Vehicle operation input device, vehicle operation input method, and storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a vehicle operation input device, a vehicle operation input method, and a storage medium. Provided are: an input portion that performs an input operation of an operation that is performed in contact with a part of a body of an occupant of a vehicle; a state switching portion that is operated by the occupant; and a processor, the processor being configured to, in a state in which a display portion (HA) that is capable of displaying information about the input portion is not displaying the information, cause the display portion to display the information and cause the input portion to become an input-enabled state in which the input operation can be accepted when the occupant performs a specific operation that is an operation different from the input operation with respect to the state switching portion, and not cause the display portion to display the information and cause the input portion to become an input-disabled state in which the input operation cannot be accepted when the occupant does not perform the specific operation with respect to the state switching portion in the state in which the display portion is not displaying the information.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle operation input device, a vehicle operation input method, and a storage medium. BACKGROUND

[0002] In Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-290562, there is disclosed an invention in which, when a passenger's finger comes into contact with or approaches a portion of a steering switch provided to a steering wheel of a vehicle, a display portion intensively displays an image indicating a function assigned to the portion.

[0003] In the invention of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-290562, there is a case where the passenger inadvertently brings a finger into contact with or approaches a portion of a steering switch. In this case, the display portion intensively displays an image indicating a function assigned to the portion, and thus the invention of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-290562 is likely to cause the passenger who sees the display portion to feel bored. SUMMARY

[0004] In view of the above, an object of the present disclosure is to obtain a vehicle operation input device, a vehicle operation input method, and a storage medium that are less likely to cause a passenger who sees a display portion to feel bored.

[0005] A vehicle operation input device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes: an input portion for a passenger of a vehicle to perform an input operation, the input operation being an operation in which a portion of the passenger's body comes into contact with the input portion; a state switching portion operated by the passenger; and a processor configured to, in a state in which a display portion capable of displaying information about the input portion is not displaying the information, cause the display portion to display the information and cause the input portion to become an input-enabled state in which the input operation is accepted when the passenger performs a specific operation on the state switching portion as an operation different from the input operation, and not cause the display portion to display the information and cause the input portion to become an input-disabled state in which the input operation is not accepted when the passenger does not perform the specific operation on the state switching portion.

[0006] In the vehicle operation input device of the first aspect of the present disclosure, in a state in which the display section does not display information about the input section, when the occupant performs a specific operation on the state switching section, the display section displays information about the input section, and the input section becomes an input-enabled state in which the input section can accept an input operation by the occupant. On the other hand, in a state in which the display section does not display information about the input section, when the occupant does not perform a specific operation on the state switching section, the display section does not display information about the input section, and the input section becomes an input-disabled state in which the input section cannot accept an input operation. In this way, the input section does not become an input-enabled state as long as the occupant does not perform a specific operation different from the input operation on the state switching section.

[0007] In order for the occupant to perform such a specific operation, it is generally necessary for the occupant to have an intention to cause the display section to display information about the input section. Therefore, in a case in which the occupant does not have an intention to cause the display section to display information about the input section, there is less risk of the display section displaying information about the input section. Therefore, the vehicle operation input device of the first aspect of the present disclosure is less likely to cause an occupant who observes the display section to become bored.

[0008] The vehicle operation input device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure is configured such that, on the basis of the first aspect, the state switching section is the input section.

[0009] In the second aspect of the present disclosure, in a case in which the occupant performs a specific operation and an input operation on the input section, the display section displays information about the input section. Therefore, compared to a case in which the input section is different from the state switching section, the occupant can easily cause the display section to display information about the input section.

[0010] The vehicle operation input device according to the third aspect of the present disclosure is configured such that, on the basis of the first aspect or the second aspect of the present disclosure, the state switching section, which is the input section, is movable between an initial position, which is a position when no external force is applied, and a pressed position, and the specific operation is an operation of causing the input section to remain in the pressed position for more than a first threshold value.

[0011] In the third aspect of the present disclosure, the specific operation is an operation of causing the state switching section, which is the input section, to remain in the pressed position for more than a first threshold value. Therefore, there is less risk of the occupant mistakenly performing the specific operation. Therefore, the third aspect of the present disclosure can reduce the risk of the occupant causing information about the input section to be displayed on the display section.

[0012] The vehicle operation input device according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure is configured such that, on the basis of the first aspect or the second aspect of the present disclosure, the state switching section is the input section, and the specific operation is an operation of a part of the body of the occupant contacting the input section for more than a second threshold value.

[0013] In the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the specific operation is an operation in which a part of the passenger's body is in contact with the input portion for more than the second threshold. Therefore, the risk of the passenger mistakenly performing the specific operation is low. Thus, the fourth aspect of the present disclosure can reduce the risk of the passenger mistakenly causing the display portion to display information about the input portion.

[0014] The vehicle operation input device according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure is configured such that the input portion and the state switching portion are different from each other, based on any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present disclosure.

[0015] In the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the input portion and the state switching portion are different from each other. Therefore, in order for the display portion that does not display information about the input portion to display information about the input portion, the passenger needs to perform a specific operation on the state switching portion that is different from the input portion. In order for the passenger to perform such a specific operation, the passenger generally needs to have an intention to cause the display portion to display information about the input portion. Therefore, in a case where the passenger does not have an intention to cause the display portion to display information about the input portion, the risk of the display portion displaying information about the input portion is low. Thus, the vehicle operation input device according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure is less likely to cause the passenger who observes the display portion to feel bored.

