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Showing papers on "Dashboard published in 2013"


Patent
19 Dec 2013
TL;DR: An input device for a motor vehicle having a dashboard (120) and a steering wheel (110), comprising a sensor (302) and/or a circuit (200) connected to the sensor(302), is presented in this article.
Abstract: An input device for a motor vehicle having a dashboard (120) and a steering wheel (110), comprising a sensor (302) and a circuit (200) connected to the sensor (302), - wherein the sensor (302) is positioned in the dashboard (120) sensitive toward the steering wheel (110), - wherein the sensor (302) is designed to output a sensor signal (S302) based on a contactless hand gesture (912, 913), - wherein the circuit (200) is configured to evaluate the sensor signal (S302), and - wherein the circuit (200) and/or the sensor (302) is configured to distinguish between a steering movement (910, 911) and the hand gesture (912, 913), and - wherein the circuit (200) is configured to output a detection signal (S3) based on the detection of the hand gesture (912, 913)

24 citations


Proceedings ArticleDOI
01 Oct 2013
TL;DR: This paper presents an evolution of the original HUD design which aims to improve on it both in terms of efficiency and cost and presents a newly developed medium-fidelity driving simulator that can make use of real road-traffic traces and improve on realism by considering wireless communication limitations.
Abstract: Aspects of contemporary automotive research on infotainment and safety notifications have enjoyed mainstream adoption by vehicle manufacturers either as dashboard or Head-Up Display (HUD) visual cues. Such notifications, going beyond the traditional fuel/speedometer indicators, have proven popular with drivers and exhibit great safety-enhancing potential. In previous work, we proposed a HUD design which showed substantial promise towards aiding driver reactions under low visibility conditions. In this paper, we present an evolution of the original design which aims to improve on it both in terms of efficiency and cost. Alongside the new HUD design we present a newly developed medium-fidelity driving simulator that can make use of real road-traffic traces and improve on realism by considering wireless communication limitations. We use the new simulator to evaluate our HUD design and show that it compares favourably with our past efforts.

23 citations


Patent
David Michael Kirsch1
04 Sep 2013
TL;DR: In this paper, a plurality of display devices, a location determining component for determining a location of a vehicle and other navigation information, and an input component for receiving user input are discussed.
Abstract: Systems and methods for providing navigation information are discussed. To increase safety and convenience of use for vehicle navigation devices, a navigation system includes a plurality of displays for displaying related and distinct sets of navigation information in response to an intuitive user input such as a gesture. One such system can include a plurality of display devices, a location determining component for determining a location of a vehicle and other navigation information, and an input component for receiving user input.

19 citations


Patent
05 Dec 2013
TL;DR: A head up display device for a vehicle includes a housing mounted on a dashboard of the vehicle; a display unit that generates an image or a video; a combiner vertically elevated from the housing; a first cover operated together with the combiner to be opened and closed; a second cover operated with the first cover to be open and closed as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: A head up display device for a vehicle includes: a housing mounted on a dashboard of the vehicle; a display unit that generates an image or a video; a combiner vertically elevated from the housing; a first cover operated together with the combiner to be opened and closed; a second cover operated together with the combiner to be opened and closed; and a mirror that rotates together with the first cover to be opened at the time of opening the first cover to reflect the video provided from the display unit to the combiner.

18 citations


Proceedings ArticleDOI
28 Oct 2013
TL;DR: This work proposes using an LED (light emitting diode) matrix in the periphery of the driver's vision to indicate turns on the road and finds that such a system produces better results in visual attention, driving performance and in subjective measures compared to standard navigation devices.
Abstract: Augmented reality (AR) navigation systems are likely to improve the driving experience compared to today's personal navigation devices on the dashboard, as they don't require glances away from the road ahead. As technology is not yet capable to deliver an affordable and seamless HUD AR solution, we explore an inexpensive version of augmentation, which would have a similar benefit of reduced distraction. We propose using an LED (light emitting diode) matrix in the periphery of the driver's vision to indicate turns on the road. We find that such a system produces better results in visual attention, driving performance and in subjective measures compared to standard navigation devices.

