JP2009229313A - Onboard information device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an onboard information device capable of presenting the optimum operation environment in accordance with the conditions of an operator. <P>SOLUTION: The onboard information device 100 that is a device displaying various kinds of requested information on a prescribed display screen includes: a holding means 15 storing and holding in a prescribed storage area a plurality of software components achieving HMIs (Human Machine Interfaces) including the first software component achieving the HMI allowing an operator to perform detailed operations and the second software component achieving the HMI assisting the operations of the operator; a determination means 31 determining whether or not the operator can perform the detailed operations; and a switching means 32 executing one of the plurality of software components achieving the HMIs held by the holding means 15 on the basis of the determination result by the determination means 31 and switching an input pattern of the HMI. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an in-vehicle information apparatus that displays various requested information on a predetermined display screen, and more particularly to a technique for presenting an operating environment of the apparatus to an occupant to operate.

  In recent years, navigation devices are generally mounted on vehicles mainly for the purpose of displaying route information to a destination.

  In such a navigation device, in addition to displaying the above route information, an occupant including a driver (hereinafter referred to as an “operator”) can receive a predetermined information via an operation screen (HMI (Human Machine I / F)). By performing operations (operation requests and settings), it is possible to present various information collected from the information management center and other vehicles via the data communication device to the operator. Have. For this reason, the usage is diverse.

  Therefore, the operability of the apparatus is important. Even if it is said that various information can be handled and convenience is good, an operation screen that is difficult for the operator to operate will adversely affect the feeling of use of the operator.

For this reason, conventionally, a “technology for improving the operability of the navigation device” as described in Patent Document 1 has been proposed.
JP 2006-308310 A

  However, the conventional navigation device described above can realize excellent operability (operation with a degree of freedom) in that it can accept an intuitive operation (free cursor operation) by an operator. Depending on the positional relationship between the installation position of the apparatus and the operator, there is a problem that it is difficult to perform fine operations.

  Since a navigation device mounted on a vehicle is installed in a vehicle where installation space is limited, the installed position is not always a position that is easy for an operator to operate. For example, when the driver's right-handed and the operation screen of the navigation device is installed at the center of the front panel, the driver operates with the left hand that is not the dominant hand. In this way, when the installation position of the navigation device and the dominant arm of the operator are in a reverse positional relationship, the operator must operate with a hand that is not familiar to the user, so an incorrect operation is performed. There is a high possibility that it is difficult to perform detailed operations.

  As described above, in order to improve the operability of the navigation device, it is determined whether or not the operator can perform fine operations in consideration of the positional relationship between the operator and the navigation device. It is effective to provide an optimal operation screen.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an in-vehicle information device capable of presenting an optimal operation environment according to the state of the operator in view of the above-described problems of the prior art.

  In order to achieve the above object, an in-vehicle information device of the present invention is an in-vehicle information device that displays various requested information on a predetermined display screen, and an HMI (Human Machine Interface) that allows an operator to perform detailed operations. A plurality of software components that realize the HMI, including a first software component that realizes the HMI) and a second software component that realizes the HMI that assists the operator's operation, are stored and held in a predetermined storage area. One of a plurality of software components that realize the HMI held by the holding unit, a determination unit that determines whether the operator can perform a fine operation, and a determination result by the determination unit Switching means for executing one and switching the input pattern of the HMI.

  With such a configuration, the in-vehicle information device of the present invention determines whether or not the operator can perform a fine operation by the operable state determination unit (determination unit), and according to the determination result, the operation mode switching unit (Switching means), two operation modes (two input patterns of HMI), a detailed input mode that is a “mode that enables fine operation” and an auxiliary input mode that is a “mode that assists the operator's operation” ). That is, in the in-vehicle information device, the operation mode is switched to the detailed input mode if the driver can perform a fine operation, and to the auxiliary input mode if the driver cannot perform a fine operation.

  In order to achieve the above object, the on-vehicle information device according to the present invention is configured such that, in the switching unit, the first unit held by the holding unit when the determination unit determines that the operator can perform a fine operation. The software component is executed, and the input is switched to the HMI input pattern that allows the operator to perform detailed operations.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the in-vehicle information device according to the present invention, the determination means allows the operator to perform fine operations according to the positional relationship between the boarding position of the operator and the installation position of the in-vehicle information device. It is characterized by determining whether or not it can be performed.

  In order to achieve the above object, the in-vehicle information device according to the present invention is characterized in that the determination means makes a determination based on position information of a handle installed in the vehicle and dominant arm information regarding a driver's dominant arm. To do.

  In order to achieve the above object, the in-vehicle information device of the present invention is characterized in that the determination means makes a determination based on identification information for identifying whether an operator is a driver or a passenger seated in a passenger seat. And

  In order to achieve the above object, the in-vehicle information device of the present invention is characterized in that the determination means determines whether or not an operator can perform a fine operation in accordance with a traveling state of the vehicle.

  In order to achieve the above object, the in-vehicle information device of the present invention is characterized in that the determination means makes a determination based on a traveling speed of the vehicle.

