With Vehicle Patents (Class 348/837)
  • Patent number: 11958497
    Abstract: A guidance device according to the present invention is installed in a movable body, the guidance device includes: an output device including a display device; an input device that receives an operation performed by an occupant of the movable body for starting each of a plurality of driving assistance functions installed in the movable body; and a guidance control device that determines whether the movable body is in a stopping period or in a traveling period, and allows the display device to display a video for explaining any one of the plurality of driving assistance functions when the movable body is in the stopping period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Junya Obara, Sunao Yamaguchi, Takuma Minemura, Yusuke Ishida, Kenta Maruyama
  • Patent number: 11820303
    Abstract: A solar powered VTU and systems and methods for the same are provided. A solar energy harvesting device and an energy storage device are electrically connected to an electronic display within a housing. A support extends between the housing and the solar energy harvesting device such that a bottom surface of the solar energy harvesting device is elevated directly above, and is spaced apart from, a top surface of the housing. The solar energy harvesting device has a first footprint, and the housing has a second footprint. The first footprint is larger than, and directly overlies, the second footprint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Manufacturing Resources International, Inc.
    Inventors: William Dunn, Jack Bartholmae, Douglas Bennett
  • Patent number: 11491875
    Abstract: A display device for a vehicle includes a first frame, a second frame configured to move along a first direction with respect to the first frame, a first roller spaced apart from the first frame, a second roller rotatably coupled to the second frame and configured to move along the first direction based on movement of the second frame with respect to the first frame, and a flexible display that is at least partially wound around the second roller, that is configured to be bent around the second roller, and that has an end portion fixed to the first frame. A front surface of the flexible display defines an externally exposed area that is configured to increase based on an increase of a distance between the first roller and the second roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Seung Mo Kang, Sang-Hyeun Son, In Koo Shim
  • Patent number: 11422443
    Abstract: A mobile platform is provided for a guided soft target. The mobile platform includes a platform base, and a drive unit that is configured to move the platform base along a ground surface. A projector assembly is provided, configured for projecting light patterns for visual display on an exterior of the guided soft target. The projector assembly may include a hardened housing defining at least one opening for projecting the light patterns. In certain aspects, the projector assembly is coupled to an outer surface of the platform base. In other aspects, the projector assembly may be built into, or is retractable into, an interior the platform base. The projector assembly may include a control module that is configured to be remotely controllable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Toyota Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Amacker
  • Patent number: 11377042
    Abstract: A hardware system and method for mounting a tablet computing device in a vehicle dash. The invention makes use of an inventory of prior art mounting kits that are configured to mount standardized aftermarket stereo head units in a vehicle dash while smoothly blending the aftermarket head unit into the surrounding dash to create a finished appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Metra Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: William H. Jones, Jr., Anthony Fiore
  • Patent number: 11353919
    Abstract: A compliant display assembly employing a glass outer screen is configured to permit bending of the glass outer screen without buckling or cracking. The compliant display assembly includes a planar glass sheet, a first planar housing, a second planar housing, and a hinge, wherein the first planar housing is pivotably coupled to the second planar housing via the hinge. The planar glass sheet is attached to the first and second planar housings. The first planar housing is arranged to pivot relative to the second planar housing via the hinge. The hinge is arranged to limit the pivot angle between the first planar housing and the second planar housing to a maximum pivot angle. The hinge is arranged to secure the first planar housing in relation to the second planar housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mathias Stegemann, Manfred Süss, Emil Volodiev Tsanin, Shenol Ilyaz Hasan, Aleksandar Georgiev Lukanov
  • Patent number: 11305704
    Abstract: The five-axis angular adjustment and azimuth rotation mechanism relates to the field of products for vehicle-mounted display screens and in particular relates to a five-axis angular adjustment and azimuth rotation mechanism, including a display screen assembly, wherein a turning mechanism assembly is connected to one side of the display screen assembly via bolts, a panel assembly is arranged on one side of the turning mechanism assembly via bolts, and a main machine assembly is arranged on one side of the panel assembly via bolts, and the display screen assembly includes a first linear sliding mechanism, a first axial rotation mechanism, a second axial rotation mechanism and a third axial rotation mechanism, the first linear sliding mechanism includes two screen bars arranged on one side of the display screen assembly via bolts. The disclosure is suitable for different vehicle types.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: SHENZHEN MAXMADE AUTO ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dayong Shen, Weiping Zhong
