JP5902514B2 - INPUT DEVICE, INPUT DEVICE SETTING METHOD, INPUT DEVICE PROGRAM, AND RECORDING MEDIUM - Google Patents

Description

  The present application belongs to the technical fields of an input device, an input device setting method, an input device program, and a recording medium. More specifically, the present invention belongs to the technical fields of an input device that receives an operation input from a user, an input device setting method, an input device program, and a recording medium.

  An input device for operating an electronic device or the like mounted on a vehicle while a vehicle as an example of a moving body is being driven has been developed. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses an input device including a plurality of touchpads provided at positions where the vehicle can be operated while gripping a steering wheel of a vehicle.

JP 2004-157717 A

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, in consideration of operability during driving, the touch pad can be touched while holding the steering wheel, but the driving user accidentally touches the touch pad during driving. If touched, an operation to an electronic device or the like not intended by the user occurs.

  Accordingly, the present application has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an example of the problem is to provide an input device that prevents an operation unintended by the user while the mobile body is traveling. .

To solve the above problems, the invention of claim 1 includes an input unit for accepting an input is attached to the steering of the moving body, the position information acquisition means for acquiring location information of the contact of the user with respect to the input face of the input section If, based on the position information of the contact, and determining separating determining means for determining the position of contact at the input surface is separable into a plurality of locations, according to the determination result of the separation determining means, Misao operating the operation target an input unit state setting means for setting the input portion Keru Receptionist state work input, Ru comprising a.

The invention described in claim 4 is mounted to the steering of the mobile, in the setting method of the input device for operating an operation object, position information of the contact of the user with respect to the input face of the Keru Receptionist input unit input In accordance with the determination result of the separation determination step, the separation determination step of determining whether the position of the contact on the input surface is separable into a plurality of locations based on the position information acquisition step of acquiring including an input unit state setting step, the setting the input unit operation input for operating the operation target Keru Receptionist state.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of schematic structure of the input device which concerns on embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of schematic structure of the input device which concerns on an Example. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of attachment of the input device which concerns on an Example. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the hold release operation | movement in the input device which concerns on an Example. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of holding | maintenance of the steering by a user. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the contact to the input part by a user's finger | toe. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the contact shape to the input part by a user's finger | toe. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the contact to the input part by a user's finger | toe. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the contact shape to the input part by a user's finger | toe. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the contact shape to the input part by a user's finger | toe. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the contact shape to the input part by a user's finger | toe. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the display in the input device after hold cancellation | release. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 1st modification of attachment of the input device which concerns on an Example. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 2nd modification of attachment of the input device which concerns on an Example.

  An embodiment for carrying out the present application will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the input device according to the embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an input device 10 that is attached to the front side of the steering of a moving body and operates an operation target includes a position information acquisition unit 10 a, a separation determination unit 10 b, an input unit state setting unit 10 c, It is configured with. Here, a vehicle, a motorcycle, an aircraft, a ship, etc. are mentioned as an example of a moving body. Further, examples of the operation target include an air conditioner, an audio device, a car navigation device, a telephone, and a browser for browsing the Internet. An operation input for operating the operation target is received.

  In this configuration, the position information acquisition unit 10a acquires the position information of the contact with which the input surface of the input unit that receives input from the user is touched. Examples of the input unit of the input device 10 include a touch panel and a touch pad. Moreover, steering of a moving body such as a vehicle, a motorcycle, an aircraft, a ship, and the like can be given as an example of an attachment target to which the input device 10 is attached. Further, as an example of the position information, information on the position such as coordinates in the input unit such as a contact point where the user's finger contacts the input unit, a contact surface, and a locus traced by the user's finger on the input unit can be given.

  The separation determination unit 10b determines whether or not the contact position on the input surface can be separated into a plurality of locations based on the contact position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 10a.

