JP2003341447A - Signal input/output device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable the operation and control of an on-vehicle device without keeping a hand off a steering wheel. <P>SOLUTION: Shock sensors 14a-14d are embedded in a handle 12 of the steering wheel 10. Each of the sensors is connected to an output control part 18 and the output control part is connected to a transmission control device 30, e.g. With the tapping of the steering wheel, the shock sensor input its vibration signal to the output control part 18 and the output control part collates a tapping pattern with a pattern stored in a memory 20. It outputs a shift-up command in the case of single tap, e.g. and it outputs a shift-down command in the case of prop-prop double tap. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a signal input / output device for outputting operation signals and control signals of various devices based on signal input by an operator.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, a vehicle is equipped with various devices such as an air conditioner, a navigation device, a radio, an audio device, or a travel control device, and a large number of switches are provided for controlling the device. In order to operate or control a specific device, it is necessary to select and operate a specific switch from among the large number of switches according to the target device. Is becoming a problem.

In particular, considering a case where the steering wheel is being operated while paying attention to the surroundings outside the vehicle, it is desirable that the operation and control of various devices be as simple and easy as possible without having to let go of the steering wheel. Be done. For this reason, in order to allow the in-vehicle device to be operated without releasing the steering wheel from the steering wheel for a while, for example, a switch is provided in a part of or around the horn pad at the center of the steering wheel.

[0004]

However, most of the switches conventionally installed on the steering wheel are of push button type, and most of them input a single signal of ON or OFF to the control device by pressing operation. There is also a slide switch or a lever switch as a form of the switch. By using these, it is possible to switch between, for example, three positions, and complicated control and operation are possible. Because there is a risk
Not actively adopted. It is also possible to install multiple push button switches on the circumference of the steering wheel handle for different control targets, but in this case as well, determine which switch is the target switch when the steering wheel is rotating. Becomes extremely difficult and not practical.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a useful signal input / output device by inputting a plurality of signals and enabling outputs corresponding to the signals, and applying the signals to, for example, a steering wheel of a vehicle.

[0006]

Therefore, in the signal input / output device of the present invention, tapping detecting means for detecting vibration or pressure is arranged at a portion such as a steering wheel of a vehicle where an operator can tap the signal, and the signal is output. The output control unit outputs a predetermined command to the operation / control target device based on the pattern.

[0007]

The tap control signal pattern is judged by the output control section, and the operation / control target device is operated or controlled in accordance with the pattern. Therefore, tapping detection means is provided on the steering wheel or footrest as a tappable portion. By providing it, desired operation and control can be performed without releasing the hand from the steering wheel.

[0008]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to examples. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first embodiment applied to transmission control of a vehicle. Four shock sensors 14 (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d) are embedded in the steering wheel 10 of the vehicle as tapping detection means. Steering wheel 10 neutral (go straight)
In the position, the shock sensors 14a and 14c are arranged above and below the handle 12 of the steering wheel, and the shock sensors 14b and 14d are arranged at the left and right positions sandwiching the horn pad 11 of the steering wheel.

Each shock sensor 14 is connected to an output control section 18 by a wiring 16, and the output control section 18 is connected to a transmission control device 30. Steering wheel 10
When tapping the handle 12 with a tap, the shock sensor 14 detects the vibration of the steering wheel 10 (the handle) due to tapping and inputs a vibration signal to the output control unit 18.

Shock sensors 14a, 14b, 14c,
14d detects the vibration when a predetermined range in the vicinity thereof is tapped, and the vibration detection ranges of adjacent shock sensors partially overlap each other. As a result, no matter where on the handle 12 is tapped, the shock sensor 1
Vibration is reliably detected at any of 4a, 14b, 14c, and 14d.

The output control unit 18 outputs a shift command to the transmission control device 30 based on the vibration signal from the shock sensor 14. That is, the tapping pattern is stored in advance in the built-in memory 20 of the output control unit 18, and different shift commands are associated with the predetermined pattern. Thereby, the output control unit 18 compares the pattern of the input vibration signal with the pattern of the memory 20 and outputs a corresponding command to the transmission control device 30. For example, when an arbitrary part of the handle 12 is single (1) tapped with "pon", the output control unit 18 outputs a shift-up command. When double tapped with "Pompon", the output control unit 18 outputs a shift down shift command.

The present embodiment is constructed as described above, and the shock sensor 14 is embedded in the steering wheel 10,
In response to the tapping vibration signal for the steering wheel 10, the output control unit 18 outputs the shift command to the transmission control device 30 based on the pattern, so that the transmission can be performed without releasing the steering wheel 10. The control operation of the control device 30 can be performed. In particular, since the input to the output control unit 18 is a vibration signal from the shock sensor 14, the driver may tap anywhere on the handle of the steering wheel 10, and there is no need to check it as with a conventional switch, so steering is possible. The operation can be performed quickly even during steering, and erroneous operation such as mistaken switch does not occur.

