JP2007328990A - Switch for vehicular illumination control device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve switch operability by reducing electric power consumption. <P>SOLUTION: Approach of a hand of a driver to a switch 12 is detected by a pyroelectric sensor 14, an SW light corresponding to the switch 12 to which the hand approaches is lighted slowly and sequentially, the SW light corresponding to the switch 12 from which the hand goes away is turned off, and when the hand of the driver becomes not to be detected, a timer is actuated, and the lighted SW light is turned off after a prescribed time. Moreover, an image to show a function of the switch 12 to which the hand of the driver approaches is displayed in a speedometer 16. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicular switch illumination control device, and more particularly to a vehicular switch illumination control device that controls switch illumination provided on an instrument panel or the like of a vehicle.

  Various switches are provided on a vehicle such as an instrument panel. Some of these switches are equipped with switch lights so that the switch marks can be easily identified when the lights are dark, such as at night. Then, it is difficult to operate.

  Therefore, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, an image output unit is provided at a position that is easy for the driver to see, and an image obtained by photographing an operation switch or the like is displayed on the image output unit, and a bill at the time of operation is displayed. I am doing so. Thereby, the operability during traveling and at night can be improved. Furthermore, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, it has been proposed to illuminate an operation switch or a hand with a preset light amount when a hand to be operated is detected. Can be clearly displayed on the screen.

On the other hand, for lighting fixtures such as street lighting, for example, the technique described in Patent Document 2 has been proposed. In the technique described in Patent Document 2, when a person is detected by a plurality of lighting fixtures and the vicinity of these lighting fixtures and a person is detected by a sensor, the lighting fixture lamps can be sequentially controlled to light as the person moves. Proposed. By controlling the lighting in this way, energy efficiency can be improved without always lighting.
JP 2004-26046 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-73814

  However, the switch with illumination is generally lit at the same time as the position lamp is lit, and is always lit when driving at night, etc., and there is room for improvement in terms of energy efficiency. is there.

  Moreover, although the technique described in Patent Document 1 can improve the operability during traveling and at night, there is room for improvement in terms of the cost of the apparatus because it is necessary to provide an image output unit.

  On the other hand, in the technique described in Patent Document 2, it is proposed that the lighting apparatus is turned on when a person is detected, but when applied to a vehicle, it is always turned on when the occupant is in the vehicle. As a result, there is room for improvement in terms of energy efficiency.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described facts, and an object thereof is to reduce power consumption and improve switch operability.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 includes a plurality of switch illumination means provided corresponding to each of the plurality of switches so as to illuminate each of the plurality of switches arranged in the vehicle, Detection means for detecting the approach of the occupant's hand to each of the plurality of switches, and the switch detected based on the detection result of the detection means that the occupant's hand has approached among the plurality of switch illumination means And a control means for controlling the switch illumination means so as to turn on the switch illumination means corresponding to.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the plurality of switch illumination means are provided corresponding to the plurality of switches arranged in the vehicle, and respectively illuminate the plurality of switches.

  The detection means detects the approach of the passenger's hand to the plurality of switches. For example, a pyroelectric sensor, an optical sensor, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or the like can be applied as the detection means.

  Then, the control means controls the switch lighting means to turn on the switch lighting means corresponding to the switch detected by the occupant's hand approaching among the plurality of switch lighting means based on the detection result of the detection means. Is done.

  By controlling the lighting of the switch illumination means in this way, if the approach of the hand is not detected, the switch illumination means will not be lit until the approach of the hand to the switch is detected. The switch illumination means can be turned on when necessary without being turned on to reduce the power consumption, and the switch illumination means can prevent the driving from being disturbed without feeling dazzling during night driving or the like.

  In addition, when the approach of the occupant's hand is detected by the detection means, the switch illumination means corresponding to the position where the approach of the hand is detected is lit, so that the switch position can be easily confirmed, and the switch operation Sex can be deducted.

  The detection means includes a plurality of pyroelectric sensors that detect infrared rays emitted from the human body as in the invention described in claim 2, and detects an infrared ray that is equal to or greater than a predetermined value by the pyroelectric sensors. The approach of the hand may be detected, or as in the invention according to claim 3, the position detection unit that detects the position of the occupant's hand, and the plurality of the detections based on the detection result of the position detection unit. You may make it comprise with the approach detection part which detects whether a passenger | crew's hand approached each of switch. For example, the position detection unit can detect the position of the occupant's hand based on an image captured by the camera, and the approach detection unit can detect the position of the occupant's hand with respect to each of the plurality of switches. It is possible to detect whether or not the passenger's hand is approaching.

