JP2011063103A - Onboard equipment operation system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an onboard equipment operation system allowing a driver to easily and exactly perform an operation of onboard equipment without hesitating an operation method. <P>SOLUTION: The onboard equipment in a pressure-sensitive sensor matrix 30 can be set only when it is detected that the driver grasps a steering wheel 10 by both hands by a pressure-sensitive sensor 20, and the set content is displayed on a display part 40. When a steering angle of the steering wheel 10 detected by a steering angle sensor 60 for detecting the steering angle of the steering wheel 10 is at a prescribed position and when the steering angle is at a position except the prescribed position, the position of the set content of the onboard equipment which can be set by a finger of the driver in the pressure-sensitive matrix 30 is set to be reversed right and left. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an in-vehicle device operation system capable of easily and accurately operating an in-vehicle device.

  Conventionally, operation units of in-vehicle devices in an automobile are scattered around the driver's seat. For example, the air conditioner operation unit is arranged in the middle of the console panel, and the operation units of the car navigation device and the audio equipment are arranged in the upper part of the console panel. Therefore, in order for the driver to operate the vehicle-mounted device, it is necessary to move the line of sight or change the driving posture.

If the driver moves his / her line of sight or changes the driving posture during driving, there is a possibility that the driver cannot concentrate on driving operation.
In order to avoid the movement of the driver's line of sight and the change of posture during the operation of such in-vehicle devices, each in-vehicle device can be remotely operated, and its operation part (operation switch) is arranged on the spoke part of the steering wheel and displayed. There is an operation system in which the operation unit being operated by the driver and the contents set by the operation are displayed on the device (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-175783

  However, when the operation switch for remote control of each in-vehicle device is installed in the steering wheel, there is an inconvenience that the driver has to remember how the contents that can be set with the operation switch are assigned. .

  In an operation system in which operation switches of a plurality of in-vehicle devices are arranged in the spoke part of the steering wheel so that the driver is operating which operation part and the contents set by the operation are displayed on the display unit. When the steering wheel is rotated by a driving operation, the position of the operation switch changes with the rotation of the steering wheel. Therefore, there is a problem that the driver is wondering which operation switch is being operated during the operation.

The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an in-vehicle device operation system that allows a driver to easily and accurately operate an in-vehicle device without being confused by an operation method.

  The in-vehicle device operating system (1) according to claim 1 made to solve such a problem includes a detecting means (20), an operating means (30), a display means (40), and a control means (50). Yes.

  The detection means (20) detects whether or not the driver of the vehicle is holding the steering wheel (10) with both hands, and the operation means (30) is operated with the fingertip of the driver and is mounted on the vehicle by the operation. In order to set the operation of the mounted on-vehicle equipment, it is arranged on a part of the steering wheel (10).

The display means (40) displays the setting contents of the in-vehicle equipment set by the operating means (30) and the setting contents of the in-vehicle equipment set by the driver operating the operation means (30).
Further, the control means (50) causes the display means (40) to display the setting contents of the in-vehicle device set by the operation means (30), and the detection means (20) allows the driver to operate the steering wheel (10) with both hands. Only when it is detected that the vehicle is gripped, the in-vehicle device can be set by the operating means (30), and the setting contents of the in-vehicle device set by the driver operating the operating means (30) are displayed. Displayed on the means (40).

In such an in-vehicle device operation system (1), the driver can accurately perform the setting operation of the in-vehicle device without hesitation. This will be described below.
When the driver is gripping the steering wheel (10) with both hands when driving the vehicle, not only does the vehicle go straight without rotating the steering wheel (10), but also the steering wheel (10) Even when the vehicle is curved, the driver's posture is stable.

  Therefore, in such a stable posture, that is, in a state where the steering wheel (10) is held with both hands, the operating means (30) arranged on a part of the steering wheel (10) is operated with the fingertip. Is easy.

  Therefore, as in the in-vehicle device operation system (1) according to claim 1, the setting of the in-vehicle device of the operation means (30) is only performed when it is detected that the driver is holding the steering wheel (10) with both hands. If it is possible, the driver can perform an accurate setting operation of the in-vehicle device with a fingertip.

  Similarly, only when it is detected that the driver holds the steering wheel (10) with both hands, the contents to be set in the in-vehicle device and the setting contents set as a result of operating the operating means (30) are displayed. If it is displayed in (40), the driver can easily and accurately confirm the setting contents, so that the setting operation can be performed accurately without hesitation.

