Abstract: A method and system modifies a user interface (UI) of a portable device in communication with an interface device, where the UI is projected by a human-machine interface of the interface device to a user. The UI is modified by the portable device prior to being output to the interface device based on customized style information provided by the interface device. The interface device may be a vehicle interface device such as a head unit or infotainment system, and the portable device may be a smart phone, media player, or other computing device capable of displaying graphical information.

Abstract: The invention provides an instrument control panel that is easily customized and reconfigured, and yet provides the familiar tactile sensation of physical knobs, sliders, and buttons. The instrument control panel comprises one or more interface components that are removably coupled to an interface display wherein the interface components communicate with one or more control components disposed behind the interface display. The present invention lends itself particularly well to an instrument panel.

Abstract: A vehicle entertainment system includes a tablet unit and a cradle. The tablet unit includes a display and a touch screen input device disposed on a front surface, a first electrical connection, a first mounting mechanism, and a wireless receiver. The wireless receiver is configured to receive media data from a wireless network and the touch screen input device is configured to receive input from a user. The cradle is disposed in a headrest in a vehicle and includes a second electrical connection and a second mounting mechanism. The tablet unit is electrically connected to the cradle via the first and second electrical connections, and is physically coupled to the cradle via the first and second mounting mechanisms upon mounting the tablet unit to the cradle.

Abstract: A passenger seat assembly comprising an assembly of seating modules arranged for relative pivotal movement; a membranous mesh fixed about each module for providing support to a passenger in said passenger seat assembly; said mesh comprising a passenger support face and a reaction face on an opposed face of each of said modules; said mesh fixed so as to permit relative movement between the passenger face and reaction face and arranged to redistribute tension between the passenger face and the reaction face.

Abstract: A roof assembly for a vehicle is disclosed and includes a display device supported at the roof assembly. The display device is selectively movable between a use position and a stowed position. The roof assembly also includes a user interface associated with the display device, a light source supported at the roof assembly that is configured to illuminate the user interface and a switch for activating the light source when the display device is selectively moved from the stowed position. Another roof assembly for a vehicle is disclosed that includes a vehicle component that is at least partially supported at a transparent roof panel. A method of manufacturing a perimeter trim member for a vehicle is disclosed and includes designing the perimeter trim member as a plurality of sections and molding the plurality of sections as a single sheet of material.

Abstract: An in-flight entertainment (IFE) system that integrates a touch screen display device with a tray table (e.g., an airplane tray table or a train tray table) to provide a superior media experience. The IFE system is configured to be situated in an active use position wherein a user may interact with the touch screen and also use a tray table. The IFE system may be moved into a stowed position wherein it is positioned adjacent to a back of a passenger seat and operated in a passive viewing mode. The IFE system may include a bottom panel or tray portion having a window pane so that the display device is viewable when the IFE system is in the stowed position. A portable IFE system comprising a foldable clamp that clamps to an edge of a conventional table and folds into a stowed position is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a digital vehicle display that displays custom digital images and/or text from a vehicle and is controlled via a wireless device. Digital images and/or is uploaded to a digital display unit via an SD card, a USB storage device, or transmitted wirelessly from a computer or cellular telephone. A cellular telephone, computer, or a remote control can be used to select which image is displayed and control the zoom. The remote control may also send a panic signal to the display unit to broadcast an emergency signal containing the GPS coordinates of the vehicle. The display unit is affixed to the vehicle using a trailer hitch, a suction cup, a magnetic panel, or a lip, which fits over a window. The digital display unit is powered by trailer electrical connections and is equipped with two rows of LED's to indicate braking and turning.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted electronic device according to the present invention is provided with a sensor 15 that detects illumination 17 from a following vehicle 16, in at least one of a display unit 9 and a main body case 7, and is configured such that a control unit 11 rotates the display unit 9 by means of a drive unit 10 when the sensor 15 detects the illumination 17 from the following vehicle 16. Thereby, the illumination 17 from the following vehicle 16 does not reflect on the display unit 9 toward a viewer, as a result of which, the influence by illumination from the following vehicle 16 can be reduced.

Abstract: A vehicle camera mount has a bracket, a support arm, and a camera housing. The bracket is used to fasten the support arm to a vehicle. The camera housing is connected to the support arm, the camera housing contains a camera, and the camera housing has a wind resistance reducing aerodynamic profile configured to reduce wind resistance by the camera housing as the vehicle is moving. The support arm is configured to support the camera housing to the vehicle so that the camera housing is above a front fender of the vehicle and alongside a hood of the vehicle.

