(12) United States Patent
`Chang
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`Us 6,871,356 B2
`Mar. 22, 2005
`
`US006871356B2
`
`(54) MOBILE VIDEO SYSTEM
`
`(75)
`
`Inventor: Chung L. Chang, Diamond Bar, CA
`(US)
`
`.
`.
`(73) Assignee: Johnson Safety, Inc., San Bernardino,
`CA (US)
`.
`.
`.
`.
`Subject. to any disclaimer, the term of this
`Patent 15 extended Of adfllsted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by0 days.
`
`.
`( * ) Notice:
`
`(21) Appi. NO‘: 10/361,897
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Feb. 7, 2003
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2004/0083491 A1 Apr. 29, 2004
`
`(60)
`
`(51)
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`Provisional application No. 60/435,810, filed on Dec. 20,
`2002, and provisional application No. 60/421,936, filed on
`Oct. 28, 2002.
`
`Int. Cl.7 .......................... .. H04N 7/18; H04N 5/64;
`H0413 1/00
`
`. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
`UISI C].
`(58) Field of Search ............................. .. 725/75, 76-77;
`348/837, 838; 381/86; 455/345, 154.1,
`157.2, 158.2, 151.1, 151.2, 152.1
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`Us. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`3,019,050 A
`4,352,200 A *
`4584503 A
`496359110 A
`4,647,980 A
`4,792,183 A
`5,188,421 A
`5,267,775 A
`
`1/1962 Spielman
`9/1982 0XII1aI1 -------------------- -- 455/41-2
`4/1986 Harfison
`1/1987 Wemblatt
`3/1987 Steventon et al.
`12/1988 Townsend, III
`2/1993 Arseneault
`12/1993 Nguyen
`
`5,507,556 A
`5,713,633 A
`5,842,715 A
`5,984,347 A
`5,997,091 A
`5
`3333128 2
`6:250:967 B1
`6,304,173 B2
`6,394,551 B1
`6,412,848 B1 *
`6,532,592 B1 *
`2002/0005917 A1 *
`
`4/1996 Dixon
`2/1998 Lu
`12/1998 Jones
`11/1999 Blanc—Rosset
`12/1999 Rech et al.
`11:/Siting
`6/2001 Chu
`10/2001 Pala et al.
`5/2002 Beukema
`...... .. 296/37.7
`7/2002 Ceccanese et al.
`3/2003 Shintani et al.
`........... .. 725/141
`1/2002 Rosen ...................... .. 348/837
`
`8/2002 Tranchina et al.
`2002/0105507 A1
`2002/0149708 A1 * 10/2002 Nagata et al.
`............ .. 348/837
`
`2003/0020840 A1 *
`1/2003 Hays et al.
`...... ..
`348/837
`.............. .. 348/61
`2003/0137584 A1 *
`7/2003 Norvell et al.
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Primary Examiner—AndreW Faile
`Assistant Examiner—Joseph G. Ustaris
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Knobee, Martens, Olson &
`Bear LL13
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A mobile video system includes a first video source, a
`Second Video Source’ a first Video monitor’ a Second Video
`monitor, an audio signal receiver, and a Wireless transmitter.
`One of the first video source and the second video source
`generates a first audiovisual signal. One of the first video
`monitor and the second video monitor receives a video
`
`portion of at least one of the first audiovisual signal and the
`second audiovisual signal. The Wireless transmitter trans-
`mits an audio portion of one of the first audiovisual signal or
`the second audiovisual signal to the audio signal receiver. A
`video portion of the first audiovisual signal or the second
`audiovisual signal is displayed on the first video monitor, on
`the second video monitor, or on both the first video monitor
`and the Second Video monitor
`'
`
`9 Claims, 14 Drawing Sheets
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`Sheet 3 of 14
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`Sheet 6 of 14
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`Mar. 22, 2005
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`US 6,871,356 B2
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`1
`MOBILE VIDEO SYSTEM
`
`RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application
`Ser. No. 60/435,810, filed Dec. 20, 2002, and also claims the
`benefit of U.S. Application Ser. No. 60/421,936, filed Oct.
