KR100836225B1 - Automobile steering wheel remote controller using active buttons - Google Patents

Abstract

An automobile steering wheel remote controller using active indicating buttons is provided to function variously with a few buttons by indicating icons about various functions actively on the buttons. An automobile steering wheel remote controller(310) using active indicating buttons comprises a mode converting button part(311), a plurality of indicating button parts(312) and a control unit. The mode converting button part converts modes about function of various electronic devices equipped in an automobile in predetermined sequence. The indicating button parts indicate icons about a plurality of lower functions corresponding to the function mode actively according to the converted function mode, and select the lower functions corresponding to the indicated icons. The control unit controls to indicate the lower functions corresponding to the function mode according to input of the mode converting button part to the indicating button parts with the icons, and outputs a control signal for performing lower functions corresponding to the icons according to input of the indicating button parts to an electronic device.

Description

Automotive Steering Wheel Remote Controller Using Active Buttons

1 is a block diagram showing a vehicle steering wheel remote control according to the prior art.

2 is a diagram of a steering wheel of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle steering wheel remote controller using the dynamic display button according to the present invention.

3 is a plan view showing the configuration of a vehicle steering wheel remote control device to which the dynamic display button according to the present invention is applied.

4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of each display button unit and the control unit in a vehicle steering wheel remote control device to which the dynamic display button according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 5 is an overall flowchart illustrating an operating method of a vehicle steering wheel remote controller using a dynamic display device according to an exemplary embodiment.

* Description of the symbols for the main parts of the drawings *

311: mode switching button unit 312: multiple display button unit

320: control unit 330: database

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a steering wheel remote controller of a vehicle to which a dynamic display button is applied. In particular, a display device is mounted on a button mounted on a steering wheel remote control of a vehicle to display various functions and to input the button input. The present invention relates to a car steering wheel remote control using a dynamic display button to solve the limitation of the number of physical buttons by executing each function.

In general, the steering wheel of a car is the most used part when the driver drives. In recent years, the steering wheel of such a vehicle may be equipped with an integrated remote controller or multiple switches for easy operation. In recent years, the steering wheel of a high-end imported car is equipped with a heating wire to assist in driving in winter. There is a plan to use.

Therefore, when purchasing a vehicle, consumers' interest in not only the exterior of the vehicle but also the interior and convenience of the vehicle increases, and the electronic devices equipped with the steering wheel of the vehicle using the steering wheel of the vehicle in the stage of generalization and qualitative luxury There is a growing interest in consumers for techniques that allow for simple manipulation and control. In addition, there is a need for a technology that can be easily manipulated and controlled by using a steering wheel of a vehicle for additionally mounted electronic devices.

However, in the conventional car steering wheel remote control device, the number of physical buttons that can be implemented is limited, and since only one function is assigned to one button, there is a limit in performing the functions of the electronic device. For example, when operating the audio mode using the steering wheel remote control device, only a few functions such as volume up, down, rewind, fast forward, and rewind are assigned to the buttons, and the driver has no choice but to operate them by hand.

Korean Utility Model Publication No. 1998-64667 (published on November 25, 1998) separates the first and second remote control boards consisting of switches for accommodating air conditioning devices and the second remote control board consisting of audio operation switches to the left and right sides of the steering wheel. Accordingly, a steering wheel remote control device for a vehicle in which a driver can easily operate an audio and air conditioning device while securing a forward view has been proposed. Such a remote control device is shown in FIG. 1.

1 is a block diagram showing a conventional vehicle steering wheel remote control device.

Referring to FIG. 1, in the related art, a first remote control board 2 composed of a switch accommodating a Full Auto Temperature Control (FATC) device and a second remote control board 3 composed of an audio device switch are connected to a steering wheel 1. It is mounted separately to left / right side of).

Specifically, the first remote control board 2 attached to the left side of the steering wheel 1 to receive the air conditioner switch is connected to the first connector 4 and the second connector 5 so that the air conditioner (FATC) (2) and a second remote control board (3) attached to the right side of the steering wheel (1) and accommodating an audio device switch are the first connector (4) and the second connector (5). Is connected to the audio device (8). As a result, the first remote control board 2 part on the left side can control only the air conditioning unit FATC part and the audio device only on the second remote control board part 3 on the right side.

