CONFIGURABLE USER INTERFACE METHOD AND DEVICE

Abstract

Configurable user interface (1) for a vehicle (V), the configurable user interface (1) comprising: a plurality of control devices (13-n, 18-n, 21-n) for controlling a first set of vehicle systems (Sn), each of the control devices (13-n, 18-n, 21-n) being associated with at least one of the vehicle systems (Sn) in the first set; at least one processor (11) for identifying a subset of the first set of vehicle systems (Sn), the subset consisting of the vehicle systems (Sn) in the first set of vehicle systems (Sn) installed on the vehicle (V); and a memory (12) connected to the at least one processor (11); wherein the at least one processor (11) is configured to control at least one of the following: activating one of the control devices (13-n, 18-n, 21-n) associated with the vehicle systems (Sn) included in the subset; and deactivating one of the control devices (13-n, 18-n, 21-n) associated with the vehicle systems (Sn) not included in the subset.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a configurable user interface method and apparatus. In particular, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a configurable user interface for a vehicle. Without limitation, the user interface may be installed in a vehicle steering wheel. The present disclosure also relates to a method for configuring a user interface. Aspects of the invention relate to a configurable user interface, to a vehicle steering wheel, to a vehicle, and to a method. BACKGROUND

[0002] It is known that control units in a user interface arranged on a vehicle steering wheel are provided for controlling vehicle systems in the vehicle. The control functions are easily accessible to the driver and can usually be operated without the driver having to take their hands off the vehicle steering wheel. A wide variety of vehicle systems can be installed on the vehicle, e.g. depending on the configuration and / or specification. It is desirable to adapt the configuration of the control interface and the installed vehicle systems to avoid the presence of redundant control units on the steering wheel. To accommodate the different variants of a vehicle, there may be several variants of the user interface for the steering wheel.This is because graphics and / or controls for features not installed in the vehicle must be removed, as they could otherwise mislead the user into believing these features are present. With this in mind, the present invention(s) were conceived.

[0003] Further prior art includes US 5 555 502 A and DE 10 2014 204 788 A1.

[0004] At least in certain embodiments, the present invention aims to overcome or ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The above objects are achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Aspects of the present invention relate to a configurable user interface, a vehicle steering wheel, a vehicle, and a method as required in the appended claims.

[0006] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a configurable user interface for a vehicle is provided, the configurable user interface comprising: a plurality of control devices for controlling a first set of vehicle systems, each of the control devices being associated with at least one of the vehicle systems in the first set; at least one processor for identifying a subset of the first set of vehicle systems, consisting of the vehicle system(s) installed in the vehicle; and a memory connected to the at least one processor; wherein the at least one processor is configured to activate one of the control devices associated with the vehicle systems included in the subset; and / or to deactivate one of the control devices associated with the vehicle systems not included in the subset.

[0007] In one embodiment, the at least one processor is configured to activate all control units for which the associated vehicle system is installed. However, only some of the vehicle systems may be installed in a particular vehicle, e.g., depending on the vehicle configuration or specification. Thus, the user interface may include control units associated with one or more vehicle systems that are not installed in the vehicle. In this case, the at least one processor is configured to deactivate all control units for which the associated vehicle system is not installed on the vehicle. In this way, the user interface may be configured to correspond to the vehicle systems installed in the vehicle. At least in certain embodiments, the user interface may be configured automatically.

[0008] The control devices may each include at least one light-emitting device. The at least one processor may be configured to control the at least one light-emitting device to hide or obscure any control devices associated with vehicle systems not installed in the vehicle. Enabling each control device may include activating the at least one light-emitting device associated with the control device. Deactivating each control device may include deactivating the at least one light-emitting device associated with the control device. Each of the control devices may be visible when the light-emitting device is energized and at least partially invisible when the light-emitting device is de-energized.The control devices may each include or consist of a hidden or illuminated display. The hidden or illuminated display may, for example, consist of a semi-transparent plate and an opaque mask with cutouts forming symbols or characters representative of the control function. The semi-transparent plate may, for example, be made of a colored, transparent plastic.

