Abstract: A method for providing audible signals (such as speech) to a driver of a vehicle which appear to originate from a virtual sound source in front of the driver, so that it will feel normal for the driver to respond interactively by speaking without turning the head to the source of the audible signal. The driver's head position is estimated according to data provided by sensors in the driver's seat, and this position data, together with acoustical characteristics of the vehicle interior, is used to derive a transfer function for filtering electrical audible signals to the loudspeakers to simulate a virtual sound source in front of the driver.

Abstract: A speaker includes a magnetic circuit, a voice coil, and a diaphragm which are disposed in a case. The case is placed in an engine compartment of an automobile. Reproduced sound is emitted through a duct protruding outward from the case. A partition wall, which is a metal body frame of the automobile, is present between the engine compartment and the cabin space. The duct is inserted into a hole formed in the partition wall so that a sound port faces and protrudes into the cabin space. A heat dissipation port is formed in the case, and an end surface the magnetic circuit facing the partition wall is exposed in the heat dissipation port. An elastically deformable thermal conductive sheet is sandwiched between the partition wall and the end surface of the magnetic circuit.

Abstract: An audio module for use in a vehicle cabin. An elongated substantially sealed enclosure has two ends in the lengthwise direction. A first acoustic driver is mounted in the enclosure near one end of the enclosure for radiating acoustic energy from the end of the enclosure. A second acoustic driver is mounted in the enclosure near a second end of the enclosure for radiating acoustic energy from the second end of the enclosure. The audio module includes a bass augmenting device for radiating low frequency acoustic energy from the enclosure. The audio module is constructed and arranged to be pre-assembled so that the audio module can be installed in the vehicle as a single assembly. The audio module is configured to be mounted to the vehicle so that the lengthwise direction is substantially vertical with the first end of the enclosure higher than the second end of the enclosure.

Abstract: A lightweight radio/CD player for vehicular application is virtually “fastenerless” and includes a case and frontal interface formed of polymer based material that is molded to provide details to accept audio devices such as playback mechanisms (if desired) and radio receivers, as well as the circuit boards required for electrical control and display. The case and frontal interface are of composite structure, including an insert molded electrically conductive wire mesh screen that has been pre-formed to contour with the molding operation. The wire mesh provides EMC, RFI, BCI and ESD shielding and grounding of the circuit boards via exposed wire mesh pads and adjacent ground clips. The PCB architecture is bifurcated into a first board carrying common circuit components in a surface mount configuration suitable for high volume production, and a second board carrying application specific circuit components in a wave soldered stick mount configuration.

Abstract: An adaptive speaker panel is provided. The speaker panel can have a speaker opening and a pair of concentric sealing ribs proximate to the speaker opening, the pair of sealing ribs having a first sealing rib and a second sealing rib spaced inwardly from the first scaling rib. The first and second sealing ribs are arranged such that without modification to the speaker panel, a speaker basket can seal against the first sealing rib if the basket is too large to seal against the second sealing rib, or in the alternative, the speaker basket can seal against the second sealing rib if the basket is too small to seal against the first sealing rib.

Abstract: A vehicle entertainment system (1) is adapted to be mounted to a vehicle. It has a mounting bracket (2) adapted for coupling to a dashboard of a vehicle, a vehicle seat, its headrest if present, or mounting posts for such a headrest, or into an arm-rest for a vehicle seat. A mounting arm (7) is mounted for rotation relative to the mounting bracket about a main axis (6) arranged in use to extend generally horizontally. A monitor unit (3) has a front side (5) and a rear side (29). The monitor unit has at least one structure enabling access to entertainment for a user. The structure may be at least one of a monitor screen on the front side, controls for an audio system on the front side, controls for an audio system on the rear side, and a slot (30) adapted for a tablet computer to dock therein both physically and electronically with the screen of the tablet computer (35) exposed on the rear side.

Abstract: In a general aspect, a system includes a controller which generates a control parameter based on a signal representative of a load on an engine. One or more engine harmonic signals are generated based on the control parameter.

