A vehicle accessory control circuit includes a processor electrically connected to a power source and a memory, the processor executing computer readable instructions stored on the memory to configure the accessory control circuit and an accessory control output. The control circuit includes at least one capacitive touch assembly having an electrically conductive conduit shielded by a portion of a steering mechanism of the vehicle. The capacitive touch assembly is connected to the power source and the processor such that the conduit is configured to transmit a capacitance input data signal to the processor to adjust the accessory control output. The capacitance input data signal is varied by a conductive touch object such as a human finger or palm to manipulate the output from the accessory system.

A vehicle includes: an input device, and a controller configured to receive a signal from the input device and generate a predetermined control signal corresponding to the received signal. The input device includes: a rotation member provided with a first magnet disposed on a portion thereof; a fixation member provided with a plurality of second magnets disposed on a surface thereof; and a detection member generating a signal including information related to a relative position of the rotation member against the fixation member based on a variation of a magnetic field intensity. The second magnets have a different magnetic field intensity from each other according to a distribution position of the second magnets. The variation of magnetic field intensity is generated between the first magnet and the second magnets due to a position change of the first magnet when the rotation member is rotated.

A vehicle steering wheel is provided that includes a rotatable rim comprising a core structure, a steering angle sensor sensing an angle of rotation of the rim, and a plurality of proximity sensors located on the rim and spaced apart from one another along an arc length. The vehicle steering wheel also includes a controller processing sensed outputs generated by each of the plurality of proximity sensors and determining operator input commands based on the sensed outputs. The controller assigns a function to each of the proximity sensors that changes as the rim is rotated at an angle such that a given function associated with a proximity sensor remains at the same position in space.

Provided is a touch panel having a curved surface. A touch panel 10 is formed of a sheet of a flat sheet 1 by thermoforming. A plurality of island-like electrodes 2,3 is arrayed in each of an X direction and a Y direction on the input region. The island-like electrodes 2, 3, inter-electrode wires 4, and a lead wiring are formed of a ductile wire material. A center portion of the flat sheet 1 is formed into a convex dome shape by thermoforming. The touch panel 10 includes a first input region 11 and a second input region 12. The first input region 11 is provided on the convex dome shape. The second input region 12 is provided on the flat surface (zero curvature). The first input region 11 is provided at around a center on the inside of the second input region 12.

Various implementations include a light bar system for a steering wheel of a vehicle that includes a high intensity light source, a light diffusing layer, and an outer lens. For example, in certain implementations, the light diffusing layer is disposed between a plurality of high intensity light emitting diodes (LEDs) and an outer lens, and the light diffusing layer causes the light from the LEDs to appear as a continuous stream of light across a length of the lens and provides sufficiently bright lighting to warn or communicate with the driver in various ambient lighting conditions. In certain implementations, the outer lens is colored to blend in with the rest of the steering wheel when the LEDs are not activated.

The present disclosure relates to a configurable user interface for a vehicle (V). The configurable user interface includes a plurality of control devices for controlling a first set of vehicle systems (S-n). The control devices are each associated with at least one of the vehicle systems (S-n) in said first set. At least one processor is provided for identifying a subset of the first set of vehicle systems (S-n) consisting of the vehicle system(s) (S-n) installed on the vehicle (V). A memory is connected to the at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to enable any of said control devices associated with the vehicle systems (S-n) contained in said subset; and/or to disable any of said control devices associated with the vehicle systems (S-n) not contained in said subset. The present disclosure also relates to a steering wheel of a vehicle (V) incorporating a configurable user interface. A vehicle (V) and a method of configuring a user interface are also disclosed.

Grip sensor includes base material, sensor wire formed on base material, and sensor circuit electrically connected to an end of sensor wire. Sensor wire includes first wire portion on a side of sensor end, and a second wire portion on a side of power source end. In a state where base material is attached on a rim, second wire portion is disposed at an outer peripheral surface of the rim that is a site opposing a knee or thigh of a driver operating a steering wheel, and first wire portion is disposed at a front side and a rear side of the rim.

A device for the operation of a digitizer includes a data input, an evaluation unit, and a data output. The evaluation unit is configured, in connection with the data input, to ascertain an approach by an input medium toward the digitizer without contact with the digitizer via an optical sensor. The evaluation unit is configured to transition the digitizer, in connection with the data output and in response to the data input, from a sleep mode to an operating mode.

A steering wheel that includes optoelectronic components, each specific optoelectronic component including a light projector projecting light out of the steering wheel at two different angles, denoted a1 and a2, a light sensor detecting reflections of the light projected by neighboring optoelectronic components by an object above the steering wheel, a lens oriented relative to the light sensor such that the light sensor receives maximum intensity when light enters the lens at either of two particular angles, specifically, when light enters the lens at a particular angle b1, and at a particular angle b2 different than b1, wherein angle b1 views reflections of light projected at angle a1 by the optoelectronic component neighboring the specific optoelectronic component on one side, and angle b2 views reflections of light projected at angle a2 by the optoelectronic component neighboring the specific optoelectronic component on the side opposite the one side.

A steering wheel that includes optoelectronic components, each specific optoelectronic component including a light projector projecting light out of the steering wheel at two different angles, denoted a1 and a2, a light sensor detecting reflections of the light projected by neighboring optoelectronic components by an object above the steering wheel, a lens oriented relative to the light sensor such that the light sensor receives maximum intensity when light enters the lens at either of two particular angles, specifically, when light enters the lens at a particular angle b1, and at a particular angle b2 different than b1, wherein angle b1 views reflections of light projected at angle a1 by the optoelectronic component neighboring the specific optoelectronic component on one side, and angle b2 views reflections of light projected at angle a2 by the optoelectronic component neighboring the specific optoelectronic component on the side opposite the one side.