Abstract: Wireless communications relative to a vehicle using a wireless communications device, a pocket for holding the wireless communication device and an interface module in communication with the pocket are provided. The pocket can include a processor for translating communications between the wireless communications device and the interface module. The interface module has processing capability and can communicate with different pockets and thereby different wireless communications devices. In at least one embodiment, the interface module manages voice recognition and text-to-speech commands to facilitate hands-free communications in the vehicle. The interface module can function as a communications hub involving a number of vehicle subsystems. In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle subsystems are separately addressable using the interface module and/or other processing hardware/software. However, in communicating over the Internet, a vehicle IP address is utilized.

Abstract: A communications system is provided for sending and receiving information relative to a mobile unit in which a number of network channels are available through which the information can be transferred. The system includes a link selector for selecting an acceptable network channel using application requirements for the particular channel, together with channel operating parameter values. When such a channel does not become available, the link selector is also involved with recovery procedures. These network channel operating parameters include bandwidth, information transfer costs and information transfer packet loss, latency and jitter. Weighting vectors are also utilized with such channel operating parameters in determining suitability values associated with the available network channels. The link selector communicates with a link scheduler that has responsibility for determining when information should be transferred including when there should be a change in the timing of the information transfer.

Abstract: A cellular telephone is interconnected to a host assembly via a cable. The cable contains both appropriate interdisciplinary connections for attachment to the telephone at one end and to the host assembly at the other end via a universal connector. The identity of the particular cellular telephone can be provided to the host assembly by a number of different protocols including the downloading of function-related parameters to the host assembly that are unique to the particular telephone. Accordingly the host assembly can function with any one of a variety of cellular telephones having differently configured cable connections. In one embodiment, a pocket adapter holds the cellular telephone and includes the universal connector.

Abstract: Communication of information including data between a remote computer and a vehicle is managed and facilitated using an apparatus compatible with standardized network communication links. In one embodiment, the standardized network communication links include the Internet and a controller area network used in vehicles. The apparatus preferably includes a controller contained in the vehicle. The controller is comprised of a number of hardware and software elements including a processor. A TCP/IP stack is part of the controller for providing the necessary control in checking for communicating information, such as requests and data, over the Internet. A web server communicates with the TCP/IP stack for servicing information related requests in http format including obtaining or sending information in operative communication with the TCP/IP stack.

Abstract: A cellular telephone is interconnected to a host assembly via a cable. The cable contains both appropriate interdisciplinary connections for attachment to the telephone at one end and to the host assembly at the other end via a universal connector. The identity of the particular cellular telephone can be provided to the host assembly by a number of different protocols including the downloading of function-related parameters to the host assembly that are unique to the particular telephone. Accordingly the host assembly can function with any one of a variety of cellular telephones having differently configured cable connections. In one embodiment, a pocket adapter holds the cellular telephone and includes the universal connector.

Abstract: A cellular telephone is interconnected to a control unit via a cable. The cable contains both appropriate interdisciplinary connections for attachment to the telephone at one end and to the control unit at the other end via a universal connector. At least one contact of the universal connector is capable of producing a signal coded to identify the type of cellular telephone attached to the connector at the other end. A decoder at the control unit identifies the type of phone as by table look-up and establishes appropriate interfacing operational functions at its universal connector to properly operate with the telephone. Accordingly, the control unit can function with any of a wide variety of cellular telephones having differently configured cable connections and cable connector disciplines of contact assignments.

Abstract: A cellular telephone is interconnected to a control unit via a cable. The cable contains both appropriate interdisciplinary connections for attachment to the telephone at one end and to the control unit at the other end via a universal connector. At least one contact of the universal connector is capable of producing a signal coded to identify the type of cellular telephone attached to the connector at the other end. A decoder at the control unit identifies the type of phone as by table look-up and establishes appropriate interfacing operational functions at its universal connector to properly operate with the telephone. Accordingly the control unit can function with any of a wide variety of cellular telephones having differently configured cable connections and cable connector disciplines of contact assignments.