Abstract: To provide a vehicle approach notification control apparatus for an electric motorcycle, which can output notification sound for notifying a walker or the like of approach of an electric motorcycle with an appropriate sound volume. The vehicle approach notification control apparatus for an electric motorcycle includes a speaker for generating notification sound equivalent to engine sound of an engine driven motorcycle of a vehicle category that is the same as a vehicle category of the electric motorcycle in response to a motor speed of an electric motor or a vehicle speed. The vehicle approach notification control apparatus includes a pseudo engine sound volume storage device configured to store sound volume data of engine sound with respect to the entire running sound upon running of the engine driven vehicle, and a control unit for controlling the notification sound.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to monitor media exposure in vehicles are disclosed. An example implementation includes collecting audience measurement data with a media monitoring device fixed in a vehicle and transmitting the audience measurement data from the media monitoring device to a shuttle located within the vehicle, the shuttle being incapable of collecting audience measurement data independent of the media monitoring device.

Abstract: An ambient information notification apparatus includes: an interior sound acquisition device acquiring an interior sound in a compartment of the vehicle; an ambient information presentation sound generator generating an ambient information presentation sound; and an ambient information presentation sound output device outputting the ambient information presentation sound. The ambient information presentation sound satisfies that a sound pressure level of the ambient information presentation sound is higher than the interior sound in a predetermined frequency band, and is lower than or equal to the interior sound in other frequency band, and that the ambient information presentation sound is provided by stereophony, in which a sound image localization direction approximately directs to a virtual sound source.

Abstract: Methods, systems and storage media are disclosed for enhancing the sounds of any vehicle, motorized conveyance, vehicle simulator, video game or vehicle like device by feeding the output of a playback device of the invention fed by a storage medium of the invention containing signals including one or more sounds of an operating DEV of choice and a signal indicating the RPM of the operating vehicle, motorized conveyance, vehicle simulator, video game or vehicle like device into one or more speakers and/or headphones. DEV's (Driving enthusiast vehicles) includes performance vehicles, race cars, trucks, tanks, motorcycles, power boats and the like. Using the invention, a driver or passenger is able to produce, inside the passenger compartment of any vehicle, etc., the sounds that a DEV makes at the corresponding RPM's of the separate engines.

Abstract: A sound modification system and a method of managing sound in a vehicle. The system includes an active noise reduction (ANR) controller, an engine sound enhancement (ESE) controller and a sound modification controller. When the vehicle is in a steady state driving condition, the sound modification controller activates the ANR controller and deactivates the ESE controller. In contrast, when the vehicle is in a non-steady state driving condition, the sound modification controller activates the ESE controller and deactivates the ANR controller. Preferably, when the vehicle switches between the steady state and non-steady state driving conditions, the sound modification controller activates and deactivates the ANR and ESE controllers at a rate that is not noticeable to a human. In summary, the system utilizes the ANR and ESE controllers to achieve an optimal passenger cabin experience for the driver during any driving condition.

Abstract: An accessory mounting system for a vehicle includes a bracket attached at a windshield of the vehicle. The accessory mounting system includes control circuitry housed in a housing, and the control circuitry is associated with an electronic device housed in the housing. The electronic device is selected from the group consisting of a microphone, a camera, an antenna, a loudspeaker, a rain sensor and an automatic toll booth transducer. The control circuitry is in communication with a vehicle bus system of the equipped vehicle. The bracket may include first structure and the housing may include second structure. The first structure and the second structure may be configured to enable the housing (i) to be attached to the bracket with the bracket attached at the vehicle windshield and (ii) to be detached from the bracket with the bracket attached at the vehicle windshield.

Abstract: Provided is a sound generating device (20) for a vehicle, including: a plurality of pressure sensors (21a to 21d) for detecting air pressures of an air intake sound of an engine (12) and outputting the air pressures as sound pressure signals; a signal processing unit (24) for performing processing of changing the sound pressure signals in accordance with a driving condition of a vehicle (10); and loudspeakers (28a and 28b) for outputting the sound pressure signals as the air intake sound of the engine (12). Then, the plurality of pressure sensors (21a to 21d) are provided at an interval in a circumferential direction of an outer periphery of an air intake duct (15) at positions in a vicinity of an air flow meter (18) on an air cleaner (16) side with respect to a center of the air intake duct (15), the air intake duct (15) connecting the air cleaner (16) to a throttle body (17).

Abstract: An entertainment system for a vehicle, including a media player and a control panel having an option that allows a user to select either a first communication mode or a second communication mode, wherein the first communication mode sets the entertainment system to respond to a transmitted first set of codes and the second communication mode sets the entertainment system to respond to a transmitted second set of codes.

