WO2017090341A1 - Input device - Google Patents

Abstract

An input device is provided with: a plurality of capacitive switch units (120a to 120s) to which different control items are assigned, and which is subjected to a finger operation; and an operation signal output unit (130) for determining an operation state with respect to each of the plurality of switch units and outputting an operation signal. In the input device, out of the different control items, a predetermined control item and a first direction along a predetermined arrangement direction of the plurality of switch units are associated with each other. When it is determined that a first operation state in which two or more switch units that exist in a predetermined area out of the plurality of switch units are touched in order in the first direction is generated consecutively two or more times, the operation signal output unit outputs an operation signal for changing a control target value of the predetermined control item to an upper limit value thereof. When it is determined that a second operation state in which two or more switch units that exist in the predetermined area out of the plurality of switch units are touched in order in a second direction is generated consecutively two or more times, the operation signal output unit outputs an operation signal for changing the control target value to a lower limit value.

Description

Input device Cross-reference of related applications

This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-229920 filed on November 25, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The present disclosure relates to an input device for performing input by an operator's finger operation.

As a conventional input device, for example, the one described in Patent Document 1 is known. An input device disclosed in Patent Literature 1 includes a plurality of capacitance-type switch units, an operation signal output unit that determines an operation state for each of the plurality of switch units, and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation state. It has.

The operation signal output unit includes a first operation state (first-direction sliding operation state) in which the operation state with respect to the plurality of switch units sequentially touches the two switch units in a first direction along the arrangement direction of the plurality of switch units. ), An operation signal for changing the control target value to the upper limit value is output. When the operation signal output unit determines that the operation state is the second operation state (second direction slide operation state) in which the two switch units are sequentially touched in the second direction opposite to the first direction, the control target An operation signal for changing the value to the lower limit value is output.

As a result, when a significant change in the control target value is necessary, the operator can respond to input by performing the first direction slide operation or the second slide operation, and the troublesomeness of the operation can be reduced. ing.

Japanese Patent No. 5744114

However, in the input device disclosed in Patent Document 1, even when an operator touches a plurality of switch units unintentionally (incorrectly), it is determined as if a slide operation has been performed, and the operator Contrary to the intention, the control target value may be changed to the upper limit value or the lower limit value. If the control target value is changed by unintentionally touching the switch unit, the operation intended by the operator will malfunction and an operation to return to the original control target value will be required. End up.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide an input device that reduces the troublesomeness of an operation and reliably reflects an input intended by an operator when a significant change in a control target value is necessary.

In the input device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, different control items are assigned, and a plurality of capacitance-type switch units that are operated by fingers for control input, and an operation state for each of the plurality of switch units And an operation signal output unit that outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation state. In the input device described above, among the different control items, a predetermined control item and a first direction along a predetermined arrangement direction of the plurality of switch units are associated in advance. In addition, the operation signal output unit determines that the first operation state in which the operation state sequentially touches two or more switch units in a predetermined region of the plurality of switch units in the first direction is continuously twice or more. Sometimes, an operation signal for changing a control target value of a predetermined control item to its upper limit value is output, and two operation states are in a predetermined region of the plurality of switch units in a second direction opposite to the first direction. When it is determined that the second operation state in which the above switch units are touched in turn is continuously twice or more, an operation signal for changing the control target value to the lower limit value is output.

According to the above input device, the current value to be controlled can be obtained by a simple operation in which an operation (sliding operation) for sequentially touching a plurality of switch portions in the first direction or the second direction is performed twice or more in succession. It is possible to change from the value of 1 to the upper limit value or the lower limit value all at once. Therefore, even if a large change in the control target value is necessary, it is possible to reduce the troublesomeness of the operation.

In addition, since the slide operation is performed twice or more continuously as an input operation condition, when an operator unintentionally touches (inadvertently) a plurality of switch parts, The determination that the slide operation is performed twice or more is not made, and an input contrary to the operator's intention is prevented. That is, an operation based on the clear intention of the operator to perform the slide operation two or more times is reflected in the input, which does not lead to a malfunction.

