Vehicle operation apparatus

Abstract

To provide a vehicle operation apparatus which can reduce complexity in confirmation work of a user.SOLUTION: A vehicle operation apparatus 100 comprises: an operation panel 21 for displaying a plurality of operation buttons 22; a touch detection part 30 for detecting, as a touch operation, a contact to any one of the plurality of operation buttons 22; an output unit 50 capable of outputting visual information, tactile information and auditory information; and a control unit 10 for outputting, to the output unit, the visual information, the tactile information and the auditory information as feedback information to the touch operation, in response to detection of the touch operation by the touch detection unit 30. The control unit 10 outputs, to the output unit 50, the feedback information different in at least one of the visual information, the tactile information and the auditory information for each of the operation buttons 22.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an operating device for a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known vehicle instrument panels that are configured as operation panels. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an instrument panel that has touch sensor switches and a vibration generating device (tactile sensation generating device) on the back surface. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-140271 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the instrument panel disclosed in Patent Document 1, a vibration generating device is activated in response to a touch sensor switch, generating vibrations. The user feels this vibration as a response (feedback) to the operation (push operation), and is able to confirm that the device has recognized the operation. However, because the instrument panel is provided with multiple buttons, the user cannot determine whether the operation on the desired button has been correctly recognized by the device with only a vibration response, as described above. This requires the user to, for example, check the results of the operation, which poses a problem of cumbersome confirmation work.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle operation device that can reduce the complexity of confirmation work for the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] As a means for solving the above problem, the present invention provides an operation device for a vehicle, comprising: an operation panel on which a plurality of operation buttons are displayed; a touch detection unit that detects contact with any of the plurality of operation buttons as a touch operation; an output unit that is capable of outputting visual information, tactile information, and auditory information; and a control unit that causes the output unit to output the visual information, the tactile information, and the auditory information as feedback information for the touch operation in response to detection of the touch operation by the touch detection unit, wherein the control unit causes the output unit to output the feedback information in which at least one of the visual information, the tactile information, and the auditory information differs for each operation button among at least some of the operation buttons.

[0007] According to the above configuration, at least one of visual information, tactile information, and auditory information as feedback information output in response to detection of a touch operation is different for at least some of the operation buttons. This allows the user to easily identify the operation button (operation content) for which a touch operation has been detected. This reduces the work of checking the results of the operation and makes the checking work less cumbersome.

[0008] The plurality of operation buttons may include a first operation button and a second operation button different from the first operation button, and the output unit may output the feedback information such that the visual information and the tactile information output in response to the touch operation on the first operation button are different from the visual information and the tactile information output in response to the touch operation on the second operation button.

[0009] According to the above configuration, the visual information and tactile information output in response to the detection of a touch operation differs for each operation button, so that the user can more reliably understand the operation content.

[0010] The plurality of operation buttons may include a first operation button and a second operation button different from the first operation button, and the output unit may output the feedback information such that the visual information and the auditory information output in response to the touch operation on the first operation button are different from the visual information and the auditory information output in response to the touch operation on the second operation button.

[0011] According to the above configuration, the visual information and auditory information output in response to the detection of a touch operation differs for each operation button, so that the user can more reliably understand the operation content.

[0012] The plurality of operation buttons may include a first operation button and a second operation button different from the first operation button, and the output unit may output the feedback information such that the visual information, the tactile information, and the auditory information output in response to the touch operation on the first operation button are different from the visual information, the tactile information, and the auditory information output in response to the touch operation on the second operation button.

[0013] According to the above configuration, the visual information, the tactile information, and the auditory information that are output in response to the detection of a touch operation differ for each operation button, so that the user can more reliably understand the operation content.

[0014] The output unit may include a light generating device capable of outputting the visual information, a vibration generating device capable of outputting the tactile information, and a sound generating device capable of outputting the auditory information.

[0015] According to the above configuration, visual information can be output by the light generating device, tactile information can be output by the vibration generating device, and auditory information can be output by the sound generating device, so that the user can effectively understand the operation content.

[0016] The sound generating device may be configured by the vibration generating device and the operation panel.

[0017] According to the above configuration, the sound generating device is composed of the vibration generating device and the operation panel, so there is no need to provide a separate speaker for generating sound, and the configuration can be simplified.

[0018] The light generating device may be a line light, and the output unit may output the visual information in which at least one of a lit location and brightness of the line light changes over time.

[0019] According to the above configuration, visual information is output in which at least one of the lit locations and brightness of the line illumination changes over time, so the user can easily understand the operation content.

[0020] The output section may output the tactile information and / or the auditory information in which the frequency of the vibration generated by the vibration generating device changes over time.

[0021] According to the above configuration, tactile information and / or auditory information in the form of vibration frequency that changes over time is output, so that the user can easily understand the operation content.

[0022] The output section may output the tactile information and / or the auditory information in which the amplitude of the vibration generated by the vibration generating device changes over time.