`28, 2002, the entire contents of both of which are hereby
`expressly incorporated by reference.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`
`This application relates to a mobile video system having
`more than one audiovisual source and more than one video
`
`monitor. More specifically, a mobile video system is pro-
`vided that includes a wireless transmitter that transmits an
`
`audio portion of an audiovisual signal from an audiovisual
`source to a receiver, which may be a car radio.
`2. Description of the Related Art
`Audiovisual systems for vehicles have been common-
`place aboard commercial aircraft and motor coaches for
`quite some time. Such systems have also been incorporated
`into automobiles. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,339,455 to
`Allan et al. discloses a digital video disc vehicle television
`mounted to the ceiling of an automobile. Similarly, U.S. Pat.
`No. 5,775,762 to Vitito discloses an overhead console hav-
`ing a flip-down monitor, where the console is mounted to the
`ceiling of an automobile.
`The systems disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,339,455 and
`5,775,762, provide a TV monitor that is mounted to the
`ceiling of the automobile. Several passengers can watch the
`same program on the monitor simultaneously. While suitable
`for simultaneous viewing passengers often have varying
`taste in entertainment and might, therefore, prefer to watch
`different programs. These systems, unfortunately, do not
`allow different passengers to select programming that suits
`them. This is a significant draw-back for one of the primary
`applications of such systems: occupying children during
`long road-trips. Children of different ages require different
`sorts of programming to maintain their
`interests.
`Accordingly, a child will not be distracted by programming
`that is not tailored to him or her.
`
`Some of the systems designed for aircraft provide a unit
`associated with each seat (i.e., a viewer unit) that allow each
`passenger to select among a range of programs. However,
`hardwire connections are required between a device that
`transmits the programs (i.e., a program device) and the
`viewer unit. Thus, these systems require extensive wiring to
`interconnect
`the program device and the viewer unit.
`Moreover, because the systems require extensive wiring, as
`a practical matter, they can only be installed during manu-
`facturing and cannot easily be after-market installed. Also,
`these systems generally only enable private listening of
`programs via headphones. While aircraft sometimes have
`overhead loudspeakers, these loudspeakers are generally not
`used for programs, but
`rather are reserved for
`announcements, e.g., safety instruction, arrival information,
`and customs procedures. Thus these systems relay the audio
`signal of the programs to passengers in only one way,
`through headphones.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`In one embodiment, a mobile audiovisual system for a car
`is provided. The mobile audiovisual system includes a first
`video source, a second video source, a first video monitor,
`and a second video monitor. The mobile audiovisual system
`
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`also includes a radio and a first wireless transmitter. The first
`video source generates a first audiovisual signal. The second
`video source that generates a second audiovisual signal. The
`first video monitor is adapted to be mounted to a first
`headrest of the car. The first video monitor is also adapted to
`receive a video portion of at least one of the first audiovisual
`signal and the second audiovisual signal. The second video
`monitor is adapted to be mounted to a second headrest of the
`car and to receive a video portion of at least one of the first
`audiovisual signal and the second audiovisual signal. The
`radio includes a loudspeaker and is adapted to be installed in
`the car. The first wireless transmitter transmits to the radio
`
`an audio portion of one of the first audiovisual signal or the
`second audiovisual signal. A video portion of either of the
`first audiovisual signal or the second audiovisual signal can
`be displayed on the first video monitor, on the second video
`monitor, or on both the first video monitor and the second
`video monitor.
