JPH1167017A - On-vehicle concentrated control device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To increase an operation item number that can be selected by inclining operation of a joystick. SOLUTION: Three lines and one column of operation items and three lines and one column of supplementary operation items on their both sides are displayed on a monitor. Micro switches SW1 to SW4 are arranged on a joystick device in the four directions around a joystick 19, and additionally another micro switches SW5, SW6 are arranged outside the micro switch SW3, SW4. An operation item in the eight directions around the joystick 19 is selected by performing inclining operation of the joystick 19 to selectively turn on one of the micro switches SW1 to SW4 or by selectively turning on the adjacent micro switches among the micro switches SW1 to SW4. Also, one of the supplementary operation item is selected by additionally inclining the joystick 19 to turn on one of the micro switches SW5, SW6 or one of the micro switches SW5, SW6 and one of the micro switch SW1, SW2.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an in-vehicle centralized control device for centrally controlling a plurality of systems operating in a vehicle cabin using a joystick device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As is well known, vehicles such as automobiles include:
In order to improve the comfort and comfort of passengers and to facilitate traffic, car audio devices such as radios, stereos, and music players, air conditioners, car navigation devices that display map information, and traffic Various in-vehicle devices such as a road traffic information communication system (VICS) for displaying information are mounted.

In general, switches for setting these on-vehicle devices are variously arranged on an instrument panel or a center console. When a driver operates a desired system, first, an operation button corresponding to the system is operated. An operation knob must be found, and a complicated operation is required during driving.

To cope with this, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H5-25-2
In Japanese Patent No. 21272, an initial image indicating selection items corresponding to various in-vehicle devices is displayed on a center console so that desired items can be selected from the initial images so that the above-described various in-vehicle devices can be intensively operated. By arranging a monitor that can display the selection items hierarchically by doing
There is disclosed a centralized control device capable of moving a cursor displayed on the monitor to a desired selection item by operating a joystick, and executing the selection item by pressing a decision button.

[0005]

By the way, FIG.
As shown in (a), generally, by tilting the joystick 1 from the center neutral position to the outer periphery, a tilt state in eight directions can be detected. Therefore, the operation items that can be displayed on the monitor 2 at a time as shown in FIG.
Eight items (9 items including the neutral position in the center) selectable by the joystick 1 are the maximum.

However, since there are eight or more operation items of each on-vehicle device operated in the vehicle, if all the operation items are to be displayed on the monitor, the hierarchical structure of the image displayed on the monitor is inevitably deep. The operator must open a plurality of hierarchical images before executing the final selection item, which makes the operation rather complicated.

To cope with this, it is conceivable to limit the target items that can be intensively operated in accordance with the maximum items that can be displayed on the monitor 2. However, it is necessary to specify the target items from all the in-vehicle devices. It is difficult.

According to the present invention, in view of the above circumstances, necessary items can be easily selected without increasing the hierarchical structure of items displayed on the monitor and without unnecessarily restricting items that can be displayed at one time. It is an object of the present invention to provide an in-vehicle centralized control device that can perform the control.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a centralized control device for a vehicle, wherein a joystick device, a monitor, and a vehicle-mounted device are connected via a control device, and the vehicle-mounted device is connected to the monitor. A plurality of operation items representing the operation contents of the device are displayed, and one of the plurality of operation items is selected by the joystick device. A partition is displayed between the operation items. The joystick is provided with a sense of moderation in response to a timing when the joystick provided on the joystick device is operated to the other operation item and the partition is exceeded.

[0010] A second centralized control device for a vehicle is characterized in that, in the first centralized control device for a vehicle, the sense of moderation is given by vibration of a vibrator incorporated in the joystick device.

A third vehicle-mounted centralized control device is the first vehicle-mounted centralized control device according to the first vehicle-mounted centralized control device, wherein the sense of moderation is conducted by the tilting of the joystick built in the joystick device to detect the tilting position of the joystick. It is characterized by being provided by switching of a contact.

A fourth centralized control device for a vehicle is the centralized control device for a first vehicle, wherein the sense of moderation is interlocked with the tilting of the joystick, and has a projection attached to a case for housing the joystick. A ball which is engaged with the plate while being urged via an elastic member is applied by a change in elastic force generated when the ball gets over the projection.

A fifth vehicle-mounted centralized control device is characterized in that, in the first vehicle-mounted centralized control, the sense of moderation is:
The joystick is provided by an elastic member that supports the joystick in a neutral state.

A sixth centralized control device for a vehicle is the first centralized control device for a vehicle, wherein the operation items are formed by a main operation item of three rows and three columns and an auxiliary operation item of three rows and one column. The auxiliary operation items are arranged outside the main operation items with the partition interposed therebetween.

A seventh vehicle-mounted centralized control device is the sixth vehicle-mounted centralized control device, wherein the control device is configured such that when the joystick is in a neutral state, the operation item in the second row and second column of the main operation item Is selected.

An eighth vehicle-mounted centralized control device according to the sixth vehicle-mounted centralized control device, wherein the joystick device is provided with four directions around the joystick and two opposite directions among the four directions. Electrical contacts that are conducted by tilting the joystick are provided, and the control device specifies a main operation item or an auxiliary operation item selected by a combination thereof based on an output signal from each of the electric contacts. .

A ninth vehicle-mounted centralized control device is the same as the first vehicle-mounted centralized control device, wherein the joystick device is provided with a variable resistor connected to the joystick. An operation item or an auxiliary operation item to be selected from the change in the output value is specified.

A tenth central control device for a vehicle is:
In a ninth in-vehicle centralized control device, the control device compares an output value of the variable resistor with an output upper limit value and an output lower limit value, and determines whether the output value is equal to or greater than the output upper limit value or equal to or less than the output lower limit value. Displays a warning on the monitor.

An eleventh vehicle-mounted centralized control device comprises:
In a ninth in-vehicle centralized control device, the characteristic of the output value of the variable resistor is set to greatly change in a neutral state of the joystick.

The twelfth centralized control device for a vehicle is:
In a sixth in-vehicle centralized control device, in the joystick device, the joystick is connected to a pedestal movable in two directions, and the control device detects movement of the pedestal in one of two directions by the joystick. It is characterized in that the auxiliary operation item is specified.

A thirteenth centralized control device for a vehicle is:
In a twelfth vehicle-mounted centralized control device, the pedestal is supported in a neutral state via an elastic member.

A fourteenth in-vehicle centralized control device comprises:
In the twelfth or thirteenth in-vehicle centralized control device, a ball is disposed on the bottom surface of the pedestal via an elastic member, and the joystick is maintained in a neutral state while being opposed to the bottom surface of the pedestal of a case for storing the pedestal. And a groove for engaging the ball is provided at a position where the ball is engaged.

The fifteenth in-vehicle centralized control device comprises:
A sixth centralized control device for a vehicle, wherein the joystick device is provided with a joystick for selecting a main operation item, and the joystick for selecting a main operation item is provided along with a lever for selecting an auxiliary operation item.

The sixteenth in-vehicle centralized control device comprises:
In the fifteenth central control device for a vehicle, a gate for engaging the auxiliary operation item selection lever in a moving direction of the auxiliary operation item selection lever is formed.

The seventeenth centralized control device for a vehicle is:
The first in-vehicle centralized control device is characterized in that a display means for displaying an item selected from the operation items displayed on the monitor is provided on the meter panel.

That is, in the first in-vehicle centralized control device, when the operator operates the joystick provided on the joystick device to shift from the operation item displayed on the monitor to another operation item, the two operation items are used. A sense of moderation is given to the joystick in response to the timing of exceeding the partition displayed in between, and the operator can feel that the selection item has been switched by touch.

In the second centralized control device for a vehicle,
In the first in-vehicle centralized control device, the intensity of the moderation can be arbitrarily adjusted by applying the moderation by vibration of the vibrator.

