Vehicle

Abstract

A vehicle is provided with: a handlebar; an input portion mounted to the handlebar; a plurality of light-emitting portions provided in correspondence with a plurality of operations performed by a driver of the vehicle using the input portion; and a control unit that controls light-emission states of the plurality of light-emitting portions, the control unit causing light-emission of a light-emitting portion corresponding to at least a part of the plurality of operations that is an effective operation and causing non-light-emission of a light-emitting portion corresponding to an operation of the plurality of operations that is an ineffective operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a handlebar switch device installed on the handlebars of a vehicle. This handlebar switch device has a touchpad for the driver of the vehicle to perform various input operations.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-71364 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] In the handlebar switch device of Patent Document 1, it is difficult for the driver to intuitively grasp what operations can be performed. One aspect of the present invention provides a technique that allows the driver to intuitively grasp the operations that can be performed on the vehicle's input devices.

[0008] means for solving problems

[0009] In one embodiment, a vehicle is provided, comprising: a handlebar; an input unit mounted on the handlebar; a plurality of light-emitting units corresponding to a plurality of operations performed by the driver of the vehicle using the input unit; and a control unit that controls the light-emitting state of the plurality of light-emitting units, the plurality of light-emitting units being capable of switching between multiple colors to emit light, the plurality of operations including an operation for performing a currently selected function among a plurality of functions provided to the driver and an operation for switching the currently selected function to another function, each of the plurality of functions being assigned a color, and when the operation for switching the currently selected function to another function is performed, the color of the light-emitting unit corresponding to the operation for performing the currently selected function changes.

[0010] Invention Effects

[0011] Through these methods, drivers can intuitively grasp the operations that can be performed on the input devices of the vehicle.

[0012] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, in the drawings, the same or identical structures are labeled with the same reference numerals. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The accompanying drawings are included in and form a part of the specification, illustrating embodiments of the invention and serving, together with the description, to explain the principles of the invention.

[0014] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the appearance of the front side of a vehicle according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2A This is a diagram illustrating the appearance of the left-side switch assembly of a vehicle according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2B This is a diagram illustrating the appearance of the left-side switch assembly of a vehicle according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a functional block diagram of a collaborative system implemented in part.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the display in a vehicle according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the menu display screen of one of the implementation methods for the collaborative function.

[0020] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates the display screen of the communication function in one of the implementation methods.

[0021] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates the display screen of the route guidance function in one of the implementation methods.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the display screen of the music playback function in one of the implementation methods.

[0023] Figure 9 This diagram illustrates the display screen of the message sending and receiving function in one of the implementation methods.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating the display in a vehicle according to one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the invention, and that not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the invention. Any combination of two or more features described in the embodiments may be used. Furthermore, identical or identical components will be labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0026] Reference Figure 1The appearance of the vehicle 100 according to one embodiment will be described. The vehicle 100 is a straddle-type two-wheeled motor vehicle. In addition, the present invention can also be applied to other two-wheeled vehicles or other vehicles, such as four-wheeled vehicles and three-wheeled vehicles. Figure 1 This is a rear view of the front of vehicle 100.

[0027] The vehicle 100 has a display device 101 at the center in the width direction. The display device 101 displays information to the driver (hereinafter referred to as the driver) facing the vehicle 100. The display device 101 can be a dot-matrix display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (electro-luminescence) display, or it can be a collection of indicators that provide notification by turning off or illuminating pre-defined marks.

[0028] The vehicle 100 has a left handlebar switch 102 on the inside of the left handlebar grip 103 in the width direction. The left handlebar switch 102 is mounted on the handlebar stem 104. The handlebars of the vehicle 100 are composed of the handlebar grip 103, handlebar stem 104, and handlebar post. Therefore, it can also be said that the left handlebar switch 102 is mounted on the handlebars of the vehicle 100.

[0029] Referring to Figure 2, the appearance of the left handlebar switch 102 will be described. The left handlebar switch 102 includes multiple switches. At least some of these switches can be operated by the left thumb while the rider holds the left handlebar handle 103 with their left hand. Hereinafter, the switches used in the cooperative function between the vehicle 100 and the moving device (described later) will be described. The other switches in the left handlebar switch 102 (i.e., the switches used in functions of the vehicle 100 other than the cooperative function) may have the same structure as before, and therefore their description is omitted.

[0030] The left handlebar switch 102 includes an upper switch 200U, a lower switch 200D, and left / right switches 200H. These switches can be operated with the left thumb while the rider holds the left handlebar with their left hand. The left / right switches 200H are located approximately in the center of the left handlebar switch 102. The left / right switches 200H are tilt-type switches that can be tilted to the left and right respectively. The rider can tilt the left / right switches 200H to the left to perform left-direction operations, and tilt them to the right to perform right-direction operations. Left-direction operation refers to the operation to input the left-direction instruction. Operations in other directions are similar. The upper switch 200U is located above the left / right switches 200H. The upper switch 200U is a push-button switch. The rider can perform up-direction operations by pressing the upper switch 200U. The lower switch 200D is located below the left / right switches 200H. The lower switch 200D is also a push-button switch. The driver can perform a downward direction operation by pressing the down switch 200D. The up switch 200U, down switch 200D, and left / right switches 200H are collectively referred to as the direction switch 200. The direction switch functions as a direction input unit for indicating multiple directions (up, down, left, and right).

[0031] The left handlebar switch 102 also includes multiple light-emitting units 201U, 201L, 201R, and 201D. These multiple light-emitting units 201U, 201L, 201R, and 201D are collectively referred to as light-emitting unit 201. The following description of light-emitting unit 201 also applies to any one of the multiple light-emitting units 201U, 201L, 201R, and 201D. Light-emitting unit 201 can be individually controlled to maintain its illumination state. In the following description, "illumination" can include both "illumination" and "flickering." Light-emitting unit 201 can also emit light in multiple colors. Light-emitting unit 201 can also be constructed, for example, using an LED (Light Emitting Diode).

[0032] Multiple light-emitting units 201 are configured to correspond to multiple operations performed using the direction switch 200. Specifically, light-emitting unit 201U corresponds to the upward direction operation, light-emitting unit 201L corresponds to the left direction operation, light-emitting unit 201R corresponds to the right direction operation, and light-emitting unit 201D corresponds to the downward direction operation. When the upward direction operation includes multiple operations (e.g., a short-duration upward direction operation and a long-duration upward direction operation), light-emitting unit 201U may correspond to only one of the multiple operations, a portion of them, or all of them. The same applies to operations in other directions.

