| GENERAL MOTORS LLC Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20120129510 | METHODS FOR REMINDING A USER OF A TASK ASSOCIATED WITH A COMMUNICATION - Methods for reminding a user of a task associated with a communication are disclosed herein. One example of the method involves reminding the user of a task associated with an incoming communication, and another example of the method involves reminding the user of a task associated with an outgoing communication. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120127050 | MULTI-FUNCTION ANTENNA - An antenna includes a CPW transmission line and a radiating portion. The radiating portion is coupled to the CPW transmission line and is substantially coplanar with the CPW transmission line. The radiating portion is configured to produce a first linear polarization at a first frequency, a circular polarization at a second frequency, and a second linear polarization at a third frequency. The radiating portion includes a conductive material extending from the CPW transmission line and forming a plurality of openings in the radiating portion. The openings are asymmetric with respect to a first region of the radiating portion that is disposed on a first side of the CPW transmission line and a second region of the radiating portion that is disposed on a second side of the CPW transmission line. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120126967 | METHOD OF DETECTING A VEHICLE TIRE THEFT - A system and method for detecting a missing vehicle tire and notifying a user of the vehicle about a potential vehicle tire theft. The method carried out by the system involves detecting that a tire is missing from a vehicle using a vehicle tire pressure monitoring (TPM) system and thereafter providing a notification of the missing tire via a wireless communication sent from a telematics unit on the vehicle. The wireless communication can be sent automatically by the telematics unit in response to the detection. Identification numbers or other data reported by sensors used in the TPM system can be used to determine if a tire is missing. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120123629 | METHOD OF PROVIDING DIRECTIONS TO A VEHICLE SERVICE FACILITY - A method of providing directions to a vehicle service facility includes generating a vehicle service alert that includes vehicle operating data, sending the vehicle service alert to a vehicle telematics service subscriber, offering the vehicle telematics service subscriber a choice of one or more vehicle service facilities for responding to the vehicle service alert, and if the vehicle owner chooses a vehicle service facility, providing turn-by-turn directions to the chosen vehicle service facility. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120118769 | HOLDER FOR A TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE - A holder for a telecommunications device includes a container including a side wall connected to a base. Together the side wall and base define a cavity. Side wall defines an opening of the container at an end of the side wall distal to the base. A resilient insert is disposed inside the cavity. The insert includes a bottom portion that abuts the base and a feature for releasably retaining the device inside the container. A lid is in selective locking engagement with the side wall's distal end. When in locking engagement, the lid encloses the opening of the container to retain the device inside the holder, and to muffle a sound and/or a vibration produced by the device. A locking mechanism is operatively attached to the container and/or the lid, and holds the lid and the container together when the lid is in locking engagement with the distal end. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120109649 | SPEECH DIALECT CLASSIFICATION FOR AUTOMATIC SPEECH RECOGNITION - Automatic speech recognition including receiving speech via a microphone, pre-processing the received speech to generate acoustic feature vectors, classifying dialect of the received speech, selecting at least one of an acoustic model or a lexicon specific to the classified dialect, decoding the acoustic feature vectors using a processor and at least one of the selected dialect-specific acoustic model or selected lexicon to produce a plurality of hypotheses for the received speech, and post-processing the plurality of hypotheses to identify one of the plurality of hypotheses as the received speech. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120095675 | METHOD FOR CREATING AND TAKING A DRIVING TOUR - Embodiments of methods for creating and taking a driving tour using information derived from crowd sourcing are disclosed herein. A method includes, but is not limited to accessing an Internet website that is configured to enable a user to compose a driving tour based in part on the information derived from crowd sourcing and in part on a user-specified criterion. The method further includes inputting the user-specified criterion into the Internet website. The method further includes creating the driving tour using the Internet website, the driving tour having a point of interest. The method further includes obtaining an electronic file from the Internet website containing the driving tour. The method further includes loading the electronic file into a mobile device. The method still further includes utilizing the mobile device and the electronic file to take the driving tour. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120094657 | CONFIGURING OF VEHICLE COMMUNICATIONS MODULES - A system and method for configuring a vehicle user interface that provides hands-free use of a mobile communications device by a vehicle operator. First, the mobile communications device located at a vehicle is linked with a vehicle user interface in the vehicle so that the driver or other occupant can carry out hands-free telephone calls through the mobile device. Then, an evaluation phone call is placed using the mobile device so that volume levels, noise, etc. can be checked. Based on an analysis of that evaluation call, at least one audio parameter of the vehicle user interface is configured and is thereafter used to improve the audio communication between the user and the vehicle user interface. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120089298 | AFTERMARKET TELEMATICS UNIT AND METHOD FOR INSTALLATION VERIFICATION - An aftermarket telematics unit (“ATU”) for use with a telematics service system having a call center is disclosed herein. The ATU is adapted for mounting to a vehicle and is configured for operation in an on-mode, a standby-mode, and an off-mode. The aftermarket telematics unit includes, but is not limited to, a memory unit and a processor that is operatively connected to the memory unit. The processor is configured to send a first notification to the call center when a number of transitions from the off-mode to the on-mode experienced by the ATU exceeds a predetermined number during a first predetermined length of time. The processor is further configured to send a second notification to the call center when the ATU has been continuously operating in the on-mode for greater than a second predetermined length of time. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120087293 | Telematics Device Reactivation Via Broadcast SMS Alert - The disclosed invention provides a system and apparatus for deactivating unused telematics units in a cost effective manner, while allowing later contact with the unit by the service provider. The service provider deactivates a device by replacing a valid MIN with an invalid default MIN, deactivating the normal CDMA registration process, and implementing a reduced frequency registration regimen. A regionally broadcast SMS message is subsequently used to reach the deactivated module. The SMS message is configured in such a way as to cause the targeted device to place a cellular call using a non-validating wireless number to a call center of the service provider. Once the telematics provider has a dedicated link call with the module, it executes a desired action, e.g., providing a newly provisioned MIN, shutting down the device entirely, collecting stored data from the device, etc. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120083970 | AFTERMARKET TELEMATICS SYSTEM - An aftermarket telematics system for use with a vehicle having a vehicle bus is disclosed herein. The aftermarket telematics system includes, but is not limited to, an aftermarket telematics unit that is configured to be mounted to the vehicle, to communicate with the vehicle bus, and to detect when the vehicle has been turned off. The aftermarket telematics system also includes a vehicle communication interface device configured to connect to the vehicle bus, to be communicatively coupled with the aftermarket telematics unit, and to facilitate communication between the aftermarket telematics unit and the vehicle bus. The aftermarket telematics unit is further configured to send a sleep command to the vehicle communication interface device when the aftermarket telematics unit detects that the vehicle has been turned off. The vehicle communication interface device is configured to sleep in accordance with the sleep command. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120071140 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS - A method for controlling mobile communications involves identifying an operator of the mobile vehicle, where the operator is associated with the mobile communications device. The method further includes recognizing, via a telematics unit in the mobile vehicle, a first in-vehicle trigger to initiate a vehicle data upload event with a telematics service center. The vehicle data for the vehicle data upload event includes information of the mobile vehicle and of the operator of the mobile vehicle. Upon receiving the vehicle data at the telematics service center, transmitting a request from the service center to a mobile communications service provider to disable at least one of an incoming communication for the mobile communications device or an outgoing communication from the mobile communications device. The method further involves disabling the incoming and/or outgoing communication. