JP4960317B2 - Input device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an input device that performs an input operation on an input operation target through a manual operation.

  Conventionally, for example, an input device as disclosed in Patent Document 1 has been proposed. This input device includes a display device such as a display and a touch operation unit (touch tracer) having a touch panel. For example, in a vehicle, the touch operation unit is disposed at a place where an operator can easily operate, such as an armrest portion of a driver's seat door or a center console. On the display device, a selection screen corresponding to an accessory device of the vehicle to be operated, such as an air conditioner, an audio, and a car navigation system, is displayed. The input device converts the absolute position coordinate of the touch position within the operation range frame of the touch operation unit into a position (active position) coordinate on the screen and outputs it to the display device. For example, an operation target such as a pointer is displayed at a position on the screen, and the function item selected by the operation target is displayed by color reversal, for example. The operator operates the accessory device by pressing the operation unit while maintaining a state in which a desired function item on the screen is selected through a touch operation on the touch operation unit.

In this input device, since the absolute position coordinates of the touch position within the operation range frame of the touch operation unit correspond to the position coordinates of the operation target on the screen, it is possible to intuitively grasp the function items corresponding to the touch position. In addition, it is possible to easily select a desired function item even if the function items are not regularly arranged on the screen, so that the function items can be freely arranged on the screen. There are features such as.
JP 2002-108544 A

  However, as described above, in a conventional input device capable of so-called absolute position input operation that directly inputs the absolute position within the operation range frame of the touch operation unit as a position on the screen, the touch position with respect to the touch operation unit is shifted. The position where the operation target is arranged on the screen is similarly shifted. For this reason, for example, when a large number of function items are arranged on the screen and a display area corresponding to each function item is relatively small, such as a character input screen in which a large number of characters are regularly arranged, touch It is necessary to be careful not to shift the position. Therefore, depending on the screen, the direction selected by the tilting operation of the joystick or the like is input as the moving direction of the operation target on the screen, and the screen is moved to the operation direction. There is a case where an input device capable of so-called relative position input operation that can move the upper operation object one item at a time is preferred. Accordingly, there is a demand for an input device capable of inputting by an absolute position input operation and a relative position input operation. It is possible to meet the above-mentioned demand by providing one input device capable of input by an absolute position input operation and one input device capable of input by a relative position input operation. In this case, for example, Depending on the screen, the operator needs to select and operate one of the input devices provided separately, and there is a concern about an increase in installation space and an increase in cost.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an input device capable of inputting a coordinate position on a screen of a display unit by an absolute position input operation and a relative position input operation. is there.

  The invention according to claim 1 detects an operation member provided to be operable within a predetermined operation range corresponding to a screen of a display device as an input target, and an absolute position of the operation member within the operation range. An input device comprising: absolute position detection means; and absolute position output means for designating a position on the screen corresponding one-to-one to the position based on the absolute position of the operation member detected by the absolute position detection means In accordance with the operation direction input means provided on the operation member and operated without displacing the operation member when designating only the operation direction, and the operation direction input through the operation direction input means, Relative position output means for specifying a relative position on the screen in a direction corresponding to the operation direction on the basis of the position currently specified on the screen, and the relative position output And a displacement means for displacing the operation member so that the position on the screen designated through the steps matches the absolute position of the operation member within the operation range detected by the absolute position detection means. And

  According to the present invention, since the absolute position of the operation member within the operation range is designated as the position on the screen, the absolute position of the operation member within the operation range is directly input as the position on the screen. Absolute position input operation is possible. Further, since the relative position on the screen in the direction corresponding to the operation direction is specified based on the position currently specified on the screen based on the operation direction input by the operation direction input means, A so-called relative position input operation is possible in which the operation direction of the member is input as the movement direction of the operation target on the screen. In addition, when this relative position input operation is performed, the position of the operation member on the screen specified through the relative position output means matches the absolute position of the operation member within the operation range detected by the absolute position detection means. Displace to Here, for example, when a relative position input operation is performed, the operation member is positioned on the screen designated through the relative position output means and the absolute position of the operation member within the operation range detected by the absolute position detection means. Suppose the case where the displacement does not occur so as to match. In this case, the relative position input operation specifies the relative position on the screen even though the operation member is not displaced within the operation range, and specifies the position of the operation member within the operation range and the screen. The position is shifted from the current position, and the absolute position input operation is hindered. In this regard, in the present invention, the operation member is displaced so that the position on the screen designated through the relative position output means and the absolute position of the operation member within the operation range detected by the absolute position detection means coincide. Therefore, even when a relative position input operation is performed, the absolute position input operation is not hindered by the relative position input operation. Therefore, it is possible to input the coordinate position on the screen of the display means by the absolute position input operation and the relative position input operation by this one input device, and these can be appropriately selected according to the screen or the like.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the operation direction input means includes a touch sensor that is provided at a plurality of portions corresponding to the operation direction of the operation member and detects presence / absence of a user's finger contact at each portion. The gist is to detect the operation direction based on the presence or absence of a user's finger contact with these detection surfaces.

