With Vehicle Patents (Class 455/345)
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Patent number: 7610016Abstract: Embodiments include a system and method for adapting a wireless device, such as a Bluetooth-enabled mobile handset or other Bluetooth-enabled device to a car radio and associated speaker system to effect a hands-free car kit or similar system. The adapter module is physically and electrically coupled to the car radio by making electrical contact with a connector on the car radio with a matching connector on one side of the adapter module. The mated connectors provide communications from the adapter module to the car radio. The adapter module includes circuitry for communicating with the Bluetooth-enabled mobile handset and the car radio in order to exchange communications signals between the Bluetooth-enabled mobile handset, and a microphone and the car radio.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2005Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLCInventors: Edward D. Schmitt, Ibrahim Mohamed, Thomas Edwin East Nelson
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Publication number: 20090252204Abstract: A receiver system and method thereof are provided, wherein the receiver system includes a plurality of antenna elements, a receiver device, and a switching system. The antenna elements are configured to receive a signal including first and second antenna elements. The receiver device is in communication with the first and second antenna elements. The switching system switches between the antenna elements using a first switching device, to electrically connect the receiver device when a digital signal is available, and the digital signal received by the first antenna element has a greater signal quality than the digital signal received by other antenna elements. The switching system also switches among the antenna elements to electrically connect the receiver device and the first antenna element to receive the analog signal using a second switching device when the digital signal is unavailable.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2008Publication date: October 8, 2009Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Raed S. Shatara, Matthew J. Yarosz
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Patent number: 7587167Abstract: An audio entertainment system having a primary circuit board with a processor in communication with an antenna input, an audio output and a connector. The processor is configured to detect the presence of the digital audio circuit board and to output an audio signal to the audio output based on the wireless signal. The wireless signal may be an AM, FM or digital satellite signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2006Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Philip M. Bator, Jack H. King, Richard D. Zerod, Timothy Mitchell, Neil A. Tidmarsh
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Patent number: 7580696Abstract: A method is provided for self-aligning a transmitting RF frequency between a portable transceiving device and a base station transceiving device. The base station transceiving device is mounted in a vehicle for controlling a vehicle accessory function in response to RF messages broadcast between the transceiving devices. The RF signal is transmitted from one of the portable or base station transceiving devices to the other of the portable or base station transceiving devices. The frequency of the RF signal is varied during the transmission. A RSSI value of a received RF signal is measured at selected frequencies. A respective frequency having a maximum RSSI value is determined. At least a portion of a subsequent RF message is transmitted from one of the portable transceiving device or base station transceiving device using the respective frequency.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2004Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Riad Ghabra, Yi Luo, Oingfeng Tang
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Patent number: 7565180Abstract: A dial system for steering wheel of an automobile is divided into two portions electrically connected by a cable and each includes a first casing and a dial set received in the first housing. The dial set includes a number button partially extending the first housing for being operated. A circuit board is received in the first housing for wirelessly transmitting signals when the buttons are operated. A second housing is mounted to the first housing to form a space for receiving the dial set and the circuit board. A battery seat with battery is laterally inserted into the space for providing power to the circuit board. A clamp is mounted to a bottom of the second housing and clamps the steering wheel to hold the dial system in place on the steering wheel for an easy operation.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2005Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Assignee: SUNREX Technology Corp.Inventor: Huo-Lu Tsai
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Patent number: 7561846Abstract: A method for vehicle-to-vehicle communication. The method includes receiving data about a first vehicle and a second vehicle within a proximity of an intermediate node, where the receiving is at the intermediate node. The first vehicle is notified about the presence of the second vehicle and/or the second vehicle is notified about the presence of the first vehicle in response to the receiving.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2005Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: GM Gobal Technology Operations, Inc.Inventor: Carroll C. Kellum
