JP5783126B2 - Control device and control method for operation target device in vehicle - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention uses an in-vehicle device such as a navigation device mounted on a vehicle or a vehicle operation control device that controls the operation of a vehicle such as a transmission or a direction indicator as an operation target device, and controls the operation target device. The present invention relates to an apparatus and a control method.

  A vehicle in which an operation switch for operating an in-vehicle device such as a navigation device mounted on the vehicle is arranged on a steering wheel is widely used (see Patent Document 1). If the operation switch is arranged on the steering wheel, the driver does not need to reach the vehicle-mounted device when operating the vehicle-mounted device, so that the operability is improved. As described in Patent Document 1, the operation switch is not actually an annular portion of a steering wheel that is a gripping portion that is gripped by a driver, but a center portion and a circle that store an airbag. It is usual to arrange | position at the connection part which connects between annular parts. Therefore, in order to operate the operation switch, the driver needs to release his / her hand from the annular ring part he / she is holding or to largely shift his / her hand. Patent Document 2 describes that an operation switch is arranged on the back surface or inner side surface of the annular portion.

JP 2007-106353 A JP-A-2005-348123 JP 2008-195220 A

  According to the invention described in Patent Document 2, since the operation switch is arranged in the annular portion, the operation switch can be operated without releasing the hand from the annular portion or greatly shifting the hand. . However, the operation switch described in Patent Document 2 is a key provided by a push button or a key provided with unevenness, and this type of key may be an obstacle when the driver operates the steering wheel. It is not preferable to provide large irregularities in the annular portion gripped by the driver. In addition, when an operation unit such as an operation switch is arranged in the annular part, there is no intention to operate the operation target device as in the case where the driver holds the annular part for normal driving. In some cases, it is required to prevent the operation target device from being inadvertently operated.

  In order to meet such a demand, the present invention can operate the operation target device without releasing the hand from the gripping part or greatly shifting the hand, which hinders the driver from operating the steering wheel. It is an object of the present invention to provide a control device and a control method for an operation target device in a vehicle that can greatly reduce the possibility of occurrence of the problem. Moreover, it aims at providing the control apparatus and control method of the operation target apparatus in the vehicle which can reduce an erroneous operation significantly.

The present invention for solving the problems of the prior art described above, a plurality of detection area, Tatchisen service or we obtained that is attached to a predetermined range of grip portion of the driver definitive steering wheel Lumpur grips A sensor data generation unit that generates sensor data including position data indicating which detection area is touched based on the detected contact detection signal, and detection that detects an input operation to the touch sensor based on the sensor data And a pattern in which a finger of a hand slides in a predetermined form on the touch sensor by the detection unit and the detection unit, and is defined to be the same input operation with the left and right hand fingers of the driver with respect to the touch sensor. If the second specific input operation is detected to have been made that the first specific input operation for operating the operation target apparatus for which manipulated by the touch sensor To provide a control device of the operation target apparatus in a vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a control unit for controlling so as to shift to the state of accepting the only with no state.

The control device for the operation target device in the vehicle, if the front Symbol controller, as the second specific input operation is considered as the input operation with the finger of the left and right hands is performed at the same timing, the second It is preferable to control to shift to a state in which one specific input operation is accepted.

In order to solve the above-described problems of the related art, the present invention has a contact detection signal obtained from a touch sensor that has a plurality of detection regions and is attached to a predetermined range of a gripping portion gripped by a driver on a steering wheel. A sensor data generation unit that generates sensor data including position data indicating which detection region is touched, a detection unit that detects an input operation to the touch sensor based on the sensor data, and The pattern is a pattern in which a finger of a hand slides in a predetermined form on the touch sensor by the detection unit, and a second specification of the pattern by a combination of different input operations between the left and right hand fingers of the driver with respect to the touch sensor When it is detected that the input operation is performed, the first specification for operating the operation target device to be operated by the touch sensor To provide a control device of the operation target apparatus in a vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a control unit for controlling so as to shift to a state of accepting from a state that does not accept the input operation.
In this case, as the second specific input operation, the control unit continuously performs the input operation with the left finger and the input operation with the right hand finger within a predetermined time in either order. It is preferable to perform control so as to shift to a state in which the first specific input operation is accepted.

The present invention for solving the problems of the prior art described above, operating against multiple has a detection area, Tatchisen support mounted in a predetermined range of grip portion of the driver definitive steering wheel Lumpur grips hand detection unit detects an input operation by the user, the detector is a pattern sliding the fingers in a predetermined form on the touch sensor, the left and right hands of the driver with respect to the touch sensor when it is detected that the second specific input operation that is defined to be the same input operation with a finger is performed, the control unit, for operating the operation target apparatus for which manipulated by the touch sensor Provided is a method for controlling an operation target device in a vehicle, wherein a transition is made from a state in which a first specific input operation is not accepted to a state in which it is accepted.

The control method of the operation target device in the vehicle, as a pre-Symbol second specific input operation, when the same input operation with a finger of the left and right hands are deemed to have been performed at the same timing, the control section, the It is preferable to shift to a state in which the first specific input operation is accepted.

In order to solve the above-described problems of the related art, the present invention is based on a driver's hand with respect to a touch sensor that has a plurality of detection areas and is mounted in a predetermined range of a gripping portion gripped by the driver on the steering wheel. An input operation is detected by a detection unit, and the detection unit is a pattern in which a finger of a hand slides in a predetermined form on the touch sensor, and the input differs depending on the left and right hand fingers of the driver with respect to the touch sensor. When it is detected that the second specific input operation of the pattern by the combination of operations is performed, the control unit operates the first specific input for operating the operation target device to be operated by the touch sensor. Provided is a method for controlling an operation target device in a vehicle, characterized in that a transition is made from a state in which no operation is received to a state in which operation is received.
In this case, as the second specific input operation, it is detected that an input operation by the input operation and the fingers of the right hand by left hand finger is continuously performed within a predetermined time in either order In this case, it is preferable to shift to a state in which the first specific input operation is accepted.

  According to the control device and the control method of the operation target device in the vehicle of the present invention, the operation target device can be operated without releasing the hand from the gripping part or greatly shifting the hand, and the driver can operate the steering wheel. The possibility of hindering the operation of the can be greatly reduced. In addition, erroneous operations can be greatly reduced.

