Abstract: A system for transferring a frame within an Ethernet network of a vehicle. The system includes an Ethernet switch, first and second feature modules and a NAM. The Ethernet switch includes first and second ports connected respectively to the first and second feature modules. The NAM: receives a priority request message from the second feature module; generates a priority response message indicating information for the second feature module to set a priority level of a frame; and transmits the priority response message to the second feature module. The Ethernet switch: receives the frame from the second feature module at the first port, where the frame has a first bit indicative of the priority level and a second bit indicative of a port of the first feature module; and forwards the frame, based on the first and second bits, to a corresponding one of the queues having the priority level and for transmission to the port of the first feature module.

Abstract: A mobile vehicle communication system and a method carried out by the system to determine at a remotely-located vehicle a performance criteria of a communication network connection in the vehicle. Steps of the method include: monitoring the vehicle's communication network connection for at least one of a plurality of parameters, wherein the plurality of parameters are associated with the performance criteria of the network connection; correlating a performance status test indicative of the performance criteria of the network connection with at least one of the plurality of parameters; and determining the performance criteria of the network connection based on the correlation.

Abstract: A mobile vehicle communication system and a method carried out by the system to determine at a remotely-located vehicle a performance criteria of a communication network connection in the vehicle. Steps of the method include: monitoring the vehicle's communication network connection for at least one of a plurality of parameters, wherein the plurality of parameters are associated with the performance criteria of the network connection; correlating a performance status test indicative of the performance criteria of the network connection with at least one of the plurality of parameters; and determining the performance criteria of the network connection based on the correlation.

Abstract: A distorter is provided that allows a musician/sound engineer to affect the operation of a distortion circuit using a second musical instrument or a sound modifier, enabling the musician/audio engineer to vary the behavior of the distorter in real time. The invention enables a musician and/or sound engineer to achieve sounds and effects that are impossible to create using conventional distorters. The invention enables a user to provide a primary audio signal representing a musical instrument that is to undergo audio signal distortion; and to provide a secondary audio signal representing a sound modifier or a second musical instrument that is used to modify psycho-acoustic and/or musical effects of the audio signal distortion. An output signal is produced having substantially non-clipped parts for conveying the sound of the musical instrument, and having clipped parts for conveying psycho-acoustic and/or musical effects responsive to the second musical instrument or the sound modifier.

Abstract: A distorter is provided that allows a musician/sound engineer to affect the operation of a distortion circuit using a second musical instrument or a sound modifier, enabling the musician/audio engineer to vary the behavior of the distorter in real time. The invention enables a musician and/or sound engineer to achieve sounds and effects that are impossible to create using conventional distorters. The invention enables a user to provide a primary audio signal representing a musical instrument that is to undergo audio signal distortion; and to provide a secondary audio signal representing a sound modifier or a second musical instrument that is used to modify psycho-acoustic and/or musical effects of the audio signal distortion. An output signal is produced having substantially non-clipped parts for conveying the sound of the musical instrument, and having clipped parts for conveying psycho-acoustic and/or musical effects responsive to the second musical instrument or the sound modifier.

Abstract: Apparatus for returning the target to play in an electronic video game. Target return is initiated by detecting the coincidence of a player marker with a game boundary or another player marker. Separate reset switches are eliminated without depriving player participants of game control and protection against an inadvertent reset is provided.

Abstract: A transducer, capable of converting noise signals to electrical voltage signals, is mounted in contact with a movable member and the electrical voltage output thereof is converted to a current function which then is converted to a DC signal which is directly proportional to the noise generated from the movable member. This DC signal then is compared with a generated, predetermined control signal that represents the desired motion at which an event can take place, such as the shifting of a vehicle transmission between forward and reverse conditions. When the DC signal matches the control signal the event can occur, either automatically or by manual manipulation.