JP4872451B2 - Vehicle input device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle input device that displays an input unit of an operating device that is mounted on a vehicle and implements a predetermined function.

  Conventionally, an operation device for navigation, audio and air conditioner operation from the driver's or passenger's seat of a vehicle, displaying a menu screen when the hand approaches the input unit and non-displaying the menu screen when the hand is released. A device having an input device for display is known.

  For this type of input device, conventionally, the timeout time from when the hand leaves the menu screen until it disappears is set based on the menu hierarchy and operation history. It is known that by setting a long time, the operation time is returned to the initial screen in the middle of the menu operation, and the effort that requires re-operation is reduced. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

In order to improve visibility, an image display device is placed far from the driver, and a transmissive display means that functions as a touch panel is provided at a distance from the driver, and the touch switch on the touch panel is operated. Thus, there is known an input device that improves the operability by operating the operation device far from the front surface, and the touch switch is used when the finger is in the proximity of the surface of the transmissive display means. , And the content that is displayed only for a predetermined time after the finger is isolated, can be dynamically switched between the display state and the non-display state, and can be controlled to gradually appear and disappear at that time It is. (For example, refer to Patent Document 2).
JP 2004-127097 A JP 2004-126354 A

  However, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, the situation where the driver is placed is not considered at all, and the timeout time is set uniformly based on the menu hierarchy and the operation history. So, for example, when it is difficult to perform input operations such as when the driver is driving on uneven roads or driving at night, the operation takes more time than usual, so the timeout time is not enough There was a problem that there was. In addition, even with a menu with a long timeout setting, there was a problem that the input screen was displayed forever even if the driving was smooth and the driving burden on the driver was low, but the input screen was displayed forever. .

  On the other hand, in the configuration described in Patent Document 2 described above, the touch switch is hidden when a predetermined time elapses after the finger leaves the touch panel, but consideration is given to how to set the non-display time. Therefore, in situations where the driver's driving load is high and there is no room to operate the touch switch, the display is quickly hidden. Conversely, the driver's driving load is low, and the driver immediately operates the touch switch. In the situation where the user finishes, there is a problem that the touch switch remains indefinitely and conversely obstructs driving vision.

  Therefore, in the present invention, in consideration of the driving state and the environmental state of the driver, the input screen is displayed long when the driver has no allowance and it is difficult for the driver to perform the input operation, and conversely, the input screen is displayed when the operation is easy. An object is to improve the operability of the input operation by shortening the time.

In order to achieve the above object, an input device according to a first invention includes an input screen for displaying an input unit, an approach detection means for detecting that an input person's hand has approached the input screen, and a traveling state or environment. A state detecting means for detecting the state,
When the approach detection means detects the approach of the input person's hand, the input part is displayed on the input screen, and the input part disappears after a predetermined time has elapsed since the input person's hand left the input part. An input device for
The predetermined time is changed based on the detection result of the state detection means ,
The input screen is a transmissive panel, and the display state of the panel is changed based on an object placed behind the panel .

A second invention is the input device according to the first invention,
The state detecting means detects the traveling state based on a traveling load that affects an input operation of an input person.

A third invention is the input device according to the second invention,
The travel load is detected based on any one or more of traffic information, road surface unevenness state, vehicle vibration state, inter-vehicle distance, vehicle speed, vehicle acceleration, or vehicle inclination.

4th invention is the input device which concerns on 3rd invention,
The predetermined time for disappearing the display of the input unit is set longer as the detected traveling load becomes higher.

A fifth invention is an input device according to any one of the first to fourth inventions,
The approach detection means detects that the hand of the input person has left the input unit.

  According to the present invention, in consideration of the driving state and the environmental state of the driver, the input screen is displayed long when there is no margin for driving and the driver is difficult to perform the input operation. By displaying, the operability of the input operation can be improved.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a main configuration related to the operating device according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the input device according to this embodiment includes an input screen 100, a display control device 70, an approach detection unit 50, and a state detection unit 40. An input unit 60 is displayed on the input screen 100. In addition, a specific in-vehicle device 80 that implements predetermined functions according to inputs from an input device such as an air conditioner function, an audio function, a navigation function, and a telephone function is provided.

  The display control device 70 is configured around a microcomputer. In other words, the display control device 70 includes a timer for a calculation means (CPU) 71 that performs various processes according to a predetermined execution program, a CPU 72 execution program, and a memory 72 (for example, ROM, RAM, EEPROPM memory, etc.) that stores calculation results. 73, a counter, an input / output interface, and the like. The arithmetic means (CPU) 71, the memory 72, and the input / output interface are connected to each other by a data bus. Various operations and functions of the display control device 70 described below are realized by a program executed by the calculation means (CPU) 71.

