JP2004272374A - Multi-way input device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a multi-way input device capable of avoiding operational mistakes. <P>SOLUTION: In a joy stick input device adapted to be mounted on a vehicle, change-controllable operation guides 111 are set around a stick 21, and the stick is rendered operable only in a given direction depending on GUI. In operating the stick, an operation history storage part 407b stores the operational direction angle θ of the stick in an operation history table for every combination of an operator's seating position with an operational direction layout and for every operational direction. An operation history analysis part 407c statistically processes the operation history table accumulating a predetermined number or more of histories for each operational direction. Based on the statistic, a movable area control part 407d sets the central direction of a movable area 114 in the average direction of the operational direction angle θ relative to each operational direction to reduce the operational failures of the stick. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

操作方向角度の標準偏差σ（θ_ｉ）は
【数２】

で定義される。
これらの量から、下式によって隣接する操作方向ｍ、ｎ間の判別値Ｃ_ｍｎを算出する。
【数３】

【００４４】
なお、判別値Ｃ_ｍｎは次のように求められる。マハラノビス汎距離が等しいという条件から、式（４）が導かれ、これを展開すると式（５）のようになる。
【数４】

【数５】

この式（５）を整理したものが式（３）である。
【００４５】
ここで、操作方向角度θの確率分布は、横軸を操作方向角度θの平均＜θ_ｉ＞からの差分を標準偏差σ（θ_ｉ）で除した変数ｘの、面積１．０に規格化した正規分布曲線とする。この正規分布曲線を定数ｘ_０に対してｘ＞ｘ_０のまたはｘ＜−ｘ_０の範囲で積分したものを関数Ｐ_ｒ｛ｘ；ｘ＞ｘ_０｝またはＰ_ｒ｛ｘ；ｘ＜−ｘ_０｝とすると、例えば誤判別率Ｐ_ｍｎは、以下のように表される。
【数６】

【００４６】
図１２に基づき判別値Ｃ_ｍｎと誤判別率Ｐ_ｍｎの意味を説明する。横軸は操作方向角度θを、縦軸は確率を示す。
例えば、操作方向▲１▼と▲２▼に対する操作方向角度の分布から操作方向角度の平均＜θ_１＞、＜θ_２＞と標準偏差σ（θ_１）、σ（θ_２）を算出する。さらに隣接する操作方向▲１▼と▲２▼との判別値Ｃ_１２と誤判別率Ｐ_１２、Ｐ_２１を算出する。
【００４７】
操作方向角度の平均と標準偏差から正規分布曲線６０１、６０２がそれぞれ決まる。
判別値Ｃ_ｍｎ（ここではＣ_１２）の意味は、隣接する操作方向▲１▼と▲２▼の間で、例えば操作判定円１１６を超えたときの最終的な操作方向が▲１▼の方向であって、▲２▼の操作方向に近い操作方向角度で操作方向角度判定円１１５を超えたときの正規分布曲線６０１の確率と、操作判定円１１６を超えたときの最終的な操作方向が▲２▼の方向であって、▲１▼の操作方向に近い操作方向角度で操作方向角度判定円１１５を超えたときの正規分布曲線６０２の確率を比較したとき、この値Ｃ_１２を境にθが大きくなると後者の確率が大きくなる操作方向角度である。
【００４８】
誤判別率Ｐ_ｍｎの意味（ここではＰ_１２）は、判別値Ｃ_１２の角度で隣接する操作方向▲１▼と▲２▼を区切って、操作方向角度判定円１１５を超えたときの操作方向角度から最終的な操作方向を予測した場合に、誤って予測してしまう確率である。これは、言い換えると、図１０の（ｃ）において操作方向角度判定円１１５上の方向線１１９ａの位置に、操作方向▲１▼と▲２▼を判別する物理的境界を設けた場合に、操作を意図した操作方向▲１▼に反して隣接する操作方向▲２▼に判別してしまう確率である。
なお、誤判別率Ｐ_ｎｍは、式（７）のように表され、式（５）と正規分布の対称性により、Ｐ_ｍｎ＝Ｐ_ｎｍとなる。
【数７】