In the third centralized control device for a vehicle,
In the first in-vehicle centralized control device, the operator feels that the selected item has been switched by giving the sense of moderation by mechanical resistance generated at the time of switching of an electrical contact to be conducted by tilting the joystick. To detect.

In the fourth centralized control device for a vehicle,
In the first in-vehicle centralized control device, when the joystick is tilted, a ball interlocking with the joystick moves, and when the ball gets over a projection provided on a case for housing the joystick, an elasticity for urging the ball is provided. A moderation feeling is given to the joystick by the elastic deformation of the member, and the operator senses that the selection item has been switched by the moderation feeling.

In the fifth centralized control device for a vehicle,
In the first in-vehicle centralized control device, when a joystick supported in a neutral state by an elastic member is tilted, a reaction force of the elastic member is applied to the joystick, and the reaction force is transmitted to the driver as a sense of moderation. Is done.

In the sixth centralized control device for a vehicle,
In the first in-vehicle centralized control device, the main operation items in three rows and three columns are displayed on the monitor, and the auxiliary operation items in three rows and one column are further displayed outside the main operation items. The item is displayed between the item and the auxiliary operation item, and the driver senses the switching between the main operation item and the auxiliary operation item based on the sense of moderation given via the joystick at a timing exceeding the partition.

In the seventh centralized control device for a vehicle,
In the sixth in-vehicle centralized control device, when the joystick is supported at the neutral position in the open state, the operation item located at the second row and second column of the main operation items, that is, the operation item located at the center is automatically selected. , The relationship between the tilt direction of the joystick and each operation item displayed on the monitor is always kept constant.

In the eighth centralized control device for a vehicle,
In the sixth in-vehicle centralized control device, when one of the electrical contacts arranged in four directions around the joystick or an adjacent electrical contact is made conductive by tilting the joystick, a plurality of operation items displayed on the monitor are displayed. One operation item is selected by the combination of the above-mentioned electrical contacts, and only one of the electrical contacts disposed outside the two opposite directions of the four directions, or one of the electrical contacts and the direction perpendicular to this direction. When one of the electrical contacts in two directions provided in the direction of the electrical connection is conducted, one auxiliary operation item is selected from a plurality of auxiliary operation items displayed outside the operation item from the combination of the electrical contacts.

In the ninth in-vehicle centralized control device,
In the first in-vehicle centralized control device, when the joystick is tilted, the output value from the variable resistor connected to the joystick changes, and a plurality of operation items displayed on the monitor are displayed based on the change in the output value. Select one item.

In a tenth in-vehicle centralized control device, in the ninth in-vehicle centralized control device, the output value of a variable resistor connected to a joystick is compared with an output upper limit value and an output lower limit value. When the value is not less than the output upper limit value or not more than the output lower limit value, a warning display is output to the monitor to notify the driver of the abnormality of the joystick device.

According to an eleventh vehicle centralized control device, in the ninth vehicle centralized control device, the characteristic of the output value of the variable resistor is set so as to greatly change when the joystick is in a neutral state. When the joystick is returned to the neutral position, the range of variation of the output value of the variable resistor is widened, and the neutral position can be easily detected.

In a twelfth vehicle-mounted centralized control device, in the sixth vehicle-mounted centralized control device, a joystick is connected to a pedestal movable in two directions, and the joystick is tilted and the pedestal is moved in one direction. The auxiliary operation item to be selected is identified by the two-stage operation of.

In the thirteenth centralized control device for a vehicle, in the twelfth centralized control device for a vehicle, when the operator releases the gripping force on the joystick,
An elastic member connected to the pedestal returns the pedestal to the neutral position.

According to a fourteenth integrated control device for a vehicle, in the twelfth or thirteenth integrated control device for a vehicle, when the pedestal is in the neutral position, a ball disposed on the bottom surface of the pedestal via an elastic member. However, the neutral position of the pedestal is maintained by engaging with the groove formed in the case for accommodating the pedestal.

According to a fifteenth in-vehicle centralized control device, in the sixth in-vehicle centralized control device, the joystick device is provided with a joystick for selecting a main operation item, and the joystick for selecting the main operation item is used as a lever for selecting an auxiliary operation item. The main operation items can be selected with the joystick for selecting main operation items.
The auxiliary operation item is selected by operating both the joystick for selecting the main operation item and the lever for selecting the auxiliary operation item.

According to a sixteenth vehicle centralized control device, in the fifteenth vehicle-mounted centralized control device, the auxiliary operation item selection lever is selectively engaged with a gate formed in the moving direction of the auxiliary operation item selection lever. This gives a sense of moderation when selecting an auxiliary operation item.

In the seventeenth in-vehicle centralized control device, in the first in-vehicle centralized control device, when one operation item is selected from the operation items displayed on the monitor, the selected operation item is displayed on the meter panel. At the same time.

[0043]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 22 show a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a centralized control device for a vehicle employed in the present embodiment includes a joystick device 11, an external switch 12a, and a function restriction switch 1.
2b, a control device 13, a monitor 14, and the like, and various on-vehicle devices such as an audio device 15, an air conditioner 16, and a navigation device 17 are connected to the control device 13. As shown in FIG. 2, the monitor 14 is disposed, for example, on a center console 18 of the vehicle.
The joystick device 11 is disposed in the vicinity of the joystick device 4. Further, the external switch 12a and the function restriction switch 12b are provided on the driver side of the center console 18. The external switch 12a is arranged so that a relatively frequently operated one of the above-mentioned in-vehicle devices, such as a start switch of the navigation device 17, can be directly operated. , And all or certain functions of the in-vehicle device are disabled.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the casing 11a of the joystick device 11 has a base material 11b.
Is mounted, and a pedestal 1 is provided at the center of the base material 11b.
1c is mounted. The base end of the joystick 19 is supported on the pedestal 11c so as to be tiltable, and the distal end of the joystick 19 projects upward in the drawing.

The base member 11b is provided with first to fourth micro switches SW1 to SW4 in four directions around the joystick 19, and further includes first and third micro switches SW1 to SW4.
The fifth and sixth micro switches SW5 and SW6 are arranged outside the micro switches SW3 and SW4. The first to fourth micro switches SW1 to S
W4 is the fifth and sixth micro switches SW5, SW6
The contact is set to turn on earlier than the contact. In addition, the first to fourth micro switches SW1 to SW1
The internal stroke after the ON operation of SW4 is set larger than the fifth and sixth micro switches SW5 and SW6.

On the other hand, two upper and lower pressing plates 11e and 11f are fixed in the middle of the joystick 19. An edge of the lower pressing plate 11f is disposed above the first to fourth micro switches SW1 to SW4.
The short side edge of 1e is provided above the fifth and sixth micro switches SW5 and SW6. A compression spring 11g is interposed between the upper pressing plate 11e and the upper surface of the casing 11a.
9 is maintained in a neutral state by the urging force of the compression spring 11g.

The operator tilts the joystick 19 to move the first to sixth micro switches SW1 to SW6.
Is turned on in a predetermined manner, thereby selecting a desired item from the items displayed on the monitor 14. As shown in FIG. 7A, the monitor 14 displays 3 images as an initial image.
The main operation item 14a in the row 3 column, the auxiliary operation item 14b in the 3 row 1 column located on both sides of the main operation item 14a, the status display unit 14c for displaying the status of the on-vehicle equipment positioned above and below, A partition 14d for separating the auxiliary operation item 14b from the auxiliary operation item 14b is displayed, and one of the items 14a and 14b is replaced with the first to sixth micro switches SW1.
To select based on the output signal from SW6.