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Patent number: 7558527Abstract: A system and method of injecting audio content into a radio system is provided. The method includes the steps of receiving in a radio receiver a first RF signal from an antenna and processing the signal at a select frequency within a radio frequency band. The method also includes the step of providing audio content from an auxiliary device. The method also includes the step of modulating the audio content from the auxiliary device and replicating the modulated signal to generate a replicated RF signal at the multiple frequencies within the radio frequency band. The method further includes the step of injecting the replicated RF signal into the radio receiver.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2006Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Glenn A. Walker, Andrew L. Wilhelm, Mathew A. Boytim, Timothy D. Bolduc
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Patent number: 7539478Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2005Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Cormac Herley, Jonathan C. Platt
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Patent number: 7526246Abstract: A system and method is directed to obtaining information from a mobile vehicle within a mobile vehicle communication service. The method provides creating a mobile vehicle contact list based on an information request, determining a time period to transmit the mobile vehicle contact list and the information request, transmitting the mobile vehicle contact list and the information request to the mobile vehicle at the determined time period, and receiving the information from the mobile vehicle, at a specified time, based on the information requested.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2005Date of Patent: April 28, 2009Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventor: Matt C. Videtich
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Publication number: 20090098849Abstract: The invention relates to a receiver device for the mobile reception of high-frequency signals of different services in motor vehicles comprising at least one receiver unit for receiving and processing country specific services and a communications unit for connecting the receiver device to the motor vehicle communications bus.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2006Publication date: April 16, 2009Inventors: Thomas Adam, Wolfgang Sautter, Christian Schwarz, Robert Thomas
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Patent number: 7519400Abstract: An AM/FM modulation scheme is presented for optimizing communications between a remote control device held by a user and a receiving unit installed in a vehicle. Historically, these systems communicated with amplitude modulated signals having good range but poor immunity to ambient random radio frequency noise. Frequency modulated systems provide improved immunity to noise however at the expense of range. The object of this invention is to use two or more modulation modes to combine their advantages. A scheme has been devised whereby circuitry capable of alternately operating in at least two modes is used. The same information is therefore transmitted using two or more modulation techniques in succession. The receiving unit also has circuitry and has listening cycles ensuring eventual synchronization with the transmitting unit. If one mode fails due to distance or ambient noise, the other can then attempt to establish a link.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2005Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: DEI Headquarters, Inc.Inventor: Normand Dery
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Patent number: 7515933Abstract: A method is directed to operating a degraded vehicle communication unit within a mobile vehicle communication system (MVCS). The method provides for determining a primary communication mode failure, initiating a secondary communication mode responsive to the primary communication mode failure determination, and operating a telematics device in the secondary communication mode within the vehicle communication unit. The step of determining the primary communication mode failure may include detecting if the telematics unit can not initiate contact with a wireless carrier system, and detecting if the telematics unit can not maintain communication with the wireless carrier system. The step of determining the primary communication mode failure may include determining a GPS unit within the vehicle communication unit is unable to receive a GPS satellite broadcast from a GPS satellite broadcast system.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2003Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Christopher L. Oesterling, Mazen K. Alsliety
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Publication number: 20090081980Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for suppressing radio interference from a noise source. One apparatus includes a controller for commanding a noise source to dither its operating frequency, and a filter for receiving signals from the controller indicating the present operating frequency of the noise source and to filter radio signals having the same frequency as the present operating frequency while the operating frequency is dithered. A system includes an electric motor having an operating frequency, a controller for commanding the motor to dither its operating frequency, and a filter configured to receive signals indicating the present operating frequency of the motor and to filter radio signals having the same frequency as the present operating frequency while the operating frequency is dithered. One method includes dithering the operating frequency of a noise source and filtering signals having the same frequency as the operating frequency while it is dithered.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2007Publication date: March 26, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventor: VIPUL M. PATEL
