Abstract: A computer system for establishing a user profile in an in-vehicle communications system based upon a mobile communication device in a motor vehicle includes a processor and a non-transitory computer readable medium. The computer readable medium includes computer program code for retrieving user data from the mobile communication device, the user data including data associated with a particular user of the mobile communication device, parsing a user name from the user data by identifying possessive indicia in the user data and selecting the user name associated with the possessive indicia, transmitting the parsed user name for confirmation from the user, generating the user profile including the user name, storing the user profile in the non-transitory computer medium, and storing at least one user setting associated with the motor vehicle in the user profile.

Abstract: A method for improving audio experience for a user of an audio device is provided. The method includes establishing a communication channel between the audio device and a remote client; detecting a peripheral audio device in the vicinity of the audio device; establishing a temporary communication channel between the peripheral audio device and the remote client; and transferring, via the temporary communication channel, audio data between the peripheral audio device and the remote client.

Abstract: A device for boosting a mobile signal corresponding to a mobile device, the device including a cradle for holding the mobile device, a mirrored phone antenna configured to contact the mobile device when placed in the cradle, and configured to receive the mobile signal from the mobile device, a secondary antenna for receiving the mobile signal from the mirrored phone antenna, a booster electronic card for receiving the mobile signal from the secondary antenna, and for boosting the mobile signal, and a directionalized antenna for receiving the boosted mobile signal from the booster electronic card, and for transmitting the boosted mobile signal.

Abstract: A method for controlling audio signal transfer from a mobile device to a hands-free device in a vehicle multimedia system includes receiving by a processor of the vehicle multimedia system a request from a mobile device to connect to a hands-free device. The processor determines if the mobile device is engaged in an active call. In response to determining that the mobile device is engaged in an active call, a confirmation message is displayed to confirm that a user wishes to transfer an audio signal associated with the active call to the hands-free device. In response to receiving user's confirmation to transfer the active call, the audio signal is transferred from the mobile device to the hands-free device.

Abstract: Embodiments include a vehicle comprising a plurality of antennas positioned at locations inside and outside a vehicle cabin, each antenna being in wireless communication with an external mobile device and being associated with signal strength information; and a central module in communication with the antennas and configured to identify the antennas with the two strongest signals, and determine a mobile device location relative to the vehicle cabin based on the locations of the identified antennas. Embodiments also include a method comprising receiving signal strength information associated with a plurality of antennas wirelessly communicating with a mobile device, the antennas positioned at locations inside and outside a vehicle cabin; identifying a first antenna having a first highest signal strength and a second antenna having a second highest signal strength; and determining a mobile device location relative to the vehicle cabin based on the locations of the first and second antennas.

Abstract: Disclosed are a mobile terminal capable of allowing a driver to drive a vehicle safely, by providing notification information related to the vehicle, and notification information received from the mobile terminal according to priorities, and a method of controlling the same. The mobile terminal includes: a communication unit; an output unit configured to output road guidance information; and a controller configured to detect first notification information related to a vehicle, to receive second notification information from a mobile terminal through the communication unit, to set priorities of the first and second notification information, and to output the first and second notification information to the output unit according to the set priorities.

Abstract: A portable terminal accesses an information center by using an address acquired from vehicular apparatus, requests for transmission of dedicated application operable in OS of the portable terminal, and receives the application from the information center. The dedicated application executed by the portable terminal permits the portable terminal to (i) transmit specific information specifying model of the portable terminal to the information center, (ii) receive, in response, data for matching operations between the vehicular apparatus and the portable terminal, (iii) transmit the received data to the vehicular apparatus, and (iv) receive, in response, an instruction transmitted by the vehicular apparatus, the instruction implementing a function of the portable terminal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and system for detecting, monitoring and/or controlling one or more of mobile services for a mobile communication device (also referred to herein as a Controllable Mobile Device or CMD), and in particular, when the device is being used and the vehicle, operated by the user of the device, is moving. In addition, one aspect of the invention generally relates to a method and system for modifying a user's driving behaviors, in particular to a system and method for modifying a user's unsafe driving behaviors, e.g., using one or more services of a controllable mobile device while driving, by providing a score to the user rating indicating that they are using a mobile device in a distracting way, or driving in a manner that indicates that they are distracted.

