The invention relates to a sensor device for a vehicle for capacitively detecting input means in the region of a detection area, having a first sensor electrode and a second sensor electrode and an evaluation unit which is electrically connected to a respective first connection of the first sensor electrode and of the second sensor electrode via connection lines. The object of the invention is to provide a particularly accurate and reliable sensor device for a vehicle for capacitively detecting input means. The object according to the invention is achieved by using respective second connections on the first sensor electrode and on the second sensor electrode and by means of corresponding methods for detecting the presence of input means and for detecting faults.

Traction control guidance system for providing guided traction control settings based on vehicle friction conditions. The traction control guidance system is configured to receive data relating to friction conditions experienced by the vehicle. The traction control guidance system is configured to compare the friction data to recommended traction control setting stored in memory according to a traction control setting guidance profile and provide to a user/driver the recommendations for traction control settings to be activated as traction control setting guidance. If the user/driver accepts the traction control setting guidance, this will cause a vehicle controller to activate the traction control settings according to the traction control settings included in the traction control setting guidance. In this manner, the user/driver is presented with recommended traction control settings to be activated for the current friction conditions of the vehicle without having to manually determine and set the desired traction control settings.

The invention provides an instrument control panel that is easily customized and reconfigured, and yet provides the familiar tactile sensation of physical knobs, sliders, and buttons. The instrument control panel comprises one or more interface components that are removably coupled to an interface display wherein the interface components communicate with one or more control components disposed behind the interface display. The present invention lends itself particularly well to an instrument panel.

A display apparatus comprises a display unit configured to display screen data containing a plurality of selectable items; and a display control unit configured to change the screen data in accordance with selection of an item contained in the screen data, when a touch operation is performed on a display surface of the display unit. During a course of the touch operation, the display control unit changes the screen data in accordance with a position of a conductive object in a space on the display surface, which corresponds to an item.

A method and system for providing absolute coordinate mapping using zone mapping input in a vehicle includes determining a touch input received on a touchpad located in the vehicle, presenting an absolute mapped position of the touch input on a display screen located in the vehicle, presenting one or more user interface objects on the display screen, and providing a plurality of display input zones corresponding to one or more user interface objects presented on the display screen. The method and system further include determining a user input to one of the one or more user interface objects presented on the display screen based on the absolute mapped position of the touch input on at least one of the one or more user interface objects presented on the display screen, and the plurality of display input zones on the display screen.

A steering system for an autonomous vehicle includes an autonomous driving assist steering system for controlling steering of the autonomous vehicle in a primary steering mode. Also included is an alternate steering mechanism controlling steering of the autonomous vehicle in a secondary steering mode, wherein the alternate steering mechanism is not a steering wheel.

A drive mode selector for a drivetrain of a vehicle, a vehicle comprising such a drive mode selector, and a method of selecting a drive mode of a drivetrain. The drive mode selector comprises a controller for receiving a selection signal from a gesture sensor, the selection signal being indicative of a drivetrain drive mode associated with an identified selection gesture made by a user. The controller is also for receiving a status signal indicating a status of at least one vehicle component. The controller is configured to cause the drivetrain to enter the drive mode indicated by the selection signal when the status signal indicates that the drive mode can be selected.

A trailed vehicle is provided comprising a plurality of operational components, at least one weight-sensing component, a body control module, a weight processing module, and an interface device comprising memory, a hardware processor coupled to the memory, a user interface, and a display. The user interface comprises user prompts for (i) associating particular operational components with the trailed vehicle and (ii) associating a particular weight-related parameter with the trailed vehicle. The weight processing module, the weight-sensing component, and the user interface are structured to generate an indication of vehicle weight at the user interface. The indication of vehicle weight is at least partially dependent upon the particular weight-related parameter associated with the trailed vehicle at the user interface. Additional embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

An operation control device includes processing circuitry configured to acquire, from a line-of-sight detection device, line-of-sight information indicating a line-of-sight of an operator on a touch display; detect a first touch state that indicates a physical touch by the operator on a display region of the touch display or a second touch state that indicates a physical touch by the operator on a knob for operation disposed in the display region; and decide an operation target by touch depending on the detected first or second touch state with reference to information, stored in advance, in which the first and second touch states and the operation target are associated with each other in a case where the first or second touch state is detected in a state in which the line-of-sight of the operator indicated in the acquired line-of-sight information is not directed toward the touch display.

The invention relates to a display and operating device (10) for at least one vehicle component, in particular a radio, a CD and/or DVD player or similar audio and/or video player, a navigation device, an infotainment device, a heating, ventilating or aid condition control unit, or a human-machine interface, which is provided with a mechanical control element (18) for setting an operational parameter of at least one first vehicle component and a touch screen (12) for outputting information, and control keys (14) and/or other operational parameters for the first vehicle component and/or at least one second vehicle component. The touch screen (12) comprises a recess (16) and the mechanical operating element (18) is arranged in the recess (16) of the touch screen (12).