Abstract: A communication system for use by a rider of power sports equipment having enables the rider to control the operating characteristics, such as the operating mode, of a microphone-including arrangement of a two-way radio or public address (PA) equipment while the rider maintains his grip about the handlebars of the power sports equipment for operation thereof. Furthermore, the communication system does not involve any connecting wires which may otherwise extend between any components of the system which are carried by the rider and any components of the system which are carried by the power sports equipment.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for a protocol translation device that may include two different protocols and an intermediate, network-independent protocol. In an embodiment, an emerging worldwide standard, Bluetooth, provides a wireless interface to the electronics in an automotive vehicle via the de-facto standard for vehicle buses, Controller Area Network (CAN). A remote application can connect to this interface via a Bluetooth host in the vehicle or in communication range of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention presents a method and computer program product for operating a mobile electronic device having a wireless transceiver within an automobile having an on-board computer. The method includes: receiving a wireless information message from the mobile electronic device within the automobile to the on-board computer, establishing a wireless communication link between the on-board computer and the mobile electronic device; communicating instructions from the on-board computer to the mobile electronic device to disable a one or more features within the mobile electronic device; and then communicating reconfiguration instructions from the on-board computer to the mobile electronic device, whereby the mobile electronic device reconfigures itself to become a slave device to the on-board computer. The motorist may then utilize the mobile electronic device through the input and output devices of the on-board computer.

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

Abstract: A locking system and method automatically lock a mobile phone in a manner that significantly reduces or eliminates unauthorized use of a mobile phone. The system includes a key lock which must have a key connected to the lock in order to move the lock from a locked condition to an unlocked condition and a power source switch that automatically de-activates the mobile phone whenever a power source of the phone is removed from the phone. The key lock must be moved into an unlocked condition in order to manually activate the phone after it has been de-activated, and the key must also be connected to the lock in order to manually de-activate the phone after the phone has been activated.

Abstract: An Internet radio device is provided, having a dedicated Internet Protocol (IP) telephony mode for practicing telephony and for enabling one-touch initiation and call connection of an IP telephone call to a recipient device. The internet radio comprises, an IP telephony software application for enabling IP telephony, a modem for accessing and connecting to a data-packet-network, a sound circuitry for facilitating audio conversion and transmission, and a programmable array of input indicia for enabling one touch initiation and connection of an IP telephony call operating in the telephony mode. When a user selects the IP telephony mode IP telephony calling is enabled wherein the user may activate a pre-programmed indicia for the purpose of initiating and establishing an IP telephony call to an intended recipient device.

Abstract: Process for mobile reception of television signals in which an output signal (SA) is derived from n different (S1 . . . S5) and is supplied to the reproduction part of the receiver, the n input signals (S1 . . . S5) being weighted, the output signal (SA) being formed by summing of the weighted input signals, and the quality of each of the n input signals (S1 . . . S5) being evaluated using at least one given criterion for determining the adaptively determined weighting factors, characterized in that the n input signals (S1 . . . S5) are time-synchronized before their evaluation, summing and weighting, and the horizontal and/or vertical video synchronization pulses contained in the input signals (S1 . . . S5) are used for control of time synchronization.

Abstract: A communication system and method for transmitting and receiving teletype information in a vehicle (20). The communication system (22) includes an external interface (24) and a communication control unit (26). The external interface (24), embedded in the vehicle (20), is capable of receiving a first set of teletype signals from a portable TTY terminal (50) and capable of sending a second set of teletype signal to the portable TTY terminal (50). The communication control unit (26), also embedded in the vehicle (20), is connected to the external interface (24) and comprises a controller (36) and a transceiver (34). The transceiver (34) is capable of transmitting messages over a wireless communication link (A) that contain information from the first set of teletype signals. The transceiver (34) is also capable of receiving messages over the wireless communication link (A) that contain information for the second set of teletype signals.

Abstract: An accessory that can be mounted on a receptacle for a cigarette lighter in a motor vehicle includes a unit that can support a cellular telephone. The unit is adjustable and can accommodate a variety of different cellular telephones. A headset unit supporting hook is mounted on the unit so a headset can be stored with the cellular telephone when not in use.