Abstract: A remote flip ceiling display, including a machine body, a display module, a first action side, a second action side, a remote control key and a control module, wherein a control module is increased in the display module of the ceiling display fixed by the original mechanical tab. The driver may press the remote control key of the front audio, to control the control module to push the tab, and the display module is flipped with it for the rear seat passengers to watch.

Abstract: A vehicle entertainment system including a video system having a video monitor and a cradle secured within a vehicle. The cradle is shaped and dimensioned for selectively receiving and securely holding the video system. The cradle includes a docking port with a faceplate that is substantially flush with an upper end of a seat back of an automobile.

Abstract: A trailer with display screen storage and support includes infrastructure necessary to store, support and adjust the position and orientation of a large display screen displaying audio/video programming. The trailer has a bed facilitating storage of screen sections on one side of a telescoping support. A portion of the roof is attached to the telescoping support so the telescoping support emerges from within the trailer by lifting the roof portion integrated with the telescoping support. The screen display is separable into top and bottom halves, the top half affixed to the telescoping support and the bottom half separable from the top half and laterally movable to and from a storage position and to and from a position at which it may be releasably connected to the top half of the screen display. The screen display may have ends pivotable from extended to retracted configurations with respect to a center section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying in-flight passenger information. In-flight passenger information for flight of an aircraft is identified during operation of the aircraft. A timeline and the in-flight passenger information in association with the timeline are displayed on a display system during the operation of the aircraft.

Abstract: A vehicle entertainment system including a video system having a video monitor and a cradle secured within a vehicle. The cradle is shaped and dimensioned for selectively receiving and securely holding the video system. The cradle includes a docking port with a faceplate that is substantially flush with an upper end of a seat back of an automobile.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to video assemblies and more particularly video assemblies for on-board entertainment systems. The video assembly may include a video arm coupled with a video monitor. The video assembly may be manually moveable by a user between a stowed position and a deployed position. The video arm may include a friction torque device. The video arm may provide variable resistance depending on a direction of movement of the video assembly. In some embodiments, the video arm may provide less resistance to a user when the user moves the video assembly toward the deployed position compared to the resistance provided to a user when the user moves the video assembly away from the deployed position. Further, the video arm may provide for a low torque zone where the resistance provided to a user is reduced when the user moves the video assembly through low torque zone.

Abstract: A multiple radio data service antenna module integrated in a rear view mirror being exposed towards a windscreen in an activated state enhances quality of reception of multiple radio data services and a display unit being integrated in a rear view mirror surface displaying information received by said antenna module informs a driver about relevant data of said data service without distracting the driver.

Abstract: An on-vehicle display apparatus includes a display, a reflector, a rotation device, a manual operation device, an automatic operation device, a controller, and a memory. The manual operation device is capable of, during manual operation thereof, causing the rotation device to operate the reflector in a first rotation direction and a second rotation direction. The memory stores, in association with a rotation position stored in the memory, a rotation direction of the reflector rotated to the rotation position based on an input from the manual operation device. When the controller causes, based on an input from the automatic operation device, the rotation device to rotate the reflector and to stop the reflector at the rotation position stored in the memory, the controller causes the rotation device to rotate the reflector in the rotation direction stored in the memory in association with the rotation position.

Abstract: An entertainment system for a vehicle seat comprises a support structure mounted to a frame of the vehicle seat, and a media unit mounted to the support structure, wherein the support structure includes a frame positioned behind and spaced apart from a headrest of the vehicle seat. The support structure frame includes a plurality of bends to position the support structure frame away from the headrest.

Abstract: A vehicular display device includes an information display portion disposed on a housing provided forwardly of a driver's seat. The information display portion has a display screen disposed in opposed relationship to the driver's seat. The display device further includes a holder unit disposed rearwardly of the housing in opposed relationship with the information display portion, and a mobile terminal detachably retained between the holder unit and the housing.

Abstract: A display apparatus has a structure in which a circumference of a front surface thereof is exposed to the outside. A front panel manufactured by an injection compression molding and formed of a transparent material is attached to a front surface of a display module.

Abstract: A deployment system for user interface devices with enhanced interface capabilities and methods for manufacturing and using same. The deployment system includes a main rotating joint system and a device mounting assembly that are coupled via an extension support system. The main rotating joint system enables the deployment system to be installed at any suitable installation location, such as an armrest; whereas, the device mounting assembly is configured to receive a selected user interface device. Advantageously, the deployment system provides an enlarged internal channel for accommodating larger communication cables and a progressive clutch system for supporting the increased weight of the user interface devices. The deployment system thereby can maintain near-constant tension during deployment of the user interface devices, inhibiting drop injuries to users and damage to the user interface devices.

