JP5300326B2 - In-vehicle input device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an input apparatus for a vehicle which is excellent in blind operability by a driver and is hardly erroneously operated while traveling. <P>SOLUTION: In the input apparatus 10 for a vehicle being used for operation input to various vehicular electronic devices 201, a main control part 100 discretely sets position indication input permission areas 43 on a two-dimensional operation surface 40 of an operation input device 1, while as control modes of an operation reaction force, a guide input mode where position indication operations to areas 43 on the operation surface 40 by the operation input device 1 are guided along unique paths defined in each area 43 and an arbitrary mode where the position indication operations are not guided but performed freely can be changed. The guide input mode is set at least during a vehicle travel. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an in-vehicle input device.

JP 2004-226301 A

  In recent years, various in-vehicle electronic devices such as an air conditioner system, an audio system, a navigation system, a travel control system, or a peripheral monitoring system have been mounted, and accordingly, operations arranged around the instrument panel of the vehicle. The number of departments is also increasing. As a result, it is difficult to arrange all the operation units with only the operation unit for single function operation.

  Therefore, in recent vehicles, many multi-function intensive operation units capable of operating a plurality of functions with one operation unit have been arranged. Specifically, there is an input device in which the multi-function concentrated operation unit is provided in the center console unit or the like. Examples of the multi-function centralized operation unit include a cross key, a rotary switch, a joystick having a two-dimensional movable range, and a slider type operation input device. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a joystick is provided as a multi-function centralized operation unit.

  In recent years, there is a configuration in which this is provided on the steering wheel as a multi-function centralized operation unit dedicated to the driver.

  However, the conventional multi-function central operation unit has the following problems when it is provided on the steering wheel as a driver-specific operation unit. For example, in the case of a cross key or a rotary switch, the operation is troublesome because it is selected and operated by sending or returning the function to be used by operation in a predetermined operation direction. Furthermore, since it is difficult to intuitively understand the current operation state, there is a problem that it depends on the display of contents by the display device and the blind operability by the driver is poor.

  On the other hand, in the case of a joystick or slider type operation input device having a two-dimensional movable range, the operability is good because the function menu can be freely pointed and selected. However, there is a possibility that an unintended operation input may be made by accidentally touching the driver while driving. Such an erroneous operation may occur even when the operation input device is not provided on the steering wheel.

  The subject of this invention is providing the vehicle-mounted input device which is excellent in the blind operativity by a driver, and is hard to carry out a misoperation during driving | running | working.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

In order to solve the above problems, the in-vehicle input device of the present invention is
An in-vehicle input device used for operation input of an in-vehicle electronic device,
An operation input device for performing a position indicating operation on a two-dimensional operation surface in which an operation range is defined in advance. The operation axis is held at a neutral angle position when not operated, and a position is indicated when operating. An operation input device operated against an operation reaction force to return to the neutral angle position so that the operation axis is inclined from the neutral angle position in a direction corresponding to a power direction;
An operation reaction force applying means for applying an operation reaction force to a position indicating operation performed on the operation input device;
Selectable area setting means for setting a selectable area for position instruction input within the operation range on the two-dimensional operation surface;
As the operation reaction force control mode, a position pointing operation toward the selectable area by the operation input device is guided along a unique path on the two-dimensional operation surface determined for each selectable area. A guide input mode for controlling the operation reaction force, and an arbitrary input mode for controlling the operation reaction force so that the position indicating operation can be arbitrarily performed within the operation range on the two-dimensional operation surface. And an operation reaction force control means for setting the guide input mode at least during vehicle travel ,
It is characterized by providing.

  According to the above configuration of the present invention, in order to input a position instruction to a selectable area provided in a predetermined operation range on the two-dimensional operation surface, an operation input device capable of arbitrarily performing a position instruction operation within the operation range is provided. It has been. Thus, the driver can easily input an operation using the operation input device even while driving. Further, for example, if the guide input mode is set in a predetermined vehicle traveling state (such as during vehicle traveling), the arbitrary position instruction is restricted in the vehicle traveling state and heads toward the selectable region. The position indication operation can be performed only on the unique route. In other words, the selectable area cannot be reached without passing through a certain route, and position designation input to the selectable area cannot be performed. As a result, the possibility of erroneous position indication input for an unintended selectable region during operation during driving is extremely low. Further, by memorizing the selectable area and its unique route, it is possible to intentionally input a position instruction to the selectable area.

  Further, the operation reaction force control means can arbitrarily perform a position instruction operation toward the selectable region within the operation range on the two-dimensional operation surface as the operation reaction force control mode as well as the guide input mode. And an arbitrary input mode for controlling the operation reaction force, and the guide input mode can be set at least while the vehicle is traveling. According to this configuration, as a control mode of the operation reaction force, not only the guide input mode in which the operable region is restricted, but also the position indicating operation of the operation input device on the two-dimensional operation surface without being restricted by such restriction. An arbitrary input mode that can be freely performed within the operation range can be set. Thereby, it becomes possible to use properly the guide input mode which can prevent an erroneous operation during driving | running | working, and the arbitrary input mode with high operativity according to a condition.

  Further, in the present invention, it is provided with a traveling state detecting means for detecting a predetermined traveling state of the vehicle, and the operation reaction force control means sets the guide input mode when the traveling state is detected, and the traveling state is If it is not detected, the arbitrary input mode can be set. For example, a vehicle speed detecting means for detecting the vehicle speed is provided as the traveling state detecting means, and the operation reaction force control means is detected by setting a guide input mode when the detected vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined vehicle speed level. If the vehicle speed is less than the vehicle speed level, the arbitrary input mode can be set. As a result, the arbitrary input mode can be permitted only when the vehicle is stopped, or when traveling at a very low speed, and forcibly switched to the guide input mode when traveling beyond a certain fixed speed.

  The position instruction input can be executed based on the fact that the position indicated by the position instruction operation of the operation input device having a two-dimensional operation freedom has become a selectable area. As a result, it is possible to perform a position instruction input with a simple operation that simply indicates the position of the selectable region, and no special input operation is required. Note that a position instruction input operation unit for performing input at a position instructed by the operation input device may be provided separately from the operation input device. For example, when the operation input device is provided on the steering wheel, the operation input device is provided on one of the left and right sides of the steering wheel so that the position can be indicated, and the position instruction input operation unit is provided on the other side. It can also be configured to perform input at different positions. Further, the operation input device can be configured so that a pressing operation can be performed in a direction different from the two-dimensional operation, and the position instruction input can be performed by the pressing operation.

  The selectable area setting means is based on a setting pattern in which the arrangement position of the selectable area in the operation range on the two-dimensional operation surface is associated with the control content executed by the position instruction input to the selectable area. The selectable area can be set within the operation range on the two-dimensional operation surface, and the corresponding control content can be assigned to the selectable area. As a result, the setting pattern stored in advance in the setting pattern storage unit can be read, and according to this, discrete arrangement of selectable areas and assignment of control contents can be performed.

  A plurality of patterns having different correspondences between the arrangement positions of selectable areas and the control contents can be prepared as setting patterns. And it can comprise including the setting pattern switching operation part which switches these several setting patterns. As a result, even if there is a limit to the number of arrangements of selectable areas, more control contents can be executed.

  In addition, the setting patterns can include patterns having different arrangement forms of selectable regions within the operation range on the two-dimensional operation surface. For example, one setting pattern can be determined by collecting only those related to control contents. In such a case, it is desirable that the arrangement of the selectable areas corresponding to each control content is determined in an arrangement form that is most easily understood by the user. However, the number of control contents set in each setting pattern (which can be said to be the number of selectable areas) is naturally expected to be different in each pattern. In this case, in each setting pattern, the arrangement form of the selectable areas within the operation range on the two-dimensional operation surface can be determined as a unique arrangement form corresponding to the number of the selectable areas. That is, since the arrangement form of the selectable areas is determined by the number, the user can easily learn the arrangement form of each pattern.

  The above control content may include what switches the currently set pattern to a different pattern based on a position instruction input to the corresponding selectable area. In this case, more control contents can be executed by switching the setting pattern.

  Further, the control content may include control content for designating the operation instruction content of the in-vehicle electronic device based on the position instruction input to the corresponding selectable area and executing the operation instruction content. According to this configuration, various device functions of the in-vehicle electronic device can be executed by inputting a position instruction to the selectable area.