Abstract: A portable entertainment system for use with a vehicle, such as a bicycle or motorcycle, and a helmet. The system may include a vehicle subsystem and a helmet subsystem. The vehicle subsystem includes a mounting device having at least one port, the mounting device adapted to connect to the bicycle, and a portable computing device positionable in the at least one port, the portable computing device having one or more digitized audio files thereon. A wireless transmitter is coupled with the portable computing device, the wireless transmitter transmitting a digitized audio signal when the portable computing device is playing a digitized audio file.

Abstract: Ordinary data groups and index information indicating data names and memory locations of broadcasted data are transmitted in multiplex mode from the data broadcasting station 101, and received by the onboard terminal 103 and/or the information service station 104 through the data distribution part 102. The onboard terminal 103 detects the information which it does not hold by referring to the index information, and presents a list of data names at the onboard display part 133. The service station 104 stores separately the data groups and the index information provided from the broadcasting station 101, and in response to the download request from the onboard 103, it examines whether the required data is located in SS memory part 147 by referring to the index data, and captures the required data from external memory locations defined in the index information if the required data is not stored.

Abstract: A method of customer-individualized adjustment of a car radio having a microprocessor control and corresponding internal operating software, an interface for changing the operating software and an external memory device that can be read by the interface being provided. A selection is made from various software modules for different functions of the car radio, this selection is stored on the memory device, the memory device is connected to the interface in order to start operation of the car radio, and the software modules stored on the memory device are loaded into the car radio as an extension of the operating software.

Abstract: A high-speed wireless link communicates data between a central storage system and a mobile remote system. The wireless link further communicates data between two mobile remote systems. Both the central storage system and the mobile remote system include a central processor, a memory, a transceiver, and a means for data output. The high-speed wireless link is established between the transceivers. Data are loaded, processed and stored on the central storage system. The data, including musical data in MP3 format, are automatically downloaded at high transmission speeds from the central storage system to the mobile remote system.

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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A combination of manual and voice input for a telematics system reduces visual distraction, works reliably, and is low cost. The telematics system uses a menu-based interface to communicate with the driver. This menu-based interface is accessible to the driver using both manual interactions and by voice. A reliable manual input mechanism is available using turn or push buttons in addition to voice recognition, which may not be accurate in all operating conditions. Voice recognition inputs can be limited to small numbers of words or phrases that can be more easily distinguished by a voice recognizer. Furthermore, voice outputs of the system are tailored to that they are readily recognizable to the driver. Manual input is optionally rejected in operating conditions in which such input is dangerous or prohibited.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of accessing a mobile vehicle using a wireless communication system. A vehicle communication device is placed into a first communication service sleep mode of a sleep cycle. It is determined if a first communication service is currently available to the vehicle communication device. If the first communication service is available, the vehicle communication device remains in a first communication service awake mode for a first interval of the sleep cycle. If the first communication service is not available, the vehicle communication device remains in the first communication service sleep mode for the first interval of the sleep cycle. Programs and systems of using the method are also provided.

Abstract: A plurality of users each selects desired listening broadcast programs that are recorded by a system in a memory and indexed to the specific user. The user may also select the desired playback schedule and playback format. Conveniently, the system retrieves recorded broadcast programs stored in memory, then plays them according to the specific user's desired format and schedule. Additionally, each user may select which broadcast programs are stored, which broadcast frequencies are scanned by the system for the desired broadcast programs, and how long each broadcast program is stored in memory.

Abstract: An audio apparatus for a vehicle made up of a car-mounted audio apparatus 100 and portable audio apparatuses 200a and 200b transmits/receives contents data such as music via radio communication. As a communication system for this in-car radio communication, a short-distance data communication system is used, which allows the apparatuses to recognize and authenticate one another and perform data communication with one another in the vehicle. Received music data is reproduced/output in real time.

Abstract: The process relates to communication between a mobile receiver fitted with at least two antennas of which one antenna is less sensitive, an internal transmitter and an external transmitter respectively inside and outside a vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft arrangement and method relies on matching vehicle identifiers upon detection of vehicle battery cycling to confirm whether or not the component being protected is still resident in an authorized vehicle. The arrangement and method further includes a facile way for authorized personnel to override the protection mechanism using code word entries retrievable from a component manufacturer generated database.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for providing wireless electronic content to members of the public. A mobile backbone of an electronic content delivery system is based on mobile vehicles, as of the Postal Service. Alternatively a stationary network to deliver electronic content is established in Postal Service facilities. A device, such as a Family Message Board, receives delivery of the wireless electronic content, whether from a mobile vehicle or fixed postal station. The wireless electronic content may be processed for a variety of uses including email, internet access, graphic messages, and postal secure notifications.

