With Vehicle Patents (Class 455/345)
  • Patent number: 11889402
    Abstract: A first device may dynamically switch a proximity detection point from a second device, conducting an on-going call via a device identifier, to the first device. The first device may receive a proximity detection signal or an indication of a loss of a proximity detection signal from the second device, wherein the first device and the second device are associated with the device identifier. The first device may receive, from a network, another indication of the on-going call being conducted by the second device and may provide, to the network, a call origination request to pull the on-going call based on the proximity detection signal or the indication and based on the other indication of the on-going call. The first device may connect with the on-going call based on the call origination request and may conduct the on-going call via the first device rather than the second device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventor: Muhammad Salman Nomani
  • Patent number: 11884206
    Abstract: Systems and methods of collision detection are provided which combine the concept of collaborative support with common/existing in-vehicle imaging and proximity sensor technologies. In particular, an “intermediary” vehicle may signal one or more objects (e.g. other vehicles, pedestrians, etc.) which are within the line of sight of the intermediary vehicle (and thus its imaging and proximity sensors), but not within the line of sight of each other, to a potential collision between the two objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Derek S. Caveney
  • Patent number: 11840144
    Abstract: A deployable rollable display for a vehicle includes a vehicle component having at least one surface. A guide track is provided in the at least one surface. A screen deployment member is selectively shiftable through the at least one surface and along the guide track. A rollable display is spooled onto the screen deployment member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Joseph F. Szczerba, Ki Hyun Ahn
  • Patent number: 11736929
    Abstract: A vehicle system includes a portable terminal and an in-vehicle device. The portable terminal is configured to perform short-range wireless communication. The in-vehicle device is configured to locate the portable terminal based on a reception strength. The portable terminal includes a transmission unit configured to change a channel among channels. A reception strength selection unit of the in-vehicle device is configured to select a particular number of reception strengths for consecutive ones of the channels. A terminal locator unit of the in-vehicle device is configured to prioritize a largest reception strength to locate the portable terminal based on the reception strength. An upper limit of the particular number is set to be higher as an interval for transmitting information from the antenna to the in-vehicle device is shorter, and a lower limit of the particular number is set based on a multipath reduction effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryozou Fujii, Nobuyasu Okabe
  • Patent number: 11597334
    Abstract: A console assembly having a hood and a shroud. The hood has one or more base mounting points configured for installation to a vehicle body structure, and one or more accessory mounting points spaced from and rigidly connected to the one or more base mounting points. The shroud defines an enclosed volume, and is configured to install over the hood, with the one or more base mounting points contained within the enclosed volume, and the one or more accessory mounting points located outside the enclosed volume. When the hood is attached to the vehicle body structure and the shroud is installed over the hood, the hood is configured to convey respective loads applied to the one or more accessory mounting points to the one or more base mounting points independently of the shroud. A hood assembly and a method for installing a console assembly are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Havis, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Telesco, Joseph Bernert, Christopher Bernert, Adam Carriere, Samuel Legg
  • Patent number: 11556486
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an interface circuit adapted to couple the apparatus to a serial bus, a slot counter, and a processor. The slot counter may be configured to monitor a radio frequency coexistence management cycle that includes a plurality of time slots. The processor may be configured to transmit a first datagram through the interface circuit during a first time slot in the plurality of time slots. The apparatus may be uniquely permitted to initiate transactions over the serial bus during the first time slot. The processor may be further configured to participate in an arbitration procedure during a second time slot in the plurality of time slots. More than one device coupled to the serial bus may be permitted to initiate transactions in the second time slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Mohit Kishore Prasad, Lalan Jee Mishra, Richard Dominic Wietfeldt
  • Patent number: 11431176