`
`In another embodiment, a mobile video system is pro-
`vided that includes a car, a first video source, a second video
`source, a first video monitor, a second video monitor, a
`radio, and a first wireless transmitter. The car includes a
`passenger compartment and a first seat having a first head-
`rest. The first seat is positioned in the passenger compart-
`ment. The first video source generates a first audiovisual
`signal. The second video source generates a second audio-
`visual signal. The first video monitor is mounted to the
`headrest of the first seat. The first video monitor receives a
`
`video portion of at least one of the first audiovisual signal
`and the second audiovisual signal. The second video monitor
`is mounted in the passenger compartment. The second video
`monitor receives a video portion of at least one of the first
`audiovisual signal and the second audiovisual signal. The
`radio includes a loudspeaker and is installed in the vehicle.
`The first wireless transmitter transmits an audio portion of
`one of the first audiovisual signal or the second audiovisual
`signal to the radio. A video portion of either of the first
`audiovisual signal or the second audiovisual signal can be
`displayed on the first video monitor, on the second video
`monitor, or on both the first video monitor and the second
`video monitor.
`
`In another embodiment, a car-based mobile video system
`includes a car, a first video source, a second video source, a
`first video monitor, a second video monitor, a radio, and a
`first wireless transmitter. The car has a passenger compart-
`ment within which a first seat having a first headrest and a
`second seat having a second headrest are positioned. The
`first video source generates a first audiovisual signal. The
`second video source generates a second audiovisual signal.
`The first video monitor is mounted to the first headrest of the
`
`first seat. The first video monitor receives a video portion of
`at least one of the first audiovisual signal and the second
`audiovisual signal. The second video monitor is mounted to
`the second headrest of the second seat. The second video
`
`monitor is configured to receive a video portion of at least
`one of the first audiovisual signal and the second audiovisual
`signal. The radio includes a loudspeaker that is installed in
`the vehicle. The first wireless transmitter is configured to
`transmit an audio portion of one of the first audiovisual
`signal or the second audiovisual signal to the radio. Avideo
`portion of either of the first audiovisual signal or the second
`audiovisual signal can be displayed on the first video
`monitor, on the second video monitor, or on both the first
`video monitor and the second video monitor.
`
`In another embodiment, a mobile video system includes a
`car, a first video source, a second video source, a first video
`monitor, a second video monitor, an audio signal receiver,
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`FIG. 11B is a left side section view of the headrest-
`
`mounted monitor of FIG. 7, illustrating the screen structure
`pivoted outward from the housing;
`FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the bracket of the
`headrest-mounted monitor of FIG. 7;
`FIG. 13A is a left side elevation view of the headrest-
`
`5
`
`3
`and a first wireless transmitter. The car has a passenger
`compartment within which a first seat having a first headrest
`and a second seat having a second headrest are positioned.
`The first video source generates a first audiovisual signal.
`The second video source generates a second audiovisual
`signal. The first video monitor is mounted to the first
`headrest of the first seat. The first video monitor receives a
`
`video portion of at least one of the first audiovisual signal
`and the second audiovisual signal. The second video monitor
`is mounted to the second headrest of the second seat. The
`
`10
`
`second video monitor is configured to receive a video
`portion of at least one of the first audiovisual signal and the
`second audiovisual signal. The first wireless transmitter is
`configured to transmit an audio portion of one of the first
`audiovisual signal or the second audiovisual signal to the
`audio signal receiver. A video portion of either of the first
`audiovisual signal or the second audiovisual signal can be
`displayed on the first video monitor, on the second video
`monitor, or on both the first video monitor and the second
`video monitor.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
`present invention will be better understood with reference a
`preferred embodiment, which is illustrated in the accompa-
`nying drawings. The illustrated embodiment
`is merely
`exemplary and is not intended to define the outer limits of
`the scope of the present invention. The drawings of the
`illustrated arrangement comprise six figures.
`FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a car arranged and
`configured in accordance with certain features, aspects and
`advantages of the present invention.
`FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the car of FIG. 1.
`FIG. 3 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a mobile
`
`video system having a video monitor mounted in a headrest
`of a vehicle seat.