  • Patent number: 11137599
    Abstract: In a display device, an irradiation unit includes an imaging optical system. The imaging optical system scans and irradiates a front surface of a screen with light to form an image. The light passing through the screen and output from the screen in a movement direction is incident on a projection unit as incident light. The projection unit irradiates a reflective member with the incident light to allow the reflective member to reflect the incident light to form a virtual image corresponding to the image in a target space. A locus of a focal position of the imaging optical system when the irradiation unit wholly scans the front surface of the screen is within a range between the front surface of the screen at a first position and the front surface of the screen at a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Okayama, Satoshi Kuzuhara, Masahito Ogata, Toshiya Mori, Ken'ichi Kasazumi, Masafumi Sueyoshi
  • Patent number: 11097667
    Abstract: A vibration device includes a first substrate including a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a second substrate including a third surface bonded to the second surface thereby forming an accommodation space between the first substrate and the second substrate, and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface; a vibration element accommodated in the accommodation space; and a first external coupling terminal arranged at the fourth surface and having a first position to where a first wire to be coupled. The first position being within an area overlapping a bonding area between the first substrate and the second substrate, as viewed in a plan view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Koichi Mizugaki
  • Patent number: 10981517
    Abstract: A vehicular display device according to an embodiment includes a light shielding housing fixed to a surface of a roof of a vehicle on a cabin side and having a concave portion concave upward, an opening portion formed at a position facing a rear of the vehicle in the concave portion, and a display device having a display surface disposed in the opening portion with the display surface directed to the rear of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shuichi Ishibashi, Kouji Matsuura
  • Patent number: 10906444
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a connectivity module. The connectivity module includes at least one deployable work surface extendably coupled thereto, a compartment within the connectivity module, a device holder deployably housed within the compartment, and an armrest slidably coupled to a first side of the connectivity module that conceals at least one of a power outlet and a mobile device connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Marcos Silva Kondrad, Amaury Diaz Serrano, Kevin Wayne Preuss, Daniel Ferretti
  • Patent number: 10864991
    Abstract: A table assembly including a first arm attachable to a fixed structure, a second arm pivotally attached to the first arm, a third arm is pivotally attached to the second arm, and a table attached to the third arm. The second arm is configured to maintain the first arm and the third arm parallel as the first arm and the third arm pivot simultaneously relative to the second arm. The second arm includes a tension member configured to transfer tension along the second arm from the first arm to the third arm as the first arm and third arm pivot simultaneously relative to the second arm. The tension member may be further configured to transfer compression along the second arm from the third arm to the first arm as the first arm and third arm pivot simultaneously relative to the second arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian L. Frost, John R. Kuyper
  • Patent number: 10858106
    Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, a frame assembly for enclosing an electronic device mounted to a rear surface of a seatback of an aircraft seat includes a rear frame for mounting within a recess of the rear surface of the seatback, a front frame detachably connected to the rear frame such that the electronic device, when mounted in the frame assembly, is enclosed between the front frame and rear frame, the front frame including an opening defining a boundary of a visible screen region of the electronic device, and an adapter disposed between the rear frame and the rear surface of the electronic device, the adapter including an aperture configured to receive the rear surface of the electronic device and raised peripheral edges surrounding the aperture to adapt the dimensions of the electronic device to the dimensions of the rear frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander N. Pozzi
  • Patent number: 10772231
    Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a patch panel including a frame, at least one plug-in module including connectors, arranged in such a way as to slide between a pushed-in position in which the plug-in module is placed in a housing in the frame and an extracted position in which the plug-in module is outside the housing, the panel further including a device for attaching the plug-in module to the frame, the attachment device including: at least one flexible elongate body arranged in such a way as to slide with respect to the frame and/or to the plug-in module; a first end designed to attach the plug-in module to the attachment device when the plug-in module is in the extracted position; and a second end designed to attached the attachment device to the frame when the plug-in module is in the extracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignees: LEGRAND SNC, LEGRAND FRANCE
    Inventor: Alain Palumbo
  • Patent number: 10766365
    Abstract: A vehicle trim element including a body defining the shape of an outer surface and an information display system, the trim element being able to be positioned in a first configuration and in a second configuration, wherein the display system is moved along a first direction between the first configuration and the second configuration and in that the shape of the outer surface is modified between the first configuration and the second configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: FAURECIA INTERIEUR INDUSTRIE
    Inventors: Nicolas Pegorier, Rayar Fernandez, Jérémy Floc'h, Eric Vanel
  • Patent number: 10700889
    Abstract: A ring network for interchanging data between a plurality of devices arranged in a vehicle includes a ring connection and a plurality of distributors. The distributors each have a plurality of communication pairs each having a transmitting unit and a receiving unit for transmitting and receiving data. Each of the devices is connected to one of the distributors via a first communication pair, to the ring connection via a second communication pair and likewise to the ring connection via a third communication pair. A direction of data flow in the second communication pair and the third communication pair is opposite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Leo Ross
  • Patent number: 10691399
    Abstract: An apparatus configured to display applications provided by a single mobile device is provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of displays, a wireless communication device configured to receive first output data corresponding to a first display of the plurality of displays and second output data corresponding to a second display of the plurality of displays from an external device consisting of one mobile device, and a controller configured to direct the received first output data from the wireless communication device to be displayed on the first display and direct the received second output data from the wireless communication device to be displayed on the second display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Fan Bai, Robert A. Hrabak, Robert A. Bordo, Amanda J. Damman, Valentin Bona
  • Patent number: 10616635
    Abstract: A mobile video system is disclosed. The mobile video system includes: a radio that includes a loudspeaker configured to output a signal received by the radio; a video source that generates an audiovisual signal; and a video monitor configured to receive a video portion of the audiovisual signal. The video monitor includes: a housing sized be positioned within the headrest, the housing comprising a first hinge portion and defining a storage cavity; a screen sized and shaped to be positioned within the storage cavity, the screen structure comprising a second hinge portion configured to cooperate with the first hinge portion to secure the screen structure to the housing; a first transmitter configured to transmit an audiovisual signal to a first receiver, wherein the first receiver is the radio; and a second transmitter configured to transmit the audiovisual signal to a second receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: VOXX INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Chung Lung Chang
  • Patent number: 10594850
    Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, a method, and a system for receiving display capabilities of a secondary vehicular display, determining metadata to display based on the display capabilities of the secondary vehicular display, formatting the displayable metadata, and transmitting the displayable metadata to the secondary vehicular display. The metadata is determined by receiving a data set from producer, comparing the data set against the display capabilities, and formatting the resultant data from the comparing as metadata.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua C. Weinberg, Thomas R. Powell, David Rix Nelson
  • Patent number: 10562629
    Abstract: A screen support configured to attach a screen to a seat equipped with a rear enclosure and including an attachment system configured to clamp the rods of a headrest of the seat, a support system including a limb connected to the attachment system and at least one support runner connected to the limb and configured to bear against the rear enclosure, and an engagement system configured to permit the temporary attachment of a screen and connected to the third limb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignees: AIRBUS OPERATIONS SAS, AIRBUS SAS
    Inventors: Gilles Marquet, Marc Audibert, Damien Thabault, Christophe Harlay
  • Patent number: 10538209
