Input device for vehicle

Abstract

The invention provides an input device for a vehicle. A vehicle input device is provided with a display region which is provided in the front part of a vehicle cabin, displays a predetermined image, is provided with a touch sensor, and displays the image on the display region when a sliding operation for sliding the image within the display region is detected on the basis of a signal received from the touch sensor. And a controller configured to output a signal corresponding to the slide operation to the in-vehicle device, and to move the image within the display area in accordance with the slide operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an input device for a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] In the specification of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0326851, a structure having a display unit extending from the instrument panel to the steering device side is disclosed. In particular, in Patent Document 1, it is described that the functions of the vehicle can be controlled by performing touch input in a state where information related to the functions of the vehicle is displayed.

[0003] However, in the structure described in the specification of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0326851, since the changed information is displayed at a portion different from the portion touched by the passenger's touch operation, there is room for improvement in intuitively grasping the change status of the vehicle-mounted equipment. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides a vehicle input device capable of controlling vehicle-mounted equipment comfortably and intuitively.

[0005] The vehicle input device involved in the first embodiment has a display area, which is arranged at the front part of the vehicle cabin and displays a predetermined image and is provided with a touch sensor. When a sliding action that causes the image to slide within the display area is detected based on a signal received from the touch sensor, a signal corresponding to the sliding action is output to the vehicle-mounted device, and the image is moved within the display area according to the sliding action.

[0006] In the vehicle input device according to the first embodiment, a display area for displaying a predetermined image is provided at the front of the vehicle compartment, and a touch sensor is provided in the display area. In addition, when the vehicle input device detects a sliding action that causes the image to slide in the display area based on a signal received from the touch sensor, the vehicle input device outputs a signal corresponding to the sliding action to the vehicle-mounted device. Here, since the image moves in the display area according to the sliding action, the occupant can intuitively control the vehicle-mounted device while observing the position of the image.

[0007] A vehicle input device according to a second aspect is configured such that, in the first aspect, the display area is arranged on the vehicle rear side of the instrument panel.

[0008] The vehicle input device according to the second aspect makes it easier for the occupant to operate the device than a configuration in which a display area is provided on the instrument panel.

[0009] The vehicle input device involved in the third embodiment is that in the second embodiment, the display area is respectively arranged on the right display part and the left display part in a manner such that the front-rear direction of the vehicle is set as the thickness direction, the right display part is plate-shaped and extends to the right side of the vehicle compared to the steering device, and the left display part is plate-shaped and extends to the left side of the vehicle compared to the steering device, and a finger hook part is provided on the surface of the right display part and the left display part on the opposite side to the display area.

[0010] In the vehicle input device according to the third aspect, since the display area can be operated while hooking the finger on the finger hook portion, the operability can be improved.

[0011] The vehicle input device involved in the fourth embodiment is that, in the second embodiment, the display area is configured to span from the outer side to the inner side of the steering device when viewed from the rear side of the vehicle, and in the area outside the steering device in the display area, operation items with a higher operation frequency are displayed, and in the area inside the steering device in the display area, operation items with a lower operation frequency are displayed.

[0012] In the vehicle input device according to the fourth aspect, by displaying operation items that are frequently operated at positions where the occupant can easily operate them, it is possible to improve comfort.

[0013] A vehicle input device according to a fifth aspect is configured such that, in the second aspect, information on vehicle-mounted equipment related to vehicle travel is displayed in an area of ​​the display area that is located outside the steering wheel in the vehicle width direction.

[0014] In the vehicle input device involved in the fifth embodiment, by displaying information on vehicle-mounted equipment related to the vehicle's driving in an area on the outside of the handle in the vehicle width direction, that is, on the opposite side of the passenger seat, it is possible to prevent the passenger in the passenger seat from performing erroneous operations.

[0015] A vehicle input device according to a sixth aspect is configured such that, in the second aspect, information on vehicle-mounted equipment related to matters other than vehicle driving is displayed in a region of the display region located on the vehicle width direction inner side of the steering wheel grip.

[0016] In the vehicle input device according to the sixth aspect, information on vehicle-mounted equipment related to matters other than driving of the vehicle is displayed on the passenger seat side, so that even the passenger in the passenger seat can easily perform operations.

[0017] The vehicle input device involved in the seventh embodiment is that, in the fifth embodiment, content related to the current shift position of the vehicle is displayed in an area of ​​the display area that is closer to the outside in the vehicle width direction than the steering device, and the display is faded when the vehicle is moving compared to when the vehicle is stopped.

