Abstract: An apparatus, method, and a computer program on a computer readable medium are provided for speedy delivery of a communication for a customer from a server to a client vehicle communication unit (VCU) installed in a vehicle of the customer, by establishing a connection between the server and the client VCU, and acquiring an ignition status from the client VCU as an indication of whether the customer is available in the vehicle for receiving the communication. The communication may be delivered immediately upon acquiring an IGNITION ON status. The message is stored if an IGNITION OFF status is acquired, and available for immediate delivery when the ignition is next turned on.

Abstract: An apparatus and method allow either the driver or a passenger in a vehicle to operate a telematic unit in the vehicle. Communication requests may be prioritized, depending upon the type of communication desired and whether the request is being made by the driver or a passenger. Visual display units for the driver and passenger are positioned such that the passenger visual display unit is visible to a passenger seated in the passenger seat and not visible to a driver seated in the driver seat. Information displayed on the driver visual display unit may be restricted to certain types of communications, or include only limited information, so as not to distract the driver. A full display may be provided to the passenger, so that the passenger can assist the driver with verbal instructions based upon information included in the full display, viewable by the passenger but not the driver.

Abstract: An apparatus and method allow either the driver or a passenger in a vehicle to operate a telematic unit in the vehicle. Communication requests may be prioritized, depending upon the type of communication desired and whether the request is being made by the driver or a passenger. Visual display units for the driver and passenger are positioned such that the passenger visual display unit is visible to a passenger seated in the passenger seat and not visible to a driver seated in the driver seat. Information displayed on the driver visual display unit may be restricted to certain types of communications, or include only limited information, so as not to distract the driver. A full display may be provided to the passenger, so that the passenger can assist the driver with verbal instructions based upon information included in the full display, viewable by the passenger but not the driver.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and a computer program on a computer readable medium are provided for speedy delivery of a communication for a customer from a server to a client vehicle communication unit (VCU) installed in a vehicle of the customer, by establishing a connection between the server and the client VCU, and acquiring an ignition status from the client VCU as an indication of whether the customer is available in the vehicle for receiving the communication. The communication may be delivered immediately upon acquiring an IGNITION ON status. The message is stored if an IGNITION OFF status is acquired, and available for immediate delivery when the ignition is next turned on.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, a method and a computer usable medium including a program for providing emergency information from a communication device outside a vehicle. This may be done by transmitting an encoded emergency information signal from a communication device located outside of a vehicle to onboard vehicle receiver. It may also be done by sending the encoded emergency information from the onboard receiver to the onboard communication relay device, by transmitting the encoded emergency information signal from the onboard communication relay device to a call center and by decoding the emergency information signal received at the call center.