JP2006341729A - Input device for vehicle and operation detection method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an input device for a vehicle capable of reliably determining whether a driver is driving or operating an on-vehicle apparatus, from the driver's way a to hold the steering wheel. <P>SOLUTION: This system is a vehicle steering unit 3 for selecting a function of an on-vehicle apparatus 1 by inputting an operation for the steering wheel 11, and includes input detection mechanisms 14 provided with a plurality of them with circumferentially separated on the backside 3b of the steering wheel 11, and a contact face detection mechanism 13 which is provided on a surface 3a of the steering wheel 11 and detects a contact area when the driver operates the input detection mechanism 14. For such operation on the steering wheel 11, the on-vehicle apparatus 1 determines a gripping position of the driver's hands according to the position and a shape of the contact area detected by the contact face detection mechanism 13. Then, this system assigns the function which the on-vehicle apparatus 1 executes for the relevant input detection mechanism 14 which occupy predetermined positions relative to the determined gripping position. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an input device for a vehicle that inputs an operation of a driver who drives the vehicle via a steering wheel, and an operation detection method for the input device for a vehicle.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a technology that allows a driver of a vehicle to operate a vehicle-mounted device without disengaging the steering wheel by arranging a pressure sensor on a steering wheel that is gripped to perform a driving operation. It is known from Patent Document 1 below.

The switch device described in Patent Document 1 detects a response to a pressure sensor disposed on a steering wheel, and determines that there is an operation intention when the output of the pressure sensor at a finger position is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Then, menu operations were performed.
JP 2003-95038 A

  However, in the above-described switch device, the steering device is operated in a stable state while holding the steering wheel, or the steering device is steered at an intersection. It is difficult to accurately determine whether the pressure on the steering is increasing. In other words, misjudgment when the output of the pressure sensor is unstable or operation on the steering wheel during driving operation is different from the intention to operate the vehicle-mounted device, but if an increase in pressure over a predetermined value is detected, There was a problem that it was misjudged as an intention to operate the device.

  The present invention is an input device for a vehicle that inputs an operation on a steering wheel gripped by a driver of the vehicle and selectively operates a function of the in-vehicle device, and is divided circumferentially on the back surface of the steering wheel to the driver A plurality of input detecting means for detecting the operation of the driver and a surface of the steering wheel provided to the driver, and the driver's contact with the surface when the driver operates the input detecting means. Contact area detecting means for detecting the area is provided on the steering wheel. For such an operation of the steering wheel, the present invention determines the grip position of the driver's operator's hand based on the position and shape of the contact area detected by the contact area detection means. The assignment means solves the above-described problem by assigning a function executed by the in-vehicle device to the input detection means having a predetermined positional relationship with the grip position determined by the contact determination means.

  According to the present invention, the operation on the surface of the steering wheel is detected by the contact surface detection means, the grip position of the driver's operating hand is determined based on the position and shape of the contact area with respect to the surface, and the grip position Since the function that the in-vehicle device executes is assigned to the input detection means that has a predetermined positional relationship with respect to the steering wheel, depending on how the steering wheel is gripped, the operation on the steering wheel depends on the driving operation or on the on-vehicle device It is possible to reliably discriminate and judge whether it is a product, and to suppress erroneous operations on the in-vehicle device.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
The present invention is applied to, for example, a vehicle information system configured as shown in FIG. This vehicle information system allows a driver to operate an in-vehicle device 1 such as a navigation system.

[Configuration of vehicle information system]
The vehicle information system includes an in-vehicle device 1, a display device 2 having a display screen that can be viewed by a driver, and a vehicle steering device 3 that is gripped by the driver when the vehicle travels.

  The vehicle steering device 3 is gripped by the driver to drive the traveling direction of the host vehicle. In FIG. 1, the vehicle steering device 3 separately shows a driver-side surface 3 a and a host vehicle front-side back surface 3 b for the sake of explanation. A side view of the vehicle steering device 3 is shown in FIG.

  As shown on the surface in FIG. 1, the vehicle steering device 3 includes a steering wheel 11 having a circular outer periphery and a steering spoke portion 12 on the inner peripheral side of the steering wheel portion 11. On the surface of the vehicle steering device 3, a contact surface detection mechanism (contact region detection means) 13 made of, for example, a resistance change detection type pressure sensor is incorporated. The contact surface detection mechanism 13 detects the contact reaction signal of the driver's operating finger when the driver is holding the steering wheel unit 11 and causes the in-vehicle device 1 to recognize the grip position information and the grip shape information. This grip shape information indicates an operation finger contact area with respect to the surface 3 a of the steering wheel portion 11.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an input detection mechanism (input detection means) comprising a resistance change detection type pressure sensor arranged in a plurality divided and arranged in the circumferential direction of the steering wheel portion 11 on the rear surface 3 b of the vehicle steering device 3. 14 is built-in. The input detection mechanism 14 can be identified by the in-vehicle device 1 such as numbers (1) to (26). The input detection mechanism 14 also has a built-in mechanism that, when the operating finger is operated at a predetermined pressure, transmits the operation by a tactile sensation and applies an operating torque such as a click feeling to the operating finger. The mechanism for giving the click feeling or the like to the operation finger can be realized by, for example, a contact switch, a membrane switch, an FT sensor, a spring, or a motor. As will be described later, an input detection mechanism 14 that can be operated by the driver, This is a mechanism in which the impossible input detection mechanism 14 is set to a different operation torque.

  Further, on the back surface 3b of the vehicle steering device 3, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a function for preventing the operator from slipping from the steering wheel portion 11 during driving operation and the operation for each input detection mechanism 14 are performed. A concave / convex shaped operation guide 15 has a function of guiding a finger. The operation guide 15 is formed with irregularities at intervals of about the width of a general driver's operation finger. In the vehicle steering device 3, each input detection mechanism 14 is installed corresponding to each recess of the operation guide 15.

  Each input detection mechanism 14 is assigned the function of the in-vehicle device 1 by the in-vehicle device 1. And the input detection mechanism 14 detects having pressed with the operation finger, outputs the said detection result to the vehicle equipment 1 as a switch operation signal, and detects operation with respect to the function allocated by the vehicle equipment 1. FIG. The vehicle steering device 3 is provided with an encoding unit between each input detection mechanism 14 and the in-vehicle device 1, and an operation signal generated by pressing the input detection mechanism 14 is encoded by the encoding unit. And you may output to the vehicle equipment 1.