    Abstract: A video display apparatus includes a base, a video display installed on the base, and a fixing frame for fastening the base on a vehicle roof. The base has an elongated case. The case has a first end portion and an opposite second end portion. The fixing frame is pivotally connected to the first end portion, so the base is rotatable between a first position and a second position with respect to the fixing frame. When the fixing frame is fastened to the vehicle roof, a distance between the vehicle roof and the second end portion at the first position is more than that at the second position. The fixing frame has a mating surface for abutting against the vehicle roof. The area of the cross-section of the first end portion is less than three quarters of the area defined by the outer edge of the mating surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: JET OPTOELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Szu-Han Tsao, Tai-Hao Wen
  • Patent number: 10471891
    Abstract: An interior lighting system for an autonomous motor vehicle includes at least one autonomous driving module and an interior lighting luminous device comprising a plurality of luminous sub-assemblies. Each luminous sub-assembly is configured in an interior lighting static mode or in an interior lighting dynamic mode. At least one luminous assembly is configured to pass from the static mode to the dynamic mode, and vice versa, as a function of at least one autonomous driving control parameter from said driving module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: VALEO VISION
    Inventors: Romain Bel, Thibaud Barillot
  • Patent number: 10314404
    Abstract: A rest component (14), (16) for an article of furniture (10) includes a body member (32) defining a plurality of surfaces (34). A cover member (36) is carried by at least one surface (34) of the body member (32) to define a pocket (38) associated with the at least one surface (34), the pocket (38) defining a mouth to enable a user to gain access to an interior of the pocket (38). At least one passage (24) is defined by at least one of the body member (32) and the cover member (36) and opening out into the pocket (38). The passage (24) is configured to accommodate an elongate element which extends through the passage to exit from an operatively bottom region of the body member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: King Furniture Australia Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: David King, John Levey, Ryan Lawson, Anastasie Panagopoulos, Tanya Rechberger
  • Patent number: 10291313
    Abstract: Data communication capabilities of the North American Terrestrial System (NATS) Network are enhanced. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an airborne data server (ADS) is added to the airborne architecture of the current NATS Network and a ground data gateway (GDG) is added to the ground-based architecture of the current NATS Network. The ADS functions as a router/gateway connected to many local area networks (LANs) aboard the aircraft. The ADS provides for the automation of data services such as scheduling, routing and translation. The GDG is the central hub for the network and dispatcher of data to customer premises or to the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: AT&T MOBILITY II LLC
    Inventors: Eric A. Nelson, Michael B. O'Meara
  • Patent number: 10254584
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display arrangement for a motor vehicle includes a plurality of light emitting diodes positioned to backlight a liquid crystal display. A plurality of electrical conductors are each electrically connected to, and provide electrical power to, a different respective subset of the light emitting diodes. An electronic controller is electrically coupled to each of the conductors and individually controls conduction of electricity through each of the conductors to thereby change a brightness of at least one of the subsets of the light emitting diodes relative to a brightness of at least one other subset of the light emitting diodes during operation of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America, Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America
    Inventors: Edo Omanovic, Walter Nill, David K. Lambert
  • Patent number: 10225509
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing display screens/display screen enclosures (and concomitant display screens/display screen enclosures thus produced) comprising extruding metal to create metal extrusion profiles of the display screen enclosures, casting metal to create metal castings for corners of the display screen enclosures, joining the metal castings to the metal extrusion profiles together forming a frame, and fabricating a sheet metal back panel for structural rigidity and to provide a mounting surface within the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Ideum, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Nasca
  • Patent number: 10059453
    Abstract: A detachable seat mounted audio-visual entertainment system. The system has locally storable, selectable, and updatable content. The passenger in-flight entertainment device terminal has passenger selectable controls, a video display, an audio output, storage media such as a magnetic or “hard disk”, and a payment interface device such as a card swipe, all located in a seat which has been wired with power, local network, and audio wiring. A local, transport vehicle mounted local host computer provides supports the local network, and may be used to collect revenue slips resulting from passenger input to the payment interface device. Revenue slips may be posted to a remote server during a trip segment via satellite or direct radio frequency communication to receiving facilities providing connection to the internet, or alternately collected and posted batchwise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: DIGECOR I.P. AND ASSETS PTY LTD.
