PATENT DOCUMENT

Abstract:
A steering wheel for a vehicle, including a toroidal steering wheel surrounding an airspace and mounted in a vehicle, an array of invisible-light emitters mounted in the steering wheel to project invisible light beams across the airspace, an array of light detectors mounted in the steering wheel to detect the invisible light beams projected by the invisible-light emitters, and to detect gestures inside the airspace that interrupt the invisible light beams projected by the invisible-light emitters, and a processor connected to the light detectors to identify the gestures inside the airspace detected by the light detectors, and to control an item of equipment mounted in the vehicle, in response to the thus-identified gestures inside the airspace.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a non-provisional of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/730,139, entitled LIGHT-BASED TOUCH CONTROLS ON A STEERING WHEEL AND DASHBOARD, and filed on Nov. 27, 2012 by inventors Gunnar Martin Frojdh, Thomas Eriksson, John Karlsson, Maria Hedin and Richard Berglind, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein in their entirety. 
         [0002]    This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/854,074, entitled LIGHT-BASED FINGER GESTURE USER INTERFACE, and filed on Mar. 30, 2013 by inventors Thomas Eriksson, Per Leine, Jochen Laveno Mangelsdorff, Robert Pettersson and Anders Jansson, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein in their entirety. 
         [0003]    This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/775,269 entitled REMOVABLE PROTECTIVE COVER WITH EMBEDDED PROXIMITY SENSORS, and filed on Feb. 25, 2013 by inventors Thomas Eriksson, Stefan Holmgren, John Karlsson, Remo Behdasht, Erik Rosengren and Lars Sparf, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein in their entirety. 
         [0004]    This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/424,543, entitled OPTICAL ELEMENTS WITH ALTERNATING REFLECTIVE LENS FACETS, and filed on Mar. 20, 2012 by inventors Stefan Holmgren, Lars Sparf, Magnus Goertz, Thomas Eriksson, Joseph Shain, Anders Jansson, Niklas Kvist, Robert Pettersson and John Karlsson, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein in their entirety. 
         [0005]    U.S. application Ser. No. 13/854,074 is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 13/424,592, entitled LIGHT-BASED FINGER GESTURE USER INTERFACE, and filed on Mar. 20, 2012 by inventors Thomas Eriksson, Per Leine, Jochen Laveno Mangelsdorff, Robert Pettersson and Anders Jansson, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,416,217, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein in their entirety. 
         [0006]    U.S. application Ser. No. 13/424,592 claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/564,868, entitled LIGHT-BASED FINGER GESTURE USER INTERFACE, and filed on Nov. 30, 2011 by inventors Thomas Eriksson, Per Leine, Jochen Laveno Mangelsdorff, Robert Pettersson and Anders Jansson, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein in their entirety. 
         [0007]    U.S. application Ser. No. 13/775,269 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/732,456 entitled LIGHT-BASED PROXIMITY DETECTION SYSTEM AND USER INTERFACE, and filed on Jan. 3, 2013 by inventors Thomas Eriksson and Stefan Holmgren, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein in their entirety. 
         [0008]    U.S. application Ser. No. 13/424,543 claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/564,164, entitled OPTICAL ELEMENTS WITH ALTERNATIVE REFLECTIVE LENS FACETS, and filed on Nov. 28, 2011 by inventors Stefan Holmgren, Lars Sparf, Thomas Eriksson, Joseph Shain, Anders Jansson, Niklas Kvist, Robert Pettersson and John Karlsson, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein in their entirety. 
         [0009]    U.S. application Ser. No. 13/424,543 also claims priority benefit of PCT Application No. PCT/US11/29191, entitled LENS ARRANGEMENT FOR LIGHT-BASED TOUCH SCREEN, and filed on Mar. 21, 2011 by inventors Magnus Goertz, Thomas Eriksson, Joseph Shain, Anders Jansson, Niklas Kvist, Robert Pettersson, Lars Sparf and John Karlsson, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein in their entirety. 
         [0010]    U.S. application Ser. No. 13/424,543 is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/371,609, entitled LIGHT-BASED TOUCH SCREEN, and filed on Feb. 15, 2009 by inventors Magnus Goertz, Thomas Eriksson and Joseph Shain, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,339,379, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein in their entirety. 
         [0011]    U.S. application Ser. No. 13/424,543 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/760,567, entitled OPTICAL TOUCH SCREEN SYSTEMS USING REFLECTED LIGHT, and filed on Apr. 15, 2010 by inventors Magnus Goertz, Thomas Eriksson and Joseph Shain, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein in their entirety. 
         [0012]    U.S. application Ser. No. 13/424,543 is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/760,568, entitled OPTICAL TOUCH SCREEN SYSTEMS USING WIDE LIGHT BEAMS, and filed on Apr. 15, 2010 by inventors Magnus Goertz, Thomas Eriksson and Joseph Shain, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein in their entirety. 
         [0013]    PCT Application No. PCT/US11/29191 claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/379,012, entitled OPTICAL TOUCH SCREEN SYSTEMS USING REFECTED LIGHT, and filed on Sep. 1, 2010 by inventors Magnus Goertz, Thomas Eriksson, Joseph Shain, Anders Jansson, Niklas Kvist and Robert Pettersson, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein in their entirety. 
         [0014]    PCT Application No. PCT/US11/29191 also claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/380,600, entitled OPTICAL TOUCH SCREEN SYSTEMS USING REFLECTED LIGHT, and filed on Sep. 7, 2010 by inventors Magnus Goertz, Thomas Eriksson, Joseph Shain, Anders Jansson, Niklas Kvist and Robert Pettersson, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein in their entirety. 
         [0015]    PCT Application No. PCT/US11/29191 also claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/410,930, entitled OPTICAL TOUCH SCREEN SYSTEMS USING REFLECTED LIGHT, and filed on Nov. 7, 2010 by inventors Magnus Goertz, Thomas Eriksson, Joseph Shain, Anders Jansson, Niklas Kvist, Robert Pettersson and Lars Sparf, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein in their entirety. 
         [0016]    U.S. application Ser. No. 12/760,567 claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/169,779, entitled OPTICAL TOUCH SCREEN, and filed on Apr. 16, 2009 by inventors Magnus Goertz, Thomas Eriksson and Joseph Shain, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0017]    The field of the present invention is light-based user interfaces for vehicles. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0018]    Reference is made to  FIG. 1 , which is a simplified illustration of prior art steering wheel. A prior art steering wheel  400 , shown in  FIG. 1 , includes a circular gripping member  401 , one or more connecting members  402 - 404  that connect the gripping member  401  to steering column  407 , and buttons  405  and  406  on connecting members  402  and  403  for controlling various devices in the vehicle. Connecting members  402 - 404 , which connect gripping member  401  to steering column  407 , are also referred to as spokes. In  FIG. 1 , button  405  is used to answer an incoming phone call on the vehicle&#39;s BLUETOOTH® speaker phone and button  406  hangs up the call. BLUETOOTH is a trademark owned by the Bluetooth SIG of Kirkland, Wash., USA. Controls mounted in a steering wheel can be operated comfortably and safely since the driver is able to control and operate these controls without taking hands off the wheel or eyes off the road. 
         [0019]    Originally, the first button added to a steering wheel was a switch to activate the car&#39;s electric horn. When cruise control systems were introduced, some automakers located the operating switches for this feature on the steering wheel as well. Today additional button controls for an audio system, a telephone and voice control system, a navigation system, a stereo system, and on board computer functions are commonly placed on the steering wheel. 
         [0020]    US Patent Publication No. 2012/0232751 A1 for PRESSURE SENSITIVE STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS teaches adding pressure-sensitive controls to the circular gripping member of the steering wheel. Pressure sensors are located at various locations along the perimeter of the gripping member, and different locations correspond to different controls. A control is actuated in response to an application of pressure at a sensor location, e.g., by the user tightening his grip. 
         [0021]    Many present-day vehicle dashboard consoles involve much more than simply displaying information to the driver. The driver, in many instances, is required to navigate a series of touch screen menus and icons in order to operate the dashboard console. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0022]    The present invention relates to buttons and controls mounted in a steering element and associated dashboard user interfaces. More broadly, the present invention relates to remote controls for on board vehicle systems and associated user interfaces. The term “steering element” in the context of the present specification includes any physical element used to navigate a vehicle, such as a steering wheel, aircraft yoke, side-sticks and center-sticks, ship&#39;s wheel, bicycle or motorcycle handle bars. 
         [0023]    Embodiments of the present invention provide a sensor system that detects position, proximity and pressure, separately or in combination, to enable input of complex gestures on and around a steering element. In some embodiments, the sensor system of the present invention is used in conjunction with a head-up display (HUD) or wearable goggles with built in picture presentation. In this case, the HUD or goggles render icons or a grid in the user&#39;s field of view. The user extends his hand to interact with the rendered image elements. The sensor detects the user&#39;s gestures in 3D space and these coordinates are then mapped onto the rendered image to interpret the user input. 
         [0024]    Embodiments of the present invention also provide a dashboard coupled with a sensor system that utilizes the dashboard display for relevant information without cluttering the dashboard with buttons. The sensor system detects position, proximity and direction for input of complex gestures on the dashboard. In some embodiments, the dashboard is presented to the driver through a HUD or wearable goggles with built in picture presentation. In this case the sensor system enables the driver to interact with graphics presented by the HUD or goggles, by detecting the driver hand gestures and mapping them onto the projected HUD or goggle images. Embodiments of the present invention facilitate operation of the vehicle dashboard system by eliminating irrelevant information from the display. Moreover, a user interface in accordance with the present invention provides context-relevant options, namely, options related to the state and circumstances of the vehicle. E.g., the user interface presents parking options when the user stops the vehicle, and presents options to unlock various doors, such as the trunk and gas tank, when the motor is turned off. 
