JP2013210963A - Display control device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique that can realize a pleasant operation system for a driver.SOLUTION: A menu control unit 12 outputs a command for executing a function corresponding to a position of a cursor to a navigation unit 22 and the like, when touch pressure on a touch pad exceeds predetermined touch pressure higher than that of when a touching finger is in a contact state and then falls below the predetermined touch pressure. By this, during a touch pad operation of moving the cursor, even when a driver moves a finger away once from the touch pad due to steering operation and unintentionally touches the touch pad again in a short time, the function corresponding to the touched icon will not be executed as long as the touch pressure at the time does not exceed the predetermined touch pressure.

Description

  The present invention relates to a display control device and a program for processing a signal output from a touch pad provided on a steering wheel of a vehicle and controlling a screen display.

  In recent years, a device called a touch pad that accepts various operation instructions has been used. This touch pad can detect the position of the operation surface touched or pressed by the user. Some touchpads can also detect operating pressure. There are a wide variety of detection methods, such as a method that detects a change in capacitance, a method that detects a change in resistance value, a method that detects distortion of the support portion of the operation surface, and the like. Things exist.

It has been proposed to incorporate such a touchpad into a vehicle handle so that the driver can operate the touchpad while holding the handle. For example, a technique described in Patent Document 1 below is known.
JP 2009-298285 A

  By the way, when operating the apparatus in a vehicle, there exists a method of performing the function matched with the icon by operating via the touchpad with respect to the icon displayed on the display apparatus. In the case of this method, if the touch pad and the display device are separated, first, an operation for moving the cursor displayed on the display by tracing the touch pad with a finger to match the icon Need to do. Then, it is conceivable to adopt an operation system in which the function associated with the icon is executed by once releasing the finger from the touch pad and touching the touch pad again with a finger for a short time.

  However, with such an operation system, the finger once leaves the touch pad for the steering wheel operation while the driver is operating the touch pad and aligning the cursor. Your finger may touch the touchpad. In this case, an unintended icon may be selected and a function associated with the icon may be executed. Therefore, when the steering wheel is operated during the operation of the touch pad, it is assumed that the driver needs to be conscious not to touch the touch pad and feels complicated.

  In addition, when changing a multi-level setting such as volume or air conditioning temperature, touch the touchpad multiple times after placing the cursor on the icon (to remove or touch your finger from the touchpad). It is conceivable to adopt an operation system of performing repeated operations. However, it is imagined that such an operation system feels complicated because the finger is frequently moved.

  Also, if the magnification of the amount of movement of the cursor corresponding to the touchpad stroke amount is small, for example, there is a problem that the operation becomes complicated when trying to move the cursor greatly from end to end on the screen. The On the other hand, if the magnification of the amount of movement of the cursor corresponding to the amount of tracing on the touch pad is large, it is imagined that it is difficult to move the cursor finely.

  The present invention has been considered in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a technique for realizing a comfortable operation system for a driver.

  A control device (claim 1) made to solve the above-described problem is a control device that sends out an operation command related to a screen displayed on a display device, and includes an input means, a first command output means, Is provided. The input means inputs a signal from a touch pad capable of detecting the operation pressure. The first command output means, when the operation pressure specified based on the signal input by the input means exceeds a predetermined operation pressure higher than the contact state of the operation finger, or the predetermined operation pressure When the value exceeds the value, a command for realizing a predetermined function is output.

  According to such a control device, while the driver is operating the touch pad and aligning the cursor, the finger once leaves the touch pad for the steering operation, and unintentionally again in a short time. It is possible to reduce erroneous execution when a finger touches the touch pad.

  By the way, if you want to change a multi-level setting such as the volume or air conditioning temperature, touch the touchpad multiple times after moving the cursor over the icon. It was necessary and complicated to repeat. In some conventional techniques, there is a method in which the setting can be continuously changed with a certain degree of change by maintaining the touched state (contact state). However, in this method, there are problems that it takes time until the desired setting is reached or that the desired setting is exceeded by touching too long.

  For this reason, the following control device is preferable. That is, the control device sends out an operation command related to the screen displayed on the display device, and includes an input unit and a first command output unit. The input means inputs a signal from a touch pad that can detect the operation pressure. The first command output means outputs a command for realizing a predetermined function with a degree of change corresponding to the operation pressure specified based on the signal input by the input means.

  With such a control device, it is not necessary to perform a complicated operation such as touching the touch pad a plurality of times, and the volume and air conditioning temperature can be set with a desired degree of change by adjusting the operation pressure. The setting can be made promptly.

  In recent years, with the increase in the resolution of display devices, it has become possible to arrange many icons on the screen. For this reason, the designer needs to consider the ease of selecting a large number of icons arranged in the screen. As one countermeasure, a method of reducing the magnification of the cursor movement amount in the screen with respect to the movement amount of the operation finger on the touch pad can be considered. In this case, for example, to move the cursor from the icon at the upper right corner of the screen to the icon at the lower left corner of the screen, it is necessary to trace the operating finger on the touch pad. It is also necessary to move the finger away from the touchpad. In other words, it was difficult to move the cursor quickly.

  For this reason, the following control device is preferable. In other words, the control device sends out an operation command related to the screen displayed on the display device, and includes an input unit and a command output unit. The input means inputs a signal from a touch pad that can detect the operation pressure. The command output means moves a cursor indicating the current operation target position on the screen according to a change in the contact position of the operation finger on the touch pad specified based on the signal input by the input means. A command for moving the cursor at a speed corresponding to the operation pressure specified based on the signal input by the input means.

