JP2023168869A - User interface device, control device, computer program and input device - Google Patents

Abstract

To improve convenience of a user interface device that is provided with a display device displaying images indicative of a controlled amount about a function of a controlled device.SOLUTION: A knob 11 is displaceable in one direction D1, and in a second direction D2 opposite the one direction D1. A control device is configured to make a display device 31 display a first image I1 indicative of a set amount of blowing pertaining to a blowing function of a heat fan corresponding to an amount of displacement to the one direction D1 of the knob 11, and a second image I2 indicative of a set temperature pertaining to a heating function of a sheet heater corresponding to an amount of displacement to the second direction D2 of the knob 11. The first image I1 is displayed in a position shifted to the one direction D1 relative to an intermediate area IA corresponding to an initial position of the knob 11. The second image I2 is displayed in a position shifted to the second direction D2 relative to the intermediate area IA.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present invention relates to a user interface device including a display device that displays an image indicating a controlled amount related to a function of a controlled device based on the displacement of a movable body. The present invention relates to a control device installed in the user interface device and a computer program executable by a processor of the control device. The present invention relates to an input device including the movable body.

Patent Document 1 discloses a user interface device for controlling the operation of a controlled device mounted on a vehicle as an example of a moving object. The device includes a display and a touchpad. Images such as icons and buttons indicating functions of the controlled device are displayed on the screen of the display device. The user selects the image and executes the function associated with the image by touching the detection area of the touchpad with a finger and inputting an operation.

JP2013-022986A

An object of the present invention is to improve the convenience of a user interface device including a display device that displays an image showing a controlled amount related to a function of a controlled device.

One aspect of achieving the above object is a user interface device that includes:
a movable body that is displaceable in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction;
a display device;
a first image showing a first controlled amount related to a first function of the controlled device that corresponds to the amount of displacement of the movable body in the first direction; and a first image that corresponds to the amount of displacement of the movable body in the second direction. a control device that causes the display device to display a second image showing a second controlled amount related to a second function of the controlled device;
It is equipped with
The first image is displayed at a position shifted in the first direction with respect to a reference area corresponding to an initial position of the movable body,
The second image is displayed at a position shifted in the second direction with respect to the reference area.

One aspect of achieving the above object is a control device that includes:
an interface that receives a detection signal indicating the displacement of a movable body that is displaceable in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction;
a first image showing a first controlled amount related to a first function of the controlled device that corresponds to the amount of displacement of the movable body in the first direction; and a first image that corresponds to the amount of displacement of the movable body in the second direction. a processor that causes a display device to display a second image indicating a second controlled amount related to a second function of the controlled device;
It is equipped with
The processor includes:
displaying the first image at a position shifted in the first direction with respect to a reference area corresponding to an initial position of the movable body;
The second image is displayed at a position shifted in the second direction with respect to the reference area.

One aspect of achieving the above object is a computer program executable by a processor installed in a control device,
By being executed, the control device:
receiving a detection signal indicating the displacement of a movable body that is movable in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction;
a first image showing a first controlled amount related to a first function of the controlled device that corresponds to the amount of displacement of the movable body in the first direction; and a first image that corresponds to the amount of displacement of the movable body in the second direction. displaying on a display device a second image showing a second controlled amount related to a second function of the controlled device;
displaying the first image at a position shifted in the first direction with respect to a reference area corresponding to an initial position of the movable body;
The second image is displayed at a position shifted in the second direction with respect to the reference area.

According to the configurations according to each of the above aspects, both the first function of the controlled device and the second function of the controlled device can be controlled by displacing a single movable body. Thereby, the configuration of the user interface device can be simplified compared to a configuration in which separate movable bodies are provided depending on the functions of the controlled device. Furthermore, an image showing the controlled amount of the function of the controlled device is displayed on the display device, and the user moves the movable object in the direction in which the image showing the controlled amount of the function is shifted with respect to the reference area. By displacing it, the controlled amount of the function can be changed. This allows the user to visually confirm the controlled amount of the function of the controlled device that has been changed through the operation of the movable body, and also intuitively determine the direction in which the movable body should be displaced when starting control of the function. It can be understood. As a result, the convenience of the user interface device can be improved.

One aspect for achieving the above object is an input device, comprising:
a movable body that is displaceable in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction;
A first controlled amount of a first function of the controlled device is changed according to an amount of displacement of the movable body from the initial position in the first direction, and a first controlled amount of a first function of the controlled device is changed from the initial position of the movable body in the second direction. a control device that changes a second controlled amount of a second function of the controlled device according to the amount of displacement;
It is equipped with

According to the configurations according to each of the above aspects, both the first function of the controlled device and the second function of the controlled device can be controlled by displacing a single movable body. Thereby, the configuration of the input device can be simplified compared to a configuration in which separate movable bodies are provided depending on the functions of the controlled device. When the input device is installed in a user interface device, the convenience of the user interface device can be improved.

