) and plugs (9), and a push-out mechanism (5) for pushing out the mobile phone from the holder, the push-out mechanism located between the base (6) and the cover (1).

Abstract: A wireless interface extension for mobile devices is provided. The wireless interface extension includes a user interface, a wireless communication link, and a processor. The processor communicates with a mobile device over the wireless communication link and enables a user to use the user interface to interact with at least one user application on the mobile device.

Abstract: Disclosed are a telematics system using human body communication, a portable device having a telematics function using human body communication, and a method for providing a telematics service using human body communication. The telematics system using human body communication includes: a vehicle receiving an authentication key from at least one portable device through human body communication using a human body as a medium, and controlling the opening and closing of a door of the vehicle based on whether or not the received authentication key is valid; and a first portable device transmitting a first authentication key through a user's body in contact with the vehicle.

Abstract: Restrictions on use of a cellular telephone in a vehicle, such as an automobile, are imposed using a global position system (GPS) device to determine the location of a vehicle in relation to geographic regions in which legal or customer restrictions on cellular telephone use are to be imposed. Network or local short-range wireless transmitters supply information to a cellular telephone describing potentially applicable restriction information retrieved from network databases. In response, a cellular telephone determines applicability of such restrictions and applies them to further use of the cellular telephone while such restrictions continue to apply. Alternative arrangements allow vehicle-based or network based processing of region and restrictions information to yield command messages to cellular telephones to control their further use.

Abstract: A voice message outputting device includes: a voice message information data obtaining element for obtaining voice message information data that represents a content of a voice message; a number detector for detecting the number of the voice message information data, which is requested to be output simultaneously; a voice message information processor for outputting voice message information annunciation data when the number of the voice message information data is equal to or larger than a predetermined number, the voice message information annunciation data having a message length changed from the voice message information data; and an outputting element for outputting the voice message based on the voice message information annunciation data.

Abstract: A system and method for using a wireless telephone in a vehicle in a hands-free mode. The wireless telephone and the vehicle have corresponding mating units. When a predetermined condition is satisfied while the mating units are not united, one of the wireless telephone and the vehicle is disabled. The predetermined condition can be one of several situations. For example, one condition may be that an attempt is being made to use the wireless telephone in the vehicle while the vehicle is moving. Another condition may be that an attempt is being made to move the vehicle while the wireless telephone is being used in a wireless communication session within the vehicle. When the mating units are united, the vehicle functions normally and the wireless telephone operates in a hands-free mode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for implementing interactive radio features within a telematics equipped mobile vehicle. The method includes receiving radio station information, detecting an initiation command received from a user interlace, and providing the radio station information to the telematics unit responsive to the detected initiation command. The radio station information may include a radio station message having a telephone number associated with a radio station advertiser. The method may further include receiving a communication command, and initiating a wireless communication via the telematics unit responsive to the received communication command.

Abstract: A hands-free system, through which a driver communicates without using hands with an on-board mobile phone such as a cell phone, is mounted on an automotive vehicle. Plural speakers including a center speaker installed in an instrument panel and door speakers each installed in each door are mounted on the vehicle. Whenever the center speaker is mounted on the vehicle, the center speaker is selected as a speaker from which voices transmitted from the mobile phone are outputted. Only when the center speaker is not mounted, the door speakers are selected. When the center speaker is selected, the voices transmitted from the mobile phone can be heard from a direction to which a driver's eye line is directed. Accordingly, the driver is able to hear the speaker sounds from the natural direction for him/her.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for using a proxy communication module within a vehicle telematics unit to provide external data connectivity for vehicle applications. The method comprises receiving a request from one or more vehicle applications to retrieve data from a server on an external network. In response to the request, a wireless proxy data communication channel is established between the proxy communication module in the vehicle telematics system and the server. The requested data is received from the server via the wireless proxy data communication channel and communicated from the proxy communication module to the one or more vehicle applications.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for the co-location of radio frequency (RF) antennas in portable devices, portable devices and their docking stations and related systems, and devices with restrictive space constraints to allow for simultaneous receive (RX) and transmit (TX) operation without degradation. The systems and methods disclosed overcome RX channel degradation, receiver performance, and other problems seen in prior solutions. More particularly, transmit and receive antennas are oriented to provide for cross-polarization of their electro-magnetic fields, are oriented to allow one or both antenna to fall within null regions of the other antenna, and/or oriented with both cross-polarization and null region considerations in mind. Other variations and implementations are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of and an apparatus for transmitting data, in particular in aircraft, with wireless transmitting and receiving units which are operated on an operating frequency of more than 30 GHz and preferably in a frequency range of between 56 GHz and 64 GHz. Adverse health effects on people and signal interference phenomena are reduced and the method and the apparatus allows broadband data transmission independently of spatial configurations.