That is, when the operating force on the joystick 19 is released, since the joystick 19 is in the neutral position, the center (second row, second column) of the main operation item 14a is selected. And the first to fourth micro switches SW by the joystick 19.
When the first to SW4 are individually turned on, the main operation item 1
4a, up, down, left and right items are selected. Further, when the first and third micro switches SW1 and SW3 are simultaneously turned on, the item in the first row and the first column is selected. Similarly, when the first and fourth micro switches SW1 and SW4 are simultaneously turned on, the first row is changed. The item in the third column is selected. Second and third
When the micro switches SW2 and SW3 are simultaneously turned on, the item in the third row and the first column is selected. Similarly, when the second and fourth micro switches SW2 and SW4 are simultaneously turned on, the item in the third row and the third column is selected. You.

In order to select one of the auxiliary operation items 14b, the joystick 19 is further tilted, and the first and fifth micro switches SW1 and SW5 are selected.
Are turned on at the same time, the first line item on the left side is selected. When the third and fifth micro switches SW3 and SW5 are turned on at the same time, the second line item on the left side is selected, and the second and fifth items are selected. Micro switches SW2 and SW5 are simultaneously turned on.
When N operations are performed, the item on the third line on the left side is selected. Further, the first and sixth micro switches SW1 and SW6 are simultaneously turned on.
N operation, the item on the first line on the right side is selected, and the fourth,
When the sixth microswitches SW4 and SW6 are simultaneously turned on, the item on the second line on the right is selected. When the second and sixth microswitches SW2 and SW6 are simultaneously turned on, the item on the third line on the right is selected. You.

The relationship between the ON operation of each of the micro switches SW1 to SW6 and the items selected thereby is as follows. Note that the center *** indicates the neutral position of the joystick.

[Table 1]

The knob 19a attached to the tip of the joystick 19 has two decision switches 20a and 20b.
Is fixed. These two decision switches 20a, 20b
The main operation item 14a or the auxiliary operation item 14b selected with the joystick 19 is, for example, as shown in FIG.
As shown in (2), when the selection items are subdivided into two selection items, one of the selection switches 20a and 20b is selectively turned on by individually turning on the determination switches 20a and 20b. If one item is not subdivided, any of the decision switches 2
Even if 0a and 20b are pressed, the selected item is determined.
In this embodiment, all items are subdivided,
A maximum of 30 items can be displayed on the monitor 14.

The operating force on the joystick 19 is determined by the sum of the urging force of the compression spring 11g when the joystick 19 is tilted and the resistance when the microswitch is turned on. As shown in FIG. 5A, the microswitches SW1 to SW1 employed in this embodiment are used.
The SW 6 has a built-in click mechanism (not shown) for giving a sense of moderation immediately before the contact is turned on. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4B, when selecting an item in which the two micro switches of the main operation item 14a are simultaneously turned on, the two micro switches are simultaneously turned on, so that one micro switch is turned on. A greater sense of moderation (operating force) is obtained as compared with the case of ON operation.
As shown in (c), when selecting the auxiliary operation item 14b, first, the first to fourth micro switches SW1 to SW4 are selected.
Is turned on, and then the fifth and sixth microswitches SW5 and SW6 are turned on. Therefore, the first-stage microswitch is turned on and the second-stage microswitch is turned on. A two-stage moderation feeling is obtained.

As a result, three kinds of moderation feeling can be obtained by the tilting operation of the joystick 19, and by repeatedly operating the combination of the moderation feeling and the tilting direction and the tilting angle of the joystick 19, the operator becomes familiar with the monitor. It is possible to accurately select one item without visually observing the display of 14.

By the way, even when the above-mentioned microswitch does not have a built-in click mechanism, it is possible to obtain a sense of moderation by resistance when the microswitch is pressed. That is, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6C, the first to fourth micro switches SW1 to SW4
By setting the pressing force at the time of turning on the fifth and sixth micro switches SW5 and SW6 to be stronger than the pressing force at the time of turning on the ON, when selecting one of the main operation items 14a, , As shown by the broken line in FIG.
The operation force on the joystick 19 differs between the case where one microswitch is turned on to select an item and the case where two microswitches are turned on simultaneously and selected as indicated by the solid line. As shown in FIG. 3D, when one item is selected from the auxiliary operation items 14b, first, the first to fourth micro switches S are selected.
One of W1 to SW4 is pressed, and then the fifth and sixth
, One of the micro switches SW5 and SW6 performs a pressing operation, so that a sense of moderation is obtained when the second-stage micro switch performs the pressing operation.

Each of the micro switches SW1 to SW6,
The output signals from the decision switches 20a and 20b are output to the control device 13. As shown in FIG. 8, the control device 13 includes a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23,
An I / O interface 24 and a monitor display control circuit 25 are mainly configured by a microcomputer connected to each other via a bus line, and the joystick device 11, the external switch 12a, Function restriction switch 12b,
Feedback signals from various in-vehicle devices such as an audio device 15, an air conditioning control device 16, and a navigation device 17 are input, and the audio device 1 is output from an output port.
5. Control signals are output to various in-vehicle devices such as the air conditioning control device 16 and the navigation device 17. The monitor 14 is connected to the monitor display control circuit 25.

The ROM 22 stores an image display program, a system control program, and fixed data such as a map. The RAM 23 stores the joystick device 11, the audio device 15, the air conditioning control device 1 and the like.
6. Data obtained by processing feedback signals from various in-vehicle devices such as the navigation device 17 and data processed by the CPU 21 are stored.

The CPU 21 operates the joystick 19 to select and determine various signals input via the I / O interface 24 and fixed data stored in the ROM 23 in accordance with the control program stored in the ROM 22. The control of the items determined by the switches 20 a and 20 b is executed, and the image signal is output to the monitor 14 via the monitor display control circuit 25 in accordance with the image display program stored in the ROM 22.

As shown in FIG. 7, the items displayed on the monitor 14 have a hierarchical structure, and the first item shown in FIG.
Items frequently operated by the operator during traveling are preferentially arranged in the main operation items 14a of the hierarchy, and auxiliary operation items 14b are arranged.
In the table, items whose operation frequency is slightly lower are arranged. By arranging frequently operated items at the center, the operator can operate the joystick 19 repeatedly to store an array of items by getting used to it, and it is possible to select a desired item by touch without looking at it. .

The images on the second and lower layers shown in FIGS. 7B to 7D have fewer items than those on the first layer and are easy to visually recognize, assuming that the operator operates them visually. Are arranged.

Since a maximum of 30 items are displayed on the first layer, the depth of the layer can be reduced, and the burden on the operator can be reduced accordingly. It should be noted that the maximum hierarchical depth according to the present embodiment is three levels, and (c) and (d) of FIG. 7 show the display on the same level for each selected item.
In this case, when there are two main operation items 14a as shown in FIG. 4D, the selection is executed by the selection switches 20a and 20b without operating the joystick 19.

FIGS. 18 to 20 show specific examples of display items of each layer displayed on the monitor 14. FIG. FIG. 18 shows the display items of the first hierarchy. In the first hierarchy, the operation items of the audio device 15 are displayed on the first line, the operation items of the radio are displayed on the second line, and the operation items of the air conditioner 16 are displayed on the third line. By arranging the functionally related operation items for each line, the operator can easily select necessary items only by tilting the joystick 19 in one direction, thereby improving operability. In addition, since the user can remember the operation items in association with each other, the operator can operate the joystick 19 only by touching the joystick 19 without looking at the display at a relatively early stage.

By the way, when the joystick 19 is in the open state, the operation item in the second row and the second column is automatically selected, so that the volume is set in the second row and the second column as shown in FIG. By displaying the items, the volume can be easily adjusted only by operating the decision switches 20a and 20b. Therefore, for example, it is possible to quickly respond to a case where the volume needs to be decreased due to an approach of an emergency vehicle or a case where the volume needs to be increased for listening to emergency information such as traffic information.

