Abstract: A vehicle system interface comprises an antenna configured to receive a digital radio signal, a digital radio receiver circuit configured to receive the digital radio signal from the antenna and to obtain digital audio data from the digital radio signal, an FM modulator and transmitter circuit, and a microprocessor in operable communication with the digital radio receiver circuit and the FM modulator and transmitter circuit. The microprocessor is configured to generate a first message requesting a series of FM radio signal levels and the microprocessor is also configured to select a suitable FM radio frequency from the series of FM radio frequencies. The microprocessor is also configured to induce the FM modulator and transmitter circuit to broadcast the digital audio data in an FM radio signal over the suitable FM radio frequency.

Abstract: A vehicle system interface, comprising: an antenna for receiving satellite or terrestrial broadcast of digital radio signals; a radio receiver circuit for demodulating and decoding the digital radio signals; a FM audio modulator and transmitter circuit, the FM audio modulator and transmitter circuit being configured to condition and re-transmit audio content of the digital radio signals as a first re-transmitted FM signal containing audio data capable of being transmitted wirelessly; a vehicle bus interface circuit configured to receive and transmit a plurality of operational signals; a housing for the FM audio modulator and transmitter circuit, the radio receiver circuit and the vehicle bus interface; a connector configured to interface with a diagnostic link connector of the vehicle, the connector being in operable communication with the vehicle bus interface circuit; and wherein the vehicle system interface receives and transmits the plurality of operational signals through the diagnostic link connector of

Abstract: A vehicle system interface comprises an antenna configured to receive a digital radio signal, a digital radio receiver circuit configured to receive the digital radio signal from the antenna and to obtain digital audio data from the digital radio signal, an FM modulator and transmitter circuit, and a microprocessor in operable communication with the digital radio receiver circuit and the FM modulator and transmitter circuit. The microprocessor is configured to generate a first message requesting a series of FM radio signal levels corresponding to a series of FM radio frequencies being received by an FM radio receiver. The microprocessor is configured to send the first message through an electrical connector to a control system in operable communication with the FM radio receiver. The microprocessor is configured to receive a second message from the control system through the electrical connector indicating the series of FM radio signal levels.

Abstract: The represent invention relates to a method of backlighting a liquid crystal display which includes heating a fluorescent lamp with an external heating element which does not contact the lamp. The heating step may be accomplished by passing a current through a resistive material. The resistive material may be coated on to a surface. The present invention also relates to a backlighting system with a fluorescent lamp and an external heating element which does not contact the fluorescent lamp. The heating element may be a resistive material coated on a substrate. The present invention also relates to a portable display device element includes a liquid crystal display, a fluorescent lamp to act as a backlight, a heating element which does not contact the fluorescent lamp and optionally including reflectors, diffusers, and optical enhancement films. The heating element may be a resistive material coated on a substrate.