Abstract: A communication apparatus for use in a vehicle includes a transmission repeater, a transmission terminator and a re-number unit. In a wireless communication between the communication apparatus and a communication unit in a facility such as a toll collection booth or the like, the transmission repeater transmits transmission data to the communication unit repeatedly until receiving an acknowledgement of reception completion of the transmission data from the communication unit, and the transmission terminator terminates repeated transmissions of the transmission data by the transmission repeater when a number of the repeated transmissions of the transmission data reaches a standard value. Further, the re-number unit changes the number of the repeated transmissions of the transmission data based on a content of the transmission data from the communication unit.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) receiver includes an oscillator for outputting an oscillation signal from an output port thereof, a limiter for dividing the oscillation signal output from the oscillator into a branch signal at a predetermined dividing ratio outputting the branch signal, an amplifier for amplifying the branch signal output from the limiter, a frequency multiplier for outputting a local oscillation signal having a frequency obtained by multiplying a frequency of the amplified signal by a predetermined multiplicand, a mixer for mixing the local oscillation signal and a signal supplied from an antenna, a band-pass filter for receiving a signal output from the mixer and outputting an intermediate frequency (IF) signal, a detector for producing a detected signal by detecting the IF signal, and a controller connected directly with the output port of the oscillator for performing an operation according to the detected signal based on the oscillation signal as a clock signal.

Abstract: When a demodulated signal of a radio signal in Ch1 transmitted from a TPMS transmitter is acquired, a control IC controls the frequency of a signal inputted from a PLL circuit to a mixer into a frequency for converting a TPMS radio signal into an intermediate frequency signal of a specific frequency. When the demodulated signal of the radio signal transmitted from a portable unit through two frequency channels is acquired, the control IC determines a channel whose state of communication is favorable from between Ch2 and Ch3, and controls the signal frequency for conversion into a frequency for converting a keyless radio signal in the determined channel into an intermediate frequency signal.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for monitoring transportation system vehicle operator use of a mobile device. A directional antenna detects a signal produced by a mobile device within a vehicle operator area of a transit vehicle. The signal is transmitted from the directional antenna to an antenna controller. An event signal corresponding to the signal is generated at the antenna controller and the event signal is transmitted from the antenna controller to a logic unit. The logic unit determines a current status of the vehicle. The logic unit stores mobile device use event data in a memory based on the event signal and the current status of the vehicle.

Abstract: A cellular phone accumulates input information, which is inputted by a user using the cellular phone located not only inside but also outside of a vehicle, as parent population data for interest extraction, and extracts interest information, which reflects a present interest of a user, from the parent population data for interest extraction. An in-vehicle information output apparatus internally or externally collects provision information, which matches the interest information extracted in the cellular phone, and provides the user with the collected provision information.

Abstract: A triangular microphone assembly (101) for use in a vehicle accessory includes a mirror housing (106) adapted for attachment to the interior of the vehicle. A mirror is disposed in an opening of the mirror housing (106) and a plurality of virtual digital microphones (108a, 108b, 108c) are arranged in a substantially triangular configuration in the mirror housing (106). A digital signal processor (DSP) (537) is used for receiving signals from the plurality of digital microphones (108a, 108b, 108c) such that the digital microphones exhibit directional characteristics for reducing undesirable noise in at least one direction by normalizing the phase of the received signals as a function of signal frequency.

Abstract: A broadcast receiving apparatus includes a first tuner configured to receive a broadcast wave from a specified broadcasting station, a second tuner configured to perform a frequency search for receivable broadcasting stations, a power supply unit configured to supply power to the first tuner and the second tuner, a traveling state detection unit configured to determine if a vehicle is moving or is stopped, a reception state detection unit configured to detect a reception state of a currently-received broadcast wave, and a control unit configured to control the first tuner, the second tuner, the power supply unit, the traveling state detection unit, and the reception state detection unit.