[0009] Alternatively or additionally, the at least one processor may be configured to deactivate all control devices associated with vehicle systems that are not installed in the vehicle. Enabling each control device may comprise enabling the output of control signals from that control device. Deactivating each control device may comprise disabling the output of control signals from that control device.

[0010] The plurality of control devices may each comprise a user-operable switch. The user-operable switch may be a touch switch. The user-operable switch may comprise, for example, a capacitance switch or a resistance switch. Activating each control device may comprise activating the user-operable switch in that control device. Deactivating each control device may comprise deactivating the user-operable switch in that control device.

[0011] The plurality of control devices may include one or more disc-shaped controllers. The disc-shaped controller may include one or more user-operable switches that can be selectively turned on and off in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

[0012] The at least one processor may be configured to communicate with a storage device disposed on the vehicle to identify the subset of the first set of vehicle systems. The at least one processor may be configured to read a vehicle configuration file stored in the storage device.

[0013] The at least one processor may be configured to communicate with one or more of the first vehicle systems to identify the subset of the first set of vehicle systems installed in the vehicle.

[0014] The subset may be a correct subset consisting of some of the first groups of vehicle systems. Alternatively, the subset may be an incorrect subset consisting of all of the first groups of vehicle systems.

[0015] The first set of vehicle systems may include one or more of the following systems: a cellular system; an infotainment control system; a voice recognition system; a speed dial system; an adaptive cruise control system; a lane departure warning system; a speed limit system; and a heated steering wheel system. Alternatively or additionally, the first set of vehicle systems may include one or more of the following systems: an autonomous emergency braking system; a parking assist system; a traction control system; a suspension control system; a transmission control system; a throttle control system; a high / low range gear shift system; and a powertrain control system.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle steering wheel is provided with a configurable user interface as described herein.

[0017] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is provided with a configurable user interface as described herein. The configurable user interface may be provided in a steering wheel of the vehicle.

[0018] The configurable user interface may be used to control a plurality of vehicle systems. Some of these vehicle systems may not be installed on the subject vehicle. The at least one processor may be configured to identify the subset of vehicle systems from the first set that are installed in the vehicle. The at least one processor may be selectively configured to enable the control devices associated with all vehicle systems installed on the vehicle and / or to disable the control devices associated with all vehicle systems not installed on the vehicle. The configurable user interface may be configured to communicate with a vehicle system controller to determine which of the vehicle systems are present on the vehicle and / or to determine which of the vehicle systems are missing from the vehicle.

[0019] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a configurable user interface for a vehicle is provided, the configurable user interface comprising: a plurality of control devices, each control device being associated with at least one vehicle system; at least one processor for detecting the presence and / or absence of the vehicle systems connected to the control units; and a memory connected to the at least one processor; wherein the at least one processor is configured to activate the one or more control devices associated with one or more of the vehicle systems detected as being present in the vehicle; and / or to deactivate one of the control devices associated with the vehicle systems detected as not being present in the vehicle.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for configuring a user interface for a vehicle, the user interface comprising a plurality of control devices for controlling a first set of vehicle systems, each of the control devices being associated with at least one of the vehicle systems in the first set; the method comprising: Identifying a subset of the first set of vehicle systems consisting of the vehicle system(s) installed in the vehicle; and Activating one of the control devices associated with the vehicle systems included in the subset; and / or deactivating one of the control devices associated with the vehicle systems not included in the subset.

[0021] The control devices may each comprise at least one light-emitting device. The method may comprise: activating each control device by turning on the at least one light-emitting device associated with the control device; and deactivating each control device by deactivating the at least one light-emitting device associated with the control device.

[0022] Enabling each control device may comprise enabling the output of control signals from that control device. Deactivating each control device may comprise disabling the output of control signals from that control device.

