Abstract: System and method for conveying information from a vehicle to a fixed structure includes a data generating system arranged on the vehicle to obtain and/or generate information about conditions around the vehicle, one or more data processing facilities each arranged at a fixed structure or fixed location to process information about the vehicle, and a communications system coupled to the data generating system for communicating with a wireless Internet service provider (ISP) and arranged to enable the information obtained or generated by the data generating system to be transmitted via the Internet to the data processing facility. The data generating system may obtain or generate information about at least one of a road on which the vehicle is traveling, environmental conditions around the vehicle, traffic in the vicinity of the vehicle, and construction in the vicinity of the vehicle.

Abstract: A multi-function navigation system provides an electronic map to guide the user to destinations and provides information of scenic spots stored in an electronic book. The navigation system includes: a scenic spot information searching module for searching scenic spots within the selected scope of electronic map and identifying the scenic spots included in the electronic book; a traveling information note module for providing a interface to the electronic book of the scenic spots including the electronic book; and a display module for displaying the electronic map and marks of the interface linking to the electronic book of the scenic spots.

Abstract: An improved position determination system and method are described. The method includes determining that a failure to generate an acceptable GNSS position fix has occurred. In response to determining that the failure to generate an acceptable GNSS position fix has occurred, terrestrial positioning information is accessed which is derived from at least one broadcast signal. A second position fix based upon the terrestrial positioning information is generated.

Abstract: A method for providing menu tree assistance includes receiving a voice request from a user via a telematics unit and a wireless network and determining a voice menu tree based on the voice request. The method further includes receiving at least one response based on the voice menu tree, determining a failure or confirmation based on the at least one response and converting the response to data based on the determined confirmation. The method further includes recording the response based on the determined failure and providing the recorded response and data to an advisor at a call center. A system and a computer readable medium including computer program code are also disclosed.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide an image recording condition setting apparatus, an image recording condition setting method, and a drive recorder that can always set an optimum recording condition in the drive recorder. In particular, the invention provides an image recording condition setting apparatus, an image recording condition setting method, and a drive recorder, wherein the apparatus includes a receiving unit for receiving vehicle driving condition information from the drive recorder, determining means for determining recording condition setting information based on the received vehicle driving condition information, and a transmitting unit for transmitting the recording condition setting information, determined by the determining means, to the drive recorder.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and reporting comparative vehicle speed includes at least one vehicle having a device installed therein, wherein the device includes a transceiver for communicating within a network to one or more monitoring clients, a location receiver for determining a location of the vehicle, a sensor for monitoring a speed of the vehicle, a memory for storing a speed limit database, and a processor operatively coupled between the transceiver, the location receiver, the sensor, the memory, and the alerting mechanism, wherein the processor is programmed to compare the speed of the vehicle to a speed limit associated with the location of the vehicle; and to provide a notification when the speed of the vehicle is above the speed limit associated with the vehicle. The system also includes the one or more monitoring clients for receiving the notification from the at least one vehicle.

Abstract: When first and second ignition switches are turned from on to off, a first or second CPU determines whether an abnormality has occurred in an electronically controlled brake system. When the first or second CPU determines that an abnormality has occurred, the first and second CPUs immediately turn off first and second main relays, respectively. When both the first and second CPUs determine that operation is normal and an occupant detection switch is off, the first and second CPUs keep the first and second main relays on for a predetermined period of time as a self-maintaining process during normal operation. In this self-maintaining process during normal operation, the period during which the first and second main relays are kept on is changed according to the voltage of a vehicle battery.

Abstract: In a remote control system, the remote control of a vehicle function is executed. The remote control system includes a control terminal and a cancellation device. The control terminal transmits a request for the remote control of the vehicle function to a vehicle. The cancellation device cancels the remote control of the vehicle function if the local control of the vehicle function is requested before the remote control of the vehicle function is executed according to the request for the remote control.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for monitoring a vehicle that features the steps of: 1) generating a data packet including vehicle data retrieved from the vehicle using a wireless appliance; 2) transmitting the data packet over an airlink with the wireless appliance so that the data packet passes through a network and to a host computer system; 3) processing the data packet with the host computer system to generate a set of data; and 4) displaying the set of data on a web page hosted on the internet.

Abstract: A method for configuring an electronic device comprising: (A) substantially continuously detecting motion of the electronic device using an initiating device disposed within the electronic device, the electronic device further comprising a position determining component, and a wireless communications component; (B) substantially continuously receiving at least one external radio signal by using an initially selected antenna of the position determining component; (C) if reception of at least one external radio signal is not optimized, using the antenna/power supply switch to switch radio signal path between the initially selected antenna and a subsequently selected antenna to optimize the reception of at least one external radio signal; and (D) using the wireless communications component to transmit the current status of the external/internal antenna to the position tracking station.

