JP5136947B2 - Vehicle control device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle operating device.

JP 2006-315562 A

  In recent years, along with the improvement in performance of various in-vehicle devices, opportunities for drivers to operate these devices while driving the vehicle are increasing. For example, the operation of a navigation device, an audio device, an air conditioner device, etc., or the operation of a travel assist device such as auto cruise. For this reason, the technique which provides a restriction | limiting to fixed apparatus operation has been already provided so that the driving | running | working driver may concentrate on a driving | operation.

  On the other hand, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a technique in which an operation unit of these devices is provided on a steering wheel of a vehicle so that these devices can be operated safely even while driving.

  However, when the operation unit of the in-vehicle device is provided on the steering wheel, the arrangement position must be a position where the driver can easily operate. For example, around the driver's handle grip position. That is, even if the operation unit of the in-vehicle device is provided on the steering wheel, the arrangement space is limited, and it is difficult to arrange all the operation units. In recent years, the number of functions of in-vehicle devices has increased, and the number of operation units tends to increase accordingly. Therefore, it can be said that it is impossible to arrange all of them in a limited space.

  The subject of this invention is providing the operating device for vehicles which enables operation of many vehicle equipment functions by the operation part arrange | positioned on the steering wheel of a vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

In order to solve the above-described problems, a vehicle operating device according to the present invention includes:
An operation unit that is provided on a steering wheel of a vehicle and is used for function operation input of an in-vehicle electronic device mounted on the vehicle;
Traveling state detecting means for detecting the traveling state of the vehicle;
A function allocating means for allocating one of a plurality of operation target functions uniquely determined for each of a plurality of traveling state sections that can be identified exclusively to each other in a switchable manner according to the detected traveling state;
An operation target function assignment storage unit that stores an operation target function assigned to the operation unit in accordance with the running state in a form associated with the running state classification;
The function assigning means reads an operation target function corresponding to the detected running state from the operation target function assignment storage unit, assigns the read operation target function to the operation unit,
The operation unit is arranged to be distributed to the left and right with respect to the rotation axis of the steering wheel, and an operation target function is assigned to each of the left and right to select a function of the in-vehicle electronic device used by the driver. A plurality of use function selection operation units are arranged on the other side, a plurality of control instruction content selection operation units for selecting and executing the control instruction content of the operation target function selected by the use function selection operation unit,
The function assigning means switches the operation target function assigned to each use function selection operation unit to a different operation target function according to the detected traveling state,
A control instruction to switchably assign one of a plurality of control instruction contents uniquely determined for each operation target function to the control instruction content selection operation section in accordance with the operation target function selected by the use function selection operation section. Content allocation means, and
The traveling state detection means is a highway when the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed detection means exceeds a predetermined vehicle speed threshold or when the vehicle traveling road detected by the vehicle traveling road type detection means is a highway. Including a high-speed running state detecting means for detecting a case where
The function assigning means assigns an operation target function corresponding to the high-speed running state to the operation unit when a high-speed running state is detected, and an auto-cruise function is provided as the operation target function corresponding to the high-speed running state. It is characterized by being assigned to a use function selection operation unit .

  According to the configuration of the present invention, the function that is operated by the operation unit provided on the steering wheel can be changed according to the traveling state of the vehicle. Although the number of operation units that can be provided on the steering wheel is limited, according to the above configuration, even a small number of operation units can be configured as an operation unit that can operate more than that number of functions. it can. And since an appropriate function is allocated according to a driving | running | working state, it is convenient.

  In addition, an operation target function assignment storage unit that stores the operation target function assigned to the operation unit according to the running state in a form associated with the running state classification can be provided. In this case, the function assigning unit can read the operation target function corresponding to the detected running state from the operation target function assignment storage unit and assign the read operation target function to the operation unit. Thereby, allocation of the operation target function to the operation unit can be realized reliably and easily.

  The running state detecting means can be a high speed running state detecting means for detecting a predetermined high speed running state. In this case, when the high-speed traveling state is detected, the function assigning unit can assign the operation target function corresponding to the high-speed traveling state to the operation unit. According to this configuration, when a high-speed traveling state is detected, a function that the driver wants to easily operate at hand in the high-speed traveling state can be assigned to the operation unit of the steering wheel. For example, a function in which the main operation unit is provided at a position where it is difficult for the driver to operate, a function recommended for use in a high-speed traveling state, and the like can be assigned to the operation unit of the steering wheel. This makes it possible to easily use necessary functions even when the driver is traveling at high speed.

  The high-speed traveling state can be determined as a state in which the vehicle speed of the vehicle exceeds a predetermined vehicle speed threshold. In this case, the traveling state detecting means can detect a case where the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed detecting means provided in the vehicle exceeds a vehicle speed threshold as a high speed traveling state. According to this configuration, for example, the high-speed traveling state can be easily detected based on the detection value of the vehicle speed sensor or the like.