  Furthermore, the setting pattern associates different in-vehicle electronic devices or device functions in the in-vehicle electronic device with a plurality of selectable areas, and sets the control contents assigned to the plurality of selectable areas, A setting pattern that allows a control instruction content to be specified for a vehicle-mounted electronic device or device function corresponding to the selectable area and control based on the control instruction contents to be executed based on a position instruction input to the selectable area The content can be switched to. In other words, in the setting pattern of the upper hierarchy, the in-vehicle electronic device or device function is associated with a plurality of selectable areas, and the control content assigned to each selectable area is the corresponding in-vehicle electronic device or It is determined to switch to a lower layer setting pattern for specifying control instruction contents for a device function and executing control based on the control instruction contents. On the other hand, in a lower layer setting pattern, a plurality of selectable areas On the other hand, the control instruction content to the in-vehicle electronic device or device function corresponding to the pattern is associated, and the control content assigned to each selectable area is the control execution based on the corresponding control instruction content. It has established. That is, a hierarchical structure is defined for each setting pattern. According to this configuration, a hierarchical selection form in which a device or function to be used in a higher setting pattern is selected, and then contents to be used in a device or function selected in a higher order in a lower setting pattern is selected. Can be taken. Thereby, the control content to be executed can be easily reached. Therefore, it is suitable for the blind operation of the driver.

  The control content includes an operation reaction force that restricts position instruction input to other selectable areas other than the corresponding selectable area based on the position instruction input to the corresponding selectable area in the guide input mode. The contents for causing the operation reaction force control means to execute the control can be included. According to this configuration, for example, for a control content that does not require an operation when a certain control content is being executed, the position instruction input to the selectable area corresponding to the control is restricted so that the control is not executed. Can do. Thereby, an erroneous operation during traveling of the vehicle can be effectively prevented.

  Operation content display means for visually displaying the correspondence between the arrangement position of the selectable area set by the selectable area setting means and the control content corresponding to the selectable area can be provided. As a result, the arrangement form of the selectable areas and the control contents corresponding to the selectable areas can be reliably grasped.

  Further, it is possible to provide display content changing means for changing the display contents visually displayed by the operation content display means to corresponding contents in accordance with the switching of the setting pattern by the selectable area setting means. Thereby, when the setting pattern is switched, the display contents are also switched correspondingly, so that the arrangement form of the selectable area and the control contents corresponding to each selectable area can be reliably grasped.

  At least in the guide input mode, the operation content display means can visually display the unique path toward the arrangement position together with the arrangement position of the selectable area. As a result, it is possible to clearly grasp what operation route the operation input device follows during traveling of the vehicle to reach the target selectable region.

  The operation content display means may be a display device having a display surface in front of the driver's seat. Specifically, the operation content display means can display the display content on a meter display unit located in front of the driver's seat, and a head-up display that projects and displays the display content on the front position of the driver's seat on the windshield. Can be displayed. Alternatively, the display content can be displayed on a center display located at the center in front of the passenger compartment.

  In addition, the operation input device according to the present invention can be provided on a steering wheel of a vehicle. When the operation input device is provided on the steering wheel, there are concerns about the problem of blind operability already described and the problem of erroneous operation during driving. However, the configuration of the present invention described above provides excellent blind operability and driving. Misoperations are less likely to occur. In particular, since the steering wheel is a part that is always gripped by the driver, the possibility of such an erroneous operation is higher than that of the other operation units, and it can be said that eliminating this point is a great advantage. Further, the operation input device can be arranged in the center console portion of the vehicle adjacent to the seat portion of the seat. Similar to the steering wheel, it is arranged at a position where the driver's hand can easily touch, and therefore, an erroneous operation is less likely to occur by setting the guide input mode.

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 an in-vehicle input device according to an embodiment of the present invention is incorporated. The steering wheel 2 for vehicle operation uses one or more in-vehicle electronic devices such as an air conditioner, an audio device, a navigation device, and a communication device installed in the vehicle as operation target devices, and is used for these operation inputs. An operation input device 1 is arranged. The operation input device 1 is configured as a pointing device, and performs a position instruction operation on a two-dimensional operation surface 40 (see FIG. 5 or 6) in which an operation range is defined in advance.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the steering wheel 2 includes a ring portion 2 a that is gripped by the driver during a driving operation, a central boss portion 2 c, and a spoke portion 2 d that couples these. A horn mechanism and an air bag mechanism are incorporated in the boss portion 2c. The central region is an air bag storage portion, and the surface is configured as a horn button. In addition, when the steering wheel 2 is in the reference position (operation state where the vehicle goes straight: steering neutral position), the left and right sides of the ring portion 2a are gripped portions 2b and 2b by the driver.

  The operation input device 1 is provided on the left side of the horn button of the boss portion 2c. Specifically, the operation input device 1 is operated in a state in which the driver grips the grip portion 2b on the left side (or the right side) of the ring portion 2a in a state where the steering wheel 2 is in a reference position for moving the vehicle straight. It is arranged at a possible position, and is provided at a position where it can be operated by the left hand (right hand in the case of the right side) gripping the grip portion 2b, particularly by the thumb.

  FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the operation input device 1. The operation input device 1 that is a pointing device has a joystick-type operation unit (operation unit) 21 operated by a user, and the main control unit (ECU) 100 basically shifts from the neutral position. The actuators (motors in this embodiment) 11 and 12 are controlled so as to apply an operation reaction force against the operated direction to the joystick-type operation unit 21 (naturally, the operation reaction force is not applied at the neutral position). . The operation input device 1 is not limited to the joystick type, and may have a slider type or trackball type operation unit.

  The joystick-type operation unit 21 has a spherical operation surface 21 a, and a support column 24 extends from the back side and is inserted into the storage unit 20. A spherical portion 22 is formed in the middle of the column 24, and is supported by a bearing 23 provided in the storage unit 20 so that the column 24 is swingably supported with respect to the storage unit 20. The joystick-type operation unit 21 holds its operation axis Z at the neutral angle position when not operated, and corresponds to the direction to be pointed on the screen 50 displayed on the display device 202 when operated. It is operated against an operation reaction force (return force) to the neutral angle position so that the operation axis Z is inclined in the direction from the neutral angle position.

  With this configuration, the joystick-type operation unit 21 is movable in a direction along the operation surface 21a that is a contact surface with which the user contacts, and the user can use his / her hand (fingertip) and the joystick-type operation unit 21. It is a touch operation type in which operation is performed using frictional force with the operation unit 21.

  The operation surface 21a of the joystick-type operation unit 21 is a two-dimensional operation surface whose operation range is defined in advance. In the present embodiment, the operation surface 21a is a spherical surface centered on the spherical portion 22 indicated by the bearing 23. . In addition, a center position tactile sensation recognition unit 21b is provided at the center of the operation surface 21a to inform the user of the center position (in this embodiment, it is a protrusion, but may be a recess or the like). Accordingly, the operation axis Z of the joystick-type operation unit 21 can be inclined at least by tactile sensation (in the present embodiment, it can be visually confirmed).

  The joystick type operation unit 21 in the present embodiment is a hemispherical movable range along the operation surface 21a, and can be freely moved within the range. That is, the user can move in any direction (360 degrees) in the in-plane direction of the contact surface from the position where his / her hand (fingertip) contacts the operation surface 21a (excluding the end of the movable range). ).

  The storage unit 20 is provided with motors 11 and 12 as actuators that can apply force to the joystick-type operation unit 21 in a direction in which operation is permitted. The motors 11 and 12 are respectively provided with respect to the orthogonal X-axis and Y-axis (see FIG. 4), and are connected to the support 24 via a gear (not shown), and the rotational movement thereof is axially (X-axis, A force is applied to the joystick type operation unit 21 by converting it into a linear motion along the Y axis) and transmitting it to the support column 24. The motors 11 and 12 operate so as to apply an operation reaction force against the operation direction to the joystick type operation unit 21 based on a drive signal from the main control unit 100. It functions as a force generating means.

  The joystick-type operation unit 21 which is an operation unit of the operation input device 1 has a two-dimensional operation degree of freedom, and the position sensors 13 and 14 serve as operation input displacement detection units for detecting a two-dimensional operation input displacement by the operation unit. Is provided. The position sensors 13 and 14 in this embodiment are rotary encoders 23 and 24 connected to the rotation shafts of the motors 11 and 12 as actuators. An optical image sensor or the like can be used as the operation input displacement detection unit. The position detection signals detected by the position sensors 13 and 14 are fed back to the main controller 100.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the in-vehicle input device of the present invention. The in-vehicle input device 10 shown in FIG. 4 includes a pointing device 1 disposed on the steering wheel 2 and a main control unit that receives input signals associated with input operations (position indicating operation and position indicating input) from the pointing device 1. 100 is mainly configured. The main control unit 100 is connected to a serial communication bus (not shown) that constructs an in-vehicle network, and includes one or more external devices 201 to be operated by the in-vehicle input device 10 and a display device having a display surface in front of the driver's seat It connects with 202 and other ECUs, and communication (for example, input of a vehicle speed signal) with these ECUs is possible.

