In one aspect, a method includes the step of A mobile projection system; the system comprising: a hermetically sealed base unit configured to be releasably attached to an automobile; a microprocessor configured to receive a plurality of projectable images from a remote server over a wireless network; and a remote server configured to store a plurality of selected images over a period of time; a projection means configured to project a selected image through a translucent lens.

An aftermarket vehicle head unit integration cartridge for use with an aftermarket head unit is provided. The aftermarket head unit preferably includes a dedicated slot for insertion of the cartridge. The cartridge preferably supports communication between a plurality of electronic components in the aftermarket head unit and a plurality of electronic components in the vehicle. The plurality of electronic components in the aftermarket head unit may include, for example, an audio processing system, a video processing system, an analog I/O and/or a digital I/O. and/or a plurality of electronic components. The plurality of electronic components in the vehicle may include an audio system, an analog I/O, a digital I/O/databus, and/or a steering wheel control unit. The cartridge may include a flashable memory for use in reconfiguring the cartridge. The cartridge may be configured to capture and condition the signals from at least one of the plurality of the vehicle-based electronic components. The conditioned signals from the vehicle-based electronic components may be conditioned for use by the aftermarket head unit.

Methods and systems are provided for a portable speaker arranged in a vehicle. In one example, a system comprises a speaker configured to dock mechanically to a docking station in an area of a vehicle, wherein the speaker further comprises a removable battery.

A modular communication device includes a business telephone dock and a smart device that is implemented with cellular telephone communication capability. The smart device is matable to business telephone dock to provide cellular telephone capability to the business telephone dock and thereby operate it through a cellular telephone communication medium.

A modular device mounting platform apparatus having interchangeable jaw members for accommodating different devices. The device mounting platform apparatus includes a frame member capable of being mounted, by example and without limitation, in a vehicle and having a device mounting surface facing generally upward. A telescoping clamp member is slidably interconnected to frame member along a first direction. A biasing mechanism is coupled between frame and clamp members for urging a jaw member of the clamp member along first direction away from the frame member. A plurality of different jaw members are interchangeably coupleable to the frame and clamp members in an opposing relationship across the device mounting surface of the frame.

A vehicle includes an instrument panel, a support structure coupled to the instrument panel, and a retainer. The support structure defines a receiver that extends from a lower end to an upper end that is vehicle-upward of the lower end. The portion of the support structure that defines the receiver includes at least one rib that protrudes into the receiver. The retainer includes a barrel portion having a threaded interior surface that defines a hollow and an exterior surface opposite the interior surface and having at least one wing. The retainer also includes a head portion coupled to the barrel portion. The retainer is operably coupled to the support structure, such that the barrel portion is received within the receiver and the at least one wing of the exterior surface is engaged with the at least one rib to maintain the retainer within the receiver.

A vehicle headrest includes an electro-acoustic transducer and an acoustic enclosure that supports the electro-acoustic transducer. A unitary foam member is coupled to the acoustic enclosure. The foam member has regions of contrasting firmness including a first region having a first firmness and a second region having a second firmness that is greater than the first firmness. The second region defines a speaker grille that is configured to overlie the electro-acoustic transducer.

A low-profile, backlit panel assembly and a controller for displaying images and/or data within a passenger compartment of a vehicle are provided. The assembly includes a substrate panel perforated with a two-dimensional array of closely-spaced holes. The panel is configured to be attached to a support structure of the vehicle. The assembly further includes a plurality of semiconductor-based, lighting devices supported at a back surface of the panel. Each of the lighting devices includes at least one lighting element. Each of the lighting elements is individually addressable by the controller to control luminous intensity of the light emitted by the at least one lighting element. Each of the lighting devices is aligned with one of the holes so that light emitted by each of the lighting devices travels through its hole to the passenger compartment in the form of a pixel of a two-dimensional image.

A vehicle dashboard assembly includes a dashboard defining a component opening and a slot in the component opening, the slot having a first slot portion, a second slot portion extending from the first slot portion, and a third slot portion extending from the second slot portion and higher than the first slot portion. The assembly further includes a component configured to be received in the component opening, and at least one bracket coupled to the component and comprising a projection extending from a side of the bracket and configured to be received in the slot.

A vehicle includes an instrument panel, a support structure coupled to the instrument panel, and a retainer. The support structure defines a receiver that extends from a lower end to an upper end that is vehicle-upward of the lower end. The portion of the support structure that defines the receiver includes at least one rib that protrudes into the receiver. The retainer includes a barrel portion having a threaded interior surface that defines a hollow and an exterior surface opposite the interior surface and having at least one wing. The retainer also includes a head portion coupled to the barrel portion. The retainer is operably coupled to the support structure, such that the barrel portion is received within the receiver and the at least one wing of the exterior surface is engaged with the at least one rib to maintain the retainer within the receiver.