  Here, “in-vehicle devices” include not only in-vehicle information devices such as navigation devices and ETC devices, air conditioners, audio devices, window opening / closing devices, but also devices necessary for vehicle travel, such as headlights and blinkers.

  Further, “a part of the steering wheel (10)” means a part of the entire steering wheel (10) including the spoke part as well as the ring part (12) of the steering wheel (10).

  Furthermore, the “operation with the fingertip” includes, in addition to the operation by directly touching the driver's fingertip, the operation with the fingertip without touching the driver's fingertip, for example, the operation with a touch pen or the like. I mean.

  In this column, in order to facilitate understanding of the invention, the reference numeral used in the “Mode for Carrying Out the Invention” column is attached as necessary, which means that the scope of claims is limited by this reference numeral. Not what you want.

  By the way, when turning the vehicle, the driver rotates the steering wheel (10). In that case, since the operation means (30) is arrange | positioned in a part of steering wheel (10), it rotates with rotation of a steering wheel (10).

  Then, the position at which the driver operates the operating means (30) also changes. For example, when the steering wheel (10) rotates 180 ° from the vehicle straight traveling position, the operating position is reversed left and right.

  Therefore, as described in claim 2, the setting contents of the in-vehicle device that includes the angle detection means (60) for detecting the steering angle of the steering wheel (10) and can set the operation means (30) with the fingertip of the driver. The control means (50) is configured to change between when the steering angle of the steering wheel (10) detected by the angle detection means (60) is at a predetermined position and when it is at any other position. When the position of the setting contents of the in-vehicle device that can be set with the fingertip of the driver in the operation means (30) is set to be reversed left and right when the steering angle of the steering wheel (10) is at a predetermined position. Good.

  In this way, the position of the setting content that can be set by the operating means (30) according to the steering angle of the steering wheel (10) can be set to be reversed left and right, so that it is easy for the driver to use. It can be set as the operation means (30) which a driver | operator can perform correctly, without hesitation.

  For example, when the steering angle of the steering wheel (10) becomes large, especially when the steering wheel (10) is close to 180 °, the position of the setting content in the operating means (30) is in a state where the steering angle is close to 0 ° (that is, when the vehicle goes straight) ). If it does so, the position of the setting content of the vehicle equipment which a driver | operator can set with a fingertip in an operation means (30) is the same as when the steering angle of a steering wheel (10) exists in a predetermined position. Therefore, the position of the setting content is reversed left and right when the vehicle is traveling straight.

  However, in this case, if the position of the setting content in the operating means (30) is set upside down, the position of the setting content will be the same as when the steering angle is close to 0 ° (when the vehicle is traveling straight). Therefore, it is possible to provide an operation means (30) that is easy for the driver to use, that is, the driver can accurately perform the setting operation without hesitation.

  By the way, when the setting content is displayed on the display means (40) when the setting operation of the in-vehicle device is not performed, the driver may get lost in the operation. Therefore, as described in claim 3, the control means (50) determines whether or not the driver's on-vehicle device setting operation has been performed via the operation means (30), and the setting operation is performed for a predetermined time. If it is determined that there is not, the display means (40) stops displaying the setting contents of the in-vehicle device, and after the display is stopped, the setting operation of the driver's in-vehicle device is performed via the operation means (30). If it is determined, the setting contents before the display stop may be displayed again.

  In this way, once the setting operation of the in-vehicle device is performed, if the setting operation is not performed for a predetermined time, the content of the setting operation is stopped. Further, when the setting operation is resumed after the display is stopped, the setting contents are displayed.

  In other words, when the setting operation of the in-vehicle device is not performed, the content of the setting operation is not displayed, and the setting content is displayed when the setting operation is resumed. Since it is displayed, the driver can perform the setting operation of the in-vehicle device without hesitation.

  Incidentally, the display means (40) may display not only the setting contents of the in-vehicle device but also other information. For example, as described in claim 4, the display means (40) can display the setting contents of the in-vehicle device in a part of the display area and can display the speed of the vehicle in at least a part of the other area of the display area. The control means (50) may display on the display means (40) both the vehicle speed and the operation display content of the in-vehicle device together or by switching.

