One, some or all of a specified number of multiple operating functions of an operating device can be selected by a user. Each operating function is assigned to a respective finger of a hand of the user in the operating device by a controller, and a detection device is used to detect a contact of at least one of the fingers of the hand on a specified contact surface of the operating device and ascertain which of the fingers of the hand is contacting the contact surface. Each of the operating functions whose assigned finger contacts the contact surface is determined as the user selection by a controller, and the user selection is signaled to a subsequent process of the operating device using selection data which identifies each selected operating function.

A touch-sensitive display apparatus and a control apparatus are included in an operating device of a motor vehicle. The control apparatus is configured, in a first operating mode, to display on the display apparatus a screen keyboard for receiving a character sequence from a user. A driver is not to operate the on-screen keyboard during a journey. A sensor apparatus is configured to detect an approach of an object to the display apparatus, a distinction being drawn between a driver approach from a predetermined driver side and a passenger approach from a passenger side opposite the driver side. The control apparatus is configured to deactivate the first operating mode in the event of a detected driver approach of the object and, instead, to activate an alternative operating mode that is different from the first operating mode.

An input display device includes a display configured to display an image, a capacitive touch panel configured to be attached onto the display and include at least one three-dimensional UI portion on a surface of the touch panel, and a detection unit configured to measure a capacitance of the touch panel and detect an operation on the touch panel based on the measured capacitance. The detection unit detects a rotation of the three-dimensional UI portion from a change in coordinates of a finger touching the three-dimensional UI portion, determines that a rotation detected when a finger distance decreases is valid, and determines that the rotation detected when the finger distance does not decrease is invalid.

Apparatuses, methods, and computer readable medium are provided for controlling an audio system in a vehicle. At least two sub-panels are presented via a display and at least one of the sub-panels provides one or more audio setting options for a first individual or group of occupant locations. The audio setting options are distinct relative to a second individual or group of occupant locations. User selections are received via an input sensor, such as a touchscreen incorporated into the display or separate buttons, knobs, touch-sensitive inputs, or the like. The audio system is controlled in accord with the user selections.

A swipe gesture detection device may determine a swipe gesture performed on a moving surface element of a vehicle component. The swipe gesture detection device includes a spring, which applies a pre-loading between the moving surface element and a housing element of the vehicle component. The swipe gesture detection device also includes a contactless measuring distance sensor having at least three sensor elements arranged in different positions for detecting a respective distance between the surface element and the housing element.

An input device for a vehicle that performs input for operating a user interface (UI) displayed by a display disposed in a vehicle includes: a touch sensor that receives a touch input by a user; and a controller that selects, when the touch input into the touch sensor is a touch with a plurality of fingers or a plurality of taps, a region corresponding to the count of touches with the fingers or the count of taps, from among a plurality of regions displayed by the display.

The invention relates to a method for detecting a user input for an input device having a plurality of switch elements, wherein a control action with a marking gesture and a selection gesture is detected. In doing so, at least one first and one additional switch element are marked sequentially in a specific sequence using the marking gesture, wherein initially the first switch element and then the at least one additional switch element is marked. Using the selection gesture, the marked switch elements are selected sequentially in reverse sequence. Depending on the selected switch elements, control signals are generated and output. The invention furthermore relates to an input device having a plurality of switch elements, a control unit and a detection unit by means of which a control action with a marking gesture and a selection gesture is detectable. In doing so, at least one first and one additional switch element are markable sequentially in a specific sequence using the marking gesture, wherein initially the first switch element and then the at least one additional switch element is markable. Depending on the selection gesture, the marked switch elements are sequentially selectable in the reverse sequence, and control signals can be generated and output depending on the selected switch elements.

A method for controlling a motor vehicle comfort system, wherein the control is carried out with the aid of a touch-sensitive display and user interface assigned to the comfort system. In at least one operating mode, the virtual representation of at least one body having a three-dimensional appearance is generated in a first position on the touch-sensitive display and user interface and at least one function that can be executed by the comfort system is represented on the surface of the body, wherein the body is moved after rotating around a horizontal or vertical axis into another position in which at least one other function which can be executed by the comfort system is represented on the visible surface of the body.

An input apparatus includes an operating portion including a plurality of metal buttons for receiving a manipulation command, a display for visually providing a control command created based on an output signal from the operating portion, and a controller for converting the operating portion to an active state if a predetermined first manipulation command is input to the operating portion, and for controlling the display to provide an increment adjustment screen in which a predetermined first increment has been adjusted if a predetermined drag touch is input to the operating portion.

A vehicle configured to receive a command of a user and a control method for the same may include a manipulator having a metal bar extending in a first direction and formed of a metal material, and a plurality of detectors disposed adjacent to the metal bar in the first direction, a display configured to display a manipulation result of the manipulator, and a controller configured to generate a control signal for controlling an operation of the display based on an output signal of the manipulator, wherein, when a drag touch is input to the manipulator in the first direction, the display displays a function execution screen for a function mapped to the manipulator.