U.S. patent application number 17/382190 was filed with the patent office on 2021-11-11 for vehicle interior component.
The applicant listed for this patent is Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.. Invention is credited to Ivo ERLER, Lucas EYL, Jesus Maria GALAN GARCIA, Wei Lange-MAO, Norbert TRUXA.
Application Number | 20210347262 17/382190 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005728306 |
Filed Date | 2021-11-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210347262 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
GALAN GARCIA; Jesus Maria ;
et al. |
November 11, 2021 |
VEHICLE INTERIOR COMPONENT
Abstract
A trim panel for a vehicle interior to provide a user interface
for an occupant is disclosed. The trim panel may comprise a
composite structure comprising a light-transmissive cover, a light
panel/display, a functional layer and a positioning layer. The user
interface may facilitate interaction with the vehicle occupant so
that operation of the user interface for the vehicle occupant
comprises output from illumination from the light panel through the
functional layer and through the cover to an exterior surface of
the cover. The positioning layer may comprise a deformable spacer.
The positioning layer may comprise a foam layer under the cover.
The trim panel may comprise a sensor to detect input from the
occupant at or adjacent to the cover. The composite structure may
comprise a cover segment comprising a fabric and/or leather and a
cover segment comprising a plastic or film.
Inventors: |
GALAN GARCIA; Jesus Maria;
(Dusseldorf, DE) ; TRUXA; Norbert; (Dusseldorf,
DE) ; EYL; Lucas; (Wuppertal, DE) ; Lange-MAO;
Wei; (Hagan, DE) ; ERLER; Ivo; (Dusseldorf,
DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd. |
Novi |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005728306 |
Appl. No.: |
17/382190 |
Filed: |
July 21, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16736359 |
Jan 7, 2020 |
11104229 |
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17382190 |
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16236191 |
Dec 28, 2018 |
11061475 |
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16736359 |
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PCT/US2017/041523 |
Jul 11, 2017 |
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16236191 |
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62360960 |
Jul 11, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60K 2370/1434 20190501;
B60K 35/00 20130101; B32B 27/065 20130101; B60K 2370/155 20190501;
B60Q 3/233 20170201; B32B 2457/208 20130101; B60K 2370/774
20190501; B60K 2370/794 20190501; B60Q 3/217 20170201; B60Q 3/745
20170201; B60K 2370/162 20190501; B32B 27/12 20130101; B60K
2370/332 20190501; B60K 2370/178 20190501 |
International
Class: |
B60K 35/00 20060101
B60K035/00; B60Q 3/217 20060101 B60Q003/217; B60Q 3/233 20060101
B60Q003/233; B60Q 3/74 20060101 B60Q003/74; B32B 27/12 20060101
B32B027/12; B32B 27/06 20060101 B32B027/06 |
Claims
1. A trim panel for a vehicle interior configured to provide a user
interface for a vehicle occupant in a vehicle comprising vehicle
systems comprising: a composite structure configured to provide the
user interface comprising: (a) a cover providing an exterior
surface; (b) a light panel; (c) a functional layer; and (d) a
positioning layer separate from the functional layer; wherein the
cover comprises a light-transmissive layer; wherein the light panel
is configured to provide illumination at least partially visible
through the exterior surface of the cover; wherein the functional
layer is configured for at least one of (a) optical enhancement;
(b) electrical charging for a device; (c) interaction with a mobile
device; (d) interaction with a vehicle system; (e) interaction with
the vehicle occupant; (f) monitoring; (g) alerting; (h) messaging;
(i) light guiding; wherein the user interface is configured to
facilitate interaction with the vehicle occupant; so that operation
of the user interface for the vehicle occupant comprises output
from illumination from the light panel through the functional layer
and through the light-transmissive layer of the cover to the
exterior surface of the cover.
2. The trim panel of claim 1 wherein the positioning layer
comprises a deformable spacer.
3. The trim panel of claim 1 wherein the positioning layer
comprises a foam layer under the cover.
4. The trim panel of claim 1 wherein the functional layer comprises
a light diffuser.
5. The trim panel of claim 1 wherein the cover comprises at least
one of (a) textile; (b) fabric; (c) fiber mesh; (d) leather; (e)
grain surface; (f) synthetic fiber fabric; (g) natural fibers; (h)
artificial leather; (i) polyester; (j) synthetic fibers; (k) fabric
sheet; (l) upholstered material; (m) a fleece material; (n) a woven
material; (o) a non-woven material; (p) a sheet material; (q) a
perforated material; (r) a composite of multiple fiber materials;
(s) a translucent material; (t) a resilient material; (u) a leather
material configured to facilitate the transmission of visible
light; (v) a material that is partially transparent and partially
opaque; (w) a layer configured to facilitate transmission of
visible light; (x) a surface material perforated to improve the
visibility of light from a display.
6. The trim panel of claim 1 wherein the cover comprises at least
one of (a) film; (b) resin; (c) polycarbonate; (d) polyurethane;
(e) polyvinyl material; (f) TPO; (g) a plastic material; (h) a
plastic film; (i) a composite of multiple plastic materials; (j) a
composite of multiple materials; (k) a composite of fiber material;
(l) natural material; (m) metal; (n) a perforated material; (o) a
translucent layer.
7. The trim panel of claim 1 further comprising a sensor configured
to detect input from the vehicle occupant at or adjacent to the
exterior surface of the cover.
8. The trim panel of claim 7 wherein the sensor comprises at least
one of (a) an array; (b) a grid; (c) a foil; (d) a panel; (e) a
touch panel; (f) a flexible panel; (g) a detector; (h) a proximity
detector; (i) a capacitive touch panel; (j) a pressure sensitive
panel; (k) a camera.
9. The trim panel of claim 1 wherein the light panel comprises at
least one of (a) an array; (b) a grid; (c) a panel; (d) a display
screen; (e) a flexible panel; (f) a lighting array; (g) a lighting
device array; (h) a light-emitting device array; (i) an LED array;
(j) a flexible LED array; (k) an OLED array; (l) a flexible LED
matrix; (m) a flexible sheet; (n) a display.
10. The trim panel of claim 1 wherein the composite structure
comprises a first cover segment and a second cover segment; wherein
the first cover segment comprises a fabric and the second cover
segment comprises a plastic.
11. A trim panel for a vehicle interior configured to provide a
user interface for a vehicle occupant in a vehicle comprising: a
composite structure configured to provide the user interface
comprising: (a) a cover providing an exterior surface; (b) a light
panel; and (c) a functional layer; wherein the cover comprises a
light-transmissive layer; wherein the light panel is configured to
provide illumination at least partially visible through the
exterior surface of the cover; wherein the functional layer is
configured for at least one of (a) positioning; (b) spacing; (c)
cushioning; (d) tactile shear/feel performance; (e) diffusion of
illumination from the light panel; wherein the user interface is
configured to facilitate interaction with the vehicle occupant; so
that operation of the user interface for the vehicle occupant
comprises output from illumination from the light panel through the
functional layer and through the light-transmissive layer of the
cover to the exterior surface of the cover.
12. The trim panel of claim 11 wherein the functional layer
comprises a first functional layer and a second functional
layer.
13. The trim panel of claim 12 wherein the first functional layer
comprises a functional layer configured for diffusion of
illumination from the light panel and the second functional layer
comprises a positioning layer.
14. The trim panel of claim 11 further comprising a positioning
layer comprising at least one of (a) a spacer; (b) a flexible
spacer; (c) a spacer fabric; (d) a fabric material; (e) a foam
material; (f) a plastic material; (g) a woven material; (h) fabric;
(i) polyurethane; (j) a spacer material; (k) a deformable spacer;
(l) a deformable spacer material; (m) a material configured to
provide haptic feedback.
15. A trim panel for a vehicle interior configured to provide a
user interface for a vehicle occupant in a vehicle comprising: a
composite structure configured to provide the user interface
comprising: (a) a cover providing an exterior surface; (b) a light
panel; (c) a functional layer; and (d) a positioning layer; wherein
the cover comprises a light-transmissive layer; wherein the cover
comprises at least one of (a) textile; (b) fabric; (c) leather; (d)
artificial leather; (e) a woven material; (f) a non-woven material;
wherein the light panel is configured to provide illumination at
least partially visible through the exterior surface of the cover;
wherein the user interface is configured to facilitate interaction
with the vehicle occupant; so that operation of the user interface
for the vehicle occupant comprises output from illumination from
the light panel through the functional layer and through the
light-transmissive layer of the cover to the exterior surface of
the cover.
16. The trim panel of claim 15 wherein the cover comprises at least
one of (a) a translucent material; (b) a material that is partially
light-transmissive and partially opaque; (c) a layer configured to
facilitate transmission of visible light; (d) a perforated
material.
17. The trim panel of claim 15 wherein the positioning layer
comprises a foam layer under the cover.
18. The trim panel of claim 15 wherein the positioning layer
comprises at least one of (a) a spacer; (b) a flexible spacer; (c)
a spacer fabric; (d) a fabric material; (e) a foam material; (f) a
plastic material; (g) a woven material; (h) fabric; (i)
polyurethane; (j) a spacer material; (k) a deformable spacer; (l) a
deformable spacer material.
19. The trim panel of claim 15 further comprising a sensor so that
operation of the user interface further comprises input from the
vehicle occupant at or adjacent to the exterior surface of the
cover.
20. The trim panel of claim 15 wherein the functional layer is
configured for at least one of (a) positioning; (b) spacing; (c)
haptic feedback; (d) tactile feedback such as vibration; (e)
audible feedback such as sound; (f) optical enhancement; (g) light
shielding; (h) electrical shielding; (i) interference shielding;
(j) electrical charging for a device; (k) interaction with a mobile
device; (l) interaction with a vehicle system; (m) cushioning; (n)
adhesion or bonding; (o) tactile shear/feel performance; (p)
thermal management; (q) heating; (r) cooling; (s) providing Peltier
effect; (t) diffusion of illumination from the light panel; (u)
monitoring; (v) recording; (w) alerting; (x) messaging; (y) light
guiding; (z) flexibility.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/736,359, titled "Vehicle Interior
Component" filed on Jan. 7, 2020, which is a continuation-in-part
of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/236,191 titled "Vehicle
Interior Component" filed on Dec. 28, 2018 (now U.S. Pat. No.
11,061,475), which is a continuation of PCT/International Patent
Application No. PCT/US2017/041523 titled "Vehicle Interior
Component" filed on Jul. 11, 2017, which claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 62/360,960 titled "Vehicle
Interior Component" filed on Jul. 11, 2016.
[0002] The present invention claims priority to and incorporates by
reference in full the following patent applications: (1) U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 62/360,960 titled "Vehicle
Interior Component" filed on Jul. 11, 2016; (2) PCT/International
Patent Application No. PCT/US2017/041523 titled "Vehicle Interior
Component" filed on Jul. 11, 2017; (3) U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 16/236,191 titled "Vehicle Interior Component" filed on Dec.
28, 2018 (now U.S. Pat. No. 11,061,475); (4) U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/736,359, titled "Vehicle Interior
Component" filed on Jan. 7, 2020.
FIELD
[0003] The present invention relates to a vehicle interior
component. The present invention also relates to a vehicle interior
component providing a composite structure. The present invention
further relates to a vehicle interior component providing a
composite structure providing a user interface system.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Conventional automotive interiors may include numerous
switches, buttons, dials, and other physical control elements for
receiving inputs from an occupant. Control elements are coupled to
corresponding features and systems including entertainment systems,
information systems, climate controls, door locks, window
regulator/controls, seat position adjusters, cruise control, mirror
position adjusters, headlights, steering wheel adjusters, and
etc.
[0005] It is well-known to provide a touch panel in a vehicle
interior having buttons/icons that can be pressed to perform a
function such as adjusting a seat or window position. It is known
to provide such a panel with buttons/icons that are illuminated at
all times, or only when selectively illuminated. It is known to
provide such a panel with a hard surface that is separate from the
soft (e.g. fabric/leather/etc.) surfaces of vehicle interior
components.
[0006] It would be advantageous to provide an aesthetically
pleasing and integrated composite structure including a
cover/exterior surface and configured to provide a user interface
with sensor and display for a vehicle interior component. It would
also be advantageous to provide an integrated composite structure
configured to provide a user interface in or on a vehicle interior
component in a manner to provide an appearance and feel provided by
the cover/exterior surface and compliant/resilient layers beneath
the cover. It would further be advantageous to provide an improved
system and method of operating the user interface for the composite
structure of the vehicle interior component. It would further be
advantageous to provide an improved composite structure including a
cover/exterior surface and configured to provide a user interface
in or on a vehicle interior component providing features suitable
for a vehicle interior such as system integration, decorative
appearance, color/texture, softness/firmness, feel/touch/haptic
sensation, resistance to dirt/stains, repellence to water/fluids,
convenient to maintain/clean, etc.
SUMMARY
[0007] The present invention relates to a trim panel for a vehicle
interior configured to provide a user interface for a vehicle
occupant in a vehicle comprising vehicle systems comprising a
composite structure configured to provide the user interface
comprising (a) a cover providing an exterior surface, (b) a light
panel, (c) a functional layer and (d) a positioning layer separate
from the functional layer. The cover may comprise a
light-transmissive layer. The light panel may be configured to
provide illumination at least partially visible through the
exterior surface of the cover. The functional layer may be
configured for at least one of (a) optical enhancement, (b)
electrical charging for a device, (c) interaction with a mobile
device, (d) interaction with a vehicle system, (e) interaction with
the vehicle occupant, (f) monitoring, (g) alerting, (h) messaging,
(i) light guiding. The user interface may be configured to
facilitate interaction with the vehicle occupant so that operation
of the user interface for the vehicle occupant comprises output
from illumination from the light panel through the functional layer
and through the light-transmissive layer of the cover to the
exterior surface of the cover. The positioning layer may comprise a
deformable spacer. The positioning layer may comprise a foam layer
under the cover. The functional layer may comprise a light
diffuser. The cover may comprise at least one of (a) textile, (b)
fabric, (c) fiber mesh, (d) leather, (e) grain surface, (f)
synthetic fiber fabric, (g) natural fibers, (h) artificial leather,
(i) polyester, (j) synthetic fibers, (k) fabric sheet, (l)
upholstered material, (m) a fleece material, (n) a woven material,
(o) a non-woven material, (p) a sheet material, (q) a perforated
material, (r) a composite of multiple fiber materials, (s) a
translucent material, (t) a resilient material, (u) a leather
material configured to facilitate the transmission of visible
light, (v) a material that is partially transparent and partially
opaque, (w) a layer configured to facilitate transmission of
visible light, (x) a surface material perforated to improve the
visibility of light from a display. The cover may comprise at least
one of (a) film, (b) resin, (c) polycarbonate, (d) polyurethane,
(e) polyvinyl material, (f) TPO, (g) a plastic material, (h) a
plastic film, (i) a composite of multiple plastic materials, (j) a
composite of multiple materials, (k) a composite of fiber material,
(l) natural material, (m) metal, (n) a perforated material, (o) a
translucent layer. The trim panel may comprise a sensor configured
to detect input from the vehicle occupant at or adjacent to the
exterior surface of the cover. The sensor may comprise at least one
of (a) an array, (b) a grid, (c) a foil, (d) a panel, (e) a touch
panel, (f) a flexible panel, (g) a detector, (h) a proximity
detector, (i) a capacitive touch panel, (j) a pressure sensitive
panel, (k) a camera. The light panel may comprise at least one of
(a) an array, (b) a grid, (c) a panel, (d) a display screen, (e) a
flexible panel, (f) a lighting array, (g) a lighting device array,
(h) a light-emitting device array, (i) an LED array, (j) a flexible
LED array, (k) an OLED array, (l) a flexible LED matrix, (m) a
flexible sheet, (n) a display. The composite structure may comprise
a first cover segment and a second cover segment; the first cover
segment may comprise a fabric and the second cover segment may
comprise a plastic.
[0008] The present invention relates to a trim panel for a vehicle
interior configured to provide a user interface for a vehicle
occupant in a vehicle comprising a composite structure configured
to provide the user interface comprising a cover providing an
exterior surface, a light panel, and a functional layer. The cover
may comprise a light-transmissive layer. The light panel may be
configured to provide illumination at least partially visible
through the exterior surface of the cover. The functional layer may
be configured for at least one of (a) positioning, (b) spacing, (c)
cushioning, (d) tactile shear/feel performance, (e) diffusion of
illumination from the light panel. The user interface may be
configured to facilitate interaction with the vehicle occupant so
that operation of the user interface for the vehicle occupant
comprises output from illumination from the light panel through the
functional layer and through the light-transmissive layer of the
cover to the exterior surface of the cover. The functional layer
may comprise a first functional layer and a second functional
layer; the first functional layer may comprise a functional layer
configured for diffusion of illumination from the light panel and
the second functional layer may comprise a positioning layer. The
trim panel may comprise a positioning layer comprising at least one
of (a) a spacer, (b) a flexible spacer, (c) a spacer fabric, (d) a
fabric material, (e) a foam material, (f) a plastic material, (g) a
woven material, (h) fabric, (i) polyurethane, (j) a spacer
material, (k) a deformable spacer, (l) a deformable spacer
material, (m) a material configured to provide haptic feedback.
[0009] The present invention relates to a trim panel for a vehicle
interior configured to provide a user interface for a vehicle
occupant in a vehicle comprising a composite structure configured
to provide the user interface comprising (a) a cover providing an
exterior surface, (b) a light panel, (c) a functional layer and (d)
a positioning layer. The cover may comprise a light-transmissive
layer. The cover may comprise at least one of (a) textile, (b)
fabric, (c) leather, (d) artificial leather, (e) a woven material,
(f) a non-woven material. The light panel may be configured to
provide illumination at least partially visible through the
exterior surface of the cover. The user interface may be configured
to facilitate interaction with the vehicle occupant so that
operation of the user interface for the vehicle occupant comprises
output from illumination from the light panel through the
functional layer and through the light-transmissive layer of the
cover to the exterior surface of the cover. The cover may comprise
at least one of (a) a translucent material, (b) a material that is
partially light-transmissive and partially opaque, (c) a layer
configured to facilitate transmission of visible light, (d) a
perforated material. The positioning layer may comprise a foam
layer under the cover. The positioning layer may comprise at least
one of (a) a spacer, (b) a flexible spacer, (c) a spacer fabric,
(d) a fabric material, (e) a foam material, (f) a plastic material,
(g) a woven material, (h) fabric, (i) polyurethane, (j) a spacer
material, (k) a deformable spacer, (l) a deformable spacer
material. The trim panel may comprise a sensor so that operation of
the user interface comprises input from the vehicle occupant at or
adjacent to the exterior surface of the cover. The functional layer
may be configured for at least one of (a) positioning, (b) spacing,
(c) haptic feedback, (d) tactile feedback such as vibration, (e)
audible feedback such as sound, (f) optical enhancement, (g) light
shielding, (h) electrical shielding, (i) interference shielding,
(j) electrical charging for a device, (k) interaction with a mobile
device, (l) interaction with a vehicle system, (m) cushioning, (n)
adhesion or bonding, (o) tactile shear/feel performance, (p)
thermal management, (q) heating, (r) cooling, (s) providing Peltier
effect, (t) diffusion of illumination from the light panel, (u)
monitoring, (v) recording, (w) alerting, (x) messaging, (y) light
guiding, (z) flexibility.
[0010] The present invention relates to a vehicle interior
component configured to provide a user interface for a vehicle
occupant in a vehicle comprising vehicle systems comprising a
composite structure configured to provide the user interface; the
composite structure may comprise a cover providing an exterior
surface and a sensor and a light panel and a positioning layer; the
cover may comprise a layer configured to facilitate the
transmission of light from the light panel; the sensor may be
configured to detect input from the vehicle occupant at or adjacent
to the exterior surface of the cover; the light panel may be
configured to provide illumination at least partially visible
through the exterior surface of the cover; operation of the user
interface for the vehicle occupant may comprise at least one of (a)
output from illumination from the light panel and (b) input
detected by the sensor.
[0011] The positioning layer may be configured to retain
positioning within the composite structure for operation of the
sensor from input from the vehicle occupant. The positioning layer
may comprise a foam layer under the cover. The positioning layer
may comprise at least one of (a) a spacer; (b) a flexible spacer;
(c) a spacer fabric; (d) a foam material; (e) a plastic material;
(f) fabric; (g) polyurethane; (h) a woven material; (i) a spacer
material; (j) a fabric material; (k) a fiber material; (l) a space.
The composite structure may comprise: (a) the cover; (b) a
functional layer; (c) the sensor; (d) the positioning layer; (e)
the light panel. The functional layer may comprise a diffuser. The
cover may comprise at least one of (a) textile; (b) fabric; (c)
fiber mesh; (d) leather; (e) grain surface; (f) synthetic fiber
fabric; (g) natural fibers; (h) artificial leather; (i) polyester;
(j) synthetic fibers; (k) fabric sheet; (l) upholstered material;
(m) a fleece material; (n) a woven material; (o) a non-woven
material; (p) a sheet material; (q) a perforated material; (r) a
composite of multiple fiber materials; (s) a translucent material;
(t) a resilient material; (u) a leather material configured to
facilitate the transmission of light; (v) a material that is
partially transparent and partially opaque; (w) a layer configured
to facilitate transmission of visible light; (x) a surface material
perforated to improve the visibility of light from the display. The
cover may comprise a light-transmissive cover comprising at least
one of (a) film; (b) resin; (c) polycarbonate; (d) polyurethane;
(e) polyvinyl material; (f) TPO; (g) a poly material; (h) a poly
film; (i) a composite of multiple plastic materials; (j) a
composite of multiple materials; (k) a composite of fiber material;
(l) natural material; (m) metal; (n) a perforated material; (o) a
translucent layer. The functional layer may be configured for at
least one of (a) positioning; (b) spacing; (c) haptic feedback; (d)
tactile feedback such as vibration; (e) audible feedback such as
sound; (f) optical enhancement; (g) light shielding; (h) electrical
shielding; (i) interference shielding; (j) electrical charging for
a device; (k) interaction with a mobile device; (l) interaction
with a vehicle system; (m) cushioning; (n) adhesion or bonding; (o)
tactile shear/feel performance; (p) thermal management; (q)
heating; (r) cooling; (s) providing Peltier effect; (t) diffusion
of illumination from the display; (u) monitoring; (v) recording;
(w) alerting; (x) messaging; (y) light guiding; (z) flexibility.
The sensor may comprise at least one of (a) an array; (b) a grid;
(c) a foil; (d) a panel; (e) a touch panel; (f) a flexible panel;
(g) a detector; (h) a proximity detector; (i) a capacitive touch
panel; (j) a pressure sensitive panel; (k) a camera. The light
panel may comprise a at least one of (a) an array; (b) a grid; (c)
a panel; (d) a display screen; (e) a flexible panel; (f) a lighting
array; (g) a lighting device array; (h) a light-emitting device
array; (i) an LED array; (j) a flexible LED array; (k) an OLED
array; (l) a flexible LED matrix; (m) a flexible sheet; (n) a
display.
[0012] The present invention relates to a vehicle interior
component configured to provide a user interface for a vehicle
occupant in a vehicle comprising vehicle systems comprising a
composite structure configured to provide the user interface. The
composite structure may comprise a cover providing an exterior
surface and a light panel and a functional layer; the cover may
comprise a light-transmissive layer; the light panel may be
configured to provide illumination at least partially visible
through the exterior surface of the cover; the functional layer may
be configured for at least one of (a) positioning; (b) spacing; (c)
haptic feedback; (d) tactile feedback such as vibration; (e)
audible feedback such as sound; (f) optical enhancement; (g) light
shielding; (h) electrical shielding; (i) interference shielding;
(j) electrical charging for a device; (k) interaction with a mobile
device; (l) interaction with a vehicle system; (m) cushioning; (n)
adhesion or bonding; (o) tactile shear/feel performance; (p)
thermal management; (q) heating; (r) cooling; (s) providing Peltier
effect; (t) diffusion of illumination from the display; (u)
monitoring; (v) recording; (w) alerting; (x) messaging; (y) light
guiding; (z) flexibility. The functional layer may comprise a first
functional layer and a second functional layer; the first
functional layer may comprise a functional layer configured for
diffusion of illumination from the display and the second
functional layer may comprise a positioning layer; the positioning
layer may comprise at least one of (a) a spacer; (b) a flexible
spacer; (c) a spacer fabric; (d) a fabric material; (e) a foam
material; (f) a plastic material; (g) a woven material; (h) a fiber
material; (i) fabric; (j) polyurethane; (k) a spacer material. The
composite structure may comprise: (a) the cover; (b) the first
functional layer; (c) the positioning layer; (d) the light panel.
The composite structure may comprise: (a) the cover; (b) the first
functional layer; (c) a sensor; (d) the positioning layer; (e) the
light panel comprising a display.
[0013] The present invention relates to a vehicle interior
component configured to provide a user interface for a vehicle
occupant in a vehicle comprising vehicle systems comprising a
composite structure configured to provide the user interface. The
composite structure may comprise a cover providing an exterior
surface and a positioning layer and a sensor and a light panel and
a functional layer; the cover may comprise a light-transmissive
layer;
[0014] The sensor may be configured to detect input from the
vehicle occupant at or adjacent to the exterior surface of the
cover; the light panel may be configured to provide illumination at
least partially visible through the exterior surface of the cover;
operation of the user interface for the vehicle occupant may
comprise at least one of (a) output from illumination from the
light panel and (b) input detected by the sensor. The positioning
layer may comprise a foam layer under the cover. The cover may
comprise at least one of (a) textile; (b) fabric; (c) fiber mesh;
(d) leather; (e) grain surface; (f) synthetic fiber fabric; (g)
natural fibers; (h) artificial leather; (i) polyester; (j)
synthetic fibers; (k) fabric sheet; (l) upholstered material; (m) a
fleece material; (n) a woven material; (o) a non-woven material;
(p) a sheet material; (q) a perforated material; (r) a composite of
multiple fiber materials; (s) a translucent material; (t) a
resilient material; (u) a leather material configured to facilitate
the transmission of light; (v) a material that is partially
transparent and partially opaque; (w) a layer configured to
facilitate transmission of visible light; (x) a surface material
perforated to improve the visibility of light from the display; (y)
film; (z) resin; (aa) polycarbonate; (bb) polyurethane; (cc)
polyvinyl material; (dd) TPO; (ee) a poly material; (ff) a poly
film; (gg) a composite of multiple plastic materials; (ii) a
composite of multiple materials; (jj) a composite of fiber
material; (kk) natural material; (ll) metal; (mm) a perforated
material; (nn) a translucent layer. The positioning layer may
comprise at least one of (a) a spacer; (b) a flexible spacer; (c) a
spacer fabric; (d) a fabric material; (e) a foam material; (f) a
plastic material; (g) a woven material; (h) a fiber material; (i)
fabric; (j) polyurethane; (k) a spacer material; (l) a space. The
sensor may be configured to detect input from the vehicle occupant
at or adjacent to the exterior surface of the cover from at least
one of (a) touch; (b) pressure; (c) proximity; (d) movement; (e)
gesture; (f) positioning; the sensor may comprise at least one of
(a) an array; (b) a grid; (c) a foil; (d) a panel; (e) a touch
panel; (f) a flexible panel; (g) a detector; (h) a proximity
detector; (i) a capacitive touch panel; (j) a pressure sensitive
panel; (k) a camera; the sensor may be configured to detect input
from the vehicle occupant at or adjacent to the exterior surface of
the cover; and operation of the user interface for the vehicle
occupant may comprise at least one of (a) output from illumination
from the display and (b) input detected by the sensor.