This is convenient because the speed display necessary for driving the vehicle and the display of the setting content necessary for the setting operation of the in-vehicle device can be displayed together or switched.
In particular, when switching between the speed display and the display of the setting contents, for example, as described in claim 3, if the display of the setting contents is stopped and the display is switched to the speed display, the display of the setting contents is displayed. The display means (40) can be used efficiently while ensuring visibility.

By the way, various types of operation means (30) are conceivable. As described in claim 5,
A plurality of pressure-sensitive sensors may be arranged in a matrix, and a pressure-sensitive sensor matrix may be used to detect the position of the driver's finger in the pressure-sensitive sensors arranged in a matrix.

  With such a pressure-sensitive sensor matrix, the position of the driver's fingertip can be detected by each pressure-sensitive sensor arranged in a matrix. It can be carried out.

  In addition, the pressure-sensitive sensor matrix is used to detect which micro-pressure sensor constituting the matrix or which region the finger is in contact with. Therefore, it is possible to easily change the setting contents of operations assigned to each pressure sensor in the matrix or an area in the matrix.

  Further, as described in claim 6, when the pressure-sensitive sensor matrix is configured to detect an operation by the driver's fingertip based on a change in resistance of the pressure-sensitive rubber or a change in capacitance, A pressure-sensitive sensor matrix can be constructed at low cost.

  Further, as described in claim 7, when the detection means (20) includes a plurality of pressure sensors arranged in the ring portion (12) of the steering wheel (10), the driver can It can be detected that the ring part (12) of (10) is held with both hands.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an in-vehicle device operation system 1. FIG. 1 is a layout diagram illustrating a schematic layout of a vehicle interior of an in-vehicle device operation system 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the display state on the display part of allocation of the setting content of the vehicle equipment in the pressure-sensitive sensor matrix 30, and the allocation content of the setting content of the vehicle equipment in 1st Embodiment. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of control processing executed in a control unit 50. It is a figure which shows the display state on the display part 40 of the allocation content of the setting content of the vehicle equipment in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the display state to the display part of assignment of the setting content of the vehicle equipment in the pressure-sensitive sensor matrix 30, and the assignment content of the setting content of the vehicle equipment in 3rd Embodiment.

Embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment, and can take various forms as long as they belong to the technical scope of the present invention.
[First Embodiment]
(Configuration of in-vehicle device operation system 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an in-vehicle device operation system 1 to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 2 is a layout diagram illustrating a schematic arrangement in the vehicle interior of the in-vehicle device operation system 1.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the in-vehicle device operation system 1 includes a pressure sensor 20, a pressure sensor matrix 30, a display unit 40, a control unit 50, and a steering angle sensor 60.
The pressure-sensitive sensor 20 is a sensor that detects whether or not the driver of the vehicle is holding the steering wheel 10 with both hands. As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of (this first embodiment) is provided on the ring portion 12 of the steering wheel 10. In the form, four places) are arranged.

The pressure-sensitive sensor 20 is a pressure-sensitive rubber that is affixed to four locations on the surface of the ring portion 12, and detects the resistance value or capacitance value of the pressure-sensitive rubber and outputs it to the control unit 50.
That is, when the driver touches the pressure-sensitive sensor 20 (pressure-sensitive rubber), the resistance or capacitance value of the pressure-sensitive rubber changes, so that the control unit 50 changes the resistance value or capacitance value. Thus, it is determined whether or not the driver is holding the ring portion 12 of the steering wheel 10.

  The pressure-sensitive sensor matrix 30 is a sensor arranged on a part of the steering wheel 10 in order to perform operation setting of an in-vehicle device mounted on the vehicle by being operated with the fingertip of the driver.

  The pressure-sensitive sensor matrix 30 is a pressure-sensitive sensor matrix in which a plurality of minute pressure-sensitive sensors are arranged in a matrix. In this embodiment, the pressure-sensitive sensor matrix 30 is a total of 900 minute pressure-sensitive sensors of 20 rows × 45 columns. The number of micro pressure sensors is not limited to 900, and the type of setting content allocation described later can be increased or decreased according to the number.

  When the driver's fingertip touches the pressure-sensitive sensor matrix 30, the resistance or capacitance value of the pressure-sensitive rubber forming the minute pressure-sensitive sensor in that portion changes. Therefore, it is detected which position in the pressure-sensitive sensor matrix 30 is touched by the driver's finger according to which position the resistance or capacitance value of the micro pressure-sensitive sensor has changed, and the position is controlled by the control unit. 50 is output.