[0033] The correspondence between the light-emitting unit 201 and the operation can also be represented by, for example, the light-emitting unit 201U being integrally formed with the upper switch 200U for upper input operation. Alternatively, the correspondence between the light-emitting unit 201 and the input operation can be represented by, for example, the light-emitting unit 201L being arranged adjacent to the left / right switch 200H for left input operation (in this example, adjacent along the left direction, which is the operation direction). The correspondence between the light-emitting unit 201 and the input operation can also be represented in any way that allows the driver to recognize this correspondence.

[0034] Figure 2B This refers to the direction input section 210, a variation of the direction switch 200. The direction input section 210 has four independent buttons 211U, 211L, 211R, and 211D. Button 211U is for receiving upward movement, button 211L is for receiving leftward movement, button 211R is for receiving rightward movement, and button 211D is for receiving downward movement. The four buttons 211U, 211L, 211R, and 211D are collectively referred to as button 211. The following description of button 211 also applies to any one of the four buttons 211U, 211L, 211R, and 211D. Button 211 may also be illuminated. That is, button 211 is a component where the structure for receiving driver operation and the light-emitting part are integrated. Alternatively, instead of button 211 illuminating itself, a light-emitting part may be provided around button 211.

[0035] Reference Figure 3 The functional structure of a collaborative system that provides collaborative functions according to a portion of the embodiments of the present invention will be described. This collaborative system includes the vehicle 100, the mobile device 310, and the headset 320 described above.

[0036] The vehicle 100 includes a control unit 301, a display unit 304, a direction input unit 305, a communication unit 306, and a light control unit 307. The control unit 301 controls the vehicle 100 as a whole. The control unit 301 is, for example, composed of a processor 302 and a memory 303. In this case, the actions performed by the control unit 301 are implemented by the processor 302 executing a program stored in the memory 303. Part or all of the actions of the control unit 301 can also be implemented using dedicated circuits such as ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits) or FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays).

[0037] The display unit 304 displays information for the driver. The display unit 304 is implemented, for example, by the display device 101 and the light-emitting unit 201. The direction input unit 305 receives four-way instructions from the driver. The direction input unit 305 is implemented, for example, by the up switch 200U, the down switch 200D, and the left and right switches 200H. The communication unit 306 provides functionality for communication between the vehicle 100 and the outside world. The communication unit 306 may also support short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). Furthermore, the communication unit 306 may also support cellular communication, inter-vehicle communication, etc.

[0038] The direction input unit 305 can also accept two-stage input for each direction using the direction switch 200. For example, the direction input unit 305 can accept a short press (e.g., an input lasting less than 1 second) and a long press (e.g., an input lasting more than 1 second). In addition, the direction input unit 305 can also accept a single-click input (e.g., an input with an interval of more than 1 second until the next input) and a double-click input (e.g., two consecutive inputs with an interval of less than 1 second).

[0039] The light-emitting control unit 307 controls the light-emitting state of the light-emitting unit 201. For example, the light-emitting control unit 307 determines whether to turn on, flash, or turn off for each of the multiple light-emitting units 201, and provides a control signal to each light-emitting unit 201 to control its light-emitting state based on the determination. Specific examples of the light-emitting state that the light-emitting control unit 307 sets the light-emitting unit 201 to will be described later. The light-emitting control unit 307 can determine the light-emitting state of the light-emitting unit 201 autonomously, or it can determine the light-emitting state of the light-emitting unit 201 based on instructions from the mobile device 310.

[0040] The mobile device 310 includes a control unit 311, a display unit 314, an input unit 315, and a communication unit 316. The mobile device 310 may be, for example, a mobile phone device such as a smartphone. The user of the mobile device 310 is the same as the driver. The following describes the scenario where the driver uses the mobile device 310. The mobile device 310 may be held by the driver or housed in the vehicle 100. The control unit 311 performs overall control of the mobile device 310. The control unit 311 may consist of, for example, a processor 312 and a memory 313. In this case, the actions performed by the control unit 311 are implemented by the processor 312 executing a program stored in the memory 313. The program may include an operating system and application programs. Part or all of the actions of the control unit 311 may also be implemented using dedicated circuitry such as an ASIC or an FPGA.

[0041] Display unit 314 displays information for the driver. Display unit 314 may be implemented using a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL display. Input unit 315 receives input from the driver. Input unit 315 may be implemented using an input device such as a touch panel or buttons. Communication unit 316 provides functionality for communication between the mobile device 310 and external devices. Communication unit 316 may also support short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth. Furthermore, communication unit 306 may also support cellular communication, WiFi (registered trademark) communication, etc.

[0042] The headset 320 includes a microphone 321, a speaker 322, and a communication unit 323. The headset 320 is worn on the driver's head. The microphone 321 receives voice input from the driver. The speaker 322 outputs voice signals to the driver. The communication unit 323 may also support short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth.

[0043] In one embodiment of the invention, the vehicle 100 and the mobile device 310 cooperate with each other. Specifically, a communication link based on short-range wireless communication is established between the vehicle 100 and the mobile device 310, for example. The vehicle 100 and the mobile device 310 exchange data via this communication link. Additionally, a communication link based on short-range wireless communication is established between the mobile device 310 and the headset 320, for example. The mobile device 310 and the headset 320 exchange data via this communication link.

[0044] At least some of the multiple functions provided by the mobile device 310 can cooperate with the vehicle 100. Hereinafter, the functions provided by the mobile device 310 that can cooperate with the vehicle 100 will be referred to as cooperative functions. The driver inputs direction to the mobile device 310 via the direction input unit 305 of the vehicle 100. This direction input is sent from the vehicle 100 to the mobile device 310. The mobile device 310 performs the cooperative function operation based on the direction input from the driver and generates an image representing the operation status. The mobile device 310 sends the generated image to the vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 displays the received image on the display unit 304.

[0045] Additionally, the mobile device 310 sends the driver's voice output to the headset 320. The headset 320 outputs the received voice output from the speaker 322. The headset 320 sends the driver's voice input, acquired by the microphone 321, to the mobile device 310. The mobile device 310 performs actions corresponding to the voice input from the driver.

[0046] An embodiment (hereinafter referred to as the first embodiment) in which the display device 101 is a dot matrix type will be described. Figure 4An example of the display on the display unit 304 during the cooperative operation of the vehicle 100 and the mobile device 310 will be described. Screen 400 is an example of a screen displayed on the display device 101. The driving speed is displayed in the center of screen 400, and the remaining fuel is displayed below it. A speedometer is displayed on the left side of screen 400.