[0015] The present invention relates to a method of operating a
vehicle interior component comprising a composite structure
comprising a cover with an exterior surface and at least one
functional layer and providing a sensor and a display configured to
provide a user interface for a vehicle occupant in a vehicle with
vehicle systems comprising the steps of: pressing the cover toward
the sensor to a distance where input can be detected by the sensor
and contacting the exterior surface within a distance where input
can be detected by the sensor; the cover may comprise a
light-transmissive layer configured to facilitate the transmission
of light; the sensor may be configured to detect input from the
vehicle occupant at or adjacent to the exterior surface of the
cover from at least one of (a) touch; (b) pressure; (c) proximity;
(d) movement; (e) gesture; (f) positioning; the display may be
configured to provide illumination at least partially visible
through the exterior surface of the cover; operation of the user
interface for the vehicle occupant may comprise at least one of (a)
output from illumination from the display and (b) input detected by
the sensor. The functional layer may comprise a first functional
layer configured for diffusion of illumination from the display and
a second functional layer configured as a positioning layer
comprising at least one of (a) a foam material and (b) a fabric
material. The composite structure may comprise (a) the cover
comprising the light-transmissive layer; (b) the first functional
layer configured for diffusion of illumination from the display;
(c) the sensor; (d) the second functional layer; (e) the display
configured to provide illumination at least partially visible
through the exterior surface of the cover; (f) a substrate. The
step of pressing the cover toward the sensor may comprise
compressing the cover toward the sensor to a first threshold
distance where input can be detected by the sensor to actuate the
user interface; and the step of contacting the exterior surface may
comprise contact within a second threshold distance where input can
be detected by the sensor to operate and/or to position the user
interface. The step of contacting the exterior surface within the
second threshold distance does not require deformation of the
composite structure. The step of pressing the cover toward the
sensor may comprise deforming the composite structure at least
partially. The method may further comprise the step of (c) movement
at or adjacent the exterior surface detected as input by the
sensor.
[0016] The display may be configured to display at least one of (a)
data; (b) information; (c) vehicle system information; (d) an input
panel; (e) a menu system; (f) an output panel; (g) an image; (h)
lighting. The positioning layer may comprise at least one of (a) a
spacer; (b) a flexible spacer; (c) a spacer fabric; (d) a fabric
material; (e) a foam material; (f) a plastic material; (g) a woven
material; (h) a fiber material; (i) fabric; (j) polyurethane; (k) a
spacer material. The cover may comprise at least one of (a)
textile; (b) fabric; (c) fiber mesh; (d) leather; (e) grain
surface; (f) synthetic fiber fabric; (g) natural fibers; (h)
artificial leather; (i) polyester; (j) synthetic fibers; (k) fabric
sheet; (l) upholstered material; (m) a fleece material; (n) a woven
material; (o) a non-woven material; (p) a sheet material; (q) a
perforated material; (r) a composite of multiple fiber materials;
(s) a translucent material; (t) a resilient material; (u) a leather
material configured to facilitate the transmission of light; (v) a
material that is partially transparent and partially opaque; (w) a
layer configured to facilitate transmission of visible light; (x) a
surface material perforated to improve the visibility of light from
the display; (y) film; (z) resin; (aa) polycarbonate; (bb)
polyurethane; (cc) polyvinyl material; (dd) TPO; (ee) a poly
material; (ff) a poly film; (gg) a composite of multiple plastic
materials; (ii) a composite of multiple materials; (jj) a composite
of fiber material; (kk) natural material; (ll) metal; (mm) a
perforated material; (nn) a translucent layer.
[0017] The user interface may be configured so that input from the
vehicle occupant at the exterior surface of the cover is detected
by the sensor. The user interface may be configured so that output
from the display is presented at least partially through the
exterior surface of the cover. The composite structure may be
configured in a contoured shape. The composite structure may
comprise a substrate. The composite structure may be configured to
be coupled to at least one of (a) a trim component; (b) a panel;
(c) a door panel; (d) an instrument panel; (e) a surface; (f) a
console; (g) a base. The control system may be configured to
connect to vehicle systems; the control system may be configured to
facilitate operation by the vehicle occupant for at least one of
(a) sending a signal to a control module, (b) controlling a motor,
(c) providing a signal to a vehicle component, (d) providing
electrical power to a vehicle component, (e) providing at least one
of (1) visible feedback, (2) audible feedback, (3) tactile
feedback, (4) haptic feedback to the vehicle occupant. The user
interface may be configured for interaction with a vehicle occupant
by at least one of (a) touch at the exterior surface of the cover
detected by the sensor or (b) gesture adjacent to the exterior
surface of the cover detected by the sensor. The composite
structure may comprise a composite surface; and the cover may
comprise an at least partially translucent cover; illumination from
the display at the exterior surface of the composite structure may
comprise visible light transmitted through the functional layer and
through the at least partially translucent cover. The composite
structure may comprise: (a) the cover; (b) the functional layer;
(c) the sensor; (d) a positioning layer; (e) the display; (f) a
substrate; the functional layer may comprise a diffuser and the
positioning layer may comprise at least one of (a) a foam material;
(b) a spacer fabric. The composite structure may comprise a foam
layer under the cover.
[0018] The user interface may comprise a display element from
illumination from the display that is configured to be selectively
positioned on the exterior surface of the cover; and the display
element of the user interface may comprise at least one of (a) an
icon; (b) a symbol; (c) a button indicator; (d) a menu system; (e)
a display panel image; (f) an information display image; (g) a
graphics display image; (h) a control panel; (i) an input panel;
(j) a touch screen; (k) a repositionable image; (l) a projected
image; (m) an image element selectively positionable on the
exterior surface of the cover by interaction with the vehicle
occupant. The display element of the user interface may be
configured to be positioned on the exterior surface of the cover
(a) contacting of the exterior surface of the cover at a position
where the display element is to be displayed when the display
element is not displayed; (b) contacting the exterior surface of
the cover where the display element is displayed and dragging the
display element along the exterior surface of the cover to a
position where the display element is to be displayed. The user
interface may be configured (a) to be activated for operation by
compressing the cover toward the sensor and (b) to be operated by
contacting the exterior surface within a distance where input can
be detected by the sensor and (c) to be operated by movement
directed by the vehicle occupant above the exterior surface of the
cover within a distance where input can be detected by the
sensor.
[0019] The present invention relates to a vehicle interior
component configured to provide a user interface for a vehicle
occupant in a vehicle comprising vehicle systems comprising a
composite structure configured to provide the user interface. The
composite structure may a cover providing an exterior surface, a
sensor, a display, a functional layer and a positioning layer. The
cover may comprise a layer configured to facilitate the
transmission of light. The sensor may be configured to detect input
from the vehicle occupant at or adjacent to the exterior surface of
the cover. The display may be configured to provide illumination at
least partially visible through the exterior surface of the cover;
operation of the user interface for the vehicle occupant may
comprise at least one of (a) output from illumination from the
display and (b) input detected by the sensor.
[0020] The composite structure may comprise: (a) the cover; (b) the
functional layer; (c) the sensor; (d) the positioning layer; (e)
the display; (f) a substrate. The functional layer may comprise a
diffuser and the positioning layer may comprise at least one of (a)
a foam material and/or (b) a spacer fabric. The cover may comprise
at least one of (a) textile; (b) fabric; (c) fiber mesh; (d)
leather; (e) grain surface; (f) synthetic fiber fabric; (g) natural
fibers; (h) artificial leather; (i) polyester; (j) synthetic
fibers; (k) fabric sheet; (l) upholstered material; (m) a fleece
material; (n) a woven material; (o) a non-woven material; (p) a
sheet material; (q) a perforated material; (r) a composite of
multiple fiber materials; (s) a translucent material; (t) a
resilient material; (u) a leather material configured to facilitate
the transmission of light; (v) a material that may comprise
partially transparent and partially opaque; (w) a layer configured
to facilitate transmission of visible light; (x) a surface material
perforated to improve the visibility of light from the display. The
cover may comprise a light-transmissive cover comprising at least
one of (a) film; (b) resin; (c) polycarbonate; (d) polyurethane;
(e) polyvinyl material; (f) TPO; (g) a poly material; (h) a poly
film; (i) a composite of multiple plastic materials; (j) a
composite of multiple materials; (k) a composite of fiber material;
(l) natural material; (m) metal; (n) a perforated material; (o) a
translucent layer. The functional layer may be configured for at
least one of (a) positioning; (b) spacing; (c) haptic feedback; (d)
tactile feedback such as vibration; (e) audible feedback such as
sound; (f) optical enhancement; (g) light shielding; (h) electrical
shielding; (i) interference shielding; (j) electrical charging for
a device; (k) interaction with a mobile device; (l) interaction
with a vehicle system; (m) cushioning; (n) adhesion or bonding; (o)
tactile shear/feel performance; (p) thermal management; (q)
heating; (r) cooling; (s) providing Peltier effect; (t) diffusion
of illumination from the display; (u) monitoring; (v) recording;
(w) alerting; (x) messaging; (y) light guiding; (z) flexibility.
The positioning layer may be configured to retain positioning
within the composite structure for operation of the sensor from
input from the vehicle occupant; the positioning layer may comprise
at least one of (a) a spacer; (b) a flexible spacer; (c) a spacer
fabric; (d) a foam material; (e) a plastic material; (f) fabric;
(g) polyurethane; (h) a woven material; (i) a spacer material; (j)
a fabric material; (k) a fiber material.
[0021] The user interface may be configured so that input from the
vehicle occupant at the exterior surface of the cover may be
detected by the sensor. The user interface may be configured so
that output from the display may be presented at least partially
through the exterior surface of the cover.
[0022] The composite structure may be configured in a contoured
shape. The composite structure may comprise a substrate. The
composite structure may be configured to be coupled to at least one
of (a) a trim component; (b) a panel; (c) a door panel; (d) an
instrument panel; (e) a surface; (f) a console; (g) a base. A
control system may be configured to connect to vehicle systems; the
control system may be configured to facilitate operation by the
vehicle occupant for at least one of (a) sending a signal to a
control module, (b) controlling a motor, (c) providing a signal to
a vehicle component, (d) providing electrical power to a vehicle
component, (e) providing at least one of (1) visible feedback, (2)
audible feedback, (3) tactile feedback, (4) haptic feedback to the
vehicle occupant. The user interface may be configured for
interaction with a vehicle occupant by at least one of (a) touch at
the exterior surface of the cover detected by the sensor or (b)
gesture adjacent to the exterior surface of the cover detected by
the sensor. The sensor may comprise at least one of (a) an array;
(b) a grid; (c) a foil; (d) a panel; (e) a touch panel; (f) a
flexible panel; (g) a detector; (h) a proximity detector; (i) a
capacitive touch panel; (j) a pressure sensitive panel. The display
may comprise at least one of (a) an array; (b) a grid; (c) a panel;
(d) a display screen; (e) a flexible panel; (f) a lighting array;
(g) a lighting device array; (h) a light-emitting device array; (i)
an LED array; (j) a flexible LED array; (k) an OLED array; (l) a
flexible LED matrix; (m) a flexible sheet. The composite structure
may comprise a composite surface; and the cover may comprise an at
least partially translucent cover; illumination from the display at
the exterior surface of the composite structure may comprise
visible light transmitted through the functional layer and through
the at least partially translucent cover.
[0023] The present invention relates to a vehicle interior
component configured to provide a user interface for a vehicle
occupant in a vehicle comprising vehicle systems. The vehicle
interior component may comprise a composite structure configured to
provide the user interface comprising a cover providing an exterior
surface, a sensor, a display and a functional layer. The cover may
comprise a light-transmissive layer. The sensor may be configured
to detect input from the vehicle occupant at or adjacent to the
exterior surface of the cover. The display may be configured to
provide illumination at least partially visible through the
exterior surface of the cover. The functional layer may be
configured for at least one of (a) positioning; (b) spacing; (c)
haptic feedback; (d) tactile feedback such as vibration; (e)
audible feedback such as sound; (f) optical enhancement; (g) light
shielding; (h) electrical shielding; (i) interference shielding;
(j) electrical charging for a device; (k) interaction with a mobile
device; (l) interaction with a vehicle system; (m) cushioning; (n)
adhesion or bonding; (o) tactile shear/feel performance; (p)
thermal management; (q) heating; (r) cooling; (s) providing Peltier
effect; (t) diffusion of illumination from the display; (u)
monitoring; (v) recording; (w) alerting; (x) messaging; (y) light
guiding; (z) flexibility. The sensor may be configured to detect
input from the vehicle occupant at or adjacent to the exterior
surface of the cover from at least one of (a) touch; (b) pressure;
(c) proximity; (d) movement; (e) gesture; (f) positioning.
Operation of the user interface for the vehicle occupant may
comprise at least one of (a) output from illumination from the
display and (b) input detected by the sensor. The functional layer
may comprise a first functional layer and a second functional
layer; the first functional layer may comprise a functional layer
configured for diffusion of illumination from the display and the
second functional layer may comprise a positioning layer. The
positioning layer may comprise at least one of (a) a spacer; (b) a
flexible spacer; (c) a spacer fabric; (d) a fabric material; (e) a
foam material; (f) a plastic material; (g) a woven material; (h) a
fiber material; (i) fabric; (j) polyurethane; (k) a spacer
material. The composite structure may comprise: (a) the cover; (b)
the functional layer; (c) the sensor; (d) a positioning layer; (e)
the display; (f) a substrate; the functional layer may comprise a
diffuser and the positioning layer may comprise at least one of (a)
a foam material; (b) a spacer fabric. The composite structure may
comprise a foam layer under the cover. The user interface may
comprise a display element from illumination from the display that
may be configured to be selectively positioned on the exterior
surface of the cover; and the display element of the user interface
may comprise at least one of (a) an icon; (b) a symbol; (c) a
button indicator; (d) a menu system; (e) a display panel image; (f)
an information display image; (g) a graphics display image; (h) a
control panel; (i) an input panel; (j) a touch screen; (k) a
repositionable image; (l) a projected image; (m) an image element
selectively positionable on the exterior surface of the cover by
interaction with the vehicle occupant. The display element of the
user interface may be configured to be positioned on the exterior
surface of the cover (a) contacting of the exterior surface of the
cover at a position where the display element may be displayed when
the display element may comprise not displayed; (b) contacting the
exterior surface of the cover where the display element may be
displayed and dragging the display element along the exterior
surface of the cover to a position where the display element may be
displayed. The user interface may be configured (a) to be activated
for operation by compressing the cover toward the sensor and (b) to
be operated by contacting the exterior surface within a distance
where input can be detected by the sensor and (c) to be operated by
movement directed by the vehicle occupant above the exterior
surface of the cover within a distance where input can be detected
by the sensor. The cover may comprise at least one of (a) textile;
(b) fabric; (c) fiber mesh; (d) leather; (e) grain surface; (f)
synthetic fiber fabric; (g) natural fibers; (h) artificial leather;
(i) polyester; (j) synthetic fibers; (k) fabric sheet; (l)
upholstered material; (m) a fleece material; (n) a woven material;
(o) a non-woven material; (p) a sheet material; (q) a perforated
material; (r) a composite of multiple fiber materials; (s) a
translucent material; (t) a resilient material; (u) a leather
material configured to facilitate the transmission of light; (v) a
material that may comprise partially transparent and partially
opaque; (w) a layer configured to facilitate transmission of
visible light; (x) a surface material perforated to improve the
visibility of light from the display; (y) film; (z) resin; (aa)
polycarbonate; (bb) polyurethane; (cc) polyvinyl material; (dd)
TPO; (ee) a poly material; (ff) a poly film; (gg) a composite of
multiple plastic materials; (ii) a composite of multiple materials;
(jj) a composite of fiber material; (kk) natural material; (ll)
metal; (mm) a perforated material; (nn) a translucent layer.
[0024] The present invention relates to a method of operating a
vehicle interior component comprising a composite structure
comprising a cover with an exterior surface and at least one
functional layer and providing a sensor and a display configured to
provide a user interface for a vehicle occupant in a vehicle with
vehicle systems. The method may comprise the steps of pressing the
cover toward the sensor to a distance where input can be detected
by the sensor; and contacting the exterior surface within a
distance where input can be detected by the sensor. The cover may
comprise a light-transmissive layer configured to facilitate the
transmission of light. The sensor may be configured to detect input
from the vehicle occupant at or adjacent to the exterior surface of
the cover from at least one of (a) touch; (b) pressure; (c)
proximity; (d) movement; (e) gesture; (f) positioning. The display
may be configured to provide illumination at least partially
visible through the exterior surface of the cover. Operation of the
user interface for the vehicle occupant may comprise at least one
of (a) output from illumination from the display and (b) input
detected by the sensor. The functional layer may comprise a first
functional layer configured for diffusion of illumination from the
display and a second functional layer configured as a positioning
layer comprising at least one of (a) a foam material and (b) a
fabric material. The composite structure may comprise (a) the cover
comprising the light-transmissive layer; (b) the first functional
layer configured for diffusion of illumination from the display;
(c) the sensor; (d) the second functional layer; (e) the display
configured to provide illumination at least partially visible
through the exterior surface of the cover; (f) a substrate. The
step of pressing the cover toward the sensor may comprise
compressing the cover toward the sensor to a first threshold
distance where input can be detected by the sensor to actuate the
user interface; the step of contacting the exterior surface may
comprise contact within a second threshold distance where input can
be detected by the sensor to operate and/or to position the user
interface. The step of contacting the exterior surface within the
second threshold distance may not require deformation of the
composite structure. The step of pressing the cover toward the
sensor may comprise deforming the composite structure at least
partially. The method may comprise the step of (c) movement at or
adjacent the exterior surface detected as input by the sensor. The
display may be configured to display at least one of (a) data; (b)
information; (c) vehicle system information; (d) an input panel;
(e) a menu system; (f) an output panel; (g) an image; (h) lighting.
The positioning layer may comprise at least one of (a) a spacer;
(b) a flexible spacer; (c) a spacer fabric; (d) a fabric material;
(e) a foam material; (f) a plastic material; (g) a woven material;
(h) a fiber material; (i) fabric; (j) polyurethane; (k) a spacer
material. The cover may comprise at least one of (a) textile; (b)
fabric; (c) fiber mesh; (d) leather; (e) grain surface; (f)
synthetic fiber fabric; (g) natural fibers; (h) artificial leather;
(i) polyester; (j) synthetic fibers; (k) fabric sheet; (l)
upholstered material; (m) a fleece material; (n) a woven material;
(o) a non-woven material; (p) a sheet material; (q) a perforated
material; (r) a composite of multiple fiber materials; (s) a
translucent material; (t) a resilient material; (u) a leather
material configured to facilitate the transmission of light; (v) a
material that may comprise partially transparent and partially
opaque; (w) a layer configured to facilitate transmission of
visible light; (x) a surface material perforated to improve the
visibility of light from the display; (y) film; (z) resin; (aa)
polycarbonate; (bb) polyurethane; (cc) polyvinyl material; (dd)
TPO; (ee) a poly material; (ff) a poly film; (gg) a composite of
multiple plastic materials; (ii) a composite of multiple materials;
(jj) a composite of fiber material; (kk) natural material; (ll)
metal; (mm) a perforated material; (nn) a translucent layer.
[0025] The present invention relates to a vehicle interior
component configured to provide a user interface for a vehicle
occupant in a vehicle comprising vehicle systems. The component may
comprise a composite structure configured to provide the user
interface comprising (a) a cover providing an exterior surface; (b)
a sensor; (c) a display; (d) a functional layer. The cover may
comprise a translucent layer; the sensor may be configured to
detect input from the vehicle occupant at or adjacent to the
exterior surface of the cover; the display may be configured to
provide illumination at least partially visible through the
exterior surface of the cover. Operation of the user interface for
the vehicle occupant may comprise at least one of (a) output from
illumination from the display and (b) input detected by the sensor.
The cover may comprise at least one of (a) textile; (b) fabric; (c)
fiber mesh; (d) leather; (e) grain surface; (f) synthetic fiber
fabric; (g) natural fibers; (h) artificial leather; (i) polyester;
(j) synthetic fibers; (k) fabric sheet; (l) upholstered material;
(m) a fleece material; (n) a woven material; (o) a non-woven
material; (p) a sheet material; (q) a perforated material; (r) a
composite of multiple fiber materials. The cover may comprise at
least one of (a) film; (b) resin; (c) polycarbonate; (d)
polyurethane; (e) polyvinyl material; (f) a composite of multiple
plastic materials; (g) a composite of multiple materials. The
functional layer may be configured for at least one of (a)
positioning; (b) spacing; (c) haptic feedback; (d) tactile feedback
such as vibration; (e) audible feedback such as sound; (f) optical
enhancement; (g) light shielding; (h) electrical shielding; (i)
interference shielding; (j) electrical charging for a device; (k)
interaction with a mobile device; (l) interaction with a vehicle
system; (m) cushioning; (n) adhesion or bonding; (o) tactile
shear/feel performance; (p) thermal management; (q) heating; (r)
cooling; (s) Peltier effect; (t) diffusion of illumination from the
display; (u) monitoring; (v) recording; (w) alerting; (x)
messaging.
[0026] The functional layer may comprise a positioning layer
configured to retain positioning within the composite structure for
operation of the sensor from input from the vehicle occupant. The
positioning layer may comprise at least one of (a) a spacer; (b) a
flexible spacer; (c) a shield for electromagnetic interference; (d)
a foam material; (e) a plastic material. The composite structure
may comprise a foam layer under the cover. The functional layer may
be at least partially integrated with at least one of (a) the
cover; (b) the positioning layer; (c) a substrate of the composite
structure. The user interface may be configured so that input from
the vehicle occupant at the exterior surface of the cover is
detected by the sensor. Input from the vehicle occupant may
comprise contact with the exterior surface of the cover. The
composite structure may be configured in a contoured shape. The
composite structure may comprise a substrate; the composite
structure may be coupled to at least one of (a) a trim component;
(b) a panel; (c) a door; (d) a surface; (e) a console; (f) a base.
A control system for the user interface may be configured to
connect to vehicle systems. The control system may be configured to
facilitate operation by the vehicle occupant for at least one of
(a) sending a signal to a control module, (b) controlling a motor,
(c) providing a signal to a vehicle component, (d) providing
electrical power to a vehicle component, (e) providing at least one
of (1) visible feedback, (2) audible feedback, (3) tactile
feedback, (4) haptic feedback to the vehicle occupant. The user
interface may comprise a control panel presented at the exterior
surface of the cover. The controller for the composite structure
may be connected to the user interface. The vehicle systems
comprise at least one vehicle system; a vehicle system may comprise
at least one of (a) an indicator, (b) a display, (c) a climate
control system, (d) an entertainment system, (e) a security system,
(f) an engine control unit, (g) a data storage system, (h) a
database, (i) a motor, (j) a vehicle seat, (k) a window
regulator/control; (l) a network; (m) a data storage system; (n) a
database. The cover may comprise at least one of (a) textile; (b)
fabric; (c) fiber mesh; (d) leather; (e) grain surface; (f)
synthetic fiber fabric; (g) natural fibers; (h) artificial leather;
(i) polyester; (j) synthetic fibers; (k) fabric sheet; (l)
upholstered material; (m) a fleece material; (n) a woven material;
(o) a non-woven material; (p) a sheet material; (q) a perforated
material; (r) a composite of multiple fiber materials. The sensor
may comprise at least one of (a) an array; (b) a grid; (c) a foil;
(d) a panel; (e) a touch panel; (f) a flexible panel; (g) a
detector; (h) a proximity detector; (i) a capacitive touch panel;
(j) a pressure sensitive panel. The display may comprise at least
one of (a) an array; (b) a grid; (c) a panel; (d) a display screen;
(e) a flexible panel; (f) a lighting array; (g) a lighting device
array; (h) a light-emitting device array; (i) a LED array; (j) a
flexible LED array; (k) a flexible sheet.
[0027] The present invention further relates to a vehicle interior
component configured for interaction with an occupant of a vehicle
comprising vehicle systems comprising a composite structure
configured to provide a user interface for interaction with the
occupant. The composite structure may comprise a cover providing an
exterior surface, a sensor, a display and a functional layer; the
cover may comprise a translucent layer; the sensor may be
configured to detect input from the occupant at or adjacent to the
exterior surface of the cover; the display may be configured to
provide illumination at least partially visible through the
exterior surface of the cover; operation of the user interface for
the occupant may comprise at least one of (a) output from
illumination from the display and (b) input detected by the sensor;
the user interface may comprise a display element from illumination
from the display that may be configured to be selectively
positioned on the exterior surface of the cover. The display
element of the user interface may comprise at least one of (a) an
icon; (b) a symbol; (c) a button indicator; (d) a menu system; (e)
a display panel image; (f) an information display image; (g) a
graphics display image; (h) a control panel; (i) an input panel;
(j) a touch screen; (k) a repositionable image; (l) a projected
image. The display element of the user interface may be configured
to be positioned on the exterior surface of the cover by at least
one of (a) when the display element is not displayed by contacting
of the exterior surface of the cover at a position where the
display element is to be displayed; (b) when the display element is
displayed by contacting the exterior surface of the cover where the
display element is displayed and dragging the display element along
the exterior surface of the cover to a position where the display
element is to be displayed.
[0028] The present invention further relates to a vehicle interior
component configured to provide a user interface for a vehicle
occupant in a vehicle comprising vehicle systems. The component may
comprise a composite structure configured to provide the user
interface with a cover providing an exterior surface, a sensor; a
display; and a functional layer. The cover may comprise a
translucent layer; the sensor may be configured to detect input
from the vehicle occupant at or adjacent to the exterior surface of
the cover; the display may be configured to provide illumination at
least partially visible through the exterior surface of the cover;
operation of the user interface for the vehicle occupant may
comprise at least one of (a) output from illumination from the
display and (b) input detected by the sensor; the user interface
may be configured (a) to be activated for operation by compressing
the cover toward the sensor and (b) to be operated by contacting
the exterior surface within a distance where input can be detected
by the sensor. The user interface may be configured (c) to be
operated by movement directed by the vehicle occupant above the
exterior surface of the cover within a distance where input can be
detected by the sensor. The user interface may be configured for
interaction with a vehicle occupant by at least one of (a) touch at
the exterior surface of the cover detected by the sensor or (b)
gesture adjacent to the exterior surface of the cover detected by
the sensor. The user interface may be configured for (a) a sleep
mode and awakening from the sleep mode by compressing the cover
toward the sensor by a first threshold distance and (b) for an
awake mode providing a control panel and operating the control
panel by touching the exterior surface of the cover within a second
threshold distance from the sensor. The user interface may comprise
the display element on the exterior surface of the cover; a display
element of the user interface may comprise at least one of (a) an
icon; (b) a symbol; (c) a button indicator; (d) a menu system; (e)
a display panel image; (f) an information display image; (g) a
graphics display image; (h) a control panel; (i) an input panel;
(j) a touch screen; (k) a repositionable image; (l) a projected
image. The design element of the user interface may be configured
to be selectively positionable on the exterior surface of the cover
by interaction with the vehicle occupant.
[0029] The present invention further relates to a vehicle interior
component configured to provide a user interface for a vehicle
occupant in a vehicle comprising vehicle systems. The component may
comprise a composite structure configured to provide the user
interface with a cover providing an exterior surface, a sensor, a
display and a functional layer. The cover may comprise a
translucent layer; the cover may comprise at least one of (a)
textile; (b) fabric; (c) fiber mesh; (d) leather; (e) grain
surface; (f) synthetic fiber fabric; (g) natural fibers; (h)
artificial leather; (i) polyester; (j) synthetic fibers; (k) fabric
sheet; (l) upholstered material; (m) a fleece material; (n) a woven
material; (o) a non-woven material; (p) a sheet material; (q) a
perforated material; (r) a composite of multiple fiber materials.
The sensor may be configured to detect input from the vehicle
occupant at or adjacent to the exterior surface of the cover; the
display may be configured to provide illumination at least
partially visible through the exterior surface of the cover.
Operation of the user interface for the vehicle occupant may
comprise at least one of (a) output from illumination from the
display and (b) input detected by the sensor.
[0030] The present invention further relates to a vehicle interior
component configured to provide a user interface for a vehicle
occupant in a vehicle comprising vehicle systems. The component may
comprise a composite structure configured to provide the user
interface with a cover providing an exterior surface, a sensor, a
display and a functional layer. The cover may comprise a
translucent layer; the sensor may be configured to detect input
from the vehicle occupant at or adjacent to the exterior surface of
the cover; the display may be configured to provide illumination at
least partially visible through the exterior surface of the cover.