Abstract: An end of train unit includes a positioning system such as a GPS receiver and is configured to transmit a message including the EOT unit's location when the EOT unit detects a loss of air pipe pressure and/or it is tipped over and/or a low battery condition is detected. In highly preferred embodiments, the EOT unit periodically re-transmits the message until an acknowledgment message is received. In some embodiments, information from the positioning system is used to create a signal as a substitute for a motion sensor. In other embodiments, information from the positioning system is used to determine the speed of the end of the train. End of train unit tracking is also performed.

Abstract: Radio frequency identification tags are spaced apart from one another in or around a work area for the vehicle. Each of the tags has a corresponding unique identifier. A path planning module establishes a path comprising a path segment between at least two of the radio frequency identification tags. The path segment comprises at least one of a distance between the tags, an angular heading between the tags, and unique identifiers corresponding to the tags. A data processor determines an estimated position of the vehicle based on at least one of odometer data and accelerometer data. A vehicle controller navigates between at least two of the radio frequency identification tags based on the estimated position, the distance and the angular heading. A reader reads the tag identifiers of each tag to track the progress of the vehicle to facilitate execution of or retrieval of any next path segment of the vehicle along the established path.

Abstract: A mobile transmitter transmits a transmission signal from a vehicle to beacons. An estimator determines elapsed times for corresponding propagation paths between the vehicle and the beacons. Each propagation path includes at least one of a first propagation duration of a transmission signal and a second propagation duration of a return signal. A compensator compensates for noise or measurement error associated with a corresponding propagation path by invoking a linear fit scheme. The linear fit scheme applies a generally linear fit over fixed intervals of noisy measurements such that the noisy position measurements generally conform to a linear portion of a path plan of a vehicle. A data processor estimates a position of a vehicle at a confluence or intersection of the position curves or temporal curves based on elapsed times for the propagation paths.

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting a location signal indicative of the location of the vehicle to a first wireless device is provided. The system comprises a navigation module and a controller. The navigation module is positioned within the vehicle and is configured to transmit a location signal indicative of the physical location of the vehicle. The controller is configured to transmit the location signal as a radio frequency (RF) based signal to the at least one wireless device in response to detecting the occurrence of at least one predetermined vehicle event.

Abstract: An automatic emergency call is transmitted in the form of voice data which contain address information for the vehicle. The address information has been ascertained inside the vehicle by the emergency call device on the basis of a GPS position.

Abstract: A method and system for managing a product during assembly or repair of the product includes use of a microserver configured to function as a local computing workstation and collect, store and process data for the product throughout the assembly or repair process. The microserver may be carried by a support structure that supports the product through the assembly or repair process. The product data and other information relevant to the assembly or repair process are stored on the microserver and may be accessed by other computing devices, both local and remote to the product. The information is updated on the microserver as it happens. Thus, users are able to track a status of the product in real-time. The microserver enables two-way communication such that the other computing devices may also send information to the microserver.

Abstract: A probe-vehicle traffic information system for and method of gathering traffic data utilizing a host probe vehicle having onboard exterior sensors. The host vehicle is configured to detect at least one condition from at least one traveling target vehicle, aggregate and process the condition data, and report only the processed data to a traffic information center, so as to reduce the number of simultaneous communication channels typically required to report condition data from a plurality of probe vehicles.

Abstract: A portable information processor (10) includes a storage unit (11) that stores information; a connecting unit (12) that connects to one of the device (1 (or 2)); an information acquiring unit (13) that acquires information from the connected device (1 (or 2)); an operation information generating unit (14) supplied with a driving power from a power source of the connected device (1 (or 2)) and generating operation information relating to the predetermined operation executable by the connected device (1 (or 2)) based on device identification information and the acquired information acquired by the information acquiring unit (13), and the information stored in the storage unit (11); and a control unit (15) that controls the connected device (1 (or 2)) based on the operation information generated by the operation information generating unit (14).

