Abstract: Disclosed is a method, device, and system for entry of command using a touch sensitive surface. Instead of the device providing predefined locations for entering different commands, the device identifies the locations of three or more of the user's fingers or other objects. After determining the locations of the fingers, an entry mode allows for the entry of one or more commands based on an association between the commands and movements of different fingers and the type or direction of movement. The association may include a first command associated with the sliding motion of only a first finger in a first direction and a second different command associated with the sliding motion of only a second finger in a second direction. The first and second directions may be the same (i.e., within about 30°, within about 20°, within about 15°, within about 10°, or within about 5°) or different (e.g., angled by more than 30°, angled by more than 40°, or angled by more than 50°).

Abstract: The teachings herein generally relate to systems, methods and apparatuses useful in vehicle command and control. For example, a vehicle control system according to the teachings herein may include one or more touch panels connected to a steering wheel and being in communicative connection to a vehicle control processor. Preferably, the touch panel(s) are configured face down, and adapted to track touches (e.g., simultaneous touches) by multiple individually identified fingers. As another example, an apparatus for vehicle command and control, according to the teachings herein, may include one or more face down touch panels positioned to be touched by a driver's fingers while the driver's thumb holds or otherwise contacts a steering wheel. Preferably, the touch panels are in communication with a view screen enabled to display an indication of touch actions by multiple fingers touching the panels. The touch panels preferably include touch sensors adapted to identify touches of multiple fingers of a user.