JP6144027B2 - In-vehicle device operation device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an in-vehicle device operating device that operates various devices mounted on a vehicle.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a technique for operating a variety of devices mounted on a vehicle by providing a switch or the like on a steering wheel is known. This is because, for example, a matrix switch having a plurality of switches for detecting an area when pressed by an operating finger, a touch tracer, and a touch panel are arranged on the spokes of the steering wheel, and further, the operation and operation state of the on-vehicle equipment are determined. A monitor or a head-up display is used as the display device to be shown (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  In addition, in order to make it easy for the driver to operate, the steering wheel of the arranged vehicle is provided on the steering wheel of the vehicle in order to prevent the appearance from being lost by providing an operation unit that allows operation input of a large number of in-vehicle device functions. A counter electrode is provided in the ring portion of the ring, and an operation signal is output to one of both electrodes constituting the counter electrode. Based on the operation signal, a signal reflecting the impedance between the electrodes of the counter electrode is detected, and the detection is further performed. Based on the signal, a technique is disclosed in which if the control unit determines whether or not a predetermined operation has been performed on the counter electrode and determines that there has been a predetermined operation, a predetermined control content is executed (for example, (See Patent Document 2).

JP 2000-71809 A JP 2009-248687 A

  However, in the conventional technology as described above, since a switch or the like as an operation unit is provided on the steering wheel, a malfunction occurs when the driver unintentionally touches the operation unit due to a steering operation during traveling. There was a problem that it would occur. On the other hand, if an erroneous operation is performed as a result of the driver's conscious operation, the erroneous operation may be noticed by display on the display device as in Patent Document 1, but the driver may When the operation means is unconsciously touched, the driver does not have the consciousness of the operation. Therefore, even if there is a display device as in Patent Document 1, an incorrect operation is performed without paying attention to the display contents. There is a high possibility of being.

  In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2, a counter electrode is provided on the annular gripping portion of the steering wheel, and a detection signal is generated by simultaneous contact of both electrodes in which the driver's hand simultaneously contacts both electrodes forming the counter electrode. However, since the counter electrode is provided in the vicinity and the driver unconsciously touches the operation means, the touch operation by the steering operation during normal driving becomes effective, Incorrect operations may be performed. In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-260260, a configuration is provided in which a touch operation to the counter electrode is determined after the touch operation. However, since the touch operation itself is effectively input, a malfunction may occur unless the erroneous touch operation is canceled. There was a problem of high nature.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problem, and even if the driver unintentionally touches the operating means by the steering operation while traveling, the operation of the in-vehicle device that prevents the malfunction in advance. An object is to provide an apparatus.

  The present invention proposes the following matters in order to solve the above problems. In addition, in order to make an understanding easy, although the code | symbol corresponding to embodiment of this invention is attached | subjected and demonstrated, it is not limited to this.

(1) The present invention is a touch sensor (for example, a touch sensor shown in FIG. 3) provided on the surface of a steering wheel (for example, equivalent to the steering wheel 100 shown in FIG. 1) for operating various devices mounted on the vehicle. And a sub-operation for allowing an input to the main operation unit, which is provided on the back surface of the steering wheel of the vehicle. (For example, the sub operation unit 120 in FIG. 1), and the sub operation unit is a paddle type mechanical switch (for example, the sub operation unit in FIG. 1) provided on the back side of the steering wheel. is equivalent to 120), vehicle, characterized in that it is arranged within a range operable by a finger other than the thumb of the driver grip portion while gripping the steering wheel It proposes a vessel operating device.

  According to the present invention, the main operation unit for operating various devices mounted on the vehicle and the sub operation unit for allowing input to the main operation unit separately from the main operation unit are provided on the steering wheel of the vehicle. Therefore, the operation of the main operation unit cannot be accepted unless the sub operation unit is operated. Therefore, even if the driver unintentionally touches the operation means by the steering operation while traveling, the malfunction can be prevented in advance. On the other hand, since the main operation part and the sub operation part are provided on the outer surface of the steering wheel of the vehicle, the operability is good.

  Moreover, according to this invention, the sub operation part for permitting the input to a main operation part is provided in the back surface of the steering wheel of a vehicle. For this reason, since the steering wheel itself becomes a wall in the operation, the sub operation unit cannot be operated unless based on a clear intention, and the malfunction of the main operation unit can be prevented more reliably.

  (2) The present invention can be operated in the state where the main operation unit (e.g., corresponding to the main operation unit 110 in FIG. 1) grips the grip portion of the steering wheel with respect to the in-vehicle device operation device of (1). An in-vehicle device operating device is proposed, which is arranged within a movable range of the driver's thumb.