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120068897 | ANTENNA SYSTEM AND FILTER - Antenna systems and antenna filters are provided, for example for use in a windshield or on a roof of a vehicle. An antenna system comprises a first antenna, a second antenna, and a filter. The first antenna is configured to operate at a first frequency. The second antenna is configured to operate at a second frequency. The filter is coupled to the first antenna. The filter is configured to create an open circuit condition at the second frequency and reduce secondary radiation between the first and second antennas. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120068896 | MICROWAVE ANTENNA ASSEMBLIES - A microwave antenna assembly includes a first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer, a conductive layer, a first conductive patch, and a second conductive patch. The conductive layer is disposed in an inner region between the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer. The conductive layer includes a slot. A first conductive patch is surrounded by the slot. The second conductive patch is disposed against the second dielectric layer outside the inner region, and is electromagnetically coupled to the first conductive patch. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120065831 | Charge Reminder Notification to Increase Electric Only Efficiency - The described method and system provide a reminder to an electric vehicle user to charge a battery of the electric vehicle to optimize electric-only driving opportunities. The electric vehicle includes a telematics unit, and the vehicle user is associated with a mobile communications device remote from the vehicle. The described technique includes determining a location of the vehicle, comparing the location to a home location of the vehicle user, and retrieving vehicle battery charge state and expected electric only range. If certain conditions are met, the user is prompted via the remote device to plug in the vehicle for charging and/or to alter the vehicle charge profile to achieve full charge in the time remaining. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120046036 | PRIMARY CONNECTION STRATEGY FOR VEHICLE ORIGINATED CELLULAR COMMUNICATION TO A CALL CENTER - A system and method for making vehicle originated calls to a telematics service provider or other call center. The method includes identifying a call type associated with a desired wireless communication of speech or data to the call center, and then carrying out one of a number of different call connection processes depending on the call type. For voice channel cellular connections, an in-band modem cellular connection is preferably established in most instances using a connection retry strategy that includes primary, secondary, and possibly tertiary connection attempts. The system and method can be carried out in connection with various cellular system technologies, but is especially suited for use with GSM systems. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120041640 | VEHICLE MIRROR AND TELEMATICS SYSTEM - Vehicle mirrors and telematics systems are provided. A vehicle mirror comprises a mirror housing and an accelerometer. The mirror housing is configured to be mounted within a vehicle. The accelerometer is disposed within the mirror housing, and is configured to measure an acceleration of the vehicle. A diagnostics device is configured to provide diagnostics information pertaining to the vehicle. A navigation device is configured to provide navigation information as to a position of the vehicle. A controller is coupled to the accelerometer, the diagnostics device, and the navigation device. The controller is configured to generate vehicle determinations using the acceleration, the diagnostics information, and the navigation information. A transmitter is coupled to the controller, and is configured to transmit determination information pertaining to the vehicle determinations. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120038473 | WIRELESS MONITORING OF BATTERY FOR LIFECYCLE MANAGEMENT - The disclosed invention provides a system and apparatus for monitoring battery status and usage to facilitate battery protection, battery repurposing and battery maintenance. Wireless interrogation of a battery's location and key attributes provides efficiencies to manage the total lifecycle of an electric vehicle battery, whether installed in a vehicle or in an environment external to the vehicle environment. A wireless battery tether, combined with a wireless battery reader, a wireless battery gateway and a centralized battery monitoring server allows management of the high-voltage battery through its lifecycle. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120036467 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING A TOUR - Systems and methods are provided for producing tours. The system includes, but is not limited to a data storage device that is configured to store a plurality of POI inputs and/or routes. A server is operatively coupled to the data storage device and is configured to host a website accessible via a worldwide computer network, obtain a search criterion from a user accessing the website, retrieve a subset of the POI inputs and/or routes corresponding to the search criterion from the data storage device, arrange the POI inputs and/or routes of the subset in a manner corresponding to the search criterion to form the tour, at least temporarily store the tour in an electronic file compatible with a mobile device, and electronically deliver the electronic file to the user. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120035923 | IN-VEHICLE TEXT MESSAGING EXPERIENCE ENGINE - The disclosed invention provides a system and apparatus for providing a telematics system user with an improved texting experience. A messaging experience engine database enables voice avatar/personality selection, acronym conversion, shorthand conversion, and custom audio and video mapping. As an interpreter of the messaging content that is passed through the telematics system, the system eliminates the need for a user to manually manipulate a texting device, or to read such a device. The system recognizes functional content and executes actions based on the identified functional content. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120030470 | WIRELESS PROGRAMMING OF VEHICLE MODULES - A system and method for programming a vehicle module via a secure local area wireless connection. The method carried by the system involves establishing a wireless connection between a vehicle telematics unit and a dealership wireless node. Then, the dealership sends via the wireless node a digital certificate to the vehicle telematics unit. The vehicle uses the digital certificate to verify that the dealership is authorized to provide the vehicle with an upgrade to one or more of the vehicle's components. In response of the verification, an upgrade is performed to one or more vehicle components via the wireless communication. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120030467 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR FACILITATING COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN VEHICLES AND SERVICE PROVIDERS - Methods and systems for facilitating communications between a vehicle and a service provider are provided. A first address of a vehicle communication device and a second address of a service provider communication device are obtained at a remote location that is remote to both the vehicle and the service provider. A set of keys, including a first key and a second key, is generated at the remote server. The first key is for use by the vehicle in establishing communications with the service provider, and the second key is for use by the service provider in establishing communications with the vehicle. The first key is provided to the vehicle, and the second key is provided to the service provider. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120029964 | METHOD FOR UPDATING AN ELECTRONIC CALENDAR IN A VEHICLE - A method for updating an electronic calendar in a vehicle involves uploading an appointment to the electronic calendar, where the appointment includes a description of an event, a time block for the event, and a travel time preceding the time block. An alert is set in a telematics unit of the vehicle, where the alert notifies a vehicle occupant of the appointment. The alert is configured to be activated in response to a trigger. At a time subsequent to the time block of the event, one of i) a memo is uploaded to the electronic calendar indicating that the alert was activated, or ii) another memo is uploaded to the electronic calendar indicating that the alert was not activated. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120029763 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ALERTING A DRIVER TO A CONDITION OF A VEHICLE - A system for alerting a driver to a condition of a vehicle is disclosed herein. The system includes, but is not limited to, a telematics unit that is mounted to the vehicle and that is configured to receive a fault notification from a subsystem on board the vehicle when a fault in the subsystem is detected. A call center is remotely located from the vehicle and is communicatively connected to the telematics unit. The telematics unit is configured to provide the fault notification to the call center. The call center is configured to initiate communication with the driver if the fault falls within a first category of faults and to set a trigger in the telematics unit to initiate contact with the call center upon a next ignition actuation of the vehicle if the fault falls within a second category of faults. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120029758 | TELEMATICS UNIT AND METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INITIATING VEHICLE CONTROL USING TELEMATICS UNIT INFORMATION - A method and system are provided for initiating control of a vehicle. A telematics unit includes a connector and a relay unit. The connector is configured to be coupled to a vehicle component. The relay unit is coupled to the connector, and is configured to provide information pertaining to the connector's coupling to the vehicle component. The immobilizer unit is configured to be coupled to the telematics unit, and includes a receiver and a processor. The receiver is configured to receive the information. The processor is coupled to the receiver, and is configured to initiate a measure of control of the vehicle if the information indicates that the telematics unit has been tampered with. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120028681 | MULTI-TONE DETECTION FOR IN-BAND DATA MODEM LINK ESTABLISHMENT IN WIRELESS NETWORKS - A method and system for modem signaling over a voice channel of a cellular or other wireless communication system. A plurality of sequential tones are transmitted, each of which corresponds to at least one network type and contains at least one primary frequency selected so as to successfully be passed through its associated network type. This permits the use of modem signaling to establish a data connection regardless of the type of network equipment utilized, so that the method will work with both newer and older generation vocoders and other network equipment. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120028656 | METHOD OF IDENTIFYING TELEMATICS CALLS - A method of identifying telematics calls includes the steps of receiving at a vehicle telematics unit a paging message used to connect a call over a wireless carrier system; determining at the vehicle telematics unit if the paging message used to connect the call includes a Mobile Identification Number (MIN) or a Mobile Equipment Identifier (MEID); and establishing the call and, if the vehicle telematics unit determines that the paging message includes the MEID, entering into a mode in which the vehicle telematics unit uses a modem for receipt and transmission of data | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120028617 | METHOD OF COMMUNICATING VOICE AND DATA TRANSMISSIONS FOR TELEMATICS APPLICATIONS - A method of establishing an alternate communication channel between a telematics unit and a central facility that includes determining that a vehicle telematics unit is unable to communicate data over a voice call using a voice channel; initiating a data call from the vehicle telematics unit to a central facility based on that determination; sending information identifying the vehicle telematics unit to the central facility over the data call; establishing a voice call from the central facility to verbally communicate with the vehicle telematics unit based on the information identifying the vehicle telematics unit; and communicating data between the central facility and vehicle telematics unit via short messaging services (SMS) messages using the voice call from the central facility. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120028607 | MOBILE-ORIGINATED SMS LOCAL BROADCAST - A method and system for local broadcasting of messages from a wireless mobile device to many others located within the same geographic area. This can be done using SMS messaging wherein a message to be broadcast is addressed to a particular designated address and, when received by a wireless carrier system, is checked to determine that it came from an authorized sender, and then is broadcasted by the wireless carrier system to a geographically-limited area within which the sending wireless mobile device is located. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120028597 | OVERRIDING VEHICLE COMMUNICATIONS IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS - A system and method for controlling calls in a vehicle during an emergency situation that includes identifying an emergency situation and placing a voice call or a data call to the vehicle in response to the emergency situation. If the placed call cannot be connected because the vehicle has another call in progress, then an SMS message is sent to the vehicle which contains a command used by the vehicle to interrupt the in-progress call. This enables a call center or public safety personnel to obtain remote access in emergency situations, such as when the vehicle location needs to be determined or an occupant of the vehicle is contacted. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120028580 | AFTERMARKET TELEMATICS UNIT FOR USE WITH A VEHICLE - An aftermarket telematics unit for use with a vehicle includes, but is not limited to, a housing that is configured for mounting in an interior of a vehicle, a receiver mounted within the housing and configured to receive a first short range wireless signal at a first frequency, a fob component mounted within the housing and configured to transmit a second short range wireless signal at a second frequency, and a controller mounted within the housing and coupled to the wireless receiver and the fob component. The controller is configured to provide instructions to the fob component to transmit the second short range wireless signal when the wireless receiver receives the first short range wireless signal. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120026010 | Telematics unit and method for controlling telematics unit for a vehicle - A telematics unit is provided for a vehicle having a power unit, along with a method for controlling a telematics unit for a vehicle. The telematics unit includes a voltage sensor, a global positioning system unit, and a processor. The voltage sensor senses a measure of a voltage of the power unit. The global positioning system unit obtains position data as to a position of the vehicle. The processor is coupled to the voltage sensor and the global positioning system unit. The processor is configured to determine whether the voltage for the power unit has decreased using the sensed measure of the voltage, determine whether the vehicle is moving using the position data, and command the telematics unit to an off mode if the voltage has decreased and the vehicle is not moving. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120016551 | Charge Notification Method for Extended Range Electric Vehicles - The described principles provide a method and system for assisting a user of an electric vehicle in maintaining a charge state of the chargeable onboard energy storage system so as to be able to forgo the use of an auxiliary power unit to great extent. The method, also implemented by the system, comprises identifying charging locations for the vehicle, and prompting the user to charge the vehicle when the vehicle is at a charging location and a charge is need to avoid the use of the auxiliary power unit for a learned or planned journey. The charge reminder my be visible and/or audible within the vehicle and may optionally be remote from the vehicle. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120008794 | MICROPHONE ASSEMBLY FOR USE WITH AN AFTERMARKET TELEMATICS UNIT - A microphone assembly for use with an aftermarket telematics unit mounted in a passenger compartment of a vehicle is disclosed herein. The aftermarket telematics unit has a chamber having an opening that generally faces towards a rear of the vehicle and the microphone assembly includes, but is not limited to, a directional wideband microphone disposed within the chamber. A preamplifier is internally mounted within the directional wideband microphone. The preamplifier has an electrical lead and is both electrically and structurally attached to the aftermarket telematics unit via the electrical lead. The electrical lead is the sole means of physical attachment between the directional wideband microphone and the preamplifier, on the one hand, and the aftermarket telematics unit on the other hand. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120008509 | DETECTING DEGRADATION OF WIRELESS NETWORK PERFORMANCE - A system and method for monitoring wireless network performance that provides a real-time detection and identification of problem areas within a wireless carrier's network. The method involves receiving and attempting to fulfill requests for vehicle services data sent via the wireless carrier system between vehicles and a call center or other remote facility. The success or failure of these attempts are recorded and associated with the geographic region in which the vehicle was located during the attempt, and this information for a multitude of vehicles is then analyzed in conjunction with other inputs and stored data to determine whether a particular geographic region is experiencing a wireless service outage or other degradation in performance. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20110307283 | METHOD FOR STAFFING A CALL CENTER - A method for staffing a call center involves, via a processor at the call center, generating a work schedule of a call center advisor for a then-current work day, the work schedule including i) information related to at least one planned activity, and ii) information related to at least one shrink activity, the information related to the at least one shrink activity being forecasted from a time-based, graduated ramp schedule. The method further involves, via the processor, utilizing the work schedule to determine an appropriate number of call center advisors for the call center throughout a future work day. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110306329 | REMOTE VEHICLE DATA ACCESS DURING A MULTI-WAY CALL WITH A VEHICLE TELEMATICS UNIT - A system and method for obtaining data during a multi-way call involving at least a vehicle telematics unit, call center, and third party such as a public safety answering point (PSAP). While connected together in at least a three-way voice call, the connection from the telematics unit is switched out of the call and connected to a data modem to receive vehicle data uploaded from the telematics unit. This can be used to provide vehicle location and other vehicle information such as current vehicle conditions and operational state. Thereafter, the telematics unit connection is switched back into the multi-way call to permit continued voice communications between the parties. The uploaded vehicle data can then be used by the call center or PSAP to provide emergency or other assistance. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110302214 | METHOD FOR UPDATING A DATABASE - A method for updating a database involves determining, via a processor operatively associated with a vehicle, a location circle within which the vehicle is then-currently located, and obtaining, from a facility, a database corresponding to the location circle. The method further involves detecting, via a sensor selectively and operatively disposed in the vehicle, a stationary object along a road segment that is located in the location circle, and determining, via a processor associated with the vehicle, that the detected stationary object is missing from the database. Upon making such determination, a communications device disposed in the vehicle transmits an image of the stationary object to the facility. A processor at the facility then updated the database corresponding to the location circle within which the vehicle is then-currently located with information related to the detected stationary object. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110301839 | METHOD OF USING VEHICLE LOCATION INFORMATION WITH A WIRELESS MOBILE DEVICE - A system and method for monitoring vehicle position includes receiving vehicle location information at a mobile wireless device via short-range communication from the vehicle, storing the received vehicle location information at the wireless mobile device, receiving a request from a user of the wireless mobile device for a navigational route to the vehicle, determining the location of the wireless mobile device, and providing at the wireless mobile device the navigational route between the wireless mobile device and the vehicle based on the wireless mobile device location and vehicle location. This can be helpful where a user has parked his or her car and thereafter needs assistance locating where it is parked. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110294466 | PROVIDING WIRELESS MOBILE DEVICE INFORMATION TO A CALL CENTER - A method and system for providing wireless mobile device information from a vehicle to a call center. The method includes the steps of (a) detecting the presence of a personal mobile device at the vehicle, (b) receiving at a vehicle interface module a mobile device identifier from the personal mobile device, and (c) sending the mobile device identifier from the vehicle interface module to a call center via the mobile device. The mobile device identifier received at the call center can be used for various purposes such as to provide a callback number in the event of a dropped call, or to validate that services are authorize for the vehicle. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110291823 | METHOD OF UNAUTHORIZED VEHICLE MOVEMENT DETECTION - A system and method for detecting unauthorized vehicle movement that includes measuring a resting angle of a vehicle using a vehicle sensor; thereafter, detecting a change in the measured resting angle of the vehicle; determining that the detected change is not authorized; and sending an alert message based on the determination via a vehicle telematics unit. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110288867 | NAMETAG CONFUSABILITY DETERMINATION - A method of and system for managing nametags including receiving a command from a user to store a nametag, prompting the user to input a number to be stored in association with the nametag, receiving an input for the number from the user, prompting the user to input the nametag to be stored in association with the number, receiving an input for the nametag from the user, processing the nametag input, and calculating confusability of the nametag input in multiple individual domains including a nametag domain, a number domain, and a command domain. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110288737 | ROUTE-BASED PROPULSION MODE CONTROL FOR MULTIMODAL VEHICLES - A method and system of operating a multimodal vehicle includes determining a vehicle route between a starting point and an ending point, establishing one or more waypoints along the determined vehicle route based on one or more factors such as topography or road classification, and changing the propulsion mode of the vehicle at each of the established waypoints. This can be used, for example, to help optimize the use of different propulsion modes such as gasoline and battery power to thereby increase energy utilization efficiency. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110288721 | PRE-FILLING VEHICLE DATA CHECK - A pre-filling vehicle data check method and system are disclosed herein. One example of the method includes receiving, at a financial institution, an authorization request from a filling station for initiating a filling event, where the authorization request includes a financial code. Via a computing device at the financial institution, the financial code is recognized as being associated with at least one of a vehicle identification number or a station identification associated with a vehicle, thereby identifying the vehicle. At least one parameter of the identified vehicle is identified via the computing device at a data center in selective communication with the vehicle and the financial institution, and an authorization or denial of the at least one filling event based at least upon the at least one parameter is transmitted from the computing device at the data center. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110288700 | Roadside Handling for Alternate-Propulsion Systems - The described method and system allow a service provider to remotely interact with a vehicle analysis system, high voltage battery contactors, and other vehicle systems to eliminate certain sources of inconvenience for service personnel and users. For example, when the high voltage battery contactors are disconnected inadvertently or as a precaution, they may later need to be safely reengaged to allow the user to drive the disabled but otherwise operational vehicle. Conversely, when an electric vehicle has become disabled and needs to be towed or serviced, the disengagement of the high voltage battery contactors as well as the activation or deactivation of related systems will assist the servicing entity in properly moving and servicing the vehicle. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110287733 | METHODS FOR PROVIDING EMERGENCY SERVICES TO A MOBILE VEHICLE - Methods for providing emergency service to a mobile vehicle are disclosed herein. One method involves monitoring a network country code broadcast from a communications network provider and comparing the network country code with a list of country codes stored in the telematics unit. This method further includes determining where to direct an emergency call by the telematics unit based on the comparing. Another method involves notifying a telematics service provider of a need for emergency services and, in response to a denial for the services, monitoring the network country code broadcast and comparing the network country code with the list of country codes to determine where to direct the emergency call. Yet another method involves notifying a telematics service provider of a need for emergency services and, in response to a denial for the services, automatically notifying another service provider of the same. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110282668 | SPEECH ADAPTATION IN SPEECH SYNTHESIS - A method of and system for speech synthesis. First and second text inputs are received in a text-to-speech system, and processed into respective first and second speech outputs corresponding to stored speech respectively from first and second speakers using a processor of the system. The second speech output of the second speaker is adapted to sound like the first speech output of the first speaker. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110282663 | TRANSIENT NOISE REJECTION FOR SPEECH RECOGNITION - A method of and system for transient noise rejection for improved speech recognition. The method comprises the steps of (a) receiving audio including user speech and at least some transient noise associated with the speech, (b) converting the received audio into digital data, (c) segmenting the digital data into acoustic frames, and (d) extracting acoustic feature vectors from the acoustic frames. The method also comprises the steps of (e) evaluating the acoustic frames for transient noise on a frame-by-frame basis, (f) rejecting those acoustic frames having transient noise, (g) accepting as speech frames those acoustic frames having no transient noise and, thereafter, (h) recognizing the user speech using the speech frames. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110282527 | Multifactor Charging for Electric Vehicles - The described method and system improve electric-power driving range for electric vehicles, i.e., electric-only, hybrid electric, and other vehicles that draw electrical power from an on-board storage system for propulsion. The described system uses synergy among selected data sources to provide charging prompts and route assistance to allow the vehicle user to operate his or her vehicle in a more economical fashion by ensuring timely and cost effective charging. