Abstract: A vehicle occupant detection device includes an infrared light source, a camera, and a computing unit controlling the infrared light source and evaluating camera images generated by the camera. The infrared light source and the camera are aligned with an observation area. The infrared light source illuminates at least one face area of a person in the observation region, the camera detects at least the illuminated face area, and the computing unit recognizes a line of sight of the person in the camera images. The infrared light source is integrated into a display device and formed by a plurality of IR light elements arranged in a matrix. The computing unit activates a selection of the IR light elements for emitting infrared light. The computing unit determines the selection of the IR light elements to be activated depending on the evaluation result of a camera image.

Abstract: A method for locating an identification transmitter of a motor vehicle using a functional device of the motor vehicle involves the identification transmitter transmitting a location signal and the functional device receiving the original location signal and a reflected location signal. The functional device respectively determines a distance to the identification transmitter from the location signals. The functional device checks whether the reflected location signal corresponds to a short-range reflection of the original location signal. Depending on the latter, the functional device locates the identification transmitter.

Abstract: An operator control apparatus, in particular for a motor vehicle, having an operating surface for manual action by an element, particularly the finger of a human hand. A sensor interacts with the operating surface such that the sensor generates a signal when the element approaches the operating surface and/or when the operating surface is touched by the element and/or when pressure is applied to the operating surface by the element. The signal is used for switching and/or triggering a function in the style of a switching signal. The actuator is operatively connected to the operating surface, such that a haptic event is producible for the operating surface by means of actuation of the actuator. The actuator is driven electrically and operable by a PWM (pulse width modulation) actuation signal, such that the operating surface is movable in a preselectable manner within a preselectable displacement and/or time.