Then, when, for example, “MENU” displayed on the second line of the right auxiliary operation item 14 b is selected and executed from the items displayed on the first level, the monitor 14 displays as shown in FIG. When the item “CLOCK” on the right side is selected and executed from the second layer, a third layer image for adjusting the clock as shown in FIG. 20 is displayed on the monitor 14.

In this case, the items to be displayed on the monitor 14 are displayed and arranged in such a manner that they are easily viewed as the user moves to the lower hierarchy. Also, the partition 14d displayed in each level
Corresponds to the sense of moderation given when the joystick 19 is tilted.
When selecting an item displayed outside of d,
With the joystick 19, one of the fifth and sixth micro switches SW5 and SW6 is turned on.
Further, the size of the display width of the partition 14d or the display color is appropriately set according to the sense of moderation obtained.

The image processing of the monitor 14 and the operation commands for various on-vehicle devices are performed by the control device 13.
As shown in FIG. 9, the control device 13 includes a monitor 14
Joystick processing means 31, light reduction processing means 32, external switch processing means 33, navigation processing means 34, function restriction processing means 35, signal processing means 36, clock processing Means 37, an image processing means 38, and a device control means 39. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the joystick processing means 31 includes a joystick signal processing means 41, a cursor position determining means 42, and a decision switch determining means 43. The image processing means 38 includes a control signal processing means 46, a first hierarchical processing means 47, a second hierarchical processing means 48, a third hierarchical processing means 49, and a navigation image processing means 50, as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the device control means 39 includes a control signal processing means 51, Dio control unit 52, the air conditioning controller 53, and a navigation control unit 54.

In the joystick signal processing means 41 of the joystick processing means 31, the micro switches SW1 to SW output from the joystick device 11 are output.
6, and the ON / OFF signals of the decision switches 20a and 20b are processed.

The cursor position judging means 42 refers to the map stored in the ROM 22 based on the ON signals output from the micro switches SW1 to SW6, and selects the currently selected main operation item 14a or auxiliary operation. Determine item 14b. The map stores the relationship between the microswitches SW1 to SW6 that output the ON signal for each layer and the corresponding items.

The decision switch determination section 43 detects the output signals of the decision switches 20a and 20b,
0a, 20b, and determines whether an ON signal has been output from at least one of them. If the item displayed on the monitor 14 is subdivided into two, the ON signal is output from either of the decision switches 20a, 20b. Is output.

In the control signal processing means 46 of the image processing device 38, each processing means 47-5
A signal corresponding to the processing item selected and executed to 0 is output.

The first layer processing means 47 controls the image of the first layer, the second layer processing means 48 controls the image of the second layer, and the third layer processing means 49 controls the image of the third layer. . In this embodiment, the maximum number of layers is three, but an apparatus having four or more layers may be used. In this case, the layer processing means is set in correspondence with the maximum layer depth.

The navigation image processing means 50 controls the image of the navigation image displayed on the monitor 14 based on the control signals output from the navigation processing means 34 and the joystick processing means when the navigation device 17 is activated. The control signal processing means 51 of the device control means 39 outputs control signals to the control means 52, 53, 54 of various in-vehicle devices based on the input signals.
In the audio control means 52, the control signal processing means 51
The audio device 15 is controlled based on the audio control signal output from. The air conditioning control means 53 controls the air conditioner 16 based on the air conditioning control signal output from the control signal processing means 51. The navigation control means 54 controls the navigation device 17 based on the navigation control signal output from the control signal processing means 51.

The dimming processing means 32 determines whether or not to perform dimming processing based on the signal from the joystick processing means 31 by means of the joystick 19 or the decision switch 2.
The determination is made based on the non-operation time of 0a, 20b, and when the operation is not continuously performed for the set time, the brightness of the monitor 14 is adjusted by the joystick 19 or the determination switch 20a, 2
The light is dimmed or the display is turned off until 0b is operated.

The external switch processing means 33 determines whether the external switch 12a is ON or OFF, and outputs a necessary control signal to the device control means 39. For example, when the start switch of the navigation device 17 is assigned as the external switch 12a, and when it is determined that an ON signal is output from the start switch, the start signal of the navigation device 17 is output to the device control means 39. .

When the display control mode is the navigation mode, the navigation processing means 34 processes the signal from the joystick processing means 31 to determine the image control. The function restriction processing unit 35 determines an output signal from the function restriction switch 12b and executes a process corresponding to the function restriction switch 12b to which the ON signal has been output. The signal processing means 36 processes feedback signals from various in-vehicle devices such as the audio device 15, the air conditioner 16, and the navigation device 17. The clock processing means 37 monitors the monitor 1 based on a clock pulse output in a predetermined manner.
4 is displayed. Next, various control operations in the control device 13 will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS.

When the in-vehicle centralized control device is activated, an initial image as shown in FIG. 18, for example, is displayed on the monitor 14. When the joystick 19 of the joystick device 11 is at the neutral position, two rows and two columns are displayed. The eye operation item (volume setting item in the figure) is selected.

In the operation input processing routine shown in FIG.
When a signal is input from the joystick device 11 and no signal is input from the joystick device 11, that is, when the joystick 19 is in the neutral state, the routine directly exits from step S1 to step S4.

The operator operates the joystick 1
When the ON signal is output from one of the micro switches SW1 to SW6 provided around the joystick 19 by operating the joystick 19, the process proceeds to step S2, and
The micro switch to which the signal is output is determined, and the operation item corresponding to the operation of the joystick 19 or the auxiliary operation item is determined with reference to the map (see Table 1). Alternatively, the display color of the auxiliary operation item is changed and emphasized.

Next, at step S4, the decision switch 20
It is determined whether or not a and 20b have been turned on, and if they have been turned on, the process proceeds to step S5.
When 0a and 20b are in the OFF state, the routine exits, and
Operator joystick 19 or decision switch 20
Wait for input of a and 20b.

When the process proceeds to step S5, a subroutine corresponding to the selected item is executed, and thereafter, the routine exits.

That is, the operator operates the joystick 19
Is operated to select "MENU" in the right holding operation item from the initial image shown in FIG. 18, for example, the display color of this item is changed and highlighted in step S3, and then the operator determines When one of the switches 20a and 20b is turned on, the second hierarchical image corresponding to the item of "MENU" is displayed on the monitor 14.

FIG. 19 shows an example of the second hierarchical image of “MENU”. The second hierarchical image is divided into three items via the partition 14d, and when the joystick 19 is held at the neutral position, the central “RETURN MENU” is displayed.
When the item "U" is selected and tilted beyond the partition 14d to the right, the item "CLOCK" is selected, and when tilted beyond the partition 14d to the left, "SOUND E" is selected.
The item “FFECT” is selected. The above partition 14
When the value exceeds d, the operator is provided with the following joystick 19:
A sense of moderation is transmitted via the. Therefore, the operator does not need to check the monitor 14 if the selected item is stored,
An item to be selected can be specified from the feeling of the joystick 19.

Then, the operator uses the second hierarchical image to
For example, when the item “CLOCK” is selected, the monitor 1
4 displays a third hierarchical image corresponding to the item “CLOCK”. FIG. 20 illustrates a third hierarchical image.
As shown in the figure, operation items for adjusting the minute and setting the second according to the time signal are disposed in the center between the partitions 14b, and almost all of the operation items are usually set outside the partitions 14d. Auxiliary operation items for unnecessary time adjustment and alarm setting are displayed.