  Further, the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3 corresponds to switch illumination means that is provided in the vehicle meter and is lit by the control means, as in the invention according to claim 4. You may make it further provide the display means which displays the kind of switch. In other words, in a vehicle instrument such as a speedometer, by further providing a display means for displaying the type of switch corresponding to the switch illumination means that is lit by the control means, it is intended to operate without diverting the driver's line of sight. The type of switch that is present can be notified.

  Further, as in the invention described in claim 5, when the switch illumination means corresponding to the switch in which it is detected that the occupant's hand has approached is turned on, the control means causes the occupant's hand to approach by the detection means. You may make it further control so that the switch illumination means which lighted after predetermined time after being no longer detected may be extinguished. Thus, by turning off the switch illumination after a predetermined time, it becomes possible to stably notify the occupant of the position of the switch.

  Further, as in the invention described in claim 6, the control means switches on the switch illumination means so as to turn on only the switch illumination means corresponding to the nearest switch that the occupant's hand detected by the detection means is approaching. The switch illumination means corresponding to the closest switch to which the occupant's hand detected by the detection means is approaching is turned on as in the invention described in claim 7. The switch illumination means may be controlled so that the switch illumination means corresponding to the vicinity of the nearest switch is lit darker than the switch illumination means corresponding to the nearest switch.

  Further, when the plurality of switch illumination means are turned on when an instruction to turn on a vehicle lighting device (for example, a headlamp, a vehicle width lamp, an auxiliary headlamp, etc.) is given, As in the invention of the present invention, when the control means is instructed to turn on the lighting device, based on the detection result of the detection means, the switch detected that the occupant's hand has approached among the plurality of switch illumination means It may be further controlled to increase the luminous intensity of the switch illumination means corresponding to the above.

  As described above, according to the present invention, by detecting the approach of the occupant's hand to a plurality of switches, by turning on the illumination of the switch corresponding to the switch detected that the occupant's hand has approached, Since the illumination of the necessary switch is lit when necessary without always illuminating the illumination of the switch, there is an effect that the switch operability can be improved by reducing power consumption.

Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
The vehicular switch lighting control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention controls the lighting of a switch arranged in a vehicle. For example, the vehicular switch lighting control device is arranged on an instrument panel or the like and performs various operations. The lighting of the switch, the opening / closing switch of the door mirror and the defogger switch are controlled.

  FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining an outline of control performed by the vehicular switch lighting control apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, a plurality of switch illuminations (hereinafter referred to as SW lights) corresponding to the plurality of switches 12 are provided, and the lighting of each SW light detects the approach of the occupant's hand to the switch 12, and The SW light corresponding to the switch that has detected the approach is turned on.

  The approach of the occupant's hand is detected by the pyroelectric sensor 14 provided corresponding to each switch 12, and the switch 12 at the position where the occupant's hand approaches is detected based on the detection result of the pyroelectric sensor 14.

  Further, in the present embodiment, information representing a function corresponding to the switch 12 that is approaching by the occupant's hand is displayed in the speedometer 16. For example, as shown in FIG. 1B, when an occupant's hand approaches a switch 12 that operates a predetermined function of the vehicle so that an image of the vehicle is displayed in the speedometer 16, the speedometer 16 The part corresponding to the predetermined function of the vehicle image displayed in the inside is displayed differently from the other parts (for example, lighting lighting or lighting lighting in a different color), and the function of the switch 12 to be operated is occupant Announces without diverting the line of sight. Specifically, when an occupant's hand approaches the switch 12 that opens and closes the door mirror, a mark on the door mirror is displayed by turning on a speedometer light provided in the speedometer 16.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the vehicular switch lighting control apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The vehicle switch illumination control device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of pyroelectric sensors 14 and approaches the switch 12 of the occupant's hand based on the detection results of the plurality of pyroelectric sensors 14. Is detected. The pyroelectric sensor 14 is a sensor that responds to infrared rays emitted from the human body, and detects the infrared rays emitted from the human body by adjusting the sensor sensitivity to detect the approach of the passenger's hand to the switch 12. In this embodiment, the approach of the passenger's hand to the switch 12 is detected by providing a plurality of pyroelectric sensors 14 corresponding to the plurality of switches 12 provided in the vehicle. In this embodiment, an example in which the approach of the occupant's hand to the switch 12 is detected by the pyroelectric sensor 14 will be described. However, a sensor that detects the approach of the occupant's hand to the switch 12 is the pyroelectric sensor 14. The present invention is not limited, and other sensors may be used. For example, a photoelectric sensor such as an infrared sensor or an optical sensor and other sensors can be used.