Abstract: A vehicle monitoring and traffic enforcement system in which a wireless communication device is associated with motor vehicles. The device will transmit vehicle identification data which is relayed to a database which maintains current information concerning insurance law compliance, motor vehicle registration and licensing compliance, traffic citations and other information. If a violation or compliance failure is noted, this is transmitted to a law enforcement agency and a nearby law enforcement vehicle. A law enforcement officer may be required to pursue the vehicle depending on the violation and traffic conditions. The system uses GPS and GIS technology to provide law enforcement with a real time display which will not only show the vehicle being tracked but also a map of the area showing roads, traffic conditions and even the location of other law enforcement or emergency vehicles so that officials may make a safe and fast response to situations.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for monitoring and reporting the tethered/untethered status of a mobile asset are described. An asset tracking device comprises a sensor and circuit that detects whether a physical connection exists between a tractor portion and a trailer portion of a tractor/trailer vehicle. The physical connection is detected through the connection of an air hose coupling (or glad hand) at the trailer front wall. The sensor is continuously monitored by the sensor circuit and when a change is detected, the circuit sends a signal that turns on the power to the rest of the system. This enables the system to run in a very low power mode for extended periods of time. The sensor, which is located on the air hose (glad hand) coupling, senses the presence (or non-presence) of a tractor attached to the trailer and sends a trigger signal to turn on the power to the rest of the system, enabling the system to operate for extended periods of time on battery power.

Abstract: The specification and drawing figures describe and show a system for pairing and decoupling vehicle components. The vehicle components may be disparate and distantly located from one another. The system includes a network management center having one or more data processing systems that may communicate with the vehicle components. An integrated wireless equipment management system is included whose components are mountable on the vehicle components, and operatively connectable to the network management center. Asset tracking units are located on each vehicle component, and are operatively connectable to the network management center. At least one executable program is included that is capable of processing data received across the integrated wireless equipment management system to establish a compatible communications connection between the asset tracking units to correctly pair the vehicle components.

Abstract: An aircraft control system for operations close to the ground includes a camera having a rangefinder for measuring the azimuth, elevation and slant range from a fixed point on the aircraft relative to a selected target point on a surface below the aircraft, a navigation system for measuring the latitude and longitude of the aircraft on the surface, a computer for computing the position of the fixed point on the aircraft relative to the target point from the respective measurements of the camera and the navigation system, and a controller for controlling the movement of the aircraft such that the fixed point is positioned at a selected position above the selected target point on the surface. The controller may also include an automatic tracking mechanism for maintaining the position of the fixed point on the aircraft at the selected position above a moving object.

Abstract: A vehicle safety system includes a motion detecting device, a control module, a positioning module, and a wireless transmitting module. The motion detecting device is configured for sensing the motion of a vehicle and recording corresponding motion data. The control module is configured for analyzing the motion data and judging whether an accident has occurred to the vehicle based upon the analysis. The positioning module is configured for obtaining position coordinates of the vehicle. The wireless transmitting module is configured for automatically making contact with and reporting the position coordinates of the vehicle to a remote service station when an accident has occurred to the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle locator system is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the vehicle locator system includes a vehicle locator/charging unit having a unit microprocessor, a first cell phone circuitry and a first GPS and or RF circuitry connected to the unit microprocessor, a charge plug and a charge port connected to the charge plug; and a cell phone having a cell phone microprocessor, a second cell phone circuitry, a second GPS and or RF circuitry and a display connected to the cell phone microprocessor and a charge port adapted for connection to the charge port of the vehicle locator/charging unit.

Abstract: When searching of a location of a vehicle is commanded, a vehicle search signal is transmitted from a portable device. The vehicle search signal includes an ID code of the portable device. When a vehicle side communication unit receives the valid ID code, the vehicle side communication unit transmits a vehicle side response signal to the portable device. The portable device computes a distance from the portable device to the vehicle based on a signal level of the received vehicle side response signal. A notifying device notifies the computed distance.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for a remote device locating system. The system comprises a first portable wireless device comprising a first manual interface device, the first portable wireless device adapted to transmit a wireless locator signal in response to manipulation of the first manual interface device and a wireless device locator system adapted to receive the wireless locator signal, to adjust the wireless locator signal to create a once-adjusted wireless locator signal, and to transmit the once-adjusted wireless locator signal in response to receiving the wireless locator signal.

Abstract: The map-display-area determining unit determines an area in which a map is to be displayed. The road-information obtaining unit obtains, from map data transmitted from a map-data distributing server, curved-point coordinate information and name information of a traffic route. A map-display-data generating unit determines a display position for each of a character or symbol included in a character/symbol string in the name information so that the character or symbol is positioned along the traffic route without interfering with another character or symbol, and generates map display data for displaying the character or symbol at the determined display position.

Abstract: A method of providing navigational information includes processing destination information spoken by a mobile processing system user. The processed voice information is transmitted to a remote center wirelessly. The processed voice information is voice recognition analyzed to recognize components of die destination information spoken. The remote center generates a list of hypothetical recognized components of the destination information listed by confidence levels. The list of hypothetical recognized components is displayed with confidence levels at the remote center for selective checking by a human data center operator. A component set is selected based on the confidence levels and accuracy of the selected set is confirmed by interactive voice exchanges. A destination is determined from confirmed components of the destination information.

