Abstract: A multi-sensor system includes multiple sensors that are integrated onto the same substrate forming a unitary multi-sensor platform that provides a known consistent physical relationship between the multiple sensors. A processor can also be integrated onto the substrate so that data from the multiple sensors can be processed locally by the multi-sensor system.

Abstract: A mission control unit includes a collision detection sensor and a processor. The processor initiates different collision detection events when a collision condition is indicated by the collision detection sensor. The mission control unit can be coupled to a vehicle wiring harness to provide real-time engine diagnostics while the vehicle is being driven. The mission control unit also automatically establishes a wireless communications link to a call center during a collision condition and allows the call center to remotely control and monitor devices in the vehicle. In another aspect of the invention, an image sensor is used to verify the driver as an authorized vehicle operator.

Abstract: The present invention allows construction of a secure, real-time operating system from a portable language such as Java that appears to be a Java virtual machine from a top perspective but provides a secure operating system from a bottom perspective. This allows portable languages, such as Java, to be used for secure embedded multiprocessor environments.

Abstract: A communication system for a mobile vehicle, home, or office environment includes multiple processors. The multiple processors each run an Open Communication system that controls how data is transferred between processors based on data content as opposed to the links that connect the processors together. The open communication system enables data or messages to be effectively transferred and processed for real-time applications or other server based applications that may be running on the multiple processors in a secure environment regardless of processors, locations, or data links.

Abstract: Sensor data is generated for areas around a vehicle. Any objects detected in the sensor data are identified and a kinematic state for the object determined. The kinematic states for the detected objects are compared with the kinematic state of the vehicle. If it is likely that a collision will occur between the detected objects and the local vehicle, a warning is automatically generated to notify the vehicle operator of the impending collision. The sensor data and kinematic state of the vehicle can be transmitted to other vehicles so that the other vehicles are also notified of possible collision conditions.

Abstract: Sensor data is generated for areas around a vehicle. Any objects detected in the sensor data are identified and a kinematic state for the object determined. The kinematic states for the detected objects are compared with the kinematic state of the vehicle. If it is likely that a collision will occur between the detected objects and the local vehicle, a warning is automatically generated to notify the vehicle operator of the impending collision. The sensor data and kinematic state of the vehicle can be transmitted to other vehicles so that the other vehicles are also notified of possible collision conditions.

Abstract: A massage containing a message identifier is received in a vehicle. The message identifier is compared with information associated with the vehicle. If message identifier and the vehicle information correspond in some manner, the message is reported to a vehicle operator and may be relayed to other vehicles.

Abstract: A vehicle audio system includes a wireless audio sensor configured to wirelessly detect different portable audio sources brought into the vehicle. Audio output devices are located in the vehicle for outputting audio signals from the different audio sources. A processor selectively connects the different audio sources to the different audio output devices. In another aspect, the audio system includes object sensors that detect objects located outside the vehicle. The processor generates warning signals that are output from the different audio output devices according to where the objects are detected by the object sensors.

Abstract: A multiprocessor system used in a car, home, or office environment includes multiple processors that run different real-time applications. A dynamic configuration system runs on the multiple processors and includes a device manager, configuration manager, and data manager. The device manager automatically detects and adds new devices to the multiprocessor system, and the configuration manager automatically reconfigures which processors run the real-time applications. The data manager identifies the type of data generated by the new devices and identifies which devices in the multiprocessor system are able to process the data.

Abstract: A mobile unit establishes a session for transferring content with a service. The mobile unit then identifies a cost of service rate for the content. The mobile unit derives cost of service data according to the type of content and the identified cost of service rate. The cost of service data derived by the mobile unit is then sent back to the service provider.

Abstract: A communication system for a mobile vehicle, home, or office environment includes multiple processors. The multiple processors each run an Open Communication system that controls how data is transferred between processors based on data content as opposed to the links that connect the processors together. The open communication system enables data or messages to be effectively transferred and processed for real-time applications or other server based applications that may be running on the multiple processors in a secure environment regardless of processors, locations, or data links.

Abstract: A vehicular wireless network is formed by connecting a plurality of sensor devices and automobile subsystem devices to a processing unit with wireless links. Similarly, a vehicular wireless network is formed by connecting a plurality of sensor devices and automobile subsystem devices located in various compartments of an automobile to a signal interface located in the same compartment with wireless links. The signal interfaces and processing unit are then linked by a bus that is installed to run through all the automobile compartments.