14 citations


Patent
02 Jan 2013
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a method and a system for evaluation of man-machine work efficiency of a cabin simulation test bed, which consists of a simulation operating cabin, a lighting device, a photographing device, and a display device mounted in the simulation operating cabins and used for simulation of a dashboard, display device for simulating a cabin exterior view, a display devices for simulation an operating panel and a computer system, wherein the lighting device and the photographing devices are arranged in the simulator operating cabin.
Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for evaluation of man-machine work efficiency of a cabin simulation test bed. The system comprises a simulation operating cabin, a lighting device, a photographing device, a display device mounted in the simulation operating cabin and used for simulation of a dashboard, a display device for simulation of a cabin exterior view, a display device for simulation of an operating panel, and a computer system, wherein the lighting device and the photographing device are arranged in the simulation operating cabin. A data acquisition device is arranged around an operator seat which is arranged in the simulation operating cabin, and comprises sensors, an eye movement instrument, an infrared tracking instrument, a 3D (three-dimensional) mouse and a data glove. The display device for simulation of the dashboard, the display device for simulation of the cabin exterior view, the display device for simulation of the operating panel, the operator seat, the sensors, the eye movement instrument, the infrared tracking instrument, the data glove and the 3D glove are all connectedly controlled by the computer. The method and the system for evaluation of man-machine work efficiency of the cabin simulation test bed have the advantage that man-machine work efficiencies under different cabin layouts and information display environments can be compared to realize functions of auxiliary design and man-machine work efficiency examination of each relevant part.

14 citations


Patent
Mattes Stefan1
18 Apr 2013
TL;DR: In this article, a display controller is designed for changing representation of the display element based on a steering wheel angle of the steering wheel, where peripheral angle position and breadth of steering wheel spokes (21, 22) and inner radius of a gripping ring (24) are considered during the representation of a display element.
Abstract: The device (40) has a display (10) e.g. multi-functional display, arranged behind a steering wheel (20), and a display controller (42) for representing a central display element (11) on the display. The display controller is designed for changing representation of the display element based on a steering wheel angle of the steering wheel, where peripheral angle position and breadth (48) of steering wheel spokes (21, 22) and inner radius of a steering wheel gripping ring (24) are considered during the representation of the display element. An independent claim is also included for a method for representing information on a dashboard of a motor car.

13 citations


Patent
05 Mar 2013
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present an instrument system for a vehicle in which information regarding the operation of the vehicle is displayed on the display of a portable communication device, such as a speaker, microphone, or microphone.
Abstract: An instrument system for a vehicle in which information regarding the operation of the vehicle is displayed on the display of a portable communication device. Information regarding the operation of the vehicle may be sensed by at least one sensor. The sensed information may be communicated to a vehicle controller and/or transmitted to the portable communication device. The sensed information may be used by the vehicle controller and/or the portable communication device to derive information regarding the performance or operation of the vehicle and displayed on the display. The portable communication device may also retrieve or derive other information relating to the operation of the vehicle, such as information obtained from a remote server, and display the additional information for the user of the vehicle. The vehicle may be configured to receive the secure placement of the portable communication device in the vehicle, such as on a dashboard.

12 citations


Patent
27 Jan 2013
TL;DR: In this paper, an electronic control dashboard capable of displaying fitness age, comprising an operating interface disposed at an end surface of the electronic controller dashboard, is installed in an electronic controller for controlling a fitness equipment.
Abstract: An electronic control dashboard capable of displaying fitness age, comprising an operating interface disposed at an end surface of the electronic control dashboard. A microprocessor and related circuit connecting terminals are installed in the electronic control dashboard for electrically conducting a circuit to control the operation of a fitness equipment. The operating interface further comprises a fitness age display area for displaying a message transmitted from a heartbeat detector, such that after the specific user completes an exercise session, the microprocessor immediately converts the user's recovery heart rate into a fitness age and displays the fitness age at the fitness age display area. Moreover, a weight difference of the specific user or an effective exercise heart rate measured during the whole exercise process can be used as parameters for the conversion of the fitness age.