Further, the pressure sensor matrix 30 is divided into operation areas of 4 rows × 9 columns separately from the arrangement of the micro pressure sensors, and setting contents are assigned to each operation area from the control unit 50.
That is, as shown in FIG. 3, “winker” is assigned to the first row, the second row, and the first to third columns of the pressure-sensitive sensor matrix 30, and when the driver's fingertip touches this region, the winker of the vehicle is Selected.

  In addition, “left arrow” is assigned to the first column, the second column and the fifth row, the sixth row, and the “right arrow” is assigned to the first column, the second column, the eighth row, and the ninth row. Is touched in this area, it is selected which of the left and right of the vehicle blinker is blinked.

  Furthermore, “audio volume” is assigned to the third, fourth, and first to third columns of the pressure-sensitive sensor matrix 30, and the volume of the audio device is selected when the driver's fingertip touches this area.

  In addition, “up arrow” is assigned to the third column, fourth column and fifth row, and sixth row, and “down arrow” is assigned to the third column, fourth column, eighth row, and ninth row. The volume of the audio device is set to increase or decrease when touching this area.

Note that no setting content is assigned to the 4th and 7th columns, which are buffer areas for separating each setting content.
Thus, since the setting content is assigned from the control unit 50 to the operation area of the pressure-sensitive sensor matrix 30, the pressure-sensitive sensor matrix 30 is changed by changing the setting content assigned to the operation area on the control unit 50 side. The operation content of the in-vehicle device that can be set with the driver's fingertip is configured to be changeable.

  Here, “operation with the driver's fingertip” means that the driver's fingertip is not touched directly, but the driver's fingertip is directly touched, for example, an operation with a fingertip, such as a touch pen. Is meant to include.

  The display unit 40 is, for example, a display device that includes a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL panel, or a CRT having 800 × 480 pixels, and displays the setting contents of the in-vehicle device set by the pressure-sensitive sensor matrix 30. Specifically, the setting contents assigned to each area of the pressure-sensitive sensor matrix 30 shown in FIG. 3 are displayed as they are.

Note that the number of pixels of the liquid crystal panel and the organic EL panel is not limited to 800 × 480, and can be increased or decreased depending on the application.
The display unit 40 is installed at a position that is easily visible to the driver during driving in the passenger compartment. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the display unit 40 is arranged on the upper surface of the dashboard or inside a combination meter (not shown).

  The steering angle sensor 60 is a sensor that detects the steering angle of the steering wheel 10, and is attached to an angle sensor such as a potentiometer, a resolver, and an encoder attached to the operation shaft of the steering wheel 10 and a steering boss at the center of the steering wheel 10. Tilt sensor or the like.

The control unit 50 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and an I / O (not shown), and performs the following controls (A) to (D) by a program built in the ROM.
(A) Only when it is detected by the pressure sensor 20 that the driver is holding the steering wheel 10 with both hands, setting of the vehicle-mounted device of the pressure sensor matrix 30 is enabled. The set contents are displayed on the display unit 40.

  (A) On-vehicle that can be set by the driver's fingertip in the pressure-sensitive sensor matrix 30 depending on whether the steering angle of the steering wheel 10 detected by the steering angle sensor 60 is at a predetermined position or when it is at any other position. The position of the setting contents of the device is set so as to be reversed left and right when the steering angle of the steering wheel 10 is at a predetermined position.

  (C) It is determined whether or not the setting operation of the driver's in-vehicle device has been performed via the pressure-sensitive sensor matrix 30, and when it is determined that the setting operation has not been performed for a predetermined time, the in-vehicle device by the display unit 40 Stops display of the setting contents of.

(D) After the display is stopped, if it is determined that the setting operation of the vehicle-mounted device by the driver is performed via the pressure-sensitive sensor matrix 30, the setting content before the display is stopped is displayed again.
(Control processing in the control unit 50)
Next, the contents of the control process in the control unit 50 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of control processing executed in the control unit 50.

  The control process is started when the ignition key of the vehicle (not shown) is turned “ON”. As shown in FIG. 4, first, in S100, outputs from all four pressure sensors 20 are acquired. In subsequent S105, it is determined whether or not the steering wheel 10 is grasped with both hands from the output value of the pressure-sensitive sensor 20 acquired in S100.