[0047] The area 401 located on the right side of the screen 400 is used to display images provided by the mobile device 310 during cooperation between the vehicle 100 and the mobile device 310. Hereinafter, such images will be referred to as cooperative images. During periods when cooperative images are not provided by the mobile device 310 (i.e., when the vehicle 100 is not cooperating with the mobile device 310), the vehicle 100 may also display other images in area 401, such as images unrelated to the cooperative function. For example, the vehicle 100 may also display images of driving mode parameters (e.g., information about the vehicle 100's settings, such as the operating status of the ABS (anti-lock braking system)), level adjustments, and other options in area 401. Less important images unrelated to the cooperative function (e.g., images related to the driving of the vehicle 100) may also be displayed in area 401. By sharing area 401 with less important images unrelated to the cooperative function and cooperative images, the space of the screen 400 can be effectively utilized.

[0048] The area 402 located at the lower side of the screen 400 is used to display images provided from the mobile device 310 when the vehicle 100 is not cooperating with the mobile device 310. Hereinafter, such images will be referred to as interrupted images. During the period when interrupted images are not provided from the mobile device 310, the vehicle 100 may also display other images in the area 402, such as images unrelated to the cooperation function.

[0049] Reference Figures 5 to 9 The following describes specific examples of the collaborative functions. Mobile device 310 provides multiple collaborative functions. These functions may include two or more of the following: weather information provision, call function, message sending and receiving function, music playback function, and route guidance function. The following describes the mobile device 310 providing all of these five collaborative functions. The weather information provision function provides weather information for a specific location. The weather information may include at least one of weather and temperature. The call function allows communication with others. The message sending and receiving function allows exchanging text messages with others. The music playback function plays music. The route guidance function provides directions to a specified destination.

[0050] Mobile device 310 receives two types of input from vehicle 100 in four directions (up, down, left, and right). In the following example, the two inputs are handled as short presses and long presses. A short press in the up direction will be referred to simply as an up short press. The same applies to other directions and long presses. Figures 5 to 9 In the text, a blacked-out triangle indicates a short press, and a blacked-out triangle with a "^" symbol indicates a long press. Figures 5 to 9 In this context, all images other than image 500 are collaborative images, meaning images sent by the mobile device 310 to the vehicle 100 and displayed on the display device 101 of the vehicle 100 during the execution of collaborative functions. Therefore, in the following... Figures 5 to 9 The description only covers up to the transmission of the collaborative image, omitting any mention of the display of the collaborative image of the vehicle 100 afterwards.

[0051] During periods when the vehicle 100 and the mobile device 310 are not cooperating (i.e., when the mobile device 310 is not performing any cooperative function), an image 500 other than the cooperative function is displayed in area 401 of the screen 400. When the mobile device 310 is not cooperating with the vehicle 100, it begins to cooperate with the vehicle 100 by obtaining a left long press from the driver via the vehicle 100's direction input unit 305. In the following description, the direction input is also obtained from the driver via the vehicle 100's direction input unit 305; therefore, only the input direction (up, down, left, right) and input method (short press / long press) are shown below.

[0052] Multiple collaboration functions each have a homepage image. A homepage image refers to the image sent by the mobile device 310 to the vehicle 100 for a selected collaboration function. Image 501 is the homepage image for the weather information provision function. Image 501 displays an image showing the weather and temperature of the vehicle 100's current location. If a destination has been set for the vehicle 100, image 501 can also display an image showing the weather and temperature of the destination. Image 502 is the homepage image for the call function. Image 502 contains an image representing the call function. Image 503 is the homepage image for the route guidance function. Image 503 contains an image representing the route guidance function. Image 504 is the homepage image for the music playback function. Image 504 contains an image representing the music playback function. Image 505 is the homepage image for the messaging function. Image 505 contains an image representing the messaging function.

[0053] When collaboration begins, mobile device 310 selects one of several collaboration functions and sends the homepage image of the selected collaboration function. The selected collaboration function may also be a pre-set collaboration function as the initial function. Such a collaboration function is referred to as the initial collaboration function. In the following description, a call function is assumed to be set as the initial collaboration function. Therefore, mobile device 310 sends image 502 after collaboration begins. The driver can also set other collaboration functions as the initial collaboration function. Mobile device 310 can also initiate collaboration via voice notification.

[0054] When a right long press is received while the mobile device 310 is displaying the homepage image with the initial collaboration function (image 502 in this example), the collaboration with the vehicle 100 ends. In this case, the mobile device 310 sends a notification to the vehicle 100 indicating the end of collaboration. Based on this notification, the vehicle 100 ends the collaboration action and displays image 500 (excluding the collaboration function) in area 401. The mobile device 310 can also notify the vehicle 100 that the collaboration has ended via voice.

[0055] As described above, the collaborative image is displayed in area 401 on the right side of screen 400. Therefore, when the collaborative image is displayed in area 401 at the start of collaboration, the driver perceives the collaborative image moving from the outside of screen 400, across the right edge of screen 400, and into area 401. The input direction (left direction) for starting the collaborative action is consistent with the imagined direction of movement of the collaborative image, thus allowing the driver to intuitively begin the collaborative function. To make this effect more pronounced, vehicle 100 can also display an animation of the collaborative image entering area 401 from the right. Furthermore, when the collaborative image in area 401 is removed at the end of collaboration, the driver perceives the collaborative image moving away from the right edge of screen 400, across the right edge of screen 400. The input direction (right direction) for ending the collaborative action is consistent with the imagined direction of movement of the collaborative image, thus allowing the driver to intuitively end the collaborative function. To make this effect more pronounced, vehicle 100 can also display an animation of the collaborative image leaving area 401 from the right. Furthermore, in the display of other collaborative images, the vehicle 100 can also establish a correspondence between the input direction and the movement direction of the image. That is, the vehicle 100 can also display the image received in response to the instruction to the mobile device 310 in the direction indicated by the animation of moving in that direction.

[0056] Next, the switching between multiple collaborative functions will be explained. When the mobile device 310 receives an up or down short press while displaying the homepage image (any one of images 501-505) of any of the multiple collaborative functions, it switches the currently selected collaborative function to another collaborative function and sends the homepage image of the switched collaborative function. Thus, up and down short presses while the homepage image is displayed are processed as switching operations to switch the currently selected collaborative function to another collaborative function. For example, when the mobile device 310 receives a down short press while displaying the homepage image of the currently selected collaborative function, it switches the currently selected collaborative function in the order of weather information provision, call function, route guidance function, music playback function, and message sending / receiving function, and sends the homepage image (any one of images 501-505) corresponding to the switched collaborative function. Furthermore, based on the information obtained from a short press while the homepage image of the currently selected collaboration function is displayed, the mobile device 310 switches the currently selected collaboration function in reverse order and sends the homepage image (any one of images 501 to 505) corresponding to the switched collaboration function. The mobile device 310 can also notify the switched collaboration function via voice at the same time as switching collaboration functions.