Abstract: Methods and systems provide an active chip configured for connection to the battery or other component of a host mobile communication device, such as a cellular phone, to thereby add functionality to the host mobile communication device. The system may be installed and used for covert operations (i.e. military and/or law enforcement), adding features such as location tracking and voice recognition and recording to monitor the movement and use of the host mobile device covertly. The system may be used to communicate with other locally enabled systems on a local network instead of communicating through the cellular network, or operate as a radio transceiver or “push-to-talk” device such as a “walkie-talkie.” It may be used as a “kid tracker” location tracking device, to find a lost host mobile device, lost person carrying the host mobile device, or track locations where a host mobile device has been.

Abstract: A mobile phone docking device of an inside mirror includes a mirror base having a mirror formed on a front surface thereof. A phone holder includes a holder base and a phone gripper configured to extend from two opposing sides of the holder base to grip the mobile phone. The holder base is configured to hold and support the mobile phone gripped by the phone gripper. A joint unit connects the mirror base and the phone holder and is configured to pivotably support the phone holder on the mirror base, The phone holder is configured to hold the mobile phone at a rear side of the mirror.

Abstract: A battery-powered multi-function voice-collaboration device includes a speaker and a microphone to support voice transmission and reception. The device has an enhanced-functionality mode EFM and a reduced-functionality mode RFM and is communicatively coupled to a battery-powered portable radio. The device determines a first operating duration if operated entirely in a RFM comprising one or more battery-consuming voice functions, and determines a second estimated operating duration N if operated entirely in an EFM comprising another battery-consuming function in addition to the battery-consuming voice functions. The device requests and receives an estimated operating duration indication of the portable radio. Responsive to determining that an estimated operating duration Z of the portable radio is between the first and second durations R, N: operating the device in the EFM for a third duration and in the RFM for a fourth duration such that the third and fourth durations combined equal the duration Z.

Abstract: A built-in audio apparatus includes a speaker unit, a mode setting unit configured to selectively set the speaker unit to one of a first position and a second position, and a controller configured to control the speaker unit depending on the setting of one of the first position and the second position. The mode setting unit is configured to be disposed in a surface of a structure, and includes an opening for emitting sound outputted from the speaker unit.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and key fob apparatuses for facilitating hands free mobile communications from within an automotive vehicle are provided. The apparatus includes a key fob with a housing and a SIM associated with the housing. The SIM is operative to identify a subscriber to a mobile telephone network when interfaced with the mobile telephone network. The apparatus may further include a key integrated with the key fob and operatively associated with the SIM. The key is operative to initiate the start of an engine of the automotive vehicle and interface the SIM with a mobile telephone, such as a GSM phone, integrated with the automotive vehicle. Thus, when the key is inserted into an ignition switch operatively associated with a SIM reader, the SIM identifies a subscriber to the mobile telephone network.

Abstract: An information identification system includes at least one mobile terminal and an information identification device. The mobile terminal includes: a detection unit configured to detect that the host terminal has been carried into a vehicle cabin; a first notification unit configured to, if the detection unit detects that the host terminal has been carried into the cabin, transmit a first notification signal providing notification that the host terminal has been carried into the cabin; and a second notification unit configured to, if the first notification signal transmitted from another mobile terminal is detected, transmit a second notification signal providing notification that the host terminal has been already present in the cabin. The information identification device includes an identification unit configured to, if the second notification signal is detected, identify the mobile terminal having transmitted the second notification signal as the driver's mobile terminal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pen-like input device for a portable terminal which can provide the function of a wireless headset. The input device includes a housing configured with at least first and second spaced apart microphone holes formed therein. A transmitting/receiving (T/R) module is disposed inside the housing and coupled to the microphone element and a speaker. The T/R module transmits/receives communication signals to and from the portable terminal. A sound transferring part is provided within the housing to transfer sounds to a microphone element via a plurality of air pathways connected to the first and second microphone holes.