  Such a vehicle information system has a functional configuration as shown in FIG. The in-vehicle device 1 assigns a function to each input detection mechanism 14, accepts an operation of an operation finger on the contact surface detection mechanism 13 and the input detection mechanism 14, and executes or invalidates the function assigned to each input detection mechanism 14. It is configured from a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes a program to be executed, a memory, and the like, and controls display contents of the display device 2 and the like.

  In the in-vehicle device 1, a contact surface detection mechanism 13 built in the front surface 3 a of the vehicle steering device 3 and an input detection mechanism 14 built in the back surface 3 b are connected to the in-vehicle device 1. The in-vehicle device 1 includes a contact position determination unit 21 connected to the contact surface detection mechanism 13, a function assignment unit 22, an operation function determination unit 23 connected to the input detection mechanism 14, and a display connected to the display device 2. A content creation unit 24;

  The contact position determination unit 21 recognizes the grip position information and the grip shape information from the contact reaction signal detected by the contact surface detection mechanism 13, and a contact area larger than a predetermined value is recognized in the support target area shown in FIG. If it is, the area for the surface 3a of the steering wheel portion 11 is determined as the holding area held by the operator.

  This support portion target area is a region that is a target for detecting operation on the surface 3a of the steering wheel portion 11 and generating grip position information and grip shape information. This support portion target area is on the driver side of the front surface 3a as shown in FIG. 4 (a), as seen from the top, bottom, right side, and left and right sides of the vehicle steering device 3. Is set to a half area on the rear side in the front-rear direction. On the contrary, in the steering wheel unit 11, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the entire surface of the back surface 3b and the front half in the front-rear direction are not set as the support target area. .

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the contact position determination unit 21 recognizes grip position information and grip shape information in which a single operation finger contacts the position P <b> 0 on the surface 3 a of the steering wheel unit 11, and sets the input detection mechanism 14. A switch operation signal generated by pressing is input. The contact position determination unit 21 detects from the grip position information and grip shape information at the position P0 that a contact operation has been performed on the support unit target area with an area of a predetermined value or more.

  And the contact position determination part 21 determines the area | region containing the position P0 as the holding | maintenance area | region 100 where the driver | operator is holding the steering wheel part 11, as shown by the white in FIG. At this time, the contact position determination unit 21 sets a predetermined area above the back surface 3b with respect to the position P0 as the holding area 100. The contact position determination unit 21 sets the point closest to the origin of the holding region 100 among the positions P0 (one in this example) included in the holding region 100 as the contact reaction fulcrum Pg, and the presence / absence of the holding region 100 and the contact reaction fulcrum. The coordinates of Pg are output to the function assignment unit 22.

  The determination of the holding region 100 is performed at a maximum of two locations, and when three or more reactions are detected by the contact position determination unit 21, two regions having a wide reaction area are preferentially determined as the holding region 100. . Then, the contact position determination unit 21 obtains the contact reaction fulcrum Pg from one holding region 100 including the point closest to the origin, and sets the point close to the origin included in the other holding region 100 as the contact reaction fulcrum Pg. As described above, when a plurality of contact areas are detected, a plurality of areas that can be operated by the driver can be determined, and the holding area 100 corresponding to both left and right hands can be set.

  Further, when there is a contact reaction at positions P1 to P4 in the holding area 100 shown in FIG. 5, it is determined as a contact area indicating the number of operation fingers in contact with the driver's operation fingers, and is stored in advance. The positional relationship between the button fulcrum coordinates indicating the position where the detection mechanism 14 is embedded and the contact area are compared, and if the button fulcrum coordinates exist in the contact area, the button number of the button fulcrum coordinates is output to the function assignment unit 22. To do. That is, the contact position determination unit 21 obtains the contact reaction fulcrum Pg and the holding region 100 from the position P0 on the front surface 3a, obtains the button number and the contact region from the positions P1 to P4 on the back surface 3b, and assigns both information to the function. To the unit 22. Thereby, the contact position determination part 21 can discriminate | determine the input detection mechanism 14 which a driver | operator can operate, and the input detection mechanism 14 which cannot be operated.

  The function assignment unit 22 assigns a function to the input detection mechanism 14 when information including the holding area 100 is input from the contact position determination unit 21. The function assigning unit 22 assigns pre-stored assignment functions in accordance with the button numbers from the contact position determination unit 21 in order of the button numbers that are far from the contact reaction fulcrum Pg. Assign as assignment function, ring finger assignment function, little finger assignment function.

  Here, when the button number is not output from the contact position determination unit 21 to the function assignment unit 22, as shown in FIG. 5, the contact reaction fulcrum Pg and a reference set in advance for each operating finger of the left and right hands. A virtual point extending from the contact reaction fulcrum Pg is calculated using the finger vectors V1 to V4. Then, the function assigning unit 22 determines whether the button fulcrum coordinates exist within a predetermined distance from the calculated virtual point, and if present, the index finger assigning function, the middle finger are arranged in order of increasing distance from the contact reaction fulcrum. Functions are assigned for each button number, such as an assignment function, a ring finger assignment function, and a little finger assignment function.

  When a switch operation signal is input from the input detection mechanism 14, the operation function determination unit 23 determines whether a function is allocated to the button number of the input switch operation signal by the function allocation unit 22. If the function is assigned, the corresponding function is called to output a control signal for controlling the display content of the display content creation unit 24. On the other hand, when a function is not assigned to the button number of the switch operation signal, the switch operation signal is canceled.

  Further, it is desirable that the operation function determination unit 23 determines that the input detection mechanism 14 has been pressed when the input detection mechanism 14 has been continuously input for a predetermined time.

  The display content creating unit 24 creates the display content of the function according to the operation of the input detection mechanism 14 assigned by the function assigning unit 22 and assigned the function by the operation function determining unit 23. For example, when the positions P1 to P4 are detected as shown in FIG. 5 and the operable index is four, the display content creation unit 24, as shown in FIG. ) To (4), the function of displaying an image captured by any of the in-vehicle cameras on the display device 2 is assigned to the index finger assignment function, the middle finger assignment function, the ring finger assignment function, and the little finger assignment function for display. When the operable index is 3 to 1, as shown in FIGS. 6B, 6C, and 6D, the switch operation in the input detection mechanism 14 is performed by inverting the display. The function that cannot be operated is also displayed.

  The display device 2 is configured by a display device such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel, for example. The display device 2 inputs display data created by the display content creation unit 24 and displays the function of the in-vehicle device 1 according to the operation content.

