JPS624652A - Integrated key input and display device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To decrease the space occupied by a display device and others and increase operability and noticeability for a driver, by providing transparent switches on the screen of a display, which displays characters and images, in such a manner that the switches with corresponding functions overlap the displayed significance of functions. CONSTITUTION:Input information is displayed and inputted switch information is monitored by switch input and a display control circuit 3, and when a switch input arises, an image corresponding to the input is displayed on a screen. If said switch input instructs the control of an external device, a control signal is generated for the external device corresponding to the instruction, and the controlled state of the external device is displayed on the display unit. If a warning signal is generated, an image corresponding to the warning signal is displayed on the screen, and a warning sound is also generated. Since input switches and the screen are thus integrated with each other and a warning image can be also displayed, operability and noticeability for a driver are enhanced and at the same time, the occupied space can be decreased.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a key input display integrated device, and particularly to a key input display integrated device that integrates a key input and an information display device in an automobile.

[Background Art] With the recent development of electronics, many electronic electrical components are being installed in automobiles.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing annual changes in the number of electronic control displays and the number of operating bodies such as knobs and levers in automobiles. As seen from Figure 7,
As the number of electronic control displays increases, the number of operating bodies has also increased significantly. As a result, switches are installed around the installation panel and columns of automobiles.

It is becoming full of indicator lamps and warning indicators (warning lamps).

In addition, as a result, the wiring space is taken up by control units, etc., and the wire harnesses that connect switches, control circuits, indicator lamps, etc. also become larger and more important.

Problems such as deterioration of installation properties have arisen.

Figure 8 shows a switch that is installed in future cars and concept cars to eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a device that multiplexes displays. In FIG. 8, the switch displays are classified into groups (features), and by suppressing the feature category selection switch, individual switch displays of the category that includes the desired switch are displayed on the display surface. For example, the time key ( Time key)
When you press , the time and related information will be displayed on the display screen.

As described above, the switch display (display that allows a person to give instructions to the vehicle) and the monitor display related to the switch are multiplexed to reduce the number of wire harnesses and save space.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, the conventional multiplex switch is a collection of only switch displays that can be instructed by a person, and it is difficult to display and output information such as abnormal conditions of the car. Not considered. However, since only the switch display and the monitor display related to that switch are multiplexed,
Display devices for abnormality detection, such as warning lamps that are not used all the time, are individually distributed and occupy a large space, and there are also non-multiplexed switches and indicators such as remaining fuel level. They also remain individually placed and occupy a large amount of space. As a result, the display of the conventional multiplex switch device as an information input/output device is poor, and the range that the driver must operate and monitor becomes wider, causing problems in that the driver's attention is divided.

Therefore, the object of the present invention is to eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks, display and input (switch display and vehicle status display information, etc.)
It is an object of the present invention to provide a key input display integrated device that can fully utilize multiplexed displays, reduce the space occupied by a display device, etc., and improve operability, recognition, etc. for a driver.

[Means for Solving the Problems] The key input/display integrated device according to the present invention is provided with a transparent switch having a display corresponding to the displayed content on the display surface of the display device capable of displaying characters and figures. The switch input and display control circuit 3 displays the input information and monitors the input switch information, and when there is a switch input, displays the corresponding image on the display screen, and displays the input switch. When the information instructs the control of an external device, a control signal is generated to the external device corresponding to the instruction, the control status of the external device is displayed on the display device, and a warning signal (abnormal state) is generated. When a detection signal (detection signal) is generated, an image corresponding to the warning signal is displayed on the display screen and an alarm sound is generated.

[Function] The input switch and the display screen are integrated, and a warning image is also displayed on the display screen to notify you of abnormal conditions, so you can easily control your device! The space required to place switches, warning lamps, etc. around the driver's seat of a PL car is reduced, and the placement and installation of constantly used lamps, etc. is improved, and the driver's recognition and operability are also improved, making it possible to save space. Become.

[Embodiment of the Invention] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a key input display integrated device which is an embodiment of the invention.

