Abstract: A method, system, and display assembly are disclosed herein. The methods and system are directed to operating the multiple display assemblies included herein. The methods and system receive information, and based on the received information, engage at least a second display of the multiple display assembly. Also included herein is a multiple display assembly that incorporates an engager function to receive instruction instigate modes where a first display and a second display are provided.

Abstract: A method, system, and display assembly are disclosed herein. The methods and system are directed to operating the multiple display assemblies included herein. The methods and system receive information, and based on the received information, engage at least a second display of the multiple display assembly. Also included herein is a multiple display assembly that incorporates an engager function to receive instruction instigate modes where a first display and a second display are provided.

Abstract: A system and method for providing layered audio which allows a user to selectively and simultaneously listen to multiple audio sources for limited time periods and switch between these layered audio sources. The system allows a user to discernibly listen to two content sources at the same time.

Abstract: A system and method for providing single-action multi-source presets for vehicle entertainment systems. The method includes the steps of engaging a single-action preset button that changes the active input source to a selected preprogrammed input source and performing an action within that input source.

Abstract: A management system for managing a media in a vehicle is disclosed. The management system includes a storage device for storing at least one playlist therein, a vehicle system in data communication with the storage device, wherein the vehicle system transmits a media output to a user, and a user interface in data communication with at least one of the vehicle system and the storage device, the user interface including an add button for associating the media output to the at least one playlist and a delete button for disassociating the media output from the at least one playlist.

Abstract: A system and method for a display in the gaze-forward position of a vehicle operator, showing hand position relative to various control inputs or hand positions relative to a control surface. The hand replication system includes a control input device, a display displaying an image of the control input device, an optical input device directed to capturing an actual image of the control input device and providing the actual image output to one of a display or a processor. The method of providing an image of an operators hand relative to a control panel within the line of sight of the vehicle operator includes the steps of providing a display, providing an optical input device, obtaining an actual image of the control panel with the optical input device, and providing the actual image of the control panel to the display.

Abstract: A system and method for providing single-action multi-source presets for vehicle entertainment systems. The method includes the steps of engaging a single-action preset button that changes the active input source to a selected preprogrammed input source and performing an action within that input source.

Abstract: A system and method for providing layered audio which allows a user to selectively and simultaneously listen to multiple audio sources for limited time periods and switch between these layered audio sources. The system allows a user to discernibly listen to two content sources at the same time.

Abstract: A system and method for providing single-action multi-source presets for vehicle entertainment systems.

Abstract: A machine interface system for use in a motor vehicle includes a bezel having a display opening and at least one active surface adjacent the display opening. At least one sensor assembly is associated with the active surface and generates a sensor signal corresponding to a location on the active surface touched by a vehicle occupant. A reconfigurable display is disposed within the display opening and is configured to display, adjacent to the active surface, at least one image associated with a vehicle function. Coupled to the sensor assembly is a controller that is configured to generate the image and to receive the sensor signal. The controller responds to the sensor signal according to the vehicle function associated with the image when the corresponding active surface is touched by the occupant.

Abstract: A vehicle computer system and method of providing information to an occupant of a vehicle that minimizes complete feature lock out are provided. The operating system of the computer is adapted to selectively display full and limited functionality versions of a particular screen, preferably based on whether the vehicle is in motion. A text-to-speech engine can automatically generate audio based on a particular screen once motion is detected. The availability of a limited functionality version of the screen and audio, either independently or together, allow a vehicle occupant to retrieve information from the computer system without distraction.

Abstract: A vehicle computer system and method of providing information to an occupant of a vehicle that minimizes complete feature lock out are provided. The operating system of the computer is adapted to selectively display full and limited functionality versions of a particular screen, preferably based on whether the vehicle is in motion. A text-to-speech engine can automatically generate audio based on a particular screen once motion is detected. The availability of a limited functionality version of the screen and audio, either independently or together, allow a vehicle occupant to retrieve information from the computer system without distraction.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a multimedia system to activate and deactivate a plurality of multimedia applications is disclosed. The method includes monitoring a two-level switch, wherein the switch is activated by depressing the switch, determining whether the switch has been depressed, determining whether the multimedia system is active, activating the multimedia system if the system is not active and the switch has been depressed, determining a time duration the switch has been depressed, de-energizing the multimedia system when the switch has been depressed for a predefined time duration, and deactivating one of the plurality of multimedia system applications when the switch has been depressed for less than the predefined time duration.