Abstract: A method for target identification for a connectable device is carried out at a mobile device. A sensor on a mobile device receives one or more infrared emissions from one or more infrared light sources, each light source being provided by a connectable device in an area. One or more processors in the mobile device analyze the one or more infrared emissions to determine a target connectable device at a target position in the area. The mobile device receives a blink pattern of infrared emissions from the target connectable device. One or more processors in the mobile device decode the blink pattern to determine a reference for the target connectable device to enable wireless connection by the mobile device to the target connectable device for data transfer.

Abstract: A facility comprising methods and systems for discovering travel patterns based at least in part on data collected from a plurality of dynamic and/or mobile sensor devices is disclosed. The mobile sensor devices sense or detect the presence of nearby devices and record information about each detection, such as the location, the date and time, and an identifier of the detected device and provide this information to the facility. Thus, the facility can leverage the communication capabilities of existing mobile devices and networks to provide a broad, wide-ranging, scalable sensor network that detects the presence of individual devices. By recording and analyzing the encounter data received from various mobile sensor devices, the facility can ascertain or estimate the path of devices and their associated users. Given the availability of mobile devices and mobile networks, the disclosed techniques can be deployed without a substantial investment in infrastructure and maintenance.

Abstract: A wireless Bluetooth apparatus with intercom and broadcasting functions and operating method thereof are disclosed. The wireless Bluetooth apparatus receives a voice message from a first user, divides it into a first partial voice message and a second partial voice message, and transmits them to a first electronic apparatus corresponding to the wireless Bluetooth apparatus through wireless Bluetooth technology. The first electronic apparatus uses a communication application program to transmit the second partial voice message to a second electronic apparatus corresponding to a second user corresponding to the first partial voice message. The second electronic apparatus uses the communication application program to receive the second partial voice message and transmits the second partial voice message to another wireless Bluetooth apparatus corresponding to the second electronic apparatus through wireless Bluetooth technology.

Abstract: A communication apparatus detects network information concerning a network that communicates via a base station and performs acquisition processing for acquiring authentication information used for authentication with an authentication server via the base station from another communication apparatus according to the network information detected by the detection unit.

Abstract: A mobile voice platform for providing a user speech interface to computer-based services includes a mobile device having a processor, communication circuitry that provides access to the computer-based services, an operating system, and one or more applications that are run using the operating system and that utilize one or more of the computer-based services via the communication circuitry.

Abstract: Methods and mobile devices determine an exit from a vehicle. Sensors of a mobile device can be used to determine when the user is in a vehicle that is driving. The same or different sensors can be used to identify a disturbance (e.g., loss of communication connection from mobile device to a car computer). After the disturbance, an exit confidence score can be determined at various times, and compared to a threshold. A determination of the exit of the user can be determined based on the comparison of the exit confidence score to the threshold. The mobile device can perform one or more functions in response to the exit confidence score exceeding the threshold, such as changing a user interface (e.g., of a navigation app) or obtaining a location to designate a parking location.

Abstract: A registration unit associates identification information of a portable terminal device with identification information of a vehicle, which is to be registered and equipped with a communication device. The registration unit registers the identification information. A grant unit grants an authentication key to the portable terminal device having the registered identification information. A permission unit permits the portable terminal device with the authentication key to operate in cooperation with the communication device, which is equipped to a vehicle to be registered, and the communication device equipped to a vehicle other than the vehicle to be registered. The permission unit does not to permit the portable terminal device without the authentication key to operate in cooperation with the communication device equipped to any vehicle.

Abstract: A short-range wireless communication apparatus comprising an own connection device and a control device is disclosed. The own connection device is capable of connecting a first predetermined communication protocol to a communication-destination-side connection device. The control device performs a first connection process of connecting the first predetermined communication protocol between the own connection device and the communication-destination-side connection device. The control device performs the first connection process at a time that is outside a period during which a second connection process of connecting a second predetermined communication protocol between the communication-destination-side connection device and a different connection device is performed.

Abstract: Various embodiments may include methods and system for enabling an authorized vehicle driveaway. A vehicle driveaway authorization code for authorizing a vehicle to be driven and a user authorization code that corresponds to the vehicle driveaway authorization code may be generated. The codes may be generated by, for example, at least one server configured to generate the authorization codes. The at least one server may be communicating with a nomadic device and a vehicle driveaway authorization system. A vehicle driveaway request signal may be received. In response to a receipt of the vehicle driveaway request signal, the vehicle driveaway authorization code may be transmitted to the vehicle driveaway authorization system and the user authorization code may be transmitted to the nomadic device for input to the vehicle driveaway authorization system in order to enable the vehicle to be driven.

