Abstract: Positioning a front panel of a telematics terminal includes receiving an electronic signal that indicates a change in a physical position of a display panel of the telematics terminal. The front panel, which is distinct from the display panel of the telematics terminal but located on a same side of the telematics terminal as the display panel, is moved from a first position to a second position based on the control signal. The second position is physically displaced from the first position.

Abstract: An entertainment system for a vehicle comprises a console section mounted on a surface in the vehicle, a media source layer including a media source mounted on the console section, and a screen section mounted on the media source layer, wherein the screen section includes a display and is capable of being mounted on the console section when the media source layer is removed from the console section.

Abstract: A mobile video system includes a housing having a front surface and a rear surface. The housing is shaped and dimensioned for attachment to a rear surface of a back support portion of an vehicle seat, wherein the housing includes a rear surface that is provided with coupling members shaped and dimensioned for attachment to the back support portion of the vehicle seat. A video monitor and a video source are supported within the housing. The video monitor is mounted within the housing for movement between an exposed orientation in which it is positioned above the housing and a storage position in which it is positioned within the housing for protection from the external environment.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a ceiling with a headliner, a cradle secured within the ceiling of the vehicle and a video system selectively secured to the cradle for movement between a use position and a storage position. The video system includes a base with a first hinge permitting movement between the use position and the storage position. A rotation control mechanism is associated with the first hinge for adjustably controlling the use position and the storage position of the video system.

Abstract: A panel detaching mechanism that can detach a panel from a main body while simplifying the structure in front of the panel is provided. In an car audio system, a lock unit latches an operation panel with a support unit in the state where the panel front face is opened outwards, and releases the latching of the operation panel with the main body when a user presses a detach button. A tilt mechanism pulls out the panel bottom face out more than other outside faces such as the panel top face from the state where the operation panel is at the standard position with the operation panel latched with a support unit, by pulling out the support unit. The detach button is arranged on the panel bottom face.

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.

Abstract: A video display system for a vehicle includes a first video display for providing an image projection to a rearview mirror of the vehicle, and a second video display mounted behind the first video display. A camera can provide an image feed to the first video display, and the second video display can display media content such as DVD media.

Abstract: A vehicle sound system is constructed and arranged to establish a sound image at a desired location spaced from the sound source.

Abstract: The video system for viewing a vehicle back seat is a video surveillance system used for viewing a vehicle back seat. A remote camera is encased within a transmitting unit, which is preferably padded on its exterior, and further includes a multimedia display and at least one universal serial bus port for receiving multimedia data. The transmitting unit is mounted about the interior of a vehicle, such as a seat, and transmits video to a portable receiving display screen mounted about the view of the vehicle driver.

Abstract: A display screen mount apparatus. The apparatus includes a mounting frame positioned adjacent a vehicle ceiling. The mounting frame includes an attachment interface applying the weight of the apparatus to an external vehicle roof surface. A slide assembly includes a stationary end coupled to the mounting frame and an extensible member that is horizontally extensible from the mounting frame. A vertical support frame for supporting a display screen is pivotally coupled to the extensible member such that the support frame may be angularly rotated between a horizontal storage position and a vertical display position. A housing coupled to the support frame provides a housing recess for receiving the screen. The apparatus further includes an L-shaped fulcrum lever having a user-actuated arm and a spring-actuated arm. The user-actuated arm is coupled in parallel with the support frame. A pneumatic spring is coupled between and applies an expansive force between the slide assembly and the spring-actuated arm.