    Abstract: A system and method for providing power to a vehicle is disclosed. The system can include a plurality of parallel module converter modules (“modules”) each capable of supplying a predetermined electrical load. The plurality of parallel module converter modules can be networked to form a parallel module converter (“converter”) for prioritizing and allocating each electrical load to one or more parallel module converter modules. Each module can include an internal protection controller and a logic controller. The individual modules can provide power to various loads in the vehicle either alone, or in concert with other modules. The system can enable fewer power controllers to be used, saving weight and time. The controllers in the system can also be utilized at a higher level reducing unnecessary redundancy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Adam J. Winstanley, Eugene V. Solodovnik, Kamiar J. Karimi, Shengyi Liu, Lijun Gao, Matthew J. Krolak
  • Patent number: 11295753
    Abstract: When the noise in an audio signal made up of both speech and noise is suppressed, the quality of the speech in the audio signal is usually degraded. The speech obtained from a noise-suppressed audio signal is improved by determining linear predictive coding (LPC) characteristics of the audio signal without or prior to noise suppression and by determining the LPC characteristics of the noise-suppressed audio. The convolution of those differing characteristics provides an improved-quality speech signal, with the original noise level reduced or suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Bijal Joshi
  • Patent number: 11198389
    Abstract: A method includes receiving, with one or more processors, biometric information of a first user. The method also includes determining, with the one or more processors, whether there is an indication that the first user is distracted based on the biometric information. The method further includes receiving, with the one or more processors, vehicle speed information. The method also includes determining, with the one or more processors, whether there is an indication that the first user is driving based on the vehicle speed information. The method further includes in response to determining that the first user is distracted and that the first user is driving, instructing, with the one or more processors, a mobile device associated with the first user to contact a second user or a call center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
    Inventors: Rachel Csabi, Matthew T. Flachsbart, Pooja Krishnaswamy, Nils Griswold-Steiner, Luis Eduardo Santana, Bradly Jay Billman
  • Patent number: 11109134
    Abstract: A microphone assembly includes a shaft element that is configured to be received in an opening defined by a base substrate layer of a headliner. The shaft element defines an air path. The microphone assembly includes a microphone element mounted on a circuit board within a housing. The microphone element is aligned with the air path such that the air path directs sound from the cabin to the microphone element. A vehicle cabin side of the headliner is covered by an acoustically transparent layer such that the microphone assembly is not visible within the vehicle cabin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Harman Becker Automotive Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Marco Salvatore Riemann, Darin Krajewski, Marian Avram, Viktor Dobos
  • Patent number: 10962652
    Abstract: A mobile computer may determine it is located in a vehicle or a conveyance based on a measured distance, satellite related positioning information, and a touch input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Harry Vartanian, Jaron Jurikson-Rhodes
  • Patent number: 10897671
    Abstract: A 5 GHz multichannel lossless wireless audio system, having a transmitter (1) and multiple receivers (2), the transmitter (1) consists of a main signal processing portion (11), a 5G wireless transmitting portion (12), a first single chip portion (13), a LED indicating and displaying portion (14), and a first power supply portion (15). Each receiver (2) consists of a a 5G wireless receiving portion (21), a digital/analog conversion and power amplifying portion (22), a second single chip portion (23), a LED indicating panel portion (24), and a second power supply portion (25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Inventor: Fengshuo Wang
  • Patent number: 10878787
    Abstract: Methods are provided for adjusting a music output of a vehicle audio system based on driver movements performed while listening to the music. In one embodiment, a music output of a vehicle infotainment system is adjusted responsive to monitored user behavior inside a vehicle, the monitored user behavior manifesting a user mood. In another embodiment, the music output is adjusted based on each of a user mood and a control gesture, wherein both the user mood and the gesture are identified based on user information gathered from vehicle biometric sensors and cameras while music is playing inside the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: HARMAN INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Vallabha Vasant Hampiholi, Arvin Baalu, Sharath Chandrashekar
  • Patent number: 10833716
    Abstract: A docking station having a base, a first maintaining element and a second maintaining element arranged to bear on two opposite edges of a contour of a nomad electronic device received between the first maintaining element and the second maintaining element. The first maintaining element is movable relative to the base to adjust the separation between the first maintaining element and the second maintaining element based on the distance separating the two opposite edges of the nomad electronic device. A visible outer surface of the first maintaining element includes at least one control element and/or at least one device displaying a function of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: FAURECIA INTERIEUR INDUSTRIE
    Inventors: Julien Beauregard, Sergio Da Costa Pito, Christophe Brunard