Furthermore, by performing a sliding operation on any two or more switch units in a predetermined area among the plurality of switch units, it becomes possible to change the predetermined control item to an upper limit value or a lower limit value. There is no need to look at the switch unit itself to be changed and operate the switch unit. So-called blind operation is possible.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawing
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an input device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the point of the push operation, FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing the point of the push operation in the slide switch portion. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the point of the slide operation in the slide switch portion. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing two consecutive slide operations, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of control performed by the control unit.

Hereinafter, a plurality of modes for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, parts corresponding to the matters described in the preceding embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description may be omitted. When only a part of the configuration is described in each mode, the other modes described above can be applied to the other parts of the configuration. Not only combinations of parts that clearly indicate that the combination is possible in each embodiment, but also a combination of the embodiments even if they are not clearly specified unless there is a problem with the combination. It is also possible.

(First embodiment)
An input device 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The input device 100 is, for example, a device for giving an instruction (control) to the vehicle air conditioner 140 when the operator performs an input operation (control input) on a plurality of switch units. Are installed at a predetermined position, for example, at the center console. The input device 100 includes an operation panel 110, a plurality of switch units 120a to 120s, an operation signal output unit 130, and the like. The air conditioner 140 corresponds to the in-vehicle device of the present disclosure.

The operation panel 110 is a plate member that is the basis of the input device 100. For example, the operation panel 110 is a flat plate member whose outer shape matches the design shape, and is formed of a resin material having translucency. The operation panel 110 is provided, for example, at the center console of the vehicle. A decorative layer is provided on the front side (operator side) of the operation panel 110.

A plurality of switch units 120a to 120s are assigned different control items. Capacitance type switches that are input (finger operated) by an operator (hereinafter referred to as an occupant) for controlling the air conditioner 140. It has become. The switch units 120a to 120s are provided on the operation panel 110, and are arranged in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. Each of the switch portions 120a to 120s includes an electrode portion 121 and a design portion 122.

The electrode part 121 is provided on the back side (counter operator side) of the operation panel 110, and forms a capacitor with the finger when the occupant's finger is operated via the operation panel 110. The electrode unit 121 is configured to output a change in capacitance (capacitance value) caused by a capacitor during a finger operation as an ON detection waveform.

The design portion 122 indicates the switch function of each of the switch portions 120a to 120s. The design portion 122 has characters or characters so as to correspond to the positions of the electrode portions 121 on the front side surface (the surface of the decoration layer) of the operation panel 110. It is formed by figures.

When the occupant touches one of the design portions 122 of each of the switch portions 120a to 120s with a finger (hereinafter referred to as a push operation), the electrode portion 121 corresponding to the design portion 122 operates the on-detection waveform touched with the finger. The signal is output to the signal output unit 130 (operation detection unit 131). Further, when the occupant touches a finger along the surface of the operation panel 110 so as to continuously touch two or more design parts 122 among the switch parts 120a to 120s (hereinafter, slide operation), each design part Each electrode unit 121 corresponding to 122 outputs two or more ON detection waveforms to the operation signal output unit 130 (operation detection unit 131) in the touched order. When the occupant performs the slide operation twice or more within a predetermined time, each electrode unit 121 outputs two or more ON detection waveforms twice or more.

Each function (control item assignment contents) of the plurality of switch sections 120a to 120s will be briefly described below with reference to FIGS.

The switch unit 120a is an input operation unit for changing the set value of the blowout temperature of the conditioned air to a smaller side, and is arranged at the lower right of the operation panel 110. The temperature setting range of the conditioned air is, for example, about 18 ° C. to 32 ° C. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the ON detection waveform by one push operation in the switch unit 120a is a signal for decreasing the set temperature value by a predetermined value (for example, 1 ° C.).

The switch unit 120b is an input operation unit for changing the set value of the blowout temperature of the conditioned air to a larger side, and is disposed on the upper side of the switch unit 120a. Like the switch part 120a of FIG. 2, the ON detection waveform by one push operation in the switch part 120b becomes a signal for increasing the set value of the temperature by a predetermined value (for example, 1 ° C.).