[0057] Next, the execution of the collaboration function will be explained. When the mobile device 310 receives a right short press while displaying a homepage image (any one of images 502-505) showing a collaboration function that can be executed, it executes the currently selected collaboration function and sends the image corresponding to the collaboration function. Thus, a right short press while the homepage image is displayed is processed as an execution operation for the currently selected collaboration function. In this embodiment, the weather information provision function is a function that only displays weather information to the homepage image and cannot be executed. Therefore, even if a right short press is received while image 501 is displayed, the mobile device 310 may not perform any processing.

[0058] Even while displaying Figures 5 to 9 For any of the collaborative images shown, upon receiving a left long press, the mobile device 310 will proceed to sending the initial collaborative function's home screen image (image 502 in this example). Even when displaying... Figures 5 to 9 In any of the cooperative images shown, when the mobile device 310 receives a long press, it sets the volume of the voice output to the driver to zero (i.e., mutes it). Conversely, when the mobile device 310 receives a long press while muted, it demutes the muting state and returns to the volume before muting. Even when displaying... Figures 5 to 9In any of the collaboration images shown, the mobile device 310 can also end the collaboration action upon receiving a right long press. Alternatively, the mobile device 310 can accept the end instruction for the collaboration action only when the homepage image displaying the initial collaboration function (image 502 in this example) is displayed, or only when the homepage image displaying any one of the collaboration functions is displayed.

[0059] Reference Figure 5 The illumination states of the light-emitting unit 201 will be explained below. Illumination states 511 to 515 indicate the illumination states of the light-emitting unit 201 when images 501 to 505 are displayed in area 401 of the vehicle's screen 400. For example, when the weather information provision function is currently selected, the control unit 301 displays image 501 in area 401 of the screen 400, and the light-emitting unit 201 is illuminated in illumination state 511.

[0060] When images 501-505 are displayed in area 401 of the vehicle's screen 400, the illumination control unit 307 controls the illumination state of the illumination unit 201U in response to a short up press made by the driver of the vehicle 100 using the direction switch 200. Similarly, the illumination control unit 307 controls the illumination states of the illumination units 201L, 201R, and 201D in response to a short left press, a short right press, and a short down press, respectively.

[0061] The light emission control unit 307 controls the illumination state of multiple light emission units 201 by illuminating the light emission unit 201 corresponding to the valid operation among multiple operations and extinguishing the light emission unit 201 corresponding to the invalid operation among multiple operations. As an example, the illumination state 511 will be described when the currently selected cooperative function is weather information provision. In this case, the valid operation among the short presses corresponding to the up, down, left, and right of the four light emission units 201 is simply the switching of the cooperative function based on the down short press. Therefore, the light emission control unit 307 illuminates light emission unit 201D (e.g., illuminates) and extinguishes the other light emission units 201U, 201L, and 201R. In this specification, a valid operation can be an operation performed by the driver to obtain a desired result, and an invalid operation can be an operation by which the driver cannot obtain the desired result.

[0062] As another example, the illumination state 512 when the currently selected collaboration function is the call function will be explained. In this case, the effective operation among the short presses corresponding to the four light-emitting units 201 (up, down, left, right) is only the switching of the collaboration function based on the up or down short press, and the execution of the collaboration function (call function) based on the right short press. Therefore, the illumination control unit 307 illuminates (e.g., turns on) the light-emitting units 201U, 201R, and 201D, and turns off the other light-emitting units 201L. By controlling the illumination state of multiple light-emitting units 201 in this way, the driver can intuitively grasp which operation is effective.

[0063] In some embodiments, corresponding colors are assigned to multiple collaborative functions. For example, red can be assigned to the weather information function, blue to the call function, yellow to the message sending and receiving function, green to the music playback function, and purple to the route guidance function. The colors assigned to collaborative functions can be different from each other, or some can be repeated. The light emission control unit 307 may also cause the light emission unit 201 corresponding to the effective operation to emit light in the color corresponding to the currently selected function among the multiple functions provided to the driver (collaborative functions in this embodiment). In this specification, the difference in the emitted color is represented by the difference in shading.

[0064] For example, the illumination control unit 307 can cause the illumination unit 201 corresponding to the operation of switching the currently selected function to another function to emit light in the color assigned to that other function. As an example, the illumination state 512 when the currently selected collaboration function is the call function will be described. In this case, a short up press is an operation to switch the currently selected call function to the weather information provision function. Therefore, the illumination control unit 307 will cause the illumination unit 201U corresponding to the short up press to emit red light, which is assigned to the weather information provision function. A short down press is an operation to switch the currently selected call function to the route guidance function. Therefore, the illumination control unit 307 will cause the illumination unit 201D corresponding to the short down press to emit yellow light, which is assigned to the route guidance function.

[0065] Alternatively, or based on this, the illumination control unit 307 can cause the illumination unit 201 corresponding to the operation used to perform the currently selected function to emit light in the color assigned to the currently selected function. As an example, the illumination state 512 will be explained when the currently selected cooperative function is the call function. In this case, a short right press is the operation used to perform the currently selected call function. Therefore, the illumination control unit 307 causes the illumination unit 201R corresponding to the short right press to emit blue light, which is assigned to the call function. In this way, by controlling the illumination states of multiple illumination units 201, the driver can intuitively grasp the purpose of each operation.

[0066] Reference Figure 6The following describes specific actions of the call function. When the mobile device 310 receives a right short press while image 502 is displayed, it proceeds to sending image 602. Image 602 is used to request the driver to specify a call recipient. The mobile device 310 can also request the driver to specify a call recipient via voice while sending image 602. When the mobile device 310 receives a down short press, a right short press, and a left short press while image 602 is displayed, it proceeds to sending image 603, image 604, and image 502, respectively.

[0067] Image 603 is an image containing the name of a pre-set call recipient. When transferring to the transmission of image 603, mobile device 310 reads the pre-set name as the call recipient from memory 313 and includes it in image 603. Mobile device 310 can also notify the driver of the read-out call recipient's name via voice while transmitting image 603. When mobile device 310 receives an up short press, a right short press, and a left short press while image 603 is displayed, it transfers to the transmission of image 602, image 606, and image 502, respectively.

[0068] Image 604 represents a waiting state for a voice search. Image 604 may also include an image indicating the input direction for ending the voice search. Mobile device 310 may also notify the driver via voice that it is waiting for a voice search while sending image 603. After sending image 604, mobile device 310 waits for voice input via headset 320. Upon receiving voice input, mobile device 310 searches for a call recipient from the contact list in memory 313 based on that voice input. If the call recipient can be identified, mobile device 310 proceeds to sending image 605; otherwise, it does not send a new image (i.e., vehicle 100 continues displaying image 604). Mobile device 310 may also notify the driver via voice if the call recipient cannot be identified. If a short left press is received while image 604 is displayed, mobile device 310 proceeds to sending image 602.