  As a result, the in-vehicle information device of the present invention can present an optimal operating environment according to the state of the operator (can be switched to an optimal input pattern), improving the operability for the operator. Can be achieved.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to present an optimum operating environment according to the state of the operator, and to improve the operability of the operator.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiments”) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
<Hardware configuration>
Now, the hardware configuration of the in-vehicle information device according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the in-vehicle information device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The in-vehicle information device 100 according to the present embodiment includes a control circuit 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a current location detection device 14, an auxiliary storage device 15, and a display device 16. The input device 17, the data communication device 20, the drive device 21, and the interface device 23 are configured to detect the current location of the vehicle (hereinafter referred to as “own vehicle position”) and It has a function of displaying a road map, a function of calculating a recommended route from the departure point to the destination, a function of guiding a route based on the calculated recommended route, and the like. The in-vehicle information device 100 is a device that performs so-called navigation or road guidance.

  The control circuit 11 is composed of a microprocessor and its peripheral circuits, and is a circuit that controls the entire apparatus. The ROM 12 is a memory that stores a predetermined control program (software component) executed by the control circuit 11. The RAM 13 executes a predetermined control program (software component) stored in the ROM 12. This is a memory used as a work area (work area) when performing various controls. Therefore, the control circuit 11 performs a predetermined route search process based on the map data stored in the predetermined storage area, and the processing result is displayed as a recommended route.

  Next, the current location detection device 14 is a device that detects the current location of the vehicle. For example, a vibration gyro 14a that detects the traveling direction of the vehicle, a vehicle speed sensor 14b that detects the vehicle speed, and a GPS from a Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite. A GPS sensor 14c for detecting a signal is used. Thus, based on the current location of the vehicle detected by the current location detection device 14, the display range of the map, the route search start point, etc. are determined, and the current location is displayed on the map.

  The auxiliary storage device 15 is a device that stores various types of information such as road map data and POI information (point of interest tourist spots and various facilities information) used for navigation processing, and is an HDD (nonvolatile storage device). Hard Disk Drive) is used. In addition to the auxiliary storage device 15, the various information may be a recording medium 22 such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-ROM) or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), and is stored in the recording medium 22. Various information can be read via the drive device 21. Therefore, various information can be obtained by setting the recording medium 22 in the drive device 21 as necessary.

  The road map data is information relating to a map and includes map display data, route search data, guidance data (intersection name / road name / direction name / direction guide facility information, etc.), and the like. The map display data is data for displaying a road or a background of a road map. The route search data is data including branch information that is not directly related to the road shape, and is mainly used when calculating (route search) a recommended route. The guidance data is data including names of intersections and the like, and is used when a driving route is guided to a driver or the like based on the calculated recommended route.

  Next, the display device 16 is a device that displays various data such as image data temporarily stored in an image memory (not shown) from the control circuit 11 on a display screen. For example, on the display screen of the display device 16, a vehicle position mark indicating the vehicle position, route information, guidance information, and the like are displayed together with a road map. The display device 16 also displays an operation screen for an operator to perform an operation request or setting for the function of the in-vehicle information device 100.

  The input device 17 is a device for an operator to perform various input operations via the operation screen. The input device 17 includes a touch panel switch provided so as to be superimposed on the display screen of the display device 16 and a joystick for instructing movement of the cursor or scrolling of the display screen. Further, the input device 17 may be a remote control switch or a hardware key provided around the display screen.

  Next, the data communication device 20 is a device that is connected to an external communication network to acquire various information on the Internet and transmits predetermined information to a request source. Therefore, the information management center (information management server) is accessed via the Internet, and road traffic information such as traffic jam information is acquired.

  Next, the interface device 23 communicates between the external system 24 composed of other devices (external devices) mounted on the vehicle and the in-vehicle information device 100 via a data transmission path (not shown). It is a device that performs data communication. Therefore, by acquiring predetermined information from the external system 24, new information provision is realized in the in-vehicle information device 100 (function expansion can be performed).

  As described above, in the in-vehicle information device 100 according to the present embodiment, various navigations are performed based on the vehicle position information acquired by the current location detection device 14 and the map information stored in the recording medium 22 or the auxiliary storage device 15. I do. For example, the vehicle position and a road map in the vicinity thereof are displayed on the display device 16, and the driver is guided according to the travel route obtained by the route search.

<Operation mode switching function>
In addition to displaying route information, the in-vehicle information device 100 according to the present embodiment allows the operator to perform a predetermined operation via the operation screen, thereby allowing the information management center and other vehicles to communicate via the data communication device 20. The collected various information is displayed on the display device 16. Among these, the in-vehicle information device 100 has an operation mode switching function that presents an optimal operation environment according to the state of the operator. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the function will be described.

<< Configuration >>
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the operation mode switching function according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The in-vehicle information device 100 according to the present embodiment presents an operable state determination unit 31 that determines whether or not the driver can perform fine operations, and an appropriate operation screen according to the determination result of the operable state. An operation mode switching unit 32 that switches operation modes so as to provide an appropriate operating environment, a display unit 33 that displays an operation screen in accordance with the instructed operation mode, and an operation unit that receives operation requests and settings from the driver 34, and the operation mode switching function is realized.

  The operable state determination unit 31 is an authentication unit 51 of the personal authentication system 24a connected via the interface device 23 (authentication method is pre-registered authentication such as password authentication, biometric authentication such as voice print, vein, retina, etc. Information on the dominant arm included in the personal information 41 of the authenticated driver (hereinafter referred to as “dominant arm information”). And the information regarding the installation position of the steering wheel (not shown) included in the vehicle information 42 (hereinafter referred to as “steering wheel position information”). Determine whether.