[0016] The vehicle operation input device according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure is configured such that, based on any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present disclosure, when the passenger does not perform the input operation from when the information is displayed on the display portion until a third threshold elapses, the processor eliminates the information from the display portion and switches the input portion to the non-input state.

[0017] In the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, when the passenger does not perform the input operation from when the information about the input portion is displayed on the display portion until a third threshold elapses, the information about the input portion is eliminated from the display portion and the input portion is switched to the non-input state. That is, when the passenger does not have an intention to cause the information about the input portion to be continuously displayed on the display portion, the information about the input portion is eliminated from the display portion. Thus, the vehicle operation input device according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure is less likely to cause the passenger who observes the display portion to feel bored.

[0018] The vehicle operation input device according to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure is configured such that the input portion and the state switching portion are provided to a steering wheel of the vehicle, based on any one of the first to sixth aspects of the present disclosure.

[0019] In the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the input portion and the state switching portion are provided to the steering wheel of the vehicle. Therefore, in the vehicle operation input device according to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the passenger (driver) is likely to operate the input portion and the state switching portion.

[0020] The vehicle operation input device according to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure is configured to include the first operation portion provided with the input portion and the state switching portion, and the second operation portion provided with the input portion and the state switching portion and positioned to the left or right of the first operation portion, on the steering wheel.

[0021] In the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the first operation portion provided with the input portion and the state switching portion, and the second operation portion provided with the input portion and the state switching portion and positioned to the left or right of the first operation portion are provided on the steering wheel. Therefore, compared to a case where only one of the first operation portion and the second operation portion is provided on the steering wheel, the occupant (driver) is more likely to operate the input portion and the state switching portion.

[0022] The vehicle operation input device according to the ninth aspect of the present disclosure is configured to include the first operation portion provided with the input portion and the state switching portion, and the second operation portion provided with the input portion and the state switching portion and positioned to the left or right of the first operation portion, on the steering wheel.

[0023] In the ninth aspect of the present disclosure, when the occupant performs the specific operation on the state switching portion of the first operation portion, the information about the input portion of the first operation portion is displayed on the display portion. Therefore, compared to a case where the information about the input portion of the second operation portion is displayed on the display portion when the occupant performs the specific operation on the state switching portion of the first operation portion, the vehicle operation input device according to the ninth aspect of the present disclosure is less likely to cause the occupant who observes the display portion to feel bored.

[0024] The vehicle operation input device according to the tenth aspect of the present disclosure is configured to include the first operation portion provided with the input portion and the state switching portion, and the second operation portion provided with the input portion and the state switching portion and positioned to the left or right of the first operation portion, on the steering wheel.

[0025] In the tenth aspect of the present disclosure, when the occupant performs the input operation on the input portion of the second operation portion in a state where the information about the input portion of the first operation portion is displayed on the display portion, the information about the input portion of the second operation portion is displayed on the display portion. Therefore, the occupant can cause the display portion to display the information about the input portion of the second operation portion by a simple operation in a state where the display portion displays the information about the input portion of the first operation portion.

[0026] For the vehicle operation input method according to the 11th aspect of the present disclosure, the processor is configured to, in a state in which a display unit that is capable of displaying information about an input unit for an occupant of a vehicle to perform an input operation is not displaying the information, cause the display unit to display the information and cause the input unit to become an input-possible state in which the input unit is capable of accepting the input operation when the occupant performs a specific operation on a state switching unit as an operation different from the input operation, and not cause the display unit to display the information and cause the input unit to become an input-impossible state in which the input unit is incapable of accepting the input operation when the occupant does not perform the specific operation on the state switching unit in a state in which the display unit is not displaying the information.

[0027] The storage medium according to the 12th aspect of the present disclosure is a storage medium that stores a program and is readable by a computer, and when the program is executed by a processor, the following steps are executed: in a state in which a display unit that is capable of displaying information about an input unit for an occupant of a vehicle to perform an input operation is displaying the information, causing the display unit to display the information and causing the input unit to become an input-possible state in which the input unit is capable of accepting the input operation when the occupant performs a specific operation on a state switching unit as an operation different from the input operation; and not causing the display unit to display the information and causing the input unit to become an input-impossible state in which the input unit is incapable of accepting the input operation when the occupant does not perform the specific operation on the state switching unit in a state in which the display unit is not displaying the information.

[0028] As described above, the vehicle operation input device, the vehicle operation input method, and the storage medium according to the present disclosure have an excellent effect of not easily causing an occupant who observes a display unit to feel bored. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0029] Exemplary embodiments of the present application will be described in detail based on the following drawings, in which,

[0030] Figure 1 is a view that shows the inside of a vehicle that is provided with a vehicle operation input device according to an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 2 is a view that shows Figure 1 the hardware structure of the vehicle shown in FIG. 1.

[0032] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram of a display control ECU of the vehicle.

[0033] Figure 4 is a view that shows an instrument display on which a prescribed message is displayed.

[0034] Figure 5is a view showing a display region of a head-up display that displays a prescribed message.

[0035] Figure 6 is a view showing a display region of a head-up display when the driver has performed a first operation.

[0036] Figure 7 is a view showing a display region of a head-up display when the driver has performed a function switching operation.

[0037] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing a process executed by a display control ECU. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a vehicle operation input device, a vehicle operation input method, and a storage medium according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] As shown in Figure 1 , the vehicle 10 of the present embodiment is provided with a front windshield 14 and an instrument panel 16. An instrument display (MET) 18 is provided in the instrument panel 16. A sensor group 20 is provided in the upper portion of the inner side of the front windshield 14. The sensor group 20 includes at least one of a camera, a Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) sensor, a positioning camera, and a millimeter wave radar sensor.