Abstract: This invention relates to a communication system for use with a vehicle. The system comprises a first communication unit (1), being positioned within a vehicle (2), and a second portable communication unit (7). The first communication unit (1) comprises a first memory circuit (4) being connected with a first transceiver (3), and said second communication unit (7) comprises a second memory circuit (10) being connected with a second transceiver (9). The transceivers (3,9) are arranged to establish a short-distance wireless communication link (8) between said first and second communication units when the communication units are within a communication range from each other, thereby enabling two-way communication between said communication units. An information item, stored in any one of said memory circuits is automatically transmitted to the other one of said memory circuits (4,10), over said wireless communication link (8) when the communication units (1,7) are within said communication range from each other.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a vehicle computer system, and the vehicle computer system's method of receiving messages from a control center. The vehicle computer system includes a pager and a mobile telephone. oIn order to save the communication fee between the mobile telephone and the control center, the vehicle computer system uses the pager to receive the pre-message and the mobile telephone to receive the post-message, if the message contains large amounts of data.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: In a car radio having a handset that is inserted into a horizontally positioned holder in a front panel and has a screen as well as labeled control keys and can be used as the control unit for a car radio or as a telephone, the use of the handset is made easier in both operating positions by orienting the labeling of the control keys along an axis that is rotated out of the usual perpendicular alignment of the handset in the mounted position by an angle between 30 and 60 degrees in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the handset, thereby making the labeling easy to read in both operating positions of the handset.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for outputting traffic information in a motor vehicle. In order to present the driver with traffic information in such a way that he can adapt his driving behaviour and/or his selection of a route for his journey to the respective current traffic situation in time, there is a provision that traffic messages are stored together with the respective position of the route section to which they relate. The positions of the traffic messages are then compared with the respective position of a motor vehicle in which the traffic information is to be output in order to detect the distances between the respective position of the traffic messages and the position of this motor vehicle. The traffic messages are then output sorted according to distances, starting with the smallest distance.

Abstract: This invention relates to a remote communication system for use with a vehicle, comprising a first communication unit (1), located within a vehicle (2), said first communication unit comprising a first transceiver (3), connectable with a long-distance wireless communication network (16), such as a cellular network; and a portable second communication unit (7), comprising a second transceiver (9), connectable with a unit for long-distance wireless communication (14), such as a cellular terminal. The first and second communication units (1,7) are connectable with each other using said long-distance wireless communication network 16, thereby establishing a remote two-way communication link between said communication units. This invention further relates to a fob unit, for use in a remote communication system.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing television audio programming that is derived from a broadcast television signal is set forth. The apparatus includes a transceiver that is adapted to selectively receive one of a plurality of broadcast television signals in response to a channel selection signal received at a channel selection input thereof. The transceiver converts the audio signal component of the television signal to a radio signal for reception by a radio receiver. The radio receiver, in turn, converts the radio signal to an audible audio signal corresponding to the television audio programming. The apparatus also includes a control module formed as a unit that is physically distinct from the transceiver. The control module includes a programmable microcontroller, a user interface connected to provide at least channel selection information to the programmable controller, and a display connected for control by the programmable microcontroller to indicate at least channel selection information to a user.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the difficulties of controlling new devices which have been added to a network. A network protocol, the NetCTL protocol, enables a remote control device to dynamically learn the command codes of a newly network attached device if the new device is executing the protocol. The intervention of a system administrator is not necessary since the dynamic teaming process happens automatically when the new device is attached to the network. Because the protocol allows the remote control device to learn the codes dynamically, there is no need to consult previously written tables of commands which can omit the codes for newly invented devices. A user of the remote control device which has “learned” the codes (i.e. acquired the codes) for a network attached device is able to control that device, regardless of the device's physical location, by selecting and sending the network attached device a command code to perform an operation.

