Control Unit, Input Apparatus and Method for an Information and Communication System

A control unit for an information and communication system of a vehicle, wherein the control unit is configured to:

• receive a sequence of sensor signals of different proximity sensors of corresponding different mechanical function keys, wherein corresponding first functions of the information and communication system of the vehicle are assigned to the mechanical function keys, wherein each of the mechanical function keys is configured to trigger the corresponding assigned function when the function key is operated,
• detect from the sequence of sensor signals a swiping event over the mechanical function keys, wherein a swiping event comprises the fact that the sequence of sensor signals corresponds to the sensor signals of proximity sensors of corresponding adjacent mechanical function keys, and
• assign corresponding second functions of the information and communication system to the mechanical function keys when a swiping event is detected.