[0018] In the vehicle input device according to the seventh aspect, by fading the display during driving, it is possible to suppress the degree of annoyance caused by the display. That is, since the display area is closer to the occupant than the instrument panel, it is easier for the occupant to see it than in the case of displaying it on the instrument panel, but on the other hand, there is a possibility of feeling annoyance when the display area cannot be seen. Therefore, by displaying it in a faded manner during driving, it is possible to suppress the occupant from feeling annoyed.

[0019] The vehicle input device involved in the eighth embodiment is that, in the seventh embodiment, when driving in a driving assistance mode in which acceleration operations and steering are automatically performed, content related to the setting of the vehicle-to-vehicle distance between the vehicle and the leading vehicle is displayed in an area of ​​the display area that is closer to the outside in the vehicle width direction than the steering device.

[0020] In the vehicle input device involved in the eighth aspect, the inter-vehicle distance with the preceding vehicle can be easily changed during driving in the driving mode. In addition, the "driving assistance mode" mentioned here is a concept that includes an automatic driving mode in which the occupants do not need to pay attention to the surrounding conditions. In addition, the "driving assistance mode" is a concept that widely includes a driving assistance mode that stipulates that the occupants must hold the steering device.

[0021] A vehicle input device according to a ninth aspect is, in the eighth aspect, configured to switch the content of the display area to content related to a shift position when switching from the driving assistance mode to the manual driving mode.

[0022] In the vehicle input device according to the ninth aspect, the display content is automatically changed according to the driving assistance mode and the manual driving mode, so that the convenience can be improved.

[0023] A vehicle input device according to a tenth aspect is characterized in that, in the first aspect, the display area is arranged on the outer side in the vehicle width direction relative to the steering device.

[0024] As described above, according to the vehicle input device according to the present disclosure, it is possible to control the in-vehicle equipment comfortably and intuitively. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail based on the following drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the periphery of a driver's seat of a vehicle to which the vehicle input device according to the embodiment is applied, as viewed from the rear side of the vehicle.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the area around the driver's seat as viewed from the upper rear.

[0028] Figure 3 This is an enlarged view of a main part of the vehicle input device according to the embodiment, when viewed from the rear side of the vehicle, and is a view showing a state in which the vehicle is traveling in a manual drive mode.

[0029] Figure 4 This is an enlarged view of a main part of the vehicle input device according to the embodiment, when the device is enlarged and viewed from the rear side of the vehicle, and is a view showing a state in which the vehicle is traveling in a driving assist mode.

[0030] Figure 5 It is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the vehicle input device according to the embodiment.

[0031] Figure 6 It is a block diagram showing a functional structure of a vehicle input device according to an embodiment.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of display processing of the vehicle input device according to the embodiment.

[0033] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle input device according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The steering device module 10 having the vehicle input device 14 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the arrow marks FR, UP, and LH in the respective drawings represent the front side of the vehicle, the upper side of the vehicle, and the left side of the vehicle, respectively. When the front, rear, left, right, up, and down directions are used for description, unless otherwise specified, the front and rear directions of the vehicle front and rear direction, the left and right directions of the vehicle width direction, and the up and down directions of the vehicle up and down direction are used to represent.

[0035] like Figure 1As shown, an instrument panel 16 is provided at the front portion of the vehicle compartment in the vehicle V. The instrument panel 16 extends in the vehicle width direction, and a steering device 12 is provided at the vehicle left side of the instrument panel 16. That is, although in the present embodiment, as an example, a left-hand drive vehicle in which the steering device 12 is provided on the left side and the driver's seat is provided on the vehicle left side is used, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it may also be applied to a right-hand drive vehicle in which the steering device 12 is provided on the vehicle right side.

[0036] A windshield 18 is provided at the front end of the instrument panel 16. The windshield 18 extends in the vehicle up-down direction and the vehicle width direction, and divides the vehicle cabin interior and the vehicle cabin exterior.

[0037] The vehicle left side end portion of the windshield 18 is fixed to a front pillar 20 on the vehicle left side. The front pillar 20 extends in the vehicle up-down direction, and the windshield 18 is fixed to the vehicle width direction inner end portion of the front pillar 20 .

[0038] A vehicle seat 22 is provided at the rear side of the vehicle relative to the instrument panel 16. The vehicle seat 22 is a driver's seat for a passenger to sit on. In addition, the vehicle V involved in this embodiment is a vehicle configured to be able to switch between an automatic driving mode in which the vehicle is driven without the passenger performing a driving operation and a manual driving mode, and is configured to allow the vehicle to switch to the automatic driving mode when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the manual driving mode. Here, a steering device module 10 is provided in front of the vehicle seat 22.