  The display control device 70 communicates with the input unit 60 by wireless or wired. Upon receiving various switch signals from the input unit 60, the display control device 70 performs switching of the display screen on the input screen 100 (generation of various operation menu images) and the like, and other control ECUs (for example, car navigation ECU, Signals corresponding to various switch signals are sent to an audio ECU and an air conditioner ECU. The other control ECU responds to the signal from the display control device 70 and controls the in-vehicle device 80 (for example, navigation system, audio, air conditioner, etc.) so as to realize a function according to various switch signals.

  The display control device 70 communicates with the input screen 100 by wireless or wired. In this example, the input screen 100 is a transmissive panel display. The transmissive panel display is composed of a transparent touch panel and includes a touch switch 60 as an input unit. A navigation display is provided at a position that is easily visible behind the back of the rear side. The navigation display is viewed through the transmissive panel display, and the remote operation is performed with the input unit 60 displayed on the nearby transmissive panel display. Is configured to do. When the input screen 100 has a hierarchical structure, each time the operation switch of the input unit 60 is operated, the input screen 100 is switched to the input screen 101, the input screen 102, and the input screen 103, and an operation switch that realizes a desired function. It is comprised so that it may guide to the input part 60 in which is included. Of course, it is possible to display only one set of the input unit 60 that displays only frequently important operation switches without using a hierarchical structure.

  The state detection means 40 detects the traveling state of the vehicle and the environmental state where the vehicle is placed. Here, the driving state of the vehicle is understood to mean how the situation where the vehicle is placed affects the driving of the driver's vehicle, and the driving load spent on the driving of the driver. Is evaluated based on For example, the driving load on the driver increases when the road is uneven or the road is under construction, compared to when driving on a road with no obstacles to normal driving. It will be in the state. When the traveling load becomes high, the burden of driving the vehicle is increased accordingly, and there is no room for input from the operating device, so the burden of input operation is also increased. Moreover, in a state where the surroundings are dark, the driving environment is worse than in a bright state during the day, so it can be said that the environmental state is worse. Thus, the state detection means 40 plays a role of detecting the traveling state and environmental state of the vehicle that have an influence on the input operation of the operating device. In addition, a detector suitable for detecting various states is used for the state detection. For example, in order to detect traffic information sent from a VICS (Vichele Information & Communication System), VICS information is received. Antennas that can be used are considered suitable as detectors. Similarly, when traffic information such as traffic jam prediction is detected from a telematics service provided independently by an automobile company, such as G-BOOK, a wireless network for mobile phones is used. A DCM (Data Communication Module) device that connects and performs wireless communication is considered a suitable detector. Moreover, in order to detect the uneven state of the road surface, a forward monitoring camera mounted on the vehicle for observing the road surface and a vibration sensor for detecting the vibration state of the vehicle are suitable detectors.

  The in-vehicle device 80 is a device having a predetermined function for realizing an air conditioner, an audio, a telephone, a navigation function, and the like. An input signal of the input unit 60 is sent to the display control device 70, and the display control device 70 A specific function is realized based on the command.

  FIG. 2 shows a transparent superimposing type operating device that is preferably used in this embodiment. An operation device that is normally used is a touch panel operation method shown in FIG. In this case, the operation switch is also displayed as a touch panel on the display screen of the operation device, and the operation is performed by this. Since the screen display and the operation switch are on the same screen, the screen position must be within the reach of the manipulable hand, and while driving the vehicle, a far point of view while driving and a close point of view looking at the screen It was difficult to operate while driving, and there was a safety problem. In order to remedy this drawback, this embodiment employs a transparent superimposing operation device shown in FIG. This is because the main display 30, which is a screen for visual recognition such as a map, is arranged far in front to improve visibility, and the operation switch 60 is displayed as a touch panel on the transparent display 100 in the foreground so that it can not reach the far front. The screen can be operated. Any material can be used for the transparent display 100 as long as it can function as a transparent touch panel, but an inorganic EL (Electro Luminescence) display is preferably used. As the main display 30, for example, a TFT-type liquid crystal panel called TFT-LCD (Thin Film Transistor-Liquid Crystal Display) is used. In the present embodiment, an application example of the input device to the transparent superposition type operation device will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the operation of the input screen 100 configured as a transmissive panel display. FIG. 3A shows a normal state of this embodiment. FIG. 3B shows a state of the input screen 100 when a hand is brought close to the input screen 100. FIG. 3C shows a state in which the input operation to the input unit 60 has been completed and a hand has left the input screen 100 and a predetermined time has elapsed.

