Abstract: A portable communication device is used in a digital money system so as to pay for purchase by digital money by using the portable communication device. A remote communication interface interfaces radio-frequency communication with a remote communication terminal. A short-distance communication interface interfaces wireless communication with a communication terminal located in the vicinity of the portable communication device. Data or instruction information is input to the portable communication terminal by an inputting unit such as a key panel. The data is stored in a memory and is displayed on a display unit such as an LCD. An enciphering and deciphering circuit enciphers or deciphers the data to be transmitted or received so as to maintain security.

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 audio system with a removable faceplate. The system may include a base unit including at least one source of audio input and at least one speaker operable to provide audio output. In addition the system may include a removable faceplate that is an active device, and a connector allowing connection between the removable faceplate to the base unit. The faceplate may include an internal power source to provide power to the faceplate when removed from the base unit, a memory for storing data representative of audio signals, and a connector allowing connection to an output device.

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: The invention provides a method of registering a cellular phone in a mobile vehicle while in a quiescent mode. Whether timer-based registration is enabled is determined. Whether one of a counter or an interval timer has reached a predetermined threshold is determined based on the timer-based registration determination. The cellular phone is registered during the next wake state when the predetermined threshold has been reached.

Abstract: An arrangement whereby the standard wireless telephone can still retain all of its desirable light weight and size features while detached from and out of the automobile while still providing user interfaces with a minimum of distraction from driving while the wireless telephone is functionally attached within the automobile. There is a housing adjacent the dashboard for detachably receiving a separable wireless telephone with a display smaller than said dashboard display in combination with switching apparatus for bypassing the wireless telephone display with said dashboard display when said wireless telephone is received in said housing whereby the dashboard display functions as the wireless telephone display. The system may be set so that the switching apparatus automatically bypasses said wireless telephone display when said wireless telephone is inserted into said housing.

Abstract: This invention provides a single unit called a personal communicator that combines the functions of a cell phone (or mobile phone), a body-supported computer and a pager. The personal communicator has three detachable modules: 1. a communications module; 2. a display module; and 3. a core computer module The core computer module has all of the components of a general purpose computer. Each of the modules when detached can be used in other systems such as with larger screens.

Abstract: A system for mounting a cell phone in an automobile providing vibration resistant holding, phone battery recharging, rapid disconnect and convenient mounting on an article of clothing such as a belt.

Abstract: A system integrates a hearing aid with devices such as wireless telephones, advantageously avoiding radio frequency (RF) interference. In one embodiment, a processor transforms an electrical signal to compensate for a hearing impairment. The function used for signal transformation can be accessed via a processor memory enhancement such as a smart card. A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) converts the transformed signal to an analog signal, which then goes to an amplifier and speaker. In other embodiments, an analog amplifier transforms the electrical signal.

Abstract: A built-in appliance for a motor vehicle, wherein the appliance is designed as a radio telephone, comprising an introduction orifice for a storage card arranged on a front side of the built-in appliance. The introduction orifice is capable of being closed by a cover which serves at the same time as an operating element. As a result, the available space on the front side is not reduced, as compared with conventional built-in appliances. At the same time, it is easy for a user to extract the storage card which, moreover, is protected against environmental influences by the cover.

Abstract: A system for setting vehicle operator preferences is provided. The system includes a vehicle control module for controlling a vehicle component such as an HVAC unit. A data link is connected to the vehicle control module and may be an infrared signal receiver, a radio frequency signal receiver, a vehicle communications bus, or any other suitable data link. A portable handheld computing device includes a program having vehicle preferences stored in a memory. Preferably, the vehicle preferences may be input by the operator into the portable handheld computing device. The portable handheld computing device may be a Handspring® device, a Palmpilot® device, or any other suitable portable computing device. The portable handheld computing device sends the vehicle preferences to the vehicle control module through the data link to control the vehicle component. The vehicle preferences are sent by IR, RF, or any other suitable means. The system may be used to control an HVA system, for example.