It is a block diagram which shows one Embodiment of the control apparatus of the operation target apparatus in the vehicle of this invention. It is a partial top view which shows the example of a vehicle provided with the control apparatus of the operation target apparatus of one Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the position and range which mount | wear the steering wheel with the touch sensor in one Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the other example of the position and range which mount | wear the steering wheel with the touch sensor in one Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example which mounts a touch sensor in a deformation | transformation steering wheel. It is a fragmentary perspective view which shows the example of the part from which sensor data is obtained in the state which is holding the part of the touch sensor in a steering wheel. It is sectional drawing which shows the coordinate of the cross-section circumferential direction in a touch sensor. It is a top view which shows the state which expand | deployed the touch sensor shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state which converted each area | region shown in FIG. 8 into the equal magnitude | size. It is a figure which shows the example of the requirements for determining with holding | griping the part of the touch sensor in a steering wheel. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of specific input operation with respect to a touch sensor. It is a schematic diagram which shows the other example of specific input operation with respect to a touch sensor. It is a schematic diagram which shows the further another example of specific input operation with respect to a touch sensor. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of one Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of input operation in the case of performing the same input operation with the left and right hands at the same timing with respect to the left and right touch sensors. It is a figure which shows the example in the case of considering it as input operation of the same timing. It is a figure which shows the example of input operation in the case of performing predetermined input operation with a left and right hand continuously with respect to a left and right touch sensor. It is a figure which shows the example in the case of considering it as continuous input operation. It is a figure which shows the 1st example in the case of setting operation mode by the combination of input operation by the left and right hand with respect to a left and right touch sensor. It is a figure which shows the 2nd example in the case of setting operation mode by the combination of input operation by the left and right hand with respect to a left and right touch sensor. It is a typical perspective view which shows the structural example for changing a color when operating a touch sensor. It is a typical perspective view which shows the structural example for changing a tactile sense when operating a touch sensor. It is a top view which shows the structural example of a steering wheel.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a control device and a control method for an operation target device in a vehicle according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 1 and 2, the in-vehicle device 100 is mounted in a dashboard of a vehicle. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the in-vehicle device 100 includes a control unit 10, a navigation processing unit 11, an audio playback unit 12, a television (TV) tuner 13, a video signal processing unit 14, a video display unit 15, and an audio signal processing unit 16. , A display element 17 and a storage unit 18. The control unit 10 includes a detection unit 10a.

  The navigation processing unit 11 includes a storage unit that holds map data, a GPS antenna, and the like, and the control unit 10 and the navigation processing unit 11 cooperate to perform route guidance. The audio reproducing unit 12 reproduces an audio signal recorded on an optical disc such as a compact disc or a semiconductor memory according to control by the control unit 10. The TV tuner 13 receives a TV broadcast wave signal of a predetermined broadcast station under the control of the control unit 10. The video signal output from the navigation processing unit 11 or the TV tuner 13 is input to the video signal processing unit 14 via the control unit 10 and processed, and displayed on the video display unit 15 such as a liquid crystal panel.

  The audio signals output from the navigation processing unit 11, the audio playback unit 12, and the TV tuner 13 are input to the audio signal processing unit 16 through the control unit 10, processed, and produced by the external speaker 20. The audio signal processing unit 16 includes an amplification unit. The speaker 20 is installed inside the door of the vehicle. The display element 17 is, for example, a light emitting diode (LED), and is turned on or off according to the contact state of the touch sensor 21 described later according to control by the control unit 10. The display element 17 is disposed, for example, in a housing of the in-vehicle device 100 so that the driver can visually recognize the display element 17. The display element 17 may be arranged away from the in-vehicle device 100 and in the vicinity of the steering wheel 200 of the vehicle. The storage unit 18 is a nonvolatile memory.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the touch sensor 21 that is an operation unit is attached to an annular portion 200 r of the steering wheel 200. The annular portion 200r is a gripping portion that is a portion that the driver grips during driving. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the touch sensor 21 is mounted in a predetermined angular range on each of the left and right sides of the annular portion 200r. The touch sensor 21 is a so-called multi-point detection (multi-touch) touch sensor that can detect contact at a plurality of locations. The touch sensor 21 is preferably mounted within a range of 360 ° on the circumference of the radial cross section of the annular portion 200r. Even in the range of less than 360 °, it is only necessary to cover substantially the entire circumference of the cross section of the annular portion 200r.

  The driver is holding a portion of the annular portion 200r where the touch sensor 21 is attached. In FIG. 1, the output of the touch sensor 21 is input to the sensor data generation unit 22. When the touch sensor 21 is touched with a hand, a contact detection signal is input to the sensor data generation unit 22. The sensor data generation unit 22 generates sensor data including position data indicating from which position of the touch sensor 21 the contact detection signal is obtained based on the input contact detection signal, and supplies the sensor data to the control unit 10. The touch sensor 21 and the sensor data generation unit 22 may be integrated, or the sensor data generation unit 22 may be provided in the control unit 10.

  As the touch sensor 21, for example, a projected capacitive (mutual capacitance) type touch sensor can be used. As an example of the touch sensor 21 attached to the annular portion 200r, a flexible touch panel developed by the Micro Technology Research Institute can be employed. This flexible touch panel has a structure in which a sensor portion is made of ultra-thin glass having a plate thickness of 0.02 to 0.05 mm, and an ultra-thin glass and a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) film are bonded together. Even when the touch sensor 21 is attached to the annular portion 200r, the touch sensor 21 does not have irregularities that can be perceived by a hand or a finger, so that it is almost impossible for the driver to operate the steering wheel 200. Absent.

  As shown by a broken line in FIG. 2, it is preferable to wire an electric wire connecting the touch sensor 21 and the in-vehicle device 100 through the steering wheel 200 and the inside of the dashboard.

  1 and 2, the steering angle sensor 31 detects the rotation angle of the steering wheel 200. The direction indicator sensor 32 detects an operation of the direction indicator 320. The shift lever sensor 33 detects where the shift position by the shift lever 330 is. The detection signals of the steering angle sensor 31, the direction indicator sensor 32, and the shift lever sensor 33 are supplied to the control unit 10 via the in-vehicle communication unit 34.

