A motor vehicle operating unit for a motor vehicle, having a haptic feedback device and an operating surface rotatable about an axis of rotation, the axis of rotation being substantially parallel to a plane spanned by the operating surface in the initial position of the motor vehicle operating unit, the haptic feedback device being arranged so as to control the operating surface such that the operating surface rotates about the axis of rotation. A method of confirming a switching command by means of a motor vehicle operating unit is furthermore described.

A vehicle includes a controller, programmed to responsive to detecting a voice command from a user and a location of the user inside the vehicle via a microphone, authenticate an identity of the user using facial recognition on an image captured, by a camera, of the location of the user; and responsive to a successful authentication, execute the voice command.

In various embodiments, methods, systems, and vehicles are provided that include a head-up display and a locator system. In an exemplary embodiment, the head-up display system includes a housing; a light source disposed within the housing; and one or more mirrors disposed within the housing. Also in certain embodiments, the locator system includes: a galvanic mirror disposed outside, and in proximity to, the housing; a laser formed on the galvanic mirror; and a receiver formed on the galvanic mirror.

A visual display unit configured to mount on a steering wheel assembly has a screen display, preferably a touch screen display. The screen display is mounted over an airbag module of the steering wheel assembly. A hinged structure holds the screen display to the steering wheel assembly. The hinged structure is configured to be pivotally attached to a center portion of the steering wheel assembly and non-obstructively movable upon deployment of an airbag. The visual display unit can be a computer or video monitor for occupant viewing while traveling in an autonomous vehicle. The visual display unit includes driver alerts activated by the autonomous vehicle. The visual display unit preferably includes vehicle instrumentation gauges, satellite navigation system, speed, temperature and other data displays.

A switch device includes an operation button to be push-operated, and a sealing portion for sealing a gap between the operation button and an opening through which the operation button is inserted. The sealing portion may include a ring-shaped first seal that is in contact with the operation button and exhibits sealing properties, and a second seal that is harder than the first seal and is located on the outer side of the first seal. The first seal and the second seal may be integrated so as to form a frame of the sealing portion.

Systems and methods for using multiple control displays to control displaying applications on a dashboard screen in a vehicle are described. The applications can be non-driving-critical applications running in an operating system installed on a computing device embedded in the vehicle. The computing device is connected to the dashboard screen, a first control display and a second control display. A controlling application in the operating system can populate the first control display and the second control display with different menus, and display one or more of the non-driving-critical applications in a single display area or multiple display areas depending on user inputs from the first control display and the second control display. In an embodiment, the first control display is positioned within a driving wheel of the vehicle and the second control display is positioned between two front seats in the vehicle.

Methods and systems for a complete vehicle ecosystem are provided. Specifically, systems that when taken alone, or together, provide an individual or group of individuals with an intuitive and comfortable vehicular environment. The present disclosure includes a universal chassis that may be mounted in the head unit of a vehicle. The chassis may accept one or more modules that each have common dimensions. With a common form factor, the universal chassis is configurable as different modules with different functionality may be inserted into the chassis with ease.

A system and method for disabling distracting apps on a driver's personal devices while allowing passengers travelling in the same vehicle to have full use of their personal devices. The system works by first identifying all the personal devices that are in the vehicle and then establishing a loose mesh network between those devices. Once the mesh network is established, the system identifies which of the personal devices is associated with the driver, and ensures that any distracting apps on the driver's personal device are disabled, while allowing full functionality for any passenger's personal devices.

Herein is disclosed a virtual embodiment display system comprising one or more image sensors, configured to receive one or more images of a vehicle occupant; one or more processors, configured to determine a gaze direction of the vehicle occupant from the one or more images; select a display location corresponding to the determined gaze direction; and control an image display device to display a virtual embodiment of an intelligent agent at the display location; the image display device, configured to display the virtual embodiment of the intelligent agent at the selected display location according to the one or more processors.

An input device includes a base member, a motor, a rotation shaft, a worm gear, a first gear, a second gear, an elastic member, a rotor, an angle detection unit, and a controller. The rotation shaft is rotated by the motor. The worm gear is unitarily rotated with the rotation shaft. The first gear is rotatable and engaged with the worm gear. The second gear is coaxial with the first gear. The elastic member generates urging force. The rotor is rotatable relative to the base member, includes a third gear engaged with the second gear, and is rotated by an operator. The angle detection unit detects a first rotation angle of the first gear and a second rotation angle of the second gear. The controller performs drive control for the motor to change a sense of force applied to the operator.