  In the normal standby screen state, as shown in FIG. 3A, no input unit is displayed on the input screen 100. This is because when the operation device is not operated during normal driving, displaying the input unit obstructs the field of view and hinders viewing of the driving and the far front screen. Here, when the input person attempts to operate the operation switch and brings his hand close to the input screen 100, the approach detection means 50 detects that the hand has approached as shown in FIG. The unit 60 is displayed on the screen. The approach detection means 50 should just be provided in the some location of the input screen 100 vicinity of the input part 60. FIG. The approach detection means 50 may be anything as long as it can detect that the hand has approached the input screen 100, and a commonly used proximity sensor is preferably used. The input person selects a desired operation switch from the input unit 60 and touches it to make an operation switch. By touching the operation switch, the function corresponding to the operation switch is realized. If the operation switch that realizes the desired function is in the lower layer and the operation needs to be selected multiple times in the hierarchy, Switch to the input screen 101 and the input unit 60 'in the hierarchy. Similarly, selecting an operation switch from the next input unit 60 ′ is repeated, and a desired function is realized by the in-vehicle device 80. When the desired function is realized by the in-vehicle device 80, the input unit 60 of the operation panel is no longer necessary. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3C, the input unit 60 does not obstruct the view for a predetermined time. Disappears after elapse.

  However, it may be difficult for the driver to continuously input to the input unit 60 depending on the traveling state and the environmental state. For example, if you are driving on a road with uneven road surface, you need to drive while holding the steering wheel firmly, and if you are driving on a road where traffic is restricted during construction, traffic control should be done. You can't take your eyes off the person who is. On a road like a national highway where traffic is heavy and traffic is flowing at a very high speed, the distance between vehicles is short, and there are large changes in driving such as changing lanes, stopping and starting due to traffic lights. You must travel with care. Also, when driving on steep and winding hills in the mountains, your line of sight must always be on the front, and you must be able to handle the sharp curve by firmly grasping the steering wheel. Under such circumstances, the driving load is high, and the driver must first concentrate on driving the vehicle itself, so there is no room for the input operation of the operating device. It is customary to once again perform the input operation of the operating device when the vehicle has come out of such a situation and settled in a state where it can be driven with a margin. When the input operation is performed again, the input screen 100 is in a state where the input unit 60 disappears as shown in FIG. 3C, which is inconvenient because the input operation is started again from the beginning. . Therefore, when the traveling load is high as described above, even when the operator's hand is away from the input unit 60 for a certain period of time, the state where the input unit 60 is displayed as shown in FIG. Since the input unit 60 is still displayed when the driver is calm and ready for input operation, the re-input operation becomes extremely smooth and operability is improved. is there.

  On the other hand, when traveling on a congested road, the vehicle speed is slow, and even when the vehicle speed is fast, the driver's travel is possible when traveling relatively slowly like the Tomei Expressway when traffic is flowing. Since the load is relatively light, there is no difficulty in continuously performing the input of the operating device, and the input operation itself ends immediately. When the input is completed, only the predetermined function of the in-vehicle device 80 is realized. Therefore, the input unit 60 is no longer necessary, and is troublesome if it is always in the field of view, and rather hinders driving. Therefore, in such a case, the state where the input unit 60 shown in FIG. 3B continues to be displayed may be the minimum necessary. It is desirable that the input unit 60 shown in FIG. Since the driving load of the driver is low and the driving state is good, the time for which the display of the input unit 60 is continued even after the input person's hand leaves the input unit 60 should be set short. Is preferred.

  Further, when the transmissive panel display 100 as in the present embodiment is used, an object may be placed on the back surface of the transmissive panel display 100. At this time, depending on the color of the placed object, the display of the input unit 60 may be confused with the luggage on the back surface, which may be difficult to see. In such a case, it is convenient to change the color of the input unit 60 to change the display so that the input unit 60 is easily visible. For example, when a bag of a red bag is placed on the rear surface of the transmissive panel display and the display of the input unit 60 is also red, the two overlap each other, which makes it difficult to distinguish the input unit 60. In such a case, when the input unit 60 is changed to blue or black, it becomes easy to distinguish from the background, and it becomes easy to see. That is, it is preferable to change the display state such as the color of the input unit 60 according to the surrounding environmental state. In the present embodiment, the example of changing the display color of the input unit 60 focusing on the color has been described for the package placed behind the transparent input screen 100. However, the input is performed in consideration of other factors. Needless to say, the display state of the unit 60 may be changed.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing realized by the input device.

  In step 100, it is first determined whether or not the input person's hand has approached the input screen 100. As described with reference to FIG. 3, the approach detecting means 50 is used for the approach of the hand. When the approach of the input person's hand is detected, the routine proceeds to step 110. If no approach is detected, the function of the input device according to the present embodiment is not fulfilled, and the process is terminated.