         [0025]    The present invention relates to a motor vehicle, that includes a steering wheel situated opposite a driver seat in the motor vehicle, the steering wheel including a plurality of proximity sensors encased in the periphery of the steering wheel for detecting hand slide gestures along the outer periphery of the steering wheel, an entertainment and navigation system housed in a dashboard in the vehicle, and, a processor housed in the vehicle and connected to the sensors and to the entertainment and navigation system for controlling the entertainment and navigation system in response to the detected hand slide gestures. 
         [0026]    In some embodiments, in response to a detected upward slide gesture the processor increases an adjustable setting for the entertainment and navigation system and in response to a detected downward slide gesture the processor decreases the adjustable setting. 
         [0027]    In some embodiments, the entertainment and navigation system includes a plurality of adjustable features, wherein a setting for a selected feature is adjusted in response to the hand slide gestures, and wherein the processor changes the selected feature in response to at least one tap on the outer periphery of the steering wheel. When the processor changes the selected feature, a graphic indicating the newly selected feature is rendered on a display connected to the entertainment and navigation system, such as a dashboard-mounted display or HUD. In some embodiments, this display is situated inside goggles worn by the driver. Examples of adjustable settings include raising or lowering the audio volume, selecting a radio channel and selecting a track in a music library, bass, treble, image view in a GPS system—e.g., 2D view, 3D view, satellite view, and zooming an image. 
         [0028]    In some embodiments, a second plurality of proximity sensors encased in the steering wheel facing the driver, detects hand wave gestures between the steering wheel and the driver, wherein the processor changes a mode of the entertainment and navigation system in response to the hand wave gestures. This said second plurality of proximity sensors is also operative to detect the driver entering the motor vehicle. 
         [0029]    In some embodiments, the steering wheel further comprises a cavity, i.e., an air gap, an array of light emitters connected to the processor that project light beams across the cavity and an array of light detectors connected to the processor that detect the projected light beams. This enables detecting wave gestures inside the cavity that interrupt the light beams, which allows the user to control the entertainment and navigation system through these detected gestures inside the cavity. These wave gestures are performed by one or more fingers or by the palm of a hand. 
         [0030]    In some embodiments having a steering wheel cavity, there are multiple arrays of light emitters connected to the processor that project light beams at different geometric planes across the cavity and multiple arrays of light detectors connected to the processor that detect the projected light beams, for detecting wave gestures across multiple geometric planes inside the cavity that interrupt the light beams. This enables detecting wave gestures across a depth of the cavity for a wide range of wave gestures. For example, these sensors detect an angle at which the finger or hand penetrates the cavity. They also detect a velocity of approach by measuring the different times at which the finger or hand crosses each geometric plane. In some embodiments of the cavity the light beams are all projected vertically across the cavity. In other embodiments, a bidirectional grid of light beams is projected across the cavity. 
         [0031]    In order to prevent inadvertent adjusting of the entertainment system controls during driving, in certain embodiments the hand slide gestures control the entertainment and navigation system only when the steering wheel is not substantially rotated, namely, that it is at the “twelve-o&#39;clock” position, or has not deviated more than a threshold amount from the “twelve-o&#39;clock” position. 
         [0032]    In some embodiments, the entertainment and navigation system includes a display, and the processor zooms an image on the display in response to detecting a spread gesture performed by two or more fingers in the cavity, and pans the image in response to a translation gesture performed by one or more fingers in the cavity. In some embodiments of the present invention, the finger spread gesture is performed by spreading or separating the tips of all fingers of one hand inside the cavity. In other embodiments of the present invention, the finger spread gesture is performed by extending all fingers of one hand inside the cavity. The image is, inter alia, a map related to the navigation system, a rear view camera image, or a graphic related to the entertainment system. 
         [0033]    In some embodiments, the vehicle includes a wireless phone interface, inter alia a BLUETOOTH® interface, that is controlled using tap gestures or hand slide gestures on the outer perimeter of the steering wheel. For example, a single tap answers a call and a double-tap hangs up or declines the call. 
         [0034]    In some embodiments, a sudden quick hand slide gesture along the outer periphery of the steering wheel mutes the entertainment and navigation system. 
         [0035]    In some embodiments, when the processor changes the selected feature, the processor renders an image of the steering wheel on a display mounted in the vehicle, the image indicating which command is associated with each steering wheel input zone. 
         [0036]    The present invention also relates to a motor vehicle having a dashboard display surrounded by a frame of proximity sensors for detecting wave gestures above the frame. A graphic representing a group of related functions is presented in a corner of the display. In response to a diagonal wave gesture above the frame beginning above this corner, the graphic is translated across the display revealing icons for the related functions. In some embodiments different graphics representing different groups of functions are presented in respective display corners, and a diagonal wave gesture beginning at a corner opens that corner&#39;s group of functions by translating the corresponding graphic diagonally across the display. 
         [0037]    There is thus provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a system for use in a vehicle, including a steering element situated opposite a driver seat in a vehicle, the steering element including a plurality of proximity sensors encased in the periphery of the steering element operable to detect hand gestures along the outer periphery of the steering element, an interactive deck housed in the vehicle, for providing at least one of radio broadcast, video broadcast, audio entertainment, video entertainment and navigational assistance in the vehicle, and a processor housed in the vehicle, coupled with the proximity sensors and the deck, operable to identify the hand gestures detected by the proximity sensors, and to control the deck in response to thus-identified hand gestures. 
         [0038]    There is additionally provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention a dashboard for a vehicle, including a display, a frame including proximity sensors for detecting hand gestures above the frame, and a processor coupled with the display and the frame, operable to present a graphic representing a group of related functions in a corner of the display, and to identify the hand gestures detected by the proximity sensors, and wherein, in response to identifying a diagonal hand wave gesture above the frame and beginning above the corner of the display, the processor translates the graphic across the display thereby revealing icons for the related functions. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0039]    The present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which: 
           [0040]      FIG. 1  is a simplified illustration of prior art steering wheel; 
           [0041]      FIG. 2  is a simplified illustration of a first embodiment of a steering wheel having multiple detection zones, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0042]      FIG. 3  is a simplified illustration of a second embodiment of a steering wheel having multiple detection zones, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0043]      FIG. 4  is a simplified illustration of a bidirectional light grid, namely, horizontal and vertical light beams, for detecting objects inserted into a hollow portion of the steering wheel of  FIG. 3 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0044]      FIG. 5  is a simplified side view and profile view of the steering wheel of  FIG. 3 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0045]      FIG. 6  is a flow chart describing a sequence of user interface events for adjusting car stereo controls, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0046]      FIG. 7  is a flow chart describing a sequence of user interface events for entering text, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0047]      FIG. 8  is a flow chart describing a sequence of user interface events for manipulating an image displayed on a car dashboard, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0048]      FIGS. 9-11  are simplified illustrations of a PCB assembly (PCBA) in a steering wheel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0049]      FIGS. 12-16  are simplified diagrams of proximity sensors on a steering wheel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0050]      FIGS. 17-20  are simplified illustrations of slider controls embedded in a steering wheel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0051]      FIGS. 21-30  are simplified diagrams of sensors embedded in a steering wheel that detect gestures inside an open cavity in the steering wheel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0052]      FIGS. 31-35  are simplified diagrams of proximity sensors embedded in the outer rim of a steering wheel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0053]      FIGS. 36-38  are simplified diagrams of touch sensors embedded across the outer rim of a steering wheel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0054]      FIG. 39  is a simplified illustration of a steering wheel with multiple touch sensors and embedded touch screen displays, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0055]      FIG. 40  is a simplified illustration of the steering wheel of  FIG. 39  with a head-up display, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0056]      FIGS. 41 and 42  are simplified illustrations or proximity sensors that line the steering column of the steering wheel of  FIG. 39 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0057]      FIG. 43  is a simplified illustration of a user interface gesture performed on the steering column of the steering wheel of  FIG. 39 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0058]      FIGS. 44-46  are simplified illustrations of user interfaces and associated sweep gestures that are enabled on a vehicle dashboard, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0059]    In the specification and figures, the following numbering scheme is used. Steps in flow charts are numbered between 1-99, light transmitters are numbered in the 100&#39;s, light receivers are numbered in the 200&#39;s, light guides and lenses are numbered in the 300&#39;s, miscellaneous items are numbered in the 400&#39;s, detection zones and sensors are numbered in the 500&#39;s, and light beams are numbered in the 600&#39;s. Like numbered elements are similar but not necessarily identical. 
         [0060]    The following tables catalog the numbered elements and list the figures in which each numbered element appears. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Light Transmitters 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Element 
                 FIGS. 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 100 
                 9, 30, 36, 37, 38 
               