Abstract: An event alert system and method provide event detection modules that communicate detected events with a central command center. The central command center combines the detected events with related data to provide an intelligent response signal, and communicates the intelligent response signal to event responders. The event alert system also provides an event detection module having event sensors able to detect a variety of types of events.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for providing voice-based supplementary information service using road map data. The voice-based supplementary information service system includes a content registration server for receiving content for the voice-based supplementary information service, and converting the content into supplementary information data having voice data format. At least one GPS satellite detects a location of the mobile communication terminal and transmits GPS radio waves, including the location information. A mobile communication terminal receives the location information and requests the road guidance service and the supplementary information service. A relay server relays requests for the road guidance service and the supplementary information service. A road search server generates road map data and transmits the road map data to the relay server. A user management server determines whether the request for the supplementary information service exists in the road map data.

Abstract: An apparatus [100] includes an application layer [205] to present an application behavior specification and a presentation specification. An engine layer [305] receives at least one input corresponding to a proposed modification to at least one of the application behavior specification and the presentation specification. A modality interface layer [215] interprets the at least one input and merges the at least one input into an output. An interaction management layer [210] (a) receives the output; (b) determines permitted modifications to the at least one of the application behavior specification and the presentation specification based on a set of pre-defined rules; and (c) generates a new application by modifying the at least one of the application behavior specification and the presentation specification at run-time based on the permitted modifications.

Abstract: A system and method for transportation vehicle tracking. A method for tracking a vehicle includes receiving information for the vehicle as the vehicle departs a starting location, creating a data record for the vehicle, receiving updated information for the vehicle, updating the data record for the vehicle, and finalizing the data record for the vehicle as the vehicle reaches a final location. The data record is located at a centralized data center and the update information is provided from an intermediate location.

Abstract: There is described a method for preventing vehicle theft, the method comprising embedding multiple signal emitting devices in a vehicle, each one of the signal emitting devices being camouflaged among a part of the vehicle and hidden from view, each one of the signal emitting devices being independent of a power source for the vehicle and adapted to emit a signal actively without prompt at a given tuned frequency, at a given time, and at a given signal strength.

Abstract: A traffic information prediction system, including a traffic information prediction apparatus, of the present invention comprises travel status measuring means for measuring a travel status of a vehicle and accumulating it as travel record information, and traffic information predicting means for predicting traffic information on a route on the basis of the travel record information and statistical traffic information to predict an arrival time to any place on a route containing the destination. The traffic information predicting means compares a traveling trace based on the statistical traffic information and the traveling trace based on the travel record information to calculate the degree of progress of the travel record based on the statistical traffic information, and correct the traveling trace based on the statistical traffic information on the basis of the degree of progress.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking a position of a remote vehicle using a telematics system is provided. The system includes a communication terminal for generating and transmitting a remote position track service request signal, and informing the user of vehicle position information; a service providing center for receiving the remote position track service request signal and transmitting a remote position track service signal, and transmitting the vehicle position information; and a telematics terminal having a GPS (Global Positioning System), and receiving the remote position track service request signal, and detecting a vehicle position using the GPS to generate and transmit the vehicle position information to the service providing center.

Abstract: A mechanism and method for making status reporting devices for container handlers, including: providing a micro-controller module, and installing a program system into memory accessed by a computer directing the micro-controller module. The micro-controller module communicatively couples with means for wirelessly communicating and for sensing a state of the container handler. Means for wirelessly communicating may include means for wirelessly determining container handler location. The micro-controller module may be communicatively coupled to a separate means for determining location. An apparatus making the devices may include a second program system directing the invention's method through a second computer, which may control an assembly device in creating the micro-controller, coupled with the means for sensing and for wirelessly communicating.

Abstract: A system and method in a client device (22) for controlling the power within the client device. The client device has a network access device (30, 130) and a controller (42). The network access device has at least a powered state and a power-off state. The controller provides a time period for operating the network access device in the powered state. The controller determines the time period based on a discontinuous reception parameter obtained from the network access device. The network access device determines whether wireless coverage exists for the network access device and provides an indication thereof wherein the controller switches the network access device to the power-off state if there is an out-of-coverage condition.

Abstract: A remote keyless entry system is provided comprising a handheld remote keyless entry transmitter in selectable wireless communication with a car based entry system. The handheld remote keyless entry transmitter comprises an integrated electronic compass element and logic adapted to store a first compass direction when activated and directed towards a destination. The logic further is adapted to display a return compass direction and a return distance from the car based entry system when activated leaving the destination.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system for generating a street map that includes a position identifier that identifies a location on the street map. The method and system may also generate and display a plurality of images representative of the location of the position identifier. A user may interact with a position identifier or one of several scroll icons to view images of other locations on the street map and/or to obtain driving directions between two locations.