  In step 110, the input unit 60 is displayed. An input unit 60 suitable for the display state of the main display 30 that displays an image such as a map is displayed. Although the input unit 60 displays predetermined input operation switches, these displays may have a hierarchical structure. For example, on the input screen of the initial main menu, switches for audio function, air conditioner function, telephone function and vehicle information function are displayed on the input unit 60, and when an input is made to select an audio function, CD, MD, DVD and radio are next. The input unit 60 constituting the menu screen may be displayed, and when a radio operation switch is further input and selected, an operation switch having a function of outputting traffic information may be displayed next. After executing step 110, the process proceeds to step 120.

  In step 120, it is determined whether or not there is an input operation. If there is an input operation, the process proceeds to step 130. If there is no input operation, the process proceeds to step 140 to determine whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed. If it is determined in step 140 that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process returns to step 120 to determine whether or not an input operation has been performed. That is, step 120 and step 140 are repeated, and it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed while waiting for the input operation of the operation switch by the input person. If there is no input operation until a predetermined time elapses, the process proceeds to step 150, the input unit 60 disappears, and a series of processing flow ends. Note that the starting point of measurement for a predetermined time may be a point in time when the detection of the approach detection unit is lost, or a point in time when the input unit 60 is displayed on the input screen 100. However, although the input person tried to perform an input operation, his hand was brought close to the input screen, but while he was wondering about the input operation, such as which switch to operate as it was, his hand could not be released for driving. Since it is often the case that the steering wheel is returned, it is more preferable to use the time when the hand disappears from the predetermined area that can be detected by the approach detection means and is no longer detected as a reference.

  In step 130, it is determined whether or not the hand has been removed from the input unit 60. This is because, when the hand is released, it is always the last input operation and there is a possibility of starting the counting for a predetermined time. Therefore, it is necessary to always recognize and recognize whether or not the hand has been released. When the hand is released, the process proceeds to step 140, where it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed, and if it has not elapsed, the process returns to step 120 to constantly monitor whether or not there is a new input operation. If there is no new input operation in particular, step 120 and step 140 are repeated, and when a predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step 150, the displayed input section is erased, and the series of processes is completed. In step 130, the time point when the hand is released may be determined when any input operation is performed on the input unit 60 and the hand is released from the input unit 60. An approach detection means may be provided in the vicinity of the unit 60, and it may be set as a time when a hand leaves a certain area that can be detected by the approach detection means.

  FIG. 5 is a table showing an example of factors that determine the running state. In this embodiment, the traveling state is roughly divided into three factors. The first is the social and environmental factors surrounding vehicles, such as road construction, traffic accidents, and traffic jams. It shows the surrounding environmental conditions. The second is a factor related to the condition of the road on which the vehicle is traveling, and is referred to herein as a road factor. For example, road surface irregularities and road gradients are applicable. Although not shown in the table of FIG. 5, the width of the road on which the vehicle is traveling also corresponds. The third is directly related to driving such as steering rotation, brake pressure, vehicle speed, vehicle acceleration, inter-vehicle distance, and wiper operation, which are related to individual specific conditions of real time during driving of the vehicle. This factor is called a driving factor.

  Basically, in the evaluation of the driving load, the contribution factors of the driving factor and the road factor described in the two from the left end column of the table shown in FIG. It is considered that the situation is expressed more directly. For example, if the vehicle speed is high, the inter-vehicle distance is short, the brake pressure is high, and the vehicle acceleration is large, it means that the vehicle is being driven at a high speed and that braking and acceleration are frequent. Therefore, it can be said that the traveling load is high. Similarly, if the unevenness of the road surface is large, the vehicle will travel with a large vibration, the driving load will be high, the road gradient will be large, the steering will rotate frequently, the rotation angle will be large, the brake pressure will be high, When the acceleration is large, it can be estimated that a strong braking is frequently performed on a steep mountain road, and the traveling load is considered high. Moreover, if the wiper is operating, it can be estimated that it is raining, and it can be estimated that the traveling load is high only by that. Conversely, if the acceleration is small and the inter-vehicle distance is large, it can be understood that the vehicle is traveling stably at a constant speed, and it is estimated that the traveling load is low even when driving on highways as well as ordinary roads. The Furthermore, if the speed is always low, or if the speed is always low in a stopped state and the steering is low, it can be estimated that the vehicle is involved in a traffic jam, which is considered from the viewpoint of difficulty in operating the input device. Thus, it can be estimated that the traveling load is in a low state.