[Vehicle information system function assignment processing]
Next, a function assignment process for assigning the function of the in-vehicle device 1 in accordance with an operation on the vehicle steering device 3 by the vehicle information system configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This function assignment processing is executed by the in-vehicle device 1 at regular intervals such as 10 msec intervals, for example, and assigns functions to the vehicle steering device 3.

  First, in step S <b> 1, the contact position determination unit 21 of the in-vehicle device 1 acquires grip position information and grip shape information from the contact reaction signal detected by the contact surface detection mechanism 13.

  In the next step S2, the contact position determination unit 21 determines the presence or absence of the holding region 100 based on the grip position information and the grip shape information acquired in step S1. When the contact position determination unit 21 recognizes a contact area greater than or equal to a predetermined value in the support unit target area shown in FIG. 4 from the grip position information and the grip shape information acquired in step S1, the driver determines that the steering wheel The holding area 100 holding the part 11 is obtained. Further, as shown in FIG. 5A, the position P0 closest to the origin of the holding region 100 is set as the contact reaction fulcrum Pg, and the process proceeds to step S3. Note that the contact position determination unit 21 obtains a contact reaction fulcrum Pg for each holding region 100 when a plurality of holding regions 100 are detected, such as when the steering wheel unit 11 is held by both left and right hands.

  On the other hand, the in-vehicle device 1 is in a state in which the steering wheel unit 11 is not gripped when the support portion target area does not have a predetermined contact area or more from the grip position information and the grip shape information. The processing is advanced, and the display device 2 displays that no function is assigned to the input detection mechanism 14.

  In step S3, the positional relationship between the button fulcrum coordinates of the input detection mechanism 14 embedded in the back surface 3b and the contact area is compared from the grip position information and the grip shape information acquired in step S1, and the button fulcrum is located in the contact area. If there is a coordinate, the button number of the button fulcrum coordinate is output to the function assignment unit 22, and the process proceeds to step S5. On the other hand, if there is no button fulcrum coordinate in the contact area, the process proceeds to step S6.

  In step S5, as shown in FIG. 5, the contact position determination unit 21 starts from the contact reaction fulcrum Pg obtained in step S2, and connects the contact reaction fulcrum Pg to the button fulcrum coordinates P1 to P4 in the contact area. Reference finger vectors V1 to V4 are calculated.

  In the next step S7, the operation function determining unit 23 assigns an operable input from the button fulcrum coordinates included in the contact area obtained in step S3 in the function assignment for each switch (S107). The detection mechanism 14 is determined, and the input detection mechanism 14 that is operated with the index finger, the input detection mechanism 14 that is operated with the middle finger, the input detection mechanism 14 that is operated with the ring finger, and the little finger are operated in order from the contact reaction fulcrum Pg. The input detection mechanism 14 is estimated and a function is assigned to each input detection mechanism 14. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the operation function determination unit 23 stores a function assignment list set in advance for each operation finger of the right hand and the left hand, and is operated with each estimated finger according to the function assignment list. A function is assigned to each input detection mechanism 14.

  In the next step S8, the display content creation unit 24 displays a list of functions assigned to each input detection mechanism 14 set in step S7 as shown in FIG. 6, and ends the process.

  On the other hand, in step S6 following the process in which it is determined that there is no contact area in step S3, since the contact area is not detected, the function allocating unit 22 is preset with the contact reaction fulcrum Pg as shown in FIG. Using the reference finger vectors V1 to V4, the virtual points extending by the reference finger vectors V1 to V4 are calculated from the contact reaction fulcrum Pg.

  Next, in step S9, the function assignment unit 22 determines whether the button fulcrum coordinates exist within a predetermined distance from the virtual point calculated in step S6. If button fulcrum coordinates exist within a predetermined distance from the virtual point, the process proceeds to step S10. When a plurality of button fulcrum coordinates are detected within a certain distance from the virtual point, priority is given to the button fulcrum coordinates closest to the virtual point.

  On the other hand, if the button fulcrum coordinates do not exist within a predetermined distance from the virtual point, in step S4, a control signal indicating that no function is assigned to the input detection mechanism 14 is output to the display content creation unit 24, and the display device 2 To display and finish the process.

  In step S10, the operation function determination unit 23 operates with the index finger in the order farthest from the contact reaction fulcrum Pg with respect to the button fulcrum coordinates determined to exist within a predetermined distance from the virtual point in step S9. The input detection mechanism 14 operated with the middle finger, the input detection mechanism 14 operated with the ring finger, and the input detection mechanism 14 operated with the little finger are estimated. Then, the operation function determination unit 23 assigns a function to each input detection mechanism 14 according to, for example, the function assignment list of FIG. Then, the operation function determination unit 23 causes the display content creation unit 24 to display a list of the functions assigned to each input detection mechanism 14 set in step S10 as shown in FIG. 6, and ends the process.

[Function execution processing]
Next, a function execution process executed in parallel with the function assignment process as described above will be described with reference to FIG. This function execution process is executed by the in-vehicle device 1 at regular intervals such as an interval of 10 msec, for example, and executes a function assigned to each input detection mechanism 14 according to a driver's operation on the vehicle steering device 3. .

  In step S21, the operation function determination unit 23 checks whether or not there is a switch operation signal from the input detection mechanism 14 within a predetermined period such as 100 msec. In step S22, it is determined whether or not a switch operation signal is detected in step S21. If there is a switch operation signal, the process proceeds to step S23; otherwise, the process ends.

  In step S23, the operation function determination unit 23 reads the correspondence between each input detection mechanism 14 set in the above-described function assignment process and the function assigned to the input detection mechanism 14, and in step S24, the step It is determined whether or not a function is assigned to the input detection mechanism 14 that has output the switch operation signal detected in S21. If it is determined that a function is assigned, the process proceeds to step S25. If a function is not assigned, the process ends.

  In step S25, the operation function determination unit 23 outputs a control signal instructing execution of the function assigned to the input detection mechanism 14 designated by the switch operation signal to the device that executes the function and is executed. A control signal for displaying the function to be displayed is output to the display content creating unit 24, and the display of the display device 2 is changed. The operation function determination unit 23 determines that the operation is an operation for the assigned function when the operation of the driver is detected continuously within a predetermined time with respect to the input detection mechanism 14, and the execution of the function is performed. It is desirable to indicate.