               
                   
                 101 
                 14, 15, 16 
               
               
                   
                 102 
                 15 
               
               
                   
                 103 
                 9, 19, 20 
               
               
                   
                 104 
                 9, 23, 24, 25 
               
               
                   
                 106 
                 26 
               
               
                   
                 107 
                 26 
               
               
                   
                 108 
                 26 
               
               
                   
                 109 
                 35 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Light Receivers 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Element 
                 FIGS. 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 200 
                 9, 30, 36, 37, 38 
               
               
                   
                 201 
                 14, 15 
               
               
                   
                 202 
                 15 
               
               
                   
                 203 
                 9, 19 
               
               
                   
                 204 
                 28, 29, 30 
               
               
                   
                 209 
                 35 
               
               
                   
                 210 
                 35 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Light Guides and Lenses 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Element 
                 FIGS. 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 300 
                 9, 10, 11, 30, 36, 37, 38 
               
               
                   
                 310 
                 9, 10, 11, 36 
               
               
                   
                 311 
                 9, 10, 11, 36 
               
               
                   
                 320 
                 9, 10, 11, 18, 19, 20 
               
               
                   
                 321 
                 18 
               
               
                   
                 330 
                 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16 
               
               
                   
                 331 
                 9, 10, 11, 14, 15 
               
               
                   
                 332 
                 13 
               
               
                   
                 333 
                 13 
               
               
                   
                 334 
                 13 
               
               
                   
                 335 
                 14, 15 
               
               
                   
                 336 
                 15 
               
               
                   
                 337 
                 15 
               
               
                   
                 338 
                 15 
               
               
                   
                 340 
                 9, 10, 11, 28 
               
               
                   
                 341 
                 9, 10, 11, 23, 24, 25 
               
               
                   
                 342 
                 22 
               
               
                   
                 343 
                 24, 25 
               
               
                   
                 344 
                 23, 25 
               
               
                   
                 345 
                 23, 24, 25, 26 
               
               
                   
                 346 
                 27, 28 
               
               
                   
                 347 
                 29 
               
               
                   
                 348 
                 29, 30 
               
               
                   
                 353 
                 28 
               
               
                   
                 354 
                 32, 33 
               
               
                   
                 355 
                 32, 33 
               
               
                   
                 356 
                 32, 33 
               
               
                   
                 357 
                 32, 33 
               
               
                   
                 358 
                 34, 35 
               
               
                   
                 359 
                 34 
               
               
                   
                 360 
                 34 
               
               
                   
                 361 
                 34 
               
               
                   
                 362 
                 36 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Miscellaneous Items 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Element 
                 FIGS. 
                 Description 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 400 
                 1, 9, 31, 39-43 
                 steering wheel 
               
               
                 401 
                 1, 2 
                 grip 
               
               
                 402 
                 1, 2 
                 right spoke 
               
               
                 403 
                 1, 2 
                 left spoke 
               
               
                 404 
                 1, 2 
                 bottom spoke 
               
               
                 405 
                 1 
                 answer button 
               
               
                 406 
                 1 
                 reject button 
               
               
                 407 
                 1, 2, 41, 43 
                 steering column 
               
               
                 408 
                 5 
                 nominal range 
               
               
                 409 
                 5 
                 nominal range 
               
               
                 410 
                 5 
                 thickness of grip 
               
               
                 411 
                 9, 10, 11, 30 
                 PCB 
               
               
                 412 
                 9 
                 opening in steering wheel 
               
               
                 413 
                 16, 20 
                 finger 
               
               
                 414 
                 17 
                 recessed cavity wall 
               
               
                 415 
                 17 
                 recessed cavity wall 
               
               
                 416 
                 17 
                 recessed cavity wall 
               
               
                 417 
                 17 
                 inclined surface 
               
               
                 418 
                 18 
                 intermediate layer 
               
               
                 419 
                 18 
                 narrow openings 
               
               
                 420 
                 26 
                 beam offset 
               
               
                 421 
                 29 
                 cavities for light receivers in light guide 
               
               
                 422 
                 33 
                 plastic rim 
               
               
                 423 
                 44, 45, 46 
                 dashboard display 
               
               
                 424 
                 44 
                 icon 
               
               
                 425 
                 44, 45 
                 icon 
               
               
                 426 
                 45 
                 diagonal sweep gesture 
               
               
                 427 
                 45 
                 icon 
               
               
                 428 
                 46 
                 icon 
               
               
                 429 
                 46 
                 icon 
               
               
                 430 
                 46 
                 text 
               
               
                 431 
                 46 
                 icon 
               
               
                 432 
                 46 
                 icon 
               
               
                 433 
                 46 
                 directional sweep gesture 
               
               
                 434 
                 46 
                 directional sweep gesture 
               
               
                 435 
                 46 
                 directional sweep gesture 
               
               
                 436 
                 46 
                 directional sweep gesture 
               
               
                 437 
                 46 
                 directional sweep gesture 
               
               
                 438 
                 46 
                 directional sweep gesture 
               
               
                 439 
                 46 
                 directional sweep gesture 
               
               
                 440 
                 46 
                 directional sweep gesture 
               
               
                 450 
                 39, 40 
                 Touch screen display 
               
               
                 451 
                 40 
                 Head-up display 
               
               
                 452 
                 43 
                 Hand 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Detection Zones and Sensors 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Element 
                 FIGS. 
                 Description 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 501 
                 2, 21 
                 zone 
               
