Pushbutton vehicle shifter interface using proximity sensing
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorsPietro Buttolo, James Stewart Rankin, II, Mark McCarthy, Stuart C. Salter
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A pushbutton shifter interface is provided that includes a movable assembly supporting a plurality of pushbutton keys. The pushbutton shifter interface also includes a proximity sensor arrangement configured to sense a user proximate the pushbutton keys and interfacing with one of the keys and an actuator actuating the movable assembly to a use position in response to sensing the user proximate the pushbutton keys. The pushbutton shifter interface further includes a display showing a sensed position of the user relative to the plurality of pushbutton keys.
Claims15
A pushbutton shifter interface comprising:
- a movable assembly supporting a plurality of pushbutton keys actuatable to input a vehicle operating mode;
- a proximity sensor arrangement configured to sense a user proximate the pushbutton keys;
- and
- an actuator actuating the movable assembly to a use position in response to sensing the user proximate to the pushbutton keys in a stowed position.
A pushbutton shifter interface comprising:
- a rotating assembly supporting a plurality of pushbutton keys actuatable to input a vehicle operating mode;
- a proximity sensor arrangement configured to sense a user proximate the pushbutton keys;
- and
- an actuator actuating the rotating assembly to a use position in response to sensing the user proximate to the pushbutton keys in a stowed position, wherein the actuator pivots the movable assembly to a use position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.