A steering wheel control interface module that can automatically detect the type of vehicle it is installed in and automatically detect the type of aftermarket radio it is sending messages to. In addition, the interface module can retain certain user pre-selects and use those to properly set the state of an aftermarket radio.

Various implementations of illumination systems are described herein. For example, the illumination system includes a light guide having an outer surface and an inner surface that extend between a first end and a second end of the light guide, and at least one light source disposed adjacent the first end of the light guide. The light source emits infrared or visible light into the first end of the light guide. The light guide transmits the light from the light source through at least a portion of the outer surface of the light guide. In addition, the system may include a second light source disposed adjacent the second end of the light guide. The second light source emits infrared or visible light into the second end of the light guide.

The present application relates to a method for fabricating a vehicle interior trim part. The proposed method comprises the step of providing a glass panel with a backside and a first and a second region. In a further step, a first stiffener is attached to the first region of the glass panel. Thereby, a stiffened region of the glass panel is formed. The method further comprises the step of bending the second region of the glass panel by cold forming so that a bent region of the glass panel is formed in a region adjacent to the stiffened region. The method further comprises the step of holding the glass panel in shape using a means of fixation.

A lever-type input device includes a lever having a shaft at a tip, and an operation knob of a cap-shape configured to be attached to the shaft. The operation knob includes a cylindrical bearing extending along an axis of the shaft. The bearing is configured to be fitted with the shaft by the shaft being inserted into the bearing from an opening of the operation knob. The bearing includes an elastically deformable cantilever extending along the axis of the shaft. The cantilever includes a fixed end at one end located at a side of the opening, and a free end at an opposite side with respect to the fixed end. The free end includes a hook configured to engage an engagement groove formed on an outer peripheral side surface of the shaft.

Disclosed is a system for detecting command gestures made by a finger of a driver of a motor vehicle, including an interface pad, a light source that emits an optical beam in the infrared band toward the interface pad, an imaging sensor, for capturing images steered by the interface pad away from the driver, with a base frame and a movable plate, an optical zone of interest seen by the imaging sensor being defined at the interface between the base frame and the movable plate, the interface pad including an elastic deformable seal interposed between the base frame and the movable plate, the deformable seal including a first inclined facet, so that an optical path passing via the first inclined facet is proportionally modified by the deformation of the seal under the effect of the movement of the movable pad.

A switch device that is installed on a steering wheel of a vehicle. The switch device includes a switch part that is installed on the vehicle and includes an operation knob and an electromagnetic element for detecting an operation on the operation knob and causing a vibration of the operation knob, and a control unit that performs at least one of a first control and a second control, the first control controlling the electromagnetic element such that the operation knob vibrates in response to the operation, and the second control controlling the electromagnetic element such that the operation knob vibrates at an audible band. The switch device is positioned such that a directivity of a sound emitted from the operation knob is increased toward an ear of an occupant of the vehicle.

An operating arrangement for a vehicle includes a steering column retractable into and extendable out of a dashboard, a steering shaft that is retractable and extendable relative to the steering column, a steering wheel on an end of the steering shaft, and a steering column module arranged on the steering column between the steering wheel and the dashboard. The steering column module has a screen positioned behind the steering wheel. In a manual vehicle driving mode, the steering column is extended out of the dashboard to position the steering wheel and the steering column module away from the dashboard. In an automatic (or autonomous) vehicle mode, the steering column is retracted into the dashboard to position the steering column module against the dashboard and the steering shaft is retracted relative to the steering column to position the steering wheel adjacent the dashboard with the screen resting against the steering wheel.

An airbag module assembly for mounting to a steering wheel assembly has an airbag, a housing and a visual display unit. The housing has a chamber for stowing the airbag. The housing has an attachment for rigidly fixing to a steering wheel and a forward-facing opening of the chamber for receiving the airbag. The cover encloses the housing and stowed airbag. The housing is fixed to the steering wheel offset and positioned removed from a center region of the steering wheel spaced from a rim of the steering wheel. The airbag module is configured upon deployment to have the inflated airbag project outward over the rim toward an occupant.

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.

Disclosed is a touchpad system forming a human-machine interface, intended for a vehicle steering wheel. The touchpad system includes a light source illuminating the touchpad and a camera capturing light coming from the touchpad. The touchpad includes a first marker able to reflect the light coming from the light source, and the touchpad, with the exception of the first marker, being transparent to the light emitted by the light source. The system is notable in particular in that pressure on the touchpad causes the touchpad to move and in that, when the touchpad is in a first position, the first marker is not visible to the camera and, when the touchpad is in a second position, the first marker is visible to the camera.