               
                   
                 502 
                 2 
                 zone 
               
               
                   
                 503 
                 2 
                 zone 
               
               
                   
                 504 
                 2 
                 zone 
               
               
                   
                 505 
                 2 
                 zone 
               
               
                   
                 506 
                 2 
                 zone 
               
               
                   
                 507 
                 2 
                 zone 
               
               
                   
                 508 
                 2 
                 zone 
               
               
                   
                 510 
                 3 
                 zone 
               
               
                   
                 511 
                 3 
                 zone 
               
               
                   
                 512 
                 3 
                 zone 
               
               
                   
                 513 
                 3 
                 zone 
               
               
                   
                 514 
                 3 
                 zone 
               
               
                   
                 515 
                 3 
                 zone 
               
               
                   
                 516 
                 3 
                 zone 
               
               
                   
                 517 
                 3 
                 zone 
               
               
                   
                 520 
                 12 
                 sensor 
               
               
                   
                 521 
                 12 
                 sensor 
               
               
                   
                 522 
                 17 
                 sensor 
               
               
                   
                 523 
                 17 
                 sensor 
               
               
                   
                 524 
                 31 
                 zone 
               
               
                   
                 525 
                 31 
                 zone 
               
               
                   
                 526 
                 31 
                 zone 
               
               
                   
                 527 
                 31 
                 zone 
               
               
                   
                 528 
                 39 
                 Zone 
               
               
                   
                 530 
                 39, 40 
                 Slider sensor 
               
               
                   
                 531, 532 
                 39, 41 
                 Proximity sensor strip 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Light Beams 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Element 
                 FIGS. 
                 Description 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 600 
                 4 
                 light beam grid 
               
               
                   
                 601 
                 16 
                 light beam 
               
               
                   
                 602 
                 16 
                 light beam 
               
               
                   
                 603 
                 16 
                 light beam 
               
               
                   
                 604 
                 20 
                 light beam 
               
               
                   
                 605 
                 25 
                 light beam 
               
               
                   
                 606 
                 26 
                 light beam 
               
               
                   
                 607 
                 26 
                 light beam 
               
               
                   
                 608 
                 26 
                 light beam 
               
               
                   
                 610 
                 26 
                 portion of light beam 
               
               
                   
                 611 
                 29 
                 light beam 
               
               
                   
                 612 
                 35 
                 light beam 
               
               
                   
                 613 
                 38 
                 light beam 
               
               
                   
                 614 
                 42 
                 Proximity sensor beam 
               
               
                   