1 illustrates a functional configuration of a user interface device according to an embodiment. 2 illustrates a vehicle in which the user interface device of FIG. 1 is mounted. 2 illustrates an example of the appearance of a knob in the input device of FIG. 1; 4 illustrates an example of the contour shape of the knob seen from the direction of arrow IV in FIG. 3. 2 illustrates the operation of the user interface device of FIG. 1; 2 illustrates the operation of the user interface device of FIG. 1; 2 illustrates the operation of the user interface device of FIG. 1; 2 illustrates the operation of the user interface device of FIG. 1; 2 illustrates the operation of the user interface device of FIG. 1; 2 illustrates the operation of the user interface device of FIG. 1; 2 illustrates the operation of the user interface device of FIG. 1; 2 illustrates the operation of the user interface device of FIG. 1; 2 illustrates an example of a screen displayed on the display device of FIG. 1. This shows an example of a screen displayed on the display device in FIG. 1. 2 illustrates an example of a screen displayed on the display device of FIG. 1. 2 shows another example of the user interface device of FIG. 1;

Example embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each of the drawings used in the following description, the scale has been changed as appropriate to make each element recognizable in size.

FIG. 1 illustrates a functional configuration of an input device 10 according to an embodiment. The input device 10 according to this example is configured to be mounted on a vehicle 20 illustrated in FIG. 2 . The input device 10 is a device for controlling the operation of a seat fan 22 and a seat heater 23 mounted on a seat 21 of a vehicle 20. The seat fan 22 is a device that blows air from inside the seat 21 toward the occupant. The seat heater 23 is a device that increases the surface temperature of the seat 21. The air blowing function of the seat fan 22 is an example of the first function of the controlled device. The heating function of the seat heater 23 is an example of the second function of the controlled device. That is, in this example, the first function of the controlled device and the second function of the controlled device are functions of different controlled devices. The input device 10 is arranged, for example, in the center cluster 24 of the vehicle 20.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the input device 10 includes a knob 11 . The knob 11 is configured to be operable by the passenger's fingers F. FIG. 3 illustrates the external appearance of the knob 11. FIG. 4 illustrates the outline shape of the knob 11 when viewed from the direction of arrow IV in FIG.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the knob 11 is configured to be rotatable about the axis A in the counterclockwise direction and the clockwise direction in FIG. After the knob 11 is rotated counterclockwise or clockwise by the passenger's fingers F from the initial position shown in FIG. When released, it is configured to return to the initial position. The return mechanism of the knob 11 can be realized by a well-known mechanism. In the following description, the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 4 will be referred to as a first direction D1, and the clockwise direction in FIG. 4 will be referred to as a second direction D2. In FIG. 1, a first direction D1 and a second direction D2 are illustrated when the knob 11 is viewed from above. The knob 11 is an example of a movable body. Rotation is an example of displacement.

In this example, the operation of displacing the knob 11 from the initial position in the first direction D1 corresponds to the control of changing the set air flow rate of the seat fan 22. On the other hand, the operation of displacing the knob 11 from the initial position in the second direction D2 corresponds to control of changing the set temperature of the seat heater 23.

The input device 10 includes a first sensor 12 . The first sensor 12 is configured to detect displacement of the knob 11 in the first direction D1. Detection of displacement can be done mechanically, electrically, optically, or magnetically using known configurations. The first sensor 12 is configured to output a first detection signal DS1 when detecting displacement of the knob 11 in the first direction D1.

The input device 10 includes a second sensor 13. The second sensor 13 is configured to detect displacement of the knob 11 in the second direction D2. Detection of displacement can be done mechanically, electrically, optically, or magnetically using known configurations. The second sensor 13 is configured to output a second detection signal DS2 when detecting displacement of the knob 11 in the second direction D2.

The input device 10 includes a control device 14 . The control device 14 includes an input interface 141, a processor 142, and an output interface 143. Input interface 141 is configured to receive first detection signal DS1 and second detection signal DS2. When the first detection signal DS1 and the second detection signal DS2 are analog signals, the input interface 141 includes an appropriate conversion circuit including an A/D converter.

The processor 142 is configured to output the first control signal CS1 from the output interface 143 upon receiving the first detection signal DS1. The first control signal CS1 is configured to cause the seat fan 22 to perform an operation of changing the set air blow rate. The set air flow rate is an example of the first controlled amount.

The processor 142 is configured to output the second control signal CS2 from the output interface 143 upon receiving the second detection signal DS2. The second control signal CS2 is configured to cause the seat heater 23 to perform an operation of changing the set temperature. The set temperature is an example of the second controlled variable.

The first control signal CS1 and the second control signal CS2 may be analog signals or digital signals. When the first control signal CS1 and the second control signal CS2 are analog signals, the output interface 143 includes an appropriate conversion circuit including a D/A converter.