Abstract: A connection of a hands-free apparatus to a cellular phone is established through a hands-free profile, and the connection of the hands-free apparatus to the cellular phone through the hands-free profile is switched from the cellular phone to another cellular phone when a data communication is triggered. Then, the hands-free apparatus establishes another connection to the cellular phone through a dial-up network profile so that a hands-free call by the hands-free apparatus is appropriately handled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wireless car digital AV system to be applied in a car, and the wireless car digital AV system comprises an AV Host and at least one or multiple display devices. The AV Host includes a storage device and a wireless network interface, and the storage has at least one digital AV file. The display device includes a wireless network interface and a display panel. The display device is connected to the AV Host by the wireless network interface, such that the display device can receive and play the digital AV file transmitted from the AV Host through the wireless network interface. Furthermore, the present invention also discloses a method for an automobile AV Host to wirelessly transmit a video file to a display device.

Abstract: This invention has as its object to reduce power consumption of dependent stations with low frequency of communication by controlling communications of the control station in a network. According to this invention, a control station communicating with dependent stations comprises a classification unit configured to classify the dependent stations connected to the control station into a plurality of groups; a first transmission unit configured to transmit first broadcast-frame to the dependent stations classified into first group; and a second transmission unit configured to transmit second broadcast-frame to the dependent stations classified into second group with lower frequency of communication compared to the first group, wherein the second transmission unit transmits the second broadcast-frame with a lower transmitting frequency compared to the first broadcast-frame transmitting frequency of the first transmission unit.

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: In some embodiments, a method of transmitting electrical signals over at least one unused first frequency includes: (a) using a first electrical device to receive information identifying the at least one unused first frequency; (b) selecting a first transmission frequency from the at least one unused first frequency; (c) communicating the first transmission frequency to a user; and (d) using the transmitter of the first electrical device to broadcast the electrical signals over the first transmission frequency. Other embodiments are disclosed in this application.

Abstract: An information providing system is provided. An in-vehicle apparatus is provided in a vehicle. The in-vehicle apparatus receives a broadcasting, An information providing apparatus transmits area information related to a broadcast channel that is receivable in a traveling area of the vehicle to the in-vehicle apparatus. A storage unit stores the area information for each traveling area. A receiving unit receives probe information including a predetermined reference position or a position of the vehicle from the in-vehicle apparatus. A deciding unit decides a reference area set including a plurality of traveling areas which are within a predetermined distance from the reference position included in the received probe information for each vehicle. An accumulating unit accumulates the received probe information. A determining unit determines a traveling record of the vehicle in each traveling area on the basis of the accumulated probe information.

Abstract: An accessory for a digital music player establishes bidirectional communications between the digital music player and a remote receiver. The bidirectional communication channel allows song information such as the title, artist and album to be transferred from the digital music player to the remote receiver. This information is then displayed by the remote receiver. The accessory also transmits an FM audio signal to the receiver based upon an audio signal received from the digital music player such that music from the player can be played over the remote receiver. The bidirectional communication channel allows the controls of the remote receiver's controls to be used to control the music being played by the digital music player. The commands and digital information are preferably transferred between the digital music player and the remote receiver in accordance with a Radio Data System or Radio Broadcast Data System format.

Abstract: A hands-free system, through which a driver communicates without using hands with an on-board mobile phone such as a cell phone, is mounted on an automotive vehicle. Plural speakers including a center speaker installed in an instrument panel and door speakers each installed in each door are mounted on the vehicle. Whenever the center speaker is mounted on the vehicle, the center speaker is selected as a speaker from which voices transmitted from the mobile phone are outputted. Only when the center speaker is not mounted, the door speakers are selected. When the center speaker is selected, the voices transmitted from the mobile phone can be heard from a direction to which a driver's eye line is directed. Accordingly, the driver is able to hear the speaker sounds from the natural direction for him/her.

Abstract: A system capable of appropriately controlling an operation of an information processing device mounted on a mobile apparatus for effective use of information processing resources of the information processing device is provided. According to the device control system (10), information processing by a first information processing device (11) is restricted when the first information processing device (11) is set to receive data through a high-speed broadcast channel. Thus, the information processing resources of the first information processing device (11) are primarily allocated to reception of designated data through the high-speed broadcast channel. Further, allocation of the information processing resources to information processing other than the reception of the designated data, such as information processing requested from a second information processing device (12), is restricted.

