A gauge assembly includes a gauge surface including at least one graphic, which may be a plurality of graphics defining a scale in a generally circular pattern on the gauge surface. The gauge surface has a viewable side. A light guide has a main body portion disposed adjacent to the gauge surface and corresponding to the shape of the gauge surface. The light guide has a plurality of raised tick marks extending from the main body portion. Each tick mark is viewable via a viewing side of the gauge surface. The light guide includes ends that curve away from the gauge surface to receive light. The light guide is configured to provide illumination to the illuminable graphic(s) and the plurality of tick marks.

Systems and methods associated for providing haptic feedback are provided. For instance, data indicative of a feedback scheme associated with an input mechanism can be accessed. The feedback scheme includes one or more feedback points associated with a position of a moveable portion of the input mechanism. The input mechanism is configured to change positions responsive to an actuation of the input mechanism by a user. One or more positions of the moveable portion of the input mechanism can be determined as the input mechanism is actuated by the user. Operation of one or more feedback motors can be controlled to provide feedback to the user in accordance with the feedback scheme based at least in part on the determined one or more positions of the input mechanism.

An instrument cluster for a motor vehicle includes a dial surface having a plurality of indicia located thereon. A pointer contacts the dial surface and is configured to rotate with respect to the dial surface. Piezoelectric material is disposed on one of the dial surface and the pointer. The piezoelectric material is configured to deform due to contact between the pointer and the dial surface.

According to a drawing control device according to the present invention, graphics capable of implementing reality is displayed on a surface-shaped drawing device in a vehicle. A degree of importance is provided for each of components to be displayed (a drawing object, a drawing component and a decoration component), and the degree of importance is changed in accordance with the state of the vehicle. The drawing arrangement order is changed in accordance with the degree of importance to draw and display each of the components. As a result, the drawing control device can prevent any decoration component for pursuing reality from hiding information necessary to the driver from view.

A display device for a motor vehicle having at least one annular gauge (1) and a display panel (2) having a display surface (20) intended to be oriented toward the inside of a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The device comprises a transparent pane (4) positioned facing the display surface (20) and serving as a support for the annular gauge (1).

Method and system for driver assistance in a vehicle; the current value of a driving variable correlated with the driving of the vehicle is determined; an optimal value of the driving variable in the future and after a given amount of time has elapsed since the current instant starting from the current state of the vehicle is determined and supposing an excellent action upon the driving controls of the vehicle; an expected value of the driving variable in the future and after the given amount of time has elapsed since the current instant starting from the current state of the vehicle is determined and supposing a constant action upon the driving controls of the vehicle; and the current value, the expected value and the optimal value of the driving variable are displayed together in an instrument of the instrument panel of the vehicle.

A method and apparatus for imaging occupants are provided. The apparatus includes a reflective surface; an imaging sensor configured to capture an image of the reflective surface; and a controller configured to process the captured image and control to perform a function based on the captured image. The method and apparatus may be implemented in a vehicle to detect occupant movement and behavior.

A vehicle display device includes a display unit having a pointer, a dial plate as a background of the pointer, and a frame surrounding the dial plate, at least one of the pointer, the dial plate, and the frame being a physical element, and a virtual image display device that displays a virtual image overlapping with the physical element, in which the virtual image display device changes at least one of a color and a design of the virtual image overlapping with the physical element.

A dial controller for a vehicle comprises: (a) a rotatable dial that is (i) rotatable about an axis of rotation. (ii) linearly movable along a line parallel to the axis of rotation, and (iii) movable along a plane parallel to the axis of rotation: (b) a first sensor operably connected to the rotatable dial, the first sensor producing an output that is a function of rotation of the rotatable dial about the axis of rotation: (c) a second sensor operably connected to the rotatable dial, the second sensor producing an output that is a function of movement of the rotatable dial along the line parallel to the axis of rotation; and (d) a third sensor operably connected to rotatable dial, the third sensor producing an output that is a function of movement of the rotatable dial along the plane parallel to the axis of rotation.

An interactive system for use in connection with recreational vehicle usage includes a server system, including an off-road trail database containing trail data, trail condition information, and points-of-interest information, as well as a trip mapping system accessible by any of a plurality of riders, allowing a rider to create a route based on the data in the off-road trip database. The server system further includes a trail maintenance interface accessible by users affiliated with an authorized group to edit the trail data, trail condition information, and points-of-interest information associated with the authorized group. The server system includes a location data management system configured to receive location data, allowing a rider to publish location information to one or more other riders, and a user feedback interface configured to receive trip data from riders for publication, including information describing an actual route and user data associated with that route.