For example, a plurality of different set airflow rates are set in advance as the airflow settings for the seat fan 22, and each time the knob 11 is operated in the first direction D1, the set airflow rate is switched, and the knob 11 is rotated a predetermined number of times. The airflow setting of the seat fan 22 may be configured to return to the initial value when the seat fan 22 is displaced in one direction D1. For example, each time the knob 11 is operated in the first direction D1 by the passenger's finger F, the air blowing function is switched off in the order of small, medium, large, and OFF, and the air blowing function is turned off again. The state will be as follows. The number of times the knob 11 is displaced from the initial position in the first direction D1 is an example of the amount of displacement of the knob 11 from the initial position in the first direction D1.

Further, for example, a plurality of different set temperatures are preset as the set temperature of the seat heater 23, and each time the knob 11 is operated in the second direction D2, the set temperature is switched, and the knob 11 is set in the second direction a predetermined number of times. The set temperature of the seat heater 23 may be configured to return to the initial value when the seat heater 23 is displaced in the direction D2. For example, each time the knob 11 is operated in the second direction D2 by the passenger's finger F, the heating function is switched from OFF to low, medium, high, and OFF, and then the heating function is switched OFF again. state. The number of times the knob 11 is displaced from the initial position in the second direction D2 is an example of the amount of displacement of the knob 11 from the initial position in the second direction D2.

According to the input device 10 according to the present embodiment, by displacing the single knob 11, both the air blowing function of the seat fan 22 and the heating function of the seat heater 23 can be controlled. Thereby, the configuration of the input device 10 can be simplified compared to a configuration in which separate knobs 11 are provided depending on the air blowing function of the seat fan 22 and the heating function of the seat heater 23.

Further, in the present embodiment, the set air flow rate of the seat fan 22 returns to the initial value when the knob 11 is displaced from the initial position in the first direction D1 a predetermined number of times. Further, the set temperature of the seat heater 23 returns to the initial value when the knob 11 is displaced from the initial position in the second direction D2 a predetermined number of times. This eliminates the need to finely adjust the displacement distance and displacement time of the knob 11 from the initial position, unlike in a configuration where the set air flow rate or temperature setting changes depending on the distance or time the knob 11 is displaced from the initial position. Therefore, passengers can easily change the set air flow rate or set temperature.

The set air flow rate of the seat fan 22 changes depending on the distance by which the knob 11 is displaced from the initial position in the first direction D1 by one operation of the knob 11 by the occupant, and the set temperature of the seat heater 23 changes depending on the occupant. It may be configured to change according to the distance displaced from the initial position of the knob 11 in the second direction D2 by one operation of the knob 11. Alternatively, the set air flow rate of the seat fan 22 changes depending on the time required for the seat fan 22 to be displaced from the initial position in the first direction D1 by one operation of the knob 11 by the occupant, and the set temperature of the seat heater 23 changes depending on the amount of time the occupant operates the knob 11 once. It may be configured to change depending on the time required for displacement from the initial position in the second direction D2 in one operation.

That is, the expression "the amount of displacement of the knob 11 in the first direction D1 from the initial position" used in this specification refers to the amount of displacement of the knob 11 by the occupant in addition to the number of times the knob 11 is displaced from the initial position in the first direction D1. One operation may include the distance or time by which the knob 11 is displaced from the initial position in the first direction D1. Similarly, the expression "the amount of displacement of the knob 11 from the initial position to the second direction D2" used in this specification refers to the amount of displacement of the knob 11 by the occupant in addition to the number of displacements of the knob 11 from the initial position to the second direction D2. This may include the distance or time during which the knob 11 is displaced from the initial position in the second direction D2 with one operation.

Further, in this embodiment, when the knob 11 is displaced in the first direction D1, the set air flow rate of the seat fan 22 changes, and when the knob 11 is displaced in the second direction D2, the set temperature of the seat heater 23 changes. Change.

However, when the knob 11 is displaced in the first direction D1 to increase the set airflow rate of the seat fan 22 and then is displaced in the second direction D2, the set airflow rate is decreased; The configuration may be such that when the knob 11 continues to be displaced in the second direction D2, the set temperature of the seat heater 23 is increased. Further, when the knob 11 is displaced in the second direction D2 to increase the set temperature of the seat heater 23 and then is displaced in the first direction D1, the set temperature is decreased, and after the set temperature is decreased, the knob 11 is If the displacement in the first direction D1 continues, the set air flow rate of the seat fan 22 may be configured to increase.

In this case, the operation of displacing the knob 11 from the initial position in the second direction D2 after the set airflow rate of the seat fan 22 has increased by displacing the knob 11 from the initial position in the first direction D1 is the operation of displacing the knob 11 from the initial position in the second direction D2. It is possible to control the amount of air blown. On the other hand, the operation of displacing the knob 11 from the initial position in the second direction D1 after the knob 11 is displaced from the initial position in the second direction D2 to increase the set temperature of the seat heater 23 increases the set temperature of the seat heater 23. Can respond to changing controls. In other words, the displacement operation of the knob 11 in the same direction is assigned to both the control for lowering one of the set air flow rate and the set temperature and the control for increasing the other.