  • Patent number: 10805448
    Abstract: A transmitter for a car includes a cable, a housing and a mounting member. The housing includes therein a magnetic member, a circuit board, a Bluetooth module, an FM transmitting module, and a control module that are electrically connected to the circuit board. The cable is electrically connected to the circuit board. The mounting member is rotatable with respect to the housing. After the Bluetooth module is connected to the electronic device, the control module is used to receive an audio file transmitted from the electronic device through the Bluetooth module, and process the audio file into audio signals. The control module is further used to transmit the audio signals to the FM transmitting module, and the FM transmitting module is used to transmit the audio signals to a car radio of the car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: SHENZHEN JIEMEISI INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Liyong Wang
  • Patent number: 10796351
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for a cloud based in-vehicle consumer purchase is discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Continental Intelligent Transportation Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Halem, Seval Oz
  • Patent number: 10674306
    Abstract: A mobile computing device that provides location information through directional sound is described herein. The mobile computing device includes a location detection system that provides location signals corresponding to a user location and a destination location, such as a vehicle location or a vertex of a predefined travel route, to a spatial audio generation system to define a spatial audio signal based on a direction from the user location to the destination location. The spatial audio signal is provided to an audio device of the mobile computing device that outputs the spatial audio signal as directional sound having a locus at the destination location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Stephanie Olivia Engle
  • Patent number: 10670411
    Abstract: In one or more embodiments, one or more systems, methods, and/or processes may receive respective service center candidacy information from service center computers; determine that an autonomous vehicle requires service work; determine a pool of service centers that are capable of providing the service work for the autonomous vehicle; select, based at least on a reduction in a utilization of at least one resource, a service center from the pool of service centers; and provide, to the autonomous vehicle computing device associated with the autonomous vehicle, location information of the selected service center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Lyft Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander Thomas Starns
  • Patent number: 10652042
    Abstract: A dual-mode controller may include a communication interface between a handheld electronic device and subsystems on a computing bus or network. The dual-mode controller may operate in a “master mode” when a user directly manipulates the dual-mode controller to communicate with any subsystem(s). In this mode, the dual-mode controller may serve as a master controller and accesses and controls various subsystems on the bus or network (such as engine control subsystems, location positioning systems, navigation systems, sensors and transducers) as a master controller. In a slave mode, the interface may act as an adapter or interface between the handheld device and the subsystems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Keystone Integrations LLC
    Inventors: David Lieberman, Robert Turgeon, Byron Tietjen, Greg Gardella
  • Patent number: 10630503
    Abstract: A dual-mode controller may include a communication interface between a handheld electronic device and subsystems on a computing bus or network. The dual-mode controller may operate in a “master mode” when a user directly manipulates the dual-mode controller to communicate with any subsystem(s). In this mode, the dual-mode controller may serve as a master controller and accesses and controls various subsystems on the bus or network (such as audio/visual subsystems, temperature control subsystems, alarm subsystems, sensors and transducers) as a master controller. In a slave mode, the interface may act as an adapter or interface between the handheld device and the subsystems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Keystone Integrations LLC
    Inventors: David Lieberman, Robert Turgeon, Byron Tietjen, Greg Gardella
  • Patent number: 10630504
    Abstract: A dual-mode controller may include a communication interface between a handheld electronic device and subsystems on a computing bus or network. The dual-mode controller may operate in a “master mode” when a user directly manipulates the dual-mode controller to communicate with any subsystem(s). In this mode, the dual-mode controller may serve as a master controller and accesses and controls various subsystems on the bus or network (such as location positioning subsystems, satellite communication subsystems, emergency rescue beacon subsystems, sensors and transducers) as a master controller. In a slave mode, the interface may act as an adapter or interface between the handheld device and the subsystems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Keystone Integrations LLC
    Inventors: David Lieberman, Robert Turgeon, Byron Tietjen, Greg Gardella
  • Patent number: 10620906