[0023] According to the above configuration, tactile information and / or auditory information in which the amplitude of vibration changes over time is output, so that the user can easily understand the operation content.

[0024] At least one of the visual information, the tactile information, and the auditory information may be set in advance as information that is associated with a function that is activated by the touch operation on the operation button.

[0025] According to the above configuration, at least one of the visual information, tactile information, and auditory information is pre-set to be associated with a function that is activated by a touch operation on the operation button, allowing the user to more intuitively understand the operation content.

[0026] The auditory information may be a sound effect, a pseudo operation sound, a melody, or a voice.

[0027] According to the above configuration, the user can easily understand the operation content. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] According to the vehicle operation device of the present invention, the complexity of the confirmation work for the user can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle operation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a vehicle operation device according to a first modified example of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle operation device according to a second modified example of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0031] (First embodiment) A vehicle operation device 100 according to this embodiment is provided in an automobile V (an example of a vehicle). In this embodiment, the vehicle operation device 100 is applied to an operation device of an air conditioning system (hereinafter referred to as air conditioning) that adjusts the environment (air) in the interior space of the automobile V.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 1, a vehicle operation device 100 includes a control unit 10, an operation unit 20, a touch detection unit 30, a display unit 40, and an output unit 50.

[0033] (Control unit) The control unit 10 is a microcontroller and includes a processing unit 11 and a storage unit 12. The processing unit 11 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The storage unit 12 includes memories such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The processing unit 11 can control the operations of the operation unit 20, the touch detection unit 30, the display unit 40, and the output unit 50 by executing control software stored in the storage unit 12. In this embodiment, the control unit 10 is configured as a main ECU (Electronic Control Unit) mounted on the automobile V.

[0034] (Operation unit) The operation unit 20 has an operation panel 21 and a plurality of operation buttons 22. The operation panel 21 is a flat member made of transparent resin or glass. The operation panel 21 is provided with a plurality of operation buttons 22. In the example shown in FIG. 1, ten operation buttons 22 are displayed on the operation panel 21.

[0035] 1 , the 10 buttons include a POWER button 220, a MODE button 221, an FrDEF button 222, an RRDEF button 223, a BLOWUP button 224, a BLOWDOWN button 225, a REC button 226, an AUTO button 227, a TEMPUP button 228, and a TEMPDOWN button 229. The POWER button 220, the MODE button 221, the FrDEF button 222, the RRDEF button 223, the BLOWUP button 224 (BLOWDOWN button 225), the REC button 226, the AUTO button 227, the TEMPUP button 228, and the TEMPDOWN button 229 are arranged in this order from the left side L to the right side R of the automobile V.

[0036] The POWER button 220 is a button for switching the power of the air conditioning operating device ON and OFF. The MODE button 221 is a button for changing the outlet of the air (hereinafter referred to as air-conditioned air) blown into the vehicle interior. The outlet is, for example, the underside of the windshield, or at the feet of the driver's seat and passenger seat. The FrDEF button 222 is a button for switching ON and OFF the FrDEF function that defogs the windshield. The RRDEF button 223 is a button for switching ON and OFF the RRDEF function that defogs the rear window.

[0037] The BLOWUP button 224 is a button for increasing the volume of conditioned air. The BLOWDOWN button 225 is a button for decreasing the volume of conditioned air. The REC button 226 is a button for switching between inside air circulation and outside air introduction. The AUTO button 227 is a button for switching ON / OFF the automatic control functions for air volume, temperature, etc. The TEMPUP button 228 is a button for increasing the set temperature of the vehicle interior. The TEMPDOWN button 229 is a button for decreasing the set temperature of the vehicle interior.

[0038] (Touch detection unit) The touch detection unit 30 is a touch sensor such as a resistive film or a capacitive type. The touch detection unit 30 is disposed on the rear side of the operation panel 21 (the side opposite to the vehicle interior). The touch detection unit 30 detects contact (for example, contact with a finger) with any of the plurality of operation buttons 22 as a touch operation. More specifically, when the touch detection unit 30 detects a touch operation, it detects the touch operation as a touch operation with respect to the operation button 22 associated with the detection area A in which the touch operation was detected. As shown in FIG. 1 , the detection area A is associated in advance with each of the plurality of operation buttons 22. Note that one of the two operation buttons 22 included in the plurality of operation buttons 22 is an example of a first operation button, and the other is an example of a second operation button. The two operation buttons 22 (the first operation button and the second operation button) include, for example, operation buttons 22 adjacent to each other and operation buttons 22 that operate in common.

[0039] (Display) The display unit 40 is a display such as a liquid crystal display or an LED display. The display unit 40 is disposed on the back side of the touch detection unit 30 (the side facing the operation panel 21 across the touch detection unit 30). The display unit 40 displays an image in response to an electrical signal from the processing unit 11. The image displayed on the display unit 40 is displayed on the operation panel 21. In this embodiment, the display unit 40 displays an image representing the operation buttons 22, and the operation buttons 22 displayed on the display unit 40 are displayed on the operation panel 21.