Abstract: In an in-flight entertainment system implementing a wireless link between a network server S and wireless processing units SDBi,j which each serve the individual devices of a plurality of seats GSi,j of one and the same row, an identification i of the column in which a wireless processing unit SDBi,j is positioned is carried out by providing for a sequential powering-up (PWi-on) of the columns, the powering-up of a column coli triggering at this instant known to the server the boot process BP for the devices SDBi,j of this column, enabling the column to be identified i by a local duration measurement bi,j supplied by an internal clock DTi,j of these devices previously initialized at a known instant of the boot process BP.

Abstract: A vehicular monitoring system is configured to acquire GPS position data and vehicular operating data, write the data to a file, and detect and utilize public wireless communication (e.g., 802.11x/WiFi) Internet access points to communicate the file containing the acquired GPS position data and vehicular operating data to a remote computer. Compressed diagnostic data sets and reduced latency wireless transmissions are utilized to facilitate communication.

Abstract: A dashboard having a receiving structure for a portable terminal is provided, which comprises a space part which has an opening at its one side and where a portable terminal is mounted; and a support part which is provided in the interior of the space part and supports the terminal for preventing the movements of the terminal. And a dashboard having a receiving structure for a portable terminal is provided, which further comprises a cover which opens and closes the opening.

Abstract: A car stereo unit with removably coupled mobile communication device includes a supporting enclosure having a first receiving space at a front portion thereof and being internally provided with an amplifier electrically connected to a built-in car stereo system; an intermediate mount removably received in the first receiving space and electrically connected to the amplifier and a power supply module in the supporting enclosure, and having a second receiving space at a front portion thereof; and a mobile communication device pivotally and removably coupled to and received in the second receiving space to electrically connect to the intermediate mount and the supporting enclosure. The mobile communication device is internally provided with a control unit having at least a multimedia player module for outputting AV signals. With these arrangements, the mobile communication device can be used in a car as a multimedia player and be charged at the same time.

Abstract: A cigarette lighter adapter (CLA) is provided with a main body configured to be connected at one end thereof to a vehicle cigarette lighter socket or auxiliary power socket. The main body of the cigarette lighter adapter is also connected to one end of a coaxial cable. The other end of the coaxial cable is preferably terminated with a standard low cost DC connector for connection to a portable media player (e.g., with integrated or separate satellite radio receiver) or other content source that provides a frequency modulated (FM) radio frequency signal with audio content onto the coaxial cable 60. The FM signal is amplified by an amplifier in the main body of the CLA and then injected into the vehicle power system through the contacts in the mechanical housing of the main body and the vehicle cigarette lighter socket.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for processing a multimedia broadcasting in a portable terminal having a navigation module, while a vehicle is being driven. The method includes steps of: proceeding to a vehicle driving mode, if it is recognized that the vehicle is currently being driven when the multimedia broadcasting data is outputted; confirming at least one vehicle driving function set as the vehicle driving mode in the vehicle driving mode and driving navigation module, and then acquiring vehicle driving information; and reflecting the acquired vehicle driving information in the vehicle driving function and then outputting the multimedia broadcasting data after applying the vehicle driving function to the multimedia broadcasting data.

Abstract: There is provided a display device for a vehicle having a seat. The display device includes an assembly housing adapted to mount at a rear portion of the seat. A receiver is adapted to receive at least one of video and audio signals from at least one external input device. At least one wireless transmitter operatively coupled to the receiver, is adapted to wirelessly transmit the audio signals to at least one wireless headphone set. The display device is adapted to reproduce the video signals. In some embodiments of the invention, the at least one wireless transmitter is adapted to transmit the audio signals based on Code-Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technology.

Abstract: An extended underwater electromagnetic transducer is provided with an electrically insulated transmission line typically connected to a transmitter or receiver or transceiver system. The transmission line allows near-field communications with another transmitter or receiver or transceiver system. The transmission line provided is relatively long, the through water signal path length can be significantly reduced.

