Abstract: A lighting system having a controller, a plurality of lights, and a bidirectional bus interconnecting the controller with the lights. The controller controls of the status of the various lights including the on/off state and intensity of the light by transmitting not only commands along the bidirectional bus, but also the address of the individual lights along the bus to the lights. This address is decoded by a circuit associated with each light to permit the lights to be individually controlled if desired.

Abstract: The present invention involves an integrated docking assembly for a portable multimedia unit in a vehicle. The assembly comprises a receiver frame configured to receive the portable multimedia unit and a locking mechanism configured to secure the portable multimedia unit in the receiver frame. The locking mechanism includes spring loaded locking tabs and a push member connected to the locking tabs for securing and releasing the portable multimedia unit.

Abstract: A data communication system for outputting a multimedia source to occupants of a vehicle comprising an emitter unit centrally located within an interior of the vehicle and in close proximity to a headliner of the vehicle wherein the emitter unit is responsive to a data signal to transmit an infrared signal. The emitter unit further includes a source of the infrared signal in a central core of the emitter unit and directs the infrared signal in a radial direction toward an outer perimeter of the emitter unit with a first field angle. A curved deflector located on the outer perimeter of the emitter unit deflects the infrared signal throughout the interior of the vehicle with a second field angle larger than the first field angle.

Abstract: A family entertainment video system for a motor vehicle integrated within a console unit comprises a console housing lid that is hingedly attached to a console base at a base end and defines a first space. The console housing lid includes a base plate and a cover plate hingedly attached at one lid end, wherein the base plate and the cover plate define a second space when in a closed configuration. A multimedia device is mounted to the base plate in the second space for providing a multimedia program signal. A video screen module is hingedly attached to the base plate for swinging out from the second space to a viewable position and for swinging back from the viewing position to a stowed position. The video screen module receives the multimedia program signal from the multimedia device and displays the video content of the output signal to a viewable area.

Abstract: A vehicle entertainment system for distributing a wireless information signal within a vehicle comprises a reproduction device that generating a video signal and an auxiliary signal. A video screen moveable between a viewing position and a stowed position and displays the video signal to the viewing area when the video screen is in the viewing position. A first emitter port that is moveable with the video screen irradiates the wireless information signal throughout the viewing area in response to the auxiliary signal when the video screen is in the viewing position. A second emitter port irradiates the wireless information signal throughout the viewing area when the video screen is in the stowed position.