JP2011149749A - Information display device for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information display device for a vehicle having a means of selecting a predetermined process mode such as calling a display screen of a predetermined layer to a display part without a solid visual contact to a touch panel. <P>SOLUTION: In a microwave detector 10 displaying a predetermined information related to the map information to a user getting in a vehicle by displaying the map drawing on a display part 17, a separated panel unit 12 composed as a separate body from the display part 17 is attached to the upper face of a pad 15a of a handle 15. The driver displays a different input screen according to a touch number to the display part 17 by touching a second touch panel 22 of the separate panel unit 12 with a different number of finger tips. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle information display device that includes a display unit and gives predetermined information to a person driving a vehicle.

For example, a vehicle information display device such as a navigation device or a microwave detector (radar detector) includes a navigation system having a GPS (Global Positioning System) function, and displays a map screen on a display unit to drive the vehicle. The user is given predetermined driving information related to the map information. The predetermined information on driving typically includes displaying an appropriate route from the current position to the destination on the display unit and guiding the vehicle together with voice guidance. In addition, radar detectors and navigation systems are equipped with various functions to provide predetermined information on driving, and these functions contribute to efficient and safe driving for those who drive the vehicle. .
In addition, such vehicle information display devices generally have a touch surface on the display unit for convenience of operation, and a driver or a user sitting in a passenger seat touches (touches) the touch surface. I try to operate it.
For example, Patent Document 1 is cited as a prior art of a vehicle information display device having such a touch-type display unit.

JP 2004-184168 A

By the way, in the vehicle information display device including these touch-type display units, display screens displayed on the display unit are generally hierarchized. In the hierarchical display screen, first, a menu button displayed as a GUI (Graphical User Interface) input screen is touched on the upper layer to display a new menu screen in a lower layer, which is the target. Menu buttons are touched one after another until the screen for executing a predetermined processing mode is reached. For example, when setting the destination, if you want to determine the destination by entering the address, touch the menu button from the initial screen first, such as initial screen → destination setting screen → address input screen. It is necessary to go through the steps of displaying the screen and touching the menu button to display the address input screen.
However, in order to do so, it is necessary to touch a menu button that displays a new menu screen in a lower hierarchy while visually checking the menu button. It is not preferable to perform an operation that hinders the operation. Therefore, there has been a demand for a vehicle information display device that can display a display screen of a predetermined level on the display unit without firmly viewing the touch surface.
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and its purpose is to select a predetermined processing mode such as calling a display screen of a predetermined hierarchy on the display unit without observing the touch surface firmly. An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicular information display device including means capable of performing the above.

In order to achieve the above object, the first means is an information display device for a vehicle that displays predetermined information on a display unit, from a plurality of processing modes prepared in advance based on a predetermined input operation by a user. A processing mode selection means for selecting a predetermined processing mode; and a contact state detection means for detecting a contact state on the touch surface, wherein the processing mode selection means is a contact as a contact state detected by the contact state detection means. The gist is that a predetermined processing mode corresponding to the number of points is selected. In such a configuration, when the contact state detection means determines the contact state on the touch surface of the person operated, specifically, the number of contact points touched, the processing mode selection means is predetermined according to the number of contact points. Select the processing mode. Thus, when a driver wants to call a certain processing mode, the user only needs to touch the touch surface with the number of contacts corresponding to the processing mode to be executed without visually checking the menu button displayed on the display unit. In other words, there is no troublesome operation from the menu button, and if the operator is a driver, there is no need to look away from the front direction, and the driver can concentrate on driving.
Here, the predetermined information is related to the map information such as the current position information displayed on the map, the destination information, the distance and arrival time to the destination, and the display of the appropriate route to the destination. Information on driving is given as an example. The generation of the contact point normally assumes the contact of the fingertip of the operator, but it may not be the fingertip as long as it is a point that can be in contact with a certain small area on the touch surface even if it is not the fingertip.

The gist of the second means is that, in addition to the first means, a plurality of processing modes prepared in advance are hierarchized so as to shift from an upper hierarchy to a lower hierarchy by user input. .
When the processing modes are hierarchized in this way, it is necessary to select and call the processing mode of the lower hierarchy obtained in order from the upper hierarchy. However, because of such a configuration, it is possible to call a processing mode that is immediately obtained by short-cutting the middle.