Abstract: An audio and/or video device of a vehicle that allows an operation panel to be attached to and detached from a main unit of the device with either front or back side of the operation panel being directed forwards for the purpose of preventing the device from being stolen. The device includes a retention mechanism for releasably retaining the operation panel in the main unit of the device. The retention mechanism allows the operation panel to be retained in the device main unit with either the front or back side of the operation panel being directed forwards or exposed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wireless communication device that attaches using magnetic force in whole or part to an article of manufacture, or other material having a magnetic surface portion. The wireless communication device contains a form of a magnet to provide magnetic force and attraction. A magnet can be a natural magnet, electromagnet or other type of material having magnetic properties. The wireless communication device may be detached from the article by altering the magnetic force created by its associated magnet. Altering is accomplished by using an external device or a device internal to the wireless communication device. The wireless communication device is also operable to receive and communicate information regarding the article to which it is attached remotely for identification, informative, and tracking purposes.

Abstract: The radio device holder according to the embodiment comprises: a holder main unit having a holder-side connector; a tray having a first side holding section and a second side holding section for holding a portable telephone, provided movably between an installation position and a halt/detachment position; device locking mechanism comprising a device locking member for engaging with and disengaging from a lock recess section of a portable telephone, for holding the portable telephone in such a manner that it is detachable by means of a manual action by an operator when the tray is situated in the halt/detachment position; a stopper rib for restricting the device locking member to an immovable state when the tray is situated in an installation position, thereby holding the portable telephone in such a manner that it can be detached from the tray by the device locking mechanism; a spring for impelling the tray constantly in the direction from the installation position towards the halt/detachment position, by mea

Abstract: The present invention provides an automated user notification system for monitoring user items and notifying a user when selected conditions occur. A first portion of the notification system comprises a network operations center (NOC). The NOC stores user information about one or more user items and is further coupled to a plurality of communication devices that can automatically contact a user. A second portion of the notification system comprises at least one detector. The detector monitors one or more user items and provides information regarding selected conditions of the user items to the NOC via a communication link. When the information is received by the NOC, the NOC automatically matches the received information to information stored at the NOC to determine if a condition exist wherein the user should be automatically notified.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes, an electronic apparatus main unit, a front panel attached at the front of the electronic apparatus main unit detachably from the electronic apparatus main unit. The electronic apparatus has a driving section provided at the electronic apparatus main unit to drive the front panel, a main-unit-side communications element to perform signal communications to/from the front panel, a battery provided at the front panel for storing power fed from the electronic apparatus main unit, a panel-side communications element to perform signal communications to/from the main-unit-side communications element. The electronic apparatus has a controller for controlling the driving section in order for the driving section to drive the front panel in a state where recharging of the front panel is allowed in case the charge voltage of the battery has dropped below a preset reference value.

Abstract: A device for use with cellular telephones to control the output of automotive audio systems and the like is described. It is based on a system comprising a digitally coded transmitter, a low frequency transmitter, a RF antenna sensor, and a receiver-switching system. When the cellular phone is in use, operation of the automotive audio system will be interrupted. Upon termination of usage of the cellular telephone, operations of the automotive audio system will resume.

Abstract: An entertainment device is provided. The entertainment device includes a main processing station which provides an output signal. The main processing station includes a control interface. A front panel is removably connected to the control interface. The front panel includes a memory for storing multimedia content. The front panel provides control parameters to the main processing station. The content of the memory is provided to the main audio processing station for output. In addition, the front panel processes and presents the stored multimedia content as a portable device. Both control parameters and multimedia (e.g. audio or video) information may be exchanged between the front panel and the main processing station. The front panel also includes a telecommunications device and an alarm transponder.

Abstract: A replaceable signal cable for connection of a specific type of cellular phone to a sound controlled or externally dialed hand-free system enables the hand-free system to be adapted for universal use on all types of cellular phones by simple selection of a proper signal cable in use. In other words, it relates more particularly to a signal cable for a hand-free system, which can be selectively replaced with ease so as to make all types of cellular phones universally adapted to one single hand-free system. The signal cable is equipped with a first connecting plug coupled with a cellular phone and a second connecting plug connected to a hand-free system. A dial-decoding IC or circuitry housed in either the first connecting plug for a cellular phone or the second connecting plug for a hand-free system is adopted according to codes set by a standard communication protocol for each type of cellular phone.