  Specifically, among the four pressure-sensitive sensors 20, the resistance values of the pressure-sensitive sensors 20 located at point-symmetric positions are both equal to or less than a predetermined value, or the capacitance values of the pressure-sensitive sensors 20 are both the same. When the value is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, it is determined that the steering wheel 10 is held with both hands.

  If it is determined that the steering wheel 10 is held with both hands (S105: Yes), the process proceeds to S110, and if it is determined that the steering wheel 10 is not held with both hands (S105: No), The process returns to S100.

  In S110, the output of the pressure-sensitive sensor matrix 30, that is, the position where the driver's finger is in contact with the pressure-sensitive sensor matrix 30 is acquired. In S115, it is determined whether or not the in-vehicle device is operated. Is done.

  Specifically, if the position of the finger of the driver of the pressure-sensitive sensor matrix 30 acquired in S110 is in the setting content area assigned to the pressure-sensitive sensor matrix 30 as shown in FIG. If it is not in the setting content area, it is determined that the in-vehicle device is not operated.

  And when it determines with the position of a driver | operator's finger | toe being in the area | region of setting content (S115: Yes), a process transfers to S120, and when it determines with not being in an area | region in setting content (S115: No) In step S125, the process proceeds to step S125.

  In S120, the operation guide is displayed on the display unit 40. That is, when the on-vehicle device currently selected by the driver, the content to be set next, and the actual setting operation are performed on the display unit 40, the setting content after the operation is displayed.

  For example, in the case of the winker operation shown in FIG. 3, it is assumed that the entire operation area of the display unit 40 is displayed in blue. If the winker is currently selected, the portion of the area assigned to the winker is displayed in red, and the left and right arrow areas to be operated next are displayed in yellow. Next, if the left arrow is selected, the area of the left arrow is displayed in red. In this way, the operation guide is displayed.

  In S125, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed. If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (S125: Yes), the process proceeds to S130, the display of the operation guide on the display unit 40 is stopped, and all the display is once erased. Then, the process proceeds to S135. Migrated.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (S125: No), the process is returned to S100, and the control process is repeated.
In S135, an operation signal is output to each in-vehicle device based on the setting content assigned to the position of the driver's finger acquired in S110. For example, in the case of the winker operation shown in FIG. 3, a blinking signal is output to the selected winker.

In subsequent S140, the output from the steering angle sensor 60, that is, the steering angle is acquired. In subsequent S145, it is determined whether or not the steering angle is within a predetermined angle range.
Specifically, it is determined whether or not the steering angle is 0 ° or more and less than 90 °, or 270 ° or more and less than 360 °. When it is determined that the steering angle is within the predetermined angle range (S145: Yes), the process is returned to S100, and the control process is repeated.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the steering angle is not within the predetermined range, that is, when it is determined that the steering angle is not less than 90 ° and less than 270 ° (S145: No), the process proceeds to S150, and the pressure sensor After the setting contents assigned to the matrix 30 are assigned to the left and right, the process returns to S100 and the control process is repeated.

The control process is terminated when the ignition switch is turned “OFF”.
(Features of in-vehicle device operation system 1)
In the in-vehicle device operation system 1 as described above, only when it is detected by the pressure sensor 20 that the driver is holding the steering wheel 10 with both hands, the in-vehicle device can be set by operating the driver's fingertip. The setting contents are displayed on the display unit 40.

  That is, when the driver holds the steering wheel 10 with both hands, the vehicle is curved not only when the vehicle is traveling straight without rotating the steering wheel 10 but also when the vehicle is traveling straight. Even in this case, the driver's posture is stable.

  Therefore, in such a stable posture, it is easy to operate the pressure-sensitive sensor matrix 30 arranged in a part of the steering wheel 10 with a fingertip, so that the driver can accurately set the in-vehicle device with the fingertip. The operation can be performed.

  In addition, the setting content of the in-vehicle device is displayed on the display unit 40 in a state where the driver's posture is stable. Accordingly, since the driver can easily and accurately confirm the setting contents, the setting operation can be performed accurately without hesitation.

  Further, since the position of the setting contents that can be set by the pressure-sensitive sensor matrix 30 can be set so as to be reversed left and right according to the steering angle of the steering wheel 10, it is easy for the driver to use. Can be done accurately without hesitation.