  The input unit state setting unit 10c sets the input unit in a state in which an operation input for operating the operation target is received when the separation determination unit 10b can separate the contact position into a plurality of locations. Here, examples of the operation input include an input for operating an air conditioner, an audio device, a car navigation device, a telephone, a browser for browsing the Internet, and the like.

  As described above, according to the operation of the input device 10 according to the embodiment, the input of the input unit that receives the input from the user in the input device that is attached to the front side of the steering of the moving body and operates the operation target. When the position information of the contact with the surface is acquired, and based on the contact position information, it is determined whether or not the contact position on the input surface can be separated into multiple locations, and the contact position can be separated into multiple locations In addition, by setting the input unit to receive an operation input for operating the operation target, while the user is holding the steering wheel while driving, for example, the input surface of the input unit attached to the front side of the steering wheel In addition, since there are few cases where two or more fingers touch the user's thumb, it is possible to prevent an operation unintended by the user while the moving body is traveling.

[1. Overview of input device configuration and functions]
Next, specific examples corresponding to the above-described embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, the Example described below is an Example at the time of applying this application with respect to the input device attached to the vehicle etc. which are examples of a mobile body.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the input device 10 as an example of the input device 10 according to the embodiment includes an input unit 11 that receives input from a user, and an operation signal output that outputs an operation signal for operating the operation target 20. Unit 12, a storage unit 13 that stores a program for controlling the input device 10, a communication unit 14 that performs transmission and reception with the outside of the input device 10, a system control unit 15 that controls the input device 10, and an input And an output interface unit 16. The system control unit 15 and the input / output interface unit 16 are connected via a system bus 17.

  The input device 10 is connected to an operation target 20 such as an air conditioner, an audio device, a car navigation device, or a telephone via an operation signal output unit 12. The input device 10 functions as a computer that processes information related to input from the user. The input device 10 outputs an operation signal to the operation target 20 based on the operation input received by the input unit 11.

  The input unit 11 is a touch panel having a display function and a position input function, for example. The display function part is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display element or an EL (Electro Luminescence) element. The part of the position input function is configured by an element that realizes, for example, a capacitance method, a resistance film method, or the like. And the input part 11 acquires the positional information on the surface of the input part 11 which a user's finger | toe etc. contacted or adjoined by the position input function in the pixel unit of predetermined resolution. Note that the input unit 11 may be a touch pad for acquiring position information in which the user's finger or the like in the input unit 11 is in contact with or close to the input unit 11.

  The operation signal output unit 12 has a function of an interface with each operation target 20. The operation signal output unit 12 is connected to each operation target 20 and outputs an operation signal to each operation target 20.

  The storage unit 13 is composed of, for example, a silicon disk drive. The storage unit 13 stores a setting state of the input unit 11 and stores various programs for controlling the input device 10. Examples of the various programs include an operating system, a program for processing position information acquired from the input unit 11, and the like. The various programs may be acquired via a network such as a wireless communication network, or may be recorded on a recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc) or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) and the drive device It may be configured to be read through.

  The communication unit 14 controls communication with the operation target 20, a device that measures travel-related information related to travel, such as the speed of the vehicle, the travel position of the vehicle, and the state of the gears of the vehicle. The input device 10 is connected to a device including an operation target via the communication unit 14.

  The system control unit 15 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 15a, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 15b, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 15c. In the system control unit 15, the CPU 15 a reads out and executes various programs stored in the ROM 15 b, the RAM 15 c, and the storage unit 13. For example, the system control unit 15 executes a program for determining an input received by the input unit 11.

  The input / output interface unit 16 is an interface between each unit such as the input unit 11 and the system control unit 15.

  The input device 10 also has an internal clock (not shown) for measuring the time when the finger touches the input unit 11.

  Next, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the input units 11 </ b> R (11) and 11 </ b> L (11) of the input device 10 are attached to the front side of a vehicle steering 30 that is an example of a moving body.

  The steering 30 includes a steering body 31 that is connected to a steering shaft (not shown), and a steering wheel 32 that has a ring shape and is a portion that is gripped by a user who drives the vehicle.