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an apparatus for providing a tactile output associated with an audio output is provided. The apparatus includes an audio controller that is coupled to a plurality of tactile transducers with each tactile transducer being positioned in a seat of a vehicle. The audio controller is configured to receive a command indicative of a desired tactile feedback for a seat of the vehicle, the desired tactile feedback is associated with an audio output that is played back by one or more speakers in the vehicle. The audio controller is further configured to transmit a control signal indicative of the desired tactile feedback to be provided by a tactile transducer in the seat of the vehicle such that the tactile transducer generates the desired tactile feedback at the seat while the one or more speakers in the vehicle playback the audio output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Harman International Industries, Incorporated
    Inventor: Christopher Michael Trestain
  • Patent number: 10506049
    Abstract: A content server provides customized media items to present to a user using vehicle information. The content server receives environmental information, user feedback for presented media items, and vehicle information for an associated vehicle from a client device associated with a user. The client device receives the vehicle information from a vehicle platform of the vehicle. The content server analyzes the environmental information and user feedback to create a user profile for the user. The content server also analyzes the vehicle information to create a vehicle profile for the associated vehicle. Using the user profile and the vehicle profile, the content server selects media items to send to the client device to present to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Pandora Media, LLC
    Inventors: Dave Mitchell, David Przygoda, George Lynch, Devon Cook, Randall McAdory, Dennis Jackson
  • Patent number: 10499239
    Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to access a cellular SIM profile of a portable cellular device connected to a vehicle computer. The processor is also configured to obtain account parameters from the SIM profile, identifying a cellular provider and user account and provide cellular connectivity, using vehicle telematics hardware, through a connection established on the basis of the obtained account parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Oliver Lei, David Joseph Orris, Noorulla Mohammed
  • Patent number: 10499345
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for outputting audio information via both wired and wireless outputs from a in-flight or in-vehicle entertainment system. An audio output device can include a wireless transmitter and an audio output port. A transmission power of the wireless transmitter can be controlled via a processor based on a measured received signal strength indicator (RSSI) level of a connected slave device and a transmission power of the connected slave device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Systems and Software Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Randall Bird, Christopher Healy, Matthew Gledich, Romain Lecomte, Brian Simone
  • Patent number: 10444795
    Abstract: A glass cover plate for a display assembly, a display assembly and a terminal are provided. The glass cover plate includes a displaying region and a periphery region. The displaying region corresponds to a displaying area of the display assembly. A periphery region of the display panel surrounds the displaying region. A first corner portion of the periphery region includes a first information medium window. The first information medium window corresponds to a first electrical element. The present invention makes the display assembly have a higher screen-to-body ratio and prevents notches formed in the display assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: WUHAN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS SEMICONDUCTOR DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Haoran Cao, Pil geun Chun
  • Patent number: 10411909
    Abstract: A dual-mode controller may include a communication interface between a handheld electronic device and subsystems on a computing bus or network. The dual-mode controller may operate in a “master mode” when a user directly manipulates the dual-mode controller to communicate with any subsystem(s). In this mode, the dual-mode controller may serve as a master controller and accesses and controls various subsystems on the bus or network (such as audio/visual subsystems, temperature control subsystems, alarm subsystems, sensors and transducers) as a master controller. In a slave mode, the interface may act as an adapter or interface between the handheld device and the subsystems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Keystone Integrations LLC
    Inventors: David Lieberman, Robert Turgeon, Byron Tietjen, Greg Gardella
  • Patent number: 10408868
    Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a motor drive control device is a motor drive control device performing PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control of a motor, wherein harmonics of a fundamental frequency for PWM control of the motor are included in noise occurring from the motor; the fundamental frequency for PWM control is larger than a frequency corresponding to a bandwidth of a predetermined radio frequency band a communication apparatus uses; and frequencies of continuous harmonic components of the fundamental frequency for PWM control appear before and after the predetermined radio frequency band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: MINEBEA MITSUMI INC.
