Abstract: A vehicle rear view apparatus and method has one or more rear looking sensors which provide rear view information about the environment to the rear of the vehicle and transmit such information via a connection to a heads up display mounted within the vehicle. The heads up display projects an image representative of the rear view sensor output information onto the vehicle windshield in the forward line of sight of the vehicle driver. The connection between the rear looking sensor and the heads up display may be a hardwired connection or a wireless connection. The rear looking sensors include one or more of a video camera, an object detector, a distance to object detector, an ultrasonic object detector, a device for projecting the path of the vehicle when moving in reverse, and a speed base time to collision with an object behind the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for storing the location of a vehicle during an error condition is provided. The system includes one or more vehicle electronics devices that include memory, and are configured to detect an error condition associated with the vehicle electronics device(s). The system also includes a location determination device coupled to the vehicle electronics device and configured to determine a vehicle location and provide information indicative of the determined vehicle location. The vehicle electronics device(s) are configured to store vehicle location information provided by the location determination device in memory. The stored vehicle location information is indicative of the location of the vehicle at the time an error condition is detected by the vehicle electronic device. Methods for storing the location of a vehicle during an error condition are also provided.

Abstract: A player for a media unit. The player includes a front plate formed of metal and having an opening configured to receive a media unit. The player also includes a cover mounted over the opening and having a slit. The slit is aligned with the opening and configured to allow the media unit to pass through the cover and enter the opening. The cover includes an electrical conductor that contacts the front plate and is in electrostatic communication with the slit. The conductor conducts electrostatic charge from the media unit to the front plate as the media unit passes through the slit. The media unit may be a CD, DVD, memory stick, minidisc or the like.

Abstract: A player for a media unit. The player includes a front plate formed of metal and having an opening configured to receive a media unit. The player also includes a cover mounted over the opening and having a slit. The slit is aligned with the opening and configured to allow the media unit to pass through the cover and enter the opening. The cover includes an electrical conductor that contacts the front plate and is in electrostatic communication with the slit. The conductor conducts electrostatic charge from the media unit to the front plate as the media unit passes through the slit. The media unit may be a CD, DVD, memory stick, minidisc or the like.