Abstract: In an electronic add-on device for an automobile, in particular, a car radio having a key card designed as a chip card, which is insertable in a slot to safeguard the device from theft, the device includes such a control circuit that the inserted chip card can also allow the device to be operated even after the chip card is removed from the slot, until the device is disconnected from the power supply.

Abstract: A radio receiver (1), preferably a car radio, is proposed which is protected against theft and is used for mobile phone calls. To that end, the radio receiver (1) has a removable control panel (5) for operating the radio receiver (1), wherein the control panel (5) has a keypad (10). The control panel (5) has a radio device (50), preferably embodied as a radio telephone for communication with at least one radio station. Furthermore, at least one interface (15) is provided, by way of which, when the control panel (5) is connected to the radio receiver (1), data and/or antenna signals can be exchanged between the control panel (5) and the radio receiver (1). The radio device (50) can be operated using the keypad (10).

Abstract: A phone holder for holding a mobile phone in a connected state with a holder connector. The phone holder has a fixed casing and a movable casing. The movable casing is mounted with the holder connector and formed with a hollow portion therein. The movable casing is mounted on the fixed casing and is settable between a housed position and a detachable position. When set at the detachable position, the hollow portion of the movable casing is accessible to enable insertion of the mobile phone in the movable casing in the connecting direction with the holder connector.

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: An automatic identification of the features associated with an audio system for a vehicle based on the selection of the associated bezel (14). The audio system includes a printed circuit board (34) having at least one finger pad (30) thereon in communication with a microprocessor (16). The microprocessor (16) includes programming sequences for various possible features for the audio system. The bezel (14) may have no, one or multiple programming tabs (36) in alignment with corresponding finger pads depending upon the model of bezel chosen. Contact of the finger pads due to the programming tabs will indicate to the microprocessor which programming sequence needs to be initiated to activate the appropriate features corresponding to that particular bezel installed on the audio assembly.

Abstract: A hands-free device and method are provided for implementing a hands-free function to a radio terminal. The hands-free device includes an amplifier for amplifying voice signals received from a microphone; a switching unit for switching the amplified voice signals to a speaker or to an earphone terminal; a controller for controlling the amplifier to amplify the voice signals received from the microphone by a predetermined value and for controlling the switching unit to output the amplified voice signals via the earphone terminal if the controller determines that the hands-free function has been selected; and an external voice output unit having an input terminal connected to the earphone terminal for receiving the amplified voice signals and a voice output speaker for outputting the amplified voice signals.

Abstract: An audio system for vehicles, in particular for motor vehicles, comprises a device component (A) permanently fixed to the vehicle, and a mobile component (B) connected to the device component in a mechanically detachable way. The device component further comprises a control unit (1), and the mobile component further comprises a transponder for storing a numerical code. The function of the audio system is interrupted when the mobile component is removed from the device component, and resumed, following an authorization check, when the mobile component (B) is replaced. The authorization check is performed by the control unit which further comprises a comparator unit (2) for comparing the numerical code transmitted by the transponder (T) with a security code previously stored in the device component.

Abstract: A motor vehicle built-in unit for a mobile phone has a central control unit and an interface for exchanging signals between the central control unit of the mobile phone and the motor vehicle. The built-in unit also has a motor vehicle-specific adapter control unit for adapting functions of the interface and/or of the central control unit to the respective type of motor vehicle. The modular design allows for electrical and mechanical adaptation to various types of motor vehicles so that the central control unit and interface can be identical for a wide variety of motor vehicles. An alternative built-in unit has a central unit and an interface for connecting to the motor vehicle. The interface is designed to connect the built-in unit to the motor vehicle selectively either with a standardized plug-type connector or a motor vehicle-specific plug-type connector. The motor vehicle built-in unit can therefore easily be adapted to the type of plug which is used in the respective motor vehicle.

