Abstract: A communication system includes a signal source for transmitting downlink signals and receiving uplink signals to and from an indoor signal coverage area; and a distributed antenna system interposed between the signal source and the indoor signal coverage area. The distributed antenna system includes an antenna monitoring unit connected to at least one service antenna through a distribution network. The at least one antenna transmits and receives the downlink signals and the uplink signals to and from at least one terminal unit within the indoor coverage area. The antenna monitoring unit includes an RFID transceiver that communicates with at least one RFID tag attached to the at least one antenna and detects the location of a point of anomaly with respect to that one antenna when a signal from the at least one RFID tag is not received by the RFID transceiver, or when a power level measured by the RFID tag and reported back to the RFID transceiver falls below a predetermined threshold level.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems according to which shutdown features are provided to battery-powered electronics. An automatic shutdown device detects periods in which the battery-powered electronics are motionless using a sensor and, based on such detection, disconnects the battery from the battery-powered electronics using an electronic switch, rendering the battery-powered electronics inoperable. In addition, the automatic shutdown device is able to reenergize the battery-powered electronics using the electronic switch once motion is detected by the sensor so that the battery-powered electronics can resume normal operations. In several embodiments, the battery-powered electronics include a keyless fob associated with a vehicle and the automatic shutdown device is part of a vehicle theft prevention system.

Abstract: A communication system includes a signal source for transmitting downlink signals and receiving uplink signals to and from an indoor signal coverage area; and a distributed antenna system interposed between the signal source and the indoor signal coverage area. The distributed antenna system includes an antenna monitoring unit connected to at least one service antenna through a distribution network. The at least one antenna transmits and receives the downlink signals and the uplink signals to and from at least one terminal unit within the indoor coverage area. The antenna monitoring unit includes an RFID transceiver that communicates with at least one RFID tag attached to the at least one antenna and detects the location of a point of anomaly with respect to that one antenna when a signal from the at least one RFID tag is not received by the RFID transceiver, or when a power level measured by the RFID tag and reported back to the RFID transceiver falls below a predetermined threshold level.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems according to which shutdown features are provided to battery-powered electronics. An automatic shutdown device detects periods in which the battery-powered electronics are motionless using a sensor and, based on such detection, disconnects the battery from the battery-powered electronics using an electronic switch, rendering the battery-powered electronics inoperable. In addition, the automatic shutdown device is able to reenergize the battery-powered electronics using the electronic switch once motion is detected by the sensor so that the battery-powered electronics can resume normal operations. In several embodiments, the battery-powered electronics include a keyless fob associated with a vehicle and the automatic shutdown device is part of a vehicle theft prevention system.

Abstract: A mileage verification system (10) for a vehicle (100) having an odometer (14), the mileage verification system (10) comprising primary and secondary units (12a, 12b) in the vehicle (100) for monitoring mileage travelled by the vehicle (100), the primary unit (12a) being interfaced with the odometer (14) for gathering one set of vehicle mileage data, and the secondary unit (12b) being adapted for gathering another set of vehicle mileage data, independent of the odometer (14); verification means in communication with both units (12a, 12b) for comparing the sets of vehicle mileage data gathered and determining inconsistencies; data storage means (20) in communication with both units (12a, 12b) for storing the vehicle mileage data gathered; communication means (12c) for enabling communication i) between the primary unit (12a) and the verification and data storage means (26, 20), and ii) between the secondary unit (12b) and the verification and data storage means (26, 20); an authentication system for authenticat

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle having at least one data communications bus; at least one firewall in communication with the at least one data communications bus, wherein the at least one firewall creates at least two data communications buses from the at least one data communications bus; at least one vehicle device in communication with at least one of the at least two data communications buses; wherein the at least one vehicle device is in communication with at least one firewall; and at least one firewalled controller in communication with at least one firewall.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle having at least one data communications bus; at least one firewall in communication with the at least one data communications bus, wherein the at least one firewall creates at least two data communications buses from the at least one data communications bus; at least one vehicle device in communication with at least one of the at least two data communications buses; wherein the at least one vehicle device is in communication with at least one firewall; and at least one firewalled controller in communication with at least one firewall.

Abstract: A method of controlling a control system for a vehicle comprising: providing at least one data communications bus; providing at least one firewall in communication with at least one data communications bus, wherein the at least one firewall creates at least two data communications bus from the at least one data communications bus; providing at least one vehicle device in communication with at least one of at least two data communications bus; providing at least one vehicle device in communication with at least one firewall; and providing at least one firewalled controller in communication with at least one firewall, wherein the firewalled controller transmits a directive to the firewall and the firewall transmits the directive through the at least two data communications bus which controls the at least one vehicle device.

Abstract: A method of controlling a control system for a vehicle comprising: providing at least one data communications bus; providing at least one firewall in communication with at least one data communications bus, wherein the at least one firewall creates at least two data communications bus from the at least one data communications bus; providing at least one vehicle device in communication with at least one of at least two data communications bus; providing at least one vehicle device in communication with at least one firewall; and providing at least one firewalled controller in communication with at least one firewall, wherein the firewalled controller transmits a directive to the firewall and the firewall transmits the directive through the at least two data communications bus which controls the at least one vehicle device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus which provides a system for alerting drivers of oncoming emergency vehicles. The system is comprised of a transmitter and receiver, both including a microcontroller and non-volatile memory component, connected to a logic interface used to facilitate connections between the microcontroller and external signals. The transmitter and receiver are both powered by power regulation and filtering means connected to the respective device. The transmitter further includes radio frequency (RF) generating means and an antenna system. An external trigger mechanism is also connected to the transmitter to activate the system. The receiver simply has a network of RF receiving means, which acts as a trigger to the system.

Abstract: The present invention discloses and in-vehicle computer system that can support can support multiple types of display peripherals, a multitude of various multimedia peripheral devices, navigational systems, vehicle diagnostic systems, and in vehicle networking, while providing a user with all the functionality of a personal computer and organizer in the environment of an automobile.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a computer input device adapted to the environment of an automobile in communication with an in-vehicle computer system. The present invention discloses a easily installed computer-operating device for use in an automobile in conjunction with an in-vehicle computer system that provides the user with an uninhibited, ergonomically comfortable and fully functional mouse like control system. This is accomplished with a base housing unit attached to the gearshift of an automobile with a directional input device and pressure sensitive actuation buttons for the receipt of users fingers.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus which provides a system for alerting drivers of oncoming emergency vehicles. The system is comprised of a transmitter and receiver, both including a microcontroller and non-volatile memory component, connected to a logic interface used to facilitate connections between the microcontroller and external signals. The transmitter and receiver are both powered by power regulation and filtering means connected to the respective device. The transmitter further includes radio frequency (RF) generating means and an antenna system. An external trigger mechanism is also connected to the transmitter to activate the system. The receiver simply has a network of RF receiving means, which acts as a trigger to the system.