Abstract: Compositions and methods useful in identifying and/or selecting maize plants that have anthracnose stalk rot resistance are provided herein. The resistance may be newly conferred or enhanced relative to a control plant. The methods use maize markers on chromosome 10 to identify, select and/or construct resistant plants. Maize plants generated by the methods also provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods useful in identifying and/or selecting maize plants that have anthracnose stalk rot resistance are provided herein. The resistance may be newly conferred or enhanced relative to a control plant. The methods use maize markers on chromosome 10 to identify, select and/or construct resistant plants. Maize plants generated by the methods also provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods useful in identifying and/or selecting maize plants that have anthracnose stalk rot resistance are provided herein. The resistance may be newly conferred or enhanced relative to a control plant. The methods use maize markers on chromosome 10 to identify, select and/or construct resistant plants. Maize plants generated by the methods also provided.

Abstract: A wireless communication device (100) including a high-speed data buffer coupled to a first transceiver by a bus, and an application processor having a data buffer associated with the application processor. The associated data buffer is coupled to a high-speed data buffer and to a second transceiver by the bus, wherein the application processor is configured to control the transfer of data between the associated data buffer and the high-speed data buffer and to control the transfer of data between the associated data buffer and the second transceiver.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a mobile communication system that includes a mobile handset and at least two wireless earpieces. The mobile handset can be configured to conduct voice communications with remotely located devices over a mobile telephony network. The wireless earpieces can be configured to be communicatively linked to the mobile handset and to exchange audio with the mobile handset. The mobile handset can enables multiple interactive modes involving the wireless earpieces. At least one of the interactive modes can involve a single individual concurrently using the plurality of wireless earpieces. For example, one of the interactive modes can be a stereo audio mode. At least one of the interactive modes can involve two or more proximately located individuals, where each of the proximate individuals uses one of the wireless earpieces. For example, the interactive modes can include an intercom mode and/or a three-way calling mode.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and electronic device for optimizing content acquisition are disclosed. A memory may store usage of a previous set of media content by the mobile device. An input/output device may receive a request for a current set of media content. A processor may create a user profile based on the usage and provides a first recommendation of a first digital rights agreement based on the user profile.

Abstract: At least some speakers engaged in an oral discourse are identified (101) and their oral contributions during that oral discourse tracked (102). At least one visual indicator provided (103) during the oral discourse serves to provide data regarding these tracked contributions (such as, but not limited to, an aggregate length of time that one or more of the participants has spoken). These teachings also provide, however, for automatically taking (104) at least one other action, during the oral discourse, as a function, at least in part, of this tracked oral contribution information.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of maintaining communication with a device. The method comprises the steps of creating a first communication link between a first wireless communication device associated with a vehicle and the device associated with a predetermined destination number; creating a second communication link between a second wireless communication device and the device associated with the predetermined destination number; and terminating the first communication link in response to the step of creating the second communication link.

Abstract: A communications system for a vehicle having a foot pedal useable to control communications at a user interface in the vehicle. By controlling the user interface at least in part through activation of the foot pedal, communications in the vehicle are made more convenient and less dangerous as the user need not use his hands to operate the communications user interface. The foot pedal may perform a dedicated communications control function, or may be programmable to perform a communications control function of a user's choosing. Several foot pedals may be used, either in conjunction with a single seat, or each associated with a particular seat in the vehicle. Foot pedal communication settings may also be stored within the communications user interface for easy retrieval, and may be retrievable through entry of a user ID, such as may come from a key fob.

Abstract: An improved system and procedure for allowing participants within a group conversation on a wireless communication network to at least temporarily break away from a group conversation and hold a side bar conversation. The side bar conversation may comprise several different types, including a public conversation (much like the original group conversation) or may constitute a private conversation (much like a standard phone call) or private text messaging or data exchange. A group conversation user wishing to hold the side bar conversation uses his user interface to alert other group conversation user(s) with whom he would like to hold the side bar conversation. Either the initiating user or the recipient user(s) can recommend the type of side bar conversation to be had using their user interfaces.

Abstract: A telematics communication system (100) receives an input supply voltage (Vin) (122) from a battery (102) charged by an alternator (101) in an automotive vehicle. The telematics communication system (100) includes a transceiver (104) having a transmitter (107) and a variable delta voltage tracking regulator (VDVTR) (109). The VDVTR (109) provides a regulated output supply voltage (Vout) (124) to a power amplifier (114) in the transmitter (107) responsive to the input supply voltage (122) and a regulator control voltage (TX_EN) (123). The VDVTR (109) has a first operating stage and a second operating stage, each controlled by a bias circuit (R1, R2 and R3), and a third operating stage, controlled by a voltage limiting circuit (D1) to eliminate alternator whine noise (405) that appears on the input supply voltage (122) and, in turn, appears on the regulated output supply voltage (Vout) (124).