Abstract: An automotive display includes a base, a plurality of connecting rods and a screen. The base is fixed on a top surface within a car body. The connecting rods are pivotally connected to both sides of the base, so that these connecting rods can rotate with respect to the base. Furthermore, one surface of each connecting rod is recessed to form an accommodating groove. One side of each accommodating groove is provided with a rack. The upper ends on both sides of the screen are provided with a fixing mount respectively. A pivotal shaft protrudes outwards from each fixing mount. Each pivotal shaft is inserted through a gear. Each gear is accommodated in the accommodating groove and engaged with the rack, thereby driving the screen to move up and down. Via the arrangement of gears and racks, the location of the screen can be adjusted freely, thereby avoiding the field of view in driving from being obstructed and thus guaranteeing the safety in driving.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a ceiling, a cradle secured within the ceiling of the vehicle, the cradle including a first end and a second end, and a video system selectively secured to the cradle, the video system including a base having a first end and a second end. The vehicle also includes an identification system ensuring the video system is compatible with the video system.

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 a ceiling, a cradle secured within the ceiling of the vehicle and a video system selectively secured to the cradle for movement between a use position and a storage position. The video system includes a base shaped and dimensioned for selectively coupling with the cradle. The base includes a first hinge facilitating rotation of the video system, wherein the first hinge includes a safety lock preventing movement of the video system from the second storage position to the first use position.

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 vehicle includes a ceiling with a headliner, a cradle secured within the ceiling of the vehicle and a video system selectively secured to the cradle for movement between a use position and a storage position. Side edges of the video system are exposed with no surrounding structure when in its storage position.

Abstract: There is provided a console for a vehicle. The console includes an assembly housing adapted to mount against an interior surface of the vehicle. A wireless receiver, houseable in the assembly, is adapted to receive wireless signals from at least one input video source. A display device, houseable in the assembly and operatively coupled to the wireless receiver, is adapted to reproduce the wireless signals. The wireless signals are at least one of radio frequency, infrared, and optical signals. The console may further include a processor adapted to execute applications associated with the console, and an operating system adapted to manage the applications associated with the console. The console may also include a web browser adapted to interact with one of the Internet and the World Wide Web. The console may also further includes signal processing facilities adapted to perform at least one of signal processing and signal conversion, with respect to the wireless signals.

Abstract: A monitor opening and closing mechanism according to the present invention includes a first guide means guiding a monitor to rotate from home position to a first opened position, and a second guide means guiding the monitor to rotate from the first opened position to a second opened position where the monitor is further opened, wherein the center of rotation about which the second guide means guides the monitor to rotate is disposed more nearly to the side of the home position than the center of rotation about which the first guide means guides the monitor to rotate is disposed.

Abstract: A removable vehicle entertainment system is provided. The system includes a video display screen for displaying entertainment to an occupant of the vehicle. The system can be removed from the docking bracket in the vehicle, and attached to an external docking station such that the system can be used independently of the power supply and speakers of the vehicle. Further, the system can be used as a self-contained personal entertainment system. The system includes mechanical and/or electrical componentry that determines audio mute and video display configuration based on a power signal and a docked signal.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for gathering data concerning media usage by predetermined audience members. An audience measurement code in acoustic energy produced by a media receiver is detected by a portable media monitor. The monitor also detects a location code produced in a vicinity of the media receiver.

Abstract: A modular, reconfigurable entertainment and data system provides data to at least one user. A cabinet is provided which contains a plurality of module receiving rails therein. A power supply module is positioned on a first one of the rails and provides an operating potential. An entertainment/data module is positioned on a second rail and a control module is positioned on a third one of the module receiving rails and provides an interface between the user and the entertainment/data module.

Abstract: A case body which can accommodate a display panel and a traveling unit provided movably inside this case body are provided. In the traveling unit, a traveling mechanism for performing reciprocation and a panel revolution mechanism for performing an revolution operation of the display panel ejected from the case body are provided. A panel coupling portion attachably and detachably coupling the display panel with the traveling unit is provided. The panel coupling portion is rotated by the panel revolution mechanism in order to revolve the display panel. A locking tool is provided in the panel coupling portion, and the locking tool is moved between the release position at which separation of the display panel from the panel coupling portion is allowed by the panel revolution mechanism and the lock position at which the separation of the display panel from the panel coupling portion is prevented.