[0040] The instrument display 18 provided in the instrument panel 16 is controlled by a display control ECU 26 described later. The display control ECU 26 is connected to various instrument devices mounted on the vehicle 10. Therefore, for example, as shown in Figure 4 , information on the vehicle speed of the vehicle 10 is displayed in the instrument display 18.

[0041] A display region (display portion) HA is formed in the front windshield 14. The display region HA is provided on the upper side of the vehicle in the instrument display 18. An image generated by a projection device of a head-up display (hereinafter referred to as a HUD) 28 provided in the vehicle 10 (see Figure 2 ) is projected on the display region HA. As shown in Figure 2 , the HUD 28 is connected to the display control ECU 26. Therefore, as shown in Figure 5 , information on the vehicle speed of the vehicle 10 is displayed in the display region HA.

[0042] As shown in Figure 1As shown, the steering wheel 22 is rotatably supported to the instrument panel 16. The steering wheel 22 has a rim portion 22A, a hub portion 22B, and spoke portions 22C1, 22C2, 22C3. The hub portion 22B is provided on the inner peripheral side of the substantially circular rim portion 22A. Further, the inner peripheral portion of the rim portion 22A is linked to the hub portion 22B by the three spoke portions 22C1, 22C2, 22C3. Moreover, a steering switch (first operation portion) (input portion) (state switching portion) 33R is provided on the right spoke portion 22C1, and a steering switch (second operation portion) (input portion) (state switching portion) 33L is provided on the left spoke portion 22C2. The steering switch 33R includes a right first switch 34R, a right second switch 36R, and a right function switching switch 38R, which are independent of each other. The steering switch 33L includes a left first switch 34L, a left second switch 36L, and a left function switching switch 38L, which are independent of each other. In the present embodiment, the display control ECU 26, the steering switch 33R, and the steering switch 33L are structural elements of the vehicle operation input device 100. An electrostatic sensor, which is not shown, is mounted on the right first switch 34R, the right second switch 36R, the right function switching switch 38R, the left first switch 34L, the left second switch 36L, and the left function switching switch 38L.

[0043] The substantially rectangular right first switch 34R is able to swing with a swing center (omitted from illustration) provided in the center portion thereof as a center. The right first switch 34R has a first input portion 34R1, a second input portion 34R2, a third input portion 34R3, and a fourth input portion 34R4, which are located on the outer peripheral side of the swing center. The first input portion 34R1, the second input portion 34R2, the third input portion 34R3, and the fourth input portion 34R4 have mutually different functions. By the right first switch 34R swinging, the first input portion 34R1, the second input portion 34R2, the third input portion 34R3, and the fourth input portion 34R4 move by a slight distance in a direction substantially parallel to the front-rear direction between an initial position and a pressed position. When no external force is applied to the right first switch 34R, or when a part of the body of an occupant contacts the first input portion 34R1, the second input portion 34R2, the third input portion 34R3, or the fourth input portion 34R4, the first input portion 34R1, the second input portion 34R2, the third input portion 34R3, and the fourth input portion 34R4 are located at the initial position. The occupant in the present specification is, for example, a driver.

[0044] The right second switch 36R, which is a substantially rectangular shape located to the left of the right first switch 34R, is capable of pivoting about a pivot center (not shown) provided in the center portion thereof. The right second switch 36R has a first input portion 36R1 and a second input portion 36R2 located on the upper side and the lower side of the pivot center, respectively. The first input portion 36R1 and the second input portion 36R2 have mutually different functions. By pivoting the right second switch 36R, the first input portion 36R1 and the second input portion 36R2 are moved by a slight distance in a direction substantially parallel to the front-rear direction between an initial position and a pressed position. When no external force is applied to the right second switch 36R, or when a part of the occupant's body contacts the first input portion 36R1 or the second input portion 36R2, the first input portion 36R1 and the second input portion 36R2 are located at the initial position.

[0045] The right function switching switch 38R, which is located below the right first switch 34R and the right second switch 36R, is a switch for switching the functions assigned to the right first switch 34R and the right second switch 36R. The right function switching switch 38R is capable of moving by a slight distance in a direction substantially parallel to the front-rear direction between an initial position and a pressed position. When no external force is applied to the right function switching switch 38R, or when a part of the occupant's body contacts the right function switching switch 38R, the right function switching switch 38R is located at the initial position. As will be described later, if a second operation is performed on the right function switching switch 38R in an inputtable state, the functions assigned to the right first switch 34R and the right second switch 36R are switched. In the present embodiment, as an example, two functions are assigned to the first input portion 34R1, the second input portion 34R2, the third input portion 34R3, and the fourth input portion 34R4 of the right first switch 34R, and the first input portion 36R1 and the second input portion 36R2 of the right second switch 36R, respectively.

[0046] The left first switch 34L is the same structure as the right first switch 34R except for points of bilateral symmetry. That is, the left first switch 34L is capable of pivoting about a pivot center, and has a first input portion 34L1, a second input portion 34L2, a third input portion 34L3, and a fourth input portion 34L4, which are capable of moving between an initial position and a pressed position. The first input portion 34L1, the second input portion 34L2, the third input portion 34L3, and the fourth input portion 34L4 have mutually different functions.

[0047] The left second switch 36L is the same structure as the right second switch 36R except for points of bilateral symmetry. That is, the left second switch 36L is capable of pivoting about a pivot center, and has a first input portion 36L1 and a second input portion 36L2. The first input portion 36L1 and the second input portion 36L2 have mutually different functions.

