Abstract: An incoming call warning device includes a storage unit, a communication unit, a detector, and an incoming call warning module. The storage unit stores a plurality of reference parameters. The communication unit determines whether a call is made to the incoming call warning device. The detector detects a plurality of detected parameters when a call is made to the incoming call warning device. The incoming call warning module receives and compares the reference parameters and the detected parameters, determines whether a user of the incoming call warning device is driving according to a comparison result, and warns the user not to answer an incoming call while driving.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) generates a preferred roaming list (108) for a wireless mobile station (404) that includes area identification data (such as GEO GROUP_ID) (200) corresponding to an area serviced by at least one wireless wide area network, such as a ground based CDMA system and an area services by at least one in-vehicle wireless pico-cell (402), such as a wireless CDMA pico-cell located on an aircraft or any other suitable vehicle. The area identification data (200) is associated with a wireless in-vehicle pico-cell system identification data (205) and in the case of a CDMA pico cell system, a system identification data SID) and network identification (NID) data pair (206) associated with the in-vehicle wireless pico-cell (402).

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving coordinates, at a vehicle associated computing system (VACS), corresponding to a vehicle's location. The method also includes using the VACS to compare the coordinates to a predetermined set of geographic borders, wherein the geographic borders determine at least language boundaries. The method further includes using the VACS to determine a local language based at least in part on the coordinate comparison. The method additionally includes using the VACS to transmit an emergency message in at least the determined local language.

Abstract: An in-vehicle apparatus links up with a mobile device that executes an application. A memory of the in-vehicle apparatus stores acoustic data of a sound relevant to the application, and a receiver receives a direction signal transmitted from the mobile device at a timing specified by the application. An output part of the in-vehicle apparatus outputs the sound based on the acoustic data stored in the memory via a speaker in response to the direction signal received by the receiver.

Abstract: A portable terminal receives a user operation on a terminal screen of the portable terminal in a portable terminal normal mode. After receiving the user operation, the portable terminal shifts from a portable terminal normal mode to a portable terminal in-operation state, in which the portable terminal sends out a portable terminal in-operation notice to an in-vehicle apparatus. The in-vehicle apparatus shifts to a portable terminal in-operation mode upon receiving the notice from the portable terminal, and invalidates a reaction force by a reaction force generation unit to transit to a portable terminal normal state.

Abstract: A non-intrusive cellular phone app eliminates a need for the driver to respond to a received text message while driving. The app does not interfere with the normal functioning of the cellular phone. The app sends an immediate response text message to a sender of a received text message that the owner of the cellular phone is driving and can't text. The app notifies the driver of the identity of the sender only by any of a variety of means, most of which do not require the attention or the action of the driver. Action by the driver may be taken later under safe conditions using the normal functioning of the cellular phone.

Abstract: A mobile device, comprising: a processor; and a memory including instructions that when executed by the processor cause it to perform the steps of: receiving a user selection to automatically enter an inactive mode in response to an action within the mobile device indicating the device is being used in a moving vehicle; receiving a communication from a wireless communication module; if the mobile device is not in inactive mode, providing a notification to the user that a communication has been received; if the mobile device is in inactive mode, transmitting an away message via the wireless module.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, when a mail is received, the mail content is analyzed by a message analysis circuit performing analysis according to a keyword set in advance and read operation of the mail of the hands-free function is controlled, thereby enabling privacy protection in the vicinity of a mobile telephone or from passengers of a vehicle.

Abstract: Examples of the present invention include a head unit for a vehicle entertainment system, including a housing, a radio, a first wireless transceiver, and a second wireless transceiver. The second wireless transceiver may be used to provide a dedicated communications link between the head unit and another electronic device, such as an auxiliary unit. The second wireless transceiver may have a serial port profile (SPP), and may be a Bluetooth transceiver.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed that identify a motor vehicle operation and whether a driver is operating a mobile device. One example of operation may include a method that includes receiving vehicle data based on active operation of a vehicle and compiling a candidate driver identification profile (DIP) based on the received vehicle data. The method may also include comparing the candidate DIP to a pre-stored DIP and determining a match between the candidate DIP and the pre-stored DIP. The method may also include applying a restriction to a mobile station operated by a driver of the vehicle responsive to the match determination.