Specifically, upon receiving the first detection signal DS1, the processor 142 of the control device 14 determines whether the blowing function of the seat fan 22 and the heating function of the seat heater 23 are being executed. Then, when the processor 142 determines that the air blowing function of the seat fan 22 and the heating function of the seat heater 23 are in an OFF state or that the air blowing function of the seat fan 22 is in an ON state, the processor 142 increases the set air blowing amount for the seat fan 22. It outputs a first control signal CS1 that causes the operation to be executed. On the other hand, if the processor 142 determines that the heating function of the seat heater 23 is in the ON state, it outputs a second control signal CS2 that causes the seat heater 23 to perform an operation of decreasing the set temperature.

Further, upon receiving the second detection signal DS2, the processor 142 determines whether the ventilation function of the seat fan 22 and the heating function of the seat heater 23 are being executed. When the processor 142 determines that the air blowing function of the seat fan 22 and the heating function of the seat heater 23 are OFF or that the heating function of the seat heater 23 is ON, the processor 142 operates to increase the set temperature of the seat heater 23. It outputs a second control signal CS2 for executing. On the other hand, if the processor 142 determines that the heating function of the seat heater 23 is in the ON state, it outputs a first control signal CS1 that causes the seat fan 22 to perform an operation of reducing the set airflow amount.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the input device 10 can be mounted on a user interface device 30. As illustrated in FIG. 2, a user interface device 30 is also mounted on the vehicle 20.

The user interface device 30 includes a display device 31 . As illustrated in FIG. 2, the display device 31 is arranged adjacent to the knob 11 of the input device 10.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the display device 31 displays a first image I1 showing the set air flow rate of the seat fan 22, and a second image I2 showing the set temperature of the seat heater 23.

Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 1, upon receiving the first detection signal DS1, the processor 142 of the control device 14 outputs the third control signal CS3 in addition to the first control signal CS1 to the output interface. 143. The third control signal CS3 is configured to cause the display device 31 to display a first image I1 showing the set air blowing amount of the seat fan 22 corresponding to the amount of displacement of the knob 11 in the first direction D1.

On the other hand, when the processor 142 receives the second detection signal DS2, it is configured to output, for example, a fourth control signal CS4 from the output interface 143 in addition to the second control signal CS2. The fourth control signal CS4 is configured to cause the display device 31 to display a second image I2 showing the set temperature of the seat heater 23 corresponding to the amount of displacement of the knob 11 in the second direction D2.

The third control signal CS3 and the fourth control signal CS4 may be analog signals or digital signals. When the third control signal CS3 and the fourth control signal CS4 are analog signals, the output interface 143 includes an appropriate conversion circuit including a D/A converter.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the first image I1 is displayed in the first area A1 at a position shifted in the first direction D1 with respect to the intermediate area IA corresponding to the initial position of the knob 11. Further, the second image I2 is displayed in the second area A2 at a position shifted in the second direction D2 with respect to the intermediate area IA. Intermediate area IA is an example of a reference area.

Note that the expression "a position shifted in the first direction D1" used in this specification refers not only to a position shifted in the same direction as the first direction D1, but also to a position less than (±) 45 degrees from the first direction D1. may include positions shifted in a direction within the range of . Similarly, the term "position shifted in the second direction D2" as used herein refers not only to a position shifted in the same direction as the second direction D2, but also to a position within a range of less than (±) 45 degrees from the second direction D2. It may include a position shifted in the direction of the position. For example, in this example, when the knob is viewed in plan, the first direction D1 is downward and the second direction D2 is upward, the first image I1 is below the intermediate area IA, and the second image I2 is the intermediate area. Displayed above IA.

According to the user interface device 30 according to the present embodiment, the first image I1 indicating the set airflow rate of the seat fan 22 is displayed on the display device 31, and the occupant can see that the first image I1 is relative to the intermediate area IA. By displacing the knob 11 in the shifted first direction D1, the set air blow rate can be changed. Further, a second image I2 indicating the set temperature of the seat heater 23 is displayed on the display device 31, and the occupant moves the knob 11 in a second direction D2 in which the second image I2 is shifted with respect to the intermediate area IA. By displacing it, the set temperature can be changed. As a result, the occupant can visually check the set air flow rate or set temperature that has been changed through the operation of the knob 11, and when starting to control the air blowing function of the seat fan 22 or the heating function of the seat heater 23, You can intuitively understand the direction of displacement. As a result, the convenience of the user interface device 30 can be improved.

In this embodiment, the first image I1 includes three bar-shaped images corresponding to three different airflow settings of the seat fan 22, respectively. Further, the second image I2 includes three bar-shaped images corresponding to three different set temperatures of the seat heater 23, respectively. For example, when a predetermined set airflow rate is selected by operating the knob 11 in the first direction D1, a bar-shaped image corresponding to the selected set airflow rate is replaced with a bar-shaped image corresponding to another set airflow rate. It may be displayed in a display mode different from the display mode. Further, when a predetermined set temperature is selected by operating the knob 11 in the second direction D2, a bar-shaped image corresponding to the selected set temperature is displayed, and a bar-shaped image corresponding to other set temperatures is displayed in a different manner. It can be displayed in different display modes.