[0040] (output section) The output unit 50 is capable of outputting visual information, auditory information, and tactile information. In response to detection of a touch operation by the touch detection unit 30, the output unit 50 outputs visual information, tactile information, and auditory information as feedback information for the touch operation. The feedback information is information that allows the user to understand the function activated by the touch operation (hereinafter also referred to as "operation content").

[0041] In this embodiment, the output unit 50 outputs feedback information by simultaneously outputting all of the visual information, tactile information, and auditory information. However, the timing at which the visual information, tactile information, and auditory information start to be output may be different as long as the user can understand the operation content. Note that "simultaneous" means that the visual information, tactile information, and auditory information are all output in an overlapping manner, and the timing at which the output starts and ends may be the same or different. The time at which the visual information, tactile information, and auditory information are output (hereinafter referred to as "output time") can be set or changed as desired.

[0042] In this embodiment, the output unit 50 has a line light 51 (an example of a light generating device) that can output visual information, a vibration device 52 (an example of a vibration generating device) that can output tactile information, and a vibration speaker 53 (an example of a sound generating device) that can output auditory information.

[0043] (Line lighting) The line light 51 is capable of outputting visual information by emitting light. The line light 51 has at least one light source 511 (ten in the example shown in FIG. 1 ). The light source 511 lights up in response to an electrical signal input from the processing unit 11. In this embodiment, the light source 511 is an RGB LED, and the line light 51 is a light source in which ten light sources 511 are arranged in a line. The line light 51 is arranged, for example, along the upper edge of the operation panel 21, and uniformly illuminates the entire interior space of the vehicle. For this reason, the line light 51 is also called ambient lighting.

[0044] The line light 51 can express various lighting patterns by changing at least one of the lighting state (on or off), the lighting location, and the brightness (illuminance) when lit.

[0045] The lighting patterns include a first basic lighting pattern in which the light is lit at a constant brightness and a second basic lighting pattern in which the light flashes at a constant brightness. In the first basic lighting pattern and the second basic lighting pattern, the line illuminator 51 is lit entirely (all light sources 511) or partially (some of the light sources 511).

[0046] The lighting patterns further include dynamic lighting patterns (in this embodiment, first to sixth dynamic lighting patterns) in which at least one of the lighting location and brightness changes over time. That is, the output unit 50 outputs visual information in which at least one of the lighting location and brightness of the line light 51 changes over time.

[0047] In the first to fourth dynamic lighting patterns, the line light 51 changes the lighting location over time. More specifically, in the first dynamic lighting pattern, the line light 51 lights up so that light flows from one end 51a to the other end 51b (from the left side L to the right side R in the example shown in FIG. 1). In the second dynamic lighting pattern, the line light 51 lights up so that light flows from the other end 51b to the one end 51a (from the right side R to the left side L in FIG. 1). In the third dynamic lighting pattern, the line light 51 lights up so that light spreads from the center 51c to both ends (one end 51a and the other end 51b). In the fourth dynamic lighting pattern, the line light 51 lights up so that light gathers from both ends (one end 51a and the other end 51b) to the center 51c.

[0048] In the fifth dynamic lighting pattern and the sixth dynamic lighting pattern, the brightness of the line lighting 51 changes over time when it is turned on. More specifically, in the fifth dynamic lighting pattern, the line lighting 51 lights up so that it becomes brighter over time. In the sixth dynamic lighting pattern, the line lighting 51 lights up so that it becomes dimmer over time. Note that the line lighting 51 can also be turned on in a lighting pattern that combines the fifth dynamic lighting pattern or the sixth dynamic lighting pattern with any one of the first to fourth dynamic lighting patterns.

[0049] In this embodiment, the line light 51 is configured with RGB LEDs as described above, and therefore the lighting color can also be changed. Therefore, the line light 51 can realize a wider variety of lighting patterns by combining the above lighting patterns and lighting colors.

[0050] The user can obtain visual information by visually perceiving the lighting pattern of the line lights 51. The lighting patterns are set in advance by a designer of the vehicle operation device 100. Information indicating each of the lighting patterns is stored in the storage unit 12 in association with each of the multiple operation buttons 22.

[0051] That is, the visual information is expressed only by changes in the lighting state (lighting pattern) of the line illuminator 51 (more specifically, the light source 511). In other words, the visual information according to this embodiment excludes information other than changes in the lighting state of the line illuminator 51, such as information represented by characters, symbols, and pictograms.