Abstract: To provide information of a device in communication between devices, an operating method of a device includes including device information of the device in a message defined by a communication protocol used to connect to the other device; and transmitting the message comprising the device information using the communication protocol. The device information comprises at least one of a device type, support of a mirror link, mobile communication network connection support, automatic execution of an application corresponding to the device, vendor identification information, and product identification information.

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 system and method for communicating with a call center from a vehicle telematics unit that has had its cellular service deactivated. The method includes the step of receiving a request from the telematics unit to communicate with the call center via cellular telephony using a cleared telephone number. The call is then established and the type of request is determined at the call center and used to route the cellular call to an appropriate advisor or department in the call center based on the type of request being made.

Abstract: A control circuit of an the in-vehicle apparatus repeatedly performs a Bluetooth connection operation to connect to both of registered cellular phones and registered portable AV players in such a manner that, if an HFP connection has already been established to a cellular phone prior to an AVP connection to a portable AV player, the control circuit performs one round of AVP connection attempts to all of the registered portable AV players according to a priority order, prior to performing connection attempts to connect other data communication type profile to the cellular phone. By using such a profile connection scheme, the AVP connection attempt will not be delayed until after a connection attempt of the other data communication type profile.

Abstract: Provided are a mobile information terminal, an information management device, and an information management system for mobile information terminals comprising the mobile information terminal and the information management device, with which it is possible to flexibly display also information that is voluntarily provided, for example, by a user, on map information. A navigation system of a vehicle acquires, by wireless communication, location information and post information that has been posted together with the location information, from an information management device of a management center in a state where the location information and the post information are associated. The navigation system controls the display of the acquired post information by a display device to be displayed in superposition in a location that is displayed upon the map information by the acquired location information.

Abstract: The present application discloses an adapter, an electronic device and a wireless communication system, wherein the adapter comprises a first information acquiring unit for acquiring adapter information of the adapter and/or electronic device information from an electronic device, and a first wireless communication unit electrically connected to the first information acquiring unit and configured to perform at least one of the following operations in a wireless way: transmitting the adapter information to the electronic device, and receiving the electronic device information from the electronic device. Various information can be communicated between the adapter and the electronic device in the present application.

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, a method is presented which comprises searching for at least a device that is capable of a point-to-point transmission of media data. If such a device is not selected for the point-to-point transmission, a transmission of the media data is started on a second communication interface using a broadcast transmission.

Abstract: A method of providing hands-free services using a mobile device having wireless access to computer-based services includes establishing a short-range wireless connection between a mobile device and a vehicle; receiving speech in the vehicle that is communicated to a mobile voice platform resident on the mobile device via the short-range wireless connection; parsing the received speech using the mobile voice platform to identify vehicle-specific vocabulary; when vehicle-specific vocabulary exists, identifying at least one vehicle-specific vocabulary term that affects vehicle operation; identifying at least one vehicle function of an inter-related group of vehicle functions that is associated with the identified vehicle-specific vocabulary; determining whether to access one or more cloud services based on the identity of the vehicle function; generating a text-based command reflecting audible control of the affected vehicle function; and sending the text-based command from the mobile device to the vehicle over

Abstract: An apparatus for wirelessly connecting a smartphone to a remote FM radio system, for controlling playback of audio content delivered wirelessly to the smartphone via a wide area network, on the remote FM radio system. An apparatus housing receives a DC power signal from a remote DC power source. A control panel has a display and controls for controlling playback of the audio content on the remote FM radio system, at least one of the controls performing a function in common with a playback control appearing on a display of the smartphone. An electronic subsystem communicates with the control panel and wirelessly receives audio content from the smartphone, and communicates the audio content as an FM signal via a user playback command input at the controls of the control panel, to the remote FM radio system.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to select a message. The processor is also configured to determine if a phone is wirelessly connected to a vehicle computing system. The processor is further configured to display the message if no wirelessly connected phone is found. The processor is additionally configured to determine if the message was displayed during a connected phone's earlier connection. Also, the processor is configured to display the message if the message was not previously displayed during the connected phone's earlier connection. Further, the processor is configured to skip display of the message if the message was previously displayed during the connected phone's earlier connection.

Abstract: When connecting a multi-profile device by Bluetooth, an in-vehicle apparatus performs a MAP connection establishment process in succession to an HFP connection establishment process to have a MAP connection established earlier than a conventional timing, thereby reducing a waiting period before receiving a new message arrival notification from the multi-profile device through the MAP connection.