In the third means, in addition to the first or second means, when a predetermined processing mode is selected by the processing mode selection means, the drawing means draws a display screen corresponding to the processing mode on the display unit. This is the gist.
As a result, a screen corresponding to the selected processing mode is displayed on the display unit, and the current processing mode can be confirmed.

The gist of the fourth means is that, in addition to the third means, the processing mode selection means selects the processing mode on the currently displayed screen when the number of contact points is one. In this case, it is preferable to select a predetermined processing mode corresponding to the position of the contact point as the contact state detected by the contact state detection means. That is, if the touch position on the touch surface is different, it means that the processing mode is different. In a case where a GUI input icon (to be described later) is displayed on the touch surface, the predetermined processing mode differs between the icon and other positions.
Further, if the position of the contact point is a map screen, a processing mode for scrolling the map screen as a predetermined process may be selected. Normally, scrolling of the map screen is performed by sliding on the screen while keeping one finger in contact with the touch surface, but this also relates to the position of the contact point even if one finger is touched. Since there is no transition to the processing mode that does not, the frequently used map screen can be scrolled. Further, even if one finger is brought into contact with the display screen, the screen does not shift to another display screen. Therefore, when the GUI input screen is displayed simultaneously with the map screen, GUI input is also possible.
In the fifth means, in addition to the third or fourth means, when the current processing mode is a processing mode for displaying a map screen, the processing mode switching means, when the number of contact points is one, the contact points The gist of this is to determine the contact point used for scrolling the map screen.

The sixth means is characterized in that, in addition to the fourth or fifth means, the drawing means causes the display unit to display the map screen as an initial screen.
This allows the current position of the vehicle (vehicle) to be immediately displayed on the map screen of the display unit when the power is input or the function returns to the map display function from other functions, making it easy to check the current position. is there.

In the seventh means, in addition to any one of the first to sixth means, the processing mode selection means displays a display other than the currently displayed display screen when the number of contact points is any of 2 to 5. The gist is to select a processing mode that involves switching to a screen.
When touching the touch surface in a narrow car, there is a high possibility of using one hand, in which case there are five fingers in one hand, and when operating with one hand, one of them is used as a contact point as described above, for example. A predetermined processing mode is selected according to the position (for example, used for scrolling the map screen), and 2 to 5 fingers select a processing mode that involves switching to a display screen other than the currently displayed display screen. By assigning as a contact point to be selected, a processing mode involving switching to a display screen other than the currently displayed display screen is selected, or a predetermined processing mode corresponding to the position of the contact point on the currently displayed display screen is selected. Since it is possible to clearly indicate whether to select, it is possible to reduce misrecognition, and it is easy to reliably select a processing mode according to the user's intention.

In the eighth means, in addition to any one of the first to seventh means, the processing mode selection means determines that a plurality of touch surfaces are simultaneously touched within a predetermined time. Is the gist.
In a narrow car and without touching the touch surface firmly, the touch surface is contacted, so that the contact operation is not always possible. For this reason, if the contact timing is judged too strictly, there is a possibility of calling a screen of an undesired level. Therefore, it is preferable to give tolerance to the contact timing in this way.

In the ninth means, in addition to any one of the first to eighth means, the processing mode selection means may apply the touch mode to the touch surface when the touch surface is overlapped on the display surface. The gist of the invention is to provide GUI input means for outputting call information for calling a predetermined mode by contact.
In other words, a GUI input screen is also displayed on the touch surface, and not only the number of touches on the touch surface is recognized and a display screen of a predetermined level is displayed on the display unit, but also input via this GUI input screen is possible simultaneously. It means that. If input in a stationary state or input from the passenger seat is possible, it is possible to input with the touch surface firmly observed. Therefore, the convenience of input can be improved by using GUI input together.
Here, the predetermined state change is only a change related to the navigation system such as a transition to another hierarchical display screen, a screen display method (selection of two-dimensional display, bird's-eye view display, etc.), a change in sound intensity, and the like. In addition, changes to other functions (radar detection function, audio function, etc.) are also implied. Also, GUI (Graphical User Interface) input is a computer screen input process in which an icon in the shape of a switch or button is displayed so that it can be operated visually on a computer screen, and this is accessed to shift to a predetermined processing mode. It is a kind of.