  According to the present invention, since the main operation part is disposed within the movable range of the thumb of the driver that can be operated while holding the grip part of the steering wheel, the main operation part can be smoothly held while holding the steering wheel. The main operation unit can be operated.

  (3) The present invention relates to the in-vehicle device operation device of (1), the sub operation unit (for example, equivalent to the sub operation unit 120 of FIG. 5), the main operation unit (for example, the main operation unit 110 of FIG. 5). ) And a control unit (e.g., corresponding to the control unit 400 of FIG. 5) for controlling the various devices, and the control unit is configured to control the main operation unit when the sub-operation unit is operated for a predetermined time. An in-vehicle device operating device is proposed in which the operation is valid within a predetermined time.

  According to the present invention, the control unit validates the operation of the main operation unit within a predetermined time when the sub operation unit is operated for a predetermined time. Therefore, even if the sub-operation unit and the main operation unit are consciously operated and then the main operation unit is accidentally touched, erroneous operation of the main operation unit can be prevented.

( 4 ) The present invention provides a display unit (for example, FIG. 5) that displays an operation target menu that can be operated in the main operation unit when the sub-operation unit is operated in the in-vehicle device operation device of (1) to ( 3 ). The vehicle-mounted device operating device is provided with a display device 300).

  According to the present invention, the display unit displays the operation target menu that can be operated in the main operation unit when the sub operation unit is operated, so that the driver does not look away from the traveling direction. Operations can be performed as intended.

( 5 ) The present invention proposes an in-vehicle device operation device characterized in that the display unit further displays that the effective operation time of the main operation unit has elapsed for the in-vehicle device operation device of ( 4 ). doing.

  According to this invention, since the display unit further displays that the operation effective time of the main operation unit has elapsed, it is possible to notify the driver of the elapse of the operation effective time of the main operation unit.

  According to the present invention, even if the driver accidentally touches the main operation unit, if the sub operation unit is not operated, the input from the main operation unit is invalidated. There is an effect that it can be prevented. In addition, since the sub operation unit is provided on the back surface of the steering wheel of the vehicle, the steering wheel itself becomes a wall in the operation, so the sub operation unit cannot be operated unless based on a clear intention. There is an effect that the malfunction of the main operation unit can be surely prevented.

It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the vehicle equipment operation device concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the arrangement | positioning relationship of the main operation part which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and a suboperation part. It is the figure which illustrated the case where the main operation part which concerns on embodiment of this invention is a touch sensor. It is the figure which illustrated the case where the main operation part which concerns on embodiment of this invention is a touchscreen. It is a figure which shows the electrical constitution of the vehicle equipment operation device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the process of the vehicle equipment operation device which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
Note that the constituent elements in the present embodiment can be appropriately replaced with existing constituent elements and the like, and various variations including combinations with other existing constituent elements are possible. Therefore, the description of the present embodiment does not limit the contents of the invention described in the claims.

<Embodiment>
The in-vehicle device operating device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

<Overall configuration of in-vehicle device operation device>
The overall configuration of the vehicle-mounted device operating device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.
As shown in FIG. 1, the in-vehicle device operation device according to the present embodiment includes a steering wheel 100, an in-vehicle device 200, and a display unit 300, and the steering wheel 100 includes a main operation unit 110 and a sub operation. Part 120 is provided.

  Here, the in-vehicle device 200 is, for example, an air conditioner, an audio device, a navigation device, or the like. In this embodiment, the operation of the in-vehicle device 200 by the main operation unit 110 to be described later is illustrated, but for example, rear defogger, AT snow hold, cruise main SW, wiper deisa, fog lamp, traction control, power window Operation of a remote control door mirror, sunroof, etc. may be included.

  The display unit 300 displays operation menus and operation statuses that can be operated by the main operation unit 110. In addition, as the display part 300, the display content of the display part 300 is visually recognized without using a head-up display (HUD: heads-up display) arrange | positioned at a windshield from a driving | running | working direction. You may make it do. In addition, when an operation target or operation item is instructed so that the operation target or operation status can be instantaneously determined, for example, the icon part is highlighted or the display form of the bar display part is the operation type. Depending on the degree, it is preferable to change and display.

  The main operation unit 110 is provided on the surface of the steering wheel 100 and operates various devices (on-vehicle device 200) mounted on the vehicle. As shown in FIG. 2, the main operation unit 110 is preferably disposed within a movable range of the driver's thumb that can be operated while holding the grip portion of the steering wheel 100. By disposing at such a position, the main operation unit 110 can be smoothly operated while the grip portion of the steering wheel 100 is gripped.