  According to the present invention, the operation direction is detected based on the presence or absence of a touch operation on the detection surface of the touch sensor provided at a plurality of portions corresponding to the operation direction in the operation member. It becomes possible to input the operation direction of the operation member only by touching, and the operability of the input device is improved. In addition, since the touch sensor detects the presence or absence of the touch of the user's finger, it is possible to prevent an operation unintended by the user from being input when an object other than the user's finger contacts the detection surface. This makes it possible to improve the operability of the input device.

  The invention according to claim 3 is an arrangement mode of a plurality of selection candidates displayed on the screen and selected by designating a position on the screen, and the operation member detected through the absolute position detecting means. The gist of the invention is to provide an operation reaction force applying means for applying an operation reaction force according to the displacement amount to the operation member.

  According to the present invention, the operation member includes an arrangement mode of a plurality of selection candidates that are displayed on the screen and selected by designating the position on the screen, and the operation member detected through the absolute position detection means. An operation reaction force corresponding to the amount of displacement is applied. For this reason, the user can determine the position within the operation range corresponding to the selection candidate on the screen based on the resistance feel accompanying the increase or decrease of the operation reaction force applied through the operation member. Therefore, the operation member can be easily arranged at a position corresponding to the position of the selection candidate on the screen within the operation range, and the operability of the input device is improved.

  The gist of the invention described in claim 4 is that the operation member includes a confirmation operation input unit that is operated when the absolute position of the operation member within the operation range is determined as a position on the screen. To do.

  According to the present invention, the absolute position of the operation member within the operation range is determined as the position on the screen through the operation of the confirmation operation input unit provided on the operation member. For this reason, the position on the screen can be determined at an arbitrary timing, and the operability of the input device is improved.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an input device capable of inputting a coordinate position on the screen of the display means by an absolute position input operation and a relative position input operation.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the invention is embodied in an input device used in a display system that is an electronic device for a vehicle will be described with reference to the drawings. The display system is for operating ancillary equipment of vehicles such as an air conditioner and a navigation system.

<Outline of display system>
First, an overview of the display system will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, a display system 1 includes a display device 2 disposed on an instrument panel or the like that can be easily viewed by a user in the vehicle interior, and a center console that can be easily operated by the user in the vehicle interior. The input device 3 is provided. For example, the instrument panel is provided with a plurality of selection switches (not shown) for selecting ancillary equipment of a vehicle such as an air conditioner and a navigation system. When any one of the plurality of selection switches is operated, the display device 2 displays the operation status according to the accessory device corresponding to the operated selection switch, or one or a plurality of function items. Is done. For example, when a selection switch corresponding to an air conditioner is operated, the operation status, function items for temperature setting, and the like are displayed on the display device 2. When a selection switch corresponding to the navigation system is operated, a function item such as a guidance map or destination setting is displayed on the display device 2. The user selects a desired function item displayed on the display device 2 through an operation of the operation member 4 provided in the input device 3, and performs a predetermined confirming operation, thereby performing a desired operation on the selected accessory device. Can be executed.

<Input device>
Next, the input device will be described in detail. The case 10 of the input device 3 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole by combining a box-shaped case main body 11 having an upper opening and a cover 12 that closes the upper opening of the case main body 11. In the following description, the short direction of the case 10 is the X direction in the XY coordinate system, and the long direction of the case 10 is the Y direction in the XY coordinate system.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially rectangular operation window 12 b is formed through the upper surface (outer bottom surface) 12 a of the cover 12. The operation body 4a of the operation member 4 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape having the X direction in the XY coordinate system as a longitudinal direction, and is disposed on the upper surface of the cover 12 so as to cover the operation window 12b. The operating body 4a includes a right side surface 4b and a left side surface 4c that extend in the Y direction in the XY coordinate system, and a front side surface 4d and a rear side surface 4e that also extend in the X direction in the XY coordinate system. Each side surface 4b-4e inclines so that the cross-sectional area of the operation body 4a may become small as it goes upwards (refer FIG. 3). Further, touch pads 21 to 24 as touch sensors constituting the operation direction input unit are provided on the side surfaces 4b to 4e, respectively. The touch pads 21 to 24 are provided so that their detection surfaces 21a to 24a are flush with the side surfaces 4b to 4e of the operating body 4a. On the upper surface of the operation body 4a, a push switch 25 is provided as a confirmation operation input unit.

