Disclosed herein a user interface device includes a levitating knob configured to detect an input by a user's manipulation; a knob holder configured to be held when the levitating knob does not levitate; a lifting driver provided below the knob holder so that the levitating knob rises from the knob holder and levitates; and an anti-separation section disposed to be spaced apart from the levitating knob by a predetermined distance so that the raised levitating knob does not deviate from an upper side of the knob holder; and wherein the levitating knob is provided with a first magnet, the lift driver is provided with a second magnet arranged to face the first magnet, the second magnet having the same pole as the first magnet on facing surface thereagainst, the lift driver is configured to levitate or hold the levitating knob by driving up or down the second magnet.

A decorative element comprising a faceted transparent body having a front surface and a back surface, and a coating on at least part of the back surface of the faceted transparent body. The coating comprises a reflective layer of semiconductor material and a layer of lacquer over the reflective layer, and the reflective layer of semiconductor material has a thickness of at least about 400 nm or at least about 250 nm. Methods of making a decorative element, uses of the decorative element, a switch cover comprising the decorative element, and a switch comprising a sensor for detecting actuation of the switch and a cover protecting the sensor and comprising the decorative element are also described.

An operation device includes an operation unit configured to be movable relative to a device body of the operation device. The operation device includes a first detector that detects touching of the operation unit and a second detector that detects movement of the operation unit relative to the device body. The operation device further includes a controller that processes detection signals of the first detector and the second detector so that the movement of the operation unit relative to the device body and the touching of the operation unit correspond to inputs for operating an operation subject apparatus.

A three-dimensional touch device includes a flexible circuit board structure and an in-mold formed film. The flexible circuit board structure includes a flexible circuit substrate and touch electrodes disposed on the outer surface of the flexible circuit substrate. The flexible circuit substrate includes folded lines. At least two of the folded lines are not parallel to each other. A contour of the flexible circuit structure is formed by bending the flexible circuit substrate and is suitable for having a main body portion and bending portions. The bending portions are connected to the main body portion through the folded lines. The in-mold formed film encapsulates the inner surface, the outer surface and the touch electrodes. The in-mold formed film includes an exterior film layer covering the outer surface and the touch electrodes. The contour of the flexible circuit structure approaches to a part of contour of the exterior film layer.

A vehicle component includes a display element and/or operating element integrated into a vehicle component surface. The display element and/or operating element has a light source, a base support, a mask and a surface layer. The surface layer is made of a material that becomes transparent when activated.

A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The component may comprise a composite structure comprising a substrate and light guide and surface/cover with holes/pattern of apertures configured for illumination (by a light source/module) to provide an interface/display (with decorative and/or instrumentation region). The light guide may comprise a resin material formed as the set of projections in the pattern of apertures. The cover may comprise a decorative layer with backing configured to provide a visual/surface effect (e.g. natural material, wood veneer, etc.); the display may present a visual/decorative effect when illuminated at the pattern of apertures/light guide. The interface/display at the surface (by illuminated light guide/pattern of holes) may present indicia for a vehicle system and/or decorative effect. The component may comprise a trim/trim panel, instrument panel/dashboard, door panel/armrest, console, overhead trim/headliner, pillar/structure, seat, etc.

An operation device for an autonomous vehicle includes a touch panel configured to display at least one of a start button and a deceleration button, and a notification button on the same screen. The autonomous vehicle is autonomously drivable. The start button is a button for starting driving of the autonomous vehicle in an autonomous drive mode. The deceleration button is a button for decelerating the autonomous vehicle during the autonomous drive mode. The notification button is a button for performing notification to an outside of the autonomous vehicle.

A vehicular sensing and control system includes a sensor module having (i) a switch face, (ii) a force sensing sensor, (iii) a haptic feedback device, and (iv) a microcontroller. Responsive to a user applying a first finger force the switch face, a first signal generated by the force sensing sensor is provided to the microcontroller. The microcontroller, based on the first signal, causes the haptic feedback device to generate a first haptic feedback associated with a first function of the vehicle and controls the first function of the vehicle. Responsive to the driver applying a second finger force to the switch face, a second signal generated by the force sensing sensor is provided to the microcontroller. The microcontroller, based on the second signal, causes the haptic feedback device to generate a second haptic feedback associated with a second function of the vehicle and controls the second function of the vehicle.

A door handle with electronic lock assemble comprises a door handle and a connecting rod. The door handle is deposited on a side of a door. The connecting rod is rotatable mounted on the door handle by crossing through the door. The door comprises a lock operatively connected with the door handle and the connecting rod. The door handle comprises an electronic module mounted therein. The electronic module comprises a controller, an actuator module and an electronic key interface. The controller and the actuator are signal connected. The electronic key interface is electronic connected with the controller.

A vehicle display assembly includes a light source and a flexible light guide configured to emit light therefrom. The assembly may include a steering wheel assembly to which the flexible light guide is operably coupled. The vehicle display assembly may be configured to emit light in at least first, second, and third colors. For example, the vehicle display assembly may be configured to illuminate the flexible light guide in the first color in a first mode, in the second color in a second mode, and in the third color in a third mode.