  Moreover, although the main operation part 110 may be comprised with a some mechanical switch, it is preferable to comprise with a touch sensor or a touch panel. In particular, when a large number of in-vehicle devices 200 are operated, or when detailed operation is performed for each in-vehicle device 200, a considerable number of switches are required in the mechanical switch, but it is necessary to dispose them on the steering wheel 100. Considering that there is a limit to the size of the arrangement area, it is preferable to use a touch panel.

  FIG. 3 exemplifies a case where a touch sensor having an electrode made of, for example, a copper plate or the like at a specific location is used as the main operation unit 110. This case is suitable for limiting the operation target in consideration of the function of the touch sensor and the size of the arrangement area. FIG. 3 illustrates a case where an air conditioner and an audio device are set as operation targets. As will be described later, in the present invention, it is a condition that the sub-operation unit 120 is operated. In this case, after performing an operation that satisfies the above conditions, an operation target (air conditioner or audio) is touched. For example, if only air temperature adjustment is the operation target for air conditioners and only volume adjustment is the operation object for audio, the temperature of the air conditioner can be determined by tracing the lower operation bar with a finger. Can be moved up and down and the audio volume can be adjusted. Although not shown, a display (dedicated mark) illustrating the amount of adjustment such as temperature and volume may be provided.

  FIG. 4 illustrates a case where a touch panel having a liquid crystal display unit on the surface and a sensor unit for detecting contact inside is used as the main operation unit 110, for example. In this case, it is suitable for performing a fine operation while considering the size of the arrangement area. In this example, in FIG. 4A, after the sub-operation unit 120 is operated, the operation target (air conditioner or audio) icon displayed on the liquid crystal display unit is selected by touching. At this time, for example, when an air conditioner is selected, the screen of the liquid crystal display unit of the touch panel changes as shown in FIG. 4B, and either temperature or wind speed can be selected.

  Here, a touch panel provided with a plurality of switches and having a sensor structure capable of detecting contact pressure in a plurality of stages, for example, an ultrasonic method, a piezoelectric method, or the like is used. And the signal according to the contact pressure etc. is output to the control part mentioned later.

  Even if the plurality of switches provided on the touch panel can detect the contact pressure in one step, conduction and non-communication are caused when touched at a predetermined contact pressure higher than the detectable contact pressure. Such a touch panel can be used as long as another switch for switching is provided. Examples of such a touch panel include a touch panel of a resistance film method, an infrared method, a capacitance method, and the like. Examples of such other switches include a switch having a stroke function provided on the back surface of the touch panel.

  In addition, for example, when the sensor structure of the touch panel can detect the contact pressure in two stages, when the touch panel is touched with the contact pressure equal to or higher than the first predetermined value, the switch provided at that position is The selection is detected, and that effect is output as switch input information. Further, when the touch panel is touched with a contact pressure equal to or higher than a second predetermined value higher than the first predetermined value, it is detected that the input of the switch provided at that position is confirmed, and this is indicated by the switch. Output as input information.

  The main operation unit 110 may be a flat touch pad that displays a pointer on the display unit 300 and operates the pointer or icon. However, in this case, since the display unit 300 must be viewed at the time of operation, it is not preferable in view of safety during travel, but the control unit 400 described later detects an operation locus on the touch pad, and If control according to the operation content is performed, the display unit 300 can be operated without looking at the time of operation.

  The sub operation unit 120 is provided on the rear surface of the steering wheel 100 and has a function for permitting input to the main operation unit 110. As shown in FIG. 2, the sub operation unit 120 is a so-called paddle type switch, and is at least one of the index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger of the driver that can be operated while gripping the grip portion of the steering wheel 100. It is arranged within the movable range. By disposing at such a position, the sub-operation unit 120 can be operated smoothly with the grip portion of the steering wheel 100 being gripped.

  Moreover, although the sub operation part 120 may be comprised with a mechanical switch, you may comprise with a touch sensor. In addition, since the sub operation part 120 is provided in the back surface of the steering wheel 100, it will not be operated unless it operates consciously. Therefore, when the operation of the sub operation unit 120 is detected, the erroneous operation can be sufficiently prevented by validating the input of the main operation unit 110. However, depending on the arrangement and operation mode of the sub-operation unit 120, if the input of the main operation unit 110 is validated even when the operation of the sub-operation unit 120 is detected, the driver may operate the steering wheel. For example, if the sub-operation unit 120 is unintentionally operated, there is a possibility that a malfunction may occur. Therefore, when the sub-operation unit 120 is operated for a predetermined time, the main operation unit 110 is operated. It is preferable to validate the input.

