Abstract: Messaging between an ultra-tag and external microcontroller. In an embodiment, a transmitting device is communicatively connected to a receiving device by a clear-to-communicate line and request line. When data to be transmitted has normal priority, the transmitting device detects whether the clear-to-communicate line indicates that the receiving device is available, indicates a request to transmit on the request line if so, waits until the receiving device is available and then indicates a request to transmit on the request line if not, after indicating a request to transmit, transmits the data when the clear-to-communicate line indicates that the receiving device is unavailable, and, after transmitting the data, releases the indication of the request to transmit on the request line. On the other hand, when the data has high priority, the transmitting device indicates a request to transmit on the request line, regardless of an indication on the clear-to-communicate line.

Abstract: Among serial communication systems between vehicle-mounted communication units, a serial communication system for improving use efficiency of a communication bandwidth in a communication standard LIN has been required. In order to solve this problem, in a serial communication system of LIN, a response of a master node as a write request transmitted from the master node to a slave node and a response of the slave node transmitted from the slave node to the master node are combined into a time base, and a certain period for receiving a response from the slave node is provided after the write request from the master node.

Abstract: One illustrative system disclosed herein includes a computing device in communication with a sensor configured to detect a display device near the sensor, the computing device, or within a field of view of a user of the computing device. The sensor can also be configured to transmit a signal associated with the display device to a processor in communication with the sensor. The processor is configured to determine an availability of the display device to display or output content (e.g., texts, images, sounds, videos, etc.) and a location of the display device based on the signal. The processor is also configured to determine a haptic effect based on the availability and the location of the display device and transmit a haptic signal associated with the haptic effect. The illustrative system also includes a haptic output device configured to receive the haptic signal and output the haptic effect.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sliding method and device for tuning radio stations and, more particularly, to the sliding method and device using the car audio touch panel for tuning radio stations and fine tuning frequency by the finger. The device includes a radio module, a CPU and a touch panel. The touch panel includes a touch operation area and a frequency display area. By the device consisted of the above components, a control method is provided to tune radio station and fine tune frequency by using the sliding directions of the finger.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing distinctive vibration alerts are described herein. In different aspects, the methods may include sensing an event and determining a corresponding vibration definition for the event based on one or more properties of the event. The methods also include providing the corresponding vibration definition. The methods then further include producing mechanical vibrations of the device based on the vibration definition.

Abstract: In one implementation, a receiver may have an analog front end with an amplifier to receive a radio frequency (RF) signal and a mixer to downconvert the signal to a baseband signal. Then, a demodulator may receive the baseband signal and obtain an audio signal therefrom. Still further, a controller may be coupled to receive a control signal corresponding to a variable impedance level, and control a local oscillator coupled to the mixer responsive to the control signal. The variable impedance may be controlled by a user to tune to the channel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering at least one signal of interest are provided. The method includes receiving an overall signal, the overall signal including the at least one signal of interest and a plurality of other signals, identifying at least one of the strongest components of the plurality of other signals, attenuating, using at least one MEMS resonator, any of the components identified by the identifying, wherein the overall signal will be modified to include the at least one signal of interest, attenuated versions of the components identified by the identifying, and the remaining portions of the plurality of other signals that were not subject to the attenuating, and recovering, after the attenuating, the at least one signal of interest.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing distinctive vibration alerts are described herein. In different aspects, the methods may include sensing an event and determining a corresponding vibration definition for the event based on one or more properties of the event. The methods also include providing the corresponding vibration definition. The methods then further include producing mechanical vibrations of the device based on the vibration definition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a large capacity, user defined audio content delivery system. The system delivers uninterrupted music and delivers information content (e.g., news by evaluating and encoding an input audio stream while outputting another stream. Undesirable audio content (e.g., advertisements and unwanted news) are not present in the output audio stream as only desired portions of information content are stored for playback on demand. The invention also includes a user interface that is simple enough to facilitate utilization of the audio system in an automobile and employs standard hardware available in typical computing and/or personal digital assistant equipment. Additionally, the audio system can be portable (e.g., as portable as a personal digital assistant) and can be updated in real time or off line via a personal computer.

Abstract: A device for organizing a menu in a mobile communication terminal. The device comprises a control unit for dynamically generating and deleting a plurality of menu planes according to a user's setting, each plane including at least one menu item; a control unit for providing a mechanism of multi-dimensional navigation between the generated menu planes; and a display unit for receiving the menu planes from the control unit and displaying the received menu planes under control of the control unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a human-machine interface where control is achieved without the use of buttons. By providing multiple knobs, the audio system maximizes functionality while minimizing cost and space requirements. Each knob is capable of two selection modes: a first selection mode provided by rotating the knob and a second selection mode provided by depressing the knob. The two selection modes correspond to ergonomic selection pairs for controlling the audio system. The reduced area required for controls allows for a larger display area; which provides the user with a more attractive display that can convey more information. When a change in a status, through knob manipulation is sensed by the audio system, the display automatically provides a menu that corresponds to the ergonomic pair assigned to that knob. The automated switching of menus minimizes navigation between screens, while providing full manipulation of that audio system function using a single knob control.

Abstract: Multiple input signal sources in predetermined frequency bands are each applied to block frequency converters. Each block frequency converter frequency converts an input signal to one of a plurality of predetermined frequency bands. A crosspoint switch is configured to route the frequency converted input signals at one of the plurality of predetermined frequency bands to any one of a plurality of available band translation devices. Each of the band translation devices is configured to frequency convert the signal from a first predetermined frequency band to a second predetermined frequency band. Output signals from one or more band translation devices can be combined into a composite signal.

Abstract: A graphics selecting device for selecting a graphic on a display screen by button operation is arranged so as to include button associating means (103) for associating a plurality of buttons (102) with a plurality of graphic elements to be selected, such as apexes, edges, and planes; button operation sensing means (105) for sensing an operation on the plurality of buttons (102); and graphic element selecting means (106) for selecting one of the graphic elements that is associated by the button associating means (103) with one or more of the buttons whose operation is sensed by the button operation sensing means (105).

Abstract: A method for tuning a cavity filter is provided. The cavity filter includes a plurality of tuning members. The method includes selecting a stored set of positional values for the tuning members, driving the tuning members of the cavity filter to the stored set of positional values, and further adjusting the position of the tuning members as necessary to achieve a desired frequency response for the cavity filter.

Abstract: Operator interaction with electrical systems is facilitated by providing electromechanical control devices, which have switch buttons, rotary knobs or the like, with flat panel displays that convey information pertaining to the controls that can be changed instantly by a display controller. The display may identify the function of the control, the current setting, create calibration marks or provide other graphics. The images change automatically if the same control is used for multiple functions. In one form of the invention, the display screen has openings in the image area and the controls extend through and protrude from the screen enabling display of graphics in close proximity to the controls. In another form, the settings of controls which are secured to the face of a display screen are optically or magnetically detected by sensors located behind the screen.