FIG. 21 shows an example of an image displayed on the monitor 14 when the navigation device is activated. External switch 12a assigned to activation of navigation device 17
Is turned on, a map is displayed on the monitor 14 instead of the main operation item 14a displayed in the center, and operation items related to the navigation device 17 are displayed on the auxiliary operation items 14b on both sides.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 21A, the joystick 19 functions for scrolling the map. By tilting the joystick 19, scrolling in eight directions is possible. A fixed delay time (for example, 50 to 500 msec) is required between the tilting operation of the joystick 19 and the scroll operation of the map.
Is set, and if the joystick 19 is gently tilted, the map can be scrolled in eight tilting directions around the neutral position of the joystick 19. On the other hand, by tilting the joystick 19 faster than the delay time, the cursor is moved to the auxiliary operation item 14.
When the cursor is moved to b, the map is not scrolled as shown in FIG. At the same time, the image displayed at the center is switched from the map to the main operation item 14a, and the operator can select and execute the normal main operation item 14a with the joystick 19. In this case, when the operator does not operate the joystick 19 for the set time, that is, when the joystick 19 is in the neutral state and the decision switches 20a and 20b are not operated for the set time (for example, 3 sec), the center display is the map. Automatically switch to image.

As described above, the scroll function, which is relatively frequently used in the navigation device 17, can be performed by the tilt operation of the joystick 19, so that the usability is good. Further, since the delay time is set for the scroll operation, the map does not scroll unexpectedly when the auxiliary operation item 14b is selected, and the operability is good.

Further, since the area of the screen displaying the main operation items 14a is assigned to the map image, the display area of the map is enlarged, and the auxiliary operation items 14b are simultaneously displayed, so that the navigation function is effectively performed. Can be used. Further, when the cursor is moved to the auxiliary operation item 14b, the operation item is displayed on the center screen. Therefore, even if the navigation device is activated, the operation item corresponding to another in-vehicle device is operated. Can be set temporarily, which is convenient.

Note that, as shown in FIG.
4 may be displayed on the entire screen. In this case, when the operator tilts the joystick 19 quickly and moves the cursor to the auxiliary operation item 14b side as described above, the auxiliary operation item 14b is displayed on both sides of the monitor 14 as shown in FIG. Is done.

Next, the dimming process routine shown in FIG. 14 will be described. After the central control device is started, in steps S11 and S12, the operator operates the joystick 19
It is determined whether or not has been operated. First, in step S11, it is determined whether an ON signal has been output from any of the micro switches SW1 to SW6, and in step S12, it is determined whether an ON signal has been output from the decision switches 20a, 20b.

The micro switches SW1 to SW1
If the ON signal is not output from either SW6 or both of the decision switches 20a and 20b, the process proceeds to step S12, and at least one of the micro switches SW1 to SW6 and both of the decision switches 20a and 20b. When the ON signal is output from the CPU, the process branches to step S13, the monitor 14 is set to the normal brightness, and the routine exits.

On the other hand, when the operation proceeds to step S14, in steps S14 and S15, the time during which the operator does not operate the joystick 19 is counted. When the set time has not elapsed, the operation returns to step S11, and the setting is performed again. When the time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S16. Then, in step S16, the brightness of the monitor 14 is reduced, and the routine exits.

When the operator does not operate the joystick 19 for the set time, the brightness of the monitor 14 is reduced so that the brightness of the monitor 14 does not matter during driving.
The dimming of the monitor 14 can be prohibited by, for example, a function limit switch assigned in a predetermined manner. Further, instead of the dimming process, part or all of the display on the monitor 14 may be turned off.

Next, the function restriction processing routine shown in FIG. 15 will be described. When the centralized control device is started, it is first determined in step S21 whether or not the function restriction switch 12b has been turned ON, and if it is in the OFF state, the routine exits as it is. On the other hand, the limit switch 12b
Is turned on, the process proceeds to step S22, in which the control function corresponding to the function-restricted switch 12b that has been turned on is processed, and in step S23, the main operation item 14a or the auxiliary operation item displayed on the monitor 14 is processed. 14b
The corresponding item is fixed, the selection execution function is restricted, and the routine exits.

The function limiting switch 12b has a function of fixing the volume displayed on the monitor 14, a function of fixing the set temperature of the air conditioner, and the like. By using the function restriction switch 12b, for example, when a child is riding on the vehicle, by turning on the function restriction switch 12b in advance, erroneous operation can be prevented.

Next, an external switch ON operation processing routine shown in FIG. 16 will be described. First, step S31
To determine whether the external switch 12a has been turned ON,
In the OFF operation state, the routine exits from the routine.
On the other hand, if the ON operation is being performed, the process proceeds to step S32, where the process assigned to the external switch 12a that has been ON this time is executed. In step S33, image processing based on the execution process is executed, and the routine exits. .

As a result, the function assigned to the external switch 12b is displayed on the monitor 14. For example, when the start switch of the navigation device 17 is assigned to one of the external switches 12b, an initial screen of the navigation device is displayed on the monitor 14.

The navigation display switching routine shown in FIG. 17 will be described. When the navigation device is started by turning on the external switch 12a, first, in step S41, the cursor position is read based on the ON signals output from the micro switches SW1 to SW6 provided in the joystick device 11, and in step S42, the cursor is read. It is determined whether or not the position is at the position of the main operation item 14a. If the cursor is at the position of the main operation item 14a, the process proceeds to step S43, where the delay timer is driven. It is determined whether or not the time has elapsed (for example, 3 seconds). If the time is within the set time, the process returns to step S41 to read the cursor position.

If the set time has elapsed, the flow advances to step S45 to display a map image in the area of the monitor 14 where the selection item 14a is displayed, and the routine exits.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S42 that the cursor is at the position of the auxiliary operation item 14b, the process branches to step S46, where the display at the center of the monitor 14 is switched to the main operation item 14a, and the routine exits.

FIG. 23 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in this embodiment, when the operator operates the joystick 19 to select the main operation item 14a or the auxiliary operation item 14b displayed on the monitor 14, a display such as a liquid crystal provided on the meter panel 61 is displayed. Means 61a
Is displayed, the operator can easily check the selected item while driving.

FIGS. 24 to 26 show a third embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the joystick device 1
A joystick, in which a spring 11h for giving a sense of moderation is interposed between the micro switches SW3 and SW4 for selecting the item of the main operation item 14a and the micro switches SW5 and SW6 for selecting the item of the auxiliary operation item 14b. When the micro switch 19 is tilted to turn on one of the micro switches SW5 and SW6, the spring 11h acts as a resistance against the upper pressing plate 11e. As a result, as shown in FIG. A sense of moderation occurs between the time when any one of the first-stage micro switches SW1 to SW4 is turned ON by the force and the time when any of the second-stage micro switches SW5 and SW6 is turned ON.

In this embodiment, the microswitch S
This is effective when the resistance generated when the contacts of W1 to SW6 themselves are turned ON is small.

FIGS. 27 to 36 show a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the joystick device 6
2, a vertical axis (X axis) signal and a horizontal axis (Y axis) signal are extracted as analog signals, and these signals are A / D converted to determine an item selected by the operator.

That is, the joystick device 62
In the case 62a, a shaft 63 is rotatably supported, and a small-diameter portion is formed in the middle of the shaft 63, and a pin 64 penetrates through the small-diameter portion in a direction perpendicular to the axis.
A support 66 fixed to the base of the joystick 19 is mounted on the pin 64 so as to straddle the shaft 63.
4 are rotatably supported at both ends. Furthermore, the initial state of the shaft 63 and the pin 64 is the torsion spring 65a, 65.
b. When the shaft 63 and the pin 64 are in the initial state, the joystick 19 is at the neutral position.

A holder 67 is fixed to the shaft 63, a click ball 68 is inserted through the holder 67 via a compression spring 69, and the click ball 68 is fixed to the click plate 70 fixed to the case 62a. Is pressed against. Further, the shaft 63 and the pin 64 are provided with a Y-axis variable resistor 71a and an X-axis variable resistor 71b.

When the joystick 19 is tilted up and down as shown in FIG.
33, the output value (X-axis output value) proportional to the tilt angle of the support 66 from the X-axis side variable resistor 71b attached to the support 66 as shown in FIG. Is output.