  The main control unit 100 includes a CPU 101, a storage unit such as a ROM and a RAM (not shown), and an external storage device 102 including a hard disk drive and a nonvolatile memory provided in addition to them. The CPU 101 also includes input / output units (I / O in the figure) 103 and 104 that receive signal inputs from the pointing device 1 and drive circuits that output drive signals to the actuators 11 and 12 (the X drive circuit and the figure in the figure). Y drive circuit) 111, 112. Various programs executed by the CPU 101 and necessary data are stored in the ROM or the storage device 102. When the CPU 101 executes these programs, the RAM is used as a work area.

  Further, when the main control unit 100 basically detects a direction in which the joystick type operation unit 21 is operated based on a position detection signal fed back from the position sensors 13 and 14, an operation reaction force against the operation direction. Actuators 31 and 32 are driven to add. That is, based on the position detection signal fed back from the position sensors 13 and 14, the magnitude and direction of the operation reaction force to be applied to the joystick type operation unit 21 are calculated, and the drive command signal in which the calculation result is reflected. Is output to the drive circuits 111 and 112, and the drive control of the actuators (motors) 11 and 12 is performed.

  By the way, the main control unit 100 functions as a selectable area setting unit and an operation reaction force control unit, and is used to input a position instruction on the two-dimensional operation surface 40 having a predetermined operation range of the pointing device 2. The selectable areas 43 are set discretely (one or more selectable areas 43 are distributed and set on different positions on the two-dimensional operation surface 40), and an operation is performed for a position indication operation performed on the pointing device 2. Reaction force control for the actuators (operation reaction force applying means) 11 and 12 for applying reaction force is executed. Specifically, as the operation reaction force control mode, a position instruction operation toward the selectable region 43 (43a to 43h) by the pointing device 2 can be arbitrarily performed within the operation range on the two-dimensional operation surface 40. On the two-dimensional operation surface 40 determined for each selectable area 43 (43a to 43h), an arbitrary input mode for controlling the operation reaction force and a position indicating operation toward the selectable area 43 (43a to 43h) are performed. A discrete input mode (guide input mode) for controlling an operation reaction force so as to be guided along the eigenpath 410 (410A to 410H), and set the discrete input mode at least during vehicle travel. (Operation reaction force control means). The main control unit 100 is connected to other ECUs via the serial communication bus described above and can acquire vehicle speed information (vehicle speed detection means). Therefore, the main control unit 100 in the present embodiment has the vehicle speed information. And switching between the two modes.

  5 and 6 are diagrams schematically showing the operation range on the two-dimensional operation surface in the arbitrary input mode and the discrete input mode. 5 and 6 show a two-dimensional operation surface 40 having an operation range. Each two-dimensional operation surface 40 (FIGS. 5 (a) to (f) and FIGS. 4 (a) to (f)). ), Selectable areas 43 (43a to 43h) are set at respective predetermined positions. The control content is assigned to each selectable area 43, and the control content assigned by the position instruction input to the selectable area 43 is executed.

  In the present embodiment, the control contents executed by the arrangement position (arrangement form) of the selectable area 43 (43a to 43h) and the position instruction input to each selectable area 43 in the storage device 102 of the main control unit 100. Are stored as setting pattern information. The main control unit 100 discretely sets the selectable area 43 on the two-dimensional operation surface 40 having a predetermined operation range based on the setting pattern, and the corresponding control area 43 corresponds to the selectable area 43. Assign control details.

  A plurality of patterns are prepared as setting patterns. Specifically, in the setting pattern, there are different arrangement forms of the selectable areas 43 (43a to 43h) in the two-dimensional operation surface 40 having a predetermined operation range, and arrangement forms of the selectable areas 43. Even if they are the same, the control contents assigned to the selectable area 43 are different, and the arrangement form of the selectable area 43 and the control contents assigned to each position 43 are different.

  In each setting pattern, the arrangement form of the selectable areas 43 (43a to 43h) in the two-dimensional operation surface 40 having a predetermined operation range is determined as a unique arrangement form corresponding to the number of selectable areas. Yes. In the present embodiment, six arrangement forms as shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. 6 are defined. Thereby, since the arrangement form of the selectable area 43 is determined by the number, the user can easily learn the arrangement form. Note that the arrangement form of the selectable area 43 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 and the arrangement form of the specific paths 410 (410A to 410H) described later assume that the operation input device 1 is arranged on the left side of the steering wheel 2. It is set so that the right operation is given priority over all setting patterns. When the operation input device 1 is provided on the right side of the steering wheel 2, the arrangement form of the selectable area 43 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 and the arrangement form of the unique path 410 (410A to 410H) to be described later are left and right targets. It is provided in the form replaced with.

  The control content assigned to each selectable area 43 (43a to 43h) is executed by selecting the selectable area 43 by the position instruction operation by the operation input device 1 and inputting the position instruction in the selected selectable area 43. Is made by The position instruction input in the present embodiment is an entry operation from the non-selectable area 44 to the selectable area 43 or an entry operation from one selectable area 43 to another selectable area 43. That is, in the position instruction operation by the operation input device 1, the position instruction input is accepted based on the change of the instruction position to the new selectable area 43.

  Further, in the present embodiment, reaction force control is executed so that the entry / exit to the selectable area 43 can be recognized by the operation tactile in the position instruction operation from the nonselectable area 44 to the selectable area 43 or vice versa. The Specifically, it is larger than the normal operation reaction force (normal reaction force level) in the selectable region 43 and the non-selectable region 44 so that a click feeling can be obtained when entering or leaving the selectable region 43. The main control unit 100 controls the operation reaction force such that the operation reaction force (operation tactile reaction force level) is applied at the boundary between the two. It should be noted that this operation tactile sensation (clicking sensation) also occurs at the boundary between the selectable area 43 and the selectable area 43 or at the boundary between the adjacent selectable areas 43 and 43.

  Here, the arbitrary input mode and the discrete input mode (guide input mode) will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing the two-dimensional operation surface 40 having a predetermined operation range in the arbitrary input mode. The arbitrary input mode is a control mode that is executed when the vehicle speed is lower than a predetermined vehicle speed threshold (vehicle speed level), such as a vehicle stop state and further a vehicle slowdown state, on the two-dimensional operation surface 40, As the distance from the neutral position 40n increases, a predetermined operation reaction force is applied in a direction to return to the neutral position 40n, and the operation reaction force for limiting the position instruction operation toward the selectable region 43 by the operation input device 1 is Not granted.

  On the other hand, FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing the two-dimensional operation surface 40 having a predetermined operation range in the discrete input mode (guide input mode). The discrete input mode is a control mode that is executed when the vehicle speed exceeds the vehicle speed threshold (vehicle speed level). On the operation range 40, two areas, an operation restriction area 42 and an operation permission area 41, are set. The More specifically, in each setting pattern, the position instruction operation toward the selectable area 43 by the operation input device 1 is performed on the specific path 410 (410A to 410H on the two-dimensional operation surface defined for each selectable area 43. ), The operation reaction force is controlled so as to be guided along the specific path 410, and the operation permission area 41 is defined on the unique path 410, and the operation restriction area 42 is defined on the other.

  In the present embodiment, unless the setting pattern is changed, the area of the selectable area 43 is not changed by switching between the discrete input mode and the arbitrary input mode. For this reason, the mode switching process can be simplified. However, in the discrete input mode, when the selectable area 43 (43a to 43h) is set to extend to the operation restriction area 42, the position indicating operation can be performed only on the operation permission area 41. Therefore, the substantial selection in the discrete input mode is possible. It may be said that the possible area 43 exists in the operation permission area 41. In the present invention, the method of setting the selectable area 43 in the discrete input mode is not limited as long as at least the operation permission area 41 (41a to 41h) is set to the selectable area 43. It is not necessary to make the setting expanded to the operation restriction area 42 as described above.