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: A vehicle computer system has a housing sized to be mounted in a vehicle dashboard or other appropriate location. A computer is mounted within the housing and executes an open platform, multi-tasking operating system. The computer runs multiple applications on the operating system, including both vehicle-related applications (e.g., vehicle security application, vehicle diagnostics application, communications application, etc.) and non-vehicle-related applications (e.g., entertainment application, word processing, etc.). The applications may be supplied by the vehicle manufacturer and/or by the vehicle user.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted record medium reproducing apparatus having a personal computer function. The apparatus is equipped with a control panel tiltable manually through a tilting link mechanism provided to cover a record medium insertion opening of a reproducing apparatus body. Further, the apparatus is provided with a click sensation mechanism for providing a click sensation when the control panel is tilted to a record medium ejecting position, and further provided with a connecting member for establishing a connection between the control panel and the supporting plate and being released from its connecting condition when the supporting plate is moved to a connection release enabling position. With this apparatus, a record medium can be inserted and ejected safely and with certainty, and the control panel can be detached from the supporting plate in a safe condition.

Abstract: A cordless apparatus for permitting the hands-free use of a cellular telephone while driving a vehicle. The device comprises a main body including a speaker, a microphone, a supporting member and a securing means for securing the telephone to the main body. The main body comprises a head and a base, wherein the telephone cradle is substantially centrally located within the main body, between the head and the base. The telephone cradle has a top receiving end and a bottom receiving end, comprising a charging unit located substantially adjacent to the bottom receiving end of the telephone cradle. The speaker is positioned on the head of the main body substantially adjacent to the top end of the telephone cradle, and the microphone is located on the base of the main body, substantially adjacent to the receiving end of the telephone cradle. The supporting member comprises a first end affixed to the main body and a second end comprising a cigarette lighter adapter.

Abstract: A cradle can be mounted in a vehicle, or other suitable location, for supporting a wireless dual-frequency telephone that includes an antenna. The cradle includes a plastic housing and a ground plane disposed in the housing. A trough-shaped feed coupler element is electrically connected to matching circuits and an input/output connector. A first parasitic coupler element is aligned with the feed coupler element, and connected to the ground plane, and electromagnetically couples signals having a first frequency to and from the antenna. Together, the elements hold the antenna of the telephone. Also, a second parasitic element is disposed adjacent the feed coupler element for electromagnetically coupling signals to and from the antenna, that have a second frequency. If desired, the ground plane is established by a first conductive board and a second conductive board elevated above the first board.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a technique for processing data is provided. The invention provides a flexible way to process data such that a user may conveniently enter and transfer data. Also, the user may have ready access to powerful data processing. In an embodiment of the present invention, a novel system (110) for mobile data processing is provided. The system includes an interface unit (116) that includes a processor (122). A positioning system (120) couples to a first antenna (126) and to the processor. A remote data terminal (118) electrically couples to the interface unit during at least a first time period. The remote data terminal is capable of data transfers with the interface unit during the first time period and with a user.

Abstract: The invention is a wireless microphone unit for use with a transmitter such as a CB transmitter. The microphone unit transmitted the voice signal to a receiver unit that is attached to the transmitter via a standard microphone connector that a corded microphone would be attached to. The microphone unit may be attached to a mounting unit not in use. The mounting unit and microphone unit have mating electrical connectors that charge a battery in the microphone unit when the microphone unit is mounted in the mounting unit.

Abstract: A docking and electrical interface for physically supporting and electrically interconnecting a personal communication device, such as a mobile cellular telephone, and a master electronic system, such as the electronic system of an automobile. Utilizing the interface allows an operator to selectively control the personal communication device using the master controls for the master electronic system, removing the need to access and manipulate the controls of the personal communication device.