  The plurality of pyroelectric sensors 14 are connected to the constant voltage circuit 18, and the constant voltage circuit 18 supplies the power supply voltage from the battery 20 to the pyroelectric sensor 18 as a predetermined constant voltage. Operate. In this embodiment, when an ignition switch (not shown) is turned on, supply of power to the pyroelectric sensor 14 is started, and the approach of the occupant's hand by the pyroelectric sensor 14 is detected.

  A position detection circuit 22 is connected to the plurality of pyroelectric sensors 14, and the detection result of each pyroelectric sensor 14 is output to the position detection circuit 22.

  The position detection circuit 22 detects the position of the switch 12 where the passenger's hand is approaching. Specifically, the position of the switch 12 approaching by the occupant's hand is detected by generating a signal for indicating the switch 12 to be illuminated from the detection result of the pyroelectric sensor 14.

  An amplification circuit 24 is connected to the position detection circuit 22, and a signal output from the position detection circuit 22 is output to the amplification circuit 24, and the signal output from the position detection circuit 22 is amplified by the amplification circuit 24. The

  A comparator 26 is connected to the amplifier circuit 24, and a signal amplified by the amplifier circuit 24 is output to the comparator 26.

  The comparator 26 inverts the signal input from the amplifier circuit 24 and operates the switch 12 corresponding to the position detected by the position detection circuit 22 in order to operate a timer included in the soft start circuit 28 described later normally. A signal for turning on and off the SW light 30 is generated. Specifically, in the present embodiment, a multiplexer is used as the position detection circuit 22, the detection results of the plurality of pyroelectric sensors 14 are combined into one signal by the multiplexer, and the predetermined value and the output of the position detection circuit 22 are output by the comparator 26. Is output, a signal for turning on / off the SW light 30 corresponding to the position detected by the position detection circuit 22 is output.

  A soft start circuit 28 is connected to the comparator 26, and a signal output from the comparator 26 is output to the soft start circuit 28.

  The soft start circuit 28 includes a timer, and based on the signal output from the comparator 26, the SW light 30 corresponding to the switch 12 that is approaching the occupant's hand is turned on slowly. The lighting of the switch 30 is controlled, and when the occupant's hand is no longer detected by the plurality of pyroelectric sensors 14 and the position detection circuit 22, the timer is started and the lit SW light 30 is turned off after a predetermined time.

  In other words, the vehicular switch lighting control device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is in a state where the approach of the occupant's hand is detected, that is, while the operation of searching for the switch 12 is being performed by the occupant. The SW light 30 corresponding to the switch 12 that is approaching is slowly turned on sequentially, the SW light 30 corresponding to the switch 12 that is moving away is turned off, and the timer is activated when the passenger's hand is no longer detected. The SW light 30 that is turned on after a predetermined time is turned off.

  Further, the comparator 26 is connected to a speedometer light 32 provided in the speedometer 16.

  Based on the signal from the comparator 26, the speedometer light 32 lights up the speedometer light 32 for displaying an image representing the function of the switch corresponding to the part where the passenger's hand is approaching. . In the present embodiment, the speedometer light 32 is turned on to display a mark indicating a function corresponding to the switch 12 that the occupant's hand is approaching.

  In the present embodiment, the position detection circuit 22 detects the position of the occupant's hand and then amplifies the sensor output of the pyroelectric sensor 14. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the pyroelectric sensor 14 The position of the occupant's point may be detected by the position detection circuit 22 after the output is amplified.

  Next, a flow of processing performed by the vehicle switch lighting control device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the vehicular switch lighting control apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Note that the flowchart of FIG. 3 will be described as starting when an ignition switch (not shown) is turned on.

  When the ignition switch is turned on, in step 100, power is supplied to the pyroelectric sensor 14 from the constant voltage circuit 18, the power of the pyroelectric sensor 14 is turned on, and the approach of the occupant's hand by the pyroelectric sensor 14 is detected. Be started.