  With such a control device, when the driver wants to move the cursor for a long distance, the driver can move the cursor quickly by operating with an increased pressure. That is, it can be operated comfortably.

It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structure of 1st Embodiment. It is a front view of a steering wheel (figure seen from a driver's viewpoint). It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation position change corresponding | compatible process of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation pressure change corresponding | compatible process of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation pressure change corresponding | compatible process of 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating each area | region regarding operating pressure. It is an example of a screen for explaining an initial menu. It is an example of a screen for explaining an initial menu and a main menu. It is an example of a screen for explaining a main menu. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structure of 2nd Embodiment different from 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation pressure change corresponding | compatible process of 2nd Embodiment. It is an example of a screen for explaining a submenu. It is an example of a screen for explaining another embodiment. It is an icon display example for demonstrating another embodiment.

  Embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment, and can take various forms as long as they belong to the technical scope of the present invention. Moreover, although the code | symbol used by the following description is used also for a claim suitably, it is used in order to make an understanding with respect to an invention easy, and limits the technical scope of the invention concerning each claim. Let me add that it is not the intention.

[Description of First Embodiment]
A first embodiment will be described.
[Description of configuration]
As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing ECU 11 of the first embodiment is connected to a right pad sensor 31, a left pad sensor 32, and a display device 33.

(1) Description of Information Processing ECU 11 The information processing ECU 11 includes a menu control unit 12, a screen control unit 21, a navigation unit 22, an audio control unit 23, an air conditioning control unit 24, and a hands-free telephone control unit 25. Prepare.

  The menu control unit 12 is responsible for displaying the menu displayed on the display device 33, and issues commands to the screen control unit 21 and other units based on operations performed on the right pad sensor 31 and the left pad sensor 32. it can. Details of the menu control unit 12 will be described later.

  The screen control unit 21 receives a command from the menu control unit 12, the navigation unit 22, the audio control unit 23, the air conditioning control unit 24, and the hands-free telephone control unit 25, and draws a screen to be displayed on the display device 33. And output an image signal to the display device 33.

The navigation unit 22 displays a map around the current position and a guide route map on the display device 33 and outputs a guide voice through a speaker (not shown).
The audio control unit 23 controls an audio device (not shown). Specifically, commands such as input source switching, volume change, and performance track change are output to the audio device.

The air conditioning control unit 24 controls an air conditioner (not shown). Specifically, commands such as air conditioner on / off, temperature setting, air volume setting, and air outlet selection are output to the air conditioner.
The hands-free telephone control unit 25 controls a telephone (not shown). Specifically, commands such as making and receiving calls and changing call volume are output to the telephone device.

(2) Description of Menu Control Unit 12 The menu control unit 12 includes a CPU, a DRAM, a flash memory, and an input / output interface (not shown). The program stored in the flash memory is read into the DRAM and executed by the CPU. Thus, the operation signal input unit 13, the cursor movement command output unit 14, the function execution command output unit 15, the enlargement command output unit 16, and the enlargement cancellation command output unit 17 are operated or realized.

The operation signal input unit 13 inputs signals output from the right pad sensor 31 and the left pad sensor 32.
The cursor movement command output unit 14 outputs a command for moving the cursor displayed on the screen of the display device 33 to the screen control unit 21 based on the signal input by the operation signal input unit 13. Note that the command output by the cursor movement command output unit 14 is a command for moving the cursor at a speed according to the operation pressure specified based on the signal input by the operation signal input unit 13. Specifically, a command is output so that the cursor moves faster if the operating pressure is high (so that the amount of movement of the cursor with respect to a predetermined tracing operation amount increases), and if the operating pressure is low, the cursor is moved slowly. A command is output (so that the amount of movement of the cursor with respect to the predetermined tracing operation amount is reduced). The reverse may be possible.

  The function execution command output unit 15 outputs a command to the navigation unit 22, the audio control unit 23, the air conditioning control unit 24, and the hands-free telephone control unit 25 based on the signal input by the operation signal input unit 13.

  The enlargement command output unit 16 outputs a command for enlarging an icon near the cursor displayed on the screen of the display device 33 to the screen control unit 21 based on the signal input by the operation signal input unit 13.

The enlargement cancellation command output unit 17 outputs a command for returning the icon enlarged by the enlargement command output unit 16 to the original size to the screen control unit 21.
(3) Description of the right pad sensor 31 and the left pad sensor 32 The right pad sensor 31 is an abbreviation provided at a position where the driver can operate with the thumb of the right hand while holding the handle 51 as shown in FIG. This is a sensor provided on the disc-shaped right touch pad 52. The right pad sensor 31 detects an operation on the right touch pad 52 by the driver, specifically, an operation position and an operation pressure on the right touch pad 52, and outputs the detection result as an operation signal. The right pad sensor 31 may be composed of a strain gauge, but is not limited to this, and any sensor can be used as long as it can detect the operation position and the operation pressure. It may be configured. Moreover, you may be comprised by the some sensor. The operation signal may be an analog signal or a digital signal. Hereinafter, the same applies to the “signal”.

  The left pad sensor 32 is a sensor provided on a substantially disc-shaped left touch pad 53 provided at a position where the driver can operate with the thumb of the left hand while holding the handle 51 as shown in FIG. . The left pad sensor 32 detects an operation on the left touch pad 53 by the driver, specifically, an operation position and an operation pressure on the left touch pad 53, and outputs the detection result as an operation signal. The left pad sensor 32 may be configured by a strain gauge, but is not limited to this, and any sensor can be used as long as it can detect the operation position and the operation pressure. It may be configured. Moreover, you may be comprised by the some sensor.