[0023] The control devices may each comprise a user-operable switch. The user-operable switch may be a touch switch. Activating each control device may comprise activating the user-operable switch in that control device. Deactivating each control device may comprise deactivating the user-operable switch in that control device.

[0024] The method may include communicating with a storage device disposed on the vehicle to identify the subset of the first set of vehicle systems. The method may include reading a vehicle configuration file stored in the storage device.

[0025] The method may include communicating with one or more of the first vehicle systems to identify the subset of the first group of vehicle systems installed in the vehicle.

[0026] The subset may be a correct subset consisting of some of the first groups of vehicle systems. Alternatively, the subset may be an incorrect subset consisting of all of the first groups of vehicle systems.

[0027] Each control unit or controller described herein may suitably comprise a computing device having one or more electronic processors. The system may consist of a single control unit or electronic controller, or alternatively, different functions of the controller may be performed or housed in different control units or controllers. As used herein, the term "controller" or "control unit" includes both a single control unit or controller and a plurality of control units or controllers operating together to provide a particular control functionality. To configure a control unit or controller, a suitable set of instructions may be provided which, when executed, cause the control unit or computing device to implement the control techniques described herein.The instruction set may be suitably embedded in the one or more electronic processors. Alternatively, the instruction set may be provided as software stored in one or more memories associated with the controller for execution on the computing device. The control unit or controller may be implemented in software running on one or more processors. One or more other control units or controllers may be implemented in software running on one or more processors, optionally on the same one or more processors as the first controller. Other suitable provisions may also be made.

[0028] For the purposes of this application, it is expressly contemplated that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, and alternatives set forth in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims, and / or in the following descriptions and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be adopted independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of an embodiment may be combined in any manner and / or combination, unless these features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to amend an originally filed claim or to file a new claim accordingly, including the right to amend an originally filed claim to depend on another claim and / or to incorporate a feature of another claim even though it was not originally asserted in that manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] One or more embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying persons, in which: Fig. shows a schematic representation of a vehicle with a user interface according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. shows a block diagram of the Fig. displayed user interface; and Fig. illustrates the configuration of the user-operated switches on the Fig. displayed user interface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] A user interface 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The user interface 1 according to the present embodiment is configured for use in a vehicle V to provide user control of the vehicle-side systems Sn. In the present embodiment, the user interface 1 is arranged on a steering wheel 2 of the vehicle V. A schematic representation of the vehicle V and the user interface 1 is shown in Fig. shown.

[0031] The user interface 1 is operable to provide control of a first set of vehicle systems Sn. The first set represents all vehicle systems Sn that can be controlled via the user interface 1. In the present embodiment, the first set comprises a plurality of vehicle systems Sn. The user interface 1 can provide independent control of each of the vehicle systems Sn in the first set. As an example, the user interface 1 can enable the user to selectively enable / disable one or more of the vehicle systems Sn in the first set; and / or adjust operating parameters of one or more of the vehicle systems Sn in the first set. However, all of the vehicle systems Sn that make up the first set are not necessarily installed on a particular vehicle V.For example, only a portion of the first set of vehicle systems Sn may have been specified for a particular model or configuration of the vehicle V. As described herein, the user interface 1 is configurable to provide control of those vehicle systems Sn that have been installed on the vehicle V. The installed vehicle systems Sn form a subset of the first set of vehicle systems Sn.

