Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling a mobile robot, and a control system are provided. The method includes: in response to receiving a start request sent by a mobile robot, obtaining at least one of the position information or condition information of the mobile robot; determining a speed limit value of the mobile robot according to the obtained information; and sending a start instruction including the speed limit value to the mobile robot, so as to control the mobile robot to move at a speed smaller than or equal to the speed limit value. The implementation improves the motion safety of a mobile robot.

Abstract: The present invention provides a safety control system for a vehicle with controls located on the vehicle steering wheel. The controls may be arranged in a cluster on one or both sides of the upper half of the steering wheel or on a special flange mounted to the steering wheel. The contours are easily recognizable and accessible while driving without any distraction to the driver. The controls can be enhanced by varied coloring, shape, size, and texture to make them easily identifiable. The controls can be used with portable telematics devices, in a multi-modal process in conjunction with thumb gesture interpretation or speech recognition. A universal portable device docking station may be used in conjunction with the control system.

Abstract: Provided is a device cradle. The device cradle includes a fixer for fixing a device, a body portion including a main body and a penetrating groove which is formed to penetrate the main body from a top surface of the main body and accommodates at least a portion of the fixer, and a first driving portion for rotating the fixer by a specified angle around a horizontal axis with respect to the body portion, wherein the penetrating groove has a spherical shape, and wherein at least part of the fixer may be formed in a spherical shape.

Abstract: A telematics verification system for testing of a vehicle telematics system, the telematics verification system comprising: an electromagnetically shielded compartment adapted to be arranged to cover antennas of the vehicle when testing the vehicle telematics system using the telematics verification system while operating the vehicle; a set of downlink antennas adapted to be arranged inside the electromagnetically shielded compartment, the set of downlink antennas are configured to wirelessly transmit a downlink signal inside the electromagnetically shielded compartment, wherein the signal indicative of the downlink signal is wirelessly receivable by the antennas of the vehicle, and an uplink antenna adapted to be arranged inside the electromagnetically shielded compartment, the uplink antenna is adapted to wirelessly receive uplink signals transmitted by the antennas of the vehicle.

Abstract: An interface device for connecting a portable electronic device to a vehicle includes a holding module having a slot into which a portable electronic device with a display is inserted and a front opening exposing the display of the inserted portable electronic device, and an adaptor module coupled to a rear part of the holding module and connecting the portable electronic device to a vehicle. The holding module is disposed on a center fascia of the vehicle, and the adaptor module is disposed in the center fascia.

Abstract: An accessory assembly includes a support structure configured to attach to a seat of a vehicle. The accessory assembly also includes an electronic device supported by the support structure. The electronic device includes a screen. The accessory assembly further includes a hanger coupled to the support structure and spaced from the screen such that the hanger does not obstruct the screen.

Abstract: A coil module may include: a board; an input/output terminal unit formed on the board; and a coil for near field communications (NFC) disposed on one, or a plurality of, surface(s) of the board and connected to the input/output terminal unit, wherein the coil for NFC includes a first pattern portion having one end connected to the input/output terminal unit and disposed on the board to rotate or turn in one direction, a second pattern portion connected to the first pattern portion and traversing an internal area of the first pattern portion to divide the internal area of the first pattern portion into at least two portions, and a third pattern portion having one end connected to the second pattern portion and the other end connected to the input/output terminal unit.

Abstract: A system for reducing driving while texting includes a containment vessel with a door. When the door is closed, the containment vessel attenuates cellular radio signals to prevent the user device held there within from communicating with a transceiver that is external to the containment vessel (e.g. Cell Tower). A transceiver having an antenna internal to the containment vessel looks for a transceiver of the user device to detect the presence of the user device within the containment vessel. A sensor detects when the door is closed. There is a way to detecting movement of a vehicle in which the containment vessel is held and a way to log data indicating at least time periods in which movement is detected and either the door is open or the transceiver of the user device is not detected. The data is reported (e.g. to a parent/guardian).

