Abstract: Systems, software and methods are disclosed for using a mobile phone (1640) in conjunction with a head unit (1620) of a vehicle. The user interface of a user application program (1644) executing on the mobile phone is extended to utilize a generic display screen (2104) of the head unit, so that custom or per application development of head unit software can be avoided. Preferably, a handset application proxy (HAP) software application (1642) is installed and executable in the mobile phone; and a head unit proxy (HUP) software component (1630) is executable on the head unit. The HAP and the HUP communicate messages (1814, 1824) between the head unit and the mobile phone. Preferably, the HAP (1700) includes a scripting language component (1710) associated with the user application (Nomadic Appn), and having a template message translator component (1712).

Abstract: An optical measuring device for a vehicle includes an optical transmitter that generates transmitter radiation and radiates it into a monitoring region, and a receiver that receives resulting receiver radiation from the region. An evaluation and control unit evaluates the receiver radiation for object recognition. A first transmitter generates a first light field on a surface in the region by emitting directed first transmitter radiation and a second transmitter generates a second light field in the adjacent surroundings of the first field by emitting directed second transmitter radiation. The unit receives and evaluates first receiver radiation reflected by the first field and second receiver radiation reflected by the second field via the receiver, wherein the unit generates an output signal when it detects change in the reflected second receiver radiation caused by a trigger object detected in the region and reflected first receiver radiation unchanged by the object.

Abstract: A user interface is provided. The interface can be used to control an electronic system that is in communication with a vehicle. The interface includes a fingerprint reader, and a push-button switch mounted to the fingerprint reader. The switch is configured to detect a user pressing upon a surface of the fingerprint reader. The interface includes a controller. The controller is configured to detect the user pressing upon the surface of the fingerprint reader using the push-button switch, and, after detecting the user pressing upon the surface of the fingerprint reader, capture fingerprint data of the user using the fingerprint reader.

Abstract: There is disclosed a self-arming immobilizer system for immobilizing a vehicle. In an embodiment, the system comprises a signal input for receiving a signal indicating the absence of an authorized operator in a position of control in the vehicle; and an immobilizer unit adapted to receive the signal input, and in response to the signal indicating the absence of an authorized operator in a position of control in the vehicle, switch one or more relays to disable one or more circuits in the vehicle to immobilize and secure the vehicle. In an embodiment, the immobilizer unit is adapted to disable a gear shift link solenoid to disable the gear shift. In another embodiment, the immobilizer unit is adapted to disable a gun rack solenoid to lock the gun rack. In another embodiment, the vehicle is immobilized at idle, and the system allows the vehicle to keep idling until deactivated by an authorized operator.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a beam direction of a headlight of a vehicle having at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel includes the following steps: a) detecting a front wheel steering angle of the at least one front wheel; b) detecting a rear wheel steering angle of the at least one rear wheel; c) defining a beam direction of the headlight depending on the front wheel steering angle and the rear wheel steering angle; and d) adjusting the beam direction of the headlight to the defined beam direction. The adjustment depends on whether the rear-wheel steering angle and the front wheel steering angle are oriented in the same direction or in opposite directions.

Abstract: A dump vehicle overturn preventing device includes: a loaded weight estimation unit which estimates loaded weight on the body; a vehicle rotation moment calculation unit which calculates a vehicle rotation moment Mb caused by movement of the dump vehicle's load upon discharging of the load; a reference moment calculation unit which determines a reference moment Ms not greater than an overturn threshold moment MI which is the minimum value of a rotation moment required to lift the front wheels off the ground; a judgment unit which judges whether or not the vehicle rotation moment Mb has exceeded the reference moment Ms; and a display device which notifies the driver that there is a probability of an overturn of the vehicle when the vehicle rotation moment Mb is judged to have exceeded the reference moment Ms.