  An example of a position and a range where the touch sensor 21 is attached to the annular portion 200r of the steering wheel 200 will be described with reference to FIG. Note that “up”, “down”, “right”, and “left” are up, down, right, left when the steering wheel 200 is viewed from the position of the driver in a state where the steering wheel 200 is not rotated (a state where the vehicle goes straight). Suppose that FIG. 3A shows an example in which the touch sensor 21 is attached to the entire circumference of the annular portion 200r. FIG. 3B is the same as FIG. 2 and shows an example in which the touch sensors 21 are mounted apart from each other in predetermined angular ranges on the left and right above the annular portion 200r. FIG. 3C shows an example in which the touch sensor 21 is mounted in a predetermined angle range only on the right side above the annular portion 200r.

  FIG. 3D shows an example in which the touch sensors 21 are mounted apart from each other in a predetermined angular range on the left and right below the annular portion 200r. FIG. 3E shows an example in which the touch sensor 21 is mounted in a relatively wide angular range including the top of the annular portion 200r. FIG. 3E corresponds to a combination of the left and right touch sensors 21 in FIG.

  FIG. 4 is an example in which the left and right touch sensors 21 in FIG. 3B are divided into an upper touch sensor 21a and a lower touch sensor 21b. In the example of FIG. 4, the upper touch sensor 21a detects contact with the index finger and thumb of the hand, and the lower touch sensor 21b mainly detects contact with the palm, middle finger, and ring finger. FIG. 5 shows an example in which the touch sensor 21 is mounted on a deformed steering wheel 201 that is not circular. The touch sensor 21 is attached to the left and right straight portions 201 s of the modified steering wheel 201. The driver operates by grasping the straight portion 201s that is the gripping portion, and the touch sensor 21 detects a contact with a palm or a finger.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 2, when the touch sensor 21 is attached to the left and right above the annular portion 200 r and the driver is holding the touch sensor 21, How the contact is detected will be described. FIG. 6 shows an example of a range in which the palm and the finger are in contact when the driver grips the right touch sensor 21 in FIG. The manner in which the driver grips the annular portion 200r with his / her hand and the size of the hand are not uniform, and FIG. 6 is merely an example.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of detection regions R indicated by hatched Tp are portions where the palm contact is detected, and a plurality of detection regions R indicated by hatched Tt detect the contact of the thumb. It is a part that is. Hereinafter, the palm contact detection unit Tp and the thumb contact detection unit Tt are referred to. An index finger contacts the back side of the touch sensor 21, which is the traveling direction side of the vehicle not visible in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the touch sensor 21 has a plurality of detection regions R as a detection portion for detecting the contact of a palm or a finger. Coordinates are set in each detection region R of the touch sensor 21. As shown in FIG. 6, in the circumferential direction of the annular portion 200r, the detection region R located at the lower end portion of the touch sensor 21 is set to the coordinate 0, and 1, 2, 2, to the detection region R located at the upper end portion. ..., 30, 31 and circumferential coordinates are set. A coordinate in the circumferential direction of the annular portion 200r in the touch sensor 21 is defined as a Y coordinate.

  FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the annular portion 200r cut in the radial direction of the annular portion 200r at the portion where the touch sensor 21 is attached. As shown in FIG. 7, in the cross section of the annular portion 200r, for example, a detection region R located on the inner diameter side of the annular portion 200r is set as a coordinate 0. In each of the detection regions R in the circumferential direction in the cross section, counterclockwise in FIG. 7 from the inner diameter side to the front side, from the front side to the outer diameter side, from the outer diameter side to the rear surface side, , 1,..., 21 and 22 are set as coordinates. The coordinate in the circumferential direction of the cross section in the touch sensor 21 is defined as an X coordinate. The sensor data generation unit 22 can obtain position data indicating where the driver is touching the touch sensor 21 based on the X coordinate and Y coordinate of the detection region R from which the contact detection signal is obtained.

  6 is developed when the touch sensor 21 shown in FIG. 6 is developed. FIG. 9 schematically shows a state in which each area of the touch sensor 21 shown in FIG. 8 is converted into an equal size. 8 and 9, in addition to the palm contact detection unit Tp and the thumb contact detection unit Tt, an index finger contact detection unit Ti, which is a plurality of detection regions R with which the index finger is in contact, is also shown. In addition, if a middle finger, a ring finger, or a little finger contacts the touch sensor 21, the touch sensor 21 also detects contact of those fingers. In the present embodiment, the driver uses a thumb or index finger suitable for performing a specific input operation on the touch sensor 21 as a finger for the operation.

  Details of the input operation using the thumb or index finger will be described later. The detection unit 10 a of the control unit 10 detects that an input operation has been performed on the touch sensor 21 with the thumb or index finger based on the sensor data output from the sensor data generation unit 22. Based on the sensor data output from the sensor data generation unit 22, the detection unit 10a also detects that the annular portion 200r (touch sensor 21) is being gripped. The control unit 10 controls the operation target device according to a specific input operation performed on the touch sensor 21.

  The operation target device is an in-vehicle device 100 as an example. Specifically, the control unit 10 executes control related to route guidance in the navigation processing unit 11 according to a specific input operation, plays back or stops an audio signal in the audio playback unit 12, and plays a track ( Music) can be advanced or returned. Further, the control unit 10 can switch the reception channel in the TV tuner 13 or control the amplification unit of the audio signal processing unit 16 to decrease or increase the volume according to a specific input operation.

  Another example of the operation target device is a vehicle operation control device that controls the operation of the vehicle. Specifically, the control unit 10 may control a transmission, a direction indicator, an air conditioner on / off, a set temperature of the air conditioner, and the like via the in-vehicle communication unit 34. When the operation target device is a vehicle motion control device, it is preferable to control the vehicle motion control device by inputting sensor data output from the sensor data generation unit 22 to a control unit included in the vehicle. The control unit that controls the operation target device may be the control unit 10 in the in-vehicle device 100 or may be a control unit outside the in-vehicle device 100 provided in the vehicle.

  According to the present embodiment, the extremely thin touch sensor 21 is attached to the annular portion 200r gripped by the driver, and the operation target device is operated by operating the touch sensor 21, so that the hand is released from the annular portion 200r. Or the operation target device can be operated without greatly shifting the hand. Further, since the touch sensor 21 has no irregularities on the surface of the annular portion 200r, there is almost no possibility that the driver will interfere with the operation of the steering wheel 200.

