Abstract: A haptic mouse is configured to provide various kinds of haptic input. In some embodiments, the mouse has first and second housing portions and an actuator operable to provide haptic output by moving the first housing portion with respect to the second housing portion so as to tangentially displace skin or alter hand posture of a user's hand. In various embodiments, the mouse has a force sensor, an actuator, and a controller operable to determine an amount of force exerted on the haptic mouse, simulate a mouse click if the amount of the force exceeds a threshold, and adjust the threshold upon receiving an instruction. In numerous embodiments, the mouse has a housing, a friction adjustment mechanism operable to alter friction between the housing and a surface by adjusting an amount of a material in contact with the surface, and a controller operable to provide a haptic output by signaling the friction adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: A method controls a transmission in a motor vehicle. The method involves displaying transmission information on a primary display, determining when a hand is approaching a gear selector, and initiating a display of, and then displaying, gear selection information on a secondary display when the hand is approaching the gear selector, before the hand touches the gear selector, the secondary display being a multi-use changeable display that, at different times, displays information for different systems of the motor vehicle. The method may therefore provide the information to the driver when it is needed, before the gear is shifted.

Abstract: A system includes a graphical user interface and a trackball device configured to provide controlling input to the graphical user interface. The trackball device includes a trackball configured to allow a rocking motion along an axis of the trackball.

Abstract: A method operates a seat belt system in a motor vehicle. The method uses a 3-D imaging system to determine when a tongue of the seat belt system is approaching a buckle of the seat belt system. A buckle presenter extends the buckle from a seat of the motor vehicle, toward an occupant of the motor vehicle when the 3-D imaging system determines that the tongue is approaching the buckle.

Abstract: A vehicle system for activating at least one vehicle component to provide access to a vehicle. A first receiver is operative to obtain a wireless signal at least comprising first identification data of an electronic device; a memory device storing at least second identification data; at least a second receiver being operative to check the presence of a matching vehicle access key, and the at least second receiver being operative to check the presence of a matching vehicle access key if the first identification data match the at least second identification data.

Abstract: A console includes a display and a plurality of individually-actuatable modules, including a physical key configured to slide into and out of a surface of the console. The modules include a motor, a threaded shaft coupled to and extending from the motor, and a movable platform movably attached to the threaded shaft. The physical key is movably supported on the movable platform.

Abstract: A method controls a transmission in a motor vehicle. The method involves displaying transmission information on a primary display, determining when a hand is approaching a gear selector, and initiating a display of, and then displaying, gear selection information on a secondary display when the hand is approaching the gear selector, before the hand touches the gear selector, the secondary display being a multi-use changeable display that, at different times, displays information for different systems of the motor vehicle. The method may therefore provide the information to the driver when it is needed, before the gear is shifted.

Abstract: A method controls a climate control system in a motor vehicle. The method involves displaying climate control information on a primary display, determining that a hand is approaching a manual control element for the climate control system, and displaying climate control information on a secondary display while the hand is approaching the manual control element, before the hand touches the manual control element, the secondary display being a multi-use changeable display that, at different times, displays information for different systems of the motor vehicle. The method may therefore provide the information to the occupant of the vehicle when it is needed, before the climate control system is adjusted.

Abstract: A method operates a seat belt system in a motor vehicle. The method uses a 3-D imaging system to determine when a tongue of the seat belt system is approaching a buckle of the seat belt system. A buckle presenter extends the buckle from a seat of the motor vehicle, toward an occupant of the motor vehicle when the 3-D imaging system determines that the tongue is approaching the buckle.

Abstract: A vehicle system for activating at least one vehicle component to provide access to a vehicle. A first receiver is operative to obtain a wireless signal at least comprising first identification data of an electronic device; a memory device storing at least second identification data; at least a second receiver being operative to check the presence of a matching vehicle access key, and the at least second receiver being operative to check the presence of a matching vehicle access key if the first identification data match the at least second identification data.

Abstract: A system includes a graphical user interface and a trackball device configured to provide controlling input to the graphical user interface. The trackball device includes a trackball configured to allow a rocking motion along an axis of the trackball.

Abstract: A console includes a display and a plurality of individually-actuatable modules, including a physical key configured to slide into and out of a surface of the console. The modules include a motor, a threaded shaft coupled to and extending from the motor, and a movable platform movably attached to the threaded shaft. The physical key is movably supported on the movable platform.