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Patent number: 7508300Abstract: The invention concerns a method (200) and system (100) for providing a passenger profile. The method can include the steps of receiving (212) one or more passengers having mobile units (112) in a vehicle (110) in which at least some of the mobile units have been programmed with passenger profiles and receiving (214) the passenger profiles from the mobile units. The method can also include the step of informing (216) at least the driver of the vehicle of the passenger profiles once the passenger profiles are received. As an example, setting one or more parameters of the vehicle can be based on the received passenger profiles. In addition, setting the parameters of the vehicle based on the received passenger profiles may restrict the operation of the vehicle in a predefined manner.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2006Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventors: Von A. Mock, Isabel M. Fernandez, Juan C. Fernandez, Jorge L. Perdomo
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Publication number: 20090075624Abstract: A remote application server that operates cooperatively with an embedded radio receiver (52) in a vehicle can include a standalone portable device (12 or 60) having memory (41) for storing and independently presenting audio or data wirelessly received by the embedded receiver and a communication interface (45) in the standalone portable device for receiving audio and data received at the embedded receiver and for transferring audio or data or both to and from a computer network (49) when coupled to the network and for uploading stored audio or data or both to a user interface (57) when coupled to the embedded receiver. The server can include a processor (46) in the standalone portable device for remotely running applications on the standalone portable device that are presented on the user interface coupled to the embedded receiver via a thin client (71) resident in the user interface or embedded receiver.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2008Publication date: March 19, 2009Applicant: XM SATELLITE RADIO, INC.Inventors: STUART A. COX, Paul Marko, Stelios Patsiokas
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Patent number: 7505784Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a safety feature configured to prevent at least some forms of use of the device when the user is traveling beyond a speed threshold. The device may detect its linear speed, compare that speed to a threshold, and provide a response or blocking function upon detecting that the speed has exceeded a threshold. In one embodiment, the device is a cell phone configured to disable the transmission and reception of voice and text, conceal its display screen, and disable incorporated games, cameras, internet access, etc., if the cell phone is moving faster than walking speed. The blocking function in a cell phone may be partially overridden by the introduction of hands-free equipment. The introduction of a hands-free earpiece and microphone may serve to override the blocking of voice transmission and reception, and may also enable a voice activated dialing and/or answering function.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2005Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Inventor: Melvin A. Barbera
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Patent number: 7493216Abstract: An accessory-type GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver comprises a mobile terminal side plug connector, and a cradle/hand-free side receptacle connector disposed substantially opposite thereto. The GPS receiver further comprises a power supply that receives power from a mobile terminal power charge line being operatively coupled between the mobile terminal side plug connector and the cradle/hand-free side receptacle connector. The plug connector is used to pass GPS data directly to a mobile terminal. The receptacle connector is used to pass non-GPS data to the mobile terminal via the plug connector.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2004Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Do-Woo Kang
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Patent number: 7493099Abstract: A mobile radio receiver system for a vehicle providing recent segment replay function is disclosed. The wireless receiver is adapted to be contained within the vehicle. A digital delay line is coupled to receive the output of the wireless receiver. A delay selection switch is coupled to the digital delay line to route the output of the wireless receiver with a selected temporal delay in response to actuation by a person riding in the vehicle. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the recent transmitted segment ends at the time that the delay selection switch is actuated. A control device is associated with the wireless receiver for receiving control selections from the person riding in the vehicle. An amplifier is coupled to receive the routed output of the wireless receiver. An audio transducer this adapted to receive the output of the amplifier and provide an audible signal to the person riding in the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Inventors: Warren Stephen Slutter, Neil Stein
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Publication number: 20090036090Abstract: A broadcast receiving system capable of receiving mobile broadcast data and a method for processing broadcast signals are disclosed. The broadcast receiving system includes a receiving unit, a RS frame decoder, and a memory. The receiving unit receives a broadcast signal including mobile broadcast service data and main broadcast service data. The RS frame decoder performs CRC-decoding and RS-decoding on the RS frame, thereby correcting errors occurred in the corresponding mobile broadcast service data. The memory stores at least one of a traffic information, a POI (point of interesting), and a map information included in the error-corrected mobile broadcast service data.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2008Publication date: February 5, 2009Inventors: Il Soo Cho, Hyeon Cheol Cho, Jong Sun Park, In Hwan Choi, Hyoung Gon Lee, Won Gyu Song, Seung Man Kim, Jong Moon Kim, Jin Woo Kim, Kook Yeon Kwak, Byoung Gill Kim
