Abstract: An aftermarket vehicle head unit integration cartridge for use with an aftermarket head unit is provided. The aftermarket head unit preferably includes a dedicated slot for insertion of the cartridge. The cartridge preferably supports communication between a plurality of electronic components in the aftermarket head unit and a plurality of electronic components in the vehicle. The plurality of electronic components in the aftermarket head unit may include, for example, an audio processing system, a video processing system, an analog I/O and/or a digital I/O. and/or a plurality of electronic components. The plurality of electronic components in the vehicle may include an audio system, an analog I/O, a digital I/O/databus, and/or a steering wheel control unit. The cartridge may include a flashable memory for use in reconfiguring the cartridge. The cartridge may be configured to capture and condition the signals from at least one of the plurality of the vehicle-based electronic components.

Abstract: A method of bridging incompatibility of a radio head unit in a vehicle and a peripheral device configured to control a peripheral device in the vehicle. The method comprises receiving, from a first image sensor, a first scanned code identifying the vehicle, and receiving, from the first image sensor or a second image sensor, a second scanned code identifying the radio head unit. Based on the first scanned code, identifying a first communication protocol used by the peripheral device. Based on the second scanned code, identifying a second communication protocol used by the radio head unit. Based on the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol, determining a communication configuration ID identifying a target information exchange protocol executable to bridge the incompatibility between the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for processing an audio signal. The apparatus may include a digital signal processor (“DSP”) configured to receive an audio signal from a vehicular audio signal line. The audio signal may include a flat component and a compensatory component. The flat component may correspond to the audio signal in a state before combination with the compensatory component. The compensatory component may include an OEM EQ component. The apparatus may include a microprocessor in electronic communication with the DSP. The microprocessor may be configured to retrieve from the memory a restorative signal component. The microprocessor may be configured to instruct the DSP to apply the restorative signal component to the audio signal to reduce the audio signal to the flat component.

Abstract: An aftermarket vehicle head unit integration cartridge for use with an aftermarket head unit is provided. The aftermarket head unit preferably includes a dedicated slot for insertion of the cartridge. The cartridge preferably supports communication between a plurality of electronic components in the aftermarket head unit and a plurality of electronic components in the vehicle. The plurality of electronic components in the aftermarket head unit may include, for example, an audio processing system, a video processing system, an analog I/O and/or a digital I/O. and/or a plurality of electronic components. The plurality of electronic components in the vehicle may include an audio system, an analog I/O, a digital I/O/databus, and/or a steering wheel control unit. The cartridge may include a flashable memory for use in reconfiguring the cartridge. The cartridge may be configured to capture and condition the signals from at least one of the plurality of the vehicle-based electronic components.

Abstract: Vehicles typically include a communication system for communicating with and controlling devices and sensors installed in the vehicle. The vehicle may include a radio head unit. The head unit other devices and may provide functionality sensors installed in the for controlling vehicle. Devices and sensors installed in a vehicle may operate using incompatible communication protocols. An interface may be provided that detects the communication protocol used by a device/sensor and locates an information exchange protocol. The information exchange protocol may be executed by the interface. The information protocol may translate one communication protocol into another communication protocol. Translating communication protocols may allow two (or more) otherwise incompatible devices/sensors to work together and be integrated into a vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for processing an audio signal. The apparatus may include a digital signal processor (“DSP”) configured to receive an audio signal from a vehicular audio signal line. The audio signal may include a flat component and a compensatory component. The flat component may correspond to the audio signal in a state before combination with the compensatory component. The compensatory component may include an OEM EQ component. The apparatus may include a microprocessor in electronic communication with the DSP. The microprocessor may be configured to retrieve from the memory a restorative signal component. The microprocessor may be configured to instruct the DSP to apply the restorative signal component to the audio signal to reduce the audio signal to the flat component.