The configuration will be explained below with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1, the key input display integrated device w111 includes a display device 2 that can display characters and figures, and a switch display on the front surface of the display device 2 so that the display on the display surface corresponds to the switch display. A transparent switch 1 arranged,
A switch input and display control circuit 3 that detects input information from the transparent switch 1 and information provided from an external device, and provides a signal according to the detected contents to the external device via the display device 2 and the multiplex communication interface circuit 4.
and an alarm device 1 which generates an alarm sound by controlling a switch input and a display control circuit 3 in response to a warning signal given from the outside via a multiplex communication interface circuit 4.
It consists of 3.

The amount of information transmitted to and from external devices is carried out on a time-by-minute basis.

The display device 2 is usually a CRT (cathode ray tube).

It is a monochrome or color display device using MfM, EL (electric field R light element), VFD (light display tube), LED (light emitting diode), plasma display, etc.

Various external devices transmit information to the key input/display integrated device 11 via the control circuit 5 included in the active junction block 12.

The active junction block 12 exchanges information with the multiplex communication interface circuit 4, and depending on the information, activates a load 8 such as a lamp, an actuator 9 such as a motor, a solenoid relay, etc. It includes a control circuit 5 that transmits information for controlling sensors and switches 10 via a joint box 6 . The control circuit 5 provides the applied operation instruction signal to the relay or driver element 7 via the joint box 6. Load 8. The actuator 9 is controlled by a signal from a relay or driver cable 7 via a joint box 6 . Furthermore, when an abnormal condition occurs, the control circuit 5 detects the abnormal condition via the sensor and the switch 10, provides an abnormal condition detection signal to the control circuit 3, and drives the alarm device 13 to generate an alarm sound.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the overall structure of an integrated key input display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As seen in FIG. 2, a transparent touch switch 1 is disposed in a case 20 in front of a display device 2. This display device 2 is, for example, a liquid crystal matrix display. On the opposite side of the display device 2 from the touch switch 1, there is a PC board (printed circuit board) 21 on which a switch input and display circuit 3, which is a control IC, is mounted.
is installed. The PC board 21 is further provided with a multiplex communication interface circuit 4 for multiplex communication with external devices. A fixed switch 22 is provided on the front surface of the display 2 to select the content to be displayed on the display device 2. This display fixed switch 22 is a latch that displays the operation contents by pressing the switch when, for example, you do not know the operation.
-IELP key, etc., and is used to select the operation of the display device 2.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a specific configuration of a switch input and display %41m circuit of an integrated key input display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 3, the switch input and display control circuit 3 includes an MPU 32 for driving the transparent switches 1 arranged in a matrix and detecting which switches are in the on state. The transparent switches 1 arranged in a matrix are scanned in the X direction by a driver 31,
By detecting the state change in the Y direction, the MPU (microprocessor unit) 32 determines which switch is in the on state. The MPU 32 exchanges information with the multiplex communication interface circuit 4, controls an external device based on the information given via the switch 1, and also takes in signals from the external device and performs control according to the signals from the outside. Do the following. controller 3
3 controls the display contents of the display device 2 based on information given via the MPLI 32. Non-volatile RAM
(Random access memory) 34 stores fixed information such as alarm information and wiper intermittent operation periods. The multiplexer 35 is connected to the controller 33. Information is transmitted to the non-volatile RAM 34, and when a warning signal is generated and applied from the outside, for example, the signal is read from the non-volatile RAM 34, decoded, and provided to the RAM 36. RAM36
generates a corresponding image information signal based on the information from the multiplexer 35 and supplies it to the character generator 37 under the control of the MPL 132 . The character generator 37 generates an image signal corresponding to the image information given from the RAM 36 and supplies it to the controller 33. The controller 33 is this character generator 3
Display contents are displayed on the display device 2 based on the information from 7. At this time, the display content is performed using either figures, characters, or a combination thereof.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a warning signal displayed on the display device 2. As shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram, without showing an example of the content displayed on the display device, when the switch is in the normal state (when no abnormal condition has occurred) and when an abnormal condition has occurred and the interrupt warning mode is in effect. In FIG. 5(A), the display surface of the display device M2 has a switch system selection switch area b that divides the input switches into related groups and displays which group of switches to select.
li 15, an individual switch selection area 16 that displays the individual switches that belong to that group by pressing one switch in the switch system selection switch area 15, and pressing any switch in the individual switch selection area 16. As a result, the area is divided into three areas, including a status display area 17 that indicates the status of the device that has been instructed to operate by the external device. A multiple switch mode selection switch 18, which is a fixed switch, is provided below the display screen for selecting various displays.