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Publication number: 20090029671Abstract: A broadcast receiver and a method of processing data are disclosed. The broadcast receiver includes a signal receiving unit, a known sequence detector, and a channel equalizer. The signal receiving unit repeats, when an operating mode of the broadcast receiver has been switched to a Discontinuous Receive (DRx) mode, preset wake-up and sleep sections, and receives a broadcast signal containing main broadcast service and mobile broadcast service data in the wake-up section. The known sequence detector detects known data included in the received broadcast signal. The channel equalizer uses the detected known data, thereby channel-equalizing the received mobile broadcast service data.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2008Publication date: January 29, 2009Inventors: Il Soo Cho, Hyeon Cheol Cho, Jong Sun Park, In Hwan Choi, Hyoung Gon Lee, Won Gyu Song, Seung Man Kim, Jin Woo Kim, Kook Yeon Kwak, Byoung Gill Kim
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Patent number: 7480494Abstract: An antenna failure detecting device that can avoid erroneous detection and use a reference voltage of relatively low precision is includes a switch that can short-circuit both the ends of a resistor inserted in a common line. Only when the voltage between both the ends of the resistor is detected, the switch is “disconnected” (off), and when the voltage between both the ends of the resistor is not detected, the switch is “connected” (on). Therefore, the effect of the resistor can be excluded, and the unnecessary loss of the common line at the non-detection time can be eliminated. Furthermore, the resistor is used only at the failure detection time, and thus the resistance value of the resistor can be freely increased. Therefore, a large voltage between both the ends can be taken out, and the permissible range of the reference voltage for failure judgment can be broadened, so that a reference voltage of low precision can be used.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2006Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Assignee: OMRON CorporationInventor: Yusuke Ukai
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Publication number: 20080287093Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2008Publication date: November 20, 2008Inventor: Steven L. Harrington
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Patent number: 7454180Abstract: A first low-noise amplifier is connected to a first receiving processing unit through a first cable and a bypass circuit is provided in parallel to the first low-noise amplifier so as to bypass the first low-noise amplifier. In the case that the intensity of broadcasting signal is more than a predetermined value, when the C/N is more than a first predetermined value and less than a second predetermined value higher than the first predetermined value, the broadcasting signal is transmitted to the first cable through the first low-noise amplifier, and when the C/N is less than the first predetermined value or more than the second predetermined value, the broadcasting signal is not input to the first low-noise amplifier but transmitted to the first cable through the bypass circuit.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2006Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yukio Ohtaki, Toru Oyama
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Patent number: 7439849Abstract: A welcoming system for welcoming a user of an automobile has a host communication means provided in the automobile or a facility around a parking location of the automobile. The system further has a distance detecting means for detecting a distance between the user and the parking automobile. A welcoming control means operates a welcoming operating means, such as a head lamp of the automobile, in such a manner that a content of the welcoming operations will be selected and changed depending on the detected distance between the user and the automobile.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2005Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Shogo Kameyama
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Patent number: 7434860Abstract: A mobile stabilizing seat is composed of a seat body, a driving stabilizing set, and a cover. The seat body is provided with a block partitioned into containing slots at a periphery of the block, and a periphery of the seat body is formed with a plurality of opening slots. The driving stabilizing set is mobile assembled with a gear on the seat body, and the gear is gnawed with a plurality of stabilizing members below each of which is provided with a pillar. Each pillar is sheathed with an elastic member which is one end transfixed into the containing slot partitioned at the periphery of block, for enabling each stabilizing member to be mobile stabilized. The cover is assembled on the seat body. Accordingly, the mobile stabilizing seat proves a design of perfect driving and robust stabilizing, which is easily and quickly assembled, firmly stabilized, and used conveniently.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2006Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Inventor: Mike Chen
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Publication number: 20080248754Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2007Publication date: October 9, 2008Inventor: Tsuneo Ohno