12 citations


Patent
Makoto Hisazumi1, Harumasa Toyosawa1, Hiroyoshi Horibe1, Masaaki Ukita1, Yoshiyuki Toba1 
08 Jan 2013
TL;DR: In this paper, a dashboard upper panel is provided with a front vertical wall extending vertically in a vehicle top/bottom direction, a horizontal bottom wall extending substantially horizontally in the vehicle front/rear direction, and a rear horizontal flange extending from the rear inclined wall toward the rear of the vehicle.
Abstract: A dashboard upper panel is provided with: a front vertical wall extending substantially vertically in a vehicle top/bottom direction; a horizontal bottom wall extending substantially horizontally in a vehicle front/rear direction from the front vertical wall; a rear inclined wall extending from the horizontal bottom wall toward the rear of the vehicle and diagonally toward the top of the vehicle; a front horizontal flange extending from the front vertical wall toward the front of the vehicle; and a rear horizontal flange extending from the rear inclined wall toward the rear of the vehicle. A dashboard lower panel is provided with an inclined flange formed at an upper end of the dashboard lower panel. By joining the inclined flange to a lower portion of the rear inclined wall, the dashboard upper panel is supported by the dashboard lower panel from below at substantially the center in the vehicle front/rear direction.

11 citations


Patent
18 Dec 2013
TL;DR: In this paper, an electric car charging collision control method and system is described, where when the collision strength cannot reach the detonation threshold of airbags but battery security is affected, power can be cut off.
Abstract: The invention discloses an electric car charging collision control method and system; when the collision strength cannot reach the detonation threshold of airbags but battery security is affected, power can be cut off. The system comprises a plurality of collision sensors, a plurality of pressure sensors, an entire car controller, a power battery managing system, a power-off protector, a power battery, an airbag control unit, a dashboard, an alarming device, an airbag control unit and a security airbag system. The collision sensors and the pressure sensors are connected with the entire car controller, the entire car controller is connected with the power battery managing system, the airbag control unit, the dashboard and the alarming device, the power battery managing system is connected with the power battery through the power-off protector, and the airbag control unit is connected with the security airbag system. The system has the advantages that when the collision strength cannot reach the detonation threshold of the airbags but battery security is affected, power can be cut off; security risks result from failures of high-voltage power supply of a car can be avoided effectively, and security of the car and passengers can be protected effectively.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A first approach using a bidirectional link between CAD and virtual reality systems that allows parts product modification during a functional virtual simulation review of a car interior is presented.
Abstract: In this paper, we introduce a method for using jointly the resources of the virtual reality and CAD. The aim is to improve the designers’ productivity, particularly in the automotive field. This paper presents a first approach using a bidirectional link between CAD and virtual reality systems that allows parts product modification during a functional virtual simulation review of a car interior. For this, we propose to use a template that gathers different information necessary for the set-up of the immersive simulation and that allows data exchange for product modification. Our approach has been evaluated through an experimental case based on the modification of a button on a vehicle dashboard. In this context, different interaction paradigms and designer assistances supported by the template have also been addressed.

Patent
14 Mar 2013
TL;DR: In this article, a mobile remote control includes a touch surface without a display and is adapted to an electronic device with a display, where each touch event is reflected on the controllable area of the dashboard display directly relative to the position and nature of the event on the touch surface.
Abstract: 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.

Patent
15 Mar 2013
TL;DR: In this paper, a method of geospatial data based assessment driver behavior to improve driver safety and efficiency is disclosed, where a variance between the telemetry data and the driver objective data is determined.
Abstract: A method of geospatial data based assessment driver behavior to improve driver safety and efficiency is disclosed. A method of a server device may comprise determining that a telemetry data is associated with a vehicle communicatively coupled with the server device and comparing the telemetry data with a driver objective data. A variance between the telemetry data and the driver objective data may then be determined. A performance score may be generated upon comparison of the variance to a threshold limit and/or the driver objective data. The performance score may be published along with other performance scores of other drivers in other vehicles also communicatively coupled with the server device to a reporting dashboard module. Elements of game theory may be implemented to create a team driving challenge and/or a driver performance program to generate the performance score to improve driver safety and efficiency for commercial fleets.