  By the way, the operation target device is prevented from being inadvertently operated when the driver does not intend to operate the operation target device as in the case where the driver holds the annular portion 200r for normal driving. It will be necessary. Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to avoid an erroneous operation that is not intended by the driver, the following is performed.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a plurality of detection areas R on the touch sensor 21 detect the operation input by enabling the grip detection area Arg for detecting the contact of the palm and the operation input by the thumb or the index finger. The operation detection area Arv for performing the operation, and the operation invalid area Ariv that is an intermediate area between the grip detection area Arg and the operation detection area Arv and invalidates the operation input are set. The palm contact detection unit Tp is located in the grip detection area Arg, and the thumb contact detection unit Tt and the index finger contact detection unit Ti are located in the operation detection area Arv.

  Similar to the grip detection area Arg and the operation detection area Arv, the operation invalid area Ariv has a detection area R for detecting a palm or finger contact, but is operated by the control unit 10 (detection unit 10a) or the sensor data generation unit 22. By performing processing so as to invalidate the input operation from the invalid area Ariv, the operation invalid area can be obtained. Further, the touch sensor 21 may be configured not to provide the detection region R in the range of the operation invalid area Ariv, so that the operation invalid area may be provided. This case is substantially equivalent to the example shown in FIG.

  When the driver holds the annular portion 200r for normal driving, the palm contact detection unit Tp, the thumb contact detection unit Tt, and the index finger contact detection unit Ti are relatively close to each other. Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to accurately distinguish between a case where the driver simply holds the annular portion 200r and a case where the driver touches the touch sensor 21 in order to operate the operation target device, the operation invalid area Ariv Is provided. When the driver wants to operate the operation target device, the driver intentionally extends the thumb or index finger and touches the touch sensor 21 to perform a specific input operation described later. The control unit 10 controls the operation target device according to the input operation when a specific input operation described later is performed in the operation detection area Arv.

  It is also necessary to prevent the operation target device from being erroneously operated when the driver does not grasp the annular portion 200r for driving and inadvertently touches the operation detection area Arv. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the detection unit 10a determines that the annular portion 200r is gripped when the palm contact detection unit Tp having a predetermined area or more is obtained in the grip detection area Arg. The controller 10 is configured to hold the annular portion 200r and to control the operation target device when a specific operation is performed in the operation detection area Arv. The area of the palm contact detection unit Tp that is determined to be gripping the toric part 200r should be set appropriately by statistically examining the area when a plurality of drivers hold the steering wheel 200 in a normal manner. That's fine.

  The area of the palm contact detection portion Tp in the grip detection area Arg is an example of a requirement for determining that the driver is holding the annular portion 200r, and the requirement for the determination is not limited thereto. FIG. 10 shows a cross section in which the annular portion 200r is cut at the grip detection area Arg of the touch sensor 21. FIG. The detection unit 10a can determine that the annular portion 200r is gripped when the angle θ in the circumferential direction of the palm contact detection unit Tp is equal to or greater than a predetermined angle. The predetermined angle is, for example, 180 °.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not the driver is holding the annular portion 200r (touch sensor 21), and an operation input to the touch sensor 21 is performed only when the driver holds the annular portion 200r. Since the operation detection area Arv is touched carelessly, an erroneous operation can be avoided. In the present embodiment, as a preferable configuration, the operation detection area Arv is provided at a position separated from the grip detection area Arg by a predetermined distance, so that the driver intentionally performs a specific input operation on the touch sensor 21. It is possible to accurately detect what is going on. Therefore, erroneous operations can be greatly reduced.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the area of the palm contact detection portion Tp in the grip detection area Arg and the angle θ in the circumferential direction of the cross section are requirements for determining whether or not the driver is holding the annular portion 200r. It is possible to accurately determine whether or not the annular portion 200r is gripped. Accordingly, it is possible to avoid an erroneous operation in the case where the driver carelessly touches the operation detection area Arv in a state where the driver does not hold the annular portion 200r.

  When the control unit 10 detects that the driver is holding the annular portion 200r (touch sensor 21) based on the sensor data based on the contact detection signal from the grip detection area Arg, the control unit 10 informs the driver. The display element 17 is turned on to notify that the operation input by the operation detection area Arv is possible. The driver can determine whether or not the operation target device can be operated by the touch sensor 21 by turning on / off the display element 17. It is preferable to arrange the display element 17 in the vicinity of the steering wheel 200.

  By the way, when the touch sensor 21 is attached to the entire circumference of the annular portion 200r as shown in FIG. 3A or the touch sensor 21 is attached to a relatively wide range as shown in FIG. The position where the driver holds the touch sensor 21 is not fixed. Therefore, the positions of the grip detection area Arg and the operation detection area Arv described in FIGS. 8 and 9 and the operation invalid area Ariv provided as necessary are dynamically changed according to the position where the driver holds the touch sensor 21. Must be set.

  Therefore, when the touch sensor 21 is gripped in a state where the grip detection area Arg or the like is not set, the control unit 10 sets an area including the palm contact detection unit Tp as the grip detection area Arg. A predetermined range of the Y coordinate including the palm contact detection unit Tp may be set as the grip detection area Arg. As described above, since the palm contact detection unit Tp has a predetermined area or more, a portion of the plurality of detection regions R on the touch sensor 21 that is detected to be touched by a predetermined area or more is the palm contact detection unit Tp. It becomes. Alternatively, as described with reference to FIG. 10, a portion that is detected to be touched by a predetermined angle or more in the circumferential direction of the cross section obtained by cutting the annular portion 200 r at the portion of the touch sensor 21 becomes the palm contact detection portion Tp. .

  After setting the grip detection area Arg, the control unit 10 sets a predetermined range of the Y coordinate above the grip detection area Arg as the operation detection area Arv. In this case, if necessary, a predetermined range of the Y coordinate adjacent to the grip detection area Arg is set as the operation invalid area Ariv, and the grip detection area Arg is set at a position separated from the grip detection area Arg.

Next, an example of a specific input operation performed on the touch sensor 21 by the driver using the thumb or the index finger will be described with reference to FIGS. FIGS. 11A to 11E schematically show a half that is the front side or the back side of the touch sensor 21 facing the driver. The operations shown in FIGS. 11A to 11E are performed with the thumb on the front side and with the index finger on the back side. In FIG. 11 (A), D _R is the right drag to slide to the right thumb or index finger on the touch sensor 21 (operation detection area ARV), D _L is the left sliding the thumb or index finger in the right direction Direction drag. D _U is an upward drag that slides the thumb or index finger upward, and D _D is a downward drag that slides in the direction of the thumb or index finger.

