System for computer user interface

A system for computer user interface, comprising:

• (a) an energy source disposed for irradiating energy within a closed area in a first plane, the energy including light in the infrared region when the energy source is operated;
• (b) a sensor disposed in a second plane that is different from the first plane, the sensor for monitoring the closed area and producing electronic information corresponding to user action within the closed area in the first plane that causes at least a portion of the light within the closed area to be redirected towards the sensor when the sensor is operated;
• and
• (c) a computer electronically connected to the sensor, the computer receiving electronic information produced by the sensor when the computer is operated, the computer including logic which analyzes electronic information received from the sensor and produces output as appropriate in response to user action within the closed area, wherein the energy source is located on a steering wheel of a vehicle and the sensor is located on an instrumental panel of the vehicle.

A method of providing a computer user interface in a vehicle having a steering wheel, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) defining a closed area in a first plane that is proximate the steering wheel as a virtual control panel for a user to enter inputs by user action within the closed area;
• (b) using an energy source to produce a sensing field extending substantially along the closed area for aiding the sensor in detecting user action within the closed area;
• (c) monitoring the closed area with a sensor in a second plane that is different from the first plane, which produces electronic information corresponding to user action within the closed area in the first plane that causes at least a portion of a sensing field within the closed area to be redirected towards the sensor;
• and
• (d) computer processing the electronic information using logic which analyzes the electronic information and produces output as appropriate to user action within the closed area, wherein the energy source is located on the steering wheel of the vehicle and the sensor is located on an instrumental panel of the vehicle.