The gist of the tenth means is that, in addition to any one of the first to ninth means, an operation unit for setting a predetermined processing mode is arranged at an adjacent position outside the touch surface. .
That is, an operation unit is provided at an adjacent position outside the touch surface so as to be distinguishable from the touch surface. For example, only the number of touches on the touch surface is recognized and a display screen of a predetermined hierarchy is displayed on the display unit. In other words, it is possible to simultaneously input by the operation unit. If input in a stationary state or input from the passenger seat is possible, it is possible to input with the touch surface firmly observed. Therefore, the convenience of input can be improved by using GUI input together. In addition, since it can be distinguished from the touch surface, if it is a simple operation part such as an on / off operation, it can be judged as an operation part by palpating without careful visual observation. Can also be operated.
Note that it is also possible to use a GUI input screen on the touch surface.

The eleventh means is characterized in that, in addition to any one of the first to tenth means, the touch surface is attached to a position near the driver's driving via the attaching means.
As described above, the touch surface is usually integrated with the display unit. However, the vehicle information display device usually installed on the dashboard or in the vicinity of the console by separating the touch surface from the display unit separately from the display unit and scattering it on the steering wheel, for example, the steering wheel. It is no longer necessary to reach out to the display unit and perform a touch operation.
The data input from the separated touch surface to the vehicle information display device main body side is preferably output by wireless means. Moreover, although it is preferable to use a storage battery as a power source for the touch surface, it is also possible to obtain a power source by wiring from the battery.

In the twelfth means, in addition to any of the first to eleventh means, a predetermined processing mode corresponding to the number of contact points is selected, and then the contact point is moved to the touch surface by the contact state detection means. The gist of the present invention is to detect position information based on the above, and character recognition means recognizes characters based on the position information and sets a predetermined processing mode based on the recognition result.
In this configuration, when the screen is shifted to a display screen of a predetermined level without firmly observing the touch surface, the user performs handwriting on the touch surface to give the next instruction without observing the touch surface firmly. It is intended to have a character recognition function. In this case, it is more preferable that the touch surface is separated and located in the vicinity where the driver drives, as in the eighth means, because it is easy to write characters. In particular, it is particularly advantageous for a driver who has a right hand on a right-hand drive vehicle to draw characters with the dominant hand if the touch surface is in the vicinity (for example, on the steering wheel).

The gist of the thirteenth means is that, in addition to the twelfth means, voice notification means for voice notification of voice information corresponding to the character from the speaker upon completion of character recognition is provided.
As a result, it can be determined whether or not the character that the user thinks that the character has been input is actually recognized as the character.
The gist of the fourteenth means is that, in addition to the twelfth or thirteenth means, a confirmation means for confirming the result of character recognition is provided.
Thus, the character recognition can be completed with certainty. This confirmation operation includes both confirmation of a single character and confirmation of a character string.
The gist of the fifteenth means is that, in addition to any one of the twelfth to fourteenth means, a cancel means for canceling the result of character recognition is provided.
As a result, when a character is input by mistake, it can be canceled and input again.
In addition, it is preferable to arrange the determining unit and the canceling unit at adjacent positions outside the touch surface. As a result, the touch surface and the determination means (cancellation means) are distinguished from each other, so that a driver who does not see the touch surface firmly may mistake the touch surface and come into contact with the determination means (cancellation means). Disappears.

In the sixteenth means, in addition to any one of the first to fifteenth means, the touch surface is arranged on the surface of the display unit.
That is, the touch surface is integrated with the display unit. This is a basic structure as a display unit of the vehicle information display device, and has a simple structure and is advantageous in terms of cost as compared with the case where the touch surface is separated. In this case, a touch surface attached to the handle of the eighth means may be provided at the same time. That is, there may be a plurality of touch surfaces.

In the seventeenth means, in addition to the sixteenth means, the display unit is configured to be detachable from the main body, and the operation unit for outputting call information that causes a predetermined state change outside the touch surface is The gist is that it is arranged on the main body side.
As a result, only the display unit can be arranged at a position different from the main body. In that case, since the operation unit is arranged at an outer position so that it can be distinguished from the touch surface, the user may accidentally come into contact with the touch surface when trying to touch the operation unit and shift to a screen of another level. The wrong operation is eliminated.

  According to each of the above-described inventions, it is possible to display a display screen of a predetermined hierarchy on the display unit by touching with a different number of contacts on the touch surface, and the driver does not visually observe the touch surface when operating the driver. In any case, it is possible to display a desired display screen.

