Abstract: Provided is a terminal device and the like that can switch a mode of operation as a terminal device in relation to an on-board device to which the terminal device is attached. A terminal device T that is attached to an attachment target device M and that communicates with the attachment target device M comprises a switching means 1 that switches a mode of operation of the terminal device T on the basis of a state of attachment to the attachment target device M and a state of communication with the attachment target device M.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel and unique system and method for cross channel in-vehicle identification of media, source, and consumption measurement and analysis. Real-time measurement and analysis of all applicable forms of media that a driver or passenger may consume inside of an automobile can be achieved.

Abstract: A method for reporting in vehicle media consumption and user interaction with a vehicle. The method including receiving raw data of media and vehicle usage of a vehicle by a platform device, the platform device including storage, operation controls, a microprocessor, a memory component, I/O inputs and outputs and an operating system installed and running thereon; processing the raw data to remove at least one obfuscation function to anonymize at least a portion of a personally identifiable information; and producing a report with the processed raw data relating to the user interaction vehicle and the media content.

Abstract: This application relates to amplifier circuits for amplifying an audio signal. An amplifier circuit (100) has a voltage regulator (201) for outputting a supply voltage to an amplifier (104). An output capacitor (103) coupled to an output node of the voltage regulator. The voltage regulator is operable in a voltage-control mode to maintain the output voltage (VS) at a nominal output voltage and in current-control mode to limit the input current drawn to exceed a defined limit. A controller (301) is operable in a first mode to define the nominal output voltage so as not to exceed a first voltage magnitude and in a second mode to define the nominal output voltage to be equal to a second, higher, voltage magnitude.

Abstract: This application relates to amplifier circuits for amplifying an audio signal. An amplifier circuit (100) has a voltage regulator (201) for outputting a supply voltage to an amplifier (104). An output capacitor (103) coupled to an output node of the voltage regulator. The voltage regulator is operable in a voltage-control mode to maintain the output voltage (VS) at a nominal output voltage and in current-control mode to limit the input current drawn to exceed a defined limit. A controller (301) is operable in a first mode to define the nominal output voltage so as not to exceed a first voltage magnitude and in a second mode to define the nominal output voltage to be equal to a second, higher, voltage magnitude.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring and analyzing in vehicle media consumption and user interaction with a vehicle through an in vehicle entertainment system located in the vehicle. The in vehicle entertainment system receives media content. The method and system monitors both the media content and user interaction with the vehicle with content and interaction measurement software stored in the storage of the head unit of the vehicle as a module on the in vehicle entertainment system. The content measurement software directly records data relative to the media content being played or user interaction, in real time, as a data set and transmits the data set relative to the media content being played and user interaction to at least one immutable distributed ledger. The data set includes at least the local time of the start of the media content or the user interaction and is hashed.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel and unique system and method for cross channel in-vehicle identification of media, source, and advertisement consumption measurement and analysis. Real-time measurement and analysis of all applicable forms of media that a driver or passenger may consume inside of an automobile can be achieved. This includes real time measurement and analysis of advertisement effectiveness for a large number of users across a specified region.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel and unique system and method for cross channel in-vehicle media consumption measurement and analysis. Real-time measurement and analysis of all applicable forms of media that a driver or passenger may consume inside of an automobile can be achieved. This includes stored media such as DVDs, streaming media, internet video (including OTT programming), broadcast television utilizing ATSC 3.

Abstract: This application relates to amplifier circuits for amplifying an audio signal. An amplifier circuit (100) has a voltage regulator (201) for outputting a supply voltage to an amplifier (104). An output capacitor (103) coupled to an output node of the voltage regulator. The voltage regulator is operable in a voltage-control mode to maintain the output voltage (VS) at a nominal output voltage and in current-control mode to limit the input current drawn to exceed a defined limit. A controller (301) is operable in a first mode to define the nominal output voltage so as not to exceed a first voltage magnitude and in a second mode to define the nominal output voltage to be equal to a second, higher, voltage magnitude.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel and unique system and method for cross channel in-vehicle identification of media, source and, consumption measurement and analysis. Real-time measurement and analysis of all applicable forms of media that a driver or passenger may consume inside of an automobile can be achieved.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for providing for intelligent switching of languages and/or pronunciations in a text-to-speech system. As the system receives text, the text is analyzed to identify portions which should have speech constructed using a pronunciation distinct from the remaining portions of the text. The text-to-speech system uses multiple pronunciation dictionaries to generate and produce speech corresponding to the text, where the identified portions of the text are in a different language or have a different accent from the remainder of the text. Having generated speech corresponding to the text in multiple languages, accents, or dialects, the system combines the portions, then communicates the speech to the text recipient.