【００４９】
ステップ３０３では、操作方向角度の平均、標準偏差、判別値、誤判別率を
当該の操作履歴テーブルに対応して、全ての操作方向について記憶する。
この記憶領域は、本実施例では図９の操作履歴テーブルの下半分に点線の欄で示したように操作履歴記憶部４０７ｂに設けている。
【００５０】
次に、図１３に基づいて可動領域制御部４０７ｄにおけるスティック２１の可動領域の制御の流れを説明する。
ステップ３１１では、可動領域制御部４０７ｄは操作履歴分析部４０７ｃを監視し、操作履歴分析部４０７ｃが操作履歴テーブルに対して操作履歴分析処理を行ったかどうかチェックする。操作履歴分析処理が行われていない場合は終了し、操作履歴分析処理が行われた場合はステップ３１２に進む。
ステップ３１２では、操作履歴分析処理が行われた操作履歴テーブルを操作履歴記憶部４０７ｂから引き出し、記憶されている各操作方向ｉの操作方向角度の平均、標準偏差、判別値などの統計量を読み出し、スティック２１の操作角度分布に合わせて、スティック２１の可動領域を設定する操作ガイド１１１を設定変更する。
【００５１】
操作ガイド１１１は、初期段階（使い始めの段階）においては、どの操作方向レイアウトと操作者の着座位置の組み合わせに対しても、操作方向数に対応した等方な形状である。例えば８方向タイプの例を図１４の（ａ）に示すが、▲１▼から▲８▼の操作方向に対して全て０°方向基準線３４を基点として４５°間隔の可動領域１１４が設定される（図では１１４ａ〜１１４ｃで代表的に表示）。
各可動領域１１４の中心方向を領域中心方向線１１８で示す（図では１１８ａ〜１１８ｃで代表的に示す）。
【００５２】
図１４の（ｂ）は、ある操作履歴テーブルに対して、前述のように操作履歴分析処理結果を反映して可動領域の設定変更がなされた場合を示し、各操作方向ｉ（ｉ＝１〜ＩＭ）に対して、可動領域１１４の中心方向を操作方向角度の平均＜θ_ｉ＞に一致するように、例えば操作方向▲１▼と▲２▼の場合、領域中心方向線１１８ａ’、１１８ｂ’の方向にずらす。また例えば隣接する操作方向▲１▼と▲２▼の場合、操作ガイドの頂点である判別境界方向を判別値Ｃ_１２に一致するように、右方向にずらし、判別境界方向線１１９ａ’上に操作ガイド１１１ａ’の頂点１１２ａ’を設定する。
【００５３】
さらに、スティック２１の中立点１２０と前述の操作ガイドの頂点１１２’（１１２ａ’）の距離ｒ_ｍｎ’（ｒ_１２’）を、操作方向角度判定円１１５に、操作判定円１１６の半径と操作方向角度判定円１１５の半径との差Ｒに誤判別率Ｐ_ｍｎ（この例示では（Ｐ_１２））を乗じた値を加算した値に一致するように設定する。
【００５４】
図１４の（ｂ）では、操作方向▲１▼と▲２▼について、操作ガイド１１１ａ’、１１１ｂ’のみの形状変更を示しているが、実際は全ての操作方向について操作履歴の統計処理結果を反映するように必要に応じて変更する。
これにより、例えば隣接する操作ガイド１１１ａ’と１１１ｈ’の間は、可動領域１１４ａ’となり、中央部の遊び領域１１３’からスティック２１を径方向に傾倒するときに、可動領域１１４ａ’と概ね操作方向角度が一致していれば、スティック２１が所望の操作方向▲１▼に誘導されることになる。
【００５５】
この操作ガイド１１１または１１１’の形状設定は、当該の操作者の着座位置と操作方向レイアウトの組み合わせ毎に可動領域制御部４０７ｄに記憶され、次に操作履歴分析処理がなされて、その結果が可動領域制御部４０７ｄで反映されるまで、維持される。
【００５６】
ステップ３１３では、可動領域の設定変更を行った操作履歴テーブルの累積記憶パラメータ、統計処理量の各欄のデータをゼロ・クリアする。
これによって、以後操作履歴記憶部４０７ｂはスティック２１を操作する毎に当該の操作履歴テーブルに新しい操作方向角度に関する累積を再度開始する。
【００５７】
本実施例におけるスティック２１は本発明の操作端を構成する。また、フローチャートのステップ１０１は操作者識別手段を、ステップ１０２は操作履歴記憶手段を、ステップ１０３は操作履歴分析手段を、ステップ１０４は可動領域制御手段を構成する。
【００５８】
本実施例は以上のように、車両のセンター・クラスター２０に設置されるジョイスティック入力装置において、操作者の着座位置を識別し、操作者の着座位置と操作方向レイアウトの組み合わせ毎に、スティック２１の操作方向角度を累積記憶し、操作方向ｉ毎に対する操作方向角度分布の統計処理結果から、スティック２１の操作される傾向が高い操作方向角度の平均＜θ_ｉ＞を可動領域の中心方向とし、判別値Ｃ_ｍｎを隣接する操作方向との判別境界方向としてスティック操作を誘導するように操作ガイド１１１’を設定している。
【００５９】
また、隣接する操作方向に誤って操作する確率が大きいほど操作ガイド１１１’の頂点１１２’の中立点１２０からの距離ｒ_ｎｍ’を大きくして遊びを大きくしている。
その結果、着座位置および右手、左手によるスティック２１の操作性の差、操作者個人の癖、体格の差異による特性、ジョイスティック配置位置などによる偏りやぶれが生じる状況および操作レイアウトに適応した可動領域のガイドとなる操作ガイドが操作履歴の反映により自動的に設定され、操作ミスの低減を図ることができる。
【００６０】
さらに、スティックの操作軌跡として操作方向角度を使用するので、スティックの操作軌跡分布の分析が最小限のデータおよび計算量で可能であり、比較的に小規模かつ安価な構成で可動領域の制御ができる。
【００６１】
次に第２の実施例を図１５から図２１に基づいて説明する。
図１５は、本実施例におけるジョイスティック入力装置の構成を示す制御ブロック図であり、図１６はジョイスティック入力装置のハード的な構成を示す図である。
【００６２】
第１の実施例との違いは、まずジョイスティック入力装置４０１’に横方向駆動部および縦方向駆動部がないことである。次にスティック制御演算装置４０７’は可動領域制御部４０７ｄの代わりに操作方向判定領域制御部４０７ｄ’を有する。また、操作履歴記憶部４０７ｂ’における操作履歴記憶、操作履歴分析部４０７ｃ’における操作履歴分析、操作方向判定部４０７ｅ’における操作方向判定の処理が第１の実施例と一部異なる点である。
図１５、図１６において第１の実施例と同じ部分については、第１の実施例と同じ番号を付してある。
本実施例のジョイスティックの外観は第１の実施例の図１と同じである。
【００６３】
スティック制御演算装置４０７’は、操作者識別部４０７ａを内蔵し、通信部４０８経由で操作・表示処理演算部４０９から入力されている現在のＧＵＩ状態（操作タイプ、階層位置、選択肢数）をもとにスティック２１’の操作方向レイアウトを決定する。さらにスティック制御演算装置４０７’はスティック２１’が傾倒されて後述の操作方向判定領域に到ったことを判定し、この領域番号と後述の操作方向ベクトルから操作方向を判定する。また、操作方向判定領域に到る際の操作方向角度の分布から操作方向判定領域の設定を変更制御する。
【００６４】
図８の（ａ）のような８選択肢の操作方向レイアウトに対応するスティックの操作方向判定領域を図１９の（ａ）に示す。
すなわち、スティック２１’の周囲には、操作判定円１１６が設定され、図１９の（ａ）に示すように操作判定円１１６上には周方向に操作方向判定領域１３１（１３１ａ〜１３１ｈ）が設定されている。
▲１▼〜▲８▼は、第１の実施例と同じく操作方向レイアウトの各操作方向番号を示し、現在のＧＵＩ状態の各選択肢に対応する。
【００６５】
スティック制御演算装置４０７’は、横位置検出部４０３Ｘ、縦位置検出部４０３Ｙの検出値により、内蔵の操作方向判定部４０７ｅ’でスティック２１’のＸ軸方向（図１参照）およびＹ軸方向（図１参照）の操作位置を判断して、次の処理をする。
まず、スティック２１’の操作位置が、中立点１２０からの距離が所定値以上であることを判定したとき、ここでは図１９の（ａ）に示す操作方向ベクトル起点円１１５’を超えたとき、操作方向ベクトル起点信号を操作履歴記憶部４０７ｂ’に出力する。
【００６６】
スティック２１’の位置が操作判定円１１６を超えたとき操作有りと判定し、その時スティック２１’が操作方向判定領域１３１ａ〜１３１ｈのいずれに位置しているかを判定する。また、スティック２１’の操作位置から操作方向角度θを算出する。
操作有信号と操作方向判定領域番号ｉ、操作方向角度θは操作履歴記憶部４０７ｂ’に出力する。
【００６７】
ただし、ここで判定した操作方向判定領域番号ｉは操作履歴記憶処理のための暫定的な操作方向判定であり、最終的な操作方向判定は、後述の操作方向判定処理で行う。
なお、操作方向ベクトル起点円１１５’は図１９の（ａ）に示すように、操作判定円１１６より小さく設定する。
【００６８】
スティック制御の全体の流れを示す基本フローチャートを図１７に示す。
ステップ１４１では、操作者識別部４０７ａは操作者の識別処理を行う。この処理の詳細なフローチャートは第１の実施例における図６と同じである。
ステップ１４２では、操作履歴記憶部４０７ｂ’はスティック２１’操作時の操作軌跡を累積記憶する。操作履歴記憶処理の流れは第１の実施例と同様であるが、操作軌跡のパラメータが第１の実施より増して、操作方向角度θのほかに後で詳述の操作方向ベクトルの角度φを操作履歴テーブルに累積記憶する。
【００６９】
ステップ１４３では、操作履歴分析部４０７ｃ’が操作履歴記憶部４０７ｂ’に記憶された操作履歴を統計処理し、操作方向判定領域の設定データおよび操作方向判定式の係数を算出し、操作履歴テーブルに記憶する。
ステップ１４４では、操作方向判定領域制御部４０７ｄ’がステップ１４３で算出した操作方向判定領域の設定データに基づいて、操作者の着座位置と、現在のＧＵＩの状態に対応して決定された操作方向レイアウトの組み合わせ毎に操作方向判定領域を制御する。
ステップ１４５では、操作方向判定部４０７ｅ’が、操作者が操作してスティック２１’が進入した操作方向判定領域とステップ１４３で算出した操作方向判定式の係数から最終的な操作方向を判定する。
【００７０】
次に上記基本フローチャートの各処理において、第１の実施例と異なる点を中心に詳細に説明する。
本実施例の操作履歴記憶処理は基本的に図７の第１の実施例の操作履歴記憶処理の流れと同じである。ステップ２１２の「操作方向角度判定円を超えたか？」を「操作方向ベクトル起点円を超えたか？」に、ステップ２１３の「操作方向角度暫定記憶」を「操作方向ベクトルの起点暫定記憶」と読み直す。
【００７１】
本実施例で使用する操作履歴テーブルを図１８に示す。操作履歴テーブルは、２次元配列のテーブルであり、操作者の着座位置（左席用、右席用）と、および操作方向レイアウトの組み合わせ毎に、個別の記憶領域を有している。
本実施例では、操作方向のレイアウトとして、４方向、６方向、８方向の３タイプのレイアウトを有しており、左席用、右席用に各々３種類のテーブルが用いられる。
【００７２】
ステップ２１２では、操作履歴記憶部４０７ｂ’はスティック２１’が操作方向ベクトル起点円１１５’を超えて操作されたかどうかチェックする。
スティック２１’が操作方向ベクトル起点円を超えて操作されたことを検出した場合はステップ２１３に進み、そうでない場合は操作履歴記憶処理の流れは終了する。
ステップ２１３では、操作履歴記憶部４０７ｂ’は操作方向ベクトル起点信号を受けたときの横位置検出部４０３Ｘと縦位置検出部４０３Ｙの検出位置の横成分と縦成分を操作方向ベクトル起点として暫定的にバッファーに記憶する。
【００７３】
ステップ２１４では、スティック２１’が操作されたかどうかチェックする。
スティック２１’の操作有りを確認した場合はステップ２１５に進み、そうでない場合は操作履歴記憶処理の流れは終了する。
ステップ２１５では、操作履歴テーブルを更新する。
まず、操作判定円１１６を超えたときの横位置検出部４０３Ｘと縦位置検出部４０３Ｙの検出した位置の横成分と縦成分を操作方向ベクトルの終点とし、前述の暫定的に記憶した操作方向ベクトルの起点との差から、０°方向基準線３４と操作方向ベクトルのなす角度φを算出し、バッファーに記憶する。
【００７４】
ついで、操作方向判定部４０７ｅ’から入力された操作方向角度θと操作方向判定領域番号ｉに基づいて、図１８に示す現在の操作履歴テーブルの操作が行われた操作方向領域番号ｉに対応する欄の操作回数ｎ_ｉに１を加算し、操作方向角度θ_ｉｊの累積和Σ_ｊθ_ｉｊに操作方向角度θを加算し、操作方向角度の二乗累積和Σ_ｊ（θ_ｉｊ）^２に操作方向角度θの２乗を加算する。
【００７５】
また、操作方向ベクトルの角度φの累積和Σ_ｊφ_ｉｊに角度φを加算し、角度φの二乗累積和Σ_ｊ（φ_ｉｊ）^２に角度φの２乗を、操作方向角度θと操作方向ベクトルの角度φの積の累積和Σ_ｊ（θ_ｉｊ・φ_ｉｊ）にθ・φを加算する。
ここで、添え字のｊは、スティック２１’の個々の操作を示し、添え字のｉは操作方向を示す。
なお、取消スイッチ２２によって選択肢の選択操作が取り消された場合は、バッファーに記憶した操作方向角度θと操作方向ベクトルのなす角度φを読み出し、前述の操作履歴テーブルの累積和計算結果から取消分を減算する。
【００７６】
次に操作履歴分析部４０７ｃ’で行う操作履歴分析処理について説明する。
操作履歴分析部４０７ｃ’は、操作履歴テーブルを監視し、操作者の着座位置と操作レイアウトの組み合わせ毎の操作履歴テーブルに対して、全ての操作方向（ｉ＝１〜操作方向数ＩＭ）の操作回数ｎ_ｉが分析開始閾値ｎ_Ｔを超えたか否かを判定する。
操作履歴テーブルの履歴累積数が各操作方向ともｎ_Ｔ以上になったとき、第１の実施例と同様に統計処理をする。その結果を、図１８に示す操作履歴テーブルの破線で示した欄に追加記憶する。
【００７７】
この時第１の実施例と同様に操作方向角度θの平均＜θ_ｉ＞、標準偏差σ（θ_ｉ）、判別値Ｃ_ｍｎを計算し、さらに操作方向ベクトルの角度φの平均＜φ_ｉ＞、標準偏差σ（φ_ｉ）、相関係数Ｒｉを計算する。
なお、操作方向ベクトルの角度φの平均＜φ_ｉ＞、標準偏差σ（φ_ｉ）は式（１）、式（２）と同じ定義式であり、θの代わりにφに置き直したものである。
相関係数Ｒｉは下式のように定義する。
【数８】

