There is obtained an automatic transmission control apparatus that makes it possible that even when an abnormality occurs in a sensor for detecting a motor rotation angle or the like, control of an automatic transmission is appropriately performed. Inputted first, second, and third detection signals are compared with one another; it is determined that at least two detection signals, out of these detection signals, that coincide with each other are normal and another detection signal is abnormal; then, based on the result of the determination, switching of the ranges of the automatic transmission is controlled.

A pushbutton shifter interface is provided that includes a movable assembly supporting a plurality of pushbutton keys. The pushbutton shifter interface also includes a proximity sensor arrangement configured to sense a user proximate the pushbutton keys and interfacing with one of the keys and an actuator actuating the movable assembly to a use position in response to sensing the user proximate the pushbutton keys. The pushbutton shifter interface further includes a display showing a sensed position of the user relative to the plurality of pushbutton keys.

A shifter interface is provided that includes a user interface panel. The shifter interface also includes a plurality of proximity sensors arranged to provide proximity switches on the panel, wherein the proximity switches form fixed input keys that are selectable by a user to enter an operating mode of the vehicle. The shifter interface further includes a controller processing signals generated by the proximity sensors to detect activation of one or more of the proximity sensors.

A steering wheel assembly includes a steering rim and a steering housing connected to the steering rim. The steering wheel assembly also includes at least one pressure sensitive component disposed within the steering housing. The at least one pressure sensitive component generates electric signals in response to force applied on the steering housing. The at least one pressure sensitive component may include any one of at least one piezoelectric switch, a piezoelectric sensor, and a capacitive array. Further, at least one pressure sensitive component may provide a haptic feedback. Additionally, a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) disposed within the steering housing is electrically connected to the at least one pressure sensitive component. The PCB includes a controller that determines a user input or a gesture made by a user on the steering housing based on the electric signals received from the at least one pressure sensitive component.

A shift operation determination apparatus includes: an operation member rotatably attached to the vehicle; an operation detection section configured to detect a position of the operation member; a lock mechanism configured to regulate a rotation of the operation member; a braking operation detection section configured to detect a braking operation of the vehicle; a shift determination section configured to determine any one of a plurality of shift ranges including a first range for parking and a second range different from the first range, based on the position of the operation member; and a lock control section configured to cause the lock mechanism to regulate the rotation of the operation member from a first position corresponding to the first range to a second position corresponding to the second range when the braking operation is not detected.

A rotary shifter having a knob bi-directionally and biasingly supported upon a housing in a monostable and return-to-center orientation. A printed circuit board assembly is incorporated into the housing and includes a sensor and a processor. A spur gear is rotatably supported within the housing and actuated by the knob, the spur gear supporting a magnet in proximity to the sensor. Rotation of the knob causing rotational displacement of the magnet relative to the sensor in order for the processor to instruct a change in shifter position. The knob incorporating a graphical display for indicating a current shifter position of the assembly.

A steering wheel mounted visual display including a housing incorporated at a location defined within a circumference of the steering wheel and having a graphical display output. Upon rotation of the steering wheel, the display adjusts to remain in an upright orientation. The housing further includes a main lower housing and an assemble-able upper housing sandwiching a display component providing the graphical display output. The display component further includes a stationary inner component, a display support and a PCB component cooperating for auto-updating the graphical display output in response to rotation of the steering wheel.

A scrolling shifter assembly having a housing rotatably supporting a scrolling wheel having a knurled exterior edge accessible to a vehicle operator, the scrolling wheel also including an annular side detent profile. A magnet is positioned in proximity to a sensor mounted to a printed circuit board (PCBA) within the housing and displaces relative to the sensor in response to rotation of the scrolling wheel. A display component is mounted in proximity to the PCBA. At least one haptic biasing component including any of spring loaded pawl or wave spring is supported within the housing and biases against the detent profile such that, and upon the operator actuating the scrolling wheel, the pawl is caused to displace relative to the profile in order to incrementally rotate the wheel, the magnet rotating relative to the PCBA sensor to cause an associated processor to electronically instruct a shift change to an engine control unit.

A transmission device for a vehicle includes a vehicle state detector for detecting a vehicle state, a transmission operation unit for enabling a transmission operation of selecting one of a plurality of transmission stages, and a position adjusting unit for adjusting a position of the transmission operation unit based on the detected vehicle state to allow the transmission operation unit to slidingly move between a first position where a transmission operation is disabled and a second position where a transmission operation is enabled.

A shift operation determination apparatus includes: an operation member rotatably attached to the vehicle; a position detection section configured to detect a position of the operation member in a rotation direction; a shift determination section configured to determine, based on the position of the operation member, a shift range selected by the operation member; and a regulation section configured to regulate a rotation of the operation member, the regulation section being configured to regulate the rotation of the operation member when the operation member moves to a second position corresponding to the second range from a first position corresponding to the first range or a third position corresponding to the third range and moves to the third position within a predetermined time after being located at the second position.