Patent ID: 6330337
Filing Date: 2001-12-11
Classification: H04B

Abstract:
A multimedia entertainment system for a vehicle having a front seat and a rear seat, comprising:a video unit generating video signals and coordinated audio signals;a display screen for reproducing said video signals and viewable from said rear seat;a main control unit mounted for use by a first operator in said front seat, said main control unit including a source of main unit audio signals and a front audio processor generating front and rear audio output signals for reproduction by said multimedia entertainment system, said main control unit further including an external audio input, said main control unit adapted to operate with an audio media player mounted as a self-contained unit within said vehicle and generating player audio signals;a rear control unit mounted for use by a second operator in said rear seat and connected to said video unit, said rear control unit adapted to be connected to said audio media player, and said rear control unit including a source switch for selectably coupling said player audio signals or said coordinated audio signals to said external audio input; anda multiplex network interconnecting said main control unit and said rear control unit and transmitting multiplex messages therebetween;wherein said main control unit sends control commands by transmitting appropriate ones of said multiplex messages for said rear control unit and for said audio media player via said multiplex network, and wherein said source switch is configured to select either said player audio signals or said coordinated audio signals in response to respective control commands sent by said main control unit.