`
`FIG. 4 is schematic view of the embodiment of FIG. 3,
`showing more details of the video monitor;
`FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view similar to that of FIG. 2,
`showing a car equipped with one embodiment of a dual-
`monitor mobile video system;
`FIG. 6 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a dual
`
`monitor mobile video system.
`FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of one embodiment of a
`
`headrest-mounted monitor, illustrating the monitor installed
`in a headrest of a vehicle seat;
`FIG. 7A is a front elevation view of the headrest-mounted
`monitor of FIG. 7;
`FIG. 8A is a left side elevation view of the screen structure
`of the headrest-mounted monitor of FIG. 7;
`FIG. 8B is a rear elevation view of the screen structure of
`FIG. 8A;
`FIG. 9A is a front elevation view of the housing of the
`headrest-mounted monitor of FIG. 7;
`FIG. 9B is a left side elevation view of the housing of FIG.
`9A;
`FIG. 9C is a detail view of the second hinge portion of the
`housing of FIG. 9A;
`FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the headrest-mounted
`monitor of FIG. 7, illustrating the screen structure pivoted
`outward from the housing;
`FIG. 11A is a left side section view of the headrest-
`
`mounted monitor of FIG. 7, illustrating the screen structure
`in a storage position;
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`mounted monitor and headrest of FIG. 7, illustrating the
`screen structure in a storage position; and
`FIG. 13B is a left side elevation view of the headrest-
`
`mounted monitor and headrest of FIG. 7, illustrating the
`screen structure pivoted outward from the housing.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
`
`With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a car featuring
`certain features, aspects and advantages of the present
`invention will be described. The car, indicated generally by
`the reference numeral 20, is an environment for which many
`features, aspects and advantages of the embodiments
`described herein have been specially adapted. As used herein
`“car” is a broad term and is used in its ordinary sense and
`refers, without limitation, to any personal land transportation
`vehicle, e.g., a passenger automobile, a truck, a van, a
`minivan, a sport-utility vehicle, etc. Nevertheless, certain
`features, aspects and advantages of the embodiments
`described herein can be used with other vehicles.
`
`The car 20 generally comprises a chassis (not shown) to
`which a body having a plurality of body panels 24 is
`attached. A passenger compartment 28 is defined by the
`body. A dashboard 30 preferably is positioned within the
`passenger compartment 28. The dashboard 30 usually is
`coupled with the chassis of the car 20 and houses several
`components of the car 20, e.g., a car radio 31. A first front
`seat 32 that includes a first headrest 36 is positioned within
`the passenger compartment 28. Preferably a second front
`seat 40 that includes a second headrest 44 is also positioned
`within the passenger compartment 28. One skilled in the art
`will appreciate that the headrests 36, 44 need not take any
`particular form. For example, in one embodiment, at least
`one of the headrests 36, 44 is detachably attached to the
`corresponding front seat 32, 40. In another embodiment, at
`least one of the headrests 36, 44 is integrally formed with the
`corresponding front seat 32, 40. In other words, the head-
`rests 36, 44 can take many forms, generally providing the
`function of supporting a head of a passenger sitting in the
`front seats 32, 40. In some embodiments, the size of at least
`one of the headrests 36, 44 must be sufficient to house a
`video monitor, as discussed in more detail below.
`FIGS. 2-4 show one embodiment of a mobile video
`
`system 48 that preferably is positioned in the car 20. The
`mobile video system 48 preferably includes a video source
`52, a video monitor 56 and the radio 31. As discussed in
`more detail below,
`the mobile video system 48 provides
`wireless transmission of an audio portion of an audiovisual
`signal and a manually operated audio frequency selector, or
`manual actuator, that selects a wireless transmission fre-
`quency.