Abstract: Methods, systems, devices and/or apparatus relate to vehicle media and communications systems and/or providing communications network and/or satellite network access in a vehicle. Specifically, the disclosed methods, systems, devices and/or apparatus relate to providing access to data, communications and/or satellites using a modular vehicle media and communications system.

Abstract: A communication system where first and second devices communicate concurrently and bidirectionally over a single wire and a ground. The second device can be a computing device having a powered component which requires a certain power output, for instance, and the first device may be a power supply unit. The second device provides a signal on a control line (the single wire) which is characterized by a frequency, pulse width, duty cycle and/or an amplitude which is associated with a message from the second device. The first device recognizes the message in the signal and invokes a corresponding function, such as by enabling a corresponding power supply. The power supply provides power to the second device via a separate power line. Further, the first device modifies the signal, without adding power, to provide a message from the first device, concurrent with the message from the second device.

Abstract: A frequency switching terminal is provided to input a signal for switching frequencies of a reception circuit. A smart ECU is connected to the frequency switching terminal via a connection cable. When the signal for switching the frequencies is inputted into an external input terminal of the reception circuit from the smart ECU via the frequency switching terminal, the reception circuit receives a first electric wave transmitted from a portable terminal for smart entry. In contrast, when the signal for switching the frequencies is not inputted into the external input terminal of the reception circuit from the smart ECU via the frequency switching terminal, the reception circuit receives a second electric wave transmitted from a tire sensor.

Abstract: A system and method for playing back digital satellite audio and video signals includes storing a file on a storage device associated with the satellite receiver 54. The file is communicated to a file playback device such as a mobile receiver 28 from the storage device. The file is played back using the mobile receiving device 28.

Abstract: An apparatus for wirelessly connecting a smartphone to a remote FM radio system, for controlling playback of audio content delivered wirelessly to the smartphone via a wide area network, on the remote FM radio system. An apparatus housing receives a DC power signal from a remote DC power source. A control panel has a display and controls for controlling playback of the audio content on the remote FM radio system, at least one of the controls performing a function in common with a playback control appearing on a display of the smartphone. An electronic subsystem communicates with the control panel and wirelessly receives audio content from the smartphone, and communicates the audio content as an FM signal via a user playback command input at the controls of the control panel, to the remote FM radio system.

Abstract: A system for searching stored audio data is described. The system includes a memory configured to store audio data received from a radio receiver and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive a search pattern, search the stored audio data for the search pattern, and provide audio data based on the search.

Abstract: A system for searching stored audio data is described. The system includes a memory configured to store audio data received from a radio receiver and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive a search pattern, search the stored audio data for the search pattern, and provide audio data based on the search.

Abstract: A remotely provisioned proxy within a wireless/mobile phone that proxies a wireless communication path between a disconnected piconet (e.g., BLUETOOTH™) device and a network resource such as a universal resource locator (URL) via a mating mobile phone. Thus, an application proxy module embodied within the mobile phone provides managed access of a piconet device connected to the mating mobile phone to remote services. A disconnected piconet device uses the full data bandwidth available to a wireless phone, without the need for the disconnected piconet device to include its own separate wireless front end, or to require use of a modem within the mobile phone. Thus, using a mobile phone with application proxy, the user need not pay for the luxury of a tethered data plan.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a process and a system for wireless transmission of infotainment components between an in-vehicle network in a vehicle and a network external to the vehicle, the in-vehicle network having a reception readiness state and an idle state and by way of a remote control of the vehicle can be shifted from the idle state to the reception readiness state. Furthermore the invention relates to a remote control for transmission of a prompt signal, the in-vehicle network by actuating an actuating element of the remote control shifting the in-vehicle network into the reception readiness state, by which infotainment components can be received from a network external to the vehicle.

Abstract: An in-vehicle hands-free apparatus transfers, from a cellular phone to the hands-free apparatus, information regarding all the e-mails received from a communication network and stored in the cellular phone, right after the connection of a Bluetooth (BT) communication channel between the cellular phone and the hands-free apparatus. Thus, received e-mails that are received by the cellular phone from the communication network during a BT communication channel disconnection time can be synchronized between the cellular phone and the in-vehicle hands-free apparatus, thereby allowing the user to handle, on the hands-free apparatus, the received e-mails that have been received by the cellular phone while the BT communication channel is absent between the cellular phone and the hands-free apparatus.