                 615 
                 42 
                 Proximity sensor reflected beam 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0061]    Aspects of the present invention relate to light-based touch controls that allow a driver to keep his hands on a steering element while operating peripheral electronic devices in a vehicle. 
         [0062]    Reference is made to  FIG. 2 , which is a simplified illustration of a first embodiment of a steering wheel having multiple detection zones, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Shown in  FIG. 2  is a steering wheel with multiple detection zones for user input, indicated by numbers in the figure. Detection properties for each zone are listed below. 
         [0063]    Zone  501  is a portion of a cavity surrounded by gripping member  401  and the top of steering column  407 . The present invention enables detection of user gestures in this cavity. An example gesture is sweeping a hand or finger horizontally across the cavity. 
         [0064]    Zone  502  is related to a portion of the outer rim of gripping member  401 . This zone is configured to receive sliding gestures, where the driver slides a finger or hand along this portion of the outer rim. An example application for this gesture is to control the volume on the vehicle&#39;s audio system, where a clockwise hand-slide or sweep gesture increases the volume, a counterclockwise hand-slide or sweep gesture reduces the volume, and a fast hand-slide or sweep gesture along zone  502  mutes the audio. If the audio is on mute, a fast hand-slide or sweep gesture along zone  502  cancels the mute. Another application is to use hand-slide or sweep gestures to answer or reject an incoming phone call. In this case a hand-slide or sweep gesture in a first direction, e.g., clockwise, answers the call, and a hand-slide or sweep gesture in the opposite direction rejects the call. 
         [0065]    Zones  503  and  504  are proximity sensor zones configured to detect movement of a hand in the detection zone which is the airspace several inches outward on either side of the steering wheel. An example application uses zone  503  for controlling the windshield wipers and zone  504  for controlling the directional signals, i.e., blinking lamps mounted near the left and right front and rear corners of a vehicle activated by the driver on one side of the vehicle at a time to advertise intent to turn or change lanes toward that side. In this example, the windshield wipers are activated, or their speed is increased, when an upward hand gesture is detected in zone  503 , and the windshield wipers are slowed down or turned off when a downward hand gesture is detected in zone  503 . Similarly, the right directional signal is activated when an upward hand gesture is detected in zone  504 , and the left directional signal is activated when a downward hand gesture is detected in zone  504 . 
         [0066]    Another example application for zones  503  and  504  is modeled on Formula One sports cars, where the gear shifter is adapted to fit onto the steering wheel in the form of two paddles; depressing the right paddle shifts into a higher gear, while depressing the left paddle shifts into a lower one. In the present embodiment, a gesture corresponding to depressing the right paddle is detected in zone  503 , and a gesture corresponding to depressing the left paddle is detected in zone  504 . 
         [0067]    Zones  505  and  506  are two touch and slider controls on the right connecting member  402 . An additional two touch and slider controls (not numbered) are shown on the left connecting member  403 . These zones receive touch gestures and glide gestures. A glide gesture includes the steps of a user touching this sensor and then sliding his finger along the sensor. Slider controls are suitable for selecting a value within a range, e.g., to adjust dashboard brightness or audio volume. A glide gesture in one direction gradually increases the value, and a glide gesture in the opposite direction gradually decreases the value. 
         [0068]    These controls determine a location of a touch along the slider and are therefore suitable for touch gestures as well. For example, extended touches or taps can be used for selecting a value within a range, such as to adjust dashboard brightness or audio volume. A tap or touch at one end of the slider increases the value, and a tap or touch at the opposite end decreases the value. 
         [0069]    Zones  507  and  508  are hover and proximity sensors, configured to detect objects that are opposite but not touching the steering wheel. One example application detects when a driver enters the vehicle. This can wake up the system and display a greeting message to the driver. In some embodiments of the present invention, these sensors detect a distance between the driver and the wheel, inter alia, in order to adjust the driver&#39;s air bags according to this distance; namely, a larger distance requires a greater degree of inflation. 
         [0070]    An additional two hover and proximity sensors (not numbered) are shown on the left connecting member  403 . In some embodiments of the present invention, these zones are also configured to detect touch gestures. Another application for zones  507  and  508  is to select a user input mode. For example, zone  502  has two associated applications: a music library and a radio station selector. Hand-slide or sweep gestures along zone  502  either browse the music library or scan radio channels depending on the active mode. The active mode is toggled or selected by touching one of zones  507  and  508 . For example, a tap on zone  508  activates music library mode and a tap on zone  507  activates radio mode. Alternatively, a right-to-left wave gesture above zones  507  and  508  activates music library mode, and a left-to-right wave gesture above zones  507  and  508  activates radio mode. 
         [0071]    In general, the different zones are coordinated to provide fluent and flexible navigation for a plurality of applications. The user selects an application by interacting with zones  507  and  508  and each of the other zones  501 - 506  is assigned an aspect of the active application. Each time an application is selected, an image of the steering wheel appears on the dashboard indicating which command is associated with each of the input zones. 
         [0072]    Reference is made to  FIG. 3 , which is a simplified illustration of a second embodiment of a steering wheel having multiple detection zones, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The multiple detection zones for user input are indicated by numbers in the figure. Detection properties for each zone are listed below. 
         [0073]    Zones  510 - 512  are air gaps in the steering wheel. A two-dimensional grid of light beams is projected into each air gap to detect any object inserted therein. 
         [0074]    Reference is made to  FIG. 4 , which is a simplified illustration of a bidirectional light grid, namely, horizontal and vertical light beams, for detecting objects inserted into a hollow portion of the steering wheel of  FIG. 3 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Shown in  FIG. 4  is a light-beam grid  600  in zone  511 . 
         [0075]    In some embodiments more than one layer of light beams is projected into each air gap to provide a series of detections at different points along the thickness of the air gap. 
         [0076]    Reference is made to  FIG. 5 , which is a simplified side view and profile view of the steering wheel of  FIG. 3 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 5  shows the steering wheel of  FIGS. 3 and 4  in profile view and at an angle from above the wheel&#39;s upper right corner. Both views indicate thickness  410  of gripping member  401  along which the multiple light grids are stacked. This enables detecting an angle at which an object is inserted into the air gap. A full explanation of multiple detection layers and their use for z-axis coordinate detection is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 8,416,217 for LIGHT-BASED FINGER GESTURE USER INTERFACE, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0077]    Returning to  FIG. 3 , detection zone  517  is a hovering space surrounding the outer perimeter of the steering wheel. Objects that enter zone  517  are detected by sensors embedded in the gripping member of the steering wheel. 
         [0078]    Zones  513 - 515  detect the position of one or more objects touching, or in close proximity to, these zones. The range of proximity detection is indicated in  FIG. 5  by nominal range  408 . In some embodiments zones  513 - 515  are also adapted to detect an amount of pressure applied by a touch object. 
         [0079]    Zone  516  detects the position of one or more objects touching, or in close proximity to, it. The range of proximity detection is indicated in  FIG. 5  by nominal range  409 . In some embodiments zone  516  is also adapted to detect an amount of pressure applied by a touch object. 
         [0080]    In order to avoid inadvertent input to the detection zones while steering the vehicle, the touch-sensitive input system is activated only under particular conditions. For example, in order that the system register touch input the user first performs a specific touch gesture on one or more of the detection zones. As another example, the user must activate a toggle switch located away from the steering wheel before the detection zones register user input. Yet another example is that the position of the steering wheel enables touch input to be registered. For example, only when the steering wheel is in the “twelve o&#39;clock” or neutral position the system registers input from the detection zones, whereas once the wheel is rotated a given number of degrees from the neutral position, the system actively monitors the detection zones but does not generate input to other devices. 
         [0081]    A few use cases will demonstrate the user interface of the present invention. A first use case is adjusting the volume in the car stereo. 
         [0082]    Reference is made to  FIG. 6 , which is a flow chart describing a sequence of user interface events for adjusting car stereo controls, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. At step  10  the steering wheel is in neutral position to enable touch input. At step  11  the driver presses a location in zone  513  that activates controls for the entertainment system. The first parameter to be adjusted by the controls is the volume. At step  12  a volume meter is presented on a display device such as a dashboard display or HUD. The driver adjusts the volume level by performing a hand-slide or sweep gesture along the right outer rim of the steering wheel, i.e., the right section of zone  517 . Steps  13 - 16  show that a counterclockwise gesture along the right hand side of detection zone  517  increases the volume, and a clockwise gesture along this zone decreases the volume. This counterclockwise gesture can be performed by raising the driver&#39;s right hand along the steering wheel. At step  17  one or more taps on the outside of the steering wheel (zone  517 ) puts the input system into a different mode, e.g., to adjust the bass or treble. The system then returns to step  12  where it displays a meter relevant for the active mode, e.g., bass or treble, instead of volume. While the right hand is performing gestures that activate system functions, the left hand can perform additional gestures in the detection zones that do not interfere with the right hand gestures. In some instances these left hand gestures do not generate any commands. 
         [0083]    A second use case is text input of an address to a vehicle navigation system. 
         [0084]    Reference is made to  FIG. 7 , which is a flow chart describing a sequence of user interface events for entering text, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention At step  20  the driver presses a location on zone  514  marked by a text input symbol to activate text input mode. At steps  21  and  22 , gestures inside zone  510  are interpreted as characters or symbols. Alternatively, characters are input by finger or stylus glide gestures on the surface of zone  516 . At step  23  the entered text is displayed on the dashboard or HUD. Steps  21 - 23  continue in a loop until the displayed text forms a name or word (or portion thereof). To confirm the input, the driver taps once on the outer rim of the steering wheel (zone  517 ) as indicated by step  24 . To delete or reject the input, the driver double-taps on the outer rim of the steering wheel (zone  517 ) as indicated by step  25 . The system operates independently of right/left handedness. 
         [0085]    A third use case is an image viewer. 
         [0086]    Reference is made to  FIG. 8 , which is a flow chart describing a sequence of user interface events for manipulating an image displayed on a car dashboard, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. At step  30  an image is displayed on the dashboard. Alternatively, this image is displayed on an HUD. This image may be a map, a rear-view camera viewfinder image or any other image. At step  31  the driver activates image manipulation mode, e.g., by tapping a location on zone  515  marked by an image symbol. At steps  32 - 34  hand movements in detection zone  511  are interpreted as image manipulation commands. These commands include panning, zooming and rotating the image. The hand movements supported include one-finger and multi-finger translation gestures, and two-finger pinch, two-finger spread and two-finger rotation gestures. Further hand movements supported include full-hand spreads, whereby a user spreads all fingers on one hand inside the air gap. Other supported gestures include full-hand pinch gestures, which begin when all fingertips of one hand are not touching each other, and the user draws his fingertips together. When multiple layers of light-beam guides provide z-axis detection, tilt gestures are also supported. A tilt gesture uses the angle at which a finger is inserted through air gap  511  as one of the gesture attributes. A full discussion of supported gestures and commands is included in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 8,416,217 for LIGHT-BASED FINGER GESTURE USER INTERFACE. The driver taps once on the outer rim of the steering wheel (zone  517 ) to accept an input, as indicated at step  35 , and taps twice on the outer rim of the steering wheel (zone  517 ) to cancel an input as indicated at step  36 . This system operates independently of right/left handedness. 
         [0087]    Discussion now turns to implementing sensors for each of the various detection zones. Generally speaking, a light-based touch or proximity sensor includes a light transmitter and a light receiver, and is based on the principle that an object such as a finger placed on or near the sensor changes the coupling of light between the transmitter and the receiver. Thus, a channel that conducts signals between the transmitter and the receiver indicates whether there is a touch inside the channel. There are two types of channels; namely,
       A. channels for which a finger activates a signal between the transmitter and the receiver; and   B. channels for which a finger blocks a signal between the transmitter and the receiver.       
 