(4) Description of Display Device 33 Returning to FIG. 1, the display device 33 is composed of devices such as a liquid crystal display and an organic EL display, and displays various images based on image signals output from the screen control unit 21. Can be displayed.

[Description of operation]
Next, processing executed by the CPU of the menu control unit 12 will be described. The following process is a process executed by the CPU based on a program read from a flash memory (not shown) included in the menu control unit 12 to the DRAM.

(1) Operation position change handling process First, the operation position change handling process will be described with reference to FIG. The operation position change corresponding process is started when the ignition switch (or accessory switch) of the vehicle is turned on. In the following description, it is assumed that either the right touch pad 52 or the left touch pad 53 is continuously used (hereinafter, the right touch pad 52 and the left touch pad 53 are simply referred to as “touch pads”). Called).

  When starting the execution of the operation position change handling process, the CPU of the menu control unit 12 determines whether or not the operation position has been moved based on a signal from the touch pad (S5). The operation position is a position where the operation finger is in contact with the operation surface of the touch pad. When the CPU of the menu control unit 12 determines that the operation position has been moved (S5: Yes), the process proceeds to S10, and when it is determined that the operation position has not been moved (S5: No), this step ( Stay in S5).

  In S <b> 10 that proceeds when it is determined that the operation position has been moved, the CPU of the menu control unit 12 outputs a command for moving the cursor displayed on the display device 33 to the screen control unit 21 based on the movement of the operation position. . For example, if the finger is traced from point A to point B on the touchpad, a command is output to the screen control unit 21 so that the cursor moves in accordance with the movement locus. When the command is output, the process returns to S5 described above.

  The cursor may be a free cursor that moves freely within the screen of the display device 33, or a cursor that moves only on an operable icon, that is, a focus (selected state) on the icon.

(2) Operation Pressure Change Corresponding Process Next, the operation pressure change corresponding process executed by the CPU of the menu control unit 12 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. The operation pressure change handling process is started when the ignition switch (or accessory switch) of the vehicle is turned on. It is executed in parallel with the operation position change handling process described above. The following description will be made on the assumption that either the right touch pad 52 or the left touch pad 53 is continuously used (hereinafter, the right touch pad 52 and the left touch pad 53 are simply referred to as “touch pads”). Called).

  When starting the execution of the operation pressure change handling process, the menu control unit 12 first determines whether or not the operation pressure of the touch pad has entered the first region (S105). Here, the first region and other regions will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating regions of each operation pressure, and the horizontal axis represents the operation pressure. The “non-contact area” is an operation pressure area corresponding to a state where the driver does not touch the touch pad, and the operation pressure is 0 or less. Note that when the touchpad is used on one side, the operation pressure is not practically 0 or less, but for convenience, a region where the operation pressure is 0 or less is referred to as a “non-contact region”. The “first region” is an operation pressure region corresponding to a state in which the driver is touching the touch pad, that is, a state in which an operation of moving the cursor is performed. This region is a region where the operating pressure is greater than 0 and less than or equal to the first threshold. The “second region” is an operation pressure region corresponding to a state where the driver is intentionally pressing the touch pad. This region is a region where the operation pressure is equal to or higher than the first threshold value and lower than or equal to the second threshold value. The “third region” is an operation pressure region corresponding to a state where the driver pushes the touchpad further than in the “second region”. This region is a region where the operation pressure is equal to or higher than the second threshold value. In addition, it is preferable that there is an operation resistance felt by the driver at the boundary between the “first region” and the “second region” and the boundary between the “second region” and the “third region”.

  Returning to FIG. 4, when the CPU of the menu control unit 12 determines in S105 that the operation pressure has entered the first region (S105: Yes), the process proceeds to S110, and the operation pressure enters the first region. If it is determined that it is not included (S105: No), the present step (S105) remains.

  In S <b> 110, which proceeds when it is determined that the operating pressure has entered the first region, a command for causing the display device 33 to display the initial menu is commanded to the screen control unit 21. As a result, the initial menu is displayed on the display device 33. Thereafter, the cursor can be moved only to one of the icon groups constituting the initial menu. Here, the initial menu will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7A shows a screen before the initial menu is displayed, and FIG. 7B shows a screen after the initial menu is displayed. That is, the initial menu 61 is superimposed on the upper right of the map screen in FIG. The initial menu 61 includes a + icon 61a, a-icon 61b, a> icon 61c, a <icon 61d, and an M icon 61e. The + icon 61a and the-icon 61b are icons associated with functions for raising and lowering the audio volume. Instead of increasing and decreasing the volume of the audio, increasing and decreasing the set temperature of the air conditioner may be associated. The> icon 61c and the <icon 61d are icons associated with functions for moving the audio track forward and backward, respectively. The M icon 61e is an icon associated with a function for displaying the main menu. The reason why the outer periphery of the M icon 61e is thicker than that of other icons is that the cursor is currently on the M icon 61e. That is, the outer peripheral line of the icon with the cursor is displayed thicker than other icons.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the CPU of the menu control unit 12 determines whether or not the operation pressure has returned to the non-contact area (S115). If it is determined that the operating pressure has returned to the non-contact area (S115: Yes), the initial menu displayed in S110 is deleted (S120), and the process returns to S105. On the other hand, if it is determined that the operating pressure has not returned to the non-contact area (S115: No), the process proceeds to S125.