Abstract: The AUTOMOBILE MOBILE-INTERACTION PLATFORM APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS (“AMIP”) The AMIP transforms cloud-based wallet and automobile settings into transaction and automobile outputs. In some embodiments, a user may request to connect an electronic wallet account to an automobile interface. Once the user's credentials have been authenticated, the automobile interface may request and receive from a remote server automobile-related and payment-method-related settings. The automobile interface may then configure its settings according to the received information.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for automatically adjusting the angle of a rotatable side view mirror of an articulated tractor and trailer includes transducers attached to the tractor for transmitting signals toward the trailer and for receiving signals reflected by the trailer. The transducers have a substantially symmetrical arrangement about a centerline of a linear transducer bar attached to the tractor and each has an angular orientation substantially dissimilar to adjacent transducers on a same side of the centerline. A control circuit sequentially activates ones of the transducers such that only a single transducer transmits signals at any given time. Thereafter, the control circuit only processes reflected signals received by the emitting transducer. The control circuit calculates an angle between the tractor and trailer and causes the mirrors to rotate. Transducer calibration and mirror adjustment relative to a zero position set by a driver are also contemplated.

Abstract: A capacitive switch assembly for controlling power windows of an automotive vehicle has a plurality of window select capacitive sensors with a respective window select capacitive sensor for selecting a respective power window to be opened or closed. The capacitive switch assembly also includes a capacitive actuator including gesture responsive capacitive sensors responsive to an open gesture and a close gesture made by a user with a finger on a gesture pad of the capacitive actuator. The gesture responsive capacitive sensors are located at locations on the gesture pad so that the open and close gestures mimic the way in which a user moves an actuator of a mechanical switch to open and close a window. The capacitive switch assembly may include a hot button that enables and disables the power windows.

Abstract: A vehicle seat device includes a lock mechanism, a drive source, which has an output portion, a cancellation detection portion, which detects the cancellation of restriction by the lock mechanism, and a restriction detection portion, which detects restriction by the lock mechanism. When cancelling restriction on the basis of operation of the operation switch, current is supplied to the drive source such that the output portion moves in the forward direction until the cancellation detection portion has detected cancellation, and when the cancellation has been detected, the supply of current to the drive source is stopped. When performing the restriction on the basis of operation of the operation switch, current is supplied to the drive source such that the output portion moves in the reverse direction until the restriction detection portion has detected restriction, and when restriction has been detected, the supply of current to the drive source is stopped.

Abstract: An ECU executes a program including: a step of calculating a reference value Itag_b; a step of performing a first Pchg calculating process when a SOC at present is not in a predetermined range or speed V of a vehicle is smaller than a threshold value, or when a target value Itag is not less than the reference value Itag_b; and a step of performing a second Pchg calculating process when the SOC at present is in the predetermined range between SOC(1) and SOC(2) and the speed V of the vehicle is not less than the threshold value V(0), and when the target value Itag is smaller than the reference value Itag_b.

Abstract: A device for reducing damage to an electric vehicle powered by a trailing cable, the device including an electric sensor for determining the mobile equipment's position relative to a hazard, and an electric controller responsive to the electrical means for operating a motor to change the operation of the electric vehicle to reduce the likelihood of adverse effects to the trailing cable if the electric vehicle's position is near the hazard.

Abstract: A vehicle user preference system and a method of applying user preferences. One embodiment of the vehicle user preference system includes: (1) a memory configured to store a user preference data structure, according to which user preferences are stored, (2) a Bluetooth communication interface operable to gain access to a device ID profile (DIP) identifying a mobile device communicably coupled thereto and associated with the user preference data structure, and (3) a processor communicably coupled to the memory and the Bluetooth communication interface, and configured to employ the DIP in gaining access to the user preference data structure, and cause the user preferences to be applied to vehicle subsystems.

Abstract: A retractable wheel fairing device for decreasing the aerodynamic drag and/or increasing downforce of a vehicle is described. The device includes a fairing body with a suspension-mounted support system such that the fairing body, when deployed, reciprocates up and downwardly with the corresponding wheel of the vehicle. The suspension-mounted support system is adapted to functionally or physically disengage the wheel fairing device from the suspension of the vehicle upon lifting of the wheel fairing device with a separate retraction system.

Abstract: A grille shutter control device is provided with a control section configured so as to open and close a shutter adapted to be provided in an air introduction path for introducing air ahead of the vehicle into an engine compartment. The grille shutter control device drives and controls first and second drive units. The grille shutter control device is provided with: an abnormality detecting section configured to detect an abnormality in the operation of the shutter on the basis of the condition of the shutter after the start of operation thereof; and an informing section for informing, on the basis of an abnormality in the operation detected by the abnormality detection section, the user of the abnormality in the operation of the shutter.

