Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure provide a display system that integrates a mechanical indicator assembly in an overlapping manner with one or more displays in an instrument panel. An instrument panel may include a mechanical indicator assembly including a pointer configured to rotate about an axis and thereby define an area swept by the pointer, a transparent display, a housing configured to support the mechanical indicator assembly and the transparent display overlaying the mechanical indicator assembly, and a control system configured to display, on the transparent display, content including text and/or graphics.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure provide a display system that integrates a mechanical indicator assembly in an overlapping manner with one or more displays in an instrument panel. An instrument panel may include a mechanical indicator assembly including a pointer configured to rotate about an axis and thereby define an area swept by the pointer, a transparent display, a housing configured to support the mechanical indicator assembly and the transparent display overlaying the mechanical indicator assembly, and a control system configured to display, on the transparent display, content including text and/or graphics.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a controller, a touch screen display in communication with the controller, and a plurality of accessories in communication with the controller. The various accessories are each individually controlled by inputting commands into the touch screen display. The controller transmits the inputted command via a communication system to the selected accessory to motivate the accessory between a first setting and a second setting.

Abstract: An ignition system for a vehicle includes an ignition port, a vehicle processor coupled to the ignition port and an engine of the vehicle and a portable ignition module. The portable ignition module includes a memory for storing data therein and a USB interface for engaging the ignition port. The portable ignition module stores a security code therein, that when transferred to the vehicle processor when the portable ignition module is inserted into the ignition port, enables operation of the vehicle. The portable ignition module includes an ignition switch and a touch screen display coupled to the ignition switch. An operator controls the vehicle by touching the touch screen display to activate the ignition switch, thereby signaling the processor to start and/or stop the engine.

Abstract: An information system for a vehicle includes a computer for handling informational data corresponding to operation of the vehicle. A primary display is connected to the computer in a position to be viewed by a driver of the vehicle for presenting the informational data in multiple, sequential, interactive menu screens. A manual controller mounted on the steering wheel allows input to the computer and manipulation of the primary display through the menu screens. The controller includes a scroll wheel which is oriented so that its rotational axis is parallel to the steering axis. The controller includes a central push button for activating a particular selection highlighted on the primary display. A plurality of category selector buttons operate as mode switches for activating various vehicle system subjects through the information system.

Abstract: An information system for a vehicle includes a computer for handling informational data. This information data includes vehicle data corresponding to operation of the vehicle and external data such as internet web pages and email. A primary display is connected to the computer and in a position to be viewed by a driver of the vehicle. A primary input device allows input to the computer and manipulation of the primary display. A plurality of remote communicators are also operatively connected to the computer and movable about the vehicle. Each of the remote communicators includes a secondary display and a secondary input device for sending input to the computer and manipulating the secondary display. The secondary input device is also programmed to control the primary display for manipulating the informational data that is displayed to the driver.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a controller, a touch screen display in communication with the controller, and a plurality of accessories in communication with the controller. The various accessories are each individually controlled by inputting commands into the touch screen display. The controller transmits the inputted command via a communication system to the selected accessory to motivate the accessory between a first setting and a second setting.

Abstract: An interactive control module communicates with one or more portable electronic devices to control the portable electronic devices. The interactive control module includes a touch screen display that displays a virtual image of the portable electronic device. A user enters a command into the touch screen display by touching a virtual control feature corresponding to an actual control feature of the portable electronic device. The interactive control module then executes the command by either transmitting the command to the portable electronic device or by executing files downloaded from the portable electronic device.

Abstract: The invention provides a communications interface module mountable in a vehicle. The communications interface module includes a first electrical interface for electrically communicating with a control system of a vehicle. The communications interface module also includes a second electrical interface spaced from the first electrical interface for being positioned in a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The communications interface module includes a plurality of communication lines extending in parallel between the first electrical interface and the second electrical interface. The plurality of communication lines exchange a plurality of different communication formats between the first electrical interface and the second electrical interface.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for operating a vehicle packages mechanical components and electrical devices normally found in or around the steering column of the vehicle into a single unit. An on-board processor accepts signals from the electrical devices, which may include motor actuators for steering column adjustments and/or pedal position adjustments. The on-board processor connects to a vehicle communications bus to communicate data received from the electrical devices to various systems throughout the vehicle. The on-board processor also receives data from the various systems. The steering column assembly also includes a display connected to the on-board processor. The display and on-board processor moves with the steering column as it is adjusted for telescope and/or tilt position. The operator receives information about the operation of the vehicle from the display.

Abstract: A closeout apparatus is disclosed for a vehicle having an instrument panel defining a cavity. A steering column is disposed within the cavity, with a steering wheel coupled to the steering column. The steering column adjusts between extended and retracted positions. A cover having an apron is mounted about the cavity. A flange extends from the apron and surrounds part of the steering column. A shroud is mounted adjacent to the steering wheel and surrounds portions of both the flange and the steering column. The shroud cooperates with the flange to conceal a gap formed between the cover and the steering wheel. The flange includes upper and lower portions, each having a substantially equal predetermined length. The shroud continuously surrounds a portion of the flange and is spaced laterally from the cover to continuously conceal the gap during adjustment of the steering column between the extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A steering column assembly (18) of the type for controlling one or more steerable wheels in a motor vehicle includes a steering wheel (14) interface secured to the free end of a steering column (20). The steering column assembly (18) includes powered telescope adjust and tilt adjust features which a driver (16) uses to adjust the position of the steering wheel (14) for maximum comfort. One or more condition sensors (48) monitor numerous parameters about the vehicle. When an emergency condition is detected, such as the seat belt warning, a door that is ajar, various engine conditions, or erratic driving activity, a haptic controller (50) rapidly vibrates the steering wheel (14) through the telescoping and tilt adjusting motors (32, 40) as a means of alerting the driver (16) to the emergency condition.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for operating a vehicle packages mechanical components and electrical devices normally found in or around the steering column of the vehicle into a single unit. An on-board processor accepts signals from the electrical devices, which may include a steering sensor, an acceleration pedal sensor, a brake pedal sensor, a turn signal switch, a cruise control switch, a windshield wiper switch, etc. The on-board processor connects to a vehicle communications bus to communicate data received from the electrical devices to various systems throughout the vehicle. The on-board processor also receives data from the various systems. The steering column assembly also includes a display connected to the on-board processor. The operator receives information about the operation of the vehicle from the display. All components, including the on-board processor, are operatively connected to a column support, allowing the steering column assembly to be installed as a unit.

Abstract: A collapsible steering assembly features a steering mechanism and a pedal assemble united and supported together by a support structure as a unitized module for shipping and attachment to a vehicle. The support structure supports the pedal assembly for movement beyond the fully depressed position of one of the pedal therein in response to a predetermined collapse force on the pedal.