[Effect of the first embodiment]
As described above in detail, according to the vehicle information system according to the first embodiment to which the present invention is applied, the operation on the surface 3a of the steering wheel portion 11 is detected by the contact surface detection mechanism 13, and the surface 3a is detected. Based on the position and shape of the contact area with respect to the vehicle, the grip position of the driver's operating hand is determined, and the in-vehicle device 1 executes the input detection mechanism 14 that has a predetermined positional relationship with the grip position. Since the function is assigned, it is determined whether the operation on the steering wheel unit 11 is due to the driving operation or the operation on the in-vehicle device 1 depending on how the steering wheel unit 11 is gripped. Can be suppressed. That is, the support target area that supports the operating finger on the surface 3a is determined from how to grip the steering wheel 11, and is located near the operable position in the vector direction that has a predetermined positional relationship from the support target area. By assigning a unique operation function only to the embedded input detection mechanism 14, it is possible to stably hold the steering wheel unit 11 without erroneously recognizing a sudden contact with the steering wheel unit 11 as a switch operation. Multifunctional operation can be surely performed in the state.

  Further, according to this vehicle information system, when the operation of the driver is detected continuously within a predetermined time by the input detection mechanism 14, it is detected that the operation is for the function assigned by the function assignment unit 22. Therefore, it can be determined that the input operation has been performed only when the input detection mechanism 14 installed on the back surface 3b of the steering wheel unit 11 is continuously operated within a predetermined time, and erroneous recognition of the operation is performed. Can be prevented.

  Further, according to this vehicle information system, the input detection mechanism 14 that can be operated by the driver based on the operation of the driver detected by the input detection mechanism 14 by the contact surface detection mechanism 13 and the operation by the driver. Since the input detection mechanism 14 is determined to be impossible, the input detection mechanism 14 that can be operated near the tip is determined based on how the steering wheel portion 11 is gripped on the surface 3a, and the position according to the grip of the operator's specific grip An operation function can be assigned to the switch, and a multi-function operation can be performed even for an operator who performs a special grip.

  Furthermore, according to this vehicle information system, the operation torque for the input detection mechanism 14 that can be operated by the driver is different from the operation torque of the driver for the input detection mechanism 14 that cannot be operated by the driver. Therefore, the function of the in-vehicle device 1 is assigned by changing the operation torque of the input detection mechanism 14 to which the function of the in-vehicle device 1 is not assigned and the operation torque of the input detection mechanism 14 to which the function of the in-vehicle device 1 has been assigned. The input detection mechanism 14 can be grasped.

  Furthermore, according to this vehicle information system, when a plurality of contact areas are detected by the contact surface detection mechanism 13 by the contact position determination unit 21, a plurality of areas that can be operated by the driver are determined. A unique function can be assigned to each finger position of the left hand and the right hand, and more functions of the in-vehicle device 1 can be operated.

  Furthermore, according to this vehicle information system, since the plurality of input detection mechanisms 14 are evenly arranged on the back surface 3b of the steering wheel portion 11 at regular intervals, the steering wheel portion 11 Even in this case, multi-function operation is possible.

  Furthermore, according to this vehicle information system, since the operation guide 15 made of a protrusion for distinguishing between the input detection mechanisms 14 is provided on the back surface 3b of the steering wheel portion 11, slipping when the steering wheel portion 11 is snaked. While having the stopping function, the operation to the input detection mechanism 14 can be accurately guided, and the operation to the plurality of input detection mechanisms 14 with one finger can be prevented.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a vehicle information system according to the second embodiment will be described. In addition, about the part similar to the above-mentioned 1st Embodiment, the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol.

  The in-vehicle device 1 according to the second embodiment includes a road information detection unit 41 to which the vehicle position detection unit 31 and the road information storage unit 32 are connected, as shown in FIG. A vehicle information detection unit 42 that is connected to an in-vehicle LAN cable and acquires various types of vehicle information, a scene determination unit 43 that is connected to the road information detection unit 41 and the vehicle information detection unit 42, and a finger vector calculation unit 51 And a function allocation process by the function allocation unit 22 is performed based on the scene determination result of the scene determination unit 43 and the finger vector calculation result of the finger vector calculation unit 51.

  The own vehicle position detection unit 31 and the road information storage unit 32 are partial functions of an in-vehicle navigation system (not shown). The in-vehicle device 1 is connected to the navigation system and uses information acquired by the navigation system.

  The own vehicle position detection unit 31 detects the position (latitude, longitude) of the own vehicle and the traveling direction of the own vehicle using a GPS (Global Positioning System), an independent sensor, or the like. The own vehicle position detection unit 31 acquires the own vehicle position and the own vehicle traveling direction in real time even when the own vehicle is traveling by acquiring the own vehicle position and the own vehicle traveling direction at predetermined intervals such as every 5 Hz. It supplies to the information detection part 41.

  The road information storage unit 32 acquires road information from map information used in the navigation system. This road information is composed of a collection of vector data in which road shapes are represented by points (nodes, complementary points) and lines (links), and point information stored as information specific to each latitude and longitude. This point information is configured by associating position information, information contents, and icons indicating information contents. Further, road attribute data is added to each point and line representing the road shape. For example, latitude, longitude, and road curvature information are added to each point as attribute data, and road types and road widths such as national roads, city roads, highways, and parking sections are added to each line as attribute data. In the point information Pn, latitude / longitude information of the point, point-specific information such as road curvature, recommended speed, road surface μ, parking area, and the like, and point-specific information representative icons are added. The road information storage unit 32 does not necessarily have to be mounted on the vehicle. For example, the road information storage unit 32 may acquire remote server information using a communication means such as a mobile phone or a wireless LAN.

  The vehicle information from the in-vehicle LAN acquired by the vehicle information detection unit 42 refers to information transmitted and received between an in-vehicle ECU (Electric Control Unit) and sensors, and includes information necessary for vehicle travel. This vehicle information includes at least a steering angle, a steering speed, a deceleration, an acceleration, and a direction indicator. Further, the vehicle information includes information such as a torque generation instruction value corresponding to the accelerator depression amount, a lateral G signal, a vehicle speed signal, an inter-vehicle distance signal, and the like. Then, the vehicle information detection unit 42 outputs the vehicle information acquired from the in-vehicle LAN to the scene determination unit 43 and the function assignment unit 22.

  The road information detection unit 41 performs map matching processing with the road shape information stored in the road information storage unit 32 based on the own vehicle position and the own vehicle traveling direction information detected by the own vehicle position detection unit 31, Road shape information within a certain distance (for example, 100 m) from the line (link) of the matched road and point information Pn existing around the road shape information are acquired.