In FIG. 11A, instead of the right drag D _R , the left drag D _L , the upward drag D _U , and the downward drag D _D, a flick that flicks the touch sensor 21 in each direction with the thumb or index finger may be used. Good.

FIG. 11B shows a tap T that taps the touch sensor 21 with the thumb or index finger. FIG. 11 (C) shows the arc drag D _C drag to draw an arc on the touch sensor 21 with the thumb or index finger. FIG. 11 (D) shows a zigzag drag D _Z to drag in a zigzag shape on the touch sensor 21 with the thumb or index finger. Figure 11 (E) shows a symbol input drag D _S dragging to write symbols thumb or index finger. FIG. 11E shows a state in which the numeral 3 is drawn as a symbol. As a symbol, it is preferable to use numbers and alphabets that are relatively easy to recognize.

  FIGS. 12A to 12D show a schematic plan view of a front part 21f which is a half on the front side of the touch sensor 21 and a back part 21r which is a half on the back side when the touch sensor 21 is opened. . The front portion 21f is a portion of 0 to 11 of the X coordinate shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, and the back portion 21r is a portion of 12 to 22 of the X coordinate. In the example shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, strictly speaking, the front portion 21f and the back surface portion 21r do not have the same area, but in FIGS. 12A to 12D, the front surface portion 21f and the back surface portion 21r are the same. The area is shown. 12A to 12D, for easy understanding, the back surface portion 21r is not seen from the back surface side of the annular portion 200r but the back surface portion 21r is seen through the front surface portion 21f. Indicates the state.

As shown in FIGS. 12A to 12D, a pattern in which an input operation with the thumb on the front surface portion 21f and an input operation with the index finger on the back surface portion 21r are combined may be used as the specific input operation on the touch sensor 21. 12 (A) shows an example of performing the right drag D _TR sliding the thumb in the right direction at the front portion 21f, both the rightward drag D _IR sliding the index finger in the right direction at the rear surface portion 21r. FIG. 12A is realized by dragging both the thumb and the index finger from the inner periphery side to the outer periphery side of the annular portion 200r. A pattern in which both the thumb and the index finger are dragged in the direction opposite to that in FIG.

FIG. 12 (B) is an example of performing the leftward drag D _TL sliding the thumb to the left at the front portion 21f, both the rightward drag D _IR sliding the index finger in the right direction at the rear surface portion 21r. FIG. 12B is realized by dragging the thumb from the outer peripheral side of the annular portion 200r to the inner peripheral side and dragging the index finger from the inner peripheral side of the annular portion 200r to the outer peripheral side. FIG. 12 (C) is an example in which the right drag D _TR sliding the thumb in the right direction at the front portion 21f, both the left drag D _IL sliding the index finger to the left at the back surface 21r. FIG. 12C is realized by dragging the thumb from the inner peripheral side of the annular part 200r to the outer peripheral side and dragging the index finger from the outer peripheral side of the annular part 200r to the inner peripheral side.

Figure 12 (D) is an example in which the direction drag D _TU on sliding the thumb in the upward direction at the front portion 21f, both the downward drag D _ID sliding the index finger in a downward direction at the rear surface portion 21r. A pattern in which the thumb is dragged downward and the index finger is dragged upward may be used, or a pattern in which both the thumb and index finger are dragged upward or downward may be used. Here, various patterns are shown in which the input operation with the thumb on the front surface portion 21f and the input operation with the index finger on the back surface portion 21r are shown, but may be appropriately selected in consideration of the ease of the input operation.

  As shown in FIGS. 12A to 12D, if a pattern that combines an input operation with the thumb and an input operation with the index finger is a specific input operation for controlling the operation target device, an erroneous operation is further greatly increased. Can be reduced.

  Furthermore, when the touch sensor 21 (21a, 21b) can be operated with the left and right hands as shown in FIGS. 3 (A), (B), (D), (E) and FIGS. A pattern in which operations by hand are combined can be used as a specific input operation for controlling the operation target device. FIGS. 13A to 13D show operations by left and right hands when the left touch sensor 21 in FIG. 3B is the left touch sensor 21L and the right touch sensor 21 is the right touch sensor 21R. An example of a combined pattern is shown. Here, a surface corresponding to the front portion 21f of FIG. 12 operated by the thumb is shown by a schematic plane.

FIG. 13 (A) combined with left drag D _TL sliding the thumb against the left touch sensor 21L in the left direction and a right direction drag D _TR sliding the thumb in the right direction with respect to the right touch sensor 21R Pattern. FIG. 13 (B) combined with the right drag D _TR sliding the thumb in the right direction with respect to the left touch sensor 21L, and a left drag D _TL sliding the thumb to the left with respect to the right touch sensor 21R Pattern.

FIG. 13C shows a pattern in which an upward drag _DTU that slides the thumb upward is combined with both the left touch sensor 21L and the right touch sensor 21R. Figure 13 (D), relative to both the left touch sensor 21L and the right touch sensor 21R, a pattern that combines the downward drag D _TD sliding the thumb in the downward direction.

  If a pattern combining input operations by left and right hands is a specific input operation for controlling the operation target device, the driver will hold the annular portion 200r with both hands, which contributes to safe driving. Is possible. In particular, the example of FIG. 3B is most preferable in that it contributes to safe driving because the touch sensor 21 is mounted at the most appropriate position for gripping the annular portion 200r with both hands. An input operation may be received when the left and right touch sensors 21 are held with both hands. It is good also as a state which does not accept input operation, when one hand leaves | separates from the touch sensor 21. FIG. When one hand moves away from the touch sensor 21, the state of accepting an input operation may be continued. Even when a specific input operation with only one hand is used, if the input operation is accepted when the left and right touch sensors 21 are held with both hands, it contributes to safe driving.

  When the driver is holding the toric part 200r for normal driving and does not intend to operate the operation target device, the specific operation is a combination of the input operation with the thumb and the input operation with the index finger. It is considered that there is a relatively low possibility that a pattern or a specific pattern combining left and right hand input operations will result. Therefore, when only a specific pattern that combines the input operation with the thumb and the input operation with the index finger or only a specific pattern that combines the input operation with the left and right hands is used, one of the devices for avoiding the above-described erroneous operation. Some or all of them may be omitted. Of course, even when only a specific pattern in which the input operations by the left and right hands are combined is used, it is preferable to employ a device for avoiding the above-described erroneous operation.