    Inventors: Shigeki Miyaji, Kazuo Takada, Kei Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 10399544
    Abstract: A vehicle control system for controlling a vehicle based on information from a mobile communication terminal includes an operation restricting portion that restricts operation to the mobile communication terminal, a determination portion that determines a restriction state of the operation to the mobile communication terminal imposed by the operation restricting portion, and a vehicle control portion that controls the vehicle in accordance with the determination of the determination portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takashi Nonaka
  • Patent number: 10374823
    Abstract: A dual-mode controller may include a communication interface between a handheld electronic device and subsystems on a computing bus or network. The dual-mode controller may operate in a “master mode” when a user directly manipulates the dual-mode controller to communicate with any subsystem(s). In this mode, the dual-mode controller may serve as a master controller and accesses and controls various subsystems on the bus or network (such as audio/visual subsystems, temperature control subsystems, alarm subsystems, sensors and transducers) as a master controller. In a slave mode, the interface may act as an adapter or interface between the handheld device and the subsystems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Keystone Integrations LLC
    Inventors: David Lieberman, Robert Turgeon, Byron Tietjen, Greg Gardella
  • Patent number: 10112727
    Abstract: An actuator monitoring and response system is disclosed. Sensor data is received from an inertial measurement unit on a vehicle. An observed attitude and an observed rate of change in attitude of the vehicle is determined based on the sensor data, determine an expected attitude and an expected rate of change in attitude of the vehicle based on a model of a vehicle failure mode, identify a set of one or more malfunctioning actuators based on the observed attitude, the observed rate of change in attitude, the expected attitude, and the expected rate of change in attitude. The processor is further configured to perform a responsive action based on the set of one or more malfunctioning actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Kitty Hawk Corporation
    Inventor: Mark Johnson Cutler
  • Patent number: 10084835
    Abstract: A broadcaster may be configured to use a media protocol to provide a distribution point with a stream. The broadcaster uses a controller configured to implement the media protocol that includes a message class indicating an applicability of a message to a distribution point. The media protocol includes an authentication message structured and arranged to authenticate an establishment of a stream for distribution on the distribution point, a stream configuration message structured and arranged to configure the stream being distributed on the distribution point, a connection message structured and arranged to distribute the stream, and a stream session termination message structured and arranged to terminate a streaming session that has been established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: OATH INC.
    Inventors: Scott K. Brown, Stephen E. Loomis, David L. Biderman
  • Patent number: 10013365
    Abstract: A method for programming a control unit of a motor vehicle, a previous program code executed in the control unit being stored in a memory area, a new program code being written into the control unit, and a check of this new program code being carried out, the program code being executed by the control unit if the new program code is successfully verified in the course of the check, and the previous program code stored in the memory area being written from the memory area into the control unit and the previous program code being executed by the control unit if the new program code is not successfully verified in the course of the check.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Eckart Schlottmann, Udo Schulz, Liem Dang
  • Patent number: 9961745
    Abstract: An illumination apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a lighting device disposed on the vehicle. At least one detection sensor is configured to detect a proximity of an occupant and a controller is configured to identify an approach and a departure of the occupant. The controller is configured to control the lighting device to output a first emission of light in response to the approach and a second emission in response to the departure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Sleiman N. Abdelnour, Stephen Kenneth Helwig
  • Patent number: 9955331
    Abstract: Methods for prioritizing and routing audio signals between consumer electronic devices using wireless communication standards are provided. In one embodiment, a method for prioritizing and routing audio signals between consumer electronic devices includes receiving a device prioritization designation for at least two connectivity technology-enabled devices. The prioritization designation designates a first of the at least two connectivity technology-enabled devices as having a higher priority than another of the at least two connectivity technology-enabled devices. The method further includes connecting with each of the at least two connectivity technology-enabled devices and providing an audio signal to the first of the at least two connectivity technology-enabled devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Robert A Hrabak, Matthew G. Przybylski, Paula J. Vandermuss
  • Patent number: 9955258
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wireless device which is used for receiving and optimizing external music, and has two different embodiments, which mainly comprises a base and an optimizing module, wherein the optimizing module electrically connected to the base. In the first embodiment, the optimizing module further has a receiving unit for receiving external music. In the second embodiment, the receiving unit is built inside the base. External music transmit from an electronic device to the receiving unit and optimized by the optimizing module for hearing optimized music.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventor: Cheng-Yang Chan