In the above embodiment, the shock sensor 14 is provided on the steering wheel 10 for tapping by hand, but as a modified example, the shock sensor 14 is provided on the footrest on which the driver's left foot is placed and tapping by the foot. Can also be According to this, the operation mode imitates the clutch operation, and in particular, the double tap tapping for giving a shift down command can give a driver who enjoys sports traveling a so-called double clutch feeling.

Although the embodiment has been described as being applied to the control of the transmission control device 30, it can be applied to various controls. As a second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, even when the output control unit 18A is connected to the in-vehicle hands-free mobile phone 32, when there is an incoming call while traveling and a ring tone is output from the speaker, When the user wants to receive and talk, the output control unit 18A outputs a reception command by single tapping the handle 12, and the output control unit 18A outputs a reception refusal and ringing tone stop command by double tapping. Can be one.

Furthermore, when a single tap is performed again after receiving and talking, the output control unit 1 issues a command to disconnect the telephone.
It is possible to store the tapping pattern in combination with various conditions in the output control unit 18A, such as outputting from 8A, and collate the pattern to perform predetermined control.

As another example, although not shown in the drawing, in application to a navigation system combined with a voice message, a single tap is answered in response to the question "...?" In the voice message. (Yes) and double tap as “NO” to proceed with the dialogue, and answer the question “Please select from the menu” with the number of taps and select the navigation operation command. You can

Next, a third embodiment will be described. This is an amusement system that can be retrofitted to a vehicle. As shown in FIG. 3, on the steering cover 25 that covers the handle 12 of the steering wheel 10, the shock sensors 14 (1
4a, 14b, 14c, 14d) are attached. Each shock sensor 14 is connected to a transmission unit 40 via a cord 26. The transmission unit 40 has an infrared light emitting section 42, and sends the vibration signal detected by the shock sensor 14 as an infrared signal to the reception unit 50 by wireless communication. The receiving unit 50 has an infrared light receiving section 52 that receives the vibration signal, a speaker 58, and an output control section 18B that drives the speaker based on the received vibration signal.

FIG. 4 shows the layout of each unit. The steering cover 25, to which the shock sensor 14 is attached, is attached to the handle 12 such that the shock sensors 14a and 14c are vertically arranged and the shock sensors 14b and 14d are symmetrically arranged to the left and right at a neutral position of the steering wheel 10. Shock sensor 14a, 14
b, 14c, and 14d detect vibrations when a predetermined range in the vicinity thereof is tapped, and vibration detection ranges of adjacent shock sensors partially overlap each other. The transmission unit 40 is attached to the steering post 6 on the back side (front side) of the steering wheel 10 with Velcro (registered trademark) or double-sided adhesive tape, for example.

The receiving unit 50 is constructed as an integrated unit in which an infrared ray receiving portion 52 and a speaker 58 are arranged on the front surface, and for example, the can holder 2 on the instrument panel 1.
Supported by. Further, each of the power sources of the transmission unit 40 and the reception unit 50 may have a built-in dry battery, or may be taken out from a writer socket in a vehicle.

Returning to FIG. 4, the output control section 18B of the receiving unit 50 includes a drum sound source circuit 54 and an amplifier 56, and converts the received vibration signal into a drum sound.
As a result, the rhythm of the driver tapping the steering wheel 10 flows from the speaker 58 as a drum sound, and a so-called electronic drum device function is provided. Here, the drum sound source circuit 54 and the amplifier 56 constitute the sound output means of the invention.

This embodiment is constructed as described above, and the shock sensor 14 is attached to the handle 12 of the steering wheel 10 via the steering cover 25, and the vibration signal of the shock sensor 14 is transmitted to the receiving unit 50 having the speaker 58. Since the sound is converted into a drum sound and output, tapping the steering wheel 10 in accordance with the music played from the radio allows the drum sound to be heard according to the rhythm of the sound, and is used as a device for eliminating boredom during traffic jams and long-distance driving. It is suitable and can also be used as a fun excitement tool for driving with friends.

Further, the shock sensor 14 is attached to the steering wheel handle 12 while being attached to the steering cover 25, and the receiving unit 50 is also configured as an integrated unit including the speaker 59 so that it can be arranged at any place. Transmission unit 40 and reception unit 50
Since the spaces are connected by wireless communication, they can be easily retrofitted to many vehicles and can be used easily and inexpensively.

In the third embodiment, the shock sensor 1
4 is attached to the handle 12 of the steering wheel 10 using the steering cover 25. Instead of the steering wheel 10 or in addition to the steering wheel 10, as shown by a broken line in FIG. The shock sensor 14e can also be attached. Further, although the output from the speaker 58 is a drum sound, it is not limited to this, and various instrument sounds can be set.