The front view of the microwave detector of the Example concerning this invention. Explanatory drawing of the separation panel unit which makes a part of microwave detector. Explanatory drawing explaining the attachment state of the same separation panel unit. Explanatory drawing which shows the example of attachment in the vehicle of a microwave detector and a separation panel unit. The block diagram which shows the electric constitution of an Example. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of a display of the display part in the case of performing GUI input. Explanatory drawing explaining that the display of a display part changes from the map screen to the display screen which prompts handwritten input when it becomes handwriting input mode. The flowchart explaining the processing operation of a 1st controller.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front view of a microwave detector 10 as a vehicle information display device. The mechanism of the microwave detector 10 is housed in a rectangular parallelepiped casing 11 serving as a main body, and is detachably mounted on a dashboard D via a mounting tool (not shown) in the vehicle, for example, as shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the microwave detector 10 includes a separation panel unit 12 configured separately from the main body. As shown in FIG. 3, the separation panel unit 12 is located near the driver's hand, for example, a pad portion 15a of the handle 15 by a double-sided tape 13a via a flexible cushion material 13 such as foamable polyester. It is fixed to the surface etc.
A display unit 17 is exposed in a frame 16 on the front surface of the housing 11 (the surface facing the driver). A first touch panel 18 is disposed on the surface of the display unit 17 so as to cover the entire area of the display unit 17. Operation units 14a to 14c (a destination setting switch 14a, a navigation return switch, and a volume 14c) are disposed below the frame 16. A slit 20 that transmits sound from the speaker 19 is formed at a position adjacent to the operation unit. In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, the power supply by the side of the main body of the microwave detector 10 shall be acquired from a cigar socket (namely, secondary battery which is a battery of a vehicle) in a present Example.

A flexible second touch panel 22 is disposed in the frame-like frame 21 of the separation panel unit 12. In this embodiment, the screen size of the second touch panel 22 is 3.5 inches, and the thickness is about 2 mm. The surface of the second touch panel 22 has a rubber-like texture. The cushion material 13 is attached to the back surface of the frame 21. On both sides of the upper edge of the frame 21, a first touch switch 23 for confirming the input contents at the time of character input and a second touch switch 24 for canceling the input are directed outward of the frame 21. It is formed in an overhang shape. A touch switch is a type of switch that measures the change in the impedance of the capacitance when touched and determines that it is an input when it exceeds a certain value. A lamp 25 is provided below the frame 21 for notifying the activation state made up of LEDs. In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, in the present Example, the power supply of the separation panel unit 12 shall use a button type primary battery.
The first and second touch panels 18 and 22 in the present embodiment employ a projected capacitive system capable of multipoint detection using ITO film technology. In the projected capacitive method, when the fingertip touches the panel surface, it is possible to determine the contact information such as the finger contact position and the number of contact points by measuring the ratio of the amount of current with a plurality of electrode patterns near the contact portion. Become. In addition to this method, other methods such as an infrared method and a resistance film method can be adopted.

Next, the electrical configuration of the microwave detector 10 will be described based on the block diagram of FIG. In addition, about the structure which is not directly related to this invention, it abbreviate | omits.
The first controller MC on the main body side of the microwave detector 10 as a processing mode selection means, contact state detection means, and drawing means has a position detector 31, a microwave detector 32, a master transceiver 33, and map data input. Device 34, operation units 14a to 14c, display unit 17, first touch panel 18, and speaker 19 are connected to each other. The first controller MC includes a known CPU, a memory such as a ROM and a RAM, a timer, and the like. In the ROM of the first controller MC, a map display program for calling and displaying map data on the display unit 17, a GPS information processing program for processing GPS information received by the GPS receiver 37, and a microwave detector 32 are received. A microwave determination program for determining a microwave, a touch panel processing program for processing contact information on the first touch panel 18, and reception processing for processing received data related to contact information on the second touch panel 22 transmitted from the separation panel unit 12. Various programs such as a data processing program, a GUI input program that superimposes a GUI input screen on the map screen, or is displayed alone on the display unit 17 to prompt the user to input, and an OS (Operation System) are stored.