Abstract: A system controlling an operation of an information processing device mounted on a mobile apparatus such as a motor vehicle to cause it to efficiently receive data, while ensuring economy of the resources of the mobile apparatus, is provided. According to the device control system (10), even when the motor vehicle (1) is switched from the ON state to the OFF state, the first information processing device (11) is maintained in the ON state exceptionally when the device is set to receive data through a high-speed broadcast channel. As such, the first information processing device (11) is maintained in the ON state, while the motor vehicle (1) is in the OFF state, to allow it to receive designated data through the high-speed broadcast channel. Further, since the designated data is broadcast at high speed by the information center (20), the time required for the first information processing device (11) to complete reception of the designated data is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for eliminating interference in measuring signals (SM) which are corrupted by pulsed interference signals (SST) having a known or determinable interference pulse interval (TSt), whereby the detection period (?tE) of an individual measured value (E) is shorter than an interference pulse period (?tSt), and a plurality of individual measured values (E) is detected at freely selectable time intervals (TE) of the measuring signal (SM). A reliable elimination of interferences caused by radio-interference sources transmitting in a pulsed manner is achieved by detecting at least three consecutive individual measured values (E) at time intervals (TE) that differ from the interference pulse interval (TSt), and by determining an interference-filtered measured quantity (M) with the at least three individual measured values (E).

Abstract: An electronic toll collection system wherein the reader includes a switching network and a plurality of transceivers operating under the control of a controller. The reader further includes failure detection circuitry for determining whether any of the transceivers have failed based upon the RF outputs of the transceivers. If the controller determines that a transceiver has failed, then it alters the switching pattern such that the switching network excludes the failed transceiver from being connected to the antennas. The reader thereby provides for adaptive RF channel assignment, as the particular transceiver used to excite a particular antenna may be dynamically altered, and the provision of at least two transceivers in the reader ensures transceiver redundancy.

Abstract: Whether the reception electric field level of the antenna #1 is higher than the predetermined level is judged. If the reception electric field level of the antenna #1 is not higher than the predetermined level, the communication mode is to be set to the multi-slot mode, and then whether the reception electric field level of the antenna #1 is higher is judged by comparison of the reception electric field level of the antenna #1 and the reception electric field level of the antenna #2. If the reception electric field level of the antenna #1 is higher, the call mode is to be set to the antenna #1 for executing transmission and reception, or if the reception electric field level of the antenna #1 is not higher, the communication mode is to be set to the antenna #2 for executing transmission and reception.

Abstract: A garage door opener (GDO) communications gateway module includes a receiver for receiving garage door signals and a transmitter for transmitting control signals to a GDO operable for opening and closing a garage door of a garage of a house. The transmitter transmits a control signal to the GDO to control the garage door upon receipt of a garage door signal by the receiver. The module includes a Bluetooth enabled first transceiver for communicating with a Bluetooth enabled appliance of a vehicle over a wireless communications path when the vehicle is located within the vicinity of the garage. The module includes a second transceiver for communicating with a device of the house over another communications path. The vehicle appliance and the house device communicate with one another over the communications paths via the transceivers. The receiver, the transmitter, and the transceivers are contained within a housing mountable to the garage.

Abstract: A communication apparatus comprising a media device outputly configured to include various telecommunication and Internet applications. The communication apparatus being configured with an antenna apparatus communicatively connected to a chip in communication with the communication apparatus being responsive to a full access wireless communication connections. The communication apparatus being operatively configured with a communication control apparatus being operable for wireless device applications. Signal transmissions for the radio, the cell phone, and the Internet are separated and outputly communicated to the monitoring screen and the speakers for the media device to allow hands free-communication while driving.

Abstract: An in-vehicle emergency report device starts an operation for an emergency report to transmit an emergency report signal to a service center. The operation is interrupted when a battery voltage decreases less than a given voltage. The operation is thereafter re-started when the battery voltage returns to the given voltage or more. This allows all procedures of the emergency report operation to be completed.

Abstract: A control signal is generated by an operating means for being operated by a driver. In response to this control signal, an input signal to rear-seat headphones is temporarily attenuated or is replaced by another given signal or a transmission signal from the driver.