Abstract: A vehicle-in-blind-spot detecting apparatus detects a vehicle positioned in a blind spot by mounting the apparatus on an operator's vehicle. The vehicle-in-blind-spot includes a presenting unit which presents information; at least one microphone which detects a sound; a vehicle sound extracting unit which extracts a vehicle sound from the sound detected by the microphone; and a sound source direction detecting unit which detects a sound source direction of the vehicle sound extracted by the vehicle sound extracting unit. A vehicle-in-blind-spot determining unit causes the presenting unit to present the information indicating that a vehicle is found in a blind spot in the case where the sound source direction of the vehicle sound detected by the sound source direction detecting unit is a first direction representing above the vehicle-in-blind-spot detecting apparatus with respect to a ground.

Abstract: An active sound control apparatus includes a delay circuit for delaying the output of a frequency component of a sound effect by delaying an engine rotation frequency signal representative of an engine rotation frequency [Hz], a delay circuit for delaying the output of an amplitude component of the sound effect by delaying an engine rotation frequency change signal representative of an engine rotation frequency change [Hz/second], and delay circuits for delaying the output of all components of the sound effect by delaying a control signal for controlling the outputs of speakers.

Abstract: An articulating speaker assembly includes a first member including a first driver and a second member including second driver. The first member and the second member are pivotally connected for selectively changing the profile of the speaker assembly. A central housing member is pivotally connected to each of the first member and the second member, wherein the central housing member supports a third driver.

Abstract: An audio device 100 which replays audio on the basis of an external audio signal PAS outputted from a portable audio device (500) includes: a power supply unit 170, that is a power supply element which supplies power at a predetermined voltage to the portable audio device 500; a control unit 110, that is a control element which, along with notifying to the portable audio device 500 function setting information FRP that is operability information specifying whether or not inherent actuation input is possible using an inherent actuation input element provided to the portable audio device, also controls the details notified; and speakers 130L and 130R, that are audio replay element for replaying audio on the basis of the external audio signal PAS. As a result, an audio device 100 is implemented which can enhance the convenience to the user, in cooperation with the portable audio device 500.

Abstract: Introduction of sounds outside a vehicle is automatically controlled according to a driving state of the vehicle. In a vehicle, a microphone device that collects sounds outside the vehicle and a speaker device that reproduces the collected sounds are installed. When a gear position for the vehicle is a reverse driving position, and until the vehicle reaches a predetermined speed for the first time after a key position in an ignition key switch is switched from an off position to an accessories position or an on position, the collected sounds are reproduced. The collected sounds are transmitted to a car navigation device or a car audio system via wires or wirelessly. When the sounds outside the vehicle are reproduced, sound reproduction in the car navigation device or the car audio system is stopped and the sounds outside the vehicle are reproduced at a set volume.

Abstract: An articulating speaker assembly includes a first member pivotally connected to a second member for selectively changing the profile of the speaker assembly. A central driver is positioned between the first member and the second member. The first member includes a first enclosure with a cavity shaped and dimensioned for receiving a first driver, the first driver being secured within the first enclosure. The second member includes a second enclosure with a cavity shaped and dimensioned for receiving a second driver, the second driver being secured within the second enclosure. Each of the first member and the second member includes a central driver aperture and the central driver is mounted within the central driver apertures of the first member and the second member.

Abstract: A multi-beam sound system includes a fixed beamforming section which steers the input signal inputted from the microphone array to an intended direction, a blocking matrix which receives the input signal and acquires a noise reference signal from the input signal, a variable beamforming section which acquires an adaptive noise signal from the noise reference signal outputted from the blocking matrix, and a generalized sidelobe canceller (GSC) which includes canceling means for outputting an object signal from the input signal outputted from the fixed beamforming section by removing the adaptive noise signal from the input signal. The fixed beamforming section steers the input signal in at least two directions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle (1) having an alternative engine (2) and having at least one first loudspeaker (7) for outputting a sound to the surroundings of the vehicle (1), wherein a microphone (3, 4, 5) is provided in the engine space of the vehicle (1) in order to pick up the engine sounds of the engine (2) and that amplifier means (6) are provided in order to amplify the picked-up engine sounds and wherein the first loudspeaker (7) is provided in the engine space in order to re-output the picked-up engine sounds in amplified form directly in the engine space.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle having a multilayer roof structure and a microphone unit integrated into the roof structure. Here, a supporting layer has a through opening reaching to a lower covering layer, wherein the through opening is covered by the lower covering layer, wherein the microphone unit is associated with the through opening and wherein the microphone unit is opposite the lower covering layer with its sound entry region.