  In general, the in-vehicle information device 100 is often installed at a position that can be commonly operated by occupants on board, that is, near the center of the front panel.

  Considering such an installation position, for example, in the case of a right-hand drive vehicle, the operation of the in-vehicle information device 100 is performed with the left hand because it is located on the left side as viewed from the driver. Further, in the case of a left-hand drive vehicle, since it is located on the right side when viewed from the driver, it is performed with the right hand.

  Therefore, in the case of a right-hand drive vehicle, fine operation is possible if the driver is left-handed, but fine operation is difficult if the driver is right-handed. In the case of a left-hand drive vehicle, the opposite is true for a right-hand drive vehicle.

  In consideration of this point, the operable state determination unit 31 is based on the positional relationship between the installation position of the handle (the driver's riding position) with respect to the position of the in-vehicle information device 100 installed in the vehicle in advance, and the dominant arm of the driver. It is determined whether or not the driver can perform fine operations.

  Here, data that is referred to when the operable state determination unit 31 determines the state will be briefly described.

(Judgment data: Driver's personal information)
The personal information 41 is information related to the individual driver, and includes dominant arm information. Usually, since the driver operates the in-vehicle information apparatus 100, the personal information 41 of one driver may be registered for one vehicle. If there are multiple drivers for one vehicle (for example, business vehicles such as “business vehicles”), the personal information 41 can be uniquely specified based on the driver identification information for identifying the driver. Just register as you like.

  The personal information 41 is set and registered by a predetermined method when the driver gets on for the first time. For example, an interactive setting screen is displayed on the display device 16 of the on-board information device 100, and the driver inputs information related to the driver including the dominant arm information from the input device 17. In addition, a method of setting / registering by a voice guidance response may be used. Among them, the dominant arm information may be a method of estimating a dominant arm based on a driver's image captured by an in-vehicle camera (not shown) and setting / registering based on the estimation result.

  The personal information 41 input in this way is stored in a predetermined storage area of the auxiliary storage device 15 and managed by a database or a file system. Therefore, the personal information 41 need only be set / registered once by the above method.

(Judgment data: vehicle information)
The vehicle information 42 is information relating to the vehicle, and includes steering wheel position information. When the in-vehicle information device 100 operates for the first time, the vehicle information 42 is collected and collected from each device or system, and is automatically set and registered. Similarly to the personal information 41, the vehicle information 42 is also stored in a predetermined storage area of the auxiliary storage device 15 and managed by a database or a file system. Therefore, the vehicle information 42 may be set and registered only once by the above method.

  In the present embodiment, since the determination data is managed as described above, the operable state determination unit 31 refers to the personal information 41 and the vehicle information 42 stored in the auxiliary storage device 15 and acquires them. Judgment is made based on dominant arm information and handle position information.

  Next, based on the determination result by the operable state determination unit 31, the operation mode switching unit 32 selects the optimum operation according to the state of the driver among the plurality of operation modes prepared in advance. When a mode is selected and an operation mode different from the currently operating mode is selected, the mode is switched to the selected operation mode.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the driver is placed and has two operation modes. These operation modes will be described below.

(Operation mode 1: Mode that enables fine operation)
The first operation mode is a mode in which an operation screen on which fine operations can be performed by a method such as a free cursor operation is displayed on the assumption that the hand is operated with the hand of the dominant arm.

(Operation mode 2: Mode to assist the driver's operation)
The second operation mode is a mode in which an operation screen for assisting the driver's operation is displayed on the assumption that the operation is performed with the hand that is not the dominant hand.

  In the present embodiment, what kind of operation screen is presented to the driver when the above two operation modes are selected will be specifically described based on an example of the operation screen. Further, in the following description, in order to easily understand the difference in the operation screen depending on the operation mode, a screen example for each operation mode when the operation is performed for the same purpose is compared. Further, the input device 17 will be described by taking a touch panel switch as an example.

(Operation screen example: When aligning the map)
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen at the time of map alignment according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 3A is an example of an operation screen at the time of map alignment presented in the operation mode 1, and FIG. 3B is an example of an operation screen at the time of map alignment presented in the operation mode 2.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, on the operation screen presented by the display device 16 in the operation mode 1, drag scrolling (arrow line in the figure) is possible when aligning the map. Can be finely adjusted. As a result, the driver can move freely while dragging the map displayed on the operation screen, and fine operations are possible.

  On the other hand, on the operation screen presented by the display device 16 in the operation mode 2, as shown in (B), by touching a point (dashed circle in the figure) to be moved when the map is aligned, In addition, it is possible to perform touch scrolling in which the focus position displayed at the center of the screen moves to the touched point, and rough alignment of the destination can be performed. Thus, the driver can move the map displayed on the operation screen with a simple operation (moves easily).

(Operation screen example: When entering characters)
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen when inputting characters according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4A is an example of an operation screen when inputting characters presented in the operation mode 1, and FIG. 4B is an example of an operation screen when inputting characters presented in the operation mode 2.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, on the operation screen presented by the display device 16 in the operation mode 1, freehand input is possible when performing character input, and input is performed using the character recognition function based on the input image. Captured characters can be captured. As a result, the driver can freely input characters on the operation screen, and a flexible character input operation is possible.