The position detector 31 includes a GPS receiver 37 that acquires GPS information as the core of the configuration, and the position of the vehicle at the current time is detected by the GPS receiver 37 based on an instruction from the first controller MC. The microwave detector 32 detects a predetermined microwave from the received microwave. The base transceiver 33 receives the received data related to the contact information of the second touch panel 22 transmitted from the separation panel unit 12. Further, the drive information of the master unit is output to the separation panel unit 12 side as the slave unit.
The map data input device 34 is a device for reading various data including map data and landmark data and temporarily storing them in the RAM in the first controller MC. In this embodiment, the map data input device 34 is a storage medium (for example, an SD memory card). Or DVD-ROM), data may be exchanged via communication means such as the Internet.

  The second controller SC on the separation panel unit 12 side is connected to the second touch panel 22, the first and second touch switches 23 and 24, the lamp 25, and the slave side transceiver (wireless chip) 35. . Similarly to the first controller MC, the second controller SC also includes a known CPU, a memory such as a ROM and a RAM, a timer, and the like. In the ROM of the second controller SC, a touch panel processing program for processing the contact information to the first touch panel 18 and a transmission command for instructing the contact information to be converted into transmission data that can be transmitted from the handset transceiver 35 and transmitted. Programs and so on are stored. In this embodiment, both transceivers 33 and 35 use the 2.4 GHz frequency band.

In such an electrical configuration, the first controller MC displays the map data on the display unit 17 and displays the current position of the vehicle on the map data based on the GPS information.
Further, when there is an output indicating that the first controller MC has received a predetermined microwave from the microwave detector 32, the own vehicle emits a microwave based on the time information from the position detector 31 and the vehicle position information. It is determined that a microwave generation source such as a speed measuring device exists within a predetermined range, and a notification to that effect is given from the speaker 19.
In addition, the first controller MC as the character input control unit detects the contact state with the first touch panel 18 at a timing of several milliseconds,
1) Presence or absence of GUI input
2) Number of touches of 2 to 5 points on the first touch panel 18 on the map screen as the initial screen 3) One of character input by handwriting is determined and each process is performed. As for 2), the first controller MC determines that a plurality of contacts at separated positions within a predetermined extremely short time, for example, within 200 msec, are simultaneously contacted.

Further, the second controller SC on the separation panel unit 12 side as the character input control unit is also in contact with the second touch panel 22 at a timing of several msec, that is, 4) 2 to 5 points on the second touch panel 22 5) The character input by handwriting is detected, and the data is output via the handset side transceiver 35. The first controller MC performs processing based on 4) or 5) via the base transceiver 33. As for 4), the second controller SC determines that a plurality of contacts at separated positions within a predetermined very short time, for example, within 200 msec, are simultaneously contacted.

Next, the processing operation of the first controller MC when the driver contacts the second touch panel 22 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. Note that whether or not the second touch panel 22 has been touched is all determined based on wireless contact information data from the separation panel unit 12 side.
In step S <b> 1, the first controller MC determines whether or not there is a contact operation on the second touch panel 22. If it is determined that there is a contact operation, it is determined in step S2 whether or not it is one contact point.
If it is determined in step S2 that the contact point is a single contact point, the first controller MC scrolls the map on the display unit 17 or accesses the corresponding icon on the GUI input screen displayed on the display unit 17 in step S3. The routine is temporarily terminated as a contact for the purpose.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2 that the contact point is not one, the process proceeds to step S4. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1 that there is no contact operation on the second touch panel 22, a standby state is entered, and then the routine is repeated at a predetermined timing.

The first controller MC determines whether or not there are two contact points on the second touch panel 22 in step S4. If it is determined in step S4 that there are two contact points, the first controller MC causes the facility input display screen to be displayed on the display unit 17 in step S5, prompting the facility input, and at the same time, saying “It is facility input”. Is output from the speaker 19 and the handwriting input mode in which the handwriting input (UI input) to the first and second touch panels 18 and 22 can be performed and the facility input mode by handwriting is displayed from the display unit 17. The routine is terminated once. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S4 that there are not two contact points, the first controller MC determines whether there are three contact points on the second touch panel 22 in step S6.
If it is determined in step S6 that there are three contact points, the first controller MC causes the display unit 17 to display an address input display screen in step S7, prompting the user to input a predetermined address, and simultaneously “address input”. Is output from the speaker 19, the handwriting input mode in which handwriting input to the first and second touch panels 18 and 22 is possible, and the display unit 17 displays that the address input mode is by handwriting, The routine ends once. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S6 that there are not three contact points, the first controller MC determines whether there are four contact points on the second touch panel 22 in step S8.