  Further, once the setting operation of the in-vehicle device is performed, when the setting operation is not performed for a predetermined time, the content of the setting operation is stopped. Further, when the setting operation is resumed after the display is stopped, the setting contents are displayed.

  In other words, when the setting operation of the in-vehicle device is not performed, the content of the setting operation is not displayed, and the setting content is displayed when the setting operation is resumed. Since it is displayed, the driver can perform the setting operation of the in-vehicle device without hesitation.

  Further, since the plurality of pressure-sensitive sensors are arranged in a matrix and the pressure-sensitive sensor matrix 30 for detecting the position of the driver's finger in the pressure-sensitive sensors arranged in the matrix is used, each of the pressure-sensitive sensors arranged in the matrix is used. Since the position of the driver's fingertip can be detected by the pressure-sensitive sensor, the in-vehicle device can be finely set at that position.

  The pressure sensor matrix 30 detects which pressure sensor in the matrix or which region the finger is in contact with. Therefore, it is possible to easily change the setting contents of operations assigned to each pressure sensor in the matrix or an area in the matrix.

  In addition, when the pressure-sensitive sensor matrix 30 is configured to detect an operation by the driver's fingertip based on a change in resistance of the pressure-sensitive rubber or a change in capacitance, the pressure-sensitive sensor matrix can be configured easily and inexpensively. can do.

  Moreover, since it is comprised by the some pressure sensor arrange | positioned at the ring part 12 of the steering wheel 10, it can detect that the driver | operator is holding the ring part 12 of the steering wheel 10 with both hands.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described based on FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a display state on the display unit 40 of assignment contents of setting contents of the in-vehicle device in the second embodiment.

  Since the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment only in the display content of the display unit 40, the configuration and processing of the in-vehicle device operation system 1 will be described with respect to the content different from the first embodiment. The description of the same content as the form is omitted.

  FIG. 5 shows a display screen of the display unit 40. As shown in FIG. 5, the display unit 40 displays the setting contents of the in-vehicle device in a part (upper part) of the display area, and can display the vehicle speed in a part (lower part) of the other area of the display area. It is configured. The setting contents of the in-vehicle device displayed in the upper part of the display area are the same as those in the first embodiment.

And the control part 50 displays the speed of a vehicle on the lower part of the display area of the display part 40, and displays the same content as 1st Embodiment with a speed display or switching on the upper part of a display area.
According to the in-vehicle device operation system 1 as described above, the speed display necessary for driving the vehicle and the display of the setting content necessary for the setting operation of the in-vehicle device can be displayed together or switched, which is convenient. is there.

  When switching between the speed display and the display of the setting content, the display unit 40 is made efficient while ensuring the visibility of the display of the setting content by switching to the speed display when the display of the setting content is stopped. Can be used.

  It should be noted that the display area of the display unit 40 is further enlarged, and other displays other than the setting contents and speed display of the in-vehicle device, for example, the room temperature, the air volume of the air conditioner, the date, the time, etc. are displayed in the other parts. It may be.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment in which the operation method of the pressure-sensitive sensor matrix 30 in the first embodiment is changed will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an assignment state of the setting contents of the in-vehicle device in the pressure-sensitive sensor matrix 30 and a display state of the assignment contents of the setting contents of the in-vehicle device on the display unit 40 in the third embodiment.

  Since the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in the assignment of the setting contents of the in-vehicle device to the pressure-sensitive sensor matrix 30 and the display content of the display unit 40, the configuration and processing of the in-vehicle device operation system 1 The contents different from the first embodiment will be described, and the description of the same contents as the first embodiment will be omitted.

  In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the driver operates the in-vehicle device by pressing the pressure-sensitive sensor matrix 30 like a button switch, but in the third embodiment, it is shown in FIG. Thus, when the driver rubs the area (1 row and 1st column to 9th column) of the winker portion of the pressure-sensitive sensor matrix 30 from the right to the left, the right blinker blinks, and when the driver rubs from left to right, the left The blinker may blink.

  Furthermore, the volume of the audio device may be increased by rubbing the audio volume area (2nd to 4th rows and 1st to 9th columns) from the bottom to the top, and the volume may be decreased by rubbing from the top to the bottom.

[Other Embodiments]
As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to this embodiment, The following various aspects can be taken.