Abstract: An aftermarket vehicle head unit integration cartridge for use with an aftermarket head unit is provided. The aftermarket head unit preferably includes a dedicated slot for insertion of the cartridge. The cartridge preferably supports communication between a plurality of electronic components in the aftermarket head unit and a plurality of electronic components in the vehicle. The plurality of electronic components in the aftermarket head unit may include, for example, an audio processing system, a video processing system, an analog I/O and/or a digital I/O, and/or a plurality of electronic components. The plurality of electronic components in the vehicle may include an audio system, an analog I/O, a digital I/O/databus, and/or a steering wheel control unit. The cartridge may include a flashable memory for use in reconfiguring the cartridge. The cartridge may be configured to capture and condition the signals from at least one of the plurality of the vehicle-based electronic components.

Abstract: Apparatus for enabling distribution of electric power, fusing, and/or ground connection in electrical systems is provided. The apparatus may include an extensible, interlocking, modular block of multiple-use modules. Each module may be configured to include a fuse or a link bar mounted within it. Each module may accept multiple sizes and types of fuses. Each module may be configured to include an external link bar for providing an electrical connection to at least one other module. Apparatus may enable distribution of electrical power, fused power, and/or ground connection from a power source to a plurality of electrical components while organizing and minimizing wired connections.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling both an existing entertainment device and an aftermarket entertainment device in a vehicle with a user interface are provided. A method comprises adapting the user interface to selectively send control signals to the aftermarket entertainment device, sending control signals from the user interface to the existing entertainment device in response to user manipulation of the user interface, detecting whether the user has selected the aftermarket entertainment device; and sending control signals from the user interface to the aftermarket entertainment device in response to user selection of the aftermarket entertainment device and user manipulation of the user interface. The user interface may store output signals corresponding to the aftermarket entertainment device. Subsequent activation of the user interface may recall an output signal corresponding to the aftermarket entertainment device.

Abstract: An interface device for interconnecting fixed controls of a vehicle to electronic devices. The interface device is capable of receiving control signals from fixed controls, such as steering wheel controls, backseat controls, handlebar controls, and the like, and then transmitting corresponding control signals to the electronic devices. In one aspect, the device is programmable such that the interface device emits signals corresponding to the same signals that would be emitted from a handheld remote control sold in conjunction with the different electronic devices. In one embodiment, the device is an interface between the fixed controls and a replacement stereo receiver. In another embodiment, the device is capable of recognizing spoken voice commands and generating corresponding IR signals in order to control the electronic devices. In still another embodiment, the device is an interface between the fixed controls and multiple electronic devices, such as an audio and video component.

Abstract: An interface device for interconnecting fixed controls of a vehicle to electronic devices. The interface device is capable of receiving control signals from fixed controls, such as steering wheel controls, backseat controls, handlebar controls, and the like, and then transmitting corresponding control signals to the electronic devices. In one aspect, the device is programmable such that the interface device emits signals corresponding to the same signals that would be emitted from a handheld remote control sold in conjunction with the different electronic devices. In one embodiment, the device is an interface between the fixed controls and a replacement stereo receiver. In another embodiment, the device is capable of recognizing spoken voice commands and generating corresponding IR signals in order to control the electronic devices. In still another embodiment, the device is an interface between the fixed controls and multiple electronic devices, such as an audio and video component.

Abstract: A power system with graphics display includes power inputs, power outputs and power protection and/or power conditioning adapted between the power inputs and power outputs. A graphics display is included in the system for displaying graphic images from an external video source. The graphics system enables the display of images, colors, color patterns, video and the like. The power system provides power protection such as fusing and/or power conditioning such as noise reduction and filtering.

Abstract: A power system with graphics display includes a wire size adapter that is a conductive ring that has an outer diameter sized to fit snuggly into an input terminal of the power system and has an inner diameter sized to fit snuggly around a power wire that is smaller than the wire size normally accepted by the input terminal.

Abstract: A power system includes power inputs, power outputs and power protection and/or power conditioning adapted between the power inputs and power outputs. In some embodiments, a graphics display is included in the system for displaying graphic images from an external video source. The power system is configurable such that the power inputs appear on the left side and outputs on the right side or the opposite with power inputs on the right side and outputs on the left.