Abstract: An apparatus and a method for providing a multi-finctional information key for use with an information tool which automatically displays the appropriate information. The multi-functional information key displays an appropriate message or data to meet the user's needs at the point when the user presses the INFO key. The displaying of an appropriate message upon pressing of the INFO key is automatic in that the user only needs to press the INFO key and does not have to select or press any other keys to display the information. Thus, the present invention's INFO key always brings the best solution to the user.

Abstract: Mobile communication apparatus for use on a vehicle for receiving and transmitting a signal has a transmit/display terminal which is disabled when vehicle motion is permitted. More specifically, a transmitted signal is received, processed and supplied to the display terminal only if a sensor device indicates that vehicle motion is inhibited. If, however, the sensor device indicates that vehicle motion is permitted, the display terminal is disabled and an audible or other signal is generated to announce reception of the signal. Upon hearing the audible signal, the driver of the vehicle may park the vehicle at a convenient location, at which time the processed signal is displayed. Similarly, a unit for transmitting driver initiated signals is inhibited if the sensor device indicates that vehicle motion is permitted, and is enabled if the sensor device indicates that vehicle motion is inhibited.

Abstract: A multichannel access cordless telephone has a base unit and a handset unit which, in a standby mode, each independently scan a plurality of communication channels to detect interference thereon and to record those channels on which interference is detected. Thereafter, in a talk mode of the cordless telephone, one of the base unit and the handset unit scans the communication channels other than the detected ones previously recorded to detect a vacant one of the communication channels and to establish communication between the handset unit and the base unit thereover.