Abstract: A simplified apparatus for positively preventing the use of mobile personal communication devices by the operator of a vehicle in “hand held” mode, and permitting use of such devices in “handsfree” mode. The apparatus includes a signal jammer operable to block at least one of the incoming and outgoing signals associated with the personal mobile communication device; a power supply associated with the signal jammer; a motion responsive sensor in the vehicle, which is configured to activate the signal jammer while the vehicle is in motion; and a pairing signal detector, which is configured to de-activate the signal jammer while a handsfree pairing signal is present.

Abstract: A method and system that limits the use of a communication device present in an area controlled by an intelligent controller. The intelligent controller detects any present communication devices in the area and conducts an inventory providing information about each detected device. The intelligent controller compares that information to a standard of use data, which specifies the conditions need to be present for allowing the usage of a communication device. If such conditions are not met, the intelligent controller sends commands to the communication device to restrict its functionality. Else if, the intelligent controller is incapable of restricting the communication device, it can notify authorities of unauthorized usage of a communication device in the restricted area.

Abstract: A wireless power transmission device includes a main body and a position-limiting plate. The main body includes a triggering button. The triggering button is located at a first side of the main body. The position-limiting plate is located at a second side of the main body and movable relative to the main body. When an electronic device is placed on the main body and contacted with the triggering button, the triggering button issues an enabling signal to the position-limiting plate. In response to the enabling signal, the position-limiting plate is moved toward the main body in order to fix the electronic device on the main body. In a case that an electric current provided to the triggering button is interrupted, the triggering button stops issuing the enabling signal. Consequently, the position-limiting plate is moved away from the main body and separated from the electronic device.

Abstract: Headsets are provided with integrated switch assemblies. An integrated switch assembly can include a switch hidden from view by a housing. The switch can be activated when a user applies pressure to the housing. The housing may include a flexible housing cover that, when depressed, may engage the switch contained within the housing. When engaged, the switch may move or snap to a switch activation position within the housing.

Abstract: A communication method used in a handheld communication device is provided. The communication method comprises the steps outlined below. Whether a voice communication is established is determined. When the voice communication is established, a sensing element is activated to determine whether the handheld communication device is operated in a hand mode. When the handheld communication device is not operated in the hand mode, an antenna module of the handheld communication device would be operated in a first operation frequency band to perform the voice communication. When the handheld communication device is operated in the hand mode, the antenna module of the handheld communication device would be operated in a second operation frequency band to perform the voice communication, in which the second operation frequency band is higher than the first operation frequency band. A handheld communication device is disclosed herein as well.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for facilitating short-range wireless communications between a mobile wireless device and an auxiliary device. The wireless device includes a short-range transceiver for communicating with an auxiliary device; a signal module for providing a mode control signal; and, a control module for controllably shifting a short-range transceiver between a power saver mode and a search mode based on the mode control signal received from the signal module. When in the search mode, the short-range transceiver is operable to search for the auxiliary device to communicate therewith. When in a power saver mode, the short-range transceiver is not operable to search for the auxiliary device.

Abstract: An output control apparatus for an onboard image display apparatus controls output of a signal to be supplied to the image display apparatus mounted in a vehicle, is connectable to a mobile information terminal, and receives image information transmitted from the mobile information terminal to output the received image information. The output control apparatus includes at least two connection units via which the mobile information terminal is connected to the output control apparatus, and a detection unit configured to detect a single terminal connection state in which a single mobile information terminal is connected to the output control apparatus via both of the two connection units. Information received through the two connection units is output on condition that the detection unit detects the single terminal connection state when the vehicle is in a predetermined non-stop state.

Abstract: Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of multiband multiple input multiple output (MIMO) vehicular antenna assemblies for installation to a vehicle body wall. In exemplary embodiments, a multiband MIMO vehicular antenna assembly generally includes at least one cellular antenna configured to be operable over one or more cellular frequencies (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE), etc.), at least one satellite antenna configured to be operable over one or more satellite frequencies (e.g., Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), satellite digital audio radio services (SDARS), etc.) and at least one Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC) antenna configured to be operable over DSRC frequencies.