    Inventors: William J. Boyer, Jr., Robert Ray Henson
  • Patent number: 9969264
    Abstract: A vehicle instrument device includes: a display device accommodated in the vehicle instrument device; a display control circuit board which controls an operation of the display device and which is attached to a rear surface of the display device; and an instrument control circuit board which controls display except for the display device and which is formed as a separate member from the display control circuit. The display device, which is integrated with the display control circuit board to serve as a display unit, is accommodated in the vehicle instrument device together with the instrument control circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuaki Kondo
  • Patent number: 9898971
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system, a method, and an apparatus to selectively control brightness of information displayed on a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). A graphics layer can be provided in a display area of the LCD, and a semi-transparent mask layer can be provided above the graphics layer. An information graphics layer can be provided above the semi-transparent mask layer. The information graphics layer can be controlled to selectively display predetermined information on the LCD at an intended brightness, while remaining information from the underlying graphics layer can be dimmed relative to the brightness of the display predetermined information by activation of the semi-transparent mask layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Brush, Daniel J. Leach
  • Patent number: 9880962
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed relating to in-vehicle entertainment, information presentation, and/or processing. Aspects of multimedia in-vehicle entertainment systems that may incorporate removable and/or portable tablet-type computing devices are described. In certain configurations, a hinged tablet computer carrier includes guide rails into which a portable tablet computer may slide while in an open position, and which can hinge into a closed or locked position that holds the tablet computer in place, positions it for viewing, and effects mechanical and electrical coupling of the tablet computer with other components of the in-vehicle entertainment system. Exemplary placement could include headrest, seatback, overhead, or in-dash mounting. Hinging or sliding could be vertical or horizontal. Various other mechanical, electronic, and electro-mechanical aspects of the methods and systems are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: TMI PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Eugene Michael Tuccinardi, Roel Castillo Espina, Jon Parker Lawrence, Jonathan Daniel Fether
  • Patent number: 9876385
    Abstract: A seat control unit (SCU) for use in an aircraft can include a base that has a wireless charger configured to transmit a wireless power signal and a case at least partially enclosing the wireless charger. The SCU can also include a control device having a remote controller configured to wirelessly control a system of the aircraft and a battery coupled to the remote controller and configured to store electrical energy. The control device can also include a wireless receiver configured to receive the wireless power signal from the wireless charger and transmit associated power to the battery and an outer casing at least partially enclosing at least one of the remote controller or the wireless receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: AMI INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Andrzej Ernest Kuczek, Brian St. Rock
  • Patent number: 9729181
    Abstract: The front side of a vehicle infotainment system head unit is provided with a removable faceplate that carries a network access device such as a cell phone or GPS receiver and an associated antenna. A removable user-interface display panel, also referred to herein as a display screen, is also carried by the faceplate. When the head unit and faceplate are assembled into a vehicle dashboard, a removable bezel conceals the network access device, antenna and provides access to the display panel. The network access device and its antenna are thus readily accessible by simply removing the bezel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Brey, James R Snider
  • Patent number: 9617002
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a seat for a vehicle, particularly an aircraft, having a visual playback device integrated in a surface of the seat. A base firmly connected to the seat is arranged in the surface of the seat. Said visual playback device is releasably attached to the base by means of a holder adapted to the visual playback device and the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Lufthansa Systems Ag
    Inventors: Peter Hommel, Jörg Liebe
  • Patent number: 9612628
    Abstract: Examples of the present disclosure provide a computing device expansion system. According to one implementation, a docking receptacle is coupled to a touch-enabled monitor computing device and is also configured to receive and connect to a portable electronic device. Furthermore, when the portable electronic device is attached to the docking receptacle, a display area of the portable electronic device is cloned on the monitor computing device such that touch input on either the portable electronic device or monitor computing device is replicated on the monitor computing device or portable electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Irwan Halim, Thomas J. Flynn, Louis R. Jackson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9586532
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly has an entertainment system, and includes a seat back having a cavity disposed therein. A display screen arrangement is rotatably attached to the seat back and is movable between a first position wherein the display screen arrangement is disposed within the cavity in the seat back and a second position wherein the display screen arrangement is disposed outside of the cavity in the seat back. A speaker arrangement is in electrical communication with the display screen arrangement and disposed behind the cavity in the seat back such that the speaker arrangement is covered by the display screen arrangement when the display screen arrangement is in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Ben Gough, Steven Powell
  • Patent number: 9553967
    Abstract: A method, device, and vehicle information system are provided for persisting application context from the vehicle information system to the mobile device. The mobile device provides access to at least one application executing on the mobile device to the vehicle information system. On termination of that access, an operating context is determined for each of the mobile device applications where possible. In some cases, where application context is persisted from one system or device to the other, the current data is presented in accordance with a transport modality associated with the other device or system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignees: BlackBerry Limited, 2236008 Ontario Inc.
