Abstract: A control system for a vehicle with a plurality of selectively variable characteristics includes an input member and a generally cylindrical wheel. The input member is manipulable to cause a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation. In the first mode of operation, the wheel is pivotable to cause a first submode of operation and to cause a second submode of operation. In the second mode of operation, the wheel is pivotable to cause a third submode of operation to cause a fourth submode of operation. Rotating the wheel in each of the submodes causes a variation in a respective variable characteristic. The control system thus enables a single finger wheel to control multiple characteristics or multiple vehicle systems, which enables a corresponding reduction in the quantity of switches and other control input devices in a vehicle passenger compartment.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle with a plurality of selectively variable characteristics includes a mode selector input device and a characteristic adjustment input device. Manipulation of the mode selector input device causes the control system to alternate between first and second modes of operation. In the first mode of operation, manipulation of the characteristic adjustment input device causes a first variable characteristic to change. In the second mode of operation, manipulation of the characteristic adjustment input device causes a second variable characteristic to change. The control system thus enables a single input device to control multiple characteristics or multiple vehicle systems, which enables a corresponding reduction in the quantity of input devices in a vehicle passenger compartment.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle with a plurality of selectively variable characteristics includes a first button depressible to cause a first mode of operation and a second button depressible to cause a second mode of operation. In the first mode of operation, a rotary dial is rotatable to cause variation of the first characteristic. In the second mode of operation, the rotary dial is rotatable to cause variation of the second characteristic. The control system thus enables a single dial to control multiple characteristics or multiple vehicle systems, which enables a corresponding reduction in the quantity of switches and other control input devices in a vehicle passenger compartment.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for operator control of an in-vehicle system. This comprises an interface device for receiving inputs for control of the in-vehicle system from the operator. There is a sensing system operative to determine a location of the operator seeking to provide the inputs to the interface device, the location consisting of one of a passenger and a driver. A controller adapts the control of the in-vehicle system based upon the location of the operator providing the inputs.

Abstract: A user control assembly is provided for use on a vehicle having a processor, a steering wheel, and a plurality of vehicular systems controllable by the processor each having first and second adjustable features. The user control comprises a first button mounted on the steering wheel and coupled to the processor for selecting one of the plurality of vehicular systems, and first and second rotary dials mounted on the steering wheel and coupled to the processor for adjusting the first and second adjustable features associated with the selected system.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle with a plurality of selectively variable characteristics includes a first button depressible to cause a first mode of operation and a second button depressible to cause a second mode of operation. In the first mode of operation, a rotary dial is rotatable to cause variation of the first characteristic. In the second mode of operation, the rotary dial is rotatable to cause variation of the second characteristic. The control system thus enables a single dial to control multiple characteristics or multiple vehicle systems, which enables a corresponding reduction in the quantity of switches and other control input devices in a vehicle passenger compartment.

Abstract: A user control assembly is provided for use on a vehicle equipped with a processor, an armrest, and a plurality of vehicular systems each having at least one adjustable feature associated therewith that may be controlled by the processor. The user control assembly comprises a first button deployed in the armrest and coupled to the processor for selecting a vehicular system from the plurality of vehicular systems, and a first rotary dial deployed in the armrest and coupled to the processor for adjusting a first feature associated with a selected vehicular system.