  Further, the high-speed traveling state can be determined as a state where the vehicle is traveling on the highway. In this case, the traveling state detecting means can detect a case where the traveling road of the vehicle detected by the traveling road type detecting means provided in the vehicle is a highway as a high speed traveling state. According to this configuration, for example, the type of road on which the host vehicle is traveling can be easily acquired from the GPS of the navigation device, map data, or the like, so that the high-speed traveling state can be easily detected. It should be noted that the high-speed traveling state can naturally be defined as a state where the vehicle speed threshold is exceeded by the vehicle speed or a state where the vehicle is traveling on the highway.

  The function assigning means at this time can assign a predetermined recommended use function during high-speed running recommended for use in the high-speed running state to the operation unit as the operation target function corresponding to the high-speed running state. Specifically, the recommended function for use at high speed can be an auto-cruise function or the like. According to this configuration, functions that can reduce the driving burden on the driver in a high-speed driving state, functions that assist the driver in driving at a high-speed driving state, etc. can be assigned to the operation unit and operated in the high-speed driving state. It becomes. Accordingly, these functions can be used by the operation unit in a high-speed traveling state, and other functions can be assigned to the operation unit in a state other than the high-speed traveling where the functions are not required.

  Further, the traveling state detection means can be a stop detection means for detecting a stop state of the vehicle. In this case, the function assigning means can assign the operation target function corresponding to the stop state to the operation unit when the stop state is detected. According to this configuration, when the stop state of the vehicle is detected, a function that the driver wants to easily operate at hand in the stop state can be assigned to the operation portion of the steering wheel. For example, a frequently used function or the like when the vehicle is stopped can be assigned to the operation unit of the steering wheel. Thereby, these functions can be easily used while the driver is stopped.

  The function assigning means can assign a door lock function to the operation unit as an operation target function corresponding to the stop state. Since the door lock opening / closing operation is frequently used when the vehicle is stopped, it can be conveniently performed by the driver while the vehicle is stopped. Further, in a state other than the vehicle stop state where the function is difficult to be required, another function can be assigned to the operation unit.

  Further, the traveling state detection unit can be a reverse selection state detection unit that detects a reverse selection state of the vehicle. Specifically, the reverse selection state detecting means can detect that the shift position is in the reverse selection state. In this case, the function allocating unit can allocate the operation target function corresponding to the reverse selection state to the operation unit when the reverse selection state is detected. According to this configuration, a function capable of reducing the reverse driving burden of the driver in the reverse selection state, a function of assisting the reverse drive of the driver in the reverse selection state, and the like are assigned to the operation unit in the reverse selection state, It becomes possible to operate. Accordingly, these functions can be used by the operation unit in the reverse selection state, and other functions can be assigned to the operation unit in a state other than the reverse selection state in which these functions are hardly required.

  The function assigning means at this time can assign a predetermined reverse assist function to the operation unit as the operation target function corresponding to the reverse selection state. Specifically, the reverse assist function can be at least one of a parking assist function, a back monitor function, and a side monitor function. According to this configuration, the function of reducing the driver's reverse driving load and assisting the reverse driving in the reverse selection state of the vehicle is assigned to the operation unit in the reverse selection state and can be operated. Accordingly, these functions can be used by the operation unit in the reverse selection state, and other functions can be assigned to the operation unit in a state other than the reverse selection state in which these functions are hardly required.

  In order to select the function of the in-vehicle electronic device used by the driver, the operation unit described above has a plurality of use function selection operation units each assigned an operation target function, and the function assigning unit is used for each use. The operation target function assigned to the function selection operation unit can be switched to a different operation target function according to the detected traveling state. On the other hand, the operation unit described above includes a plurality of control instruction content selection operation units for selecting and executing the control instruction content of the operation target function selected by the use function selection operation unit together with the use function selection operation unit. It can have. In this case, one of a plurality of control instruction contents uniquely determined for each operation target function can be switched to the control instruction content selection operation section according to the operation target function selected by the use function selection operation section. Control instruction content assignment means for assignment can be provided. According to this configuration, the operation target function assigned to the use function selection operation unit can be switched according to the current vehicle traveling state. A function to be used (a function to be used) can be selected from a plurality of operation target functions that are determined to be operable in the current vehicle traveling state. Further, the detailed control instruction content for executing the function selected as the use target function is assigned to the control instruction content selection operation unit in accordance with the selection of the use target function and can be selected. That is, since each control instruction content selection operation section is assigned a control instruction content corresponding to the selected operation target function, there is no need to provide a control instruction content selection operation section for each operation target function. Is less.

  It is possible to provide a control instruction content assignment storage unit that stores control instruction content assigned to the control instruction content selection operation unit in accordance with the operation target function in a form associated with the operation target function. In this case, the control instruction content assignment means can read the control instruction content corresponding to the selected operation target function from the control instruction content assignment storage unit, and assign the read control instruction content to the control instruction content selection operation unit. Thereby, it is possible to reliably and easily realize the assignment of the control instruction content to the operation unit.