Abstract: In accordance with various example embodiments, a vehicle base station wirelessly communicates data with a remote transceiver circuit. The remote transceiver circuit intermittently transitions a data-receiving circuit of the remote transceiver circuit between on and off states. The vehicle base station intermittently polls the remote transceiver circuit with a series of data packets, at least one of which the data-receiving circuit of the remote transceiver circuit will receive while in the on state. The remote transceiver circuit, upon receiving the data packet, will reset a state counter to enable the remote transceiver circuit to receive a wake-up data packet while operating in the on state; in response, transmitting response data to the vehicle base station. The data communication is carried out to facilitate authentication of the remote transceiver. Exemplary embodiments include a system for passive keyless go and passive keyless entry in a vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicular multimode cellular/PCS phone including a chipset located in the vehicle for communicating with at least one of a plurality of wireless service provider networks; an multimode antenna in communication with the chipset for communicating with a wireless base antenna of at least one of the plurality of wireless service provider networks; at least one medium port for receiving a removable medium, the removable medium containing at least one of access numbers, access codes, and access authentication numbers of at least one of the plurality of wireless service provider networks.

Abstract: Mobile device auto responders that dynamically send customized automated messages that depend on the identity of an incoming call, on the location of the mobile device, on the speed of the mobile device, on the acceleration of the mobile device, and/or on the time of day. The automated message can be customized to include the location, speed, heading and/or acceleration of the mobile device as well as an estimated time of arrival over a predetermined stored route to a predetermined location. The automated message may be audio, video, email, iMessage™, instant message, or SMS message.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting use of a wireless device is disclosed. In one embodiment, wireless device activity data is received from a wireless network. User account data is searched using selected parameters from the wireless device activity data to identify one or more subscribers that are or were using a wireless device. One or more subscriber vehicles or vehicle monitoring systems associated with each of the one or more subscribers are identified. Vehicle operation data from one or more vehicle monitoring systems is received. The vehicle operation data is used to determine whether any of the one or more subscriber vehicles were moving during use of an associated wireless device.

Abstract: Method of enabling a remote communications device (106) with a telematics functionality module (150) can include providing a docking apparatus (114) coupled to interface with a vehicle (109). The remote communications device is communicatively coupled to the docking apparatus, wherein the remote communications device is non-enabled with a telematics functionality module (150). The docking apparatus and the remote communications device enable the remote communications device with the telematics functionality module.

Abstract: A system and method for connection management between a consumer device and a vehicle. The connection management is performed automatically using a computing device, e.g., an application executing on a smartphone. The system and method configure the vehicle and consumer device in a manner that optimizes the vehicle and consumer device connections based on a variety of factors such as available connections/ports and protocols to be used.

Abstract: A mobile device includes a speaker configured to produce output, a proximity sensor configured to generate distance data, an orientation sensor configured to generate orientation data, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit calculates a distance between the mobile device and a region proximate to a user's ear based on the distance data, calculates an angular orientation of the mobile device with respect to the region based on the orientation data, and adjusts the speaker output based on the calculated distance and angular orientation.

Abstract: Methods and related systems modify, limit, or restore restrictions imposed on a mobile communications device, due to being in a moving vehicle, upon establishing contact with a near field communications (NFC) tag. Since the imposed modifications may impact all mobile communications devices positioned in the moving vehicle, including those belonging to passengers other than the driver, the NFC tag is used to modify the restriction imposed on the devices belonging to the passengers. The NFC tag triggers activation of instructions that remove the imposed modifications on the mobile communications device and is positioned in close proximity to the passengers such that it is easily accessed by the passengers but may not be easily accessed by the driver. The mobile communications device uses the instructions to remove the imposed modifications and allow the user to access the communications functions.

Abstract: In embodiments of mobile device safe driving, a mobile device can display a device lock screen on an integrated display device, and transition from the device lock screen to display a driving mode lock screen. The transition to display the driving mode lock screen occurs without receiving a PIN code entered on the device lock screen. The mobile device implements a safe driving service that is implemented to activate a safe driving mode of the mobile device, and disable features of the mobile device while the safe driving mode is activated.

