Abstract: An interrogation of a switched state of a switch is carried out with a high interrogation current until a closed switch is detected. The following interrogations of the switched state are then carried out with a low interrogation current until a definable time period which runs starting from a detection of the closed switch or until a definable number of interrogations which is counted starting from the detection of the closed switch is exceeded. After the expiry of the time period or the number of interrogations, the interrogation is continued with the high interrogation current until a closed switch state of the switch is detected again.

Abstract: An interrogation of a switched state of a switch is carried out with a high interrogation current until a closed switch is detected. The following interrogations of the switched state are then carried out with a low interrogation current until a definable time period which runs starting from a detection of the closed switch or until a definable number of interrogations which is counted starting from the detection of the closed switch is exceeded. After the expiry of the time period or the number of interrogations, the interrogation is continued with the high interrogation current until a closed switch state of the switch is detected again.

Abstract: The device has a control unit with memory devices and a nonvolatile memory connected to the control unit for data exchange purposes. Data are stored in encrypted form in the nonvolatile memory. The key or keys for encrypting the data are stored in the memory devices or are generated by an algorithm executed in the control unit. An address pointer that indicates the address of a valid key in the control unit is stored in the nonvolatile memory and/or in a volatile memory of the control unit.

Abstract: Operator control, in particular for operating switches in a motor vehicle with a low level of distraction, having a sensor for sensing the position of an input element which is controlled manually by an operator, and a visual display unit which is arranged in the operator's field of vision and displays at least one virtual operator element. An evaluation unit which is connected to the sensor on the input side determinines the position of the manually controlled input element and has an image generator which is connected to the evaluation unit on the input side and to the display unit on the output side and displays a virtual image pointer in the operator's field of vision in accordance with the position of the manually controlled operator element.