         [0090]    For channels of type A, a low signal, near 0, indicates no touch, and a high signal indicates a touch. For channels of type B, a high signal indicates no touch, and a low signal, near 0, indicates a touch. 
         [0091]    Reference is made to  FIGS. 9-11 , which are simplified illustrations of a PCB assembly (PCBA) in a steering wheel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 9-11  show a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA)  411  populated with various touch and proximity sensor components for a steering wheel  400  according to embodiments of the present invention.  FIG. 9  shows the PCBA from above,  FIG. 10  shows the PCBA rotated, and  FIG. 11  shows a cross-sectional view, to show the three-dimensional features of the light guides. The embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 9-11  includes five different sensor systems. 
         [0092]    A first sensor system provides detection zones  507  and  508  in  FIG. 2 . Each sensor in this first system includes a pair of light guides  330  and  331 , as shown in  FIGS. 9-11 . Light guide  330  is coupled to a transmitter (not shown) and light guide  331  is coupled to a receiver (also not shown). When a driver hovers his hand above one of these sensors he generates a high signal as his hand reflects light from light guide  330  back into light guide  331 . This is a type A channel. In some embodiments similar sensors placed along spokes  402 - 404  that connect the gripping member  401  of wheel  400  to the steering column  407  are used to provide detection zones  513 - 515  in  FIG. 3 . Similar sensors placed inside steering column  407  of wheel  400  also provide detection zone  516  in  FIG. 3 , in certain embodiments of the invention. 
         [0093]    A second sensor system provides detection zones  505  and  506  in  FIG. 2 . Each sensor in this second system includes an alternating row of transmitters  103  and receivers  203 , coupled to a light guide  320 , as shown in  FIGS. 9-11 . When a driver touches the upper edge of light guide  320  he generates a high signal as his touch reflects light from one or more of transmitters  103  onto a respective one or more neighboring receivers  203 . This too, is a type A channel. In some embodiments similar sensors placed along the spokes  402 - 404  that connect the gripping member  401  of wheel  400  to the steering column  407  are used to provide detection zones  513 - 515  in  FIG. 3 . Similar sensors placed inside steering column  407  of wheel  400  also provide detection zone  516  in  FIG. 3 , in certain embodiments of the invention. 
         [0094]    A third sensor system provides detection zone  501  in  FIG. 2 . This system includes a row of emitters  104  that project collimated light beams across opening  412  with the aid of collimating light guide  340 . A row of receivers (not shown) at the opposite end of opening  412  receives the collimated light beams with the aid of a second collimating light guide  341  embedded in the gripping member  401  of wheel  400 . When a driver inserts a hand or finger into the active detection zone  501  in opening  412 , he generates a low signal as his hand or finger blocks a portion of the collimated light beams. This is a type B channel. 
         [0095]    The illustrated third sensor system features vertical collimated light beams and detects objects along only one axis. In some embodiments, an additional, similar sensor system embedded in the left and right portions of gripping member  401  is added to project horizontal collimated beams across opening  412 . In this case, the two sets of orthogonal collimated beams provide two-dimensional (2D) detection of inserted objects. In some embodiments, similar sets of orthogonal beams are used in openings  511  and  512  of  FIG. 3  to provide 2D detection as illustrated by light grid  600  in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0096]    A fourth sensor system includes two sensors along each side of steering wheel  400 . These sensors provide detection zones  503  and  504  in  FIG. 2 . Each sensor in this fourth system includes a pair of light guides  310  and  311 , as shown in  FIGS. 9-11 . Light guide  310  is coupled to a transmitter (not shown) and light guide  311  is coupled to a receiver (also not shown). When a driver hovers his hand opposite one of these sensors he generates a high signal as his touch reflects light from light guide  310  back into light guide  311 . This is a type A channel. In some embodiments, similar sensors are placed around the entire wheel to provide detection zone  517  in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0097]    A fifth sensor system includes a series of sensors along the upper outer rim of steering wheel  400 . These sensors provide detection zone  502  in  FIG. 2 . Each sensor in this fifth system includes a transmitter  100 , a receiver  200  and a light guide  300 . A driver touching the outer rim of the wheel opposite one of these sensors generates a high signal as his touch reflects light from emitter  100  back onto receiver  200 . Therefore this is a type A channel. Similar sensors placed around the entire wheel can be used to provide detection zone  22  in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0098]    In some embodiments of the present invention, in addition to the near-infrared light used for the sensors, visible light elements are also embedded in the steering wheel, to light up the various detection zones. The visible light elements are used, inter alia, in order to illuminate a hand inside zones  510 - 512 , or to follow hand movements insides zones  510 - 512  or along zones  502 - 506 , so as to provide visible feedback to the driver who is interacting with the sensors. 
         [0099]    The type A channel sensor systems described hereinabove detect light from the transmitter reflected off the driver&#39;s finger or hand onto a nearby receiver. The maximum distance that this type A sensor can detect is defined as the sensor&#39;s “nominal range”. In some embodiments, the different sensor systems have different nominal ranges. For example, when the second and fifth sensor systems are designed to be used as a touch switch or slider control, they are adjusted to a very short nominal range. Similarly, when the first and fourth sensor systems are designed to detect hover gestures in the air above or opposite the sensor, they are adjusted to a nominal range of several inches. And when the first system is designed to detect a driver entering the car it is adjusted to a very large nominal range. 
         [0100]    There are several ways to adjust the nominal range, based inter alia on the intensity of the transmitter, on the detection threshold used to decide whether an object is present in the channel, and on the light guide. Specifically, when the light guide absorbs a portion of the light in the detection channel the sensor has a shorter nominal range. 
         [0101]    The first sensor system, used for detection zones  507  and  508 , is now addressed in detail. 
         [0102]    Reference is made to  FIGS. 12-16 , which are simplified diagrams of proximity sensors on a steering wheel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 12-15  show layers of components that form sensors  520  and  521 .  FIG. 12  shows proximity sensors  520  and  521  as seen by a driver.  FIG. 13  shows proximity sensors  520  and  521  with the upper steering wheel casing layer removed. As seen in  FIG. 13 , these proximity sensors feature a supporting column  332  having a transmitter light guide upper surface  333  and a receiver light guide upper surface  334  at the top of the column. In  FIG. 14  column  332  is removed, exposing upward facing transmitter  101  directly beneath light guide  330 , upward facing receiver  201  directly beneath light guide  331 , and light barrier  335  between transmitter  101  and receiver  201  to prevent scattered light from transmitter  101  from reaching receiver  201 .  FIG. 15  is another view of the elements in both proximity sensors  520  and  521 : transmitters  101  and  102 , receivers  201  and  202 , light guides  330 ,  331 ,  336  and  337  and light barriers  335  and  338 . Light guides  330 ,  331 ,  336  and  337  are adapted to use total internal reflection (TIR) to maximize the amount of light in this detection channel. 
         [0103]    The operation of sensors  520  and  521  is illustrated in  FIG. 16  showing emitter  101  sending a direct light beam  601  and a TIR beam  602  through light guide  330  out above the sensor. A finger  413  hovering above the sensor reflects a portion of the emitter beam back into neighboring light guide  331  and onto receiver  201 , as illustrated by two-sided arrow  603 . Light guide  331  and receiver  201  are not shown in  FIG. 16 . 
         [0104]    The second sensor system, adjusted to a very short nominal range and used for zones  502 ,  505  and  506 , is now addressed in detail. 
         [0105]    Reference is made to  FIGS. 17-20 , which are simplified illustrations of slider controls embedded in a steering wheel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 17-20  show layers of components that form slider controls  522  and  523 . In the illustrated embodiment each of these slider controls is situated inside a gently sloping recessed cavity to facilitate gliding a finger along the control without taking eyes off the road. A first recessed cavity is formed by inclined surface  417  surrounded on three sides by walls  414 - 416 . Slider control  523  is located along the boundary joining surface  417  to wall  415 . 
         [0106]      FIG. 18  shows that the exposed surface of slider controls  522  and  523  is the long, thin, top surface of upright light guides  320  and  321 . Light guides  320  and  321  are supported in their upright position by being inserted through narrow opening slots  419  in intermediate layer  418 . 
         [0107]      FIG. 19  shows the inner components of slider control  522  after intermediate layer  418  has been removed. Slider control  522  includes one alternating row of transmitters  103  and receivers  203 , and one upright light guide  320 . Slider control  522  is a linear series of detection channels where each channel has a transmitter at one end of the channel and its neighboring receiver in the alternating row of transmitters and receivers at the other end of the channel. 