If it is determined in step S8 that there are four contact points, the first controller MC displays a phone number input display screen on the display unit 17 in step S9 and prompts the user to input a predetermined phone number. The voice “input is” is output from the speaker 19 and the handwriting input mode in which the handwriting input to the first and second touch panels 18 and 22 can be performed and the telephone number input mode by handwriting from the display unit 17 is performed. Is displayed, and the routine ends once. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S8 that there are not four contact points, the first controller MC sets five contact points to the second touch panel 22 and displays the home return input display screen on the display unit 17 in step S10. At the same time as prompting input of a predetermined facility, a voice saying “I'm going home” is output from the speaker 19 and the routine is temporarily ended.
As described above, the middle of the display screen hierarchized by the GUI input by the simultaneous contact of one to five fingers of one hand can be omitted and displayed on the display unit 17. At the same time, since the input mode is notified by voice, it is convenient for the driver who is operating the second touch panel 22 side.

Next, an example of an operation method related to the destination setting of the microwave detector 10 will be described.
First, when the driver starts the vehicle engine, the microwave detector 10 is automatically activated in response to power supply. This activation state is transmitted as information from the parent device side transceiver 33 to the child device side transceiver 35 on the separation panel unit 12 side, and the separation panel unit 12 is also activated almost simultaneously. In this activated state, a map screen is displayed on the display unit 17 as an initial screen as shown in FIG. The map screen can be scrolled by touching and sliding the first touch panel 18 on the display unit 17 with one finger. It is also possible to change the map scale by touching the scale icon 43 (see FIG. 2) displayed on the left side of the screen together with the map screen.
The user can switch the map screen as the initial screen to the destination input screen by the destination setting switch 14a. FIG. 6 shows an example of a GUI screen on which the destination setting displayed on the display unit 17 can be performed by operating the destination setting switch 14a. By touching the graphical icons A to E on this screen, select the hierarchical destination setting screen below it, and further enter the GUI to enter a specific address, phone number, facility name, Destination can be set with free words. In this embodiment, it is possible to return to the map screen by pressing the navigation return switch 14b. The sound can be adjusted by the volume 14c.

On the other hand, since the driver as a user is difficult to operate because the microwave detector 10 main body is at a remote position, the user touches the second touch panel 22 of the separation panel unit 12 with his / her finger to perform input operations such as destination setting. Is possible.
In the present embodiment, it is possible to scroll the map screen displayed on the display unit 17 by touching with one finger from the separation panel unit 12 side (the phantom line in FIG. 1 is the second with one finger). Shows an example of contact with the touch panel 22). Further, the scale of the map can be changed by touching the left side of the second touch panel 22 corresponding to the position of the scale icon 43. However, unlike the access from the first touch panel 18, the scale state is notified from the speaker 19 so that the second touch panel 22 need not be viewed.
For destination setting, a desired destination input mode is selected by touching 2 to 5 fingers.
For example, the driver contacts the second touch panel 22 with three fingers. Then, since the voice guidance “It is address input” is given from the speaker 19, the address is input to the second touch panel 22 with a fingertip. In this embodiment, when a hiragana character is input character by character, a character written by voice guidance is notified from the speaker 19, so if there is no erroneous recognition, the first touch switch 23 is pushed to confirm. If there is an erroneous recognition or an input error, the second touch switch 24 is pushed to cancel.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 7, the display unit 17 is changed from the map screen to a display screen that allows handwritten character input and prompts the user to input an address. Accordingly, it can be understood that the current mode is the address input mode and the handwriting input mode. In addition, since handwriting input from the first touch panel 18 is possible, a person sitting in the passenger seat can access from the first touch panel 18 and input an address on behalf of the driver. Since the input character confirmation icon 40 and the cancel icon 41 are displayed at the same time on this screen, the person sitting in the passenger seat can confirm or cancel the input character.
When the handwritten address input from the first and / or second touch panel 18 or 22 is completed, the voice guidance repeats the address, and when confirmed, the driver pushes the first touch switch 23 (or confirms). Touch the icon 40 to confirm). As a result, the route to the destination is searched and reflected on the map screen, and voice guidance to the destination is started at the same time. This is also true for contact with other fingers. However, when returning home, the driver listens to the voice “I will return home” after touching the second touch panel 22 with five fingers, and presses the first touch switch 23 to confirm it. To do.