The functional layer may be configured for at least one of (a)
positioning; (b) spacing; (c) haptic feedback; (d) tactile feedback
such as vibration; (e) audible feedback such as sound; (f) optical
enhancement; (g) light shielding; (h) electrical shielding; (i)
interference shielding; (j) electrical charging for a device; (k)
interaction with a mobile device; (l) interaction with a vehicle
system; (m) cushioning; (n) adhesion or bonding; (o) tactile
shear/feel performance; (p) thermal management; (q) heating; (r)
cooling; (s) Peltier effect; (t) diffusion of illumination from the
display; (u) monitoring; (v) recording; (w) alerting; (x)
messaging. Operation of the user interface for the vehicle occupant
may comprise at least one of (a) output from illumination from the
display and (b) input detected by the sensor.
[0031] The present invention further relates to a method of
operating a vehicle interior component comprising a composite
structure to provide a cover with an exterior surface and a sensor
and a display configured to provide a user interface for a vehicle
occupant in a vehicle with vehicle systems. The method may comprise
the steps of (a) pressing the cover toward the sensor to a distance
where input can be detected by the sensor; and (b) contacting the
exterior surface within a distance where input can be detected by
the sensor. The cover may comprise a translucent layer; the sensor
may be configured to detect input from the vehicle occupant at or
adjacent to the exterior surface of the cover from at least one of
(a) touch; (b) pressure; (c) proximity; (d) movement; (e) gesture;
(f) positioning. The display may be configured to provide
illumination at least partially visible through the exterior
surface of the cover; operation of the user interface for the
vehicle occupant may comprise at least one of (a) output from
illumination from the display and (b) input detected by the sensor.
The step of pressing the cover toward the sensor may comprise
compressing the cover toward the sensor to a first threshold
distance where input can be detected by the sensor to actuate the
user interface. The step of contacting the exterior surface may
comprise contact within a second threshold distance where input can
be detected by the sensor to operate and/or to position the user
interface. The step of pressing the cover toward the sensor may
comprise deforming the composite structure at least partially. The
method may further comprise the step of (c) movement at or adjacent
the exterior surface detected as input by the sensor. The step of
contacting the exterior surface within a second threshold distance
may not require deformation of the composite structure.
[0032] The present invention further relates to a vehicle interior
component configured to provide a user interface for a vehicle
occupant in a vehicle comprising vehicle systems. The component may
comprise a composite structure configured to provide the user
interface with a cover providing an exterior surface and a sensor
and a functional layer. The cover may comprise a translucent layer.
The cover may comprise at least one of (a) textile; (b) fabric; (c)
fiber mesh; (d) leather; (e) grain surface; (f) synthetic fiber
fabric; (g) natural fibers; (h) artificial leather; (i) polyester;
(j) synthetic fibers; (k) fabric sheet; (l) upholstered material;
(m) a fleece material; (n) a woven material; (o) a non-woven
material; (p) a sheet material; (q) a perforated material; (r) a
composite of multiple fiber materials. The sensor may be configured
to detect input from the vehicle occupant at or adjacent to the
exterior surface of the cover from at least one of (a) touch; (b)
pressure; (c) proximity; (d) movement; (e) gesture; (f)
positioning; operation of the user interface for the vehicle
occupant may comprise input detected by the sensor.
[0033] The present invention further relates to a vehicle interior
component configured to provide a user interface for a vehicle
occupant in a vehicle comprising vehicle systems. The component may
comprise a composite structure configured to provide the user
interface with a cover providing an exterior surface and a display
and a functional layer. The cover may comprise a translucent layer.
The cover may comprise at least one of (a) textile; (b) fabric; (c)
fiber mesh; (d) leather; (e) grain surface; (f) synthetic fiber
fabric; (g) natural fibers; (h) artificial leather; (i) polyester;
(j) synthetic fibers; (k) fabric sheet; (l) upholstered material;
(m) a fleece material; (n) a woven material; (o) a non-woven
material; (p) a sheet material; (q) a perforated material; (r) a
composite of multiple fiber materials. The display may be
configured to provide illumination at least partially visible
through the functional layer and through the exterior surface of
the cover; interaction with the user interface for the vehicle
occupant may comprise visible output from illumination from the
display.
[0034] The present invention further relates to a user interface
system for a vehicle interior. The system may comprise a cover with
exterior/contact surface, a sensor such as a capacitive touch
panel/foil covered by the cover/contact surface, a spacer coupled
to the sensor and a display such as an LED/OLED display panel/foil
covered by the spacer and configured to emit light. The spacer, the
sensor and the cover/contact surface may be configured to be
translucent to allow light emitted by the display to pass through
the contact surface. The contact surface may comprise a textile;
the spacer may comprise a foam material. The display may comprise
at least one light emitting diode; the display may comprise a
flexible material comprising an array of light emitting diodes
(e.g. LED, OLED, etc.). The display may be configured to
selectively emit light in response to a signal from the capacitive
touch panel; the capacitive touch panel may be configured to
receive a touch input and transmit a signal; the sensor such as a
capacitive touch panel may be configured for decreased electrical
resistance as pressure is applied to the panel. The system may
comprise a controller configured for operation by a vehicle
occupant for at least one of (a) sending a signal to a control
module, (b) controlling a motor, (c) providing a signal to a
vehicle component, (d) providing electrical power to a vehicle
component and (e) providing at least one of (1) visible feedback,
(2) audible feedback, (3) tactile feedback, (4) haptic feedback to
the vehicle occupant. The controller may be configured to send a
control signal to at least one of (a) an indicator, (b) a display,
(c) a climate control module, (d) an entertainment control module,
(e) a security control module, (f) an engine control unit, (g) a
data store, (h) a database, (i) a motor, (j) a vehicle seat, (k) a
window regulator/control.
FIGURES
[0035] FIG. 1A is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0036] FIG. 1B is a schematic perspective cut-away view of the
vehicle showing a vehicle interior according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0037] FIG. 2A is a schematic perspective cut-away view of the
vehicle showing a vehicle interior according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0038] FIG. 2B is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle
interior component shown as a console with a composite structure of
a layer construction in operation to present display elements at
the user interface according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0039] FIG. 2C is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle
interior component shown as a door panel with a composite structure
in operation to present design elements at the user interface
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0040] FIGS. 3A to 3T are schematic perspective views of a vehicle
interior component shown as a console with a composite structure
providing a user interface according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0041] FIGS. 4A and 4C are schematic perspective views of a vehicle
interior component shown as a console with the composite structure
presenting a user interface system configured as a control panel
for a window of a vehicle door according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0042] FIGS. 4B and 4D are schematic side views of a door with
window operated by the control panel of the user interface system
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0043] FIG. 4E is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle
interior component shown as a console with the composite structure
presenting a user interface system configured as a control panel
for a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system of the
vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0044] FIG. 4F is a schematic front view of a display element for
the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system of the
vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0045] FIGS. 5A, 5C and 5E are schematic perspective views of a
vehicle interior component shown as a console with the composite
structure presenting a user interface system configured as a
control panel to adjust a seat in the vehicle interior to various
positions according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0046] FIGS. 5B, 5D and 5F are schematic side views of the seat of
the vehicle interior in various positions according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0047] FIGS. 6A, 6C and 6E are schematic perspective views of a
vehicle interior component shown as a console with the composite
structure presenting a user interface system configured as a
control panel for interaction with vehicle systems according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0048] FIGS. 6B, 6D and 6F are schematic front views of display
elements for vehicle systems according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0049] FIGS. 7A to 7F are schematic perspective views of a vehicle
interior component shown as a door panel with the composite
structure presenting a user interface providing control/interaction
and output of lighting effects/levels for the vehicle interior
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0050] FIGS. 8A to 8D are schematic perspective views of the
vehicle interior component shown as a door panel with the composite
structure presenting a user interface providing control/interaction
and output of lighting effects/levels and information display for
the vehicle interior according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0051] FIG. 8E is a schematic view of display elements providing
information at the user interface of the composite structure of the
vehicle interior component according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0052] FIGS. 9A to 9E are schematic perspective views of a vehicle
interior component shown as a door panel with the composite
structure presenting a user interface providing for activation and
use and deactivation of a display element shown as a control menu
for the vehicle interior according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0053] FIGS. 10A and 10C are schematic perspective views of a
vehicle interior component shown as a door panel with the composite
structure presenting a user interface system configured as a
control panel for a window of a vehicle door according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0054] FIGS. 10B and 10D are schematic side views of a door with
window operated by the control panel of the user interface system
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0055] FIG. 10E is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle
interior component shown as a door panel with the composite
structure presenting a user interface system configured as a
control panel for a side view mirror of a vehicle according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0056] FIG. 10F is a schematic side view of the side view mirror of
the vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0057] FIGS. 11A to 11E are schematic perspective views a vehicle
interior component shown as a console with the composite structure
presenting a user interface system configured to
charge/interconnect with a mobile device shown as a smart phone
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0058] FIG. 11F is a schematic front view of display elements
providing information at the user interface of the composite
structure of the vehicle interior component according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0059] FIG. 12A is a schematic exploded cross-section view of the
composite structure with cover according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0060] FIGS. 12B and 12C are schematic cross-section views of the
composite structure with cover according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0061] FIG. 12D is a schematic top view of a display shown as an
LED array layer for the composite structure with cover according to
an exemplary embodiment.
[0062] FIG. 12E is a schematic top view of a sensor shown as a
capacitive sensor array layer for the composite structure with
cover according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0063] FIGS. 13A to 13D are schematic cross-section/partial views
of a composite structure with cover according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0064] FIG. 14A is a schematic view of a display element shown as a
control menu for the user interface of the composite structure for
a vehicle interior component according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0065] FIGS. 14B through 14E are schematic top plan views of the
user interface of the composite structure according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0066] FIGS. 15A and 15B are schematic perspective views of a
vehicle interior component shown as a door panel with the composite
structure presenting a user interface system providing
control/interaction and output of lighting levels/decorative
effects for the vehicle interior according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0067] FIG. 15C is a schematic detail perspective view of a vehicle
interior component shown as a door panel with the composite
structure presenting a user interface system configured as a
control panel and information display for the vehicle interior
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0068] FIGS. 16A and 16E are schematic exploded cross-section views
of a composite structure with cover according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0069] FIGS. 16B to 16D and 16F to 16T are schematic cross-section
views of a composite structure with cover according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0070] FIG. 17A is a schematic cross-section view of a composite
structure with cover according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0071] FIGS. 17B to 17O are schematic cross-section views of
interaction by a vehicle occupant with a composite structure with
cover according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0072] FIGS. 18A to 18D are schematic cross-section views of a
composite structure with cover according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0073] FIGS. 19A to 19D are schematic cross-section views of a
composite structure with cover according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0074] FIGS. 20A and 20B and 20H are schematic top plan views of a
display shown as an LED array layer for a composite structure to
provide a user interface on a vehicle interior component according
to an exemplary embodiment.
[0075] FIGS. 20C and 20D and 20G are schematic side elevation views
of a display shown as an LED array layer for a composite structure
to provide a user interface on a vehicle interior component
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0076] FIGS. 20E and 20F are schematic perspective views of a
display shown as an LED array layer for a composite structure to
provide a user interface on a vehicle interior component according
to an exemplary embodiment.
[0077] FIGS. 21A and 21B are schematic top plan views of a sensor
shown as a sensor array layer for a composite structure to provide
a user interface on a vehicle interior component according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0078] FIGS. 21C and 21D are schematic side elevation views of a
sensor shown as a capacitive sensor array layer for a composite
structure to provide a user interface on a vehicle interior
component according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0079] FIGS. 21E and 21F are schematic perspective views of a
sensor shown as a capacitive sensor array layer for a composite
structure to provide a user interface on a vehicle interior
component according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0080] FIG. 22A is a schematic top plan view of a sensor-display
module for a composite structure to provide a user interface on a
vehicle interior component according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0081] FIG. 22B is a schematic exploded perspective view of a
sensor-display module for a composite structure to provide a user
interface on a vehicle interior component according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0082] FIGS. 22C and 22E are schematic perspective views of a
sensor-display module for a composite structure to provide a user
interface on a vehicle interior component according to an exemplary
embodiment
[0083] FIG. 22D is a schematic side elevation view of a
sensor-display module for a composite structure to provide a user
interface on a vehicle interior component according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0084] FIG. 23A is a top plan view of a sensor shown as a
capacitive sensor array layer for a composite structure to provide
a user interface on a vehicle interior component according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0085] FIG. 23B is a top plan view of a display shown as an LED
array layer for a composite structure to provide a user interface
on a vehicle interior component according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0086] FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram of a controller/control
system for a composite structure to provide a user interface to
interoperate with vehicle systems and other systems/networks for a
vehicle interior component according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0087] FIGS. 25A to 25D are schematic views of a display element
shown as a control menu for the user interface of the composite
structure for a vehicle interior component configured to
interoperate with vehicle systems according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0088] FIGS. 26A to 26B are schematic flow diagrams of operation of
a user interface of a composite structure for a vehicle interior
component configured to interoperate with vehicle systems according
to an exemplary embodiment.
[0089] FIG. 27 is a schematic flow diagram of operation of a user
interface of a composite structure for a vehicle interior component
configured to interoperate with vehicle systems according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0090] FIGS. 28A to 28E are schematic flow diagrams of operation of
a user interface of a composite structure for a vehicle interior
component configured to interoperate with vehicle systems according
to an exemplary embodiment.
[0091] FIGS. 29A to 29B are schematic flow diagrams of operation of
a user interface of a composite structure for a vehicle interior
component configured to interoperate with vehicle systems according
to an exemplary embodiment
[0092] FIG. 30A is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle
interior component shown as a console with a composite structure of
a layer construction in operation to present display elements at
the user interface according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0093] FIG. 30B is a schematic perspective cross-section view of a
composite structure with cover according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0094] FIG. 30C is a schematic cross-section view of a composite
structure with cover according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0095] FIGS. 31A and 31B are schematic cross-section views of a
composite structure with cover according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0096] FIG. 32 is a schematic cross-section view of a composite
structure with cover according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0097] FIG. 33 is a schematic cross-section view of a composite
structure with cover showing a control system according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0098] FIG. 34A is a schematic exploded cross-section view of a
composite structure with cover according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0099] FIG. 34B is a schematic cross-section view of a composite
structure with cover showing a control system according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0100] FIG. 34C is a schematic cross-section view of a composite
structure with cover according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0101] FIG. 34D is a schematic top plan view of a display shown as
an LED array layer/light panel for a composite structure to provide
a user interface on a vehicle interior component according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0102] FIG. 34E is a schematic top plan view of a sensor shown as a
sensor array layer for a composite structure to provide a user
interface on a vehicle interior component according to an exemplary
embodiment.
DESCRIPTION
Introduction/Overview
[0103] Referring to FIGS. 1A-1B and 2A-2B, according to an
exemplary embodiment a set of vehicle interior components shown as
comprising a composite structure 10 (e.g. with cover/surface) are
shown provided for a vehicle V with an interior I.
[0104] According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically
in the FIGURES, a composite structure 10 (e.g. with cover/surface)
may be provided on or in a vehicle interior component (shown as
floor console FC in FIG. 2B and door panel DP in FIG. 2C) in a wide
variety of forms with a composite of layers/components of a variety
of types/materials and functions/performance attributes (see FIGS.
2C, 12A-12E, 16A-16T, 17A-17O, 18A-18D, 19A-19D) connected to a
controller/control system (see FIGS. 12B, 23A-23B and 24) and with
a control program (see e.g. FIG. 27) to present a user interface
(see e.g. FIGS. 14A-14E and 15C) with an illuminated/display area
20 (e.g. shown as with a display element/image 20x in FIG. 2B and
control panel/menu in FIGS. 15C and 25A-25D) on a cover/exterior
surface (e.g. surface of a type suitable for a vehicle interior
component as shown generally in FIGS. 1B and 2A) accessible by a
vehicle occupant. See also FIGS. 3A-3T (e.g. vehicle interior
component 100 shown schematically with cover/surface of composite
structure 110 providing user interface with menu/display element
120) and FIGS. 4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F, 7A-7F, 8A-8E, 9A-9E, 10A-10F,
11A-11E (e.g. showing schematically interaction by vehicle occupant
with user interface at cover/surface of composite structure of
vehicle interior component).
[0105] As indicated schematically in the FIGURES, according to an
exemplary embodiment the composite structure may be comprised of
any of a wide variety of forms and types of layers and
subcomponents to provide the form and fit and function for
integration with a vehicle interior component and/or
interconnectivity through a user interface with vehicle systems and
other systems and data/networks. See e.g. FIGS. 1B, 2A-2C, 3A-3T,
4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F, 7A-7F, 8A-8E, 9A-9E, 10A-10F, 11A-11E,
14A-14E, 15A-15C, 25A-25D and 27 (showing interaction with vehicle
occupant by contact/touch/feel and display/lighting/illumination).
According to an exemplary embodiment, the composite structure with
user interface for interaction may be provided on any of a wide
variety of vehicle interior components such as trim, consoles,
doors, panels, surfaces, structures, seats, systems, spaces,
lighting, etc. See e.g. FIGS. 1B and 2A (showing example
integration of the composite structure 10 with display on surface
to provide a user interface/display on with seat backs, door
panels, pillars, overhead/cockpit, instrument panel, consoles,
doors, visors, backrests, walls, etc.). As indicated generally, the
user interface for interaction provided by the composite structure
for the vehicle interior may be configured to
interconnect/integrate for data communication/interchange and
control/monitoring with any of a wide variety of vehicle systems
(including vehicle data from systems, cameras, data sources,
on-board network, etc.) and other systems (e.g. data sources,
devices, objects, networks, internet, etc.) in the vehicle or
external to the vehicle; according to an exemplary embodiment, the
user interface may connect to devices (such as mobile phones,
computing devices, etc.), systems (such as entertainment systems,
gaming systems, etc.) and objects (e.g. detected/networked objects
such as cargo, luggage, tags, etc.). According to an exemplary
embodiment, the display of the user interface may be configured to
present data/information (e.g. messages, text, images, status,
reminders, directions, maps, alerts, etc.) and to present effects
(e.g. display/visual effects for ambient lighting, color, tone,
etc.) for decorative functions and/or user selected/preferred
choice (e.g. for comfort, mood, purpose, convenience, etc.) at or
on the vehicle interior component (e.g. individually or in
coordination). See FIGS. 1B, 2A-2C, 3A-3T, 4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F,
7A-7F, 8A-8E, 9A-9E, 10A-10F and 11A-11E. See also FIGS. 8D and 14D
(e.g. example display of vehicle camera information on user
interface on surface of composite structure of vehicle interior
component).
[0106] According to an exemplary embodiment, the construction of
the composite structure may designed/constructed and assembled to
generally integrate with vehicle interior components in fit, form
and function. See e.g. FIGS. 1B and 2A-2C. For example, according
to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in FIG. 2B, the
composite structure may comprise a cover layer T (e.g.
translucent/semi-transparent in effect composite/surface layer such
as textile/fabric layer providing a cover or a leather material,
fiber material, etc. or a poly/plastic film cover material, etc.),
a functional layer shown as layer E/F/N (e.g. which may provide one
function or more of separation/positioning as a positioning layer
E, cushioning/compliance such as by a foam material (or fabric
material) F, functionality from a functional layer N such as for
heat exchanger/heating element/cooling, electrical interference
protection/shielding, electronic connectivity, power
interconnection for charging devices, etc.), a sensor/detector
component C shown as providing a system/array (e.g. matrix, grid,
etc.) to detect input such as touch/proximity or movement/gesture
from a user/vehicle occupant (e.g. a detection system,
touch-sensitive array, capacitive touch surface as used with
touch-screen devices or other touch-sensitive material, sensor
array to detect proximity/motion above the surface, etc.), a
functional layer E/F/N (such as to provide shielding, light
direction/diffusion such as may alter the amplitude/magnitude or
color of transmitted light), a display shown as light array/display
layer L such as comprising a material substrate with an array of
lighting devices (e.g. such as light-emitting device/diode
elements), a bonding or backing/rigidifying/attachment layer for a
base/structure or substrate S (such as a molded or formed plastic
base/structure for a vehicle interior component). See also FIGS.
12A-12E, 16A-16T, 17A-17O, 18A-18D, 19A-19D.
[0107] As indicated in the FIGURES, according to an exemplary
embodiment the layers/components of the composite structure will be
selected and combined/assembled to facilitate the transmission of
illumination/light from the display to and through the
cover/exterior surface (e.g. with light-transmissive layer/cover to
present the user interface such as with display elements 20 and
20x). See e.g. FIGS. 2B-2C and 17J-17O and 19C.
[0108] According to an exemplary embodiment, including but not
limited to as indicated in FIGS. 13A-13D, 16A-16T and 19A-19D, the
composite structure (e.g. with cover/surface) may provide any of a
wide variety of combinations of layers; for example, as indicated
in FIG. 13D, the structure/surface may be provided as a composite
structure/material with a cover T and light array layer L which may
be configured to be attachable to a base layer B or substrate layer
S (e.g. for connection to a panel or component in a vehicle
interior). According to an exemplary embodiment the composite
structure (e.g. with cover/surface) may comprise a layered
construction selected for a particular purpose for a vehicle
interior component with each layer in a form configured for the
purpose (e.g. in construction, thickness, positioning, etc.). See
e.g. FIGS. 2B, 13A-13D, 16A-16T and 17A-17O. As indicated
schematically, according to an exemplary embodiment the composite
structure will be configured to provide intended functionality
through the combination of layers arranged and constructed for the
purpose (e.g. including translucence/semi-transparence to
facilitate illumination from the display layer at the user
interface presented on the surface of the composite structure) to
present the user interface for vehicle/other systems. See FIGS.
12C, 17J-17O, 24 and 27.
[0109] According to an exemplary embodiment as shown in the
FIGURES, the composite structure 10 with a cover/exterior surface
is configured to present user interface with sensor and display
providing display elements 20 (e.g. icons, symbols, texts, images,
panels, charging/connectivity for mobile devices, decorative
effects, etc.) and connectivity to vehicle/other systems and
networks; as indicated schematically, the composite structure 10
with display elements 20 at the user interface provides for
integration (e.g. physically, visually, mechanically,
electronically, etc.) with a wide variety of interior components
and systems of the vehicle. See e.g. FIGS. 1B, 2A-2C, 3A-3T and
8A-8D. As shown schematically in the FIGURES according to an
exemplary embodiment, the composite structure with user interface
may be integrated in or on a vehicle interior component in a manner
to provide an appearance and feel provided by the cover/exterior
surface and compliant/resilient layers beneath the cover. See e.g.
FIGS. 3A-3T, 12C and 17A-17O (e.g. composite structure provides for
compliant pressure/compression, touch/contact at surface and
movement/detection at proximity of sensor). According to an
exemplary embodiment, the cover/exterior surface of the composite
structure may provide tactile feedback (e.g. shear/sliding feel) in
response to contact/movement by the vehicle occupant detected by
the sensor to facilitate accurate and convenient use/operation by
touch/contact in interaction with the interface; according to an
exemplary embodiment the sensor may be configured to detect
gestures/movement adjacent to the cover/exterior surface of the
composite structure in interaction with the user interface. See
e.g. FIGS. 3A-3T and 17A-17O. See also FIG. 27.
[0110] As shown schematically in FIGS. 3A-3T, 4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F,
7A-7F, 8A-8E, 9A-9E, 10A-10F, 11A-11E, 14A-14E, 15A-15C, 25A-25D
and 27 according to an exemplary embodiment, the composite
structure may be configured to provide a system and method of
operating the user interface with vehicle systems and other
systems/networks from the vehicle interior component. See also
FIGS. 25A-25D, 26A-26B, 28A-28E and 29A-29B (functional subsystem
operation according to an exemplary embodiment). According to an
exemplary embodiment, the composite structure for the vehicle
interior component may be constructed to provide a cover/exterior
surface to present a user interface and to provide features (e.g.
by material design/selection, component design/selection,
assembly/layering, etc.) suitable for a vehicle interior such as
system integration (user/system compatibility and connectivity),
decorative appearance (look, form and shape), color/texture,
softness/firmness (including combination of soft/firm by thickness,
placement, etc.), feel/touch/haptic sensation (by
material/component selection, assembly, thickness, etc.),
resistance to dirt/stains (by cover, treatment, etc.), repellence
to water/fluids (by cover, treatment, etc.), convenient to
maintain/clean (by form, cover, treatment, etc.), etc. See
generally FIGS. 3A-3T and 9A-9E.
[0111] According to an exemplary embodiment as indicated
schematically in the FIGURES, the composite structure may provide a
user interface system for vehicle systems and other systems/devices
and data/network connectivity. See e.g. FIGS. 1B, 2A-2C, 3A-3T,
4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F, 7A-7F, 8A-8E, 9A-9E, 10A-10F, 11A-11E,
14A-14E, 15A-15C, 25A-25D and 27. As indicated schematically in
FIGS. 12B, 19A-19D, 23A-23B, 24 and 27, the composite structure may
be provided with a control system (e.g. a computing or
computer-based or microprocessor or data system such as with a
computing device configured to monitor and control performance of
functional subsystems of the structure/surface sensor C and display
L) to provide the interconnectivity and the control/functional
interface with vehicle systems and other systems/devices and
data/networks (e.g. access to data sources on the vehicle/in the
vehicle and external to the vehicle, on-vehicle network/networks,
external networks including the internet, etc.). See also FIGS.
25A-25D, 26A-26B, 28A-28E and 29A-29B (functional subsystem
operation according to an exemplary embodiment). According to an
exemplary embodiment as indicated schematically in FIGS. 23A-23B,
24 and 27, the controller/control system for the user interface of
the composite structure may comprise a control program and data
connection (e.g. to networks including the internet, devices such
as mobile devices, smart phones and tablets, data sources/storage,
vehicle systems/subsystems, etc.); the controller/control system
for the user interface of the composite structure may be configured
with input/output interfaces to provide functionality for the
vehicle occupant as indicated (for example) in FIGS. 23A-23B, 24
and 26A-26B, 27, 28A-28E and 29A-29B. See also FIGS. 1B, 2A-2C and
3A-3T.
[0112] As indicated schematically in FIGS. 3A-3T, 24 and 27,
according to an exemplary embodiment, the composite structure may
be configured to provide a display element and/or control element
appearing as a visual image/information content on the
exterior/show surface of the cover; the display element/control
element may be configured for interaction with an occupant of the
vehicle; for example, an image may appear as a display element and
present a control element such as a switch to actuate one or more
vehicle systems and subsystems (e.g. by interface through or with
the control system and vehicle systems/subsystems such as shown for
example in FIGS. 4A-4F [HVAC/user comfort/ventilation/power window
system, etc.], FIGS. 5A-5F [seating system], FIGS. 6A-6F [seat
heating/defrost control, speed control, door/window locks, etc.]).
See also FIGS. 11A-11F, 15C, 25A-25D, 26A-26B, 28A-28E and 29A-29B
(functional subsystem operation through the user interface
according to an exemplary embodiment).
[0113] As indicated schematically in FIGS. 2B and 7A-7F, the
composite structure with cover/surface 10 may provide a variety of
selective appearances (e.g. color/shading, lighting/intensity,
decoration/decorative effect, etc.) of a display element 20 (e.g.
menu, image, text, etc.); as indicated schematically in FIGS. 8A-8E
and 15C, the composite structure may provide as display/control
elements 20 a variety of visual images/effects including
communications (e.g. indicators, functional displays, information
display, data display, visual effect, messaging,
notices/notifications, symbols, switches/controls, user interface,
graphics, etc.). As indicated schematically in the FIGURES,
communications/visual effects that may appear on the composite
structure may be provided from any of a variety of
systems/subsystems and data sources (e.g. including vehicle
systems/subsystems, vehicle data, vehicle
operation/instrumentation, network-data, mobile devices, etc.). For
example, as indicated according to an exemplary embodiment in FIGS.
8A through 8D, the composite structure may provide data as to a
vehicle system (e.g. "DOOR AJAR") or temperature (e.g. "20 C") or
weather (e.g. by text and/or image) or a selected visual effect
(e.g. two-tone panel) on a vehicle interior component.