  Subsequently, in step 102, it is determined whether or not the approach of the passenger's hand has been detected. In this determination, the soft start circuit 28 determines whether or not the approach of the occupant's hand is detected from the signals generated by the position detection circuit 22 and the comparator 26 from the detection results of the plurality of pyroelectric sensors 14. If not, the process waits until it is detected and proceeds to step 104.

  In step 104, the approach position of the passenger's hand is detected, and the routine proceeds to step 106. That is, the soft start circuit 28 detects the approach position of the occupant's hand by specifying the switch 12 that the occupant's hand is approaching from the output of the comparator 26.

  In step 106, the SW light 30 of the switch 12 corresponding to the detected approach position of the passenger's hand is turned on, and the speedometer light 32 is turned on. That is, the SW light 30 corresponding to the switch 12 in which the approach of the occupant's hand is detected is turned on by the soft start circuit 28, and the switch 12 in which the approach of the occupant's hand is detected is output by the comparator 26. The light of the image representing the function to be turned on is turned on. As a result, the illumination of the switch 12 approaching the passenger's hand is slowly turned on, and an image representing the corresponding function of the switch 12 is displayed in the speedometer 16, and the function of the switch 12 that the passenger is trying to operate is displayed. Can be easily confirmed.

  Subsequently, in step 108, it is determined by the soft start circuit 28 whether or not the passenger's hand is still detected. If the determination is affirmative, the process returns to step 104 and the above-described processing is repeated. When this determination is denied, the routine proceeds to step 110. That is, when the occupant is looking for the switch 12, the occupant's hand is detected by the pyroelectric sensor 14, and in this case, the position of the occupant's hand has been sequentially detected and detected. The SW light 30 corresponding to the position is turned on, and when the occupant's hand is no longer detected by each pyroelectric sensor 14, the process proceeds to the next step.

  In step 110, the timer in the soft start circuit 28 is started, the process proceeds to step 112, waits until the time is up, and the process proceeds to step 114.

  In step 114, the SW light 30 that has been turned on is turned off, and the routine proceeds to step 116. That is, the lit SW light 30 is extinguished after a predetermined time elapses when the occupant's hand no longer approaches the switch 12.

  In step 116, it is determined whether or not the ignition switch is turned off. In this determination, since the power to the pyroelectric sensor 14 is turned off when the ignition switch is turned off, a series of processing is terminated when the power is turned off. The process is repeated.

  That is, in the vehicular switch lighting control apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of pyroelectric sensors 14 are obtained when an occupant brings his hand close to the switch 12 in order to operate the switch 12 provided in the vehicle. Detects the approach of the passenger's hand, and detects which switch 12 is to be operated by the position detection circuit 22 and the comparator 26. Then, by turning on the SW light 30 corresponding to the position detected by the soft start circuit 28, when the approach of the hand to the switch 12 is not detected, the SW light 30 is not turned on until the approach of the hand is detected. Therefore, since the SW light 30 is turned on when necessary without always turning on the SW light 30, the power consumption can be reduced and the SW light 30 can be operated without feeling dazzling at night. Can be prevented.

  Further, when the approach of the hand is detected by the pyroelectric sensor 14, the SW light 30 of the switch 12 corresponding to the position where the approach of the hand is detected is turned on, so that the position of the switch 12 can be easily confirmed. .

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the SW light 30 is not turned on / off only by the detection time of the occupant's hand, that is, the proximity detection of the occupant's hand by the pyroelectric sensor 14, but the approach of the occupant's hand by the pyroelectric sensor 14 Since the SW light 30 is turned on for a predetermined time by the timer after no longer detected, the occupant can recognize the SW light 30 stably.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the mark indicating the function of the switch in the speedometer 16 is displayed not only by turning on the SW light 30 but also by turning on the speedometer light 32, it is constrained by confirmation of the switch position. Therefore, the driver can be concentrated on driving.

  Then, the modification of the switch illumination control apparatus for vehicles concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.

  In the first embodiment described above, the SW light 30 is always turned off when the approach of the passenger's hand is detected regardless of whether the lighting device such as the headlight or the auxiliary headlight is on or off. However, in the modification, the SW light 30 is turned on when lighting of a vehicle lighting device such as a headlamp, a vehicle width lamp, and an auxiliary headlamp is instructed.

