Abstract: A cartridge holder is disclosed that includes a cartridge supporting member that supports an inserted cartridge corresponding to a first cartridge or a thicker second cartridge; a cartridge upper face holding member that is normally positioned at a first height position for holding down the first cartridge; a cartridge upper face holding member supporting mechanism configured to move the cartridge upper face holding member with respect to the cartridge supporting member; and a lock mechanism configured to lock the cartridge upper face holding member in the first height position. The cartridge supporting member and the cartridge upper face holding member define a cartridge accommodating space. The lock mechanism remains locked when the first cartridge is inserted, and unlocks when the second cartridge is inserted. When the second cartridge is inserted, the cartridge upper face holding member is raised, and the size of the cartridge accommodating space is changed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for scheduling vehicle service appointments from a remote site via an onboard system are provided. For example, there is provided a method for broadcasting vehicle event information to a plurality of vehicles that can include product update information and vehicle maintenance reminders. The user is able to respond to the vehicle event by requesting a service appointment from a desired dealer using the onboard system to communicate with a remote site using a cellular data line over a wireless communication network. In one embodiment, a proposed service appointment date and time is presented to the user. The proposed appointment date and time is based on the vehicle user's preference setting and a dealer's schedule corresponding to the dealer selected by the user. Proposed service appointment dates and times are released to other users when the user has not confirmed the appointment during a predetermined response time.

Abstract: In a magnetic recording/reproducing device, a tape guide member draws out a magnetic tape from a tape cassette to form a tape path in a vicinity of a magnetic head, and a tape guide moving mechanism moves the tape guide member. The tape guide moving mechanism includes a driving force transmitting member which transmits a driving force from a drive source, and an arm member which supports the tape guide member and is arranged so that the arm member is rotated in accordance with an action of the driving force transmitting member. A hooking member is interlocked with the action of the driving force transmitting member and hooks the tape guide member after the arm member is rotated to a position where the tape path is formed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed specifically to methods for reducing the bandwidth requirements for broadcasting traffic information to a vehicle navigation system. The traffic information broadcast to the system using the bandwidth conserving methods of the present invention generally includes traffic flow information and traffic incident information. In one embodiment, the vehicle navigation system filters traffic information to a certain range to expedite traffic calculation, to save on processing hardware, and to reduce bandwidth needs. Alternately, bandwidth conservation may be achieved by providing weight factors and threshold prioritizing when a broadcast limit is close to being reached or exceeded. In another embodiment, bandwidth reduction is achieved by not broadcasting free-flow traffic information and/or displaying only traffic information that indicates a traffic problem.

Abstract: A magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus is disclosed that is arranged to receive a tape cassette accommodating a tape recording medium that is selectively loaded thereto. The loaded tape cassette is selected from plural types of tape cassettes accommodating tape recording media with differing widths. The magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus includes a rotating drum unit with a rotating head, and a loading mechanism that pulls the tape recording medium of the loaded tape cassette out of the loaded tape cassette, winds the tape recording medium of the loaded tape cassette around the rotating drum unit over a winding angle, and forms a tape path. The loading mechanism adjusts the winding angle for winding the tape recording medium of the loaded tape cassette according to the width of the tape recording medium of the loaded tape cassette.

Abstract: A magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus is disclosed that is arranged to receive a tape cassette accommodating a tape recording medium that is selectively loaded thereto, the loaded tape cassette being selected from plural different types of tape cassettes of different sizes. The apparatus includes a rotating drum unit having a rotating head, and plural loading poles that are configured to pull the tape recording medium of the loaded tape cassette out of the loaded tape cassette, wind the tape recording medium of the loaded tape cassette around the rotating drum unit, and form a tape path. The loading poles include a common loading pole that is used when any one of the different types of tape cassettes is loaded, and an individual loading pole that is used when a predetermined type of tape cassette of the different types of tape cassettes is loaded.

