Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for targeting broadcast messages to particular vehicles or classes of vehicles. In one embodiment, the system comprises an information center for creating and sending a broadcast data message, and a relay section that receives the broadcast data message and relays the message to a plurality of vehicles. The information center typically comprises a one-to-many communication system for sending the message from one source to a plurality of receivers, such as a satellite radio network or the like. The message can be deleted or modified in response to commands received by the receiver.

Abstract: A data receiving system includes a receiver which is configured to receive broadcast data. The broadcast data includes live information data and announcement data. The live information data has live information relating to a place. The announcement data includes a time indicator and content information regarding contents of the live information data. A determining unit is configured to determine whether newly received live information data is new or not based on the time indicator.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a payment system and method for chargeable data that is broadcasted from a remote location. The payment system and method includes a Web site, the remote location (or a broadcasting station), and an end receiver. The Web site is configured to allow for the payment of a limited purchase amount (LPA) and to create and/or provide an encryption code. The LPA specifies an amount of chargeable data that has been purchased. The encryption code specifies the LPA at the time of payment and an authorized receiver associated with the LPA. The end receiver receives and stores the chargeable data broadcasted from the remote location. The end receiver includes an input unit for inputting the encryption code into the end receiver, and it extracts the information specifying the LPA and the authorized receiver from the inputted encryption code. The end receiver then uses an amount of the chargeable data (e.g.

Abstract: A method and system facilitate the exchange of information between a remote location and a motor vehicle, via a targeted transmission of audio and visual broadcast messages to vehicle operators. Output of the broadcast messages may be controlled using (a) codes or identifiers in or associated with the messages, (b) one or more user inputs from the vehicle operator, (c) sensor data measuring a vehicle state, or (d) any combination of the foregoing. For example, output of the broadcast messages to vehicle operators may be controlled as to time, frequency, and format (e.g., as visual or audible data) based on any of these control inputs.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for communicating filtered event program information and broadcasting user searchable event program information to vehicles. For example, there is provided a system for broadcasting event program information to at least one vehicle that is filtered according to the vehicle's current location. In one embodiment, the system comprises one or more antennas, a broadcast receiver unit having a data filter, and a navigational device that displays event program information by venue within a set distance from the vehicle's current location. The display further comprises multi-leveled sub-menus that provide a user with a variety of movie related information such as screening times, cast listings, movie reviews, movie trailers, etc.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are disclosed for receiving data from a satellite radio network in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a datagram broadcast via a satellite radio network is received utilizing a receiver. The datagram includes broadcast identifier information that identifies a segment of receivers in the satellite radio network to which the datagram is directed. Utilizing the broadcast identifier information, a determination is made as to whether the recipient receiver is a member of the identified segment of receivers to which the datagram is directed. If the recipient receiver is determined to be a member of the identified segment of receivers to which the datagram is directed, then the datagram is processed.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are disclosed for receiving data from a satellite radio network in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a datagram broadcast via a satellite radio network is received utilizing a receiver. The datagram includes broadcast identifier information that identifies a segment of receivers in the satellite radio network to which the datagram is directed. Utilizing the broadcast identifier information, a determination is made as to whether the recipient receiver is a member of the identified segment of receivers to which the datagram is directed. If the recipient receiver is determined to be a member of the identified segment of receivers to which the datagram is directed, then the datagram is processed.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the passenger occupancy of a vehicle includes, at least two image pickup sections provided at a specified distance, a measuring section measuring a distance to an object on the basis of the at least two images acquired by the at least two image pickup sections, a reference data providing section providing reference data relating to the distance from the image pickup sections to a seat in accordance with the position of the seat, and a detection section detecting the passenger occupancy of the seat on the basis of the distance measured by the measuring section and the reference data.

Abstract: A data receiving system includes a receiver which is configured to receive broadcast data. The broadcast data includes live information data and announcement data. The live information data has live information relating to a place. The announcement data includes a time indicator and content information regarding contents of the live information data. A determining unit is configured to determine whether newly received live information data is new or not based on the time indicator.

Abstract: A data broadcasting system includes a data generator and a broadcasting device. The data generator is configured to generate live information data having identification for relating the live information data to stored data which is stored in a data receiving system and has the identification. The broadcasting device is configured to broadcast the live information data.