  When a position indicating operation for entering the operation restriction area 42 from the operation permission area 41 is performed, the boundary is larger than a normal level at which the operation input device 1 does not move even if the operation input device 1 is strongly operated in that direction. An operation reaction force at an operation prevention level is applied, and the entry operation is blocked. That is, the position instruction operation by the operation input device 1 in the operation restriction area 42 is prohibited. On the other hand, on the operation permission area 41, a predetermined predetermined reaction force is applied in a direction to return to the neutral position 40n as the distance from the neutral position 40n increases. The operation reaction force of the level is given, and the operation is not particularly limited.

  In addition, the specific route 410 in this embodiment is as shown in FIG. The unique path 410A toward the selectable area 43a is a neutral area 41n and a path 410a including a neutral position 40n, the unique path 410B toward the selectable area 43b is a neutral area 41n and a path 410b, and the unique path 410C toward the selectable area 43c is neutral. The unique path 410D toward the area 41n and the path 410c, the selectable area 43d is directed to the neutral area 41n and the path 410d, and the unique path 410E toward the selectable area 43e is directed to the neutral area 41n and the paths 410c, 41c, 410e, and the selectable area 43f. The unique path 410F is the neutral area 41n and the paths 410c, 41c, 410f, the unique path 410G toward the selectable area 43g is the neutral area 41n and the paths 410d, 41d, 410g, and the unique path 410H toward the selectable area 43h is the neutral area. 1n and path 410 d, 41d, is 410h.

  The switching between the two control modes described above is executed in accordance with the vehicle speed. In the present embodiment, the change caused by the change in the vehicle speed is only the change in the setting of the operation reaction force control for providing the operation restriction region 42. However, it does not change the setting pattern. However, there is no problem even if the configuration is such that the setting pattern is changed while changing the control mode by changing the vehicle speed.

  In the present embodiment, the various on-vehicle electronic devices 201 that are determined as the operation target by the operation input device 1 are external devices that are connected to the main control unit 100. For example, “Car navigation device”, “Car air conditioner”, “Car audio”, etc. Besides these, “Front shooting camera”, “Rear shooting camera”, “Head-up display” as “Visibility support function” (HUB) ”,“ side camera ”,“ parking support function ”,“ night vision support function ”,“ rear side monitoring alarm function ”,“ seat / steer position change function ”,“ mirror position change ” Various electronic devices having “function”, “running support function”, and the like can be included. Moreover, you may include the vehicle-mounted electronic device which has apparatus functions other than these.

  Incidentally, a display device 202 is connected to the main controller 100. The display device 202 functions as an operation content display means for visually displaying the correspondence between the arrangement position of the settable selectable region 43 and the control content corresponding to the selectable region 43, and the display content thereof. This also functions as a display content changing means for changing to a corresponding content in accordance with the switching of the setting pattern by the main control unit 100.

  8A and 8B schematically show the display screen 50, and the screen 51 (50) shows a pointer selection screen showing display contents in the arbitrary input mode, A screen 52 (50) is a pointer selection screen showing display contents in the discrete input mode. On the screen 50 (51, 52) of FIG. 8, the control content of the corresponding selectable area 43 is displayed at the position 53 (53a, 53b, 53e, 53f, 53g, 53h) corresponding to each selectable area 43. It is displayed. However, in the discrete input mode, along with the character display of the control contents at the arrangement position 53 corresponding to each selectable area 43, the unique path equivalent portion 59 toward each arrangement position 53 is the actual eigenpath currently set. It is visually displayed in a form corresponding to 410. On the other hand, in the arbitrary input mode, only the positional relationship of each selectable area 43 and the control contents thereof are simply displayed by gathering the areas where the eigenpath 410 is displayed in the discrete input mode.

  The control content of the selectable area 43 displayed on the display device 202 can be displayed as an image as shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the image 53 (53a to 53h) is a character display of the control content corresponding to each selectable area 43. In this case, when the position input operation is performed by the operation input device 1 and the position of the selectable area 43 is specified, the image 53 at the specified position is highlighted and the display state is different from the others. Thereby, it is possible to visually grasp the position indicated by the operation input device 1. In the present embodiment, highlight display is performed in which the position-designated region is displayed brighter than before. In addition to the highlight display as described above, other highlight displays such as a highlight display in which the display colors of the characters and the background color are reversed may be performed.

  The display device 202 in the present embodiment is configured as a meter display device in which a display unit 4 is provided on the back side of the steering wheel 2 in front of the driver seat in FIG. 1, and the tachometer 4A in the form as shown in FIG. The display screen 50 (screens 51 and 52) is displayed in the area between the speedometer 4B. The indication position (pointer) 50P on the screen 52 in FIG. 15 is displayed in a form in which the indication position 50P is emitted on the unique path equivalent portion 59.

  The display device 202 in the present embodiment is configured by a known color liquid crystal display, and includes a dot matrix LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and a driver circuit (not shown) for performing LCD display control. The driver circuit uses, for example, an active matrix driving method in which a transistor is attached to each pixel so that the target pixel can be reliably turned on and off, and a display command and display screen data sent from the main control unit 100 are used. Display based on. As the display device 202, an organic EL (ElectroLuminescence) display or a plasma display may be used.

  By the way, in the in-vehicle input device 10 of the present embodiment, when a position instruction is input in the selectable region 43 by the operation input device 1, the main control unit 100 executes the control content corresponding to the selectable region 43. .

  The setting patterns in the present embodiment are provided by collecting only those related to the control contents assigned to each selectable area 43. Specifically, it is a setting pattern for control instructions that collects only control instruction contents related to the same device 201 or the same device function and is assigned to each selectable area 43. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9 (a), for each selectable area 43a, 43b, 43e, 43f, 43g, 43h, “front shooting camera”, “rear shooting camera”, “head-up display” (HUB) ”,“ side-view camera ”,“ parking support function ”,“ night vision support function ”,“ rear side monitoring alarm function ”, etc. As shown in FIG. 9 (b), there are setting patterns in which only those relating to various vehicle functions are assigned to the selectable areas 43a, 43b, 43e, 43g, and 43h. Although FIG. 9 shows the display in the discrete input mode, the same applies to the arbitrary input mode.

  In addition, there is a setting pattern switching pattern in which control contents for switching to another setting pattern are assigned to each selectable area 43. In this case, each selectable area 43 is associated with a switching destination setting pattern, and based on the position instruction input to the selectable area 43, the setting corresponding to the selectable area 43 that has been input with the position instruction While switching to the pattern is executed, a change instruction is output so as to change the display content on the display device 202 to the corresponding content.

  It should be noted that immediately after a position instruction is input in the selectable area 43 for setting pattern switching, the operation input device 1 is provided as long as a constant operating force for indicating the position of the selectable area 43 is continuously applied. The designated position remains basically the same as the selectable area 43. However, when the selectable area 43 is changed to the operation impossible area 42 in accordance with the switching of the setting pattern, the operation reaction force at the operation prevention level toward the operation neutral 40n is immediately given, and an instruction from the operation input device 1 is given. The position is forcibly pushed back to at least the operation permission area 41. If the operating force is not applied, it is naturally pushed back to the neutral position 40n.

  With respect to the setting pattern for switching the setting pattern, in the present embodiment, the control instruction contents regarding the same in-vehicle electronic device 201 or the same device function in the in-vehicle electronic device 201 are assigned to each selectable area 43, and the position instruction In-vehicle electronic device 201 or device different from each other for each selectable area 43 for switching the setting pattern (control instruction setting pattern) in which the corresponding control instruction content is executed based on the input and the setting pattern. And a higher layer setting pattern (setting pattern switching setting pattern) to which a lower layer setting pattern related to the function is assigned. In other words, there is a hierarchical selection pattern switching mode in which a device or function used in a higher setting pattern is selected and a specific content used in a device or function selected in a higher level is selected in a lower setting pattern. ing.

  A specific example is shown in FIG. FIG. 10A shows a setting pattern of an upper layer for selecting the in-vehicle electronic device 210 to be used or its device function. When the “mirror position change function” is selected from the higher setting patterns by the position instruction input, the setting pattern is switched to a lower hierarchy setting pattern. This lower layer setting pattern is a setting pattern in which control contents related to the device or device function selected in the upper layer are collected. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10B, the setting pattern includes the control content related to the “mirror position change function”, and the control content for selecting which mirror is to be changed is provided. doing. Further, when the mirror to be changed is selected from the setting pattern by the position instruction input, the setting pattern is switched to a setting pattern of a lower hierarchy than the current one. This lower layer setting pattern is also a setting pattern in which control contents related to the device or device function selected in the upper layer are collected. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10 (c), the setting pattern includes the control content related to the mirror selected in FIG. 10 (b), and it is determined whether the mirror is inclined in the vertical, horizontal, or horizontal direction. This is a setting pattern including control instruction contents to be performed. That is, in the setting pattern of FIG. 10C, even if a position instruction is input to each selectable area 43, the setting pattern is not changed. Instead, the selectable area 43 where the position instruction is input. The control instruction content is executed. Here, the mirror angle is changed by a predetermined angle by a single selection (position instruction input). Although FIG. 10 shows the discrete input mode, the above description naturally applies to the arbitrary input mode.