Abstract: Systems and method for adapting a gain of an audio signal containing at least two different tracks with different signal level ranges. An example system includes a loudness determination unit for determining a perceived loudness of the audio input signal based on a psychoacoustic model of a human hearing. The system further includes a loudness adaptation unit configured to determine a loudness adaptation indicator based on the perceived loudness and a predetermined loudness, and to introduce the loudness adaptation indicator into the audio signal to generate an adapted gain signal. A gain determination unit is configured to adapt the gain for outputting the audio signal containing the at least two tracks based on the loudness adaptation indicators in the adapted gain signal at about the predetermined loudness.

Abstract: A lightweight radio/CD player for vehicular application is virtually “fastenerless” and includes a case and frontal interface formed of polymer based material that is molded to provide details to accept audio devices such as playback mechanisms (if desired) and radio receivers, as well as the circuit boards required for electrical control and display. The case and frontal interface are of composite structure, including an insert molded electrically conductive wire mesh screen that has been pre-formed to contour with the molding operation. The wire mesh provides EMC, RFI, BCI and ESD shielding and grounding of the circuit boards via exposed wire mesh pads and adjacent ground clips. The PCB architecture is bifurcated into a first board carrying common circuit components in a surface mount configuration suitable for high volume production, and a second board carrying application specific circuit components in a wave soldered stick mount configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed is an installation structure for a loudspeaker system in a vehicle, the loudspeaker system being installed in a vehicle front space separated from a vehicle interior by a partition, the vehicle front space being anterior to the vehicle interior, the installation structure including a sound guide port extending through the partition. The sound guide port allows a sound output space of a diaphragm in the loudspeaker system to communicate with front part of the vehicle interior.

Abstract: Compensating for varying degrees of ambient noise in a mobile device. One possible noise compensation application has a plurality of selectable settings associated with a range of speeds of motion. This noise compensation application, when executed by the processor, configures the control circuit to: receive an input from the detector, detect an amplitude of the input, compare the amplitude with a selected one of the settings, and selectively adjust an amplification device when the detected amplitude is within a prescribed range. Another possible noise compensation application has plurality of selectable settings each associated with a range of audio frequencies. This noise compensation application, when executed by the processor, configures the control circuit to: receive an input from the detector, detect a frequency of the input, compare the frequency with a selected one of the settings, and selectively filter the ambient noise when the detected frequency is within a prescribed range.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an interior structural assembly for a vehicle. The assembly includes a defrost panel forming at least a portion of a defrost duct, the defrost panel has first and second panel extensions laterally extending at opposite ends of a defrost base and an instrument panel overlaying the defrost panel, the instrument panel having at least one defrost aperture and first and second ends generally horizontally extending across the interior width of the vehicle, wherein the first and second panel extensions extend to the first and second ends of the instrument panel, respectively.

Abstract: A digital receiver system to recover signals from inter-symbol-interference includes a finite impulse response (FIR) filter using convolution to recover signals; and a channel estimator coupled to the FIR filter to estimate FIR coefficients, wherein the channel estimator uses a second order expectation and a fourth order expectation from a convolution to calculate error function.

Abstract: A running-linked sound producing device produces a running-linked sound according to a running state of a vehicle. The running-linked sound producing device includes a vehicle speed estimation unit to estimate a vehicle speed of the vehicle, an accelerator command value estimation unit to estimate an accelerator command value based on a vehicle speed estimated by the vehicle speed estimation unit, and a running-linked sound generation unit that generates a running-linked sound, wherein the running-linked sound generation unit generates a running-linked sound based on a vehicle speed estimated by the vehicle speed estimation unit and an accelerator command value estimated by the accelerator command value estimation unit.

Abstract: An In-Car Communication (ICC) system supports the communication paths within a car by receiving the speech signals of a speaking passenger and playing it back for one or more listening passengers. Signal processing tasks are split into a microphone related part and into a loudspeaker related part. A sound processing system suitable for use in a vehicle having multiple acoustic zones includes a plurality of microphone In-Car Communication (Mic-ICC) instances coupled and a plurality of loudspeaker In-Car Communication (Ls-ICC) instances. The system further includes a dynamic audio routing matrix with a controller and coupled to the Mic-ICC instances, a mixer coupled to the plurality of Mic-ICC instances and a distributor coupled to the Ls-ICC instances.