Abstract: Provided herein is a vehicular stage with individual seats and seat control system and method for controlling a movement of a seat, the seat control system including: a motor configured to move the seat in at least one direction; a control computer, which is disposed remotely with respect to the seat, and which is configured to output control commands for controlling the movement of the seat; and a microcontroller, which is connected to the motor and the control computer and configured to receive the control commands from the control computer and to control the motor to move the seat in the at least one direction based on the control commands received from the control computer.

Abstract: A seat includes a seat cushion, and a seat back divided into an upper seat back and a lower seat back. The upper seat back and the lower seat back are connected in a way that their respective angles can be adjusted. The seat further includes a recliner drive part capable of varying a reclining angle which is an angle of the lower seat back to the seat cushion, and a middle bend drive part capable of varying a middle bend angle which is an angle of the upper seat back to the lower seat back. The seat additionally includes a control part configured to perform interlock control for interlocking the reclining angle and the middle bend angle on the basis of a predetermined interlock function.

Abstract: An opening/closing control device for a shutter of a vehicle is provided which is capable of appropriately opening and closing the shutter according to the traveling conditions of the vehicle, and improving fuel economy while maintaining excellent maneuverability of the vehicle. When the detected vehicle speed is not smaller than a predetermined first reference value and smaller than a second reference value, the shutter is closed to improve fuel economy. On the other hand, when the vehicle speed is not smaller than the second reference value, the shutter is opened. Further, at this time, a condition for opening the shutter is set according to at least one of a grip force of the vehicle and a steering angle. This maintains excellent vehicle maneuverability.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for enhancing the accuracy of auto-leveling control to adjust the optical axis of a vehicle lamp using an acceleration sensor. A controller stores reference values of first and second angles, updates the reference value of the second angle by treating a change of a sum angle during a vehicle stop as a change of the second angle, and updates the reference value of the first angle by treating a change of the sum angle when the vehicle is stopped as a change of the first angle. The controller derives a difference between a value of the sum angle and a sum of the reference values of the first and second angles, and corrects at least one of the reference values so as to reduce the difference.

Abstract: An adjusting apparatus moves a vehicle part that can be moved between a closed position and an open position with a servomotor for producing an adjusting force. An input interface accepts an input by a vehicle user as a basis for outputting a first control signal or a second control signal. The adjusting apparatus includes a control unit for actuating the servomotor. The control unit is set up to respond to the first control signal by actuating the servomotor directly to move the vehicle part into the closed position. The control unit is also set up to respond to the second control signal by actuating the servomotor to move the vehicle part into the closed position only when at least one additional prescribed criterion is met.

Abstract: A bicycle component control apparatus is basically provided with a communication interface and a controller. The communication interface is configured to communicate with at least one electric bicycle component and at least one manually operated input member. The controller is electrically coupled to the communication interface, and programmed to control the at least one electric bicycle component based on operation of the at least one manually operated input member. The controller is programmed to decide an operation mode of the at least one electric bicycle component differently based on a number of manually operated input member coupled to the controller via the communication interface.

Abstract: A system is provided for controlling equipment of a controlled vehicle, including: an imaging system including an image sensor configured to acquire images of a scene external of the controlled vehicle and to generate image data corresponding to the acquired images; and a controller in communication with the imaging system. The controller is configured to receive and analyze the image data, to generate a control signal that is used to control the equipment, and to automatically aim the image sensor. The controller may analyze the image data to determine a stability state for the aim of the image sensor. The control signal may include an aim stability indication.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and vehicles are provided for mitigating shallow offset vehicle events. A sensor onboard a vehicle provides sensor data. A processor onboard the vehicle is coupled to the sensor. The processor is configured to determine, using the sensor data, whether the vehicle is experiencing a shallow offset event using the sensor data, and initiate rotation of one of a plurality of wheels of the vehicle if the vehicle is experiencing a shallow offset event.

Abstract: In a method for protecting living beings remaining behind in a vehicle, (i) it is recognized or detected whether a living being is inside the vehicle, (ii) it is recognized or detected whether the living being is in a health-endangered state, and (iii) rescue measures are initiated if the living being is in a health-endangered state.

