Operation apparatus for on-board devices in automobile

Abstract

An operation apparatus for an on-board device in an automobile is provided with an operation instruction unit capable of outputting operation instructions to the on-board device according to actions of an operator's hands. It is easy for the operator to understand operational programs of the operation apparatus, thereby effectively preventing an erroneous operation due to the operator's misunderstanding. Furthermore, it is possible to simplify a determination logic of the operation instruction unit, and also possible to easily provide a retrofitted option. The operation apparatus includes: an image capturing unit (CA) capable of capturing images of a plurality of mark members (M1-M7) provided in assembled members (2, 3) in a compartment; a determining unit (C1) capable of determining individually whether each of the mark members (M1-M7) is or is not shielded on the basis of the image data outputted by the image capturing unit (CA); and the operation instruction unit (C2) configured to output operation instructions to the on-board devices (AU, DVD, CN) in accordance with a result of the determining by the determining unit (C1).

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to an operating device that can easily operate an on-board device (such as an audio system, an air conditioner, a navigation system, etc.) that can be operated and input by an occupant of a motor vehicle without manually operating the operating portion of the device. Background technique [0002] Conventionally, as the above-mentioned operating device, for example, as shown in Patent Document 1, a gesture remote-control operating device is known. an imaging unit; and an operation instruction unit capable of outputting an operation instruction for the on-vehicle device based on the position and motion of the hand read by the imaging unit. [0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 3941786 [0004] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-312347 [0005] In the conventional gesture remote control operation device as in Patent Document 1, since the operation command for the in-vehicle device is output base...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0005] In the conventional gesture remote control operation device as in Patent Document 1, since the operation command for the in-vehicle device is output based on the operator's gesture, that is, the position and movement of the hand, the judgment logic for judging the gesture becomes complicated. Moreover, since it is difficult to accurately read the position and movement of the operator's hand, for example, subtle differences in gestures due to different operators cannot be clearly recognized, so there is an error in the gesture remote control device due to reading errors Start working unexpectedly, or output wrong operation instructions to the on-board equipment, etc.

[0006] Therefore, as shown in Patent Document 2, there is also proposed a technique of starting to control the operation of the gesture remote control device in response to blocking the through hole provided in the steering device with the driver's hand so that the gesture remote control device does not mistakenly However, there are disadvantages in this technology as follows: through-holes must be provided on the steering gear from the manufacturing stage, it is difficult to deal with subsequent choices (options), and the installation position of the through-holes and The installation position of the camera unit is greatly restricted by the sealing state of the hole

In addition, after the gesture remote control device starts to work, like the technology of Patent Document 1, the operation command is output by reading the operator's gesture, that is, the position and movement of the hand, so the judgment logic is still complicated, and reading errors are prone to occur , there is a situation where wrong operation instructions are output to the on-board equipment

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