[0048] The left function switching switch 38L is the same structure as the right function switching switch 38R except for the point of symmetry. That is, the left function switching switch 38L is a switch for switching the functions of the first input portion 34L1, the second input portion 34L2, the third input portion 34L3, and the fourth input portion 34L4 of the left first switch 34L, and the first input portion 36L1 and the second input portion 36L2 of the left second switch 36L.

[0049] Further, in the present specification, the part of the body of the occupant contacting the first input portion 34R1 of the right first switch 34R means that the part of the body of the occupant contacts the first input portion 34R1 and the first input portion 34R1 is in the initial position. The same applies to the second input portion 34R2, the third input portion 34R3, the fourth input portion 34R4, the right second switch 36R (the first input portion 36R1, the second input portion 36R2), the right function switching switch 38R, the left first switch 34L (the first input portion 34L1, the second input portion 34L2, the third input portion 34L3, the fourth input portion 34L4), the left second switch 36L (the first input portion 36L1, the second input portion 36L2), and the left function switching switch 38L.

[0050] Also, in the present specification, the part of the body means the part of the body that reacts to the electrostatic sensor. For example, the hand is the part of the body. Also, there is a case where the operation of contacting the part of the body of the occupant with at least one of the right first switch 34R, the right second switch 36R, the right function switching switch 38R, the left first switch 34L, the left second switch 36L, and the left function switching switch 38L is referred to as a "first operation (input operation)".

[0051] Also, in the present specification, there is a case where the operation of moving the first input portion 34R1, the second input portion 34R2, the third input portion 34R3, or the fourth input portion 34R4 of the steering switch 33R to the pressed position by the part of the body of the occupant is referred to as a "second operation". There is also a case where the operation of moving the right second switch 36R (the first input portion 36R1, the second input portion 36R2), the right function switching switch 38R, the left first switch 34L (the first input portion 34L1, the second input portion 34L2, the third input portion 34L3, the fourth input portion 34L4), the left second switch 36L (the first input portion 36L1, the second input portion 36L2), and the left function switching switch 38L to the pressed position is referred to as a "second operation".

[0052] Further, in the case where the second operation is performed on the steering switch 33R, the first operation is performed on the steering switch 33R at the initial stage of the second operation. Similarly, in the case where the second operation is performed on the steering switch 33L, the first operation is performed on the steering switch 33L at the initial stage of the second operation.

[0053] Furthermore, there are cases where a part of the occupant's body keeps the turn signal switch 33R or 33L in the pressed position for a period exceeding a predetermined first threshold. Data regarding this first threshold is recorded, for example, in the ROM 26B or storage device 26D of the display control ECU 26 described later. The first threshold is, for example, 2 seconds. Such an operation on the turn signal switch 33R or 33L may be referred to as a "third operation (specific operation)." As described later, when the turn signal switch image 33RM (information regarding the input section) indicating the function of the turn signal switch 33R and the turn signal switch image (information regarding the input section) indicating the function of the turn signal switch 33L (illustration omitted) are not displayed in the display area HA, if a third operation is performed on the turn signal switch 33R or 33L, the turn signal switch 33R or 33L that has undergone the third operation becomes an input-enabled state. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the turn signal switch image 33RM includes images of the right first switch 34R, the right second switch 36R, and the right function switch 38R, respectively. Furthermore, when a third operation is performed on the turn signal switch 33R, both the first and second operations are performed on the turn signal switch 33R in the initial stage of the third operation. Similarly, when a third operation is performed on the turn signal switch 33L, both the first and second operations are performed on the turn signal switch 33L in the initial stage of the third operation.

[0054] On the other hand, if the turn signal switch image 33RM and the turn signal switch image representing the function of the turn signal switch 33L are not displayed in the display area HA, the turn signal switch 33R and the turn signal switch 33L become uninputable.

[0055] Vehicle 10 is equipped with Figure 2 The display control ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 26 is shown. The display control ECU 26 is configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 26A, a ROM (Read-Only Memory) 26B, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 26C, a storage device 26D, a communication interface (communication I / F) 26E, and an input / output interface (input / output I / F) 26F. All components are communicatively connected to each other via an internal bus 26Z.

[0056] The CPU 26A is a central arithmetic processing unit that executes various programs and controls the respective units. That is, the CPU 26A reads out a program from the ROM 26B or the storage 26D and executes the program using the RAM 26C as a work area. In addition, the CPU 26A performs the control of the respective structures and various arithmetic processing according to the program recorded in the ROM 26B or the storage 26D.

[0057] The ROM 26B stores various programs and various data. The RAM 26C temporarily stores programs or data as a work area. The storage 26D is configured by a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive) and stores various programs including an operating system and various data. In the present embodiment, a program and the like for performing input control processing are stored in the ROM 26B (storage medium) or the storage 26D (storage medium).

[0058] The communication interface 26E is an interface for communication of the display control ECU 26 with an external server and other devices. The communication interface 26E uses, for example, a standard such as CAN (Controller Area Network), Ethernet (registered trademark), LTE (Long Term Evolution), FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and the like.

[0059] The input / output I / F 26F is electrically connected to the right first switch 34R, the right second switch 36R, the right function switching switch 38R, the left first switch 34L, the left second switch 36L, the left function switching switch 38L, and the HUD 28.