  In S125 that proceeds when it is determined that the operating pressure has not returned to the non-contact area, the CPU of the menu control unit 12 determines whether or not the operating pressure has entered the second area. If it is determined that the operating pressure has entered the second region (S125: Yes), the process proceeds to S130, and if it is determined that the operating pressure does not enter the second region (S125: NO), the process returns to S115. .

  In S <b> 130, which proceeds when it is determined that the operation pressure has entered the second region, the CPU of the menu control unit 12 branches the process depending on the position where the cursor is located. If the cursor position is the volume adjustment icon (+ icon 61a, -icon 61b,> icon 61c, or <icon 61d) (S130: volume adjustment icon), the process proceeds to S135, and the cursor is If the position is the main menu icon (S130: main menu icon), the process proceeds to S155.

  In S135, which proceeds when the cursor position is an adjustment icon such as a volume, the CPU of the menu control unit 12 issues a command to change the icon at the cursor position to an icon indicating that adjustment is being performed. Output to the screen controller 21. As a result, for example, the icon is changed to a + icon 71a as shown in FIG. That is, the icon color is changed.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the CPU of the menu control unit 12 then issues a command for changing the function corresponding to the cursor position with a change amount (change degree) according to the operation pressure. Starting to repeatedly output to the unit 24) (S140). For example, when the operating pressure is 20 g / square centimeter, a command to change the volume by one step is output, and when the operating pressure is 40 g / square centimeter, a command to change the volume by two steps is output. As a result, the volume is changed by the amount of change corresponding to the operation pressure. In addition, a command shall be comprised so that a corresponding function may be changed with the variation | change_quantity according to the newest operation pressure for every command. Further, the interval for outputting the command may be, for example, about 0.1 seconds to 0.5 seconds.

  Subsequently, the CPU of the menu control unit 12 determines whether or not the operation pressure has returned to the first region (S145). When it is determined that the operating pressure has returned to the first region (S145: Yes), the process proceeds to S146, and when it is determined that the operating pressure has not returned to the first region (S145: No), the present step (S145) remains.

In S146, which proceeds when it is determined that the operating pressure has returned to the first region, the output of the command started in S140 is stopped.
Then, the CPU of the menu control unit 12 outputs a command for returning the icon changed in S135 to the screen control unit 21 (S150), and returns the process to S115.

  On the other hand, in S155 that proceeds when it is determined in S130 that the position of the cursor is the main menu icon, the CPU of the menu control unit 12 determines whether or not the operation pressure has returned to the first region. If it is determined that the operating pressure has returned to the first area (S155: Yes), the process proceeds to S160, and if it is determined that the operating pressure has not returned to the first area (S155: No), the process returns to S130. .

  In S160, which is performed when it is determined that the operation pressure has returned to the first region, the CPU of the menu control unit 12 displays a command for deleting the initial menu displayed on the screen of the display device 33 and a main menu. The command is output to the screen control unit 21. As a result, a main menu 73 as shown in FIG. 8B is superimposed on the screen. The main menu 73 includes a destination setting icon 73a, an audio setting icon 73b, an air conditioning setting icon 73c, a hands-free phone icon 73d, and a touch pad setting icon 73e. The destination setting icon 73a is an icon associated with a destination setting function (a function for setting a destination for route guidance), and when this function is executed, a destination setting screen is displayed on the display device 33. The The audio setting icon 73b is an icon associated with an audio setting function (a function for performing input switching, tuning adjustment, track switching, sound quality adjustment, etc.), and when this function is executed, the audio setting screen is displayed on the display device 33. Is displayed. The air-conditioning setting icon 73c is an icon associated with an air-conditioning setting function (a function for turning on / off the air-conditioner, selecting a blow-out port, adjusting the strength of the fan, etc.). When this function is executed, the air-conditioning setting icon 73c is executed. A screen is displayed on the display device 33. The hands-free phone icon 73d is an icon associated with a hands-free phone function (a function for making a call function, selecting a call destination, editing an address book, etc.), and when this function is executed, a hands-free phone screen is displayed. Displayed on the device 33. The touch pad setting icon 73e is an icon associated with a function for setting the sensitivity of the touch pad and the touch pad setting screen is displayed on the display device 33 when the function is executed.

  The reason why the outer periphery of the destination setting icon 73a is thicker than that of the other icons and “>>” is added to the head of the caption (character) is that the cursor is currently positioned on the destination setting icon 73a. Because there is. That is, the outer peripheral line of the icon with the cursor is displayed thicker than other icons and “>>” is added to the head of the caption (character).

Further, after that, the cursor can be moved only to one of the icon groups constituting the menu menu.
Returning to FIG. 4, in the subsequent S165, the CPU of the menu control unit 12 determines whether or not the operation pressure has returned to the non-contact area. If it is determined that the operation pressure has returned to the non-contact area (S165: Yes), the process proceeds to S170, and if it is determined that the operation pressure has not returned to the non-contact area (S165: No), the process proceeds to S175. To do.

  In S <b> 170, which proceeds when it is determined that the operation pressure has returned to the non-contact area, the CPU of the menu control unit 12 outputs a command for deleting the main menu displayed on the screen of the display device 33 to the screen control unit 21. , The process returns to S105.

  On the other hand, in S175, which proceeds when it is determined that the operating pressure has not returned to the non-contact area, the CPU of the menu control unit 12 determines whether or not the operating pressure has entered the second area. If it is determined that the operating pressure has entered the second region (S175: Yes), the process proceeds to S205 in FIG. 5, and if it is determined that the operating pressure does not enter the second region (S175: No), the process proceeds to S165. Return processing.