  On the other hand, on the operation screen presented by the display device 16 in the operation mode 2, as shown in (B), when inputting characters, the user wants to input from the input candidate character group arranged and displayed in the order of 50 notes. By touching a character (broken line in the figure), it is possible to select and input one character at a time. Although there is no flexibility like freehand input, it is possible to input characters reliably only by touching the screen. it can. Thus, the driver can input characters (easily input) with a simple operation even when freehand input is difficult.

  As described above, the operation mode switching unit 32 has two input patterns of HMI, namely, the detailed input mode that is “a mode that enables fine operation” and the auxiliary input mode that is “a mode that assists the driver's operation”. Are switched according to the state of the driver. Therefore, the in-vehicle information device 100 stores a program and various data (software component group) that realize different HMIs designed for the plurality of operation modes (input patterns) in a predetermined storage area of the auxiliary storage device 15 in advance. Is stored.

  Next, the display unit 33 and the operation unit 34 display one of the operation screens of the detailed input mode and the auxiliary input mode instructed by the operation mode switching unit 32 to be in an operable state. In addition, the display unit 33 displays a switching button for instructing switching of the operation mode so that the operation mode can be switched by a driver's operation. For example, when the operation screen in the detailed input mode is displayed, a switch button to the auxiliary input mode is displayed. On the other hand, when the operation screen in the auxiliary input mode is displayed, the switch button to the detailed input mode is displayed. indicate. The switching button displayed in this way can be selected via the operation unit 34 of the input device 17, and when the switching button is selected, the operation unit 34 instructs the operation mode switching unit 32 to switch the operation mode, and the operation is performed. The mode switching unit 32 switches to a desired operation mode.

  Further, a setting button for setting whether or not the driver can operate with the dominant arm is displayed on the display unit 33, and it is accepted that the setting button has been pressed via the operation unit 34, and the operable state determination unit 32. However, based on the setting, it may be determined whether the driver can perform a fine operation with the dominant arm.

  The operation of each functional unit described so far is performed, for example, by an operation mode switching program (software component) stored in the ROM 12 of the in-vehicle information device 100 being read out on the RAM 13 and executed by the control circuit 11. This is realized.

  The transmission / reception of various data performed between the functional units will be described in the following operational procedure of the functional units.

  The in-vehicle information device 100 according to the present embodiment operates the operation mode switching function configured by each of the above-described functional units, thereby switching the operation mode according to the state of the operator and providing an optimal operation environment. Present.

<< Operation >>
An operation procedure of each functional unit realizing the operation mode switching function according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart.

(1) Operation mode switching operation by an operator's dominant hand FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example (part 1) of a processing procedure for switching an operation mode according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The in-vehicle information device 100 performs personal authentication of the driver by the authentication unit 51 of the personal authentication system 24a (step S101), and the operable state determination unit 31 accesses the auxiliary storage device 15 when personal authentication is performed. Then, the vehicle information 42 and the personal information 41 are acquired from the predetermined storage area (steps S102 and S103).

  Subsequently, the in-vehicle information device 100 determines whether the operable state determination unit 31 is a right-hand drive vehicle based on the acquired handle position information of the vehicle information 42 (step S104).

  If the determination in step S104 is a right-hand drive vehicle (if step S104 is YES), the operable state determination unit 31 determines whether the driver is right-handed based on the acquired dominant arm information of the personal information 41. Is determined (step S105).

  If the determination in step S105 is right-handed (if step S105 is YES), the operation mode switching unit 32 instructs the display unit 33 of the display device 16 and the operation unit 34 of the input device 17 to operate. Then, the operation mode is switched, and the operation screen of the auxiliary input mode is displayed as the HMI so as to be operable (step S106).

  If the determination in step S105 is left-handed (if step S105 is NO), the operation mode switching unit 32 instructs the display unit 33 of the display device 16 and the operation unit 34 of the input device 17 to operate. Then, the operation mode is switched, and the operation screen in the detailed input mode is displayed as the HMI so as to be operable (step S108).

  When the determination in step S104 is a left-hand drive vehicle (when step S104 is NO), the operable state determination unit 31 determines whether the driver is right-handed based on the acquired dominant arm information of the personal information 41. Is determined (step S107).

  If the determination in step S107 is right-handed (if step S107 is YES), the operation mode switching unit 32 instructs the display unit 33 of the display device 16 and the operation unit 34 of the input device 17 to operate. Then, the operation mode is switched, and the operation screen of the auxiliary input mode is displayed as the HMI so as to be operable (step S106).

  If the determination in step S107 is left-handed (if step S107 is NO), the operation mode switching unit 32 instructs the display unit 33 of the display device 16 and the operation unit 34 of the input device 17 to operate. Then, the operation mode is switched, and the operation screen in the detailed input mode is displayed as the HMI so as to be operable (step S108).

  As described above, the in-vehicle information device 100 switches between the two operation modes of the auxiliary input mode and the detailed input mode according to the above processing procedure.

(2) Operation mode switching operation based on operation capability determination Further, when the driver starts an operation, it can be estimated from the operation history whether the driver is accustomed to the operation. For example, in the operation history, if the number of times the return button on the operation screen is pressed is a predetermined number or more, it can be determined that there are many reworks during the operation, and it is assumed that the driver is not used to the operation. . If the time required to press the operation button (the time required to perform the operation request or setting) is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, it can be determined that the operation method has not been grasped, and the driver can Presumed not used.

  From such a viewpoint, the in-vehicle information device 100 determines the operation ability of the operator in addition to the determination of the state of the operator by the operation enable state determination unit 31, and operates based on the determination result. The mode switching unit 32 can switch to the optimum operation mode.