Abstract: An automobile acoustic unit is provided for installation into an interior of an automobile. The automobile acoustic unit includes an audio source for generating audio signals, a chamber configured to receive and store a cellular phone, and a circuit for controlling and selecting the playback of audio signals from the audio source and signals from the cellular phone.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method automatically receive remote communications and automatically print paper copies of messages within the received communications. In a telephone technician's van, a pager is directly connected to a printer. The pager automatically receives a message and transfers the message to the printer, and the printer automatically responds to print the message onto paper.

Abstract: There is provided a mechanism for attaching and detaching a portable cordless telephone in a motor vehicle, the mechanism comprising: a holder capable of holding the portable cordless telephone and pivotable from its inmost position in the mechanism to its maximum outwardly projected position; a spring device enabling the holder together with the portable cordless telephone to pivot towards their outwardly projected positions: a lock/unlock device provided for locking/unlocking the holder and the portable cordless telephone on the mechanism. When the holder and the portable cordless telephone are released from their locked conditions by an action of the lock/unlock device, the holder will be pressed by the above spring device, so that the holder together with the portable cordless telephone may pivot outwardly until the holder arrives at its maximum outwardly projected position.

Abstract: In a first aspect of the invention, when it is expected to disconnect a booster during a call, the station class mark is changed to that applicable when a portable telephone is used as an independent unit in accordance with a key input from the user before the initiation of the call. In a second aspect of the invention, the telephone number of the remote party is stored in a memory during a call. When a connection or disconnection of a booster is detected, the call is terminated, and a redialing operation is automatically performed using the stored telephone number. In a third aspect of the invention, when the connection of a booster is detected during a call, an instruction is given to the booster to operate in a portable telephone mode. In a fourth aspect of the invention, when the connection or disconnection of a booster is detected during a call, a request to change the station class mark is sent to the base station.

Abstract: An anti-theft device for an automobile audio system automatically prevents the audio system from functioning whenever the audio system is removed from its authorized vehicle and placed into another vehicle. This anti-theft device includes a microprocessor which operates with a bus interface for communicating a vehicle identifier from a vehicle multiplex bus to the central microprocessor. The device also has non-volatile memory within which the first received or authorized vehicle identifier is stored. The subsequently received identifiers are stored on RAM. A battery detector connected to the microprocessor alerts the microprocessor whenever the audio system has been disconnected from the battery source.

Abstract: A new Portable Sound System for providing a sound system which is operable while mounted in a vehicle and also operable independent of any such mounting The inventive device includes a housing, a sound signal generating unit located in the housing a housing speaker mounted in the housing and electrically connected to the sound signal generating unit and a mounting frame permanently mountable in a vehicle wherein the housing is removably mountable in the mounting frame and wherein the housing and the mounting frame include mating connectors for connecting the sound signal (generating unit to the electrical power system of the vehicle and the vehicle speakers when the housing is mounted in the mounting frame. A power supply is provided in the housing for powering the sound signal generating unit when the housing is removed from the mounting frame. The power supply may be a rechargeable battery that can be recharged by the electrical power system of the vehicle when the housing is inserted in the mounting frame.

Abstract: A detachable front panel of an electronic device, containing push-buttons corresponding to actuating rods in the chassis of the device. The push buttons are provided with springs which urge the buttons against the actuating rod, and causes the buttons to be moved into the front panel when the panel is detached from the device.

Abstract: A device for moving and detaching a panel opens and closes a recording medium inserting slot installed at an escutcheon by upwardly and downwardly moving a sliding plate connected with a rear face of the panel by using a push-pull portion installed at the car audio body. The push-pull portion pushes and pulls one side of the sliding plate in one of the directions toward the panel and the car audio body. In both side walls of an escutcheon there are formed guiding grooves having a gentle slope in a longitudinal direction. The sliding plate has engagement protrusions for connecting the guiding grooves and a connecting portion to rotatably connect one side of said sliding plate and push-pull portion. The push-pull portion has connecting pieces connected with a connecting portion of the sliding plate and a limited movement portion to slide the sliding plate in a predetermined range.