  The operation unit is arranged so as to be distributed to the left and right with respect to the rotation axis of the steering wheel. The use function selection operation unit is provided on one of the left and right sides, and the control instruction content selection operation unit is provided on the other. Thereby, since the operation parts having different selection contents are assigned to the left and right of the steering wheel, the assignment becomes clear and easy to use.

  By the way, a function assignment state display means for displaying the assignment state of the operation target function to the operation unit so as to be visible to the driver can be provided. Thereby, a driver | operator can visually recognize the function allocated to the operation part of a steering wheel.

  This function assignment state display means can be either a meter display device or a head-up display device. Thereby, even if a driver | operator is driving | operating, the function allocated to the operation part of a steering wheel can be visually recognized easily.

  It is possible to provide assignment customization means for customizing the assignment of the operation target function to the operation unit according to the running state based on a user operation input. Thereby, the function according to a user preference can be allocated to the operation part of a steering wheel.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a cockpit diagram of a vehicle in which a vehicle operating device according to an embodiment of the present invention is incorporated. The steering wheel 4 for vehicle operation includes an air conditioner 91, an audio device 92, a door lock device 93, an auto cruise device 94, a side monitor device 95, a back monitor device 96, and a parking assist device 97 installed in the vehicle. An operation switch (operation unit) 30 (31a to 31d, 32a to 32d) for selecting or executing a function executed by the operation target device (vehicle electronic device) is arranged. Further, around the steering wheel 4, a display screen 61a of the meter display device 61, a display screen 62a of the head-up display device 62 provided on the windshield WS, an audio device 92, a navigation device 8, a side monitor device 95, a back A display screen 63a of a display device 63 that is also used as a display device such as the monitor device 96 is provided at a position that can be viewed by the driver. In addition, main operation units 91a, 92a, 93a, and 8a for operating the air conditioner 91, the audio device 92, the door lock device 93, and the navigation device 8 are arranged at positions that can be operated by the driver.

  The steering wheel 4 shown in FIG. 1 is composed of a ring portion that is gripped by the driver during a driving operation (both sides are gripping portions 41 and 42), a central boss portion 43, and a spoke portion 44 that couples these. . A horn mechanism and an air bag mechanism are incorporated in the boss portion 43, and the central region serves as an air bag storage portion, and the surface is configured as a horn button.

  Push-type operation switch groups 31 and 32 are provided on the left and right sides of the horn button of the boss portion 43. The operation switch group 30 (31a to 31d, 32a to 32d) includes a left switch group 31 (31a to 31d) on the left side and a right switch group 32 (32a to 32d) on the right side as viewed from the driver seated in the driver's seat. Has been placed. Further, the operation switch 5 is disposed at a position where the driver can operate with the gripping portions 41 and 42 on both sides of the ring portion, and the left hand switch group 31 is set on the left hand gripping the left gripping portion 41. The right switch group 32 can be operated with the right hand holding the right holding portion 42.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the vehicle operating device of the present invention. The vehicle operation device 100 shown in FIG. 2 is mainly configured by a main control unit 10 that receives input signals (switch signals) associated with function operation inputs from operation switches 31 and 32 disposed on the left and right of the steering wheel 4. Yes. The main controller 10 is connected to a storage device 20, a left operation switch group 31 (SW1L to SW4L), a right operation switch group 32 (SW1R to SW4R), and sensors 21, 22; Via the serial communication bus 9 that constructs, the display device 6, the air conditioner device 91, the audio device 92, the door lock device 93, the auto cruise device 94, the side monitor device 95, the back monitor device 96, The parking assist device 97 and the navigation device 8 are connected.

  The main control unit 10 includes a microprocessor to which a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, and an input / output port (I / O) 14 are connected via a bus 17. The internal bus 17 and the serial communication bus 9 are connected via a serial communication interface (I / F) 15. Further, a buffer memory 16 provided separately from the RAM 13 is provided for temporarily storing communication data. The ROM 12 stores a program executed by the CPU 11 and data necessary for the program. The RAM 13 is used as a work area when the CPU 11 executes a program.

  Switch signals from the operation switches 31 a to 31 d and 32 a to 32 d arranged on the steering wheel 4 and sensor signals (detection signals) from the sensors 21 and 22 are input to the input / output port 14. When these signals are input, the CPU 11 transmits data based on the signals to the controller 7 that controls the display device 6 and the respective ECUs (not shown) that control the operation target devices (vehicle-mounted electronic devices) 91 to 97. .

  The storage device 20 is configured as a semiconductor memory or a hard disk drive, and stores programs 20x and 20y executed by the CPU 11 and data 20a and 20b used for the programs. The data 20a is registered user information shown in FIG. 3, and is a function assignment for specifying a user assignment name of the registered user and a function assignment table to the operation switches 30 (31a to 31d, 32a to 32d) of the user. This is information stored in association with table specifying information. The data 20b is a function allocation table (function allocation storage unit (operation target function allocation storage unit and control instruction content allocation storage unit)) of each registered user stored in association with the function allocation table specifying information. FIG. 4 shows an example of a function allocation table of a certain user (Mr. A). The program 20x identifies a user and executes a function assignment process (function assignment execution process) to the operation switches 30 (31a to 31d, 32a to 32d) based on a function assignment table corresponding to the user. . The program 20y executes a process (function assignment content registration process) for updating a function assignment table that has already been registered or creating a function assignment table for a new user.