  That is, the light intensity of the SW light 30 of the modification can be changed, and the light intensity of the SW light 30 is changed by the soft start circuit 28. In addition, the soft start circuit 28 is configured to be connected to a combination switch for instructing lighting of the lamp, and controls whether the SW light 30 is turned on or the luminous intensity is changed according to the state of the combination switch. Since other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of processing performed by the vehicle switch lighting control device according to the modification. The same processes as those in the first embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals.

  When the ignition switch is turned on, in step 100, power is supplied to the pyroelectric sensor 14 from the constant voltage circuit 18, the power of the pyroelectric sensor 14 is turned on, and the approach of the occupant's hand by the pyroelectric sensor 14 is detected. Be started.

  Subsequently, in step 102, it is determined whether or not the approach of the passenger's hand has been detected. In this determination, the soft start circuit 28 determines whether or not the approach of the occupant's hand is detected from the signals generated by the position detection circuit 22 and the comparator 26 from the detection results of the plurality of pyroelectric sensors 14. If not, the process waits until it is detected and proceeds to step 104.

  In step 104, the approach position of the passenger's hand is detected, and the routine proceeds to step 105. That is, the soft start circuit 28 detects the approach position of the occupant's hand by specifying the switch 12 that the occupant's hand is approaching from the output of the comparator 26.

  In step 105, it is determined by the soft start circuit 28 whether or not lighting of the lamp is instructed. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 106, and if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 107.

  In step 106, as in the first embodiment, the SW light 30 of the switch 12 corresponding to the detected approach position of the passenger's hand is turned on, and the speedometer light 32 is turned on, and the process proceeds to step 108. To do. That is, the SW light 30 corresponding to the switch 12 in which the approach of the occupant's hand is detected is turned on by the soft start circuit 28, and the switch 12 in which the approach of the occupant's hand is detected is output by the comparator 26. The light of the image representing the function to be turned on is turned on. As a result, the illumination of the switch 12 approaching the passenger's hand is slowly turned on, and an image representing the corresponding function of the switch 12 is displayed in the speedometer 16, and the function of the switch 12 that the passenger is trying to operate is displayed. Can be easily confirmed.

  On the other hand, at step 107, the luminous intensity of the SW light 30 of the switch 12 corresponding to the detected approach position of the passenger's hand is increased, and the speedometer light 32 is turned on, and the routine proceeds to step 108. That is, since the SW light 30 is already lit by the lighting of the lamp, the light intensity of the SW light 30 corresponding to the switch 12 in which the approach of the passenger's hand is detected is increased by the soft start circuit 28 and the comparator By the output of 26, the light of the image representing the function corresponding to the switch 12 in which the approach of the passenger's hand is detected is turned on. Thus, when the lighting device is turned on and the SW light 30 is turned on, the light intensity is higher than that of the other SW lights 30, so that the switch 12 that the occupant is trying to operate can be easily confirmed. In addition, since an image representing the function of the switch 12 to be operated is displayed in the speedometer 16, the function of the switch 12 to be operated by the occupant can be easily confirmed.

  Subsequently, in step 108, it is determined by the soft start circuit 28 whether or not the passenger's hand is still detected. If the determination is affirmative, the process returns to step 104 and the above-described processing is repeated. When this determination is denied, the routine proceeds to step 110. That is, when the occupant is looking for the switch 12, the occupant's hand is detected by the pyroelectric sensor 14, and in this case, the position of the occupant's hand has been sequentially detected and detected. The SW light 30 corresponding to the position is turned on, and when the occupant's hand is no longer detected by each pyroelectric sensor 14, the process proceeds to the next step.

  In step 110, the timer in the soft start circuit 28 is started, the process proceeds to step 112, waits until the time is up, and the process proceeds to step 115.

  In step 115, the light-on SW light 30 is turned off, or the light intensity-up SW light 30 is light-intensified, and the process proceeds to step 116. That is, the lit SW light 30 is turned off after a predetermined time has passed when the approach to the switch 12 of the passenger's hand has ceased, and the SW light 30 whose brightness has been increased is not approached to the switch 12 of the passenger's hand. When it has run out, the light intensity is lowered to the original intensity after a predetermined time.

  In step 116, it is determined whether or not the ignition switch is turned off. In this determination, since the power to the pyroelectric sensor 14 is turned off when the ignition switch is turned off, a series of processing is terminated when the power is turned off. The process is repeated.

