Electrical audio signal processing systems and devices – Vehicle
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-19
2001-12-11
Harvey, Minsun Oh (Department: 2747)
Electrical audio signal processing systems and devices
Vehicle
C381S302000, C453S037000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06330337
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates in general to a rear seat audio and video entertainment system for a passenger vehicle, and more specifically to an architecture for a multimedia entertainment system using a head unit adapted for easy expansion to include a rear seat audio and video entertainment system.
Audio and video entertainment systems integrated in vehicles such as cars, mini-vans, and sport utility vehicles are becoming popular. Special systems for rear seat passengers to watch videos and play video games have been developed.
Portable, self-contained audio and video units are available that can be used-in vehicles and which can even be connected to a vehicle power source. However, integration of audio and video entertainment products into or with a vehicle provide significant advantages in terms of usability and convenience. Furthermore, performance can be improved by interconnecting the entertainment components with the vehicle audio system so that audio can be reproduced over the main vehicle speakers.
Integrating these audio and video systems into a vehicle has an associated cost. Since not all purchasers of a particular model of vehicle may desire to purchase the enhanced video entertainment system, it becomes necessary to produce vehicles with and without such a system. On the other hand, nearly all vehicles are manufactured with an audio system, typically including a radio and at least one playback mechanism for prerecorded media such as audio cassettes or compact discs. The need to obtain distinct audio system components (i.e., an audio system main unit adapted to work with rear seat video entertainment enhancements and a different main unit which does not) and the necessity to coordinate manufacture of different vehicle installations further adds to the total manufacturing costs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has the advantage of providing a flexible architecture for an automotive multimedia entertainment system which is adapted to easily include audio production for rear seat entertainment and rear seat video.
The present invention provides a front main control unit which is adapted to be configured either with or without rear seat video entertainment and provides an overall architecture which minimizes distinct components needed for vehicle manufacturing even though the overall multimedia entertainment system can have various configurations. More specifically, the present invention provides a multimedia entertainment system for a vehicle having a front seat and a rear seat. An audio media player is mounted as a self-contained unit within the vehicle and generates player audio signals. The audio media player may be a compact disc jockey (CDDJ), for example. The video unit generates video signals and coordinated audio signals. A display screen reproduces the video signals and is viewable from the rear seat. A main control unit is mounted for use by a first operator in the front seat and includes a source of main unit audio signals and a front audio processor generating front and rear audio output signals for reproduction by the multimedia entertainment system. The main control unit includes an external audio input that can normally be used for connecting to a CDDJ, but which can alternatively be connected to a rear seat entertainment system. The rear control unit is mounted for use by a second operator in the rear seat and is connected to the audio media player (e.g., CDDJ) and the video unit. The rear control unit includes a source switch for switchably coupling the player audio signals or the coordinated audio signals to the external audio input. A multiplex network interconnects the main control unit and the rear control unit and transmits multiplex messages therebetween. The main control unit sends control commands by transmitting appropriate multiplex messages to the rear control unit and to the audio media player via the multiplex network. The source switch is configured to select either the player audio signals or the coordinated audio signals in response to respective control commands sent by the main control unit.
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Allen Dennis
Dicky John Michael
Lebioda Daniel Jon
Leinonen Mark Alan
Nicholson Sterling Christpher
Harvey Minsun Oh
Shelton Larry I.
Visteon Global Technologies Inc.
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