  The scene determination unit 43 uses the road information detected by the road information detection unit 41 to acquire the vehicle position and attribute information around the vehicle position, and the attribute information and the vehicle detected by the vehicle information detection unit 42 Based on the information, it is determined whether or not the current surrounding situation of the host vehicle is a scene with a high switch operation frequency. It should be noted that the details of this scene discrimination processing are those who will be described later.

  The finger vector calculation unit 51 calculates a finger vector as a finger direction for operating the input detection mechanism 14 embedded in the back surface 3 b of the steering wheel unit 11 from the contact reaction fulcrum Pg determined by the contact position determination unit 21.

  The function assignment unit 22 includes a scene determination result determined by the scene determination unit 43, vehicle information detected by the vehicle information detection unit 42, a finger vector calculated by the finger vector calculation unit 51, a function assignment list, To assign a function to each button number. Details of this function assignment processing will be described later.

[Scene discrimination processing]
Next, scene determination processing by the vehicle information system according to the second embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This scene determination process is executed by the in-vehicle device 1 at regular intervals such as 10 msec intervals, for example.

  First, in step S31, the host vehicle position information and the host vehicle traveling direction information detected by the host vehicle position detector 31 are acquired. The host vehicle position includes latitude and longitude, and the host vehicle traveling direction is clockwise angle information indicating 0 degree in the north direction.

  In the next step S32, a line (link) on which the host vehicle is currently traveling from the road information storage unit 32 based on the host vehicle position information and host vehicle traveling direction information acquired in step S31 by the road information storage unit 32. Information is acquired, and attribute information added to the line information is acquired.

  In the next step S33, the vehicle information detection unit 42 acquires a vehicle speed signal from a vehicle speed sensor connected via the in-vehicle LAN.

  In the next step S34, the scene determination unit 43 reads the attribute information of the line (link) information acquired in step S32, and determines whether or not the attribute in the line (link) of the vehicle position is a parking lot. Thereby, the scene discrimination | determination part 43 advances a process to step S35, when it determines with the surrounding condition of the own vehicle being in a parking area, and when it determines with it not being in a parking area, it processes to step S37. To proceed.

  In step S35, the scene determination unit 43 determines whether the speed information of the host vehicle acquired in step S33 is equal to or less than a predetermined value that allows the driver to determine that the operation load on the steering wheel unit 11 is small for the driver, for example, 20 km / h. Judging. Thereby, when it determines with a vehicle speed being below a predetermined value, a process is advanced to step S36, and when it determines with a vehicle speed being beyond a predetermined value, a process is advanced to step S37.

  In step S <b> 36, the scene determination unit 43 determines that the input detection mechanism 14 is highly likely to be operated in order to select or execute the function of the in-vehicle device 1, and uses the scene determination result as a function allocation unit. 22 is notified and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, in step S37, the scene determination unit 43 reads the attribute of the line (link) information acquired in step S32, and determines whether the attribute of the host vehicle position is a highway. Thereby, when it determines with the surrounding condition of the own vehicle being a highway, a process is advanced to step S39, and when it determines with it being not a highway, a process is advanced to step S38.

  In step S38, the scene determination unit 43 determines whether the vehicle speed information acquired in step S33 is equal to or less than a predetermined value that allows the driver to determine that the operation load on the steering wheel unit 11 is large for the driver, for example, 40 km / h. To do. Thereby, when it determines with a vehicle speed being below a predetermined value, a process is advanced to step S36, and when it determines with a vehicle speed being beyond a predetermined value, a process is advanced to step S39.

  In step S39, the scene determination unit 43 determines that the input detection mechanism 14 is unlikely to be operated in order to select or execute the function of the in-vehicle device 1, and uses the scene determination result as a function allocation unit. 22 is notified and the process is terminated.

[Function assignment processing]
Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 12 for function assignment processing for assigning the function of the in-vehicle device 1 in accordance with the operation on the vehicle steering device 3 by the vehicle information system according to the second embodiment configured as described above. I will explain. This function assignment processing is executed by the in-vehicle device 1 at regular intervals such as 10 msec intervals, for example, and assigns functions to the vehicle steering device 3.

  First, in step S <b> 41, the function assignment unit 22 acquires vehicle information including the steering speed, the direction indicator signal, acceleration, and deceleration from the vehicle information detection unit 42 and supplies the vehicle information to the scene determination unit 43.

  In the next step S42, the function assignment unit 22 determines whether or not the steering speed acquired in step S41 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. Accordingly, when the steering speed is equal to or higher than the predetermined value, it is determined that the steering is being performed, and the process proceeds to step S45. When the steering speed is equal to or lower than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S43.

  In the next step S43, the function assignment unit 22 determines whether or not an operation on the direction indicator is performed from the direction indicator signal acquired in step S41. Thereby, when it determines with operation with respect to a direction indicator being performed, a process is advanced to step S45, and when it determines with operation with respect to a direction indicator not being performed, a process is advanced to step S44.

  As described above, when the steering speed is not equal to or lower than the predetermined value and the operation on the direction indicator is performed, in step S45, the process proceeds to acquisition of the scene determination result calculated by the scene determination unit 43. The scene discrimination result obtained in the 11 scene discrimination process is acquired. Then, in step S48, the function assignment unit 22 advances the process to step S47 when the scene is highly likely to be operated from the scene determination process. On the other hand, if the scene is unlikely to be operated by the input detection mechanism 14, the process proceeds to step S49, and the display device 2 displays that no function is assigned to the input detection mechanism 14, The process ends.

  In step S44, the function assigning unit 22 determines whether or not the acceleration signal acquired in step S41 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. If the acceleration is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S49 and the input detection mechanism 14 The display device 2 displays that no function is assigned to. On the other hand, if the acceleration signal is less than or equal to the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S46.

  In step S46, the function assigning unit 22 determines whether or not the deceleration signal acquired in step S41 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. If so, the process proceeds to step S49, and the function is detected in the input detection mechanism 14. It is displayed on the display device 2 that it is not assigned. On the other hand, if the deceleration signal is not equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S47.

  In step S47, as in step S1 described above, the contact position determination unit 21 of the in-vehicle device 1 acquires grip position information and grip shape information based on the contact reaction signal detected by the contact surface detection mechanism 13, and then In step S50, the presence or absence of the holding area 100 is determined based on the grip position information and the grip shape information acquired in step S47. If the holding area 100 can be set, the process proceeds to step S51, and the holding area 100 is determined. Cannot be set, the process of step S49 is performed and the process is terminated. In step S50, the contact reaction fulcrum Pg is obtained in accordance with the setting of the holding region 100.

