Abstract: A motor vehicle includes control apparatus for establishing an interactive human-machine interface (HMI) between a vehicle driver and an on-board communication system that is wirelessly coupled to a nomadic communication device carried by the driver. The on-board communication system has the ability to activate the nomadic communication device to check for messages, and the interactive HMI includes a configurable display through which check-message inquiries are selectively communicated to the driver, and an input device selectively manipulated by the driver to accept a check-message inquiry. An HMI controller responsive to sensed vehicle operating condition data and driver manipulation of the input device determines if and when a check-message inquiry should be communicated to the driver.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring broadcast programs from the beginning of the programs is provided. The system includes a tuner configured to receive and decode broadcast signals and provide programming as an output. The system also includes a buffer coupled to the tuner that stores programming from the tuner and provides buffered programming as an output delayed in time from the programming provided by the tuner. The system further includes processing circuitry coupled to the tuner and buffer that determines if the tuner is selected as a source for programming, and if a program is in progress when the tuner is selected. The processing circuitry provides the tuner programming as an output of the system if a program is not in progress when the tuner is selected, and provides the buffered programming as an output of the system if a program is in progress when the tuner is selected.

Abstract: A system and a method for streaming data between a portable server computing device and a client computing device are provided. The method includes transmitting an RF signal having streaming data from a first audio file from the portable server computing device to a client computing device. The method further includes emitting sound corresponding to the streaming data in the RF signal from the client computing device, in response to the client computing device receiving the RF signal.

Abstract: Although current radio receivers support playback of audio from multiple sources, none support easy searching for content across these sources. There is no mechanism for locating specific content independent of the source that it is found on. The invention is to have an entertainment system which utilizes metadata to offer a feature that will allow the user to listen to any audio source based on their listening preference. This invention also allows the user of a radio receiver to be able to easily locate music of a particular genre without regard to the actual source. This invention further provides a mechanism for the music stored on a hard drive to be used to create a personalized radio station, complete with inserts of localized information.

Abstract: A method and system for obtaining positioning data including the steps of providing a navigation device, obtaining positioning data including at least global positioning system (GPS) coordinates, and communicating with a remote database. The method further includes the step of obtaining and storing positioning data from the remote database based upon the GPS coordinates, which includes at least additional addressing information.

Abstract: A system and a method for streaming data between a portable server computing device and a client computing device are provided. The method include transmitting an RF signal having streaming data from a first audio file from the portable server computing device to a client computing device. The method further includes emitting sound corresponding to the streaming data in the RF signal from the client computing device, in response to the client computing device receiving the RF signal.

Abstract: A wireless diagnostic monitoring system and a method for monitoring wireless devices are provided. The system includes at least one wireless device having a first RF transceiver and a first microprocessor operably coupled to the first RF transceiver. The wireless device is configured to transmit an RF signal having a diagnostic message having operational status information associated with the wireless device and a unique identifier identifying the wireless device. The system further includes a monitoring device having a second RF transceiver and a second microprocessor operably coupled to the second RF transceiver. The second RF transceiver is configured to receiver the RF signal. The second microprocessor is configured to determine an operational task to perform based on the operational status information. The second microprocessor is further configured to store data associated with the operational task in a memory device.

Abstract: A music playlist is automatically generated based on a user-selected tempo pattern, and optionally, a user-selected time duration (i.e., play time) over which the selected tempo pattern will play. The user can select a predefined tempo pattern or create a custom tempo pattern. The available music files are scanned based on tempo, and music files meeting the user's tempo components are selected and arranged according to the selected tempo pattern and time duration.

Abstract: A method for retaining accessory power in a motorized vehicle includes the steps of sensing whether an ignition in the motorized vehicle has been turned to an off position and sensing whether the vehicle doors are closed. The method also includes an occupancy detection system that senses whether a seat is occupied by an occupant and that is also used to enable or disable deployment of an airbag inside the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring broadcast programs from the beginning of the programs is provided. The system includes a tuner configured to receive and decode broadcast signals and provide programming as an output. The system also includes a buffer coupled to the tuner that stores programming from the tuner and provides buffered programming as an output delayed in time from the programming provided by the tuner. The system further includes processing circuitry coupled to the tuner and buffer that determines if the tuner is selected as a source for programming, and if a program is in progress when the tuner is selected. The processing circuitry provides the tuner programming as an output of the system if a program is not in progress when the tuner is selected, and provides the buffered programming as an output of the system if a program is in progress when the tuner is selected.

Abstract: A system for use in a radio receiver that provides quick access to previously selected audio includes processor logic that evaluates at least a first user-selected audio that has been previously enabled and a second user-selected audio that is currently enabled. An input controller is dynamically coded by the processor logic for recalling audio information associated with the first user-selected audio when the second user-selected audio is being evaluated by the processor logic based upon the length of time the second user selected audio remains in an enabled state. The input controller is an audio recall button located on a user-interface of the receiver and includes an indicia window that displays recall information stored in memory of a processor during the evaluation of the second user-selected audio.

Abstract: A self-powered, wireless sensor assembly is provided for sensing crankshaft position of an engine comprising a rotatable flywheel having a ring gear. The sensor assembly includes an electromagnetic sensor responsive to structural features on the ring gear when the ring gear rotates. A power supply is coupled to generate a direct current in response to the output signal from the electromagnetic sensor. A transceiver is coupled to one of the following sensors: a magnetostatic sensor energized by the power supply and responsive to the structural features on the ring gear to generate an output signal when the ring gear rotates, and the electromagnetic sensor. The transceiver is configured to wirelessly transmit the output signal from that one sensor, wherein the output signal from that one sensor comprises information indicative of the instantaneous speed of said engine.

Abstract: Transitory audio information that is subject to interruption is provided without loss of content. Transitory audio information received from an audio source is audibly provided until an interrupt signal is received. The transitory audio information is buffered while a message associated with the interrupt signal is audibly provided. Upon conclusion of the message, the buffered transitory audio information is audibly provided.

Abstract: Sensor assembly and method for non-intrusively sensing instantaneous speed of an engine are provided. The engine includes a crankshaft have a respective end connected to an externally accessible bolt. The sensor assembly comprises a housing including a recess configured to affixingly engage the externally accessible bolt. The sensor assembly further comprises at least one motion-sensing device configured to provide a respective output signal indicative of angular motion information of the crankshaft. A signal transmitter coupled to the motion-sensing device configured to wirelessly transmit the output signal from the motion-sensing device.

Abstract: Sensor assembly and method for non-intrusively sensing instantaneous speed of an engine are provided. The engine includes a crankshaft having a respective end connected to an externally accessible bolt. The sensor assembly comprises a housing including a recess configured to affixingly engage the externally accessible bolt. The sensor assembly further comprises at least one motion-sensing device configured to provide a respective output signal indicative of angular motion information of the crankshaft. A signal transmitter coupled to the motion-sensing device configured to wirelessly transmit the output signal from the motion-sensing device.

Abstract: Transitory audio information that is subject to interruption is provided without loss of content. Transitory audio information received from an audio source is audibly provided until an interrupt signal is received. The transitory audio information is buffered while a message associated with the interrupt signal is audibly provided. Upon conclusion of the message, the buffered transitory audio information is audibly provided.