  As shown in FIG. 3, an input shaft 4g extending in a direction orthogonal to the lower surface 4f of the operating body 4a is provided at the center of the lower surface 4f of the operating body 4a. The input shaft 4g is inserted through the operation window 12b, and a portion on the tip side thereof is disposed inside the case 10. The input shaft 4g is inserted through the guide member 13 in a state where its rotation is restricted.

  The guide member 13 is provided at a portion corresponding to the operation window 12 b on the inner bottom surface 12 c of the cover 12. The length along the extending direction of the input shaft 4g is set so that the tip of the operating body 4a protrudes below the guide member 13 in a state where the operating body 4a is placed on the upper surface of the cover 12. In the operating member 4, the upper surface of the guide member 13 is slidably guided by the inner bottom surface 12c of the cover 12 in the XY plane, so that the longitudinal direction of the operating body 4a is always the X direction, and the operating body 4a is short. It is guided so that the direction is always the Y direction. Thereby, the operation member 4 can slide in multiple directions along the XY plane without the side surfaces 4b to 4e being inclined with respect to the X direction or the Y direction in the XY coordinate system. In the input shaft 4g, a portion projecting downward from the guide member 13 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and a pantograph-type link mechanism 30 constituting a displacement means and an operation reaction force applying means is formed in the cylindrical portion. It is connected.

<Position detection mechanism>
As shown in FIG. 4, the link mechanism 30 includes a pair of first arms 31a and 31b that are rotatably connected to the input shaft 4g, and the first arms 31a and 31b opposite to the input shaft 4g. A pair of second arms 33a and 33b are rotatably connected to the ends by pins 32a and 32b. The pair of second arms 33a and 33b are provided so as to intersect with each other, and are rotatably connected by pins 34 at the intersections. Rack members 35a and 35b are connected to ends (free ends) of the pair of second arms 33a and 33b opposite to the first arms 31a and 31b. Tooth profiles are formed on the side surfaces of the rack members 35a, 35b opposite to the second arms 33a, 33b. Therefore, when the operation member 4 is slid, the link mechanism 30 expands and contracts with the displacement of the operation member 4, and the rack members 35 a and 35 b swing around the pin 34 accordingly.

  On the other hand, on the inner bottom surface of the case main body 11, two motors 40a and 40b constituting a displacement means and an operation reaction force applying means are provided. The motors 40 a and 40 b include rotary shafts 41 a and 41 b that extend in a direction orthogonal to the upper surface of the guide member 13. Rotary potentiometers 42a and 42b as absolute position detecting means are attached to the rotation shafts 41a and 41b of the motors 40a and 40b, respectively. Moreover, each rotating shaft 41a, 41b protrudes from the upper surface of corresponding potentiometer 42a, 42b, and gear 43a, 43b is provided in this protruding part so that integral rotation is possible. The two gears 43a and 43b mesh with the rack members 35a and 35b, respectively. When the rack members 35a and 35b swing around the pin 34 as the operating member 4 is slid, the swinging motion is converted into rotational motion of the rotary shafts 41a and 41b through the gears 43a and 43b. From the two potentiometers 42a and 42b, rotation angle signals Sθa and Sθb corresponding to the swinging amounts around the pins 34 of the rack members 35a and 35b and the second arms 33a and 33b are output. When the operation member 4 is operated in the operation range A corresponding to the operation window 12b, which is a movable region of the input shaft 4g, the potentiometers 42a and 42b are configured to detect the amount of displacement of the operation member 4 in the X direction and the Y direction. As detection signals, rotation angle signals Sθa and Sθb are output as absolute position information of the operation member 4. In the present embodiment, as indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 4, the input shaft 4g of the operation member 4 is located on the left side (upper side in FIG. 4) and rear side (left side in FIG. 4) of the operation window 12b. The position of the operation member 4 (input shaft 4g) in the state of being in contact with the side surface is set as a reference position P0. Therefore, the rotation angle signals Sθa and Sθb corresponding to the swing amounts (swing angles) of the second arms 33a and 33b with respect to the state where the operation member 4 is disposed at the reference position P0 are the absolute positions of the operation member 4. Output as information. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, a circuit board 50 on which various electronic components constituting the control unit of the input device 3 are mounted is provided on the inner bottom surface of the case body 11.