  The input unit 11 is attached to the steering wheel unit 32 side from the center on the front side of the steering body 31. That is, when the user grips the steering wheel unit 32, the input units 11R and 11L are installed at positions where the user's thumb can touch the input units 11R and 11L. When the rotational position of the steering wheel portion 32 is a position in which the vehicle is traveling straight, the input portion 11L is attached to the left hand side of the user of the steering body portion 31 when the user sits in the driver's seat of the vehicle. The input unit 11R is attached to the right hand side of the user of the unit 31.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 3, an air conditioner 21, a car navigation device 22, an audio device 23, and the like are installed in the vehicle as an example of the operation target 20. In addition, as an example of the operation target 20, a communication device (not shown) for connecting the user's portable wireless telephone with the short-range wireless communication standard so that the user can receive the portable wireless telephone is set. Yes. These operation objects 20 are connected to the operation signal output unit 12 and the communication unit 14 of the input device 10.

  The air conditioner 21 has a compressor (not shown) and a blower (not shown) that blows air conditioned in the vehicle, and controls the temperature and humidity inside the vehicle. The air outlet 21a of the air conditioner 21 is installed in the vehicle.

  The car navigation device 22 stores a display unit 22a including a touch panel, various sensors such as an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, and a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor, a processing unit including a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM, and information. A storage unit, a communication unit that communicates with other devices such as the input device 10, and an operation unit for operating the car navigation device 22. The car navigation device 22 may be connected to the Internet, and the display unit 22a may have a configuration that allows browsing of the Internet.

  The audio device 23 receives CDs, DVDs and the like, radio and television radio waves, outputs sound to the speaker, and outputs video to the display unit 22a of the car navigation device 22.

[2. Operation of input device]
Next, the operation of the input device according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the hold release operation in the input device according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of steering holding by the user. 6, 8, and 11 are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of contact with the input unit by the user's finger. 7, 9 and 10 are schematic views showing an example of a contact shape of the user's finger to the input unit. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of display on the input device after the hold is released.

  When the system control unit 15 of the input device 10 acquires travel-related information via the communication unit 14 and determines that the vehicle is in a travel state, the input to the operation target 20 is prevented in order to prevent an operation unintended by the user. The states of the units 11R and 11L are set to a hold state in which an operation input to the operation target 20 is not accepted. The car navigation device 22 may be in a hold state where it does not accept direct operation input. Here, examples of the running state include a case where the speed of the vehicle is equal to or higher than a predetermined speed, a case where the gear is in a driving state, and the like.

  As described above, the system control unit 15 of the input device 10 functions as an example of a hold state setting unit that sets the input unit 11 to a hold state that does not accept an operation input. The system control unit 15 of the input device 10 is an example of an input unit state setting unit that sets the input unit in a state of accepting an operation input for operating the operation target when the contact position can be separated into a plurality of locations. Function as.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the input device 10 determines whether or not the input unit 11 has been touched (step S1). Specifically, the system control unit 15 of the input device 10 determines whether or not there is an input to the input unit 11R or the input unit 11L.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when there is no contact in the input part 11 (step S1; NO), it returns to step S1.

  When there is a contact with the input unit 11 (step S1; YES), the input device 10 acquires position information of the contact with the input unit 11 (step S2). Specifically, the system control unit 15 of the input device 10 acquires the position information of the x-coordinate and y-coordinate of each pixel in the contact area of the part of the input unit 11R or 11L that is in contact with the user's finger. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the user's thumb 5 is touching the input unit 11R and the input unit 11L, the system control unit 15 sets each pixel in the contact area C1 as shown in FIG. The position information of x coordinate and y coordinate is acquired. Also, as shown in FIG. 8, when two fingers 5 of the user's index finger and middle finger are touching the input unit 11L, the system control unit 15 performs each pixel of the contact area C2 as shown in FIG. The position information of the x coordinate and the y coordinate is acquired.