`The video source 52 is also referred to herein as an
`“audiovisual source.” The terms “video source” and “audio-
`
`visual source” are broad terms that are used in their ordinary
`sense and refer, without
`limitation,
`to any device that
`generates an audiovisual signal that includes a video portion
`that can be processed to produce a video signal (e.g.,
`to
`produce a visual image) and an audio portion that can be
`processed to produce an audio signal (e.g., sound at a level
`high enough to be heard by a human ear). For example,
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`5
`“video source” and “audiovisual source” are broad enough
`to cover a digital video-disc player, a video cassette player,
`a video-game console, and a computer that can generate
`audiovisual signals, etc. Thus,
`the video source 52 is
`described herein as generating or providing an audiovisual
`signal.
`Video sources typically have a variety of jacks for inter-
`connecting the sources with other components. For example,
`the sources may have output jacks to convey the audio
`portion of an audiovisual signal and may have output jacks
`to convey the video portion of an audiovisual signal. Video
`sources may also have output jacks to convey to other
`devices power or control signals, e.g., remote control sig-
`nals. Video sources also may have input jacks to receive
`from other sources power, control signals, or other audio-
`visual signals.
`The video source 52 advantageously can be positioned in
`a wide variety of locations in the car 20.
`In some
`embodiments, the video source 52 is preferably positioned
`within the passenger compartment 28 so as to be accessible
`while the car 20 is in motion. For example, the video source
`52 is shown positioned beneath the front seat 32 in the
`embodiment illustrated by FIG. 2. In other embodiments, the
`video source 52 is positioned in the dashboard 30. It may be
`advantageous to position the video source 52 in a more
`secure location, such as in a storage compartment that is not
`accessible from the passenger compartment 28 (e.g.,
`the
`trunk). Alternatively, in some cars, there may be sufficient
`overhead space in the passenger compartment 28 for the
`source 52 to be mounted overhead. One skilled in the art will
`
`appreciate that the source 52 could be housed in an overhead
`console (not shown). In some embodiments, more than one
`video source is provided. Such embodiments are discussed
`in connection with FIGS. 5 and 6.
`
`The mobile video system 48 preferably also includes a set
`of input jacks 60. As discussed more fully below, a first
`audiovisual signal line 64 having an audio branch 64A and
`a video branch 64B interconnects the input jacks 60 and the
`video monitor 56. In one embodiment, the first video source
`52 connects to the set of input jacks 60 through a series of
`signal lines. For example, a remote sensor signal line 68 that
`is connected to the first video source 52 is received by a first
`remote sensor jack 72. Preferably, a video signal line 76
`interconnects the video source 52 and a primary video signal
`jack 80. In the illustrated embodiment, a secondary video
`signal jack 88 is provided which can receive a signal line
`connected to a second video source. Aleft-side audio signal
`line 92 has a first branch 92A and a second branch 92B. The
`
`first branch 92A of the left-side audio signal line 92 inter-
`connects the video source 52 and a left-side audio signal jack
`96. A right-side audio signal line 100 has a first branch 100A
`and a second branch 100B. The first branch 100A of the
`
`right-side audio signal line 100 interconnects the first video
`source 52 and a right-side audio signal jack 104.
`As discussed above, the mobile video system 48 provides
`wireless transmission of audio signals. Preferably the mobile
`video system 48 includes at least one wireless transmitter. In
`one embodiment a primary wireless transmitter 108 is
`provided that is coupled with the video monitor 56 via a
`signal line 112. As is discussed more fully below, the signal
`line 112 may be capable of conveying at least one input
`command from a passenger that may include directing the
`transmitter 108 to switch from one frequency to another
`frequency. In the illustrated embodiment, the primary wire-
`less transmitter 108 and the video source 52 also are
`
`connected via the audio signal lines 92, 100. In particular,
`the second branch 92B of the left-side audio signal line 92
`
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`interconnects the video source 52 and the primary wireless
`transmitter 108 and the second branch 100B of the right-side
`audio signal line 100 interconnects the video source 52 and
`the primary wireless transmitter 108. Other embodiments
`with a single connection between the primary wireless
`transmitter 108 and the video source 52 can also be pro-
`vided.