Abstract: In order to enable mounting of a cabinet having a display unit to a supporting base, axial members in the shape of a regular polygonal prism are disposed in the cabinet 1 and fitting holes into which the regular polygonal prisms can be fitted, respectively, are disposed in the supporting base. By opening and then closing, or opening and then moving the axial members, the user can fit or remove them into or from the fitting holes, respectively, so as to mount or demount the cabinet to or from the supporting base. By tilting the cabinet by an angle when fitting the axial members into the fitting holes, respectively, the user can change the rotational attitude of the cabinet with respect to the supporting base. Thereby, the user can use the display unit at different times and at different positions with simple manipulations.

Abstract: A rail system for use in a vehicle comprises a rail mounted to an overhead portion of the vehicle, wherein the rail includes at least one track electrically connected to a vehicle power supply and at least one other track electrically connected to a media source, a support member removably mounted to the rail, and a console coupled to the support member, wherein the console is electrically connected to the at least one track for receiving power from the vehicle power supply and to the at least one other track for receiving data from the media source.

Abstract: In order to enable mounting of a cabinet 1 having a display unit to a supporting base 9, axial members 121 and 131 in the shape of a regular polygonal prism are disposed in the cabinet 1 and fitting holes 91 and 92 into which the regular polygonal prisms can be fitted, respectively, are disposed in the supporting base 9. By opening and then closing, or opening and then moving the axial members 121 and 131, the user can fit or remove them into or from the fitting holes 91 and 92, respectively, so as to mount or demount the cabinet to or from the supporting base. By tilting the cabinet by an angle when fitting the axial members into the fitting holes, respectively, the user can change the rotational attitude of the cabinet 1 with respect to the supporting base. Thereby, the user can use the display unit at different times and at different positions with simple manipulations.

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.

Abstract: A foldable mobile video device includes a base panel, a display panel, and a multimedia unit. The base panel has a rear supporting side, a front utility side, and a multimedia compartment indently formed on the front utility side. The display panel has an outer displaying side and inner enclosing side, wherein the display panel is pivotally connected to the base panel edge-to-edge to pivotally fold the display panel between a folded position and an unfolded position. The multimedia unit includes a display screen provided on the outer displaying side of the display panel, and a media reader operatively mounted at the multimedia compartment for reading digital data of a multimedia disposed in the multimedia compartment so as to display the digital data of the multimedia on the display screen, with a selectively adjustable eye-to-screen distance.

Abstract: A monitor driving apparatus of a car audio/video system having a monitor is provided. The apparatus includes: a monitor main body hinged, at its lower end, to inside of the car audio/video system, and having a pair of mutually spaced pins provided at one side surface; a sliding plate installed at one side surface of the monitor main body, and having a first guide hole and a second guide hole; a driven gear installed at a gear shaft fixed to the inside of the car audio/video system; a driving arm having one end connected to the second guide hole, and the other end engaged with the driven gear; a worm wheel having a small-diameter part and a large-diameter part, the small-diameter part being toothed with the driving arm; a worm gear toothed with the large-diameter part; and a driving motor for providing a rotary force to the worm gear.

Abstract: A portable video system comprises a video unit for facilitating play of a video medium, the player having a hinge, a display pivotally attached to the video player on the hinge, and a base unit secured to a substrate for selectively coupling a control panel of the video unit to the substrate, wherein the control panel can be selectively un-coupled from the base unit.

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 turning maneuver assist system and method are provided for assisting the driver of a vehicle with a visual image while turning the vehicle. The system includes first and second cameras positioned to generate video images on respective first and second sides of the vehicle. The system also includes a drop-down display located onboard the vehicle for displaying images generated by the first and second video cameras. The system further includes a controller for controlling activation of the first and second cameras and the presentation of images on the display. The controller activates one of the first and second cameras and controls the display to output images captured by the activated camera when the vehicle is determined to be turning. The display is mounted forward and above the driver and moves between a stowed position and a viewable position.