In this conventional technology, since there is a limitation of the number of physical buttons that can be mounted on the car steering wheel remote controller, there are limitations in implementing various functions with the remote controller. This is a great inconvenience to add a function for the control of the various internal and external devices and optional devices.

In addition, many functions provided in the vehicle cannot be assigned to the remote controller, which is a problem for drivers to find a separate switch for operating the functions, especially since the driver does not know the exact position of the switch. When operating various electronic devices (hands free, audio, navigation, peripherals, wipers, etc.) in driving or in an urgent situation, there was also a problem that is impaired in safe driving.

Therefore, in the related art, the steering wheel remote control which overcomes the limitation of the number of physical buttons that can be mounted on the car steering wheel remote control and assigns various functions to a small number of buttons can execute the functions with a simple remote control operation. Development of technology has been required.

The present invention has been proposed to solve the above problems, by mounting a display device button on the car steering wheel remote control to dynamically display and select icons for the various functions on the button, the button has a conventional remote control The objective is to provide a car steering wheel remote control with a dynamic display button that can overcome various limitations and execute various functions with fewer buttons.

Steering wheel remote control device according to the present invention for achieving the above object,

A mode switch button unit for switching modes of functions of various electronic devices provided in a vehicle according to a preset order; When the function mode is switched according to the input of the mode switch button unit, icons for a plurality of sub-functions corresponding to the function mode are dynamically displayed according to the switched function mode, and the sub-functions corresponding to the displayed icon are displayed. A plurality of display button units for selecting; And controlling a plurality of sub-functions corresponding to the corresponding function mode to be displayed as icons on the plurality of display button parts according to the input of the mode switching button part, and controlling the sub-functions corresponding to the corresponding icons according to the input of the display button part. And a control unit for outputting a control signal for execution to a corresponding electronic device.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the function mode of the electronic device may include a handsfree mode, an audio mode, an air conditioner mode, a wiper operation mode, a headlight mode, a DMB mode, a navigation mode, a game mode, and a function registered in advance by a user. It may include at least one selected mode.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is preferable that icons of different sub-functions are displayed on the same display button unit as the function modes of the various electronic devices are sequentially switched.

In one embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the display button unit visually displays icons for lower functions corresponding to the currently switched function modes.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the display button unit may include one display device selected from a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), or an electrophoretic display device.

In one embodiment of the present invention, each display button unit, a display array unit for implementing an image; A backlight array unit serving as a backlight for light emission of the image implemented by the display array unit; A push button array unit disposed below the backlight array unit and including a push button unit protruding toward the backlight array unit to transfer push information of the display array unit to the controller; And a connection unit for electrically connecting the display array unit, the backlight array unit, the push button array unit, and the controller.

The display button unit may further include a buffer unit for buffering the contact between the backlight array unit and the push button unit.

In one embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the display button portion is 2 to 8.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the icon is preferably displayed at least one selected from letters, numbers, symbols and pictures.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller extracts icons for sub-functions corresponding to the switched function mode from a database in which the sub-functions are stored in advance, and displays the icons of the extracted sub-functions in the plurality of sub-functions. It is preferable to control to display on the display button portion.

Hereinafter, a detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known function or configuration may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

2 is a diagram of a steering wheel of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle steering wheel remote controller using the dynamic display button according to the present invention.

2, the vehicle steering wheel remote control device 310 to which the dynamic display button of the present invention is applied is attached to the vehicle steering wheel 210. The vehicle steering wheel remote control device 310 includes a mode switching button part 311 and a plurality of display button parts 312, and preferably, the mode switching button part 311 and the plurality of display button parts 312. Is implemented to allow the user to conveniently adjust the left, right thumb on the car steering wheel 210.

The mode switching button unit 311 is pre-registered by the function mode (hands-free mode, audio mode, air conditioner mode, wiper operation mode, headlight mode, DMB mode, navigation mode, game mode and user of various electronic devices of the vehicle). To switch modes for functions, etc.). As the mode switching button unit 311 is pressed once, the function modes of the various electronic devices are sequentially switched in a preset order.