Abstract: A system comprises a satellite broadcasting a signal including a remote convenience telematics command, a user interface system providing the remote convenience telematics command to the satellite in response to user input, and a vehicle system for performing a remote convenience task in response to a received broadcast signal. The vehicle system is in a sleep mode in response to a vehicle turn off signal and is in a monitoring mode during predetermined time intervals after the vehicle turn off signal or in response to a user input. The vehicle system monitors for receipt of the broadcast signal during the monitoring mode. The predetermined time intervals have a duration so that the vehicle system has a predetermined probability of detecting the broadcast signal.

Abstract: A method is provided for providing weather data to a vehicle comprising the steps of: (a) receiving a broadcast signal containing weather data referenced to a plurality of cells arranged in a grid corresponding to a geographic map; (b) determining the present location, speed, and direction of the vehicle; (c) calculating a geographic region for which the weather data will affect the vehicle user based upon the current location, speed, and direction of the vehicle; (d) filtering the weather data to yield filtered data comprising at least one of the plurality of cells correlated to the previously calculated geographic region; and (e) formatting the filtered data for display to vehicle occupants.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a payment system and method for chargeable data that is broadcasted from a remote location. The payment system and method includes a Web site, the remote location (or a broadcasting station), and an end receiver. The Web site is configured to allow for the payment of a limited purchase amount (LPA) and to create and/or provide an encryption code. The LPA specifies an amount of chargeable data that has been purchased. The encryption code specifies the LPA at the time of payment and an authorized receiver associated with the LPA. The end receiver receives and stores the chargeable data broadcasted from the remote location. The end receiver includes an input unit for inputting the encryption code into the end receiver, and it extracts the information specifying the LPA and the authorized receiver from the inputted encryption code. The end receiver then uses an amount of the chargeable data (e.g.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for targeting broadcast messages to particular vehicles or classes of vehicles. In one embodiment, the system comprises an information center for creating and sending a broadcast data message, and a relay section that receives the broadcast data message and relays the message to a plurality of vehicles. The information center typically comprises a one-to-many communication system for sending the message from one source to a plurality of receivers, such as a satellite radio network or the like. The message can be deleted or modified in response to commands received by the receiver.

Abstract: A method and system facilitate the exchange of information between a remote location and a motor vehicle, via a targeted transmission of audio and visual broadcast messages to vehicle operators. Output of the broadcast messages may be controlled using (a) codes or identifiers in or associated with the messages, (b) one or more user inputs from the vehicle operator, (c) sensor data measuring a vehicle state, or (d) any combination of the foregoing. For example, output of the broadcast messages to vehicle operators may be controlled as to time, frequency, and format (e.g., as visual or audible data) based on any of these control inputs.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the passenger occupancy of a vehicle includes, at least two image pickup sections provided at a specified distance, a measuring section measuring a distance to an object on the basis of the at least two images acquired by the at least two image pickup sections, a reference data providing section providing reference data relating to the distance from the image pickup sections to a seat in accordance with the position of the seat, and a detection section detecting the passenger occupancy of the seat on the basis of the distance measured by the measuring section and the reference data.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method that includes a vehicle that exchanges information with the remote location by way of a communication network. A remote server transmits vehicle-related information to the vehicle by way of a communication system. Information may also be broadcast to and received by the vehicle by way of a broadcast communication system. A receiver of the vehicle provides user access to only a subset of the broadcast information based on user preferences of a user profile. The user may update the user profile by accessing and updating it at either the vehicle or by accessing a database. The user may access the database through a network, such as the Internet. The vehicle also selectively transmits vehicle-related information to the remote location when a predetermined event occurs. The vehicle-related information is compiled and analyzed at the remote location, and the analyzed information is transmitted back to the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the passenger occupancy of a vehicle includes, at least two image pickup sections provided at a specified distance, a measuring section measuring a distance to an object on the basis of the at least two images acquired by the at least two image pickup sections, a reference data providing section providing reference data relating to the distance from the image pickup sections to a seat in accordance with the position of the seat, and a detection section detecting the passenger occupancy of the seat on the basis of the distance measured by the measuring section and the reference data.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are disclosed for receiving data from a satellite radio network in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a datagram broadcast via a satellite radio network is received utilizing a receiver. The datagram includes broadcast identifier information that identifies a segment of receivers in the satellite radio network to which the datagram is directed. Utilizing the broadcast identifier information, a determination is made as to whether the recipient receiver is a member of the identified segment of receivers to which the datagram is directed. If the recipient receiver is determined to be a member of the identified segment of receivers to which the datagram is directed, then the datagram is processed.