Abstract: Systems, methods and interfaces are disclosed for managing communications associated with a mobile communication device. Mobile communication devices process environmental inputs and transmit mobile communication device context information to a communication management system. The context information may, for example, reflect the motion and/or geographic location of the mobile device, and may reflect the risk associated with using the device to handle a call or other communications session. The communication management system uses the context information, optionally in combination with communication device profiles, to determine how to manage incoming and/or ongoing calls or other communication sessions. Mobile device users may also be inhibited from initiating communication sessions.

Abstract: By the present invention are disclosed a method for providing and a method for obtaining voice call related information from a first party device (100) to a second party device (200), prior to establishing a voice call between the first party device (100) and the second party device (200). Portable communication devices (100, 200, 500) for providing and obtaining of voice call related information also disclosed. The methods comprises sending/obtaining in real time the voice call related information (steps 304, 402) from the first party device (100) to the second party device (200) over a packet switched network, and sending/obtaining a call setup message (steps 308, 410) over a circuit switched network, of the voice call from the first party device (100), so that the voice call related information can be presented to a user of the second party device (200) before responding to the call setup message.

Abstract: A vehicular communication apparatus establishes, by a narrow area communication channel establishment unit, a narrow area communication channel to a cellular phone that is brought into a vehicle compartment, and establishes a wide area communication channel to an access point outside of a vehicle. Upon detecting a stop condition of the vehicle by using a stop detection unit, the vehicular communication apparatus disconnects the narrow area communication channel by using a narrow area communication channel disconnection unit.

Abstract: A method for managing carrier status via the Short Message Service (SMS) by a centralized system in a multi-carrier environment includes: associating a driver with a first load to be transported, using an SMS-enabled cellphone number of the driver; storing the association of driver and load in a database of the system, along with a unique identifier of the carrier; transmitting, by the server to the driver, an instruction as a text message to the driver's cell phone with instructions for replying upon arrival; receiving, by the server from the driver, a response consistent with the instructions for replying upon arrival; updating, by the server, a status associated with the driver's response in the database; repeating the steps for a second driver of a second carrier; and providing, by the centralized system, status reports related to both the driver and associated load, and the second driver and associated load.

Abstract: A system for wirelessly coupling a radio device (111) via a radio link has a support surface (119) for placing radio device (111) thereon; an antenna in order to produce and maintain wireless coupling of the radio device, or a plurality of antennas (217a, 217b) positioned adjacently which can be selectively operated to produce and maintain wireless coupling of radio device (111). Support surface (119) has a rotationally symmetrical recess (117) extending around an axis of rotation (18) perpendicular to support surface (119), wherein, at different rotational positions relative to the axis of rotation (18), a radio device (111) having a projection (204) which engages in recess (117) can operate a radio link to the antenna, or to one of the antennas (217). Alternatively a radio device rests against support surface (119) and is located in any orientation and any position within a space defined by support surface (7).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for automatically providing an application service by an interaction with a head unit at a terminal. The method includes steps of: (a) the terminal receiving a request for running of a specific application, if the specific application is selected by a user of the head unit from a list including information on one or more runnable applications, which are installed in the terminal, to be interacted with the head unit; and (b) the terminal running the specific application by interacting with a template application run by the head unit.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle having a data communications bus extending throughout the vehicle, and an audio entertainment system coupled to the data communications bus may include a vehicle wireless transceiver and a vehicle controller to be coupled to the data communications bus. The vehicle controller may be configured to determine and send a vehicle speed alert via the vehicle wireless transceiver, and selectively set the audio entertainment system to link with the vehicle wireless transceiver in a hands-free mode. The system may also include a mobile device to be carried by a user remote from the vehicle that may include a remote wireless transceiver configured to link wirelessly with the vehicle wireless transceiver. The mobile device may also include a remote controller cooperating to command, based upon receiving the vehicle speed alert, the vehicle controller to set the audio entertainment system into the hands-free mode.

Abstract: A computing device displays a call history graphical user interface (GUI). The call history GUI includes a new list and an old list. The new list may include new missed call elements and missed call elements associated with new unopened voicemails. The old list may include other call history GUI elements, such as old missed call elements and missed call elements associated with opened voicemails.