Abstract: A sun visor control apparatus is provided that includes: at least one sun visor, which is provided in a vehicle to block light from being incident therein; a sun visor driver, which drives the at least one sun visor; and at least one camera, which captures an image of the outside of the vehicle. A controller detects a shadow of the vehicle from the image of the outside of the vehicle, calculates a direction of the shadow and a length of the shadow, and controls the sun visor driver so as to block the incident light in consideration of the direction of the shadow and the length of the shadow.

Abstract: A vehicular light distribution control system (100) controls a light distribution of headlights (3). The control system includes the following parts. The vehicle detecting part (10) detects an anterior vehicle driving in front of an occupants vehicle. The unirradiated region setting part (12) sets a region where the anterior vehicle detected by the vehicle detecting part (10) exists as an unirradiated region. The vehicle motion estimating part (13) estimates an ensuing motion of the anterior vehicle detected by the vehicle detecting part (10). The unirradiated region adjusting part (14) adjusts a size of the unirradiated region set by the unirradiated region setting part (12) depending on an estimated result 15 of the vehicle motion estimating part (13).

Abstract: A vehicle control system includes a sensing unit configured to sense a vehicle state and generate a vehicle state signal; an application program interface (API) conversion unit configured to generate an API corresponding to the vehicle state signal; and an actuator controlled by a virtual electronic control unit (ECU). In this case, the virtual ECU is a virtual ECU program programmed using the API and installed in a dummy ECU block of a terminal.

Abstract: A smart entry system has an auto lock mode in which an auto lock function to automatically lock at least one door of the vehicle is executed in response to detection that a mobile device has got away from the vehicle, and the smart entry system includes: at least one movable member visually recognizable from outside the vehicle; and a control section that, once the vehicle shifts to the auto lock mode, actuates the at least one movable member to a predetermined state. Examples of the at least one movable member include electric folding door mirrors, vehicle height adjustment devices, electric sun shades, and pop-up door handles.

Abstract: An opening/closing body control device for a vehicle is provided with a drive section configured to drive an opening/closing body of a vehicle, and a controller configured to control the drive section. In response to detection of an external force input intended to accelerate the opening/closing body in operation, the controller controls the drive section to increase the operating speed of the opening/closing element. The drive section determines that the external force intended to accelerate the opening/closing body has been input if, as one example, the acceleration of the opening/closing body in an operation direction reaches a predetermined value or higher.

Abstract: A method and a system for regulating, while the vehicle is in motion, the linear position of a fifth wheel of a vehicle combination which comprises a tractor unit and a semi-trailer, which linear position of the fifth wheel is regulated automatically on the basis of the vehicle speed. Forward movement of the fifth wheel ordered in response to an increase in the vehicle speed, in order to reduce the distance between the driving cab and the semi-trailer, is effected at a faster rate of movement of the fifth wheel at times when the tractor unit is performing a gear change operation than at times when the tractor unit is not performing a gear change operation. When a rearward movement of the fifth wheel to increase the distance between the driving cab and the semi-trailer has to be effected in response to a decrease in the vehicle speed, braking of the semi-trailer relative to the tractor unit is ordered, in order thereby to facilitate the rearward movement of the fifth wheel.

Abstract: A method for determining when at least one jack on a vehicle has contacted the ground, in which the vehicle includes a first jack mounted to a first end of the vehicle and a pair of jacks mounted to a second end of the vehicle. The method includes the steps of: determining an initial pitch angle of the vehicle before any of the jacks have contacted the ground; combining the initial pitch angle with a pitch setpoint value to create a resultant pitch value; sensing a pitch angle and a roll angle of the vehicle; extending the first jack mounted at the first end of the vehicle while monitoring the pitch angle of the vehicle; and determining that the first jack has contacted the ground by comparing the monitored pitch angle of the vehicle with the resultant pitch value.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed herein for confirming a potentially unintended command given to a vehicle. The method includes, but is not limited to, receiving a command from an operator configured to cause actuation of a vehicle system. The method further includes, but is not limited to, detecting a condition of the vehicle. The method further includes, but is not limited to, determining, with a processor, that the command is inconsistent with the condition. The method still further includes, but is not limited to alerting the operator that the command is inconsistent with the condition.

Abstract: A method for adapting an upper headlight beam boundary of a light cone of at least one headlight of a vehicle. The method includes detecting a time curve of a pitch rate of the vehicle or a value that is dependent on the pitch rate and/or of a roll rate of the vehicle or a value that is dependent on the roll rate. The method also includes ascertaining an envelope curve and/or an amplitude of the time curve and/or an average value of the time curve. The method also includes providing a control signal for adapting the upper headlight beam boundary of the headlight beam.

