Abstract: A navigation system for an automotive vehicle that travels on roads includes a vehicle positioning apparatus that determines location data associated with the vehicle. A source of attraction location data provides location data associated with a plurality of attractions that are of interest to a user of the vehicle. A processing device is communicatively coupled to the vehicle positioning apparatus and to the source of attraction location data. The processing device calculates a distance and direction from the vehicle to at least one of the attractions of interest. The calculating is based upon the location data associated with the vehicle and the location data associated with the attractions of interest. A graphical display arrangement is communicatively coupled to the processing device. The graphical display arrangement indicates the calculated distance and direction without graphically indicating orientation of roads on which the vehicle may travel.

Abstract: A navigation system for an automotive vehicle that travels on roads includes a vehicle positioning apparatus that determines location data associated with the vehicle. A source of attraction location data provides location data associated with a plurality of attractions that are of interest to a user of the vehicle. A processing device is communicatively coupled to the vehicle positioning apparatus and to the source of attraction location data. The processing device calculates a distance and direction from the vehicle to at least one of the attractions of interest. The calculating is based upon the location data associated with the vehicle and the location data associated with the attractions of interest. A graphical display arrangement is communicatively coupled to the processing device. The graphical display arrangement indicates the calculated distance and direction without graphically indicating orientation of roads on which the vehicle may travel.

Abstract: A navigation system for an automotive vehicle that travels on roads includes a vehicle positioning apparatus that determines location data associated with the vehicle. A source of attraction location data provides location data associated with a plurality of attractions that are of interest to a user of the vehicle. A processing device is communicatively coupled to the vehicle positioning apparatus and to the source of attraction location data. The processing device calculates a distance and direction from the vehicle to at least one of the attractions of interest. The calculating is based upon the location data associated with the vehicle and the location data associated with the attractions of interest. A graphical display arrangement is communicatively coupled to the processing device. The graphical display arrangement indicates the calculated distance and direction without graphically indicating orientation of roads on which the vehicle may travel.

Abstract: A navigation system for an automotive vehicle that travels on roads includes a vehicle positioning apparatus that determines location data associated with the vehicle. A source of attraction location data provides location data associated with a plurality of attractions that are of interest to a user of the vehicle. A processing device is communicatively coupled to the vehicle positioning apparatus and to the source of attraction location data. The processing device calculates a distance and direction from the vehicle to at least one of the attractions of interest. The calculating is based upon the location data associated with the vehicle and the location data associated with the attractions of interest. A graphical display arrangement is communicatively coupled to the processing device. The graphical display arrangement indicates the calculated distance and direction without graphically indicating orientation of roads on which the vehicle may travel.

Abstract: A navigation system for an automotive vehicle that travels on roads includes a vehicle positioning apparatus that determines location data associated with the vehicle. A source of attraction location data provides location data associated with a plurality of attractions that are of interest to a user of the vehicle. A processing device is communicatively coupled to the vehicle positioning apparatus and to the source of attraction location data. The processing device calculates a distance and direction from the vehicle to at least one of the attractions of interest. The calculating is based upon the location data associated with the vehicle and the location data associated with the attractions of interest. A graphical display arrangement is communicatively coupled to the processing device. The graphical display arrangement indicates the calculated distance and direction without graphically indicating orientation of roads on which the vehicle may travel.

Abstract: An infotainment system is for a vehicle having a body defining an interior space. The infotainment system includes a playback device receiving and processing a plurality of sets of infotainment data. The infotainment data is organized in a hierarchy. The playback device transmits a plurality of sound signals. Each sound signal corresponds to a respective one of the sets of infotainment data. A plurality of speakers are communicatively coupled to the playback device. Each speaker is disposed at a different respective location within the interior space. Each of the speakers is adapted to receive a respective one of the sound signals and convert the respective sound signal into a corresponding audible sound. A user interface is communicatively coupled to the playback device. The user interface enables a user to navigate between levels of the hierarchy of infotainment data by making selections. Each of the selections corresponds to a respective one of the sets of infotainment data.

Abstract: An entertainment system is for a vehicle and includes a vehicle environment sensor apparatus that captures data indicative of the vehicle's environment and that generates a vehicle environment data feed. A video game console is electronically coupled to the vehicle environment sensor apparatus and has an application program interface. The video game console receives the vehicle environment data feed, operates a game medium, and generates a video output signal based on both the game medium and the vehicle environment data feed. At least one controller is communicatively coupled to the video game console and directs the operation of the game medium. A display unit communicatively coupled with the application program interface receives the video output signal and displays images dependent upon the video output signal.

Abstract: An infotainment system is for a vehicle having a body defining an interior space. The infotainment system includes a playback device receiving and processing a plurality of sets of infotainment data. The infotainment data is organized in a hierarchy. The playback device transmits a plurality of sound signals. Each sound signal corresponds to a respective one of the sets of infotainment data. A plurality of speakers are communicatively coupled to the playback device. Each speaker is disposed at a different respective location within the interior space. Each of the speakers is adapted to receive a respective one of the sound signals and convert the respective sound signal into a corresponding audible sound. A user interface is communicatively coupled to the playback device. The user interface enables a user to navigate between levels of the hierarchy of infotainment data by making selections. Each of the selections corresponds to a respective one of the sets of infotainment data.

Abstract: A vehicle entertainment system includes an image capture system, an image processing and storage system, and a user interface. The image capture system includes at least one interior camera adapted and positioned to capture images of at least one location within the vehicle. The image processing and storage system is electronically coupled to the image capture system and includes an image processor and a memory unit. The image processor receives and formats the images, while the memory unit stores the images. The interface system is electronically coupled to the image processing and storage system and includes a display unit, a user interface and a wireless communication unit. The display unit displays a plurality of the interior and exterior images. The user interface is engageable by a user to select the images displayed on the display unit and to direct the storage of the selected images in the memory unit.

Abstract: An entertainment system is for a vehicle and includes a vehicle environment sensor apparatus that captures data indicative of the vehicle's environment and that generates a vehicle environment data feed. A video game console is electronically coupled to the vehicle environment sensor apparatus and has an application program interface. The video game console receives the vehicle environment data feed, operates a game medium, and generates a video output signal based on both the game medium and the vehicle environment data feed. At least one controller is communicatively coupled to the video game console and directs the operation of the game medium. A display unit communicatively coupled with the application program interface receives the video output signal and displays images dependent upon the video output signal.

Abstract: A navigation system for an automotive vehicle that travels on roads includes a vehicle positioning apparatus that determines location data associated with the vehicle. A source of attraction location data provides location data associated with a plurality of attractions that are of interest to a user of the vehicle. A processing device is communicatively coupled to the vehicle positioning apparatus and to the source of attraction location data. The processing device calculates a distance and direction from the vehicle to at least one of the attractions of interest. The calculating is based upon the location data associated with the vehicle and the location data associated with the attractions of interest. A graphical display arrangement is communicatively coupled to the processing device. The graphical display arrangement indicates the calculated distance and direction without graphically indicating orientation of roads on which the vehicle may travel.