[0032] As in Fig. As shown, the first set of vehicle systems Sn in the present embodiment includes: a cellular system S-1 for pairing with a cellular phone; an infotainment control system S-2; a voice recognition system S-3; a shortcut selection system S-4 for providing a user-defined shortcut within the infotainment system; an adaptive cruise control system S-5; a lane keeping system S-6; a speed limit system S-7; and a heated steering wheel system S-8. At least one of the first set of vehicle systems Sn is optional and may not be installed on the vehicle V. Thus, the vehicle systems Sn installed on the vehicle V may be a subset of the first set of vehicle systems Sn. The subset may consist of a portion of the first set of vehicle systems Sn (i.e., an appropriate subset of the first set); or of the entire first set of vehicle systems Sn (an improper subset of the first set).It is understood that different vehicles V may have different subsets of the vehicle systems Sn. It is noted that certain vehicles V may not be equipped with the first set of vehicle systems Sn. The user interface 1 according to the present embodiment is configurable to enable control of the subset of the first set of vehicle systems Sn corresponding to the vehicle systems Sn installed on the vehicle V. The same user interface 1 can be used to control different configurations of the available vehicle systems Sn. At least in certain embodiments, the configuration of the user interface 1 is performed automatically.

[0033] The vehicle systems Sn are each connected to a vehicle communication network 3. The vehicle systems Sn publish data to the vehicle communication network 3 and / or read data from the vehicle communication network 3. The vehicle systems Sn are implemented by a vehicle system controller 4 arranged in the vehicle V. The vehicle system controller 4 comprises a first electronic processor 5 connected to a first storage device 6. A vehicle configuration file 7 is stored in the first storage device 6. The vehicle configuration file 7 comprises a data set from which the first set of vehicle systems Sn are installed on the vehicle V. The vehicle configuration file 7 defines the subset of the first vehicle systems Sn that are installed on this vehicle V.The vehicle configuration file 7 can be updated to reflect the addition (or removal) of one or more of the vehicle systems Sn.

[0034] In the present embodiment, the user interface 1 is installed in the steering wheel 2. The user interface 1 is envisaged to be provided in left-hand and right-hand versions, depending on whether the vehicle V is left-hand or right-hand drive. For the sake of brevity, only the left-hand variant of the user interface 1 will be described here, but it should be understood that the concepts can be used in the right-hand variant. The user interface 1 comprises an interface controller 10 with a second electronic processor 11 connected to a second memory device 12. The interface controller 10 is housed in the steering wheel 2 and is configured to communicate with the vehicle communication network 3.The user interface 1 comprises a first switch pack 14 and a second switch pack 15 arranged on opposite sides of the steering wheel 2. The first and second switch packs 14, 15 each comprise a plurality of user-operable switches 13-n for controlling the vehicle systems Sn. The user-friendly switches 13-n each comprise a touch switch, for example a capacitance switch. Each of the user-operable switches 13-n is associated with at least one of the first sets of vehicle systems Sn. The interface controller 10 is configured to control the user-operable switches 13-n such that only the user-operable switches 13-n associated with the subset of the first set of vehicle systems Sn installed on the vehicle V are activated.The interface controller 10 is configured to control the user-operable switches 13-n such that all user-operable switches 13-n associated with the vehicle systems Sn outside the subset of the first set are deactivated. The composition of the first and second switch packages 14, 15 will now be described in more detail.

[0035] With reference to the Fig. The first switch package 14 comprises first, second, and third user-operable switches 13-1, 13-2, 13-3 for controlling the mobile radio system S-1; a fourth user-operable switch 13-4 for controlling the voice recognition system S-3; and a fifth user-operable switch 13-5 for controlling the speed dialing system S-4. The first, second, and third user-operable switches 13-1, 13-2, 13-3 are each configured to activate the mobile radio system S-1, accept a telephone call via the mobile radio system S-1, and terminate a call via the mobile radio system S-1. The fourth user-operable switch 13-4 is configured to activate the voice recognition system S-3 in preparation for issuing a voice command to the vehicle V. The first, second, third, fourth, and fifth user-controlled switches 13-1 to 13-5 are each designed in the form of a capacitance switch.The first switch package 14 also includes separate light-emitting devices 16-n for illuminating the user-operable switches 13-n. The light-emitting devices 16-n in the present embodiment are in the form of first, second, third, fourth, and fifth light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 16-1 through 16-5 associated with the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth user-operated switches 13-1 through 13-15.