[0069] Image 605 is an image containing the name of the call recipient determined through voice search. Mobile device 310 can also notify the driver of the determined call recipient's name via voice while sending image 605. When a short right press and a short left press are received while image 605 is displayed, mobile device 310 proceeds to send image 606 and image 602 respectively.

[0070] Image 606 is an image representing the execution status of the call function. Image 606 may include the call recipient and the call status (calling in progress or in a call (in this case, the call duration)). Image 606 may also include an image representing the input direction for ending the call. While sending image 606, mobile device 310 begins calling the call recipient and updates image 606 according to the call status. Voice input and output between mobile device 310 and the driver is via headset 320. If mobile device 310 receives a left short press while image 606 is displayed, the call ends, and the process moves to sending image 502. If mobile device 310 receives an up or down short press while image 606 is displayed, the volume output from headset 320 increases or decreases. If mobile device 310 receives a left long press while image 606 is displayed, the process moves to sending image 601 if the call continues.

[0071] Image 601 is the home screen image for a call function in progress. Image 502 is the home screen image for a call function in other situations. A call function in progress can be either a call being made to another user or a conversation being made with another user. Image 601 can include the caller and the call status (calling, conversation duration in this case). Since image 601 is the home screen image, when the mobile device 310 receives an up or down short press while image 601 is displayed, it switches the call function to another function. The mobile device 310 can also maintain the call state even if the call function is switched to another function while the call function is in progress. When the mobile device 310 receives a right short press while image 601 is displayed, it transitions to sending image 606 while the call continues. When the mobile device 310 ends the call (the caller ends the call) while image 601 is displayed, it transitions to sending image 502. The mobile device 310 can also refuse to accept call termination instructions from the driver while image 601 is displayed.

[0072] In the display Figure 6In the cases shown in the images, the light emission control unit 307 can control the light emission state of the multiple light emission units 201 by illuminating the light emission unit 201 corresponding to the valid operation among the multiple operations and extinguishing the light emission unit 201 corresponding to the invalid operation among the multiple operations. As an example, the light emission state 613 of the light emission unit 201 when image 603 is displayed will be described. In this case, the valid operations among the short presses corresponding to the up, down, left, and right of the four light emission units 201 are only the up short press, the left short press, and the right short press. Therefore, the light emission control unit 307 illuminates (e.g., turns on) the light emission units 201U, 201L, and 201R, and extinguishes the other light emission unit 201D. Since the call function is still selected after these valid operations are performed, the light emission control unit 307 can make the light emission units 201U, 201L, and 201R emit blue light as assigned to the call function.

[0073] As another example, the illumination state 616 of the light-emitting unit 201 in the case where image 606 is displayed (i.e., during a call by the driver based on the mobile device 310) will be described. In this case, among the short presses corresponding to the four light-emitting units 201, the effective operations are only the up short press, the left short press, and the down short press. Among these effective operations, the left short press is used to end the call, and the up and down short presses are used to change the volume. The volume change can be considered a low-importance operation compared to the end of the call. Therefore, the illumination control unit 307 can turn off the light-emitting units 201U and 201D corresponding to the up and down short presses used to change the volume. Thus, even for effective operations, the illumination control unit 307 can turn off the corresponding light-emitting unit. The same applies to the case where the light-emitting unit corresponding to the volume change can also be turned off, as shown in the other images described later. In addition, the illumination control unit 307 also turns off the light-emitting unit 201R corresponding to invalid operations. As a result, the light-emitting control unit 307 illuminates the light-emitting unit 201L corresponding to the operation of ending the call during a conversation between the driver and the mobile device 310, while turning off the other light-emitting units 201U, 201R, and 201D. Thus, the driver can intuitively grasp the operation for ending the call during the conversation.

[0074] The illumination state of the light-emitting unit 201 during the display of image 604 will be described. The illumination control unit 307 can cause multiple light-emitting units 201 to flash in a predetermined pattern during the period from when the driver receives the voice input until the search result is returned. For example, the illumination control unit 307 can cause each of the multiple light-emitting units 201 to flash in a manner that draws a circle with the illuminated light-emitting units 201. Similarly, in other processes described later, the illumination control unit 307 can also cause multiple light-emitting units 201 to flash in a predetermined pattern during the period from when the driver's instruction is received until a response to that instruction is returned. Thus, the driver can intuitively understand that the process is in progress.

[0075] Reference Figure 7 This section explains specific action examples for the route guidance function. When displaying... Figure 7 In the cases shown in the images, the light emission control unit 307 can also control the light emission state of the light emission unit 201 in multiple ways, such that the light emission unit 201 corresponding to the valid operation in multiple operations is illuminated, and the light emission unit 201 corresponding to the invalid operation in multiple operations is turned off. When the mobile device 310 receives a right short press while the image 503 is displayed, it proceeds to sending the image 702. The image 702 is an image used to request a specified destination from the driver. The mobile device 310 can also request a specified destination from the driver via voice while sending the image 702. When the mobile device 310 receives a down short press, a right short press, and a left short press while the image 702 is displayed, it proceeds to sending the image 703, the image 704, and the image 503, respectively.

[0076] Image 703 is an image containing a pre-set destination. When transferring to the transmission of image 703, mobile device 310 reads the pre-set location as the destination from memory 313 and includes it in image 703. Mobile device 310 can also notify the driver of the read destination via voice while transmitting image 703. When mobile device 310 receives an up short press, a right short press, and a left short press while image 703 is displayed, it transfers to the transmission of image 702, image 706, and image 503, respectively.

[0077] Image 704 represents a waiting state for a voice search. Image 704 may also include an image indicating the input direction for ending the voice search. Mobile device 310 may also notify the driver via voice that it is waiting for a voice search while sending image 703. After sending image 704, mobile device 310 waits for voice input via headset 320. After receiving voice input, mobile device 310 determines the destination based on the voice input, for example, map information. If the destination can be determined, mobile device 310 proceeds to sending image 705; if the destination cannot be determined, no new image is sent (i.e., vehicle 100 continues displaying image 704). Mobile device 310 may also notify the driver via voice if the destination cannot be determined. If a short left press is received while image 704 is displayed, mobile device 310 proceeds to sending image 702.

[0078] Image 705 is an image containing the destination determined through voice search. Mobile device 310 can also notify the driver of the determined destination via voice while sending image 705. When image 705 is displayed, and a short right press or a short left press is received, mobile device 310 will proceed to send image 706 and image 702 respectively.

[0079] Image 706 is an image showing the execution status of the route guidance function. Image 706 may also include the distance to the point where a turn should be made and the direction of the turn. Image 706 may also include an image showing the input direction for ending route guidance. The mobile device 310 starts route guidance while sending image 706 and updates image 706 according to the guidance status. The route guidance voice is output to the driver from the mobile device 310 via the headset 320. If a short left press is received while image 706 is displayed, the mobile device 310 switches to sending image 707. If a short up or short down press is received while image 706 is displayed, the mobile device 310 increases or decreases the volume output from the headset 320.