  However, in this case, it is desirable to provide a hierarchy return operation unit for returning the hierarchy from the bottom to the top. For example, a selectable area 43 in which the control contents for returning to the upper hierarchy are assigned to the setting pattern of each lower hierarchy (a corresponding unique path is also provided in the discrete input mode), and a position instruction input to the selectable area 43 is provided. Can be a hierarchy return operation. Further, the operation input device 1 can be provided so that the hierarchy return operation can be performed by an operation in a direction different from the direction operation (position instruction operation) by the joystick type operation unit 21. For example, as shown in FIG. 22, a function as a pressing operation unit (the tact switch 60 functions as a pressing operation unit) is added to the joystick type operation unit 21 so that a hierarchy return operation can be performed by the pressing operation. Also good. Further, the hierarchy return operation unit may be provided as an operation unit 28 different from the operation input device 1. For example, as shown in FIG. 21, on the side opposite to the operation input device 2 of the steering wheel 2, it can be operated with the other hand holding the steering wheel 2, particularly with the thumb of that hand. Can be provided in position.

  Further, in the setting pattern, other selections other than the selectable area 43 are selected based on the position instruction input to the selectable area 43 in the control contents assigned to each selectable area 43. Some of them have contents that limit position instruction input to the possible area 43. That is, in the selectable area 43, there is a position instruction input restriction area in which position instruction input is restricted when a position instruction input is made in a specific selectable area 43. In the present embodiment, in the discrete input mode, at least a part of the unique path 410 of the position instruction input restriction area 43 is moved from the operation permission area 41 so that the position instruction input of the position instruction input restriction area 43 is restricted. This is executed by switching to the operation restriction area 42. However, it is assumed that switching from the operation permission area 41 to the operation restriction area 42 is not performed on the unique path 410 of the selectable area 43 where the position instruction input is not restricted.

  Specifically, in the audio operation setting pattern in which the audio operation screen shown in FIG. 11 is displayed, when the audio is turned off, as shown in the upper diagram of FIG. From 41n, the pointer P can be moved only to the selectable area 43a of the control instruction content for switching the audio ON / OFF. That is, all the unique routes 410 except for the unique route 410A are switched to the operation restriction area 42. On the other hand, when a position instruction input for turning on the audio is input, as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 11, the audio signal has been moved along all the unique paths 410 toward the selectable areas 43a, 43b, 43e, 43f, 43g, and 43h. The movable state is enabled in which the pointer P can be moved.

  Note that reference numeral 49 in the upper diagram of FIG. 11 denotes a region to which an operation reaction force of an operation prevention level that cannot be instructed by the operation input device 1 in accordance with the switching from the audio ON state to the OFF state in the discrete input mode. This is a portion that is visually easy to understand, and is actually a region to which the same operation reaction force level as the operation restriction region 42 is given. That is, in the upper diagram of FIG. 11, the region 49 is the operation permission regions 41n, 41b, 410b, 41c, 410c, 41d, 410d, 41e, 410e, 41f, 410f, 41g, 410g, 41h, 410h in the audio ON state. Yes, these are switched to the operation restriction area 42 in the discrete input mode.

  However, when this is displayed on the display device 202, when a part of the operation permission area 41 is switched to the operation restriction area 42 in the discrete input mode, it can be recognized that it is temporary. Then, the operation restriction target area 49 is displayed (see FIG. 23). In the case of the upper diagram in FIG. 11, in a part of the region 49 in which the operation reaction force may be switched in the discrete input mode, the operation permission regions 41 n, 41 b, 410 b, 41 c before switching even after switching to the operation restriction region 42. , 410c, 41d, 410d, 41e, 410e, 41f, 410f, 41g, 410g, 41h, 410h are displayed in a visually recognizable form.

  In the lower diagram of FIG. 11, when the operation restriction target area 49 is the operation permission area 41, the display form is the same as that of the other operation permission areas 41 (the lower figure of FIG. 23). When switched to the operation restriction area 42 as shown in the above figure, the display form is different from the operation permission area 41 before switching, and is different from the other operation restriction areas 42 (upper figure in FIG. 23). . As a result, when the area 49 is switched to the operation prohibited area, the user can easily recognize that it is temporary. Further, in the case of the upper diagram in FIG. 11, the operation restriction target area 49 includes a part of the operation restriction area 42 around the operation restriction area 42 when switching to the operation restriction area 42, and the operation permission area 41 before switching and Since the display mode is switched to a display mode different from that of the other operation restriction areas 42 (upper drawing in FIG. 23), the temporary display is further emphasized.

  In the above-described embodiment, the restriction of the position instruction input to the position instruction input restriction area 43 is performed in such a manner that the main control unit 100 switches the selectable area 43 serving as the position instruction input restriction area to the non-selectable area 44. May be.

  Incidentally, various programs are stored in the storage device 102 of the main control unit 100. More specifically, a setting pattern switching program for switching setting patterns and an operation reaction force control mode are set, and an operation reaction force is generated in the joystick-type operation unit 21 based on the set control mode. An operation reaction force generation program and a position instruction input receiving program that receives a position instruction input in the selectable area 43 are stored. These programs are executed by the CPU 101 and function as selectable area setting means (setting pattern switching program) and operation reaction force control means (operation reaction force generation program) of the present invention.

  Further, the storage device 102 stores setting pattern information, selection permission area arrangement information, and reaction force information as data used for executing the program. The setting pattern information is information regarding a plurality of setting patterns in which the arrangement form of the selectable area 43 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) and the control contents assigned to the selectable area 43 in the arrangement form are associated with each other. The selection permission area arrangement information is coordinate data for specifying the operation permission area 41 and the operation restriction area 42 defined on the two-dimensional operation surface of the joystick type operation unit 21 in the discrete input mode. It is also coordinate data for specifying the restriction target region 49 (see FIG. 6). The reaction force information is information that specifies reaction force setting values of various areas (such as the operation permission area 41 and the operation restriction area 42) defined on the two-dimensional operation surface 40 of the joystick-type operation unit 21.

  The processing of the setting pattern switching program will be described using the flowchart of FIG. First, S1 is a setting pattern designation waiting state, and if there is no designation of a setting pattern to be set in S2, the present program ends. When a setting pattern to be set is designated, the process proceeds to S3, where data (setting pattern information) relating to the designated setting pattern is read from the storage device 102, and the setting pattern is set in S4. Specifically, in S4, the arrangement form of the selectable area 43 of the setting pattern is specified based on the setting pattern information read out in S3, and the joystick type operation unit 21 of the joystick type operation unit 21 is specified based on the specified arrangement form. Each selectable area 43 is set on the two-dimensional operation surface 40. Then, corresponding control contents are assigned to each settable selectable area 43 based on the read setting pattern information. In S5, a display switching command signal is output to the display device 202 so as to execute display corresponding to the setting pattern set in S4, and this program is terminated. This program is repeatedly executed at predetermined intervals.

  Next, the processing of the operation reaction force generation program will be described using the flowchart of FIG. First, in S11, the vehicle speed V of the current vehicle is acquired. Specifically, the detection value of the vehicle speed sensor is acquired from another ECU. In S12, it is determined whether or not the acquired vehicle speed value V exceeds a predetermined vehicle speed threshold (vehicle speed level: for example, 5 km / h) V0. When exceeding, it progresses to S13 and sets discrete input mode. On the other hand, if not exceeded, the process proceeds to S20, and the arbitrary input mode is set.

  When the discrete input mode is set in S13, the arrangement form (see FIG. 6) of the selectable area 43 corresponding to the currently set setting mode is specified from the storage device 102. Subsequently, the selection-permitted area arrangement information is read, and the selection-permitted area 41 (specific path 410) in the discrete input mode corresponding to the specified arrangement form of the selectable area 43 is specified.