  Even in this case, in the modified example, when the lighting of the lamp is not instructed, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained. In the modification, when the lighting of the lamp is instructed, the SW light 30 is always turned on. Therefore, the power consumption is larger than that in the first embodiment, but the switch to be operated is operated. Since the brightness of the 12 SW lights 30 is increased, the switch 12 to be operated can be easily confirmed.

  In the first embodiment and the modification described above, the pyroelectric sensor 14 is provided corresponding to each switch 12 to detect the approach of the occupant's hand to the switch 12, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of making the pyroelectric sensors 14 correspond to the plurality of switches 12 on a one-to-one basis, a predetermined number of switches 12 are made one block, and one pyroelectric sensor 14 is made to correspond to one block. It may be made to light in units, or the block of the switch 12 that the occupant's hand is closest to is detected from the output of the pyroelectric sensor 14, and the switch 12 that is the closest to the occupant's hand is selected from among the blocks. By presuming, the SW light 30 corresponding to the switch 12 may be turned on.

  In the first embodiment and the modification described above, the SW light 30 in which the approach of the occupant's hand is detected is turned on. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the switch 12 having the closest occupant's hand is used. A configuration may be adopted in which the SW lights 30 of the peripheral switches 12 are turned on with low brightness, and the SW lights 30 are controlled so that the SW lights 30 of the switch 12 with the closest occupant's hand are turned on brighter than the surroundings. In this way, it is easier to understand the direction in which the hand is moving from the viewpoint of the occupant by lighting the switch around the switch slightly darker than lighting the switch around the operation alone.

  In the first embodiment, the pyroelectric sensor 14 is provided corresponding to each switch 12 so as to detect the approach of the occupant's hand to the switch 12. A sensor may be used. In this case, for example, an infrared light receiving / emitting element is arranged in the vicinity of the switch 12 so that the infrared rays emitted from the light emitting element are in a matrix and the intersection of the matrix in the switch 12 corresponds to the infrared ray. When the infrared light emitted from the light emitting element is no longer detected by the light receiving element by blocking the light, the approach of the passenger's hand can be detected, and the approach position is detected from the position of the light receiving element where the infrared light is no longer detected Can do.

In the first embodiment, the pyroelectric sensor 14 is provided in correspondence with each switch 12 to detect the approach of the occupant's hand to the switch 12. A sound wave sensor may be used. In this case, for example, it is possible to detect the position of the occupant's hand on a predetermined plane by providing two ultrasonic sensors on the vehicle and providing the directivity of the two ultrasonic sensors on the predetermined plane. Therefore, if the switches 12 are arranged on a predetermined plane, it is possible to detect the switch 12 in which the occupant's hand is approaching with two ultrasonic sensors, and the occupant is about to operate. The SW light 30 corresponding to the switch 12 can be turned on. Further, if three ultrasonic sensors are provided in the vehicle, the position of the occupant's hand in the three-dimensional space can be detected. Therefore, the position of the switch 12 approaching the occupant's hand can be detected. This makes it possible to turn on the SW light 30 corresponding to the switch 12 that the occupant intends to operate.
[Second Embodiment]
Then, the switch illumination control device for vehicles concerning a 2nd embodiment of the present invention is explained. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the vehicular switch lighting control apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In addition, about the same structure as 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and demonstrated.

  In the first embodiment, the pyroelectric sensor 14 is used to detect the approach of the occupant's hand to the switch 12 and the approach position, but in the second embodiment, the position of the occupant's hand is detected using the camera 52. And the approach to each switch 12 is detected based on the detection result.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the vehicular switch lighting control apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a camera 52 that takes an image of the interior of the vehicle. That is, in the present embodiment, the position of the occupant's hand is detected on the basis of the photographing result of the camera 52, and it is detected whether or not the switch 12 is approaching from the detected hand position.

  The camera 52 is connected to the SW light control unit 50, and the detection result of the camera 52 is output to the SW light control unit 50.

  The SW light control unit 50 detects the position of the occupant's hand and the approach to the switch 12 based on the photographing result of the camera 52, and turns on the SW light corresponding to the position where the approach of the occupant's hand is detected. Is output to the soft start circuit 28.