For example, when the knob 11 is displaced in the first direction D1 by the operation of the passenger's finger F from the initial state in which the air blowing function of the seat fan 22 and the heating function of the seat heater 23 are both OFF as shown in FIG. The air blow amount is switched to the smallest set value, and the topmost bar-shaped image in the first image I1 is displayed in a different display mode from the other bar-shaped images, as illustrated in FIG.

When the knob 11 is again displaced in the first direction D1 by the operation of the passenger's finger F, the set airflow rate is switched to a medium setting value, and as illustrated in FIG. A bar-shaped image is displayed in a display mode different from other bar-shaped images.

Although illustration is omitted, when the knob 11 is again displaced in the first direction D1 by the operation of the passenger's finger F, the set airflow amount is switched to the largest setting value, and the bottom bar shape in the first image I1 is image is displayed in a different display manner from other bar-shaped images. Then, when the knob 11 is again displaced in the first direction D1 by the operation of the passenger's finger F, the ventilation function is turned OFF, and all the bar-shaped images of the first image I1 are displayed in the same manner as illustrated in FIG. is displayed.

On the other hand, when the knob 11 is displaced in the second direction D2 by the operation of the passenger's finger F, the set temperature is switched to the lowest set value, and as illustrated in FIG. The bar-shaped image is displayed in a different display manner from the other bar-shaped images.

Then, each time the occupant performs an operation to displace the knob 11 in the second direction D2 with his/her finger F, the bar-shaped image corresponding to the selected set temperature is displayed in a different display mode from the other bar-shaped images. Then, when the knob 11 is displaced in the second direction D2 by the operation of the passenger's finger F and the heating function is turned off, all the bar-shaped images of the second image I2 are displayed in the same manner as illustrated in FIG. Is displayed.

Further, in this embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 8, a third image I3 associated with the air blowing function of the seat fan 22 or the heating function of the seat heater 23 is displayed in the intermediate area IA. Good too.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when both the ventilation function of the seat fan 22 and the heating function of the seat heater 23 are OFF, the ventilation function of the seat fan 22 and the heating function of the seat heater 23 are displayed as the third image I3 displayed in the intermediate area IA. A seat icon image common to the heating function of the seat heater 23 is displayed. The sheet icon image is an example of a reference image. Then, when the knob 11 is displaced in the first direction D1 by the operation of the passenger's finger F and the air blowing function of the seat fan 22 is selected, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, as a third image I3, An icon image indicating the ventilation function of the seat fan 22 is displayed. Alternatively, when the knob 11 is displaced in the second direction D2 by the operation of the passenger's finger F and the heating function of the seat heater 23 is selected, as illustrated in FIG. An icon image indicating the heating function is displayed.

By displaying the third image I3 associated with the air blowing function of the seat fan 22 and the heating function of the seat heater 23 in the intermediate area IA in this way, the occupant can see that the setting value changed through the operation of the knob 11 is It is possible to visually confirm whether the set air flow rate of the fan 22 or the set temperature of the seat heater 23 is reached.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as described above, when the knob 11 is displaced in the first direction D1 to increase the set airflow rate of the seat fan 22 and then is displaced in the second direction D2, the set airflow rate decreases. If the displacement of the knob 11 in the second direction D2 is continued after the set air blow rate is decreased, the set temperature of the seat heater 23 may be increased. Further, when the knob 11 is displaced in the second direction D2 to increase the set temperature of the seat heater 23 and then is displaced in the first direction D1, the set temperature is decreased, and after the set temperature is decreased, the knob 11 is If the displacement in the first direction D1 continues, the set air flow rate of the seat fan 22 may be configured to increase.

For example, when the knob 11 is displaced in the first direction D1 by the operation of the passenger's finger F from the initial state in which the air blowing function of the seat fan 22 and the heating function of the seat heater 23 are both OFF as shown in FIG. The air blow amount is switched to the smallest set value, and the topmost bar-shaped image in the first image I1 is displayed in a different display mode from the other bar-shaped images, as illustrated in FIG. When the knob 11 is again displaced in the first direction D1 by the operation of the passenger's finger F, the set airflow rate is switched to a medium setting value, and as illustrated in FIG. A bar-shaped image is displayed in a display mode different from other bar-shaped images. On the other hand, if the operation is performed in the second direction D2 from the state shown in FIG. 6, the ventilation function is turned off, and all the bar-shaped images of the first image I1 are displayed in the same display mode as illustrated in FIG.

Further, when the knob 11 is operated in the second direction D2 from the state shown in FIG. 5, control shifts to changing the set temperature of the seat heater 23. That is, the set temperature of the seat heater 23 is switched to the lowest set value, and the bottom bar-shaped image in the second image I2 is displayed in a different manner from the other bar-shaped images, as illustrated in FIG. Is displayed.