[0060] The display control ECU 26 is electrically connected to the drive assist ECU 32. The drive assist ECU 32 is configured to include a CPU (processor), a ROM, a RAM, a storage device, a communication interface (communication I / F), and an input / output interface (input / output I / F). These respective structures are communicably connected to each other via an internal bus. The drive assist ECU 32 of the present embodiment is connected to the sensor group 20, and various actuators for driving a brake device, a steering device, and an internal combustion engine (a drive source). The drive assist ECU 32 can also be connected to an electric motor (a drive source). The drive assist ECU 32 has a function of causing the vehicle 10 to perform drive assist control by controlling the above-described actuator group (and the electric motor). The "drive assist control" in the present specification includes drive assist control of the levels 1 to 5 of the driving level defined by SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers). The drive assist control includes, for example, ACC (adaptive cruise control) and LTA (lane tracking assist).

[0061] The display control ECU 26 implements various functions using the above-described hardware resources. The functions implemented by the display control ECU 26 will be described below with reference to Figure 3 The functional structure of the display control ECU 26 will be described.

[0062] As shown in Figure 3 , the display control ECU 26 has, as a functional configuration, a control mode acquisition section 261, a function display section 262, an operation acceptance section 263, and a function switch acceptance section 264. The control mode acquisition section 261, the function display section 262, the operation acceptance section 263, and the function switch acceptance section 264 are implemented by the CPU 26A reading out and executing a program stored in the ROM 26B or the storage device 26D.

[0063] The control mode acquisition section 261 acquires the content of the drive assist control being performed by the drive assist ECU 32.

[0064] When the steering switch 33R and the steering switch 33L are in the non-input state, the function display section 262 causes an image representing the function assigned to the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L on which the third operation has been performed to be displayed on the display region HA by controlling the HUD 28 when the third operation is performed on the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L. For example, when the third operation is performed on the steering switch 33R, as shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the function display section 262 causes the steering switch image 33RM to be displayed on the display region HA. That is, in this case, the steering switch 33R is switched to the input state by the function display section 262.

[0065] Also, when the first operation is performed on the other of the turn switch images representing the turn switch 33R and the turn switch 33L is displayed in the display region HA, the function display section 262 causes the turn switch image representing the other to be displayed in the display region HA. For example, when the first operation is performed on the turn switch 33R while the turn switch image representing the turn switch 33L is displayed in the display region HA, the function display section 262 eliminates the turn switch image representing the turn switch 33L from the display region HA and instead causes the turn switch image 33RM to be displayed in the display region HA. At this time, the function display section 262 switches the turn switch 33L to the non-input state and switches the turn switch 33R to the input state. In this way, both the turn switch image 33RM and the turn switch image corresponding to the left function switch 38L are not displayed simultaneously in the display region HA.

[0066] Also, when a part of the occupant's body contacts the turn switch 33R or the turn switch 33L that is in the input state, as shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7 shown, the function display section 262 causes the turn switch image representing the turn switch 33R or the turn switch 33L that is in the input state to be continuously displayed in the display region HA. If a part of the occupant's body moves away from the turn switch 33R or the turn switch 33L that is in the input state, when the first operation is not performed on the turn switch from the time of the movement away until a prescribed set display time (third threshold value) elapses, the function display section 262 eliminates the turn switch image representing the turn switch from the display region HA. That is, the function display section 262 switches the turn switch 33R and the turn switch 33L to the non-input state. The set display time is, for example, 5 seconds.

[0067] In addition, when a part of the occupant's body contacts the left first switch 34L, the left second switch 36L, or the left function switch 38L that is in the input state, the function display section 262 causes the turn switch image representing the turn switch 33L to be continuously displayed in the display region HA. If a part of the occupant's body moves away from the turn switch 33L, when the first operation is not performed on the turn switch 33L from the time of the movement away until a prescribed set display time elapses, the function display section 262 eliminates the turn switch image from the display region HA. The set display time is, for example, 5 seconds.

[0068] In the case where the turn switch 33R and the turn switch 33L are in the non-input state, as shown in Figure 5 , the turn switch image 33RM and the turn switch image corresponding to the turn switch 33L are not displayed in the display region HA. In this case, only information about the vehicle speed of the vehicle 10 is shown in the display region HA.

[0069] InFigure 6 In this case, the right first switch image 34RM includes a third input portion image 34R3M representing the third input portion 34R3 and a fourth input portion image 34R4M representing the fourth input portion 34R4. In this case, a specific function is assigned to the third input portion 34R3 and the fourth input portion 34R4, respectively. On the other hand, no function is assigned to the first input portion 34R1 and the second input portion 34R2, respectively. Therefore, in this case, the right first switch image 34RM does not include images representing the first input portion 34R1 and the second input portion 34R2.

[0070] In this case, the third input portion 34R3 is assigned a function for setting a vehicle distance between the vehicle 10 and a preceding vehicle. Therefore, if a part of the occupant's body moves the third input portion 34R3 to the pressed position while the steering switch image 33RM is displayed in the display region HA, the value of the set vehicle distance is changed.

[0071] In this case, the fourth input portion 34R4 is assigned a function for switching with respect to a control mode. Therefore, if a part of the occupant's body moves the fourth input portion 34R4 to the pressed position while the steering switch image 33RM is displayed in the display region HA, the control mode of the vehicle 10 is switched.

[0072] The first input portion 36R1 is assigned a function for switching the radar cruise mode to an on state and an off state. Therefore, if a part of the occupant's body moves the first input portion 36R1 to the pressed position while the steering switch image 33RM is displayed in the display region HA, the radar cruise mode is switched to the on state and the off state.

