Abstract: Methods and systems consistent with the present invention provide an improved system that simulates a smart device user interface on a vehicle head unit. The method comprises the steps of storing a plurality of user interfaces, wherein each of the plurality of user interfaces is affiliated with a platform, and determining if a smart device matches one of the plurality of platforms. If it is determined that the smart device matches one of the plurality of platforms, the method further comprises the steps of retrieving the user interface affiliated with the matched platform, and using the matched user interface on the vehicle head unit.

Abstract: A vehicle instrument panel is provided. The vehicle instrument panel includes, but is not limited to, an analogue indicator overlying a first substrate and a display device overlying the analogue indicator. The display device has transparent portions for allowing light to pass through and non-transparent portions for displaying information.

Abstract: An analog gauge for use in a vehicle instrument panel is provided. The analog gauge includes, but is not limited to, an analog indicator overlying a first substrate and graphics aligned with the analog indicator. The graphics are generated using a display device. The graphics change depending on a driving condition or the position of the analog indicator.

Abstract: Methods and systems consistent with the present invention provide an improved system that simulates a smart device user interface on a vehicle head unit. The method comprises the steps of storing a plurality of user interfaces, wherein each of the plurality of user interfaces is affiliated with a platform, and determining if a smart device matches one of the plurality of platforms. If it is determined that the smart device matches one of the plurality of platforms, the method further comprises the steps of retrieving the user interface affiliated with the matched platform, and using the matched user interface on the vehicle head unit.

Abstract: A vehicle monitoring system includes a vehicle, a mobile camera device, a transmitter or transmitting transceiver, a receiver or receiving transceiver, and an integrated vehicle cockpit display. The mobile camera device, comprising a processor and a camera, is located within the vehicle or attached to the vehicle for taking an image or video within or outside the vehicle. The transmitter or transmitting transceiver is in communication with the mobile camera device for transmitting the image or the video taken by the mobile camera device. The receiver or receiving transceiver is for receiving the image or the video, taken by the mobile camera device, from the transmitter or the transmitting transceiver. The integrated vehicle cockpit display, built into the vehicle, is in communication with the receiver or the receiving transceiver for displaying the received image or the received video taken by the mobile camera device.

Abstract: A vehicle monitoring system includes a vehicle, a mobile camera device, a transmitter or transmitting transceiver, a receiver or receiving transceiver, and an integrated vehicle cockpit display. The mobile camera device, comprising a processor and a camera, is located within the vehicle or attached to the vehicle for taking an image or video within or outside the vehicle. The transmitter or transmitting transceiver is in communication with the mobile camera device for transmitting the image or the video taken by the mobile camera device. The receiver or receiving transceiver is for receiving the image or the video, taken by the mobile camera device, from the transmitter or the transmitting transceiver. The integrated vehicle cockpit display, built into the vehicle, is in communication with the receiver or the receiving transceiver for displaying the received image or the received video taken by the mobile camera device.

Abstract: A vehicle instrument panel is provided. The vehicle instrument panel includes, but is not limited to, an analogue indicator overlying a first substrate and a display device overlying the analogue indicator. The display device has transparent portions for allowing light to pass through and non-transparent portions for displaying information.

Abstract: An analogue gauge for use in a vehicle instrument panel is provided. The analogue gauge includes, but is not limited to, an analogue indicator overlying a first substrate and graphics aligned with the analogue indicator. The graphics are generated using a display device. The graphics change depending on a driving condition or the position of the analogue indicator.

Abstract: A system for displaying video data in a vehicle. The system intelligently replicates one or more portable device displays on one or more vehicle displays. Each vehicle display may be shared or dedicated to a specific portable device. The image from each portable device is intelligently replicated and provided to the vehicle integrated video system via a wireless communication link for display. The wireless communication link can provide the image to the vehicle integrated video system in real time to support both static images and dynamic images.

Abstract: A system for operating an output device in a vehicle. The system includes a trim component and operative and initial sensors positioned at the back side of the trim component. An operative sensor provides a signal to at least one output device when an object is detected within a second sensing region adjacent the front side of the trim component. An initial sensor provides a signal to a display device for selectively displaying the location of the second sensing region, when an object is sensed within a first sensing region adjacent the front side of the trim component. Additional aspects of the invention include various systems and methods for operating the output device in a vehicle.

Abstract: A wireless power transfer system 20 for charging an electronic device 22 having a secondary coil 24 includes a primary controller 38 disposed on a class B surface 30 of a vehicle. A primary coil 52 is electrically connected to the primary controller 38. The primary coil 52 is disposed remotely from the primary controller 38 on a class A surface 28 of the vehicle. A protective shield 66 is disposed on the primary coil 52 to secure the primary coil 52 to the class A surface 28 and indicia 68 indicating an alignment of the secondary coil 24 of the electronic device 22 is disposed on the protective shield 66.

Abstract: A wireless power transfer system 20 for charging an electronic device 22 having a secondary coil 24 includes a primary controller 38 disposed on a class B surface 30 of a vehicle. A primary coil 52 is electrically connected to the primary controller 38. The primary coil 52 is disposed remotely from the primary controller 38 on a class A surface 28 of the vehicle. A protective shield 66 is disposed on the primary coil 52 to secure the primary coil 52 to the class A surface 28 and indicia 68 indicating an alignment of the secondary coil 24 of the electronic device 22 is disposed on the protective shield 66.