  • Patent number: 9948495
    Abstract: A method placing a device in safe state is disclosed. The method includes initiating a safe state for a device. In one embodiment, an operational functionality of the device is disabled. A safe state message at an interface of the device may be received. The interface may be designated as a management interface. Information may be received at the management interface, wherein the information manages the device. The method may also include disabling a non-management interface of the device, wherein the non-management interface is an interface that does not receive a safe state message. The method may further include shutting down a non-management interface of the device, wherein the non-management interface is an interface that does not receive a safe state message. A normal state for the device may be initiated, wherein in the normal state the device restores the operational functionality of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: ALLIED TELESIS HOLDINGS KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Mark Andrew McKinstry, Theuns Verwoerd, Anthony Robert Lineham, Graeme Campbell
  • Patent number: 9883353
    Abstract: A system includes an in-vehicle system containing vehicle data, a mobile device, and an interface configured to connect the mobile device to the in-vehicle system. The mobile device is configured to access the vehicle data through the interface and post the vehicle data to a user network. The mobile device is able to be mounted within the vehicle by a docking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignees: Volkswagen AG, Audi AG
    Inventors: Brian Ng, Lars Scholz
  • Patent number: 9832036
    Abstract: A vehicular interface may include an electromechanical interface between a handheld electronic device and subsystems on a vehicular bus or network. In an illustrative embodiment, the interface may operate in a “master mode” when a handheld device, such as a tablet computer or smart-phone, is not inserted therein. In this mode the interface may serve as a master controller and accesses and controls various subsystems on a vehicle (such as engine control subsystems, media controllers, navigation systems, sensors and transducers) as a master controller. In one embodiment, when a tablet device is inserted into the interface, the interface may automatically switch to “slave mode” in which it acts as an adapter or interface between the tablet device and the vehicular subsystems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Keystone Integrations LLC
    Inventors: David Lieberman, Robert Turgeon, Byron Tietjen, Greg Gardella
  • Patent number: 9819898
    Abstract: A low-cost portable digital video player receives proprietary compressed data from a source such as a personal video recorder (PVR), and displays the data on an integral display. A rewritable non-volatile memory of the player stores the data and a media decoder of the player transforms and decompresses the data. According to one embodiment the decoder transforms the data to a non-proprietary format, prior to storing the data. According to a second embodiment, the memory stores the data in the proprietary format, and decoder transforms and decompresses the data in response to an instruction from a user input device, and transfers the decoded data to a display. A cradle for the player provides communications to the PVR, a power supply and optionally further storage capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Callahan Cellular L.L.C.
    Inventor: Brett Bilbrey
  • Patent number: 9692880
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for inhibiting a function of a mobile device in a predetermined detection zone are disclosed. A method includes receiving, by a mobile device, a first communication signal when the mobile device is located within a predetermined field of transmission, determining that the first communication signal was transmitted by a first beacon of a plurality of beacons, and inhibiting at least one function of the mobile device upon determining that the first communication signal was transmitted by the first beacon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: DRIVING MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Marwan Hannon
  • Patent number: 9684307
    Abstract: An autopilot system, comprising: an auto-pilot unit adapted to provide one or more controlling parameters to control one or more control components of an aircraft; an override unit operatively coupled to said auto-pilot unit; at least one sensor adapted to capture data associated with at least one external parameter; and a Control value generation unit (CGU) operatively coupled to said override unit, said CGU comprising at least one processor and a database, said database stores information pertaining to at least one flight data; characterized in that said CGU configured to generate one or more predictive control values based on the flight data and the external parameters and provide the generated control values to override unit; and the override unit is configured to accept or ignore the predicted control values based on the pilot's selection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventor: Avanindra Singh
  • Patent number: 9661491
    Abstract: In a computer-implemented method for communicating information about an update of an application, a digital distribution platform can receive, at a first time, the update of the application. The digital distribution platform can receive, at a second time, a signal from a user device. The signal can include a request to receive a transmission of a user interface customized for a user account. The digital distribution platform can automatically determine, in response to receipt of the request to receive the transmission of the user interface customized for the user account, that the application was downloaded, at a third time, to the user device. The digital distribution platform can automatically generate, in response to the second time being later than the first time, the user interface. The user interface can include the information about the update.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Abramson, Benjamin David Poiesz