[0073] The second input portion 36R2 is assigned a function for switching the LTA to an on state and an off state. Therefore, if a part of the occupant's body moves the second input portion 36R2 to the pressed position while the steering switch image 33RM is displayed in the display region HA, the LTA is switched to the on state and the off state.

[0074] The operation accepting section 263 accepts the first operation and the second operation on the right first switch 34R, the right second switch 36R, the left first switch 34L, or the left second switch 36L in the input enable state. On the other hand, the operation accepting section 263 does not accept the first operation and the second operation on the right first switch 34R, the right second switch 36R, the left first switch 34L, or the left second switch 36L in the input disable state. For example, when the steering switch image 33RM is displayed on the display region HA, if the first operation is performed on the second input section 36R2, the function of the second input section 36R2 is selected by the operation accepting section 263, and the second input section image 36R2M representing the second input section 36R2 is emphasized and displayed on the display region HA. For example, when the steering switch image representing the steering switch 33L is displayed on the display region HA, if the first operation is performed on the second input section 36L2, the function of the second input section 36L2 is selected by the operation accepting section 263, and the second input section image (not shown) representing the second input section 36L2 is emphasized and displayed on the display region HA. Further, for example, when the steering switch image 33RM is displayed on the display region HA, if the second operation is performed on the third input section 34R3, the operation accepting section 263 instructs another ECU (for example, the drive assist ECU 32) to execute the function of the third input section 34R3. Further, for example, when the steering switch image representing the steering switch 33L is displayed on the display region HA, if the second operation is performed on the third input section 34L3, the operation accepting section 263 instructs another ECU to execute the function of the third input section 34L3.

[0075] When the steering switch image 33RM is displayed on the display region HA, the function switching accepting section 264 accepts the second operation on the right function switching switch 38R. Also, when the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33L is displayed on the display region HA, the function switching accepting section 264 accepts the second operation on the left function switching switch 38L. Specifically, when the steering switch image 33RM is displayed on the display region HA, if the second operation is performed on the right function switching switch 38R, the function switching accepting section 264 switches the functions of the right first switch 34R and the right second switch 36R. Further, when the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33L is displayed on the display region HA, if the second operation is performed on the left function switching switch 38L, the function switching accepting section 264 switches the functions of the left first switch 34L and the left second switch 36L.

[0076] For example, if the second operation is performed on the right function switching switch 38R in the state of Figure 6 , the display region HA is moved to the state of Figure 7 by the function display section 262. That is, as shown in FIG. 19, the steering switch image 33RM is displayed on the display region HA, and the right second switch 36R is displayed on the display region HA.Figure 7 As shown, from Figure 6 The image shown is a change to the first input image 34R1M, the second input image 34R2M, the third input image 34R3M, and the fourth input image 34R4M. Therefore, it can be observed that the occupants viewing the first input image 34R1M, the second input image 34R2M, the third input image 34R3M, and the fourth input image 34R4M can recognize the function that has been switched and assigned to the first input 34R1, the second input 34R2, the third input 34R3, and the fourth input 34R4.

[0077] (Functions and Effects)

[0078] Next, the function and effects of this implementation method will be explained.

[0079] Next, use Figure 8 The flowchart illustrates the processing performed by the display control ECU 26 of vehicle 10. The display control ECU 26 repeatedly executes this process at predetermined intervals. Figure 8 The flowchart shown illustrates the processing.

[0080] In step S10, the display control ECU26 determines whether the turn signal switch 33R and turn signal switch 33L are in an uninputable state.

[0081] If the display control ECU26 determines "yes" in step S10, it proceeds to step S11 to determine whether the occupant has performed the third operation on the turn signal switch 33R or the turn signal switch 33L.

[0082] If the display control ECU26 determines "yes" in step S11, it proceeds to step S12 and switches the turn switch 33R or turn switch 33L, which has undergone the third operation, to the input-enabled state.

[0083] After completing step S12, the display control ECU 26 proceeds to step S13, displaying the turn signal image corresponding to the turn signal switch 33R or 33L that has become input-enabled in the display area HA. ​​At this time, the display control ECU 26 begins timing the set display time for the displayed turn signal image.

[0084] After completing step S13, the display control ECU26 proceeds to step S14. After the turn switch 33R or turn switch 33L, which has undergone the third operation, is restored to its initial position, it determines whether the first operation was performed on the turn switch 33R or turn switch 33L.

[0085] If the display control ECU 26 determines "yes" in step S14, it proceeds to step S15 to determine whether the turn switch 33R or turn switch 33L, which has undergone the first operation, is in an input-enabled state.

[0086] The display control ECU 26 that has determined YES in step S15 proceeds to step S16. For example, when the steering switch image 33RM is displayed in step S13 and the first operation is performed on the first input portion 34R1 in step S14, the function of the first input portion 34R1 is selected in step S16.

[0087] On the other hand, the display control ECU 26 that has determined NO in step S15 proceeds to step S13. For example, when the steering switch 33L is switched to the input enable state in step S12 and it is determined NO in step S15, the steering switch image 33RM is displayed in the display region HA in step S13.

[0088] The display control ECU 26 that has completed the process in step S16 proceeds to step S17. It is assumed here that the function of the first input portion 34R1 is selected in step S16. In this case, if the second operation is performed on the first input portion 34R1 in step S17, the display control ECU 26 proceeds to step S18.

[0089] In this case, in step S18, the display control ECU 26 issues an instruction to another ECU. Therefore, when the function of the first input portion 34R1 is selected in step S16, the function assigned to the first input portion 34R1 is executed.