Abstract: A signal on a wireless communication system control channel can be identified as authentic or malicious by monitoring control channel signal strength changes. When a control channel signal level increases abnormally fast or too quickly, i.e., above a threshold value rate of increase, the control channel signal is identified as likely being from a malicious source, such as a jamming transmitter.

Abstract: A processor-implemented method is provided. The method comprises a communications control device installed in a motor vehicle receiving a wireless communication from a short range wireless device. The method also comprises the communications control device selecting a first radio from a plurality of radios available to transmit the wireless communication to the destination specified in the wireless communication, wherein the radios are components of the communications control device. The method also comprises the communications control device determining that a second radio is connected to a physical expansion slot, wherein the physical expansion slot is a component of the communications control device.

Abstract: An in-vehicle handsfree apparatus establishes a handsfree profile connection with a first cellular phone and a second cellular phone simultaneously. It is assumed that while the first cellular phone is in a calling state, the second cellular phone receives an incoming call. When a user operates a response to the second cellular phone in the incoming call receiving state, a suspension request signal is transmitted to the first cellular phone in the calling state to thereby switch the call link of the first cellular phone to a suspending state. In contrast, an incoming call response request signal is transmitted to the second cellular phone to thereby switch the call link of the second cellular phone from the incoming call receiving state to a calling state. The connection partner of a call sound path is changed from the first cellular phone to the second cellular phone.

Abstract: An approach for providing electronic media on clothing is described. A media to be presented on a wearable device that includes one or more displays is determined. A determination is made as to whether the wearable device is registered with a media delivery service offered by a service provider. The transfer of the media is initiated over a wireless network to a mobile device if the wearable device is registered with the media delivery service, wherein the media is presented on the one or more displays of the wearable device.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a detection module including a directional antenna and signal processing logic. The detection module is located within the vehicle, arranged with respect to a driver region, and configured to detect a condition wherein a wireless phone is operated within the driver region. The detection module generates an output indicative of the detected condition. The vehicle further includes a controller configured to receive the output, and control the vehicle in response to the detected condition.

Abstract: A computing device displays a call history graphical user interface (GUI). The call history GUI includes a new list and an old list. The new list may include new missed call elements and missed call elements associated with new unopened voicemails. The old list may include other call history GUI elements, such as old missed call elements and missed call elements associated with opened voicemails.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a system that enables a user to continue accomplishing a task on a handheld device while moving. During operation, the system tracks the speed of the handheld device while the user is interacting with an application on the device. If the speed is greater than a pre-determined speed, the system audibly prompts the user to enable hands-free mode. If the user says yes, the system enables hands-free mode and the user may continue to use the application in hands-free mode. Otherwise, the system continues to run the application without enabling hands-free mode.

Abstract: Methods and systems are presented for providing automatic personal assistance on a user device (e.g., mobile phone). In some embodiments, a personal assistant on a first user device may respond automatically to a received input communication from a second user device. In some embodiments, the personal assistant may perform a local search of data stored on the first user device in order to retrieve data responsive to the received input. In some embodiments, the personal assistant may perform a local load of an entry into an application on the first user device in order to perform an action responsive to the received user input. In some embodiments, the automatic response may include sending a responsive output communication to the second user device. The automatic personal assistance may be customized based on user-editable automatic personal assistance settings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of wireless communication and specifically the use of a cell-phone to monitor safe driving by suspending transmission or reception of text messages and/or phone calls by the driver of the moving motor vehicle not equipped with the hands-free equipment, or complete suspension of such communication to the operator of a train while the train is in motion, unless such transmissions are related to emergency services and where the determination of the vehicle operator status as well as operation terms-and-conditions may be obtained by including such info in the vehicle QR code or NFC or Bluetooth or other PAN transceivers combined with the interaction of the cell-phone based application.

Abstract: An entertainment system for a vehicle, including a media player and a control panel having an option that allows a user to select either a first communication mode or a second communication mode, wherein the first communication mode sets the entertainment system to respond to a transmitted first set of codes and the second communication mode sets the entertainment system to respond to a transmitted second set of codes.