<Electrical configuration>
Next, the electrical configuration of the display system 1 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 5, a pair of potentiometers 42 a and 42 b, four touch pads 21 to 24, and a push switch 25 are individually connected to the control unit 51 of the input device 3. The control unit 51 is connected to two motors 40a and 40b that constitute a displacement unit and an operation reaction force applying unit. The control unit 51 of the input device 3 corresponds to an absolute position output unit and a relative position output unit. Further, a display control unit 61 of the display device 2 is connected to the control unit 51, and a display unit 62 of the display device 2 is similarly connected to the display control unit 61. The display control unit 61 is connected to a vehicle accessory device 65. The display unit 62 of the display device 2 corresponds to a display unit.

  The display control unit 61 of the display device 2 causes the display unit 62 to display screens G1 to G4 corresponding to the accessory devices 65 of the vehicle. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the display control unit 61 displays a screen (in this case, a menu screen) G1 on which an item indicating the auxiliary device 65 of the vehicle is displayed, or as shown in FIG. A screen G2 (in this case, an air conditioner function selection screen) on which the function items are displayed is displayed on the display unit 62. In addition, the display control unit 61 includes a screen G3 (in this case, a character input screen) on which a large number of characters are regularly arranged as shown in FIG. 8, and a map around the vehicle as shown in FIG. A screen G4 (in this case, a guidance screen) on which the function items are displayed is displayed on the display unit 62. Further, the display control unit 61 inputs, for example, selection candidate arrangement information (placement data) D1 such as a function item that can be selected by overlapping the pointer P on the screens G1 to G4 displayed on the display unit 62. 3 is output.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 51 of the input device 3 includes the operation member 4 based on the reference position P0 in the operation range A based on the rotation angle signals Sθa and Sθb from the pair of potentiometers 42a and 42b. The absolute position information is output to the display device 2 as the selected position information of the pointer P displayed on the screens G1 to G4. The display control unit 61 of the display device 2 is based on the input of the selected position information from the control unit 51, and the target position (coordinates) on the screens G1 to G4 of the pointer P displayed on the screens G1 to G4 of the display unit 62. And the pointer P is moved to the determined target position.

  Each of the touch pads 21 to 24 is a capacitance that detects contact of the user's finger with respect to the detection surfaces 21a to 24a based on a change in capacitance of a capacitor formed of a metal sensor electrode and the user's finger. When the touch of the user's finger to the touch pads 21 to 24 is detected, the touch operation detection signal ST indicating that is output to the control unit 51. Based on the touch operation detection signal ST, the control unit 51 determines that the touch pads 21 to 24 are touch-operated when it is detected that the user touches the touch pads 21 to 24 with a finger and immediately releases it. And the control part 51 judges the operation direction input through this touchpad 21-24 based on which touchpad 21-24 was touch-operated. Specifically, when the touch operation detection signal ST is input from the touch pad 21 provided on the right side surface 4b of the operation member 4, the control unit 51 sets the operation direction input through the touch operation as the left direction. to decide. When the touch operation detection signal ST is input from the touch pad 22 provided on the left side surface 4c of the operation member 4, the control unit 51 determines that the operation direction input through the touch operation is the right direction. When the touch operation detection signal ST is input from the touch pad 23 provided on the front side surface 4d of the operation member 4, the control unit 51 determines that the operation direction input through the touch operation is a downward direction. When the touch operation detection signal ST is output from the touch pad 24 provided on the rear side surface 4e of the operation member 4, the control unit 51 determines that the operation direction input through the touch operation is an upward direction.

  In addition, the control unit 51 uses the screens G1 to G1 in directions corresponding to the input operation directions based on the operation directions input through the touch pads 21 to 24 and based on the position currently specified on the screens G1 to G4. Specify the relative position on G4. In this Embodiment, the control part 51 acquires arrangement | positioning of the selection candidate which can be selected by overlapping the pointer P on the screens G1-G4 based on the arrangement | positioning information D1 from the display control part 61 of the display apparatus 2. FIG. To do. The control unit 51 obtains the position of the selection candidate closest to the designated operation direction from the selection positions on the screens G1 to G4 where the pointer P is currently arranged, and determines the position of the selection candidate by the touch. The selected position information designated by the operation is output to the display device 2. The display control unit 61 of the display device 2 is based on the input of the selected position information from the control unit 51, and the target position (coordinates) on the screens G1 to G4 of the pointer P displayed on the screens G1 to G4 of the display unit 62. And the pointer P is moved to the determined target position.