Also, the joystick 19 is
Is tilted in the left-right direction, the shaft 63 is tilted, and the Y-axis side variable resistor 71 attached to the shaft 63 is tilted.
33a, an output value (Y-axis output value) proportional to the rotation angle of the shaft 63 is output as shown in FIG. 33 (b), and the tilt angle of the joystick 19 is displayed on the monitor as a partition 14d. When the click ball 68 crosses (see FIG. 7), the click ball 68 rides on the protrusions 70a formed on both sides of the click plate 70, and the resistance at this time is transmitted to the operator as a sense of moderation.

As shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, the output values from the two variable resistors 71a and 71b are output from the A / D converter 2
7, after the A / D conversion, the I /
It is input to the input port of the O interface 24. The control device 13 displays the main operation item 14a or the auxiliary operation item 14 displayed on the monitor 14 selected by the operator based on the output values from the two variable resistors 71a and 71b.
Specify b.

More specifically, the processing is performed according to the operation input processing routine shown in FIG. First, in step S51, the X-axis output value and the Y-axis output value output from the variable resistors 71a and 71b are read, and in step S52, the X-axis output area table is referred to based on the X-axis output value. An axis output area is set, and in step S53, the Y axis output area is set by referring to the Y axis output area table based on the Y axis output value.

As shown in FIG. 33 (a), the X-axis output area table stores three of X1 to X3 based on the X-axis output value.
The divided X-axis output area is set, and the Y-axis output area table includes Y1-Y5 divided Y-axis output areas based on the Y-axis output values, as shown in FIG. Is set. When the joystick 19 is at the neutral position, the X-axis output area is X2, and the Y-axis output area is Y3.

Then, when the flow advances to step S54, the X
Based on the axis output area and the Y-axis output area, an area selected by the joystick 19 is detected with reference to a selection area search map shown in FIG.

After the display color of the selected operation item or auxiliary operation item is emphasized in step S3, it is determined in step S4 whether or not the decision switches 20a and 20b have been turned ON. Proceeding to step S5, a process for executing the selected item is performed, and the routine is exited. When the decision switches 20a, 20b are in the OFF state, the routine is exited and the operator's joystick 19 or the decision switch 20a, 20b is turned off. Wait for input.

By the way, as shown in FIG. 35, the output value of each of the variable resistors 71a and 71b is set to a limiter between an output upper limit value LMH and an output lower limit value LML, so that the input value is actually input. Each of the above variable resistors 71a, 71b
Can detect an abnormal value due to a disconnection of a signal line or the like, a short circuit, or the like, and notify the operator of the occurrence of the abnormality by alarm display, voice, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 36, the characteristics of the output values of the respective variable resistors 71a and 71b are set so as to greatly change when the joystick 19 is at the neutral position, so that the joystick 19 can be operated. Even if the resilience of the compression spring 11g that returns to the neutral position decreases over time, the neutral position can be easily detected because the fluctuation range of the output values of the variable resistors 71a and 71b is set wide. Becomes possible.

The control device 13 can easily increase the number of selectable items by subdividing the output areas of the two variable resistors 71a and 71b.
Further, a rotary engine coder may be employed instead of the variable resistor, and the tilt angle of the joystick 19 may be digitally detected.

FIGS. 37 to 39 show a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Joystick device 76 shown in this embodiment
Puts on a pedestal 76b a normal joystick 76a for selecting a main operation item that tilts in eight directions.
Is made freely movable in the horizontal direction.

That is, as shown in FIG. 38, support rods 76c are protruded from both sides of the pedestal 76b, and are supported by a case 76d via a neutral spring 76e so that the neutral state is maintained. I have. On the bottom surface of the pedestal 76b, two contacts 76f and 76g are fixed along the moving direction of the pedestal 76b.
The electrodes 76h and 76i corresponding to g are buried in the bottom of the case 76d.

The nine main operation items 14a including the central operation item displayed on the monitor 14 are obtained by selectively tilting the joystick knob 76j provided on the joystick 76a for selecting the main operation item to eight directions. select. On the other hand, when selecting the auxiliary operation item 14b displayed on the outside, the joystick knob 76j is tilted and the pedestal 76b is slid to one side. Then, one of the electrodes 76h and 76i is turned on, and it is determined which of the left and right auxiliary operation items 14b has been selected.

According to the present embodiment, the main operation item 14a
Is selected by the joystick knob 76j.
Since the auxiliary operation item 14b is selected by sliding the pedestal 76b and tilting the joystick knob 76j, there is no need to mechanically create a sense of moderation, and erroneous operation can be prevented.

By the way, using a click mechanism as shown in FIG. 39, a click groove 76k is formed at a position corresponding to the neutral position of the case 76d and at a timing corresponding to the partition 14d displayed on the monitor 14, respectively. On the other hand, by storing the click ball 76n on the bottom surface of the pedestal 76b via the compression spring 76m, the neutral position can be always maintained even if the balance of the neutral spring 76e is slightly changed. When the slide 76b is slid, the click ball 76n is engaged with the click groove 76k in the middle of the slide, so that a sense of moderation can be more positively imparted.

That is, as shown in FIG. 38, support rods 76c are protruded from both sides of the pedestal 76b, and are supported by a case 76d via a neutral spring 76e so that the neutral state is maintained. I have. On the bottom surface of the pedestal 76b, two contacts 76f and 76g are fixed along the moving direction of the pedestal 76b.
The electrodes 76h and 76i corresponding to g are buried in the bottom of the case 76d.

FIGS. 40 and 41 show a sixth embodiment of the present invention. In the above-described fifth embodiment, the pedestal is slid to select the auxiliary operation item 14b. However, in the joystick device 81 shown in the present embodiment, the pedestal 81a on which the joystick 76a for selecting a main operation item is placed. A support portion 81b is formed at the center of the bottom of the case, and a halfway of the support portion 81b is swingably supported on a case 81c via a pin, and a curved arm 81d extends in the swing direction, and the direction of the curved arm 81d is adjusted. Auxiliary operation item selection micro switches SW5 and SW6 are provided opposite to each other in the direction. Further, a neutral spring 81f is engaged with the support portion 81b,
The pedestal 81a is supported so as to always maintain the neutral state.

In this embodiment, the outer auxiliary operation item 1
When selecting the cursor 4b, the pedestal 81a is swung while the joystick knob 76j of the joystick 76a for selecting a main operation item is tilted, and one of the micro switches SW5 and SW6 is turned on, whereby the cursor is moved. The user moves to the auxiliary operation item 14b beyond the partition 14d displayed on the monitor 14, and at the same time, tilts the joystick knob 76j to obtain the desired auxiliary operation item 14.
Select b.

FIGS. 42 and 43 show a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The joystick device 91 shown in this embodiment performs the same operation as the above-described sixth embodiment on the top surface of an auxiliary operation item selection lever 91b whose base is tiltably supported by a case 91a via a pin. The main operation item selection joystick 76a is mounted.

Auxiliary operation item selection micro-switches SW5 and SW6 are fixed in the tilt direction of the base of the auxiliary operation item selection lever 91b of the case 91a. Are provided with switch pressing portions 91c and 91d for pressing the micro switches SW5 and SW6. Further, a neutral spring 91e for holding the auxiliary operation item selection lever 91b in a neutral state is interposed at the base end of the auxiliary operation item selection lever 91b.

In this embodiment, the outer auxiliary operation item 1
When selecting 4b, the auxiliary operation item selection lever 91 is used.
When one of the micro switches SW5 and SW6 is turned on by the switch pressing portions 91c and 91d by inclining b, the cursor displayed on the monitor 14 is moved to the partition 1
After moving to the auxiliary operation item 14b beyond 4d, at the same time, the desired auxiliary operation item 14b is selected by tilting the joystick knob 76j provided on the joystick 76a for selecting the main operation item.