Similarly, for example, from an initial state in which the air blowing function of the seat fan 22 and the heating function of the seat heater 23 shown in FIG. Then, the set temperature is switched to the lowest setting value, and the bottom bar-shaped image in the second image I2 is displayed in a display mode different from the other bar-shaped images, as illustrated in FIG. Every time the passenger performs an operation to displace the knob 11 in the second direction D2 with his or her finger F, a bar-shaped image corresponding to the selected set temperature is displayed in a different display mode from other bar-shaped images. On the other hand, when the heating function is operated in the first direction D1 from the state shown in FIG. 8, the heating function is turned off, and all the bar-shaped images of the first image I1 are displayed in the same display mode as illustrated in FIG.

Further, when the knob 11 is operated in the first direction D1 from the state shown in FIG. 5, the control shifts to changing the set air flow rate of the seat fan 22. That is, the set airflow rate of the seat fan 22 is switched to the lowest set value, and the topmost bar-shaped image in the first image I1 is displayed in a different manner from other bar-shaped images, as illustrated in FIG. is displayed.

That is, when the knob 11 is displaced in the first direction D1, the set air blow rate of the seat fan 22 changes, and when the knob 11 is displaced in the second direction D2 by the same amount of displacement as in the first direction D1, the airflow rate of the seat fan 22 changes. The set air flow rate returns to the initial value, and when the knob 11 is further displaced in the second direction D2, the set temperature of the seat heater 23 changes. In this case, the first image I1 shows the set air flow rate of the seat fan 22 corresponding to the amount of displacement of the knob 11 in the first direction D1 and the amount of displacement in the second direction D2. Further, when the knob 11 is displaced in the second direction D2, the set temperature of the seat heater 23 changes, and when the knob 11 is displaced in the first direction D1 by the same amount of displacement as the second direction D2, the setting temperature of the seat heater 23 is changed. The temperature returns to the initial value, and when the knob 11 is further displaced in the first direction D1, the set air flow rate of the seat fan 22 changes. In this case, the second image I2 shows the set air blow amount of the seat heater 23 corresponding to the amount of displacement of the knob 11 in the first direction D1 and the amount of displacement in the second direction D2.

In other words, the displacement operation of the knob 11 in the same direction is assigned to both the control for lowering one of the set air flow rate and the set temperature and the control for increasing the other, and the two are continuously switched across the intermediate area IA. can be realized.

Further, in this embodiment, the first image I1, the second image I2, and the third image I3 may be configured to be displayed according to the approach or contact position of the passenger's finger F with respect to the knob 11.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the display device 31 can display a plurality of icon images I11 to I16, each of which is associated with a specific function that can be controlled by the input device 10. The icon image I16 is an icon image associated with the ventilation function of the seat fan 22 and the heating function of the seat heater 23. The icon images I11 to I15 are associated with functions such as a navigation device, audio-visual equipment, air conditioning equipment, wiper device, etc., for example.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, when the approach or contact of the passenger's finger F is detected at a location corresponding to the icon image I16 of the knob 11, as illustrated in FIG. Image I1, second image I2, and third image I3 are displayed on display device 31.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the input device 10 may include a detection area 15 and a third sensor 16. The detection area 15 is arranged at a position on the surface of the knob 11 that can be touched by the passenger's fingers F. The detection region 15 is made of a conductive material.

When the passenger's finger F contacts the detection area 15, a change in capacitance occurs in the detection area 15. The third sensor 16 is configured to detect the change and output a third detection signal DS3 corresponding to the change. For example, the third sensor 16 can detect which location in the detection area 15 the finger F approaches or contacts by identifying the electrode where a prescribed change in capacitance has occurred. The third sensor 16 outputs a third detection signal DS3 indicating which location in the detection area 15 the finger F approaches or contacts. The third sensor 16 can be realized by an electrostatic sensor with a known configuration. The passenger's fingers F are an example of the object to be detected.

The processor 142 of the control device 14 is configured to output the fifth control signal CS5 from the output interface 143 upon receiving the third detection signal DS3. The fifth control signal CS5 is configured to cause the display device 31 to display an image related to one icon image corresponding to the location where the finger F approaches or contacts in the detection area 15 out of the plurality of icon images I11 to I16. has been done.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when it is detected that the finger F approaches or contacts a location in the detection area 15 corresponding to the icon image I16, the processor 142 causes the display device 31 to display information related to the icon image I16. A fifth control signal CS5 for displaying the first image I1, the second image I2, and the third image I3 is output.

When the processor 142 receives the first detection signal DS1 while the first image I1, the second image I2, and the third image I3 are displayed on the display device 31, the processor 142 outputs the first control signal CS1 and the third control signal, for example. CS3 is output from the output interface 143. As a result, the set air flow rate of the seat fan 22 is changed. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the display form of the bar-shaped image corresponding to the set airflow rate changed in the first image I1 is changed, and the bar-shaped image is associated with the airflow function of the seat fan 22 as a third image I3. An icon image is displayed.