  In addition, the control unit 51 matches the selection position on the screens G1 to G4 designated through the touch operation of the touch pads 21 to 24 and the absolute position of the operation member 4 within the operation range A detected by the potentiometers 42a and 42b. Thus, a control signal S1 for displacing the operation member 4 is output to the motors 40a and 40b. The motors 40a and 40b are driven based on the control signal S1. The driving force of the motors 40a and 40b (rotational motion of the rotary shafts 41a and 41b) is converted into the expansion and contraction motion of the link mechanism 30 via the gears 43a and 43b and the rack members 35a and 35b, and the operation member 4 is placed on the XY plane. Displaces along. In the present embodiment, as described above, the control unit 51 determines that the operation direction is the direction opposite to the direction in which the touch pads 21 to 24 to which the touch operation is input are arranged. Therefore, when a touch operation is input, the operation member 4 is displaced so as to be displaced in a direction away from the user's finger.

  Further, the control unit 51 of the input device 3 corresponds to the arrangement of selection candidates that can be selected on the screens G1 to G4 and the movement direction and movement amount (displacement amount) of the operation member 4 detected through the potentiometers 42a and 42b. A control signal S1 for giving the operation reaction force to the operation member 4 is output to the motors 40a and 40b. Thereby, for example, when the operation member 4 is operated at a position where the pointer P overlaps the selection candidate on the screens G1 to G4, and when the pointer P is operated at a position shifted from the selection candidate, Different reaction forces are applied. Therefore, the user can determine the position in the operation range A corresponding to the selection candidates on the screens G1 to G4 based on the resistance feeling accompanying the increase or decrease of the operation reaction force applied through the operation member 4.

  The push switch 25 is turned on when the push switch 25 is pressed (determined), and outputs an on signal Son to that effect to the control unit 51. When the control unit 51 receives the ON signal Son, the display unit 2 displays a confirmation signal S2 for confirming the absolute position of the operation member 4 at this time as the selection position of the pointer P on the screens G1 to G4. To the unit 61. Based on the confirmation signal S2, the display control unit 61 causes the display unit 62 to display selection screens G2 to G4 corresponding to the accessory device 65 selected at this time on the menu screen G1, for example. A control signal for causing the auxiliary device 65 to perform a predetermined operation corresponding to the function item selected at this time on G2 to G4 is output to the auxiliary device 65. Therefore, the absolute position of the operation member 4 within the operation range A is determined as the selection position of the pointer P on the screens G1 to G4 through the determination operation of the push switch 25 provided on the operation member. For this reason, it becomes possible to input the selection position of the pointer P on the screens G1 to G4 at an arbitrary timing, and the operability of the input device is improved.

<Operation of Embodiment>
Next, an operation mode of the display system configured as described above will be described.
When operating ancillary equipment 65 of a vehicle such as an air conditioner or a navigation system, first, a selection switch corresponding to a desired ancillary equipment 65 provided on an instrument panel or the like is operated. Then, on the display unit 62 of the display device 2, the operation status and a plurality of function items corresponding to the incidental device 65 corresponding to the operated selection switch are displayed. The user superimposes the pointer displayed on the screens G <b> 2 to G <b> 4 of the display unit 62 on the desired function item through the operation of the operation member 4, and performs the pressing operation of the push switch 25, so that the desired accessory device is selected. Run the action. In the present embodiment, the display unit 62 of the display device 2 is configured to display a screen G1 on which items indicating auxiliary devices of the vehicle are displayed. The user also superimposes the desired accessory device 65 displayed on the screen G1 through the operation of the input device 3 and presses the push switch 25, so that the screens G2 to G4 corresponding to the selected accessory device 65 are displayed. Is displayed.

  Here, for example, as indicated by a white arrow in FIG. 10A, the user arranges at the absolute position P1 on the left front side (upper left side in FIG. 10A) in the operation range A (see FIG. 4). Assume that the operating member 4 is displaced to the absolute position P1 ′ on the right rear side (lower right side in FIG. 10A). In this case, as shown in FIG. 10B, the absolute position P1 'of the operation member 4 within the operation range A is input to the display device 2 as the selection position of the pointer P on the screens G1 to G4. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 10C, the pointer P placed at the upper left selection position P2 on the screen G5 moves to the lower right selection position P2 ′ as the operating member 4 is slid. Moving. That is, it is possible to select a desired function item by sliding the operation member 4 so that the pointer P overlaps the desired function item (in this case, “O”).