【００７８】
次に図２０に示すフローチャートにより操作方向判定領域制御部４０７ｄ’で行う操作方向判定領域制御処理について詳細に説明する。
ステップ３２１では、操作履歴分析部４０７ｃ’が操作履歴テーブルに対して操作履歴分析処理を行ったかどうかチェックする。操作履歴分析処理が行われていない場合は終了し、操作履歴分析処理が行われた場合はステップ３２２に進む。
【００７９】
ステップ３２２では、操作履歴分析処理が行われた操作履歴テーブルを操作履歴記憶部４０７ｂ’から引き出し、記憶されている各操作方向ｉの操作方向角度θの平均＜θ_ｉ＞、標準偏差σ（θ_ｉ）、判別値Ｃ_ｍｎの統計量を読み出し、スティック２１’の操作方向角度分布に合わせて、操作方向判定領域を設定変更する。
操作方向レイアウトが図２１に示すように８方向タイプの例の場合、操作方向判定領域１３１（１３１ａ〜１３１ｈ）は、初期段階（使い始めの段階）においては、図２１の（ａ）に示すようにどの操作者の着座位置と操作方向レイアウトの組み合わせに対しても、操作方向数に対応した等方な形状であり、▲１▼から▲８▼の全ての操作方向に対して０°方向基準線３４を基点として２２．５°、６７．５°・・・と４５°の間隔で操作方向判定領域１３１の周方向の境界が設定される。
【００８０】
ある操作履歴テーブルに対して、前述のように操作履歴分析処理がなされた場合、各操作方向ｉ（ｉ＝１〜ＩＭ）に対して、操作方向判定領域１３１の境界を判別値Ｃ_ｍｎに一致するように変更する。例えば操作方向▲１▼と▲２▼の間の境界の場合、図２１の（ｂ）に示すように判別境界方向線１１９ａから判別境界方向線１１９ａ’にずらす。
図２１の（ｂ）では操作方向▲１▼と▲２▼の間の境界および▲１▼と▲８▼の間の境界に対してのみ変更を行っているが、実際は操作履歴分析処理の結果によって必要に応じて各操作方向判定領域の境界について実施する。
【００８１】
ステップ３２３では、操作方向判定領域制御部４０７ｄ’は、操作方向判定領域の設定変更を行った操作履歴テーブルの図１８で示した実線の欄（累積記憶パラメータの欄）のデータをゼロ・クリアする。
これによって、以後操作履歴記憶部４０７ｂ’はスティック２１’を操作する毎に操作履歴テーブルに新しい操作方向角度および操作方向ベクトルの角度に関する累積を再度開始する。
【００８２】
次に操作方向判定部４０７ｅ’における操作方向判定処理について詳細に説明する。この処理は実際には操作履歴記憶処理と並行して処理される。
操作者がスティック２１’を操作し、その操作位置が操作判定円１１６を超えたとき、最終的な操作方向を以下のような手続きで判定する。なお前述のように、操作判定円１１６を超えたとき、操作方向判定部４０７ｅ’は操作方向判定領域番号ｍの判定と操作方向角度θの算出を行う。
【００８３】
操作判定円１１６を超えてスティック２１’が傾倒されたとき、現在のＧＵＩ状態と操作者識別部４０７ａの操作者の着座位置判定結果とから、対応する操作履歴テーブルを操作履歴記憶部４０７ｂ’から引き出す。
初期段階（使いはじめの段階）で、操作履歴分析結果が操作履歴テーブルに記録されていないときは、操作判定円１１６を超えたときの操作方向判定領域番号ｍをもって操作方向と判定する。
【００８４】
操作履歴分析結果が操作履歴テーブルに記録されているときは、操作方向判定領域ｍ、ｎ、操作方向角度θおよび操作方向ベクトルの角度φを用いて最終的な操作方向判定を次のように行う。
操作方向判定領域番号ｍに該当する欄の操作方向角度の平均＜θ_ｍ＞とθを比較して、現在の操作方向角度に近い隣接する操作方向判定領域番号ｎを選択する。
さらに上記操作履歴テーブルに記憶されている角度θとφの平均＜θ_ｍ＞、＜φ_ｍ＞、標準偏差標準偏差σ（θ_ｍ）、σ（φ_ｍ）、および相関係数Ｒ_ｍから、下式で定義されるマハラノビス汎距離Ｄ_ｍ ^２を算出する。
【数９】