  Below, the process sequence which switches an operation mode according to an operator's operation capability is demonstrated. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example (part 2) of the processing procedure for switching the operation mode according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In the in-vehicle information device 100, the operable state determination unit 31 acquires operation history information in which the operation of the driver is recorded from a predetermined storage area of the auxiliary storage device 15 (step S201).

  Subsequently, in the in-vehicle information device 100, the operable state determination unit 32 determines the operation capability of the driver based on the acquired operation history information (step S202).

  If the determination in step S202 is a high operation ability (accustomed to the operation) (if step S202 is YES), the operation mode is not switched.

  Further, when the determination in step S202 is a low operation ability (not familiar with the operation) (if step S202 is NO), it is determined whether or not the currently operating operation mode is the auxiliary input mode ( In step S203), when operating in the auxiliary input mode (when step S203 is YES), the operation mode is not switched.

  When the detailed input mode is operating instead of the auxiliary input mode (when step S203 is NO), the operation mode switching unit 32 displays the display unit 33 of the display device 16 and the operation unit 34 of the input device 17. The operation mode is switched, the operation mode is switched, and the operation screen in the auxiliary input mode is displayed as the HMI so as to be operable (step S204).

  As described above, the in-vehicle information device 100 switches between the two operation modes of the auxiliary input mode and the detailed input mode according to the operation ability of the operator according to the above processing procedure.

<Summary>
As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the in-vehicle information device 100 according to the present embodiment is a “mode that enables fine operation”, assuming a state where the driver is placed. There are two operation modes: an input mode and an auxiliary input mode which is a “mode for assisting the driver's operation”.

  Whether the in-vehicle information device 100 can be finely operated by the driver based on the dominant arm information of the personal information 41 and the handle position information of the vehicle information 42 stored in the auxiliary storage device 15 by the operable state determination unit 31. Judge whether or not. Thereafter, the in-vehicle information device 100 instructs the operation to the display unit 33 of the display device 16 and the operation unit 34 of the input device 17 by the operation mode switching unit 32. If the driver can perform fine operations, detailed input is performed. If it is in a state where the driver cannot perform detailed operations, the operation mode is switched to the auxiliary input mode.

  Thereby, in the in-vehicle information device 100, the two operation modes of the auxiliary input mode and the detailed input mode are switched.

  Therefore, the in-vehicle information device 100 can present an optimal operating environment according to the state of the operator. Also, an optimum operating environment can be presented according to the operating ability of the operator, and the operability of the operator can be improved.

  Furthermore, since such an in-vehicle information device 100 can present an operation screen that allows fine operations according to the state of the operator, the operator can perform operations with more flexibility than before. . In addition, functions that can not be realized because the development side (vendor side) of the in-vehicle information device 100 has been limited in operation by the specifications of the HMI so far can be operated by a more advanced HMI. Can be realized.

[Second Embodiment]
In the in-vehicle information device 100, whether or not the operator can perform fine operations is greatly influenced by, for example, a state in which the vehicle is running or stopped. That is, when the vehicle is traveling at a certain vehicle speed, since the driver is concentrated on the steering of the traveling vehicle, the driver cannot concentrate on the operation of the in-vehicle information device 100, so that detailed operation is difficult. is there. On the other hand, when the vehicle is stopped or traveling at a low speed, it is possible to concentrate on the operation of the in-vehicle information device 100, so that fine operation is also possible.

  Therefore, the in-vehicle information device according to the present embodiment has a function of switching the operation mode in consideration of the traveling state of the vehicle in addition to the basic functional configuration described in the first embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the in-vehicle information device according to the present embodiment will be described. However, the difference between the in-vehicle information device according to the present embodiment and the in-vehicle information device according to the first embodiment is based on the traveling state of the vehicle. Since only the function for switching the operation mode is used, the other technical matters are referred to the same drawings and reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

<Operation mode switching function>
The in-vehicle information device 100 has an operation mode switching function that presents an optimal operation environment according to the state of the operator in consideration of the traveling state of the vehicle. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the function will be described.

<< Configuration >>
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the operation mode switching function according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The in-vehicle information device 100 according to the present embodiment includes an operable state determination unit 31, an operation mode switching unit 32, a display unit 33, and an operation unit 34, and realizes the operation mode switching function. .

  Among them, the operable state determination unit 31 is configured to receive the detected vehicle speed from the vehicle speed sensor 14b of the current location detection device 14 included in the in-vehicle information device 100.

  The operable state determination unit 31 determines whether or not the operator can perform a fine operation by the determination method described in the first embodiment while the driver gets on, starts the engine, and travels. However, when the vehicle starts to travel, thereafter, it is determined whether or not the operator can perform a fine operation based on the detected vehicle speed from the detection unit 61 of the vehicle speed sensor 14b.

  More specifically, the operable state determination unit 31 compares the detected vehicle speed from the detection unit 61 with a predetermined threshold value set in advance, and when the detected vehicle speed is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold value, the operation mode The switching unit 32 is instructed to switch to the auxiliary input mode. When the detected vehicle speed is slower than a predetermined threshold, the operation mode is not switched.

  The operation (function) of each functional unit is realized by, for example, reading an operation mode switching program (software component) stored in the ROM 12 of the in-vehicle information device 100 on the RAM 13 and executing it by the control circuit 11. Is done.