[0036] The first switch package 14 also includes a first disc-shaped controller 17 for controlling the infotainment control system S-2. The first disc-shaped controller 17 includes a plurality of first control switches 18-n for selectively operating the infotainment control system S-2 and / or for navigating menus displayed on a graphical interface. In the present embodiment, the first control switches 18-n include the cardinal direction switches 18-1, 18-2, 18-3, 18-4; the volume controls 18-5, 18-6; and the left and right switches 18-7, 18-8. The first control switches 18-n each include a touch switch, for example, a capacitance switch, but can also be embodied as a mechanical switch. The first control switches 18-n can optionally be controlled by the interface controller 10.The interface controller 10 can be configured to control the first control switches 18-n such that only the first control switches 18-n associated with the subset of the first set of vehicle systems Sn installed on the vehicle V are activated. The interface controller 10 can be configured to control the first control switches 18-n such that each of the first control switches 18-n associated with the vehicle systems Sn outside the subset of the first set is deactivated.

[0037] The first disc-shaped control 17 in the present embodiment can also be pressed to actuate a first selector switch 19. The first selector switch 19 is a mechanical switch, e.g., a microswitch, which is actuated to confirm a selection to prevent inadvertent actuation. In a variant, the first selector switch 19 could comprise a touch switch integrated into the first disc-shaped control. The first control switches 18-n are arranged in a ring and can optionally be operated as a jog wheel, e.g., to scroll through menu options. A user maintains contact with the first disc-shaped control 17 for a predetermined period of time to activate a timing function and then changes the point of contact with the first disc-shaped control 17 to cycle through the available options.

[0038] Regarding the Fig.The second switch pack 15 includes a sixth user-operable switch 13-6 for controlling the lane departure warning system S-6; a seventh user-operable switch 13-7 for controlling the speed limit system S-7; an eighth user-operable switch for communicating with the heated steering wheel system S-8; and a ninth user-operable switch 13-9 for canceling a command. The sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth user-defined switches 13-6 through 13-9 are each implemented in the form of a capacitance switch. The second switch pack 15 also includes separate light-emitting devices 16-n for illuminating the user-operable switches 13-n. The light-emitting devices 16-n in the present embodiment are in the form of sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 16-6 to 16-9 associated with the sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth user-controlled switches 13-6 to 13-9.

[0039] The second switch pack 15 also includes a second disc-shaped pad 20 for adjusting parameters associated with the vehicle systems Sn, for example, for adjusting the inter-vehicle distance maintained by an adaptive cruise control system and / or for adjusting the speed limit system S-7. The second disc-shaped controller 20 includes a plurality of second control switches 21-n. In the present embodiment, the second control switches 21-n include the range selector switches 21-1, 21-2; and the increase and decrease switches 21-3, 21-4. The second control switches 21-n each include a touch switch, for example, a capacitance switch, but can also be embodied as a mechanical switch. The second control switches 21-n can optionally be controlled by the interface controller 10.The interface controller 10 may be configured to control the second control switches 21-n such that only the second control switches 21-n associated with the subset of the first set of vehicle systems Sn installed on the vehicle V are activated. The interface controller 10 may be configured to control the second control switches 21-n such that each of the second control switches 21-n associated with the vehicle systems Sn outside the subset of the first set is deactivated.

[0040] The second disc-shaped control 20 in the present embodiment can also be pressed to actuate a second selector switch 22. The second selector switch 22 is a mechanical switch, e.g., a microswitch, which is actuated to confirm a selection to prevent inadvertent actuation. In a variant, the second selector switch 22 could comprise a touch switch integrated into the second disc-shaped control. The second control switches 21-n are arranged in a ring and can optionally be operated as a jog wheel, e.g., to scroll through menu options. A user maintains contact with the second disc-shaped control 20 for a predetermined period of time to activate a timing function and then changes the point of contact with the second disc-shaped control 20 to cycle through the available options.