Abstract: A magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus is disclosed that is arranged to receive a tape cassette accommodating a tape recording medium that is selectively loaded thereto. The apparatus includes a rotating drum unit having a rotating head, and a loading mechanism that is configured to pull the tape recording medium of the loaded tape cassette out of the loaded tape cassette, wind the tape recording medium around the rotating drum unit, and form a tape path. The loading mechanism includes a short loading pole that is adapted for a first tape cassette accommodating a narrow tape recording medium and a long loading pole that is adapted for a second tape cassette accommodating a wide tape recording medium, which short pole and long pole are positioned at the same height, and a loading pole raising mechanism that is configured to raise the long loading pole when the second tape cassette is loaded.

Abstract: Traffic information, including traffic flow information and traffic incident information, obtained through a traffic management system for providing and facilitating the exchange of traffic information between a remote location and a vehicle may be presented to a user on a user display in the vehicle. In one embodiment, the navigation system automatically filters traffic information that is located farther than a predetermined distance from the vehicle. In another embodiment, the navigation system filters traffic information that is not located within the same time zone as the vehicle. The user may also enter user preferences manually through a menu provided by the vehicle radio. In other words, the traffic information may be presented to the user in several circumstances, either as cued by the user, or automatically presented by the traffic management system.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for selectively using traffic flow data to provide routing options for a vehicle traveling to a destination point. There is provided a method comprising setting a threshold traffic flow data availability level, receiving traffic flow data from traffic flow sensors placed along one or more routes to the destination point, and determining whether the traffic flow data for each route meets the threshold availability level. The method further comprises enabling a flow-based route guidance for those routes for which the traffic flow data meets the threshold availability level. In one embodiment, the flow-based route guidance comprises utilizing the traffic flow data to calculate an estimated time of arrival at the destination point along each route.

Abstract: The present invention is directed specifically to methods for reducing the bandwidth requirements for broadcasting traffic information to a vehicle navigation system. The traffic information broadcast to the system using the bandwidth conserving methods of the present invention generally includes traffic flow information and traffic incident information. In one embodiment, the vehicle navigation system filters traffic information to a certain range to expedite traffic calculation, to save on processing hardware, and to reduce bandwidth needs. Alternately, bandwidth conservation may be achieved by providing weight factors and threshold prioritizing when a broadcast limit is close to being reached or exceeded. In another embodiment, bandwidth reduction is achieved by not broadcasting free-flow traffic information and/or displaying only traffic information that indicates a traffic problem.

Abstract: The present invention is directed specifically to methods for reducing the bandwidth requirements for broadcasting traffic information to a vehicle navigation system. The traffic information broadcast to the system using the bandwidth conserving methods of the present invention generally includes traffic flow information and traffic incident information. In one embodiment, the vehicle navigation system filters traffic information to a certain range to expedite traffic calculation, to save on processing hardware, and to reduce bandwidth needs. Alternately, bandwidth conservation may be achieved by providing weight factors and threshold prioritizing when a broadcast limit is close to being reached or exceeded. In another embodiment, bandwidth reduction is achieved by not broadcasting free-flow traffic information and/or displaying only traffic information that indicates a traffic problem.

Abstract: A cartridge slot door mechanism is disclosed that covers a cartridge slot arranged at a front panel of a frame. The cartridge slot door mechanism includes an upper door having an upper side supported by the front panel, and a lower door having a lower side supported by the front panel. The upper door and the lower door are configured to open toward the inner side of the frame, and a lower side portion of the upper door and an upper side portion of the lower door are arranged to overlap.

Abstract: A disclosed cartridge holder apparatus includes: a cartridge supporting member having a lateral plate portion and side plate portions on both sides thereof; a cartridge upper surface supporting member disposed between the side plate portions on both sides of the cartridge supporting member; a support mechanism of a cartridge upper surface supporting member for supporting the cartridge upper surface supporting member so as to form a cartridge housing space in accordance with an inserted cartridge; and a cartridge gripping mechanism supported by the cartridge upper surface supporting member and the support mechanism of a cartridge upper surface supporting member. The cartridge gripping mechanism changes positions in the vertical direction, while a locking portion for locking a lock-receiving portion of an inserted cartridge maintains a position in a cartridge insertion direction.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for broadcasting vehicle safety messages to one or more vehicles. In an embodiment, the system comprises an input device, processor, transmitter, receiver, memory module, display, and user interface. The input device is used for generating a vehicle safety message. The processor is coupled to the input device and is programmed to identify vehicles within a geographic region affected by the safety message. The transmitter is coupled to the processor for broadcasting the safety messages to the identified vehicles. The receiver is located on the vehicles for receiving the broadcasted safety message. The memory module is coupled to the receiver for storing the safety message. The display is operatively coupled to the memory module for indicating the receipt of the safety message to the vehicle driver. The user interface is coupled to the display for selecting the safety message to be communicated to the user.