  In S14, a display switching command signal is output to the display device 202 so as to execute display corresponding to the discrete input mode. However, if the discrete input mode is displayed in the previous display, the previous display content is continuously displayed without changing the display.

  In S <b> 15, an instruction position on the two-dimensional operation surface 40 by the joystick-type operation unit 21 that forms an operation knob is detected, and the instruction position is stored in a predetermined storage area of the storage device 102. In S16, the difference between the designated position and the previous designated position is calculated to calculate the displacement amount of the designated position. However, for the first time, the difference from the neutral position 40n is calculated. In S17, it is determined whether or not the designated position has moved. When it is determined that the designated position remains as it is, this program is terminated. However, this program is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle. If it is determined in S17 that the designated position has moved, the process proceeds to S18.

  In S18 and S19, a process of applying an operation reaction force corresponding to the designated position and operation direction to the joystick-type operation unit 21 is performed. Specifically, first, a boundary between the selection permission area 41 set in S13 and the selection restriction area 42 which is the other area is specified (S18). In addition, if the indicated position is displaced from the operation permission area 41 to the operation permission area 41 by the position instruction operation by the joystick type operation unit 21, the operation reaction force of the normal reaction force level is opposite to the operation direction. In step S18, the CPU 101 calculates the content of the drive command output to the X drive circuit 111 and the Y drive circuit 112. On the other hand, if the indicated position is a displacement of the indicated position from the operation permission area 41 to the operation restriction area 42 by the position indicating operation by the joystick type operation unit 21, the operation is blocked. The CPU 101 calculates the drive command content that the CPU 101 outputs to the X drive circuit 111 and the Y drive circuit 112 so that the level operation reaction force is applied in the direction opposite to the operation direction (S18). The magnitude of each operation reaction force is set based on the reaction force information read from the storage device 102. Then, the CPU 101 outputs a drive command signal reflecting the calculated drive command content to the X drive circuit 111 and the Y drive circuit 112, and drives and controls the actuators 11 and 12 (S19). When the actuators 11 and 12 are driven, the process returns to S11.

  In the present embodiment, the position input is performed by the operation of moving the designated position from the non-selectable area 44 to the selectable area 43 by the operation input device 1. Therefore, on the operation permission area 41, when entering the selectable area 43 from the unselectable area 44 and when leaving the selectable area 43 from the selectable area 44, and another selectable area from one selectable area 43. In order to obtain a click feeling when entering and leaving 43, an operation reaction force of a tactile reaction force level that is greater than the normal reaction force level at the boundary between the two is applied in the direction opposite to the operation direction. The CPU 101 calculates the content of the drive command output to the X drive circuit 111 and the Y drive circuit 112 (S18). The magnitude of the operation reaction force at the tactile reaction force level is set based on the reaction force information read from the storage device 102.

  When the arbitrary input mode is set in S20, the arrangement form (see FIG. 5) of the selectable area 43 corresponding to the currently set setting mode is specified from the storage device 102. In the arbitrary input mode, the entire area of the two-dimensional operation surface 40 by the joystick type operation unit 21 is the selection permission area 41.

  In S21, a display switching command signal is output to the display device 202 so as to execute display corresponding to the arbitrary input mode. However, if the arbitrary input mode is displayed in the previous display, the previous display content is continuously displayed without changing the display.

  In step S <b> 22, an instruction position on the two-dimensional operation surface 40 of the joystick type operation unit 21 that forms an operation knob is detected, and the instruction position is stored in a predetermined storage area of the storage device 102. In S23, the difference between the designated position and the previous designated position is calculated to calculate the displacement amount of the designated position. However, for the first time, the difference from the neutral position 40n is calculated. In S24, it is determined whether or not the designated position has moved. When it is determined that the designated position remains as it is, this program is terminated. However, this program is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle. If it is determined in S24 that the designated position has moved, the process proceeds to S25.

  In S25 and S26, a process of applying an operation reaction force corresponding to the designated position and operation direction to the joystick-type operation unit 21 is performed. More specifically, first, the CPU 101 controls the X drive circuit so as to apply the normal reaction force level operation reaction force in the direction opposite to the operation direction in all the regions on the two-dimensional operation surface of the joystick type operation unit 21. 111 and the drive command content output to the Y drive circuit 112 are calculated (S25). Note that the magnitude of the operation reaction force at the normal reaction force level is set based on the reaction force information read from the storage device 102. Then, the CPU 101 outputs a drive command signal reflecting the calculated drive command content to the X drive circuit 111 and the Y drive circuit 112, and drives and controls the actuators 11 and 12 (S26). When the actuators 11 and 12 are driven, the process returns to S11.

  Next, the processing of the position instruction input acceptance program will be described using the flowchart of FIG. First, in S41, the presence / absence of a position instruction input is determined. This program is also repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle. If there is a position instruction input, the process proceeds to S42, and it is determined whether the position where the position instruction is input is a selectable area. In the present embodiment, since the position instruction operation for the selectable area corresponds to the position instruction input, no negation occurs here. If the position instruction input is made in the selectable area, the control pattern of the selectable area is read from the storage device 102 as the currently applied setting pattern information in S43.

  In S44, it is determined whether or not the read control content is for switching the setting pattern. If the setting pattern is to be switched, the process proceeds to S45, and a setting pattern based on the control content read in S43 is designated. Thereby, it is determined in S2 of FIG. 12 that the setting pattern has been designated, and the setting pattern is switched in the subsequent processing.

  If the control content read in S44 does not switch the setting pattern, the process proceeds to 46. In S46, control based on the control content read in S43 is executed. For example, the vehicle-mounted electronic device or its function is executed, and control instruction information for changing control parameters is output.

  In addition, when S45 or S46 is completed, and further, in the negative direction (NO) in either S41 or S42, this program is terminated. However, this program is also repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle. It is.

  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.

  For example, the display device 202 may be a head-up display device shown in FIG. 16 instead of a meter display device. In the head-up display device 202 shown in FIG. 16, a display is arranged inside an instrument panel IP that extends 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 204 to the projected liquid crystal panel 203, the light transmitted through the liquid crystal panel 203 enters the windshield WS and is reflected toward the eyes of the driver DR seated in the driver seat. The display image 50 (51 or 52) is captured by the driver DR as a virtual image. A display image 50 (51 or 52) similar to FIG. 15 can be displayed. Moreover, you may display the display image 50 (51 or 52) on the display (center display located in the center ahead of a vehicle compartment) 5 provided in the center console CC of FIG.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the main control unit 100, in the discrete input mode, based on the position instruction input to the specific selectable area 43, other selectable areas (position instructions) other than the selectable area 43 are set. Although the position instruction input to the input restriction area) 43 is restricted, the main control unit 100 determines whether the main control unit 100 is based on the traveling state of the vehicle regardless of the discrete input mode and the arbitrary input mode. Further, it is possible to restrict position instruction input to a predetermined selectable area (position instruction input restriction area) 43 and perform display switching of the display device 202 according to the restriction. That is, on the condition that the driving state is set in advance (input restriction execution condition), when the condition is satisfied, position instruction input to the corresponding position instruction input restriction area 43 can be restricted.

  Specifically, on condition that the vehicle is in a predetermined running state (input restriction execution condition), the main control unit 100 is a part of the unique route 410 of the selectable area 43 that becomes the position instruction input restriction area. Alternatively, all are performed by switching the reaction force setting so that the operation permission area 41 is changed to the operation restriction area 42. Note that the area where the position instruction operation may be restricted is a part or all of the unique path 410 of the position instruction input restriction area 43, and this area can be referred to as the operation restriction target area 48. This operation restriction target area 48 is set in a path portion excluding a unique path common to the selectable area 43 that does not become the position instruction input restriction area, among the unique paths 410 of the selectable area 43 that becomes the position instruction input restriction area. The

  For example, there is a vehicle speed as a parameter that determines the traveling state of the vehicle. Accordingly, the operation reaction force can be controlled based on the detected vehicle speed so that the position instruction input in the predetermined selectable area 43 (position instruction input restriction area 48) is limited. More specifically, the main control unit 100 is a selectable area that forms a position instruction input restriction area on the condition that the vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined vehicle speed threshold (vehicle speed level) (input restriction execution condition). The operation reaction force is controlled so that the position instruction input is restricted at 43, and the restriction is released when the vehicle speed falls below the vehicle speed threshold.