  In step S205 in FIG. 5 which is performed when it is determined that the operation pressure has entered the second region, the CPU of the menu control unit 12 changes the icon at the cursor position to an icon indicating that the cursor is just before execution. The command is output to the screen control unit 21. As a result, for example, a hands-free telephone icon 81 as shown in FIG. 9A is changed. That is, the icon color is changed. Thereafter, the cursor cannot move from the icon indicating that it is immediately before execution.

  Returning to FIG. 5, in subsequent S <b> 210, the CPU of the menu control unit 12 determines whether or not the operation pressure has returned to the first region. If it is determined that the operating pressure has returned to the first region (S210: Yes), the process proceeds to S215. If it is determined that the operating pressure has returned to the first region (S210: No), the process proceeds to S225.

  In S215, which proceeds when it is determined that the operation pressure has returned to the first region, the CPU of the menu control unit 12 issues a command for executing the function associated with the icon at the position where the cursor is located, The data is output to any part of the audio control unit 23, the air conditioning control unit 24, or the hands-free telephone control unit 25. For example, if the icon at the cursor position is an icon associated with the destination setting function, a command to activate the purpose setting function is output to the navigation unit 22. As a result, a screen for setting the destination is displayed on the display device 33.

  Subsequently, the CPU of the menu control unit 12 outputs a command for deleting the main menu to the screen control unit 21 (S220). And if CPU of the menu control part 12 transmits a command, this process (operation pressure change corresponding | compatible process) will be complete | finished.

  On the other hand, in S225 that proceeds when it is determined that the operating pressure has not returned to the first area, the CPU of the menu control unit 12 determines whether or not the operating pressure has entered the third area. If it is determined that the operating pressure has entered the third region (S225: Yes), the process proceeds to S230, and if it is determined that the operating pressure does not enter the third region (S225: No), the process returns to S210. .

  In S230, which proceeds when it is determined that the operation pressure has entered the third region, the CPU of the menu control unit 12 outputs a command for returning the icon changed in S205 to the screen control unit 21. That is, it is indicated to the driver that the state immediately before the execution is lost (cancelled). Note that, after that, the cursor can be moved from the icon indicating that it is immediately before execution, and can be moved to one of the icon groups constituting the main menu.

  Subsequently, the CPU of the menu control unit 12 determines whether or not the main menu displayed on the display device 33 is enlarged (S235). This determination may be made by using a flag provided in the DRAM. If a flag is used, the flag is turned on in S240 described later. If the CPU of the menu control unit 12 determines in S235 that the main menu displayed on the display device 33 is enlarged (S235: Yes), the process proceeds to S245 and is displayed on the display device 33. If it is determined that the displayed main menu is not enlarged (S235: No), the process proceeds to S240.

  In S240, which is performed when it is determined that the main menu displayed on the display device 33 is not displayed in an enlarged manner, a command for displaying the enlarged main menu around the cursor position is output to the screen control unit 21. As a result, for example, a screen as shown in FIG. 9B is displayed on the display device 33. That is, the enlarged main menu 83 includes an air conditioning setting icon 83a, a hands-free phone icon 83b, and a touchpad icon 83c. Previously, five icons were arranged vertically in the main menu (for example, FIG. 9A), but it can be confirmed that the number is three and is enlarged.

  Returning to FIG. 5, in S <b> 245 that proceeds when it is determined that the main menu displayed on the display device 33 is enlarged, a command for terminating the enlarged display is output to the screen control unit 21.

  In S250 following each of S240 and S245, the CPU of the menu control unit 12 determines whether or not the operation pressure has returned to the first region. If it is determined that the operating pressure has returned to the first region (S250: Yes), the process returns to S165 in FIG. 4 and if it is determined that the operating pressure has not returned to the first region (S250: No), this step ( S250).

  When the driver releases his / her finger from the right touch pad 52 or the left touch pad 53 after the operation pressure enters the third region, the operation pressure always passes through the second region, the first region, It goes without saying that it enters the non-contact area.

[Effect of the first embodiment]
According to the information processing ECU 11 of the first embodiment, the operation pressure is in the first region (the region of the operation pressure corresponding to the state where the driver is touching the touch pad, that is, the state where the operation of moving the cursor is performed). When entering the second area (the state where the driver has intentionally pushed the touchpad) and returning to the first area again, the function corresponding to the icon at the cursor position is executed.

  Therefore, while the driver is operating the touch pad and aligning the cursor, the finger may once leave the touch pad for steering operation, and the finger may touch the touch pad unintentionally for a short time. Even if there is, the function associated with the touched icon is not executed unless the operating pressure at the time of touching is in the second area. Further, if the operation pressure is relaxed immediately after exceeding the first operation pressure, the function corresponding to the cursor position can be quickly executed. That is, an operation system that is comfortable for the driver is provided to the driver. In addition, when returning to the non-contact area instead of returning to the first area, the function corresponding to the icon at the cursor position may be executed. In this case, the same effect is obtained. .

  Further, when the driver further presses the touch pad, when the operation pressure enters the third region, the icon is enlarged and displayed around the icon where the cursor is located. For this reason, an icon can be expanded as needed according to the driver's intention, and the driver can perform a comfortable operation.

  Further, when the driver presses the touch pad again and the operation pressure enters the third region, the enlarged display of the icon is restored (returned to the scale display before the enlargement). For this reason, the driver can return the icon to the original size by a simple operation.