  In step S51, the positional relationship between the button fulcrum coordinates of the input detection mechanism 14 and the contact area is compared from the grip position information and the grip shape information acquired in step S47, and when the button fulcrum coordinates exist in the contact area, The button number of the button fulcrum coordinates is output to the function assignment unit 22, and the process proceeds to step S52. On the other hand, if there is no button fulcrum coordinate in the contact area, the process proceeds to step S53.

  In step S52, as shown in FIG. 5, the finger vector calculation unit 51 calculates finger vectors V1 to V4 respectively connecting the contact reaction fulcrum Pg and the button fulcrum coordinates P11 to P14 in the contact area. Here, in order from the button fulcrum coordinate having a long distance from the contact reaction fulcrum Pg, the button fulcrum coordinate operated by the index finger is the end point vector V1, the button fulcrum coordinate operated by the middle finger is operated by the end point vector V2, and the ring finger is operated. It is assumed that the button fulcrum coordinates are the end point vector V3 and the button fulcrum coordinates operated by the little finger are the end point vector V4. When two contact reaction fulcrums Pg are detected by the left and right hands, finger vectors are calculated for each of the left and right hands. In step S52, the finger vector calculation unit 51 calculates the inclination Vnθ between each vector and the straight line connecting the contact reaction fulcrum and the origin.

  In the next step S54, the function assigning unit 22 determines within 4 of the operable input detection mechanisms 14 from the button fulcrum coordinates included in the contact area determined in step S51, and the distance from the contact reaction fulcrum Pg is determined. The input detection mechanism 14 that is operated with the index finger, the input detection mechanism 14 that is operated with the middle finger, the input detection mechanism 14 that is operated with the ring finger, and the input detection mechanism 14 that is operated with the little finger are determined in descending order. In step S54, the function assignment unit 22 assigns a function to the input detection mechanism 14 assigned to each finger according to the function assignment list.

  In the next step S55, the display content creation unit 24 displays a list of functions assigned to each input detection mechanism 14 set in step S54 as shown in FIG. 6, and ends the process.

  On the other hand, in step S53 following the process in which it is determined that there is no contact area in step S51, the finger vector calculation unit 51 determines that there is a contact reaction fulcrum when there is a finger vector calculated in step S52 in the previous function assignment process. A virtual point is calculated for each finger vector starting from Pg. On the other hand, when there is no finger vector, a virtual point is calculated using a reference finger vector whose length and direction are set in advance. That is, the contact reaction fulcrums Pgl and Pgr are set so that the left and right hands come into contact with the contact surface detection mechanism 13 and the front surface 3a and the back surface 3b shown in FIG. 13 (b) are shown. In this case, as shown in FIG. 14A, considering the inclination between the contact reaction fulcrum Pg and the origin and the inclination between the contact reaction fulcrum Pg and the origin, the tip of each finger vector starting from the contact reaction fulcrum Pg is used. Virtual points Pkln (n = 1 to 4) and Pkrn (n = 1 to 4) are calculated and correspond to numbers (2) to (5) of each input detection mechanism 14 as shown in FIG. Button fulcrums P2 to P5 are set. Here, the button fulcrums P2 and P4 are set for the reason that they are closest to the virtual points Pkr1 and Pkr3, although they are offset from the virtual points Pkr1 and Pkr3, respectively.

  In the next step S56, the finger vector calculation unit 51 compares the virtual point coordinates Pkln and Pkrn calculated in step S53 with the button fulcrum coordinates set in advance for each input detection mechanism 14 to determine the virtual point coordinates. It is determined whether there is a button fulcrum coordinate within a predetermined distance from. Thus, if the button fulcrum coordinates are within a predetermined distance from the virtual point, the process proceeds to step S57, and if not, the process proceeds to step S49. When there are a plurality of button fulcrum coordinates within a predetermined distance from each virtual point, the input detection mechanism 14 that assigns a function so that the button fulcrum coordinates are prioritized by giving priority to the button fulcrum coordinates closer to the distance. Set.

  In the next step S57, the function allocating unit 22 uses the input detection mechanism 14 operated by the index finger and the middle finger in the order farthest from the contact reaction fulcrum Pg with respect to the button fulcrum coordinates determined to be within the predetermined distance in step S56. The input detection mechanism 14 to be operated, the input detection mechanism 14 to be operated with the ring finger, and the input detection mechanism 14 to be operated with the little finger are presumed, and the function is assigned to the operable input detection mechanism 14 according to the function assignment list.

[Effects of Second Embodiment]
As described above in detail, according to the vehicle information system according to the second embodiment to which the present invention is applied, the contact reaction obtained from the predetermined origin in the contact area detected on the surface 3a of the steering wheel portion 11 is obtained. The input detection mechanism 14 for obtaining the fulcrum Pg, calculating the finger vector extending from the contact reaction fulcrum Pg by the finger vector calculation unit 51, and assigning the function by the finger vector calculated by the finger vector calculation unit 51 by the function assignment unit 22 is set. Therefore, it is possible to assign the function of the in-vehicle device 1 by determining the input detection mechanism 14 that performs the operation on the in-vehicle device 1 more accurately than in the first embodiment.

  Further, according to the vehicle information system, when the steering speed of the steering wheel unit 11 is detected and the steering speed of the steering wheel unit 11 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the function assignment to the input detection mechanism 14 is invalidated. Therefore, it can be determined that an erroneous input has occurred as the steering wheel unit 11 is steered, the switch operation signal can be invalidated, and the switch operation signal can be detected without an erroneous operation associated with the steering of the steering wheel unit 11. it can.

  Further, according to this vehicle information system, the operation state of the direction indicator is detected, and when it is detected that the direction indicator is being operated, the function assignment to the input detection mechanism 14 is invalidated. Therefore, during the operation of the direction indicator, it is determined that the driver is concentrating on driving operation, and even if a switch operation signal is generated by the input detection mechanism 14, a right / left turn operation at an intersection, Incorrect input to driving operations such as lane change operations can be prevented.

  Furthermore, according to this vehicle information system, since the acceleration of the host vehicle is detected and the function allocation to the input detection mechanism 14 is invalidated when the acceleration of the host vehicle is a predetermined value or more, driving If the user is concentrating on the driving operation rather than the operation of the in-vehicle device 1, it can be determined that there is no intention to operate the in-vehicle device 1, and even if a switch operation signal is generated from the input detection mechanism 14, Incorrect input can be prevented.