【００８５】
同様に操作方向判定領域番号ｎに該当する欄の角度θ、φの平均＜θ_ｎ＞、＜φ_ｎ＞、標準偏差標準偏差σ（θ_ｎ）、σ（φ_ｎ）、および相関係数Ｒ_ｎから、マハラノビス汎距離Ｄ_ｎ ^２を算出する。
マハラノビス汎距離Ｄ_ｍ ^２、Ｄ_ｎ ^２の結果に基づき、Ｄ_ｍ ^２≦Ｄ_ｎ ^２ならば操作方向ｍへの操作、Ｄ_ｍ ^２＞Ｄ_ｎ ^２ならば操作方向ｎへの操作と判定する。
【００８６】
本実施例におけるスティック２１’は本発明の操作端を、横位置検出部４０３Ｘ、縦位置検出部４０３Ｙおよび操作方向判定部４０７ｅ’は操作方向判定手段を構成する。
また、フローチャートのステップ１４１は操作者識別手段を、ステップ１４２は操作履歴記憶手段を、ステップ１４３は操作履歴分析手段を、ステップ１４４は判定領域制御手段を構成する。
【００８７】
本実施例によれば多方向入力装置において、操作者の着座位置を判別し、操作者の着座位置と操作方向レイアウトの組み合わせ毎にスティック２１’の操作方向角度について操作方向判定領域番号毎に履歴を記憶し、統計処理によって各操作方向判定領域に対して、操作方向角度の分布の平均、標準偏差、判別値を算出し、スティック２１’の操作される傾向が高い操作方向角度の平均＜θ_ｉ＞方向を操作方向判別領域の中心方向とし、判別値Ｃ_ｍｎを隣接する操作方向判別領域との境界方向として操作方向判別領域を設定変更している。
【００８８】
その結果、着座位置および右手、左手によるスティック２１’の操作性の差、操作者個人の癖、体格の差異による特性、ジョイスティック配置位置などによる偏りやぶれが生じる状況および操作レイアウトに適応した操作方向判別領域が設定され、操作ミスの低減を図ることができる。
【００８９】
さらに、個別の操作方向判定毎に操作判定円を超えたときのスティック２１’の位置する操作判定領域ｍだけでなく、操作判定領域ｍに隣接する操作判定領域ｎを選んだ可能性を操作履歴として記憶した操作方向の角度θと操作方向ベクトルの角度φの統計処理結果からマハラノビス汎距離によって判定し、最終的な操作方向の判定とするので、特にスティック２１’の軌跡がカーブするような操作の癖を持った操作者においても、正確に操作方向を判定できるようになり、結果として効果的に操作ミスの低減を図ることができる。
【００９０】
第１の実施例および第２の実施例において、操作履歴記憶部４０７ｂ、４０７ｂ’、操作履歴分析部４０７ｃ、４０７ｃ’をスティック制御演算装置４０７または４０７’の内部の処理として説明したが、これらの処理を装置外部の操作・表示処理演算部４０９にて実施し、その結果を通信部４０８経由でスティック制御演算装置４０７または４０７’へ出力する方式としてもよい。
【００９１】
また、第１の実施例および第２の実施例では、操作者識別部として非接触で感知可能な赤外線センサからの信号を利用した例を示したが、必ずしも赤外光である必要はなく、使用環境に適合する限り他の波長帯の光センサで代用してもよい。
さらに、赤外線センサの代わりに、センサへの接触が前提となる静電容量センサもしくは抵抗膜や感圧素子を用いた感圧センサを用いてもよい。そのような光センサ以外の場合も、センサの配置は図１と同様の位置でよい。
すなわち、図２のようなセンター・クラスター２０にジョイスティック２１、２１’を配置する場合、親指の付け根付近の掌底部分は、操作時のサポートとしてインストルメント・パネル面に接触するため、赤外線センサと同様の位置に静電容量センサもしくは感圧センサを設置すれば、同様に操作者着座位置を識別することができる。
【００９２】
さらに、第１の実施例および第２の実施例では、操作端としてスティックを傾倒することにより入力を行うジョイスティック入力装置について説明したが、中心位置から径方向にスライドさせることにより入力を行うマウスを操作端とする多方向入力装置であっても、操作者の着座位置を識別するためのセンサの配置は同様である。
但し、スライド量（ストローク）が大きい場合は、操作時の手の位置が移動するため、手の覆域を考慮して左右の分離ができるようセンサ位置を決める。
さらに、静電容量センサまたは感圧センサのような接触式センサの場合は、手の移動を考慮して接触面全体をカバーするようセンシング面を設定する。
【００９３】
なお、第１の実施例および第２の実施例では、操作履歴の操作方向角度θの分布または操作方向ベクトルの角度φの分布の統計処理において正規分布を前提として扱ったが、他の分布でもよい。
さらに、第２の実施例において操作方向ベクトルの角度φを、スティック２１’の０°方向基準線３４に対して操作方向ベクトルのなす角度としたが、操作方向角度θまたは当該操作方向判定領域の領域中心方向線１１８（１１８ａ〜１１８ｈ）または１１８’（１１８ａ’〜１１８ｈ’）と操作方向ベクトルのなす角度でもよい。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】実施の形態にかかるジョイスティック入力装置のレイアウトを示す図である。
【図２】スティック操作時の操作方向角度を示す説明図である。
【図３】第１の実施例のジョイスティック入力装置の制御ブロック図である。
【図４】第１の実施例のジョイスティック入力装置のハード的な構成を示す図である。
【図５】スティック制御の全体の流れを示すフローチャートである。
【図６】操作者識別処理の流れを示すフローチャートである。
【図７】操作履歴記憶処理の流れを示すフローチャートである。
【図８】選択メニューと操作方向レイアウトを説明する図である。
【図９】操作履歴テーブルの説明図である。
【図１０】可動領域を説明する図である。
【図１１】操作履歴分析処理の流れを示すフローチャートである。
【図１２】操作履歴を統計処理した結果を説明する図である。
【図１３】可動領域制御処理の流れを示すフローチャートである。
【図１４】可動領域が設定変更された場合の説明図である。
【図１５】第２の実施例のジョイスティック入力装置の制御ブロック図である。
【図１６】第２の実施例のジョイスティック入力装置のハード的な構成を示す図である。
【図１７】スティック制御の全体の流れを示すフローチャートである。
【図１８】操作履歴テーブルの説明図である。
【図１９】スティックの操作方向判定領域、操作方向角度検出および操作方向ベクトルを説明する図である。
【図２０】操作方向判定領域制御処理の流れを示すフローチャートである。
【図２１】スティックの操作方向判定領域が変更制御された場合の説明図である。
【符号の説明】
２０ センター・クラスター
２１、２１’ スティック
２２ 取消スイッチ
２３ ディスプレイ
２４、２４Ｒ、２４Ｌ 赤外線センサ
３２ 手
３４ ０°方向基準線
３５ スティック操作方向線
１１１ａ〜１１１ｈ、１１１ａ’、１１１ｂ’、１１１ｈ’ 操作ガイド
１１２ａ、１１２ｂ、１１２ａ’、１１２ｂ’ 頂点
１１３、１１３’ 遊び領域
１１４ａ〜１１４ｈ、１１４ａ’、１１４ｂ’ 可動領域
１１５ 操作方向角度判定円
１１５’ 操作方向ベクトル起点円
１１６ 操作判定円
１１８ａ〜１１８ｈ、１１８ａ’、１１８ｂ’ 領域中心方向線
１１９ａ、１１９ｂ、１１９ｈ、１１９ａ’、１１９ｈ’ 判別境界方向線
１２０ 中立点
１３１ａ〜１３１ｈ、１３１ａ’ 操作方向判定領域
４０１、４０１’ ジョイスティック入力装置
４０３Ｘ 横位置検出部
４０３Ｙ 縦位置検出部
４０４Ｘ 横方向駆動部
４０４Ｙ 縦方向駆動部
４０７、４０７’ スティック制御演算装置
４０７ａ 操作者識別部
４０７ｂ、４０７ｂ’ 操作履歴記憶部
４０７ｃ、４０７ｃ’ 操作履歴分析部
４０７ｄ 可動領域制御部
４０７ｄ’ 操作方向判定領域制御部
４０７ｅ、４０７ｅ’ 操作方向判定部
４０８ 通信部
４０９ 操作・表示処理演算部
４１０ 情報処理演算部
５０２ａ、５０２ａ’ スティックの端部
５０２ｂ、５０２ｂ’ 台座[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a multidirectional input device for selecting a command and performing an input operation by tilting or sliding an operation end.
[0002]
[Prior art]
[Patent Document 1] JP-A-2001-313359
A conventional multidirectional input device includes an operation error counting unit that counts and stores the number of operation errors in each operation direction, such as an “input device” described in Patent Literature 1, for example. Has been proposed, a function (command) selected according to the operation direction is replaced with a function selected according to another operation direction to avoid an operation error.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, such conventional countermeasures against operation errors can prevent erroneous operations due to misunderstandings or misconceptions of misunderstanding or misunderstanding of the direction to be operated, but erroneous operations due to misjudgment can be prevented. Operate in the desired operation direction due to various factors related to the input device side, the operator side, and the use environment, such as the positional relationship of the operation end, the operator's operation habit, disturbance applied to the operator or the operation end at the time of operation, etc. There has been a problem that erroneous operation due to an operation error in a narrow sense in which the end cannot be operated accurately and the operation is performed in an adjacent operation direction cannot be prevented.
[0004]
In particular, when used in a vehicle for operating an on-vehicle device, vibration of the vehicle is transmitted to an operator or an operation end, causing a blurring in the operation, and placing the vehicle in front of the operator due to the layout design of the vehicle interior. When the operation is difficult and the operation direction is deviated, an operation error easily occurs, and a countermeasure is required.
The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described conventional problems, and has been made in view of the above-described problems. It is an object of the present invention to provide a multidirectional input device capable of avoiding mistakes.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
For this reason, the present invention provides a multidirectional input device in which an operation end is tilted or slid in a predetermined direction to select a command associated with the operation direction and perform an input operation. Operation history storage means for cumulatively storing the end operation trajectories, operation history analysis means for statistically processing the distribution of the accumulated operation trajectories, and a command from the statistics of the operation trajectory distribution obtained by the operation history analysis means; And a movable region control means for changing and controlling a movable region that determines an operation direction of a corresponding operation end.
[0006]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, the movable area that regulates the operation direction of the operation end is made variable, the trajectory of the operation end when the operation end is operated is cumulatively stored, and the distribution of the stored trajectory of the operation end is statistically processed. Since the movable area is controlled to be changed in accordance with the calculated statistics of the distribution of the operation trajectory, the movable area corresponding to each command can be set statistically in a direction in which the operation end is frequently operated. In other words, the movable area can be set in accordance with the operating environment in which the operation accuracy is deteriorated due to the disturbance applied to the operator or the operation end, the operation habit of the operator, or the positional relationship between the operator and the operation end. Can be reduced.
[0007]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the first embodiment, the multidirectional input device is a joystick-type input device that is installed on an instrument panel of a vehicle and operates a GUI (Graphical User Interface) displayed on a display.
[0008]
The joystick input device is installed on the instrument panel of the vehicle, can be operated from both the driver's seat and the passenger seat, and has a stick 21 projecting upward from the center cluster 20 as shown in FIG. By tilting in the radial direction, operations such as menu selection, cursor movement, and screen scrolling of the GUI displayed on the display 23 as the display means are executed.
[0009]
In front of the stick 21, a push switch type cancel switch 22 for canceling the operation command input by the immediately preceding stick operation is provided. Further, on both left and right sides of the stick 21, infrared sensors 24 (24L, 24R) for identifying whether the current operator is a person sitting in a driver's seat or a passenger's seat are installed. Each of the infrared sensors 24 includes a combination of an infrared LED as a light emitting unit and a phototransistor as a light receiving unit. When the infrared sensor is blocked by hand, the infrared light emitted from the infrared LED is reflected, received by the phototransistor, and output as a detection signal.
[0010]
When the operator sitting in the driver's seat or the passenger's seat naturally operates the stick 21, the infrared sensor 24 detects only the operator's hand while the infrared sensor on the operator's side detects the operator's hand. It is installed in a position where it does not. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the stick 32 is operated by naturally extending the hand 32 (the left hand in the figure) from the sitting position, it is preferable to set the palm 32 near the base of the thumb. is there.
[0011]
The position of the hand at the time of operation may vary depending on the physique of the operator, but the installation position may be determined by assuming the standard sitting position and the standard physique at the time of design, or from the statistical data of the human body dimensions, If the positioning is performed using the position of a large physique in which the distinction between the operators on the left and right infrared sensors 24 becomes strict, the operator's seating position can be more reliably identified.
[0012]
That is, the operator with the larger physique extends his hand from behind, and in FIG. 2, the hand enters from the direction more parallel to the 0 ° reference line 34 of the operation direction of the stick 21 (the direction in which the angle α is smaller). Therefore, the possibility that the little finger side approaches the other infrared sensor 24L and is sensed increases.
In the present embodiment, with the physique of the 95th percentile as the representative physique, the infrared sensors 24L and 24R are installed at positions corresponding to the palm bottom portion of the hand at the time of standard sitting, so that the seating position of the operator can be reliably identified. .
[0013]
FIG. 3 is a control block diagram illustrating a configuration of the joystick input device according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the joystick input device.
The joystick input device 401 includes a stick 21 serving as an operation end, a lateral driving unit 404X including an electric motor that generates torque in the X-axis direction (see FIG. 1) of the stick 21, and rotation of the stick 21 in the X-axis direction. A horizontal position detection unit 403X for detecting an angle, a vertical drive unit 404Y composed of an electric motor for generating a torque in the Y-axis direction of the stick 21 (see FIG. 1), and a rotation angle of the stick 21 in the Y-axis direction are detected. And a vertical position detection unit 403Y.
[0014]
The end 502a (see FIG. 4) of the stick 21 is connected to a pedestal 502b having a mechanism for tilting independently on the X axis and the Y axis, and is configured to be driven by the horizontal drive unit 404X and the vertical drive unit 404Y. ing.
The horizontal position detection unit 403X and the vertical position detection unit 403Y are photo encoders that optically detect a rotation angle so that the tilt angle of the pedestal 502b of the stick is independently detected on the X axis and the Y axis. It is configured.
[0015]
The joystick input device 401 further includes the infrared sensor 24 (24L, 24R), the cancel switch 22, a stick control operation device 407, and a communication unit 408.
The stick control arithmetic device 407 includes an operator identification unit 407a. The operator identification unit 407a identifies the current operator's seating position based on the detection signal input from the infrared sensor 24.
[0016]
The stick control calculation device 407 receives the current GUI state from the operation / display processing calculation unit 409 via the communication unit 408.
The stick control calculation device 407 determines the operation direction layout of the stick 21 based on the current GUI state (operation type, hierarchy position, number of options), and controls the movable area so that the stick 21 can move according to the operation direction layout. I do.
[0017]
The operation direction layout is a type of layout in which the direction in which the tilt direction of the stick 21 is determined to be the operation direction is eight when the GUI has a menu arrangement as shown in FIG. When "communication" is selected in (a), the display on the display 23 changes, and a GUI having a menu arrangement as shown in (b) of FIG. 8 is displayed.
In the case of the menu arrangement as shown in FIG. 8B, the layout is of a four-direction type.
[0018]
FIG. 10A shows the movable area of the stick corresponding to the operation direction layout of eight options as shown in FIG.
The directions (1) to (8) of the movable area shown in FIG. 10A indicate the operation direction numbers of the operation direction layout such as eight or four operation directions determined by the GUI setting, and the current GUI state. Corresponding to each option.
Hereinafter, the “operation direction” refers to an operation direction indicated by an operation direction number of (1) to (8) corresponding to each option of the GUI. When the stick is operated in the direction of the arrow as shown in FIG. 2, the clockwise angle θ from the 0 ° direction reference line 34 of the tilt direction of the stick 21 is referred to as “operation direction angle”.
[0019]
Around the stick 21, operation guides 111 (111a to 111h) are set in the circumferential direction as shown by hatched areas in FIG. The operation guide 111 is an area where the stick 21 cannot enter, and when trying to enter this area, the force of pushing back the stick 21 from the operation guide 111 in the lateral direction as shown in FIG. This is generated by the driving unit 404X and the vertical driving unit 404Y.
[0020]
As a result, the white portion between the adjacent operation guides 111 becomes the movable region 114 (114a to 114h), and as shown in FIG. 10C in which the portion B in FIG. When the stick 21 is tilted from the area 113 in the radial direction, if the angle of the operation direction substantially coincides with any of the movable areas 114 indicated by the operation direction numbers (1) to (8), the desired operation of the stick 21 is performed. You will be guided in the direction.