[0114] As indicated schematically according to an exemplary
embodiment in FIGS. 3A-3T, 4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F, 7A-7F, 8A-8E,
9A-9E, 10A-10F, 11A-11E, 14A-14E and 15A-15C, the occupant of the
vehicle may through the user interface of the composite structure
interact with and/or operate and control any of a variety of
systems/subsystems on the vehicle and/or other devices in or
connected to the vehicle (e.g. mobile phone, tablet, data/computing
devices, accessories, equipment, etc.). See also FIGS. 24, 26A-26B,
27, 28A-28E and 29A-29B. For example, as indicated in FIGS. 9A-9E
and 10A-10E, the composite structure may provide a control element
(e.g. at a designated or selective location on an interior
component) for window control or exterior mirror control; as
indicated schematically according to an exemplary embodiment in
FIGS. 11A-11E the composite structure may provide a control
interface for a mobile device PH such as a mobile/smart phone (e.g.
providing telephony connection, data/internet connection,
music/audio player connection, etc. by near-field communication
(NFC), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other data connectivity) for a vehicle
occupant. See also FIGS. 3A-3T and 14A-14E.
[0115] As indicated schematically in the FIGURES, according to an
exemplary embodiment the composite structure may be provided in any
of a wide variety of forms to provide any of a wide variety of
features and functions for a vehicle interior/component (e.g. with
various combinations of layers of various types of materials/layers
as indicated schematically). According to an exemplary embodiment
the vehicle interior component with composite structure provides a
user interface system to provide various functions and features for
a vehicle/vehicle occupant as indicated schematically in the
FIGURES; the composite structure/user interface system provides a
visual display (through display light element array/matrix/grid
layer L); the user interface/control (through a functional layer
such as with the sensor providing a touch-sensitive layer C) so
that information can be presented on the composite structure (such
as surface 110/120) through a display of visual image/information
for enhanced user interaction in a vehicle interior. See e.g. FIGS.
3A-3T, 4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F, 8A-8E, 9A-9E, 10A-10F, 11A-11F 14A-14E
and 27.
[0116] According to an exemplary embodiment, a vehicle interior
component may be configured to provide a user interface for a
vehicle occupant in a vehicle comprising vehicle systems; the
component may comprise a composite structure 10 with
display/control elements 20 configured to provide the user
interface. See e.g. FIGS. 2A-2C, 14A-14E and 16A-16T. According to
an exemplary embodiment shown schematically, the component may
comprise (a) a cover providing an exterior surface; (b) a sensor;
(c) a display; (d) a functional layer; the cover may comprise a
translucent layer. See e.g. FIGS. 2B and 16A-16T. According to an
exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in FIGS. 17A-17O and
27, the sensor may be configured to detect input from the vehicle
occupant at or adjacent to the exterior surface of the cover; the
display may be configured to provide illumination at least
partially visible through the exterior surface of the cover;
operation of the user interface for the vehicle occupant may
comprise at least one of (a) output from illumination from the
display and (b) input detected by the sensor. See e.g. FIGS. 3A-3T,
14A-14E, 24, 25A-25D and 27.
[0117] According to an exemplary embodiment, the cover may comprise
at least one of (a) textile; (b) fabric; (c) fiber mesh; (d)
leather; (e) grain surface; (f) synthetic fiber fabric; (g) natural
fibers; (h) artificial leather; (i) polyester; (j) synthetic
fibers; (k) fabric sheet; (l) upholstered material; (m) a fleece
material; (n) a woven material; (o) a non-woven material; (p) a
sheet material; (q) a perforated material; (r) a composite of
multiple fiber materials; the cover may comprise at least one of
(a) film; (b) resin; (c) polycarbonate; (d) polyurethane; (e)
polyvinyl material; (f) a composite of multiple plastic materials;
(g) a composite of multiple materials. See e.g. FIGS. 13A-13D and
16A-16T.
[0118] According to an exemplary embodiment, the functional layer
may be configured for at least one of (a) positioning; (b) spacing;
(c) haptic feedback; (d) tactile feedback such as vibration; (e)
audible feedback such as sound; (f) optical enhancement; (g) light
shielding; (h) electrical shielding; (i) interference shielding;
(j) electrical charging for a device; (k) interaction with a mobile
device; (l) interaction with a vehicle system; (m) cushioning; (n)
adhesion or bonding; (o) tactile shear/feel performance; (p)
thermal management; (q) heating; (r) cooling; (s) providing the
Peltier effect; (t) diffusion of illumination from the display; (u)
monitoring; (v) recording; (w) alerting; (x) messaging; (y) light
guiding; (z) flexibility. See e.g. FIGS. 1B, 2A-2C, 3A-3T, 4A-4F,
5A-5F, 6A-6F, 7A-7F, 8A-8E, 9A-9E, 10A-10F, 11A-11E, 14A-14E,
15A-15C, 25A-25D and 27. According to an exemplary embodiment, the
functional layer may comprise a positioning layer configured to
retain positioning within the composite structure for operation of
the sensor from input from the vehicle occupant; the positioning
layer may comprise at least one of (a) a spacer; (b) a flexible
spacer; (c) a shield for electromagnetic interference; (d) a foam
material; (e) a plastic material. According to an exemplary
embodiment, the functional layer may be at least partially
integrated with at least one of (a) the cover; (b) the positioning
layer; (c) a substrate of the composite structure. See e.g. FIGS.
2B-2C, 3A-3T, 16A-16T and 17A-17O.
[0119] According to an exemplary embodiment, the composite
structure further may comprise a foam layer under the cover. See
e.g. FIGS. 2B and 16A-16T. According to an exemplary embodiment,
the composite structure may comprise a resilient layer/form. See
e.g. FIGS. 12C and 17B-17C. According to an exemplary embodiment,
the resilient layer may comprise the foam layer; the resilient
layer may comprise or be integrated with the cover. See e.g. FIGS.
13A-13D and 16A-16T.
[0120] According to an exemplary embodiment, the user interface may
be configured so that input from the vehicle occupant at the
exterior surface of the cover may be detected by the sensor.
According to an exemplary embodiment, input from the vehicle
occupant may comprise contact with the exterior surface of the
cover. See e.g. FIGS. 12A-12E, 17A-17O and 27. According to an
exemplary embodiment, the user interface may be configured so that
output from the display may be presented at least partially through
the exterior surface of the cover. See e.g. FIGS. 1B, 2A-2C, 3A-3T,
4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F, 7A-7F, 8A-8E, 9A-9E, 10A-10F, 11A-11E,
14A-14E, 15A-15C, and 17J-17K. According to an exemplary
embodiment, the sensor may comprise a capacitive touch panel
configured to receive a touch input. See e.g. FIGS. 17D-17E.
[0121] According to an exemplary embodiment, the composite
structure may comprise one of (a) the cover; (b) a positioning
layer such as a spacer; (c) the sensor; (d) a foam layer; (e) the
display; (f) a substrate. See e.g. FIGS. 2C and 16A-16T. According
to an exemplary embodiment, the composite structure may comprise
one of (a) the cover; (b) the positioning layer; (c) the sensor;
(d) a diffuser layer; (e) the display; (f) a substrate. See e.g.
FIGS. 13A-13D and 16A-16T. According to an exemplary embodiment,
the composite structure may comprise one of (a) the cover; (b) the
functional layer; (c) the sensor; (d) a positioning layer; (e) the
display; (f) a substrate. See e.g. FIGS. 2C and 16A-16T.
[0122] According to an exemplary embodiment, the composite
structure may be configured in a contoured shape. See e.g. FIGS.
2A-2C, 3A-3T, 18A-18D and 19A-19D. According to an exemplary
embodiment, the composite structure may comprise a substrate. See
e.g. FIG. 2C. According to an exemplary embodiment, the composite
structure may be coupled to at least one of (a) a trim component;
(b) a panel; (c) a door; (d) a surface; (e) a console; (f) a base;
(g) a structure. See e.g. FIGS. 1B and 2A-2C. According to an
exemplary embodiment, the composite structure may comprise one of
(a) the cover; (b) a positioning layer; (c) the display; the
composite structure may comprise a base or substrate. See e.g.
FIGS. 2B and 16A-16T.
[0123] According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically,
the vehicle interior component with composite structure to provide
a user interface with vehicle systems may comprise a control system
configured to connect to vehicle systems and other
systems/networks. See e.g. FIGS. 12B, 19A-19D, 24 and 27. According
to an exemplary embodiment, the control system may be configured to
facilitate operation by the vehicle occupant for at least one of
(a) sending a signal to a control module, (b) controlling a motor,
(c) providing a signal to a vehicle component, (d) providing
electrical power to a vehicle component, (e) providing at least one
of (1) visible feedback, (2) audible feedback, (3) tactile
feedback, (4) haptic feedback to the vehicle occupant. See FIGS.
2A-2C, 3A-3T, 4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F, 7A-7F, 8A-8E, 9A-9E, 10A-10F,
and 11A-11E. The vehicle interior component may comprise a
controller for the composite structure. See e.g. FIGS. 24 and 27.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the user interface may
comprise a control panel presented at the exterior surface of the
cover. See e.g. FIGS. 3A-3T, 14A-14E and 15C. According to an
exemplary embodiment, the controller for the composite structure
may be connected to the user interface. See e.g. FIGS. 23A-23B, 24
and 27. According to an exemplary embodiment, the control system
may comprise a controller configured to send a control signal to at
least one vehicle system. See e.g. FIGS. 26A-26B, 27, 28A-28E and
29A-29B. According to an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle systems
comprise at least one vehicle system; a vehicle system may comprise
at least one of (a) an indicator, (b) a display, (c) a climate
control system, (d) an entertainment system, (e) a security system,
(f) an engine control unit, (g) a data storage system, (h) a
database, (i) a motor, (j) a vehicle seat, (k) a window
regulator/control; (l) a network; (m) a data storage system; (n) a
database. See e.g. FIGS. 2A, 3A-3T, 4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F, 7A-7F,
8A-8E, 9A-9E, 10A-10F, 11A-11E, 23A-23B, 24 and 27.
[0124] According to an exemplary embodiment, the user interface may
be configured for interaction with a vehicle occupant by at least
one of (a) touch at the exterior surface of the cover detected by
the sensor or (b) gesture adjacent to the exterior surface of the
cover detected by the sensor. See e.g. FIGS. 17A-17O. According to
an exemplary embodiment, the sensor may comprise at least one of
(a) an array/matrix; (b) a grid; (c) a foil; (d) a panel; (e) a
touch panel; (f) a flexible panel; (g) a detector; (h) a proximity
detector; (i) a capacitive touch panel; (j) a pressure sensitive
panel. See e.g. FIGS. 16A-16T and 21A-21E.
[0125] According to an exemplary embodiment, the display may
comprise at least one of (a) an array; (b) a grid; (c) a panel; (d)
a display screen; (e) a flexible panel; (f) a lighting array; (g) a
lighting device array; (h) a light-emitting device array; (i) a LED
array; (j) a flexible LED array; (k) a flexible sheet. See e.g.
FIGS. 20A-20H and 22A-22E. According to an exemplary embodiment,
the display may be configured to display at least one of (a) data;
(b) information; (c) vehicle system information; (d) an input
panel; (e) a menu system; (f) an output panel; (g) an image; (h) a
control panel. See e.g. FIGS. 2A-2C, 3A-3T, 4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F,
7A-7F, 8A-8E, 9A-9E, 10A-10F, 11A-11E, 14A-14E, 15A-15C, 25A-25D
and 27. According to an exemplary embodiment, the composite
structure may comprise a composite surface. See FIGS. 2A-2C and
12A-12E, 16A-16T, 17A-17O, 18A-18D and 19A-19D. According to an
exemplary embodiment as shown schematically, the cover comprises an
at least partially translucent cover; illumination from the display
at the exterior surface of the composite structure comprises
visible light at least transmitted through the sensor and through
the functional layer and through the at least partially translucent
cover (e.g. configured as an decorative layer/exterior surface).
See e.g. FIGS. 2B, 3F and 17J-17O.
[0126] According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically, a
vehicle interior component may be configured for interaction with
an occupant of a vehicle comprising vehicle systems; the component
may comprise a composite structure configured to provide a user
interface for interaction with the occupant. See FIGS. 12A-12E,
16A-16T, 17A-17O, 18A-18D and 19A-19D. According to an exemplary
embodiment the component may comprise a cover providing an exterior
surface, a sensor, a display and a functional layer; the cover may
comprise a translucent layer; the sensor may be configured to
detect input from the occupant at or adjacent to the exterior
surface of the cover. According to an exemplary embodiment as shown
schematically in FIGS. 2B and 17J-17O, the display may be
configured to provide illumination at least partially visible
through the exterior surface of the cover; operation of the user
interface for the occupant may comprise at least one of (a) output
from illumination from the display and (b) input detected by the
sensor. According to an exemplary embodiment as shown
schematically, the user interface may comprise a display element
from illumination from the display that may be configured to be
selectively positioned on the exterior surface of the cover; the
display element of the user interface may comprise at least one of
(a) an icon; (b) a symbol; (c) a button indicator; (d) a menu
system; (e) a display panel image; (f) an information display
image; (g) a graphics display image; (h) a control panel; (i) an
input panel; (j) a touch screen; (k) a repositionable image; (l) a
projected image. See e.g. FIGS. 3A-3T, 4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F, 7A-7F,
8A-8E, 9A-9E, 10A-10F, 11A-11E, 14A-14E, 15A-15C, 25A-25D and 27.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the display element of the
user interface may be configured to be positioned on the exterior
surface of the cover by at least one of (a) contacting of the
exterior surface of the cover at a position where the display
element is to be displayed when the display element is not
displayed; (b) contacting the exterior surface of the cover where
the display element is displayed and dragging the display element
along the exterior surface of the cover to a position where the
display element is to be displayed. See e.g. FIGS. 3A-3E, 3G and
3H-3I. See also FIGS. 17A-17O, 26A-26B, 27, 28A-28E and
29A-29B.
[0127] According to an exemplary embodiment, a vehicle interior
component may be configured to provide a user interface for a
vehicle occupant in a vehicle comprising vehicle systems. See e.g.
FIGS. 1B, 2A, 3A-3T, 4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F, 7A-7F, 8A-8E, 9A-9E,
10A-10F, 11A-11E, 14A-14E, 15A-15C, 25A-25D and 27. According to an
exemplary embodiment shown schematically, the component may
comprise a composite structure configured to provide the user
interface; the cover may comprise a translucent layer; the sensor
may be configured to detect input from the vehicle occupant at or
adjacent to the exterior surface of the cover; the display may be
configured to provide illumination at least partially visible
through the exterior surface of the cover; operation of the user
interface for the vehicle occupant may comprise at least one of (a)
output from illumination from the display and (b) input detected by
the sensor. See FIGS. 3A-3T, 16A-16T and 17A-17O and 27.
[0128] According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically
in FIGS. 17A-17O, the user interface may be configured (a) to be
activated for operation by compressing the cover toward the sensor
(see distance HA in FIG. 17H); (b) to be operated by contacting the
exterior surface within a distance where input can be detected by
the sensor (see distance HB in FIG. 17I); (c) to be operated by
movement directed by the vehicle occupant above the exterior
surface of the cover within a distance where input can be detected
by the sensor (see FIGS. 17F-17G). According to an exemplary
embodiment, the user interface may be configured for interaction
with a vehicle occupant by at least one of (a) touch at the
exterior surface of the cover detected by the sensor or (b)
movement/gesture adjacent to the exterior surface of the cover
detected by the sensor. See e.g. FIGS. 17B-17G. According to an
exemplary embodiment, the user interface may be configured for (a)
a sleep mode (e.g. low power consumption, display off, etc.) and
awakening from the sleep mode by compressing the cover toward the
sensor by a first threshold distance and (b) for an awake mode
(e.g. ready for operation/interface with vehicle occupant)
providing a control panel and operating the control panel by
touching the exterior surface of the cover within a second
threshold distance from the sensor. See e.g. FIGS. 17A and 17H-17I.
See also FIGS. 26A-26B, 27, 28A-28E and 29A-29B (flow diagrams of
operation according to an exemplary embodiment).
[0129] According to an exemplary embodiment, the user interface may
comprise a display element on the exterior surface of the cover.
According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically for
example in FIGS. 2A-2C, 3A-3T, 8A-8E, 10A-10E, 11A-11F and 14A-14E,
the display element of the user interface may comprise at least one
of (a) an icon; (b) a symbol; (c) a button indicator; (d) a menu
system; (e) a display panel image; (f) an information display
image; (g) a graphics display image; (h) a control panel; (i) an
input panel; (j) a touch screen; (k) a repositionable image; (l) a
projected image. According to an exemplary embodiment, the
display/design element (e.g. icon, symbol, image, message, button,
etc.) of the user interface may be configured to be selectively
positionable on the exterior surface of the cover by interaction
with the vehicle occupant. See e.g. FIGS. 2A-2B, 3A-3E, 3G, 3H-3I,
3K-3T and 27.
[0130] According to an exemplary embodiment, a vehicle interior
component may be configured to provide a user interface for a
vehicle occupant in a vehicle comprising vehicle systems. See e.g.
FIGS. 1B, 2A-2C, 3A-3T, 4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F, 7A-7F, 8A-8E, 9A-9E,
10A-10F, 11A-11E, 14A-14E, 15A-15C, 25A-25D and 27. According to an
exemplary embodiment shown schematically, the component may
comprise a composite structure configured to provide the user
interface; the cover may comprise a translucent layer; the cover
may comprise at least one of (a) textile; (b) fabric; (c) fiber
mesh; (d) leather; (e) grain surface; (f) synthetic fiber fabric;
(g) natural fibers; (h) artificial leather; (i) polyester; (j)
synthetic fibers; (k) fabric sheet; (l) upholstered material; (m) a
fleece material; (n) a woven material; (o) a non-woven material;
(p) a sheet material; (q) a perforated material; (r) a composite of
multiple fiber materials. See FIGS. 2B and 16A-16T. According to an
exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in FIGS. 2A-2C, 3A-3T,
8A-8E, 17J-17O and 27, the sensor may be configured to detect input
from the vehicle occupant at or adjacent to the exterior surface of
the cover; the display may be configured to provide illumination at
least partially visible through the exterior surface of the cover;
operation of the user interface for the vehicle occupant may
comprise at least one of (a) output from illumination from the
display and (b) input detected by the sensor. See also FIGS.
26A-26B, 28A-28E and 29A-29B.
[0131] According to an exemplary embodiment, a vehicle interior
component may be configured to provide a user interface for a
vehicle occupant in a vehicle comprising vehicle systems; the
component may comprise a composite structure configured to provide
the user interface. See FIGS. 2A-2B, 24 and 27. According to an
exemplary embodiment as shown schematically, the cover may comprise
a translucent layer; the sensor may be configured to detect input
from the vehicle occupant at or adjacent to the exterior surface of
the cover; the display may be configured to provide illumination at
least partially visible through the exterior surface of the cover.
According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically, the
functional layer may be configured for at least one of (a)
positioning; (b) spacing; (c) haptic feedback; (d) tactile feedback
such as vibration; (e) audible feedback such as sound; (f) optical
enhancement; (g) light shielding; (h) electrical shielding; (i)
interference shielding; (j) electrical charging for a device; (k)
interaction with a mobile device; (l) interaction with a vehicle
system; (m) cushioning; (n) adhesion or bonding; (o) tactile
shear/feel performance; (p) thermal management; (q) heating; (r)
cooling; (s) providing the Peltier effect; (t) diffusion of
illumination from the display; (u) monitoring; (v) recording; (w)
alerting; (x) messaging. See e.g. FIGS. 1B, 2A-2C, 3A-3T, 4A-4F,
5A-5F, 6A-6F, 7A-7F, 8A-8E, 9A-9E, 10A-10F, 11A-11E, 14A-14E,
15A-15C, 25A-25D and 27. According to an exemplary embodiment,
operation of the user interface for the vehicle occupant may
comprise at least one of (a) output from illumination from the
display and (b) input detected by the sensor. See e.g. FIGS. 3A-3T,
17A-17O and 27.
[0132] According to an exemplary embodiment, a method of operating
a vehicle interior component comprising a composite structure to
provide a cover with an exterior surface and a sensor and a display
configured to provide a user interface for a vehicle occupant in a
vehicle comprising vehicle systems may comprise the steps of: (a)
to activate the user interface for operation compressing the cover
toward the sensor to a distance where input can be detected by the
sensor; and (b) to operate and/or to position the user interface
contacting the exterior surface within a distance where input can
be detected by the sensor. According to an exemplary embodiment,
the cover may comprise a translucent layer/material. See FIGS. 12C,
17A-17O and 27. See also FIGS. 26A-26B, 28A-28E and 29A-29B.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the sensor may be configured
to detect input from the vehicle occupant at or adjacent to the
exterior surface of the cover from at least one of (a) touch or (b)
pressure or (c) proximity or (d) movement or (e) gesture. See FIGS.
17A-17O and 27. According to an exemplary embodiment, the display
may be configured to provide illumination at least partially
visible through the exterior surface of the cover. See FIGS. 2B and
17J-17K. According to an exemplary embodiment, the cover may
comprise a translucent layer. See FIGS. 16A-16T and 17A-17O.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the sensor may be configured
to detect input from the vehicle occupant at or adjacent to the
exterior surface of the cover; as shown schematically, the sensor C
may comprise a mesh/grid of a commercially available configuration
with elements shown as conductors WM configured into an
array/matrix that can be connected to a controller/control system.
See e.g. FIGS. 21A-21D, 23A, 24 and 27.
[0133] According to an exemplary embodiment, a method of operating
a vehicle interior component comprising a composite structure to
provide a cover with an exterior surface and a sensor and a display
configured to provide a user interface for a vehicle occupant in a
vehicle comprising vehicle systems may comprise the steps of: (a)
pressing the cover toward the sensor to a distance where input can
be detected by the sensor; and (b) contacting the exterior surface
within a distance where input can be detected by the sensor. See
FIGS. 17A-17O and 27. See also FIGS. 26A-26B, 28A-28E and 29A-29B.
The cover may comprise a translucent layer; the sensor may be
configured to detect input from the vehicle occupant at or adjacent
to the exterior surface of the cover from at least one of (a)
touch; (b) pressure; (c) proximity; (d) movement; (e) gesture; (f)
positioning. The display may be configured to provide illumination
at least partially visible through the exterior surface of the
cover; operation of the user interface for the vehicle occupant may
comprise at least one of (a) output from illumination from the
display and (b) input detected by the sensor. See FIGS. 17A-17O and
27. The step of pressing the cover toward the sensor may comprise
compressing the cover toward the sensor to a first threshold
distance where input can be detected by the sensor to actuate the
user interface. The step of contacting the exterior surface may
comprise contact within a second threshold distance where input can
be detected by the sensor to operate and/or to position the user
interface. See FIGS. 17H and 17I (distance HA and distance HB). The
step of pressing the cover toward the sensor may comprise deforming
the composite structure at least partially. See e.g. FIG. 12C. The
method may further comprise the step of movement at or adjacent the
exterior surface detected as input by the sensor; the step of
contacting the exterior surface within a second threshold distance
may not require deformation of the composite structure. See FIGS.
17A-17O and 27.
[0134] According to an exemplary embodiment, a vehicle interior
component may be configured to provide a user interface for a
vehicle occupant in a vehicle comprising vehicle systems. The
component may comprise a composite structure configured to provide
the user interface with a cover providing an exterior surface and a
sensor and a functional layer. See e.g. FIGS. 2B and 16A-16T. The
cover may comprise a translucent layer. The cover may comprise at
least one of (a) textile; (b) fabric; (c) fiber mesh; (d) leather;
(e) grain surface; (f) synthetic fiber fabric; (g) natural fibers;
(h) artificial leather; (i) polyester; (j) synthetic fibers; (k)
fabric sheet; (l) upholstered material; (m) a fleece material; (n)
a woven material; (o) a non-woven material; (p) a sheet material;
(q) a perforated material; (r) a composite of multiple fiber
materials. The sensor may be configured to detect input from the
vehicle occupant at or adjacent to the exterior surface of the
cover from at least one of (a) touch; (b) pressure; (c) proximity;
(d) movement; (e) gesture; (f) positioning; operation of the user
interface for the vehicle occupant may comprise input detected by
the sensor. See FIGS. 17A-17O and 27. See also FIGS. 26A-26B,
28A-28E and 29A-29B.
[0135] According to an exemplary embodiment, a vehicle interior
component may be configured to provide a user interface for a
vehicle occupant in a vehicle comprising vehicle systems. See e.g.
FIGS. 3A-3T, 24 and 27. The component may comprise a composite
structure configured to provide the user interface with a cover
providing an exterior surface and a display and a functional layer.
See FIGS. 2B, 13A-13D and 16A-16T. The display may be configured to
provide illumination at least partially visible through the
functional layer and through the exterior surface of the cover;
interaction with the user interface for the vehicle occupant may
comprise visible output from illumination from the display. See
e.g. FIGS. 3A-3T and 17J-17O.
[0136] According to an exemplary embodiment, a vehicle interior
component may comprise one of (a) a surface layer positioned on top
of other layers at least partly translucent and at least partly
accessible by hand for a user, (b) a layer with a capacitive touch
panel, (c) a layer with a flexible spacer (e.g. spacer fabric,
fabric spacer, foam material, etc.), and (d) a display covered by
the surface. See FIGS. 2A-2C and 16A-16T. According to an exemplary
embodiment, the surface layer/cover, sensor shown as capacitive
touch panel, positioning/spacer layer and display may be combined
(e.g. in a stack) to create a configuration for a user interface
area characterized by a soft and at least partly translucent
surface; as indicated, sufficient areas of the layers between the
display and the surface are translucent for the light emitted from
the display; the sensor such as a capacitive touch panel may be
provided with a trigger position on or below the surface from the
view of the user (e.g. to operate as a switch to activate the user
interface); the area of the cover/surface of the composite
structure presenting the user interface may be used as an
integrated control/touch panel (e.g. for input) and display panel
(e.g. for output). See e.g. FIGS. 3A-3T and 17J-17O.
[0137] According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically
in FIGS. 2A-2C, the composite structure may comprise a translucent
exterior/cover surface (e.g. "A-surface" or "show surface" in the
vehicle) and provide a contoured/formed surface or
three-dimensional shape (e.g. holding a shape of regular
geometrical bodies/structures for vehicle interior components).
According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in
FIGS. 12A-12E, 13A-13D, 16A-16B, and 17A-17O, the
functional/foam/positioning layer of the composite structure may
comprise a flexible material/spacer configured to be deformed by
the vehicle occupant in use/operation of the user interface;
according to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically in FIGS.
12C and 17J-17K, deformation of the surface of the composite
structure at the user interface operates as a switch to activate
the user interface for operation (and deactivate according to an
exemplary embodiment) (e.g. when the sensor detects a
"trigger"/threshold proximity the user interface is switched
on/activated to be operational). See also FIGS. 26A-26B, 27,
28A-28E and 29A-29B.
[0138] According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically
in FIGS. 12A-12C and 16A-16T, the translucent surface may comprise
a textile/fabric/sheet and/or a fleece and/or a plastic (such as
like polycarbonate PC, polyurethane PUR, polyvinyl chloride PVC,
etc. in a layer/cover or film) and/or leather and/or natural fiber;
the surface material may be perforated to improve the visibility of
the illumination/light from the display. See e.g. FIG. 20H.
According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically, the
positioning/functional/foam layer that may provide the spacer E may
comprise a fabric and/or a foam material that is deformable (e.g.
fabric, spacer fabric, foam, polyurethane, fiber material, woven
material, etc.); and the spacer may be configured to perform
electromagnetic (e.g. EMV) shielding and may be configured to
shield/direct light from the display/LED array for the user
interface (e.g. directing light from display/LED elements to the
surface). See e.g. FIGS. 2B, 13A-13D, 16A-16T and 20G-20H.