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the ON detection waveform by the upward (120a → 120b) sliding operation in the switch units 120a and 120b is a signal for increasing the temperature set value by a predetermined width. Similarly, the ON detection waveform by the downward (120b → 120a) sliding operation in the switch units 120a and 120b is a signal for reducing the set value of the temperature by a predetermined width.

That is, the switch units 120a and 120b can be input by a push operation alone, and when two are used, they are slide switches that can be input by a slide operation.

The switch unit 120c is an input operation unit for setting the basic control of the air conditioner 140 to automatic control, and is disposed on the upper side of the switch unit 120b. As shown in FIG. 2, the ON detection waveform by the push operation in the switch unit 120 c is a signal for setting auto control, and the ON detection waveform by the next push operation is a signal for canceling the auto control setting. It becomes.

The switch units 120d to 120h are input operation units for changing the set value of the air-conditioning air blowing rate (hereinafter referred to as air volume), and are arranged in the left and right regions in the left area of the switch units 120a and 120b. Has been placed. The switch portions 120d to 120h are formed such that the length in the vertical direction of each switch portion 120d to 120h increases from the left to the right.

The first to fifth airflow values (first airflow value <fifth airflow value) are provided in advance as the airflow setting values associated with the operation of the switch units 120d to 120h. The switch unit 120d corresponds to the first air flow value, the switch unit 120e corresponds to the second air flow value, the switch unit 120f corresponds to the third air flow value, the switch unit 120g corresponds to the fourth air flow value, and the switch unit 120h corresponds to the fifth air flow value. It is attached.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the ON detection waveform by one push operation in each of the switch units 120d to 120h changes the set value of the air volume to any one of the first air volume value to the fifth air volume value. Signal.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, in each of the switch units 120d to 120h, when any two or more switch units are slid from the switch unit 120h side to the switch unit 120d side (leftward), The on detection waveform is a signal for reducing the set value of the air volume by a predetermined width. Conversely, in each of the switch units 120d to 120h, the ON detection waveform when any two or more switch units are slid from the switch unit 120d side to the switch unit 120h side (toward the right) Is a signal for increasing the set value by a predetermined width.

That is, the switch units 120d to 120h can be independently input by a push operation, and when two or more are used, they are slide switches that can be input by a slide operation.

The switch units 120i to 120m correspond to the contribution switch unit of the present disclosure, and are input operation units excluding the assignment of control items. The switch parts 120i to 120m have the electrode part 121 but do not have the design part 122. The switch units 120i to 120m are arranged in the left and right direction in the upper region of the switch units 120d to 120h. The switch portions 120i to 120m are formed such that the lengths of the switch portions 120i to 120m (electrode portions 121) in the vertical direction become shorter from the left side to the right side.

The switch units 120i to 120m are switches provided in addition to the original switch units 120a to 120h and the switch units 120n to 120s for the air conditioner 140. The switch units 120a to 120h, 120n to 120n It is provided in a region where 120s is not disposed, here, a region above each of the switch units 120d to 120h.

When a finger touches any position of the switch units 120i to 120m (corresponding to a push operation), an ON detection waveform (detection value) is generated, but the control on the air conditioner 140 has nothing to do with it. (No push function). Further, the switch units 120i to 120m can output an ON detection waveform by a slide operation in a plurality of switch units including the switch units 120i to 120m (with a slide function).

The switch unit 120n is an input operation unit for stopping the operation of the air conditioner 140, and is arranged on the left side of the switch unit 120d. As shown in FIG. 2, the ON detection waveform by the push operation in the switch unit 120n stops the operation of the air conditioner 140, and the ON detection waveform by the next push operation becomes a signal for unlocking the operation stop.

The switch unit 120o is an input operation unit for operating the refrigeration cycle (compressor) in the air conditioner 140, and is disposed on the upper side of the switch unit 120n. As in the switch unit 120n in FIG. 2, the ON detection waveform by the push operation in the switch unit 120o activates the refrigeration cycle, and the ON detection waveform by the next push operation becomes a signal for stopping the operation of the refrigeration cycle. .