  If the icon at the cursor position is a volume adjustment icon (+ icon 61a, -icon 61b,> icon 61c, or <icon 61d), the driver adjusts the operating pressure while holding down the touchpad. By doing so, the function adjustment (for example, volume increase) of a corresponding icon can be performed with the change degree according to operation pressure. For this reason, the driver does not need to perform a complicated operation of touching the touch pad a plurality of times, and can make settings quickly.

  In addition, the cursor movement command output unit 14 outputs a command so that the cursor moves faster if the operation pressure is high (so that the amount of movement of the cursor with respect to the predetermined tracing operation amount increases), and if the operation pressure is low, the cursor movement command output unit 14 outputs the cursor. A command is output so that the cursor moves slowly (so that the amount of movement of the cursor with respect to a predetermined tracing operation amount decreases). For this reason, when the driver wants to move the cursor for a long distance, the driver can move the cursor quickly by increasing the pressure.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, the second embodiment will be described, but only the changes from the first embodiment will be described.
[Description of configuration]
FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the menu control unit 12 according to the second embodiment. That is, the menu control unit 12 of the second embodiment includes a submenu deletion command output unit 18 instead of the expansion command output unit 16 and the expansion cancellation command output unit 17.

  The submenu deletion command output unit 18 is a screen control that issues a command to turn off the display of the submenu when the operation pressure of the touch pad enters the third region in a state where the submenu is displayed on the display device 33. To the unit 21.

[Description of operation]
The operation pressure change corresponding process executed by the CPU of the menu control unit 12 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The operation pressure change handling process of the second embodiment is different from the operation pressure change handling process of the first embodiment in subsequent steps after an affirmative determination (Yes) in S175 of FIG.

  The CPU of the menu control unit 12 branches the process according to the position of the cursor in S305, which proceeds when an affirmative determination is made in S175 of FIG. 4 (Yes). If the position where the cursor is is on the execution icon (S305: on the execution icon), the process proceeds to S320, and if the position where the cursor is is on the submenu icon (S305: on the submenu icon), the process proceeds to S310. To migrate. The execution icon is associated with a function other than the function for displaying the submenu, such as a destination screen calling function, an audio setting screen calling function, an air conditioning setting screen, a hands-free telephone function calling function, etc. Icon. The submenu icon is an icon associated with a function for displaying the submenu.

  In step S <b> 310 that proceeds when the position of the cursor is on the submenu icon, the CPU of the menu control unit 12 outputs a command for displaying the submenu on the display device 33 to the screen control unit 21. As a result, for example, a sub menu 93 as shown in FIG. That is, the main menu 91 that was originally displayed slides to the left of the screen, and instead, the sub menu 93 is displayed to the right of the screen. This submenu 93 is a submenu of the other icon 91a. The sub menu 93 includes a navigation setting icon 93a, a touch pad setting icon 93b, and a display setting icon 93c. In the state of FIG. 12A, the navigation setting icon 93a has a cursor. Further, after that, the cursor can be moved only to one of the icon groups constituting the submenu.

  Returning to FIG. 11, in the subsequent S315, the CPU of the menu control unit 12 determines whether or not the operation pressure has returned to the first region. When it is determined that the operating pressure has returned to the first region (S315: Yes), the process proceeds to S165 in FIG. 4, and when it is determined that the operating pressure has not returned to the first region (S315: No), this step Stay at (S315).

  In S320, which proceeds when the position of the cursor is on the execution icon in S305, the CPU of the menu control unit 12 issues a command for changing the icon at the position of the cursor to an icon indicating that it is immediately before execution. Output to the screen controller 21. As a result, for example, the touch pad setting icon 95 is changed as shown in FIG. That is, the icon color is changed. Thereafter, the cursor cannot move from the icon indicating that it is immediately before execution.

  Returning to FIG. 11, in subsequent S325, the CPU of the menu control unit 12 determines whether or not the operation pressure has returned to the first region. If it is determined that the operating pressure has returned to the first area (S325: Yes), the process proceeds to S330, and if it is determined that the operating pressure has not returned to the first area (S325: No), the process proceeds to S340. To do.

  In S330, which is performed when it is determined that the operation pressure has returned to the first region, the CPU of the menu control unit 12 sends a command for executing a function associated with the icon at the cursor position to the screen control unit 21. Output. For example, if the icon at the cursor position is an icon associated with the destination setting function, a command to activate the purpose setting function is output to the navigation unit 22. As a result, a screen for setting the destination is displayed on the display device 33.

  Subsequently, the CPU of the menu control unit 12 outputs a command for deleting the main menu to the screen control unit 21 (S335). At that time, if a submenu is also displayed, a command for deleting the submenu is also transmitted. And if CPU of the menu control part 12 transmits a command, this process (operation pressure change corresponding | compatible process) will be complete | finished.

  On the other hand, in S340, which proceeds when it is determined that the operating pressure has not returned to the first area, the CPU of the menu control unit 12 determines whether or not the operating pressure has entered the third area. If it is determined that the operating pressure has entered the third area (S340: Yes), the process proceeds to S345, and if it is determined that the operating pressure does not enter the third area (S340: No), the process returns to S325. .

  In S345, which proceeds when it is determined that the operation pressure is in the third region, the CPU of the menu control unit 12 outputs a command for returning the icon changed in S320 to the screen control unit 21. As a result, the icon of the display device 33 returns to the original state where the icon is changed to the state immediately before execution, and the driver is informed that the state immediately before the execution is no longer (cancelled). If the icon is an icon on a submenu, an instruction to delete the submenu is also transmitted to the screen control unit 21 in the same manner. Further, after that, the cursor can be moved to any of the icon groups constituting the main menu.