  The storage unit 18 stores a table in which the specific input operation or the combination of specific input operations described above is associated with the type of control for the operation target device. The control unit 10 controls the operation target device according to the operation input to the touch sensor 21 according to the table stored in the storage unit 18. The storage unit 18 may be provided in the control unit 10.

  Processing executed by the control unit 10 in the present embodiment will be described again using the flowchart of FIG. In FIG. 13, the control unit 10 acquires sensor data output from the sensor data generation unit 22 in step S1. In step S2, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the annular portion 200r is gripped based on the detection output from the detection unit 10a. If it is determined that the annular portion 200r is gripped (YES), the control unit 10 proceeds to step S3, and if it is not determined that the annular portion 200r is gripped (NO), the control unit 10 10 returns the process to step S1.

  In step S3, the control unit 10 determines whether or not an input operation has been performed based on the detection output from the detection unit 10a. If it is determined that there is an input operation (YES), the control unit 10 moves the process to step S4. If it is not determined that there is an operation input (NO), the control unit 10 returns the process to step S1. In step S4, the control unit 10 determines whether or not to permit an operation on the operation target device by the input operation in step S3. If it is determined that the operation is permitted (YES), the control unit 10 moves the process to step S5. If it is not determined that the operation is permitted (NO), the control unit 10 returns the process to step S1.

  As described above, the control unit 10 permits an operation on the operation target device when a specific input operation is performed in the operation detection area Arv, and operates even if a specific input operation is performed in the operation invalid area Ariv. Do not allow operations on the target device. In addition, even if any input operation is performed in the operation detection area Arv, the control unit 10 does not permit the operation on the operation target device if it is not the above-described specific input operation, and only when the specific input operation is performed. Allows operations on the operation target device.

  In step S5, the control unit 10 determines an operation based on the input operation. In step S6, the control unit 10 executes control according to the determined operation on the operation target device, and returns the process to step S1. .

  The operations according to this embodiment are summarized as follows. The detection unit 10a (first detection unit) is touched in the first area of the touch sensor 21 attached to the gripping part (the annular part 200r or the straight part 201s) gripped by the driver in the steering wheels 200 and 201. It is detected that it is in a state. An example of the first area is the grip detection area Arg. The detection unit 10a (second detection unit) performs a specific input operation on the second area located above the first area in the touch sensor 21 while the first area is being touched. Detect what has been done. An example of the second area is the operation detection area Arv. During driving, the thumb or index finger is positioned above the palm, so the upper side of the first area may be the second area. When the first area is touched and a specific input operation is performed, an operation target device to be operated by the touch sensor 21 is controlled according to the specific input operation.

  The area located on the upper side is an area located on the upper side of the first area in a state where the driver grips the gripping part without rotating the steering wheel 200. When it is detected that the first area is touched more than a predetermined area, it is preferable that the first area is touched.

  From another viewpoint, it is as follows. The detection unit 10a (first detection unit) is mounted so as to cover the gripping part within a predetermined range of the gripping part (annular part 200r or linear part 201s) gripped by the driver on the steering wheels 200 and 201. In the first area on the touch sensor 21, the touch sensor 21 is in a state of being touched by a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction in the cross section when the gripping part is cut in the radial direction of the steering wheels 200 and 201. Is detected. The detection unit 10a (second detection unit) performs a specific input operation on a second area different from the first area in the touch sensor 21 in a state where the first area is touched by a predetermined angle or more. Detect what has been done. When the first area is touched more than the predetermined angle and a specific input operation is performed, an operation target device to be operated by the touch sensor 21 is controlled according to the specific input operation.

  The second area is preferably an area located above the first area. The area located on the upper side is an area located on the upper side of the first area in a state where the driver grips the gripping part without rotating the steering wheel 200.

  Furthermore, a configuration example for reducing erroneous operations will be described. In FIG. 13, it has been described that a pattern in which operations by left and right hands are combined is a specific input operation for controlling the operation target device. In order to further reduce erroneous operations, the control unit 10 may validate the input operation when the detection unit 10a detects that the same input operation has been performed with the left and right hands. It is preferable that the control unit 10 validates the input operation when the same input operation is performed at the same timing with the left and right hands.

An example of an input operation when the same input operation is performed at the same timing with the left and right hands will be described with reference to FIGS. Figure 15 (A) is 13 similar to (A), a leftward drag D _TL sliding the thumb to the left relative to the left touch sensor 21L, the right sliding the thumb in the right direction with respect to the right touch sensor 21R A case where the direction drag _DTR is performed at the same timing is shown.

In the example shown in FIG. 15A, it is assumed that both the left and right thumbs are dragged from the inner periphery side to the outer periphery side of the annular portion 200r, and the same input operation is performed. Of course, in the case of performing the right drag D _TR sliding the thumb in the right direction with respect to the left touch sensor 21L, and a right drag D _TR sliding the thumb in the right direction with respect to the right touch sensor 21R at the same time or, in the case of performing the thumb against the left touch sensor 21L and the left drag D _TL sliding to the left, the left drag D _TL at the same time sliding the thumb to the left with respect to the right touch sensor 21R Alternatively, the same input operation may be defined. However, it is preferable that the left and right symmetrical input operations as shown in FIG.

In the example shown in FIG. 15B, as in FIG. 13D, the downward drag D _TD for sliding the thumb downward is performed at the same timing on both the left touch sensor 21L and the right touch sensor 21R. Shows the case. When both the left touch sensor 21L and the right touch sensor 21R are subjected to an upward drag _DTU that causes the thumb to slide upward at the same timing, the same input operation may be defined. When the finger is dragged in the vertical direction, it is preferable to define the same input operation as dragging in the same direction on the left and right instead of symmetrically.

  In FIGS. 15A and 15B, the input operation is performed with the thumb, but an index finger may be used.

  The example shown in FIG. 15C shows a case where the tap T is applied to both the left touch sensor 21L and the right touch sensor 21R by tapping the touch sensor 21 with the thumb or index finger at the same timing.