Abstract: An automobile entertainment system includes a video system mounted within an automobile headrest. The headrest includes a headrest body in which the video system is mounted. The video system also includes an integrated housing supporting a video monitor and a television receiver.

Abstract: An automobile entertainment system includes a video system mounted within an automobile headrest. The headrest includes a headrest body in which the video system is mounted. The video system also includes an integrated housing supporting a video monitor and a television receiver.

Abstract: A vehicle seat, especially an aircraft passenger seat, has seat components such as the seat part, backrest and at least one console (10) which laterally borders the seat part, which forms an armrest, and which has a holder (12). In the holder (12), at least one display screen (14, 16) can be lowered in to its rest position. The screen can be moved by an adjustment part (18) out of the rest position into the position of use and vice versa. In the position of use for a seat occupant, data displayed on the display screen can be viewed. The functional possibilities are expanded to the extent that the console holder is used to store the display screen, by which a seat occupant can access information, whether in the form of a television program or movie, or in the form of computer displays.

Abstract: An automobile entertainment system includes a video system mounted within an automobile headrest. The headrest includes a headrest body in which the video system is mounted. The video system also includes an integrated housing supporting a video monitor and a television receiver.

Abstract: The invention provides an articulating mount for an in-vehicle video display. A support member mounts the display to a guide fixed to a vehicle wall. The guide has a pair of vertically spaced horizontal tracks on which a pair of carriages travel on slides or rollers. The carriages mount at pivots to the top and bottom of one end of the support member. At one end of the tracks are two swing arms that pivotally mount to the top and bottom of the support member at an intermediate location between its ends. The support member and display can thus articulate with respect to the guide by the carriages translating one end of the support member along the tracks and pivoting the other end of the support member out away from the plane of the tracks.

Abstract: A display retract mechanism for moving a display between a retracted position and a deployed position is disclosed and explained. The display retract mechanism is useful, for example, in mounting a liquid crystal display within the cabin of a passenger vehicle, such as an aircraft or bus. A geared chain drive supplies torque necessary for rotating a pivot shaft on which the display is attached. The display is biased toward a retracted position by a gas spring with a substantially linear force curve between the retracted position and the deployed position. Also disclosed are an infrared sensor for detecting when the display is in the deployed position, a solenoid latch for holding the display in the retracted position, and an electromechanical clutch for maintaining the display in a particular position.

Abstract: A reception structure for a video/audio device includes a machine box having a surface on which a display is mounted. The display has one side by which a CD-ROM having an end is mounted. The machine box is received within a reception box and the end of CD-ROM of the machine box is pushed out from the reception box so that a CD is allowed to be accessed with respect to the CD-ROM when a locking mechanism is loosened. The locking mechanism for fixing the machine box within the reception box and a spring-out mechanism for pushing out the end of the CD-ROM of the machine box are disposed between the machine box and the reception box.

Abstract: A vehicle video display device is installed on the armrest of a vehicle. Two arm members have one of their ends pivotally attached to two opposite surfaces of the armrest so that the two arm members extend outward from the armrest in parallel. A beam member has its two ends rotatably joined to the other ends of the two arm members respectively so that the beam member is supported across the armrest. A screen member is positioned rotatably on the beam member by an axle.

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 passenger-oriented mobile control system which governs multiple audio, video, vehicle, communications and entertainment components through a single graphical interface in a mobile vehicle environment is disclosed. The system provides multiple satellite radio channels, satellite television, a GPS system, DVD entertainment, the ability to upload various types of flash media/presentations for viewing or modifying its content, and the like. The system enables passengers of a mobile vehicle to control, view and/or listen to each chosen audio and/or visual output either collectively and/or individually. The system also provides assistance and direction to at least a driver such as by displaying faults or errors that occur in the normal operation of the vehicle. The system can also provide direct telephonic, video, GPS, and satellite on board support to the vehicle drivers and passengers. The system includes cabin based components and an assembly enclosure having various audio and/or video controlling components.