  Further, in order to validate the input of the main operation unit 110 without malfunction, the operation of the sub operation unit 120 is a requirement. However, if the sub operation unit 120 is operated, the operation of the main operation unit 110 is actually performed. If this state continues even though it has been completed, there is a possibility of causing a malfunction of the main operation unit 110. Therefore, it is preferable to limit the operation of the main operation unit 110 within a predetermined time. Further, when the effective operation time of the main operation unit 110 has elapsed, it is preferable to display that fact on the display unit 300.

<Electrical configuration of in-vehicle device operation device>
The electrical configuration of the in-vehicle device operating device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, the in-vehicle device operation apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a main operation unit 110, a sub operation unit 120, an in-vehicle device 200, a display unit 300, and a control unit 400. In addition, since it overlaps with the above description about components other than the control part 400, the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The control unit 400 is configured by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and in accordance with a control program stored in a storage element such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory), Control the behavior. The control unit 400 may be provided unique to the in-vehicle device operating device, or may be controlled by a CPU or the like that controls the operation of the entire vehicle.

  Specifically, the operation signal of the sub-operation unit 120 is input, the timer is started, the operation signal from the main operation unit 110 before a predetermined time elapses is invalidated, and a predetermined predetermined value is set. An operation signal is input from the main operation unit 110 after a lapse of time.

  Based on the operation signal from the main operation unit 110, the control unit 400 outputs a control signal to the in-vehicle device 200 to be operated and outputs a display signal to the display unit 300. On the other hand, after a predetermined time elapses, the timer is started again, and the operation signal of the main operation unit 110 after the predetermined operation valid period of the main operation unit 110 is invalidated.

<Processing of in-vehicle device operation device>
With reference to FIG. 6, processing of the in-vehicle device operation apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the operation of the main operation unit 110 is permitted when a touch operation on the sub operation unit 120 is input for a predetermined time.

  First, the control unit 400 confirms whether or not the sub operation unit 120 is operated by an input signal (step S101). At this time, when the operation of the sub operation unit 120 cannot be confirmed (“No” in step S101), the process returns to the original.

  On the other hand, when the operation of the sub operation unit 120 is confirmed (“Yes” in step S101), it is confirmed whether the operation of the sub operation unit 120 is continued for a predetermined time (step S102). At this time, if it can be confirmed that the operation of the sub-operation unit 120 has not been continued for a predetermined time (“No” in step S102), the process returns to step S101. During this time, even if an operation signal from the main operation unit 110 is input, processing is performed so as to invalidate it.

  On the other hand, when it can be confirmed that the operation of the sub operation unit 120 is continued for a predetermined time (“Yes” in step S102), when an operation signal is input from the main operation unit 110, the operation signal is In response to this operation signal, the control signal is output to the in-vehicle device 200 to be operated (step S105), and the display signal is output to the display unit 300 (step S104).

  Then, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the operation signal from the main operation unit 110 was validated (step S106), and when it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed ("No" in step S106). Returns to step S103, and on the other hand, if it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed ("Yes" in step S106), the subsequent operation signal from the main operation unit 110 is invalidated.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the main operation unit 110 that operates various devices mounted on the vehicle, and the sub operation for permitting input to the main operation unit 110 separately from the main operation unit 110. Since the unit 120 is provided on the steering wheel 100 of the vehicle, the operation of the main operation unit 110 is not accepted unless the sub operation unit 120 is operated. Therefore, even if the driver unintentionally touches the operation means by the steering operation while traveling, the malfunction can be prevented in advance. Further, since the sub operation unit 120 is provided on the back surface of the steering wheel 100 of the vehicle, the steering wheel 100 itself becomes a wall in the operation, and therefore the sub operation unit 120 cannot be operated unless based on a clear intention. Thus, the error operation of the main operation unit 110 can be prevented more reliably. Moreover, since the main operation part 110 and the sub operation part 120 are provided in the steering wheel 100 of the vehicle, operability is good.

  The processing of the control unit of the in-vehicle device operation device is recorded on a recording medium readable by the computer system, and the program recorded in the recording medium is read into the control unit of the in-vehicle device operation device and executed. Can be realized. The computer system here includes an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices.

  Further, the “computer system” includes a homepage providing environment (or display environment) if a WWW (World Wide Web) system is used. The program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. Here, the “transmission medium” for transmitting the program refers to a medium having a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line.