  The operation switches 31a to 31d and 32a to 32d are operated devices such as an air conditioner 91, an audio device 92, a door lock device 93, an auto cruise device 94, a side monitor device 95, a back monitor device 96, and a parking assist device 97. It is for executing the function. Any one of the functions of the operation target device described above is assigned to the operation switches 31a to 31d and 32a to 32d based on the function assignment table corresponding to the specified user. Furthermore, the function to be assigned can be switched to another function according to the traveling state specified based on the detection signals of the sensors 21 and 22 and the like.

  The operation switches 31a to 31d and 32a to 32d in the present embodiment are arranged so as to be distributed to the left and right with respect to the rotation axis of the steering wheel, and the function of the operation target device used by the driver is provided on one of these left and right. In order to select and specify, a plurality of use function selection operation sections each assigned with the function are provided, and on the other hand, the control instruction contents of the use target function selected and specified by the use function selection operation section are selected and executed. There are provided a plurality of control instruction content selection operation sections for causing the control instruction contents to be selected. In this embodiment, the left switch group 31 (31a to 31d) is provided with a function selection operation unit, and the right switch group 32 (32a to 32d) is provided with a control instruction content selection operation unit. Then, at least one or more functions of the operation target device assigned to the left switch group 31 (31a to 31d) are switched according to the traveling state, and accordingly, the control instruction content assigned to the right switch group 32 (32a to 32d). Can also be switched.

  In the function assignment table of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4A, the high-speed driving state, the normal driving state, the reverse selection state, and the stop state are determined as the driving state classifications so that they can be distinguished from each other exclusively. It has been. And the function of the operation object apparatus allocated to the left side switches 31a-31d is memorize | stored as a left side switch function allocation table in the form matched with these driving | running | working states. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4B, the right switch function assignment is performed in such a manner that the control instruction contents assigned to the right switches 32a to 32d are associated with the functions of the operation target device that can be selected by the left switches 31a to 31d. Stored as a table.

  As a result, when the function to be used is selected and specified by the left operation switches 31a to 31d, the control instruction content corresponding to the specified function is assigned to the right operation switches 32a to 32d, and the right operation switches 32a to 32d. When one of the switches is operated, a control instruction signal reflecting the control instruction content corresponding to the switch is transmitted to the corresponding operation target device. The operation target device that has received this executes a function based on the received control instruction signal.

  Hereinafter, an example of assignment of the left switches 31a to 31d and the right switches 32a to 32d will be described.

  When the switch for selecting and specifying the function (A / C) of the air conditioner 91 is operated in the left switches 31a to 31d, the right switches 32a to 32d have a control instruction content for increasing the set temperature of the air conditioner, The control instruction content for lowering the set temperature, the control instruction content for increasing the blown air volume of the air conditioner, and the control instruction content for decreasing the blown air volume are assigned.

  In the left switches 31a to 31d, when a switch for selecting and specifying the music playback function (Audio) in the audio device 92 is operated, the right switches 32a to 32d have a control instruction for sending a song to be played back by the audio device to the next song. The contents, the control instruction contents for returning the music to be played back to the previous music, the control instruction contents for increasing the playback volume by the audio device, and the control instruction contents for decreasing the playback volume are assigned.

  When a switch for selecting and specifying a radio broadcast reproduction function (radio) in the audio device 92 is operated in the left switches 31a to 31d, the right switches 32a to 32d include control instruction contents for increasing the radio broadcast reception frequency, Conversely, control instruction contents for reducing the reception frequency of radio broadcasting, control instruction contents for increasing the reproduction volume by the audio apparatus, and control instruction contents for decreasing the reproduction volume are assigned.

When the switch for selecting and specifying the function ( door lock opening / closing ) of the door lock device 93 is operated in the left switches 31a to 31d, the right switch 32a to 32d has a control instruction content for switching the lock opening / closing state of the driver side door. The control instruction contents for switching the lock opening / closing state of the passenger seat side door, the control instruction contents for switching the lock opening / closing state of the rear seat right door, and the control instruction contents for switching the lock opening / closing state of the rear seat left door are assigned.

  When the switch for selecting and specifying the function (cruise) of the auto-cruise device 94 is operated in the left switches 31a to 31d, the right switch 32a to 32d has a control instruction content for starting (setting) the auto-cruise function, The control instruction contents for ending (releasing) the auto cruise function, the control instruction contents for increasing the vehicle speed setting in the auto cruise function, and the control instruction contents for decreasing the vehicle speed setting are assigned.