[0041] The first and second switch packs 14, 15 each include first and second panels 23, 24. The user-operable switches 13-n in the first and second switch packs 14, 15 are capacitance switches arranged on the first and second panels 23, 24. An opaque mask (not shown) is provided on a backside of the first and second panels 23, 24. A plurality of cutouts are formed in the opaque mask to define symbols associated with each of the user-operable switches 13-n. The LEDs 16-n associated with the user-operable switches 13-n are mounted behind the first and second panels 23, 24. The first and second panels 23, 24 may be formed from a semi-transparent colored plastic material so that the cutouts and the LEDs 16-n are concealed until the associated light-emitting diode 16-n is turned on and emits light.The interface controller 10 selectively activates and deactivates the light-emitting devices 16-n to display or hide each of the user-controlled switches 13-n. The interface controller 10 is configured to control the light-emitting devices 16-n such that only the user-operable switches 13-n associated with the subset of the first set of vehicle systems Sn installed on the vehicle V are visible. Each of the user-operable switches 13-n provided on the user interface 1 associated with the vehicle systems Sn not installed on the vehicle V remains invisible.The interface controller 10 is configured to power the light-emitting device(s) 16-n associated with each activated user-operable switch 13-n; and to deactivate the light-emitting device(s) 16-n associated with the deactivated user-operable switches 13-n. The interface controller 10 can selectively turn one or more of the LEDs 16-n on and off to provide a visual indication when certain functions are available. For example, the second LED 16-2 can be activated to illuminate the second user-operable switch 13-2 only when an incoming telephone call is received; and / or the third LED 16-3 can be activated to illuminate the third user-operable switch 13-3 only during a telephone call.

[0042] In the present embodiment, the first and second plates 23, 24 define the first and second disc-shaped controls 17, 20. The first and second plates 23, 24 can be contoured to define the first and second disc-shaped controls 17, 20. The first and second plates 23, 24 are resilient so that the first and second disc-shaped controls 17, 20 can be pressed to activate the first and second selector switches 19, 22. The interface controller 10 can be selectively configured to enable / disable the first control switches 18-n and / or the second control switches 21-n. The first control switches 18-n and / or the second control switches 21-n can have the same configuration as the user-operable switches 13-n, such that they are not visible unless activated by the interface controller 10.The first control switches 18-n may each include a light-emitting device (not shown), such as an LED, that is activated when this first control switch 18-n is activated. The second control switches 21-n may each include a light-emitting device (not shown), such as an LED, that is activated when this second control switch 21-n is activated. In this arrangement, the interface controller 10 may be configured to control the light-emitting devices such that only the first control switches 18-n and / or the second control switches 21-n associated with the subset of the first set of vehicle systems Sn installed on the vehicle V are visible. One of the first control switches 18-n and / or the second control switches 21-n associated with the vehicle systems Sn not installed on the vehicle V remains invisible.

[0043] The user interface 1 configures itself automatically to enable control of the vehicle systems Sn installed on the vehicle V. The interface controller 10 is connected to the vehicle communication network 3 and reads the vehicle configuration file 7 stored in the first storage device 6. The interface controller 10 identifies the subset of the first set of vehicle systems Sn installed on the vehicle V. The interface controller 10 is configured to control the user-operable switches 13-n such that only the user-operable switches 13-n associated with the subset of the first set of vehicle systems Sn installed on the vehicle V are activated.Furthermore, the interface controller 10 is configured to control the light-emitting devices 16-n such that only the user-operable switches 13-n associated with the subset of the first set of vehicle systems Sn installed on the vehicle V are illuminated. Thus, each of the user-operable switches 13-n provided on the user interface 1 associated with the vehicle systems Sn not installed on the vehicle V is deactivated and invisible.

