Abstract:
An improved system and procedure for using user IDs to enter a personalized communication profile into a communication user interface (51), and preferab ly a vehicle-based communication user interface (51). In one embodiment, the us er IDs correspond to switches (100a-d), which may comprises switches within the vehicle (26) or on devices in wireless communication with the vehicle (26), such as a key fob (150). The key fob code can either constitute the user ID or can be user to retrieve it from either the vehicle's head unit (50) or a communications server (24). The switch may be dedicated to inputting the use r ID, or may comprise switches also serving other functions, such as seat adjustment of the vehicle. The user ID can also be loaded using a display (7 9) associated with the user interface (51). Additionally, the user ID may also be retrieved using a voice recognition module (70), which allows for loading of the communication profile without the necessity of pressing switches. The us er profile retrieved using the user ID can either be stored at the head unit (5 0) or the communication server (24).
Abstract:
An improved system and procedure for allowing participants within a group conversation on a wireless communication network (10) to at least temporarily break away from a group conversation (90) and hold a side bar conversation. The side bar conversation (100) may comprise several different types, including a public conversation or may constitute a private conversation or private text messaging or data exchange. A group conversation user wishing to hold the side bar conversation uses his user interface to alert other group conversation user(s) with whom he would like to hold the side bar conversation. Either the initiating user or the recipient user(s) can recommend the type of side bar conversation to be had using their user interfaces (51). If the side bar conversation is a voice conversation, the original group conversation can still be audible in the back ground, but can be reduced in volume relative to the side bar conversation or squelched in and out when the side bar conversation is active.
Abstract:
A system and procedure for posting and receiving location-based messages in a wireless communication based network (10). The system allows messages to be posted to specified users and to be associated with a particular location (X 1) for which the message is pertinent. The messages can be left when a user in a first vehicle (26a) passes a particular location (X1), or the user can speci fy the location (X1) for the message even if not present at that location (X1). The messages can then be displayed at a user interface of the recipient vehicle (26b) either when the recipient nears that location (X1), or they ca n be reviewed in advance. Such location-based messages can be left either for another user or for the same user that is posting the method. The posted and received messages can be textual, audio, video, or pictorial messages and ma y be superimposed on computerized maps to make association between the message and the location more meaningful. Regardless, the disclosed system and metho ds allow messages to be associated with particular locations of interest.
Abstract:
An improved system and procedure for organizing communications in a vehicula r wireless communication system. In one embodiment, methods and systems are disclosed for operating a communication system in a first vehicle (26a) in which a microphone (106) or microphones (106a-d) are selectively enabled to preferentially pick up the voice of only a particular participant in a vehic le (26a). In other embodiments, user IDs are associated with the speaking participants, which allows a recipient receiving the voice communications to known who in the vehicle is speaking, and to block or modify such communications if necessary.
Abstract:
An improved system and procedure for allowing participants within a group conversation on a wireless communication network (10) to at least temporaril y break away from a group conversation (90) and hold a side bar conversation. The side bar conversation (100) may comprise several different types, including a public conversation or may constitute a private conversation or private text messaging or data exchange. A group conversation user wishing t o hold the side bar conversation uses his user interface to alert other group conversation user(s) with whom he would like to hold the side bar conversation. Either the initiating user or the recipient user(s) can recommend the type of side bar conversation to be had using their user interfaces (51). If the side bar conversation is a voice conversation, the original group conversation can still be audible in the back ground, but can be reduced in volume relative to the side bar conversation or squelched in a nd out when the side bar conversation is active.
Abstract:
A system and method for selectively enabling communications at a user interface (51) using a user profile. The system and methods have particular utility to communication user interfaces (51) in vehicles (26) but may be us ed with other wireless user interfaces (51) as well. In one embodiment, a user (26a) uses his user interface (51) to define a user profile indicative of th e types of communication channels he wishes to receive. This user profile is transmitted to a communications server (24) and is used to filter all potential channels so that the user (26a) only has access to those channels potentially of interest. The user (26a) may also prioritize preferred or received channels so that they are given precedence at his user interface (51). In this regard, activation of priority channels may present the user a notification informing the user of the priority channel and allowing him to join, or the priority channel may be automatically activated at the user interface (51) without further user involvement.
Abstract:
An improved system and procedure for allowing a user to post a route to another mobile user or to himself. In one embodiment, a user in a vehicle (26a) engages his user interface (51) to record and transmit the traveled route to a second user in a second vehicle (26b) or to himself at a later time. The recipient receives the route in accordance with his user ID and other parameters specified or messages left by the initiating user. The rout e can be displayed on a map, in text, or audibly broadcast. In an alternative embodiment, the route can be left by a non-mobile user for the benefit of a mobile user using, for example, a home computer.
Abstract:
A method for coexistence of an orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) receiver (117) such as a WiMAX receiver with a synchronous frame-based transmitter (115) such as a Bluetooth transmitter within a mobile station (110) receives an estimated media access protocol (MAP') signal indicating when a MAP message is expected to be received by the OFDMA receiver (117) and uses it at a Bluetooth shutdown signal (190) at least when a MAP message is expected to be received. The MAP' signal can be taken directly from the ODFMA transceiver (117) or it may be produced through analysis of a receiver-enable (RXE) signal that includes not only MAP symbols but also downlink data symbols. The RXE signal can be analyzed using interrupt-and-timer, Fast Fourier Transform, covariance, and/or delay-locked loop techniques to extract historical MAP symbol information and generate expected MAP symbol information. Shutting down a Bluetooth transmitter during expected MAP message receipt permits the OFDMA receiver to maintain synchronicity with an access point while not requiring the Bluetooth transmitter to shut down every time the OFDMA receiver expects to receive an OFDMA symbol.
Abstract:
An improved system and procedure for allowing a user to post a route to another mobile user or to himself. In one embodiment, a user in a vehicle (26a) engages his user interface (51) to record and transmit the traveled route to a second user in a second vehicle (26b) or to himself at a later time. The recipient receives the route in accordance with his user ID and other parameters specified or messages left by the initiating user. The route can be displayed on a map, in text, or audibly broadcast. In an alternative embodiment, the route can be left by a non-mobile user for the benefit of a mobile user using, for example, a home computer.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for enabling Near Field Communications (39) equipment of a portable communications device (100). When the portable communications device's battery (38) is low the residual charge of the battery is used to power the Near Field Communications equipment (39) to enable various Near Field Communications applications without causing damage to the battery or portable communications device (100).