By configuring as described above, the following effects are exhibited in the present embodiment.
(1) Since the driver can access the second touch panel 22 of the separation panel unit 12 disposed at a position that can be easily reached and can input the destination, the hand does not have to reach the microwave detector 10 main body. Well, if you are driving, you will not lose your driving posture.
(2) Since the driver only needs to tap the surface of the second touch panel 22 with a fingertip without looking at the second touch panel 22, no troublesome operation is necessary. Since the input operation can be performed without changing the line of sight, the user can concentrate on driving.
(3) Since the driver can immediately shift to the destination input mode simply by touching the second touch panel 22, it is less time-consuming to input than the GUI input that is performed while switching the screen from the upper layer to the lower layer in order. Therefore, quick input is possible without going through a useless screen until reaching the target destination input mode.
(4) Since the vehicle of the above embodiment has a right-hand drive specification, when there is no separation panel unit 12, a right-handed driver needs to input by handwriting from the first touch panel 18 provided on the display unit 17. However, in that case, it is troublesome because it is input with the left hand that is not the dominant hand. However, since the separation panel unit 12 can be disposed at a position where the right hand can reach, such as the pad portion 15a of the handle 15, as described above, handwriting can be input with the right hand which is the dominant hand, which is convenient.
(5) Not only the driver but also the user sitting in the passenger seat can input by handwriting from the side of the first touch panel 18 disposed on the display unit 17, and in addition to the driver's second touch panel 22, together with the driver Alternatively, handwriting input is possible on behalf of the driver, which is convenient because the input can be continued instead of the driver who has suddenly turned into a curved road and had to concentrate on driving. Further, since the first touch panel 18 can also input a GUI as a destination input, it is convenient to select an input method.
(6) Since the first and second touch switches 23 and 24 protrude outward from the second touch panel 22 and are configured to have a discontinuous shape different from the second touch panel 22, the driver Since the operation can be performed without looking at the first and second touch switches 23 and 24, the input operation can be completed without changing the line of sight from the driving state.
(7) In the above embodiment, even if the surface of the second touch panel 22 is touched with one finger, the destination input mode is not switched. Only contact with two to five fingers. This is because a map is displayed on the display unit 17 and when a handwriting input is performed from the first touch panel 18 side, an operation with one finger may be used for scrolling the map or inputting a GUI. This is because it is preferable not to switch to the destination input mode accordingly on the touch panel 22 side.
(8) When the map of the initial screen is displayed on the display unit 17, not only the display unit 17 side but also the separation panel unit 12 side can simultaneously scroll the map and change the scale. This is convenient because you can scroll the map and change the scale without stretching.
(9) Since the driver often operates by touching the first touch panel 18 of the separation panel unit 12, screen contamination of the display unit 17 is reduced.

The present invention may be embodied in the following manner.
In the above embodiment, the confirming icon 40 and the canceling icon 41 are prepared in order to cancel when the passenger in the passenger's seat confirms the handwritten input content or inputs it by mistake. However, instead of such GUI input, an additional confirmation button or cancel button may be provided on the housing 11 (frame 16).
In the above description, the display unit 17 is in the microwave detector 10 main body and the separation panel unit 12 having a touch panel is separated. However, the display unit 17 may be on the separation panel unit 12 side. That is, the display unit 17 having the first touch panel 18 may be separable. Also in this case, it is preferable that the operation units 14a to 14c are provided on the main body side and the operation units 14a to 14c are not provided on the display unit 17 side in order to prevent malfunction.
In the above description, the separation panel unit 12 is provided separately from the main body of the microwave detector 10. However, the separation panel unit 12 is not necessarily provided. That is, a configuration including only the first touch panel 18 may be used. Even in this case, it is possible to input the destination with different numbers of contacts at the fingertip, and handwritten input (although it becomes the left hand) is also possible.
In the above embodiment, when the driver touches the second touch panel 22 with his / her fingertip, the display on the display unit 17 side is also automatically changed so that the passenger in the front passenger seat can perform handwriting input. Although it was possible to do so, it is possible to set so that the display is not changed. For example, it is possible to set so that the map screen is always displayed as the initial screen. In this case, handwriting input may be performed even on a map screen, and a switch that enables active handwriting input is added to the operation units 14a to 14c, and the handwriting input mode is not activated until the user performs active operation. It may be possible to change to
-In the said Example, when a driver | operator contacts the 2nd touch panel 22 with a fingertip, the display on the display part 17 side is also changed automatically, and handwritten input can be performed now. However, it is also possible to set such that a normal GUI input screen is displayed. For example, when the driver touches the second touch panel 22 with three fingers to enter the address input mode, the display unit 17 is linked to the input operation, but the address input mode is not the handwriting input screen but the GUI input screen. Is displayed. This is because it is possible to use a GUI input screen instead of handwriting input as long as the person sitting in the passenger seat operates.
-You may make it acquire the power supply of the main body side of the microwave detector 10 from power supplies other than the above, for example, a solar generator. Power may be supplied from the battery to the separation panel unit 12.
-The position which arrange | positions the microwave detector 10 and the separation panel unit 12 can be changed suitably.
The separation panel unit 12 may be pasted on the center console near the driver.
The input to the first and second touch panels 18 and 22 may be made to recognize a figure other than a character by drawing it.
In the above embodiment, the volume 14c is formed as an actual operation unit at a position below the frame 16, but this can be operated by operating a volume icon displayed on the display unit 17 with a GUI input, or with one finger. A configuration in which the first and second touch panels 18 and 22 are operated (for example, the sound increases when moved in the right direction while touching the screen, and becomes smaller when moved in the opposite direction) may be employed.
In addition, the present invention can be freely implemented in a modified form without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Microwave detector as a vehicle information display apparatus, 17 ... Display part, 18 ... 1st touch panel as a touch surface, 22 ... 2nd touch panel as a touch surface, MC ... Processing mode selection means, Contact state Controller as detection means and drawing means.