[0052] (vibration device) The vibration device 52 is capable of outputting tactile information by generating vibrations. The vibration device 52 is arranged on the back side of the operation panel 21 (the side opposite to the vehicle interior space). In this embodiment, the vibration device 52 is arranged so as to be in contact with the operation panel 21. The vibration device 52 has at least one vibration element 521 (two in the example shown in FIG. 1). The vibration element 521 includes a magnet and a coil, and vibrates when a current flows through the coil. The current flowing through the coil is controlled by the processing unit 11. In this embodiment, the vibration device 52 is a magnetostrictive vibration device. The vibration device 52 is, for example, an exciter, and the vibration element 521 is a giant magnetostrictive element around which a coil is wound. The vibrations generated by the vibration device 52 are transmitted to the operation panel 21, causing the operation panel 21 to vibrate.

[0053] The vibration device 52 can express various vibration patterns by changing at least one of the vibration state, the vibration frequency, and the vibration amplitude.

[0054] The vibration patterns include a first basic vibration pattern in which vibration is performed at a constant frequency and a constant amplitude, and a second basic vibration pattern in which vibration at a constant frequency and a constant amplitude and the stop of vibration are repeated at predetermined intervals.

[0055] The vibration patterns further include dynamic vibration patterns (first to fifth dynamic vibration patterns in this embodiment) in which at least one of the vibration frequency and the vibration amplitude changes over time. That is, the output section 50 outputs tactile information in which at least one of the vibration frequency and the vibration amplitude of the vibration device 52 changes over time.

[0056] In the first dynamic vibration pattern and the second dynamic vibration pattern, the vibration device 52 changes the frequency of vibration over time. Specifically, in the first dynamic vibration pattern, the vibration device 52 increases the frequency of vibration over time. In the second dynamic vibration pattern, the vibration device 52 decreases the frequency of vibration over time.

[0057] In the third dynamic vibration pattern and the fourth dynamic vibration pattern, the vibration device 52 changes the amplitude of vibration over time. Specifically, in the third dynamic vibration pattern, the vibration device 52 increases the amplitude of vibration over time. In the fourth dynamic vibration pattern, the vibration device 52 decreases the amplitude of vibration over time. Note that the vibration device 52 can also vibrate in a vibration pattern that combines the third dynamic vibration pattern or the fourth dynamic vibration pattern with the first dynamic vibration pattern or the second dynamic vibration pattern.

[0058] In the fifth dynamic vibration pattern, the vibration device 52 vibrates in a vibration pattern that is set in advance by a designer or the like as a vibration pattern associated with a function activated by a touch operation on the operation button 22.

[0059] The user can obtain tactile information by sensing the vibration pattern of the vibration device 52 tactilely.

[0060] The vibration patterns are arbitrarily set in advance by the designer of the vehicle operation device 100. Information indicating each of the vibration patterns is associated with each of the plurality of operation buttons 22 and stored in the storage unit 12. The vibration element 521 that vibrates according to the vibration pattern is selected from among two vibration elements 521.

[0061] (Vibration speaker) The vibration speaker 53 is capable of outputting auditory information by generating sound. In this embodiment, the vibration speaker 53 is composed of the vibration device 52 (vibration element 521) and the operation panel 21, and the operation panel 21 is used as a diaphragm. In other words, the vibration speaker 53 is capable of outputting auditory information by vibrating the operation panel 21. The vibration speaker 53 can express various sound patterns by causing the vibration device 52 to vibrate the operation panel 21 in vibration patterns.

[0062] When the vibration device 52 vibrates in the first dynamic vibration pattern and the second dynamic vibration pattern, the frequency of the sound generated by the vibration speaker 53 changes over time. Specifically, when the vibration device 52 vibrates in the first dynamic vibration pattern, the frequency of the sound generated by the vibration speaker 53 increases over time (changes to a higher sound over time). Also, when the vibration device 52 vibrates in the second dynamic vibration pattern, the frequency of the sound generated by the vibration speaker 53 decreases over time (changes to a lower sound over time).

[0063] Furthermore, when the vibration device 52 vibrates in the third dynamic vibration pattern and the fourth dynamic vibration pattern, the sound pressure of the sound generated by the vibration speaker 53 changes over time. Specifically, when the vibration device 52 vibrates in the third dynamic vibration pattern, the sound pressure of the sound generated by the vibration speaker 53 increases over time. Furthermore, when the vibration device 52 vibrates in the fourth dynamic vibration pattern, the sound pressure of the sound generated by the vibration speaker 53 decreases over time.

[0064] The user can obtain auditory information by auditorily perceiving the sound patterns expressed by the vibration speaker 53.

[0065] (Feedback information) The control unit 10 (processing unit 11) causes the output unit 50 to output feedback information in which at least one of visual information, auditory information, and tactile information is different for each touch operation on the operation button 22. In this embodiment, the output unit 50 outputs feedback information in which all of the visual information, auditory information, and tactile information is different for each touch operation on the operation button 22.

[0066] An example of the visual information, auditory information, and tactile information output by the output unit 50 for each operation button 22 will be described below.