    Inventors: Michael George Langlois, Benjamin Allan Johnson
  • Patent number: 9538117
    Abstract: A television apparatus comprises a support frame and a leg member extending from the support frame to support the support frame in an inclined orientation. The television apparatus further comprises a display panel unit having a chassis movably mounted to the support frame via a first coupling assembly mounted between a right side edge portion of the chassis and a right side section of the support frame, and a second coupling assembly mounted between a left side edge portion of the chassis and a left side section of the support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jae Hoo Park, Eui Seok Kim, Hyun Jun Jung, Su-An Choi, Kwang Sung Hwang
  • Patent number: 9503801
    Abstract: An audio transmission unit 8 is placed on a surface side of a panel unit 4 where a display 7 is provided, and transmits an audio signal in a direction almost perpendicular to the surface of the display 7. When a viewer sitting in a seat behind a front seat 1 turns the display 7 to be faced toward him/her, the audio transmission unit 8 is directed in front of the viewer's eyes, so that stable audio signal can be received in the side of the headphone worn on the head of the viewer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tetsuro Nagami
  • Patent number: 9493239
    Abstract: A seat monitor includes a display unit that displays various types of information, a frame provided so as to surround the display unit, and an indicator provided to call a staff. The indicator is disposed on a side portion of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Koyama, Kaname Tomita, Mitsuhiro Tosa
  • Patent number: 9465375
    Abstract: A console includes a display and a plurality of individually-actuatable modules, including a physical key configured to slide into and out of a surface of the console. The modules include a motor, a threaded shaft coupled to and extending from the motor, and a movable platform movably attached to the threaded shaft. The physical key is movably supported on the movable platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignees: Volkswagen AG, Audi AG
    Inventors: Matthew Jolda, Megan McClain, Aaron Rudolph, Stefan Henze, James Toggweiler
  • Patent number: 9381843
    Abstract: A cup holder assembly includes a first body defining an upper sidewall between a first open end and a second open end and a second body defining a lower sidewall between a third open end and a lower wall. The second body is affixable with the first body in a first position with the lower sidewall extending continuously with the upper sidewall and a second position with a gap defined between the upper sidewall and the lower sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James Hadley Muiter, John Steven Conley
  • Patent number: 9300779
    Abstract: A method, device, and vehicle information system are provided for persisting application context from the vehicle information system to the mobile device. The mobile device provides access to at least one application executing on the mobile device to the vehicle information system. On termination of that access, an operating context is determined for each of the mobile device applications where possible. In some cases, where application context is persisted from one system or device to the other, the current data is presented in accordance with a transport modality associated with the other device or system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Michael George Langlois, Benjamin Allan Johnson
  • Patent number: 9210364
    Abstract: A media system for a vehicle comprises a housing mounted to an overhead portion of the vehicle, and a media unit that is capable of being coupled to the housing, wherein the housing includes a receiving portion that pivots with respect to the housing and receives the media unit in the receiving portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: VOXX INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: David M. Shalam, Joseph C. Caltabiano, George C. Schedivy, James R. Tranchina
  • Publication number: 20150146114
    Abstract: The present invention is an attachment that is designed to mount a flat screen display to a bumper of a vehicle. The present invention includes a substantially L-shaped tubular brace having a vertically-oriented mounting end and a horizontally-oriented attachment end. The vertically-oriented mounting end includes a concentric sleeve that has a bracket that removably attaches to a display. The concentric sleeve allows a display to swivel and be viewed at a variety of angles. The horizontally-oriented attachment end is removably secured to a vehicle bumper, such as a conventional square channel bumper, by removably inserting the horizontally-oriented attachment in the hollow channel of the bumper. The attachment end includes a pair of square-shaped flanges that are spaced apart along the length of the attachment end and are sized to be received within the hollow channel of the bumper. The flanges support the weight of the assembly and an attached display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Jeffery Williams
