Abstract: A system and method for mounting and charging a portable electronic device on or in contiguity to a wireless charging device. The wireless power transferring and charging device includes a suction pump that provides a suction vacuum to mount/hold a portable electronic device onto an induction charging surface of the wireless charging device in a vertical or semi-vertical position to be wirelessly powered and/or charged.

Abstract: A system and method for mounting and charging a portable electronic device on or in contiguity to a wireless charging device. The wireless power transferring and charging device includes a suction pump that provides a suction vacuum to mount/hold a portable electronic device onto an induction charging surface of the wireless charging device in a vertical or semi-vertical position to be wirelessly powered and/or charged.

Abstract: A vehicle rear surround sound audio system for a vehicle includes a plurality of speaker nodes, each of the speaker nodes including at least one speaker. A subset of the speaker nodes are located in a video viewing region of a vehicle. A head unit includes a DVD or other multi-channel surround sound source, a digital signal processor (DSP), an amplifier, and a fader. The head unit selectively implements: (i) a normal audio mode in which a plurality of different surround sound speaker signals are output to the plurality of speaker nodes according to a first mapping; or (ii) a rear surround audio mode in which all of the plurality of different surround sound speaker signals are output to only the subset of speaker nodes located in the video viewing region according to a second mapping such that the subset of speaker nodes are active to output all of the surround sound speaker signals.

Abstract: A vehicle rear surround sound audio system for a vehicle includes a plurality of speaker nodes, each of the speaker nodes including at least one speaker. A subset of the speaker nodes are located in a video viewing region of a vehicle. A head unit includes a DVD or other multi-channel surround sound source, a digital signal processor (DSP), an amplifier, and a fader. The head unit selectively implements: (i) a normal audio mode in which a plurality of different surround sound speaker signals are output to the plurality of speaker nodes according to a first mapping; or (ii) a rear surround audio mode in which all of the plurality of different surround sound speaker signals are output to only the subset of speaker nodes located in the video viewing region according to a second mapping such that the subset of speaker nodes are active to output all of the surround sound speaker signals.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing digital audio playback is disclosed. The system and method can prevent playback of a digital audio file in an enhanced mode if the digital audio file does not meet a predetermined criterion, such as a particular bit rate. One example of an enhanced mode is a simulated multi-channel surround sound mode.

Abstract: A system and method for selecting an audio source is disclosed. The system and method can be used to prevent the selection of a hard disk drive as an audio source if the local ambient pressure in which the motor vehicle is operating is less than a predetermined pressure. The system may obtain ambient pressure data from various different types of sensors including a barometric pressure sensor or an engine combustion sensor. In some cases, the system and method can compute the ambient pressure using global positioning system (GPS) information.

Abstract: Various embodiments are provided for automatically closing a vehicle display device. In one embodiment, it is automatically closed only if the presence of an impediment to closure is not detected. In another embodiment, it is automatically closed when an impending vehicular collision is sensed. In yet another embodiment, it is automatically closed only if a vehicle reverse control device has been in the reverse condition for at least a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A partitioned audio system for an automobile having front speakers and rear speakers wherein a transition phase is provided when the system is switched between single source and dual source modes. When switching from single source mode to dual source mode, the front speaker output gradually increases while the rear speaker output gradually decreases. Similarly, when switching from dual source mode to single source mode, the rear speaker output gradually increases while the front speaker output gradually decreases. In either case, the sound pressure level after switching modes is generally identical to the sound pressure level prior to switching modes.

Abstract: An apparatus for electronically displaying indicia in a selectively scrolling sequence within a vehicle, including a speed-dependent interrupt function. The apparatus may include a selecting member for selecting a data signal, a controller for controlling how information corresponding to the selected data signal is displayed, and a display member for displaying the information. The apparatus electronically displays the information as indicia on the display member, either in a scrolling sequence or statically. The controller includes a temporary interrupt function, which disengages the scrolling sequence and displays information in static position when the vehicle is traveling within a predetermined speed range. A method of displaying indicia on a display member includes a step of comparing vehicle speed to specified parameters, and a step of choosing whether or not to dynamically scroll data across a display field.

Abstract: A partitioned audio system for an automobile having front speakers and rear speakers wherein a transition phase is provided when the system is switched between single source and dual source modes. When switching from single source mode to dual source mode, the front speaker output gradually increases while the rear speaker output gradually decreases. Similarly, when switching from dual source mode to single source mode, the rear speaker output gradually increases while the front speaker output gradually decreases. In either case, the sound pressure level after switching modes is generally identical to the sound pressure level prior to switching modes.