Abstract: A short-range communication system includes a portable communication terminal and an in-vehicle apparatus communicatively connected to the portable communication terminal. When connection is established between the portable communication terminal and the in-vehicle apparatus, a content is executed in the in-vehicle apparatus. When the connection therebetween is released while the content is being executed in the in-vehicle apparatus, the portable communication terminal executes the content by taking over an application execution state of the in-vehicle apparatus which is transmitted from the in-vehicle apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to couple a personal communications device to an integrated vehicle interface is provided. The method, in one embodiment, enables the use of the personal data on the personal communications device, to provide a feature to the user.

Abstract: A dialing mode of a telematics unit in a vehicle is controlled by monitoring for dialing digits from a vehicle occupant, determining whether the type of dialing digits are continuous dialing digits or discrete dialing digits, establishing a continuous mode for receiving continuous dialing digits or a discrete mode for receiving discrete dialing digits based on the determination, and if the type of dialing digits changes, switching the established mode.

Abstract: A first device may be connected to a synchronization device to allow utilization of the first device through an interface of the synchronization device. The connection may be utilized to obtain contact information from the first device by the synchronization device. If it is determined that the contact information retrieved from the first device does not include desired contact information, the desired contact information may be retrieved from a second device. The contact information obtained from the second device may be utilized to initiate communication via the first device through an interface of the synchronization device.

Abstract: The described method and system provide for forgotten phone notification and vehicle theft notification. A method includes: activating a configurable device pairing program module associated with a short-range wireless unit of the telematics unit when a triggering condition is satisfied; determining, using the configurable device pairing program module and short-range wireless unit, whether the paired mobile device is within range of the short-range wireless unit; and providing, in response to a determination that the paired mobile device is not within range of the short-range wireless unit, a notification to the paired mobile device that the vehicle is being operated in the exception state that is based, at least in part, upon the paired mobile device not being detected during the determining step.

Abstract: A subject short-range wireless communication apparatus capable of simultaneously connecting multiple profiles with another short-range wireless communication apparatus acting as a connection counterpart is disclosed. The subject apparatus comprises: a communication disconnection detection device that, in cases where a first profile is connected between the subject apparatus and the another apparatus, detects whether or not the first profile is disconnected due to the subject apparatus' non-acceptance of a connection request of a second profile sent from the another apparatus; and a communication re-connection device that, in response to disconnection of the first profile detected by the communication disconnection detection device, re-connects the first profile with the another apparatus.

Abstract: A system for mounting in a vehicle and for providing a control signal to a remote device based on information stored in a portable electronic device includes a radio frequency transmitter for transmitting a control signal to the remote device. The system also includes a first circuit configured to receive first information from the portable electronic device via inductive-coupling between the portable electronic device and the first circuit when the portable electronic device is brought within the induction field of the first circuit. The system also includes a second circuit configured to use the first information received from the portable electronic device and to at least one of format the control signal in accordance with the first information and to cause the radio frequency transmitter to format the control signal in accordance with the first information.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for policy driven control of a networked mobile device of a motor vehicle driver. In use, a user operating a motor vehicle is detected. Additionally, a policy for the user is identified in response to the detection of the user operating the motor vehicle. Further, a networked mobile device of the user to which the policy pertains is determined. Still yet, the networked mobile device of the user is controlled according to the policy while the user is operating the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A wireless communications device is controlled in accordance with motion thereof. If the device is determined to be in motion, such as in a vehicle, use of the device is restricted. Discrimination between vehicular motion and ambulatory motion is provided. While in motion, use of the device can be allowed under specific exception conditions. Exception conditions include the device being used by a passenger of a vehicle, a 911 call, or a call to a designated number. The ability to control the device in accordance with motion thereof can be remotely activated and deactivated, thus allowing, for example, parental control of a device belong to a child.

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

Abstract: A method for establishing secure wireless communications between a mobile device and a vehicle, where a user is not required to enter a password, but instead the telematics system is used to bootstrap the trust between the mobile device and the vehicle. The user initiates the process by pressing a button on the mobile device to request pairing. The vehicle uses its secure OnStar cellular communication link to verify the mobile device with the OnStar server, which generates and sends a session key to the vehicle via the vehicle-OnStar cellular connection, and also sends the session key to the mobile device via the device's own cellular connection. The session key serves as a shared secret, such that the vehicle can issue a secrecy challenge to the mobile device. When the mobile device responds appropriately, a trusted wireless communications link can be established between the mobile device and the vehicle.