  As with the above-described functions, the other side monitor function, back monitor function, and parking assist function are also selected and selected based on the function assignment table of FIG. 4 when selected by the left operation switches 31a to 31d. The control instruction content corresponding to the function is read and assigned to the right operation switches 32a to 32d. In addition to these functions, functions such as a night view function, a sonar function, and a blind corner monitor function may be assigned to the left operation switches 31a to 31d according to the traveling state.

  The operation switches 31a to 31d and 32a to 32d are configured as pressing switches in this embodiment, and a pressing member having a pressing surface is supported by a spring in the pressing operation direction, and is normally in an OFF state. It has become. When this is pushed into the user, it is held at a predetermined pushing position and is turned on, and the on operation is detected. When this is pushed in again by the user, it returns to its normal position by the spring and is turned off. The operation switches 31a to 31d and 32a to 32d are configured as touch switches such as a capacitance change type sensor or a resistance change type sensor using a conductive film, and contact is detected when a user's finger touches. The ON state and the OFF state may be switched based on the

  The vehicle speed sensor 21 (vehicle speed detection means) includes a rotation detection unit such as a known rotary encoder, and is installed near the wheel mounting unit, for example, detects rotation of the wheel and outputs it to the main control unit 10 as a pulse signal. is there. In the main control unit (running state detection means: high-speed running state detection means: stop detection means) 10, the number of rotations of the wheels is converted into vehicle speed (vehicle speed), and the vehicle is stopped when the converted vehicle speed is zero. A state where the converted vehicle speed exceeds the vehicle speed threshold value can be detected as a high-speed running state.

  A shift position sensor (running state detection means: stop detection means: reverse selection state detection means) 22 detects the position of the shift lever of the transmission, and sends a signal corresponding to the position to the main control unit (running state detection means) 10. Is output. A case where the shift lever is in the back position is detected as a reverse selection state of the vehicle. Further, it may be determined to detect the case where the vehicle is in the parking position as the stop state of the vehicle.

  The display device 6 includes a display 5 that displays operation input contents assigned to the operation switches 31a to 31d and 32a to 32d on a display screen, and a display controller 7 that controls the display, and includes function assignment state display means. Function as. This configuration can also be used in the meter display device 61, the head-up display device 62, and the display device 63 described above. However, the display device 6 in the present embodiment is the meter display device 61, and an operation screen is displayed on the display screen 61a. The operation input contents assigned to the switches 31a to 31d and 32a to 32d are displayed. The display device 6 may be the head-up display device 62 or the display device 63 described above. However, considering that the driver visually recognizes the vehicle while driving, driving such as the meter display device 61 or the head-up display device 62 is performed. It is desirable that the display device has a display screen located in front of the user and behind the steering wheel. In the display device 63, a display control unit corresponding to the display controller 7 is provided in a control unit (not shown) of the navigation device 8.

  The display controller 7 includes a microprocessor to which a CPU 71, ROM 72, RAM 73, and input / output port (I / O port) 74 are connected via a bus 77. In addition, the serial communication bus 9 forming the in-vehicle network and the internal bus 77 are connected via a serial communication interface (I / F) 75. In addition, a buffer memory 76 provided separately from the RAM 73 is provided for temporarily storing communication data. The ROM 72 stores a program executed by the CPU 71 and data necessary for the program. The RAM 73 is used as a work area when the CPU 71 executes a program.

  The display controller 7 is for controlling the display of the display 5, and a display command is output from the I / O port 14 to the HUD display 6. Based on this display instruction, the display 5 displays the operation input contents currently assigned to the operation switches 31a to 31d and 32a to 32d on the display 5 of the vehicle. The ROM 72 of the display controller 7 stores various information (image data) necessary for displaying the operation input contents of the operation switches 31a to 31d and 32a to 32d by the display 5.

  In addition, the display 5 in this embodiment is comprised with the known color liquid crystal display. Further, an organic EL (ElectroLuminescence) display or a plasma display may be used as the display 5.

  The navigation device 8 stores a vehicle position detector including a known geomagnetic sensor, gyroscope, distance sensor, GPS receiver, and the like, a navigation program for executing route guidance, map data, and other various data. It has a known configuration including a data storage device (not shown), a display device 63, an audio output device (audio output unit), an operation unit 8a, a control circuit (not shown), and the like.

  By having such a configuration, in the navigation device 8, when the navigation program is started by the CPU of the control circuit, a menu screen (not shown) is displayed on the screen of the display device 63. The operation of the operation unit 8a by the user (note that the operation unit of the navigation device includes not only the operation unit 8a shown in FIG. 1 but also operation of a touch panel, operation of a remote control terminal, voice input from a microphone, etc.) When the route guidance process is selected from the menu screen, for example, the following process is performed. That is, first, the user searches for and sets a destination. When the destination is set, the current position of the own vehicle is obtained by the own vehicle position detector, and a process for obtaining an optimum guide route from the current position to the destination is performed. Of course, the departure point can be set to a point other than the current position. Then, an appropriate route is guided to the user by outputting the route guidance by voice from the voice output unit while displaying the guidance route on the road map on the screen of the display device 63.

