Abstract: The aspects of the present disclosure provide an upgradable firmware system and a method of adjusting or upgrading firmware through an upgradable firmware system within a vehicle cockpit. The upgradable firmware system may include a plug & play interface designed to interface with the vehicle cockpit. The plug & play interface may be configured to receive a plug & play card with a set of instructions for performing a task such as, updating one or more hardware and firmware blocks. The plug & play interface may be configured to recognize the plug & play card and adjust one or more hardware and firmware vehicle cockpit blocks based on the hardware and firmware block's configuration.

Abstract: The aspects of the present disclosure provide a tracking system with associated sensory feedback and method for activating a component and adjusting the component's mode of operation within a vehicle with a tracking system. Sensory feedback may be provided based on the user's gaze or input detected by the tracking system—and/or in response to the change in the component's mode of operation. The system and method may further include the ability to control and adjust the component through gesture-based control.

Abstract: A system and method for rendering a virtual representation of a hand (virtual hand) is provided. The system includes a gesture input receiver to receive information of the hand from a gesture based input system; a virtual hand renderer to render the virtual hand based on the hand; and a display driver to communicate the virtual hand to a receiving device. A system and method for displaying a virtual hand is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for indicating a transition from a gesture based input to a touch surface is provide herein. The system includes a detection monitor coupled to a detection device to detect the transition; and an alert transmitter to alert an output device based on the detection. The gesture based input is a non-contact interface associated with an electronic system, and a touch surface is a contact interface associated with the electronic system.

Abstract: A system and method for providing tactile feedback for a gesture based input is provided herein. The system includes a gesture input receiver to receive an indication from a gesture based input system associated with a specific gesture; a tactile retriever to retrieve a tactile response based on the specific gesture; and a tactile transmitter to transmit the tactile response to a haptic generator, the haptic generator being configured to deliver the tactile response.

Abstract: An accessory system for a portable electronic computing device includes a body, a dock integral with the body for receiving and securing the portable electronic computing device, and a protective case for enclosing at least a portion of the portable electronic computing device when the portable electronic computing device is not attached to the body. The dock is sized and shaped to receive the portable electronic computing device while the portable electronic computing device is in said protective case.

Abstract: A software system application for Tablets and smart phones that will adapt music and sound effects to digital music and track where the user is reading and adjust and adapt the sound and music delivery based on the reader text location or pace. The system will generally acoustically coordinate the music data with the text data context based on matching characteristics such as mood, tempo, mode and loudness. The system will introduce sound effects based on the contents of the text when the user has reached that location in the text. The system will use data from the device to locate the text being read at the time it is being read to adapt the music or sound effects.

Abstract: A system and method for providing information to a driver of a vehicle includes: an image-capture device; a head or eye-gaze tracker; at least one processor; and an output device. The image-capture device captures an image of an environment external to a vehicle. The head or eye-gaze tracker determines an item a driver of the vehicle is viewing. The at least one processor processes the captured image. The at least one processor also translates language contained in the captured image of the item the driver is viewing to a second language, or determines point-of-interest information based on the captured image of the item the driver is viewing. The output device outputs information containing the second translated language of the captured image of the item the driver is viewing, or containing the determined point-of-interest information based on the captured image of the item the driver is viewing.

Abstract: A radio system includes a radio tuner for receiving a terrestrial radio signal, a communication device for receiving an internet data, a user interface in signal communication with at least the radio tuner to provide a selective control of at least the radio tuner, and a processor in signal communication with the radio tuner, the communication device, and the user interface, wherein the processor receives a user preference data from at least one of the communication device and the user interface, analyzes the user preference data based on an instruction set, and selectively transmits an audio output to a user based upon the user preference data, wherein a source of the audio output is one of the terrestrial radio signal and the internet data.

Abstract: A radio system includes a radio tuner for receiving a terrestrial radio signal, a communication device for receiving an internet data, a user interface in signal communication with at least the radio tuner to provide a selective control of at least the radio tuner, and a processor in signal communication with the radio tuner, the communication device, and the user interface, wherein the processor receives a user preference data from at least one of the communication device and the user interface, analyzes the user preference data based on an instruction set, and selectively transmits an audio output to a user based upon the user preference data, wherein a source of the audio output is one of the terrestrial radio signal and the internet data.

Abstract: A radio system includes a radio tuner for receiving a terrestrial radio signal, a communication device for receiving an internet data, a user interface in signal communication with at least the radio tuner to provide a selective control of at least the radio tuner, and a processor in signal communication with the radio tuner, the communication device, and the user interface, wherein the processor receives a user preference data from at least one of the communication device and the user interface, analyzes the user preference data based on an instruction set, and selectively transmits an audio output to a user based upon the user preference data, wherein a source of the audio output is one of the terrestrial radio signal and the internet data.