Abstract: An accessory assembly operatively connected to vehicle seat includes a housing having a front surface and an opposing rear surface. A screen is disposed on the rear surface of the housing. A hanger cooperates with and is removably connected to the housing. The hanger includes a central portion having a cavity at least partially formed therein and first and second shoulder portions extending from opposing ends of the central portion. An insert is removably connected to the cavity in the central portion of the hanger and defines a channel configured to receive and releasably engage an object therein.

Abstract: Technical solutions are described for facilitating access for servicing a vehicle. An example computer-implemented method includes receiving a servicing notification for the vehicle, and generating, in response, a virtual key for servicing the vehicle. The computer-implemented method also includes facilitating access for servicing the vehicle based on the virtual key.

Abstract: A system for reducing driving while texting includes a containment vessel with a door. When the door is closed, the containment vessel attenuates Bluetooth radio signals and cellular radio signals to prevent the user device held there within from communicating with a transceiver that is external to the containment vessel. A Bluetooth transceiver having an antenna internal to the containment vessel and paired with a Bluetooth transceiver of the user device is used to detect the presence of the user device within the containment vessel. A sensor detects when the door is closed. There is a way to detecting movement of a vehicle in which the containment vessel is held and a way to log data indicating at least time periods in which movement is detected and either the door is open or the Bluetooth transceiver cannot connect with the user device. The data is reported (e.g. to a parent/guardian).

Abstract: A computerized method characterizes a dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) system that includes at least one DSRC device for use with a vehicle-to-vehicle communication system. The method includes positioning a vehicle under test (VUT) with the DSRC system at a first location and positioning a DSRC instrumentation antenna at a second location spaced apart from the first location. The method includes varying an azimuth angle between the DSRC device and the instrumentation antenna by performing a rotation of the VUT in place at the first location or the instrumentation antenna in a circular path about the first location. The method includes, for multiple azimuth angles, testing receive performance of the DSRC system by transmitting DSRC packets through the instrumentation antenna to the DSRC system, estimating an error rate indicating a level of success of DSRC packets being received by the DSRC system, and recording the error rate for each angle.

Abstract: A wireless charging device includes an external cover to be disposed in an interior of a vehicle, a wireless charging module disposed in the external cover, and an elastic support disposed on a surface of the external cover to elastically support a power receiving apparatus removably inserted between the external cover and the elastic support.

Abstract: A mobile telephone integration system including an adapter having a main body and a clip which, from an edge of the main body, projects, in a clamping position under prestress in the direction of the bearing surface, over the bearing surface such that a mobile telephone can be pushed into a holding position between a free end of the clip and the bearing surface. A noise-generating means generates a warning noise when the clip is deflected in the opening direction into an overload position by virtue of a rotation process in which the clip is moved out of its release position owing to an increased action of force in the opening direction. The clip pivots back into the release position again by virtue of a return rotation process in which the clip is moved from its overload position owing to an action of force in the closing direction.

Abstract: A wireless terminal installation device on which a wireless terminal is to be installed includes a housing and a substrate provided at an inside of the housing. The substrate includes at least a printed board, a mounting part that is provided on the printed board and mounted with a conductor, a conductor-free part which is an area that excludes a conductor, and a parasitic antenna that is provided on the conductor-free part to re-emit a radio wave received.

Abstract: A method for data communication in a vehicle between an in-vehicle device and a mobile device coupled with the vehicle includes transmitting, by the in-vehicle device, data via a data bus of the vehicle to an in-vehicle data communication device, a first data protocol being used for this purpose, in which an arbitration occurs. The data communication device converts the data, and the data communication device transmits the converted data via a data link to the mobile device. A second data protocol is used in the data transmission from the in-vehicle data communication device to the mobile device, in which no arbitration occurs. A data communication device by which the method of the invention may be implemented is also described.

Abstract: A man-machine interface (10) for a vehicle (1), the interface (10) has pointer means (40) and comprises a base and a support (20) extending in elevation from said base (15). A notch (30) is formed in a side face (22) of said support (20) in an elevation direction (Z) and is shaped to match the shape of a thumb. A top face (21) of the support includes an ergonomic armrest (35) having two raised margins (36) extending symmetrically on either side of a longitudinal axis of symmetry (AX) of the armrest (35). A front face (25) of the support extends in elevation from the base (15) from a bottom portion (25?) having the pointer means (40) arranged therein towards a top portion (25?) that is rounded to support a user's palm.