FIG. 5 shows a fourth embodiment in which the detection characteristics of the shock sensor are changed. In the third embodiment, the shock sensors 14a, 14b, which are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the handle 12,
Although the vibration detection ranges of 14c and 14d overlap,
In the fourth embodiment, each shock sensor 14a ', 14
The vibration detection ranges of b ', 14c', and 14d 'are narrowed so that they do not overlap each other. The transmitting unit 40 'identifies which shock sensor is coming from and transmits the vibration signal to the receiving unit 50'. The shock sensor 14e is also attached to the footrest 4 of the vehicle, and the transmission unit 40 'also identifies and transmits the vibration signal from the shock sensor 14e.

In the output control section 18C of the receiving unit 50 ', different tone colors and pitches of the drum sounds are made in correspondence with the shock sensor at the vertical and horizontal positions along the handle 12 or the shock sensor of the footrest 4. It is stored in the built-in memory 20 '. In this way, the drum sound sound source circuit 54 generates a different drum sound depending on the position of the tapped handle 12 or the footrest 4, and outputs it from the speaker 58.

Further, the output control section 18C is provided with a changeover switch 60, and the internal memory 20 'stores a plurality of combinations of tone colors and pitches corresponding to the vibration signals from the respective shock sensors. Allows a desired combination to be selected.
The other structure is the same as that of the third embodiment shown in FIG.

According to the present embodiment, the tone and pitch of the drum sound change depending on the portion tapped with the hand or foot, so that a feeling of hitting a large number of drums can be obtained, especially during parking when released from steering. Amusement property increases.

Although the fourth embodiment is an amusement system that outputs a drum sound, it can be applied to the operation and control of various vehicle-mounted devices as in the first embodiment. That is, the position on the handle 12 of the steering wheel 10 selected by the right hand, the left hand and the foot, the combination of the footrest 4 and the number of taps, and further continuous tapping at a plurality of positions in a predetermined order, tapping time intervals, strength, etc. Allows various input operations. In the case of identifying the position of the steering wheel 10 on the handle 12 and performing the operation input, it is preferable that the target device is a device that does not require steering and is operated when the vehicle is stopped or parked.

Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to the examples and modifications, these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention thereto. Of course, it is possible to combine the respective embodiments and modified examples according to the operation target and the installation environment. Further, in the embodiment, four shock sensors 4 are arranged on the handle 12 of the steering wheel, but this number can be set arbitrarily. A pressure sensor may be used as the tapping detection means to detect the strength of the tapping pressure.

Further, in the third and fourth embodiments, the wireless communication between the transmitting unit and the receiving unit is made by infrared rays, but this can also be made by ultrasonic waves or any other means. In addition, the wireless communication may be adopted not only between the transmission unit and the reception unit but also between the output control unit and the gear shift control device or the speaker which is an operation / control target device in each embodiment, if necessary. .

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a second embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a third embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a layout of a third exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a fourth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Instrument Panel 2 Can Holder 4 Footrest 6 Steering Post 10 Steering Wheel 11 Horn Pad 12 Handles 14, 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e Shock Sensors (Tapping Detection Means) 14a ', 14b', 14c ', 14d' Shocks Sensor (tapping detection means) 16 Wiring 18, 18A, 18B, 18C Output control unit 20, 20 'Memory 25 Steering cover 26 Code 30 Transmission control device (operation / control target device) 32 Hands-free mobile phone (operation / control target) Device 40, 40 'Transmission unit 42 Infrared light emitting unit 50, 50' Reception unit 52 Infrared light receiving unit 54 Drum sound sound source circuit 56 Amplifier 58 Speaker (operation / control target device) 60 Changeover switch

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A tapping detecting means which is arranged at a portion where an operator can tap, and which detects vibration or pressure of the tapping by the operator and converts it into an electric signal.
A signal input / output device comprising an output control unit for inputting the signal and outputting a predetermined command to an operation / control target device based on a pattern of the signal. 2. The signal input / output according to claim 1, wherein said tapping detection means is composed of a plurality of shock sensors or pressure sensors arranged adjacent to each other so that their tapping detection ranges partially overlap each other. apparatus. 3. The tapping detection means comprises a plurality of shock sensors or pressure sensors arranged so that their tapping detection ranges can be discriminated from each other, and the output control section has individual shock sensors or pressure sensors. The signal input / output device according to claim 1, wherein a predetermined command is output to the operation / control target device based on a combination of the signal pattern from the shock sensor or the pressure sensor. 4. The signal input / output device according to claim 1, wherein the tapping detection means is installed on a steering wheel or a footrest of a vehicle. 5. The signal input / output device according to claim 1, wherein the tapping detecting means is attachable / detachable via an attaching means. 6. The signal input / output device according to claim 1, wherein the tapping detection unit, the output control unit, or the operation / control target device is connected by wireless communication. . 7. The operation / control target device is a speaker, and the output control unit includes sound output means for generating a sound corresponding to the signal pattern. The signal input / output device according to item 1.