An entertainment system control arrangement for a motor vehicle includes a graphical LCD with a configurable touch screen. The graphical LCD is disposed on the steering wheel. A processor is communicatively coupled to the graphical LCD. The processor prompts a user to select a function to assign to the configurable touch screen. The processor assigns the selected function to the configurable touch screen.

Configurable touch screen LCD steering wheel controls

Provided is a system for presenting information to a driver in a vehicle with a steering wheel and dashboard and/or windshield includes a first enclosure that supports a mobile device and a combiner glass (e.g., half reflective mirror) on the dashboard or windshield. A second bracket releasably attaches a tactile input device to the steering wheel. The tactile input device generates signals representing motion of the driver's finger or thumb across a touch pad and the actuation of an entry key of the device. The tactile input device and the mobile device communicate wirelessly, in preferred embodiments. The enclosure supports the mobile device to have an orientation with respect to the combiner glass that produces a heads-up display that can be controlled by the driver's interaction with the tactile input device. Advantageously, the present invention provides systems and methods that minimize visual, mechanical and cognitive distractions.

Vehicle use portable heads-up display

A vehicular heads-up-display system includes a windshield-mountable partially reflective mirror that allows a vehicle user to view material displayed on the partially reflective mirror while, at the same time, viewing the road ahead without obstruction. A mount configured to accept a portable electronic device, such as a smartphone, may be situated to project the display of the portable electronic device to the windshield mountable partially reflective mirror when mounted in a vehicle. A tactile input device, including a wireless interface for entry of and transmission of input from a vehicle user to a smartphone may be configured for mounting on a vehicle steering wheel.

Method and apparatus for in-vehicular communications

A heads up display system includes a display medium in combination with a dock or support configured to receiving a portable electronic device. The display of the portable electronic device is projected by the display medium, such as in a forward direction. The vehicle dashboard or a surrounding area can have an integral dock, which can be at a top of a gauge visor, bottom of a gauge visor, is displace below vehicle gauges. In each case, an aperture may be provide to provide a path from the display of the electronic device to the display medium. In some embodiments, the heads up display system may include a dedicated display that mirrors the display of the portable electronic device, via a wired or wireless connection.

Image projection medium and display projection system using same

There is provided a vehicle comprising a first adjustable component, a touch sensitive display, a non-transitory memory storing an executable code, and a hardware processor executing the executable code to display, on the touch sensitive display, a user interface including a control element for controlling the first adjustable component using the touch sensitive display, receive a first selection input from a user using the user interface to select the first adjustable component, receive a first control input including a first initial touch input and a first subsequent drag input from a user using the control element of the user interface to control the first adjustable component, and continuously change an angle of the first adjustable component based on the first control input.

Virtual joy stick controls for adjustable components in vehicles

A dashboard device includes a dashboard display and a touchable remote control. The dashboard display is divided into controllable area and visual area. The mobile remote control includes a touch surface without a display and is adapted to an electronic device with a display. Each touch event on the touch surface is reflected on the controllable area of the dashboard display directly relative to the position and nature of the event on the touch surface. The size of the touch surface is small enough so that user's fingers can be around it and his thumb to reach all corners of the area without moving the rest of the hand. The driver would know the relatively position of his finger on the touch surface without gazing at it for safety during driving. The touch surface can also be removed and given to a passenger for infotainment purposes. While detached, its functionality is reduced for security reasons.

Aki Kalevi Kolehmainen

Papers

Vehicle dashboard device with a touchable mobile remote control