Claims (17)

A vehicle information display device for displaying predetermined information on a display unit,
Processing mode selection means for selecting a predetermined processing mode from a plurality of processing modes prepared in advance based on a predetermined input operation by a user;
Contact state detecting means for detecting a contact state on the touch surface,
The vehicle information display device, wherein the processing mode selection means selects a predetermined processing mode according to the number of contact points as the contact state detected by the contact state detection means. The vehicle information display device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of processing modes prepared in advance are hierarchized so as to shift from an upper hierarchy to a lower hierarchy by a user input. The vehicle information according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when a predetermined processing mode is selected by the processing mode selection unit, the drawing unit causes the display unit to draw a display screen corresponding to the processing mode. Display device. 4. The vehicle information display device according to claim 3, wherein when the number of contact points is one, the processing mode selection means selects a processing mode on the currently displayed screen. When the current processing mode is a processing mode for displaying a map screen, the processing mode switching means determines that the contact point is a contact point used for scrolling the map screen when the number of contact points is one. The vehicle information display device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: 6. The vehicle information display device according to claim 4, wherein the drawing unit displays the map screen as an initial screen on the display unit. 2. The processing mode selection means, when the number of contact points is any one of 2 to 5, selects a processing mode that involves switching to a display screen other than the currently displayed display screen. The vehicle information display device according to any one of? 8. The vehicle information display according to claim 1, wherein the processing mode selection unit determines that a plurality of touches on the touch panel surface are simultaneously contacted within a predetermined time. apparatus. The processing mode selection means includes GUI input means for outputting call information for calling a predetermined mode by touching the touch surface when the touch surface is arranged in an overlapping manner on the display surface. The vehicle information display device according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle information display device is a vehicle information display device. The vehicle information display device according to claim 1, wherein an operation unit for setting a predetermined processing mode is arranged at an adjacent position outside the touch surface. The vehicle information display device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the touch surface is attached to a nearby position where the driver drives through an attaching means. After selecting a predetermined processing mode according to the number of contact points, the contact state detection unit detects position information due to the movement of the contact point to the touch surface, and the character recognition unit recognizes the character based on the position information. The vehicle information display device according to claim 1, wherein a predetermined processing mode is set based on the recognition result. 13. The vehicle information display device according to claim 12, further comprising voice notification means for voice notification of voice information corresponding to the character from a speaker upon completion of character recognition. 14. The vehicle information display device according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising a confirmation unit for confirming a result of character recognition. 15. The vehicle information display device according to claim 12, further comprising canceling means for canceling the result of character recognition. The vehicle information display device according to claim 1, wherein the touch surface is disposed on a surface of the display unit. The said display part is comprised so that attachment or detachment with respect to a main body is possible, The operation part which outputs the calling information which brings a predetermined state change to the outer side of the said touch surface is arrange | positioned at the said main body side. 16. The vehicle information display device according to 16.

Images