Abstract: An analog broadcast playing system includes a monopole antenna, a feeding apparatus and a multimedia player device. The monopole antenna has a radiating unit and a grounding unit. The feeding apparatus includes a first feeding unit and a second feeding unit. The first feeding unit is coupled to an inner conductor of a coaxial cable for feeding a multimedia signal transmitted by the coaxial cable to the radiating unit. The second feeding unit is coupled to a conducting mesh of the coaxial cable for connecting to the grounding unit. The multimedia player device is coupled to the radiating unit for demodulating and playing the multimedia signal.

Abstract: A method of communicatively coupling a handheld mobile device and a head unit comprising monitoring, by the handheld mobile device, a port of the handheld mobile device; sending, by the handheld mobile device, an application to the head unit when the head unit device contacts the handheld mobile device via the port of the handheld mobile device; and conducting, by the handheld mobile device, an operation of the handheld mobile device, using the head unit device as the user interface for the handheld mobile device.

Abstract: A data transmission circuit transmitting an activation signal prior to a data signal through a signal transmission line, including: an activation detection signal generation unit for generating an activation detection signal by detecting the activation signal; and a wakeup signal generation unit for being activated by the activation detection signal, and generating a wakeup signal by detecting that the activation signal is transmitted for a predetermined time.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing alerts to end users of networked enabled portable devices are provided so that the end users are made aware when broadcast emergency alerts are issued. In various embodiments, a portable device is enabled to receive information about an emergency alert broadcast of which the user should be aware, e.g., from the EAS, and to notify the user of the emergency alert. The user can be automatically taken to the emergency alert information by having the portable device automatically tune to the emergency broadcast information, the user can optionally retrieve the emergency information by tuning to the emergency broadcast channel, and/or the user can otherwise be presented with a reference to the emergency data, such as a link to the information.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus for a monopole antenna having a radiating unit and a grounding unit is for transmitting a multimedia signal to a multimedia player device coupled to the radiating unit. The feeding apparatus includes a first feeding unit coupled to an inner conductor of a coaxial cable for feeding the multimedia signal transmitted by the coaxial cable to the radiating unit, and a second feeding unit coupled to a conducting mesh of the coaxial cable for connecting to the grounding unit.

Abstract: A radio opaque container for communication devices upon a vehicle has a bottom joined to four walls, a pivoting lid sealing upon the walls, a connector from the container to a vehicle, a locking mechanism keeping the lid closed, and circuitry between the locking mechanism and the vehicle that engages the locking mechanism only when the vehicle's electrical system is on. In an emergency, the contents within the container remain available to a vehicle operator but the container opens only when vehicle's electrical power has been turned off. The container forms at least one faraday cage around the contents and prevents equipment placed therein from activating and distracting a vehicle operator. In an alternate embodiment, the container includes a shelf therein.

Abstract: A selective cell phone text messaging function disabling system prevents a vehicle occupant from text messaging while driving. Other occupants of the vehicle can text message using their cell phones. The driver's cell phone text messaging functionality is turned off by a signal broadcasting system as the driver enters the vehicle through the driver-side door. When the driver exits the vehicle through the driver-side door, the cell phone resumes its texting capability, preserving text messaging functionality while the driver is not operating the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing alerts to end users of networked enabled portable devices are provided so that the end users are made aware when broadcast emergency alerts are issued. In various embodiments, a portable device is enabled to receive information about an emergency alert broadcast of which the user should be aware, e.g., from the EAS, and to notify the user of the emergency alert. The user can be automatically taken to the emergency alert information by having the portable device automatically tune to the emergency broadcast information, the user can optionally retrieve the emergency information by tuning to the emergency broadcast channel, and/or the user can otherwise be presented with a reference to the emergency data, such as a link to the information.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing alerts to end users of networked enabled portable devices are provided so that the end users are made aware when broadcast emergency alerts are issued. In various embodiments, a portable device is enabled to receive information about an emergency alert broadcast of which the user should be aware, e.g., from the EAS, and to notify the user of the emergency alert. The user can be automatically taken to the emergency alert information by having the portable device automatically tune to the emergency broadcast information, the user can optionally retrieve the emergency information by tuning to the emergency broadcast channel, and/or the user can otherwise be presented with a reference to the emergency data, such as a link to the information.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for receiving an incoming radio frequency (RF) signal in a receiver, estimating a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of a constant modulus (CM) signal in the incoming RF signal based on a calculated magnitude of the incoming RF signal, and indicating presence of a modulated signal in the incoming RF signal if the estimated SNR is greater than a threshold.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to techniques and technologies for providing mobile wireless broadband coverage. In one implementation, Wireless Wide Area Broadband (WWAB) network elements are provided in a Vehicular Area Network (VAN) that also includes a Mobile Network Controller (MNC). The WWAB network elements in the VAN include at least one WWAB base station (BS). A mobility protocol tunnel is provided between a Mobility Management Server (MMS) and the MNC to make mobility of the WWAB network elements in the VAN transparent to the WWAB network elements in the fixed infrastructure. The WWAB BS and the MNC can allow a WWAB-enabled mobile station (MS) to connect to WWAB network elements in the fixed infrastructure.