  In subsequent S350, the CPU of the menu control unit 12 determines whether or not the operation pressure has returned to the first region. If it is determined that the operating pressure has returned to the first region (S350: Yes), the process returns to S165 in FIG. 4, and if it is determined that the operating pressure has not returned to the first region (S350: No), this step ( S350).

[Effects of Second Embodiment]
According to the information processing ECU 11 of the second embodiment, when the touch pad is pressed in a state where the cursor is on the icon associated with the display of the sub menu and the operation pressure enters the second region from the first region, the sub A menu is displayed. For this reason, the submenu can be displayed as necessary while reducing the malfunction of the submenu being displayed when the touchpad is touched unintentionally during a handle operation or the like. That is, the driver can perform a comfortable operation.

  Further, when the driver presses the touch pad strongly and the operation pressure enters the third area from the second area, the submenu is deleted. For this reason, it is possible to delete the submenu with a simple operation without moving the cursor to the icon associated with the function for deleting the submenu and pressing the touch pad, and the driver can perform a comfortable operation. be able to.

[Other Embodiments]
Next, another embodiment will be described. In addition, it cannot be overemphasized that it is possible to combine about the structure which can be compatible among the said embodiment and the following embodiment.

  (1) In the above embodiment, the function associated with the icon is executed when entering the second area from the first area and returning to the first area again. When entering the second area, the function associated with the icon may be executed.

  (2) In the above embodiment, the function associated with the icon is executed when entering the second area from the first area and returning to the first area again. After returning, the function associated with the icon may be executed when the contactless area is reached.

(3) The menu control unit 12 may be realized as an independent control device and installed between the right pad sensor 31 and the left pad sensor 32 and the information processing ECU 11.
(4) In the determination of S115 and S165 in the operation pressure change corresponding process, it is determined that the determination condition is satisfied when each determination condition is continuously satisfied for a time of about 0.1 seconds to 0.5 seconds. It may be. In this way, even if the driver unintentionally removes the finger from the touchpad for some reason, the initial menu and the main menu will not disappear, so no operation is performed to redisplay the main menu. May be. That is, it is possible to reduce the burden on the driver from annoying operations.

  (5) The right touch pad 52 and the left touch pad 53 have a substantially disk shape, but can be operated not only from the front side (driver side) but also from the back side (front side of the vehicle). Good. Further, the right pad sensor 31 and the left pad sensor 32 may be configured to be able to distinguish and detect operations from the back side of each corresponding touch pad. Then, the CPU of the menu control unit 12 may perform the same process as described above for the operation from the back side. Note that the + icon 61a in FIG. 7B may have the same result as the − icon 61b for an operation from the back side of the touchpad. That is, when the cursor is on the + icon 61a, the volume is increased if the touch pad is pressed from the front surface, and the volume is decreased if the touch pad is pressed from the back surface.

  (6) Instead of providing the touch pad on the handle, the touch pad may be provided on the display surface of the display device 33. In that case, the touch pad must be of a type that transmits light and can detect both the operation position and the pressure. Even if comprised in this way, there exists an effect similar to embodiment mentioned above.

  (7) In the state where the main menu of the first embodiment is displayed, when the touchpad is operated and the operation pressure enters the second region, the icon at the cursor position is immediately before execution. (S205, FIG. 9A). In this state, when the touch pad is further pushed in and the operation pressure enters the third region, it is expanded (S240, FIG. 9B). Instead, when the touch pad is further pushed and the operation pressure enters the third area, a submenu associated with the icon at the cursor position as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed. May be.

  Note that the function associated with the icon at the cursor position can still be executed. That is, in the case of FIG. 9A, when the power of the operating finger is removed and the operating pressure returns to the first region, for example, a screen having a numeric keypad icon is displayed and a hands-free call can be made. On the other hand, when the touchpad is further pushed in and the operating pressure enters the third area, the call can be made from the address book as shown in FIG. 13, and the driver can arbitrarily select the call method. It is to be. Even in such an operation system, the driver can comfortably operate.

  (8) In the first embodiment, when the touch pad is operated and the operation pressure enters the second area in the state where the main menu is displayed, the icon at the position where the cursor is is immediately before execution. It has been changed to an icon indicating this (S205, FIG. 9A). Then, when the operating pressure returns to the first area, the function associated with the icon is executed (S215). Instead, in the state where the main menu is displayed, when the touchpad is operated and the operation pressure enters the second area, the icon at the position where the cursor is located is enlarged, and the operation pressure returns to the first area. In some cases, the enlargement may be restored. Execution of the function (function associated with the icon) in this case may be instructed when a separately provided operation button is pressed, or the touch pad can be operated in a short time. It may be instructed by touching once (contact → release → contact → release) or when the operation pressure returns to the second area after entering the third area. It may be like this. The enlargement ratio may vary depending on the operation pressure. Further, not only the icon at the position where the cursor is, but the entire menu may be enlarged.

  (9) In the state where the main menu of the first embodiment is displayed, when the touchpad is operated and the operation pressure enters the second area from the first area, the icon at the position where the cursor is located is displayed. A corresponding menu (submenu) may be displayed, and the menu may be deleted when the operation pressure returns to the first area. Execution of the function (function associated with the icon) in this case may be instructed when a separately provided operation button is pressed, or the touch pad can be operated in a short time. It may be instructed by touching once, or may be instructed when the operating pressure returns to the second region after entering the third region.