[0039] (Steering device module 10)

[0040] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the driver's seat and surrounding area viewed from the upper rear. Figure 2 As shown, the steering module 10 includes a steering device 12 for the occupant to grasp for steering and a vehicle input device 14 (hereinafter, sometimes appropriately referred to as "input device 14"). In addition, the input device 14 also functions as a display device for displaying information to the occupant.

[0041] The steering module 10 includes a module base 26 mounted on the instrument panel 16 . The module base 26 is formed in a shape that narrows from the rear of the vehicle toward the front of the vehicle in a plan view, and a front end of the module base 26 is fixed to the upper surface of the instrument panel 16 .

[0042] A steering column portion 24 constituting the steering device 12 is provided at the center in the vehicle width direction of the rear end portion of the module base 26. In addition, an input device 14 is provided at both ends in the vehicle width direction of the rear end portion of the module base 26. The input device 14 is arranged between the steering device 12 and the instrument panel 16, and displays information to the occupant.

[0043] (Steering device 12)

[0044] The steering device 12 is configured to include a steering column portion 24 , a base portion 40 , a right grip portion 42R, a left grip portion 42L, a connecting portion 44 , a right upper side portion 46R, and a left upper side portion 46L.

[0045] The steering column 24 protrudes from the instrument panel 16 to the rear of the vehicle via the module base 26. Here, a sensor (not shown) capable of detecting an occupant is provided at the top end of the steering column 24. The sensor includes a sensor for detecting the entire face of the occupant, a sensor for detecting the pupil, a sensor for detecting the direction of sight, a sensor for detecting the posture, and the like.

[0046] In addition, at the top end of the steering column portion 24, an air supply hole (not shown) is provided that can supply air toward the rear of the vehicle. For example, an air conditioner is provided at the front side of the vehicle compared to the instrument panel 16, and air whose temperature is adjusted by the air conditioner passes through the inside of the steering column portion 24 and is supplied from the air supply hole to the driver's seat. In this way, by providing the air supply hole at the top end of the steering column portion 24, it becomes unnecessary to configure a ventilation device on the instrument panel 16, thereby increasing the degree of freedom of the exterior design in the vehicle cabin. In addition, compared with the case where air is supplied from the instrument panel 16, air can be supplied from the vicinity of the occupant.

[0047] Here, in the present embodiment, as an example, the steering column portion 24 is configured to be able to swing in the vertical direction relative to the module base 26. In other words, the main body portion 30 is configured to be able to adjust the position in the vertical direction independently of the steering device 12.

[0048] The steering column portion 24 is provided with a base portion 40. The base portion 40 extends in the vehicle vertical direction and the vehicle width direction and is rotatably mounted at a portion between a base end portion and a tip end portion of the steering column portion 24.

[0049] A right grip portion 42R that can be gripped by an occupant is disposed on the right side relative to the base portion 40, and a left grip portion 42L that can be gripped by an occupant is disposed on the left side relative to the base portion 40. The right grip portion 42R and the left grip portion 42L each extend in the vehicle up-down direction and are formed in a shape that is symmetrical with respect to the center of the steering device 12.

[0050] The lower end of the base portion 40, the lower end of the right grip portion 42R, and the lower end of the left grip portion 42L are connected in the vehicle width direction by a connecting portion 44. The connecting portion 44 is an elongated member arranged below the steering column portion 24 and having the vehicle width direction as its length direction, and the vehicle width direction center portion of the connecting portion 44 is formed to be wider in the vehicle front-rear direction than both ends in the vehicle width direction.

[0051] On the other hand, the vehicle width direction center portion of the connection portion 44 is fixed to the lower end portion of the base portion 40. In addition, a horn switch may be provided at the vehicle width direction center portion of the connection portion 44.

[0052] Both ends of the connecting portion 44 in the vehicle width direction are gently curved so as to be gradually positioned upward as they approach both sides in the vehicle width direction, and are formed integrally with the right grip portion 42R and the left grip portion 42L.

[0053] A right upper side portion 46R is provided at the upper end of the right grip portion 42R. The right upper side portion 46R is configured to include a right upper portion 48R extending obliquely to the left and front from the upper end of the right grip portion 42R, and a right sight line guide portion 50R extending further to the front of the vehicle from the end of the right upper portion 48R and connected to the upper end of the base portion 40.