Abstract: Equipment and processes generate a seating solution by obtaining occupant data, calculating body dimensions from the occupant data, and calculating a best-fit body arrangement for an occupant. Occupant data may be obtained in various ways using available computational devices and software or by manually measuring the relevant dimensions on the occupant. A user interface for inputting occupant metrics and/or occupant measurements may be provided in a mobile terminal included in the vehicle or separate from the vehicle, thus giving users increased flexibility while maximizing simplicity and usability for the user or other personnel obtaining the data. Once an occupant's best-fit body arrangement is determined, it may be altered by changing the predetermined criteria to achieve optimum comfort, safety, and therapeutic benefit as well as used for providing improved comfort on a continuous basis and/or in response to detected or predicted vehicle, road, or atmospheric conditions.

Abstract: Early actuation of an active device of a vehicle (e.g., a seat belt tensioner) is provided by applying rate of change of brake pressure to monitored brake pressure, so as to produce a modified brake pressure characteristic which is advanced in time. The active device is actuated at a brake pressure threshold.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for unlatching a power latch system of a door. In one embodiment, a method includes determining a power mode to be at least one of a primary power mode, a backup power mode, and a series power mode; and selectively controlling power to the power latch system based on the power mode.

Abstract: A battery supervisor system having an integral smart winch controller is provided for a vehicle equipped with an electric winch system and especially for off-road vehicles such as all-terrain-vehicles (ATVs), utility-task-vehicles (UTVs). and extreme-terrain-vehicles (XTVs) which are generally equipped with small batteries. The purpose of this invention is to prevent over discharge of the vehicle battery to a point where it would be difficult or impossible to start the vehicle engine and to prevent damage to the electric winch system, either of which has the potential of stranding an operator in a remote area. The battery supervisor monitors the state-of-charge of the vehicle's battery to automatically control the power to the winch and the vehicle's accessory loads.

Abstract: A vehicle door assembly includes a door having a window and a mirror assembly. The mirror assembly includes a housing defining a cavity having an opening. A mirror is mounted with respect to the housing, disposed within the cavity, and has a reflective surface that is visible through the opening. The housing is mounted with respect to the door such that the housing is selectively movable between an extended position, in which the opening of the cavity is unobstructed, and a retracted position, in which the opening of the cavity is obstructed by the window.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control device for controlling an actuator for moving a mobile element of a seat in a vehicle. The control device comprises: a measuring device for determining a reference parameter relating to a passenger in the seat and/or to the state of the vehicle, and power-limiting means for defining a maximum limit for the power generated by the actuator in accordance with said parameter. The invention further relates to a seat or aircraft comprising the aforementioned device, and to a control method using said device.

Abstract: An active suspension seat for use in a vehicle incorporates a swivel enabling the active suspension seat to be rotated about a vertical axis towards and away from a position appropriate for use in driving the vehicle, and incorporates a seat controller operating a brake to prevent such rotation away from that appropriate position in response to an indication that the vehicle is in motion, and limiting the active suspension to being enabled only when the seat is in the appropriate position for use in driving.

Abstract: The invention relates to a central module for a modular vehicle. The module is characterized in that it comprises, on either side of a loading surface, a first end having a first junction surface and a second end opposite said first end having a second junction surface that is symmetrical nonparallel to said first surface, each of the latter designed to be capable of complementarily engaging with a complementary junction surface of a side module capable of engaging with the central module by buttressing assembly. The invention relates to a modular vehicle comprising such a module. The vehicle is characterized in that the latter is assembled, at each end thereof, to a side module, one side module comprising means for running on the ground. The invention relates to a train of vehicles comprising such a vehicle.

Abstract: An emergency evacuation device of a vehicle that executes an automatic vehicle stop control based on a command of a driver is disclosed. The emergency evacuation device comprises a driver's physiological condition estimation portion that estimates a driver's physiological condition; a driver's command input portion, operated by the driver, that receives a driver's command input and outputs a command of an execution of an automatic vehicle stop control in accordance with the command input; and an automatic vehicle stop control portion that executes the automatic vehicle stop control in response to the command from the driver's command input portion, wherein based on the driver's physiological condition estimated in the driver's physiological condition estimation portion, the structure of the driver's command input portion, for example, the arrangement of receptor(s) of the driver's command input portion receiving the command from the driver is changed.