When the processor 142 receives the second detection signal DS2 while the first image I1, the second image I2, and the third image I3 are displayed on the display device 31, the processor 142 outputs the second control signal CS2 and the fourth control signal, for example. CS4 is output from the output interface 143. As a result, the set temperature of the seat heater 23 is changed. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the display form of the bar-shaped image corresponding to the changed temperature setting in the second image I2 is changed, and the icon associated with the heating function of the seat heater 23 is displayed as the third image I3. The image is displayed.

That is, the processor 142 selects the air blowing function of the seat fan 22 and the seat heater 23 from among the plurality of icon images I11 to I16, each of which is associated with a specific function, depending on the approach or contact position of the passenger's finger F with respect to the knob 11. The icon image I16 associated with the heating function is set to be selected. Then, when the knob 11 is displaced in the first direction D1 while the icon image I16 is in the selected state, the processor 142 changes the set air flow rate of the seat fan 22, and the icon image I16 is in the selected state. If the knob 11 is displaced in the second direction D2 during this time, the set temperature of the seat heater 23 is changed.

In this way, the first image I1, the second image I2, and the third image I3 are not displayed unless the passenger brings his or her finger F close to the corresponding location in the detection area 15, so the user interface is created in which unnecessary information presentation is suppressed. can provide the appearance of On the other hand, since the first image I, the second image I2, and the third image I3 are displayed according to the approach or contact position of the passenger's finger F with respect to the knob 11, the passenger can intuitively determine the direction in which the knob 11 is to be displaced. It can be understood. Therefore, the convenience of the user interface device 30 can be improved.

Note that the icon image I16 can be changed in association with the selected ventilation function of the seat fan 22 or the heating function of the seat heater 23, as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12.

Further, the first image I1, the second image I2, and the third image I3 may be configured such that their display disappears after a predetermined period has elapsed after the passenger's finger F leaves the detection area 15, for example.

The processor 142 having the various functions described above can be realized by a dedicated integrated circuit such as a microcontroller, ASIC, or FPGA, which includes a storage element preinstalled with a computer program for realizing the functions.

Alternatively, processor 142 may be implemented by a general purpose microprocessor operating in conjunction with general purpose memory. Examples of general-purpose microprocessors include CPUs, MPUs, and GPUs. Examples of general-purpose memory include ROM and RAM. In this case, the ROM may store a computer program for realizing the function. The general-purpose microprocessor specifies at least a part of the program stored on the ROM, loads it on the RAM, and executes the above-described processing in cooperation with the RAM. Processor 142 may be implemented by a combination of a general purpose microprocessor and a special purpose integrated circuit.

The above embodiments are merely illustrative to facilitate understanding of the present invention. The configuration according to the embodiment described above may be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

The input device 10 can be used to control the operations of the seat fan 22 and seat heater 23 of the seat on which each passenger is seated. For example, as shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, the icon image I21 is an icon image associated with the seat fan and seat heater of the driver's seat, and the icon image I22 is an icon image associated with the seat fan and seat heater of the passenger seat. This is the icon image. The information on the icon image I21 and the icon image I22 includes a first image I1 showing the set airflow rate of the seat fan 22, a second image I2 showing the set temperature of the seat heater 23, and the air blowing function of the seat fan 22 or the seat heater 23. A third image I3 associated with the heating function is displayed.

The input device 10 is used to control the air blowing function of the seat fan 22 and the heating function of the seat heater 23, which are functions of different controlled devices. However, input device 10 may be used to control different functions of the same controlled device. For example, the input device 10 may be used to adjust the treble and bass range of an audio device. In this case, for example, the operation of displacing the knob 11 in the first direction D1 is associated with the operation of emphasizing the low range, and the operation of displacing the knob 11 in the second direction D2 is associated with the operation of emphasizing the high range. .

The input device 10 can also be mounted on a moving object other than the vehicle 20. Examples of such moving objects include trains, aircraft, ships, and the like. The mobile object may not require a driver.

In the embodiment described above, the knob 11 is configured as a lever that is rotatable about the axis A. However, if the knob 11 is displaceable in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 opposite to the first direction D1, the knob 11 may be configured as a slider that slides linearly or a dial that is rotatable about an axis. You can.

For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the knob 11 may be configured as a dial rotatable about axis A in the counterclockwise direction and clockwise direction in FIG. The counterclockwise direction is an example of the first direction D1, and the clockwise direction is an example of the second direction D2. Rotation is an example of displacement. For example, the operation of displacing the knob 11 in the first direction D1 corresponds to the control of changing the airflow setting of the seat fan 22. On the other hand, the operation of displacing the knob 11 in the second direction D2 corresponds to control of changing the set temperature of the seat heater 23. The first image I1 showing the set airflow rate of the seat fan 22 is displayed at a position shifted in the first direction D1 with respect to the intermediate area IA. The second image I2 indicating the set temperature of the seat heater 23 is displayed at a position shifted in the second direction D2 with respect to the intermediate area IA.