  With this configuration, the soft start circuit 28 turns on the SW light 30 so that the SW light 30 corresponding to the switch 12 that is approaching by the passenger is slowly turned on, as in the first embodiment. At the same time, when it is detected by the camera 52 and the SW light control unit 50 that the occupant's hand has moved away from the switch 12, the timer can be started and the lit SW light 30 can be turned off after a predetermined time.

  Further, the SW light control unit 50 is connected to a speedometer light 32 provided in the speedometer 16 as in the first embodiment, and the speedometer light 32 is based on a signal from the SW light control unit. The display on the speedometer 16 side is configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment by turning on the speedometer light 32 for displaying an image representing the function of the switch corresponding to the part where the hand of the occupant is approaching. Can do.

  Note that the lighting intensity of the SW light 30 can be changed similarly to the above-described modification, and the lighting intensity of the SW light 30 is changed by the soft start circuit 28. In addition, the soft start circuit 28 is configured to be connected to a combination switch 54 that instructs lighting of the lamp, and controls whether the SW light 30 is turned on or the luminous intensity is changed according to the state of the combination switch 54.

  Subsequently, a flow of processing performed by the vehicular switch lighting control apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the vehicular switch lighting control apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Note that the flowchart of FIG. 7 will be described assuming that the process starts when an ignition switch (not shown) is turned on.

  When the ignition switch is turned on, in step 200, the vicinity of the switch 12 is photographed by the camera 52, and the process proceeds to step 202.

  In step 202, the position of the occupant's hand is detected based on the photographing result of the camera 52. In this embodiment, the SW light control unit 50 detects the occupant's hand by performing predetermined image processing on the captured image captured by the camera 52, thereby detecting the approach of the occupant's hand to the switch 12. .

  Next, in step 204, it is determined whether the approach of the passenger's hand has been detected. In the determination, the SW light control unit 50 determines whether or not the switch 12 is approaching based on the position of the passenger's hand detected in step 202. If the determination is negative, the process returns to step 200. When the above process is repeated and the determination in step 204 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step 206.

  In step 206, it is determined by the soft start circuit 28 whether or not lighting of the lamp is instructed. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 208, and if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 210. .

  In step 208, as in the first embodiment and the modification described above, the SW light 30 of the switch 12 corresponding to the detected approach position of the occupant's hand is turned on, and the speedometer light 32 is turned on. Move to 212. That is, the SW light 30 corresponding to the switch 12 in which the approach of the occupant's hand is detected is turned on by the soft start circuit 28, and the switch in which the approach of the occupant's hand is detected by the output of the SW light control unit 50. The light of the image representing the function corresponding to 12 is turned on. As a result, the illumination of the switch 12 approaching the passenger's hand is slowly turned on, and an image representing the corresponding function of the switch 12 is displayed in the speedometer 16, and the function of the switch 12 that the passenger is trying to operate is displayed. Can be easily confirmed.

  On the other hand, in step 210, as in the above-described modification, the luminous intensity of the SW light 30 of the switch 12 corresponding to the detected approach position of the occupant's hand is increased, and the speedometer light 32 is turned on. Migrate to That is, since the SW light 30 is already lit by the lighting of the lamp, the light intensity of the SW light 30 corresponding to the switch 12 in which the approach of the passenger's hand is detected is increased by the soft start circuit 28, and the SW The output of the light control unit 50 turns on the light of the image representing the function corresponding to the switch 12 in which the approach of the passenger's hand is detected. Thus, when the lighting device is turned on and the SW light 30 is turned on, the light intensity is higher than that of the other SW lights 30, so that the switch 12 that the occupant is trying to operate can be easily confirmed. In addition, since an image representing the function of the switch 12 to be operated is displayed in the speedometer 16, the function of the switch 12 to be operated by the occupant can be easily confirmed.

  Subsequently, in step 212, as in step 200, the vicinity of the switch 12 is photographed by the camera 52, the process proceeds to step 214, the position of the passenger's hand is detected based on the photographing result of the camera 52, and the process proceeds to step 216. Transition.

  In step 216, it is determined whether or not the detected position of the occupant's hand is separated from each switch 12. In this determination, for example, the SW light control unit 50 determines whether or not the switch 12 is separated from the switch 12 by a predetermined distance. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 218. If the determination is negative, step 206 is performed. Returning to FIG. That is, when the occupant is looking for the switch 12, the occupant's hand is detected at a position close to the switch 12. In this case, the switch 12 corresponding to the position to which the occupant's hand has moved is set. Sequentially detected, the SW light 30 corresponding to the detected position is turned on, and when the occupant's hand is detected away from each switch 12, the process proceeds to the next step.