Abstract: A hand free device is commonly shared by a plurality of communication devices, and more particularly to a hand free device which can be used by a plurality of communication devices simultaneously. Such a hand free device includes a microprocessor, more than one I/O interfaces, a multiplexer control unit, more than one multiplexers, a voice processing unit, a speaker amplifying and control unit, a microphone amplifying circuit, a dialing unit, a charging and power supply unit and an artificial interface. Such a hand free device can be simultaneously coupled to multiple communication devices and allows the same to be operable at the same time.

Abstract: An automatic function control of an antenna unit of a vehicle-mounted toll unit of an electronic toll system including a position detection system is disclosed. The toll unit includes a reception unit linked with the antenna unit and the antenna unit is adapted to receive position detection signals. At least one control signal that interacts with the antenna unit is produced and supplied to the toll unit, and the function of the antenna unit is checked by use of the control signal.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An internet radio for portable applications and uses such as in an automobile enables saving enhanced information contained in content sent to a wireless communication device to be saved, and comprises the steps of transmitting content to said wireless communication device; transmitting enhanced information related to said content to said wireless communication device; detecting the selection by a user to receive the enhanced information; and transmitting the enhanced information to the user. Customized information is also communicated to the radio such as stock quotes, travel information, advertising, and e-mail. Onboard global positioning allows for channel updating by location, traffic information, geographic advertising and available similar content.

Abstract: Connection of a car adapter or a car battery in an automobile to a portable radio communication apparatus is detected; communication with a communication system not warranting communication during fast transit is forbidden; and switching over to a communication system warranting it is accomplished.

Abstract: According to a specific embodiment, a support structure for a mobile phone is disclosed having a first section extending substantially vertically having a section for receiving and supporting the mobile phone. The first section has a coupler for electrical connection with the mobile phone. The support structure also has a second section coupled with the first section extending substantially horizontally having a distal end section including an antenna being electrically coupled with the coupler in the first section. The antenna is coupled with the coupler using a cable, which in some preferred embodiments is within a coupling section between the first and second sections.

Abstract: A method of interfacing a portable transceiver in a telematics system comprising the steps of: a) bringing a portable wireless transceiver into proximity of a vehicle, wherein the portable wireless transceiver has short range and long range wireless transceiving functions; b) automatically switching the portable wireless transceiver from a power-off state to a power-on state in response to a short range wireless signal from the vehicle; and c) operating the portable wireless transceiver as a telecommunications device for at least one system within the vehicle through a short range wireless link.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of and system for determining a radio-frequency signal strength at a mobile vehicle. A signal strength measurement request is received from a call center for a selected radio frequency, a signal strength of the selected radio frequency is measured at the mobile vehicle, and the measured signal strength is sent to the call center.

Abstract: An information communicating device for vehicles includes a housing having a seat for supporting phones, and having an emergent key for dialing emergent calls, a vocal key for switching to a vocal dialing mode, a traffic condition key for receiving traffic condition, and a phone receiving key for receiving phone call without carrying the phones. A primary control unit is received in the housing, and coupled to the keys, a voice control unit coupled to the primary control unit, and a power supply unit for supplying electric power to the primary control unit and the voice control unit.

Abstract: A system for streaming broadcast audio and/or video signals from an automobile uses a personal digital assistant (PDA) device and a PDA docking station to transmit the audio and/or video signals to the automobile's existing stereo system and/or video monitor. As a result, a user can log on to any radio or television station that streams audio and/or video broadcast over the Internet, and listen to and/or watch the live broadcast in the automobile. The system utilizes current technology and communication infrastructure to bring the Internet and all of its services to the automobile. In addition to providing a wide variety of music, news and sports for drivers, the system provides a global listening audience for companies that wish to advertise to a broad spectrum of people.