Abstract: A unique method for providing entertainment to a portable device, such as a wireless communication device, is disclosed. The method includes steps of receiving location information related to said wireless communication device; providing challenges associated with a game to a user of a wireless communication; providing rewards in response to answers based upon the location of said wireless communication device. The method finds particular application in vehicles having telematics communications products.

Abstract: A method of creating a database of poor coverage areas (120) in a wireless communication system includes (100) determining if a signal quality metric (204) of a communication link (130) in a poor coverage area (120) is below a signal quality threshold (202) then incrementing a poor coverage area counter (210), if not, incrementing a good coverage area counter (212). Storing one or more previous coverage areas (138-140) traversed by wireless device (102) prior to entering the poor coverage area (120) and calculating a trajectory (136) to the poor coverage area (120) based on one or more previous coverage areas (138-140) and poor coverage area (120). Subsequently, anticipating entry of the wireless device (102) into the poor coverage area (120) utilizing the trajectory (136) to the poor coverage area (120) and alerting a user of wireless device (102).

Abstract: A unique method for providing entertainment to a portable device, such as a wireless communication device communicating with a host vehicle, is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a game to a user of the wireless communication device; receiving game parameters to be used by the user of the wireless communication device; operating the game based upon data associated with the wireless communication device and/or the host vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a storage container enclosing a plurality of spools for receiving filament such a fishing tippet line. The spools are positioned adjacent to each other on separate shafts and rotate independently. Each spool may be removed from its shaft in the container, and a length of tippet line may be conveniently wound around each spool outside of the container. The spools are then returned to their respective shafts in the container. The free end of each spooled tippet line is threaded through an access hole in the side of the container and extends across the outside of the storage container to a structure that conveniently holds and cuts the tippet line. A desired length of tippet line may be withdrawn through the access hole and cut. The storage container is preferably relatively thin and compact. It may be small enough to fit within an average-sized pocket in a fisher's clothing. When the lid of the storage container is closed, the lines on the spools are protected from tangling and unwinding.

Abstract: A method of automatically setting voice processing parameters in a communication device, such as a wired or wireless communication device, is disclosed. The method comprising steps of detecting the selection of a voice recognition call; setting voice processing parameters of the communication device for a voice recognition call; and enabling voice communication with a voice recognition server using the voice processing parameters. Additional embodiments related to communication between a communication device and a voice recognition server are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of maintaining communication with a device. The method comprises the steps of creating a first communication link between a first wireless communication device associated with a vehicle and the device associated with a predetermined destination number; creating a second communication link between a second wireless communication device and the device associated with the predetermined destination number; and terminating the first communication link in response to the step of creating the second communication link.

Abstract: A method of creating a database of poor coverage areas (120) in a wireless communication system includes (100) determining if a signal quality metric (204) of a communication link (130) in a poor coverage area (120) is below a signal quality threshold (202) then incrementing a poor coverage area counter (210), if not, incrementing a good coverage area counter (212). Storing one or more previous coverage areas (138-140) traversed by wireless device (102) prior to entering the poor coverage area (120) and calculating a trajectory (136) to the poor coverage area (120) based on one or more previous coverage areas (138-140) and poor coverage area (120). Subsequently, anticipating entry of the wireless device (102) into the poor coverage area (120) utilizing the trajectory (136) to the poor coverage area (120) and alerting a user of wireless device (102).

Abstract: Disclosed is a storage container enclosing a plurality of spools for receiving filament such a fishing tippet line. The spools are positioned adjacent to each other on separate shafts and rotate independently. Each spool may be removed from its shaft in the container, and a length of tippet line may be conveniently wound around each spool outside of the container. The spools are then returned to their respective shafts in the container. The free end of each spooled tippet line is threaded through an access hole in the side of the container and extends across the outside of the storage container to a structure that conveniently holds and cuts the tippet line. A desired length of tippet line may be withdrawn through the access hole and cut. The storage container is preferably relatively thin and compact. It may be small enough to fit within an average-sized pocket in a fisher's clothing. When the lid of the storage container is closed, the lines on the spools are protected from tangling and unwinding.