`
`Wireless transmission in the mobile video system 48 is
`indicated by the arrow 120. Wireless transmission of the
`audio signals advantageously eliminates the need for exten-
`sive installation of wiring in the car 20 to physically connect
`the source 52 and the radio 31. This is particularly advan-
`tageous for after-market installation of the mobile video
`system 48. The primary wireless transmitter 108 preferably
`can employ any radio frequency transmission method that is
`compatible with the receiver 116, e.g., amplitude modulation
`transmission, short-wave transmission, etc.
`In one
`embodiment, the primary wireless transmitter 108 comprises
`a frequency modulation (FM) transmitter that
`transmits
`audio signals in a wireless manner to at least one audio
`signal receiver 116. FM transmission is particularly advan-
`tageous because it produces higher quality sound reproduc-
`tion than other transmission techniques, e.g., amplitude
`modulation transmission.
`
`The audio signal receiver 116 is a factory or a perma-
`nently installed radio in one embodiment, e.g. the car radio
`31, and is a portable radio within the vehicle in another
`embodiment. In one embodiment, the audio signal receiver
`116 provides audio signals to at least one loudspeaker, or
`speaker 124 to be audibly reproduced for one or more
`passengers in the car 20. Thus, a group of listeners can enjoy
`the audio signals generated by the audiovisual source 52. In
`another embodiment, the at least one audio signal receiver
`116 comprises two sets of headphones that include speakers
`for private listening by a single passenger. As discussed
`more fully below, at least one set of headphones can also be
`provided to receive audio signals from a secondary audio
`signal transmitter.
`One embodiment of the video monitor 56 is shown in
`more detail in FIG. 4. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4
`
`is particularly suited for mounting in a headrest of a vehicle
`seat. In other embodiments, the video monitor 56 can be
`configured to be suspended from the ceiling of the vehicle.
`Details of the construction of such a system are set forth in
`U.S. Pat. No. 6,409,242,
`the entire contents of which is
`hereby expressly incorporated herein and made a part of this
`specification. The video monitor 56 illustrated in FIG. 4
`includes a screen structure 128 that is pivotally at tached to
`a housing 132. Both the housing 132 and an outer casing of
`the screen structure 128 are preferably constructed of a
`high-strength plastic, so that the video monitor 56 is light-
`weight and durable. The housing 132 is configured to be
`embedded in a headrest, e.g., the independently moveable
`headrest 36. In particular, the housing 132 is embedded in a
`rear-facing surface 136 of the headrest 36 (See FIG. 3). The
`housing 132 preferably defines a cavity that receives the
`screen structure 128. The cavity is substantially the same
`size and shape as the screen structure 128, such that when
`the screen structure 128 is stored, a front face 140 of the
`screen structure 128 is substantially flush with an outer
`surface 144 of the housing 132, which is in turn substantially
`flush with the rear-facing surface 136 of the headrest 36. The
`video monitor 56 thus preferably protrudes only minimally
`or not at all from the headrest 36.
`
`The video monitor 56 may be adapted to be adjustably
`mounted to the headrest 36. For example,
`in one
`embodiment, an angular orientation of the video monitor 56
`
`Page 18 of 27
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`PETITIONER'S EXHIBIT 1007
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`Page 18 of 27
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`PETITIONER'S EXHIBIT 1007
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`

`
`US 6,871,356 B2
`
`7
`relative to the headrest 36 is adjustable without moving the
`headrest 36. More details various embodiments of a video
`monitor 56 that is configured to be mounted to a headrest are
`set forth herein in connection with FIGS. 7—13B, and may be
`found in U.S. application Ser. No. 10/219,987, filed Aug. 13,
`2002, which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference
`herein in its entirety and made a part of this specification.
`In one embodiment, the video monitor 56 also includes a
`secondary wireless transmitter 148. Preferably, the second-
`ary wireless transmitter 148 transmits an audio portion of an
`audiovisual signal to at least one secondary receiver 150. In
`the embodiment
`illustrated in FIG. 4,
`the at
`least one
`secondary receiver 150 comprises two sets of headphones.