[0080] Image 707 is used to confirm whether route guidance has ended. Image 707 may include an image requesting confirmation and an image indicating the input direction for responding to the confirmation. If a short right press is received while image 707 is displayed, the mobile device 310 ends route guidance and proceeds to sending image 503. If a long right press is received while route guidance continues, the mobile device 310 proceeds to sending image 706.

[0081] Image 701 is the homepage image of the route guidance function when it is being executed. On the other hand, image 503 is the homepage image of the route guidance function when it is not being executed. Executing the route guidance function may be during the process of guiding the driver to a route. Image 701 may also include the distance to the point where a turn should be made and the direction of the turn. As described above, when the mobile device 310 receives a left long press while the route guidance function is selected (i.e., when images 503 and any one of images 701 to 707 are displayed), it sends the homepage image of the initial collaboration function. If the mobile device 310 selects the route guidance function again later, and if it was in the state of executing route guidance at the time of the last selection, it sends image 701 as the homepage image of the route guidance function.

[0082] Since image 701 is the homepage image, when the mobile device 310 receives an up or down short press while image 701 is displayed, it switches the route guidance function to other collaborative functions. When the mobile device 310 receives a right short press while image 701 is displayed, it transitions to sending image 706 while continuing route guidance. When the route guidance ends (destination reached) while image 701 is displayed, the mobile device 310 transitions to sending image 503. The mobile device 310 may also refuse to accept the route guidance end instruction while image 701 is displayed.

[0083] Reference Figure 8 This section explains the specific actions of the music playback function. When the display shows... Figure 8In the cases shown in each image, the light emission control unit 307 also controls the light emission state of the multiple light emission units 201 by illuminating the light emission unit 201 corresponding to the valid operation among the multiple operations and extinguishing the light emission unit 201 corresponding to the invalid operation among the multiple operations. When the mobile device 310 receives a right short press while the image 504 is displayed, it proceeds to sending the image 802. The image 802 is an image used to search for the music being played. While sending the image 802, the mobile device 310 selects a song from the playlist in the memory 313 and includes it in the image 802. The mobile device 310 may also notify the driver of the name of the selected song via voice while sending the image 802. When the mobile device 310 receives a right short press and a left short press while the image 802 is displayed, it proceeds to sending the image 803 and the image 504, respectively. When the mobile device 310 receives an up short press while the image 802 is displayed, it selects the previous song in the playlist and updates the image 802 accordingly. When the mobile device 310 receives a short press while the image 802 is displayed, it selects the next track in the playlist and updates the image 802 accordingly.

[0084] Image 803 is an image representing the execution status of the music playback function. Image 803 may also include the name of the song being played and its playback status (playback time). Image 803 may also include images representing the input direction for ending playback and the input direction for skipping the currently playing song. While sending image 803, mobile device 310 updates image 803 according to the playback status of the song. The playing song is output from mobile device 310 to the driver via headphones 320. When mobile device 310 receives a left short press while image 803 is displayed, playback ends, and the process moves to sending image 802. When mobile device 310 receives a right short press while image 803 is displayed, the next song in the playlist is selected, and image 803 is updated accordingly. When mobile device 310 receives an up or down short press while image 803 is displayed, the volume output from headphones 320 is increased or decreased. When the mobile device 310 receives a left long press while the image 806 is displayed, it will continue playing the image and then transfer to the home screen image (image 502 in this example) of the initial collaboration function.

[0085] Image 801 is the homepage image for the music playback function when it is currently playing music. On the other hand, image 504 is the homepage image for the music playback function when it is not currently playing music. Playing music may be happening while music is being played to the driver. Image 801 may include the name of the song being played and its playback status (playback time). As described above, when the mobile device 310 receives a long left press while the music playback function is selected (i.e., when images 504 and 801-803 are displayed), it sends the homepage image for the initial collaboration function. If the mobile device 310 selects the music playback function again later, and if it was in a state of music playback during the previous selection, it sends image 801 as the homepage image for the music playback function.

[0086] Since image 801 is the homepage image, when mobile device 310 receives an up or down short press while image 801 is displayed, it switches the music playback function to other collaborative functions. When mobile device 310 receives a right short press while image 801 is displayed, it transitions to sending image 803 while continuing music playback. When music playback ends (playlist complete) while image 801 is displayed, mobile device 310 transitions to sending image 504. Mobile device 310 can also refuse to accept the music playback end indication while image 801 is displayed.

[0087] Reference Figure 9 This section explains specific action examples for the message sending and receiving function. (The text then repeats itself, seemingly unrelated to the previous sentence.) Figure 9 In the cases shown in the images, the light emission control unit 307 can also control the light emission state of the multiple light emission units 201 by illuminating the light emission unit 201 corresponding to the valid operation among the multiple operations and extinguishing the light emission unit 201 corresponding to the invalid operation among the multiple operations. When the mobile device 310 receives a right short press while the image 505 is displayed, it proceeds to sending the image 901. The image 901 is an image used to request the driver to specify the target to send. The mobile device 310 can also request the driver to specify the target to send via voice while sending the image 901. When the mobile device 310 receives a down short press, a right short press, and a left short press while the image 901 is displayed, it proceeds to sending the image 902, the image 903, and the image 505, respectively.

[0088] Image 902 is an image containing the name of a pre-set recipient. When transferring to the transmission of image 902, mobile device 310 reads the pre-set name as the recipient from memory 313 and includes it in image 902. Mobile device 310 can also simultaneously transmit the read-out recipient's name to the driver via voice. When image 902 is displayed, mobile device 310 receives an up short press, a right short press, and a left short press, respectively, and then transfers to the transmission of image 901, image 905, and image 505.

[0089] Image 903 represents a waiting state for a voice search. Image 903 may also include an image indicating the input direction for ending the voice search. Mobile device 310 may also notify the driver via voice that it is waiting for a voice search while sending image 902. After sending image 903, mobile device 310 waits for voice input via headset 320. Upon receiving voice input, mobile device 310 searches for a recipient from the contact list in memory 313 based on that voice input. If the recipient is identified, mobile device 310 proceeds to sending image 904; otherwise, it does not send a new image (i.e., vehicle 100 continues displaying image 903). Mobile device 310 may also notify the driver via voice if the recipient is not identified. If a short left press is received while image 903 is displayed, mobile device 310 proceeds to sending image 901.

[0090] Image 904 is an image containing the name of the recipient determined through voice search. Mobile device 310 can also simultaneously send the name of the determined recipient to the driver via voice. When a short right press and a short left press are received while image 904 is displayed, mobile device 310 proceeds to send image 905 and image 901 respectively.

