Abstract: A passenger compartment monitoring and control system provides for remote control of an undesirable condition inside a vehicle. The passenger compartment monitoring and control system includes an undesirable condition sensor disposed in the interior of the car that detects the undesirable condition. In response to a signal from the sensor, a controller contained within the vehicle and operably coupled to the sensor generates at least one control signal based on the comparison. A wireless communication device operably coupled to the controller then transmits a wireless signal in response to the at least one control signal. The transmitted wireless signal may be received by a vehicle operator's mobile station or by a call center, which are each capable of then engaging in remedial actions to remotely ameliorate the undesirable condition.

Abstract: A method for coupling location information from a vehicle includes the steps of providing a WLAN communication device with a controller in the vehicle; detecting an emergency condition; and attempting to create a communication link with a portable WLAN enabled device. A system for coupling location information from a vehicle includes a WLAN communication device with a controller installed in a vehicle; a WLAN enabled device in communication with the WLAN enabled controller in the vehicle using a WLAN protocol in response to an emergency condition; a wireless communication network in communication with the WLAN enabled device; and a public safety answering point in communication with the wireless communication network.

Abstract: A voltage sensing circuit is used to determine when the current supply to a processing unit is under transition. During power up transitions, the voltage sensing circuit allows the processing unit to reset normally. During power down transitions, the voltage sensing circuit prevents the processing unit from resetting until a predetermined procedure has been completed, thereby assuring an orderly shutdown.