Abstract: An automobile communication system includes an outgoing communication controller that receives a communication from a first input source in a first operating mode and a second input source in a second operating mode. The system also includes an input selector that selects the first input source in the first mode and the second input source in the second mode and a mode selector operable by an automobile passenger that determines the operating mode. The system also includes an incoming communication controller that receives an incoming communication from a cellular phone and an output selector that provides an output of the incoming communication controller to a first output device in the first operating mode and to the second output device in the second mode.

Abstract: A simplified apparatus for positively preventing the use of mobile personal communication devices by the operator of a vehicle comprises a motion responsive device in the vehicle, switching means operable by the device when the vehicle is in motion, a signal jammer operable by the switching means to block at least one of the incoming or outgoping signals associated with communication device when the vehicle is in motion, and a power supply for the jammer.

Abstract: A mobile device can detect, select and use an external antenna supported by an attached accessory device. The mobile device queries the accessory device whether it supports an external antenna and receives an indication of whether the accessory device supports external antennas. The indication can comprise a list of accessory device pins operatively coupled to supported external antennas. The mobile device selects an external antenna for use by the mobile device. The selection can comprise selecting a mobile device pin operatively coupled to the selected external antenna. The selected mobile device pin can be a predetermined pin or a pin that is both operatively coupled to a supported external antenna and configured to operate as an external antenna pin. The mobile device can use the selected external antenna. The mobile device can switch between an internal antenna and an external antenna operatively coupled to a selected mobile device pin.

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: A hands-free device disposed in a vehicle identifies a speech direction of an outgoing voice when a hands-free call operation is received. The device extracts callee information from the outgoing voice provided by an occupant to identify a portable communication terminal. In particular, the portable communication terminal is identified when the callee information extracted is registered in a telephone book data of the portable communication terminal. When the speech direction of the outgoing voice is identified as a driver side, the portable communication terminal identified is linked to the driver as a driver-linked terminal. Accordingly, a call being received by a portable communication terminal that is linked to the driver is performed as a hands-free call, whereas a call being received by a portable communication terminal not linked to the driver is not performed as a hands-free call.

Abstract: A system for locating a personal communication device (PCD) in a vehicle is provided. A controller is configured to receive a first signal from the PCD at a first antenna in a driver zone and to generate a first signal strength value for the first signal. The controller is configured to receive the first signal from the PCD at the second antenna and to generate a second signal strength value for the first signal. The controller is configured to determine whether the first signal at the first antenna and the second signal at the second antenna are received within a predetermined amount of time of one another and to compare the first signal strength value to the second signal strength value if the first signal at the first antenna and the second signal at the second antenna are received within the predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: A module executed on a mobile communications device (MCD) to automatically pair the MCD with a vehicle. The module determines whether the MCD's short range communication technology, e.g., Bluetooth® technology is enabled. If not, the module turns on the MCD's short range communication technology. The module also determines whether the MCD is in a discovery mode, which is the mode of the MCD that enables the MCD to pair. If not, the module turns on the MCD's discovery mode. The module then automatically pairs the MCD and the vehicle. In an embodiment the automatic pairing includes setting the vehicle's hands free telephone module to a discovery mode, if the short range communications from the MCD and HFT are being seen by each other than a personal identification number (PIN) is obtained. In an embodiment the PIN is not entered by a user of the MCD or vehicle, but is automatically determined. The MCD and HFT are then securely paired using conventional pairing techniques.

Abstract: A device and method that is configured to control the operation of a motor vehicle cabin active sound management (ASM) system that uses an ASM controller to control operation of one or more sound transducers that transmit audio signals in the cabin so as to alter vehicle powertrain-related sounds in the cabin, wherein the motor vehicle further comprises a mobile telephone system that is configured to receive incoming mobile telephone calls and transmit outgoing mobile telephone calls. The device can include a controller that is configured to receive from the mobile telephone system an indication that a mobile telephone call is incoming or an outgoing call is being initiated. After receiving the indication, the subject controller commands the ASM controller to cause operation of one or more sound transducers such that the level of vehicle powertrain-related sounds in the cabin is reduced.

Abstract: A system for searching stored audio data is described. The system includes a memory configured to store audio data received from a radio receiver and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive a search pattern, search the stored audio data for the search pattern, and provide audio data based on the search.