Abstract: A sensor device includes a sensor structure wrapped around a surface of a steering wheel element. The sensor structure includes a substrate material, first sensor lines made from conductive material and formed on the substrate material, second sensor lines made from conductive material, and feed lines. The first sensor lines extend in a first direction. The second sensor lines extend in a second direction. The first direction and the second direction have a non-zero angle between them. The sensor device includes an electronic control unit configured to measure capacitive values of the sensor structure and detect touch or proximity of fingers or hands, which are distinguishable in their position on the surface, based on the measurement. The feed lines are configured to electrically connect the first sensor lines to the electronic control unit.

Abstract: The surface of a steering wheel-rim or steering wheel element can be used as a sensor for the contact or approach of fingers and hands to the steering wheel-rim or steering wheel element. The invention relates to technical solutions and principles for the integration into the steering wheel of a flat high-resolution sensor including feedlines and shields in the form of a three-dimensionally complex structure. The sensor firstly allows detailed hands-on recognition for example for transition phases to autonomous driving and secondly is a versatile user interface.

Abstract: Field analyses for flexible computer inputs are methods for analyzing contact or multi-touch events, specifically to update a system of input elements, e.g. the arrangement of virtual keys or touch zones or gesture-based systems. A field of vectors, which may also include potential values, or evaluation factors, is assigned to the input surface. A sequence and linking of process steps includes the evaluation of these data, produces them in fields that denominate the displacements of the input elements and can be combined with evaluations and case distinctions. Crosslinks are taken into consideration that contain corresponding priority structures depending on use category. Optimizations are thereby possible. In particular, in the case of the touch-sensitive steering wheel, the method includes specific hand or finger surfaces, (for instance through pattern recognition) and categories of gripping or touching; gesture-based controls (“gesture”) and a coordinated use of the display are possible.

Abstract: Field analyses for flexible computer inputs are methods for analyzing contact or multi-touch events, specifically to update a system of input elements, e.g. the arrangement of virtual keys or touch zones or gesture-based systems. A field of vectors, which may also include potential values, or evaluation factors, is assigned to the input surface. A sequence and linking of process steps includes the evaluation of these data, produces them in fields that denominate the displacements of the input elements and can be combined with evaluations and case distinctions. Crosslinks are taken into consideration that contain corresponding priority structures depending on use category. Optimizations are thereby possible. In particular, in the case of the touch-sensitive steering wheel, the method includes specific hand or finger surfaces, (for instance through pattern recognition) and categories of gripping or touching; gesture-based controls (“gesture”) and a coordinated use of the display are possible.

Abstract: The steering wheel input is a flexible, interactive input, based on a touch-sensitive surface. Groups of functions are available from many positions of hands and fingers, gripping and controlling the steering wheel. For example travel directions indicators, headlight flashing/dipping and windscreen wipers can be controlled without having to raise the hand from the steering wheel. The keypad of a mobile telephone can also be simulated. PDA inputs can be carried out. A computer keyboard can be simulated Continuous encompassment of the hands is corrected by computer. The touch areas are continuously and dynamically adapted in the relationship thereof with respect to the balls of the hands or the thumb and fingers. This concept produces ergonomically appropriate and dynamically updated touch areas.

Abstract: The steering wheel input is a flexible, interactive input, based on a touch-sensitive surface. Groups of functions are available from many positions of hands and fingers, gripping and controlling the steering wheel. For example travel directions indicators, headlight flashing/dipping and windscreen wipers can be controlled without having to raise the hand from the steering wheel. The keypad of a mobile telephone can also be simulated. PDA inputs can be carried out. A computer keyboard can be simulated Continuous encompassment of the hands is corrected by computer. The touch areas are continuously and dynamically adapted in the relationship thereof with respect to the balls of the hands or the thumb and fingers. This concept produces ergonomically appropriate and dynamically updated touch areas.