[0090] When it is determined NO in step S17 or when the process in step S18 is completed, the display control ECU 26 proceeds to step S19 and determines whether the first operation is performed on the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L from the start of the process in step S13 to the elapse of a set display time.

[0091] The display control ECU 26 that has determined NO in step S19 proceeds to step S20 and the display control ECU 26 eliminates the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L displayed in the display region HA by controlling the HUD 28. Also, the display control ECU 26 switches the steering switch 33R and the steering switch 33L to the input disable state.

[0092] The display control ECU 26 proceeds to step S13 when affirmative in step S19. For example, when the steering switch 33L is switched to the input enable state in step S12 and the first operation is performed on the steering switch 33L until the set display time elapses, the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33L is continuously displayed in the display region HA in step S13, and the counting of the set display time of the steering switch image is restarted. On the other hand, for example, when the steering switch 33L is switched to the input enable state in step S12 and the first operation is performed on the steering switch 33R until the set display time elapses, the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33L is eliminated from the display region HA in step S13. The steering switch image 33RM is displayed in the display region HA, and the display control ECU 26 starts the counting of the set display time of the steering switch image 33RM.

[0093] When the display control ECU 26 determines that the answer is no in steps S10 and S11, or when the process of step S20 is completed, the display control ECU 26 temporarily ends the process of the flowchart of FIG. 10. Figure 8

[0094] As described above, in the present embodiment, when the occupant performs the third operation on the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L in a state where the steering switch images corresponding to the steering switch 33R and the steering switch 33L are not displayed in the display region HA, the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L on which the third operation is performed becomes the input enable state. On the other hand, when the occupant does not perform the third operation on the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L in a state where the steering switch images corresponding to the steering switch 33R and the steering switch 33L are not displayed in the display region HA, the steering switch 33R and the steering switch 33L become the input disable state. In this way, as long as the occupant does not perform the third operation different from the first operation on the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L, the steering switch 33R and the steering switch 33L do not become the input enable state. That is, as long as the third operation is not performed on the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L, the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L is not displayed in the display region HA.

[0095] In order for the occupant to perform such a third operation, generally, the occupant needs to have the intention to cause the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L to be displayed in the display region HA. Therefore, in a case where the occupant does not have the intention to cause the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L to be displayed in the display region HA, there is less risk that the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L is displayed in the display region HA. Therefore, the occupant who observes the display region HA is less likely to feel tired. ​

[0096] Also, when the occupant performs the first operation with a part of the body contacting the steering switch 33R or 33L in the input enable state, the operation acceptance section 263 accepts the first operation on the steering switch 33R or 33L in the input enable state. Thus, when the steering switch 33R or 33L is in the input enable state, the occupant can cause the prescribed switch to be highlighted in the display region HA by a simple operation.

[0097] Also, in the present embodiment, the third operation is an operation that causes the steering switch 33R or 33L to be located at the pressed position for a time exceeding the above first threshold. Thus, the risk of the occupant mistakenly performing the third operation is low. Thus, the risk of the occupant mistakenly causing the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33R or 33L to be displayed in the display region HA is low.

[0098] Also, when the occupant does not perform the first operation from the display of the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33R or 33L in the display region HA until the set display time elapses, the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33R and 33L is eliminated from the display region HA, and the steering switch 33R and 33L are switched to the input disable state. That is, when the occupant does not have the intention to cause the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33R or 33L to be continuously displayed in the display region HA, the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33R and 33L is eliminated from the display region HA. Thus, the occupant observing the display region HA is less likely to feel bored.

[0099] Also, in the present embodiment, the steering switch 33R and 33L are provided to the steering wheel 22. Thus, the occupant (driver) is likely to operate the steering switch 33R and 33L.

[0100] Also, in the present embodiment, in a state where the steering switch image representing one of the steering switch 33R and 33L is displayed in the display region HA, when the occupant performs the first operation on the other of the steering switch 33R and 33L, the steering switch image representing the one is eliminated from the display region HA, and the steering switch image representing the other is displayed. Thus, the occupant can cause the steering switch image representing the other to be displayed in the display region HA by a simple operation in the state where the steering switch image representing the one is displayed in the display region HA.

[0101] The vehicle operation input device, the vehicle operation input method, and the storage medium according to the present embodiment have been described above, but the vehicle operation input device, the vehicle operation input method, and the storage medium can be appropriately designed and changed within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure.

[0102] For example, the third operation can also be an operation in which a part of the passenger's body continuously contacts the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L for a time exceeding a prescribed second threshold value. In the case of this modification, the risk of the passenger mistakenly performing the third operation is also small. Thus, the risk of the passenger mistakenly causing the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L to be displayed in the display region HA can be reduced.

[0103] In addition, an operation in which a part of the passenger's body contacts the right function switch 38R or the left function switch 38L intermittently a plurality of times within a short time can also be the third operation. The short time in this case is, for example, one second, and the plurality of times is, for example, three times. In the case of this modification, the risk of the passenger mistakenly performing the third operation is also small. Thus, the risk of the passenger mistakenly causing the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L to be displayed in the display region HA can be reduced.