  Further, the navigation device (traveling road type detecting means) 8 determines on which type of road the current position of the host vehicle is located based on the map data. If the host vehicle is traveling on a highway, the road map displayed on the screen of the display device 63 is switched to a dedicated road map that displays only the highway, and the guidance route is superimposed on the road map and displayed. , Route guidance by voice. In addition, you may recognize whether the own vehicle is located on a highway based on the signal from the ETC onboard equipment which is not shown in figure. The type of road on which the host vehicle is traveling is output to the main control circuit (traveling state detecting means: high speed traveling state detecting means) 10 as necessary.

  Operation target devices (on-vehicle electronic devices) such as an air conditioner 91, an audio device 92, a door lock device 93, an auto cruise device 94, a side monitor device 95, a back monitor device 96, and a parking assist device 97 are connected to respective ECUs (Electronics). Control unit). Like the main control unit 10 and the display controller 7, these ECUs are configured to include a CPU, ROM, RAM, input / output ports (I / O ports), etc., and perform various controls according to each device. . The ECU of each operation target device receives a control instruction signal when it receives a function operation input of the operation switches 31a to 31d and 32a to 32d when the main control unit 10 receives it. Then, an operation corresponding to the control instruction signal is executed. A specific example of the operation of the operation target device is as described in the example of the assignment of the left switches 31a to 31d and the right switches 32a to 32d.

  Next, function assignment execution processing by the program 20x stored in the storage device 20 and executed by the CPU 11 of the main control unit 10 will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the function allocation means of the present invention functions by executing the program 20x.

  The program 20x is started based on reception of an ACC-ON signal from an engine ECU (not shown) as the accessory switch (ACC) is turned on.

  In S1, a user (driver) identification process is performed. In the present embodiment, a driver identification screen 6a as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the screen of the display device 63, and is selected and input by a touch operation on the screen. In S <b> 2, the switch function assignment table corresponding to the user specified in S <b> 1 is read from the storage device 20. In S1, a user who is not registered operates “no registration”. When “no registration” is operated, the switch function assignment table set as default is read in S2.

  In S3, the traveling state of the vehicle is specified based on the detection signals of the sensors 21 and 22 and the information acquired from the navigation device 8. Specifically, it is specified which traveling state the vehicle is in among the traveling state classifications described above (high-speed traveling state, normal traveling state, reverse selection state, and stopped state). In S4, with reference to the switch function assignment table read out in S2, the operation instruction content corresponding to the specified traveling state is assigned to the right operation switches 31a to 31d constituting the use function selection operation unit.

  In S5, the operation instruction contents assigned to the operation switches 31a to 31d are visually displayed on the display screen of the display device 6 (the screen 61a of the meter display device 61 in the present embodiment). In the present embodiment, a screen position corresponding to the arrangement of the operation switches 31a to 31d is displayed while displaying images related to the steering wheel 4 and the operation switches 31a to 31d and 32a to 32d, as in the display screen 6b shown in FIG. The operation instruction contents of the corresponding operation switches 31a to 31d are displayed in text.

  In S6, it is determined whether or not the operation switches 31a to 31d have been operated. If there is no operation, the process proceeds to S11, and if there is an operation, the process proceeds to S7. In S7, referring to the switch function assignment table read in S2, the operation instruction contents corresponding to the operated operation switches 31a to 31d are assigned to the right operation switches 32a to 32d constituting the control instruction content selection operation unit ( Control instruction content assignment means).

  In S8, the operation instruction contents assigned to the operation switches 32a to 32d are visually displayed on the display screen of the display device 6 (the screen 61a of the meter display device 61 in this embodiment). In the present embodiment, a screen position corresponding to the arrangement of the operation switches 32a to 32d while displaying images related to the steering wheel 4 and the operation switches 31a to 31d and 32a to 32d, as in the display screen 6b shown in FIG. The operation instruction contents of the corresponding operation switches 32a to 32d are displayed in text.

  In S9, it is determined whether or not the operation switches 32a to 32d have been operated. If there is no operation, the process proceeds to S11, and if there is an operation, the process proceeds to S10. In S10, the use target device is specified from the operation switches 31a to 31d determined to be operated in S6, and specified from the operation switches 32a to 32d determined to be operated in S9 for the specified use target device. A control instruction signal based on the control instruction content to be transmitted is transmitted. Then, a function based on the control instruction signal is executed in the device to be used that has received the control instruction signal.

  In S11, it is determined whether or not the accessory switch (ACC) is turned off. If an ACC-OFF signal is detected from an engine ECU (not shown), the program 20x is terminated. If an ACC-OFF signal is not detected, the process proceeds to S12. In S12, the presence / absence of a user change is detected. The presence / absence of a user change is determined based on whether or not there has been an operation on a predetermined operation unit (user identification process execution operation unit) for executing the user identification process. If there is an operation on the predetermined operation unit, the process returns to S1, and if there is no operation, the process returns to S3.

