Abstract: A system and method for managing an on board entertainment system is disclosed. The system and method can wirelessly receive music files from a computer and store those music files on an on board unit associated with a motor vehicle. The system and method can also include provisions to associate music information with a received music file and can include provisions to manage the music collection on board a motor vehicle.

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 power management system for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The power management system can track one or more usage parameters to insure that electrical accessories or resources do not fully drain a battery and leave enough battery life to conduct at least one cold start. In some cases, the power management system can track one or more of the following usage parameters: the amount of time of one or more hands free telephone systems are used, the number of attempts to contact a computer, and/or the amount of time used to conduct wireless communications with a computer that is physically separate from the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A power management system for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The power management system can track one or more usage parameters to insure that electrical accessories or resources do not fully drain a battery and leave enough battery life to conduct at least one cold start. In some cases, the power management system can track one or more of the following usage parameters: the amount of time of one or more hands free telephone systems are used, the number of attempts to contact a computer, and/or the amount of time used to conduct wireless communications with a computer that is physically separate from the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A power management system for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The power management system can track one or more usage parameters to insure that electrical accessories or resources do not fully drain a battery and leave enough battery life to conduct at least one cold start. In some cases, the power management system can track one or more of the following usage parameters: the amount of time of one or more hands free telephone systems are used, the number of attempts to contact a computer, and/or the amount of time used to conduct wireless communications with a computer that is physically separate from the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for managing an on board entertainment system is disclosed. The system and method can wirelessly receive music files from a computer and store those music files on an on board unit associated with a motor vehicle. The system and method can also include provisions to associate music information with a received music file and can include provisions to manage the music collection on board a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for managing an on board entertainment system is disclosed. The system and method can wirelessly receive music files from a computer and store those music files on an on board unit associated with a motor vehicle. The system and method can also include provisions to associate music information with a received music file and can include provisions to manage the music collection on board a motor vehicle.

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: A system and method for transferring information to a motor vehicle is disclosed. The system and method can send music files from a computer to an on board unit associated with a motor vehicle. The music files can be sent in a variety of different ways, including wirelessly. In some cases, the on board music collection can also be remotely managed from a computer in wireless communication with the on board unit.

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 system and method for managing an on board entertainment system is disclosed. The system and method can wirelessly receive music files from a computer and store those music files on an on board unit associated with a motor vehicle. The system and method can also include provisions to associate music information with a received music file and can include provisions to manage the music collection on board a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring information to a motor vehicle is disclosed. The system and method can send music files from a computer to an on board unit associated with a motor vehicle. The music files can be sent in a variety of different ways, including wirelessly. In some cases, the on board music collection can also be remotely managed from a computer in wireless communication with the on board unit.

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: 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.