In addition to the above-mentioned driving factors and road factors, factors related to traffic information such as road construction, traffic accidents, current traffic jams and traffic jam predictions obtained mainly by VICS (Vehicle Information & Communication System) and G-BOOK. , GPS (Global Positioning System) information on the type of area / road where the vehicle is running, such as running on a mountain road or running at high speed, is a major factor in detecting the running state Therefore, it is desirable to use these factors. These environmental factors are not directly subject to evaluation, but rather vehicle speeds for construction, accidents and traffic jams, and vehicle tilt and acceleration for mountain roads. Therefore, if you create an evaluation formula that considers these environmental factors, driving factors, and road factors at an appropriate ratio according to the situation, The traveling state can be evaluated based on the traveling load with higher accuracy. The evaluation formula may be anything as long as it can properly evaluate the load during traveling. However, a first-order polynomial y = ax ₁ + bx ₂ + cx ₃ +... An evaluation formula may be established by assigning _xn to a driving factor and a road factor and setting the coefficient appropriately changing for each environmental factor.

  FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of processing for changing the “predetermined time” from when the input person's hand leaves the input unit 60 until the input unit 60 disappears based on the detection result of the state detection unit 40. Yes.

  In step 200, an evaluation formula using a factor for evaluating the traveling load is determined in consideration of environmental factors. For example, in the case of an expressway, an evaluation formula is established by determining each coefficient using speed and inter-vehicle distance as variables. In road construction and traffic jams, speed is used as a variable. However, the traffic load slightly increases because the traffic must look at the previous vehicle movement. It is done.

  In step 210, the magnitude of the factor that causes the driving load is detected or measured by the driving state detecting means 40 suitable for the measurement. For example, it is preferable to use a speedometer for the vehicle speed, an acceleration sensor for the vehicle accelerometer, an inclinometer if the vehicle is tilted, and an proximity sensor or a distance sensor if the distance from the previous vehicle is an inter-vehicle distance. .

  In step 220, the running load is calculated from the evaluation formula created in step 200 using the value of the detected or measured factor. This calculation is executed by a calculation means (CPU) 71 mounted in the display control device 70.

  In step 230, the calculated traveling load is evaluated, and conversion is performed so as to be reflected in a predetermined time using a predetermined evaluation criterion. This can be done by preparing a conversion formula between the running load and a predetermined time, or by making it correspond smoothly, or by dividing it into several stages and determining the time corresponding to each range. This calculation may also be performed using the calculation means (CPU) 71 mounted in the display control device 70 as in step 220.

  In step 240, the set time of the timer 73 mounted in the display control device 70 is rewritten in accordance with the predetermined time calculated in step 230. The predetermined time used in step 140 in FIG. 4 may be determined by the set time of the timer 73 calculated through the calculation described in FIG. Note that the rewriting of the setting for the predetermined time may be changed at any time according to the operation status to be converted every moment, or may be updated at regular time intervals. When the measurement is performed at regular time intervals, the magnitude of the predetermined factor detected or measured in step 210 may be averaged over the certain time, and the running load may be calculated in step 220 using the value. By taking the time average, the sudden response of driving, especially sudden steering, sudden start, and sudden braking, and large changes in speed and acceleration resulting from them are averaged, and the trend of driving conditions can be grasped more accurately Will be possible. In addition to or in addition to this averaging method, a large evaluation framework is determined by the environmental factors described above, and then fine adjustment is performed using factor items related to the driving conditions of individual roads and vehicles. Such a two-stage determination method may be adopted. For example, since the driving load is low when traffic is congested, the basic setting for `` predetermined time '' is set to a short range, and when driving on a highway, the driving load is high, so a long range is set. Since the driving load is high, a longer range is set, and after defining the range of the outline, factors directly related to the driving state of the vehicle such as road irregularities, steering rotation, brake pressure, vehicle driving speed, acceleration are used. Then, a method of evaluating in more detail may be adopted.

  Further, not only the timer 73 is rewritten, but also when a certain pattern, for example, evaluation is performed based on this pattern when traveling in a predetermined area, is stored in the memory 72. It is also possible to devise such that the calculation is performed more smoothly.

  FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the input screen 100 at night of the input device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7A shows the input screen 100 in the normal standby screen state at night, and FIG. 7B shows the state of the input screen 100 during input at night. As described above, when the input unit 60 appears for the first time only when the input person's hand approaches the input unit 60, the entire interior of the vehicle becomes dark at night. The input screen 100 itself becomes difficult to see, and when the input person tries to perform an input operation, the positions of the input screen 100 and the input unit 60 are not registered, and searching for it requires one action. That can happen. In order to avoid such a situation, at night, even in the normal standby screen state where the hand is not approaching the input screen 100, the input unit 60 is always dimly lit and the position of the operation switch 60 is Is configured so that the driver can always understand. Rather than letting the input person search for the operation switch from the dark to the dark clouds, the operability is improved by appealing the existence of the operation switch. In order to recognize and detect that it is nighttime, it is necessary to detect and grasp the brightness outside the vehicle by using a camera mounted on the vehicle such as a front monitoring camera or to grasp the brightness outside the vehicle by using a solar radiation sensor. It may be. In addition, as a means to grasp | ascertain that it went into night, if it is detection means, such as a sensor which can detect the brightness inside or outside a vehicle, it can use suitably regardless of a means.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7B, when the input person brings his hand close to the input screen 100, the input unit 60 is lit darkly and the input person clearly recognizes the position of the operation switch of the input unit 60. it can. By illuminating darkly, the operation switch of the input unit 60 emerges more and the input person can easily find a desired operation switch. On the other hand, if the input unit 60 is always lit darkly, the input person who is the driver is always in a state where the input unit 60 flickers in front of him and is forcibly recognized. . Therefore, in the standby screen state, the input unit 60 is turned on with a thin light with low luminance, and when the input person's hand approaches, the input unit 60 is lighted with a light with higher luminance.

  In addition, it is possible to light not only the input unit 60 but also the entire input screen 100 so that the light is lit in the standby screen state in this way, or only the input screen 100 is lit, and the input unit 60 is in the standby screen state. Then, it may be in a state where it does not appear. By making the entire input screen 100 light, the driver can easily grasp the sense of distance from the input screen 100 even during driving, and the operability can be improved. The input screen 100 is preferably lit with a color and / or brightness that does not impede the eyes of the driver and does not hinder the driving of the vehicle. As described above, a vehicle-mounted camera such as a front monitoring camera, a solar radiation sensor, and other suitable brightness sensors are preferably used to detect that the surrounding has become dark.

  Thus, by considering the surrounding environmental conditions such as brightness, an input device with high operability as in this embodiment is realized.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart of processing realized by the input device according to this embodiment. The processing shown in FIG. 8 is different from the processing in the daytime shown in FIG. 4 in that the environmental state when the surroundings are dark is also taken into consideration. In addition, about the process similar to the process shown in FIG. 4, the same referential mark is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In step 200, it is determined whether or not the surrounding is dark. If the detection means for detecting the brightness determines that the surrounding is dark, the process proceeds to step 210. On the other hand, when it is determined that the surroundings are not dark, the process proceeds to step 100 to determine whether or not there is an approach of the hand.

  In step 210, the input unit 60 and / or the input screen 100 are lightly turned on. When it is determined in step 200 that the surroundings are dark, the position of the input unit 60 and / or the input screen 100 is lit with a brightness that does not hinder driving, thereby improving operability. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the hand is approaching as in FIG.

  When the approach of the hand is detected in step 100, the process proceeds to step 220. When it is not detected, the process is terminated in the same manner as described with reference to FIG.

  In step 220, the input unit is lit darkly. When the approach of the hand is detected in step 100, it is considered that the input person intends to perform an input operation. Therefore, the input part 60 is conspicuous so that the input person can clearly know the position of the input part 60. Light up so that it is dark. The intensity of lighting may be changed between daytime and nighttime, or may be the same.

  In steps 120 to 140, the same processing as in FIG. 4 is performed. Based on the input operation or when the hand is released, the process proceeds to step 230 when a predetermined time elapses.

  In step 230, it is determined whether or not the surrounding is dark. If the surroundings are dark, the process proceeds to step 240, where the input unit 60 and / or the input screen 100 are turned on lightly so that the input person can recognize the presence of the input unit 60 and / or the input screen 100 with a brightness that does not interfere with driving. Exit. If the surroundings are bright, the process moves to step 150, and the input unit 60 is extinguished and the processing flow is ended as described in FIG.

  FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the input device according to the second embodiment. The functional block is the same as the configuration shown in FIG. 1 of the first embodiment, and the processing flow is the same as the flowchart shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 and the table shown in FIG. 5, but the input screen shown in FIG. The type and shape of the operation panel used for 100 are different. The same constituent elements as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted, and corresponding constituent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals as those used in the first embodiment by adding a '(dash) to the same reference numerals. Show. As shown in FIG. 9A, the input device of the present embodiment includes a main display 30, an input screen 100 ′, an input unit 60 ′ displayed on the input screen 100 ′, and an input screen 100 ′. The approach detection means 50 'attached and set near the input unit 60', the color detection means 20 attached on the vehicle floor, and the luggage 90 placed on the vehicle floor are shown.