Abstract: The steering wheel input is a flexible, interactive input, based on a touch-sensitive surface. Groups of functions are available from many positions of hands and fingers, gripping and controlling the steering wheel. For example travel directions indicators, headlight flashing/dipping and windscreen wipers can be controlled without having to raise the hand from the steering wheel. The keypad of a mobile telephone can also be simulated. PDA inputs can be carried out. A computer keyboard can be simulated Continuous encompassment of the hands is corrected by computer. The touch areas are continuously and dynamically adapted in the relationship thereof with respect to the balls of the hands or the thumb and fingers. This concept produces ergonomically appropriate and dynamically updated touch areas.

Abstract: The steering wheel input is a flexible, interactive input, based on a touch-sensitive surface. Groups of functions are available from many positions of hands and fingers, gripping and controlling the steering wheel. For example travel directions indicators, headlight flashing/dipping and windscreen wipers can be controlled without having to raise the hand from the steering wheel. The keypad of a mobile telephone can also be simulated. PDA inputs can be carried out. A computer keyboard can be simulated Continuous encompassment of the hands is corrected by computer. The touch areas are continuously and dynamically adapted in the relationship thereof with respect to the balls of the hands or the thumb and fingers. This concept produces ergonomically appropriate and dynamically updated touch areas.

Abstract: The steering wheel input is a flexible, interactive input, based on a touch-sensitive surface. Groups of functions are available from many positions of hands and fingers, gripping and controlling the steering wheel. For example travel direction indicators, headlight flashing/dipping and windscreen wipers can be controlled without having to raise the hand from the steering wheel. The keypad of a mobile telephone can also be simulated. PDA inputs can be carried out. A computer keyboard can be simulated. Continuous encompassment of the hands is corrected by computer. The touch areas are continuously and dynamically adapted in the relationship thereof with respect to the balls of the hands or the thumb and fingers. This concept produces ergonomically appropriate and dynamically updated touch areas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a “Flexible Computer Input”, determined from the data from a touch-sensitive input surface for fingertip positions and pressure trigger regions in comparison with a stored topography for the input signal of a computer. The base topography (base positions of the fingertips) and the layout topography (arrangement of the target pressure points) determined therefrom, can be changed and can thus be adjusted to ergonomically match individual hands and working practices. Said topography may be dynamically altered: progressive changes may be made (for example displacements of the hands, reductions in the average separations) and allowed for, such that a matching of the inputs to individual practices occurs. (See FIG. 1) An input surface which is as transparent as possible displays layouts or objects and works like a touchscreen or visualized touch area. An optional fine-motor feedback can be achieved by means of a surface of elastic construction with a determined geometry.

Abstract: The steering wheel input is a flexible, interactive input based on a touch-sensitive surface. Groups of functions are available from many positions of hand surfaces and fingers on said surface. A computer keyboard can be simulated. The keypad of a mobile telephone can also be simulated. PDA inputs can be carried out by means of longitudinally aligned pressure places. Travel directions, headlight flashing/dipping and windscreen wipers can be controlled without having to raise the hand from the steering wheel. Continuous encompassment of the hands is corrected by computer. The interactive surface produces ergonomically appropriate and dynamically updated touch areas, particularly around the middle finger, index finger and thumb. More particularly, differentiation occurs with regard to the activities of curbed and extended finger positions. The applications on the steering wheel are highlighted and descriegd with variants.

Abstract: The invention relates to a “Flexible Computer Input”, determined from the data from a touch-sensitive input surface for fingertip positions and pressure trigger regions in comparison with a stored topography for the input signal of a computer. The base topography (base positions of the fingertips) and the layout topography (arrangement of the target pressure points) determined therefrom, can be changed and can thus be adjusted to ergonomically match individual hands and working practices. Said topography may be dynamically altered: progressive changes may be made (for example displacements of the hands, reductions in the average separations) and allowed for, such that a matching of the inputs to individual practices occurs. (See FIG. 1) An input surface which is as transparent as possible displays layouts or objects and works like a touchscreen or visualized touch area. An optional fine-motor feedback can be achieved by means of a surface of elastic construction with a determined geometry.