The switch unit 120p is an input operation unit for changing the mode of blowing the conditioned air into the passenger compartment, and is disposed on the upper side of the switch unit 120o. Like the switch unit 120n of FIG. 2, the ON detection waveform by the push operation in the switch unit 120p is for changing the blowing mode in the order of, for example, the face mode, the bi-level mode, the foot mode, etc. every time the push operation is performed. Signal.

The switch unit 120q is an input operation unit for preventing fogging of the rear window of the vehicle, and is arranged on the left side of the switch unit 120n. Like the switch unit 120n in FIG. 2, the ON detection waveform by the push operation in the switch unit 120q activates the fog prevention of the rear window, and the ON detection waveform by the next push operation stops the operation of the fog prevention of the rear window. It becomes a signal to make it.

The switch part 120r is an input operation part for preventing fogging of the front window of the vehicle, and is arranged on the upper side of the switch part 120q. Like the switch unit 120n in FIG. 2, the ON detection waveform by the push operation in the switch unit 120r activates the anti-fogging of the front window, and the ON detection waveform by the next push operation stops the operation of the anti-fogging of the front window. It becomes a signal to make it.

The switch units 120q and 120r are input operation units that accept push operations as described above but do not accept slide operations in cooperation with other switch units.

The switch unit 120s is an input operation unit for changing the air introduction mode to the air conditioner 140, and is arranged on the upper side of the switch unit 120r. As in the switch unit 120n in FIG. 2, the ON detection waveform by the push operation in the switch unit 120s sets the air introduction mode to the inside air introduction mode, and the ON detection waveform by the next push operation unlocks the inside air introduction mode. It becomes a signal for making it set (it sets to outside air introduction mode).

Of the switch units 120a to 120s, the switch units 120a to 120p and 120s excluding the switch units 120q and 120r are input by two or more slide operations in order to two or more switch units as shown in FIG. Is possible. The direction of the slide operation two or more times is set to the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. The switch units 120q and 120r are input operation units that do not accept a slide operation, and are non-contributing switch units that do not contribute to two or more slide operations.

The operation signal output unit 130 determines an operation state (ON detection waveform) for each of the switch units 120a to 120s by the occupant and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation state to the air conditioner 140. The operation signal output unit 130 includes an operation detection unit 131, a control unit 132, and the like.

The operation detection unit 131 is connected to each of the switch units 120a to 120s, and is a part for detecting the operation state (ON detection waveform) of these switch units 120a to 120s. Specifically, when an occupant's finger or the like touches any one of the switch units 120a to 120s, the operation detection unit 131 detects this operation state and controls an electric signal (hereinafter referred to as a detection value) representing the state. The data is output to the unit 132. Here, the operation detection part 131 outputs the detection value by a digital signal.

The control unit 132 is a microcomputer configured to include, for example, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The control unit 132 executes a predetermined operation program (FIG. 6) stored in advance in the ROM, thereby performing the overall operation of the input device 100. It is a part to control. Specifically, the control unit 132 generates an operation signal corresponding to the operation state of each of the switch units 120a to 120s based on the detection value obtained from the operation detection unit 131, and outputs the operation signal to the air conditioner 140. It has become. The control unit 132 may share a CPU or the like provided in the air conditioner 140 itself.

Here, the control unit 132 includes a predetermined control item (function of the predetermined switch unit) in the plurality of switch units 120a to 120s, a first direction along a predetermined arrangement direction in the plurality of switch units 120a to 120s, And the second direction are associated in advance.

Specifically, for example, with respect to the function of the switch units 120a and 120b for changing the setting value of the air-conditioning air blowing temperature as a predetermined control item, the temperature first direction for increasing the temperature setting value , “Direction from bottom to top” is associated in advance. In addition, “direction from top to bottom” is associated in advance as the second temperature direction for decreasing the set temperature value. The temperature second direction is a direction opposite to the temperature first direction. The set value of temperature corresponds to the control target value of the present disclosure.

Further, for example, as a predetermined control item, with respect to the function of the switch units 120d to 120h for changing the setting value of the air-conditioning air volume, the first direction of air volume for increasing the air volume setting value is “from the left "Direction to the right" is associated in advance. Also, “direction to the right or left” is associated in advance as the second direction of air volume for decreasing the set value of the air volume. The air volume second direction is a direction opposite to the air volume first direction. The set value of the air volume corresponds to the control target value of the present disclosure.

