Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are provided for dynamically matching an operator electronic control unit of a vehicle to a current functional state of vehicle functions of the vehicle. An electronic control unit is configured to ascertain a scope of functions of the vehicle, ascertain operating parameters of the vehicle that can influence an availability of at least one vehicle function that is part of the ascertained scope of functions of the vehicle, ascertain a current functional state of the operator electronic control unit from the ascertained scope of functions and the operating parameters, control the operator electronic control unit in such a way that the ascertained functional state can be output by the operator electronic control unit.

Abstract: A device for providing external communication by a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a steering wheel having one or more light-emitting elements in a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The device is configured to ascertain external information that needs to be communicated to a user of the vehicle who is arranged outside of the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The device is furthermore configured to prompt the one or more light-emitting elements to generate a light signal in order to display the external information.

Abstract: A device and a method for safety-optimized control of infotainment contents in a vehicle are provided. The device includes an ascertainment unit which is configured to register a request to activate nondriving infotainment contents in the vehicle, and to ascertain a basic condition for activating nondriving infotainment contents in the vehicle. The device also includes a control unit which is configured, if a request is registered to activate nondriving infotainment contents in the vehicle and if a basic condition is ascertained by the ascertainment unit, to automatically activate a safety function in the vehicle, wherein the safety function in the vehicle is specifiable for activating nondriving infotainment contents for an operator of the vehicle; and after activating the safety function in the vehicle, to output nondriving infotainment contents for the operator of the vehicle in accordance with the registered request.

Abstract: A device for controlling a vehicle function of a vehicle includes a steering device for manual lateral control of the vehicle, wherein the steering device has at least one touch sensor, which is designed to detect sensor data relating to a touching of the steering device by a driver of the vehicle. The device is designed to determine sensor data of the touch sensor and to carry out a hands-on detection for the steering device based on the sensor data of the touch sensor. As well as the hands-on detection, the device is also designed to operate a vehicle function of the vehicle according to the sensor data.

Abstract: A device for assisting a driver of a vehicle with at least partially automated longitudinal and/or lateral control. The device is designed to determine automation information with respect to the level of automation of the longitudinal and/or lateral control that is being used to operate the vehicle. The device is also designed to adjust the dimensions of a light signal, produced by a lighting element of the vehicle, according to the automation information.

Abstract: A method includes automatically determining a first user input with a first predefined manipulation force acting on the input device and, in response thereto, performing a first function according to the first manipulation force. The method also includes automatically determining a second user input with a second predefined manipulation force acting on the input device, which second manipulation force is higher than the first manipulation force, and, in response thereto, selecting a first display element from a plurality of display elements displayed on a display unit, by switching an input focus to the first display element.