Patent
18 Dec 2013
TL;DR: In this article, an assembling tooling for automobile dashboard assemblies and an assembly method is presented, which consists of a housing, a turning frame which is used for bearing an upper dashboard body and a lower dashboard body, and a clamping mechanism which is arranged on the turning frame.
Abstract: The invention discloses an assembling tooling for automobile dashboard assemblies and an assembly method The assembling tooling comprises a housing, a turning frame which is used for bearing an upper dashboard body and a lower dashboard body and can turn around is arranged on the housing, and a clamping mechanism which is used for fixing the upper dashboard body and the lower dashboard body is arranged on the turning frame Compared with the prior art, the assembling tooling utilizes the cooperation between the turning frame and the clamping mechanism, the turning frame is used for bearing the upper dashboard body and the lower dashboard body, the clamping mechanism can fix the upper dashboard body and the lower dashboard body on the turning frame by pressing, in the process of assembly, the turning frame can carry the upper dashboard body and the lower dashboard body to turn around together, the clamping mechanism can prevent the upper dashboard body and the lower dashboard body from dropping in the process of turning, so that the process of assembly can go on smoothly, and therefore the assembling tooling can be used for completely replacing manual turning, remarkably decreases labor intensity, and ensures that the turning operation is simple and easy

Patent
25 Jul 2013
TL;DR: In this paper, a display and control unit consisting of a vertically oriented touch screen and a support element is arranged below the touch screen, and the support element can be mounted in the dashboard, extended from the dashboard and retracted to the dashboard for applying a hand on the extended support element.
Abstract: The dashboard (1) has a display- and control unit (2) which comprises a vertically oriented touch screen (3). A support element (7) is arranged below the touch screen. The support element is mounted in the dashboard, extended from the dashboard and retracted in the dashboard for applying a hand (14) of the operator of the touch screen on the extended support element. The support element is formed plate-shaped. The dashboard has a recess adjacent to the touch screen for receiving the support element. The recess is formed as a slot.

Patent
10 Apr 2013
TL;DR: In this paper, a monitoring system for an automobile rear-view mirror blind spot consisting of a central processing unit, a left blind spot indicator, a right blind-spot indicator, and radar sensors installed on the left and right rearview mirrors of the automobile is described.
Abstract: The utility model discloses a monitoring system for an automobile rear-view mirror blind spot consisting of a central processing unit, a left blind spot indicator, a right blind spot indicator and radar sensors installed on the left and right rear-view mirrors of the automobile, wherein the central processing unit is connected to the left blind spot indicator, the right blind spot indicator and the radar sensor respectively, the left blind spot indicator and the right blind spot indicator are arranged on an automobile dashboard. According to the monitoring system for an automobile rear-view mirror blind spot, a driver can monitor whether a vehicle exists in the automobile rear-view mirror blind spot, keep alert through the blind spot indicators, and avoid collisions and accidents when an automobile change lanes or turn corners.

Patent
12 Jun 2013
TL;DR: In this paper, the utility model provides a vehicular head-up display structure and a vehicle, which can facilitate a driver to see required information on the front windshield of the vehicle without using hands and distraction.
Abstract: The utility model provides a vehicular head-up display structure and a vehicle. The vehicular head-up display structure comprises a fixing mechanism arranged on a vehicle dashboard and close to a front windshield. The vehicle head-up display structure can facilitate a driver to see required information on the front windshield of the vehicle without using hands and distraction.

Patent
16 Oct 2013
TL;DR: In this article, the utility model discloses a flexibility checking tool used for a cross beam sub assembly of an automobile dashboard, which includes a work table, a support positioning device and a detection device.
Abstract: The utility model discloses a flexibility checking tool used for a cross beam sub assembly of an automobile dashboard. The flexibility checking tool used for the cross beam sub assembly of the automobile dashboard includes a work table. A support positioning device and a detection device are arranged on the work table. The support positioning device includes a quick chuck, at least two chuck installing boards, at least two cross beam supporting boards and cross beam support posts in the same quantity with the cross beam supporting boards. The chuck installing boards and the cross beam support posts are connected to the work table respectively in a dismountable manner. The quick chuck is arranged on the chuck installing boards. The cross beam supporting boards are arranged on the cross beam supporting posts. The quick chuck is provided with a Z-shaped press board connected with the quick chuck fixedly. The flexibility checking tool used for the cross beam sub assembly of the automobile dashboard provided by the utility model is high in applicability, easy to manufacture and low in cost.