  Furthermore, according to this vehicle information system, when the deceleration of the host vehicle is detected and the deceleration of the host vehicle is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the function assignment to the input detection mechanism 14 is invalidated. When the driver concentrates on the driving operation instead of the operation of the in-vehicle device 1, it can be determined that there is no intention to operate the in-vehicle device, and even when a switch operation signal is generated from the input detection mechanism 14, Incorrect input can be prevented.

  Furthermore, according to this vehicle information system, when the scene in which the operation frequency with respect to the function of the in-vehicle device 1 is increased is determined, and it is determined that the scene has an increased operation frequency, the input detection mechanism 14 Therefore, it is possible to reliably detect an operation on the in-vehicle device 1 by judging a scene where the in-vehicle device 1 is frequently used. For example, when it is determined that it is a parking action, it is possible to reliably operate video switching of a camera system that displays a video around the host vehicle during parking.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a vehicle information system according to the third embodiment will be described. Note that parts similar to those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The vehicle information system according to the third embodiment changes the function assigned to each input detection mechanism 14 according to the pattern of the signal that is operated and input to the input detection mechanism 14 within a predetermined time. .

  The function execution process of the vehicle information system according to the third embodiment is a process executed in parallel with the function assignment process described above, and executes the process shown in FIG. This function execution process is executed by the in-vehicle device 1 at regular intervals such as an interval of 10 msec, for example, and executes a function assigned to each input detection mechanism 14 according to a driver's operation on the vehicle steering device 3. .

  First, in step S21, the operation function determination unit 23 confirms the presence or absence of a switch operation signal from the input detection mechanism 14 within a predetermined period such as 100 msec, and in step S22, whether or not a switch operation signal is detected in step S21. If there is a switch operation signal, the process proceeds to step S61, and if not, the process ends.

  In step S <b> 61, the operation function determination unit 23 determines whether or not a plurality of switch operation signals detected in step S <b> 21 are input by operating the plurality of input detection mechanisms 14 substantially simultaneously. Thereby, the operation function determination unit 23 proceeds to step S62 when it is determined that a plurality of switch operation signals have been input, and proceeds to step S23 when it is determined that a single switch operation signal has been input. Proceed.

  In step S23, the operation function determination unit 23 reads the correspondence between each input detection mechanism 14 set in the above-described function assignment process and the function assigned to the input detection mechanism 14, and in step S24, the step It is determined whether or not a function is assigned to the input detection mechanism 14 that has output the switch operation signal detected in S21. If it is determined that a function is assigned, the process proceeds to step S25. If a function is not assigned, the process ends.

  In step S25, the operation function determination unit 23 outputs a control signal instructing execution of the function assigned to the input detection mechanism 14 designated by the switch operation signal to the device that executes the function and is executed. A control signal for displaying the function to be displayed is output to the display content creating unit 24, and the display of the display device 2 is changed. The operation function determination unit 23 determines that the operation is an operation for the assigned function when the operation of the driver is detected continuously within a predetermined time with respect to the input detection mechanism 14, and the execution of the function is performed. It is desirable to indicate.

  On the other hand, in step S62, in which it is determined that a plurality of switch operation signals are input in step S61, the operation function determination unit 23 reads the function assignment list shown in FIG. This function assignment list describes the correspondence between the switch operation signal pattern input within a predetermined time and the function to be executed by the in-vehicle device 1. For example, when the input detection mechanism 14 assigned to the right index finger is pressed, the music menu function shortcut is used, and when the input detection mechanism 14 assigned to the right hand middle finger is pressed, the navigation function shortcut is assigned to the right hand ring finger. While the input detection mechanism 14 is being pressed, the mobile phone function is used as a shortcut, while the music menu function, navigation function, or execution function for the mobile phone function is assigned to each finger of the left hand.

  In step S62, when the operation function determination unit 23 determines that the functions for the plurality of switch operation signals set in the function assignment process are assigned, the operation function determination unit 23 specifies the plurality of switch operation signals. The control signal instructing the execution of the performed function is output to the device that executes the function, and the control signal for displaying the function to be performed is output to the display content creating unit 24, and the display of the display device 2 is changed. Let

[Effect of the third embodiment]
As described above in detail, according to the vehicle information system according to the third embodiment to which the present invention is applied, the function assigning unit 22 responds to an operation on the plurality of input detection mechanisms 14 input within a predetermined time. Since the function executed by the in-vehicle device 1 is assigned, the function assignment can be changed according to the input pattern to the input detection mechanism 14 of the driver, and the function different from the normal function assignment of the in-vehicle device 1 is provided. It can be operated directly, and the operation load can be reduced.

  Further, in this vehicle information system, the case where the right hand operation and the left hand operation are performed within a predetermined period has been described. However, in the operation patterns detected over a plurality of predetermined periods, input is performed according to the operation step. The operating torque for the detection mechanism 14 may be changed. That is, the function allocating unit 22 changes the operation torque for the input detection mechanism 14 according to the operation pattern, for example, in the operation pattern for selecting and executing the function of the in-vehicle device 1 in several steps, for example, the current operation step. Can be transmitted by the reaction force (operation torque) applied to the operation finger from the input detection mechanism 14. Thereby, a driver | operator can be made to grasp | ascertain an operation step intuitively.

  The above-described embodiment is an example of the present invention. For this reason, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made depending on the design and the like as long as the technical idea according to the present invention is not deviated from this embodiment. Of course, it is possible to change.

