Abstract: An in-vehicle system (IVS) captures data such as location data and in an emergency automatically places a call to an emergency call taker or PSAP via a wireless telecommunications network. After a voice call session is established, the IVS system transmits a predetermined control signal through the voice channel. The control signal directs the call taker system to prepare to receive data. Preferably, the control signal comprises at least one audio frequency tone. This may be done without human intervention. In this way, emergency information is transmitted accurately and with minimum delay. After transmission of essential information, the IVS system may switch on audio connections for live human voice conversation.

Abstract: Disclosed are features and characteristics of a user interface of a portable device having a touch-sensitive display screen. The interface may display a first screen display layout on the display screen, for example the first display screen layout showing a home screen of an application program executing on the device. A special indicator in the display is used to invoke a “window shade” operation. Responsive to a user touching the indicator, a second screen display layout is shown on the device, wherein the second display screen layout comprises at least one icon corresponding to an available menu option of the application program. Preferably, the transition from the first screen display layout to the second screen display layout, is animated so as to imitate lowering of a physical window shade. Swiping actions may be used to display additional icons or menu options of the executing application program.