  The program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above. Furthermore, what can implement | achieve the function mentioned above in combination with the program already recorded on the computer system, what is called a difference file (difference program) may be sufficient.

  The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to the embodiments, and includes designs and the like that do not depart from the gist of the present invention. For example, in the present embodiment, an example in which the main operation unit 110 is configured by a touch sensor and a touch panel has been described. However, there are few operation items, and the operation can be arranged in a predetermined area of the steering wheel 100 even if the operation items are assigned. If the operation items can be assigned by using a long press or a plurality of operations within a predetermined period, the main operation can be performed by a mechanical switch such as a push switch. The unit 110 may be configured. That is, if the operation items fit within the arrangement number of mechanical switches that can be arranged from the arrangement area of the main operation unit 110 and the size of the mechanical switch, the mechanical switch is arranged for each operation item, and the operation items are more than the arrangement number of the mechanical switches. In many cases, it is also possible to configure the main operation unit 110 using a mechanical switch by assigning operation items using a long press or a plurality of operations within a predetermined period.

  In FIG. 2 of the present embodiment, the sub operation unit 120 is within the movable range of at least one of the index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger of the driver that can be operated while gripping the grip portion of the steering wheel 100. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the sub-operation unit 120 may be disposed outside the entire movable range of the driver's index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger that can be operated while holding the grip portion of the steering wheel 100. According to this, although the smooth operation of the sub-operation unit 120 in a state where the grip portion of the steering wheel 100 is gripped is obstructed, the sub-operation unit 120 may be erroneously operated. Therefore, the malfunction of the main operation unit 110 can be prevented more reliably.

  Further, in FIG. 2 of the present embodiment, assuming that the driver mainly operates the main operation unit 110 and the sub operation unit 120 with the right hand, the main operation unit 110 and the sub operation unit are provided on the right side of the surface of the steering wheel 100. The arrangement relationship when 120 is arranged has been described. When the driver mainly operates the main operation unit 110 and the sub operation unit 120 with the left hand, the left side of the surface of the steering wheel 100, as shown in FIG. The main operation unit 110 and the sub operation unit 120 may be arranged in an arrangement relationship. Further, the sub-operation unit 120 is disposed within the movable range of at least one of the index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger of the right hand of the driver that can be operated while gripping the grip portion of the steering wheel 100. The main operation unit 110 may be disposed within a movable range of the left thumb of the driver that can be operated while holding the grip portion, or the left hand of the driver that can be operated while holding the grip portion of the steering wheel 100. The sub-operation unit 120 is disposed within the movable range of at least one of the index finger, the middle finger, the ring finger, and the little finger, and within the movable range of the right thumb of the driver that can be operated while holding the grip portion of the steering wheel 100. The main operation unit 110 may be arranged. That is, regardless of the arrangement relationship described in the embodiment, the main operation unit 110 and the sub operation unit 120 may be separately arranged on both sides of the steering wheel 100 as described above.

  In FIG. 2 of the present embodiment, the sub operation unit 120 is a so-called paddle type switch. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the sub operation unit 120 is disposed on the back side of the spoke portion of the steering wheel 100 and is a push type switch. A switch or a touch sensor may be used.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100; Steering wheel 110; Main operation part 120; Sub-operation part 200; In-vehicle apparatus 300; Display part 400;

Claims (5)

A main operation unit formed on a surface of a steering wheel of a vehicle and formed by a touch sensor that operates various devices mounted on the vehicle;
A sub-operation unit that is provided on the rear surface of the steering wheel of the vehicle, and allows an input to the main operation unit;
With
The sub-operation unit is a paddle type mechanical switch provided on the back side of the steering wheel, and can be operated with a finger other than the driver's thumb while gripping the grip portion of the steering wheel. An in-vehicle device operating device characterized by being arranged.   The in-vehicle device operation device according to claim 1, wherein the main operation unit is arranged within a movable range of a driver's thumb that can be operated in a state where the grip of the steering wheel is gripped. A control unit that controls the sub-operation unit, the main operation unit, and the various devices;
The in-vehicle device operation according to claim 1, wherein the control unit validates the operation of the main operation unit within a predetermined time when the sub operation unit is operated for a predetermined time. apparatus.   The in-vehicle device operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a display unit that displays an operation target menu operable in the main operation unit when the sub operation unit is operated.   The in-vehicle device operation device according to claim 4, wherein the display unit further displays that the effective operation time of the main operation unit has elapsed.