Then, the control unit 132 first touches two or more switch units in a predetermined region among the plurality of switch units 120a to 120s in the first temperature direction (or the first air volume direction) when the occupant's operation state is the first operation. When it is determined that the state is continuously twice or more, an operation signal for changing the control target value of a predetermined control item (temperature or air volume) to the upper limit value is output to the air conditioner 140.

Further, the control unit 132 determines whether the occupant's operation state is a predetermined one of the plurality of switch units 120a to 120s in the temperature second direction (or the air volume second direction) opposite to the temperature first direction (or the air volume first direction). When it is determined that the second operation state in which the two or more switch units in the area are touched in sequence is continuously twice or more, an operation signal for changing the control target value to the lower limit value is output to the air conditioner 140 It has become.

Hereinafter, specific control contents performed by the operation signal output unit 130 (the operation detection unit 131 and the control unit 132) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S100, the operation detection unit 131 detects a capacitance value associated with an occupant input operation to each of the switch units 120a to 120s.

Next, in step S110, the operation detection unit 131 proceeds to step S120 when detecting a change in the capacitance value, and returns to step S100 when determined not.

Next, in step S120, the operation detection unit 131 determines whether or not the amount of change in capacitance is greater than a predetermined value. The specified value is a threshold value for determining whether the detected amount of change in capacitance is due to an input operation or equivalent to noise. If the operation detection unit 131 determines that the amount of change in capacitance is greater than the specified value, the operation detection unit 131 proceeds to step S140 as an input operation. However, if the operation detection unit 131 determines that the amount of change in capacitance is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the operation detection unit 131 proceeds to step S130, determines that the obtained amount of change in capacitance is due to noise, and returns to step S100. .

Next, in step S140, the operation detection unit 131 determines whether or not the capacitance value is within a predetermined sensitivity (region larger than the predetermined sensitivity). The predetermined sensitivity is a threshold value for determining whether or not the detected capacitance value corresponds to an ON detection waveform based on an input operation. If the operation detection unit 131 determines that the capacitance value is smaller than the predetermined sensitivity, the operation detection unit 131 proceeds to step S150 and determines that there is no input operation by the occupant.

On the other hand, when the operation detection unit 131 determines in step S140 that the capacitance value is greater than the predetermined sensitivity, in step S160, the operation detection unit 131 determines that there is an input operation by the occupant, and sends the detection value with the input operation to the control unit 132. Output.

Next, in step S170, the control unit 132 determines whether the input operation by the occupant is a push operation or a slide operation from the detected value. The controller 132 determines that the detected value is a single on-detection waveform as a push operation, and determines that the detected value is a plurality of continuous on-detection waveforms as a slide operation.

If it is determined in step S170 that the operation is a push operation, the control unit 132 determines in step S180 whether or not the input input switch has a slide function. In each of the switch units 120a to 120s, the switch units having a slide function are the switch units 120a and 120b and the switch units 120d to 120h as described above.

If it is determined in step S180 that there is no slide function (negative determination), in step S190, the control unit 132 determines whether the input switch operation unit has a push function. As described above, the switch units without the push function are the switch units 120i to 120m from which the control items are not assigned. If it is determined as NO in step S190, the control unit 132 determines that it is not the operation target in step S200, and does not give any instruction to the air conditioner 140 and ends this flow and returns to the start.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S190 that the input switch unit has a push function, in step S210, the control unit 132 does not have a slide function but has a push function (switch units 120q and 120r). It is determined that a push operation has been performed. In step S220, control unit 132 instructs air conditioner 140 to change the control content based on the push-operated switch unit.

If it is determined in step S180 that the slide function is present, in step S230, the control unit 132 determines whether or not the input switch is a slide switch. As described above, the slide switch includes the switch units 120a and 120b and the switch units 120d to 120h. If a negative determination is made in step S230, the process proceeds to steps S210 and S220.