Abstract: A method for processing signals received (30) by a sound program signal receiver includes a step (42, 44) of adjusting at least one parameter for processing small audio signals obtained from the received signals. It further includes a prior step of dividing a space representing a quality of reception of sound program signals into a plurality of reception zones wherein the sound program signal receiver is likely to be located. The adjustment (42, 44) of the parameter for processing small audio signals is determined on the basis of one of the reception zones wherein the sound program signal receiver is located.

Abstract: A replacement or retrofit 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 a radio case or enclosure having a display sized to fit into most original automobile dashboard radio display openings. Separate control knob shafts and associated controls are provided electrically connected to the radio via relatively long cables. With separate control knob shafts, there is no limit to where the controls and shafts are placed with respect to the radio case and display. A selected set of brackets can be attached to the radio with the selected set of brackets providing adjustable physical mounting of the control knob shafts to the brackets and physical connection of the control knob shafts to the radio. This allows mounting of the radio in the dashboard of the automobile in the usual manner of tightening nuts onto threaded control knob shaft sleeves.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and programs of producing and using traffic signal information take, when a vehicle is closely approaching a traffic signal, an image of traffic signal lamps disposed on the traffic signal. The systems, methods, and programs produce image data of the traffic signal lamps, based on the taken image and analyze the image data. The systems, methods, and programs produce traffic signal state information, the traffic signal state information including a state of the traffic signal as of the time of taking the image of the traffic signal lamps. The systems, methods, and programs store traffic signal information, the traffic signal information including the produced traffic signal state information, traffic signal location information, and time information in a memory.

Abstract: An on-vehicle emergency call system is powered by a main battery. The emergency call system includes a communication unit that communicates with a service center, a control unit that drives the communication unit with electric power supplied from the main battery to connect a communication line with the service center when an emergency call triggering signal is given thereto. The control unit makes the communication unit send a battery-low-voltage signal if terminal voltage of the main battery becomes lower than a threshold voltage while the communication line is connected with the service center.

Abstract: A method and system for providing personalized services to a mobile vehicle includes receiving broadcast data at a telematics unit of the vehicle, sending the received broadcast data from the telematics unit to a portable processing device via short range wireless connection, and providing at least one personalized service at the portable processing device based on the received broadcast data. A computer usable medium with suitable computer program code is employed for providing personalized services to a mobile vehicle.

Abstract: A method of operating electronic equipment, wherein said electronic equipment utilizes a wireless signal to communicate, includes determining if the electronic equipment is operated within a moving vehicle based on a characteristic of the wireless signal and inhibiting operation of the electronic equipment if the electronic equipment is in a moving vehicle.

Abstract: A mobile radio configuration for a motor vehicle has a vehicle-mounted terminal that is firmly installed in the vehicle. The terminal has, or is connected to, a mobile radio module linked with an antenna and a Bluetooth module. The system further includes a radio terminal that is provided with a SIM and a Bluetooth module. A Bluetooth connection can be established between the vehicle-mounted terminal an the mobile radio terminal, via which connection the SIM data can be transferred into the firmly installed terminal which then logs onto the mobile radio network using the SIM data. The mobile radio terminal functions as a handset of the vehicle-mounted terminal and the useful data are exchanged via the Bluetooth modules.

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: An interface device for interconnecting fixed controls of a vehicle to electronic devices. The interface device is capable of receiving control signals from fixed controls, such as steering wheel controls, backseat controls, handlebar controls, and the like, and then transmitting corresponding control signals to the electronic devices. In one aspect, the device is programmable such that the interface device emits signals corresponding to the same signals that would be emitted from a handheld remote control sold in conjunction with the different electronic devices. In one embodiment, the device is an interface between the fixed controls and a replacement stereo receiver. In another embodiment, the device is capable of recognizing spoken voice commands and generating corresponding IR signals in order to control the electronic devices. In still another embodiment, the device is an interface between the fixed controls and multiple electronic devices, such as an audio and video component.