[0044] The user interface 1 described herein can be used in a number of vehicles V with different specifications and / or configurations. In the present embodiment, it is not necessary to provide different variants of the steering wheel 2 for different configurations of the vehicle V. Rather, a standardized steering wheel 2 can be used for different vehicle configurations, since the user interface 1 is automatically configured to reflect the available vehicle systems Sn. In addition, in the event that a vehicle system Sn is retrofitted to the vehicle V, the vehicle configuration file 7 could be updated and the functionality supported by the existing user interface 1.

[0045] The embodiment described herein defines the first set of vehicle systems Sn as comprising a cellular phone system S-1; an infotainment control system S-2; a voice recognition system S-3; a mode selection system S-4; an adaptive cruise control system S-5; a lane departure warning system S-6; a speed limit system S-7; and a heated steering wheel system S-8. It should be understood that one or more of these vehicle systems Sn may be omitted or replaced, for example, to enable control of various vehicle systems Sn. The first set may include one or more driver assistance systems, such as an autonomous emergency braking system and / or a parking assistance system. The first set may include dynamic control functions, such as a traction control system, a suspension control system, a transmission control system, and a throttle system.The first set may also include one or more off-road vehicle systems, such as a high / low range transmission control system and / or a powertrain control system.

[0046] It should be understood that various changes may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The user-operable switches 13-n have been described herein as capacitance switches, but it should be understood that other types of user-operable sensors may be used, such as a resistive sensor.

[0047] The user interface 1 has been described herein as being integrated into a steering wheel 2. It should be noted that the user interface 1 may be used in other applications. For example, the user interface 1 may be mounted in a control panel, such as on a fascia, dashboard, or console of the vehicle V.

[0048] The interface controller 10 has been described as reading a vehicle configuration file 7 to determine the subset of the first set of vehicle systems Sn installed on the vehicle V. In a variant, the interface controller 10 could communicate with one or more of the vehicle systems Sn to determine which of the first set of vehicle systems Sn is installed on the vehicle V.

