Abstract: A system and method for providing an address for a Domain Name System (DNS) server to a consumer device, wherein the consumer device connects to the Internet through a vehicle, includes providing an address for a default DNS server to the consumer device; receiving a request from the consumer device to convert a domain name to an Internet Protocol (IP) address using the default DNS server; forwarding the request to the default DNS server; determining if the request has been resolved by the default DNS server within a time-to-respond limit; and updating the consumer device with a different address for a DNS server retrieved from a list stored in vehicle hardware if the request has not been resolved within the time-to-respond limit.

Abstract: Implementations described herein contemplate measuring the carrier phase (CP) of carrier signals transmitted by constituent satellites of a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) to provide highly accurate calculations of a gradient of a road segment between different points at which the vehicle received carrier signals (from which CP measurements were made). The methods described herein are able to calculate the road grade with only an approximate estimate of the absolute altitude of the receiver. Similarly, the methods described herein are able to provide a precise estimate of road grade with only an approximate estimate of the absolute value of latitude or longitude. Furthermore, implementations described herein provide highly accurate calculations of road grade information with standard GNSS vehicle hardware and are thereby able to achieve a substantial increase in accuracy without increasing cost.

Abstract: A method is described for estimating the coordinated universal time (UTC). The method involves receiving, by a satellite navigation receiver, signals broadcast by a global navigation satellite service (GNSS) satellite. The signals encode a first time of week (TOW) value. The method also involves estimating a first week number (WN) value and a first relationship between the UCT and a reference time of an onboard clock of the GNSS satellite (OFFSET) from time parameter values stored at a local memory. The method determines a first estimate of the UTC from the first TOW value, the first WN value, and the first OFFSET.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an address for a Domain Name System (DNS) server to a consumer device, wherein the consumer device connects to the Internet through a vehicle, includes providing an address for a default DNS server to the consumer device; receiving a request from the consumer device to convert a domain name to an Internet Protocol (IP) address using the default DNS server; forwarding the request to the default DNS server; determining if the request has been resolved by the default DNS server within a time-to-respond limit; and updating the consumer device with a different address for a DNS server retrieved from a list stored in vehicle hardware if the request has not been resolved within the time-to-respond limit.

Abstract: A traffic flow advisory system includes a locating device for identifying a position of a driven vehicle. A communication device exchanges vehicle position data, speed data, and heading data with remote vehicles. A processor constructs a traffic flow rate in a plurality of road lanes based on the position data and speed data. A human machine interface indicates to a driver of the driven vehicle the traffic flow rate of each of the road lanes.

Abstract: A telematics unit incorporating an antenna for receiving Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals from GNSS signal sources, and a GNSS receiver supporting over-the-air configuration is described herein. The telematics unit is configured with a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable medium including computer-executable instructions for facilitating the over-the-air configuration of the GNSS receiver by acquiring GNSS status information relating to multiple supported GNSS signal sources. Thereafter, the telematics unit forwards GNSS selection information, including at least GNSS requirements information and the GNSS status information, to a GNSS control center. In response, the GNSS receiver receives a GNSS type selection notification message from the GNSS control center. The GNSS receiver applies information contained within the GNSS type selection notification to configure GNSS type-specific components to operate according to a GNSS type-specific mode.

Abstract: Implementations described herein contemplate measuring the carrier phase (CP) of carrier signals transmitted by constituent satellites of a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) to provide highly accurate calculations of a gradient of a road segment between different points at which the vehicle received carrier signals (from which CP measurements were made). The methods described herein are able to calculate the road grade with only an approximate estimate of the absolute altitude of the receiver. Similarly, the methods described herein are able to provide a precise estimate of road grade with only an approximate estimate of the absolute value of latitude or longitude. Furthermore, implementations described herein provide highly accurate calculations of road grade information with standard GNSS vehicle hardware and are thereby able to achieve a substantial increase in accuracy without increasing cost.

Abstract: A method is described for estimating the coordinated universal time (UTC). The method involves receiving, by a satellite navigation receiver, signals broadcast by a global navigation satellite service (GNSS) satellite. The signals encode a first time of week (TOW) value. The method also involves estimating a first week number (WN) value and a first relationship between the UCT and a reference time of an onboard clock of the GNSS satellite (OFFSET) from time parameter values stored at a local memory. The method determines a first estimate of the UTC from the first TOW value, the first WN value, and the first OFFSET.

Abstract: A method of processing global navigation satellite system (GNSS) data includes identifying one or more GNSS satellites servicing a predefined area, receiving at least one of GNSS almanac data or space-based augmentation system (SBAS) data for the satellites servicing the predefined area, determining the performance of the GNSS satellites servicing the predefined area using the almanac data or SBAS data, and applying a performance rating to the predefined area based on the performance of the GNSS satellites.

Abstract: A portable and adjustable child potty is invented and described. The invention provides the perfect combination of utility, efficiency, and hygiene. The device can be adjusted to suit users of different ages and body sizes in terms of its height, width, and length. The invented device can be packaged to a Travel Size such that it takes very little space for transportation. Size adjustment and Travel size to usage size changes can be done using a series of easily adjustable locks that can be operated by hand without the use of particular tools. The device is constructed using pipes such that a length of each arm can be adjusted by moving parts of the arms with respect to each other and locking them at a preferred setting. The potty seat can also be folded and contracted to a Travel Size. The device uses a biodegradable and disposable bag to collect the waste. A particular embodiment of the device may include height adjustable arm rests and a back rest.