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Patent number: 7433647Abstract: An antenna coupler for a wireless communication system in a vehicle couples a transmit signal source to a plurality of antennas arranged within the vehicle. A first saturable reactor has a first load winding and a first control winding wound on a first saturable core, the first load winding coupling the signal source to a first antenna. A first current source is coupled to the first control winding for providing a selected current to the first control winding. A second saturable reactor has a second load winding and a second control winding wound on a second saturable core, the second load winding coupling the signal source to a second antenna. A second current source is coupled to the second control winding for providing a selected current to the second control winding. A controller is coupled to the first and second current sources for commanding the first and second selected currents to selectably attenuate or non-attenuate a transmit signal from the transmit signal source to each respective antenna.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2005Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Thomas J. LeMense, Riad Ghabra, Qingfeng Tang
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Publication number: 20080242259Abstract: A radio for a motor vehicle includes a housing in which a radio module and a digital radio decoder are arranged. The radio module includes a radio-module low-frequency input and a radio-module low-frequency output for the emission of a low-frequency signal which is inputted via the radio-module low-frequency input. The digital radio decoder includes a decoder high-frequency input, a decoder high-frequency output which is connected to the radio-module low-frequency input and a digital radio receiver for converting a digital radio signal inputted into the decoder high-frequency input into a low-frequency signal and for emitting the low-frequency signal via the decoder low-frequency output.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2005Publication date: October 2, 2008Inventors: Frank Nowack, Stephan Volker, Klaus-Gert Besel
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Publication number: 20080227426Abstract: A multimedia wireless transmitting and receiving device includes a main device body, and a base member connected to both the main device body and a car cigarette lighter socket; the main device body has an FM transmitter for transmitting FM signals receivable by a radio of the car; the main device body has a Bluetooth module for performing transference of audio and digital data between the Bluetooth module and a cellular phone; the main device body has a microphone serving as a sound input source; the base member has a plug for connection with the car cigarette lighter socket to obtain power supply; the base member has several connection cavities, which are each used for connection with a respective transfer wire of electronic devices so as to transfer digitized music files stored in the electronic devices to the main device body and to charge the electronic devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2007Publication date: September 18, 2008Inventor: Chung-Hung Lin
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Patent number: 7424279Abstract: A method is provided for enhancing in real-time the playback of a broadcast data signal. The method comprises the steps of: (a) receiving a broadcast data signal at a player device; (b) storing the broadcast data signal on the player device; (c) generating an output signal based on the broadcast data signal substantially simultaneous to the storage of the broadcast data signal; (d) creating a time delay between the storage of the broadcast data signal and the generation of the output signal; and (e) adjusting the time delay between the storage of the broadcast data signal and the generation of the output signal, thereby manipulating the output signal from the player device.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2000Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Douglas L. Welk, Mathew A. Boytim
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Patent number: 7421289Abstract: A telephone system for a motor vehicle includes a transmit/receive unit that transmits data over a wireless communication channel, and receives data over the wireless communication channel and provides a received signal. The system also includes a control unit that communicates with the transmit/receive unit; a first memory device; and a computing device. The computing device receives the received signal and automatically stores the received signal data in the first memory device when the telephone system is configured in a stand-by mode, which allows incoming data to be stored in the memory device while selectively preventing the transmission of outgoing calls originated by the control unit to the transmit/receive unit. Data can be sent to the motor vehicle telephone system and can be stored there for retrieval by the operator when he returns to the vehicle. The data may include audio and/or video data.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2005Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Harman Becker Automotive Systems GmbHInventors: Joachim Wietzke, Stefan Wolf, Dirk Lappe
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Patent number: 7409221Abstract: In an automobile, communications to and from the automobile are in the form of messages. Such messages are referred to as “electronic car-mail” or “C-mail” messages as each message has a destination or origination address which includes an identifier, e.g., a vehicle identification number (VIN), identifying the automobile. The messages may be delivered to the automobile from a remote server through a communications network, e.g., the Internet. One such message may contain a recall notice to the automobile. Another message may contain just-in-time map information for navigation, depending on the current location of the automobile. Yet another message may contain advertising information concerning selected entities, e.g., restaurants, gas stations, department stores, etc., also depending on the current location of the automobile. The messages transmitted from the automobile to the remote server may contain, e.g.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2006Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: American Calcar, Inc.Inventors: Michael L. Obradovich, Philip E. White