When the stick 21 is tilted, the stick control arithmetic unit 407 operates the horizontal drive unit 404X and the vertical drive unit 407X in accordance with the stick position detected by the horizontal position detection unit 404X and the vertical position detection unit 404Y when the stick 21 is tilted. It is formed by controlling 404Y.
[0021]
The stick control arithmetic unit 407 has a built-in operation direction determination unit 407e, determines the operation amount and operation direction angle of the stick 21 based on the detection values of the horizontal position detection unit 403X and the vertical position detection unit 403Y, and performs the next process. I do.
First, the operation direction determination unit 407e detects that the position detected by the horizontal position detection unit 403X and the vertical position detection unit 403Y by the operator operating the stick 21 is equal to or more than a predetermined value from the neutral point 120. At this time, when detecting that the operation direction angle determination circle 115 shown in FIG. 10C is exceeded, the operation direction determination unit 407e stores the operation direction angle determination signal and the operation direction angle θ in the operation history storage unit 407b. Output.
[0022]
The operation direction indicates that the distance from the neutral point 120 shown in FIG. 10C to the position detected by the horizontal position detection unit 403X and the vertical position detection unit 403Y by the operator operating the stick 21 is equal to or more than a predetermined value. When the determination unit 407e detects that the operation has exceeded the operation determination circle 116, the operation direction determination unit 407e determines that there is an operation. Then, it is determined in which of the movable areas 114a to 114h the stick 21 is located, and an operation presence signal and an operation direction number i are output to the operation history storage unit 407b.
This means selection of an option in the current GUI state, and the stick control arithmetic unit 407 outputs a signal of the corresponding option to the external operation / display processing arithmetic unit 409 via the communication unit 408.
[0023]
The operation guide 111 is set outside the operation direction angle determination circle 115 as shown in FIG. The operation determination circle 116 has a larger radius than the operation direction angle determination circle 115 and is set to cross the operation guide 111.
[0024]
The stick control arithmetic unit 407 includes an operation history storage unit 407b. The operation history storage unit 407b monitors the current GUI state, receives the operation presence signal from the operation direction determination unit 407e, and operates the stick 21 for each combination of the sitting position of the operator and the operation direction layout, and for each operation direction. The operation direction angle θ is cumulatively stored as the operation trajectory.
Further, the stick control arithmetic unit 407 includes an operation history analysis unit 407c. The operation history analysis unit 407c analyzes the distribution of the operation direction angle θ accumulated and stored, and calculates the statistics of the distribution of the operation direction angle θ.
Further, the stick control arithmetic unit 407 includes a movable area control unit 407d. The movable area control unit 407d changes the setting of the movable area 114 from the distribution of the operation direction angle θ in a direction that reduces the tendency of occurrence of an operation error.
[0025]
Note that the hardware configuration of the stick control arithmetic unit 407 is for input / output processing of input signals from the horizontal position detecting unit 403X and the vertical position detecting unit 403Y and output signals to the horizontal driving unit 404X and the vertical driving unit 404Y. A / D conversion circuit and D / A conversion circuit, operator identification section 407a, operation history storage section 407b, operation history analysis section 407c, control calculation of movable area control section 407d and operation direction determination section 407e, and control of stick 21 , A ROM, and a RAM.
The communication unit 408 includes a serial interface circuit that communicates with the outside.
[0026]
The operation / display processing calculation unit 409 is connected to the communication unit 408, outputs the current GUI state to the stick control calculation device 407, and outputs a selection signal of an option input from the stick control calculation device 407 and the current GUI state. , And outputs the corresponding operation input signal to the information processing operation unit 410.
The operation / display processing calculation unit 409 generates a display video signal according to the current GUI state and the presence / absence of an operation input signal, and outputs the display video signal to the display 23 to display the GUI state in a video.
[0027]
The information processing operation unit 410 performs information processing corresponding to the operation input signal input from the operation / display processing operation unit 409, and outputs a GUI update request to the operation / display processing operation unit 409 as necessary.
The operation / display processing calculation unit 409 and the information processing calculation unit 410 have separate functions here, but these functions can be integrated and realized by one device.
[0028]
Next, control of the stick 21 in the stick control arithmetic device 407 will be described.
FIG. 5 is a basic flowchart showing the entire flow of the stick control.
In step 101, the operator identification unit 407a determines whether the operator is a person sitting on the driver's seat or a passenger seat based on the detection signals of the infrared sensors 24 provided on the left and right of the stick 21.
[0029]
In step 102, in the operation history storage unit 407b, for each combination of the operator's seating position and the operation direction layout corresponding to each GUI, the operation direction angle θ is used as the operation trajectory when the stick 21 is operated for each operation direction. Is cumulatively stored.
In step 103, the operation history analysis unit 407c analyzes the operation history stored in the operation history storage unit 407b by statistical processing, and further analyzes the operation direction for each combination of the operator's seating position and the operation direction layout corresponding to each GUI. An average, standard deviation, discrimination value, and erroneous discrimination rate of the operation direction angle, which will be described in detail later, are calculated for each.
[0030]
In step 104, the setting of the movable area 114, that is, the setting of the operation guide 111 is changed in the movable area control unit 407d according to the seating position of the operator.
The setting of the operation guide 111 is used for controlling the horizontal driving unit 404X and the vertical driving unit 404Y, and the stick 21 moves according to the setting shape of the operation guide 111 for each combination of the operator's seating position and the operation direction layout. Thus, the entire operation direction is controlled according to the seating position.
[0031]
Next, the operator identification processing, operation history storage processing, operation history analysis processing, and stick movable area control processing will be described in detail in this order.
First, an operator identification process in the operator identification unit 407a, that is, a method of determining the current sitting position of the operator will be described. For the determination of the seating position, the detection status of the infrared sensors 24 (24L, 24R) arranged on the left and right of the stick 21 is used.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of determining the sitting position of the operator.
[0032]
In step 201, it is checked whether or not the right seat operator is detected. If detected, the process proceeds to step 202; otherwise, the process proceeds to step 205.
In step 202, it is checked whether or not the operator at the left seat is detected. If it has been detected, the process proceeds to step 203. If not detected, the process proceeds to step 204, where it is determined that the operator is the right seat operator, and the process ends.
In step 205, it is checked whether or not the operator at the left seat is detected. If it is detected, the process proceeds to step 206, where it is determined that the operator is the left seat operator, and the process ends. If not, the process proceeds to step 207.
[0033]
When one of the detection signals of the infrared sensors 24L and 24R is in the detection state and the other is in the non-detection state, the seat on the infrared sensor side in the detection state is determined as the current seating position of the operator. For example, in the situation of FIG. 2, since the right infrared sensor 24R is in the detection state and the left infrared sensor 24L is in the non-detection state, it is estimated in step 204 that the operator's hand is extending from the right, and the current The seating position of the operator is determined to be the right seat.
Conversely, if the right infrared sensor 24R is in the non-detection state and the left infrared sensor 24L is in the detection state, it is estimated in step 206 that the operator's hand is extending from the left, and the current operator's seating position is Judge as the left seat.
[0034]
Next, in step 203, both infrared sensors 24 are in the detection state, and the current seating position of the operator is determined to be the driver's seat side, and the process ends.
In step 207, both the infrared sensors 24 on both sides are in the non-detection state, the current sitting position of the operator is determined to be the driver's seat side, and the process ends.
The determination that the operator's seating position is on the driver's seat side is a determination of a right seat in the case of a right-hand drive vehicle and a determination of a left seat in the case of a left-hand drive vehicle.
[0035]
When the infrared sensors 24 on both sides are in the detection state or the non-detection state, a situation in which the left and right seats are operated at the same time, a case in which the hand is extended from an unexpected direction and the stick 21 is operated, and the like are considered. However, in any case, in the vehicle, the driver's operation is prioritized, so that the vehicle is determined to be on the driver's seat side. Accordingly, in a situation where the seating position of the operator cannot be determined, it is possible to set the movable area 114 suitable for the driver.
[0036]
Next, an operation history storage process in the operation history storage unit 407b will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the operation history storage process.
First, in step 211, a corresponding operation is performed based on the operation direction layout corresponding to the GUI state input from the operation / display processing calculation unit 409 via the communication unit 408 and the seating position of the operator determined in the operator identification processing. Switch to history table.
[0037]
The operation history table is a two-dimensional array table as shown in FIG. 9, and has an individual storage area for each combination of the operator's seating position (for the left seat and for the right seat) and the operation direction layout. ing.
In the present embodiment, there are three types of layouts of four directions, six directions and eight directions as operation direction layouts, and three types of tables are used for the left seat and the right seat, respectively.
[0038]
In step 212, it is checked whether or not the stick 21 has been operated beyond the operation direction angle determination circle 115.
If it is detected that the stick 21 has been operated beyond the operation direction angle determination circle 115, the process proceeds to step 213; otherwise, the flow of the operation history storage process ends.
[0039]
In step 213, the operation direction angle θ input from the operation direction determination unit 407e is temporarily stored in a buffer.
In step 214, it is checked whether the stick 21 has been operated.
If the operation of the stick 21 is detected, the process proceeds to step 215; otherwise, the flow of the operation history storage process ends.
[0040]
In step 215, the operation history table is updated.
The operation history storage unit 407b receives the operation presence signal from the operation direction determination unit 407e and the operation direction number i, reads out the operation direction angle θ stored in the buffer, and operates the operation direction number of the current operation history table. Number of operations n in the column corresponding to i_iTo the operation direction angle θ_ijCumulative sum of_jθ_ijIs added to the operation direction angle θ, and the squared cumulative sum of the operation direction angle Σ_j(Θ_ij)²To the square of the operation direction angle θ.
Here, the suffix j indicates an individual operation of the stick 21, and the suffix i indicates the operation direction number i.
When the selection operation of the option is canceled by the cancel switch 22, the operation direction angle θ stored in the buffer is read, and the cancellation amount is subtracted from the result of the cumulative sum calculation of the operation history table described above.
[0041]
Next, the operation history analysis processing in the operation history analysis unit 407c will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 and the distribution of the operation direction angles in FIG.
In step 301, the operation history table is monitored, and the number of operations n in all operation directions (i = 1 to the number of operation directions IM) is performed on the operation history table for each combination of the sitting position of the operator and the operation layout._iIs the analysis start threshold n_TIs determined.
[0042]
This is because a sufficiently large number of samples is required to perform the statistical processing described later. The analysis start threshold depends on the accuracy requirement of the distribution, but generally n_TIt is sufficient to set = 100.
The number of operations in all operation directions in the operation history table is the analysis start threshold n_TIf the value exceeds the threshold, the process proceeds to step 302, where the average, standard deviation, discrimination value, and erroneous discrimination rate of the operation direction angles are calculated as statistical processing of the distribution of the operation direction angles for all the operation directions. If not, end this process.
[0043]
Here, the average of the operation direction angles <θ_i> Is
(Equation 1)

