Abstract:
An apparatus and method for rapidly providing activity on a vehicle network bus (12,Fig.1) includes a node (TCU 14, Fig.1) having a bus connection to the vehicle network bus. The node (TCU 14, Fig.1) includes a Rapid Response Stack (24, Fig.1) loaded with the predetermined message to respond to any network bus request before the application is up and running. A true stack is loaded with real messages from the application once it is booted up and running on the node, whereupon the application subsequently responds to network bus requests using the true stack instead of the Rapid Response Stack.
Abstract:
This invention relates to providing advertising and electronic coupons (30) within a multimedia entertainment and information system, such as an internet radio for portable applications and uses, as in an automobile. The internet radio allows access to a host of audio, visual, and other information. Normal radio channel function is provided along with programmable content and channel selection, as well as automatic content and channel updating by location and style. Internet access is also provided. Direct or targeted advertising, as well as electronic commerce is supported. Connection to the internet is through wireless communications. Programmability is achieved off-line via a web page and remote computer. Customized information is also communicated to the radio such as stock quotes, travel information (250), advertising, and e-mail. Onboard global positioning allows for channel updating by location, traffic information, geographic advertising (460), and available similar content.
Abstract:
A communications system for a vehicle (26) having a foot pedal (110, 210, 31 0, 410) useable to control communications at a user interface (51) in the vehic le (26). By controlling the user interface (51) at least in part through activation of the foot pedal (110, 210, 310, 410), communications in the vehicle (26) are made more convenient and less dangerous as the user need no t use his hands to operate the communications user interface (51). The foot pedal (110, 210, 310, 410) may perform a dedicated communications control function, or may be programmable to perform a communications control functio n of a user's choosing. Several foot pedals may be used, either in conjunction with a single seat, or each associated with a particular seat in the vehicle (26). Foot pedal communication settings may also be stored within the communications user interface for easy retrieval, and may be retrievable through entry of a user ID, such as may come from a key fob.
Abstract:
A method generally improves the frequency accuracy in a communications system without requiring the use of accurate frequency references in all of the stations or types of stations. An accurate frequency reference is utilized in one of the stations or station types. The reference frequencies of the remaining stations or station types can be adjusted based upon the accurate reference frequency in one of the stations.
Abstract:
A system for choosing a communication having an ACRE 117, a radiotelephone 101 and a cordless base station 115. The cordless base station 115 connected to the ACRE 117 by a wireline network 111 and receiving a message authorizing the use of a subset of channels. The cordless base station 115 determining which of the set of channels meets a channel quality criteria and only communicating over a channel, to the radiotelephone 101, if the channel meets the channel quality criteria and is authorized.
Abstract:
A portable unit (101) may both place and receive calls in both the cordless (115) and cellular (103) telephone system. A portable unit (101), in combination with a cordless base station (115), can automatically route an incoming call to the telephone system in which the portable unit (101) is located without inconveniencing the user. Additionally, the portable unit (101), in combination with the cordless base station (115), can automatically route a call in process with the portable unit (101) between the cordless (115) and the cellular (103) telephone systems when the portable unit (101) relocates therebetween.
Abstract:
A system for choosing a communication having an ACRE (117), a radiotelephone (101) and a cordless base station (115). The cordless base station (115) connected to the ACRE (117) by a wireline network (111) and receiving a message (506) authorizing the use of a subset of channels. The cordless base station (115) determining which of the set of channels meets a channel quality criteria and only communicating over a channel, to the radiotelephone (101), if the channel meets the channel quality criteria and is authorized.
Abstract:
A call routing system includes an authorization and call routing equipment (ACRE) (117), a cordless base station (115) connected by a wireline network (111) having caller identification. The cordless base station (115) initiates a call to the ACRE (117), which receives the cordless base station's (115) telephone number. The ACRE (117) then uses the telephone number for routing subsequent telephone calls to the cordless base station (115). The cordless base station (115) can receive and store caller identification information and transmit this information to a radiotelephone (101).
Abstract:
A dual mode cellular cordless portable radiotelephone preferentially selects the cordless base station over the cellular system when in range of the cordless base station. When the cordless cellular portable is operating in the cellular mode, the radio channel associated with the cordless base station is sampled for a predetermined time. When a signal on the sampled cordless base station channel is detected, the cordless portable moves to the cordless mode and remains in the cordless mode for as long as the signal quality of the signal on the cordless base station channel exceeds a predetermined value.