Abstract: A system for managing a fleet of automotive vehicles having a program control circuit. A radio receiver receives radio signals from a remote station and that receiver has an output connected as an input signal to the digital circuit. A key fob having a mechanical button transmits the radio signal to unlock the vehicle associated with the fob. An electromechanical actuator is connected to an output from the control circuit and, upon activation, actuates the fob button to unlock the vehicle. This allows the central station to selectively unlock vehicles at remote locations.

Abstract: A method provides for real-time asset location tracking. An asset in a wide area network, be it a utilities network or a communication network, registers itself with a network management center. The registration process includes identification of a physical location of the asset usable for mapping and tracking the asset.

Abstract: The specification and drawing figures describe and illustrate a system for sensing cargo loads and trailer movement that includes a mobile wireless communications system. A mobile computing platform is mounted on a remote vehicle and operatively connectable across the mobile wireless communications system. Sensor data are collected and stored in the mobile wireless communications system and the mobile computing platform, and may be transmitted across the mobile wireless communications system. At least one program is stored either in the mobile wireless communications system or the mobile computing platform, or both, for using the sensor data to determine equipment use, placement, and positioning in relation to a vehicle and sending one or more sensitivity reports to the asset manager.

Abstract: A vehicle position determination system for determining the position of a moving vehicle in a multi-lane roadway. Two or more roadway antennas each periodically transmit an identifier that is associated with and unique to the antenna to a transponder located in the moving vehicle. As the moving vehicle passes through the coverage zone of the antennas, the transponder counts the number of times that it receives each unique identifier and reports this information to a roadside controller. Based on this information, the roadside controller can determine a probable location of the moving vehicle. The vehicle location information can be provided to an imaging system to discriminate between transponder and non-transponder equipped vehicles.

Abstract: Methods of managing a location of a mobile terminal include obtaining a position of the mobile terminal, estimating a distance from the mobile terminal to a destination point, generating an estimated time for the mobile terminal to reach the destination point, and generating an alert if the estimated time for the mobile terminal to reach the destination point reaches a threshold time. Related mobile terminals are also disclosed.

Abstract: A control unit 10 detects the presence/absence of receiving position information based on the position data provided from a GPS receiver 14. While the GPS receiver 14 is supplying no position data, the control unit 10 computes the travel distance of a vehicle according to a vehicle speed pulse signal input from a vehicle speed pulse input unit 18. When the obtained travel distance exceeds a predetermined distance, the control unit 10 determines abnormal reception due to faulty equipment. The predetermined distance is set in advance based on a reception disability area, etc. When the control unit 10 determines abnormal reception due to faulty equipment, it turns on an orange indicator. Thus, the person in the vehicle can recognize the abnormal reception due to faulty equipment.

Abstract: Method, fob, and system suitable for use in directing a user to the vehicle. The direction being determined as a function of GPS coordinates determined with GPS units on a fob and vehicle. The GPS unit being activated in coordination with each other such that the GPS coordinates associated with the same are commonly inaccurate.

Abstract: A wireless device for facilitating for GPS-based asset tracking via a wireless communications network and a centralized management system. The wireless device includes dynamically configurable event profiles which allow the wireless device to be dynamically reconfigured and to perform certain actions based on a dynamically configurable combination of received events.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for automated notification systems. One representative method, among others, comprises the following steps: during a communication session with a personal communications device, determining a location of the personal communications device, and identifying a mobile thing to travel to the determined location or another location for a pickup or delivery, based upon the determined location. A representative system, among others, comprises a computer or other automated system that is programmed to perform the foregoing steps.

Abstract: Methods and systems for indicating the location of a vehicle to a user are provided. An alert is generated with a device onboard the vehicle when a distance between an electronic device and the vehicle is less than a predetermined distance. A property of the alert is varied to indicate the location of the vehicle to the user.

Abstract: ABSTRACT An end of train unit includes a positioning system such as a GPS receiver and is configured to transmit a message including the EOT unit's location when the EOT unit detects a loss of air pipe pressure and/or it is tipped over and/or a low battery condition is detected. In highly preferred embodiments, the EOT unit periodically re-transmits the message until an acknowledgment message is received. In some embodiments, information from the positioning system is used to create a signal as a substitute for a motion sensor. In other embodiments, information from the positioning system is used to determine the speed of the end of the train. End of train unit tracking is also performed.