`Thus,
`in this embodiment,
`the at
`least one secondary
`receiver 150 comprises two personal speaker systems. The
`secondary wireless transmitter 148 advantageously trans-
`mits the audio portion of an audiovisual signal. Arrows 149
`indicate that the transmission from the transmitter 148 to the
`
`at least one secondary receiver 150 is wireless. The trans-
`mitter 148 can operate on any desirable frequency range. In
`one embodiment, the secondary wireless transmitter 148 is
`an FM transmitter. FM transmitters advantageously do not
`require a line-of-sight connection between the secondary
`wireless transmitter 148 and the secondary receiver 150. In
`another embodiment, the secondary wireless transmitter 148
`comprises an infrared transmitter.
`Infrared audio signal
`transmitters advantageously do not transmit in a band that
`can be received by the radio 31 and therefore they will not
`interfere with reception by the radio 31. One type of infrared
`transmitter that can be used comprises four light emitting
`diodes (LEDs). In one embodiment the infrared transmitter
`148 operates at about 2.3 MHZ or at about 2.8 MHZ. In
`another embodiment the infrared audio signal transmitter
`148 operates at about 3.2 MHZ or at about 3.8 MHZ. in one
`embodiment, the transmitter 148 transmits audio signals in
`stereo at 2.3 MHZ, at 2.8 MHZ, or at both 2.3 MHZ and 2.8
`MHZ. One skilled in the art will
`recogniZe that other
`frequencies could also be used for such transmissions. By
`including the secondary wireless transmitter 148 and the
`receiver 150, one or more passengers can enjoy a movie or
`a video game while other passengers listen to the same
`movie or video game on the radio 31. This enables the
`passenger listening on the headphones to not be disturbed if
`other passengers listening on the radio 31 choose to listen to
`a broadcast radio station.
`
`Because many environments in which the mobile video
`system 48 will be used receive broadcasts at many radio
`frequencies,
`interference between these prevailing radio
`signals and those generated by the primary wireless trans-
`mitter 108 sometimes will occur. This interference can
`
`render the audio signal unlistenable. Thus, the mobile video
`system 48 advantageously includes a manually operated
`audio frequency selector, or manual actuator 156. The
`manual actuator 156 selects a transmission frequency upon
`which the primary wireless transmitter 108 transmits the
`audio portion of an audiovisual signal. In one embodiment,
`the manual actuator 156 comprises a push-button that is
`wired to the primary wireless transmitter 108 and that is
`operable by a passenger within the car 20.
`In one
`embodiment,
`the manual actuator 156 also provides an
`on/off signal to the video monitor 56.
`Preferably, the manual actuator 156 is at least partially
`positioned within the housing 132 for the video monitor 56.
`In one embodiment, the manual actuator 156 is provided in
`a cluster of manual controls 158 located on the housing 132.
`By positioning the manual actuator 156 within the housing
`132 for the video monitor 56, the number of components that
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`need to be separately installed is reduced, which also
`reduces installation cost and complexity.
`In another
`embodiment, the manual actuator 156 comprises a remote
`control device. The remote control manual actuator 156
`advantageously allows passengers sitting in a variety of
`seats throughout
`the vehicle to move the frequency of
`transmission as needed. As will be understood by one skilled
`in the art, a remote control device can be a self-contained
`device that can be moved around within the passenger
`compartment 28, or can be a control panel affixed to a
`location within the passenger compartment, but remotely
`located from the video monitor 56.
`
`Preferably the mobile video system 48 also includes an
`audio frequency indicator 160 that provides a visual signal
`regarding the frequency of transmission selected by the
`manual actuator 156. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the
`audio frequency indicator 160 comprises a plurality of LEDs
`that are energiZed to indicate the frequency of transmission
`selected by the manual actuator 156. The audio frequency
`indicator 160 informs at
`least one passenger which