  The operation instruction contents of the operation switches 31a to 31d and 32a to 32d performed in S5 and S8 are displayed not on the screen 61a of the meter display device 61 but on the display screen 62a of the head-up display device 62 shown in FIG. May be. The head-up display device 62 shown in FIG. 8 is provided with a display inside an instrument panel IP extending from the lower side of the windshield WS located in front of the driver to the inside of the vehicle, and displays a display image. When light is emitted from the backlight 621 to the projected liquid crystal panel 622, the light transmitted through the liquid crystal panel 622 enters the windshield WS and is reflected toward the eyes of the driver DR seated in the driver seat. The display image is captured by the driver DR as a virtual image.

  Further, the operation instruction contents of the operation switches 31a to 31d and 32a to 32d performed in S5 and S8 are displayed on the front surface of the operation switches 31a to 31d and 32a to 32d on the color liquid crystal display 5 as shown in FIG. A display surface may be provided to visually display (for example, character display) the content of the operation instruction of the user on the front surface of each switch.

  The display of the operation instruction contents of the operation switches 31a to 31d and 32a to 32d performed in S5 and S8 may be performed when a touch operation is performed on the operation switches 31a to 31d and 32a to 32d. The display form in this case is not the one shown in FIG. 7, but only the operation instruction content of the operation switch that has been operated may be displayed. In these, the operation switches 31a to 31d and 32a to 32d are configured as touch switches such as a capacitance change type sensor or a resistance change type sensor using a conductive film, and perform corresponding display when contact is detected. This can be achieved.

  Next, a function assignment content registration process executed by the CPU 11 of the main control unit 10 and executed by the program 20y stored in the storage device 20 will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the allocation customization unit of the present invention functions by executing the program 20x. The program 20y is executed in response to a user operation on the function assignment content registration operation unit 33 provided at a position where the driver can operate.

  In S11, it is determined whether the user (driver) is a new user or a registered user. In the present embodiment, the user selection screen 6c shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the screen of the display device 63, and is selected and input by a touch operation on the screen. If a new user is selected, the process proceeds to S12, and a user name is registered for the new user by touch-inputting the user name from the new user registration screen 6d as shown in FIG. On the other hand, when a registered user is selected, the selected switch function assignment table is read.

  In S13, the contents change input of the switch function assignment table is performed. Specifically, the switch function assignment table content change screen 6e shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the screen of the display device 63, and is selected and input by a touch operation on the screen. Specifically, when the traveling state is selected from the four types of displayed touch switches 601e, the operation instruction contents of the operation switches 31a to 31d and 32a to 32d currently registered in the selected traveling state are the touch switch 602e, respectively. Characters are displayed at 603e. Each of the touch switches 602e and 603e is selected by a single touch operation, and the operation instruction content displayed by the continuous touch operation is switched in order from a predetermined one. First, when changing the operation instruction content (operation target function) of the operation switches 31a to 31d, the touch switch 602e corresponding to the operation switch 31a to 31d to be changed is continuously touched, and the operation instruction content displayed ( Switch to the content you want to change. However, since the operation instruction content (operation target function) displayed on the screen is in the provisionally determined state, when confirming, the determination touch switch 604e is touch-operated. When changing the operation instruction content (operation target function) of the operation switches 32a to 32d, first, the touch switch 602e corresponding to the operation target function to be changed is selected. Thus, the operation instruction content (control instruction content) corresponding to the touch switch 602e in the selected state is displayed in text on the touch switch 603e corresponding to the operation switches 32a to 32d. In this state, the touch switch 603e corresponding to the operation switches 32a to 32d to be changed is continuously touched to switch the displayed operation instruction content (control instruction content) to the content to be changed. However, since the operation instruction content (operation target function) displayed on the screen is in the provisionally determined state, when confirming, the determination touch switch 604e is touch-operated. Thereby, the operation instruction contents of the operation switches 31a to 31d and 32a to 32d in various traveling states are updated. In the case of a new user, the change is made from the default setting, and in the case of a registered user, the change is made from the previous registration state.

  In S14, the operation instruction contents of the operation switches 31a to 31d and 32a to 32d that are currently temporarily determined in accordance with the operation of the confirmed touch switch are stored and registered in the storage device 20 as a switch function assignment table (new). Register or overwrite) and exit this program.

  The switch function assignment table content change input performed in S13 is performed by operating a touch switch formed on the display device 63, but the actual operation switch 31a is used instead of the touch switch. ˜31d and 32a to 32d may be operated. At this time, the operation instruction contents of the operation switches 31 a to 31 d and 32 a to 32 d to be switched are displayed on the display device 63.

  The function assignment content registration operation unit 33 for executing the program 20y may be provided separately from the operation switches 31a to 31d and 32a to 32d, but is the operation switches 31a to 31d and 32a to 32d. Also good. That is, the program 20y may be executed when an operation with a larger operation load than the normal operation is performed on the operation switches 31a to 31d and 32a to 32d. For example, long pressing or pattern pressing to predetermined operation switches 31a to 31d and 32a to 32d.