[0067] When the air conditioning control device is OFF and a touch operation on the POWER button 220 is detected, the line light 51 lights up in a lighting pattern that combines the third white dynamic lighting pattern and the fifth white dynamic lighting pattern. Specifically, the line light 51 lights up in white so that it slowly brightens and spreads. At the same time, the vibration device 52 vibrates in a fifth dynamic vibration pattern. For example, the vibration device 52 vibrates in a vibration pattern that generates a preset sound associated with the activation of the air conditioning control device, and the vibration speaker 53 generates, for example, a preset sound (melody) associated with the activation of the air conditioning control device.

[0068] When the air conditioning control device is ON and a touch operation on the POWER button 220 shown in FIG. 1 is detected, the line light 51 lights up in a lighting pattern that combines the fourth white dynamic lighting pattern and the sixth white dynamic lighting pattern, and then turns off. Specifically, the line light 51 lights up in a converging white light, slowly dimmers, and turns off. At the same time, the vibration device 52 vibrates in a fifth dynamic vibration pattern. For example, the vibration device 52 vibrates in a vibration pattern that generates a preset sound associated with the shutdown of the air conditioning control device, and the vibration speaker 53 generates a preset sound associated with the shutdown of the air conditioning control device (for example, a sound like a machine stopping).

[0069] When a touch operation on the MODE button 221 is detected, the line illuminator 51 lights up in the second basic yellow lighting pattern, i.e., the line illuminator 51 flashes in yellow. At the same time, the vibration device 52 vibrates in a fifth dynamic vibration pattern. For example, the vibration device 52 vibrates in a vibration pattern that generates a preset sound that is reminiscent of the rotation of a slot machine, and the vibration speaker 53 generates a preset sound that is reminiscent of the rotation of a slot machine, for example.

[0070] When a touch operation on the FrDEF button 222 is detected, the line illuminator 51 lights up in a first green dynamic lighting pattern. Specifically, the line illuminator 51 lights up in green in a manner that flows from the left side L to the right side R. At the same time, the vibration device 52 vibrates in a fifth dynamic vibration pattern. For example, the vibration device 52 vibrates in a vibration pattern that generates a preset sound that is reminiscent of the action of wiping glass with a cloth, and the vibration speaker 53 generates a sound (for example, a squeaking sound) that is reminiscent of the action of wiping glass with a cloth.

[0071] When a touch operation on the RRDEF button 223 is detected, the line illuminator 51 lights up in green in a second dynamic lighting pattern. Specifically, the line illuminator 51 lights up in green in a manner that flows from the right side R to the left side L. At the same time, the vibration device 52 vibrates in a fifth dynamic vibration pattern. For example, the vibration device 52 vibrates in a vibration pattern that generates a preset sound that is reminiscent of the action of wiping glass with a cloth, and the vibration speaker 53 generates a sound that is reminiscent of the action of wiping glass with a cloth. Note that the vibration device 52 makes the vibration patterns of the FrDEF button 222 and the RRDEF button 223 different (for example, the number of times the glass is wiped with a cloth, the interval at which the glass is wiped with a cloth, etc.) so that the user can distinguish whether the touch operation is on the FrDEF button 222 or the RRDEF button 223.

[0072] When a touch operation on the BLOWUP button 224 is detected, the line light 51 repeatedly lights up in white in the third dynamic lighting pattern. Specifically, the line light 51 repeatedly lights up in a spreading white light. At the same time, the vibration device 52 vibrates in the third dynamic vibration pattern. Specifically, the vibration device 52 vibrates in a vibration pattern that increases the amplitude over time, and the vibration speaker 53 generates sound whose sound pressure increases over time.

[0073] When a touch operation on the BLOWDOWN button 225 is detected, the line illumination 51 repeatedly turns on in a fourth white dynamic illumination pattern and then turns off. Specifically, the line illumination 51 repeatedly turns on in a concentrated white light and then turns off. At the same time, the vibration device 52 vibrates in a fourth dynamic vibration pattern. Specifically, the vibration device 52 vibrates in a vibration pattern that decreases the amplitude over time, and the vibration speaker 53 generates sound whose sound pressure decreases over time.

[0074] When a touch operation on the REC button 226 is detected, the line illuminator 51 lights up entirely in the first basic yellow lighting pattern. That is, the line illuminator 51 continuously lights up in yellow at a constant brightness. At the same time, the vibration device 52 vibrates in the fifth dynamic vibration pattern. For example, the vibration device 52 vibrates in a vibration pattern that generates a preset sound that is reminiscent of a door opening and closing operation, and the vibration speaker 53 generates, for example, a sound (e.g., a squealing sound) that is reminiscent of a door opening and closing operation.

[0075] When a touch operation on the AUTO button 227 is detected, the line illumination 51 lights up entirely in the first basic green illumination pattern. That is, the line illumination 51 lights up continuously in green at a constant brightness. At the same time, the vibration device 52 vibrates in the second basic vibration pattern. More specifically, the vibration device 52 vibrates in a vibration pattern that alternates between vibration and vibration cessation, and the vibration speaker 53 generates a sound, such as a beep, in response to the vibration of the vibration device 52.