[0139] According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically
in FIGS. 20A-20H and 22A-22E, the display may comprise at least one
light emitting diode system; the display system may comprise an
array of light emitting diodes (e.g. such as surface mount LED
elements on a flexible material); according to an exemplary
embodiment the display system may comprise an light array such as a
conventional flexible LED array/panel system or a high resolution
OLED array/panel system. See FIGS. 16A-16T (showing light array
such as LED/OLED array). See also FIGS. 22A-22E (display/sensor
module shown schematically with high resolution LED/OLED array). As
indicated schematically in FIG. 12D, the light array/display layer
L may comprise an array of light-emitting diode (LED) elements
operable as a display to present various images, text, messages,
etc. See e.g. FIGS. 2A-2C, 3A-3T, 4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F, 7A-7F,
8A-8E, 9A-9E, 10A-10F, 11A-11E and 14A-14E. As shown schematically
in FIGS. 20A-20H and 22A-22E, the array may be sized and configured
with a resolution suitable for the application/use (e.g. with
smaller LED elements, with closer-positioned LED elements, with
surface-mount LED elements [e.g. sized 20 to 50 mm or other size]
with varied brightness/color or optical performance, with power
consumption/efficiency, etc.) as intended or selected for the
purpose/need in the vehicle interior. See e.g. FIGS. 1B, 2A-2C,
3A-3T and 15A-15C. According to an exemplary embodiment, the
display L of the composite structure 10 presenting the user
interface with display elements 20 may comprise a commercially
available configuration (e.g. panel, array, etc.) that can be
connected to a controller/control system for
operation/functionality and interaction with vehicle systems and
other systems (e.g. data/network connectivity). See e.g. FIGS.
2A-2B, 20A-20H, 23B, 24 and 27.
[0140] According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically
in FIGS. 3A-3T and 8A-8E, in operation of the user interface, the
display may be configured to selectively emit light in response to
a signal from the sensor; the sensor may be configured to receive
an input and transmit a signal (e.g. the sensor such as a
capacitive touch panel may be configured for decreased electrical
resistance as pressure may be applied to the panel). See also FIGS.
23A-23B, 24 and 27. According to an exemplary embodiment as shown
schematically in FIGS. 2B, 12A-12E, 13A-13D, 16A-16T, 17A-17O,
18A-18D and 21A-21F, the sensor (and other layers) of the composite
structure may be flexible and may be formed into various different
shapes. According to an exemplary embodiment, the composite
structure may comprise a functional layer which has at least partly
a pattern of electrical conductors which are heated by current;
thermal textile (e.g. positive temperature coefficient yarn/PTC
yarn) may be used to control the heating; the composite
structure/system may comprise at least partly a layer with Peltier
elements (e.g. textile Peltier elements) cooled by current; thermal
management may be implemented according to an exemplary embodiment
at a functional layer (shown schematically as layer N and/or layer
N/HS); the functional layer for thermal management may comprise an
electrically conductive textile/yarn; a controller may be used to
control the heating/cooling at a layer such as shown by thermal
management layer HS. See e.g. FIGS. 2A-2C, 13A-13D and 16A-16T. See
also FIGS. 24, 26A-26B, 27, 28A-28E and 29A-29B.
[0141] According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically
in FIGS. 2B and 12A-12C, the composite structure may comprise a
stack of layers configured to be mounted on a structure/frame or
body for a vehicle interior component where the user interface is
to be provided for a vehicle occupant to interact with vehicle
systems and other systems/networks. See also FIGS. 14A-14E, 24 and
27.
[0142] According to an exemplary embodiment, the composite
structure may comprise a sensor C configured as a component/system
to provide the user interface system; as indicated schematically,
the sensor C may comprise a sensor/layer in the form of a
capacitive touch panel, which may be calibrated to detect proximity
and motion at or adjacent to the surface of the cover (e.g. to
recognize contact/touch and movements/gestures of the user as
input); the component/system may comprise a layer with a pattern
(e.g. shown schematically as a formed/printed conductive pattern WM
on sensor array C in FIG. 23A) configured to detect/sense and
located pressure on the surface of the component/system. See e.g.
FIGS. 17A-17O, 21A-21F, 23A, 24 and 27. According to an exemplary
embodiment, the component/system may comprise and integrate as a
functional layer an actuator which vibrates the surface (e.g.
providing haptic feedback for a vehicle occupant interacting with
the surface). See e.g. FIGS. 13A-13D and 16A-16T. As shown
schematically according to an exemplary embodiment, a controller
may be further configured to send a control signal to at least one
of (a) an indicator, (b) a display, (c) a climate control module,
(d) an entertainment control module, (e) a security control module,
(f) an engine control unit, (g) a data store, (h) a database, (i) a
motor, (j) a vehicle seat, (k) a window regulator/control. See e.g.
FIGS. 23A-23B and 24 (showing schematically a controller or a
connection to a computer system to manage control of the user
interface interactions such as display/lighting, etc. using a
control program). According to an exemplary embodiment, a method of
using a vehicle interior component may be characterized by the
detection by the sensor of (a) a pattern of finger tips and/or hand
movements on the surface; (b) and/or gestures of the user or a
combination of movements and gestures and touches. See FIGS.
17A-17O and 27. See also FIGS. 26A-26B, 28A-28E and 29A-29B.
According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically, the
pattern, movements or gestures detected at the sensor may change
the displayed control element or visual appearance (displayed
features) and/or make the displayed features moveable by touch or
wipe (repositionable) and/or move the sensitivity of the touch
panel fixed to the displayed features. See e.g. FIGS. 3A-3T and
17A-17O. According to an exemplary embodiment, a method of using a
vehicle interior component may comprise a set of calibrated
hand/finger movements by a vehicle occupant to operate the user
interface at the composite structure (e.g. a double finger-tip of
two fingers, activates a set of functions, e.g. window-lift
operation, and repeat of that double finger-tip of two fingers
activates a next set of functions such as climate control). See
FIGS. 26A-26B, 28A-28E and 29A-29B. See also FIGS. 3A-3T, 4A-4F,
5A-5F, 6A-6F, 7A-7F, 8A-8E, 9A-9E, 10A-10F, 11A-11E and 27.
According to an exemplary embodiment, a method of using a vehicle
interior component presenting a user interface on the surface/cover
of a composite structure may comprise a vehicle occupant having the
capability to "paint" (e.g. by using parts/palm of the hand) with
light on the surface/cover (e.g. an option to illuminate
selectively the surface of the composite structure with
illumination or displayed light from the display). See FIGS. 3G and
17L-17M. See also FIGS. 26A-26B and 29A-29B. According to an
exemplary embodiment, a method of using a vehicle interior
component may comprise that the user interface at the composite
structure will vibrate (e.g. haptic feedback from an actuator in a
functional layer N) to provide a feedback a vehicle occupant (e.g.
feel/haptic sense at the fingers of the vehicle occupant to confirm
the activation). See e.g. FIGS. 2B and 16A-16T. According to an
exemplary embodiment, a method of using a vehicle interior
component may comprise that a drag/drop (e.g. slide/throw) gesture
of the hand of a vehicle occupant may reposition a display element
(such as an image, icon, menu, feature, etc.) displayed on the
cover/surface of the composite structure. See FIGS. 3H-3I and 17.
According to an exemplary embodiment, a method of using a vehicle
interior component may comprise that a gesture or movement (e.g.
moving hand) activates the user interface to awake and display
information/views on the cover/surface. See e.g. FIGS. 17D-17E and
26A-26B. See also FIGS. 3A-3T.
[0143] According to an exemplary embodiment, a method of using a
vehicle interior component comprising a composite structure with a
layer that may be heated and/or cooled may characterized by (a)
that the heating and/or cooling may be used to provide comfort to
the vehicle occupant (including any passenger) and/or (b) that at
least one cooled area of the surface provides feedback information
to the passenger and/or (c) that at least one heated area of the
surface provides feedback information to the passenger. See FIGS.
23A-23B, 24, 26A and 27.
[0144] According to an exemplary embodiment, a method of using a
vehicle interior component may comprise that the composite
structure with cover/surface in the area of the air conditioning
outlet/symbol may be configured to provide feedback to confirm the
activation of the air conditioning system; the composite structure
in the area of the heating outlet/symbol may be configured to
provide a feedback to confirm the activation of the heating system
(e.g. a thermal management/functional layer may comprise and
integrate a thermocouple, thermometer, etc. to monitor and control
thermal response/status in the vehicle interior). See FIGS. 16A-16B
and 24. See also FIG. 26A.
[0145] According to an exemplary embodiment, a method of using a
vehicle interior component may include a sensor such as pressure
sensitive layer and/or an optical device which could detect the
position of an object lying on a surface may be characterized by
the steps of marking the position of the object with light from the
display layer (e.g. outline or fill with color); marking proposed
fixation points; display instructions near to the detected object;
and display symbols near to the detected object; in a
compartment/trunk at least one object may be marked for fixation
and/or proposed fixation points are illuminated and/or instructions
for fixation are given with regards to size and weight. See e.g.
FIGS. 1B and 24.
[0146] According to an exemplary embodiment, a user interface
system for a vehicle interior may comprise a contact surface at the
cover layer T; a sensor shown as a capacitive touch panel may be
covered by the contact surface; a positioning layer shown as a
spacer may be coupled to the touch panel; and a display may covered
by the spacer and configured to emit light/illumination through the
cover layer. See e.g. FIGS. 2A-2C and 14A-14E. According to an
exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in FIGS. 17J-17O, the
spacer, the sensor (e.g. a projected capacitive touch panel or
other component/technology) and the cover/contact surface are
configured to be translucent to allow light emitted by the display
to pass through the contact surface. See also FIGS. 13A-13D and
16A-16T. According to an exemplary embodiment as shown
schematically, the cover/exterior contact surface may comprise a
textile; the positioning layer/spacer may comprise a foam material
(e.g. foam, polyurethane, etc.). See FIGS. 2B, 12A-12E, 13A-13D,
16A-16T, 17A-17O and 18A-18D. According to an exemplary embodiment,
the display may comprise at least one light emitting diode; the
display may comprise a flexible material comprising an array of
light emitting diodes; the display may be configured to selectively
emit light in response to a signal from the sensor. See FIGS.
20A-20H and 23B. See also FIGS. 17A-17O and 27. According to an
exemplary embodiment, the composite structure of the vehicle
interior component may comprise a controller configured for
operation by a vehicle occupant for at least one of (a) sending a
signal to a control module, (b) controlling a motor, (c) providing
a signal to a vehicle component, (d) providing electrical power to
a vehicle component, (e) providing at least one of (1) visible
feedback, (2) audible feedback, (3) tactile feedback, (4) haptic
feedback to the vehicle occupant; the controller may be further
configured to send a control signal to at least one of (a) an
indicator, (b) a display, (c) a climate control module, (d) an
entertainment control module, (e) a security control module, (f) an
engine control unit, (g) a data store, (h) a database, (i) a motor,
(j) a vehicle seat, (k) a window regulator/control. See FIGS. 1B,
2A-2C, 3A-3T, 4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F, 7A-7F, 8A-8E, 9A-9E, 10A-10F,
11A-11E, 14A-14E, 15A-15C, 25A-25D and 27. See also FIGS. 26A-26B,
28A-28E and 29A-29B.
[0147] According to an exemplary embodiment, a user interface
system for a vehicle interior may be provided by a composite
structure with a cover or contact surface; a sensor such as a
capacitive touch panel covered by the cover or contact surface; a
positioning layer such as a spacer coupled to the touch panel; and
a display covered by the spacer configured to emit light. See FIGS.
2B, 13A-13D, 16A-16T, 19A-19D, 20A-20H. According to an exemplary
embodiment as shown schematically, the positioning layer (e.g.
spacer), the sensor (e.g. capacitive touch panel) and the
cover/contact surface are configured to be translucent to allow
illumination from (light emitted by) the display to pass through
the cover/contact surface; the contact surface may comprise a
textile; the display may comprise a flexible material comprising an
array of light emitting diodes. See 12A-12E, 16A-16T, 17A-17O,
18A-18D, 19A-19D and 20A-20H. According to an exemplary embodiment
as shown schematically in FIGS. 20A-20H, the display may be
configured to selectively emit light in response to a signal from
the capacitive touch panel. According to an exemplary embodiment as
shown schematically in FIGS. 21A-21F, the sensor shown as
capacitive touch panel may be configured to receive a touch input
and transmit a signal at a user interface provided at the composite
structure. See also FIG. 23A. (According to an exemplary embodiment
as shown schematically, a sensor such as a capacitive touch panel
may be configured for calibration of detected signals corresponding
to movement and location of the hand of a vehicle occupant and/or
touch and the application of pressure, see FIGS. 17J-17O, 21A-21F
and 23A.)
[0148] According to an exemplary embodiment, the composite
structure/system may comprise a controller provided through a user
interface and configured for operation of vehicle systems and
interconnection with other systems/networks by a vehicle occupant.
See FIGS. 12B, 23A-23B, 24 and 27.
[0149] According to an exemplary embodiment, the composite
structure or component may be configured and comprised to provide a
user interface to facilitate interactions by a vehicle occupant
with vehicle systems and subsystems including but not limited to
vehicle systems as shown in the FIGURES.
Construction of Composite Structure
[0150] According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically in
the FIGURES, a composite structure for the vehicle interior may
comprise a combination of multiple layers of a form/material and
with a type arranged and constructed to form various components
providing form and fit and function according to design intent
and/or requirements (e.g. for automotive use in a vehicle
interior). See e.g. FIGS. 1B, 2A-2C, 13A-13D and 16A-16T. According
to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically, the composite
structure comprises a set of layers of materials/components
configured to present a user interface system for a vehicle
occupant to interact with vehicle systems/other systems (e.g. cover
layers such as layer T/TH/PC/PVC/PUR/TPO, integrated layers such as
with layer E/F/N, functional layers such as layer N/HS/D,
base/bond/substrate layers such as layer B/S, sensor layer C,
display layer L, positioning layer E, foam layer F, etc.). See
FIGS. 1B, 2A-2C, 12A-12H, 13A-13D, 15A-15C, 16A-16T, 17A-17O, and
18A-18D (configuration of component/layer construction of composite
structure according to an exemplary embodiment). See also FIGS.
23A-23B, 24 and 27 (controller/control system and operation).
[0151] According to an exemplary embodiment, the composite
structure for a vehicle interior component shown as multilayer
structure 10 may be configured with a user interface comprising a
sensor/detector C (e.g. for input) and a display/light system L
(e.g. for output) to facilitate interaction by a vehicle occupant
(e.g. at a display element such as a panel/area 20 for input and/or
output) with vehicle systems and other systems/devices and
networks/data. See generally FIGS. 1B, 2A-2C, 3A-3T, 8A-8E,
11A-11F, 12A-12H, 13A-13D, 14A-14E, 15A-15C, 16A-16T, 17A-17O,
18A-18D, 20A-20H, 21A-21F, 22A-22E, 24 and 27. According to an
exemplary embodiment, the composite structure configured to provide
a user interface to vehicle systems/other systems may comprise a
display/light array with no sensor/sensor array. See FIGS. 19A-19D
and 23B. According to an exemplary embodiment, the composite
structure may comprise a sensor array with no light array. See e.g.
FIGS. 17B-17F and 23A.
[0152] According to an exemplary embodiment, the composite
structure with cover may comprise multiple physical/structural
and/or functional layers in a variety of various combinations to
provide a user interface for a vehicle occupant to facilitate
interaction with vehicle systems and other systems/networks from
the vehicle at the user interface. See e.g. FIGS. 1B, 2A-2C, 3A-3T,
8A-8E, 23A-23B, 24 and 27. See also FIGS. 26A-26B, 28A-28E and
29A-29B.
[0153] According to an exemplary embodiment, the composite
structure may comprise a substrate; the composite structure may be
coupled to at least one or more components in a vehicle interior
such as (a) a trim component; (b) a panel; (c) a door; (d) a
surface; (e) a console; (f) a base. See e.g. FIGS. 1B and 2A-2C.
According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically and
representationally in the FIGURES (and in other
forms/arrangements), various layers and components may be combined
and/or arranged and integrated and/or omitted in construction of
the functional system of the composite structure to provide a user
interface for a vehicle interior component with vehicle systems and
other systems/networks. See e.g. FIGS. 12A-12E, 13A-13D, 16A-16T,
17A-17O, 18A-18D, 19A-19D, 23A-23B, 24 and 27.
Cover/Exterior Surface Layer (T/TH/PC/PUR/PVC/TPO/Film/Etc.)
[0154] According to an exemplary embodiment, the surface of the
exterior layer or cover may comprise or be
constructed/formed/treated to provide any of a variety of effects
to facilitate any of a wide variety of visual and/or physical
and/or virtual interactions with and through the composite
structure of the vehicle interior component.
[0155] According to an exemplary embodiment, the cover or exterior
surface/layer of the composite structure may be provided and
configured to provide certain properties or combinations of
properties intended to fulfill design intent and/or requirements.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the exterior layer may be
configured to provide the visual/decorative appearance of the
composite structure of the vehicle interior component (e.g.
provided in a color/tone and etc.); the exterior layer may exhibit
properties of texture/haptic sensation (e.g. proper softness of
feel) for a vehicle occupant; the exterior layer may function as a
barrier/membrane for the composite structure of the vehicle
interior component and provide for water/liquid repellence and ease
of cleaning (e.g. stain resistance, dirt repellence, impregnation
with anti-stain compound, etc.); the exterior layer may be selected
or constructed to transmit light (e.g. provide translucence for
light from a light source such as a display shown as an LED array
in the composite structure of the vehicle interior component); the
exterior layer may be selected and constructed to present a display
element or information panel for a user interface; the exterior
layer may be selected and constructed to function as a control
panel for a user interface. See generally FIGS. 1B, 2A-2C, 3A-3T,
8A-8E, 11A-11F, 12A-12E, 13A-13D, 14A-14E, 15A-15C, 16A-16T,
17A-17O, 18A-18D, 19A-19D. See also FIGS. 24 and 27.
[0156] According to an exemplary embodiment, the exterior layer may
be configured for form and fit and function of the composite
structure of the vehicle interior component. For example, the layer
may comprise or be provided as a fabric/textile sheet. According to
an exemplary embodiment, the fabric layer may be comprised of one
or more materials in a range of thickness between 0.2 and 0.5 mm
(or any other suitable thickness). According to an exemplary
embodiment, the layer may comprise or be provided from a leather
material (e.g. of a type which incorporates translucence of visible
light or is selected and treated to provide for translucence of
visible light) in a thickness of a range of 0.2 to 1.2 mm (or any
other suitable thickness); the cover or outer surface/exterior
surface may comprise any of a wide variety of materials provided in
any of a wide variety of thickness suitable for the purpose. See
e.g. FIGS. 13A-13D, 16A-16T and 17A-17O. According to an exemplary
embodiment, the layer may comprise or be provided as a plastic/poly
material such as polycarbonate (e.g. in a film, layer, etc. with a
thickness in a range or polyurethane/vinyl (e.g. in a film, layer,
etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the exterior layer may
comprise or be constructed from any of a variety of other woven or
non-woven materials (e.g. fabric, textile, fiber, skin, film,
etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the cover layer may
comprise or be constructed of materials that facilitate heat
transfer and/or other heating or cooling effects (e.g.
conductivity, ventilation, Peltier effect, etc.).
[0157] According to an exemplary embodiment, the cover may comprise
or be constructed of a variety of other types of materials and in a
variety of other thicknesses configured to provide the form and fit
and function for the composite structure of the vehicle interior
component. According to an exemplary embodiment, the cover may
comprise or be constructed separately or as a composite of multiple
materials and/or of treated materials (e.g. coated, painted,
backed, treated, multi-layer etc.) for use in a vehicle interior.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the cover may comprise or be
constructed/formed to incorporate one or more other functional
layers of the composite (e.g. positioning/spacer layer, diffuser
layer, heating layer, cooling layer, etc.).
[0158] According to an exemplary embodiment, the exterior
layer/surface or cover provides the visual/tactile physical user
interface (e.g. for the human machine interface (HMI)) and
facilitates the interaction between the vehicle occupant and the
vehicle through the composite structure of the vehicle interior
component (e.g. as cover for other layers of the composite
structure of the vehicle interior component). See e.g. FIGS. 3A-3T,
17A-17O and 27.
[0159] According to an exemplary embodiment, the exterior layer or
cover may comprise or be constructed/formed/treated to provide one
or more of a variety of features and/or properties such as
decorative appearance, color (e.g. tone and shade), visual texture
(e.g. gloss, matte, grain, uniformity, smoothness, gripping,
adhesion, etc.), feel (tactile sensation, haptic
sensation/functionality, firmness, softness, etc.), resilience
(e.g. to wear, abrasion, touching, etc.), durability (e.g. to
environmental conditions such as heat/cold and humidity, repellence
(e.g. to spills/liquids, dirt, etc.), flexibility (e.g. stiffness,
etc.), translucence, convenience (e.g. easy to maintain, ease to
clean, etc.), recyclability (e.g. material selection for reuse at
end of life), uniformity (e.g. visual/physical consistency with
other interior components of the vehicle, etc.), thermodynamic
performance (e.g. heating and/or cooling), interconnectivity (e.g.
integrated with electronic/electrical/data interfaces for other
devices and components such as charging and data connection), etc.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the exterior or cover layer
may comprise or be constructed/formed in a generally uniform (e.g.
monolithic) form or to provide multiple segments (e.g. with varying
characteristics such as varying uniformity, translucence, inserts
such as of other types/materials, etc.).
[0160] According to an exemplary embodiment, as shown schematically
in FIGS. 2A-2C, the exterior layer may comprise a cover or skin of
a form and material construction provides a haptic effect (e.g.
including for interaction with the sensor array) and translucent
effect (including for function/interaction with the light
array/display) to facilitate operation of the user interface for
the composite structure of the vehicle interior component (e.g.
construction of cover in a manner to allow transmission of light,
for example with construction of opaque materials with
voids/perforations/mesh effect, construction from
translucent/semi-transparent material, material that transmits
light and absorbs relatively less light from the
display/light-transmissive layer/cover, etc.). See also FIGS.
13A-13D and 16A-16T.
[0161] According to an exemplary embodiment, the exterior layer
shows schematically in the FIGURES as a cover T (see e.g. FIG. 2B)
may comprise a fabric/textile/fiber material; according to an
exemplary embodiment, the exterior layer may comprise a leather
material shown as cover TH, synthetic material, plastic/poly
material such as a film, etc. (e.g. polycarbonate PC, polyvinyl
chloride PVC, polyurethane PUR, TPO/film, etc.). See e.g. FIGS.
13A-13D and 16A-16T. As shown schematically according to an
exemplary embodiment, the material for the cover/exterior surface
layer may facilitate touching/compression for interaction with the
user interface (e.g. sensor detection of touch/movement and display
illumination of surface/visibility). See e.g. FIGS. 12C and 17A-17O
and 27. See also FIGS. 26A-26B, 28A-28E and 29A-29B.
[0162] According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically
and representationally in the FIGURES, the cover may comprise at
least one of (a) textile; (b) fabric; (c) fiber mesh; (d) leather;
(e) grain surface; (f) synthetic fiber fabric; (g) natural fibers;
(h) artificial leather; (i) polyester; (j) synthetic fibers; (k)
fabric sheet; (l) upholstered material; (m) a fleece material; (n)
a woven material; (o) a non-woven material; (p) a sheet material;
(q) a perforated material; (r) a composite of multiple fiber
materials; the cover may comprise at least one of (a) film; (b)
resin; (c) polycarbonate; (d) polyurethane; (e) polyvinyl material;
(f) a composite of multiple plastic materials; (g) a composite of
multiple materials.
Positioning (Spacer) Layer (E)
[0163] According to an exemplary embodiment, the composite
structure may comprise at least one positioning/spacer layer
according to an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIGS. 2B, 12A-12E,
13A-13D and 16A-16T (e.g. foam material, fabric material, spacer
fabric, fiber material, woven material, etc.). According to an
exemplary embodiment, a positioning/spacer layer E may be
configured to provide certain properties or combinations of
properties intended to fulfill design intent and/or requirements,
including but not limited to touch/feel, translucence,
softness/resilience, etc. See e.g. FIGS. 3A-3T, 12C and 17A-17O
(showing interaction at cover/surface by contact, touch, press,
hover).
[0164] According to an exemplary embodiment, the positioning/spacer
layer may be configured to provide positioning/spacing for the
layers or sub-layers of the composite structure; the
positioning/spacer layer may function as a barrier/shield for the
composite structure of the vehicle interior component (e.g.
electromagnetic interference/EMI, EMV, etc.); the
positioning/spacer layer may also provide for uniform separation of
other layers to facilitate the function/operation of the composite
structure/component. According to an exemplary embodiment, the
positioning/spacer layer may be selected or constructed to transmit
light (e.g. provide translucence for light from a light source such
as the display or lighting/LED array in the composite
structure).
[0165] According to an exemplary embodiment, the positioning/spacer
layer may be configured for form and fit and function of the
composite structure of the vehicle interior component. For example,
the positioning layer may comprise or be provided as a fabric
material (e.g. spacer fabric, etc.) or foam or polyurethane
material (e.g. providing softness) or from a fiber/yarn material
(e.g. woven from single yarn/fiber). According to an exemplary
embodiment, the positioning/spacer layer may comprise or be
constructed/formed to incorporate one or more other functional
layers of the composite structure; the positioning/spacer layer (or
material) may comprise a functional layer; the positioning/spacer
layer (or material) may perform a diffuser function and/or a shield
function for interference (e.g. electrical, magnetic, etc.) or
shield function for light from the display/LED array as well as to
maintain uniformity in transmission of light/illumination from the
display (e.g. LED array/panel). See FIGS. 2B, 12A-12E and 16A-16T.
See also FIG. 20H (diffuser layer for the display).
[0166] According to an exemplary embodiment, the positioning/spacer
layer may be configured to provide separation between the
cover/external surface and the sensor of the composite structure to
facilitate the operation of the user interface (e.g. for the human
machine interface (HMI)). As shown schematically in FIGS. 12C,
16A-16B, 17A-17O, the positioning layer may comprise a material
that is provided in a segment configured to compress under pressure
(e.g. in a form with compliant elements that compress or buckle
under a threshold pressure and then return to form when pressure is
removed); the positioning layer may be formed of a foam material or
may provide the properties of a foam material. According to an
exemplary embodiment, the positioning/spacer layer may provide
uniform spacing and flexibility/softness for compression/touch
effects at the user interface (e.g. to facilitate uniform operation
of the user interface) and shear resistance between layers of the
composite structure (e.g. at an interface with the cover, at an
interface with the sensor array/foil, at other interfaces of the
positioning/spacer layer) to facilitate proper performance of the
composite structure in use. See e.g. FIGS. 12C, 13A-13D, 16A-16T,
17A-17O and 27. See also FIGS. 26A-26B, 28A-28E and 29A-29B.
According to an exemplary embodiment, a positioning/spacer layer
may be provided at multiple positions within the composite
structure. See e.g. FIG. 2B. At each position where the
positioning/spacer layer is provided, positioning/spacing (e.g. for
uniform operation) and other functions (e.g. diffusion of light,
shielding of EMI, etc.) may be performed (or other layers may
provide the function of the positioning layer). See generally FIGS.
13A-13D, 16A-16T and 17A-17O.
[0167] According to an exemplary embodiment, the positioning layer
may comprise at least one of (a) a spacer; (b) a flexible spacer;
(c) a shield for electromagnetic interference; (c) a foam material;
(e) a plastic material.
Diffuser Layer (D)
[0168] According to an exemplary embodiment, a diffuser layer may
be provided according to an exemplary embodiment as shown
schematically in FIGS. 16A-16F and 20G-20H. According to an
exemplary embodiment, the diffuser layer may be configured to
provide certain properties or combinations of properties intended
to fulfill design intent and/or requirements, including but not
limited to providing for uniformity of the illumination from the
display as presented at the exterior surface of the cover of the
composite structure. According to an exemplary embodiment, the
diffuser layer may be integrated with other layers of the composite
structure (e.g. within the positioning/spacer layer).