  Furthermore, when the control content corresponding to the predetermined in-vehicle electronic device 201 or its device function is assigned to the selectable region 43 that constitutes the position instruction input restriction region, there is no need to execute it while the vehicle is traveling. The in-vehicle electronic device 201 or a part of the device functions, or the in-vehicle electronic device 201 or a part of the device functions that should not be executed while the vehicle is running can be forcibly executed during the vehicle running. FIG. 17 shows, as an example, a two-dimensional operation plane 40 of the operation input device 1 in which the use of the parking assist function is restricted while the vehicle is traveling at a constant vehicle speed or higher.

  When the vehicle speed is determined as the traveling state of the vehicle, the input restriction execution condition and the mode switching condition for switching from the arbitrary input mode to the discrete input mode can be determined in the same way. That is, as the arbitrary input mode is switched to the discrete input mode, a specific one (position instruction input restriction area) among the selectable areas 43 in which the position instruction can be input in the arbitrary input mode cannot be input. The main control unit 100 can be configured to control the operation reaction force. Specifically, at least a part of the specific path (operation restriction target area) so that the position instruction operation on the selectable area 43 that forms the position instruction input restriction area is blocked with the switching to the discrete input mode. Is set in the operation restriction area 42.

  Conversely, when the vehicle speed falls below a predetermined vehicle speed level, the position instruction input in the selectable area 43 (48) subject to position instruction input restriction is limited, and the vehicle speed exceeds the vehicle speed level. Can also be configured to lift that restriction. For example, as the discrete input mode is switched to the arbitrary input mode, a specific area (position indication input restriction area 48) out of the selectable areas 43 in which the position instruction input is possible in the discrete input mode is positioned in the arbitrary input mode. The main control unit 100 can be configured to control the operation reaction force so that the instruction cannot be input.

  Further, the traveling state of the vehicle can be determined not only by the state determined only by the vehicle speed but also by the shift position. Therefore, for example, on the condition that the shift position is in the drive (input restriction execution condition), the above-described position instruction input restriction can be executed in the same way as when the vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined vehicle speed level. . Further, on the condition that the shift position is in parking (input restriction execution condition), the above-described position instruction input restriction similar to that when the vehicle speed falls below a predetermined vehicle speed level can be executed.

  In addition, as an input restriction target area, a selectable area 43 to which a control content related to an in-vehicle electronic device related to the reverse travel of the vehicle or a function of the device is assigned is defined, and the condition that the shift position is not in the back (input restriction) (Execution conditions) may restrict the input of the position instruction. Device functions related to the reverse travel of the vehicle include a parking support function such as a back monitor, and the position instruction input of the corresponding selectable area 43b can be limited in the form shown in FIG.

  Moreover, lighting / non-lighting of the headlight can be included as the traveling state of the vehicle. Therefore, for example, on the condition that the headlight is not turned on (input restriction execution condition), the position instruction input of the selectable area 43 to which the control content related to the equipment function related to night driving is assigned is restricted. Also good. Equipment functions related to night driving include a night vision support function such as night vision and the like, and it is possible to limit the position instruction input of the corresponding selectable area 43f in the form shown in FIG.

  As described above, when a predetermined input restriction execution condition relating to the vehicle running state is satisfied, the position instruction input is restricted for the selectable area 43 that forms the position instruction input restriction area corresponding to the condition. Control for this is executed by the main control unit 100. More specifically, the storage device 102 of the main control unit 100 stores a position instruction input restriction program for executing position instruction input restriction based on the vehicle running state, and executes this in the CPU 101. The Hereinafter, the processing of the position instruction input restriction program will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in the above-described embodiment, the setting pattern information stored in the storage device 102 is assumed to be information in which restriction information is associated with each setting pattern together with each setting pattern. The restriction information associates the selectable area 43 (input restriction target area) that is the target of restriction of the position instruction input in the corresponding setting pattern and the condition (input restriction execution condition) for executing the restriction. Information.

  In S <b> 31, it is determined whether or not the current setting pattern has a control content that should restrict position input by the operation input device 1. Specifically, the setting pattern information of the setting pattern currently set is read from the storage device 102, and the determination is made based on the restriction information associated with the current setting pattern. If there is an input restriction target area in the current setting pattern, the process proceeds to S32, and if not, the program is terminated. This program is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle.

  In S32, the input restriction target area and the input restriction execution condition are specified based on the restriction information read in S31. In S33, the vehicle traveling state related to the input restriction execution condition is acquired. Here, it is assumed that the vehicle traveling state related to the input restriction execution condition is the vehicle speed, and that the vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined vehicle speed value (for example, 5 km / h) as a condition.

  In S34, it is determined whether or not the acquired traveling state satisfies the input restriction execution condition. In the present embodiment, when the vehicle speed acquired in S33 exceeds a predetermined vehicle speed value, the process proceeds to S35 assuming that the input restriction execution condition is satisfied. On the other hand, if it does not exceed the predetermined vehicle speed value, it is determined that the input restriction execution condition is not satisfied, and the process proceeds to S38.

  In S35, the selectable area 43 that constitutes the input restriction target area is specified, and restriction of position instruction input to the selectable area 43 is started in S36. Specifically, the selectable area 43 is set as the operation restriction area 42. Then, the display device 202 displays that the position instruction input restriction area 48 has become the operation restriction area 42, and the program ends.

  Here, the input restriction execution condition and the switching condition to the discrete input mode are set to be the same. Accordingly, the selectable area 43 that forms the input restriction target area is changed to the operation restriction area 42 when the selectable area 43 and a part or all of the specific path 410 (operation restriction target area 48) are switched to the discrete input mode. Set to As a result, the position instruction operation to the selectable area 43 that constitutes the input restriction target area is blocked, and the position input by the operation input device 1 cannot be performed. However, a route common to other selectable areas 43 that are not input restriction target areas is not set in the operation restriction area 42.

  On the other hand, in S38, since the input restriction execution condition was not satisfied, if the position instruction input is currently restricted in the selectable area 43 that constitutes the input restriction target area, this is canceled, and in S39 The display on the display device 202 is also returned to the original state. In S38 and S39, if the current state is not the above limit state, the current state is maintained and the display is also left as it is. After executing S39, the program is terminated. Thereby, the position instruction input restriction of a part of selectable areas 43 based on the running state can be executed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the main control unit 100 performs the restriction of the position instruction input to the position instruction input restriction region 43 on the condition that the vehicle is in a predetermined driving state (input restriction execution condition). Alternatively, the selectable area 43 serving as the position instruction input restriction area may be switched to the non-selectable area 44.

  By the way, in the present invention, it is desirable that the position indicating operation of both the regions 43 and 44 can be distinguished by tactile sensation. In all the above embodiments, the control of the reaction force that generates a click feeling at both boundaries is performed so that the position indicating operation of the selectable area 43 and the position indicating operation of the non-selectable position 44 are distinguished. However, for example, the magnitudes of the operation reaction forces may be different between the two regions 43 and 44.

  In all the above embodiments, the operation input device 1 is provided on either the left or right side of the steering wheel 2. However, as shown in FIG. 20, the operation input device 1 may be provided on both the left and right sides of the steering wheel 2 at the reference position. Good. In this case, different setting patterns can be assigned to the left and right. Note that the part with R in the reference is a part corresponding to the right operation input device, and the part with L in the reference is a part corresponding to the left operation input device.

  In all the above embodiments, the position instruction input to the selectable area 43 is a position instruction operation from the unselectable position 44 to the selectable area 43, or from one selectable area 43 to another selectable area 43. Although it has been performed by a position instruction operation, it may be performed by a dedicated operation unit (position instruction operation input unit) for inputting a position instruction. For example, as shown in FIG. 21, in the steering wheel 2, a position instruction operation input unit 29 for inputting a position instruction may be separately provided on the side opposite to the side where the operation input device 1 is provided.

  Moreover, although the operation input device 1 is for performing a position instruction operation, a position instruction operation input unit may be provided therefor. For example, as shown in FIG. 22, when the joystick type operation unit 21 is pressed in the operation axis Z direction (push operation), the switch unit 61 is pressed and biased, and a switch signal is output to the main control unit 100. . Specifically, when the contact surface 21a of the joystick type operation unit 21 is pressed in the operation axis Z direction, the front end portion (rear end portion) of the support column 24 extending from the back side of the joystick type operation unit 21 is obtained. As a result, the switch portion 61 of the tact switch 60 is pressed and biased, and the pressing operation to the contact surface 21a is released, so that the joystick-type operating portion 21 is not yet pressed by the spring material inside the tact switch 30 (not shown). The original position is returned and held.