  As mentioned above, although one Embodiment of this invention was described, these are only illustrations to the last, and this invention is not limited to these, A various change is possible unless it deviates from the meaning of a claim. is there.

The vehicle interior appearance figure of the vehicle in which the operation device for vehicles of the present invention was built. The electric block diagram of the operating device for vehicles of this invention. The figure which shows registration user information. The figure which shows a switch function allocation table. The flowchart which shows the flow of a function allocation execution process. An example of a driver specific screen in function allocation execution processing. An example of the display screen which displays the operation instruction content allocated to each operation switch in a function allocation execution process. Explanatory drawing of a head-up display apparatus. FIG. 8 is an example of a display screen that displays operation instruction contents assigned to each operation switch in a function assignment execution process different from FIG. 7. The flowchart which shows the flow of a function allocation content registration process. An example of the user selection screen in a function allocation content registration process. An example of a new user registration screen in the function assignment content registration processing. An example of a switch function assignment table content change screen in the function assignment content registration process.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Vehicle operating device 4 Steering wheel 10 Main control part (running state detection means, function assignment means, assignment customization means)
20 storage device (operation target function allocation storage unit, control instruction content allocation storage unit)
31, 32 Operation switch (operation unit)
6. Display device (function allocation status display means)
61 Meter display device 62 Head-up display device 63 Display device provided in center console 91-97 Operation target device

Claims (9)

An operation unit that is provided on a steering wheel of a vehicle and is used for function operation input of an in-vehicle electronic device mounted on the vehicle;
Traveling state detecting means for detecting the traveling state of the vehicle;
A function allocating means for allocating one of a plurality of operation target functions uniquely determined for each of a plurality of traveling state sections that can be identified exclusively to each other in a switchable manner according to the detected traveling state; ,
An operation target function assignment storage unit that stores the operation target function assigned to the operation unit according to the running state in a form associated with the running state classification;
The function assigning means reads the operation target function corresponding to the detected running state from the operation target function assignment storage unit, assigns the read operation target function to the operation unit,
The operation unit is arranged to be distributed to the left and right with respect to the rotation axis of the steering wheel, and in order to select a function of the in-vehicle electronic device used by the driver on each of the left and right, A plurality of use function selection operation units to which a function is assigned, and on the other hand, a plurality of control instruction content selection operation units for selecting and executing the control instruction content of the operation target function selected by the use function selection operation unit Is placed,
The function allocating means switches the operation target function allocated to each of the used function selection operation units to the different operation target function according to the detected running state,
Depending on the operation target function selected by the use function selection operation unit, one of a plurality of control instruction contents uniquely determined for each operation target function can be switched to the control instruction content selection operation unit. Control instruction content assignment means for assigning to
The traveling state detection unit is configured such that when the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed detection unit exceeds a predetermined vehicle speed threshold, or the traveling road of the vehicle detected by the traveling road type detection unit of the vehicle is high speed. Including a high-speed running state detection means for detecting a road as a predetermined high-speed running state,
The function assigning means assigns the operation target function corresponding to the high-speed running state to the operation unit when the high-speed running state is detected, and the operation assigning function corresponding to the high-speed running state As a vehicle operating device , an auto-cruise function is assigned to the use function selecting operation unit . A control instruction content allocation storage unit that stores the control instruction content allocated to the control instruction content selection operation unit according to the operation target function in a form associated with the operation target function;
The control instruction content assigning unit reads the control instruction content corresponding to the selected operation target function from the control instruction content assignment storage unit, and assigns the read control instruction content to the control instruction content selection operation unit. The vehicle operating device according to claim 1 . The travel state detection means includes a stop detection means for detecting a stop state of the vehicle,
3. The vehicle operation device according to claim 1 , wherein, when the stop state is detected, the function assignment unit assigns the operation target function corresponding to the stop state to the use function selection operation unit . The vehicle operation device according to claim 3, wherein the function assignment unit assigns a door lock function to the use function selection operation unit as the operation target function corresponding to the stop state. The travel state detection means is a reverse selection state detection means for detecting a reverse selection state of the vehicle,
It said function allocation unit, when the reverse selection condition is detected, claims 1 allocates the operation target function corresponding to rear proceeds selected state to the use function selecting operation unit to any one of claims 4 The operation apparatus for vehicles as described. The function allocating unit allocates at least one or more of a parking assist function, a back monitor function, and a side monitor function to the use function selection operation unit as the operation target function corresponding to the reverse selection state. the vehicle operating device according to. The vehicle operation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , further comprising function assignment state display means for displaying the assignment state of the operation target function to the operation unit so as to be visible to a driver. The vehicle operating device according to claim 7, wherein the function allocation state display means is a meter display device or a head-up display device. The vehicle operation according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , further comprising assignment customization means for customizing assignment of the operation target function to the operation unit according to the running state based on a user operation input. apparatus.

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