Standard deviation σ (θ_i) Is
(Equation 2)

Is defined by
From these quantities, the discrimination value C between the adjacent operation directions m and n is calculated by the following equation._mnIs calculated.
(Equation 3)

[0044]
Note that the discrimination value C_mnIs determined as follows. Equation (4) is derived from the condition that the Mahalanobis general distances are equal, and this is expanded to equation (5).
(Equation 4)

(Equation 5)

Equation (3) is obtained by rearranging equation (5).
[0045]
Here, the probability distribution of the operation direction angle θ is obtained by plotting the horizontal axis as the average of the operation direction angles θ <θ._i> Is the standard deviation σ (θ_i) Is a normal distribution curve normalized to the area 1.0 of the variable x. This normal distribution curve is defined as a constant x₀X> x₀Or x <-x₀Is the function P_r｛X; x> x₀｝ Or P_r｛X; x <-x₀｝, For example, the misclassification rate P_mnIs expressed as follows.
(Equation 6)

[0046]
The discrimination value C based on FIG._mnAnd the misclassification rate P_mnThe meaning of is explained. The horizontal axis indicates the operation direction angle θ, and the vertical axis indicates the probability.
For example, from the distribution of the operation direction angles for the operation directions (1) and (2), the average of the operation direction angles <θ₁>, <Θ₂> And standard deviation σ (θ₁), Σ (θ₂) Is calculated. Further, the discrimination value C between the adjacent operation directions (1) and (2)₁₂And the misclassification rate P₁₂, P₂₁Is calculated.
[0047]
Normal distribution curves 601 and 602 are respectively determined from the average and standard deviation of the operation direction angles.
Discrimination value C_mn(Here C₁₂) Means that the final operation direction between the adjacent operation directions (1) and (2), for example, when exceeding the operation determination circle 116, is the direction (1), and the operation of (2) The probability of the normal distribution curve 601 when the operation direction angle exceeds the operation direction angle determination circle 115 at an operation direction angle close to the direction, and the final operation direction when the operation direction angle exceeds the operation determination circle 116 is the direction of (2), When the probabilities of the normal distribution curve 602 when exceeding the operation direction angle determination circle 115 at an operation direction angle close to the operation direction of (1), this value C₁₂Is the operation direction angle at which the probability of the latter increases when θ increases.
[0048]
Misclassification rate P_mnMeaning (here P₁₂) Is the discrimination value C₁₂When the final operation direction is predicted from the operation direction angle exceeding the operation direction angle determination circle 115 by separating the adjacent operation directions (1) and (2) by the angle Probability. In other words, when a physical boundary for discriminating between the operation directions (1) and (2) is provided at the position of the direction line 119a on the operation direction angle determination circle 115 in FIG. Is a probability of being determined as the adjacent operation direction (2) contrary to the intended operation direction (1).
Note that the erroneous determination rate P_nmIs expressed as in equation (7), and by the symmetry of equation (5) and the normal distribution, P_mn= P_nmBecomes
(Equation 7)

[0049]
In step 303, the average, standard deviation, discrimination value, and erroneous discrimination rate of the operation direction angle are calculated.
All the operation directions are stored corresponding to the operation history table.
In this embodiment, this storage area is provided in the operation history storage unit 407b as shown by the dotted line in the lower half of the operation history table in FIG.
[0050]
Next, the flow of control of the movable area of the stick 21 in the movable area control unit 407d will be described with reference to FIG.
In step 311, the movable region control unit 407d monitors the operation history analysis unit 407c, and checks whether the operation history analysis unit 407c has performed the operation history analysis process on the operation history table. If the operation history analysis process has not been performed, the process ends. If the operation history analysis process has been performed, the process proceeds to step 312.
In step 312, the operation history table subjected to the operation history analysis processing is pulled out from the operation history storage unit 407b, and the stored statistics such as the average, standard deviation, and discrimination value of the operation direction angle of each operation direction i are read. The setting of the operation guide 111 for setting the movable area of the stick 21 is changed in accordance with the operation angle distribution of the stick 21.
[0051]
The operation guide 111 has an isotropic shape corresponding to the number of operation directions for any combination of the operation direction layout and the sitting position of the operator in an initial stage (a stage of starting use). For example, FIG. 14A shows an example of an eight-direction type, in which movable regions 114 are set at 45 ° intervals with respect to the operation directions of (1) to (8) from the 0 ° direction reference line 34 as a base point. (Represented by 114a to 114c in the figure).
The center direction of each movable area 114 is indicated by an area center direction line 118 (represented by 118a to 118c in the figure).
[0052]
FIG. 14B shows a case where the setting of the movable area is changed in a certain operation history table by reflecting the operation history analysis processing result as described above, and each operation direction i (i = 1 to 1). IM), the center direction of the movable region 114 is defined as the average of the operation direction angles <θ._iFor example, in the case of the operation directions (1) and (2), the directions are shifted in the direction of the region center direction lines 118a 'and 118b' so as to match <>. For example, in the case of the adjacent operation directions (1) and (2), the determination boundary direction which is the vertex of the operation guide is determined by the determination value C.₁₂, The vertex 112a 'of the operation guide 111a' is set on the discrimination boundary direction line 119a '.
[0053]
Further, a distance r between the neutral point 120 of the stick 21 and the vertex 112 '(112a') of the operation guide described above._mn’(R₁₂′) Is added to the operation direction angle determination circle 115 and the difference R between the radius of the operation determination circle 116 and the radius of the operation direction angle determination circle 115 to the erroneous determination rate P._mn(In this example, (P₁₂)) Is set to match the value obtained by adding the value multiplied by)).
[0054]
FIG. 14B shows a change in the shape of only the operation guides 111a 'and 111b' for the operation directions (1) and (2), but actually reflects the statistical processing result of the operation history for all the operation directions. And change it as needed.
Thereby, for example, a movable area 114a 'is formed between the adjacent operation guides 111a' and 111h ', and when the stick 21 is tilted in the radial direction from the play area 113' at the center, the movable area 114a 'is substantially If the angles match, the stick 21 is guided in the desired operation direction (1).
[0055]
The shape setting of the operation guide 111 or 111 ′ is stored in the movable area control unit 407d for each combination of the operator's seating position and the operation direction layout, and then the operation history analysis processing is performed. It is maintained until reflected by the area control unit 407d.
[0056]
In step 313, the data of each column of the accumulated storage parameter and the statistical processing amount of the operation history table in which the setting of the movable area has been changed are cleared to zero.
Accordingly, every time the stick 21 is operated thereafter, the operation history storage unit 407b restarts accumulation of the new operation direction angle in the operation history table.
[0057]
The stick 21 in this embodiment constitutes the operation end of the present invention. Step 101 of the flowchart constitutes operator identification means, step 102 constitutes operation history storage means, step 103 constitutes operation history analysis means, and step 104 constitutes movable area control means.
[0058]
As described above, the present embodiment identifies the operator's seating position in the joystick input device installed in the center cluster 20 of the vehicle, and sets the stick 21 for each combination of the operator's seating position and operation direction layout. The operation direction angles are accumulated and stored, and from the statistical processing result of the operation direction angle distribution for each operation direction i, the average of the operation direction angles with a high tendency to operate the stick 21 <θ._i> Is the center direction of the movable area, and the discrimination value C_mnThe operation guide 111 'is set so as to guide the stick operation as a determination boundary direction with respect to the adjacent operation direction.
[0059]
In addition, as the probability of erroneous operation in the adjacent operation direction increases, the distance r from the neutral point 120 of the vertex 112 'of the operation guide 111' increases._nm’To increase the play.
As a result, the guide of the movable area adapted to the situation in which the operability of the stick 21 due to the difference in the operability of the stick 21 depending on the seating position and the right hand and the left hand, the characteristic of the operator's individual habit, the difference in the physique, the joystick arrangement position, etc. Is automatically set based on the reflection of the operation history, and operation errors can be reduced.
[0060]
Further, since the operation direction angle is used as the stick operation trajectory, the operation trajectory distribution of the stick can be analyzed with a minimum amount of data and calculation amount, and the movable area can be controlled with a relatively small and inexpensive configuration. it can.
[0061]
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 15 is a control block diagram illustrating a configuration of the joystick input device according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the joystick input device.
[0062]
The difference from the first embodiment is that the joystick input device 401 'does not have a horizontal driving unit and a vertical driving unit. Next, the stick control arithmetic unit 407 'has an operation direction determination area control unit 407d' instead of the movable area control unit 407d. The operation history storage in the operation history storage unit 407b ', the operation history analysis in the operation history analysis unit 407c', and the operation direction determination process in the operation direction determination unit 407e 'are partially different from those in the first embodiment.
15 and 16, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment.
The appearance of the joystick of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG.
[0063]
The stick control calculation device 407 ′ has a built-in operator identification unit 407 a and also displays the current GUI state (operation type, hierarchical position, number of options) input from the operation / display processing calculation unit 409 via the communication unit 408. Then, the operation direction layout of the stick 21 'is determined. Further, the stick control arithmetic unit 407 'determines that the stick 21' has been tilted to reach an operation direction determination area described later, and determines the operation direction from this area number and an operation direction vector described later. Further, the setting of the operation direction determination area is changed and controlled based on the distribution of the operation direction angle at the time of reaching the operation direction determination area.
[0064]
FIG. 19A shows a stick operation direction determination area corresponding to the eight option operation direction layouts as shown in FIG.
That is, an operation determination circle 116 is set around the stick 21 ′, and operation direction determination areas 131 (131 a to 131 h) are set in the circumferential direction on the operation determination circle 116 as shown in FIG. Have been.
(1) to (8) indicate the operation direction numbers of the operation direction layout as in the first embodiment, and correspond to the respective options in the current GUI state.
[0065]
The stick control arithmetic unit 407 ′ uses the detection values of the horizontal position detection unit 403X and the vertical position detection unit 403Y to determine the built-in operation direction determination unit 407e ′ of the stick 21 ′ in the X-axis direction (see FIG. 1) and the Y-axis direction (see FIG. 1). The following processing is performed by determining the operation position of FIG. 1).
First, when it is determined that the operating position of the stick 21 ′ is equal to or greater than a predetermined value from the neutral point 120, here, when the operating direction vector starting point circle 115 ′ shown in FIG. The operation direction vector starting signal is output to the operation history storage unit 407b '.
[0066]
When the position of the stick 21 'exceeds the operation determination circle 116, it is determined that there is an operation, and at that time, it is determined in which of the operation direction determination areas 131a to 131h the stick 21' is located. Further, the operation direction angle θ is calculated from the operation position of the stick 21 ′.
The operation presence signal, the operation direction determination area number i, and the operation direction angle θ are output to the operation history storage unit 407b ′.
[0067]
However, the operation direction determination area number i determined here is a provisional operation direction determination for the operation history storage process, and the final operation direction determination is performed in an operation direction determination process described later.
The operation direction vector starting circle 115 'is set smaller than the operation determination circle 116, as shown in FIG.
[0068]
FIG. 17 shows a basic flowchart showing the entire flow of the stick control.
In step 141, the operator identification section 407a performs an operator identification process. The detailed flowchart of this processing is the same as that in FIG. 6 in the first embodiment.
In step 142, the operation history storage unit 407b 'accumulates and stores the operation trajectory at the time of operating the stick 21'. The flow of the operation history storage process is the same as that of the first embodiment, but the parameters of the operation trajectory are increased compared to the first embodiment, and the angle φ of the operation direction vector described later in detail is changed in addition to the operation direction angle θ. It is cumulatively stored in the operation history table.
[0069]
In step 143, the operation history analysis unit 407c 'statistically processes the operation history stored in the operation history storage unit 407b', calculates the setting data of the operation direction determination area and the coefficient of the operation direction determination expression, and stores the coefficient in the operation history table. Remember.
In step 144, the operation direction determination area control unit 407d 'based on the setting data of the operation direction determination area calculated in step 143, and the seating position of the operator and the operation direction determined corresponding to the current GUI state. The operation direction determination area is controlled for each layout combination.
In step 145, the operation direction determination unit 407 e ′ determines the final operation direction from the operation direction determination area where the stick 21 ′ has been operated by the operator and the coefficient of the operation direction determination formula calculated in step 143.
[0070]
Next, each process of the above basic flowchart will be described in detail focusing on differences from the first embodiment.
The operation history storage processing of the present embodiment is basically the same as the flow of the operation history storage processing of the first embodiment in FIG. In step 212, "exceeding the operation direction angle determination circle?" Is read as "exceeding the operation direction vector starting circle?", And "temporary operation direction angle storage" in step 213 is read as "temporary storage of operation direction vector starting point". .
[0071]
FIG. 18 shows an operation history table used in this embodiment. The operation history table is a two-dimensionally arranged table, and has a separate storage area for each combination of an operator's seating position (for left seat and right seat) and an operation direction layout.
In the present embodiment, there are three types of layouts of four directions, six directions, and eight directions as layouts of operation directions, and three types of tables are used for the left seat and the right seat, respectively.
[0072]
In step 212, the operation history storage unit 407b 'checks whether the stick 21' has been operated beyond the operation direction vector starting circle 115 '.
If it is detected that the stick 21 'has been operated beyond the operation direction vector starting circle, the process proceeds to step 213; otherwise, the flow of the operation history storage process ends.
In step 213, the operation history storage unit 407b 'tentatively sets the horizontal and vertical components of the detection positions of the horizontal position detection unit 403X and the vertical position detection unit 403Y when receiving the operation direction vector origin signal as the operation direction vector origin. Store in buffer.
[0073]
In step 214, it is checked whether the stick 21 'has been operated.
If it is confirmed that the operation of the stick 21 'has been performed, the process proceeds to step 215; otherwise, the flow of the operation history storage process ends.
In step 215, the operation history table is updated.
First, the horizontal component and the vertical component of the position detected by the horizontal position detecting unit 403X and the vertical position detecting unit 403Y when exceeding the operation determination circle 116 are set as the end points of the operation direction vector, and the temporarily stored operation direction vector described above. Is calculated from the difference from the starting point of the operation direction vector with the 0 ° direction reference line 34 and stored in the buffer.
[0074]
Next, based on the operation direction angle θ and the operation direction determination area number i input from the operation direction determination unit 407e ′, the current operation history table shown in FIG. Number of operations in column n_iTo the operation direction angle θ_ijCumulative sum of_jθ_ijIs added to the operation direction angle θ, and the squared cumulative sum of the operation direction angle Σ_j(Θ_ij)²To the square of the operation direction angle θ.
[0075]
Also, the cumulative sum Σ of the angle φ of the operation direction vector_jφ_ijTo the sum of squares of angle φ_j(Φ_ij)²And the cumulative sum 積 of the product of the operation direction angle θ and the angle φ of the operation direction vector._j(Θ_ij・ Φ_ij) Is added to θ · φ.
Here, the subscript j indicates an individual operation of the stick 21 ', and the subscript i indicates the operation direction.
When the option selection operation is canceled by the cancel switch 22, the operation direction angle θ and the angle φ between the operation direction vector stored in the buffer are read, and the cancellation amount is calculated from the cumulative sum calculation result of the operation history table described above. Subtract.
[0076]
Next, an operation history analysis process performed by the operation history analysis unit 407c 'will be described.
The operation history analysis unit 407c 'monitors the operation history table, and performs operations in all operation directions (i = 1 to the number of operation directions IM) on the operation history table for each combination of the operator's seating position and the operation layout. Number n_iIs the analysis start threshold n_TIs determined.
The cumulative number of histories in the operation history table is n for each operation direction_TAt this point, statistical processing is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The result is additionally stored in a column indicated by a broken line in the operation history table shown in FIG.
[0077]
At this time, as in the first embodiment, the average of the operation direction angles θ <θ_i>, Standard deviation σ (θ_i), Discrimination value C_mnIs calculated, and the average of the angle φ of the operation direction vector <φ_i>, Standard deviation σ (φ_i), And calculate the correlation coefficient Ri.
Note that the average of the angles φ of the operation direction vectors <φ_i>, Standard deviation σ (φ_i) Is the same definition expression as Expressions (1) and (2), and is replaced by φ instead of θ.
The correlation coefficient Ri is defined as in the following equation.
(Equation 8)