  When the input person's hand approaches the input screen 100 ′, the approach detection means 50 ′ detects the approach of the hand, and the input unit 60 ′ is displayed on the input screen 100 ′. The input screen 100 ′ is composed of a transmissive panel display, as described with reference to FIG. 2, and the rear state over the transparent display is visible. In addition, as described with reference to FIG. 2, the screen displays an input unit 60 ′ configured with a touch panel-like switch, and an input person touches the input unit 60 ′ to perform an input operation. The main display 30 can be remotely operated. In the first embodiment, the input screen 100 configured with a transmissive panel display is configured to cover the main display 30, and the driver is viewing the main display 30 through the transmissive panel display. In Example 2, the input screen 100 ′ is not configured to cover the main display 30, but is configured to go from the lower side to the rear side of the main display. The input unit 60 'displayed near the user can be input. This is a configuration in which a feeling of spaciousness in the vehicle compartment is produced compared to the input screen in the first embodiment. That is, in the first embodiment, the input screen 100 is in front of the driver's eyes, and although it may be transparent, there is a possibility that it may give the driver a slight feeling of pressure. Gives the driver the impression that he / she is driving in a spacious space because the input screen is below the driver's field of view and is far from the eyes and body while driving. Can do. Moreover, since the input screen 100 ′ is transparent, the passenger can feel that the wall surrounding him / her is farther than when there is an opaque panel in the same place, and a spacious and comfortable space can be produced. .

  FIG. 9B is a front view of the luggage 90 and the input screen 100 ′ that is a transmissive panel display as viewed from the driver in FIG. 9A. FIG. 9B shows a state in which the baggage 90 is placed on the back and rear surface of the input screen 100 ′. The input unit 60 ′ displayed on the input screen 100 ′ and a transparent input screen are displayed by the input person. The baggage 90 enters into the field of view over 100 '. When an input person performs an input operation on the input unit 60 ', there is no problem unless the baggage 90 is particularly obstructed, but in the case where the colors of the input unit 60' and the baggage 90 are the same or similar, It may be difficult for the input person to visually recognize the input unit 60 ′. For example, in FIG. 9B, when the input unit 60 ′ is brown and the luggage 90 is also brown or black, the color will be lost if they overlap, and the input unit 60 ′ is identified. Becomes very difficult. In such a case, the color detection means 20 such as a color sensor provided on the floor detects the color of the luggage 90, and the colors of the input unit 60 ′ and the luggage 90 are the same or similar, and the input unit 60 ′ operates. When it is determined that it is difficult for the person to see, control is performed to change the color of the input unit 60 '. The color detecting means 20 can be suitably used in any type and type as long as it can detect the color. Further, the installation location may be provided anywhere as long as it is provided at a location where the color of the back and back of the transparent panel display 100 ′ can be detected. You may make it detect.

  FIG. 9C shows a case where the input unit 60 ′ is changed to white or yellow. When the input unit 60 ′ is white or yellow, the color contrasts such that the input unit 60 ′ is raised from the brown or black luggage 90, and the input unit 60 ′ is very easily recognized by the driver. That is, in the present embodiment, the color detection means 20 is used to recognize the environmental state relating to the color placed by the input person, and the input screen 100 ′ of the input device is changed based on the environmental state, thereby improving operability. I am letting.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing realized by the input device according to this embodiment. The same processes as those shown in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  In step 100 and step 110, when the approach detection means 50 'detects the approach of the input person's hand, the input unit 60' is displayed on the input screen 100 '.

  In step 300, the color detection means 20 detects the color of the luggage 90 placed on the rear back surface of the input screen 100 ′.

  In step 310, it is determined whether the color of the luggage 90 and the input unit 60 ′ is the same or similar. If it is determined that they are the same or similar, the process proceeds to step 320. If it is determined that they are not the same or similar, the processing flow ends. This determination may be made by strictly performing color recognition and comparing the two, but some groups of colors are grouped at a certain level, and it is slightly determined whether or not the groups match. You may make it judge roughly. For example, black, brown and dark red are the same color group, yellow and green are the same group, blue and purple are the same group, and the color group to which the luggage 90 belongs and the color group to which the input unit 60 'belongs are the same. You may employ | adopt the method of judging with no. These calculations are preferably executed by a calculation means (CPU) 71 mounted on the display control means 70. Of course, it goes without saying that other calculation means may be used.

  In step 320, the color of the input unit 60 ′ is changed based on the calculation result in step 310. The change color of the input unit 60 ′ may be anything as long as it is different from that of the luggage 90, but it is preferable that the color of both colors is clear. Therefore, a certain combination color corresponding to the color series is prepared in advance, such as yellow or green for black and brown, and white or black for red. It may be. This color change may also be configured to be controlled by issuing a change command to the input screen 100 ′ from a calculation means (CPU) mounted on the display control means 70.