For example, the control unit 10 determines that the timing is the same in the following case. For example, in the case of drag, as shown in FIG. 16 (A), and time TM _L from the start timing t1 of dragging with the left hand fingers to the end time t3, until the end timing t4 from the start timing t2 of the drug by the right hand finger it can be a time TM _R of considers the same timing when the overlapping predetermined time (predetermined ratio) or more. Further, as shown in FIG. 16 (B), previously measured for a predetermined time TM _P1 from the start timing t1 of the drag by the finger of the left hand for example initiated the drag, the drag due to the fingers of the right hand in time TM _P1 made Can be regarded as the same timing. The criterion for determining that the timing is the same may be set as appropriate.

  In addition, since the same input operation is not performed with the left and right fingers, an allowable range is assumed to be regarded as the same input operation. In the case of dragging, if the direction in which the finger slides is the same within a predetermined allowable range, it is regarded as the same input operation. In the case of the tap T, if the location of the tap T is the same, it can be regarded as the same input operation. As described with reference to FIG. 12, when the location of the tap T is common to the front portion 21f or the back portion 21r, the same location can be obtained. That is, when the tap T with the thumb is performed at the same timing in both the left and right, or when the tap T is performed with the index finger at the same timing in both the left and right, it can be regarded that the same input operation is performed at the same timing at the same location it can.

  Next, in order to reduce erroneous operations, the control unit 10 may set a reception mode for receiving a specific input operation to the touch sensor 21 as described above so that the driver intentionally enters the reception mode. . Even when shifting from a state other than the reception mode to the reception mode, it is necessary to avoid unintentionally shifting to the reception mode. Therefore, when the detection unit 10a detects that the same input operation has been performed on the touch sensor 21 with both hands, the control unit 10 accepts the specific input operation from the state where the specific input operation is not accepted. Transition to the state (acceptance mode). The same input operation is as described in FIG. Also in this case, as described with reference to FIG. 16, when it is detected that the same input operation is performed at the same timing, it is preferable to shift to the reception mode.

  Furthermore, after performing the specific input operation described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13, when an operation for confirming the specific input operation is performed, the specific input operation is confirmed and the operation target device is set according to the specific input operation. It can also be controlled. The detection unit 10a detects that the specific input operation (first specific input operation) described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13 has been performed, and then defines the same input operation as described with reference to FIG. When it is detected that the specific input operation to be performed (second specific input operation) is performed, the control unit 10 determines the first specific input operation input immediately before. Preferably, as described with reference to FIG. 16, when it is detected that specific input operations defined as the same input operation are performed at the same timing, the control unit 10 performs the first input just before. Confirm a specific input operation.

Also, as shown in FIG. 17, for example, it is detected that the upward drag D _IU is performed with the left index finger, and then the upward drag D _TU is performed with the right thumb within a predetermined time. In some cases, the reception mode may be set. As shown in FIG. 18, time TM _L upward drag _{D IU} by left hand forefinger, if between the upward drag _{D TU} is a predetermined time _{TM P2} by the right thumb, the control unit 10, the upper _Assuming that the direction drag D _IU and the upward drag D _TU are continuous input operations, a reception mode is set.

Furthermore, the operation target can be switched according to the input operation pattern by the left and right hands. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, after the upward drag D _IU for sliding the index finger upward on the left touch sensor 21L is performed by the detection unit 10a, the right touch sensor 21R is tapped with the thumb T _T Is detected to have been performed twice in succession, the control unit 10 sets the audio operation mode in which the audio playback unit 12 is operated. The control unit 10 sets a target to be operated based on a specific input operation as the audio playback unit 12 in the in-vehicle device 100.

Further, as shown in FIG. 20, the detecting section 10a, after the upward drag D _TU was performed sliding the thumb in the upward direction with respect to the left touch sensor 21L, taps T _T striking the thumb of the right touch sensor 21R Is detected to be performed twice in succession, the control unit 10 sets the navigation operation mode in which the navigation processing unit 11 is operated. The control unit 10 sets a target to be operated based on a specific input operation as the navigation processing unit 11 in the in-vehicle device 100. These combinations of input operations are merely examples, and are not limited to FIGS. 19 and 20.

  Also in the configuration examples described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 20, it is preferable that the driver is holding the annular portion 200r (touch sensor 21).

  21 and 22 show a configuration example for effectively notifying the driver that the touch sensor 21 has been operated. FIGS. 21 and 22 are schematic views in which the touch sensor 21 is developed and converted into a rectangular shape as in FIG. 9. FIG. 21 is an example in which a color change sheet 41 containing a color developing material is provided on the lower surface side of the touch sensor 21. By using the transparent conductive film for the touch sensor 21, the driver can see the color of the color change sheet 41 disposed on the lower surface of the touch sensor 21 via the touch sensor 21. The driver can recognize that the touch sensor 21 has been operated by changing the color of the color change sheet 41 at the portion where the touch sensor 21 is touched under the control of the control unit 10.

  FIG. 22 is an example in which a tactile feedback sheet 42 for changing a tactile sensation (hand touch) is provided on the upper surface side of the touch sensor 21. As the tactile feedback sheet 42, for example, a sheet called “E-Sense” developed by Senseg of Finland can be used. This sheet realizes tactile feedback by charging the film. Even if the tactile feedback sheet 42 is provided on the upper surface side of the touch sensor 21, the touch sensor 21 can detect contact with a finger or the like. When the touch sensor 21 is operated via the tactile feedback sheet 42, the driver can recognize that the touch sensor 21 has been operated by changing the tactile sense of the tactile feedback sheet 42 under the control of the control unit 10. it can.

  Next, a configuration example of the steering wheel will be described with reference to FIG. The steering wheel 210 shown in FIG. 23 is configured to output a control signal for the operation target device from the steering wheel 210. In FIG. 23, the same parts as those in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate. As shown in FIG. 23, the steering wheel 210 includes, for example, a sender data generation unit 23 similar to the sensor data generation unit 22 in FIG. 1 and a control unit 24 similar to the control unit 10 in a portion other than the annular portion 200r. I have. The control unit 24 includes a detection unit 24a similar to the detection unit 10a and a control signal generation unit 24b.

  When the steering wheel 210 is mounted on the vehicle, the control signal generator 24 b generates a control signal for controlling the operation target device according to a specific input operation to the touch sensor 21. The control signal output from the control signal generator 24 b is output to the output terminal 26 via the cable 25. If the output terminal 26 is connected to the operation target device, the operation target device can be controlled by the control signal. Examples of specific input operations are the same as those in FIGS. The requirements for the control signal generator 24b to generate the control signal are the same as described above.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The touch sensor 21 may be detachably attached to the annular portion 200r using a surface fastener. Although the annular portion 200r is the gripping portion, the gripping portion is not necessarily circular.