[0169] According to an exemplary embodiment, the diffuser layer may
comprise any materials/construction known to provide diffusion of
illumination (e.g. arrangement of materials such as poly methyl
methacrylate, Plexiglas, etc. with optical constituent components
such as uniform spheres, etc.); the diffuser layer may be omitted
and/or used with or according to the resolution of the display
(e.g. used with a low resolution display, omitted with a high
resolution display, etc.).
Base (Carrier)/Substrate Layer (B/S)
[0170] According to an exemplary embodiment, a base/substrate may
be provided for the composite structure; the base/substrate may be
provided as a layer arrangement for the composite structure (e.g.
to mount or facilitate mounting on/assembly into a vehicle interior
component). See e.g. FIGS. 1B and 2A-2C. According to an exemplary
embodiment, base/substrate layer arrangement may be configured to
provide certain properties or combinations of properties intended
to fulfill design intent and/or requirements, including for and fit
and function. According to an exemplary embodiment, the
base/substrate layer arrangement may comprise materials used for
vehicle interior component structures and/or construction such as
plastics/resins, fiber/plastic/resin composites (e.g.
polypropylene, etc.), hybrid materials (e.g. fiber/molded
plastic/resin), metal, wood, etc.; the base/substrate layer
arrangement may be configured to provide a mechanical structure or
frame for support and stiffness and integrity for the composite
structure. See FIGS. 1B, 2A-2C, 16A-16T and 17A-17O.
[0171] According to an exemplary embodiment, the composite
structure with base/frame may be mounted on or assembled into a
component or structure in the vehicle interior (e.g. to form a
vehicle interior component). See e.g. FIGS. 1B and 2A-2C. According
to an exemplary embodiment the composite structure may be provided
as generally flexible composite surface (e.g. a soft/cushioned
surface having a flexible form) for installation in a structure for
a vehicle interior component or structure (e.g. to provide
rigidity/rigidification generally for the soft/flexible composite
surface/structure). See e.g. FIG. 2B.
Adhesive Material/Bond/Glue (Securing of Layers/Components)
[0172] According to an exemplary embodiment, adhesive materials
such as glue (e.g. silicon glue) may be used to secure or bond
layers/components of the composite structure together in assembly
(e.g. glue, bond, adhesive for the automotive industry or
equivalent); the adhesive/glue may be selected from available
commercial products that provide characteristics such as stability,
uniformity, aging resistance, etc. According to an exemplary
embodiment, alternative methods of securing layers of the composite
structure may be employed (e.g. such as mechanical connections,
bonding, adhesive, molding, etc. selected for the
purpose/application to provide properties suitable for use). See
e.g. FIGS. 13A-13D and 16A-16T.
Display/Light/Illumination Panel/Array Layer (L)
[0173] According to an exemplary embodiment, the composite
structure may comprise a display to provide illumination for the
user interface (e.g. directed light through intermediate layers and
made visible at the exterior surface of the cover of the composite
structure). See e.g. FIGS. 2B-2C, 3A-3T, 8A-8E, 17J-17O, 20A-20H
and 23C. See also FIGS. 26A-26B, 27, 28A-28E and 29A-29B (operation
of user interface).
[0174] According to an exemplary embodiment, the display may
comprise a commercially available product such an LED/OLED panel
(e.g. flexible panel/array sheet with light emitting device/diode
elements). According to an exemplary embodiment, the display may
comprise a lighting/display layer for the composite structure
configured to provide certain properties or combinations of
properties intended to fulfill design intent and/or requirements
(including intensity, durability, environmental conditions,
flexibility, cost efficiency, flexibility, resolution, color,
stability, etc.). See e.g. FIGS. 2A-2C and 20A-20H. According to an
exemplary embodiment, a full-color display may be provided (e.g.
red/green/blue array); other optical/illumination effects may be
incorporated into the composite structure to facilitate intended
performance of the display for the user interface (e.g. filter,
alignment, diffusion, shielding, etc.).
[0175] According to an exemplary embodiment, the lighting/display
layer may be configured to provide the visual/decorative appearance
of the composite structure of the vehicle interior component (e.g.
provided in a color/tone and etc.); the display may be selected and
operated to provide illumination at a suitable level for operation
of the user interface; the lighting/display layer may be selected
or constructed to transmit light as required for useful operation
of the composite structure (e.g. through interposed layers of
material with various levels of translucence). See e.g. FIGS.
2A-2C, 17J-17O and 20A-20H.
[0176] According to an exemplary embodiment, the composite
structure of the vehicle interior component with lighting/display
may comprise multiple physical/structural and/or functional layers
in a variety of various combinations. See FIGS. 12A-12E, 13A-13D,
16A-16T, 17J-17O, 18A-18D, 19A-19D, 20A-20H and 22A-22E.
[0177] According to an exemplary embodiment, the surface of the
lighting/display layer or lighting/display may comprise or be
constructed/formed/treated to provide any of a variety of effects
to facilitate any of a wide variety of visual and/or physical
and/or virtual interactions with and through the composite
structure of the vehicle interior component.
[0178] According to an exemplary embodiment, the display may
comprise a commercially available product such as a display panel,
lighting array, flexible display panel, flexible array, etc. of any
suitable type or form available (e.g. specified for use in an
automotive environment); according to an exemplary embodiment the
display may be a flexible array or panel with light-emitting
devices/diodes (LED) (such as surface mount LED elements of 1.3 to
1.9 mm or in other spacing/resolution) arranged in a suitable
pattern and capable of providing sufficient illumination through
intervening layers of the composite structure. See e.g. FIGS.
20A-20H.
[0179] According to an exemplary embodiment, the display L of the
composite structure 10 presenting the user interface with display
elements 20 may comprise a commercially available configuration
(e.g. panel, array, etc.) that may be connected to a
controller/control system for operation/functionality and
interaction with vehicle systems and other systems (e.g.
data/network connectivity). See e.g. FIGS. 2A-2B, 20A-20H, 23B, 24
and 27.
[0180] According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically in
FIGS. 16G-16H and 22A-22E, the display may be provided as a
pre-assembled module with the sensor (and if required an
intermediate/functional layer).
[0181] According to an exemplary embodiment, the display may
comprise at least one of (a) an array; (b) a grid; (c) a panel; (d)
a display screen; (e) a flexible panel; (f) a lighting array; (g) a
lighting device array; (h) a light-emitting device array; (i) a
LED/OLED array; (j) a flexible LED/OLED array; (k) a flexible
sheet. See e.g. FIGS. 20A-20H.
Sensor/Detector Array/Panel Layer (C)
[0182] As shown schematically according to an exemplary embodiment
in FIGS. 21A-21F, a sensor shown as a sensor/detector layer C may
be provided according to an exemplary embodiment. See also FIGS.
2B, 16A-16T, 17A-17O and 22A-22E. According to an exemplary
embodiment, the sensor/detector layer may be configured to provide
certain properties or combinations of properties intended to
fulfill design intent and/or requirements including to facilitate
the user interface (e.g. with calibration and sensitivity
adjustments at the controller/control system) for the composite
structure. See FIGS. 21A-21F, 23A, 24 and 27.
[0183] According to an exemplary embodiment, the sensor shown as
sensor/detector layer C will be configured for form and fit and
function of the composite structure of the vehicle interior
component. For example, the layer C may comprise or be provided as
a flexible sheet or panel commercially available for use in a
composite structure and/or specified for use in an automotive
environment.
[0184] According to an exemplary embodiment, the sensor/detector
may comprise or be constructed of a variety of other types of
materials and in a variety of other thicknesses configured to
provide the form and fit and function (including sensitivity, etc.)
for the composite structure of the vehicle interior component.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the sensor/detector may
comprise or be constructed separately or as a composite of multiple
materials and/or of treated materials (e.g. coated, painted,
backed, treated, multi-layer etc.) for use in a vehicle interior
component. According to an exemplary embodiment, the
sensor/detector may be constructed/formed to integrate functionally
with other layers of the composite structure (e.g. with layers such
as positioning/spacer layer, diffuser layer, heating layer, cooling
layer, etc.).
[0185] The sensor/detector layer or sensor/detector provides the
positional/tactile physical user interface (e.g. for the human
machine interface (HMI)) and facilitates the interaction by input
between the vehicle occupant and the vehicle through the composite
structure of the vehicle interior component (e.g. as
sensor/detector for other layers of the composite structure of the
vehicle interior component). See FIGS. 17A-17O and 27. See also
FIGS. 26A-26B, 28A-28E and 29A-29B.
[0186] According to an exemplary embodiment, the sensor/detector or
sensor/detector layer may comprise or be constructed/formed in a
generally uniform (e.g. monolithic) form or to provide multiple
segments (e.g. with varying characteristics such as varying
uniformity, translucence, inserts such as of other types/materials,
etc.).
[0187] According to an exemplary embodiment, as shown schematically
in FIGS. 16A-16T and 17A-17O, the sensor/detector layer may
comprise a sensor/detector or skin of a form and material
construction that may facilitate/provide a haptic effect (e.g.
including for interaction with the sensor array/matrix) and
translucent effect (including for function/interaction with the
light array) to facilitate operation of the user interface for the
composite structure of the vehicle interior component. According to
an exemplary embodiment, the sensor (e.g. sensor/detector layer or
sensor/detector component/system) may comprise or be
constructed/formed/treated to provide any of a variety of effects
to facilitate any of a wide variety of visual and/or physical
and/or virtual interactions with and through the composite
structure of the vehicle interior component. See FIGS. 17A-17O and
21A-21F. According to an exemplary embodiment, the sensor may be
configured to detect input from the vehicle occupant at or adjacent
to the exterior surface of the cover; as shown schematically, the
sensor C may comprise a mesh/grid of a commercially available
configuration with elements shown as conductors CW configured into
an array that can be connected to a controller/control system. See
e.g. FIGS. 21A-21F, 23A, 24 and 27. According to an exemplary
embodiment, the sensor C of the composite structure 10 presenting
the user interface with display elements 20 may comprise a
commercially available configuration (e.g. panel, array, etc.) that
may be connected to a controller/control system for
operation/functionality and interaction with vehicle systems and
other systems (e.g. data/network connectivity). See e.g. FIGS.
2A-2B, 21A-21F, 23A, 24 and 27.
[0188] According to an exemplary embodiment, the sensor may
comprise a sensor array/grid such as a projected capacitive touch
sensor foil. See FIGS. 21A-21F. As indicated, the sensitivity of
the sensor may be adjusted (e.g. detection of user input such as by
finger touch/proximity in a range from 1 to 6 mm, for example).
According to an exemplary embodiment, the sensor may comprise or be
constructed from any suitable technology calibrated to function
with the composite structure (including other layers/materials),
such as capacitive touch sensor, projected capacitive touch
foil/array, resistive grid/array, surface acoustic sensor, pressure
transducer/sensor array, infrared grid, matrix, etc. See FIGS.
17A-17O and 27.
[0189] According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically in
FIGS. 16G-16H and 22A-22E, the sensor may be provided as a
pre-assembled module with the display (and if required an
intermediate/functional layer).
[0190] According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically
in FIGS. 23A-23B, 24 and 27 (block/flow diagrams of operation of
the controller/user interface), the vehicle occupant may interact
and operate the user interface through the sensor (and display);
suitable contact and movement from the vehicle occupant would be
calibrated to correspond to commands through a control panel
provided by the user interface (e.g. conventional movements,
touching, tapping, whipping, hovering, etc.). According to an
exemplary embodiment, a menu featuring system/controls may be
provided at the user interface to facilitate and direct a vehicle
occupant/user to activate and interact through the user interface
system. See e.g. FIGS. 25A-25D.
[0191] As shown schematically, the sensor may be calibrated to
detect touch and movement (e.g. from a hand/finger) of a vehicle
occupant to general input. See also FIGS. 26A-26B, 27, 28A-28E and
29A-29B (flow diagrams of operation of the user interface).
[0192] According to an exemplary embodiment, the sensor may
comprise at least one of (a) an array; (b) a grid; (c) a foil; (d)
a panel; (e) a touch panel; (f) a flexible panel; (g) a detector;
(h) a proximity detector; (i) a capacitive touch panel; (j) a
pressure sensitive panel. See FIGS. 17A-17O and 21A-21F.
Functional Layer (N/HS)
[0193] A functional layer may be provided according to an exemplary
embodiment as shown in FIGS. 2B and 16A-16T. According to an
exemplary embodiment, the functional layer N may be configured to
provide certain properties or combinations of functions/properties
intended to fulfill design intent and/or requirements including but
not limited to thermal management, structural form,
spacing/positioning, etc.
[0194] According to an exemplary embodiment, the functional layer
may be configured for form and fit and function of the composite
structure of the vehicle interior component. According to an
exemplary embodiment, the functional layer may comprise a
developed/designed or an integrated/purchased component (for
example) or be constructed of a variety of other types of materials
and in a variety of other thicknesses configured to provide the
form and fit and function for the composite structure of the
vehicle interior component. According to an exemplary embodiment,
the functional layer may comprise or be constructed separately or
as a composite of multiple materials and/or of treated materials
(e.g. coated, painted, backed, treated, multi-layer etc.) for use
in a vehicle interior. According to an exemplary embodiment, the
functional layer may comprise or be constructed/formed to
incorporate one or more other functional layers of the composite
(e.g. positioning/spacer layer, diffuser layer, heating layer,
cooling layer, etc.)
[0195] According to an exemplary embodiment, the functional layer
or functional layers may provide the composite structure with
functions to support the construction of a visual/tactile physical
user interface (e.g. for the human machine interface (HMI)) and may
facilitate the interaction between the vehicle occupant and the
vehicle through the composite structure of the vehicle interior
component (e.g. as functional layer for other layers of the
composite structure of the vehicle interior component). See also
FIGS. 12A-12H, 13A-13D, 16A-16T and 22A-22E.
[0196] According to an exemplary embodiment, the functional layer
or functional layer may comprise or be constructed/formed/treated
to provide one or more of a variety of features and/or properties
such as feel (tactile sensation/feedback, haptic
sensation/functionality, firmness, softness, etc.), resilience
(e.g. to wear, abrasion, touching, etc.), durability (e.g. to
environmental conditions such as heat/cold and humidity, repellence
(e.g. to spills/liquids, dirt, etc.), flexibility (e.g. stiffness,
etc.), translucence, convenience (e.g. easy to maintain, ease to
clean, etc.), recyclability (e.g. material selection for reuse at
end of life), uniformity (e.g. visual/physical consistency with
other interior components of the vehicle, etc.), thermodynamic
performance (e.g. heating and/or cooling), interconnectivity (e.g.
integrated with electronic/electrical/data interfaces for other
devices and components such as charging and data connection), etc.
See e.g. FIGS. 1B, 2A-2C, 3A-3T, 4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F, 7A-7F, 8A-8E,
9A-9E, 10A-10F, 11A-11E, 14A-14E, 15A-15C, 25A-25D and 27. See also
FIGS. 13A-13D, 16A-16T and 24.
[0197] According to an exemplary embodiment, as shown schematically
in the FIGURES, the functional layer may comprise a functional
structure/component, grid/array, skin/sheet, form, material
construction, etc. to perform an intended function; the functional
layer may be configured to provide a haptic effect (e.g. including
for interaction with the sensor array) and translucent effect
(including for function/interaction with the light array) to
facilitate operation of the user interface for the composite
structure of the vehicle interior component (e.g. integrating a
system/mechanism such as an actuator, transducer, panel, speaker,
audio component, electronics/electrical circuit/device, etc.). See
FIGS. 1B, 2A-2C, 3A-3T, 4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F, 7A-7F, 8A-8E, 9A-9E,
10A-10F, 11A-11E, 14A-14E, 15A-15C, 24, 25A-25D and 27.
[0198] According to an exemplary embodiment, the functional layer
may be configured for at least one of (a) positioning; (b) spacing;
(c) haptic feedback; (d) tactile feedback such as vibration; (e)
audible feedback such as sound; (f) optical enhancement; (g) light
shielding; (h) electrical shielding; (i) interference shielding;
(j) electrical charging for a device; (k) interaction with a mobile
device; (l) interaction with a vehicle system; (m) cushioning; (n)
adhesion or bonding; (o) tactile shear/feel performance; (p)
thermal management; (q) heating; (r) cooling; (s) providing the
Peltier effect; (t) diffusion of illumination from the display; (u)
monitoring; (v) recording; (w) alerting; (x) messaging. The
functional layer may be at least partially integrated with at least
one of (a) the cover; (b) the positioning layer; (c) a substrate of
the composite structure.
[0199] According to an exemplary embodiment the functional layer
may comprise and/or perform any of a wide range of functions with
any of a variety of selected materials/structures and/or integrated
composition/structures.
Exemplary Embodiments--I
[0200] Referring to FIGS. 1A-1B and 2A, a vehicle V is shown
including an interior I with a floor console, overhead
systems/headliner, an instrument panel/cockpit, doors and seats.
According to an exemplary embodiment, interior components/trim
components of vehicle V such as consoles (e.g. floor, overhead,
etc.), panels (e.g. instrument, door, overhead, side, wall, etc.),
structures (frames, pillars, etc.), systems (cockpit, instrument,
entertainment, display, overhead, visor, etc.), other
surfaces/trim, seats, etc. may include composite structure 10 with
display element 20 (e.g. shown as visible covers/surfaces or
panels/sections in various configurations and locations for the
vehicle interior). See FIGS. 1B and 2A.
[0201] As shown schematically according to an exemplary embodiment
in FIGS. 2A-2C, a vehicle interior component with a composite
structure with cover 10 with display element 20 (e.g. with exterior
surface/cover) for an interior/trim component may provide a user
interface that may comprise an input/output system (e.g. with
sensor/detector of movement and/or touch sensitive layer to
function as an input device in a layer arrangement/construction
with a display for electronic visual data/information such as from
vehicle/other information processing systems). As shown
schematically in FIG. 2B, according to an exemplary embodiment the
composite structure 10 with display element 20 for a vehicle
interior component such as a floor console FC may comprise a cover
shown as translucent cover surface T (e.g. fabric, leather, etc.),
a functional positioning/spacer layer E (e.g. a foam material), a
foam layer F (e.g. a compliant/resilient foam material), a sensor C
(e.g. shown as a sensor array/foil), a display L (e.g. shown as a
lighting array/LED array); as shown according to an exemplary
embodiment in FIG. 2C, a door assembly/panel DP may comprise a
composite structure 10 with display element 20 constructed to
provide a user interface. See also FIGS. 3A-3T. According to an
exemplary embodiment, the composite structure for the vehicle
interior component provides a user interface at which a user such
as a vehicle occupant may interact by input such as control
commands with the vehicle systems and other systems/networks (e.g.
information processing system) through detected (e.g. simple touch
or multi-touch or hover/movement or other) gestures including by
touching the exterior surface of the composite structure (e.g.
exterior surface/cover). See e.g. FIGS. 3A-3T, 4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F,
7A-7F, 8A-8E, 9A-9E, 10A-10F, 11A-11E, 14A-14E and 15A-15C. See
also FIGS. 16A-16T, 17A-17O, 24 and 27.
[0202] As shown schematically in FIGS. 3A-3T, a console shown as a
center console 100 provides a composite structure with cover 110
(e.g. exterior surface on composite structure comprising layers) to
provide a user interface with a display comprising display elements
that may be positionable/repositionable and configured to interact
with user input; according to an exemplary embodiment, the
composite structure with cover 110 may comprise a sensor such as a
touch sensitive layer (e.g. sensor grid/foil for composite
structure). See also FIGS. 8A-8E, 9A-9F, 10A-10E and 15A-15C
(implementation for a vehicle interior component such as a
panel/door panel).
[0203] As shown schematically in FIGS. 3A-3T according to an
exemplary embodiment, the vehicle occupant (e.g. the finger of hand
H) engages the cover of the composite structure 110 to activate a
user interface providing a display shown as an electronic visual
display 120. See e.g. FIGS. 26A-26B, 27, 28A-28E and 29A-29B.
According to an exemplary embodiment, user interface shown as
comprising a display such as an electronic visual display 120 may
display a menu or control panel providing various/multiple buttons
for operating controlling various/multiple vehicle systems (e.g.
features of a vehicle such as opening or closing a window,
adjusting the setting of a heating, ventilating, and air
conditioning system (HVAC), adjusting the speed of cruise control,
operating navigation system, etc.) or for interacting with other
systems/networks (e.g. data sources, entertainment, mobile devices,
etc.). See also FIGS. 14A-14E, 15C, 25A-25B and 27. As shown
schematically in FIGS. 3D and 3E, the vehicle occupant (e.g. the
finger of hand H) engages the surface of the cover of the composite
structure 110 to deactivate electronic visual display 120. See e.g.
FIGS. 26A-26B, 27, 28A-28E and 29A-29B.
[0204] As shown schematically according to an exemplary embodiment
in FIGS. 3A-3T, a wide variety of visual effects may be presented
by the composite structure by activation of the display and
illumination through the composite structure to cover/exterior
surface 110. As shown in FIGS. 3H through 3J, the user interface
from the composite structure may present a display element 120
shown as icon (e.g. for mobile telephone) that may be repositioned
(e.g. by drag/drop action) on the cover/exterior surface by a user;
as shown in FIG. 3J, data/information from the mobile device/system
may be used to interact/interoperate the system within the vehicle
(e.g. to conduct a telephone call, use network data communications,
connect with data on a mobile device, etc.). As shown schematically
in FIGS. 3K-3O and 3P-3T according to an exemplary embodiment, the
user interface may be positioned (and repositioned) selectively by
a vehicle occupant by contacting the exterior surface/cover of the
composite structure at a position so that the user interface
display (e.g. display elements such as a menu, icons, symbols,
text, graphics, text/image display, etc.) appear at the position
(e.g. toward the front of the structure as in FIGS. 3P-3T or toward
the back of the structure as in FIGS. 3K-3O); the user may activate
the user interface (e.g. switch from sleep/inactive mode to active
mode) as indicated in FIGS. 3K and 3P; the user may deactivate the
user interface (e.g. switch from active mode to sleep/inactive
mode) as indicated in FIGS. 3O and 3T. See also FIGS. 17A-17O,
26A-26B, 27, 28A-28E and 29A-29B.
[0205] As shown schematically in the FIGURES, the user interface
provided by the composite structure may be configured for
interaction with any of a wide variety of vehicle systems and other
systems/networks and data (e.g. by presenting a control panel, menu
system, buttons, icons, etc.). See e.g. FIGS. 24 and 27. As shown
schematically in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the vehicle occupant (e.g. the
finger of hand H) may press a button on display of user interface
120 to control a window W of a door 200 to move towards an open
position. As shown schematically in FIGS. 4C and 4D, the vehicle
occupant (e.g. the finger of hand H) may press a button on display
of user interface 120 to control window W of door 200 to move
towards a closed position. As shown schematically in FIGS. 4E and
4F, the vehicle occupant (e.g. the finger of hand H) may press a
button on display of user interface 120 to control a heating,
ventilating, and air conditioning system of the vehicle. As shown
schematically in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the vehicle occupant (e.g. the
finger of hand H) may press a button on display of user interface
120 to adjust the fore-and-aft position of a seat ST. As shown
schematically in FIGS. 5C and 5D, the vehicle occupant (e.g. the
finger of hand H) may press a button on display of user interface
120 to adjust the angle of the backrest of seat ST. As shown
schematically in FIGS. 5E and 5F, the vehicle occupant (e.g. the
finger of hand H) may press a button on display of user interface
120 to adjust the height of seat ST.
[0206] As shown schematically in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the vehicle
occupant (e.g. the finger of hand H) may press a button on display
of user interface 120 to turn on and off thermal management system
such as a front window defroster for the vehicle. As shown
schematically in FIGS. 6C and 6D, the vehicle occupant (e.g. the
finger of hand H) may press a button on display of user interface
120 to operate an automatic speed control system (e.g. cruise
control system, etc.) for the vehicle. As shown schematically in
FIGS. 6E and 6F, the vehicle occupant (e.g. the finger of hand H)
may press a button on display of user interface 120 to lock and
unlock doors of the vehicle.
[0207] As shown schematically in FIG. 7A, door 200 may provide a
composite structure with cover of component structure 210; cover of
component structure 210 may present a user interface; the user
interface may comprise a contact/touch sensitive interface
according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown schematically in
FIG. 7B, vehicle occupant (e.g. using hand H) taps cover of
component structure 210 to activate the display of user interface
within cover of component structure 210. As shown schematically in
FIG. 7C, cover of component structure 210 is dimly lit; cover of
component structure 210 may provide lighting for the vehicle
interior according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown
schematically in FIGS. 7D and 7E, vehicle occupant (e.g. using hand
H) taps cover of component structure 210 to intensify the lighting
for the vehicle interior. As shown schematically in FIG. 7F,
vehicle occupant (e.g. using hand H) taps cover of component
structure 210 to switch off the lighting on door 200. As shown
schematically in FIGS. 8A, 8C and 8D, the composite structure with
cover on door 200 may be partially illuminated/lit; the cover of
door 200 may be partially illuminated to display various messages
(e.g. the temperature setting of the heating, ventilating, and air
conditioning system (HVAC), the weather, etc.) See FIG. 8E. As
shown schematically in FIG. 8A, the composite structure with cover
on door 200 displays a text message. As shown schematically in FIG.
8C, the composite structure with cover on door 200 displays the
temperature setting of the heating, ventilating, and air
conditioning system (HVAC). As shown schematically in FIG. 8D, the
composite structure with cover on door 200 displays the weather
information. According to an exemplary embodiment, the display of
user interface of door 200 may provide display corresponding to the
display of a mobile device. As shown schematically in FIG. 8B, the
cover of the composite structure may be illuminated with various
intensities according to an exemplary embodiment (e.g. according to
purpose, function, ambient conditions, etc.).
[0208] As shown schematically in FIGS. 9A to 9E, door 200 may
provide a composite structure with cover; composite structure 210
may comprise a sensor such as a touch sensitive layer/panel
according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown schematically in
FIGS. 9A to 9C, the vehicle occupant (e.g. by finger of hand H) may
touch/tap/press on cover of component structure 210 to activate the
display of the user interface shown as display of user interface
220 presented at cover of component structure 210. See also FIGS.
26A-26B, 27, 28A-28E and 29A-29B. According to an exemplary
embodiment, display of user interface 220 may display multiple
buttons/icons for controlling various features of the vehicle (e.g.
opening or closing a window, adjusting the setting of a heating,
ventilating, and air conditioning system (HVAC), adjusting the
speed of cruise control, operating navigation system, etc.). As
shown schematically in FIGS. 9D and 9E, the vehicle occupant (e.g.
the finger of hand H) may tap cover of component structure 210 to
deactivate display of user interface 220. See also FIGS. 26A-26B,
27, 28A-28E and 29A-29B.
[0209] As shown schematically in the FIGURES, the user interface of
the composite structure may provide a control panel providing
control elements such as buttons, icons, etc. for a vehicle
occupant to interact with vehicle systems and other systems. See
e.g. FIGS. 14A-14E, 15C, 26A-26B, 27, 28A-28E and 29A-29B. As shown
schematically in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the vehicle occupant (e.g. the
finger of hand H) may press a button on display of user interface
220 to control window W of door 200 to move towards the open
position. As shown schematically in FIGS. 10C and 10D, the vehicle
occupant (e.g. the finger of hand H) may press a button on display
of user interface 220 to control window W of door 200 to move
towards the closed position. As shown schematically in FIGS. 10E
and 10F, the vehicle occupant (e.g. the finger of hand H) may press
a button on display of user interface 220 to adjust the position of
a side view mirror. According to an exemplary embodiment, the
visual display may be configured to appear at the location where
the finger taps the cover. See e.g. FIGS. 3A-3T and 14A-14E.
[0210] According to an exemplary embodiment as shown in the
FIGURES, the user interface may be configured to facilitate use and
operation of vehicle systems and other devices/system within a
vehicle (e.g. smart phone, tablet, etc.). See e.g. FIGS. 3A-3T,
11A-11F, 24, 26A-26B, 27, 28A-28E and 29A-29B. As shown
schematically in FIGS. 11A and 11B, a vehicle occupant/user may
place a mobile device (e.g. smart phone, tablet, etc.) shown as a
phone PH on center console 100 providing the user interface from
the composite structure with cover 110. As shown schematically in
FIG. 11C, a vehicle occupant at composite structure for cover 110
(e.g. surface for composite structure) activates user interface 120
to illuminate around phone PH. As shown schematically in FIG. 11D,
display of user interface 120 may be configured to display the
music interface of phone PH. As indicated schematically in FIG.