In the normal state (FIG. 5(A)), by pressing a portion displayed on the screen, the corresponding information is input, and the corresponding information is displayed on the screen.

In FIG. 5(B), when an abnormal state of the automobile occurs, the details of the abnormal state are displayed in the state display area 17, for example. At this time, the display contents of the switch system selection switch ff4 area 15 and the individual switch selection area 16 have not changed.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram showing the operation of the control circuit of the key input display integrated device.

The operation of this key input/display integrated device will be explained below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.

First, the initial screen is displayed by turning on the key input/display integrated device (Sl). At this time, the MPLJ 32 determines whether or not an abnormality detection signal is provided from the external device via the multiplex communication interface circuit 4 (
S2). If an abnormal state detection signal is generated at this time, the MPU 32 checks the storage contents of the non-volatile RAM 34 to determine the content of the warning, and issues a warning indicating the occurrence of an abnormal state as shown in FIG. 5(B). Generates a signal, RAM36,
Character generator 37. The one color content is displayed on the display device 2 via the controller 33. (At the same time, the control circuit 3 (MPU 32) activates the W alarm device 13 to emit an alarm sound tp.

This alarm sound is a simple sound or an alarm sound such as a buzzer. The driver takes some kind of countermeasure in response to the occurrence of the abnormal condition i (S4). In addition, the display on the screen blinks when a warning occurs, making it easier for the driver to recognize the warning.

If no color signal is generated in step 2, the MP (J32) of the control circuit 3 determines whether there is any information input via the transparent switch 1. If it is not detected, return to step 1 and repeat this loop. If there is a switch input, the control circuit 3i detects the content of the information input to the switch, and displays an image corresponding to the information on the display screen of the display device. do.

If the switch input instructs the control of an external device, the control circuit 3 operates the external device via the interface circuit 4! I control (s6). Load 8° Construction of the back of actuator 9 llJ'W1 What is shown is the control circuit 5. Controlled via joint box 6, relay or driver element 7. Further, the control and operating state of the external device is detected via the interface circuit 4, and the operating state is displayed in the status display area 17 on the display device WI2 (87).Next, if an abnormal state occurs in this state, , MPtJ32 detects the abnormal state detection signal, generates an interrupt, displays the warning content indicating the abnormal state on the screen using characters or figures, or a combination of both (S3), and notifies the driver. If the warning signal has not been generated, the control circuit 3 determines whether there is a new switch input (s9), and if not, maintains that state (that is, returns to step 7), and determines whether or not there is a new switch input (s9). If so, return to step 6 and repeat the same operation. Here, the following methods can be considered as display methods for warning of abnormal conditions. In other words, (1) The content of the abnormality is displayed on the display device for a predetermined time after the abnormal state detection signal is input, and after a certain period of time, the display returns to the display state before the warning signal was input. return.

(2) After the abnormal state detection signal is given, it is displayed on the entire area of the display screen of the display device excluding the switch system selection area 15 for a predetermined period of time, and a part of the re-display screen (for example, as shown in FIG. As shown in (B), the status display area 17
) to display the warning content only. When the driver confirms the warning and touches the warning display on the display screen (that is, presses a switch), the display returns to the display content before the occurrence of the abnormal condition.

(3) When the engine start switch is turned on, the transition from OFF to ON of the ignition is detected, and if an abnormal condition detection signal is generated at this time, a warning is displayed on the display screen for a certain period of time. .

In the above embodiment, the external device is connected to the active TP function block, but it goes without saying that the external device is not limited to this.