Abstract: A remote controlling system is disclosed. An infrared remote controller generates a first serial signal containing a command corresponding to a user's operation and outputs the first serial signal by infrared communication. A radio remote controller generates a code signal containing a key number corresponding to a user's operation and outputs the code signal by radio communication. An electronic device includes a light receiving section, a radio receiving section, a selecting section, and a controlling section.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for the analysis of one or more diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and for the scheduling of vehicle service appointments based at least in part on the DTC analysis. The method involves analyzing the received DTCs to determine an underlying problem. Once the underlying problem is determined, the parts and estimated repair time needed to repair the problem is determined. In one approach, the selection of the proposed slot for the service appointment involves coordinating numerous factors, such as the availability of needed parts, the user's scheduling preferences, and the availability of slots in the dealer's service schedule.

Abstract: A satellite radio system may include at least one computing device configured to receive a transaction date associated with a vehicle, to determine a preactivation duration based on the date, and to determine whether the preactivation duration exceeds a predetermined time period. The at least one computing device may be further configured to initiate the transmission of deactivation information for a satellite radio module in the vehicle if the preactivation duration exceeds the predetermined time period to disable the module from playing satellite broadcast signals.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for targeting broadcast messages to particular vehicles or classes of vehicles. In one embodiment, the system comprises an information center for creating and sending a broadcast data message, and a relay section that receives the broadcast data message and relays the message to a plurality of vehicles. The information center typically comprises a one-to-many communication system for sending the message from one source to a plurality of receivers, such as a satellite radio network or the like. The message can be deleted or modified in response to commands received by the receiver.

Abstract: disclosed are a method of and a system for receiving data on a portable device. The method comprises the steps of providing a portable device having a data modem with active and dormant stages, and a short message service (SMS) capability; receiving a pre-defined SMS message and in response thereto, switching said data modem from said dormant stage to said active stage; and thereafter, receiving data through said data modem. The preferred embodiment of the invention uses a cellular PDA type device that can receive phone calls and Short Message Service (SMS) type messages even when the data modem of the PDA is not engaged. In this preferred embodiment, a special SMS message is sent from a back-end server infrastructure of a computer network to the PDA device to tell that device to “wake up” and connect to the network.

Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for transmission or reception of FM signals utilizing a DDFS clocked by an RFID PLL are provided. In this regard, one or more signals utilized to transmit or receive FM communication may be generated by clocking a DDFS via a signal generated to enable RFID communication. The DDFS may be controlled via a control word from a processor. In this regard, the control word may determine a frequency and/or phase of the signals output by the DDFS. The control word may be switched between two or more values to generate different frequencies and/or phases in different time intervals. Additionally, the control word may be adjusted to maintain a constant phase and/or frequency in spite of changes to the signal clocking the DDFS.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for providing vehicle settings to a telematics unit in a mobile vehicle that includes receiving a vehicle settings update signal at a call center from the telematics unit and sending vehicle settings from the call center to the telematics unit. The method may additionally include implementing the vehicle settings in the mobile vehicle. The method may further include sending an update flag signal from the call center to the telematics unit. The method may additionally include receiving at least one user preference at the call center via a web portal interface. The step of receiving at least one user preference may further include sending an update flag signal from the call center to the telematics unit responsive to receiving the at least one user preference at the call center via the web portal interface.