[0078]
Next, the operation direction determination area control processing performed by the operation direction determination area control unit 407d 'will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
In step 321, it is checked whether the operation history analysis unit 407c 'has performed an operation history analysis process on the operation history table. If the operation history analysis process has not been performed, the process ends. If the operation history analysis process has been performed, the process proceeds to step 322.
[0079]
In step 322, the operation history table on which the operation history analysis processing has been performed is pulled out from the operation history storage unit 407b ', and the average of the stored operation direction angles?_i>, Standard deviation σ (θ_i), Discrimination value C_mnIs read out, and the setting of the operation direction determination area is changed according to the angle distribution of the operation direction of the stick 21 '.
In the case where the operation direction layout is an example of an eight-direction type as shown in FIG. 21, the operation direction determination areas 131 (131a to 131h) are as shown in FIG. It has an isotropic shape corresponding to the number of operation directions for any combination of the operator's seating position and the operation direction layout. The 0 ° direction reference is used for all the operation directions (1) to (8). The boundary in the circumferential direction of the operation direction determination area 131 is set at intervals of 22.5 °, 67.5 °,... And 45 ° with the line 34 as a base point.
[0080]
When the operation history analysis processing is performed on a certain operation history table as described above, the boundary of the operation direction determination area 131 is determined for each operation direction i (i = 1 to IM) by the determination value C._mnChange to match. For example, in the case of the boundary between the operation directions (1) and (2), the discrimination boundary direction line 119a is shifted from the discrimination boundary direction line 119a 'as shown in FIG.
In (b) of FIG. 21, only the boundary between the operation directions (1) and (2) and the boundary between (1) and (8) are changed, but actually, the result of the operation history analysis processing is performed. This is performed on the boundary of each operation direction determination area as needed.
[0081]
In step 323, the operation direction determination area control unit 407d 'clears the data in the solid line column (cumulative storage parameter column) shown in FIG. 18 of the operation history table in which the setting of the operation direction determination area has been changed to zero. .
Accordingly, the operation history storage unit 407b 'restarts accumulation of a new operation direction angle and an angle of the operation direction vector in the operation history table again each time the stick 21' is operated.
[0082]
Next, the operation direction determination processing in the operation direction determination unit 407e 'will be described in detail. This process is actually performed in parallel with the operation history storage process.
When the operator operates the stick 21 'and the operation position exceeds the operation determination circle 116, the final operation direction is determined by the following procedure. As described above, when the value exceeds the operation determination circle 116, the operation direction determination unit 407e 'determines the operation direction determination area number m and calculates the operation direction angle?.
[0083]
When the stick 21 ′ is tilted over the operation determination circle 116, the corresponding operation history table is stored in the operation history storage unit 407 b ′ based on the current GUI state and the determination result of the operator's seating position of the operator identification unit 407 a. Pull out.
If the operation history analysis result is not recorded in the operation history table at an initial stage (a stage at the beginning of use), the operation direction is determined based on the operation direction determination area number m that exceeds the operation determination circle 116.
[0084]
When the operation history analysis result is recorded in the operation history table, the final operation direction determination is performed as follows using the operation direction determination areas m and n, the operation direction angle θ, and the angle φ of the operation direction vector. .
Average of operation direction angles in a column corresponding to operation direction determination area number m <θ_m> And θ, and selects an adjacent operation direction determination area number n close to the current operation direction angle.
Further, the average of the angles θ and φ stored in the operation history table <θ_m>, <Φ_m>, Standard deviation standard deviation σ (θ_m), Σ (φ_m) And the correlation coefficient R_mFrom the Mahalanobis generalized distance D defined by_m ²Is calculated.
(Equation 9)