         [0108]    Reference is made to  FIG. 20  illustrating the light beam path through this channel. Light beam  604  exits transmitter  103  and is directed upward through light guide  320 . A finger  413  touching the top of light guide  320  reflects a portion of the beam back down into light guide  320 . A portion of this reflected light is directed through light guide  320  onto a neighboring receiver  203  (shown in  FIG. 19 ) completing the detection channel. As a driver&#39;s finger glides along the exposed surface of light guide  320  different detection channels are activated indicating the location of the finger along this slider control. Light guides  320  and  321  are adapted to use TIR to maximize the amount of light in the detection channels. 
         [0109]    The type B sensor system used for zone  501  will now be discussed in detail. 
         [0110]    Reference is made to  FIGS. 21-30 , which are simplified diagrams of sensors embedded in a steering wheel that detect gestures inside an open cavity in the steering wheel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Detection zone  501  is illustrated in  FIG. 21 .  FIG. 22  shows the exposed upper edge  342  of light guide  341  that projects light beams into zone  501 .  FIG. 23  shows a rotated cross section of light guide  341  and an array of transmitters  104  situated below light guide  341  in the steering column. Light guide  341  includes collimating, internally reflective elements (not shown) that collimate light inside the light guide, internally reflective facet  344 , and curved window  345 . Curved window  345  is required in order that this light guide follow the contours of the rounded steering column in which it is mounted. The outer surface of window  345  is exposed upper edge  342  of  FIG. 22 . In some embodiments of the present invention, window  345  is formed with a uniform thickness, in order to minimize the lens effect that this widow has on the sensor light beams. In some embodiments, window  345  is also formed as thin as possible, in order to minimize the distance that the light beams are shifted laterally when they pass through the window. 
         [0111]    Reference is made to  FIG. 24  showing light guide  341  viewed from underneath. In this view, internally reflective collimating surfaces  343  are visible. Each surface  343  collimates a wide light beam emitted by a transmitter into the light guide. In addition, surface  343  also redirects the collimated light onto internally reflective surface  344  as light beam  605  in  FIG. 25  illustrates. 
         [0112]      FIG. 26  shows three beams  606 - 608  from respective emitters  106 - 108 , passing through lens  345 .  FIG. 26  illustrates how a uniform thickness and a large radius of curvature relative to the width of the beam of window  345 , minimize the lens effect on three light beams  606 - 608 . E.g., beam  606  is offset to the left of emitter  106  when it exits curved window  345 , but is not redirected as a result of passing through the window. The offset for beam  606  is indicated in the figure by distance  420 . When window  345  is thin, the offset is negligible. In some embodiments, for which the offset is not negligible and for which the emitters and receivers are evenly spaced on PCB  411 , beam offsets are handled in software, inter alia by calculating the position of the corresponding blocked beam according to the beam position when it crosses the screen, which is offset from the emitter and receiver location. In other embodiments, for which the offset is not negligible, the emitters and receivers are not evenly spaced on PCB  411 , in order for the offset to cause the beams crossing detection zone  501  to be evenly spaced. The dotted portions  610  of the beams represent the beams passing through light guides  340  and  341 , which are not shown in this figure. 
         [0113]    The second half of the light sensor for zone  501  is now discussed.  FIG. 27  shows the exposed lower edge  346  of a light guide that receives the projected light beams and directs the beams onto receivers embedded inside the circular gripping member of the steering wheel.  FIGS. 28 and 29  are two cross-sectional views showing three staggered rows of receiver elements  204  together with their respective light guides inside the circular gripping member of steering wheel  400 . Collimated light crossing detection zone  501  enters the gripping member through curved window  353 . In order to maintain the collimation of the light beams, window  353  has a uniform width and substantially similar arcs at both its inner and outer surfaces, like window  345  described hereinabove. 
         [0114]      FIG. 29  shows light guide  340  from a different angle than in  FIG. 28 . The collimating portion of this light guide is circled section  347 . This collimating portion uses two air-to-plastic interfaces to direct the collimated wide beam onto a respective receiver  204 . The operation of these collimating lenses is more fully explained in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/424,543 for OPTICAL ELEMENTS WITH ALTERNATING REFLECTIVE LENS FACETS, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In particular, reference is made to FIGS. 50-52 and associated paragraphs [00267]-[00271] in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/424,543. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 29  the light guides are formed of a single piece of plastic  348 . The receivers  204  are shown suspended in cavities  421  formed in plastic  348 . The PCB on which these receivers are mounted is not shown in the figure: it is above the receivers, and covers cavities  421 . The path of a light beam  611  through light guide  340  is shown. 
         [0115]    Light transmitters and receivers for two different sensors are mounted on two sides of PCB  411 .  FIG. 30  shows exploded views from both sides of steering wheel PCB  411 . The light receivers  204  for detection zone  501  are on one side of the PCB, and transmitter-receiver pairs  100 - 200  for detection zone  502  are mounted on the reverse side of this PCB. The exploded view also shows light guide  300 , used for detection zone  502 , and plastic element  348  that forms light guide  340 , both mounted on PCB  411 . 
         [0116]    The type A sensor used for detection zones  503  and  504  described hereinabove will now be described in detail. 
         [0117]    Reference is made to  FIGS. 31-35 , which are simplified diagrams of proximity sensors embedded in the outer rim of a steering wheel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 31  shows four detection zones  524 - 527  on either side of steering wheel  400 .  FIG. 32  shows two of the sensors that provide these detection zones on one side of the steering wheel by projecting light beams away from the wheel and detecting a portion of the beams that is reflected back by a hovering finger or hand. As seen by the driver, each sensor includes a light emitting surface  354  or  356 , and a neighboring light receiving surface  355  or  357 .  FIG. 33  shows a plastic rim  422  inlaid in the outer rim of the steering wheel and having near-infrared (NIR) transmissive portions  354 - 357  that allow the passage of NIR light for these sensors.  FIG. 34  shows that the NIR transmissive portions are actually separate light guides  358 - 361 , where a pair of light guides forms a detection channel. Each of light guides  358 - 361  is coupled to a respective transmitter or receiver component. Thus, light guides  358  and  360  are coupled to respective transmitters (blocked from view in the figure by light guides  359  and  361 ), and light guides  359  and  361  are coupled to receivers  209  and  210 , respectively.  FIG. 35  shows a light beam path  612  through light guide  358 .  FIG. 35  also shows transmitter  109  coupled to light guide  358 . 
         [0118]    Reference is made to  FIGS. 36-38 , which are simplified diagrams of touch sensors embedded across the outer rim of a steering wheel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 36 and 37  show the components in a type A sensor used for detection zone  502  described hereinabove; namely, transmitter-receiver pairs  100 - 200  and light guide  300 . Light guide  300  is shared by both transmitter  100  and receiver  200 , and light guide  300  has a collimating lens portion  362  opposite each transmitter and opposite each receiver.  FIG. 38  shows how light guide  300  acts as a periscope for the light beams, such as light beam  613  emitted by emitter  100 . As described above, a steering wheel equipped with a series of these sensors along its outer rim is enabled to detect tap gestures and hand-slide gestures along the wheel&#39;s outer rim. 
         [0119]    In some embodiments of the present invention, a processor connected to the touch sensors along the steering wheel rim or spokes detects the number of fingers on each hand touching the wheel. This is performed by heuristically determining the size of the segment covered by a hand holding the wheel, or by detecting a series of up to four objects next to each other along the sensor array. When the driver taps the wheel with only one finger as he grips the wheel, e.g., by tapping on the wheel with one finger while continuing to grip the wheel with the other fingers, the processor determines which finger performed the tap according to the location of the tap within the segment of the wheel being held. This enables a user interface whereby different fingers are associated with different functions. For example, taps by an index finger control the stereo and taps by the middle finger control the telephone. Determination of which finger is tapping the wheel is based on the finger&#39;s relative position within the segment of the wheel that is held, as detected by the touch sensors. As such, this user interface is not dependent on which segment of the wheel is being touched. It is thus applied anywhere on the wheel, based on relative finger position. In some cases, the processor distinguishes between right and left hands according to right and left halves of the wheel. 
         [0120]    In some embodiments of the present invention, multiple sensors are arranged around the tubular or cylindrical surface of the wheel grip in order to detect when the driver rotates his hand around the grip in the manner of a motorcycle driver revving a motorcycle engine by rotating the handle bar grip. The user interface is configured to control a particular feature by this gesture. In applications of the present invention to motorcycle handlebars, these sensors provide an alternative to rotating handlebar grips for controlling the speed of the motorcycle engine. 
         [0121]    In some embodiments of the present invention, proximity detectors or touch detectors are also mounted on the rear of the steering wheel grip or spokes to detect tap gestures on the back of a spoke or on the back of the wheel grip performed by fingers wrapped around the wheel. For example, these gestures are used to shift gears, or to shift the drive mode. Drive modes include, inter alia, eco mode, sport mode, 2-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive. 