Abstract: An audio system for a vehicle having a plurality of seat positions includes, at each seat position, first and second directional loudspeaker arrays. Each array is driven by audio signals to radiate greater acoustic energy corresponding to the audio signals to the expected position of the head of a listener at a first seat position than to an expected position of the head of the listener at a second seat position. The first and second directional loudspeaker arrays comprise different numbers of acoustic drivers.

Abstract: A method of operating an audio system that provides audio radiation to a plurality of listening positions includes providing at least one source of audio signals. At each listening position, at least one array of speaker elements is provided. A filter is provided between the at least one source and at least one of the speaker elements at a first listening position. The filter is optimized so that the filter reduces acoustic energy radiated from the first array to at least one other listening position of the plurality of listening positions, compared to acoustic energy radiated from the first array to the first listening position.

Abstract: An audio system for a vehicle has at least one source of audio signals. A respective directional loudspeaker array is mounted at each seat position and coupled to the at least one source. The at least one source includes a microphone that detects speech from an occupant of the first seat position. Processing circuitry receives signals from the microphone that correspond to the detect speech and drives each second respective loudspeaker array at the other seat positions to radiate acoustic energy corresponding to the detected speech.

Abstract: An audio system for a vehicle has at least one source of audio signals. At least one array of speaker elements is located at each seat position that radiates within a range of bass frequencies. For each at least one array, the speaker elements receive a common audio signal, and a respective filter is disposed between the common audio signal and each of the speaker elements. Each respective filter processes magnitude and phase of the common audio signal independently of each other respective filter to thereby define a directional audio radiation from the at least one array.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the sound processing of a stereophonic signal inside a motor vehicle. In a first implementation (“driver” mode) the stereophonic sound source is centered in the middle of the dashboard for the ‘driver’ listen position. For this purpose, delays (t1-t4) are introduced into the frequency bands of the channels transmitted by the speakers, such that the driver appears to be at the center of a circle on which the car speakers are positioned. In a second implementation (“all passengers” mode), the phases of the signals of the two front channels are equalized, such that the sound source appears to be centered on the driver and the front passenger of the vehicle.

Abstract: An aircraft exploration system includes an unmanned aircraft, a remote control, a communication processer and a data processing terminal. The an unmanned aircraft equipped with an MCU module, an image module, a first transceiver module and a GPS module, the above-mentioned modules are electronically connected to the MCU module. The unmanned aircraft is controlled by the remote control to fly. The data processing terminal is electronically connected to the communication processer, the GPS module senses the position signals of the unmanned aircraft and sends position signals to the data processing terminal, and the data processing terminal displays a map of an environment surrounding the unmanned aircraft promptly and in real time due to the positioning signals via internet.

Abstract: A sound processing system for a vehicle includes a sound processor that is configured to mix at least one real audio input signal to form at least one virtual output signal. At least one audio signal that is available to drive at least one loudspeaker may be formed using the combination of the virtual output signal and the real audio input signal. The virtual output signal may be post processed to form a predetermined frequency range of the audio signal prior to being combined with the real audio input signal. The audio signal may be created by mixing the real audio input signal with the post processed virtual output signal. Alternatively, the audio signal may be formed by mixing the real audio input signal to form a real audio output signal, and then summing the real audio output signal with the post processed virtual output signal. Mixing may be performed with a crossbar mixer included in the sound processor.

Abstract: A sound generator system (1, 70), for a vehicle with internal combustion engine (15) and/or electric motor, has an electroacoustical transducer (11) and a control unit (24, 74). Transducer (11) produces an acoustical signal based on an electrical input signal and is connected to an acoustic line. The control unit (24, 74) creates a primary audio signal with frequencies from a given frequency range, to selectively amplify selected segments (“V”) of the primary audio signal so that the audio signal (41) amplified in the selected segments has a section in which all audio signal values correspond to a maximum amplitude value that is specified for the segment, and the audio signal (41) amplified in the selected segments is continuous at transitions from the at least one section to neighboring sections, and wherein the audio signal (41) generated by the control unit (24) forms the basis of the electrical input signal.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the transmission of song identifications from an information/entertainment appliance in a vehicle to one mobile appliance from a plurality of mobile appliances via at least one interface.