11E, vehicle occupant (e.g. using hand H) may slide on cover of
composite structure 110 to adjust the volume setting for the music
interface; operation may be facilitated by presentation of a
control panel/information as indicated in FIG. 11F. See also FIGS.
14A-14E, 15C, 24, 26A-26B, 27, 28A-28E and 29A-29B (menu/flow
diagrams of operation of systems at user interface).
[0211] As shown schematically in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the composite
structure with cover may comprise an arrangement of
layers/construction to facilitate implementation of a user
interface for the vehicle interior component; for example, a
composite structure may comprise a cover/layer T, a layer HS, a
layer E, a layer C, a layer F, a layer D, a layer L, an layer B,
and a layer S arranged to provide a combined function and fit and
form for an application (e.g. vehicle interior). See also FIGS. 2B,
16A-16T and 18A-18E (other arrangements of layers/components of
composite structure). According to an exemplary embodiment, layer F
is a foam layer; the foam layer may provide comfort for vehicle
occupants according to an exemplary embodiment. According to an
exemplary embodiment, layer L is a display such as an electronic
visual display/lighting element shown as a LED display; layer D may
be configured to diffuse the light from the LED display; according
to an exemplary embodiment, the size and/or quantity of the LED
element may be adapted for various applications. According to an
exemplary embodiment, layer S is a substrate or carrier for the
cover; according to an exemplary embodiment, a layer B may be
configured to bond the LED display to the carrier or substrate
(e.g. a glue or bond layer). See generally FIGS. 12A-12E and
16A-16T.
[0212] According to an exemplary embodiment, the composite
structure with cover may provide a functional layer configured to
provide haptic or other user feedback (e.g. audible, tactile,
etc.). See FIGS. 16A-16C (showing a functional layer N/HS).
According to an exemplary embodiment, the functional layer may
comprise other functional systems/components or layers operated by
a control system. See also FIGS. 12B and 16A-16E (composite
structure with layers including sensor C and display L and
functional layer N/HS and control system). According to an
exemplary embodiment, sensor C is shown as a touch sensitive layer
in the form of a capacitive touch panel (i.e. an input device for
an information processing system). According to an exemplary
embodiment, the composite structure may also provide a layer for
heating the surface of the composite structure (e.g. layer HS shown
in FIGS. 12A-12C). According to an exemplary embodiment, layer HS
may provide a functional/composite layer with heating
coils/resistors configured to heat the cover and/or the vicinity of
the cover; layer HS is optional according to an exemplary
embodiment. See FIG. 12A. According to an exemplary embodiment, the
composite structure may also provide a soft layer (e.g. a foam
layer F) for providing comfort for the user. See FIGS. 12A to 12C
and 16A to 16C. According to an exemplary embodiment, the
exterior/cover surface layer may comprise a cover/textile layer T
(e.g. fabric, fiber, etc. or leather/other similar material
construction) configured to be transparent or translucent (e.g. a
material/sheet or film that is partially transparent/partially
opaque, translucent to visible light, etc. to facilitate
transmission of visible light from the display (e.g.
light-transmissive material)). See e.g. FIGS. 3A-3T, 17A-17O and
23C. As indicated schematically in FIGS. 12A-12C and 16A-16C, the
composite structure may be configured to provide a user interface
from display L and sensor C at the exterior surface of cover T. As
shown schematically in FIGS. 12D and 16D, the user interface may
comprise an electronic visual display shown as a LED display panel;
as shown schematically in FIG. 16E, the user interface may comprise
a sensor shown as sensor array/grid C. According to an exemplary
embodiment, layer E a positioning/spacer layer and may be
configured to reduce or shield electrical interference (e.g. reduce
interference between electronic systems/networks if necessary or
useful); layer E may be optional according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0213] As shown schematically according to an exemplary embodiment
in FIGS. 12B and 16B, the composite structure with user interface
system includes a control system; the control system (i.e. an
information processing system) is connected to the LED display
(layer L), the capacitive touch panel (layer C), and composite
layer with heating coils/resistors (layer HS). See FIGS. 16A-16T
(composite structure with layers including for sensor C and for
display L and with functional layer N/HS and control system).
[0214] As indicated schematically according to an exemplary
embodiment in FIGS. 1B and 2A-2C, the composite structure providing
the user interface may be formed/conformed to fit on and over any
of a wide variety of vehicle interior components having any of a
wide variety of forms and shapes/contour. See also FIGS. 18A-18D
(showing schematically a flexible construction of the composite
structure to be contoured/conformed to the form of a base or
interior component).
Operation of the User Interface/Composite Structure
[0215] According to an exemplary embodiment, operation of vehicle
interior component providing a composite structure with a user
interface for vehicle systems and other systems/devices and
data/network connectivity is shown schematically in FIGS. 24,
26A-26B, 27, 28A-28E and 29A-29B (block and flow diagrams outlining
the function and operation at the user interface according to an
exemplary embodiment). According to an exemplary embodiment the
composite structure may comprise (a) a cover providing an exterior
surface; (b) a sensor; (c) a display; the sensor may be configured
to detect input from the vehicle occupant at the cover; the display
may be configured to provide illumination (such as a display
element, menu, image, text, etc.) visible through the translucent
cover. See FIGS. 12A-12E, 13A-13D, 16A-16T, 17A-17O and 18A-18D
(e.g. showing various composite structure/layer arrangements
according to an exemplary embodiment).
[0216] According to an exemplary embodiment, a system/method of
operating the user interface may comprise the steps of (a) pressing
the cover so input can be detected by the sensor; and (b)
contacting the cover where input can be detected by the sensor. See
FIGS. 17A-17O. See also FIGS. 26A-26B, 27, 28A-28E and 29A-29B.
According to an exemplary embodiment as indicated schematically in
FIGS. 24 and 27, activation/deactivation and use/operation of the
user interface presented by the composite structure of the vehicle
interior component for interaction with vehicle systems may be
performed by a vehicle occupant according to a system/method with
detection of pressure, contact, movement, etc. (see generally FIGS.
3A-3T, 14A-14E, 15C and 25A-25D); according to an exemplary
embodiment, pressing the cover/surface may comprise
compressing/deforming the composite structure to actuate the user
interface (see FIGS. 17J-17K with activation/positioning of
illumination at surface of user interface); contacting the cover
may operate and/or position a control provided at the user
interface (see FIGS. 17L-17M with positioning and
dragging/repositioning of illumination at surface of user
interface); hovering/movement at the cover surface may operate or
position a control provided at user interface (see FIGS. 17N-17O
with relocation of illumination at surface of user interface). See
generally FIGS. 17A-17O.
[0217] Operation of the user interface presented by the composite
structure according to an exemplary embodiment is shown in FIGS.
1B, 2A-2C, 3A-3T, 4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F, 7A-7F, 8A-8E, 9A-9E,
10A-10F, 11A-11E, 14A-14E, 15A-15C. See also FIGS. 24 and 27. As
indicated schematically according to an exemplary embodiment, the
user interface may be configured for a variety of types of
interaction with vehicle systems/other systems including visual
display of information/images, audio information/recording, video
information/recording, touch/feel/haptic interaction, mobile device
connectivity, vehicle system connectivity/control, network/data
connectivity (including to external networks such as the internet),
ambient/vehicle environment modification and control (e.g.
lighting/color, decorative effects, thermal management, etc.), etc.
See e.g. FIGS. 1B, 2A-2C, 3A-3T, 4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F, 7A-7F, 8A-8E,
9A-9E, 10A-10F, 11A-11E, 12C, 14A-14E, 15A-15C, 16A-16T, 17A-17O,
25A-25D and 27. See also FIGS. 23A-23B, 24, 26A-26B, 28A-28E and
29A-29B.
[0218] Operation of the user interface presented by the composite
structure according to an exemplary embodiment with a menu system
as shown in FIGS. 25A-25D is indicated schematically in flow
diagrams. See FIGS. 26A-26B, 27, 28A-28E and 29A-29B. As indicated
schematically according to an exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 26A-26B
and 29A-29B, the user interface may comprise a set of interaction
options/functions presented at a display element shown as menu
system such as interaction heating (e.g.
heating/cooling/ventilation system operation and
indicators/monitoring for the vehicle interior), interaction
lighting (e.g. decorative/ambient and functional/other lighting for
the interior), interaction audio (e.g. entertainment system
connectivity to present music, etc.), interaction visible
environment (e.g. video/display system to present information
regarding the environment of the vehicle operation such as camera
images/video recorded in real-time, data images/video from
storage/streaming from network, map and road/street information
such as for navigation or reference, landscape/other ambient
imagery, etc.). See also FIGS. 24, 27 and 28A-28E (interaction with
menu system).
[0219] As indicated generally and schematically in FIGS. 1B, 2A, 24
and 27, according to an exemplary embodiment the user interface
presented by display/control elements 20 of the composite structure
10 of the vehicle interior component may constructed (e.g. from
layers/materials and components) and may be adapted to facilitate a
wide variety of types of interaction with any of a wide variety of
vehicle systems and other systems and networks/data. See also FIGS.
2B, 12A-12E, 13A-13D, 16A-16T, 17A-17O, 18A-18D and 19A-19D.
Exemplary Embodiments--II
[0220] According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically in
FIGS. 2B and 30A, the component with composite structure 10 may
designed/constructed and assembled to generally integrate with
vehicle interior components in fit, form and function (e.g. with
size, contour, shape, etc. for the interior/systems of the
vehicle). See also FIGS. 1B, 2A, 2C, 12A-12C, 13A-13D, 16A-16T,
17A-17O, 18A-18D, 19A-19D, 30B-30C, 31A-31B, 32, 33 and 34A-34C.
For example, according to an exemplary embodiment as shown
schematically in FIGS. 2B and 30A, the component/composite
structure 10 may comprise a cover layer T (e.g.
translucent/semi-transparent in effect composite/surface layer such
as textile/fabric layer providing a cover or a leather material,
fiber material, etc. or a poly/plastic film cover material, etc.),
a functional layer shown as layer E/F/N (e.g. which may provide one
function or more functions of a positioning layer E such as by
separation, spacing, positioning, etc. and cushioning/compliance
layer F such as by a foam material, fabric material, etc. and
functionality from a functional layer N such as for heat
exchanger/heating element/cooling, electrical interference
protection/shielding, electronic connectivity, power
interconnection for charging devices, etc.), a sensor/detector
component C shown as providing a system/array (e.g. matrix, grid,
etc.) to detect input such as touch/proximity or movement/gesture
from a user/vehicle occupant (e.g. a detection system,
touch-sensitive array, capacitive touch surface as used with
touch-screen devices or other touch-sensitive material, sensor
array to detect proximity/motion above the surface, etc.), a
functional layer E/F/N (such as to provide shielding, light
direction/diffusion such as may alter the amplitude/magnitude or
color of transmitted light), a display shown as light array/display
layer L such as comprising a material substrate with an array of
lighting devices (e.g. such as light-emitting device/diode
elements), a bonding or backing/rigidifying/attachment layer for a
base/structure or substrate S (such as a molded or formed plastic
base/structure for a vehicle interior component). See also FIGS.
12A-12E, 16A-16T, 17A-17O, 18A-18D, 19A-19D, 30A-30C, 31A-31B, 32,
33 and 34A-34C. As indicated schematically in the FIGURES,
according to an exemplary embodiment the layers/components of the
composite structure will be selected and combined/assembled to
facilitate the transmission of illumination/light from the display
to and through the cover/exterior surface (e.g. with
light-transmissive layer/cover to present the user interface such
as with display elements 20 and 20x). See e.g. FIGS. 2B-2C and
17J-17O, 19C and 30B.
[0221] According to an exemplary embodiment including but not
limited to as indicated schematically in FIGS. 2B, 12A-12C,
13A-13D, 16A-16T, 17A-17O, 18A-18D, 19A-19D, 30A-30C, 31A-31B, 32,
33 and 34A-34C, the composite structure (e.g. with cover/surface)
may provide any of a wide variety of combinations of layers. For
example, as indicated schematically in FIG. 13D, the
structure/surface may be provided as a composite structure with a
cover T and light array layer L which may be configured to be
attachable to a base layer B or substrate layer S (e.g. for
connection to a panel or component in a vehicle interior, etc.).
For example, as indicated schematically in FIGS. 30A-30C and
34A-34B, the structure/surface may be provided as a composite
structure with a cover T and diffuser layer D and sensor/detector
layer C and positioning layer E and light array layer L and which
may be configured to be attachable to a substrate layer S (e.g. for
connection to a panel or component in a vehicle interior, etc.) and
a base layer B. See also FIG. 34C. For example, as indicated
schematically in FIG. 31A, the structure/surface may be provided as
a composite structure with a cover T/TH and diffuser layer D and
sensor/detector layer C and positioning/functional layer E/N and
light array layer L and a substrate layer S (e.g. for connection to
a panel or component in a vehicle interior directly and/or through
a base layer, etc.). For example, as indicated schematically in
FIG. 31B, the structure/surface may be provided as a composite
structure with a cover T and sensor/detector layer C and
positioning/functional layer E/N and light array layer L and a
substrate layer S (e.g. for connection to a panel or component in a
vehicle interior directly and/or through a base layer, etc.). For
example, as indicated schematically in FIG. 32, the
structure/surface may be provided as a composite structure with a
cover T and diffuser layer D and sensor/detector layer C and
positioning/functional layer E/N and light array layer L and which
may be configured to be attachable to a base layer B or substrate
layer S (e.g. for connection to a panel or component in a vehicle
interior, etc.) and base/functional layer B (which may comprises a
structure and/or a functional component). For example, as indicated
schematically in FIG. 33, the structure/surface may be provided as
a composite structure (operated by a control system) with a cover T
and diffuser layer D and sensor/functional/detector layer C/N/PS
and positioning/foam/functional layer E/F/N and light array layer L
and which may be configured to be attachable to a base layer B
(e.g. for connection to a panel or component in a vehicle interior,
etc.) and with a camera CM and/or proximity detector PS as a
sensor. See also FIGS. 2A and 3A-3T.
[0222] According to an exemplary embodiment as indicated
schematically in FIGS. 2A and 3A-3T, the composite structure (e.g.
with cover/surface) may comprise a layered construction selected
for a particular purpose for a vehicle interior component with each
layer in a form configured for the purpose (e.g. in construction,
thickness, positioning, etc.). See e.g. FIGS. 2B, 13A-13D, 16A-16T,
17A-17O, 18A-18D, 19A-19D, 30A-30C, 31A-31B, 32, 33 and 34A-34C. As
indicated schematically, according to an exemplary embodiment the
composite structure will be configured to provide intended
functionality through the combination of layers arranged and
constructed for the purpose (e.g. including
translucence/semi-transparence to facilitate illumination from the
display layer at the user interface presented on the surface of the
composite structure) to present the user interface for
vehicle/other systems. See FIGS. 12C, 17J-17O, 24, 27, 30B and
34C.
[0223] According to an exemplary embodiment as shown in the FIGS.
1B, 2A-2C, 3A-3T and 8A-8D, the composite structure 10 with a
cover/exterior surface is configured to present user interface with
sensor and display providing display elements 20 (e.g. icons,
symbols, texts, images, panels, charging/connectivity for mobile
devices, decorative effects, etc.) and connectivity to
vehicle/other systems and networks; as indicated schematically, the
composite structure 10 with display elements 20 at the user
interface provides for integration (e.g. physically, visually,
mechanically, electronically, etc.) with a wide variety of interior
components and systems of the vehicle. See also FIGS. 30B and 34C.
As shown schematically in the FIGS. 2A-2C, 30A-30C, 33 and 34A-34C,
according to an exemplary embodiment, the composite structure with
user interface may be integrated in or on a vehicle interior
component in a manner to provide an appearance and feel provided by
the cover/exterior surface and compliant/resilient layers beneath
the cover. See also FIGS. 3A-3T, 12C and 17A-17O (e.g. composite
structure provides for compliant pressure/compression,
touch/contact at surface and movement/detection at proximity of
sensor). According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically
in FIGS. 3A-3T and 17A-17O, the cover/exterior surface of the
composite structure may provide tactile feedback (e.g.
shear/sliding feel) in response to contact/movement by the vehicle
occupant detected by the sensor to facilitate accurate and
convenient use/operation by touch/contact in interaction with the
interface; according to an exemplary embodiment the sensor may be
configured to detect gestures/movement adjacent to the
cover/exterior surface of the composite structure in interaction
with the user interface. See also FIGS. 27 and 34C. Compare FIG. 33
(showing configuration of component/composite structure with
control system and sensor as external camera CM and/or proximity
detector PS).
[0224] As shown schematically in FIGS. 3A-3T, 4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F,
7A-7F, 8A-8E, 9A-9E, 10A-10F, 11A-11E, 14A-14E, 15A-15C, 25A-25D,
27, 33 and 34B, according to an exemplary embodiment, the composite
structure may be configured to provide a system and method of
operating the user interface with vehicle systems and other
systems/networks from the vehicle interior component. See also
FIGS. 25A-25D, 26A-26B, 28A-28E and 29A-29B (functional subsystem
operation according to an exemplary embodiment). According to an
exemplary embodiment indicated schematically in FIGS. 2B and
30A-30B, the composite structure for the vehicle interior component
may be constructed to provide a cover/exterior surface to present a
user interface and to provide features (e.g. by material
design/selection, component design/selection, assembly/layering,
etc.) suitable for a vehicle interior such as system integration
(user/system compatibility and connectivity), decorative appearance
(look, form and shape), color/texture, softness/firmness (including
combination of soft/firm by thickness, placement, etc.),
feel/touch/haptic sensation (by material/component selection,
assembly, thickness, etc.), resistance to dirt/stains (by cover,
treatment, etc.), repellence to water/fluids (by cover, treatment,
etc.), convenient to maintain/clean (by form, cover, treatment,
etc.), etc. See generally FIGS. 3A-3T and 9A-9E.
[0225] According to an exemplary embodiment as indicated
schematically in FIGS. 1B, 2A-2C, 3A-3T, 14A-14F, 15A-15C, 17K-17O,
19C, 25A-25D, 30A-30B and 34B, the composite structure may provide
a user interface system for vehicle systems and other
systems/devices and data/network connectivity. See also FIGS.
4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F, 7A-7F, 8A-8E, 9A-9E, 10A-10F, 11A-11E, 24, 27
and 33. As indicated schematically in FIGS. 12B, 19A-19D, 23A-23B,
24, 27, 33 and 34B, the composite structure may be provided with a
control system (e.g. a computing or computer-based or
microprocessor or data system such as with a computing device
configured to monitor and control performance of functional
subsystems of the structure/surface sensor C and display L) to
provide the interconnectivity and the control/functional interface
with vehicle systems and other systems/devices and data/networks
(e.g. access to data sources on the vehicle/in the vehicle and
external to the vehicle, on-vehicle network/networks, external
networks including the internet, etc.). See also FIGS. 25A-25D,
26A-26B, 28A-28E and 29A-29B (functional subsystem operation
according to an exemplary embodiment). According to an exemplary
embodiment as indicated schematically in FIGS. 23A-23B, 24, 27, 33
and 34B, the controller/control system for the user interface of
the composite structure may comprise a control program and data
connection (e.g. to networks including the internet, devices such
as mobile devices, smart phones and tablets, data sources/storage,
vehicle systems/subsystems, etc.); the controller/control system
for the user interface of the composite structure may be configured
with input/output interfaces to provide functionality for the
vehicle occupant as indicated (for example) in FIGS. 23A-23B, 24
and 26A-26B, 27, 28A-28E and 29A-29B. See also FIGS. 1B, 2A-2C and
3A-3T.
[0226] As indicated schematically in FIGS. 3A-3T, 24, 27 and 30B,
according to an exemplary embodiment, the composite structure may
be configured to provide a display element and/or control element
appearing as a visual image/information content on the
exterior/show surface of the cover; the display element/control
element may be configured for interaction with an occupant of the
vehicle; for example, an image may appear as a display element and
present a control element such as a switch to actuate one or more
vehicle systems and subsystems (e.g. by interface through or with
the control system and vehicle systems/subsystems such as shown for
example in FIGS. 4A-4F [HVAC/user comfort/ventilation/power window
system, etc.], FIGS. 5A-5F [seating system], FIGS. 6A-6F [seat
heating/defrost control, speed control, door/window locks, etc.]).
See also FIGS. 11A-11F, 15C, 25A-25D, 26A-26B, 28A-28E and 29A-29B
(functional subsystem operation through the user interface
according to an exemplary embodiment).
[0227] As indicated schematically in FIGS. 2B, 7A-7F and 30A-30B,
the composite structure with cover/surface 10 may provide a variety
of selective appearances (e.g. color/shading, lighting/intensity,
decoration/decorative effect, etc.) of a display element 20 (e.g.
menu, image, text, etc.); as indicated schematically in FIGS. 8A-8E
and 15C, the composite structure may provide as display/control
elements 20 a variety of visual images/effects including
communications (e.g. indicators, functional displays, information
display, data display, visual effect, messaging,
notices/notifications, symbols, switches/controls, user interface,
graphics, etc.). As indicated schematically in the FIGURES,
communications/visual effects that may appear on the composite
structure may be provided from any of a variety of
systems/subsystems and data sources (e.g. including vehicle
systems/subsystems, vehicle data, vehicle
operation/instrumentation, network-data, mobile devices, etc.). See
FIGS. 24, 27 and 33. For example, as indicated according to an
exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 8A through 8D, the composite
structure may provide data as to a vehicle system (e.g. "DOOR
AJAR") or temperature (e.g. "20 C") or weather (e.g. by text and/or
image) or a selected visual effect (e.g. two-tone panel) on a
vehicle interior component. See also FIG. 30B.
[0228] As indicated schematically according to an exemplary
embodiment in FIGS. 3A-3T, 4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F, 7A-7F, 8A-8E,
9A-9E, 10A-10F, 11A-11E, 14A-14E, 15A-15C and 33, the occupant of
the vehicle may through the user interface of the composite
structure interact with and/or operate and control any of a variety
of systems/subsystems on the vehicle and/or other devices in or
connected to the vehicle (e.g. mobile phone, tablet, data/computing
devices, accessories, equipment, etc.). See also FIGS. 24, 26A-26B,
27, 28A-28E and 29A-29B. For example, as indicated in FIGS. 9A-9E
and 10A-10E, the composite structure may provide a control element
(e.g. at a designated or selective location on an interior
component) for window control or exterior mirror control; as
indicated schematically according to an exemplary embodiment in
FIGS. 11A-11E the composite structure may provide a control
interface for a mobile device PH such as a mobile/smart phone (e.g.
providing telephony connection, data/internet connection,
music/audio player connection, etc. by near-field communication
(NFC), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other data connectivity) for a vehicle
occupant. See also FIGS. 3A-3T and 14A-14E.
[0229] As indicated schematically in the FIGURES, according to an
exemplary embodiment the composite structure may be provided in any
of a wide variety of forms to provide any of a wide variety of
features and functions for a vehicle interior/component (e.g. with
various combinations of layers of various types of materials/layers
as indicated schematically). See e.g. FIGS. 2A-2C, 3A-3T, 4A-4F,
18A-18D, 19A-19D and 30A-30B. According to an exemplary embodiment
the vehicle interior component with composite structure provides a
user interface system to provide various functions and features for
a vehicle/vehicle occupant as indicated schematically in the
FIGURES; the composite structure/user interface system provides a
visual display (through display light element array/matrix/grid
layer L); the user interface/control (through a functional layer
such as with the sensor providing a touch-sensitive layer C) so
that information can be presented on the composite structure (such
as surface 110/120) through a display of visual image/information
for enhanced user interaction in a vehicle interior. See e.g. FIGS.
3A-3T, 4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F, 8A-8E, 9A-9E, 10A-10F, 11A-11F 14A-14E,
27 and 30B.
[0230] According to an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIGS.
2A-2C, 14A-14E and 16A-16T, a vehicle interior component may be
configured to provide a user interface for a vehicle occupant in a
vehicle comprising vehicle systems; the component may comprise a
composite structure 10 with display/control elements 20 configured
to provide the user interface. See also FIG. 30B. According to an
exemplary embodiment shown schematically, the component may
comprise (a) a cover providing an exterior surface; (b) a sensor;
(c) a display; (d) a functional layer; the cover may comprise a
translucent layer. See e.g. FIGS. 2B, 16A-16T and 30A. According to
an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in FIGS. 17A-17O,
27, 33 and 34C, the sensor may be configured to detect input from
the vehicle occupant at or adjacent to the exterior surface of the
cover; the display may be configured to provide illumination at
least partially visible through the exterior surface of the cover;
operation of the user interface for the vehicle occupant may
comprise at least one of (a) output from illumination from the
display and (b) input detected by the sensor. See e.g. FIGS. 3A-3T,
14A-14E, 24 and 25A-25D.
[0231] According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically,
the cover may comprise a translucent layer; the sensor may be
configured to detect input from the vehicle occupant at or adjacent
to the exterior surface of the cover; the display may be configured
to provide illumination at least partially visible through the
exterior surface of the cover. See e.g. FIGS. 2B, 14A-14F, 15A-15C,
17K-17O, 19C, 25A-25D and 30B. According to an exemplary embodiment
as shown schematically, the functional layer may be configured for
at least one of (a) positioning; (b) spacing; (c) haptic feedback;
(d) tactile feedback such as vibration; (e) audible feedback such
as sound; (f) optical enhancement; (g) light shielding; (h)
electrical shielding; (i) interference shielding; (j) electrical
charging for a device; (k) interaction with a mobile device; (l)
interaction with a vehicle system; (m) cushioning; (n) adhesion or
bonding; (o) tactile shear/feel performance; (p) thermal
management; (q) heating; (r) cooling; (s) providing the Peltier
effect; (t) diffusion of illumination from the display; (u)
monitoring; (v) recording; (w) alerting; (x) messaging. See e.g.
FIGS. 1B, 2A-2C, 3A-3T, 4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F, 7A-7F, 8A-8E, 9A-9E,
10A-10F, 11A-11E, 14A-14E, 15A-15C, 25A-25D, 27, 30A-30C, 31A-31B,
32, 33 and 34A-34E. According to an exemplary embodiment, operation
of the user interface for the vehicle occupant may comprise at
least one of (a) output from illumination from the display and (b)
input detected by the sensor. See e.g. FIGS. 3A-3T, 17A-17O, 27,
30B and 34C.
[0232] According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically in
FIGS. 24 and 27, a method of operating a vehicle interior component
comprising a composite structure to provide a cover with an
exterior surface and a sensor and a display configured to provide a
user interface for a vehicle occupant in a vehicle comprising
vehicle systems may comprise the steps of: (a) to activate the user
interface for operation compressing the cover toward the sensor to
a distance where input can be detected by the sensor; and (b) to
operate and/or to position the user interface contacting the
exterior surface within a distance where input can be detected by
the sensor. See also FIGS. 12C, 17A-17O, 26A-26B, 28A-28E and
29A-29B and 33. According to an exemplary embodiment, the sensor
may be configured to detect input from the vehicle occupant at or
adjacent to the exterior surface of the cover from at least one of
(a) touch or (b) pressure or (c) proximity or (d) movement or (e)
gesture. See FIGS. 17A-17O, 27 and 34C. According to an exemplary
embodiment, the display may be configured to provide illumination
at least partially visible through the exterior surface of the
cover. See FIGS. 2B, 17J-17K and 30A-30B. According to an exemplary
embodiment, the cover may comprise a translucent layer/material.
See FIGS. 16A-16T and 17A-17O. According to an exemplary
embodiment, the sensor may be configured to detect input from the
vehicle occupant at or adjacent to the exterior surface of the
cover; as shown schematically, the sensor C may comprise a
mesh/grid of a commercially available configuration with elements
shown as conductors WM configured into an array/matrix that can be
connected to a controller/control system. See e.g. FIGS. 21A-21D,
23A, 24, 27 and 34A-34E.