  In the present embodiment, the input screen 100 ′ is not configured to cover the main display 30. Therefore, even if the input unit 60 ′ is always displayed on the input screen 100 ′, the driver's There is no risk of hindering visibility while driving. Therefore, it is good also as a structure which always displays input part 60 'on input screen 100', without providing approach detection means 50 'in particular. In the case of such a configuration, for example, when the vehicle is stopped, the input unit 60 ′ may be displayed in a small size to create a spacious feeling in the vehicle compartment. Since the input screen 100 ′ is transparent and suitable for producing a spacious space in the vehicle interior, the characteristics can be fully utilized, and there is no travel burden due to driving when the vehicle is stopped. This is because the input unit 60 ′ on 100 ′ is easy to visually recognize and does not adversely affect the operation function, and there is no functional problem with such a configuration.

  FIG. 11A shows a state where the constant input unit 60 ′ is displayed on the input screen 100 ′ during normal operation. As shown in FIG. 9A, the input unit 100 ′ is not in the driver's field of view during driving, and there is no possibility of obstructing the field of view. Therefore, as shown in FIG. Even if displayed, there is no adverse effect on the function. FIG. 11B shows the display of the input screen 100 ′ when the vehicle is stopped. The input unit 60 'is displayed in a small size, and the feeling of opening by the transparent input screen 100' is fully utilized. As a configuration for realizing the present embodiment, for example, although not shown, whether or not the vehicle is in a stopped state in conjunction with the running speed of the vehicle or the start / stop of the engine by a speed detector mounted on the vehicle. When the vehicle is in a stopped state, a program for displaying the input screen 100 ′ in FIG. 11B is installed in the calculation means (CPU) 71 mounted on the display control device 70 and executed. You may make it do.

  In the present embodiment, the input device in the case where the input screen 100 ′ is configured by a transmissive panel display has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can also be applied using, for example, a normal liquid crystal display. . For example, using the liquid crystal display having a shape as shown in FIG. 9A, the display of the input unit on the input screen as described in the first embodiment is displayed when the input person's hand approaches, and after the input operation A configuration in which the input unit disappears after a predetermined time has elapsed, and a configuration in which the predetermined time is changed in accordance with a traveling state or an environmental state may be employed. Furthermore, similarly, it is configured to have the same shape as FIG. 9A, and the input unit is always displayed larger when traveling and smaller when stopped, as described in FIG. Good.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Can be added.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a main configuration related to the input device according to the first embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows an example of the operating device of a transparent superimposition system. It is a perspective view which shows an example of the input screen 100 comprised as a transmissive | pervious panel display. 3 is a flowchart illustrating processing realized by the input device according to the first embodiment. It is a table | surface which shows an example of the factor which determines a driving | running | working state. 4 is a flowchart of processing for changing a predetermined time based on a detection result of a state detection means 40. FIG. 7A is a perspective view illustrating a display of a normal input screen 100 at night in the input device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating a display of the input screen 100 during input at night in the input device according to the first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart illustrating processing that takes into account nighttime realized by the input device according to the first embodiment; FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of the input device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9B is a diagram showing a front view of the input screen 100 ′ viewed from the driver before the color change of the input unit 60 ′. FIG. 9C is a diagram showing a front view of the input screen 100 ′ viewed from the driver after the color change of the input unit 60 ′. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of processing realized by the input device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11A is a diagram illustrating a display state of the input screen 100 ′ during travel of the input device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11B is a diagram illustrating a display state of the input screen 100 ′ when the input device according to the second embodiment is stopped.

Explanation of symbols

Reference Signs List 30 main display 40 state detection means 50 approach detection means 60, 60 'input unit 70 display control means 71 calculation means (CPU)
72 Memory 73 Timer 80 In-vehicle device 90 Luggage 100, 100 ', 101, 102, 103 Input screen

Claims (5)

An input screen for displaying an input unit, an approach detection means for detecting that an input person's hand has approached the input screen, and a state detection means for detecting a running state or an environmental state,
When the approach detection means detects the approach of the input person's hand, the input part is displayed on the input screen, and the input part disappears after a predetermined time has elapsed since the input person's hand left the input part. An input device for
The predetermined time is changed based on the detection result of the state detection means ,
The input screen is a transmissive panel, and changes the display state of the panel based on an object placed behind the panel .   The input device according to claim 1, wherein the state detection unit detects the traveling state based on a traveling load that affects an input operation of an input person.   3. The travel load is detected based on any one or more of traffic information, road surface unevenness state, vehicle vibration state, inter-vehicle distance, vehicle speed, vehicle acceleration, or vehicle inclination. The input device described.   The input device according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined time for disappearing the display of the input unit is set to be longer as the detected traveling load becomes higher. The hand of the input person is away from the input unit, the input device according to claim 1, wherein the detecting by the approach detection unit.

Images