Claims

[1] Configurable user interface (1) for a vehicle (V), the configurable user interface (1) comprising: a plurality of control devices (13-n, 18-n, 21-n) for controlling a first set of vehicle systems (Sn), each of the control devices (13-n, 18-n, 21-n) being associated with at least one of the vehicle systems (Sn) in the first set; at least one processor (11) for identifying a subset of the first set of vehicle systems (Sn), the subset consisting of the vehicle systems (Sn) in the first set of vehicle systems (Sn) installed on the vehicle (V); and a memory (12) connected to the at least one processor (11); wherein the at least one processor (11) is configured to control at least one of the following: activating one of the control devices (13-n, 18-n, 21-n) associated with the vehicle systems (Sn) included in the subset; and deactivating one of the control devices (13-n, 18-n, 21-n) associated with the vehicle systems (Sn) not included in the subset. [2] Configurable user interface (1) according to claim 1, wherein the control devices (13-n, 18-n, 21-n) each comprise at least one light-emitting device (16-n); wherein activating each control device (13-n, 18-n, 21-n) comprises activating the at least one light-emitting device (16-n) associated with that control device (13-n, 18-n, 21-n); and deactivating each control device (13-n, 18-n, 21-n) comprises deactivating the at least one light-emitting device (16-n) associated with that control device (13-n, 18-n, 21-n). [3] Configurable user interface (1) according to claim 2, wherein each control device (13-n, 18-n, 21-n) is visible when the light emitting device (16-n) is activated and is at least partially invisible when the light emitting device (16-n) is deactivated. [4] A configurable user interface (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein enabling each control device (13-n, 18-n, 21-n) comprises enabling the output of control signals from that control device (13-n, 18-n, 21-n) and disabling each control device (13-n, 18-n, 21-n) comprises disabling the output of control signals from that control device (13-n, 18-n, 21-n). [5] A configurable user interface (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plurality of control devices (13-n, 18-n, 21-n) each comprise a user-operable switch. [6] Configurable user interface (1) according to claim 5, wherein activating each control device (13-n, 18-n, 21-n) comprises activating the user-operable switch in that control device (13-n, 18-n, 21-n) and deactivating each control device (13-n, 18-n, 21-n) comprises deactivating the user-operable switch in that control device (13-n, 18-n, 21-n). [7] Configurable user interface (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one processor (11) is configured to communicate with a memory device (6) arranged on the vehicle (V) to identify the subset of the first set of vehicle systems (Sn). [8] Configurable user interface (1) according to claim 7, wherein the at least one processor (11) is configured to read a vehicle configuration file stored in the storage device (6). [9] Configurable user interface (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one processor (11) is configured to communicate with one or more of the first vehicle systems (Sn) to identify the subset of the first set of vehicle systems (Sn) installed on the vehicle (V). [10] A configurable user interface (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the subset is a correct subset consisting of some of the first sets of vehicle systems (Sn); or the subset is an incorrect subset consisting of all of the first sets of vehicle systems (Sn). [11] Configurable user interface (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle systems (Sn) comprise one or more of the following: a mobile radio system (S-1); an infotainment control system (S-2); a speech recognition system (S-3); a shortcut selection system (S-4); an adaptive cruise control system (S-5); a lane keeping assistance system (S-6); a speed limitation system (S-7); and a heated steering wheel system (S-8). [12] Vehicle steering wheel (2) with a configurable user interface (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims. [13] Vehicle (V) comprising a configurable user interface (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 or a steering wheel (2) as claimed in claim 12. [14] A method for configuring a user interface (1) for a vehicle (V), wherein the user interface (1) comprises a plurality of control devices (13-n, 18-n, 21-n) for controlling a first set of vehicle systems (Sn), each of the control devices (13-n, 18-n, 21-n) being associated with at least one of the vehicle systems (Sn) in the first set; the method comprising: Identifying a subset of the first set of vehicle systems (Sn), the subset consisting of those vehicle systems (Sn) in the first set of vehicle systems (Sn) that are installed on the vehicle (V); and Controlling at least one of the following: activating one of the control devices (13-n, 18-n, 21-n) associated with the vehicle systems (Sn) included in the subset; and deactivating one of the control devices (13-n, 18-n, 21-n) associated with the vehicle systems (Sn) not included in the subset. [15] The method of claim 14, wherein each control device (13-n, 18-n, 21-n) comprises at least one light-emitting device (16-n); the method comprising: Activating each control device (13-n, 18-n, 21-n) by activating the at least one light-emitting device (16-n) associated with that control device (13-n, 18-n, 21-n); and Deactivating each control device (13-n, 18-n, 21-n) by deactivating the at least one light-emitting device (16-n) associated with that control device (13-n, 18-n, 21-n). [16] The method of claim 14 or claim 15, wherein activating each control device (13-n, 18-n, 21-n) comprises activating the output of control signals from that control device (13-n, 18-n, 21-n) and deactivating each control device (13-n, 18-n, 21-n) comprises deactivating the output of control signals from that control device (13-n, 18-n, 21-n). [17] A method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein each control device (13-n, 18-n, 21-n) comprises a user-operable switch and the method comprises: Activating each control device (13-n, 18-n, 21-n) by activating the user-operable switch in that control device (13-n, 18-n, 21-n); and Deactivating each control device (13-n, 18-n, 21-n), comprising deactivating the user-controlled switch in the control device (13-n, 18-n, 21-n). [18] Method according to one of claims 14 to 17, comprising communicating with a storage device (6) arranged on the vehicle (V) to identify the subset of the first set of vehicle systems (Sn). [19] A method according to claim 18, comprising reading a vehicle configuration file stored in the storage device (6). [20] Method according to one of claims 14 to 17, comprising communicating with one or more of the first vehicle systems (Sn) to identify the subset of the first set of vehicle systems (Sn) installed on the vehicle (V). [21] A method according to any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein the subset is an appropriate subset consisting of a portion of the first set of vehicle systems (Sn); or the subset is an improper subset consisting of all of the first set of vehicle systems (Sn).

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