If it is determined in step S230 that the switch is a slide switch, the control unit 132 determines in step S240 that the switch unit that has been input is a slide switch, and that a push operation on the slide switch has been performed. In S250, an instruction to change the predetermined value is given. That is, it instructs the air conditioner 140 to change the set temperature by a predetermined value (1 ° C.) or to change the set air volume by a predetermined value.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the slide operation is performed in step S170, the control unit 132 determines whether or not the slide direction corresponds to the direction assigned in advance in step S260. As described above, the pre-assigned directions are the “down to top direction”, “top to bottom direction” associated with the temperature set value, and the “left to right” associated with the air flow set value. Direction ”, and“ right to left ”.

The operation state “direction from bottom to top” associated with the temperature setting value corresponds to the first operation state of the present disclosure, and the operation state “direction from top to bottom” is the first state of the present disclosure. Corresponds to two operation states. In addition, the operation state “left-to-right direction” associated with the airflow setting value corresponds to the first operation state of the present disclosure, and the operation state “right-to-left direction” is disclosed in the present disclosure. This corresponds to the second operation state.

If it is determined NO in step S260, the control unit 132 determines that an erroneous operation is performed in step S270, does not give any instruction to the air conditioner 140, ends the present flow, and returns to the start.

However, if an affirmative determination is made in step S260, the control unit 132 determines in step S280 whether or not the slide operation has been performed twice or more within a predetermined time.

If it is determined NO in step S280, the control unit 132 determines in step S290 whether or not the input switch unit has a slide function. If NO is determined in step S290, the process proceeds to step S270.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S290, the control unit 132 determines in step S300 that a slide operation (single slide) has been performed on the switch unit having a slide function, and in step S310, a change instruction for a predetermined value width is given. do. That is, it instructs the air conditioner 140 to change the temperature setting value or the air volume setting value by a predetermined width.

If the determination in step S280 is affirmative, that is, if it is determined that the slide operation has been performed twice or more within the predetermined time, the control unit 132 greatly increases the set value (temperature set value or air volume set value) in step S320. It is determined that the operation is a slide operation for changing.

In step S330, the control unit 132 outputs an instruction for changing the temperature set value or the air volume set value to the upper limit value or the lower limit value to the air conditioner.

Specifically, if the direction of the slide more than once is “the direction from the bottom to the top”, the control unit 132 outputs an instruction for changing the temperature set value to the upper limit value. When the direction of the slide twice or more is “the direction from the top to the bottom”, the control unit 132 outputs an instruction for changing the temperature set value to the lower limit value. Further, when the direction of the slide twice or more is “the direction from the left to the right”, the control unit 132 outputs an instruction for changing the air volume setting value to the upper limit value. When the direction of the slide twice or more is “the direction from right to left”, the control unit 132 outputs an instruction for changing the air volume setting value to the lower limit value.

The switch unit to be operated in step S170 is a switch unit in a predetermined area excluding the switch units 120q and 120r, and any switch unit of these target switch units is twice in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction. By performing the above sliding operation, the process of step S330 is executed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, among the plurality of switch units 120a to 120s, the switch units other than the switch units 120q and 120r are associated with predetermined control items (temperature set value or air volume set value). The control target value is changed from the current value to the upper limit value or the lower limit value all at once by a simple operation in which the operation (sliding operation) that sequentially touches the first direction or the second direction is performed twice or more. Can do. Therefore, even if a large change in the control target value is necessary, it is possible to reduce the troublesomeness of the operation.

Also, as an input operation condition, the slide operation is performed twice or more consecutively, so that an occupant (operator) touches multiple switch parts unintentionally (incorrectly). Etc., it is not determined that there are two or more slide operations, and an input contrary to the operator's intention is prevented. That is, an operation based on the clear intention of the operator to perform the slide operation two or more times is reflected in the input, which does not lead to a malfunction.

Further, by performing a sliding operation on any two or more switch units in a predetermined region among the plurality of switch units, an upper limit value for a predetermined control item (temperature set value or air flow set value), or Since it is possible to change to the lower limit value, it is not necessary to look at the switch unit itself to be changed and operate the switch unit. So-called blind operation is possible.

In addition, in the area where the plurality of switch units are not arranged, the assignment of control items is excluded, and the contribution switch units (120i to 120m) that contribute to the formation of the first operation state and the second operation state are provided.