[0076] When a touch operation on the TEMPUP button 228 is detected, the line illuminator 51 lights up in a lighting pattern that combines the third red dynamic lighting pattern and the fifth red dynamic lighting pattern. Specifically, the line illuminator 51 lights up in red so that it becomes brighter and spreads. At the same time, the vibration device 52 vibrates in a first dynamic vibration pattern. Specifically, the vibration device 52 vibrates in a vibration pattern whose frequency increases over time, and the vibration speaker 53 generates a sound whose frequency increases over time.

[0077] When a touch operation on the TEMPDOWN button 229 is detected, the line illuminator 51 lights up in a lighting pattern that combines the fourth blue dynamic lighting pattern and the sixth blue dynamic lighting pattern. Specifically, the line illuminator 51 lights up in blue so that it dims and converges. At the same time, the vibration device 52 vibrates in a second dynamic vibration pattern. Specifically, the vibration device 52 vibrates in a vibration pattern whose frequency decreases over time, and the vibration speaker 53 generates a sound whose frequency decreases over time.

[0078] It should be noted that the processing unit 11 activates the air conditioning function corresponding to the operation button 22 when or after the feedback information described above is output.

[0079] (Effects of the embodiment) As described above, according to the above embodiment, the output unit 50 outputs feedback information in which at least one of visual information, tactile information, and auditory information differs in response to a touch operation on the operation button 22. This allows the user to easily grasp the operation button 22 (hereinafter referred to as "operation content") for which a touch operation has been detected, i.e., the function activated by the touch operation. In the above embodiment, the visual information, tactile information, and auditory information are all different. That is, the vibration pattern in which the vibration device 52 vibrates in response to a touch operation differs for each of the multiple operation buttons 22 (first operation button and second operation button). This allows the user to easily grasp the operation content for which a touch operation has been detected. This reduces the work of checking the results of the operation being reflected, and makes the checking work less cumbersome.

[0080] For example, the functions operated by the BLOWUP button 224 (an example of a first operation button) and the BLOWDOWN button 225 (an example of a second operation button) are both related to the airflow volume, and the operations they perform are contrasting (increasing the airflow volume and decreasing the airflow volume). Furthermore, the two buttons are arranged close to each other. Therefore, the user may easily mistake the operation button 22 to perform the touch operation and may end up checking the result of the operation after the touch operation. However, as described in the above embodiment, the visual information, tactile information, and auditory information output by the BLOWUP button 224 and the BLOWDOWN button 225 are different, so the user can more reliably understand the operation content. Similarly, the visual information, tactile information, and auditory information output by the TEMPUP button 228 (an example of a first operation button) and the TEMPDOWN button 229 (an example of a second operation button), which are arranged adjacent to each other, are different from each other. Similarly, the visual information, tactile information, and auditory information output for the FrDEF button 222 (an example of a first operation button) and the RRDEF button 223 (an example of a second operation button), which are arranged adjacent to each other and have similar designs with many things in common, are different from each other. As described above, the visual information, tactile information, and auditory information output are different from each other, allowing the user to more reliably understand the operation content.

[0081] Furthermore, even if the user's finger touches the detection area A shown in FIG. 1 so as to straddle the boundary line, the user can easily understand which operation button 22 the touch operation has been detected for.

[0082] In this way, the visual information, tactile information, and auditory information output for each operation button 22 are different. For example, when a user performs an operation to change the set temperature of the vehicle interior, the user does not need to check the numbers (letters) indicating the set temperature that are displayed on a display or the like as a result of the operation being reflected. Generally, the central vision required to distinguish letters is narrow. According to this embodiment, the operation content can be understood from information other than letters, thereby reducing the burden on the user. In particular, when the user is the driver of the automobile V, this avoids interfering with the driving operation on which the driver should concentrate.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the vibration speaker 53 is composed of the operation panel 21 and the vibration device 52, so there is no need to provide a separate dedicated speaker for outputting auditory information, and the configuration can be simplified. Also, in the above embodiment, the vibration device vibrates and the operation panel vibrates to generate sound, so the user can know that a touch operation has been detected using two senses: touch and hearing. This reduces the work required to confirm the results of the operation, making the confirmation work less complicated. Note that in the above embodiment, visual information, tactile information, and auditory information are all output simultaneously. This allows the user to obtain information using three senses at the same time, allowing them to more reliably understand the operation content.

[0084] According to the above embodiment, visual information is output in which at least one of the lit locations and brightness of the line illumination changes over time, so the user can easily understand the operation content.

[0085] According to the above embodiment, tactile information and auditory information are output in which at least one of the frequency and amplitude of vibration changes over time. That is, according to the above embodiment, the frequency of the sound generated by the vibration changes over time, so that the user can easily understand the operation content.