  • Patent number: 9661127
    Abstract: Lock-out mechanisms for driver handheld mobile devices are provided to prevent operation of one or more functions of handheld mobile devices by drivers when operating vehicles based on device location data and device motion data within a vehicle by wirelessly communicating with at least one wireless station access point located inside of the vehicle. The lock-out mechanisms disable the ability of a handheld mobile device to perform certain functions, such as texting or browsing, while one is driving. In one embodiment, a handheld mobile device may provide a lock-out mechanism without requiring any modifications or additions to a vehicle by using a motion analyzer, a mobile device position locator and a lock-out mechanism. In other embodiments, the handheld mobile device may provide a lock-out mechanism with modifications or additions to the vehicle, including the use of wireless signals transmitted by the vehicle or by a wireless station access point disposed within the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Inventor: Sanjeev Kumar Singh
  • Patent number: 9569166
    Abstract: In a smartphone that outputs PCM data and DSD data of different data format from PCM data to a USB DAC, to prevent generation of noises from the USB DAC when the smartphone accepts stopping instruction of outputting digital audio data to the USB DAC while outputting DSD data to the USB DAC. A controller 11 outputs mute data representing silence of DSD data to a USB DAC 2 when it accepts pausing instruction while outputting DSD data to the USB DAC 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Onkyo Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuya Tachimori
  • Patent number: 9455754
    Abstract: A replacement radio which can be used to replace a wide range of older automobile radios and fit into an almost unlimited number of dashboard configurations comprises an interchangeable radio display assembly having a radio display sized to fit into an original automobile dashboard radio display opening and a separate radio case having radio electronics therein. At least one separate radio control housing mounts replacement radio controls such as the usual tuning and volume controls into the original dashboard openings. The usual push buttons can be part of the display assembly or can be provided by a separate push button assembly. The use of separate components or modules increases the flexibility for mounting and positioning such components with respect to the dashboard and one other so the radio can be easily installed into many older automobiles. Original display markings can be provided with application of a transparent display cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Inventor: Steven L. Harrington
  • Patent number: 9456535
    Abstract: A replacement radio which can be used to replace a wide range of older automobile radios and fit into an almost unlimited number of dashboard configurations comprises an interchangeable radio display assembly having a radio display sized to fit into an original automobile dashboard radio display opening and a separate radio case having radio electronics therein. The separate radio display assembly is operatively connected to the radio electronics in the radio case, such as by a cable extending between the two. Separate control knob shafts and associated controls can also be provided which are operatively connected to the radio, such as by cables. With a separate radio display assembly and separate control knob shafts, there is no limit to where the radio case can be placed with respect to the dashboard mounting the display and controls and a radio display assembly that fits the particular radio display opening can be used with the radio case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Inventor: Steven L. Harrington
  • Patent number: 9380428
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide location-based services onboard an aircraft for users having mobile devices utilizing wireless beacons dispersed at fixed locations within a passenger cabin of the aircraft. One embodiment comprises a system that includes a plurality of wireless beacons and a location server. Each of the wireless beacons broadcast a unique ID in a broadcast area for receipt by the mobile devices. The location server receives a message from a mobile device that indicates at least one of the IDs received by the mobile device, and identifies location information for the mobile device within the passenger cabin based on the at least one ID. The location server provides the location information to the mobile device for display to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Stephen Gregory Dame, Yakentim M. Ibrahim, Joseph M. Keegan
  • Patent number: 9323292
    Abstract: A portable terminal including a body, a front deco positioned along a periphery of the body, a main battery cover positioned on a rear surface of the body to cover a battery, and a waterproofing cover interchangeable with the front deco and the main battery cover so that when substituted for the main battery cover and front deco all water intrusion paths on the portable terminal are sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang-Seok Bae, Seung-Hyub Baek, Jong-Cheon Wee, Sung-Kyu Hwang
  • Patent number: RE49871
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for outputting audio information via both wired and wireless outputs from a in-flight or in-vehicle entertainment system. An audio output device can include a wireless transmitter and an audio output port. A transmission power of the wireless transmitter can be controlled via a processor based on a measured received signal strength indicator (RSSI) level of a connected slave device and a transmission power of the connected slave device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Safran Passenger Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Randall Bird, Christopher Healy, Matthew Gledich, Romain Lecomte, Brian Simone, Matteo Berioli, Eriza Fazli, Macià Mut Vidal