Even in such a configuration, the direction in which the knob 11 is displaced to change the airflow setting of the seat fan 22 and the direction in which the first image I1 is shifted with respect to the intermediate area IA are the same first direction D1. be. Further, the direction in which the knob 11 is displaced to change the set temperature of the seat heater 23 is the same second direction D2 as the direction in which the second image I2 is shifted with respect to the intermediate area IA. Therefore, the user can intuitively understand the direction in which the knob 11 is to be displaced.

10: input device, 11: knob, 12: first sensor, 13: second sensor, 14: control device, 15: detection area, 16: third sensor, 20: vehicle, 21: seat, 22: seat fan, 23: seat heater, 24: center cluster, 30: user interface device, 31: display device, 141: input interface, 142: processor, 143: output interface, IA: intermediate area, CS1: first control signal, CS2: second 2 control signal, CS3: 3rd control signal, CS4: 4th control signal, CS5: 5th control signal, D1: 1st direction, D2: 2nd direction, DS1: 1st detection signal, DS2: 2nd detection signal , DS3: Third detection signal, F: Passenger's hand, I1: First image, I2: Second image, I3: Third image, I11 to I16, I21, I22: Icon image

Claims (8)

a movable body that is displaceable in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction;
a display device;
a first image showing a first controlled amount related to a first function of the controlled device that corresponds to the amount of displacement of the movable body in the first direction; and a first image that corresponds to the amount of displacement of the movable body in the second direction. a control device that causes the display device to display a second image showing a second controlled amount related to a second function of the controlled device;
It is equipped with
The first image is displayed at a position shifted in the first direction with respect to a reference area corresponding to an initial position of the movable body,
A user interface device, wherein the second image is displayed at a position shifted in the second direction with respect to the reference area. The control device includes:
displaying a reference image common to the first function and the second function in the reference area;
When the movable body is displaced in the first direction when the reference image is displayed in the reference area, displaying an image associated with the first function in the reference area;
When the movable body is displaced in the second direction when the reference image is displayed in the reference area, an image associated with the second function is displayed in the reference area;
A user interface device according to claim 1. When the movable body is displaced in the first direction to increase the first controlled amount and then is displaced in the second direction, the first controlled amount is decreased,
When the displacement of the movable body in the second direction is continued after the first controlled amount is decreased, the second controlled amount is increased;
When the movable body is displaced in the second direction to increase the second controlled amount and then is displaced in the first direction, the second controlled amount is decreased,
When the displacement of the movable body in the first direction is continued after the second controlled amount is decreased, the first controlled amount is increased;
A user interface device according to claim 1 or claim 2. When the movable body is displaced in the first direction a predetermined number of times, the first controlled amount returns to an initial value,
When the movable body is displaced in the second direction a predetermined number of times, the second controlled amount returns to an initial value.
A user interface device according to claim 1 or claim 2. The control device causes the display device to display a plurality of icon images, each of which is associated with a specific function,
The control device includes:
An icon image associated with the first function and the second function is selected from among the plurality of icon images, each of which is associated with a specific function, according to the approach or contact position of the object to be detected with respect to the movable body. state,
When the movable body is displaced in the first direction while the icon images associated with the first function and the second function are in the selected state, changing the first controlled amount;
changing the second controlled amount when the movable body is displaced in the second direction while the icon images associated with the first function and the second function are in the selected state; A user interface device according to claim 1 or claim 2. an interface that receives a detection signal indicating the displacement of a movable body that is displaceable in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction;
a first image showing a first controlled amount related to a first function of the controlled device that corresponds to the amount of displacement of the movable body in the first direction; and a first image that corresponds to the amount of displacement of the movable body in the second direction. a processor that causes a display device to display a second image indicating a second controlled amount related to a second function of the controlled device;
It is equipped with
The processor includes:
displaying the first image at a position shifted in the first direction with respect to a reference area corresponding to an initial position of the movable body;
displaying the second image at a position shifted in the second direction with respect to the reference area;
Control device. A computer program executable by a processor installed in a control device,
By being executed, the control device:
receiving a detection signal indicating the displacement of a movable body that is movable in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction;
a first image showing a first controlled amount related to a first function of the controlled device that corresponds to the amount of displacement of the movable body in the first direction; and a first image that corresponds to the amount of displacement of the movable body in the second direction. displaying on a display device a second image showing a second controlled amount related to a second function of the controlled device;
displaying the first image at a position shifted in the first direction with respect to a reference area corresponding to an initial position of the movable body;
displaying the second image at a position shifted in the second direction with respect to the reference area;
computer program. a movable body that is displaceable in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction;
A first controlled amount of a first function of the controlled device is changed according to an amount of displacement of the movable body from the initial position in the first direction, and a first controlled amount of a first function of the controlled device is changed from the initial position of the movable body in the second direction. a control device that changes a second controlled amount of a second function of the controlled device according to the amount of displacement;
An input device equipped with.

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