  The transmission / reception of various data performed between the functional units will be described in the following operational procedure of the functional units.

  The in-vehicle information device 100 according to the present embodiment operates the operation mode switching function configured by each of the above-described functional units, thereby changing the operation mode according to the state of the operator considering the traveling state of the vehicle. Switch and present the optimal operating environment.

<< Operation >>
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure for switching the operation mode according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  The in-vehicle information device 100 determines whether or not the vehicle is traveling by the GPS sensor 14c of the current location detection device 14 (step S301).

  If the determination in step S301 is that the vehicle is stopped (if step S301 is NO), the operation mode is not switched.

  If the determination in step S301 is that the vehicle is traveling (if step S301 is YES), the traveling vehicle speed is detected by the detection unit 61 of the vehicle speed sensor 14b (step S302).

  Subsequently, in the in-vehicle information device 100, the operable state determination unit 32 compares the detected vehicle speed from the detection unit 61 with a predetermined threshold value, and determines whether or not the detected vehicle speed is equal to or higher than a predetermined speed. (Step S303).

  If the determination in step S303 is that the detected vehicle speed is slower than the predetermined speed (if step S303 is NO), the operation mode is not switched.

  If the detected vehicle speed is greater than or equal to the predetermined speed (if step S303 is YES), it is determined whether or not the currently operating operation mode is the auxiliary input mode (step S304). When operating in the auxiliary input mode (when step S304 is YES), the operation mode is not switched.

  Further, when the detailed input mode is being operated instead of the auxiliary input mode (when step S304 is NO), the operation mode switching unit 32 causes the display unit 33 of the display device 16 and the operation unit 34 of the input device 17 to operate. The operation mode is switched, the operation mode is switched, and the operation screen of the auxiliary input mode is displayed as the HMI so as to be operable (step S305).

  As described above, the in-vehicle information device 100 switches between the two operation modes of the auxiliary input mode and the detailed input mode according to the above processing procedure.

  Further, the processing procedures of steps S301 to S305 can be executed in combination with the processing procedures described in the first and second embodiments.

<Summary>
As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the in-vehicle information device 100 according to the present embodiment has the dominant arm of the personal information 41 stored in the auxiliary storage device 15 by the operable state determination unit 31. In addition to determining whether or not the driver can perform fine operations based on the information and the handle position information of the vehicle information 42, the detected vehicle speed from the detection unit 61 of the vehicle speed sensor 14b included in the in-vehicle information device 100 is determined. Based on this, it is determined whether or not the driver can perform fine operations. Thereafter, the in-vehicle information device 100 instructs the operation to the display unit 33 of the display device 16 and the operation unit 34 of the input device 17 by the operation mode switching unit 32. If the driver can perform fine operations, detailed input is performed. If it is in a state where the driver cannot perform detailed operations, the operation mode is switched to the auxiliary input mode.

  Thereby, in the in-vehicle information device 100, the two operation modes of the auxiliary input mode and the detailed input mode are switched.

  Therefore, the in-vehicle information device 100 has the same effect as that of the first embodiment, can also present an optimum operating environment in consideration of the traveling state of the vehicle, and can improve the operability for the operator. .

[Third Embodiment]
In the in-vehicle information device 100, an operator who operates the device is not necessarily a driver. If it is a passenger | crew who rides in a vehicle, it corresponds to an operator. Among them, an occupant who rides in the passenger seat (hereinafter referred to as “passenger seat passenger”) has a high probability of operating the device next to the driver. Therefore, it is necessary to present the optimum operating environment to the passenger seat.

  In the case of a passenger seat, unlike a driver, it is in a state where detailed operations can be performed. This is because, considering the relationship between the installation position of the in-vehicle information device, the position of the passenger seat, and the dominant arm of the passenger seat, the passenger seat is likely to be operated with the hand of the dominant arm. Furthermore, even when the vehicle is running, since the vehicle is not being steered, it is possible to concentrate on operations on the device.

  Therefore, the in-vehicle information device according to the present embodiment has a function of switching the operation mode in consideration of the operator of the in-vehicle information device in addition to the basic functional configuration described in the second embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the in-vehicle information device according to the present embodiment will be described. However, the difference between the in-vehicle information device according to the present embodiment and the in-vehicle information device according to the second embodiment is different from the operator of the in-vehicle information device. Since only the function of switching the operation mode in consideration is given, other technical matters are referred to the same drawings and reference numerals as those of the second embodiment, and description thereof is omitted.

<Operation mode switching function>
The in-vehicle information device 100 has an operation mode switching function that presents an optimal operation environment according to the state of the operator in consideration of the operator of the in-vehicle information device 100. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the function will be described.

<< Configuration >>
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the operation mode switching function according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The in-vehicle information device 100 according to the present embodiment includes an operable state determination unit 31, an operation mode switching unit 32, a display unit 33, and an operation unit 34, and realizes the operation mode switching function. .

  Among them, the operation state determination unit 31 is configured to receive the result identified by the identification unit 71 of the operator identification system 24b connected via the interface device 23 included in the in-vehicle information device 100. .

  The operator identification system 24b identifies whether the person who operates the in-vehicle information device 100 is a driver or a passenger. The system includes a method for determining whether the operator is approaching from the left or right direction with respect to the in-vehicle information device 100 based on a detection result by an proximity sensor (not illustrated), an in-vehicle camera (not illustrated), or the like. Based on the video, the operator is identified as a driver or a passenger seat by a method of determining the operator by predetermined image processing, etc., and the identification result (operator identification information) is operated. Pass to 31.