Abstract: An electro-optic display unit is disclosed. The electro-optic unit may be mountable to an exterior of a vehicle and may be rotatable about a single axis of rotation.

Abstract: A pivoting device especially useful in aircraft passenger cabins that can pivot a monitor between stowed and open positions, the pivoting device including a forward/reverse rotatable driving motor. An electromagnetic brake holds the monitor in stowed and opened positions A power unit powers the motor and the electromagnetic brake. A controller controls the pivoting movement of the monitor. The power unit includes a rectifier circuit that transforms AC to a DC, a step-up circuit that steps up the transformed voltage, a voltage regulator that adjusts the transformed voltage to a prescribed DC voltage, and a retraction power retention circuit including a capacitor. When no source voltage is detected while the monitor is in its opened state, the capacitor supplies the power to a voltage regulator of the power circuit, deactivates the electromagnetic brake and reverse rotates the motor to drive the monitor to its stowed position.

Abstract: An on-vehicle display apparatus includes a motor, a gear train, a threaded rod, a slider screwed to the threaded rod, and a display main body rotatably connected to the slider. The lead angle of the threaded rod is set greater than the friction angle thereof. The gear train includes first and second gears facing each other. Protrusions provided on one of the first and second gears are fitted in recesses provided in the other. A spring member elastically urges the first gear toward the second gear. A detection sensor detects the size of an external force on the basis of the displacement of the first gear against the spring member in the axial direction. The motor is controlled on the basis of the detection result of the detection sensor such that the display main body is moved away from the external force.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror reflective element and a video display device operable to display video information that is viewable by a driver of the vehicle through said mirror reflective element and at a display region of said mirror reflective element. The video display device may be operable to display a directional heading at a compass display portion of the display region, and means may be provided to adjust the directional heading display to limit image sticking of the displayed directional heading. The mirror assembly may have a touch zone having at least one touch pad established at a perimeter border band of the reflective element, and may have another touch sensor to detect a touch of a user away from the touch zone to determine when a detected touch at the touch zone is an unintentional touch.

Abstract: A system for mounting in a vehicle and for reproducing an image at least partially generated by a remote source and shown on a display of the remote source is provided. The system includes a display interface for providing a signal to the display. The system further includes a communications device for mounting in the vehicle and for communicating with the remote source, the communications device configured to receive the image from the remote source. The system yet further includes a processing system operatively coupled to the communications device and the display interface, the processing system configured to provide a representation of the image to the display interface. The system yet further includes a memory device communicably coupled to the processing system and including computer code for controlling the communications device so that the representation of the image provided to the display interface is updated to reflect new images generated and shown on the remote source.

Abstract: A seatback entertainment display system for a vehicle is provided having a support member extending from a seatback frame, and an adjustment mechanism coupled to the support member, and a display device coupled to the adjustment mechanism. The support member may be a cantilever type beam or frame extending upwardly from the seatback at a position behind and adjacent to a headrest. The support member may also be a pair of rods arranged to fixedly receive the display device and movably receive the headrest. The adjustment device may include any one or more of a forward-rearward tilting mechanism, a side to side pivoting mechanism and an up-down translation mechanism. The seatback entertainment display system is adaptable to optimize a viewing angle for a rear seat occupant of the vehicle, throughout a normal adjustment range of the seat.

Abstract: An unreceivability detector (6) that, based on various information obtained from a signal received from a broadcasting station of a digital broadcast program being viewed/listened to, detects that the received signal of that broadcasting station is currently unreceivable and outputs an unreceivability notification, an affiliated station memory (8) that stores channel information of the program being viewed/listened to and channel information of a station affiliated with that broadcasting station, and a tuning control unit (7) that, when it receives an unreceivability notification from the unreceivability detector, retrieves the channel information of the affiliated station from the affiliated station memory (8) and permits the program of the affiliated station to be viewed/listened to, if it is currently in a receivable state, and outputs an instruction to make a channel search for an affiliated station if no affiliated station is stored in the affiliated station memory are provided.

Abstract: A process and device are disclosed for playing back multimedia data in a motor vehicle. A digital multiplexed audio-video data stream from a multimedia data carrier, in particular a DVD, is read and separated into an audio data stream, a video data stream and a menu data stream. The audio data stream is converted into an audio signal which can be acoustically output and is output by an acoustic output unit. The video data stream and the menu data stream are combined into a digital graphic data stream which is blanked out when the motor vehicle is in movement. The graphic data stream is converted into a graphic signal which can be graphically output and is output by a graphic output unit. This ensures that the menu data are displayed even when the vehicle is in movement, so that the multimedia data carrier remains constantly useable.