FIG. 44 shows an eighth embodiment of the present invention. Gate 101b corresponding to auxiliary operation item 14b displayed on monitor 14 is formed on case 101a of joystick device 101 according to the present embodiment. When selecting the main operation item 14a displayed on the monitor 14, the main operation item selection joystick 76a provided on the top surface of the auxiliary operation item selection lever 101c protruding from the case 101a is operated. Choose by On the other hand, when selecting the auxiliary operation item 14b, the auxiliary operation item selection lever 101c is tilted to engage with the desired gate 101b. Then
One of the microswitches (not shown) provided corresponding to each gate 101b is turned on to activate the auxiliary operation item 14.
b is specified.

FIG. 45 shows a ninth embodiment of the present invention. In the joystick device 111 according to the present embodiment, the main operation item 14a and the auxiliary operation item 14b are selected by tilting operation of the joystick 19, and an operation item selection window 111b is formed in the center of the case 111a, and both sides thereof are provided. A window 111c for selecting an auxiliary operation item is formed in the window, and both windows 111b and 111c are communicated through a gate 111d.

The joystick 19 protruding from the case 111a is moved from the neutral state to the operation item selection window 1 from the neutral state.
By tilting in eight directions within 11b, a desired item can be selected from the main operation items 14a displayed on the monitor 14, and the joystick 19 is moved in the direction of the auxiliary operation item selection window 111c via the gate 111d. By further tilting and moving up and down in the auxiliary operation item selection window 111c, the auxiliary operation item 14b can be selected.

FIGS. 46 to 49 show a tenth embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the joystick 1
9 is operated to electronically generate a sense of moderation given when the cursor is shifted from the main operation item 14a to the auxiliary operation item 14b.

That is, the joystick 19 protruding from the joystick device 121 has a built-in vibrator 122, and this vibrator 122 is connected to the control device 13. Also, as shown in FIG.
The joystick processing means 31 provided in 3 is provided with a vibrator operation determination means 44.

The vibrator operation determining means 44 compares the cursor position determined by the cursor position determining means 42 with partition position data corresponding to the partition 14d previously displayed on the monitor 14, and compares the cursor position data with the cursor position data. When the partition position data matches, the oscillator 122
An operation signal is output to. As a result, this oscillator 1
22 vibrates to give the operator a sense of moderation via the joystick 19.

The specific drive control of the vibrator 122 by the joystick processing means 31 is executed according to a vibrator drive routine shown in FIG.

First, in step S61, the cursor position A on the monitor 14 is read based on an output signal of a microswitch, a variable resistor, a sensor, or the like built in the joystick device 121 for detecting the tilt direction of the joystick 19. In step S62, the cursor position A is compared with the preset partition position data B. If the cursor position A matches the partition position data B (A = B), the process proceeds to step S63, If it is at the position, the process exits the routine.

In step S63, an operation signal is output to the vibrator 122, and the routine exits.

According to the present embodiment, even when the operation stroke of the joystick 19 is small, a sense of moderation can be easily given. Also, the strength of the vibration can be set freely according to the preference of the operator. Further, it is possible to variably set the position where vibration is generated by changing the partition position data. As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 49, the display position of the partition 14d is appropriately switched, and the vibrator 122 is operated in accordance with the partition 14d, whereby the cursor is moved from only the direction indicated by the arrow to the item A. It is possible to restrict the operation of the joystick 19 so that the operation can be performed.

The moderation feeling is not limited to the vibration caused by the vibrator 122. The moderation feeling is given to the operator by changing the surface temperature of the joystick 19 using a well-known Peltier cooling device or a heater. Is also good.

[0137]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the operator operates the joystick provided on the joystick device to shift from the operation item displayed on the monitor to another operation item, the two operation items are used. The joystick is given a sense of moderation in response to the timing exceeding the partition displayed in between, so that the operator can sense that the selected item has been switched by feeling without successively looking at the monitor. And operability is improved.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the moderation sensation is given by the vibration of the vibrator, so that the intensity of the moderation sensation can be arbitrarily determined according to the preference of the operator. It can be adjusted.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the sense of moderation is provided by a mechanical resistance generated at the time of switching an electrical contact that is conducted when the joystick is tilted. The fact that the selected item has been switched can be transmitted to the operator without using electrical means.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the elastic member is provided when the ball continuously connected to the joystick via the elastic member over the projection provided on the plate. Since the elastic force is applied by the elastic deformation, a sense of moderation can be reliably obtained.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the moderation is given by the reaction force of the elastic member which supports the joystick in a neutral state, so that the structure is simplified. Manufacturing cost can be reduced.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the operation items are formed by a main operation item of three rows and three columns and an auxiliary operation item of three rows and one column, By arranging the item outside the main operation item across the partition, the operator can further tilt the joystick when selecting the auxiliary operation item as compared to when selecting the normal main operation item. In addition, since a sense of moderation is given to the joystick at the timing of overcoming the partition, the operator can easily detect that the auxiliary operation item has been selected by feeling without touching the monitor sequentially. And the operability is further improved.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect of the invention, when the joystick is in a neutral state, the second row and the second column of the main operation items, that is, the center operation item is selected. By setting to, the relationship between the tilt direction of the joystick and each operation item displayed on the monitor is always kept constant, and the operator always selects the same operation item by feeling when tilting the joystick. Can be operated with good operability.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the sixth aspect, the joystick device tilts the joystick in four directions around the joystick and in two opposite directions among the four directions. Is provided, and according to the control device, the selected operation item or auxiliary operation item is specified by a combination of the output signals from the respective electric contacts, so that the operation becomes reliable. Malfunction can be prevented beforehand.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, when the joystick provided on the joystick device is tilted, the output value from the variable resistor connected to the joystick changes. Since one item is selected from the plurality of operation items displayed on the monitor based on the change of the output value, the operation is ensured, and the malfunction can be prevented.

According to the tenth aspect, the ninth aspect is provided.
In the invention described, the output value of the variable resistor connected to the joystick is compared with an output upper limit value and an output lower limit value, and when the output value is equal to or more than the output upper limit value or equal to or less than the output lower limit value, the monitor is connected to the monitor. Since the warning display is output, the driver can easily detect the abnormality of the joystick device by the warning display, and the unnecessary operation is not repeated.

According to the eleventh aspect, according to the ninth aspect,
In the invention described, by setting the characteristic of the output value of the variable resistor to be largely changed when the joystick is in a neutral state, the output value of the variable resistor when returning the joystick to a neutral position is set. The fluctuation range is widened, and the neutral position can be easily detected.

According to the twelfth aspect, the sixth aspect is provided.
In the described invention, the joystick is connected to the pedestal movable in two directions, and the auxiliary operation item is selected by two-step operation of tilting the joystick and moving the pedestal in one direction. The user can clearly distinguish and select the auxiliary operation item and the normal main operation item without making a mistake.

According to the thirteenth aspect, the first aspect
In the invention described in 2, the pedestal is automatically returned to the neutral position when the operator releases the gripping force on the joystick by supporting the pedestal at the neutral position via an elastic member. Is in the neutral position, so operability is good.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the first aspect is provided.
In the invention described in 2 or 13, when the pedestal is at the neutral position, the ball disposed on the bottom surface of the pedestal via an elastic member is engaged with the groove formed in the case for housing the pedestal. The pedestal can be securely held at the neutral position.

According to the fifteenth aspect, the sixth aspect is provided.
In the invention described in the above, a main operation item is selected by tilting only the joystick, and a joystick provided on the joystick device is provided along with an auxiliary operation item selection lever, and the auxiliary operation item is selected by the joystick and the auxiliary operation item selection. By operating and selecting both the operating levers, the normal main operation items and auxiliary operation items can be clearly distinguished and selected, so that the operability is good.