  Further, for example, it is assumed that the user touches the touch pad 24 arranged on the rear side surface 4e of the operation member 4 as indicated by a white arrow in FIG. In this case, the selected position specified based on the operation direction specified through the touch operation of the touch pad 24 is input to the display device 2. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 11 (c), the function item (in this case, “ke”) at the selection position P3 on the lower right side on the screen G6 at the time before the touch operation is input. The pointer P moves to the selection position P3 ′ corresponding to the function item (in this case, “ku”) one level higher than the function item in the operation direction (upward in FIG. 11C). Therefore, a so-called relative position input operation is possible in which the operation direction of the operation member 4 is input as the movement direction of the pointer P on the screen and the selected position on the screen G6 is moved in the input operation direction.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 11B, the operation member 4 is moved from the position P4 arranged before the touch operation is input to the absolute position of the operation member 4 in the operation range A. Then, it is displaced to a position P4 ′ where the selected position of the pointer P on the screen G6 coincides. Here, for example, when a relative position input operation is performed, the operation member 4 is displaced so that the absolute position of the operation member 4 in the operation range A matches the selection position of the pointer P on the screen G6. Assume that you did not. In this case, the relative position input operation shifts the absolute position of the operation member 4 in the operation range A from the selection position of the pointer P on the screen G6, and the absolute position input operation is hindered. In this regard, as indicated by solid arrows in FIG. 11B, in the present embodiment, when a touch operation on the touch pads 21 to 24 is input, the operation member 4 is operated within the operation range A. Are automatically displaced so that the absolute position of and the selected position of the pointer P on the screen G6 coincide. Therefore, even when a relative position input operation is performed, the absolute position input operation is not hindered by the relative position input operation.

  From the above, when the absolute position input operation is preferable for the user through the input device 3, the input is performed by the absolute position input operation for sliding the operation member 4, and when the relative position input operation is preferable for the user. Can be input by a relative position input operation in which the touch pads 21 to 24 of the operation member 4 are touch-operated. For this reason, the area A1 in which a plurality of function items are regularly arranged as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 9 and the whole area are set as selection candidates as shown by a one-dot chain line in FIG. Even when a screen G4 having a region A2 on which a map or the like is displayed is displayed, the user can appropriately select an absolute position input operation or a relative position input operation without performing a special switching operation. .

Next, the operational effects of the above embodiment will be described below.
(1) The control unit 51 of the input device 3 designates the absolute position of the operation member 4 within the operation range A as the position on the screens G1 to G6. As a result, a so-called absolute position input operation is possible in which the absolute position of the operation member 4 in the operation range A is directly input as a position on the screens G1 to G4. Moreover, the control part 51 of the input device 3 is based on the operation direction input through the touchpads 21-24, and the direction corresponding to the operation direction input with reference to the position currently designated on the screens G1-G4. The relative positions on the screens G1 to G4 are designated. Thus, a so-called relative position input operation is performed in which the operation direction of the operation member 4 is input as the movement direction of the operation target on the screen, and only one selection position of the pointer P on the screens G1 to G4 is moved in the movement direction. It becomes possible. When the relative position input operation is performed, the control unit 51 of the input device 3 uses the position P3 ′ on the screens G1 to G4 designated through the touch operation of the touch pads 21 to 24 and the potentiometers 42a and 42b. The operation member 4 is displaced so that the absolute position P4 ′ of the operation member 4 within the detected operation range A coincides. Therefore, even when a relative position input operation is performed, the absolute position input operation is not hindered by the relative position input operation. Therefore, it is possible to input the coordinate position on the screens G1 to G4 of the display device 2 by the absolute position input operation and the relative position input operation by this one input device 3, and the input operations are appropriately performed according to the screens G1 to G6 and the like. You can choose.

  (2) Since the said operation direction is detected based on the presence or absence of the touch operation with respect to the detection surfaces 21a-24a of the several touchpads 21-24 provided in the site | part corresponding to the operation direction in the operation member 4, an operation member It is possible to input the operation direction of the operation member 4 simply by touching the four detection surfaces 21a to 24a, and the operability of the input device 3 is improved.

  (3) Since the touch pads 21 to 24 detect whether or not the user's finger is touched, an operation unintended by the user is input when an object other than the user's finger comes into contact with the detection surfaces 21a to 24a. It becomes possible to prevent this, and the operability of the input device 3 is improved.