[0104] As in the above-described embodiment, the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L can be a switch that is pressed by the passenger's body. In this case, the steering switch image can be displayed in the display region HA when the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L is pressed. Figure 1As shown by a broken line, state switching switches 60R and 60L can be provided separately from the steering switches 33R and 33L on the steering wheel 22. In this modification, the display control ECU 26, the steering switches 33R and 33L, and the state switching switches 60R and 60L are structural elements of the vehicle operation input device 100. The state switching switches 60R and 60L are movable between an initial position and a pressed position. When no external force is applied to the state switching switches 60R and 60L, the state switching switches 60R and 60L are in the initial position. In this modification, an operation of moving the state switching switches 60R and 60L from the initial position to the pressed position by a part of the occupant's body is a "specific operation". In this case, when the state switching switch 60R is moved to the pressed position by a part of the occupant's body in a state where the steering switches 33R and 33L are in the non-input state, the display control ECU 26 switches the steering switch 33R to the input state. Similarly, when the state switching switch 60L is moved to the pressed position by a part of the occupant's body in a state where the steering switches 33R and 33L are in the non-input state, the display control ECU 26 switches the steering switch 33L to the input state. In this modification, the steering switches 33R and 33L are different from the state switching switches 60R and 60L. Therefore, in order to cause the display region HA in which the steering switch image corresponding to neither of the steering switches 33R and 33L is not displayed to display the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33R or 33L, the occupant needs to move the state switching switch 60R or 60L to the pressed position. In order for the occupant to perform such an operation, the occupant generally needs to have an intention to cause the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33R or 33L to be displayed in the display region HA. Therefore, in a case where the occupant does not have an intention to cause the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33R or 33L to be displayed in the display region HA, there is less risk of the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33R or 33L being displayed in the display region HA. Therefore, the occupant who observes the display region HA is less likely to feel bored.

[0105] It can also be configured such that the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33R or 33L is displayed on the instrument display (display portion) 18 and the display region HA at the same time when the specific operation is performed. Alternatively, it can also be configured such that the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33R or 33L is displayed only on the instrument display 18 when the specific operation is performed.

[0106] It can also be configured to display the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch image 33RM and the steering switch 33L on at least one of the instrument display 18 and the display area HA at the same time when a specific operation is performed.

[0107] It can also be configured to arrange the steering switch 33R and the steering switch 33L on the steering wheel 22 in such a manner that the steering switch 33R is located to the left of the steering switch 33L.

[0108] It can also be configured to arrange only one of the steering switch 33R and the steering switch 33L on the steering wheel 22.

[0109] It can also be configured to arrange at least one of a component corresponding to the steering switch 33R and a component corresponding to the steering switch 33L on a portion of the vehicle 10 other than the steering wheel 22.

Claims

1. A vehicle operation input device, wherein the vehicle operation input device is provided with: an input portion for a passenger of a vehicle to perform an input operation which is an operation in which a part of the passenger's body contacts the input portion; a state switching portion which is operated by the passenger; and a processor, the processor is configured to: in a state in which a display portion which is capable of displaying information about the input portion is not displaying the information, when the passenger performs a specific operation which is an operation different from the input operation on the state switching portion, cause the display portion to display the information and cause the input portion to become an input-enabled state in which the input operation is accepted, in the state in which the display portion is not displaying the information, when the passenger does not perform the specific operation on the state switching portion, not cause the display portion to display the information and cause the input portion to become an input-disabled state in which the input operation is not accepted, the state switching portion is the input portion.

2. The vehicle operation input device according to claim 1, wherein the state switching portion which is the input portion is movable between an initial position which is a position when no external force is applied and a pressed position, the specific operation is an operation in which the input portion is located at the pressed position for more than a first threshold value of time.

3. The vehicle operation input device according to claim 1, wherein the specific operation is an operation in which a part of the passenger's body contacts the input portion for more than a second threshold value of time.

4. The vehicle operation input device according to claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to: when the passenger does not perform the input operation from when the display portion displays the information until a third threshold value elapses, eliminate the information from the display portion and switch the input portion to the input-disabled state.

5. The vehicle operation input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the input portion and the state switching portion are provided to a steering wheel of the vehicle.

6. The vehicle operation input device according to claim 5, wherein a first operation portion provided with the input portion and the state switching portion and a second operation portion provided with the input portion and the state switching portion which is located at a position further to the left or right than the first operation portion are provided to the steering wheel.

7. The vehicle operation input device according to claim 6, wherein the processor is configured to: when the passenger performs the specific operation on the state switching portion of the first operation portion, cause the display portion to display information about the input portion of the first operation portion.

8. The vehicle operation input device according to claim 7, wherein the processor is configured to: in a state in which the display portion is displaying information about the input portion of the first operation portion, when the passenger performs the input operation on the input portion of the second operation portion, cause the display portion to display information about the input portion of the second operation portion.

9. A vehicle operation input method, wherein a processor is configured to: ​ In a state in which a display section capable of displaying information about an input section for an occupant of a vehicle to perform an input operation does not display the information, when the occupant performs a specific operation on a state switching section as an operation different from the input operation, the display section displays the information, and the input section becomes an input enabled state in which the input operation is accepted, In the state in which the display section does not display the information, when the occupant does not perform the specific operation on the state switching section, the display section does not display the information, and the input section becomes an input disabled state in which the input operation is not accepted, The state switching section is the input section.

10. A storage medium storing a program and readable by a computer, wherein, When the program is executed by a processor, the following steps are executed: In a state in which a display section capable of displaying information about an input section for an occupant of a vehicle to perform an input operation does not display the information, when the occupant performs a specific operation on a state switching section as an operation different from the input operation, the display section displays the information, and the input section becomes an input enabled state in which the input operation is accepted; and In the state in which the display section does not display the information, when the occupant does not perform the specific operation on the state switching section, the display section does not display the information, and the input section becomes an input disabled state in which the input operation is not accepted, The state switching section is the input section.

Images