  The touch sensor 21 does not need to be configured by a single sheet, and the touch sensor 21 may be configured by a plurality of pieces of touch sensors. If the touch sensor 21 is composed of a plurality of pieces of touch sensors, the shape of each piece of the touch sensor can be made simple, which is advantageous when producing touch sensors. In addition, when the touch sensor 21 is configured by a plurality of pieces of touch sensors, the pieces of touch sensors do not necessarily have to be arranged without a gap. The touch panel 21 according to the present embodiment is mounted so as to cover the gripping portion. However, the touch panel 21 according to the present embodiment is mounted so as to cover the gripping portion, which means a touch composed of a plurality of touch sensor pieces. It is also assumed that the sensor 21 is mounted so as to cover the gripping portion in a state where there is a gap between the pieces of the touch sensor.

  Furthermore, the range in which the touch sensor 21 is provided is not limited to the gripping portion (the annular portion 200r or the straight portion 201s) that the driver grips during driving. For example, the center portion and the annular portion 200r in which an airbag or the like is accommodated. You may extend to the surface of the connection part which connects between. In FIG. 2, the connecting portion is a portion located between the left and right hands in the state shown in FIG. 2, and in FIG. 21, the sensor data generating portion 23 and the control portion 24 are provided. In this way, the touch sensor 21 may be extended to the surface of the connecting portion, and the operation detection area Arv may be set at a position close to the gripping portion in the connecting portion. If the position is close to the gripping part, the driver can operate the operation target device without releasing the hand from the gripping part or greatly shifting the hand during driving. Therefore, even when the touch sensor 21 is extended to the surface of the connecting portion, there is almost no possibility that the driver will interfere with the operation of the steering wheels 200, 201, and 210.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 24 Control part 10a, 24a Detection part 11 Navigation processing part 12 Audio reproduction part 13 Television tuner 14 Video signal processing part 15 Video display part 16 Audio | voice signal processing part 17 Display element 18 Storage part 20 Speaker 21 Touch sensor 22,23 Sensor data generator 24b Control signal generator 25 Cable 26 Output terminal 31 Steering angle sensor 32 Direction indicator sensor 33 Shift lever sensor 34 In-vehicle communication unit 100 In-vehicle device 200, 201, 210 Steering wheel 200r Annular part (grip part)
201s Straight part (grip part)

Claims (8)

Position data indicating which detection area is touched based on a contact detection signal obtained from a touch sensor having a plurality of detection areas and attached to a predetermined range of a gripping portion gripped by a driver on the steering wheel. A sensor data generation unit that generates sensor data including:
A detection unit that detects an input operation to the touch sensor based on the sensor data;
A pattern in which a finger of a hand slides in a predetermined form on the touch sensor by the detection unit, and is defined as the same input operation with the left and right hand fingers of the driver with respect to the touch sensor. When it is detected that a specific input operation is performed, a transition is made from a state in which the first specific input operation for operating the operation target device to be operated by the touch sensor is not accepted to a state in which the first specific input operation is accepted. A control unit for controlling
The control apparatus of the operation target apparatus in the vehicle characterized by the above-mentioned. The control unit shifts to a state in which the first specific input operation is accepted when the input operation with the fingers of the left and right hands is regarded as being performed at the same timing as the second specific input operation. The control device for an operation target device in the vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the control is performed as described above. Position data indicating which detection area is touched based on a contact detection signal obtained from a touch sensor having a plurality of detection areas and attached to a predetermined range of a gripping portion gripped by a driver on the steering wheel. A sensor data generation unit that generates sensor data including:
A detection unit that detects an input operation to the touch sensor based on the sensor data;
The detection unit is a pattern in which a finger of a hand slides in a predetermined form on the touch sensor, and a second pattern of combinations of input operations different between the left and right hand fingers of the driver with respect to the touch sensor. When it is detected that a specific input operation has been performed, a transition is made from a state in which the first specific input operation for operating the operation target device to be operated by the touch sensor is not accepted to a state in which it is accepted. A control unit for controlling
The control apparatus of the operation target apparatus in the vehicle characterized by the above-mentioned . The control unit detects that the input operation with the left finger and the input operation with the right finger are continuously performed within a predetermined time in any order as the second specific input operation. 4. The control device for an operation target device in a vehicle according to claim 3, wherein control is performed so as to shift to a state in which the first specific input operation is accepted when the first specific input operation is received. The detection unit detects an input operation by a driver's hand with respect to a touch sensor that has a plurality of detection areas and is attached to a predetermined range of a gripping unit gripped by the driver on the steering wheel,
The detection unit is a pattern in which a finger of a hand slides in a predetermined form on the touch sensor, and is defined to be the same input operation with the fingers of the left and right hand of the driver with respect to the touch sensor. When it is detected that the specific input operation is performed, the control unit accepts the first specific input operation for operating the operation target device to be operated by the touch sensor from a state in which the first specific input operation is not accepted. A method for controlling an operation target device in a vehicle, characterized in that a transition is made to a state. When it is considered that the same input operation is performed at the same timing with the fingers of the left and right hands as the second specific input operation, the control unit shifts to a state of accepting the first specific input operation. The method of controlling an operation target device in a vehicle according to claim 5, wherein: The detection unit detects an input operation by a driver's hand with respect to a touch sensor that has a plurality of detection areas and is attached to a predetermined range of a gripping unit gripped by the driver on the steering wheel,
The detection unit is a pattern in which a finger of a hand slides in a predetermined form on the touch sensor, and a second pattern by a combination of different input operations with the left and right hand fingers of the driver with respect to the touch sensor. When it is detected that a specific input operation has been performed, the control unit changes from a state in which the first specific input operation for operating the operation target device to be operated by the touch sensor is not accepted to a state in which the control unit is accepted. And migrate
A method for controlling an operation target device in a vehicle. When it is detected that the input operation with the left finger and the input operation with the right hand finger are continuously performed in any order within a predetermined time as the second specific input operation, The method for controlling an operation target device in a vehicle according to claim 7, wherein a transition is made to a state of accepting a first specific input operation.

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