Methods and systems are disclosed relating to in-vehicle entertainment, information presentation, and/or processing. Aspects of multimedia in-vehicle entertainment systems that may incorporate removable and/or portable tablet-type computing devices are described. In certain configurations, a hinged tablet computer carrier includes guide rails into which a portable tablet computer may slide while in an open position, and which can hinge into a closed or locked position that holds the tablet computer in place, positions it for viewing, and effects mechanical and electrical coupling of the tablet computer with other components of the in-vehicle entertainment system. Exemplary placement could include headrest, seatback, overhead, or in-dash mounting. Hinging or sliding could be vertical or horizontal. Various other mechanical, electronic, and electro-mechanical aspects of the methods and systems are described.

A screen-based operating system includes a housing having a screen accommodated therein and a rotary ring rotatably mounted to the housing. A first part of the rotary ring is mounted axially into the housing and a remaining second part of the rotary ring extends out of the housing and above the screen.

A board for a vehicle includes: a base, a plurality of operation units that are provided in the base, perform predetermined functions, and generate signals when they are pressed, a guard unit that is provided in the base and has a plurality of guards that are provided at outer peripheries of the plurality of operation units and formed to be vertically movable, and a movement unit that vertically moves the plurality of guards, is normally used as a general board, and is used as a board having a storage space when there is an object required to be stored, and therefore it is possible to improve user convenience and prevent failure of the object.

A support for receiving and holding a device, such as a smart phone, in a vehicle. The support includes a first jaw, able to receive a first edge of the device, and a second jaw, able to receive a second edge of the device. The support also includes a sheath, an arm, and a first return means, the arm being able to translate relative to the sheath. The arm includes two segments, articulated to one another using a rotation axis, and the first return means tends to rotate the distal segment relative to the proximal segment, in the direction bringing the second jaw closer to the first jaw.

A display device includes an image display device that includes an image display surface that emits light polarized in one direction and displays an image; and a superimposing display device that includes a transparent light guide plate that is provided overlapping the image display surface, transmits the light emitted from the image display device, and also has grooves constituting a pattern formed thereon, includes a light source that irradiates an end surface of the transparent light guide plate with light, and is switched between display and non-display of the pattern based on lighting and non-lighting of the light source. A polarization direction of the image display device and an extending direction of the grooves intersect at an angle range of 75 to 105. Accordingly, the display device can ensure proper visibility.

A mobile device is described herein that provides a user interface experience to a user who is operating the mobile device within a vehicle. The mobile device provides the user interface experience using mode functionality. The mode functionality operates by receiving inference-input information from one or more input sources. At least one input source corresponds to at least one movement-sensing device, provided by the mobile device, that determines movement of the mobile device. The mode functionality then infers a state of the vehicle based on the inference-input information and presents a user interface experience that is appropriate for the vehicle state. In one scenario, the mode functionality can also infer that the vehicle is in a distress condition. In response, the mode functionality can solicit assistance for the user.

An electronic apparatus includes: a front surface member that includes a concavity in which an insertion aperture is located, the insertion aperture for receiving an object to be inserted into the insertion aperture, a bottom surface of the concavity having a support; and a cover that removably fits into the concavity to cover the insertion aperture. The cover includes a slider having an arc-shaped cross section. In a state in which the cover is fitted in the concavity, the slider of the cover contacts the support provided at the bottom surface of the concavity. When a part of the cover is pushed, the cover rotates, while the slider slides along a surface of the support.

An operator controls a combination instrument of a vehicle where the combination instrument has a display device for displaying a piece of information. Also in the vehicle are a bracket for detachably holding a mobile electronic apparatus, an interface for transmitting signals to the mobile electronic apparatus and for identifying whether there is a mobile electronic apparatus in the bracket, and an operator control device for operator control of the mobile electronic apparatus. Additionally, a processing device is set up to automatically process operator control inputs on the operator control device for operator control of the combination instrument according to whether a mobile electronic apparatus is in the bracket.

The operating unit (10) for a vehicle is provided with a housing (12) with a front panel (14), which has a recess (16), a display (24) arranged in the housing (12) and having a display area (26), and a fastening device (36) for fastening the display (24) in the housing (12). The fastening device (36) has a holding part (28) for the display (24), which is arranged in the housing (12) so as to be pivotable between a preassembly position and an installation position. The housing (12) also has at least one bearing axle (40). The holding part (28) has at least one bearing shell assembly (32) having at least two gripping-around protrusions (48, 50) for mounting on the bearing axle (40). The bearing axle (40) has a circumferential area along the longitudinal extent and in at least one mounting portion (57) with an outer contour which deviates from a shape complementary to the bearing shell area (52) of the gripping-around protrusions (48, 50) of the at least one bearing shell assembly (32). The bearing axle (40) is also arranged in the housing (12) so as to be oriented in such a way that the at least one bearing shell assembly (32) can be mounted on the bearing axle (40) in the preassembly position of the holding part (28) and, starting from the preassembly position, is pivotable into the installation position. The installation position of the holding part (28) is defined by bearing parts (60, 34) of the housing (12) and holding part (28) abutting on each other. The fastening device also has at least one fastening element (58) for fixing the holding part (28) in its installation position in and/or on the housing (12).

A vehicle switch system for a mobile device that helps connect the mobile device to a vehicle so that certain features of the mobile device, like those pertaining to navigation and entertainment, can be easily accessed through the vehicle. The vehicle switch system is particularly well suited for use with vehicles that lack in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) systems, as users of such vehicles oftentimes cannot access the features of their mobile devices through their vehicle. The vehicle switch system may include a vehicle switch with a switch component and a switch indicator and a docking station, where a short press of the switch component enables the docking station to charge the mobile device and a long press of the switch component initiates a process to wirelessly connect the mobile device to the vehicle electronics system. The switch indicator displays a connection status of the mobile device.