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 interface system includes a control, a projector, and a controller. The control has a substantially transparent main body. The projector is configured to project a plurality of control markings on the transparent main body. The controller is in communication with the projector. The controller is configured to cause the projector to project one of the plurality of control markings onto the main body, dependent upon a selection of a subsystem to be managed by the interface system.

Abstract: A vehicle network system includes at least one module connected to a system of a vehicle, and a connectivity module. The connectivity module has a data store in communication with the at least one module. The connectivity module can write data to the data store. The data store permits read-only access of the data from the at least one module by a communications device.

Abstract: An external haptic generator for creating haptic feedback in portable electronic devices and more particularly, an external haptic generator in a vehicle providing a secure mount and creating haptic feedback in portable electronic devices that do not include haptic feedback generators.

Abstract: A unified lighting system including a plurality of light emitting devices, wherein each light emitting device generates a color output in response to a plurality of light settings and a modification to the light settings of one light emitting device is automatically propagated to the other light emitting devices, thereby providing a substantially uniform color output of the lighting system.

Abstract: A unified lighting system including a plurality of light emitting devices, wherein each light emitting device generates a color output in response to a plurality of light settings and a modification to the light settings of one light emitting device is automatically propagated to the other light emitting devices, thereby providing a substantially uniform color output of the lighting system.

Abstract: A portable satellite receiver includes a tuner, an antenna, and an amplifier. The portable satellite receiver has a protective housing enclosing the tuner, antenna, and amplifier. The portable satellite receiver is configured to interface with an accessory device through a communication link such that the accessory device receives audio signals from the portable satellite receiver over the communication link.

Abstract: An electrical distribution system for a motor vehicle comprises an engine, an electrically-conductive structural portion of the vehicle and a battery having a positive terminal and a negative terminal. The system also includes a starter motor having an electrical current return electrically coupled to the engine and an electrical generator having an electrical current return electrically coupled to the engine. Also, the system comprises an electrical current return path from the structural portion to the engine and an electrical current return conductor electrically and mechanically coupled between the engine and the structural portion. In addition, the system contains a capacitor coupled in series with the electrical current return conductor. In a variation of the disclosed system, the connections to the structural portion of the vehicle are made to the body and/or chassis of the vehicle. Systems built to according to the present invention have been demonstrated to have very advantageous properties.