[0091] Image 905 represents a state of waiting for voice input. Image 905 may also include images indicating the input direction for ending voice input and the input direction for starting transmission. The mobile device 310 may also notify the driver via voice that it is waiting for voice input while sending image 905. After sending image 905, the mobile device 310 waits for voice input via headset 320. The mobile device 310 receives a message indicating that the input voice is intended for transmission. If the mobile device 310 receives a left short press, a right short press, and a down short press while image 905 is displayed, it proceeds to send image 904, image 907, and image 906, respectively.

[0092] Image 906 is an image containing a pre-set message with a fixed statement. When transferring to the transmission of image 906, mobile device 310 reads the pre-set message with a fixed statement from memory 313 and includes it in image 906. Image 906 may also include images indicating the input direction for canceling transmission and the input direction for starting transmission. Mobile device 310 may also transmit the read fixed statement to the driver via voice while transmitting image 906. When mobile device 310 receives an up short press, a right short press, and a left short press while image 906 is displayed, it transfers to the transmission of image 905, image 907, and image 904, respectively.

[0093] Image 907 is an image representing the execution status of the message sending and receiving function. Image 907 may also include an image representing the process of sending a message. While sending image 907, mobile device 310 begins sending a message to the recipient, and after sending is completed, it transitions to sending in image 505.

[0094] like Figures 6 to 9 As shown, the images sent in each collaboration function (i.e., collaboration images) are categorized into three levels: menu level, object selection level, and activity level. The menu level contains the homepage image of the currently selected collaboration function. The object selection level contains an image used to select the execution object for the currently selected collaboration function. The activity level contains an image representing the execution status of the currently selected collaboration function.

[0095] In each collaborative function with an object selection level, the transition from the menu level to the object selection level is performed based on a short right press. Similarly, in each collaborative function with an active level, the transition from the object selection level to the active level is performed based on a short right press. Since the transition to any level is based on a short right press, the driver can intuitively switch levels. Furthermore, there is no need for a switch other than a directional switch. Moreover, the transition from the active level to the object selection level and from the object selection level to the menu level is performed based on a short left press, the opposite direction of the short right press. Therefore, the driver can intuitively return to the previous level. Additionally, the mobile device 310 does not perform image-based confirmation for the driver during transitions from the menu level to the object selection level and from the object selection level to the active level. This reduces the amount of operation required until the processing is completed.

[0096] Within each level, short presses up and down are used for transferring processing within the same level. As described above, the left and right switches 200H are tilt switches, while the up switch 200U and down switch 200D are independent push-button switches. Therefore, the amount of finger movement by the driver in the left and right directions is less compared to the up and down directions. In the above embodiment, the transfer between levels is performed through input in the left and right directions, thereby reducing the amount of finger movement by the driver.

[0097] Within the object selection hierarchy, a short right press initiates the transition to voice search. This allows for a consistent user experience by using input (a short right press) in the same direction as transitions to deeper levels.

[0098] Reference Figure 10 A specific example of interruption processing based on the cooperative function will be explained. Interruption processing refers to the process by which the mobile device 310 requests the vehicle 100 to start the cooperative function, regardless of the driver's instructions. For example, the mobile device 310 requests to start interruption processing when it receives a call from someone or a message from someone.

[0099] When a call comes in to mobile device 310, mobile device 310 sends an image related to the interruption of the call function (i.e., an interruption image) to vehicle 100, and vehicle 100 displays the interruption image in area 402 of screen 400. The interruption image may also include the caller's name, an input direction indicating whether to respond to the call, and an input direction indicating whether to not respond to the call. If, at this time, a collaboration function other than the call function is currently selected, an image of the currently selected collaboration function is displayed in area 401. On the other hand, if a collaboration function is not currently being performed, an image other than the collaboration function is displayed in area 401. If mobile device 310 receives a right short press while the interruption image is displayed, it responds to the call and proceeds to sending image 606. At this time, the collaboration image (specifically image 606) is displayed in area 401. At this time, vehicle 100 may also remove the interruption image from area 402 and display an image based on a non-collaboration function. The same process is performed when mobile device 310 receives a message.

[0100] The illumination state 1001 of the light-emitting unit 201 when an interrupted image is displayed (i.e., the mobile device 310 is receiving an incoming call and calling the driver) will be described. In this case, among the short presses corresponding to the four light-emitting units 201 (up, down, left, right), only the left and right short presses are valid operations. Of these valid operations, the right short press is for responding to an incoming call, and the left short press is for rejecting an incoming call. Therefore, the illumination control unit 307 illuminates (e.g., lights up) the light-emitting units 201L and 201R corresponding to the left and right short presses, and turns off the other light-emitting units 201U and 201D. Thus, the driver can intuitively grasp the operation for responding to or rejecting an incoming call. Furthermore, the illumination control unit 307 can also make the light-emitting units 201L and 201R emit other colors. For example, the illumination control unit 307 can make the light-emitting unit 201L corresponding to rejecting an incoming call emit red, and the light-emitting unit 201R corresponding to responding to an incoming call emit green.

[0101] In the above embodiments, the up / down input and the left / right input can be swapped. For example, left input can be used instead of up input, right input can be used instead of down input, up input can be used instead of left input, and down input can be used instead of right input. Correspondingly, the position of region 401 in screen 400 can also be changed. For example, when collaboration starts with a long press down and ends with a long press up, region 401 can be positioned at the top of the screen. Additionally, in the above embodiments, the left input and the right input can be swapped. For example, left input can be used instead of right input, and right input can be used instead of left input. Correspondingly, the position of region 401 in screen 400 can also be changed. For example, when collaboration starts with a long press right and ends with a long press left, region 401 can be positioned on the left side of the screen.

[0102] In the above embodiment, the light emission control unit 307 may also emit the light emission unit 201 corresponding to the effective operation regardless of the driving state of the vehicle 100. Alternatively, the light emission control unit 307 may change the light emission state of the light emission unit 201 corresponding to the effective operation based on the driving state of the vehicle 100. For example, the light emission control unit 307 may emit the light emission unit 201 corresponding to the effective operation when the vehicle 100 is stationary, and extinguish or reduce the light emission of the light emission unit 201 corresponding to the effective operation when the vehicle 100 is moving. This can suppress light from the light emission unit 201 from hindering the driver's driving. Even when the light emission unit 201 corresponding to the effective operation is extinguished or reduced in brightness, the light emission unit 201 may still emit light as usual (same as when the vehicle is stationary) for a portion of the effective operations (e.g., the light emission state 1001 during the interruption process described above).