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, in this invention, the switch display, indicator, warning signal instruction, etc. can be displayed in an integrated manner, so the space for arranging the switch warning display lamp etc. around the driver's seat of the automobile is saved. It is more compact, which improves the arrangement of constantly used switch lamps and the like, and improves the driver's ability to recognize and operate the display contents. That is, conventionally, switches that were not always needed were arranged in a dispersed manner, but the space is reduced by integrating or multiplexing the switch J3, indicator lamps, etc. that are not always needed.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a key input display integrated device which is an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the overall structure of an integrated key input and display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a specific configuration of a switch input and display control circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fourth
The figure is a diagram showing an example of a symbol of a warning display. Figure 5 shows J in normal switch mode and interrupt generation mode.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the state of the display section of the third display device. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the key input display integrated device which is an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing annual changes in the number of electronic control displays and the number of operating bodies in automobiles. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a conventional multiplex switch and display device. In the figure, 1 is a transparent switch, 2 is a display device, 3 is a switch input and display control circuit, 4 is a multiplex communication interface circuit, 11 is a key input display integrated device, 1
-2 is an active junction block. In addition, in the figures, the same reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts. Me, 〜 〜 〜 〜 勺 Deaf Karihehaku 7 Condolences ♂ fig. 7■ Riden-'kishi r1°V

Claims (8)

[Claims] (1) An integrated key input display device that integrates an input switch and an information display section in a car, comprising a display device that can display both characters and figures, and a display device disposed on the display surface of the display device, a transparent touch key for inputting information; a switch information detecting means for detecting the content of the information inputted through the transparent touch key; and a corresponding image in response to the detected information from the switch information detecting means. a first display control means for displaying on the display surface of the display device; and, when the detection information from the switch information detection means instructs to control an external device, transmitting a control signal to the external device; a second display control means for receiving a signal indicating the control state from the external device and displaying the control state on the display surface of the display device; A key input display integrated device comprising: a third display control means for displaying a corresponding warning image on a display screen; and an alarm device for generating a warning sound in response to the abnormal state detection signal. (2) The key input display integrated device according to claim 1, wherein the warning image displayed by the third display control means is constructed using any one of characters, figures, and a combination thereof. (3) The abnormal state detection signal includes a lamp disconnection state in the automobile, a high exhaust sound temperature state, a door opening state, an abnormal brake state, an abnormal engine oil state, an abnormal voltage state, an abnormal radiator state, an abnormal fuel state, This is a signal that detects an abnormal state of the washer fluid, an abnormal state of the seat belt, an abnormal state of tire air pressure, and an abnormal state of the control circuit of an external device.
A key input display integrated device according to claim 1 or 2. (4) The transparent touch keys are divided into groups for each related input switch group, and the display surface of the display device includes a switch system selection switch for inputting information for selecting a group of the switch groups. area, an individual switch area that displays the individual switches belonging to the selected switch group, and a status display area that displays the status of the external device instructed to operate by the individual switch. , a key input display integrated device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. (5) The warning image is displayed by displaying the warning image on the display surface of the display device for a predetermined time after the abnormal state detection signal is generated, and after the predetermined time elapses, the warning image is displayed. The key input/display integrated device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is configured to return to a display state before displaying the image. (6) The warning image is displayed by displaying the warning image on the entire area of the display screen excluding the switch system selection area for a predetermined period of time after the occurrence of the abnormal state detection signal, and The key input/display integrated device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the key input/display integrated device is configured to display only a part of the display surface after a lapse of time. (7) After the predetermined time has elapsed, by inputting the switch indicated by the warning image display section, the screen returns to the display screen before the warning image was generated, and any of the switches indicated in the switch system selection switch area is returned. 7. The key input display integrated device according to claim 6, wherein inputting a switch returns to the switch display of the selected switch group. (8) In response to an ignition switch signal indicating engine starting, the third display control means sequentially displays a warning for external devices that are in an abnormal state for a predetermined period of time when the ignition is turned on from off. A key input switch display integrated device according to claim 1 or 4.