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Patent number: 7409235Abstract: A vehicle equipped with an on-vehicle telecommunication system having an electromagnetic field shielding case installed in the vehicle and for housing a user portable communication device, which has a first communication module permitting, via a first antenna, short-range radio-frequency transmission and reception, and a second antenna permitting long-range radio-frequency transmission and reception to and from a remote radio-base station.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2004Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile Per AzioniInventors: Giuseppe Faranda Cordella, Michela Audone
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Patent number: 7406321Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for providing user-selected telematics services in a mobile vehicle. The method includes accessing a menu of available telematics services and selecting a desired telematics service. The method also includes determining a telematics service fee based on the user selected service and paying the user selected telematics service fee via remote resource. The method further includes receiving the selected telematics service.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2003Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventor: Frederick J. Beiermeister
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Patent number: 7405649Abstract: A communication control apparatus of the present invention controls communication among a plurality of electronic devices mounted on a vehicle and mainly includes a control unit that is configured of a micro computer or the like and that periodically outputs clock pulses, a trouble detecting unit to detect a trouble in the control unit, and a communication control unit to interrupt communication upon detection of a trouble, that is, to control communication by disconnecting an electronic device. The trouble detecting unit includes an analog amount converting unit to convert clock pulses from the control unit to an analog amount and an analog amount comparing unit to compare the analog amount generated in the analog amount converting unit with a predetermined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2005Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: Alps Electric Co., LtdInventors: Kazuhiko Hiratsuka, Masaaki Tanaka
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Publication number: 20080176526Abstract: An RF radio and a method of monitoring warning alert data is provided. The RF radio includes a radio receiver for receiving broadcast radio wave signals, and a tuner adjustable for selecting radio wave signal channels within AM and FM radio bands and radio wave signal channels within a weather band. The weather band is adapted to provide warning alert data. The radio also includes a controller for controlling the tuner to select a radio wave signal channel within the AM or FM radio band. The controller controls the tuner to periodically switch to the weather band and determines presence of warning alert data. The controller further initiates receipt of the warning alert data when such warning alert data is determined to be present.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2007Publication date: July 24, 2008Inventor: Daniel T. Altizer
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Patent number: 7398947Abstract: A mounting device that enables a contemporary audio/video accessory to be installed in the dashboard of an older model vehicle includes a flange, at least one wall, and a plurality of shoulders. The flange has a rearward-facing surface and an opposite engagement surface configured to engage the dashboard along the perimeter of the opening and to face in the frontward direction. The flange has an inner rim defining an entrance of the channel that is sized to receive the audio/video accessory. At least one wall extends from the engagement surface of the flange, and is sized to be received in the dashboard opening. The shoulders extend in an inward direction from the at least one wall. The shoulders have respective abutment surfaces facing the engagement surface of the flange. The abutment surfaces engage the outer portion of the audio/video accessory when the accessory is inserted into the channel.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2005Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Inventor: Michael A Bartrom
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Patent number: 7398076Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2005Date of Patent: July 8, 2008Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tomoki Kubota, Hideto Miyazaki
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Patent number: 7394781Abstract: Disclosed is a wireless remote controller using a time division protocol. A satellite radio equipped with the wireless remote controller is also disclosed which performs an audio processing operation for time division multiplexing (TDM) and orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signals respectively transmitted from satellites and a terrestrial repeater by demodulating and digitally processing the TDM and OFDM signals. The remote controller includes a transceiver for performing a bi-directional communication through a single channel in such a manner that transmission and reception sides are sync with each other in accordance with a time division duplexing scheme, the transceiver wirelessly transmitting a command from a user, and executing a response received thereto. A Bluetooth radio modem and a commercially available inexpensive protocol can be used, so that it is possible to inexpensively provide, to the driver, the same convenience and advantages as the conventional system.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2004Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: Kiryung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hyuk-Joon Kwon