  As described above, the system control unit 15 of the input device 10 functions as an example of a position information acquisition unit that acquires position information of a contact with which the input surface of the input unit 11 that receives an input from the user is in contact.

  Next, the input device 10 calculates a contact shape from the contact position information (step S3). Specifically, the system control unit 15 of the input device 10 performs image processing such as differentiation processing to extract information on the contour of the contact area.

  Next, the input device 10 determines whether or not the contact position is separable (step S4). Specifically, the system control unit 15 of the input device 10 determines whether or not the contact position can be separated from the extracted outline of the contact area. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when the area of the contact area C2 is divided into two, the system control unit 15 determines that the position of the contact is separable. As shown in FIG. 10, when the input surface is touched by two or more fingers of the user and the area of the contact area C3 is divided into two areas, it is determined that the contact position can be separated. On the other hand, in the case of FIG. 7, since the contact area C1 is one area, it is determined that the position of the contact is not separable. In these cases, for example, the system control unit 15 calculates the number of phases based on the topology of the contour of the contact area, and determines whether or not the contact position can be separated.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 11, in the case of the contact area C4 having a constriction, the system control unit 15 calculates the radius of curvature with respect to the contour of the contact area C4, and whether there are a plurality of peaks or bottoms in the graph of the curvature radius, etc. Therefore, it is determined that there is a constriction, and it is determined that the contact position is separable. The system control unit 15 may determine whether or not the contact position can be separated by various image recognition methods.

  In this way, the system control unit 15 of the input device 10 functions as an example of a separation determination unit that determines whether or not the contact position on the input surface can be separated into a plurality of locations based on the contact position information. The system control unit 15 of the input device 10 calculates a contact shape from the contact position information, and determines whether or not the contact position in the input unit 11 can be separated into a plurality of locations based on the contact shape. Functions as an example.

  When the contact position is not separable (step S4; NO), the input device 10 returns to the process of step S1.

  If the contact position is separable (step S4; YES), the input device 10 releases the hold state (step S5). Specifically, the system control unit 15 of the input device 10 releases the hold state of the input units 11R and 11L so that an operation input can be accepted. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the system control unit 15 displays a screen for accepting an operation input on the screen of the input unit 11R. At this time, the input device 10 may transmit a signal for releasing the hold state of the car navigation device 22 via the communication unit 14 so as to release the hold state of the car navigation device 22. Further, the input device 10 may send a signal through the communication unit 14 so that the display as shown in FIG.

  When the position of the contact of the user's finger on the input unit 11R is separable, the system control unit 15 may cancel the hold state of only the input unit 11L without canceling the hold state of the input unit 11R.

  As described above, the system control unit 15 of the input device 10 releases the hold state and sets the input unit 11 in a state of accepting an operation input when the contact position can be separated into a plurality of locations. It functions as an example of means.

  Next, the input device 10 receives an operation input (step S6). Specifically, the system control unit 15 of the input device 10 receives an operation input to the operation target 20 from the input units 11R and 11L. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the input unit 11 </ b> R receives an operation input for increasing or decreasing the temperature of the air conditioning based on the contacted position.

  As described above, according to the operation according to the embodiment, the input surface of the input unit 11 that receives the input from the user in the input device 10 that is attached to the front side of the steering 30 of the moving body and operates the operation target. If the contact position information is acquired, the contact position information on the input surface is determined based on the contact position information, and it is determined whether the contact position can be separated into a plurality of locations. By setting the input unit 11 in a state of accepting an operation input for operating the operation target 20, while the user is holding the steering wheel while traveling, for example, the input unit 11 attached to the front side of the steering wheel Since there are few cases where two or more fingers touch the input surface when one thumb of the user touches, it is possible to prevent an operation unintended by the user while the moving body is traveling. It can be.

  Further, when calculating the contact shape from the contact position information of the finger 5 and determining whether or not the contact position in the input unit 11 can be separated into a plurality of locations based on the contact shape, it is easy to deal with various contact patterns. Become.