         [0122]    In some embodiments of the present invention, the vehicle loads a user profile that configures the user interface, including assigning various gestures to respective control settings. The vehicle supports multiple users by allowing each user to download his settings to the vehicle. Thus, settings for multiple users are uploaded to an Internet server. When a driver enters a car, the driver downloads his settings from the Internet server to the vehicle, thus adapting the vehicle to his customized settings. For example, different gestures can be mapped to control different features by the driver. One application for this system is a rental car. When a driver rents a car he downloads his user profile to the rental car so that the user interface is familiar. Another application is for car dealerships, whereby a car&#39;s user interface is customized for a buyer while the buyer tries out a test model or sits inside a dummy cockpit. The dealer configures the user&#39;s profile in the demo car and uploads it to the Internet server. The dealer does not need to customize the purchased car when it arrives beyond downloading the buyer&#39;s profile. 
         [0123]    Aspects of the present invention also relate to contextual user interfaces. When a driver enters the car, the car&#39;s user interface asks the driver what he wants to do and guides him to do so, using a display screen. Thus the UI presents options based on context. If the engine is off, the UI asks if the driver wants to start the car. If the driver turns off the motor, the UI presents the following initial options: open doors, open gas tank, open trunk, and open hood. In some embodiments, the display renders a map of the different hand slide and tap gestures that the driver can perform on the steering element to execute these options. If the driver stops the car, the UI asks if the driver wants to park. If the driver responds that he does wish to park, the UI presents parking options, e.g., park on the street or in a nearby lot. In an automated car, capable of traveling without a driver, the UI offers the further option to refill gas, battery or solar panel (depending on how the car is powered) while the driver is out shopping or working. Before leaving the car, the UI asks the driver when to return to the parking spot. 
         [0124]    In some embodiments, a biometric sensor is also added to the steering element of the present invention. In order to access the UI, the biometric sensor must first register the driver. If the biometric sensor detects that the driver is not fit to drive the car, e.g., the sensor detects a high heart rate or high alcohol content, the UI responds accordingly and does not allow the driver to drive. 
         [0125]    Another embodiment of a steering wheel according to the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 39-42 . In this embodiment, the steering wheel includes two embedded touch-sensitive display screens. The display screen information is displayed on a head-up display to the driver so that the driver need not remove his eyes from the road to look down at the displays. 
         [0126]    Reference is made to  FIG. 39 , which is a simplified illustration of a steering wheel with multiple touch sensors and embedded touch screen displays, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention  FIG. 39  shows steering wheel  400  having two embedded touch screens  450  and a slider control  530 . Slider control  530  is implemented as a series of light emitters and receivers similar to slider controls  522  and  523  described hereinabove with reference to  FIGS. 17-20 . Touch screens  450  are touch-enabled by a series of emitters and receivers along the screen edges that form a touch-detection light grid that covers each screen  450 . Steering wheel  400  is also shown having two proximity sensor strips  531  and  532  for detecting a driver&#39;s hand placed on the steering column between these two strips. 
         [0127]    Reference is made to  FIG. 40 , which is a simplified illustration of the steering wheel of  FIG. 39  with a head-up display, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 40  shows steering wheel  400  viewed at an angle. Two head-up displays  451  are provided for rendering graphics from screens  450  at a location easily viewable by the driver. The driver can interact with a user interface on screens  450  by viewing head-up displays  451  and performing touch gestures on screens  450 . 
         [0128]    Reference is made to  FIGS. 41 and 42 , which are simplified illustrations or proximity sensors that line the steering column of the steering wheel of  FIG. 39 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 41  shows that the front and top of steering column  407  is touch sensitive by virtue of two strips of proximity sensors. A first proximity sensor strip  531  is shown. This strip is formed by an alternating series of emitters and detectors that emit light beams across the outer surface of column  407 . This strip curves along the contours of steering column  407 . When the driver places his hand on steering column  407 , the hand reflects the projected light beams back into the proximity sensor where neighboring detectors sense an increase in reflected light. The operation of this type of proximity sensor is described in applicant&#39;s co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/775,269 entitled REMOVABLE PROTECTIVE COVER WITH EMBEDDED PROXIMITY SENSORS, especially FIGS. 4-10 there. The second proximity sensor strip  532  is opposite strip  531  and is not visible given the viewing angle of  FIG. 41 . 
         [0129]      FIG. 42  shows the light beams of proximity sensor strip  531 . Emitter beams  614  are shown adhering to the contours of steering column  407 . One reflected beam is shown as dashed beam  615 . When the driver places a hand on steering column  407  his hand reflects one or more of beams  614  back as beam  615 . 
         [0130]    Reference is made to  FIG. 43 , which is a simplified illustration of a user interface gesture performed on the steering column of the steering wheel of  FIG. 39 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 43  shows a hand gesture detected by the two proximity sensors lining steering column  407 . In this gesture the driver tilts palm  452  along the rounded corner formed by steering column  407 . In some applications, this gesture is used to adjust the angle of a side view mirror. Thus, titling the palm downward and touching a higher portion of column  407  tilts the mirror upwards; tilting the palm to be more vertical tilts the mirror downward. 
         [0131]    The two proximity sensors lining two opposite edges of steering column  407  form a unique two-dimensional detector. A location along the proximity sensor at which the reflected beam is detected is a location along one dimension. The nearer the reflecting object is to strip  531  or  532 , the greater the detection signal. Comparing the detection signals of proximity strip  531  to those of proximity strip  532  provides a coarse estimation of where the finger is located between the two strips. Thus, if both strips detect similar amounts of reflected light, the finger is roughly in the middle between the two strips. Whereas if one proximity sensor strip detects more light than the other, the finger is nearer to the high detection strip. 
         [0132]    Embodiments of the present invention also relate to vehicle dashboards, driver display systems and related user interfaces. 
         [0133]    Reference is made to  FIGS. 44-46 , which are simplified illustrations of user interfaces and associated sweep gestures that are enabled on a vehicle dashboard, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 44  shows dashboard display  423  having proximity sensors along its edges. In some embodiments of the present invention, the display itself does not provide touch detection, i.e., it is not a touch screen. A frame  528  is shown surrounding the display. This frame indicates a detection zone for detecting proximity and hover gestures. The display shows two icons  424  and  425  in the upper right and left corners, each representing a family of related functions. When the driver performs a sweeping gesture with his hand above a portion of the display, he expands a corresponding icon to reveal a complete set of related functions. 
         [0134]      FIG. 45  shows the effect of a gesture in this context. Dashboard display  423  is shown in the upper portion of  FIG. 45  marked (A). A sweeping gesture across the upper left corner of the display and continuing diagonally across the display is indicated by arrows  426 . As the gesture progresses across the screen diagonal, icon  425  expands across the screen. The expanded icon is shown as icon  427  in the lower portion of  FIG. 45  marked (B). In some embodiments, this expanded area is populated with icons related to the function represented by icon  425 . In other embodiments, the expanded icon presents further options for similar gestures that expand, providing multiple layers of expanded screens. 
         [0135]    Embodiments of the present invention thus provide easy access to an extensive array of functions with a simple hand gesture in an associated corner or side of the display. This allows the user interface to present a limited number of icons on the initial display without cluttering up the display, and to expand a selected icon to reveal a full list of related functions in response to the aforementioned sweeping gesture. 
         [0136]      FIG. 46  shows dashboard display  423  with four icons  428 ,  429 ,  431  and  432  in the four corners of the display and a text box  430  at the right edge of the display. Eight arrows  433 - 440  indicating eight different sweep gestures are shown. Each sweep gesture changes the display in accordance with an icon or text associated with that gesture. In  FIG. 46 , gestures  433 ,  435 ,  437  and  439  are each associated with a respective icon, and gesture  436  is associated with text  430 . Additional gestures such as gliding along the edges of the display also provide functionality in some embodiments. 
         [0137]    The hover and proximity sensors that detect the dashboard sweep gestures described hereinabove are substantially the same sensors described with respect to the steering wheel. These sensors are distributed at discrete locations around the dashboard display. 
         [0138]    In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made to the specific exemplary embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.