[0233] According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically
in FIGS. 12A-12C and 16A-16T, the translucent surface may comprise
a textile/fabric/sheet and/or a fleece and/or a plastic (such as
like polycarbonate PC, polyurethane PUR, polyvinyl chloride PVC,
etc. in a layer/cover or film) and/or leather and/or natural fiber;
the surface material may be perforated to improve the visibility of
the illumination/light from the display. See also FIGS. 2B, 20H and
30A-30C. According to an exemplary embodiment as shown
schematically, the positioning/functional/foam layer that may
provide the spacer E may comprise a fabric and/or a foam material
that is deformable (e.g. fabric, spacer fabric, foam, polyurethane,
fiber material, woven material, etc.); and the spacer may be
configured to perform electromagnetic (e.g. EMV) shielding and may
be configured to shield/direct light from the display/LED array for
the user interface (e.g. directing light from display/LED elements
to the surface). See e.g. FIGS. 2B, 13A-13D, 16A-16T, 20G-20H,
30A-30C, 33, 34A-34E.
[0234] According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically
in FIGS. 20A-20H and 22A-22E, the display may comprise at least one
light emitting diode system; the display system may comprise an
array of light emitting diodes (e.g. such as surface mount LED
elements on a flexible material); according to an exemplary
embodiment the display system may comprise an light array such as a
conventional flexible LED array/panel system or a high resolution
OLED array/panel system. See FIGS. 16A-16T (showing light array
such as LED/OLED array). See also FIGS. 22A-22E (display/sensor
module shown schematically with high resolution LED/OLED array) and
FIGS. 30A-30C and 34A-34E (LED/OLED array). As indicated
schematically in FIGS. 12D and 34D, the light array/display layer L
may comprise an array of light-emitting diode (LED) elements
operable as a display to present various images, text, messages,
etc. See e.g. FIGS. 2A-2C, 3A-3T, 4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F, 7A-7F,
8A-8E, 9A-9E, 10A-10F, 11A-11E, 14A-14E, 30A-30C and 34A-34C. As
shown schematically in FIGS. 20A-20H and 22A-22E, the array may be
sized and configured with a resolution suitable for the
application/use (e.g. with smaller LED elements, with
closer-positioned LED elements, with surface-mount LED elements
[e.g. sized 20 to 50 mm or other size] with varied brightness/color
or optical performance, with power consumption/efficiency, etc.) as
intended or selected for the purpose/need in the vehicle interior.
See e.g. FIGS. 1B, 2A-2C, 3A-3T, 15A-15C and 34D. According to an
exemplary embodiment, the display L of the composite structure 10
presenting the user interface with display elements 20 may comprise
a commercially available configuration (e.g. panel, array, etc.)
that can be connected to a controller/control system for
operation/functionality and interaction with vehicle systems and
other systems (e.g. data/network connectivity). See e.g. FIGS.
2A-2B, 20A-20H, 23B, 24, 27 and 34D.
[0235] According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically
in FIGS. 3A-3T and 8A-8E, in operation of the user interface, the
display may be configured to selectively emit light in response to
a signal from the sensor; the sensor may be configured to receive
an input and transmit a signal (e.g. the sensor such as a
capacitive touch panel may be configured for decreased electrical
resistance as pressure may be applied to the panel). See also FIGS.
23A-23B, 24 and 27. According to an exemplary embodiment as shown
schematically in FIGS. 2B, 12A-12E, 13A-13D, 16A-16T, 17A-17O,
18A-18D and 21A-21F, the sensor (and other layers) of the composite
structure may be flexible and may be formed into various different
shapes. According to an exemplary embodiment, the composite
structure may comprise a functional layer which has at least partly
a pattern of electrical conductors which are heated by current;
thermal textile (e.g. positive temperature coefficient yarn/PTC
yarn) may be used to control the heating; the composite
structure/system may comprise at least partly a layer with Peltier
elements (e.g. textile Peltier elements) cooled by current; thermal
management may be implemented according to an exemplary embodiment
at a functional layer (shown schematically as layer N and/or layer
N/HS); the functional layer for thermal management may comprise an
electrically conductive textile/yarn; a controller may be used to
control the heating/cooling at a layer such as shown by thermal
management layer HS. See e.g. FIGS. 2A-2C, 13A-13D, 16A-16T, 24,
26A-26B, 27, 28A-28E, 29A-29B, 30A-30C, 33 and 34A-34E.
[0236] According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically
in FIGS. 2B, 12A-12C and 30A-30C, the composite structure may
comprise a stack of layers configured to be mounted on a
structure/frame or body for a vehicle interior component where the
user interface is to be provided for a vehicle occupant to interact
with vehicle systems and other systems/networks. See also FIGS.
14A-14E, 24 and 27.
[0237] According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically in
FIGS. 2B and 30A-30B, the composite structure may comprise a sensor
C configured as a component/system to provide the user interface
system; as indicated schematically, the sensor C may comprise a
sensor/layer in the form of a capacitive touch panel, which may be
calibrated to detect proximity and motion at or adjacent to the
surface of the cover (e.g. to recognize contact/touch and
movements/gestures of the user as input); the component/system may
comprise a layer with a pattern (e.g. shown schematically as a
formed/printed conductive pattern WM on sensor array C in FIG. 23A)
configured to detect/sense and located pressure on the surface of
the component/system. See also FIGS. 17A-17O, 21A-21F, 23A, 24, 27,
33 and 34A-34E. According to an exemplary embodiment, the
component/system may comprise and integrate as a functional layer
an actuator which vibrates the surface (e.g. providing haptic
feedback for a vehicle occupant interacting with the surface). See
e.g. FIGS. 13A-13D and 16A-16T. As shown schematically according to
an exemplary embodiment, a controller may be further configured to
send a control signal to at least one of (a) an indicator, (b) a
display, (c) a climate control module, (d) an entertainment control
module, (e) a security control module, (f) an engine control unit,
(g) a data store, (h) a database, (i) a motor, (j) a vehicle seat,
(k) a window regulator/control. See e.g. FIGS. 23A-23B and 24
(showing schematically a controller or a connection to a computer
system to manage control of the user interface interactions such as
display/lighting, etc. using a control program). According to an
exemplary embodiment, a method of using a vehicle interior
component may be characterized by the detection by the sensor of
(a) a pattern of finger tips and/or hand movements on the surface;
(b) and/or gestures of the user or a combination of movements and
gestures and touches. See FIGS. 17A-17O and 27. See also FIGS.
26A-26B, 28A-28E and 29A-29B. According to an exemplary embodiment
as shown schematically, the pattern, movements or gestures detected
at the sensor may change the displayed control element or visual
appearance (displayed features) and/or make the displayed features
moveable by touch or wipe (repositionable) and/or move the
sensitivity of the touch panel fixed to the displayed features. See
e.g. FIGS. 3A-3T, 17A-17O, 30A-30C and 34A-34C.
[0238] As shown schematically according to an exemplary embodiment,
a vehicle interior component may be configured to provide a user
interface for a vehicle occupant in a vehicle comprising vehicle
systems comprising a composite structure configured to provide the
user interface; the composite structure may comprise a cover
providing an exterior surface and a sensor and a light panel and a
positioning layer; the cover may comprise a layer configured to
facilitate the transmission of light from the light panel; the
sensor may be configured to detect input from the vehicle occupant
at or adjacent to the exterior surface of the cover; the light
panel may be configured to provide illumination at least partially
visible through the exterior surface of the cover; operation of the
user interface for the vehicle occupant may comprise at least one
of (a) output from illumination from the light panel and (b) input
detected by the sensor.
[0239] According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically,
the positioning layer may be configured to retain positioning
within the composite structure for operation of the sensor from
input from the vehicle occupant. The positioning layer may comprise
a foam layer under the cover. The positioning layer may comprise at
least one of (a) a spacer; (b) a flexible spacer; (c) a spacer
fabric; (d) a foam material; (e) a plastic material; (f) fabric;
(g) polyurethane; (h) a woven material; (i) a spacer material; (j)
a fabric material; (k) a fiber material; (l) a space. According to
an exemplary embodiment shown schematically, the composite
structure may comprise: (a) the cover; (b) a functional layer; (c)
the sensor; (d) the positioning layer; (e) the light panel. The
functional layer may comprise a diffuser. According to an exemplary
embodiment shown schematically, the cover may comprise at least one
of (a) textile; (b) fabric; (c) fiber mesh; (d) leather; (e) grain
surface; (f) synthetic fiber fabric; (g) natural fibers; (h)
artificial leather; (i) polyester; (j) synthetic fibers; (k) fabric
sheet; (l) upholstered material; (m) a fleece material; (n) a woven
material; (o) a non-woven material; (p) a sheet material; (q) a
perforated material; (r) a composite of multiple fiber materials;
(s) a translucent material; (t) a resilient material; (u) a leather
material configured to facilitate the transmission of light; (v) a
material that is partially transparent and partially opaque; (w) a
layer configured to facilitate transmission of visible light; (x) a
surface material perforated to improve the visibility of light from
the display. According to an exemplary embodiment shown
schematically, the cover may comprise a light-transmissive cover
comprising at least one of (a) film; (b) resin; (c) polycarbonate;
(d) polyurethane; (e) polyvinyl material; (f) TPO; (g) a poly
material; (h) a poly film; (i) a composite of multiple plastic
materials; (j) a composite of multiple materials; (k) a composite
of fiber material; (l) natural material; (m) metal; (n) a
perforated material; (o) a translucent layer. According to an
exemplary embodiment shown schematically, the functional layer may
be configured for at least one of (a) positioning; (b) spacing; (c)
haptic feedback; (d) tactile feedback such as vibration; (e)
audible feedback such as sound; (f) optical enhancement; (g) light
shielding; (h) electrical shielding; (i) interference shielding;
(j) optical electrical charging for a device; (k) interaction with
a mobile device; (l) interaction with a vehicle system; (m)
cushioning; (n) adhesion or bonding; (o) tactile shear/feel
performance; (p) thermal management; (q) heating; (r) cooling; (s)
providing Peltier effect; (t) diffusion of illumination from the
display; (u) monitoring; (v) recording; (w) alerting; (x)
messaging; (y) light guiding; (z) flexibility. According to an
exemplary embodiment shown schematically, the sensor may comprise
at least one of (a) an array; (b) a grid; (c) a foil; (d) a panel;
(e) a touch panel; (f) a flexible panel; (g) a detector; (h) a
proximity detector; (i) a capacitive touch panel; (j) a pressure
sensitive panel; (k) a camera. According to an exemplary embodiment
shown schematically, the light panel may comprise a at least one of
(a) an array; (b) a grid; (c) a panel; (d) a display screen; (e) a
flexible panel; (f) a lighting array; (g) a lighting device array;
(h) a light-emitting device array; (i) an LED array; (j) a flexible
LED array; (k) an OLED array; (l) a flexible LED matrix; (m) a
flexible sheet; (n) a display.
[0240] As shown schematically according to an exemplary embodiment,
a vehicle interior component may be configured to provide a user
interface for a vehicle occupant in a vehicle comprising vehicle
systems comprising a composite structure configured to provide the
user interface. According to an exemplary embodiment shown
schematically, the composite structure may comprise a cover
providing an exterior surface and a light panel and a functional
layer; the cover may comprise a light-transmissive layer; the light
panel may be configured to provide illumination at least partially
visible through the exterior surface of the cover. According to an
exemplary embodiment shown schematically, the functional layer may
comprise a first functional layer and a second functional layer;
the first functional layer may comprise a functional layer
configured for diffusion of illumination from the display and the
second functional layer may comprise a positioning layer; the
positioning layer may comprise at least one of (a) a spacer; (b) a
flexible spacer; (c) a spacer fabric; (d) a fabric material; (e) a
foam material; (f) a plastic material; (g) a woven material; (h) a
fiber material; (i) fabric; (j) polyurethane; (k) a spacer
material. According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically,
the composite structure may comprise: (a) the cover; (b) the first
functional layer; (c) the positioning layer; (d) the light panel.
The composite structure may comprise: (a) the cover; (b) the first
functional layer; (c) a sensor; (d) the positioning layer; (e) the
light panel comprising a display.
[0241] As shown schematically according to an exemplary embodiment,
a vehicle interior component may be configured to provide a user
interface for a vehicle occupant in a vehicle comprising vehicle
systems comprising a composite structure configured to provide the
user interface. The composite structure may comprise a cover
providing an exterior surface and a positioning layer and a sensor
and a light panel and a functional layer; the cover may comprise a
light-transmissive layer; the sensor may be configured to detect
input from the vehicle occupant at or adjacent to the exterior
surface of the cover; the light panel may be configured to provide
illumination at least partially visible through the exterior
surface of the cover; operation of the user interface for the
vehicle occupant may comprise at least one of (a) output from
illumination from the light panel and (b) input detected by the
sensor. The positioning layer may comprise a foam layer under the
cover.
[0242] According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically,
the cover may comprise at least one of (a) textile; (b) fabric; (c)
fiber mesh; (d) leather; (e) grain surface; (f) synthetic fiber
fabric; (g) natural fibers; (h) artificial leather; (i) polyester;
(j) synthetic fibers; (k) fabric sheet; (l) upholstered material;
(m) a fleece material; (n) a woven material; (o) a non-woven
material; (p) a sheet material; (q) a perforated material; (r) a
composite of multiple fiber materials; (s) a translucent material;
(t) a resilient material; (u) a leather material configured to
facilitate the transmission of light; (v) a material that is
partially transparent and partially opaque; (w) a layer configured
to facilitate transmission of visible light; (x) a surface material
perforated to improve the visibility of light from the display; (y)
film; (z) resin; (aa) polycarbonate; (bb) polyurethane; (cc)
polyvinyl material; (dd) TPO; (ee) a poly material; (ff) a poly
film; (gg) a composite of multiple plastic materials; (ii) a
composite of multiple materials; (jj) a composite of fiber
material; (kk) natural material; (ll) metal; (mm) a perforated
material; (nn) a translucent layer.
[0243] According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically,
the positioning layer may comprise at least one of (a) a spacer;
(b) a flexible spacer; (c) a spacer fabric; (d) a fabric material;
(e) a foam material; (f) a plastic material; (g) a woven material;
(h) a fiber material; (i) fabric; (j) polyurethane; (k) a spacer
material; (l) a space. According to an exemplary embodiment shown
schematically, the sensor may be configured to detect input from
the vehicle occupant at or adjacent to the exterior surface of the
cover from at least one of (a) touch; (b) pressure; (c) proximity;
(d) movement; (e) gesture; (f) positioning; the sensor may comprise
at least one of (a) an array; (b) a grid; (c) a foil; (d) a panel;
(e) a touch panel; (f) a flexible panel; (g) a detector; (h) a
proximity detector; (i) a capacitive touch panel; (j) a pressure
sensitive panel; (k) a camera; the sensor may be configured to
detect input from the vehicle occupant at or adjacent to the
exterior surface of the cover; and operation of the user interface
for the vehicle occupant may comprise at least one of (a) output
from illumination from the display and (b) input detected by the
sensor.
[0244] As shown schematically according to an exemplary embodiment,
a method of operating a vehicle interior component comprising a
composite structure comprising a cover with an exterior surface and
at least one functional layer and providing a sensor and a display
configured to provide a user interface for a vehicle occupant in a
vehicle with vehicle systems may comprise the steps of: pressing
the cover toward the sensor to a distance where input can be
detected by the sensor and contacting the exterior surface within a
distance where input can be detected by the sensor. The step of
pressing the cover toward the sensor may comprise compressing the
cover toward the sensor to a first threshold distance where input
can be detected by the sensor to actuate the user interface; and
the step of contacting the exterior surface may comprise contact
within a second threshold distance where input can be detected by
the sensor to operate and/or to position the user interface. The
step of contacting the exterior surface within the second threshold
distance does not require deformation of the composite structure.
The step of pressing the cover toward the sensor may comprise
deforming the composite structure at least partially. The method
may further comprise the step of (c) movement at or adjacent the
exterior surface detected as input by the sensor.
[0245] According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically,
the display may be configured to display at least one of (a) data;
(b) information; (c) vehicle system information; (d) an input
panel; (e) a menu system; (f) an output panel; (g) an image; (h)
lighting. According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically,
the positioning layer may comprise at least one of (a) a spacer;
(b) a flexible spacer; (c) a spacer fabric; (d) a fabric material;
(e) a foam material; (f) a plastic material; (g) a woven material;
(h) a fiber material; (i) fabric; (j) polyurethane; (k) a spacer
material. According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically,
the cover may comprise at least one of (a) textile; (b) fabric; (c)
fiber mesh; (d) leather; (e) grain surface; (f) synthetic fiber
fabric; (g) natural fibers; (h) artificial leather; (i) polyester;
(j) synthetic fibers; (k) fabric sheet; (l) upholstered material;
(m) a fleece material; (n) a woven material; (o) a non-woven
material; (p) a sheet material; (q) a perforated material; (r) a
composite of multiple fiber materials; (s) a translucent material;
(t) a resilient material; (u) a leather material configured to
facilitate the transmission of light; (v) a material that is
partially transparent and partially opaque; (w) a layer configured
to facilitate transmission of visible light; (x) a surface material
perforated to improve the visibility of light from the display; (y)
film; (z) resin; (aa) polycarbonate; (bb) polyurethane; (cc)
polyvinyl material; (dd) TPO; (ee) a poly material; (ff) a poly
film; (gg) a composite of multiple plastic materials; (ii) a
composite of multiple materials; (jj) a composite of fiber
material; (kk) natural material; (ll) metal; (mm) a perforated
material; (nn) a translucent layer.
[0246] According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically,
the user interface may be configured so that input from the vehicle
occupant at the exterior surface of the cover is detected by the
sensor. The user interface may be configured so that output from
the display is presented at least partially through the exterior
surface of the cover. According to an exemplary embodiment shown
schematically, the composite structure may be configured in a
contoured shape; the composite structure may comprise a substrate.
According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically, the
composite structure may be configured to be coupled to at least one
of (a) a trim component; (b) a panel; (c) a door panel; (d) an
instrument panel; (e) a surface; (f) a console; (g) a base.
[0247] According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically,
the control system may be configured to connect to vehicle systems;
the control system may be configured to facilitate operation by the
vehicle occupant for at least one of (a) sending a signal to a
control module, (b) controlling a motor, (c) providing a signal to
a vehicle component, (d) providing electrical power to a vehicle
component, (e) providing at least one of (1) visible feedback, (2)
audible feedback, (3) tactile feedback, (4) haptic feedback to the
vehicle occupant.
[0248] According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically,
the user interface may be configured for interaction with a vehicle
occupant by at least one of (a) touch at the exterior surface of
the cover detected by the sensor or (b) gesture adjacent to the
exterior surface of the cover detected by the sensor.
[0249] According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically,
the composite structure may comprise a composite surface; and the
cover may comprise an at least partially translucent cover;
illumination from the display at the exterior surface of the
composite structure may comprise visible light transmitted through
the functional layer and through the at least partially translucent
cover. The composite structure may comprise: (a) the cover; (b) the
functional layer; (c) the sensor; (d) a positioning layer; (e) the
display; (f) a substrate; the functional layer may comprise a
diffuser and the positioning layer may comprise at least one of (a)
a foam material; (b) a spacer fabric. The composite structure may
comprise a foam layer under the cover.
[0250] According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically,
the user interface may comprise a display element from illumination
from the display that is configured to be selectively positioned on
the exterior surface of the cover; and the display element of the
user interface may comprise at least one of (a) an icon; (b) a
symbol; (c) a button indicator; (d) a menu system; (e) a display
panel image; (f) an information display image; (g) a graphics
display image; (h) a control panel; (i) an input panel; (j) a touch
screen; (k) a repositionable image; (l) a projected image; (m) an
image element selectively positionable on the exterior surface of
the cover by interaction with the vehicle occupant. According to an
exemplary embodiment shown schematically, the display element of
the user interface may be configured to be positioned on the
exterior surface of the cover (a) contacting of the exterior
surface of the cover at a position where the display element is to
be displayed when the display element is not displayed; (b)
contacting the exterior surface of the cover where the display
element is displayed and dragging the display element along the
exterior surface of the cover to a position where the display
element is to be displayed. According to an exemplary embodiment
shown schematically, the user interface may be configured (a) to be
activated for operation by compressing the cover toward the sensor
and (b) to be operated by contacting the exterior surface within a
distance where input can be detected by the sensor and (c) to be
operated by movement directed by the vehicle occupant above the
exterior surface of the cover within a distance where input can be
detected by the sensor.
[0251] As shown schematically according to an exemplary embodiment,
a vehicle interior component may be configured to provide a user
interface for a vehicle occupant in a vehicle comprising vehicle
systems comprising a composite structure configured to provide the
user interface.
[0252] According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically,
the composite structure may a cover providing an exterior surface,
a sensor, a display, a functional layer and a positioning layer.
The cover may comprise a layer configured to facilitate the
transmission of light. The sensor may be configured to detect input
from the vehicle occupant at or adjacent to the exterior surface of
the cover. The display may be configured to provide illumination at
least partially visible through the exterior surface of the cover;
operation of the user interface for the vehicle occupant may
comprise at least one of (a) output from illumination from the
display and (b) input detected by the sensor.
[0253] According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically,
the composite structure may comprise: (a) the cover; (b) the
functional layer; (c) the sensor; (d) the positioning layer; (e)
the display; (f) a substrate. The functional layer may comprise a
diffuser and the positioning layer may comprise at least one of (a)
a foam material and/or (b) a spacer fabric. The cover may comprise
at least one of (a) textile; (b) fabric; (c) fiber mesh; (d)
leather; (e) grain surface; (f) synthetic fiber fabric; (g) natural
fibers; (h) artificial leather; (i) polyester; (j) synthetic
fibers; (k) fabric sheet; (l) upholstered material; (m) a fleece
material; (n) a woven material; (o) a non-woven material; (p) a
sheet material; (q) a perforated material; (r) a composite of
multiple fiber materials; (s) a translucent material; (t) a
resilient material; (u) a leather material configured to facilitate
the transmission of light; (v) a material that may comprise
partially transparent and partially opaque; (w) a layer configured
to facilitate transmission of visible light; (x) a surface material
perforated to improve the visibility of light from the display. The
cover may comprise a light-transmissive cover comprising at least
one of (a) film; (b) resin; (c) polycarbonate; (d) polyurethane;
(e) polyvinyl material; (f) TPO; (g) a poly material; (h) a poly
film; (i) a composite of multiple plastic materials; (j) a
composite of multiple materials; (k) a composite of fiber material;
(l) natural material; (m) metal; (n) a perforated material; (o) a
translucent layer. The functional layer may be configured for at
least one of (a) positioning; (b) spacing; (c) haptic feedback; (d)
tactile feedback such as vibration; (e) audible feedback such as
sound; (f) optical enhancement; (g) light shielding; (h) electrical
shielding; (i) interference shielding; (j) optical electrical
charging for a device; (k) interaction with a mobile device; (l)
interaction with a vehicle system; (m) cushioning; (n) adhesion or
bonding; (o) tactile shear/feel performance; (p) thermal
management; (q) heating; (r) cooling; (s) providing Peltier effect;
(t) diffusion of illumination from the display; (u) monitoring; (v)
recording; (w) alerting; (x) messaging; (y) light guiding; (z)
flexibility. The positioning layer may be configured to retain
positioning within the composite structure for operation of the
sensor from input from the vehicle occupant; the positioning layer
may comprise at least one of (a) a spacer; (b) a flexible spacer;
(c) a spacer fabric; (d) a foam material; (e) a plastic material;
(f) fabric; (g) polyurethane; (h) a woven material; (i) a spacer
material; (j) a fabric material; (k) a fiber material.
[0254] According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically,
the user interface may be configured so that input from the vehicle
occupant at the exterior surface of the cover may be detected by
the sensor. The user interface may be configured so that output
from the display may be presented at least partially through the
exterior surface of the cover.
[0255] According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically,
the composite structure may be configured in a contoured shape. The
composite structure may comprise a substrate. The composite
structure may be configured to be coupled to at least one of (a) a
trim component; (b) a panel; (c) a door panel; (d) an instrument
panel; (e) a surface; (f) a console; (g) a base. A control system
may be configured to connect to vehicle systems; the control system
may be configured to facilitate operation by the vehicle occupant
for at least one of (a) sending a signal to a control module, (b)
controlling a motor, (c) providing a signal to a vehicle component,
(d) providing electrical power to a vehicle component, (e)
providing at least one of (1) visible feedback, (2) audible
feedback, (3) tactile feedback, (4) haptic feedback to the vehicle
occupant. The user interface may be configured for interaction with
a vehicle occupant by at least one of (a) touch at the exterior
surface of the cover detected by the sensor or (b) gesture adjacent
to the exterior surface of the cover detected by the sensor. The
sensor may comprise at least one of (a) an array; (b) a grid; (c) a
foil; (d) a panel; (e) a touch panel; (f) a flexible panel; (g) a
detector; (h) a proximity detector; (i) a capacitive touch panel;
(j) a pressure sensitive panel. The display may comprise at least
one of (a) an array; (b) a grid; (c) a panel; (d) a display screen;
(e) a flexible panel; (f) a lighting array; (g) a lighting device
array; (h) a light-emitting device array; (i) an LED array; (j) a
flexible LED array; (k) an OLED array; (l) a flexible LED matrix;
(m) a flexible sheet. The composite structure may comprise a
composite surface; and the cover may comprise an at least partially
translucent cover; illumination from the display at the exterior
surface of the composite structure may comprise visible light
transmitted through the functional layer and through the at least
partially translucent cover.
[0256] It is important to note that the present inventions (e.g.
inventive concepts, etc.) have been described in the specification
and/or illustrated in the FIGURES of the present patent document
according to exemplary embodiments; the embodiments of the present
inventions are presented by way of example only and are not
intended as a limitation on the scope of the present inventions.
The construction and/or arrangement of the elements of the
inventive concepts embodied in the present inventions as described
in the specification and/or illustrated in the FIGURES is
illustrative only. Although exemplary embodiments of the present
inventions have been described in detail in the present patent
document, a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily
appreciate that equivalents, modifications, variations, etc. of the
subject matter of the exemplary embodiments and alternative
embodiments are possible and contemplated as being within the scope
of the present inventions; all such subject matter (e.g.
modifications, variations, embodiments, combinations, equivalents,
etc.) is intended to be included within the scope of the present
inventions. It should also be noted that various/other
modifications, variations, substitutions, equivalents, changes,
omissions, etc. may be made in the configuration and/or arrangement
of the exemplary embodiments (e.g. in concept, design, structure,
apparatus, form, assembly, construction, means, function, system,
process/method, steps, sequence of process/method steps, operation,
operating conditions, performance, materials, composition,
combination, etc.) without departing from the scope of the present
inventions; all such subject matter (e.g. modifications,
variations, embodiments, combinations, equivalents, etc.) is
intended to be included within the scope of the present inventions.
The scope of the present inventions is not intended to be limited
to the subject matter (e.g. details, structure, functions,
materials, acts, steps, sequence, system, result, etc.) described
in the specification and/or illustrated in the FIGURES of the
present patent document. It is contemplated that the claims of the
present patent document will be construed properly to cover the
complete scope of the subject matter of the present inventions
(e.g. including any and all such modifications, variations,
embodiments, combinations, equivalents, etc.); it is to be
understood that the terminology used in the present patent document
is for the purpose of providing a description of the subject matter
of the exemplary embodiments rather than as a limitation on the
scope of the present inventions.
[0257] It is also important to note that according to exemplary
embodiments the present inventions may comprise conventional
technology (e.g. as implemented and/or integrated in exemplary
embodiments, modifications, variations, combinations, equivalents,
etc.) or may comprise any other applicable technology (present
and/or future) with suitability and/or capability to perform the
functions and processes/operations described in the specification
and/or illustrated in the FIGURES. All such technology (e.g. as
implemented in embodiments, modifications, variations,
combinations, equivalents, etc.) is considered to be within the
scope of the present inventions of the present patent document.
* * * * *