The plurality of display button portions 312 each include one selected from a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), an electrophoretic display device, and other display devices. When a specific function mode is switched according to the input of the mode switching button unit 311, the liquid crystal display icon for a plurality of sub-functions corresponding to the function mode according to the switched function mode. The display is dynamically displayed on the device, and the user can select and input the sub-functions corresponding to the displayed icon. In another embodiment of the present invention, the input unit of the plurality of display button units 312 may be implemented by a touch pad method.

3 is a plan view showing the configuration of a vehicle steering wheel remote control device to which the dynamic display button according to the present invention is applied.

Referring to FIG. 3, the vehicle steering wheel remote control apparatus to which the dynamic display button of the present invention is applied includes a mode switching button unit 311, a plurality of display button units 312, a controller 320, and a database 330. .

The mode switching button unit 311 is a button for switching a mode for a function of various electronic devices provided in a vehicle according to a preset order. To this end, when the driver presses the mode switch button 311, the function modes of the various electronic devices are sequentially switched in a preset order. The input signal of the mode switch button 311 is transmitted to the controller 320. Preferably, the functional mode of the electronic device is a hands-free mode 341 for a call while driving, an audio mode 342 for listening to music of a CD while driving, an air conditioner mode 343 for temperature control of the vehicle, and the like. And a mode (Func) 344 for the pre-registered function. The drawings show four modes by way of example, but in addition to the functional mode of such an electronic device, various functions such as a wiper operation mode, a headlight mode, a DMB mode navigation mode, and a game mode can be registered. In a state in which a mode is registered in advance, the corresponding mode may be selected.

The plurality of display button units 312 is configured with a predetermined display device so that an icon representing a specific function is displayed on the display device. When the input signal is transmitted to the control unit 320 according to the input of the mode switching button 311, the control unit 320 transmits to the lower functions corresponding to the switched function mode in the pre-stored database 330. An icon is extracted and displayed on each display button unit 312. That is, when the mode switch button 311 is sequentially switched to the function mode according to the input of the mode switch button 311, the icons for the plurality of sub-functions corresponding to the function mode is displayed on the display button unit 312 ) Is displayed dynamically. Further, each display button unit 312 also functions as an input button. That is, the driver inputs an icon displayed on each display button unit 312 to select a corresponding lower function. Herein, the input method of the plurality of display button parts 312 may be implemented by a touch pad method.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as function modes of the various electronic devices are sequentially switched, icons for different sub-functions are displayed on the same display button unit 312. For example, an icon indicating an air conditioner air volume control function is displayed on a specific display button unit 312, and an audio volume is displayed on the same display button unit 312 when the unit is switched to an audio mode. An icon indicating the adjustment function is displayed. In this way, different sub-functions are displayed on the same display button unit 312 according to each function mode, so that many and various functions can be displayed on a small number of buttons. The display button unit 312 is preferably about 2 to 8, but is not limited thereto and may be implemented in various numbers.

Herein, the display button unit 312 preferably visually displays icons for lower functions corresponding to the currently switched function modes. To this end, preferably, the display button unit 312 includes a display device selected from a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), an electrophoretic display device, and other display devices. It is desirable to. The icon is preferably displayed by at least one selected from letters, numbers, symbols and pictures.

The control unit 320 controls a plurality of sub-functions corresponding to the corresponding function mode to be displayed as an icon on the plurality of display button units 312 according to the input of the mode switching button unit 311, and each of the display buttons. In response to the input of the unit 312, a control signal for executing lower functions corresponding to the corresponding icon is output to the corresponding electronic device so that the corresponding functions are executed. To this end, the controller 320 extracts icons for the lower functions corresponding to the switched function mode from the database 330 in which the lower functions are stored in advance, and displays them on the display button unit 312. .

The database 330 previously stores corresponding lower functions and corresponding icons when the user selects a corresponding function mode from the mode switch button 311. In addition, a frequently used sub-function or a preset sub-function may be stored, and when the electronic device is additionally mounted in the future, a sub-function and an icon corresponding thereto may be additionally stored in the database 330.

4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of each display button unit 312 and the control unit 320 in the vehicle steering wheel remote control device to which the dynamic display button according to the present invention is applied.

