Abstract: A haptic input device including an input region and a force detection sensor for detecting a force applied to the input region by the user for registering a user input. A haptic stimuli generator is provided, as well as a controller. The controller controls the haptic stimuli generator to provide haptic feedback in response to the detection of force applied by the user to the input region. The controller is configured to vary the haptic feedback strength based, at least in part, on the force applied.

Abstract: Systems and techniques are described herein for detecting a state of presence of a given object in a vehicle. In aspects, techniques include processing data received over time from various devices in the vehicle to determine a set of accumulated scores. The data includes parameters indicative of a presence or absence of a detected object in the vehicle. Further, the processing may be effective to determine a set of accumulated scores. The techniques further include determining an object-related confidence value representing a likelihood that the detected object is present in the vehicle, based on the set of accumulated scores, and then comparing the object-related confidence value to a predetermined threshold. The comparison is sufficient to detect the presence of the detected object in the vehicle if the object-related confidence value exceeds the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Safety apparatus for indicating the usage state of a seat belt. The seat belt has a strap spooled from a retractor and being lockable to a buckle by a tongue. The apparatus has an indicator unit for mounting to an upper part of a seat. A lock indicator is provided on the indicator unit and, in use, is operably connected to the buckle for indicating a state when the tongue has been locked into the buckle. A strap indicator is provided for indicating a state when a spooled length of the strap exceeds a threshold corresponding to a predetermined minimum length of strap needed to secure a body with the seat belt. The lock indicator and the strap indicator are detectable by a camera.