[0085]
Similarly, the average of the angles θ and φ in the column corresponding to the operation direction determination area number n <θ_n>, <Φ_n>, Standard deviation standard deviation σ (θ_n), Σ (φ_n), And the correlation coefficient R_nFrom, Mahalanobis pan-distance D_n ²Is calculated.
Mahalanobis general distance D_m ², D_n ²Based on the result of_m ²≤D_n ²Then, operation in the operation direction m, D_m ²> D_n ²If so, it is determined that the operation is in the operation direction n.
[0086]
In this embodiment, the stick 21 ′ constitutes the operation end of the present invention, and the horizontal position detection unit 403 X, the vertical position detection unit 403 Y, and the operation direction determination unit 407 e ′ constitute an operation direction determination unit.
Step 141 of the flowchart constitutes operator identification means, step 142 constitutes operation history storage means, step 143 constitutes operation history analysis means, and step 144 constitutes determination area control means.
[0087]
According to the present embodiment, in the multi-directional input device, the sitting position of the operator is determined, and the history of the operating direction angle of the stick 21 ′ for each combination of the sitting position of the operator and the operating direction layout is recorded for each operating direction determination area number. And the average, standard deviation, and discrimination value of the distribution of the operation direction angle are calculated for each operation direction determination area by statistical processing, and the average of the operation direction angles in which the stick 21 ′ is more likely to be operated <θ._i> Direction is the center direction of the operation direction determination area, and the determination value C_mnIs set and changed as the boundary direction with the adjacent operation direction determination area.
[0088]
As a result, a difference in operability of the stick 21 'between the sitting position and the right hand and the left hand, a characteristic of the individual operator's habit, a characteristic due to a difference in physique, a situation in which bias or blur occurs due to a joystick arrangement position, and an operation direction discrimination adapted to the operation layout. An area is set, and operation errors can be reduced.
[0089]
Furthermore, the possibility of selecting not only the operation determination area m where the stick 21 ′ is positioned when the operation determination circle is exceeded for each individual operation direction determination but also the operation determination area n adjacent to the operation determination area m is determined by the operation history. It is determined from the statistical processing result of the angle θ of the operation direction and the angle φ of the operation direction vector stored as the above, based on the Mahalanobis generalized distance, and the final operation direction is determined. Even an operator having a habit can accurately determine the operation direction, and as a result, an operation error can be effectively reduced.
[0090]
In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the operation history storage units 407b and 407b 'and the operation history analysis units 407c and 407c' have been described as processes inside the stick control arithmetic unit 407 or 407 '. The processing may be performed by the operation / display processing calculation unit 409 outside the device, and the result may be output to the stick control calculation device 407 or 407 ′ via the communication unit 408.
[0091]
Further, in the first and second embodiments, an example is shown in which a signal from an infrared sensor that can be detected in a non-contact manner is used as the operator identification unit. However, the signal is not necessarily infrared light. An optical sensor of another wavelength band may be used as long as it is suitable for the use environment.
Further, instead of the infrared sensor, a capacitance sensor or a pressure-sensitive sensor using a resistive film or a pressure-sensitive element which is premised on contact with the sensor may be used. In the case other than such an optical sensor, the sensor may be arranged at the same position as that in FIG.
That is, when the joysticks 21 and 21 ′ are arranged on the center cluster 20 as shown in FIG. 2, the palm bottom near the base of the thumb comes into contact with the instrument panel surface as a support at the time of operation. If a capacitance sensor or a pressure-sensitive sensor is installed at a similar position, the operator's seating position can be similarly identified.
[0092]
Furthermore, in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the joystick input device that performs input by tilting the stick as the operation end has been described. However, a mouse that performs input by sliding in the radial direction from the center position is used. The arrangement of sensors for identifying the operator's seating position is the same even for a multidirectional input device that is an operation end.
However, when the slide amount (stroke) is large, the position of the hand at the time of operation moves, so the sensor position is determined so that the left and right can be separated in consideration of the hand coverage.
Further, in the case of a contact sensor such as a capacitance sensor or a pressure sensor, the sensing surface is set so as to cover the entire contact surface in consideration of hand movement.
[0093]
In the first and second embodiments, the statistical processing of the distribution of the operation direction angle θ in the operation history or the distribution of the angle φ of the operation direction vector is treated on the assumption that the normal distribution is used. Good.
Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the angle φ of the operation direction vector is the angle formed by the operation direction vector with respect to the 0 ° direction reference line 34 of the stick 21 ′. The angle between the operation direction vector and the region center direction line 118 (118a to 118h) or 118 '(118a' to 118h ') may be used.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a layout of a joystick input device according to an embodiment;
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation direction angle at the time of a stick operation.
FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the joystick input device according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the joystick input device according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an overall flow of stick control.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of an operator identification process.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of an operation history storage process.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a selection menu and an operation direction layout.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of an operation history table.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a movable region.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of an operation history analysis process.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a result of performing statistical processing on an operation history.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a movable area control process.
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram when a setting of a movable area is changed.
FIG. 15 is a control block diagram of the joystick input device according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a joystick input device according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the overall flow of stick control.
FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of an operation history table.
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an operation direction determination area of a stick, operation direction angle detection, and an operation direction vector.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of an operation direction determination area control process.
FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram in a case where change control of a stick operation direction determination area is performed.
[Explanation of symbols]
20 Center Cluster
21, 21 'stick
22 Cancel switch
23 Display
24, 24R, 24L infrared sensor
32 hands
340 0 direction reference line
35 Stick operation direction line
111a-111h, 111a ', 111b', 111h 'Operation Guide
112a, 112b, 112a ', 112b' vertex
113, 113 'play area
114a to 114h, 114a ', 114b' movable area
115 Operation direction angle judgment circle
115 'operation direction vector origin circle
116 Operation judgment circle
118a to 118h, 118a 'and 118b'
119a, 119b, 119h, 119a ', 119h' Determination boundary direction line
120 neutral point
131a to 131h, 131a 'Operation direction determination area
401, 401 'joystick input device
403X horizontal position detector
403Y Vertical position detector
404X horizontal drive
404Y vertical drive
407, 407 'stick control arithmetic unit
407a Operator identification unit
407b, 407b 'Operation history storage unit
407c, 407c 'Operation history analysis unit
407d movable area control unit
407d 'Operation direction determination area control unit
407e, 407e 'Operation direction determination unit
408 Communication unit
409 Operation / display processing calculation unit
410 Information processing operation unit
502a, 502a 'end of stick
502b, 502b 'pedestal

Claims (11)

By tilting or sliding the operation end in a predetermined direction, a command associated with the operation direction is selected, and in a multidirectional input device for performing an input operation,
Operation history storage means for cumulatively storing an operation trajectory of the operation end for each operation of the operation end;
Operation history analysis means for statistically processing the distribution of the accumulated and stored operation trajectories;
Multi-directional control means for changing and controlling a movable area for determining an operation direction of the operation end corresponding to the command from a statistical amount of distribution of the operation trajectory obtained by the operation history analysis means. Input device. By tilting or sliding the operation end in a predetermined direction, a command associated with the operation direction is selected, and in a multidirectional input device for performing an input operation,
Operation history storage means for cumulatively storing an operation trajectory of the operation end for each operation of the operation end;
Operation history analysis means for statistically processing the distribution of the accumulated and stored operation trajectories;
A multi-directional input device comprising: an operation direction determining unit that monitors a trajectory of each operation of the operation end for each operation and determines an operation direction based on a distribution of the operation trajectory. 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a determination area control unit configured to change and control an operation direction determination area for determining an operation direction of the operation end corresponding to the command from a statistical amount of the distribution of the operation trajectory. Multi-directional input device. The operation history storage means accumulates and stores an operation direction angle of the operation end with respect to a predetermined reference direction as an operation trajectory of the operation end for each operation direction corresponding to the command,
The operation history analysis unit statistically processes the distribution of the operation direction angle for each operation direction corresponding to the command,
2. The multi-directional direction according to claim 1, wherein the movable area control unit sets a central direction angle of the movable area so as to correspond to an average of the operation direction angles for each operation direction corresponding to the command. 3. Input device. The operation history storage means accumulates and stores an operation direction angle of the operation end with respect to a predetermined reference direction as an operation trajectory of the operation end for each operation direction corresponding to the command,
The operation history analysis unit statistically processes the distribution of the operation direction angle for each operation direction corresponding to the command,
4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the determination area control unit sets a central direction angle of the operation direction determination area so as to correspond to an average of the operation direction angles for each operation direction corresponding to the command. 5. Multi-directional input device. The operation history storage means accumulates and stores, as an operation trajectory of the operation end, an operation direction angle of the operation end with respect to a predetermined reference direction when entering the operation direction determination area for each operation direction corresponding to the command. ,
The operation history analysis unit statistically processes the distribution of the operation direction angle for each operation direction corresponding to the command,
The operation direction determining means determines the operation direction of the operation end by performing a discriminant calculation using the distribution of the operation direction angle with respect to each of the operation direction angle and the operation direction determination region including the operation end and the adjacent operation direction determination region. The multidirectional input device according to claim 3, wherein the determination is performed. The operation history storage means includes, as an operation trajectory of the operation end, an operation direction angle of the operation end with respect to a predetermined reference direction when entering the operation direction determination area, and a predetermined reference before and after entering the operation direction determination area. An operation direction vector that is an angle of the movement direction of the operation end with respect to the direction is cumulatively stored for each operation direction corresponding to the command,
The operation history analysis unit statistically processes the distribution of the operation direction angle and the distribution of the operation direction vector for each operation direction corresponding to the command,
The operation direction determination unit calculates the distribution of the operation direction angle and the distribution of the operation direction vector with respect to each of the operation direction determination region including the operation end and the adjacent operation direction determination region. The multi-directional input device according to claim 3, wherein the operation direction of the operation end is determined by the used discriminant calculation. The operation history storage means accumulates and stores the operation trajectory for each selectable direction number type of the operation direction corresponding to the option arrangement of the command,
The multi-directional input device according to claim 1, wherein the operation history analysis unit statistically processes a distribution of the operation trajectory for each type of selectable direction of the operation direction. Having operator identification means for identifying the operator,
The operation history storage means accumulates and stores the operation trajectory for each operator,
The multi-directional input device according to claim 1, wherein the operation history analysis unit statistically processes a distribution of the operation trajectory for each operator. Attached to the vehicle, the operating end is operable from a driver's seat and a passenger seat,
10. The multidirectional input device according to claim 9, wherein the operator identification unit detects whether the seated position of the operator is a driver's seat or a passenger seat, and determines the operator based on the seated position. The multidirectional input device according to claim 9, wherein the operator identification unit detects an operator based on a detection state of a detection sensor provided near both right and left sides of the operation end.

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