Thus, by providing the contribution switch part in the area where the plurality of switch parts are not arranged, the area where the slide operation can be performed twice or more can be expanded. It should be noted that even if a normal finger operation (touch operation) is performed on the contribution switch unit, since the assignment of control items is excluded, there is nothing related to the input operation, which may cause confusion in the operation. Absent.

Moreover, the non-contributing switch part (120q, 120r) which does not contribute to formation of a 1st operation state and a 2nd operation state is provided among several switch parts.

As a result, among the plurality of switch units, for example, a switch unit having an important control item is a non-contributing switch unit that does not contribute to the slide operation twice or more, so that only when the original control item is input. It can be sorted as a non-functional switch part. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate a concern that an erroneous operation is caused for an important control item.

For example, in the present embodiment, the non-contributing switch portions are the switch portions 120q and 120r for preventing fogging of the rear or front window, and these switch portions 120q are regarded as important switch portions for safe driving. 120r are non-contributing switch portions.

Further, as the plurality of switch parts 120a to 120h and 120n to 120s, it is suitable as an electrostatic capacity type switch part having the electrode part 121 and the design part 122.

In addition, it is assumed that the vehicle air conditioner (on-vehicle equipment) 140 is operated by the occupant (operator) operating the plurality of switch sections 120a to 120s.

* While driving a vehicle, it is necessary for passengers to concentrate on driving for safe driving. In the input device 100 of the present embodiment, when the control target value is significantly changed from the current value to the upper limit value or the lower limit value, input by a blind operation is possible, and the input device 100 corresponds to an in-vehicle device. It is suitable as.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the control target value (temperature set value or air flow set value) is set to the upper limit value or the lower limit value by performing a slide operation twice or more with respect to the switch portions in a predetermined area except the switch portions 120q and 120r. Changed to value. However, the switch unit having a slide operation function of two or more times may be a switch unit in an area adjacent to the original switch unit for changing the control item.

For example, the temperature setting switch units 120a and 120b may include the adjacent switch units 120c, 120h, and 120m so as to have two or more slide operation functions. Further, for example, the switch units 120d to 120h for setting the air volume include the adjacent switch units 120a, 120b, 120c, 120i to 120m, 120n, 120o, etc. so as to have a slide operation function of two or more times. It may be.

This makes it possible to change to the upper limit value or the lower limit value by performing a slide operation twice or more in an area including the switch section of the control item to be changed and the switch section adjacent to the switch section. For the passenger (operator), there is no sense of incongruity with the operation position of the switch unit, which is familiar to the user, and easy operation is possible by the blind operation to the switch unit to be operated and its adjacent area.

(Third embodiment)
In the first and second embodiments, the control target value is changed to the upper limit value or the lower limit value when there are two or more sliding operations.

In the third embodiment, the operation signal output unit 130 (the control unit 132) sets the control target value between the lower limit value and the upper limit value when the control target value at the time of determining that the operation state is the first operation state is the lower limit value. An operation signal for changing to the first intermediate value is output. In addition, when the control target value at the time when it is determined that the state is the second operation state is the upper limit value, an operation signal for changing the control target value to a second intermediate value between the upper limit value and the lower limit value is output.

Thereby, for example, when the set value of the target control value is set to the lower limit value, it is not changed to the upper limit value at once by the slide operation (first operation state) twice or more, but is changed to the first intermediate value. can do. Similarly, for example, when the set value of the target control value is set to the upper limit value, it is not changed to the lower limit value at a stretch by two or more slide operations (second operation state), but is changed to the second intermediate value. can do. The first intermediate value and the second intermediate value may be the same value.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the third embodiment, the control target value when the slide operation is performed twice or more is already at the lower limit value or the maximum value.

In the fourth embodiment, the operation signal output unit 130 (control unit 132) sets the control target value to the lower limit value when the control target value at the time of determining that the operation state is the first operation state is the first predetermined range including the lower limit value. And an operation signal for changing to a first intermediate value between the upper limit value and the upper limit value. In addition, when the control target value at the time of determining that the second operation state is in the second predetermined range including the upper limit value, an operation signal for changing the control target value to a second intermediate value between the upper limit value and the lower limit value Is output.