Abstract: A monitor adapted for mounting in an automobile headrest is provided. A screen structure of the monitor is pivotable about an upper edge thereof, such that the monitor occupies little volume within the headrest. A viewing angle of the screen structure is independently adjustable by a viewer, such that the viewer can continuously select the optimum viewing angle with changing conditions inside the automobile. The screen structure automatically retracts into a housing when struck. Thus, the monitor poses little risk of injury to passengers. The housing of the monitor is attachable to the headrest with screws, which provides a very sturdy connection and reduces the chances of the housing becoming detached from the headrest during a vehicle collision. The hinged connection between the screen structure and the housing is preferably constructed of interconnected components made from sturdy materials, such as metals.

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.

Abstract: A vehicle entertainment system and method to prevent a mechanical connection between certain components of an entertainment system for a vehicle can include an entertainment system housing containing a plurality of entertainment components and a remote control module. The remote control module can include a user interface on a surface of the remote control module. In addition, the remote control module can be configured to prevent secure mounting of the remote control module to the entertainment system housing when the remote control module is not the appropriate remote control module for the particular vehicle entertainment system.

Abstract: A display system for a vehicle including a dual-sided display panel pivotably mounted to the interior ceiling of the vehicle. The dual-sided display panel displays an image from a media device to a rear-seat passenger of the vehicle and displays a different image to the driver on a second side of the display panel. The second side of the display panel is viewable by a driver of the vehicle through a rear-view mirror. A user-operated switch indicates what video source is displayed to the driver on the second side of the display panel. A first selectable video source is a camera mounted on the rear of the vehicle to capture rear-view images of the exterior behind the vehicle. A second selectable video source is a camera mounted in the rear passenger area of the vehicle to capture images of a rear-seat passenger.

Abstract: A vehicle display device includes a display surface, a wireless receiver to communicate with a source, and a processing resource that receive content from the source. A coupling mechanism is provided with the display surface to attach the display surface to the vehicle to overlay or replace a surface of the vehicle.

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.

Abstract: A user interface device for presenting selected viewing content and methods for manufacturing and using same. The user interface device is adapted for installation at a suitable location via any of a wide variety of conventional mounting systems. The user interface device thereby can select and present viewing content and, when not in use, can be stowed in a manner that does not interfere with the user. A malfunctioning user interface device can be easily removed from the mounting system and replaced with another user interface device, minimizing inconvenience to the user and facilitating repairs. Since the user interface devices are produced with a common docking interface system, each user interface device can, without modification, be engaged by any other mounting system. Thereby, only one version of the user interface device needs to be produced, purchased, and inventoried.

Abstract: A remote flip ceiling display, including a machine body, a display module, a first action side, a second action side, a remote control key and a control module, wherein a control module is increased in the display module of the ceiling display fixed by the original mechanical tab. The driver may press the remote control key of the front audio, to control the control module to push the tab, and the display module is flipped with it for the rear seat passengers to watch.

Abstract: The present invention features a car theater system using rear projection that extends projection distance through a reflection mirror, and may not restrict movement of passengers, and may not block an image projected toward a screen. According to preferred embodiments, the car theater system of the present invention comprises a video player, a projector, a reflection mirror, a screen for imaging an image reflected by the reflection mirror.

Abstract: A vehicle entertainment system and method to prevent a mechanical connection between certain components of an entertainment system for a vehicle can include an entertainment system housing containing a plurality of entertainment components and a remote control module. The remote control module can include a user interface on a surface of the remote control module. In addition, the remote control module can be configured to prevent secure mounting of the remote control module to the entertainment system housing when the remote control module is not the appropriate remote control module for the particular vehicle entertainment system.

Abstract: A device includes an adapter having a number of holes and a number of threaded studs. The holes are arranged in a spaced apart pattern corresponding to a bolt pattern of a legacy cockpit display unit. The threaded studs are arranged in a spaced apart pattern similar to a bolt pattern of a display unit.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display (LCD) car monitor frame structure without blocking a driver's rear vision includes a roof mount fixed to a car ceiling, a LCD monitor, and at least one connecting member connecting the LCD monitor to the roof mount. An unobstructed space is formed between the roof mount and the LCD monitor when the LCD monitor is rotated out and pulled down to a pre-determined position for utilization by passengers. The unobstructed space accords with the view angle of the rearview mirror of a car. The rear vision of a driver will not be blocked while rear seat passengers watch the LCD monitor.