01 Jan 2013
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a brief review of life saving system in roll-over accidents, while driving on the road by a four wheeler, which consists of a flexible fabric envelope or cushion, designed to inflate rapidly during an automobile collision.
Abstract: The present paper represents a brief review of life saving system in roll- over accidents, while driving on the road by a four wheeler. An Airbag is an automotive safety restraint system for an occupant as well as passengers. The system consists of a flexible fabric envelope or cushion, designed to inflate rapidly during an automobile collision. Its purpose is to cushion occupants during a crash and provide protection to their bodies when they strike interior objects such as the steering wheel or a window etc. Thus it lowers the number of injuries by reducing the force exerted by steering wheel, windows and the dashboard at any point on the body. Continuing research and developments are going on in its module design, combustible material, air bag fabric design and material, coating etc. in making this life saving safety device further efficient. However, success of any safety restraint device depends on its correct implementation and certain safety rules to be followed.

Patent
20 Aug 2013
TL;DR: In this article, an apparatus provides a virtual display in an environment for various applications including avionic, naval, military, remote control, medical and other applications, which includes a camera and a processor system.
Abstract: An apparatus provides a virtual display in an environment for various applications including avionic, naval, military, remote control, medical and other applications. The apparatus includes a camera and a processor system. The processor system for provides the virtual display using an orientation of the head sensed from a camera image. The camera image includes a marker image associated with a fixed marker disposed in the environment. The virtual display includes a virtual panel and an image panel from the camera.

Patent
20 Dec 2013
TL;DR: In this paper, an approach is described for providing telematics information in connection with equipment, which includes scanning equipment available in a service vehicle, wherein the service vehicle is located at a service location.
Abstract: An approach is described for providing telematics information in connection with equipment. The approach includes scanning equipment available in a service vehicle, wherein the service vehicle is located at a service location. The approach also includes determining location information for the service location based on telematics information associated with the service vehicle. The approach further includes mapping the equipment to the service location based on the location information.


Patent
26 Nov 2013
TL;DR: In this article, a method for controlling a video switching device (VSD) configured to display video from multiple video streams at a video display is presented. But the method is limited to the case where video signals are received which are unrecognized by the VSD.
Abstract: A method, device and system are set forth for controlling a video switching device (VSD) configured to display video from multiple video streams at a video display. Where video signals are received which are unrecognized by the VSD a tuner is coupled to the VSD to control the same to extract video primitives adjust the configuration data so that the video stream will be properly displayed at the video display. In another embodiment the tuner may command the VSD to display a diagnostic dashboard for the gaming machine and its components and network connections.

Patent
22 May 2013
TL;DR: In this paper, a dashboard is fixedly connected in dismountable mode with a locating pin arranged on a lower cover plate under a front windshield, the connector is matched with the lower coverplate under the front windshield in a clamping connection, and the boss-shaped installing base is connected with the dashboard along a peripheral direction of the end face of locating pin body.
Abstract: The utility model discloses a dashboard locating and installing assembly which comprises a dashboard, wherein the dashboard is fixedly connected in a dismountable mode with a locating pin arranged on a lower cover plate under a front windshield, the locating pin comprises a locating pin body, a connector and an installing base, the connector is matched with the lower cover plate under the front windshield in a clamping connection, and the boss-shaped installing base is connected with the dashboard along a peripheral direction of the end face of the locating pin body. The dashboard locating and installing assembly can effectively increase front strength of the dashboard and enhance feel and quality without contact of the dashboard with sheet metal of a front wall. Enough space is left between the dashboard and the front wall and abnormal sound of the dashboard is avoided when the car is driven. Because the dashboard and the front wall are directly connected through the locating pin, the strength is strong, matching with a front panel is easy to control, stability and firmness of installing the dashboard are ensured, the abnormal sound does not occur under various road conditions, installation quality of the dashboard is ensured, service life of the dashboard is prolonged, maintenance and exchange rate is reduced, and economic cost is saved. The dashboard locating and installing assembly is convenient to install and dismantle.

