Abstract: A system and method are provided for detecting use of RF transmit devices (e.g., cellular phones) in a vehicle. The system includes a first RF antenna for detecting signal strength of an RF signals transmit device at a first location in a vehicle and a power first detector for generating a first output signal indicative thereof. The system also includes a second antenna for detecting signal strength of the RF signals at a second location in the vehicle and a second power detector for generating a second output signal indicative thereof. The system further includes a signal processor for processing the first and second output signals to determine the presence of an RF transmit device in use in the vehicle and to further determine the location of the RF transmit device to determine if a driver is using the device.

Abstract: An antenna system is provided having switched directional antennas. The antenna system includes a first antenna for receiving signals within a first directional coverage zone, and a second antenna for receiving signals within a second directional coverage zone. According to one embodiment, the first and second antennas are located on a vehicle. The system has a device to detect orientation of the vehicle. The system further includes a receiver having control circuitry for controlling selection of the signals received from the first and second antennas based on orientation of the vehicle, location of one or more sources, and antenna coverage zones for the first and second antennas.

Abstract: A receiver is disclosed. The receiver includes a first antenna, a second antenna, a system controller, a national broadcast demodulator, a local broadcast demodulator, and an information output select device. The first antenna for receives a signal from a satellite that contains information of national interest. The second antenna receives a signal from a land-based transmitter that contains information of local interest. The national broadcast demodulator is coupled to the first antenna and the system controller. The national broadcast demodulator provides a first interrupt indicator to the system controller. The local broadcast demodulator is coupled to the second antenna and the system controller. The local broadcast demodulator provides a second interrupt indicator to the system controller.