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: Disclosed are a system, method, and article of manufacture of associating a context data with a voice-message component. The context data may be encoded into a voice message signal. The context-data may be associated with the voice-message component according to an attribute of the voice message. The attribute of the voice message may include at least one of a word, a phrase, a voice timbre, a duration of a pause between two words, a volume a voice and an ambient sound voice and a duration of a pause between two words. The context data may be selected according to a meaning of the attribute of the voice-message component.

Abstract: A car finder system has a portable terminal that receives a preset operation performed thereon for wirelessly transmitting a preset car finder instruction. A communication device of the car finder system receives the preset car finder instruction from the portable device, and repeatedly transmits a preset car finder signal to an in-vehicle device, which is disposed in a vehicle. The in-vehicle device performs an external notification operation when it receives the preset car finder signal. The communication device ends the transmission of the preset car finder signal when a predetermined condition is met.

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: A mobile telephone or cellular telephone unit and a rearview mirror housing of an automobile are combined to provide an improved telephone apparatus that allows for efficient projection of images on a windshield of a vehicle.

Abstract: A retaining arrangement for a mobile communication device has an accommodating means which accommodates a mobile communication device. The retaining arrangement includes a retaining setting in which the mobile communication device is retained in the accommodating means, and a release setting which allows the mobile communication device to be inserted into the accommodating means. The retaining arrangement is characterized by a locking means which can be moved into a locking setting and into an unlocking setting, wherein the accommodating means can be moved out of the release setting into the retaining setting only when the locking means is in the unlocking setting.

Abstract: The invention relates to an integration device for integrating a cellular telephone in a vehicle, whereby the integration device comprises a receiving compartment, a coupler antenna for the cellular telephone network attached to the receiving compartment and electronics which can be connected to an external antenna. Here, the integration device comprises multiple coupler antennae connected to the electronics, whereby a communications connection is made via the cellular telephone network such that the electronics of the integration device for the active cellular telephone inserted in the receiving compartment, regardless of the type of the cellular telephone inserted and regardless of the position of the cellular telephone inserted in the receiving compartment, selects and uses for the communication that coupler antenna with the highest reception quality in the communication with the cellular telephone located in the receiving compartment.

Abstract: An assembly (dock) for cell phones in cars, presenting the peculiarity that replaces the stereo, installing in the space occupied by the stereo, in such a way that by means of a computer application, the cell phone serves to tune the radio and also to keep its functions. The assembly (dock) is fixed to the front panel of the automobile and improves the interaction of the cell phone with the automobile through a downloaded software application on the phone, so the driver is provided with all the functions of the cell phone and gives up the stereo or information center. The assembly (dock) may be manufactured with standard external measures and different interior dimensions and connectors types to fit various makes and models of existing cell phones.

Abstract: A frequency switching terminal is provided to input a signal for switching frequencies of a reception circuit. A smart ECU is connected to the frequency switching terminal via a connection cable. When the signal for switching the frequencies is inputted into an external input terminal of the reception circuit from the smart ECU via the frequency switching terminal, the reception circuit receives a first electric wave transmitted from a portable terminal for smart entry. In contrast, when the signal for switching the frequencies is not inputted into the external input terminal of the reception circuit from the smart ECU via the frequency switching terminal, the reception circuit receives a second electric wave transmitted from a tire sensor.

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.

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 cell phone holder that has a case with a back portion having an angled surface on an inside end surface of said back side so that a cell phone housed in said case is slanted with its face tilted at an angle for better viewing through said opening in said front surface and to provide room in said case to store a retractable ear phone device behind said cell phone. The back surface has a top portion curving backward with respect to the front surface of the case to provide an overhanging portion forming a clip to mount said case and is mountable in a recess between the driver side inner window surface and the driver side inner door so that the holder hangs on the driver side below the window and near the driver so as to be within range of a driver.