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110282526 | REMOTE TRIGGER OF AN ALTERNATE ENERGY SOURCE TO POWER A VEHICLE SYSTEM - The described method and system improve electric-power driving range for electric vehicles, i.e., electric-only, hybrid electric, and other vehicles that draw electrical power from an on-board storage system for propulsion and auxiliary functions such as HVAC, defroster, defogger, seat heaters, seat coolers, etc. The described system uses an alternate energy source off-board of the vehicle, e.g., the municipal power grid, to power and run vehicle systems while the vehicle is plugged into the grid. The system also provides the user with the ability to remotely choose via an electronic medium or telematics system among multiple available alternate sources of energy to power vehicle systems. The user may remotely trigger the use of the selected source and may also remotely activate and deactivate vehicle systems powered by the alternative energy source. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110281562 | PROVIDING CUSTOMIZED IN-VEHICLE SERVICES USING A VEHICLE TELEMATICS UNIT - A method and system for providing a customized in-vehicle service to one or more people inside a vehicle via a vehicle telematics unit. The method involves detecting the presence of a personal mobile device at the vehicle, associating the detected mobile device with a specific person, and providing a customized service to the specific person identified via the vehicle telematics unit. The method and system can be used, for example, to adjust vehicle settings or operation in response to detecting the presence of a specific person's cell phone or other mobile device. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110260884 | METHOD FOR COLLECTING DATA AND SYSTEM FOR ACCOMPLISHING THE SAME - A method for collecting data is disclosed herein. The method involves selecting, via a processor associated with a telematics service center, a mobile vehicle to collect data from a sensor configured to wirelessly communicate with one or more selected vehicles and, via a telematics unit disposed in the selected mobile vehicle, receiving data collected by the sensor. The method further involves, via the telematics unit, transmitting the data from the telematics unit to a data aggregator and reporting the data from the data aggregator to a facility. Also disclosed herein is a system for accomplishing the same. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110255481 | METHOD FOR MANAGING DATA TRANSMISSIONS IN A SUBSCRIBER POOL - A method for managing data transmissions in a subscriber pool involves receiving a telematics unit call at a call center on a channel other than a packet data channel, and from the call and at the call center, recognizing that the packet data channel is unavailable in a predetermined coverage region. A notification is transmitted to the telematics unit and/or to a plurality of telematics units in the predetermined coverage region indicating that the packet data channel is unavailable for a predetermined time. In response to the notification, a vehicle data upload setting is reset in the telematics unit and/or each of the plurality of telematics units to an alternate channel such that primary connection attempts made by the telematics unit and/or each of the plurality of telematics units are via the alternate channel during the predetermined time. A system for managing such data transmissions is also disclosed. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110250933 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING DIALING MODES IN A VEHICLE - 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. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110250877 | METHOD FOR REACTIVATING A THEN-CURRENTLY DEACTIVATED MOBILE UNIT - A method for reactivating a then-currently deactivated mobile unit involves submitting a request to a call center to reactivate the mobile unit and, upon receiving the request, submitting another request to a cellular service provider from the call center, where such other request includes a request to broadcast a message having a mobile unit identifier and a reactivation protocol contained therein. The method further involves broadcasting the message from the cellular service provider to a plurality of mobile units each having an identical inactive dialing number stored therein. A processor operatively associated with the then-currently deactivated mobile unit recognizes the mobile unit identifier contained in the broadcasted message. Upon recognizing the mobile unit identifier, the processor applies the reactivation protocol contained in the broadcasted message to initiate reactivation of the then-currently deactivated mobile unit. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110250876 | METHOD FOR RESETTING A NON-RESPONSIVE MOBILE UNIT THEN-CURRENTLY OCCUPYING A CELLULAR TRAFFIC CHANNEL OF A WIRELESS NETWORK - A method for resetting a non-responsive mobile unit then-currently occupying a cellular traffic channel of a wireless network is disclosed herein. The method involves recognizing, at an external entity, that the mobile unit is in a non-responsive state that is occupying a voice channel of the cellular traffic channel, and establishing a wireless data connection between the mobile unit and an external entity over the cellular traffic channel. A data message is transmitted to the mobile unit from the external entity, where the data message includes at least a command to reset the mobile unit. In response to receiving the data message, the method further involves resetting the mobile unit via a protocol initiated by a processor associated with the mobile unit. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110249714 | MODEM SIGNALING USING A MULTITONE PREFIX OVER A VOICE CHANNEL OF A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - A system and method of communicating data between a vehicle and call center via a voice channel of a wireless communication system. The method carried out by the system includes the steps of: establishing a voice channel connection between a vehicle telematics unit and call center via a wireless cellular network; generating a modem signaling carrier comprising a prefix followed by a single frequency tone; sending the modem signaling carrier over the voice channel connection using an EVRC-B vocoder; establishing a data communication session over the voice channel connection in response to the modem signaling carrier; and thereafter carrying out data communications between the vehicle telematics unit and call center during the data communication session. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110244830 | AUTHENTICATING A SHORT MESSAGE SERVICE (SMS) MESSAGE - A vehicle telematics unit or other electronic hardware in a vehicle authenticates an incoming SMS message and provides additional security features above and beyond those inherent to the SMS protocol. A call center uses a mathematical function to derive a security code, and then sends an SMS message to the vehicle. The telematics unit can utilize the transmitted information to authenticate the sender of the SMS message and/or its contents. One group of suitable mathematical functions utilizes keyed-hash message authentication codes (HMACs). | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110231087 | Method of Detecting the Opening of Closed Roads - The described principles provide a method and system for identifying a potentially closed road based on reroute requests, and of accommodating the potential road closure while continuing to test the road status periodically via routing decisions and rerouting requests. While the optimal route assumes that the potentially closed road is open, a replacement route is defined assuming that the potentially closed road is closed. A fraction of users are sent along the optimal route, and if a reroute request is received, the potentially closed road is assumed to be closed still. The affected user is rerouted to a recovery route that matches the optimal route up to the potentially closed road, and then differs from the optimal route thereafter to avoid the potentially closed road. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110217957 | MODEM SIGNALING USING SPEECH COMPONENTS OVER A VOICE CHANNEL OF A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - A system and method of communicating with a modem via a voice channel of a wireless communication system. The method carried out by the system includes the steps of (a) establishing a voice channel connection between a vehicle telematics unit and call center via a wireless cellular network, (b) generating a modem signaling carrier comprising a single frequency tone together with a speech component, (c) sending the modem signaling carrier over the voice channel connection using an EVRC-B vocoder, (d) establishing a data communication session over the voice channel connection in response to the modem signaling carrier, and thereafter (e) carrying out data communications between the vehicle telematics unit and call center during the data communication session. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110212713 | Outbound Call Correction for Non-Telematic Mobile Directory Number Dialed by Telematic Operator - The described principles provide a method and system for enabling a telematic operator to determine that an outbound call has been placed to a non-telematic mobile directory number by the telematic operator in error. In one aspect, the invention allows the telematic operator to create an identification of all non-telematic MDN's stored by the wireless carrier which the telematic operator continues to believe are active and are associated with a pending transaction. Improved synchronization of records between the wireless carrier and telematic operator is provided to minimize incidents involving transactional differences between MDN values stored by the wireless carrier and telematic operator when an assigned MDN is processed in error between the two entities. The use of unique modem telephone numbers by the telematic operator allows identification of the affected MDN (by the telematic operator) while providing the customer data privacy needed for the wireless carrier. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110210831 | SIMPLIFIED DEVICE PAIRING EMPLOYING NEAR FIELD COMMUNICATION TAGS - A system and method for simply and securely pairing two Bluetooth devices. A Near Field Communication (NFC) read-only tag is placed in a first Bluetooth device such that a user of a second Bluetooth device can pass the second device near the tag, which then transfers encryption key data for the first Bluetooth device to the second Bluetooth device. An algorithm is employed for initiating the pairing process with the first Bluetooth device, which can ordinarily remain in a silent mode for security reasons. Once the pairing process has been initiated, and the second Bluetooth device has been passed near the NFC tag, the pairing process is completed with no further action required by the users. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110210830 | SIMPLIFIED VEHICLE BLUETOOTH PAIRING EMPLOYING NEAR FIELD COMMUNICATION TAGS - A system and method for simply and securely pairing Bluetooth devices in a vehicle. A Near Field Communication (NFC) read-only tag is placed in the vehicle such that a user can pass an NFC-enabled Bluetooth device near the tag, which then transfers encryption key data for the vehicle's Bluetooth device to the user's Bluetooth device. Various embodiments are disclosed for initiating the pairing process with the vehicle's Bluetooth device, which ordinarily remains in a silent mode for security reasons. Once the pairing process has been initiated, and the user's Bluetooth device has been passed near the NFC tag, the pairing process is completed with no further action required by the user. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110210820 | MULTIPLE NEAR FIELD COMMUNICATION TAGS IN A PAIRING DOMAIN - A system and method for simply and securely pairing multiple Bluetooth or other wireless electronic devices in a network. Multiple Near Field Communication (NFC) read-only tags are places in a vehicle or other defined space, such that users of NFC-enabled electronic devices can pass their device near one of the NFC tags, which then transfers encryption key data to the user's device, allowing that device to be automatically joined to a small, secure wireless network. Various embodiments are disclosed for establishing and controlling the network, and applications are suggested for using the ad-hoc network—such as for the control of a vehicle's entertainment system. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110207463 | Port Initiated Number Gateway - The described method and system enables a telematic operator to determine a connectivity standing of devices requiring a port change from one wireless carrier to another. In particular, a modem initiates a call to each affected mobile directory number (MDN) and verifies connectivity to the correct vehicle using a telematic authentication encrypted key with appropriate verification of the stored MIN, electronic serial number (ESN), and station ID (STID). The list of verified devices of good connectivity is used to facilitate the MIN change to those telematic devices whereby a higher probability of success is most likely to occur. Moreover, by distinguishing devices most likely to commit a MIN port on the first attempt, a potential impact population whereby success is not likely is also developed, so that further appropriate scrutiny or action can be executed for problematic devices. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110207439 | NOTIFICATION METHOD AND SYSTEM - A notification method involves creating a template via a web server interface, where the template includes a statement having at least one tag, and triggering a transmission of raw data from a mobile communications device to the web server interface. The method further involves completing the template via the web server interface using the raw data transmitted to the mobile communications device. The template is completed by substituting the tag(s) with an alphanumeric expression deduced from the raw data. The method also involves uploading the completed template onto a remotely accessible social networking page. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110206191 | METHOD OF POSTING A VOICE RELATED MESSAGE ON A REMOTELY ACCESSIBLE NETWORKING PAGE - A method of posting a voice related message on a remotely accessible networking page includes receiving, at a data center, a voice connection from a communications device. An account on the remotely accessible networking page that is associated with the voice connection is identified at the data center. A voice post is generated during or from the voice connection. Via the data center, the voice post is associated with the remotely accessible networking page so that the voice post is associated with the identified account. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110202229 | IN-VEHICLE TIRE GAUGE SYSTEM AND METHODS - In-vehicle tire gauge system and methods are disclosed herein. The in-vehicle tire gauge system includes a user activated system operatively positioned in a vehicle. The user activated system includes at least one of preset voice prompts or audible tones for guiding a tire pressure check routine, a monitoring system for detecting a tire filling event, and a module for converting tire pressure data into audible feedback. At least one tire pressure monitoring sensor is operatively positioned at each tire of the vehicle and is configured to collect the tire pressure data and transmit such data to the module. An audio system is in operative communication with the user activated system, and is configured to output, via in-vehicle speakers associated with the audio system, the at least one of preset voice prompts or audible tones, the audible feedback, or combinations thereof. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110196805 | Rate Center Translation - The described system and apparatus facilitate the identification, on a per rate center (Npa Nxx) basis, of a best carrier rate center for a wireless subscriber, and also allow detection of errors in a provider's local inventory or in performance reference data. In one aspect, carrier performance data is combined with updated available inventory data via a SIT environment to create a correlated array of rate centers relative to service record and orderable carrier rate center inventory. The described system thus provides improved ordering and forecasting compared to existing systems, and can thus also provide enhanced customer satisfaction and a decrease in customer calls for HFC number change. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110189991 | METHOD OF UPDATING A ROAMING LIST IN A MOBILE DEVICE - A method of updating a roaming list in a mobile device is disclosed herein. The method involves detecting an occurrence of an event via a processor at a back-end system, generating a trigger in response to the detecting of the occurrence of the event, and recognizing, by the processor, the trigger as a roaming list update trigger. The method further includes identifying the mobile device, via the processor, as requiring a roaming list update based on the recognizing of the roaming list update trigger, and transmitting, via a wireless connection, the updated roaming list from the back-end system to the identified mobile device. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110171900 | SATELLITE RADIO FILE BROADCAST METHOD - A method and system for distributing files to remote receiving units such as passenger vehicles. The method includes the steps of (a) creating a file broadcast schedule that identifies a plurality of files and that includes scheduling information indicating when the files will be transmitted, (b) sending the file broadcast schedule to a number of remote receiving units via wireless transmission, (c) analyzing the file broadcast schedule at one or more of the remote receiving units by identifying at least one specific file intended for receipt and storage at that receiving unit and by determining from the scheduling information a scheduled time at which the specific file is intended to be received, (d) monitoring a digital satellite transmission channel at the scheduled time for the specific file, and (e) upon receiving the specific file, storing it at the remote receiving unit. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110166858 | METHOD OF RECOGNIZING SPEECH - A method for recognizing speech involves presenting an utterance to a speech recognition system and determining, via the speech recognition system, that the utterance contains a particular expression, where the particular expression is capable of being associated with at least two different meanings. The method further involves splitting the utterance into a plurality of speech frames, where each frame is assigned a predetermined time segment and a frame number, and indexing the utterance to i) a predetermined frame number, or ii) a predetermined time segment. The indexing of the utterance identifies that one of the frames includes the particular expression. Then the frame including the particular expression is re-presented to the speech recognition system to verify that the particular expression was actually recited in the utterance. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110166739 | VEHICLE MAINTENANCE EVENT REPORTING SYSTEM - A vehicle maintenance event reporting system and method that utilizes a vehicle email notification system in which triggers are used to initiate the generation and transmission of email messages that provide diverse types of dynamic vehicle information to the owner or other authorized subscriber. The email notifications are triggered by different events, some of which are independent of the vehicle (e.g., a monthly trigger), and others of which occur at the vehicle, such as a mileage or low oil life trigger. The notification system builds and sends to the subscriber an email message that contains the dynamic vehicle information. Maintenance service events such as an oil change reset are detected and used to trigger email reporting to the subscriber as well as to transmit the oil change reset event back to a central data system where it is included in a vehicle maintenance record. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110164759 | ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR MOUNTING A MICROPHONE TO AN INTERIOR SURFACE OF A VEHICLE - An arrangement for mounting a microphone to a surface in a passenger compartment of a vehicle includes, but is not limited to, a housing having an opening. The housing is configured to be mounted to the surface. A directional wideband microphone is mounted within the housing and positioned to partition the housing into a first chamber and a second chamber. The directional wideband microphone has an acoustic axis that extends through the first chamber. The housing and the directional wideband microphone cooperate to direct the acoustic axis in a predetermined direction. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110161000 | Downloaded Destinations And Interface For Multiple In-Vehicle Navigation Devices - The described method and system for providing navigation assistance to a user of a mobile navigation system includes presenting a web interface to the user, the web interface having one or more user-selectable fields including a destination field. Through the interface, the user can identify a desired destination and download data associated with the destination to a database associated with a call center. Later, the user may download the data to their mobile navigation device, e.g., their vehicle telematics unit, for navigational assistance. In an implementation, such assistance is provided in the form of turn-by-turn directions. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110159868 | Automated Message Enumerated Notification - The described method and system provide a connectivity problem resolution mechanism that uses a data mode call in order to diagnose a connection problem while avoiding audible ringing and or inadvertent user pick-up during error diagnosis and correction. The system includes three primary functions and elements including cellular error message recognition, error response handling configured to update and/or maintain processes, and new error message capture. This system is usable both online and offline. Error recognition may be based on error message matching or keyword matching. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110159851 | Instructional Ring Tone - The described method and system selectively provide an instructional ring tone, configurable for both message content and frequency of playback, to aid a user in answering an incoming call via a hands free telecommunications device. The instructional ring in one aspect contains a message instructing a user as to a method of answering an incoming call. This message may be set to play the first time that an incoming call is encountered, and it may be set, e.g., by a service provider advisor, to play for a certain interval, i.e., a defined number of received calls. In this manner, the initially untrained user may become trained as to proper system operation. According to another aspect, the described system and method also improve the ease of use and operation of redundant controls for HFC or hand-held cell phone operation. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110158084 | Retry for Telematics Packet Data Connection Failures in CDMA 1xRTT Network - A technique and system are provided for executing retry procedures to resolve a packet connection failure during a CDMA 1xRTT packet session. In particular, the DTE is configured and controlled to retry based on either failure signals from the NAD or the Application Service Timer. Moreover, in one aspect, the DIE is configured and controlled to retry the packet connection selectively for traffic channel assignment failure, PPP connection failure, TCP/IP connection failure and Application service failure. In this way, the end user will experience a shorter service delivery time for packet-based telematics services. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110153148 | VEHICLE TELEMATICS COMMUNICATION FOR PROVIDING IN-VEHICLE REMINDERS - A method and system for providing a reminder message to a user associated with a vehicle via a vehicle telematics unit. The method carried out by the system involves sending to a user an email, web page or other communication that contains a user selectable reminder request, receiving the reminder request from the user, setting a reminder trigger in the vehicle, and then carrying out a requested action in response to occurrence of the trigger. The requested action can be presentation of a reminder message to the occupant and/or establishment of a call from the vehicle to a call center or other remote location to obtain services, such as telematics subscription renewal, or dealer service. The user-selectable reminder request can be implemented in the communication as a virtual button that mimics the look of a physical button installed in the car that is used to provide telematics services. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110145925 | SECURE PROGRAMMING OF VEHICLE MODULES - A method for programming a vehicle module via a secure programming system. The method carried out by the system involves generating a credentials media containing one or more secure credentials. Then, a credentials programmer programs one or more vehicle modules using the credentials media. During each stage of the vehicle module programming, the programming status is securely updated in the credential media. In case of a programming failure, the credentials media is used in a secondary credentials programmer to program the vehicle modules. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110145507 | METHOD OF REDUCING RESPONSE TIME FOR DELIVERY OF VEHICLE TELEMATICS SERVICES - A method of operating a predictive data cache includes receiving a request for telematics service from a telematics service requester, determining the subject matter of the request, querying a predictive data cache to determine if the predictive data cache includes a service response to the subject matter of the request and, if the predictive data cache includes the service response, then providing the service response to the requester and updating the predictive data cache using the subject matter of the request. The subject matter can include one or more of: an event description, an event period, or an event location based on the request. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110145089 | REAL-TIME RIDE SHARE SYSTEM - A method of organizing the sharing of vehicle trips includes receiving a ride request from one or more riders, wherein the ride request includes a rider location and a rider destination, identifying a beginning waypoint and an ending waypoint for vehicle travel, determining a vehicle route based on the beginning and ending waypoints, choosing a rider whose rider location or rider destination is geographically closest to the determined vehicle route, presenting the rider location and rider destination of the chosen rider to the driver, and if the driver accepts, sending a notification to the chosen rider alerting the chosen rider of the acceptance. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110144987 | USING PITCH DURING SPEECH RECOGNITION POST-PROCESSING TO IMPROVE RECOGNITION ACCURACY - A method of automated speech recognition in a vehicle. The method includes receiving audio in the vehicle, pre-processing the received audio to generate acoustic feature vectors, decoding the generated acoustic feature vectors to produce at least one speech hypothesis, and post-processing the at least one speech hypothesis using pitch to improve speech recognition accuracy. The speech hypothesis can be accepted as recognized speech during post-processing if pitch is present in the received audio. Alternatively, a pitch count for the received audio can be determined, N-best speech hypotheses can be post-processed by comparing the pitch count to syllable counts associated with the speech hypotheses, and the speech hypothesis having a syllable count equal to the pitch count can be accepted as recognized speech. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110144980 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR UPDATING INFORMATION IN ELECTRONIC CALENDARS - Systems and methods for updating electronic calendar information. Speech is received from a user at a vehicle telematics unit (VTU), wherein the speech is representative of information related to a particular vehicle trip. The received speech is recorded in the VTU as a voice memo, and data associated with the voice memo is communicated from the VTU to a computer running a calendaring application. The data is associated with a field of the calendaring application, and stored in association with the calendaring application field. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110144839 | ENERGY CONSUMPTION COMPARISON METHOD - A method and system for determining comparative performance of an alternative fuel vehicle, such as an electric or hybrid vehicle, based on actual use of an existing gasoline or diesel fuel vehicle. The method includes obtaining trip data from an existing vehicle, determining performance metrics of the vehicle based on the trip data, determining simulated performance metrics of an alternative fuel vehicle based on the trip data, comparing the performance metrics of the existing vehicle and the simulated performance metrics of the alternative fuel vehicle, and presenting the comparison to the operator. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110141855 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR UPDATING INFORMATION IN ELECTRONIC CALENDARS - Systems and methods for updating information in an electronic calendar are disclosed. One example of the method includes recording a voice-tag memo via an in-vehicle telematics unit, the voice-tag memo containing information related to a calendar appointment, a calendar contact, or combinations thereof. The voice-tag memo is then converted into text via a speech-to-text unit in operative communication with the in-vehicle telematics unit. The method further includes determining, via a calendar comparator of an Internet-enabled program hosting the electronic calendar and in operative communication with the speech-to-text unit, which calendar appointment, calendar contact, or combinations thereof the voice-tag memo is associated with; and uploading the text to an appropriate cell of the calendar. The appropriate calendar cell is selected based upon which calendar appointment and/or calendar contact has the voice-tag memo associated therewith. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110140871 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISABLING A VEHICLE - Systems and methods are provided for disabling a vehicle. An exemplary system includes, but is not limited to an antenna that is adapted to be attached to the vehicle. The antenna is configured to transmit and receive communication transmissions. A telematics unit is communicatively connected to the antenna. The telematics unit is adapted for attachment to the vehicle and is configured to communicatively connect to a necessary sub-system of the vehicle, to receive telecommunications from a user through the antenna, and to disable the necessary sub-system in response to receiving an instruction from the user to disable the vehicle. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110130892 | ENHANCED REFLASH USING MODULAR DISCRIMINATION - An improved system, method, and mechanism for executing and reconfiguring a reflash procedure maintains a vehicle state of charge while avoiding defective reflash operations. In an aspect of the invention, the technique includes receiving a reflash request, i.e., at a controller associated with the vehicle, the reflash request identifying one or more target modules and specifying replacement information. A reflash procedure in accordance with the received request is then begun. However, when and if the charge state of the vehicle drops below a predetermined threshold, the controller modifies the reflash procedure by first categorizing individual ongoing reflash operations and stopping any reflash operations belonging to the second class, while continuing any reflash operations belonging to the first class. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110125500 | AUTOMATED DISTORTION CLASSIFICATION - A method of and system for automated distortion classification. The method includes steps of (a) receiving audio including a user speech signal and at least some distortion associated with the signal; (b) pre-processing the received audio to generate acoustic feature vectors; (c) decoding the generated acoustic feature vectors to produce a plurality of hypotheses for the distortion; and (d) post-processing the plurality of hypotheses to identify at least one distortion hypothesis of the plurality of hypotheses as the received distortion. The system can include one or more distortion models including distortion-related acoustic features representative of various types of distortion and used by a decoder to compare the acoustic feature vectors with the distortion-related acoustic features to produce the plurality of hypotheses for the distortion. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110124338 | DELAYED GEOSPECIFIC MOBILE NUMBER ASSIGNMENT - A technique and system are provided for executing a delayed geographically specific activation procedure for a telematics unit associated with a vehicle. In an exemplary mode, the method includes first programming a memory of the telematics unit with geographically specific data including at least a location identifier specifying a geographic location and a PRL associated with the specified geographic location. After the vehicle is transported into the geographic location specified by the location identifier, the telematics unit detects that the vehicle is in the specified geographic location and responsively activates a PRL associated with the specified geographic location. Having access to the PRL, the telematics unit initiates a number assignment process over a wireless network extending within the specified geographic location via OTASP or a cleared number call, so that the telematics unit is assigned a dialing number associated with the specified geographic location. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110121924 | CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLING A CONNECTOR ARRANGEMENT UTILIZING THE CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY - A connector assembly includes, but is not limited to, a body having a top side and a bottom side. A bottom signal plate is connected to the bottom side and is configured for capacitive coupling to a conductor of a coplanar waveguide. A bottom grounding plate is connected to the bottom side and is spaced apart from the bottom signal plate. The bottom grounding plate is configured for capacitive coupling to a grounding plane of the coplanar waveguide. A first electrically conductive pathway is electrically connected to the bottom signal plate and extends to the top side. A second electrically conductive pathway is electrically connected to the bottom grounding plate and extends to the top side. A dielectric adhesive at least partially covers a bottom portion of the connector assembly. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110105098 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SYNCHRONIZING LANGUAGES - A system for synchronizing changes of a telematics language from a current telematics language to a proposed telematics language with changes made to a vehicle language from a current vehicle language to a new vehicle language through involvement of a call center is described. The system includes, but is not limited to an antenna adapted for attachment to a vehicle and configured for communicating with the call center. The system further includes a telematics unit adapted for attachment to the vehicle and communicatively connected to the antenna. The telematics unit is configured to monitor a vehicle bus to detect when a user changes the vehicle language to the new vehicle language and further configured to automatically initiate contact with the call center when the change in the vehicle language is detected to confirm a user desire to change the telematics language to the new vehicle language. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110026753 | MICROPHONE APPARATUS WITH INCREASED DIRECTIVITY - A microphone assembly includes a housing including at least one first tube in communication with at least one first cavity, at least one second tube in communication with at least one second cavity, one third tube in communication with at least one third cavity, and at least one microphone element separating the first, second and third cavities, wherein sound waves are received in the first, second, and third tubes and directed into the cavities and received by the microphone element. A method for converting sound waves into an electrical signal includes receiving the sound waves through at least three tube openings and directing the received sound waves along tube pathways into at least a first, second, and third cavity to a microphone separating the first, second, and third cavity. The method further includes converting the received sound waves into an electrical signal with the microphone. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20100152960 | ON-LINE VEHICLE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - An on-line vehicle management system includes a vehicle group having a plurality of vehicles and an in-vehicle telematics unit in each vehicle. A call center is in selective operative communication with each telematics unit and an Internet-enabled program. The call center receives vehicle data from each vehicle in response to a predetermined trigger, and stores the received data in a database. The Internet-enabled program includes a Gregorian calendar with spreadsheet functionality. The Internet-enabled program automatically receives at least some of the stored data from the call center, and inputs the received data into predetermined calendar cells. The Internet-enabled program is also configured, in response to a predetermined user request, to i) render the received data accessible to an authorized user associated with the vehicle group, ii) generate reports based on the received data, and iii) at least one of derive or calculate information from the received data. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100100441 | METHOD AND SYSTEM OF MONITORING AND RETRIEVING DEVICE USAGE - A method and system for monitoring and retrieving device usage for a device at a vehicle including storing a vehicle data record in the telematics unit, monitoring the device usage for device data, storing the device data at the vehicle, requesting the telematics unit to upload the device data, and transmitting the device data from the telematics unit to a remote location. At least one of the monitoring and the requesting is performed in accordance with the vehicle data record. | 04-22-2010 |