Abstract: A method for recording a clean broadcast free of background, such as fade-ins and fade-outs on a receiver includes providing program data associated with an upcoming broadcast, the broadcast being selected by a broadcaster, on the receiver to describe the upcoming broadcast to a user. The receiver records the upcoming broadcast to an internal memory of the receiver in response to either the broadcast being automatically selected based on the user's preferences or the user manually selecting the upcoming broadcast. Start and stop commands, independent of any manual input, are received by the receiver to begin and end the recording of the clean broadcast.

Abstract: A method for recording a clean broadcast free of background, such as fade-ins and fade-outs on a receiver includes providing program data associated with an upcoming broadcast, the broadcast being selected by a broadcaster, on the receiver to describe the upcoming broadcast to a user. The receiver records the upcoming broadcast to an internal memory of the receiver in response to either the broadcast being automatically selected based on the user's preferences or the user manually selecting the upcoming broadcast. Start and stop commands, independent of any manual input, are received by the receiver to begin and end the recording of the clean broadcast.

Abstract: The present invention provides a human-machine interface where control is achieved without the use of buttons. By providing multiple knobs, the audio system maximizes functionality while minimizing cost and space requirements. Each knob is capable of two selection modes: a first selection mode provided by rotating the knob and a second selection mode provided by depressing the knob. The two selection modes correspond to ergonomic selection pairs for controlling the audio system. The reduced area required for controls allows for a larger display area; which provides the user with a more attractive display that can convey more information. When a change in a status, through knob manipulation is sensed by the audio system, the display automatically provides a menu that corresponds to the ergonomic pair assigned to that knob. The automated switching of menus minimizes navigation between screens, while providing full manipulation of that audio system function using a single knob control.

Abstract: A multiple function radio bezel interface includes a display screen, a first knob assembly including an outer ring and an inner knob, the outer ring adapted to allow a user to select an application from a multimedia main menu and the inner knob adapted to allow a user to selectively power the radio bezel interface and to adjust the volume of the radio, and a second knob assembly including an outer ring and an inner knob, the outer ring adapted to allow a user to select different application screens corresponding to the application selected from the multimedia main menu and the inner knob being a jog controller.

Abstract: A knob for an instrument panel is provided having a body portion, a first end portion adjacent to the body portion, and a second end portion adjacent to the body portion and defining a generally wave-shaped surface. The wave-shaped surface includes a plurality of peaks and a plurality of troughs, the peaks extending away from the body portion in a direction generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the body portion. An adjustment assembly may also be provided having a first contact member with a contact portion, a second contact member with a contact portion, and an adjustment member with a plurality of protrusions. The protrusions are configured to selectively engage the contact portion of the first contact member and induce an electrical connection, and to selectively engage the contact portion of the second contact member and induce a second electrical connection.

Abstract: A knob for an instrument panel is provided having a body portion, a first end portion adjacent to the body portion, and a second end portion adjacent to the body portion and defining a generally wave-shaped surface. The wave-shaped surface includes a plurality of peaks and a plurality of troughs, the peaks extending away from the body portion in a direction generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the body portion. An adjustment assembly may also be provided having a first contact member with a contact portion, a second contact member with a contact portion, and an adjustment member with a plurality of protrusions. The protrusions are configured to selectively engage the contact portion of the first contact member and induce an electrical connection, and to selectively engage the contact portion of the second contact member and induce a second electrical connection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a human-machine interface where control is achieved without the use of buttons. By providing multiple knobs, the audio system maximizes functionality while minimizing cost and space requirements. Each knob is capable of two selection modes: a first selection mode provided by rotating the knob and a second selection mode provided by depressing the knob. The two selection modes correspond to ergonomic selection pairs for controlling the audio system. The reduced area required for controls allows for a larger display area; which provides the user with a more attractive display that can convey more information. When a change in a status, through knob manipulation is sensed by the audio system, the display automatically provides a menu that corresponds to the ergonomic pair assigned to that knob. The automated switching of menus minimizes navigation between screens, while providing full manipulation of that audio system function using a single knob control.

Abstract: A control panel is provided comprising a circuit board, a rotary position encoder mounted to the circuit board and having a rotating shaft with a first rotation axis, and a cover having an aperture. A knob is rotationally received in the aperture with a second rotation axis. The knob has an open interior space and a radial guiding rib projecting into the interior space. A guide part rotates with the rotating shaft and has a guide groove slidably engaging the radial guiding rib whereby the radial guiding rib drives rotation of the rotating shaft in response to manual rotation of the knob. The radial guiding rib shifts in position within the guide groove in response to misalignment between the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis.

Abstract: A switch assembly comprises a substrate and a multi-way switch mounted on the substrate. A knob is connected to the multi-way switch and has a perimeter. The knob is used for controlling a position (e.g., a shaft position) or corresponding electrical state of the multi-way switch. At least one light source is associated with the substrate. A light diffuser is located at least partially in an optical path between one or more of the light sources and a region about the perimeter of the knob.