  (4) The operation member 4 is detected through the potentiometers 42a and 42b, and arrangement modes of a plurality of selection candidates displayed on the screens G1 to G4 and selected by designating positions on the screens G1 to G4. An operation reaction force corresponding to the amount of displacement of the operation member 4 is applied. For this reason, the user can determine the position in the operation range A corresponding to the selection candidates on the screens G1 to G4 based on the resistance feel accompanying the increase or decrease of the operation reaction force applied through the operation member 4. Therefore, the operation member 4 can be easily arranged at a position corresponding to the position of the selection candidate on the screens G1 to G4 in the operation range A, and the operability of the input device 3 is improved.

  (4) The absolute position of the operation member 4 within the operation range A is determined as a position on the screen through a determination operation through the push switch 25 provided on the operation member 4. For this reason, it becomes possible to fix the positions of the screens G1 to G6 at an arbitrary timing, and the operability of the input device 3 is improved.

  (5) The input device 3 is arranged at a position where the user can easily use it while sitting on the driver's seat, and the display device 2 is arranged so that the user can easily see. For this reason, compared with the conventional input device which inputs directly to a touch panel, input operation can be performed without destroying an attitude | position. Since the input device 3 includes the operation member 4, the operation member 4 can give a feeling of operation to the user, and operability is ensured without directly viewing the operation member 4.

  (6) The control unit 51 determines that the direction opposite to the direction in which the touch pads 21 to 24 to which the touch operation is input is arranged as the operation direction, and when the touch operation is input, the operation member 4 is Displaces in a direction away from the finger. For this reason, the operation member 4 can be moved without giving a user a sense of incongruity.

  (7) Since the touch pads 21 to 24 are provided on the side surfaces 4b to 4e of the operation member 4 (operation body 4a) and are not provided on the same plane, one touch pad 21 to 24 is touch-operated. In this case, the touch operations of the other touch pads 21 to 24 can be suitably prevented.

In addition, you may change this Embodiment as follows.
In the above embodiment, the operation member 4 is configured to be slid. However, for example, the operation member 4 may be configured to be tilted like a joystick. In such a case, for example, the tilt amount (tilt angle) of the operation member 4 is detected, and the position of the operation member 4 is detected based on the tilt amount.

  In the above embodiment, the absolute position of the operation member 4 is detected by the position detection mechanism having the pantograph mechanism. However, the present invention is not limited to this mode, and the position of the operation member 4 in the XY coordinate system is determined. The configuration of the position detection mechanism can be appropriately changed as long as it can be detected.

  In the above embodiment, the motors 40a and 40b are used as the operation reaction force applying means for applying the reaction force to the operation member 4. However, the present invention is not limited to this mode, and can be changed to other actuators. .

  In the above embodiment, using the link mechanism 30 and the motors 40a and 40b that displace the operation member 4 so that the positions on the screens G1 to G4 and the absolute position of the operation member 4 in the operation range A coincide with each other, Although a reaction force is applied to the operation member 4, a mechanism for applying an operation reaction force may be provided separately from the motors 40 a and 40 b and the link mechanism 30.

  In the above embodiment, the absolute position of the operation member 4 is detected using the rotary potentiometers 42a and 42b. However, for example, a linear type that detects the parallel movement amounts of the first and second guide plates of the guide member 13 is used. The potentiometers 42a and 42b may be used, and the configuration for detecting the absolute position of the operation member 4 can be appropriately changed. Moreover, you may detect the absolute position of the operation member 4 using a magnetic sensor.

  In the above embodiment, the touch pads 21 to 24 (capacitance sensors) are used as the touch sensors, but pressure sensitive sensors may be used, and the operation direction can be input without displacing the absolute position of the operation member 4. A push switch or the like may be used as long as it can be configured.

  In the above embodiment, the touch pads 21 to 24 as touch sensors are provided on the side surfaces 4b to 4e of the operation member 4. However, the present invention is not limited to such a mode, and the touch pads 21 to 24 are provided on the upper surface of the operation member 4 (operation body 4a). It may be provided. In the above embodiment, the plurality of touch pads 21 to 24 are provided on the operation member 4, but the operation direction may be detected based on the pressed position on one touch pad.

  In the above embodiment, the control unit 51 determines that the operation direction is the direction opposite to the direction in which the touch pads 21 to 24 to which the touch operation is input is arranged, but the touch operation is input. The direction in which the touch pads 21 to 24 are arranged may be determined as the operation direction. In such a case, the operation member 4 is displaced in the direction in which the touch pads 21 to 24 to which the touch operation is input are arranged.