Abstract: A radio device equipped with a display panel 1 which contains a display section 2 provided with a plurality of electrode terminals formed thereon. A side of the display panel 1 may be provided with a protruding section 4. The case 5 is provided with a guide section 6 for insertion of the display section 2. The display section 2 is inserted and held via the guide section 6. The guide section 6 is provided with connection terminals 7 formed thereon for connection with the electrode terminals 3 of the display section 2. The display section 2 may be removed by pulling out the protruding section 4 or directly holding and pulling out the display panel 1. This configuration allows easy replacement of failed display sections alone and thus results in reduced maintenance costs.

Abstract: In a portable telephone, when the portable telephone is used for telephone on-vehicle use, the content of displaying is easy to recognize because character size to be displayed is capable of enlarging voluntarily. An input circuit is interfaced with an on-vehicle equipment (not illustrated). An on-vehicle connection detecting circuit detects connection to the on-vehicle equipment, thus outputting on-vehicle detection signal. A selection control circuit outputs an enlargement instruction signal instructing whether it allows normal size of character used on portable condition to display or it allows enlarged size of character to display after receiving an on-vehicle detection signal, and outputting displaying control signal after receiving a hook detection signal. A character storage circuit outputs stored character data after receiving the enlargement instruction signal or the displaying control signal. A displaying control circuit outputs a displaying signal after receiving the character data.

Abstract: An anti-theft device for electronic equipment mounted in a vehicle, such as audio systems, includes a housing for storing electronic component of the audio system and a detachable control panel that can be removed when the operator leaves the vehicle. A replacement detachable panel can be mounted on the housing to enable a locking of the housing to the vehicle dashboard. The second detachable panel can include an alarm, an ultrasonic sensing device, and a self-contained power source so that a security alarm system can be activated by the installation of the second detachable panel as a further deterrent to theft.

Abstract: A bold thief security system is provided that allows a user to remotely disable a vehicle that has been carjacked. Three methods are provided to contact a control unit mounted in the vehicle. One method uses a pager to send a code to the control unit. The second method uses a wrist watch with a built-in transmitter. The third method uses a conventional cellular telephone connected to the control unit so that a telephone can be used to disable the vehicle via a coded phone call. The bold thief security system helps the victim to quickly recover the stolen vehicle while not endangering his own security.

Abstract: An on-vehicle sound instrument with a face plate which does not require any switch mounted thereon to improve portability is not started unless the face plate is mounted on an instrument body, and even if any switch in the instrument body is manipulated. The face plate (30) detachably mounted on the instrument body (10) does not have any switch mounted thereon and includes operation keys (320). The instrument body (10) includes a microcomputer (40) for controlling sound signal outputs and adjustments and an input unit (44) formed of switches for inputting various data to the microcomputer (40) through inputs from the operation keys (320). When the face plate (30) is removed from the instrument body (10) and, for example, a power switch is turned on, a start setting device (60) prevents the microcomputer (40) from activating. The start setting device (60) includes two switches (62, 64) which are simultaneously turned on when the face plate (30) is dismounted from the instrument body (10).

Abstract: A structurally improved detachable front panel for car stereos is disclosed. The panel is detachably mounted to the fixed main body of a car stereo and has an improved structure suitable to make the panel be selectively used as an emergency lamp. The panel has lighting means, switching means for turning on or off the lighting means, and power supplying means for supplying electric power for the lighting means. A panel casing receives the front panel separated from the stereo's main body and has a means for directly operating the switching means of the panel at the outside of the casing so as to turn on or off the lighting means when using the panel as a lamp.

Abstract: An anti-theft system is described adaptable to any motor vehicle have a removable accessory electronic unit such as a high-fidelity stereo component unit installed within a mounting bracket and slidably detachable therefrom. Upon leaving the car, the vehicle owner takes along the entire accessory unit, or alternatively takes only a detachable front control panel from the unit, for secure safekeeping or to be retained in the personal possession of the owner. At the same time, continuity of the electrical circuit supplying current from the storage battery to the motor vehicle fuel pump (or ignition switch, or other control component of the vehicle) is interrupted, thus preventing normal operation of the vehicle and protecting against unauthorized use.