  When the input unit 11 is set to a hold state that does not accept an operation input, and the contact position can be separated into a plurality of locations, the hold state is released and the input unit 11 is set to a state that accepts the operation input. Since the one-cushion operation of releasing the hold state is necessary, it is possible to further prevent an operation unintended by the user.

  Note that the operation input in step S6 may be accepted without the hold release process in step S5. For example, when receiving a phone call as an example of the operation target 20, when the phone rings and two or more fingers of the user touch the input units 11R and 11L, the process of releasing the hold in step S5 is not performed. As a process of accepting operation input, it may be possible to connect to a telephone line. Further, when a confirmation screen such as traffic jam information appears on the display unit 22a of the car navigation device 22 while traveling, the confirmation is performed as the operation input reception process in step S6 without performing the hold release process in step S5. The screen may disappear. Further, when two or more user fingers touch the input units 11R and 11L, the set temperature of the air conditioner or the like may be increased or decreased without performing the hold release process.

[3. Modified example regarding installation of input device]
Next, a modified example regarding the attachment of the input device will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14.
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first modification of attachment of the input device according to the embodiment. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second modification of attachment of the input device according to the embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the input unit 11 </ b> U of the input device 10 may be attached to the lower part of the steering body 31 in the drawing from the center of the steering body 31. The configuration of the input unit 11U is the same as that of the input unit 11R and the input unit 11L.

  When a plurality of user's fingers touch the input unit 11U, the system control unit 15 releases the hold state.

  Note that the input device 10 may set only the input unit 11U as an input unit that releases the hold state.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the input device 10 may set the display unit 22a of the car navigation device 22 as an input unit that releases the hold state. In this case, the display unit 22a of the car navigation device 22 is an example of an input unit that receives input from the user.

  In this case, since the user's hand moves away from the steering wheel unit 32 to operate the operation target, it is possible to further prevent an operation unintended by the user while the moving body is traveling.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10: Input device 10a: Position information acquisition means 10b: Partial setting means 10c: Input part state setting means 11, 11R, 11L, 11U: Input part 12: Operation signal output part 13: Storage part 14: Communication part 15: System control Part (position information acquisition means, partial setting means, input part state setting means, hold state setting means, position changing means)
20: Operation target 21: Air conditioner (operation target)
22: Car navigation (operation target)
22a: Display unit (input unit)
23: Audio device (operation target)
30: Steering 31: Steering body part 32: Steering wheel part

Claims (6)

An input unit for accepting an input is attached to the steering of the moving body, the position information acquisition means for acquiring location information of the contact of the user with respect to the input face of the input portion,
Separation determination means for determining whether the position of the contact on the input surface can be separated into a plurality of locations based on the position information of the contact;
The separated according to the determination result determining unit, an input unit state setting means for setting the input portion Keru state Receptionist an operation input for operating the operation target, Ru an input device. The input device according to claim 1,
The input device, wherein the separation determination unit calculates a contact shape from the contact position information, and determines whether the contact position in the input unit can be separated into a plurality of locations based on the contact shape. The input device according to claim 1 or 2,
The input unit further includes a hold state setting means for setting the operation input to the only free hold state Receptionist,
Input device the input unit state setting means, when the position of the contact is separable into a plurality of locations, and releases the hold state, and sets the input section in a state for receiving the operation input. Attached to the steering of the mobile, in the setting method of the input device for operating an operation target, a position information acquisition step of acquiring position information of the contact of the user with respect to the input face of the Keru Receptionist input unit input,
A separation determination step for determining whether the position of the contact on the input surface is separable into a plurality of locations based on the position information of the contact;
The separation determination according to the steps of the determination result, setting of the input unit state setting step of setting the input portion Keru Receptionist state operation input for operating the operation target, the input device comprising. The computer input device program to function as an input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Record media input device program is recorded so as to be read by the computer according to claim 5.

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