According to the sixteenth aspect, according to the first aspect,
In the invention described in the fifth aspect, since the gate is formed in the moving direction of the auxiliary operation item selection lever, the auxiliary operation item is selected by engaging the auxiliary operation item selection lever with the gate, and the operator Is provided with a sense of moderation, thereby improving operability.

According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the first aspect
In the invention described in the above, the items selected from the respective operation items displayed on the monitor are simultaneously displayed on the display means provided on the meter panel, so that the operator can operate the vehicle without significantly moving his / her eyes while driving. The user can easily visually recognize the selected item.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an in-vehicle centralized control device according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a monitor, a joystick device, and switches are arranged on a center console of the vehicle.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the joystick device taken along the line III-III of FIG. 4;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line IV-IV of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a characteristic diagram showing the joystick operating force due to the resistance of the microswitch.

FIG. 6 is a characteristic diagram showing the operation force of the joystick corresponding to FIG. 5 according to another embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an image of each layer displayed on the monitor.

FIG. 8 is a circuit configuration diagram of the control device.

FIG. 9 is a circuit block diagram of the control device.

FIG. 10 is a circuit block diagram of a joystick processing unit.

FIG. 11 is a circuit block diagram of the image processing means.

FIG. 12 is a circuit block diagram of the device control means.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation input processing routine;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a dimming process routine.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a function restriction processing routine.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an external switch ON operation processing routine.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a navigation display switching routine.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of a first hierarchical image displayed on the monitor.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of a second hierarchical image displayed on the monitor.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of a third hierarchical image displayed on the monitor.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of an image displayed on a monitor in the navigation mode.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory view corresponding to FIG. 21 according to another embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a front view of the meter panel according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a sectional view of the joystick device according to the third embodiment, taken along the line XXIV-XXIV in FIG. 25;

FIG. 25 is a sectional view taken along the line XXV-XXV of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a characteristic diagram showing the joystick operating force by the resistance of the microswitch.

FIG. 27 is a plan view of a joystick device according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a sectional view taken along the line XXVIII-XXVIII in FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional plan view of the joystick device.

FIG. 30 is an overall circuit diagram of the in-vehicle centralized control device.

FIG. 31 is a circuit configuration diagram of the control device.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing an operation input processing routine;

FIG. 33 is a conceptual diagram showing an X-axis output area table and a Y-axis output area table.

FIG. 34 is a conceptual diagram showing a selection area search map.

FIG. 35 is a characteristic diagram when an upper limit value and a lower limit value of an output value output from the joystick device are set.

FIG. 36 is an output characteristic diagram when the output value output from the joystick device is variably set in a curve.

FIG. 37 is an essential part perspective view of a joystick device according to a fifth embodiment;

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional side view of a main part of the joystick device.

FIG. 39 is an explanatory view of a click mechanism provided in the joystick device.

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a joystick device according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional side view of the joystick device.

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a joystick device according to a seventh embodiment.

FIG. 43 is a sectional side view of the joystick device.

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of a joystick device according to an eighth embodiment.

FIG. 45 is a perspective view of a joystick device according to a ninth embodiment.

FIG. 46 is an overall configuration diagram of an in-vehicle centralized control device according to a tenth embodiment.

FIG. 47 is a circuit block diagram of a joystick processing unit.

FIG. 48 is a flowchart showing a vibrator driving routine.

FIG. 49 is an explanatory view showing another mode of the image displayed on the monitor.

FIG. 50 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a conventional joystick and an image displayed on a monitor.

[Explanation of symbols]

 11, 62, 81, 91 joystick device 11c, 76b pedestal 11h spring (elastic member) 14 monitor 14a main operation item 14b auxiliary operation item 14d partition 15, 16, 17 vehicle-mounted device 19 joystick 20a , 20b ... decision switch 61a ... display means 69 ... elastic members (compression springs) 71a, 71b ... variable resistors 76a ... joysticks for selecting main operation items 76e, 81f, 91e ... elastic members (neutral springs) 76m ... elastic members (compression) Spring) 91b, 101c Lever for selecting auxiliary operation item 101b, 111c Gate 122 Vibrator LMH Upper output limit LML Lower output limit SW1 to SW6 Electric contacts (micro switches)

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. A joystick device, a monitor and an in-vehicle device are connected via a control device, a plurality of operation items representing operation contents of the in-vehicle device are displayed on the monitor, and a plurality of the operation items are displayed by the joystick device. In the in-vehicle centralized control device for selecting one operation item from the items, a partition is displayed between the operation items, and when operating the joystick provided on the joystick device from the operation item to another operation item, A centralized control device for a vehicle, wherein a moderation feeling is given to the joystick in response to a timing exceeding the partition. 2. The centralized control device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the sense of moderation is provided by vibration of a vibrator built in the joystick device. 3. The joystick device according to claim 1, wherein the sense of moderation is provided by switching an electrical contact which is conducted by tilting the joystick incorporated in the joystick device and detects a tilt position of the joystick. Central control device for vehicle. 4. A ball in which the sense of moderation is interlocked with the tilting of the joystick and engages with a plate having a projection attached to a case for housing the joystick in a state of being urged via an elastic member. 2. The centralized control device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the control is provided by a change in elastic force generated when the vehicle gets over the protrusion. 5. The centralized control device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the sense of moderation is provided by an elastic member that supports the joystick in a neutral state. 6. The operation item is formed of a main operation item of three rows and three columns and an auxiliary operation item of three rows and one column, and the auxiliary operation item is placed on the main operation item with the partition therebetween. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is disposed outside.
In-vehicle centralized control device as described. 7. The centralized control device for a vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the control device selects an operation item in the second row and the second column of the main operation item when the joystick is in a neutral state. . 8. The joystick device is provided with electrical contacts that are electrically connected to the joystick by tilting the joystick in four directions around the joystick and outside two opposite directions of the four directions, respectively. 7. The in-vehicle centralized control device according to claim 6, wherein a main operation item or an auxiliary operation item selected by a combination thereof is specified based on output signals from the electric contacts. 9. The joystick device is provided with a variable resistor connected to the joystick, and the control device specifies an operation item or an auxiliary operation item selected from a change in an output value of the variable resistor. 2. The centralized control device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: 10. The control device compares an output value of the variable resistor with an output upper limit value and an output lower limit value, and when the output value is equal to or higher than the output upper limit value or lower than the output lower limit value, a warning is issued to the monitor. The centralized control device for in-vehicle use according to claim 9, wherein display is performed. 11. The centralized control device for a vehicle according to claim 9, wherein a characteristic of an output value of said variable resistor is set to change greatly in a neutral state of said joystick. 12. The joystick device, wherein the joystick is connected to a pedestal which can be moved in two directions. The controller detects the movement of the pedestal in one of two directions by the joystick and determines the auxiliary operation item. 7. The centralized control device for a vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the centralized control device is specified. 13. The on-vehicle centralized control device according to claim 12, wherein said pedestal is supported in a neutral state via an elastic member. 14. A ball is disposed on a bottom surface of the pedestal via an elastic member, and the ball is disposed at a position opposed to the bottom surface of the pedestal of a case for accommodating the pedestal and the joystick maintains a neutral state. 14. The in-vehicle centralized control device according to claim 12, wherein a matching groove is provided. 15. The centralized control device for a vehicle according to claim 6, wherein said joystick device is provided with a joystick for selecting a main operation item, and said joystick for selecting a main operation item is provided along with a lever for selecting an auxiliary operation item. . 16. The centralized control device for a vehicle according to claim 15, wherein a gate for engaging the auxiliary operation item selection lever is formed in a moving direction of the auxiliary operation item selection lever. 17. An on-vehicle centralized control device according to claim 1, wherein display means for displaying an item selected from the operation items displayed on said monitor is provided on the meter panel.