Abstract: An in-vehicle entertainment method includes playing through an in-vehicle audio component a received program content broadcast from a remote location; and receiving, during the playing of the received program content, a user input selecting an identifier. The selected identifier is associated with an electronic device remote from the vehicle. The method further includes transmitting, from the vehicle to the electronic device during the playing of the received program content, an alert identifying the received program content, a channel from which the received program content is playing, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A transmission ECU on a transmission side and reception ECUs on a reception side are connected through communication lines and junction connectors. A delay circuit is provided in each of the junction connectors on the side of the reception ECUs. One end of the delay circuit is connected to the communication line on the side of the transmission ECU and the other end of the same is connected to the communication line on the side of the reception ECU. The communication lines on the both ends of the delay circuit are grounded through termination resistors.

Abstract: A system and method for filtering Program Service Name (“PSN”) data includes a processor, an antenna in communication with the processor, a display device in communication with the processor, and a memory unit in communication with the processor. The memory unit contains instruction executable by the processor to configure the processor to receive a signal from a wireless source via the antenna, the signal having PSN data, determine if the PSN data is a static PSN or a slowly updated PSN, and display the PSN data on the display device if the PSN data is a static PSN or a slowly updated PSN.

Abstract: A system for mounting in a vehicle and for reproducing an image at least partially generated by a remote source and shown on a display of the remote source is provided. The system includes a display interface for providing a signal to the display. The system further includes a communications device for mounting in the vehicle and for communicating with the remote source, the communications device configured to receive the image from the remote source. The system yet further includes a processing system operatively coupled to the communications device and the display interface, the processing system configured to provide a representation of the image to the display interface. The system yet further includes a memory device communicably coupled to the processing system and including computer code for controlling the communications device so that the representation of the image provided to the display interface is updated to reflect new images generated and shown on the remote source.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mixer comprising: a switching circuit, having a first pair of differential signal nodes and a second pair of differential signal nodes, for switching according to a local oscillation signal; an amplifying stage circuit, for receiving an input signal and amplifying the input signal; a load circuit, for serving as the loading of the mixer and generating an output signal of the mixer; a common-mode feedback circuit, for receiving the output signal and generating a feedback signal according to the output signal; a first current source, for receiving the feedback signal and generating a first current according to the feedback signal; and a second current source, for receiving the feedback signal and generating a second current according to the feedback signal.

Abstract: An on-vehicle audio/video system is provided which comprises a controller, a data source and a playing device, wherein the controller comprises at least a first transmitter, and the data source comprises at least a first receiver, a first micro-controller and a second transmitter. The controller comprises at least a first RF transmitter. The data source comprises at least a first RF receiver, a first micro-controller and a second RF transmitter. The playing device comprises at least a second RF receiver. The controller sends an RF control signal to the data source and/or playing device. The first RF receiver in the data source receives the RF control signal and sends the signal to the first micro-controller for processing. The second transmitter transmits data signal and/or control signal to the playing device under the control of the first micro-controller.

Abstract: A method in a portable communication device for displaying information includes encoding data and transmitting the encoded data to a display associated with a vehicle. The encoded data is received by a receiver associated with the display, decoded and displayed.

Abstract: A satellite radio system may include at least one computing device configured to receive a transaction date associated with a vehicle, to determine a preactivation duration based on the date, and to determine whether the preactivation duration exceeds a predetermined time period. The at least one computing device may be further configured to initiate the transmission of deactivation information for a satellite radio module in the vehicle if the preactivation duration exceeds the predetermined time period to disable the module from playing satellite broadcast signals.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for targeting broadcast messages to particular vehicles or classes of vehicles. In one embodiment, the system comprises an information center for creating and sending a broadcast data message, and a relay section that receives the broadcast data message and relays the message to a plurality of vehicles. The information center typically comprises a one-to-many communication system for sending the message from one source to a plurality of receivers, such as a satellite radio network or the like. The message can be deleted or modified in response to commands received by the receiver.

Abstract: An aspect of the invention provides a method for providing satellite radio service in a vehicle. A satellite radio may be activated before a customer purchases the vehicle. The satellite radio may remain active until it receives a deactivation signal.

Abstract: An audio-visual presentation system delivering a presentation to a vehicle passenger compartment is provided that includes a video display mounted external to a vehicle passenger compartment and viewable from within the compartment. A controller provides a video signal to the display and an audio signal. The audio signal is broadcast by an antenna coupled to the controller as a radio frequency is received by a vehicle radio and discernable to a vehicle sound system. The audio-visual presentation system is particularly well suited as a method of education and sale regarding vehicle service products. Rather than providing a discernable audio signal through a vehicle sound system, it is appreciated that a portable radio set is readily placed within a vehicle passenger compartment or the audio signal delivered via a wireless network.