  In the above embodiment, the operation direction is input by the touch operation of the touch pads 21 to 24. However, for example, when the touch operation is continuously input a plurality of times, or when the user's finger touches for a predetermined time or more In this case, the operation direction may be input.

  In the above embodiment, the position display on the screens G1 to G4 is displayed by the pointer P. However, the display is not limited to such a mode. For example, function items (display switches displayed on the screen) The position on the screens G1 to G4 may be displayed by reversing the colors.

  -In above-mentioned embodiment, although the push switch 25 as a definite operation input part was provided in the upper surface of the operation body 4a, it is not limited to such an aspect. For example, a push switch such as the upper surface 12a of the cover 12 may be provided separately from the operation body 4a. Further, the entire operation body 4a is configured to be displaceable inward of the case 10 along the axial direction of the input shaft 4g, and the pushing operation of the operation body 4a toward the case 10 is detected as a definite operation. Also good.

  In the above embodiment, the side surfaces 4b to 4e of the operating body 4a are inclined so that the cross-sectional area of the operating body 4a decreases toward the upper side, but the side surfaces 4b to 4e of the operating body 4a are changed to the operating body 4a. The cross sectional area may be inclined so as to increase as it goes upward. Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the operation body 4a was formed in square shape (cuboid shape) and the touchpads 21-24 were each provided in the four side surfaces 4b-4e, it is not limited to such an aspect. . For example, the operation body may be formed in an octagonal cross section, and one touch pad may be provided on each of the eight side surfaces. In addition, according to such a structure, eight directions can be input through operation of the touchpads 21-24.

  In the above embodiment, the embodiment is embodied as an input device for an electronic device for a vehicle. However, for example, various video devices such as a home television or a video deck, or a remote control device or a mobile phone for other electronic devices. You may actualize as an input device of a portable terminal.

1 is a perspective view schematically showing an appearance of a display system according to an embodiment. The top view of an input device. The partial cross section figure of an input device. AA line sectional view of Drawing 3. The block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a display system. The figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on a display apparatus. The figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on a display apparatus. The figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on a display apparatus. The figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on a display apparatus. (A) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating absolute position input operation, (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the change of the position of the operation member at that time, (c) demonstrates the mode of the screen at that time. Explanatory drawing for. (A) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating relative position input operation, (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the change of the position of the operation member at that time, (c) demonstrates the mode of the screen at that time. Explanatory drawing for.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... Display apparatus, 3 ... Input device, 4 ... Operation member, 21-24 ... Touchpad as a touch sensor which comprises an operation direction input means, 21a-24a ... Detection surface, 25 ... Push switch as a definite operation input part , 30... Link mechanism constituting displacement means and operation reaction force application means, 40a, 40b... Motor constituting displacement means and operation reaction force application means, 42a, 42b... Potentiometer as absolute position detection means, 51. Control unit as output unit and relative position output unit, 62... Display unit as display unit, A... Operation range, G1 to G6.

Claims (4)

An operation member provided so as to be operable within a predetermined operation range corresponding to the screen of the display device that is an input target, an absolute position detection unit that detects an absolute position of the operation member within the operation range, and the absolute position An input device comprising: absolute position output means for designating a position on the screen corresponding one-to-one with the position based on the absolute position of the operation member detected by the detection means;
An operation direction input means provided on the operation member and operated without displacing the operation member when designating only the operation direction;
A relative position output means for designating a relative position on the screen in a direction corresponding to the operation direction based on the operation direction input through the operation direction input means with reference to the position currently designated on the screen;
Displacement means for displacing the operation member so that the position on the screen designated through the relative position output means and the absolute position of the operation member within the operation range detected by the absolute position detection means coincide with each other. An input device characterized by that.   The operation direction input means is provided at a plurality of parts corresponding to the operation direction of the operation member and includes a touch sensor for detecting presence / absence of contact of the user's finger at each part, and the user's finger with respect to these detection surfaces The input device according to claim 1, wherein the operation direction is detected based on presence or absence of contact.   An operation reaction corresponding to an arrangement mode of a plurality of selection candidates displayed on the screen and selected by designating a position on the screen, and a displacement amount of the operation member detected through the absolute position detection unit. The input device according to claim 1, further comprising an operation reaction force applying unit that applies a force to the operation member.   The said operation member is provided with the fixed operation input part operated when determining the absolute position of the said operation member in the said operation range as a position on the said screen. The input device according to item.

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