[0103] In the above embodiments, the control of the light-emitting state of the light-emitting unit 201 was described in the context of the cooperative function between the vehicle 100 and the mobile device 310. In addition, the control of the light-emitting state of the light-emitting unit 201 of the present invention can be used for the cooperative function between the vehicle 100 and other devices, for the function of the vehicle 100 alone, or for a combination thereof.

[0104] <Summary of Implementation Methods>

[0105] <Project 1>

[0106] A vehicle (100), wherein,

[0107] The vehicle (100) is equipped with:

[0108] Handlebars (104);

[0109] An input unit (102) is mounted on the handlebars;

[0110] Multiple light-emitting units (201) are provided, corresponding to multiple operations performed by the driver of the vehicle using the input unit; and

[0111] The control unit (307) controls the light-emitting state of the plurality of light-emitting parts.

[0112] The control unit causes the light-emitting part to emit light corresponding to the effective operation of at least a portion of the plurality of operations.

[0113] The control unit turns off the light-emitting part corresponding to the invalid operation among the plurality of operations.

[0114] According to this project, drivers can intuitively grasp the operations that can be performed on the input devices of the vehicle.

[0115] <Project 2>

[0116] According to the vehicle described in Project 1, wherein...

[0117] The multiple light-emitting parts can switch between various colors to emit light.

[0118] The control unit causes the light-emitting part corresponding to the effective operation to emit light in a color corresponding to the currently selected function among a plurality of functions provided to the driver.

[0119] According to this project, drivers can intuitively grasp the content of the input operations to the vehicle.

[0120] <Project 3>

[0121] According to the voice guidance device described in Project 2, wherein...

[0122] Assign colors to the various functions respectively.

[0123] The control unit causes the light-emitting part corresponding to the operation of switching the currently selected function to another function to emit light in the color assigned to the other function.

[0124] According to this project, drivers can intuitively grasp the content of the switched functions.

[0125] <Project 4>

[0126] According to the vehicle described in Project 2 or 3, wherein...

[0127] Assign colors to the various functions respectively.

[0128] The control unit causes the light-emitting part corresponding to the operation for performing the currently selected function to emit light in the color assigned to the currently selected function.

[0129] According to this project, drivers can intuitively grasp the content of the currently selected function.

[0130] <Project 5>

[0131] The vehicle according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein,

[0132] The vehicle is capable of operating in conjunction with the driver's telephone device.

[0133] The control unit illuminates the light-emitting part corresponding to the operation of responding to the call and the light-emitting part corresponding to the operation of rejecting the call when the telephone device receives an incoming call, and turns off the other light-emitting parts among the plurality of light-emitting parts.

[0134] According to the project, drivers can intuitively grasp the operations used to respond to or reject incoming calls.

[0135] <Project 6>

[0136] According to the vehicle described in Project 5, the control unit illuminates a light-emitting part corresponding to an operation to end the call during a call by the driver based on the telephone device, and extinguishes the other light-emitting parts among the plurality of light-emitting parts.

[0137] According to this project, drivers can intuitively grasp the operation to end a call.

[0138] <Project 7>

[0139] The vehicle according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein,

[0140] The control unit causes the plurality of light-emitting parts to flash in a predetermined pattern from the time it receives the driver's instruction until it returns a response to the instruction.

[0141] According to this project, drivers can intuitively grasp the process in progress.

[0142] <Project 8>

[0143] The vehicle according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein,

[0144] The control unit illuminates the light-emitting part corresponding to the effective operation when the vehicle is stationary.

[0145] The control unit turns off or reduces the light intensity of the light source corresponding to the effective operation when the vehicle is in motion.

[0146] According to the project, it is possible to suppress light from the light-emitting part from interfering with the driver's driving.

[0147] <Project 9>

[0148] The vehicle according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein,

[0149] The input section includes direction input sections (200, 211) for indicating multiple directions.

[0150] The multiple operations are performed using the direction input unit.

[0151] According to this project, drivers can intuitively grasp the operations that can be performed on the direction input unit.

[0152] <Project 10>

[0153] The vehicle according to any one of items 1 to 9, wherein the vehicle is a two-wheeled vehicle.

[0154] According to the project, drivers can intuitively grasp the operations that can be performed on the input section of the two-wheeled vehicle.

[0155] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and alterations can be made within the scope of the spirit of this invention.

[0156] This application asserts prior rights based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-106887, filed on June 28, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0157] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0158] 100: Vehicles;

[0159] 102: Left handlebar switch;

[0160] 201: Light-emitting part.

Claims

1. A vehicle, wherein, The vehicle has the following features: handlebar; Input section, which is mounted on the handlebars; Multiple light-emitting units are provided, which correspond to multiple operations performed by the driver of the vehicle using the input unit; as well as The control unit controls the light-emitting state of the plurality of light-emitting parts. The multiple light-emitting parts can switch between various colors to emit light. The multiple operations include operations for performing the currently selected function among multiple functions offered to the driver and operations for switching the currently selected function to other functions. Assign colors to the various functions respectively. When an operation is performed to switch the currently selected function to another function, the color of the light-emitting part corresponding to the operation performed to execute the currently selected function changes.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, When an operation is performed to switch the currently selected function to another function, the color of the light-emitting part corresponding to the operation of switching the currently selected function to another function changes.

3. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein, The input section includes multiple input positions. The input position corresponding to the operation of performing the currently selected function among a plurality of functions offered to the driver, in a projection in a certain direction, lies between the two input positions corresponding to the operation of switching the currently selected function to another function. After the currently selected function is switched from the first function to the second function, the color of the light-emitting part corresponding to the operation for performing the second function is the same as the color of the light-emitting part corresponding to the operation for switching the currently selected function from the first function to the second function.

4. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The vehicle is capable of operating in conjunction with the driver's telephone device. During the period when the telephone device receives an incoming call and calls the driver, the control unit illuminates the light-emitting part corresponding to the operation of responding to the incoming call and the light-emitting part corresponding to the operation of rejecting the incoming call, and extinguishes the other light-emitting parts among the plurality of light-emitting parts.

5. The vehicle according to claim 4, wherein, During a call by the driver based on the telephone device, the control unit illuminates the light-emitting part corresponding to the operation for ending the call, and extinguishes the other light-emitting parts among the plurality of light-emitting parts.

6. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit causes the plurality of light-emitting parts to flash in a predetermined pattern from the time it receives the driver's instruction until it returns a response to the instruction.

7. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit illuminates the light-emitting part corresponding to the effective operation when the vehicle is stationary. The control unit turns off or reduces the light intensity of the light source corresponding to the effective operation when the vehicle is in motion.

8. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The input section includes a direction input section for indicating multiple directions. The multiple operations are performed using the direction input unit.

9. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The vehicle in question is a two-wheeled vehicle.

Images