Abstract: A cartridge holder is disclosed that includes a cartridge supporting member that supports an inserted cartridge corresponding to a first cartridge or a thicker second cartridge; a cartridge upper face holding member that is normally positioned at a first height position for holding down the first cartridge; a cartridge upper face holding member supporting mechanism configured to move the cartridge upper face holding member with respect to the cartridge supporting member; and a lock mechanism configured to lock the cartridge upper face holding member in the first height position. The cartridge supporting member and the cartridge upper face holding member define a cartridge accommodating space. The lock mechanism remains locked when the first cartridge is inserted, and unlocks when the second cartridge is inserted. When the second cartridge is inserted, the cartridge upper face holding member is raised, and the size of the cartridge accommodating space is changed.

Abstract: A magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus is disclosed that is arranged to receive a tape cassette accommodating a tape recording medium that is selectively loaded thereto. The apparatus includes a rotating drum unit having a rotating head, and a loading mechanism that is configured to pull the tape recording medium of the loaded tape cassette out of the loaded tape cassette, wind the tape recording medium around the rotating drum unit, and form a tape path. The loading mechanism includes a short loading pole that is adapted for a first tape cassette accommodating a narrow tape recording medium and a long loading pole that is adapted for a second tape cassette accommodating a wide tape recording medium, which short pole and long pole are positioned at the same height, and a loading pole raising mechanism that is configured to raise the long loading pole when the second tape cassette is loaded.

Abstract: A magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus is disclosed that is arranged to receive a tape cassette accommodating a tape recording medium that is selectively loaded thereto, the loaded tape cassette being selected from plural different types of tape cassettes of different sizes. The apparatus includes a rotating drum unit having a rotating head, and plural loading poles that are configured to pull the tape recording medium of the loaded tape cassette out of the loaded tape cassette, wind the tape recording medium of the loaded tape cassette around the rotating drum unit, and form a tape path. The loading poles include a common loading pole that is used when any one of the different types of tape cassettes is loaded, and an individual loading pole that is used when a predetermined type of tape cassette of the different types of tape cassettes is loaded.

Abstract: A magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus is disclosed that is arranged to receive a tape cassette accommodating a tape recording medium that is selectively loaded thereto. The loaded tape cassette is selected from plural types of tape cassettes accommodating tape recording media with differing widths. The magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus includes a rotating drum unit with a rotating head, and a loading mechanism that pulls the tape recording medium of the loaded tape cassette out of the loaded tape cassette, winds the tape recording medium of the loaded tape cassette around the rotating drum unit over a winding angle, and forms a tape path. The loading mechanism adjusts the winding angle for winding the tape recording medium of the loaded tape cassette according to the width of the tape recording medium of the loaded tape cassette.

Abstract: Traffic information, including traffic flow information and traffic incident information, obtained through a traffic management system for providing and facilitating the exchange of traffic information between a remote location and a vehicle may be presented to a user on a user display in the vehicle. In one embodiment, the navigation system automatically filters traffic information that is located farther than a predetermined distance from the vehicle. In another embodiment, the navigation system filters traffic information that is not located within the same time zone as the vehicle. The user may also enter user preferences manually through a menu provided by the vehicle radio. In other words, the traffic information may be presented to the user in several circumstances, either as cued by the user, or automatically presented by the traffic management system.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a message portal for administering and controlling the exchange of vehicle-related messages between a remote location and a vehicle and a method thereof. In one embodiment, the message portal receives a message from the remote location and determines when the message should be broadcast to a vehicle. The priority of the message is determined by several variables—all which may be updated and/or customized by a user through a user interface. The message portal and method can also automatically relay a vehicle fault message to a remote location, which then analyzes the fault and sends a response message back to the driver.