Abstract: A method for estimating the position of a telematics-equipped vehicle during navigation includes: receiving a partial map corresponding to a route; receiving Global Positioning System (GPS) data corresponding to a current position of the vehicle; performing a closest street (CS) mapping based on the GPS data and the partial map so as to provide an estimation for a vehicle position on a street of the partial map; performing speed sum (SS) mapping based on the estimated vehicle position and speed readings corresponding to vehicle speed so as to provide an estimation of distance traveled with reference to a previous vehicle position; and presenting a map matched vehicle position to a user based on the CS mapping and the SS mapping.

Abstract: A multifunctional vehicle antenna assembly that includes a primary multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) antenna component; a secondary MIMO antenna component; and a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) antenna component, wherein the GNSS antenna component is located between the primary MIMO antenna component and the secondary MIMO antenna component and is located nearer to the secondary MIMO antenna component.

Abstract: A system for processing an SMS message transmitted between a vehicle telematics unit and a call center and a method of processing an SMS message using the system. The method includes the steps of: receiving an SMS message having security data, wherein both a header and a payload of the SMS message carry the security data; attempting to authenticate the security data; accepting the SMS message if the security data is authenticated, and ignoring the contents of the SMS message if the security data is not authenticated.

Abstract: A telematics unit incorporating an antenna for receiving Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals from GNSS signal sources, and a GNSS receiver supporting over-the-air configuration is described herein. The telematics unit is configured with a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable medium including computer-executable instructions for facilitating the over-the-air configuration of the GNSS receiver by acquiring GNSS status information relating to multiple supported GNSS signal sources. Thereafter, the telematics unit forwards GNSS selection information, including at least GNSS requirements information and the GNSS status information, to a GNSS control center. In response, the GNSS receiver receives a GNSS type selection notification message from the GNSS control center. The GNSS receiver applies information contained within the GNSS type selection notification to configure GNSS type-specific components to operate according to a GNSS type-specific mode.

Abstract: A self-contained vehicular traffic travel time information system for a vehicle in an inter-vehicle ad-hoc network includes an on-board vehicular broadcasting unit for communicating with other vehicles within the inter-vehicle ad hoc network. A positioning device identifies the vehicle's position throughout a course of travel. An on-board vehicle processing unit stores road segments throughout the vehicle path of travel. The on-board vehicle processing unit determines a starting position and an ending position for each respective road segment. A length of time for traveling through each respective road segment is determined. A memory storage device stores the segmented road portions and the time of travel associated with each respective road segment. The on-board vehicular broadcasting unit disseminates the determined travel times of recently traveled road segments via a broadcast message to other vehicles within the inter-vehicle ad hoc network.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for determining a relative position between a host vehicle and a remote vehicle using an indirect assisting entity technique. A GPS position of the host vehicle and a remote vehicle are obtained. A number of common satellites providing GPS data to the host vehicle and the remote vehicle are determined. An indirect-assisting entity is identified having a common number of satellites in communication between the host vehicle and remote vehicle, respectively, which is greater than the number of common satellites between host vehicle and the remote vehicle. A relative position is determined between the host vehicle and the indirect-assisting entity, and the remote vehicle and the indirect-assisting entity. A position of the host vehicle relative to the remote vehicle is determined as a function of the determined position of the host vehicle and remote vehicle relative to the indirect-assisting entity.

Abstract: A multifunctional vehicle antenna assembly that includes a primary multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) antenna component; a secondary MIMO antenna component; and a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) antenna component, wherein the GNSS antenna component is located between the primary MIMO antenna component and the secondary MIMO antenna component and is located nearer to the secondary MIMO antenna component.

Abstract: A portable and adjustable child potty is invented and described. The invention provides the perfect combination of utility, efficiency, and hygiene. The device can be adjusted to suit users of different ages and body sizes in terms of its height, width, and length. The invented device can be packaged to a Travel Size such that it takes very little space for transportation. Size adjustment and Travel size to usage size changes can be done using a series of easily adjustable locks that can be operated by hand without the use of particular tools. The device is constructed using pipes such that a length of each arm can be adjusted by moving parts of the arms with respect to each other and locking them at a preferred setting. The potty seat can also be folded and contracted to a Travel Size. The device uses a biodegradable and disposable bag to collect the waste. A particular embodiment of the device may include height adjustable arm rests and a back rest.

Abstract: A method is provided for synchronizing time in an unsynchronized vehicle controller area network system. A master control unit receives a global time from a time synchronization source. The master control unit estimates a respective time delay in transmitting messages by electronic control units on each controller area network bus. The time delay is a difference between a time when a message is generated by a respective electronic control unit for transmission on a respective controller area network bus and a time when the message is transmitted on the respective controller area network bus. The global time is adjusted for each respective controller area network bus based on the estimated time delays associated with each respective controller area network bus. Global time messages from the master control unit are transmitted to each electronic control unit that include the adjusted global times for an associated controller area network bus.

Abstract: A method for estimating the position of a telematics-equipped vehicle during navigation includes: receiving a partial map corresponding to a route; receiving Global Positioning System (GPS) data corresponding to a current position of the vehicle; performing a closest street (CS) mapping based on the GPS data and the partial map so as to provide an estimation for a vehicle position on a street of the partial map; performing speed sum (SS) mapping based on the estimated vehicle position and speed readings corresponding to vehicle speed so as to provide an estimation of distance traveled with reference to a previous vehicle position; and presenting a map matched vehicle position to a user based on the CS mapping and the SS mapping.