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Publication number: 20080141119Abstract: An in-vehicle audio device that can be connected to a portable audio device may include a display generating unit operative to generate transmission image data in a format that can be displayed in the portable audio device from tune information data corresponding to audio data read from the portable audio device when the portable audio device is connected to the in-vehicle audio device, and a communication unit operative to send the transmission image data generated by the display generating unit to the portable audio device when the portable audio device is connected to the in-vehicle audio device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2007Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventor: Hidetaka Suda
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Patent number: 7386294Abstract: A dedicated short-range communication on-vehicle apparatus easily attachable on a wind shield of the motor vehicle includes an antenna, a radio module, a data processing unit and others contained in a single box-like housing. The antenna (8) has directivity in a predetermined orientation. The radio module (10) performs transmission/reception of radio wave with road-side radio equipment through the antenna (8). The data processing unit (11) processes data transferred through the radio module (10). The box-like housing (4) houses the antenna (8), the radio module (10) and the data processing unit (11) en bloc. The box-like housing (4) is fixedly attached onto a windshield (3) of the motor vehicle at a mounting plate (4a) of the housing (4) on the antenna radiation side by an adhesive member (30). A radio wave aperture portion of the mounting plate (4a) is made of a radio wave transmissible material.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2004Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Masahiro Inoue
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Patent number: 7383056Abstract: A processing apparatus is mounted on a to-be-equipped body, transmits/receives signals to/from a portable transmitter portably carried by a user, and activates one of functions provided in the to-be-equipped body in accordance with instruction information included in an instruction signal transmitted from the portable transmitter. The processing apparatus includes a receiving unit, a transmitting unit, a judgment unit, a control unit, and an adjustment unit. The receiving unit receives the instruction signal transmitted from the portable transmitter. The transmitting unit transmits a response signal. The judgment unit judges whether or not an acknowledgement signal has been received from the portable transmitter. The control unit activates a function to be activated by the instruction information when the judgment unit concludes that the acknowledgement signal has been received.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2004Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: Fujitsu Ten LimitedInventors: Manabu Matsubara, Akira Takee, Minoru Yoshimura
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Patent number: 7376448Abstract: The heterodyne receiver includes an antenna, a local oscillator, a mixer mixing a signal received by the antenna with a local oscillation signal generated by the local oscillator to produce an IF signal, and a demodulator demodulating the IF signal. The local oscillator is configured to set a frequency of the local oscillation signal at such a frequency that a frequency of the IF signal becomes a predetermined intermediate frequency when any one of intended signals having frequencies within a predetermined frequency range is being received by the antenna, and to fix the frequency of the local oscillation signal at a predetermined oscillation frequency when any one of the intended signals is not being received by the antenna.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2005Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Nobuya Watabe
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Patent number: 7356354Abstract: When a portable receiving terminal is mounted on a cradle in an automobile, the satellite broadcasted contents is received by use of external antennas connected to the cradle, in place of built-in antennas contained in the portable receiving terminal. Accordingly, by use of the portable receiving terminal of the present invention, the satellite broadcasted contents can be surely received even in an automobile. Furthermore, the received information outputted from the portable receiving terminal can be transmitted to external devices such as car navigation system and the like when being mounted on the automobile. Accordingly, by taking advantages of a car navigation system, a car television and a car stereo mounted on the automobile, the information received by the portable receiving terminal can be displayed in a very lively manner.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2004Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: Mobile Broadcasting CorporationInventor: Atsushi Itsukaichi