Abstract: The present disclosure sets forth a video display monitor and deployment system for a vehicle, airplane, or other compact environment. In particular, the disclosure sets forth a compact video display monitor that may be stowed within a deployment system housing when not in use, and manually deployed to an extended position for viewing. In at least one aspect, the system provides a mechanism that rotates the video display monitor from a flat position to a vertical viewing position as it extends out of the deployment system housing.

Abstract: An in-flight entertainment (IFE) system that integrates a touch screen display device with a tray table (e.g., an airplane tray table or a train tray table) to provide a superior media experience. The IFE system is configured to be situated in an active use position wherein a user may interact with the touch screen and also use a tray table. The IFE system may be moved into a stowed position wherein it is positioned adjacent to a back of a passenger seat and operated in a passive viewing mode. The IFE system may include a bottom panel or tray portion having a window pane so that the display device is viewable when the IFE system is in the stowed position. A portable IFE system comprising a foldable clamp that clamps to an edge of a conventional table and folds into a stowed position is also disclosed.

Abstract: A media device for a vehicle includes an interchangeable switch assembly, and a console including a receiving part accommodating the interchangeable switch assembly. The interchangeable switch assembly includes a switch panel and a circuit board. The interchangeable switch assembly further includes a backlight unit for providing light to the switch panel.

Abstract: A first local communication part of a vehicle mounted device transmits a first data including at least one of a first video data or a first audio data generated by an AV input/output unit of the vehicle mounted device to a server device. The first local communication unit receives a second data including at least one of a second video data or a second audio data from the server device. A first recording unit of the vehicle mounted device records therein the first data, the second data, and a unique information relating to a vehicle or a user of the vehicle. The first local communication unit further transmits the unique information to the server device.

Abstract: The invention provides an instrument control panel that is easily customized and reconfigured, and yet provides the familiar tactile sensation of physical knobs, sliders, and buttons. The instrument control panel comprises one or more interface components that are removably coupled to an interface display wherein the interface components communicate with one or more control components disposed behind the interface display. The present invention lends itself particularly well to an instrument panel.

Abstract: A display apparatus for a vehicle includes a liquid crystal panel, a backlight unit, and a control circuit. The liquid crystal panel has a screen constructed with pixels. A first portion of the pixels displays a speed image indicating a vehicle speed. A second portion of the pixels displays a warning image indicating a vehicle abnormal condition. The control circuit adjusts brightness of the screen by controlling intensity of colors in the speed and warning images in such a manner that brightness of the warning image is greater than brightness of the speed image. The luminance of the light supplied to the screen by the backlight unit is kept constant.

Abstract: A vehicle includes left-hand and right-hand video monitors. Each of the video monitors includes opposing top and bottom edges and opposing left-hand and right-hand lateral edges extending between the top and bottom edges. A translation mechanism couples the video monitors to a vehicle body. The video monitors are movable between a first position wherein the right-hand lateral edge of the left-hand video monitor is spaced apart from the left-hand lateral edge of the right-hand video monitor, and a second position wherein the right-hand lateral edge of the left-hand video monitor is adjacent to the left-hand lateral edge of the right-hand video monitor.

Abstract: A monitor position adjustment device comprises: a backseat monitor which is provided at a backward position of a front seat in a vehicle such that an angle of a screen thereof is electrically adjusted toward a backseat; an angle detection unit configured to detect the angle of the backseat monitor; an operation input unit which is provided at a position where an operation by an operator on the front seat can be performed, and on which the angle of the backseat monitor after screen change can be input; a front seat display which is provided in front of the front seat and includes a screen toward the front seat; and a processing unit configured to perform display control of the front seat display based on a detection result of the angle detection unit, wherein the processing unit controls the front seat display to display current angle information of the backseat monitor.

Abstract: An image display system attached to a ceiling of a vehicle includes a main body, attached to the ceiling, having a first housing recess and a second housing recess which is positioned further backward than the first housing recess in a length of the vehicle; a rotatable monitor portion having a display screen, wherein a contained state in which the display screen is contained in the first housing recess and an unfolded state in which the display screen protrudes from the first housing recess are switchable by rotating the display screen, and the display screen is oriented toward a back seat of the vehicle in the unfolded state; and a controller having an operation-face for controlling operation of the image display system, wherein the controller is detachably contained in the second housing recess in a manner such that the operation face is positioned facing downward.