[0086] In the above embodiment, for example, when a touch operation on the TEMPUP button 228 is detected, the line illumination 51 lights up in red, gradually increasing in brightness over time and expanding in area. A lighting pattern in which the red area expands is easily associated with an increase in the set temperature (temperature rise). In other words, according to the above embodiment, pre-set visual information is output as an association with the function activated by the touch operation, allowing the user to more intuitively grasp the operation content.

[0087] In the above embodiment, for example, when a touch operation on the TEMPUP button 228 is detected, the vibration device 52 vibrates with a vibration pattern with increasing frequency, and the vibration speaker 53 generates a sound with a frequency that increases over time. The increase in the vibration and sound frequency is likely to suggest an increase in the set temperature (temperature increase). In other words, according to the above embodiment, tactile information and auditory information that are preset to suggest a function activated by the touch operation are output, allowing the user to more intuitively grasp the operation content.

[0088] (First Modification) In the above embodiment, the vibration speaker 53 composed of the operation panel 21 and the vibration device 52 has been described as an example of the sound generating device, but the sound generating device may be an in-vehicle speaker 531 that is pre-placed in the interior space of the automobile V, as shown in Fig. 2. The in-vehicle speaker 531 generates a sound, allowing the user to obtain auditory information.

[0089] (Second Modification) In the above embodiment, the vibration device 52 transmits vibration as tactile information to the user by vibrating the operation panel 21 with the vibration element 521. However, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, the vibration device 52 may further include a seat vibration element 522 that vibrates the user's seat. The vibration of the seat vibration element 522 allows the user to obtain tactile information. The user's seat may be a driver's seat, a passenger seat, or a combination thereof.

[0090] (Other variations) In the above embodiment, the output unit 50 outputs feedback information in which the visual information, the tactile information, and the auditory information are all different for each operation button 22. However, the output unit 50 may output feedback information in which at least one of the visual information, the tactile information, and the auditory information is different. That is, the output unit 50 may output feedback information such that the visual information and the tactile information output in response to a touch operation on one operation button 22 (first operation button) of the two operation buttons 22 are different from the visual information and the tactile information output in response to a touch operation on the other operation button 22 (second operation button). Alternatively, the output unit 50 may output feedback information such that the visual information and the auditory information output in response to a touch operation on one operation button 22 of the two operation buttons 22 are different from the visual information and the auditory information output in response to a touch operation on the other operation button 22. Alternatively, the output unit 50 may output feedback information such that the tactile information output in response to a touch operation on one operation button 22 of the two operation buttons 22 is different from the tactile information output in response to a touch operation on the other operation button 22. Alternatively, the output unit 50 may output feedback information such that visual information output in response to a touch operation on one of the two operation buttons 22 is different from visual information output in response to a touch operation on the other operation button 22. Note that the output unit 50 may output feedback information in which at least one of the visual information, tactile information, and auditory information is different between at least some of the operation buttons 22 among the plurality of operation buttons 22. For example, the output unit 50 may output the same feedback information for two of the five operation buttons 22 and different feedback information for the remaining three operation buttons 22.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the control unit 10 is the main ECU, but the control unit 10 may be an ECU (local ECU) different from the main ECU.

[0092] In the above embodiment, the touch detection unit 30 is a touch sensor, but the touch detection unit 30 may be a contact switch.

[0093] In the above embodiment, the operation buttons 22 are displayed on the display unit 40, thereby displaying the operation buttons 22 on the operation panel 21. However, the operation buttons 22 may be displayed in advance on the operation panel 21. In this configuration, the vehicle operation device 100 may be provided with a backlight instead of the display unit 40. Furthermore, the operation panel 21 may be provided integrally with an interior panel inside the vehicle cabin.

[0094] The arrangement of the operation buttons 22 on the operation panel 21 described in the above embodiment can also be changed as appropriate.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the line light 51 is lit in eight lighting patterns (two basic lighting patterns and six dynamic lighting patterns), but the lighting patterns of the line light 51 are not limited to eight and may be 1 to 7 or nine or more. For example, the line light 51 may be lit in a lighting pattern in which only one end 51a and the other end 51b are lit, or only one end 51a and the center 51c are lit.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the light source 511 is an RGB LED, but the light source 511 may be an LED other than an RGB LED. In other words, the line light 51 does not need to be able to change the lighting color. If the lighting color cannot be changed, the line light 51 outputs visual information by expressing various lighting patterns of the same color. Furthermore, the light source 511 may be a light source other than an LED, for example, an organic EL.

[0097] In the above embodiment, the case where the line illuminator 51 has ten light sources 511 has been described, but the number of light sources 511 included in the line illuminator 51 is not limited to ten and may be one or a number other than 10. When the line illuminator 51 is configured with one light source 511, the line illuminator 51 outputs visual information by changing at least one of the lighting time and lighting interval of the one light source 511.