Thereby, for example, when the set value of the target control value is in the first predetermined range including the lower limit value, the set value is not changed to the upper limit value at a stretch by two or more slide operations (first operation state). The first intermediate value can be changed. Similarly, for example, when the set value of the target control value is set to the second predetermined range including the upper limit value, it is not changed to the lower limit value at a stretch by the next slide operation (second operation state). It can be changed to 2 intermediate values. The first intermediate value and the second intermediate value may be the same value.

(Other embodiments)
In each of the embodiments described above, the contribution switch unit (switch units 120i to 120m) is provided. However, the contribution switch unit may be eliminated depending on the overall arrangement (arrangement) of the plurality of switch units.

In each of the above embodiments, the non-contributing switch units (switch units 120q and 120r) are provided. However, the non-contributing switch units may be eliminated depending on the contents of the control items.

In each of the above embodiments, the vehicle air conditioner 140 is controlled (operated) by an input operation in the plurality of switch parts 120a to 120s of the input device 100. However, the control target device is not limited to this, and can be applied to various devices such as a vehicle audio device and a vehicle navigation device. In addition, the target device is not limited to a vehicle, and may be a household device.

Here, the flowchart or the process of the flowchart described in this application is configured by a plurality of sections (or referred to as steps), and each section is expressed as S100, for example. Further, each section can be divided into a plurality of subsections, while a plurality of sections can be combined into one section. Further, each section configured in this manner can be referred to as a device, module, or means.

Although the present disclosure has been described based on the embodiments, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and structures. The present disclosure includes various modifications and modifications within the equivalent range. In addition, various combinations and forms, as well as other combinations and forms including only one element, more or less, are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

Claims (8)

1. Different control items are assigned, and a plurality of capacitive switches (120a to 120s) operated by fingers for control input,
   In an input device comprising: an operation signal output unit (130) that determines an operation state for each of the plurality of switch units and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation state;
   Among the different control items, a predetermined control item and a first direction along a predetermined arrangement direction of the plurality of switch units are associated in advance,
   The operation signal output unit has a first operation state in which the operation state sequentially touches two or more switch units in a predetermined region of the plurality of switch units in the first direction in succession twice or more times. When the determination is made, an operation signal for changing the control target value of the predetermined control item to its upper limit value is output,
   When the second operation state in which the operation state sequentially touches two or more switch units in a predetermined region of the plurality of switch units in a second direction opposite to the first direction is continuously twice or more. An input device that outputs the operation signal for changing the control target value to the lower limit value when it is determined.
2. 2. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined area is an area adjacent to the switch unit having the predetermined control item.
3. The region where the plurality of switch units are not arranged includes a contribution switch unit (120i to 120m) that contributes to formation of the first operation state and the second operation state by excluding assignment of the control items. The input device according to claim 1 or 2.
4. The non-contributing switch portion (120q, 120r) that does not contribute to the formation of the first operation state and the second operation state among the plurality of switch portions is described in any one of claims 1 to 3. Input device.
5. When the control object value at the time when the operation signal output unit determines that the operation state is the first operation state is the lower limit value, the control object value is a first intermediate value between the lower limit value and the upper limit value. When the control target value at the time when it is determined that the second operation state is output is the upper limit value, the control target value is set to a value between the upper limit value and the lower limit value. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the operation signal to be changed to an intermediate value is output.
6. The operation signal output unit sets the control target value between the lower limit value and the upper limit value when the control target value at the time of determining that the operation state is the first operation state is within a first predetermined range including the lower limit value. When the control target value at the time of determining that the operation signal is changed to the first intermediate value and the second operation state is in a second predetermined range including the upper limit value, the control target value is The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the operation signal for changing to a second intermediate value between the upper limit value and the lower limit value is output.
7. The input according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each of the plurality of switch portions includes an electrode portion (121) and a design portion (122) provided corresponding to the position of the electrode portion. apparatus.
8. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the in-vehicle device (140) is operated when the operator operates the plurality of switch units.

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