Abstract: A telematics system that includes a security controller is provided. The security controller is responsible for ensuring secure access to and controlled use of resources in the vehicle. The security measures relied on by the security controller can be based on digital certificates that grant rights to certificate holders, e.g., application developers. In the case in which applications are to be used with vehicle resources, procedures are implemented to make sure that certified applications do not jeopardize vehicle resources' security and vehicle users' safety. Relationships among interested entities are established to promote and support secure vehicle resource access and usage. The entities can include vehicle makers, communication service providers, communication apparatus vendors, vehicle subsystem suppliers, application developers, as well as vehicle owners/users.

Abstract: Wireless communications relative to a vehicle using a wireless communications device, a pocket for holding the wireless communication device and a docking station in communication with the pocket are provided. The pocket can include a processor for translating communications between the wireless communications device and the docking station. A subsystem for detecting selected audible signals and muting other audible signals may be provided as part of the pocket. The docking station has processing capability and can communicate with different pockets and thereby different wireless communications devices. In at least one embodiment, the docking station manages voice recognition and text-to-speech commands to facilitate hands-free communications in the vehicle. The docking station can function as a communications hub involving a number of vehicle subsystems. In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle subsystems are separately addressable using the docking station and/or other processing hardware/software.

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: Wireless communications relative to a vehicle using a wireless communications device, a pocket for holding the wireless communication device and a docking station in communication with the pocket are provided. The pocket can include a processor for translating communications between the wireless communications device and the docking station. The docking station has processing capability and can communicate with different pockets and thereby different wireless communications devices. An external subsystem running an application can be interconnected to the wireless communications device via the adaptor and the docking station. In particular, the docking station provides a standardized interface that can be used to conduct communications between the external device and the docking station. In addition, the docking station provides a voice recognition function to allow a user to control the operation of an external device and/or a wireless communications device using voice commands.

Abstract: Wireless communications relative to a vehicle using a wireless communications device, a an adaptor for holding the wireless communications device and a docking station in communication with the adaptor are provided. An external subsystem running an application can be interconnected to the wireless communications device via the adaptor and the docking station. In particular, the docking station provides a standardized interface that can be used to conduct communications between the external device and the docking station. In addition, the docking station can receive commands from the external subsystem regarding a communication channel established between the wireless communications device and a base station or server. These commands may be formatted according to a standardized protocol. Translation of the commands from the standardized protocol to the command protocol required to operate the wireless communications device is performed in the docking station and the adaptor.

Abstract: An adaptor for supporting and connecting a portable electronic device, such as a portable phone, computer or other wireless communication device. The adaptor includes a pocket member and an interface module. The portable phone mechanically and electrically connects to the pocket member, and the pocket member mechanically and electrically connects to the interface module. The mechanical and electrical connections between the pocket member and the interface module are common between any interface module and any pocket member. In contrast, the receiving section of the pocket member is varied between different pocket members to accommodate portable electronic devices having different physical constructions. The pocket member attaches to the interface module with a limited, one-dimensional movement of the pocket member relative to the interface module to optimize use of space, particularly in vehicles.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for thermally severing a thick glass sheet by applying localized heat to one surface of the sheet along an intended line of cut and flexing the sheet adjacent the exit end of said intended line of cut to assist in the severance of the sheet and confining the cut to such line at the exit end thereof.