  (1) In the above embodiment, a plurality of pressure-sensitive sensors 20 are mounted on the ring portion 12 of the steering wheel 10 in order to detect that the driver is holding the ring portion 12 of the steering wheel 10 with both hands. Alternatively, an optical fiber may be attached to the entire circumference of the ring portion 12 so that the driver can detect that the driver is holding the ring portion 12 with both hands based on the phase change of the light in the optical fiber. Good.

  That is, when pressure is applied to the optical fiber, the phase of light in the optical fiber changes compared to when no pressure is applied, so it is possible to detect at which position the pressure is applied. Therefore, if an optical fiber is attached to the entire circumference of the ring portion 12, it is possible to detect which position of the ring portion 12 is applied with pressure, that is, which position of the ring portion 12 the driver is holding. It can be detected that the person is holding the ring portion 12 with both hands.

  (2) In the above embodiment, the winker and the audio device have been described as examples of the in-vehicle device. However, the in-vehicle information device such as the navigation device and the ETC device, the air conditioner, the window opening / closing device, etc. Equipment necessary for the operation may be set as an operation setting target.

  (3) In the above embodiment, the display unit 40 is a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or a CRT installed on a dashboard in the vehicle interior. However, the windshield on the front surface of the vehicle has a focal point at infinity from the vehicle interior. On the other hand, it may be a head-up display that projects an image or a head-mounted display that a driver wears on the head.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Vehicle equipment operation system, 10 ... Steering wheel, 12 ... Ring part, 20 ... Pressure sensor, 30 ... Pressure sensor matrix, 40 ... Display part, 50 ... Control part, 60 ... Steering angle sensor.

Claims (7)

Detection means for detecting whether the driver of the vehicle is holding the steering wheel with both hands;
In order to set the operation of an in-vehicle device that is operated with the fingertip of the driver and is mounted on the vehicle by the operation, an operating means disposed on a part of the steering wheel;
Display means for displaying the setting contents of the in-vehicle device set by the operation means and the setting contents of the in-vehicle device set by the driver operating the operation means;
The setting contents of the in-vehicle device set by the operation means are displayed on the display means, and only when the driver detects that the driver is holding the steering wheel with both hands, Control means for enabling the setting of the in-vehicle device and causing the display means to display the setting content of the in-vehicle device set by the driver operating the operation means;
An in-vehicle device operating system characterized by comprising: In the in-vehicle device operation system according to claim 1,
An angle detection means for detecting a steering angle of the steering wheel;
The operation means includes
It is configured to be able to change the setting content of the in-vehicle device that can be set at the fingertip of the driver,
The control means includes
The setting contents of the in-vehicle device that can be set with the fingertip of the driver in the operation means when the steering angle of the steering wheel detected by the angle detection means is at a predetermined position and when it is at other positions Is set so that the steering angle of the steering wheel is opposite to that when the steering angle is at the predetermined position. In the in-vehicle device operation system according to claim 1 or claim 2,
The control means includes
It is determined whether or not the driver has performed setting operation of the in-vehicle device via the operation means, and when it is determined that the setting operation has not been performed for a predetermined time, the setting of the in-vehicle device by the display unit is performed. Stop displaying content,
After stopping the display, when it is determined that the setting operation of the in-vehicle device by the driver is performed through the operation means, the setting content before the display is stopped is displayed again. system. It is an in-vehicle device operation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The display means includes
The setting content of the in-vehicle device is displayed in a part of the display area, and the vehicle speed is displayed in at least a part of the other area of the display area.
The control means includes
An in-vehicle device operating system characterized in that the display means displays both the speed of the vehicle and the setting contents display of the in-vehicle device together. It is an in-vehicle device operation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The operation means includes
A vehicle-mounted device operating system, characterized in that a plurality of pressure-sensitive sensors are arranged in a matrix, and the pressure-sensitive sensor matrix detects the position of the driver's finger in the pressure-sensitive sensors arranged in the matrix. The in-vehicle device operation system according to claim 5,
The pressure-sensitive sensor matrix is
An in-vehicle device operation system configured to detect an operation by a fingertip of the driver based on a change in resistance of a pressure-sensitive rubber or a change in capacitance. The vehicle-mounted device operating system according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The detection means includes
An in-vehicle device operation system comprising a plurality of pressure sensors arranged in a ring portion of the steering wheel.