  If the identification result by the identification unit 71 of the operator identification system 24b is a driver, the operable state determination unit 31 can perform detailed operations by the determination method described in the first embodiment. Judge whether or not. On the other hand, when the identification result by the identification unit 71 is a passenger seat passenger, since the operator can perform fine operations, the operation mode is switched to the detailed input mode.

  The operation (function) of each functional unit is realized by, for example, reading an operation mode switching program (software component) stored in the ROM 12 of the in-vehicle information device 100 on the RAM 13 and executing it by the control circuit 11. Is done.

  The transmission / reception of various data performed between the functional units will be described in the following operational procedure of the functional units.

  The in-vehicle information device 100 according to the present embodiment operates the operation mode switching function configured by each of the above-described functional units, thereby depending on the state of the operator considering the operator of the in-vehicle information device 100. Switch the operation mode and present the optimal operation environment.

<< Operation >>
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure for switching the operation mode according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  The in-vehicle information device 100 acquires a result (operator identification information) in which the operable state determination unit 32 identifies whether the operator is a driver or a passenger seat from the identification unit 71 of the operator identification system 24b (step S401). ).

  Subsequently, in the in-vehicle information device 100, the operable state determination unit 32 determines whether or not the operator is a driver based on the acquired operator identification information (step S402).

  If the determination in step S402 is that the operator is a driver (if step S402 is YES), the operation mode is not switched.

  If the determination in step S402 is that the operator is not a driver (passenger seat passenger) (if step S402 is NO), it is determined whether or not the currently operating operation mode is the auxiliary input mode. (Step S403) When the detailed input mode is operating instead of the auxiliary input mode (when Step S403 is NO), the operation mode is not switched.

  When operating in the auxiliary input mode (when step S304 is YES), the operation mode switching unit 32 instructs the display unit 33 of the display device 16 and the operation unit 34 of the input device 17 to operate. Then, the operation mode is switched, and the operation screen in the detailed input mode is displayed as the HMI so as to be operable (step S404).

  As described above, the in-vehicle information device 100 switches between the two operation modes of the auxiliary input mode and the detailed input mode according to the above processing procedure.

  Further, the processing procedures of steps S401 to S404 can be executed in combination with the processing procedures described in the first and second embodiments.

<Summary>
As described above, according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the in-vehicle information device 100 according to the present embodiment uses the operable state determination unit 31 to control the dominant arm of the personal information 41 stored in the auxiliary storage device 15. On the basis of the operator identification information from the identification unit 71 of the operator identification system 24b, in addition to determining whether the driver can perform a fine operation based on the information and the handle position information of the vehicle information 42 Then, it is determined whether one of the driver and the passenger in the passenger seat can perform fine operations. After that, the in-vehicle information device 100 instructs the display unit 33 of the display device 16 and the operation unit 34 of the input device 17 to operate by the operation mode switching unit 32, and the operator (either the driver or the passenger seat). ) Switches the operation mode to the detailed input mode if a fine operation can be performed, and to the auxiliary input mode if the operator cannot perform a fine operation.

  Thereby, in the in-vehicle information device 100, the two operation modes of the auxiliary input mode and the detailed input mode are switched.

  Therefore, the in-vehicle information device 100 can exhibit the same effect as that of the first embodiment, and can present an optimal operating environment in consideration of the operator of the in-vehicle information device 100.

[When a haptic device is used as an operation tool]
From here, the case where the in-vehicle information device 100 described in each of the above embodiments applies a haptic device as an input means will be described.

  First, a haptic device is a device that presents information such as tactile sensation and force sensation when a person and an object come in contact as visual information. When this device is used as an input means, the operator can easily move the cursor on the display screen, select a function button, or the like by operating the device sensuously.

  In the in-vehicle information device 100 according to the present embodiment, by connecting the haptic device via the interface device 23, the device can be used as an input unit.

  In the case of such a configuration, in the in-vehicle information device 100, when the operation mode is switched according to whether or not the operator can perform a fine operation (according to the state of the operator), In addition to the display switching of the operation screen by the display unit 33 of the display device 16, the operation amount (cursor movement amount and the like) by the operation unit 34 of the input device 17 is adjusted.

  In a haptic device, human sensory operations are directly reflected in the operation of the device. For example, when the operator operates the haptic device with the hand that is not the dominant arm and performs operations on the screen, the operator cannot perform fine operations because the operator is not the dominant arm. However, if the haptic device directly reflects the operation amount of the operator (knob rotation amount, joystick movement amount, etc.) on the operation amount (cursor movement amount, etc.) by the operation unit 34, the operator The operation cannot be performed as expected (for example, the cursor moves more than the operator thinks). The same can be said for operators who are not yet used to the operation.

  For this reason, in the operation mode switching function of the in-vehicle information device 100 according to the present embodiment, the device is operated from the operation amount of the operator by the operation unit 34 for a device operated sensibly such as a haptic device. When converting to the operation amount, the conversion rate of the operation amount is changed according to the state of the operator to assist the operation.

  That is, the in-vehicle information device 100 adjusts the operation amount by the operation mode switching unit 32 when the operable state determining unit 31 determines that the operator cannot perform a fine operation. The operation unit 34 adjusts the operation amount in accordance with a predetermined conversion rate.