Abstract: A mobile telephone or cellular telephone unit and a rearview minor housing of an automobile are combined to provide an improved telephone apparatus that allows for efficient projection of images on a windshield of a vehicle.

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 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: 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: An electronic component (encoder) including an operation body is mounted on a circuit board. The electronic component causes a controller to perform processing in accordance with an operation input by the operation body. The mounting board includes a power-feeding leg piece connected to a wireless communication processor so that high frequency communication is allowed, a first short-circuiting leg piece that is adjacent to the power-feeding leg piece via a cut-out portion, and a second short-circuiting leg piece separated from the power-feeding leg piece. The short-circuiting leg pieces are connected to grounded portions. The impedance is adjusted by appropriately selecting the width or the depth of the cut-out portion. The resonance frequency is adjusted by appropriately selecting the size or the position of the short-circuiting leg piece. Thus, the mounting board operates as an inverted-F antenna in which the power-feeding leg piece functions as a power feeding portion.

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 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: The invention relates to a holding means (1) for fastening a portable communication device to a vehicle component, in particular to a windscreen of a motor vehicle, the holding means (1) comprising a basic carrier (3) for carrying the portable communication device such that the portable communication device extends parallel to a front face (24) of the basic carrier (3). The basic carrier (3) comprises a pair of holding arms (11, 12) arranged on opposite sides of the front face (24) of the basic carrier (3) and extending perpendicular to the front face (24) and parallel to each other. The holding arms (11, 12) are arranged for accommodating the portable communication device between them, wherein the basic carrier (3) furthermore comprises an elastic coupling element (18) by means of which the holding arms (11, 12) are joined to each other.

Abstract: A system and method for providing voice communication to an occupant of a vehicle through a mobile device. The system communicates with a mobile device with an occupant of the vehicle, for example using a telematics controller or network access device. The system receives an identification from the mobile device and transmits a request, as well as, the identification to a service provider. The service provider then initiates a communication to the mobile device based on the request and identification.

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: Embodiments disclosed herein provide systems and methods for operating a home wireless communication network to facilitate increasing the rescan timer for a wireless communication device. In a particular embodiment, a method comprises determining a location of a wireless communication device that is roaming on a visited wireless network. The method further includes determining a communication load in a portion of the home wireless network that is proximate to the location of the roaming wireless communication device and processing the communication load to determine if a home network rescan timer in the wireless communication device should be increased. If the home network rescan timer in the wireless communication device should be increased, the method further comprises transferring a first message for delivery to the wireless communication device indicating an increase to the home network rescan timer.

Abstract: An example vehicle communication device includes a vehicle installed unit and a portable unit in communication with the vehicle installed unit. The portable unit communicates a message through the vehicle installed unit to a remote location, and the vehicle installed unit adds information to the message.

Abstract: The specification and drawing figures describe and show a vehicle identification system that includes a programmable application for database management of a plurality of customer-specific vehicle descriptors. The vehicle identification system also includes a mobile computing platform in a mobile satellite communications system adapted to operatively associate the customer-specific vehicle descriptors with a vehicle.

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 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 holder for connecting a mobile phone to the seatbelt of a vehicle includes a front side which receives the mobile phone, and a back side which connects the holder to the seatbelt. The front side includes a mobile phone retainer which holds the mobile phone in the holder. The back side includes a seatbelt connector for connecting the holder to the seatbelt. The connector includes two seatbelt retainers which are shaped and dimensioned to receive the seatbelt. The holder also includes friction enhancing members which keep the holder at a desired position on the seatbelt.

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 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 cradle locks a mobile unit (MU) therein with a single insertion process. The cradle includes a cup shaped to receive a first portion of the MU. The cradle includes a backing portion including a first end coupled to the cup portion. The cradle includes a hoop portion movably coupled to a second end of the backing portion for movement between a securing position and a receiving position, the hoop being biased toward the securing position. The cradle includes a latch releasably securing the hoop portion in the receiving position. The cradle includes a plunger extending out of the backing portion in a first direction so that, when engaged by the MU, the plunger is moved in a second direction opposite the first direction moving the latch to release the hoop portion so that the hoop portion moves under its bias into the securing position.