Abstract: An multimedia device integration system is provided. One or more after-market audio or video devices, such as a CD player, CD changer, digital media device (e.g., MP3 player, MP4 player, WMV player, Apple iPod, portable media center, or other device) satellite receiver (e.g., XM or Sirius receiver), DAB receiver, video device (e.g., DVD player), cellular telephone, or any other device or combinations thereof, is integrated for use with an existing OEM or after-market car stereo or video system, wherein control commands can be issued at the car stereo or video system and data from the after-market device can be displayed on the car stereo or video system. Control commands generated at the car stereo or video system are received, processed, converted into a format recognizable by the after-market device, and dispatched to the after-market device for execution.

Abstract: A vehicle roof mounted video display is disclosed. The display is rotatable 180° about a first axis, between a stored position within a housing and a second position in which the display lies flat against the vehicle roof. The display is also rotatable at least 60°, and preferably 90°, about a second axis that intersects and is substantially perpendicular to the first axis. Each axis includes self-tensioning hinges to hold the display in any position. The display self aligns as it reaches either of the first and second positions so that the display is substantially parallel to the roof. When the display is in the storage position, the display screen faces, and is safely enclosed by, the housing. The invention also includes a number of built-in features to provide passengers with a wide range of entertainment options.

Abstract: A navigation assembly (5l) for mounting a navigational device (10l) in an open port (12l) of a vehicle resulting from removal of a non-navigational component is provided. The navigation assembly (5l) broadly comprises a mounting assembly (218l) and the navigational device (10l). The mounting assembly (218l) is mounted within the open port (12l), and the navigational device (10l) is fixedly or removably attached to the mounting assembly (218l), such that the navigational device (10l) may be linearly raised or lowered between two viewing positions that are in a general linear relationship to each other. The navigational device (10l) is operable to pivot left and right within the open port (12l). Additionally, a navigation assembly (5m) broadly comprising a mounting assembly (218m) and a navigational device (10m) for raising and lowering the navigational device (10m) among three viewing positions that are in a general linear relationship to each other is provided.

Abstract: A vehicle entertainment system includes a video system mounted within an automobile headrest, the headrest including a headrest body in which the video system is mounted. The video system includes a housing in which a video monitor housing is pivotally mounted, the video monitor housing supporting a video monitor and a video source, the video monitor housing including a top, bottom, first and second sides, front surface and rear surface and wherein the video source is a DVD player mounted along the rear surface of the video monitor housing for accessed from behind the video monitor housing.

Abstract: An entertainment system comprises a media source, and a housing for supporting the media source, wherein the housing is coupled to an inner portion of a seat of a vehicle, and the media source is capable of being selectively connected to and disconnected from the housing.

Abstract: An vehicle video display device is installed on the armrest of a vehicle. Two arm members have one of their ends pivotally attached to two opposite surfaces of the armrest so that the two arm members extend outward from the armrest in parallel. A beam member has its two ends rotatably joined to the other ends of the two arm members respectively so that the beam member is supported across the armrest. A screen member is positioned rotatably on the beam member by an axle.

Abstract: A connecting device comprises a first power plug for connecting to a power output port of a vehicle, a second power plug for connecting to a power input port on an electronic device, at least one signal plug for connecting to at least one signal output port of the electronic device, wherein visual signals and audio signals are received by the connecting device through the at least one signal plug, and a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting the visual signals and the audio signals to a receiver in the vehicle.

Abstract: In an integrated type video reproducing equipment having a reproducing unit for reproducing the video information, a display unit for displaying the reproduced video information, and a chassis for supporting them, the equipment is provided with supporting means for supporting the displacement of both the units, and fixing means for fixing the displacement so that both the units are able to displace in a predetermined direction and to fixe and house in a predetermined position. Thus, there is provided a small-sized video reproducing equipment which is superior in the operability and visibility when in use as well as in the housing efficiency when housed.

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.