  That is, in the above description, the case where the steering wheel unit 11 is provided with the contact surface detection mechanism (contact region detection means) 13 and the input detection mechanism (input detection means) 14 separately has been described. However, the contact surface detection mechanism (contact region detection means) 13 and the input detection mechanism (input detection means) 14 are configured by a single resistance change detection type pressure sensor, and the single resistance change detection is performed. The contact surface detection mechanism (contact area detection means) 13 and the input detection mechanism (input detection means) 14 can be used together with a type of pressure sensor.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the information system for vehicles which concerns on 1st Embodiment to which this invention is applied. In the vehicle information system which concerns on 1st Embodiment to which this invention is applied, it is a side view for demonstrating the structure of a vehicle steering device. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the vehicle information system which concerns on 1st Embodiment to which this invention is applied. It is a figure for demonstrating a support part object area, (a) is the figure which looked at the steering wheel part from the front, the upper surface, the side surface, and the bottom face, (b) is the figure which looked at the steering wheel part from the back surface. . It is a figure for demonstrating the process which sets a contact reaction fulcrum, a holding | maintenance area | region, a finger vector, and a button fulcrum coordinate according to operation with respect to a steering wheel part, (a) is a front, upper surface of a steering wheel part. And (b) is a view of the steering wheel portion viewed from the back side. It is a figure for demonstrating the process which changes the display of a display apparatus according to the operable index with respect to an input detection mechanism, (a) is a display screen in case an operable index is four, (b) is operable. A display screen when there are three indexes, (c) is a display screen when there are two operable indexes, and (d) is a display screen when there is one operable index. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the function allocation process in the information system for vehicles which concerns on 1st Embodiment to which this invention is applied. It is a figure which shows the assignment list | wrist of a function. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the function execution process in the information system for vehicles which concerns on 1st Embodiment to which this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the vehicle information system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment to which this invention is applied. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the scene discrimination | determination process in the vehicle information system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment to which this invention is applied. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the function allocation process in the information system for vehicles which concerns on 2nd Embodiment to which this invention is applied. In the vehicle information system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment to which this invention is applied, it is a figure which shows a mode that the contact reaction fulcrum is set, (a) is the figure which looked at the steering wheel part from the front, the upper surface, and the side. And (b) is a view of the steering wheel portion as seen from the back side. In the vehicle information system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment to which this invention is applied, it is a figure for demonstrating the process which sets a virtual point from a contact reaction fulcrum and an origin, and sets a button fulcrum coordinate, (a) FIG. 4 is a view of the steering wheel portion viewed from the front, top surface, and side surfaces, and FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the function execution process in the vehicle information system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment to which this invention is applied. It is a figure which shows the assignment list | wrist of the function in 3rd Embodiment to which this invention is applied.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 In-vehicle apparatus 2 Display apparatus 3 Vehicle steering apparatus 11 Steering wheel part 12 Steering spoke part 13 Contact surface detection mechanism 14 Input detection mechanism 15 Operation guide 21 Contact position determination part 23 Operation function determination part 24 Display content creation part 31 Own vehicle position detection Unit 32 Road information storage unit 41 Road information detection unit 42 Vehicle information detection unit 43 Scene discrimination unit 51 Finger vector calculation unit

Claims (16)

In an input device for a vehicle that inputs an operation on a steering wheel held by a driver of the vehicle and selectively operates a function of the in-vehicle device.
A plurality of circumferentially divided back surfaces for the driver of the steering wheel, and input detection means for detecting the operation of the driver;
A contact area detecting means provided on a surface of the steering wheel for the driver, and detecting a contact area of the driver with respect to the surface when the driver operates the input detecting means;
Contact determining means for determining the grip position of the driver's hand based on the position and shape of the contact area detected by the contact area detecting means;
And a function allocating unit that allocates a function executed by the in-vehicle device to the input detection unit that has a predetermined positional relationship with respect to the grip position determined by the contact determination unit. Input device. The contact determination means obtains a contact reaction fulcrum obtained from a predetermined origin among contact areas detected on the surface of the steering wheel as the contact position, calculates a finger vector extending from the contact reaction fulcrum,
The vehicle input device according to claim 1, wherein the function assigning unit sets an input detecting unit that assigns a function according to a finger vector calculated by the contact determining unit.   The said input detection means detects that it is operation with respect to the function allocated by the said function allocation means, when a driver | operator's operation is detected continuously within predetermined time. Vehicle input device.   The contact determination means determines, based on the driver's operation detected by the input detection means, an input detection means that can be operated by the driver and an input detection means that cannot be operated by the driver. The vehicle input device according to claim 1.   5. The mechanism according to claim 4, further comprising a mechanism that makes the operation torque for the input detection means operable by the driver different from the operation torque of the driver for the input detection means that cannot be operated by the driver. Vehicle input device.   The vehicle input device according to claim 4, wherein the contact determination unit determines a plurality of regions that can be operated by the driver when a plurality of contact regions are detected by the contact region detection unit.   The vehicle input device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of input detection units are arranged on the back surface of the steering wheel at regular intervals.   The vehicle input device according to claim 1, wherein a guide made of a protrusion that distinguishes between the input detection means is provided on a rear surface of the steering wheel. Vehicle information detection means for detecting the steering speed of the steering wheel,
2. The function allocation unit invalidates the function allocation to the input detection unit when a steering speed of the steering wheel detected by the vehicle information detection unit is a predetermined value or more. The vehicle input device described in 1. Vehicle information detection means for detecting the operation state of the direction indicator,
The function allocation means invalidates the function allocation to the input detection means when it is detected by the vehicle information detection means that the direction indicator is operated. The vehicle input device according to 1. Vehicle information detection means for detecting the acceleration of the host vehicle,
The function assigning unit invalidates the function assignment to the input detecting unit when the acceleration of the host vehicle detected by the vehicle information detecting unit is a predetermined value or more. The vehicle input device described. Vehicle information detection means for detecting the deceleration of the host vehicle,
2. The function allocation unit invalidates the function allocation to the input detection unit when the deceleration of the host vehicle detected by the vehicle information detection unit is a predetermined value or more. The vehicle input device described in 1. It further comprises a scene discriminating unit for discriminating a scene in which the operation frequency for the function of the in-vehicle device increases.
The function assigning unit does not invalidate the function assignment to the input detecting unit when the scene determining unit determines that the scene has a high operation frequency. Item 13. The vehicle input device according to any one of Items 12.   2. The vehicle input device according to claim 1, wherein the function assigning unit changes a function executed by the in-vehicle device with respect to an operation pattern for a plurality of input detecting units input within a predetermined time. .   The vehicle input device according to claim 14, wherein the function assigning unit changes an operation torque for the input detection unit in accordance with the operation pattern. In an operation detection method for a vehicle input device that inputs an operation on a steering wheel gripped by a driver of the vehicle and selectively operates a function of the in-vehicle device.
A contact region provided on the surface of the steering wheel with respect to the driver while detecting the operation of the driver by a plurality of input detection means provided on the back surface of the steering wheel. The detection means detects the contact area of the driver with respect to the surface when the driver operates the input detection means,
Based on the position and shape of the contact area detected by the contact area detection means, determine the grip position of the driver's operating hand,
An operation detection method for a vehicle input device, wherein a function executed by the in-vehicle device is assigned to the input detection means having a predetermined positional relationship with respect to the determined grip position.

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