  • Patent number: 9041807
    Abstract: An image processing device configured to be installed in a vehicle includes an image acquirer, an image selector, a first luminance adjuster, a synthetic image generator, and an image provider. The image acquirer acquires camera images captured by cameras provided on the vehicle. The image selector selects one of the camera images as a representative image based on luminances of the camera images. The first luminance adjuster adjusts a luminance of at least one of the other camera images based on a luminance of the representative image. The synthetic image generator generates a synthetic image showing a periphery of the vehicle, based on the representative image and the other camera images the luminance of at least one of which has been adjusted by the first adjuster. The image provider outputs, to a display device installed in the vehicle, information corresponding to the synthetic image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignees: FUJITSU TEN LIMITED, FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Masahiko Murakami, Nobunori Asayama
  • Publication number: 20150138448
    Abstract: An adjustable display screen mounted within a vehicle is provided. The combination of the display's mounting system and the linkage assembly allows the user to adjust and optimize the position of the display screen regardless of seating position, thereby alleviating the eye strain, fatigue, neck and back pain that often accompany the improper use of a monitor for an extended period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: ATIEVA, INC.
    Inventors: Peter Dore Rawlinson, Eric Obers
  • Publication number: 20150138449
    Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle's display system is provided, where the system monitors the user's position within the vehicle's seat and automatically adjusts the location of the display to compensate for variations in the size or seating position of the user, thereby helping to alleviate the eye strain, fatigue, neck and back pain that often accompany the improper use of a monitor for an extended period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: ATIEVA, INC.
    Inventors: Peter Dore Rawlinson, Eric Obers
  • Patent number: 9036336
    Abstract: An in-vehicle display apparatus includes a display panel including a rectangular display screen; a pair of semicircular decorative rings (frames) obtained by dividing an annular member into two parts along a line extending in a lateral direction of the display screen; and a driving mechanism that drives the decorative rings to reciprocate toward and away from each other in a longitudinal direction of the display screen. The decorative rings are rotatable around axes extending in the lateral direction of the display screen. The driving mechanism moves the decorative rings while the decorative rings are in front of the display panel and in parallel positions in relation to the display screen. The decorative rings are rotated on sides of the display panel in a longitudinal direction of the display panel and stored in storage spaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: ALPINE ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Takashi Yasumoto, Kazunari Kato
  • Patent number: 9013640
    Abstract: An entertainment system for a vehicle is provided comprising a front display screen in a front seat area of the vehicle and a rear display screen in a rear seat area of the vehicle. The entertainment system further provides a DVD player for reading a DVD including video content of the DVD. The DVD player can be connected to the rear display screen for displaying the video content of the DVD thereon. The video content can include a DVD menu. A controller can be connected to the DVD player and the front display screen. The controller generates a DVD menu representation corresponding to the DVD menu for display on the front display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jason Strohmaier
  • Patent number: 9007462
    Abstract: A driving assist apparatus acquires vehicle information which includes a gear state and speed of a vehicle; judges a state of preparing for movement, a state of starting movement, and a state during movement; generates a wide-angle image that is an image that can see a wide range although having distortion when the vehicle state is the state of preparing for movement or the state of starting movement; and generates a no-distortion image that is an image in which the distortion due to the lens shape and the distortion by the projection system are eliminated from the camera image when the vehicle state is the state during movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Tatsuya Mitsugi