Each display button unit 312 includes a display array unit 410, a backlight array unit 420, a push button array unit 430, a buffer unit 440, and a connection unit 450.

The display array unit 410 is a part for implementing an image. That is, whenever a specific function mode is selected in the mode switch button part 311 of FIG. 3, an icon for lower functions corresponding to the function mode is displayed in the database 330. In addition, a transparent cover layer may be attached to an upper portion of the display array unit 410 to maintain protection and sharpness of the screen.

The backlight array unit 420 serves as a backlight for light emission of the image implemented by the display array unit 410. When the display array unit 410 is a liquid crystal display (LCD), unlike the CRT (Cathod Ray Tube), the backlight array unit 420 is the display array unit because a backlight is not required because it does not have self-luminous property. It serves as a light emitter of the images appearing at 410. In addition, since the electrophoretic display device is also a light-receiving display device, a back light is required like an LCD. However, in the case of OLED, since it is a light emitting display device, it does not need a back light like LCD or an electrophoretic display device, but it is also possible to have a back light part to realize a brighter screen in a dark environment.

The push button array unit 430 includes a push button unit 431 protruding in a direction in contact with the backlight array portion and serving as a information transfer for the selected lower function in the display array unit 410. And is located below the backlight array unit 420.

The push button unit 431 allows the corresponding sub-functions to be displayed on the display array unit 410 when a function mode is selected in the mode switch button unit 311 of FIG. 3, and the user displays the display array unit 410. After passing through the backlight array unit 420, the selected lower function serves to transfer to the control unit 320.

The buffer unit 440 serves as a buffer when contacting the backlight array unit 420 and the push button unit 431. That is, the backlight array unit 420 and the push button unit 431 are separated in a normal state, and the backlight array unit 420 and the push button unit 431 are in contact with each other when a control signal is transmitted. In addition, it provides a function to prevent breakage or deformation by applying shocks such as falling by placing a buffer section.

 The connection unit 450 electrically connects the display array unit 410, the backlight array unit 420, and the push button array unit 430 to the control unit 320. The connection unit 1 451 electrically connects the display array unit 410 and the backlight unit 420 to the control unit 320, and the connection unit 2 452 electrically connects the display array unit 411 and the control unit 320. Connect with In detail, when each function mode is selected in the mode switch button unit 311 of FIG. 3, a control signal is transmitted to the control unit 320, and in the control unit 320, each function in the database 330. When the lower function corresponding to the mode is extracted and transferred to the controller 320, the controller 320 applies a signal to the display array unit 410 and the backlight unit 420 through the connection unit 1 451. Allow sub-functions to appear. When the lower function is displayed, the user presses the corresponding lower function, and the pressed pressure passes through the display array unit 410, the backlight array unit 420, the buffer unit 440, and the push button unit 430, and then the connection unit 2 ( It is transmitted to the control unit 320 through 452.

The control unit 320 has a main controller 461 and the main controller 461 and the connection unit 452 to interface the signal of the button on the push button unit 312 and the display module of the display array unit 410. Included in the main control PCB (Printed Circuit Board) (462).

The main controller 461 sends a signal to the database 330 to extract a lower function corresponding to the function mode selected by the mode switch button 311 of FIG. Extracted from the base 330 and displayed on the display button unit 312, and transmits the signal selected by the display button unit 312 to the electronic device.

The main control PCB 462 is connected to the display array unit 410, the backlight array unit 420 and the control unit 320, the connection part 1 (451) and the push button array unit 430 and the control unit 320 ) Includes a connecting portion 2 (452) for electrically connecting the main controller 461. In addition, it can be configured as Rigid PCB or FPCB (Flexible Printed Circuit Board), and the connection between each module is easy to be separated and combined by using FPC and using FPC connector to main control body.