[0098] In the above embodiment, the linear illuminator 51 is arranged along the upper edge of the operation panel 21, but the linear illuminator 51 may be arranged on the lower edge of the windshield, the instrument panel, the operation panel 21 (heat controller), or the door trim. Alternatively, the linear illuminator 51 may be arranged in a combination of at least two of the above positions.

[0099] In the above embodiment, the vibration device 52 vibrated in seven vibration patterns (two basic vibration patterns and five dynamic vibration patterns), but the vibration patterns of the vibration device 52 are not limited to seven and may be 1 to 6 or eight or more.

[0100] In the above embodiment, the vibration device 52 is a magnetostrictive vibration device (exciter), but the vibration device 52 may be an electromagnetic vibration device other than the magnetostrictive vibration device (for example, a voice coil motor). The number of vibration elements 521 is not particularly limited, and may be one or three or more.

[0101] The auditory information generated by the vibration speaker 53 described in the above embodiment may or may not include audio information. Furthermore, the sound as the auditory information may be a single tone or a complex tone consisting of two or more tones.

[0102] The feedback information (visual information, auditory information, and tactile information) for the operation button 22 described in the above embodiment is merely an example, and can be changed as appropriate as long as the user can identify the operation content or the function activated by the touch operation on the operation button 22. For example, as feedback information (visual information) for the touch operation on the FrDEF button 222, the line illumination 51 may light up (blink) in the second basic lighting pattern. Furthermore, as feedback information (visual information) for the touch operation on the RRDEF button 223, the line illumination 51 may blink (light up in the second basic lighting pattern) at intervals different from when a touch operation on the FrDEF button 222 is detected.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the vehicle operation device 100 (vehicle operation device) is described as being applied to an air conditioning operation device that adjusts the environment in the vehicle interior, but the vehicle operation device 100 can also be used as an operation device for vehicle interior control other than air conditioning. Vehicle interior control includes, for example, control of an audio device, control of a lighting device, etc.

[0104] In the above embodiment, sound effects include sounds added as part of the performance (such as the sound of wiping glass, the sound of opening and closing a door, the sound of braking, and the sound of a collision). Furthermore, pseudo operation sounds include sounds that imitate the operation sounds of a switch or the like (such as hitting sounds, friction sounds, and clicking sounds). Furthermore, melody refers to a continuous flow of sounds with changes in pitch and / or length. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 10 Control Unit 21 Operation panel 22 Operation buttons 30 Touch detection unit 50 Output section 51 Line lighting

Claims

1. an operation panel on which a plurality of operation buttons are displayed; a touch detection unit that detects contact with any of the plurality of operation buttons as a touch operation; an output unit capable of outputting visual information, tactile information, and auditory information; a control unit that, in response to detection of the touch operation by the touch detection unit, causes the output unit to output the visual information, the tactile information, and the auditory information as feedback information for the touch operation; Equipped with The control unit causes the output unit to output the feedback information, in which at least one of the visual information, the tactile information, and the auditory information differs for each operation button among at least some of the operation buttons.

2. the plurality of operation buttons include a first operation button and a second operation button different from the first operation button, 2. The vehicle operation device according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs the feedback information such that the visual information and the tactile information output in response to the touch operation on the first operation button are different from the visual information and the tactile information output in response to the touch operation on the second operation button.

3. the plurality of operation buttons include a first operation button and a second operation button different from the first operation button, 2. The vehicle operation device according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs the feedback information such that the visual information and the auditory information output in response to the touch operation on the first operation button are different from the visual information and the auditory information output in response to the touch operation on the second operation button.

4. the plurality of operation buttons include a first operation button and a second operation button different from the first operation button, 2. The vehicle operation device according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs the feedback information such that the visual information, the tactile information, and the auditory information output in response to the touch operation on the first operation button are different from the visual information, the tactile information, and the auditory information output in response to the touch operation on the second operation button.

5. The vehicle operation device according to claim 1 , wherein the output unit includes a light generating device capable of outputting the visual information, a vibration generating device capable of outputting the tactile information, and a sound generating device capable of outputting the auditory information.

6. The vehicle operation device according to claim 5 , wherein the sound generating device is configured by the vibration generating device and the operation panel.

7. the light generating device is a line illuminator; The vehicle operation device according to claim 5 , wherein the output unit outputs the visual information in which at least one of a lighting location and brightness of the line illumination changes over time.

8. The vehicle operation device according to claim 7 , wherein the output unit outputs the tactile information and / or the auditory information in accordance with a frequency of the vibration generated by the vibration generating device that changes over time.

9. The vehicle operation device according to claim 7 , wherein the output unit outputs the tactile information and / or the auditory information in accordance with an amplitude of the vibration generated by the vibration generating device that changes over time.

10. The vehicle operation device according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the visual information, the tactile information, and the auditory information is preset to be associated with a function activated by the touch operation on the operation button.

11. The vehicle operation device according to claim 1 or 10, wherein the auditory information is a sound effect, a pseudo operation sound, a melody, or a voice.

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