  At this time, the conversion rate used when the operation unit 34 adjusts the operation amount is a predetermined value set in advance, and may be selected from a plurality of values according to the stage.

  Thus, in the in-vehicle information device 100 according to the present embodiment, even when using input means such as a haptic device, an optimal operating environment can be presented according to the state of the operator, The operability of the operator can be improved.

[Modifications According to Each Embodiment]
In each of the above-described embodiments, two programs (2) that realize an HMI designed in accordance with two input patterns of an operation mode in which an operator can perform fine operations and an operation mode that assists the operation of the operator. The configuration for switching one software component) has been described, but the following configuration may be used. For example, three or more programs that realize HMI corresponding to different input patterns are stored in a predetermined storage area of the auxiliary storage device 15 in advance, and any one of the plurality of programs is selected by the operation mode switching function. To switch the input pattern of the HMI.

  By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to present an optimum operating environment according to the state of the operator with finer granularity.

  Up to this point, the present invention has been described based on each of the above embodiments. However, the “operation mode switching function” of the in-vehicle information device 100 according to each of the above embodiments is each processing procedure described with reference to the drawings. Can be implemented by a computer as a program coded in a programming language suitable for the operating environment (platform) of the in-vehicle information device 100. Therefore, the operation mode switching program according to each of the above embodiments can be stored in the computer-readable recording medium 22.

  Therefore, the operation mode switching program according to each of the above embodiments is stored in the recording medium 22 such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD, and the like from the recording medium 22 connected to the drive device 21. Can be installed in the in-vehicle information device 100. Moreover, since the in-vehicle information device 100 includes the data communication device 20 that can be connected to an electric communication line such as the Internet, for example, the operation mode switching program can be downloaded and installed via the electric communication line. .

  Moreover, in each said embodiment, although the vehicle-mounted information apparatus 100 gave and demonstrated the structure which hold | maintains judgment data, such as dominant arm information and steering wheel position information, this invention is limited to this structure. It is not a thing. For example, each of the above information is referred to / obtained from each external system 24 connected via the interface device 23 included in the in-vehicle information device 100, an external device capable of data communication via the data communication device 20, or the like. Also good.

  In each of the above embodiments, the in-vehicle information device 100 stores a program and various data (software component group) for realizing different HMIs designed in accordance with the operation mode (input pattern) in the auxiliary storage device 15 in advance. The configuration stored in the storage area has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the software component is acquired from a recording medium 22 connected to the drive device 21 included in the in-vehicle information device 100 or an external device (download server) capable of data communication via the data communication device 20 and automatically installed. It may be.

  Finally, the present invention is not limited to the requirements shown here, such as combinations of other elements with the shapes listed in the above embodiments. With respect to these points, the present invention can be changed within a range that does not detract from the gist of the present invention, and can be appropriately determined according to the application form.

It is a figure which shows the hardware structural example of the vehicle-mounted information apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the operation mode switching function which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of an operation screen at the time of the map alignment based on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of an operation screen at the time of the character input which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example (the 1) of the process sequence which switches the operation mode which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example (the 2) of the process sequence which switches the operation mode which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the operation mode switching function which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the process sequence which switches the operation mode which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the operation mode switching function which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the process sequence which switches the operation mode which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

11 Control circuit 12 ROM
13 RAM
14 Current location detection device 14a Vibration gyro 14b Vehicle speed sensor 14c GPS sensor 15 Auxiliary storage device 16 Display device 17 Input device (touch panel)
20 data communication device 21 drive device 22 recording medium 23 interface device 24 external system 24a personal authentication system 24b operator identification system 31 operable state determination unit 32 operation mode switching unit 33 display unit 34 operation unit 41 personal information (driver's personal information)
42 Vehicle information 51 Authentication unit 61 Detection unit 71 Identification unit 100 In-vehicle information device

Claims (7)

An in-vehicle information device that displays various requested information on a predetermined display screen,
An HMI including a first software component that realizes an HMI (Human Machine Interface) that allows an operator to perform detailed operations and a second software component that realizes an HMI that assists the operation of the operator is realized. Holding means for storing and holding a plurality of software components in a predetermined storage area;
A determination means for determining whether or not the operator can perform detailed operations;
Switching means for executing any one of a plurality of software components for realizing the HMI held by the holding means and switching an input pattern of the HMI based on a determination result by the determination means. In-vehicle information device. The switching means is
When the determination means determines that the operator can perform fine operations,
The in-vehicle information device according to claim 1, wherein the first software component held by the holding unit is executed to switch to an input pattern of HMI that allows an operator to perform fine operations. The determination means includes
The in-vehicle information according to claim 1 or 2, wherein it is determined whether or not the operator can perform a fine operation according to a positional relationship between the boarding position of the operator and the installation position of the in-vehicle information device. apparatus. The determination means includes
4. The in-vehicle information device according to claim 3, wherein the determination is made based on position information of a handle installed in the vehicle and dominant arm information related to a driver's dominant arm. The determination means includes
The in-vehicle information device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the determination is made based on identification information for identifying whether the operator is a driver or a passenger seated in a passenger seat. The determination means includes
The in-vehicle information device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein it is determined whether or not an operator can perform a fine operation according to a traveling state of the vehicle. The determination means includes
The in-vehicle information device according to claim 6, wherein the determination is made based on a traveling speed of the vehicle.

Images