Abstract: A seat assembly includes a first member. There is a second member located proximate to the first member. A latch mechanism is located between the first member and the second member and is configured to selectively prevent movement of the second member relative to the first member. A latch release switch is positioned on the seat assembly and is configured to send a first signal when a user applies an adjustment force at a seat adjustment location. A controller is connected to the latch release switch and a latch release actuator and is configured to receive the first signal from the latch release switch and in response to generate an activation signal. The latch release actuator is activated in response to the activation signal to move the latch mechanism to a released position to allow relative movement between the first member and the second member.

Abstract: A vehicle seating system includes a vehicle seat and a seat control motor coupled to the vehicle seat. The seat control motor is configured to move the vehicle seat to an occupant-desired position. The vehicle seating system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the seat control motor. The controller is configured to output a signal to the seat control motor to induce a vibration within the vehicle seat.

Abstract: In an example, a processing device sends, to a remote network device, a request for an application of a mobile device to utilize a resource of a vehicle head unit, the request including a first profile of the vehicle head unit and a second profile of the mobile device. Responsive to sending the request, the processing device receives an instruction from the remote network device, the instruction to be executed by embedded software of the vehicle head unit so as to enable the application to utilize a resource of the vehicle head unit.

Abstract: A vehicle door opening and closing apparatus includes: a first detector installed in a vehicle, and detecting a foot portion of a detection target in the vicinity of a door of the vehicle a second detector detecting the detection target standing in a predetermined range from the door; and a control device determining whether the detection target has an intention of opening or closing the door based on whether a detection signal indicative of detecting the foot portion is input from the first detector, determining whether the door can be opened or closed based on the detection signal from the second detector, and determining whether a control unit outputs a drive signal for an opening or closing drive of the door to a door drive apparatus based on determination results from the first and second detectors.

Abstract: A laser sensor is located close to a rotation axis of a vehicle door and configured to emit a laser beam to a surface of the vehicle door and accept reflected light reflected from an obstacle for scanning a scanning plane shifted in a door-opening direction, in which the vehicle door is openable. A determination section determines whether an obstacle, which is possible to make contact with the vehicle door, exists in the door-opening direction of the vehicle door, based on a result of emission and acceptance of the laser beam of the laser sensor. An opening regulating section regulates an opening of the vehicle door in response to determination of the determination section that the obstacle exists.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for controlling a power trunk or a power tailgate provided in a vehicle. The system includes: a rear sensing device that senses an object approaching a vehicle from a rear side of the vehicle within a predetermined distance; a smart key module (SKM) that recognizes a FOB key in a wireless manner and authenticates whether or not the FOB key is valid for the vehicle; and a power trunk/tailgate control device that receives an object sense signal from the rear sensing device, analyzes the object sense signal to determine whether or not the object makes a predetermined motion, and performs control such that the power trunk or the power tailgate is opened or closed when it is determined that the object makes the predetermined motion, and the smart key module authenticates that the FOB key is valid. Since it is possible to control the open/close operation of the power trunk or the power tailgate using a rear parking sensor, it is possible to improve user's convenience.

Abstract: In a door opening control method executed in a vehicle, an association between a ratio of a size of a moving object in an image to a size of the image and a distance between the moving object and the vehicle is established. A first image and a second image of the moving object are captured at a first time and a second time respectively. A first ratio and a second ratio are calculated, and a first distance and a second distance are determined. A velocity and an approach time of the moving object are calculated and if the approach time is greater than a predetermined time, a door of the vehicle is permitted to be opened by a passenger request, otherwise the passenger request is refused.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control system for driving a motorized closure element of a motor vehicle, wherein a control arrangement and at least one distance sensor are provided in order to detect operator control events, wherein a distance from a user can be detected by means of the distance sensor. The invention proposes that the distance sensor has a changing sensitivity along a sensor extent, and in that a longitudinal movement by the user along the sensor extent produces a pattern in the profile of the sensor signal with respect to time, which pattern is detected by the control arrangement at least as part of an operator control event, owing to the sensitivity profile along the sensor extent.