Abstract: Embodiments disclose a vehicle which has a vehicle ceiling having a first sound wave reflection portion having a first sound wave reflection characteristic and a second portion having a second sound wave reflection characteristic, wherein the first sound wave reflection portion is more sound wave reflecting than the second sound wave reflection portion and at least one speaker arranged in the vehicle, so that a main sound emission direction is directed to the first sound wave reflection portion, so that a sound wave emitted by the speaker and reflected by the first sound wave reflection portion is perceptible as a diffuse sound by a person in the vehicle.

Abstract: A device designed to be plugged into an electric socket in a vehicle, which socket constitutes part of the electrical system of the vehicle, which device, without any other connection, is able to detect the engine speed of the vehicle and convert this information to sound signals. In at least one embodiment, the device includes at least one device for detecting electrical pulses resulting from the engine speed that are unintentionally emitted from the generator, electric motor or ignition system of the vehicle, in order to record the current engine speed. Further, in at least one embodiment, the device transmits, by way of radio waves, sampled/simulated or synthetically generated noise signals based on the electrical pulses to the radio receiver/sound system of the vehicle in order to play these in or around the vehicle.

Abstract: An acoustical window assembly for a vehicle includes a window panel and mounting portions for mounting respective perimeter regions of the window panel to a vehicle structure. A first mounting portion substantially fixedly mounts a first perimeter region of the window panel relative to the vehicle structure, while a second mounting portion mounts a second perimeter region of the window panel to the vehicle structure and includes a flexible element to allow for movement of the second perimeter region of the window panel toward and away from the vehicle structure. An actuating assembly is positioned at an actuating region of the window panel and has a substantially rigid interface element that engages the actuating region of the window panel. The actuating assembly is operable to vibrate the window panel via vibration of the substantially rigid interface element relative to the vehicle structure.

Abstract: An audio system including an inverter, a first amplifier, a first mixer, a main speaker, and a first audio output port is provided. The inverter receives a first audio signal and inverts the first audio signal into an inverted audio signal. The first amplifier receives the inverted audio signal from the inverter and multiplies the inverted audio signal by a first gain to generate a first compensating audio signal. The first mixer receives a second audio signal and mixes the first compensating audio signal with the second audio signal to generate a first low-interference audio signal. The main speaker receives and plays the first audio signal. The first audio output port receives the first low-interference audio signal from the first mixer and transmits the first low-interference audio signal to a first external speaker. An electronic device and a car audio system capable of generating the low-interference audio signal are provided.

Abstract: An audio system for a vehicle that includes a system for allowing an occupant of the vehicle to adjust a balance setting of each audio source (116). The audio system includes a plurality of audio sources (102) that are connected to an amplifier (104). The amplifier is connected to a head unit (106) that adjusts the balance setting of each audio source based on predetermined parameters or user preferences (112). Audio output signals from the audio sources are thus reproduced with different balance settings.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for controlling a virtual engine sound of a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle. More specifically, the system includes a sensor for detecting when the vehicle is inside; a virtual engine sound generation portion for generating the virtual engine sound of the vehicle; and a control portion for receiving data detected by the sensor to control the virtual engine sound based upon whether or not the vehicle is inside, and transmitting a control signal corresponding to the data to the virtual engine generation portion.

Abstract: A user interface (104) of an audio system (100) enables adjustment of a volume level of an audio signal being reproduced on at least a portion of the audio system to a desired maximum volume level. The user interface further enables the desired maximum volume level to be selected as a set maximum volume level. A processor (102) electrically interconnected with the user interface limits the volume at which audio programs are reproduced on at least a portion of the audio system to said set maximum volume level. An audio signal is generated, a volume level of the audio signal is adjusted to a desired maximum volume level in response to a user input, and the desired maximum volume level is established as a set maximum volume level for audio programs played on at least a portion of the audio system (100).

Abstract: A tray moving mechanism includes: a unit base having an internal space formed as a containing space; and a tray movable between a retracted position in which the unit base is contained in the containing space and a projected position in which a music player formed in a substantially rectangular shape can be placed on the tray and in which a part of the tray is projected from the base unit, wherein the tray is moved with respect to the unit base such that the orientations of the tray with respect to the unit base in the retracted and projected positions are substantially 90 deg different from each other.

Abstract: A steering wheel system for a vehicle includes a steering wheel and an airbag module located within the hub portion of the steering wheel. The airbag module includes an airbag and a cover for the airbag. The steering wheel system also includes at least one microphone configured to receive audio input from a vehicle driver in which the at least one microphone is located on the cover of the airbag module.