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Patent number: 7356336Abstract: A system is provided that comprises a vehicle (e.g., aircraft) including a plurality of modules (e.g., line-replaceable units—LRU's) capable of communicating over a plurality of buses (e.g., Mil-Std-1553 buses). The system also includes an advanced wireless open data controller (AWOC) capable of receiving data output onto the buses of the vehicle during operation of the vehicle, such as during flight of an aircraft. The AWOC is also capable of comparing the output data to a database of known events of the modules. Then, when the output data matches a known event for at least one module, the AWOC is capable of identifying an event. The AWOC can package event data including the identified event. A data unit, also included within the system, is capable of transmitting the packaged event data external to the vehicle at least partially over a wireless communication link.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2004Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Ralph S. Perez, Luigi P. Righi, Joseph F. Sunio, Mark A. Talbot
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Patent number: 7349669Abstract: An electronic toll collection (ETC) system comprises an on-vehicle unit mounted on a vehicle and a stationary-station communication system. This communication system operates to perform communication for accounting processing toward the on-vehicle unit mounted on the vehicle that passes a predetermined communication area. The stationary-station communication system comprises a controller and an antenna unit. The controller includes a protocol controller configured to produce a protocol selection signal and a communication controller configured to control the communication based on the produced communication protocol selection signal. The antenna unit includes a modem unit configured to selectively have a plurality of types of modulation/demodulation techniques corresponding to a plurality of types of protocols for the communication and control means configured to selectively allow the modem unit to be switched into a particular modulation/demodulation technique specified by the protocol selection signal.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2002Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Kazumasa Toyama
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Patent number: 7346370Abstract: The present invention is directed to facilitating communications and interoperability between/among applications and services. Such applications and services may be running on or associated with disparate platforms. The apparatus of the present invention provides for a message set that can be used by services to advertise available services, and by applications to identify desired services. According to certain embodiments, applications may subscribe to available services. In a further aspect of some embodiments, applications executable on and services available from disparate platforms are not required by themselves to support communications between/among the platforms. Instead, such support may be obtained from facilities that are provided as part of the platform itself.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2004Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Cellport Systems, Inc.Inventors: Charles W. Spaur, Axel Fuchs, Patrick J. Kennedy, Mike Lewellen, Jay Plucienkowski
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Publication number: 20080064332Abstract: A communications system may include a first transceiver and a second transceiver both mountable to a vehicle. The first transceiver may include a range substantially limited to a close proximity of the vehicle. The communications system may also include a mobile communications device. The mobile communications device may be adapted to receive a signal from the first transceiver when within the range of the first transceiver. The signal may include information useable by the mobile communications device for configuration of the mobile communications device for two-way communications with the second transceiver.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2006Publication date: March 13, 2008Inventors: Donald B. Lee, Bradley J. Mitchell
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Patent number: 7333837Abstract: The invention pertains to mobile telephones and can be used during telephone conversations while, for example, operating a mode of transportation. The universal hands-free unit for mobile telephones contains the main module containing a speaker and control electronics, a holder for the mobile telephone, a microphone, an attachment module, and a changeable connection module for electrical connection of the control electronics with the electrical circuits of the mobile telephone. The holder of the mobile telephone is constructed in the form of two plates oriented parallel to each other at a distance L which may be changed by moving at least one plate relative to the other plate with the help of a mechanism located in the body of the main module. A fixating bracket attached to each holding plate, each fixating bracket is made in the shape of a base with several parallel resilient fins.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: ZAO “Premier Technology”Inventor: Dmitry Mikhailovich Gordeyev
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Publication number: 20080032663Abstract: An audio integrator monitors the outputs of a plurality of audio sources, and a controller prioritizes the audio sources. An active audio detection circuit determines when one or more of the audio sources become active. When the two or more audio sources are active simultaneously, the controller directs the highest priority audio source to one or more speakers. If a lower priority audio signal is currently playing, newly active voice communication audio, such as communications or directional information, is delayed to preserve the beginning of the message during an audio switch-over. A currently-playing, lower-priority audio signal may be decreased in volume, and a tone unique to the new audio source sounded, prior to the switching the audio to the higher-priority source. During audio input (e.g., while actuating a push-to-talk button on a microphone), all active audio sources are quieted.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2006Publication date: February 7, 2008Inventor: Marquis D. Doyle