Abstract: An antenna apparatus capable of being installed at a mobile body, the antenna apparatus comprising a plurality of receiving antennas; an antenna switching means for switching each of the plurality of receiving antennas between a connected state and a disconnected state respectively; and a control means for controlling switching by the antenna switching means based on the direction in which, and the speed at which, the mobile body moves relative to the direction of propagation of at least one propagating wave of at least one received signal.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for disabling a cellphone in the presence of certain conditions, and for switching it off in the presence of some other conditions, while allowing its use in the normal fashion in the absence of these two sets of conditions. Thus, this system regulates cellphone use in accordance with specified restrictions in specific locations, and allows its normal functioning when these restrictions are not required. Specifically, a first condition is an attempt to operate a cellphone by the driver of a vehicle having its ignition on and/or moving above a certain speed. In such a condition the system would automatically disable the OK switch of a cellphone and may also perform the CALL END function. In the second condition the system automatically switches off any cellphone in the ON condition being carried on the person of an individual occupying a seat in an aircraft, or a committee room, or any other such location where such a restriction is envisaged.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The invention is to provide a device for fastening a cellular phone, after placing a base of the device into a socket in the center console of an automobile, a wheel member fixed on the top of a threaded guide post engaged with the base is rotatable to cause a first sliding block to move either upward or downward along the threaded guide post for causing a second sliding block to move laterally outwardly as a longitudinal first guide elements of the first sliding block slide along the mated longitudinal second guide elements of the second sliding block until the outer surfaces of the second sliding blocks engage with an inner wall of the socket, thereby securing the device to the socket for fastening a cellular phone.

Abstract: A transit vehicle wireless transmission broadcast system for wirelessly transmitting multimedia content from one transit vehicle to another transit vehicle for broadcast of the multimedia content to passengers traveling in the transit vehicles. Each transit vehicle includes a receiver for receiving the multimedia content or storage device for retrieving the multimedia content and a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting the multimedia content to a receiver located on another transit vehicle. Each of the transit vehicles includes broadcast device for broadcasting the multimedia content to the passengers.

Abstract: Context-relevant proximity-driven mobile advertising is accomplished by displaying advertisement content at display devices associated with mobile vehicles based on the context of the vehicles, such as location and time. An advertising context module associates plural advertisement contents with selected contexts. An advertising display controller associated with each vehicle uses a location provided by a locator device, such as a GPS locator, to determine a vehicle context and applies the context to select advertisement content for display at the vehicle.

Abstract: A telecommunications system for sending signals over a network including a plurality of mobile nodes. Each mobile node includes a motor vehicle, a wireless transmitter disposed with the motor vehicle having a range for transmitting signals to the network, a wireless receiver disposed with the motor vehicle for receiving signals from the network, a memory disposed with a motor vehicle for storing the signals, a router disposed with the motor vehicle for routing the signals along the network, and an energy source disposed with the motor vehicle for powering the router. The system includes a fixed node. The fixed node preferably has a transmitter for transmitting signals to the network and a receiver for receiving signals from the network.

Abstract: An audio system includes a housing. Within the housing, a processor is communicably connected to a compact disc drive, a user interface, a hard drive, and an audio output. Optionally, a tuner and memory may be connected to the processor and disposed within the housing. A face plate including a portion of the user interface may be removably attached to the housing. The processor is configured to read data from a compact disc within the compact disc drive or from the tuner. The processor can encode the data into digitally formatted files, and store the files within the memory or hard drive. The processing means can read, encode, and store the data at a rate equal to or faster than the normal rate of play of the data. The processing means can produce an audio signal representative of the data in one of the files stored within the memory or hard drive.

Abstract: A structure of a wireless communication device for calling an emergency report center via a cellular phone network is simplified. Further, provision is made so that voice communication can be established with the emergency report center from anywhere. To provide such an advantage, a built-in wireless communication section is used to transmit data, including a phone number of a cellular phone possessed by a user in a vehicle when an emergency report is made to the emergency report center via the cellular phone network. An operator in the emergency report center uses the phone number of the cellular phone to establish voice communication with the user. Since the built-in wireless communication section does not require a voice communication circuit, the wireless communication device structure can be simplified to reduce a size and cost of the device. Further, the emergency report center can establish voice communication with the user even when the user has to stay away from the vehicle depending on a situation.

Abstract: An entertainment device for vehicles adaptable to include various telecommunication and Internet applications, a sunviser monitoring screen for viewing, with an electronic screen protector for protecting the screen. The device, which is referred to as megatel, incorporates receivers and transmitters to enable cell phone and Internet transmission via the radio wave of an entertainment device radiated towards the antenna to the megatel body and output to the CPU. The signal to the CPU is controlled by the controller so that transmissions for the radio, the cell phone, and the Internet is separated and output to the monitoring screen and the speakers of the entertainment device so as to allow hands free communication while driving.