5 is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of a vehicle steering wheel remote control device to which a dynamic display device is applied according to an exemplary embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the mode switching button 311 is input to the mode switching button 311 in which the switching of the function modes of various electronic devices of the vehicle is set (S501). That is, by pressing the mode switch button 311 once, the preset function mode is sequentially switched, and the user presses the mode switch button 311 to switch to the desired function mode. The function mode of the electronic device includes, for example, a hands free function 341, an audio function 342, an air conditioner function 343, and a mode 344 for a preset function. When one of the function modes is selected, an input signal indicating that the function mode is selected is transmitted to the controller 320. When the input signal is transmitted to the control unit 320, the control unit 320 extracts an icon for a lower function corresponding to the function mode of the switched electronic device from the database 330 to display a liquid crystal display (LCD). The display, the organic light emitting diodes (OLED), the electrophoretic display device (Electrophoretic Display Device), and other display devices, among the display device selected from the plurality of display buttons 312 implemented in each of the display devices (312) (S502). For example, when switching to the audio function mode 342, each display button unit 312 has an upper search function, a lower search function, a favorite music search function, a play / stop function, a volume up function, a volume down function, and the like. The icon is displayed. When the icons for the lower functions corresponding to the respective functions are displayed on the display button unit 312 as described above, the specific input button 312 is inputted to select the execution of the corresponding lower function (S503). The control unit 340 transmits an output signal to the corresponding electronic device control module 340 for executing the selected sub function (S504). When the output signal is transmitted from the electronic device control module 340 to hands-free, audio, air conditioner, a mode for a preset function, the lower functions of the respective devices operate. As a result, a series of processes for controlling the vehicle steering wheel remote controller by the dynamic display device is completed through the above steps.

The detailed description of the invention in the drawings is merely exemplary of the invention, which is used only for the purpose of illustrating the invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as defined in the meaning or claims. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true technical protection scope of the present invention will be defined by the technical spirit of the appended claims.

As described above, according to the present invention, a driver can operate a plurality of systems with a single remote controller by using a steering wheel remote controller in a vehicle, and utilize the steering wheel button to register his or her own registered functions. It provides an effect that can be easily manipulated. This can solve the limitation of the function operation according to the limitation of the number of buttons of the conventional steering wheel remote control.

Claims (10)

A mode switch button unit for switching modes of functions of various electronic devices provided in a vehicle according to a preset order; When a function mode is switched according to the input of the mode switching button unit, icons for a plurality of sub-functions corresponding to the function mode are dynamically displayed according to the switched function mode, and the sub-functions corresponding to the displayed icon are dynamically displayed. A plurality of display button units for selecting; And Control a plurality of sub-functions corresponding to the function mode according to the input of the mode switching button part to be displayed as icons on the plurality of display button parts, and execute sub-functions corresponding to the corresponding icons according to the input of the display button part. A control unit for outputting a control signal for the electronic device; Including;        Each of the display button units may further include displaying icons for different sub-functions on the same display button unit as the function modes of the various electronic devices are sequentially switched. Steering wheel remote control. The method of claim 1, wherein the function mode of the electronic device is Dynamic mode, characterized in that it comprises at least one mode selected from the hands-free mode, audio mode, air conditioning mode, wiper operation mode, headlight mode, DMB mode, navigation mode, game mode, and the mode for the function registered in advance by the user Car steering wheel remote control device with display button. delete The method of claim 1, wherein the display button unit, An automobile steering wheel remote control device to which a dynamic display button is applied, wherein the icons for the lower functions corresponding to the currently switched function modes are visually displayed. The method of claim 1, wherein the display button unit, An automotive steering wheel remote control device to which a dynamic display button is applied, comprising a display device selected from a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), and an electrophoretic display device. The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the display button units A display array unit for implementing an image; A backlight array unit serving as a backlight for light emission of the image implemented by the display array unit; A push button array unit disposed below the backlight array unit and including a push button unit protruding toward the backlight array unit to transfer push information of the display array unit to the controller; And A connection unit for electrically connecting the display array unit, the backlight array unit, the push button array unit and the control unit; Car steering wheel remote control device to which the dynamic display button is applied. The method of claim 6, wherein each display button unit, And a buffer unit for buffering the contact between the backlight array unit and the push button unit. The method of claim 1, The display button unit is a car steering wheel remote control device to which a dynamic display button is applied, characterized in that 2 to 8 persons. The method of claim 1, wherein the icon, Car steering wheel remote control device to which the dynamic display button is applied, characterized in that displayed at least one selected from letters, numbers, symbols and pictures. delete

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