Abstract: An onboard-equipment control apparatus controls activation of an onboard apparatus such as an air conditioner and termination of the operation of the onboard apparatus in order to prevent an onboard battery from running out of residual electric charge in advance. Upon detection of a state in which an onboard radio apparatus is not capable of receiving a termination command from a cellular phone or the cellular phone is not capable of transmitting a termination command to the onboard radio apparatus while the air conditioner is in operation, the onboard-equipment control apparatus forcibly terminates the operation of the air conditioner even before a termination condition is satisfied. Thus, the onboard battery can be prevented in advance from running out of accumulated electric charge required for operating the activated air conditioner thereafter.

Abstract: An interface circuit for interconnecting the fixed controls of a vehicle to a replacement stereo. The interface circuit is capable of receiving control signals from fixed controls, such as steering wheel controls, backseat controls, handlebar controls, and the like, and then transmitting corresponding control signals to a replacement stereo. In one embodiment, the output signals from the interface circuit are comprised of wireless signals, such as IR signals. In another embodiment, the interface device is programmable such that the interface device can be programmed to emit signals corresponding to the same signals that would be emitted from a handheld remote control sold in conjunction with an after-market stereo receiver.

Abstract: A method of automatically communicating subscription-specific messages to a telematics-equipped vehicle includes the following steps: a) establishing a trigger and a message associated with the trigger; b) setting the trigger; c) monitoring for the occurrence of one or more conditions that satisfy the trigger; and d) determining that the one or more conditions have occurred and, if so, then; e) accessing the message associated with the trigger; and f) playing the message.

Abstract: A navigation assembly (177k) for mounting a conventional, portable navigational device (10k) in a vehicle not originally equipped with navigational capabilities is provided. The navigation assembly (177k) comprises the navigational device (10k) and a mounting assembly (194k). Trim (196k) covering a support pillar (98k) of the vehicle and installed during manufacture of the vehicle is replaced with substantially similar trim (196k) having the mounting assembly (194k) mounted thereto or integrally formed therewith. The mounting assembly (194k) comprises a base (198k), a docking station (200k), and a retractable face plate (202k). The base (198k) of the mounting assembly (194k) is secured to the trim (196k) and includes a cut-out (204k) in which the docking station (200k) may be mounted. The docking station (200k) also includes a cut-out (208k) sized and configured to receive the navigational device (10k).

Abstract: A navigation assembly (177i) comprising a carrying case (178i), a cradle (179i), a navigational device (10i), and a speaker (57i) is provided. The carrying case (178i) is sized and configured to fit within a tray (14i) of a vehicle, wherein the tray (14i) was formed during manufacture of the vehicle and designed to hold miscellaneous articles. The cradle (179i) is pivotably mounted within the case (178i) and is sized and configured to receive the navigational device (10i). The cradle (179i) and navigational device (10i) are operable to pivot from a flat, nested position within the case (178i) upwards to a viewing position approximately perpendicular to the flat, nested position. A navigation assembly (177j) comprising a cradle (179j), a navigational device (10j), and a lid (184j) is also provided. The cradle (179j) is pivotably mounted within a tray (14j) of a vehicle, where the tray (14j) was formed during manufacture of the vehicle and designed to hold miscellaneous articles.

Abstract: In addition to an FM reception antenna element for receiving an FM radio wave and an FM receiver connected to the FM reception antenna element, a mobile object is provided with a first antenna element for receiving a satellite signal, a signal processing unit connected to the first antenna, and a second antenna element connected to the signal processing unit. The signal processing unit processes the satellite signal into an FM signal. The second antenna element emits the FM signal as the FM radio wave that may be received in the FM reception antenna and processed by the FM receiver in the manner known in the art.

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.

Abstract: A method detects relaying of a contactless data communication by a radio amplifier for intercepting and manipulating the communication to achieve an unauthorized authentication. The method involves transmitting an electromagnetic field successively from at least two spatially separated antennas of a transmitting unit, receiving the transmitted fields in a receiving unit, determining field strength vectors of the received fields allocated to each antenna, and comparing actual values of the vectors with prescribed nominal values stored in a nominal value field that maps the true field strength distribution in multi-dimensional space around the transmitting unit. The actual field strength magnitude and the reception angle between the transmitting antennas can be determined from the vectors and compared with stored nominal values in this manner. When the determined actual values match prescribed nominal values of the nominal value field, the occurrence of a relaying of the signal can be reliably excluded.