  (10) An instruction for enlarging the icon according to the operation pressure of the touch pad may be output. The icons displayed on the display device 33 in this case will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14A shows an example in which icons constituting the menu are arranged vertically, and the cursor is at the position of the icon 3. In this state, when the operation pressure of the operating finger increases, the icon group is expanded (extended) in the vertical direction as shown in FIG. Further, when the operation pressure of the operation finger is increased, the icon group is further expanded in the vertical direction as shown in FIG. Of course, if the operation pressure is reduced, the icon group is reduced accordingly, and finally returns to the original size. In this way, if the operation pressure is increased when it is difficult for the driver to see the icon, the icon can be easily enlarged to an arbitrary size, and a fine operation can be easily performed. Note that the execution of the function associated with the icon may be instructed when a separate operation button is pressed, or when the operation finger leaves the touchpad. You may come to do.

  (11) In the above embodiment, the cursor movement command output unit 14 outputs a command to move the cursor at a speed according to the operation pressure specified based on the signal input by the operation signal input unit 13. However, a command for scrolling the screen at a speed corresponding to the operation pressure specified based on the signal input by the operation signal input unit 13 may be output. In addition, a command for scrolling the scroll type selection target (icon group) may be output at a speed corresponding to the operation pressure specified based on the signal input by the operation signal input unit 13. Even if it becomes like these, a driver | operator's comfort increases.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Information processing ECU, 12 ... Menu control part, 13 ... Operation signal input part, 14 ... Cursor movement command output part, 15 ... Function execution command output part, 16 ... Expansion command output part, 17 ... Expansion cancellation command output part, 18 ... submenu deletion command output unit, 21 ... screen control unit, 22 ... navigation unit, 23 ... audio control unit, 24 ... air conditioning control unit, 25 ... hands-free telephone control unit, 31 ... right pad sensor, 32 ... left pad Sensor, 33 ... display device, 51 ... handle, 52 ... right touchpad, 53 ... left touchpad.

Claims (10)

A control device (12) for outputting a command related to a screen displayed on a display device,
An input means (13) for inputting a signal from a touch pad capable of detecting an operation pressure;
When the operation pressure specified based on the signal input by the input means exceeds a predetermined operation pressure higher than the contact state of the operating finger, or falls below the predetermined operation pressure, a predetermined pressure First command output means (15, 16, 17, 18) for outputting a command for realizing the function;
A control device comprising: The control device according to claim 1,
A plurality of the predetermined operating pressures are determined,
The first command output means is a command different for each of the predetermined operation pressures, and outputs a command for realizing a function corresponding to the predetermined operation pressure as the command;
A control device characterized by. In the control device according to claim 1 or 2,
Outputting a command for moving a cursor indicating the current operation target position on the screen in accordance with a change in the contact position of the operation finger on the touch pad specified based on the signal input by the input means; Two command output means (14),
The function realized by the command output by the first command output means includes a command for executing a function associated with the icon at the cursor position, a command for enlarging an icon in the screen, Or outputting a command for displaying a menu associated with the icon at the cursor position;
A control device characterized by. A control device (12) for sending an operation command related to a screen displayed on a display device,
An input means (13) for inputting a signal from a touch pad capable of detecting an operation pressure;
First command output means (15) for outputting a command for realizing a predetermined function at a degree of change according to an operation pressure specified based on a signal input by the input means;
A control device comprising: The control device according to claim 4,
The first command output means repeatedly outputs the command based on the latest operation pressure in a state where the touch pad is pressed;
A control device characterized by. The control device according to claim 4 or 5,
Outputting a command for moving a cursor indicating the current operation target position on the screen in accordance with a change in the contact position of the operation finger on the touch pad specified based on the signal input by the input means; Two command output means (14),
The predetermined function is a command for executing a function associated with the icon at the cursor position;
A control device characterized by. A control device (12) for sending an operation command related to a screen displayed on a display device,
An input means (13) for inputting a signal from a touch pad capable of detecting an operation pressure;
A command for moving a cursor indicating a current operation target position on the screen according to a change in a contact position of an operation finger on the touch pad specified based on a signal input by the input means, Command output means (14) for outputting a command to move the cursor at a speed corresponding to the operation pressure specified based on the signal input by the input means;
A control device comprising: A program for causing a computer to send an operation command related to a screen displayed on a display device,
An input step for inputting a signal from a touchpad capable of detecting an operation pressure;
When the operation pressure specified based on the signal input in the input step exceeds a predetermined operation pressure higher than the contact state of the operating finger or falls below the operation pressure, the predetermined pressure A first command output step for outputting a command for realizing a function corresponding to the operation pressure;
A program that causes a computer to execute. A program for causing a computer to send an operation command related to a screen displayed on a display device,
An input means step for inputting a signal from the touchpad capable of detecting the operation pressure;
A first command output step for outputting a command for realizing a predetermined function with a degree of change corresponding to the operation pressure specified based on the signal input in the input step;
A program that causes a computer to execute. A program for causing a computer to send an operation command related to a screen displayed on a display device,
An input step for inputting a signal from a touchpad capable of detecting an operation pressure;
A command for moving a cursor indicating a current operation target position on the screen according to a change in a contact position of an operation finger on the touch pad specified based on a signal input in the input step, A command output step for outputting a command to move the cursor at a speed corresponding to the operation pressure specified based on the signal input in the input step;
A program that causes a computer to execute.