Abstract: Road noise is reduced without locally storing noise spectrum patterns for determination or without detecting the present position of a vehicle from the device. An in-vehicle hands-free device causes a cellular phone to detect the present position of the vehicle and transmit the position to a server. The server determines a noise spectrum pattern corresponding to the road surface on which the vehicle is presently running. The noise spectrum pattern is based on the present position of the vehicle received from the in-vehicle hands-free device and road information. The server transmits the noise spectrum pattern to the in-vehicle hands-free device whereupon a noise canceling signal is superimposed on a received signal. The noise canceling signal is based on an inverted noise spectrum pattern that is obtained by inverting the phase of the noise spectrum pattern. The resulting composite signal is output from a speaker.

Abstract: Method of enabling a remote communications device (106) with a telematics functionality module (150) can include providing a docking apparatus (114) coupled to interface with a vehicle (109). The remote communications device is communicatively coupled to the docking apparatus, wherein the remote communications device is non-enabled with a telematics functionality module (150). The docking apparatus and the remote communications device enable the remote communications device with the telematics functionality module.

Abstract: A universal multimedia bluetooth car handsfree device, aims to transmit signals stored in various types of multimedia storage devices to a car stereo for broadcasting. It includes a bluetooth wireless transmission unit, a handsfree speakerphone unit, a stereo switch unit, a cable signal input unit, a control unit, and a stereo output unit. It is connected to a car stereo and allows the common car stereo to have additional handsfree bluetooth speakerphone function and the ability to connect in wired or wireless fashion to various types of handheld media storage devices to play music.

Abstract: A wireless audio distribution system includes a wireless headset for receiving a serial, digital bitstream including control data interspersed with digital data related to the audio channels, a manual audio channel selector switch; a manual volume adjustment control, an error detector and a muting circuit selectively reducing the volume level of the audio reproduced by the wireless headset in multiple steps based on errors detected by the error detector.

Abstract: An apparatus operable to disable operation of driver side wireless communications devices, for use within a vehicle, includes a drive circuit coupled to at least one active antenna element to produce interference within at least one wireless communications band of frequencies in response to movement of a vehicle above a defined threshold. The active antenna element being mounted proximate a driver side seatback and/or visor. The interference may take the form of a bare carrier wave, or may take the form of noise, and is transmitted at sufficient power to interfere with communication between the driver side wireless communications device and a destination device.

Abstract: A call informing apparatus is provided. The call informing apparatus includes a call detecting unit and a call informing unit. The call detecting unit includes an external light shielding cap that shields external light, a sensing module with an optical sensor sensing light from a display panel or a call informing lamp of a portable terminal, a first controller that generates a call reception signal, and a wireless transmitter that transmits the reception signal. The call informing unit includes a wireless receiver for receiving the reception signal, a second controller for controlling an indicating lamp to emit light, and the indicating lamp. Therefore, a user can easily and visually recognize reception of an incoming call in noisy environment, or even when riding a motorcycle.

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 is configured to receive a phone identifier from a mobile phone. The storage is configured to store compatibility information. The compatibility information receiver is configured to receive renewed compatibility information. The renewing device is configured to replace the compatibility information stored in the storage with the renewed compatibility information received by the compatibility information receiver. The determination device is configured to determine whether the mobile phone is compatible with the vehicle hands-free communication apparatus by comparing the phone identifier and the compatibility information stored in the storage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a speaker device for a hands-free device in a vehicle, comprising at least one microphone (5) that is arranged on a guide element (6) encompassing a safety belt (4), wherein the guide element (6) is fixed to a free end (7.1) of a holding element (7), wherein a first line section (8.1) of a signal line and/or a supply line (8) of the microphone (5) is arranged along the holding element (7). According to the invention, one attachable end (7.2) of the holding element (7) that is opposite the free end (7.1) of the holding element (7), can be fixed in particular to a vehicle seat associated with the safety belt (4) by means of a detachable mechanical connection (9), wherein the connection (9) comprises at least one electric contact for the microphone (5).

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).