  That is, the operation input device 1 in this embodiment functions as a position instruction operation unit having a two-dimensional degree of freedom for performing a position instruction operation on a two-dimensional operation surface having a predetermined range, It is also configured to function as a pressing operation unit that can perform a pressing operation in a direction different from the instruction operation direction (in the present embodiment, the Z direction). The operation input device 1 enables a position instruction operation toward the selectable area 43 within the predetermined operation range 20 on the two-dimensional operation surface, and further enables a position instruction input by the pressing operation.

  In addition, all the above embodiments are based on the premise that the operation input device 1 is provided on the steering wheel 2. However, it is also possible to provide the operation input device 1 in another part that is easy for the driver to operate during driving. It is. For example, as shown in FIG. 24, the operation input device 1 (1B) may be provided on the instrument panel IP of the vehicle shown in FIG. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 24, the operation input device 1 (1A) can be provided on the center console CC of the vehicle shown in FIG. Here, it is provided so as to be adjacent between the seats of both seats, and more specifically, it is disposed closer to the driver than the shift lever SL so that the operation is not hindered by the shift lever SL.

The cockpit figure of the vehicle in which the vehicle-mounted input device which concerns on embodiment of this invention was integrated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The external view which shows the 1st Example of the steering wheel carrying the operation input device of this invention. Sectional drawing which shows the outline of a structure of an operation input device. The block diagram which shows an example of the vehicle-mounted input device of this invention. The figure which showed the two-dimensional operation surface in arbitrary input modes simply. The figure which showed simply the two-dimensional operation surface in discrete input mode. The figure which shows the intrinsic | native path | route in this embodiment. The example of a screen display of the display apparatus in arbitrary input modes and discrete input modes. The figure explaining the setting pattern for control instructions. The figure explaining the hierarchy movement of a setting pattern. The figure explaining the setting pattern in which operation restriction is performed based on a position instruction input. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process of a setting pattern switching program. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process of an operation reaction force generation program. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process of a position instruction | indication input reception program. Screen display example by meter display device. An example of mounting a HUD display device. The 1st figure which showed simply the two-dimensional operation plane of the operation input device by which some selectable area | regions were input-limited by a certain input restriction execution condition. The 2nd figure which showed simply the two-dimensional operation plane of the operation input device by which some selectable area | regions were input-limited by a certain input restriction execution condition. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process of a position instruction | indication input restriction program. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The external view which shows the 1st Example of the steering wheel carrying the operation input device of this invention. The external view which shows the 2nd Example of the steering wheel carrying the operation input apparatus of this invention. Sectional drawing which shows the outline of a structure of the operation input apparatus in embodiment different from FIG. The figure explaining the display in the other case where operation restriction is performed based on a position instruction input. The external view which shows the Example which provided the operation input apparatus of this invention in the position different from a steering wheel.

Explanation of symbols

1 Operation input device (tactile sense presentation device)
2 Steering wheel 11, 12 Actuator (Motor: Operation reaction force generating means)
20 Storage part 21 Joystick type operation part (operation part)
40 Two-dimensional operation surface 40n Neutral position 41 Operation permitted area 42 Operation restricted area 43 Selectable area 44 Unselectable area 100 Main control unit 101 CPU
102 Storage device 201 Various external devices (various vehicle-mounted electronic devices: air conditioner device, audio device, navigation device, communication device, etc.)
202 Display device (operation content display means, display content change means)
Z Operation axis

Claims (19)

An in-vehicle input device used for operation input of an in-vehicle electronic device,
An operation input device for performing a position indicating operation on a two-dimensional operation surface in which an operation range is defined in advance. The operation axis is held at a neutral angle position when not operated, and a position is indicated when operating. An operation input device operated against an operation reaction force to return to the neutral angle position so that the operation axis is inclined from the neutral angle position in a direction corresponding to a power direction;
An operation reaction force applying means for applying the operation reaction force to a position indicating operation performed on the operation input device;
Selectable area setting means for setting a selectable area for position instruction input within the operation range on the two-dimensional operation surface;
As the operation reaction force control mode, a position pointing operation toward the selectable area by the operation input device is guided along a unique path on the two-dimensional operation surface determined for each selectable area. A guide input mode for controlling the operation reaction force, and an arbitrary input mode for controlling the operation reaction force so that the position indicating operation can be arbitrarily performed within the operation range on the two-dimensional operation surface. And an operation reaction force control means for setting the guide input mode at least during vehicle travel ,
An in-vehicle input device comprising: A driving state detecting means for detecting a predetermined driving state of the vehicle;
The operation reaction force control means, when said running state is detected to set the guide input mode, according to claim 1 wherein when the running state is not detected is to set the arbitrary input mode vehicle input device according to. The travel state detection means is a vehicle speed detection means for detecting the vehicle speed of the vehicle, and the operation reaction force control means is configured to switch the guide input mode when the detected vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined vehicle speed level. The in-vehicle input device according to claim 2, wherein the arbitrary input mode is set when the detected and detected vehicle speed is lower than the vehicle speed level. Wherein the position indication input, according to any one of claims 3 to the position indicated by the position instruction operation claims 1 which is executed based on the fact that became the selectable areas of the operation input device In-vehicle input device. The selectable area setting means associates an arrangement position of the selectable area within the operation range on the two-dimensional operation surface with a control content executed by the position instruction input to the selectable area. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the selectable area is set in the operation range on the two-dimensional operation surface based on a setting pattern, and the corresponding control content is assigned to the selectable area. The in-vehicle input device according to claim 4 . The in-vehicle input device according to claim 5, wherein the setting pattern includes a plurality of patterns having different correspondence relationships between the selectable area and the control content, and includes a setting pattern switching operation unit that switches the plurality of setting patterns. . The in-vehicle input device according to claim 6, wherein the setting pattern includes patterns having different arrangement forms of the selectable areas within the operation range on the two-dimensional operation surface. The in-vehicle input device according to claim 7, wherein in the setting pattern, an arrangement form of the selectable areas in the operation range on the two-dimensional operation surface is determined according to the number of selectable areas. Wherein the control content, based on the position instruction input to the selectable areas corresponding, to the 5 claims contain content to execute the control for switching to a different set pattern the setting pattern that is currently set The in-vehicle input device according to claim 8 . The setting pattern correlates different in-vehicle electronic devices or device functions of the in-vehicle electronic device to a plurality of the selectable regions, and the control contents assigned to the plurality of selectable regions are: Based on the position instruction input to each selectable area, it is possible to specify the control instruction content for the in-vehicle electronic device or device function corresponding to the selectable area and execute control based on the control instruction content The in-vehicle input device according to claim 9, which is configured to switch to a different setting pattern. In the control content, based on the position instruction input to the corresponding selectable area, the control instruction content for the device function of the in-vehicle electronic device or the in-vehicle electronic device is specified, and based on the control instruction content The in-vehicle input device according to any one of claims 5 to 10 , wherein contents for executing control are included. The control content includes, in the guide input mode, based on the position instruction input to the corresponding selectable area, the position instruction input to other selectable areas excluding the corresponding selectable area is limited. The vehicle-mounted input device according to any one of claims 5 to 11 , wherein the operation reaction force is controlled by the operation reaction force control means. Operation content display means for visually displaying a correspondence relationship between the arrangement position of the selectable area set by the selectable area setting means and the control content corresponding to the selectable area;
Display content changing means for changing display contents visually displayed by the operation content display means to corresponding contents in accordance with switching of the setting pattern by the selectable area setting means;
The in-vehicle input device according to any one of claims 6 to 12 , further comprising: 14. The in-vehicle input according to claim 13, wherein the operation content display means visually displays the unique route toward the arrangement position together with the arrangement position of the selectable area at least in the guide input mode. apparatus. The on-vehicle input device according to claim 13 or 14 , wherein the operation content display means displays the display content on a meter display unit located in front of the driver's seat. The in-vehicle input device according to claim 13 or 14 , wherein the operation content display means is configured as a head-up display that projects and displays the display content on a front position of a driver's seat on a windshield. The in-vehicle input device according to claim 13 or 14 , wherein the operation content display means displays the display content on a center display located at a center in front of the passenger compartment. The in-vehicle input device according to any one of claims 1 to 17 , wherein the operation input device is provided on a steering wheel of the vehicle. The in-vehicle input device according to any one of claims 1 to 17 , wherein the operation input device is disposed on a center console portion of the vehicle adjacent to a seat portion of a seat.