01 Jan 2013
TL;DR: In this article, the authors developed and validated a crash trolley (reference vehicle) equipped with a compartment and a full restraint system for driver and front seat passenger which can be used in full scale crash testing.
Abstract: The objective was to develop and validate a crash trolley (reference vehicle) equipped with a compartment and a full restraint system for driver and front seat passenger which can be used in full scale crash testing. Furthermore, the crash trolley should have a suspension to show rotation and nick effects similar to real vehicles. Within the development phase the reference vehicle was build based on a European family car. Special attention was needed to provide appropriate strength to the trolley and its suspension. The reference vehicle is equipped with a restraint system consisting of airbags, pedals, seats, dashboard, and windscreen. On the front of the vehicle different crash barriers can be installed to provide miscellaneous deceleration pulses. For the validation phase a series of low and high speed crash tests with HIII dummies were conducted and compared with full scale tests. For the comparison deceleration pulse, dummy numbers and vehicle movement were analyzed. Validation tests with velocities up to 60 km/h showed promising results. The compartment and the suspension systems stayed stable. Rotation effects were comparable with full scale car crash tests. The airbags and seat belt system worked reasonable. The acceleration pulse compared to an European New Car Assessment Programme (EuroNCAP) test had a similar characteristic but was in general slightly lower. After the successful validation the reference vehicle is already in use in different studies in the field of vehicle safety research at BASt.

Patent
19 Jul 2013
TL;DR: A real-time electronic, public display system, offered by a company, that is portable and mountable on a stanchion that can provide immediate and dynamic, 2-way communication that is useful to customers as well as the company is described in this paper.
Abstract: A real-time electronic, public display system, offered by a company, that is portable and mountable on a stanchion that can provide immediate and dynamic, 2-way communication that is useful to customers as well as the company. The system comprises a terminal, a housing, a processor located inside the housing, a solar power panel, a digital screen for displaying information, one or more external speakers, a power line harness conduit and a stanchion insert connector connected to the power line harness conduit. The invention describes how any paired technology, including any combination of NFC, WiFi, or Bluetooth NFC can facilitate wireless, targeted, and customized interaction for customers waiting in queues, while providing the company with a dashboard that controls offerings and communications.

Patent
13 Mar 2013
TL;DR: In this article, an automobile dashboard beam assembly, made of hollow steel pipe, is presented, where the middle part of the dashboard beam is supported by a rotating tubing mount support and bolt mounting holes are formed in the left-end fixing bracket.
Abstract: The invention discloses an automobile dashboard beam assembly, which comprises a dashboard beam (1), wherein the middle part of the dashboard beam (1) is supported by a rotating tubing mount support (3), a left-end fixing bracket (2) is arranged at one end of the dashboard beam (1), a right-end fixing lower bracket (4) and a right-end fixing upper bracket (5) are arranged at the other end of the dashboard beam (1), bolt mounting holes are formed in the left-end fixing bracket (2), the right-end fixing lower bracket (4) and the right-end fixing upper bracket (5) respectively, the dashboard beam (1) is made of a hollow steel pipe, and the left-end fixing bracket (2), the right-end fixing lower bracket (4) and the right-end fixing upper bracket (5) are all made of steel plates through direct punch forming. The automobile dashboard beam assembly, made of hollow steel pipe, is shorter and lighter than the conventional dashboard beam, is simple in structure and convenient to manufacture, and has a length half of that of the conventional dashboard beam, so that the material consumption is reduced and the production cost is greatly lowered.

Patent
25 Jan 2013
TL;DR: In this paper, a dashboard bracket for a vehicle includes a front panel and insertion plates located on right and left or upper and lower ends of the front panel, respectively, for audio devices.
Abstract: A dashboard bracket for a vehicle includes a front panel and insertion plates located on right and left or upper and lower ends of the front panel. The bracket has a width and a height set according to a width and a height of a first accommodating recess for installation of a car audio device so that the right and left insertion plates are secured to right and left wall surfaces of the first accommodating recess or so that the upper and lower insertion plates are secured to upper and left wall surfaces of the first accommodating recess, respectively. The first accommodating recess is defined in a vehicle dashboard and has standardized width and height. The front panel has an opening and a second accommodating recess is defined by the recess defining member for accommodation of nongenuine equipment so as to be located behind the front panel opening.