  In step 218, the timer in the soft start circuit 28 is started, the process proceeds to step 220, waits until the time is up, and then proceeds to step 222.

  In step 222, the SW light 30 that has been turned on is turned off or the SW light 30 that has been increased in luminous intensity is lowered in brightness, and the process proceeds to step 224. That is, the lit SW light 30 is extinguished after a predetermined time has passed when the occupant's hand switch 12 is no longer approaching, and the luminous intensity of the SW light 30 is approached to the occupant's hand switch 12. When it has run out, the light intensity is lowered to the original intensity after a predetermined time.

  In step 224, it is determined whether or not the ignition switch is turned off. In this determination, since the power to the pyroelectric sensor 14 is turned off when the ignition switch is turned off, a series of processing is terminated when the power is turned off. The process is repeated.

  Even if it does in this way, when lighting of a lighting device is not instruct | indicated, the effect similar to said 1st Embodiment can be acquired. Further, when the lighting of the lamp is instructed, the SW light 30 is always turned on, so that the power consumption is larger than that of the first embodiment, but the SW light of the switch 12 to be operated is operated. Since the luminous intensity of 30 is increased, the switch 12 to be operated can be easily confirmed.

It is a figure for demonstrating the outline of the control performed with the switch illumination control apparatus for vehicles concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the switch illumination control apparatus for vehicles concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the process performed with the switch illumination control apparatus for vehicles concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a timing chart for demonstrating an example of the control performed with the switch illumination control apparatus for vehicles concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the process performed with the vehicle switch illumination control apparatus of a modification. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the switch illumination control apparatus for vehicles concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the process performed with the switch illumination control apparatus for vehicles concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Vehicle switch illumination control apparatus 12 Switch 14 Pyroelectric sensor 16 Speedometer 22 Position detection circuit 24 Amplification circuit 26 Comparator 28 Soft start circuit 30 SW light 32 Speedometer light 50 SW light control part 52 Camera 54 Combination switch

Claims (8)

A plurality of switch illumination means provided corresponding to each of the plurality of switches so as to illuminate each of the plurality of switches arranged in the vehicle;
Detecting means for detecting an approach of an occupant's hand to each of the plurality of switches;
Based on the detection result of the detection means, the switch illumination means is controlled so as to turn on the switch illumination means corresponding to the switch of the plurality of switch illumination means that has been detected as being approached by an occupant's hand. Control means;
The switch illumination control device for vehicles provided with.   The detection means includes a plurality of pyroelectric sensors for detecting infrared rays emitted from a human body, and detects the approach of a passenger's hand by detecting infrared rays of a predetermined value or more by the pyroelectric sensors. The vehicular switch lighting control device according to claim 1.   The detection means detects a position of the occupant's hand, and detects whether the occupant's hand has approached each of the plurality of switches based on a detection result of the position detection unit. The vehicle switch lighting control device according to claim 1, comprising: an approach detection unit.   4. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit that is provided in the vehicle meter and displays a switch type corresponding to the switch illumination unit that is lit by the control unit. 5. The switch illumination control apparatus for vehicles as described.   The control means turns on after a predetermined time from when the approach of the occupant's hand is no longer detected by the detection means when the switch illumination means corresponding to the switch detected that the occupant's hand is approaching is turned on. The switch illumination control device for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the switch illumination means is further controlled to be turned off.   The said control means controls the said switch illumination means so that only the said switch illumination means corresponding to the nearest switch with which the passenger | crew's hand detected by the said detection means is approaching is lighted. The switch illumination control device for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5.   The control means turns on the switch illumination means corresponding to the closest switch to which the occupant's hand detected by the detection means is approaching, and the switch illumination means corresponding to the periphery of the nearest switch is The vehicle switch illumination control according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the switch illumination unit is controlled so as to be lit darker than the switch illumination unit corresponding to the nearest switch. apparatus.   The plurality of switch illumination means are turned on when the lighting of the vehicle lighting device is instructed, and the control means is based on the detection result of the detecting means when the lighting of the lighting device is instructed. The control is further performed so as to increase the luminous intensity of the switch illumination unit corresponding to the switch in which the occupant's hand is detected to be approached among the plurality of switch illumination units. The vehicle switch illumination control device according to any one of the above.

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