[0054] In addition, a left upper side portion 46L is provided at the upper end of the left grip portion 42L. The left upper side portion 46L is configured to include a left upper portion 48L extending obliquely to the right and front from the upper end of the left grip portion 42L, and a left sight line guide portion 50L extending further to the front of the vehicle from the end of the left upper portion 48L and connected to the upper end of the base portion 40.

[0055] Here, a gap is provided between the upper right side 46R and the left display unit 30L, and the base end portion of the module base 26 can be visually confirmed through the gap. Therefore, a display unit such as a display can be provided in the area between the upper right side 46R and the left display unit 30L in the module base 26.

[0056] like Figure 3As shown, two right steering switches 52R are provided on the right upper side portion 46R. The two right steering switches 52R are arranged side by side on the surface of the vehicle rear side in the steering right upper portion 48R, and are assigned different functions. For example, the right steering switch 52R may be assigned functions such as a right direction indicator, switching between a low beam and a high beam, and activation of a voice input device.

[0057] On the other hand, two left steering switches 52L are provided on the left upper side portion 46L. The two left steering switches 52L are arranged side by side on the surface of the vehicle rear side in the left upper steering portion 48L, and different functions are assigned to each of them. For example, the left steering switch 52L may be assigned functions such as a left direction indicator, activation of the wipers, activation of active cruise control, etc.

[0058] The steering device module 10 of the present embodiment is configured as described above, and the input device 14 and the steering device 12 are arranged to be separated from each other in the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0059] (Vehicle Input Device 14)

[0060] Figure 3 This is an enlarged view of the steering device module 10 when viewed from the rear side of the vehicle. Figure 3 As shown, the input device 14 includes a main body 30. The main body 30 extends to both left and right sides (both sides in the vehicle width direction) of the steering device 12, and is configured to display information on a surface facing the vehicle seat 22.

[0061] Specifically, the main body 30 includes a central portion 30C located at the center of the steering device module 10 in the vehicle width direction, a right display portion 30R arranged on the right side of the vehicle relative to the center of the steering device module 10 in the vehicle width direction, and a left display portion 30L arranged on the left side of the vehicle relative to the center of the steering device module 10 in the vehicle width direction.

[0062] The right display unit 30R is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape with the vehicle front-rear direction being the thickness direction, and is located in front of the vehicle at the right side portion of the steering device 12, and is inclined toward the rear side of the vehicle as it approaches the right side of the vehicle when viewed from above. In addition, the left display unit 30L is formed in a shape that is bilaterally symmetrical with respect to the right display unit 30R. That is, the left display unit 30L is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape with the vehicle front-rear direction being the thickness direction, and is located in front of the vehicle at the left side portion of the steering device 12, and is inclined toward the rear side of the vehicle as it approaches the left side of the vehicle when viewed from above.

[0063] Here, display areas 32R, 33R, and 35R for displaying predetermined images are set on the surface of the right display unit 30R on the rear side of the vehicle facing the driver's seat. In addition, display areas 32L, 33L, and 35L for displaying predetermined images are set on the surface of the left display unit 30L on the rear side of the vehicle facing the driver's seat. The description of each display area will be described later.

[0064] like Figure 2 As shown, the surface on the vehicle front side of the right display unit 30R and the surface on the vehicle front side of the left display unit 30L are provided with finger hook portions 31. In this embodiment, a recessed portion for hooking a finger is formed as an example of the finger hook portion 31, and the operability of the input device 14 can be improved by hooking the finger in the recessed portion.

[0065] like Figure 3 As shown, a right operating switch 34R and a left operating switch 34L are provided at the upper edge of the main body 30. The right operating switch 34R is provided at the upper edge of the right display unit 30R, and is formed into a strip shape with the vehicle width direction as the length direction. The right operating switch 34R and the left operating switch 34L are preferably assigned functions that can be operated regardless of the information displayed on the input device 14. In the present embodiment, as an example, the function of the emergency signal light is assigned to the right operating switch 34R. In addition, the function of the high beam light is assigned to the left operating switch 34L, but it is not limited to this.

[0066] Next, the display areas 32R, 33R, and 35R set in the right display portion 30R and the display areas 32L, 33L, and 35L set in the left display portion 30L are described.

[0067] (Display items in manual driving mode)

[0068] Figure 3 1 is an enlarged view of the main part of the input device 14 according to the embodiment when viewed from the rear side of the vehicle, and is a view showing a state in which the vehicle is traveling in the manual driving mode. Figure 3 As shown, the display area 32R of the right display unit 30R is an area located on the inner side (the right side of the vehicle) in the vehicle width direction relative to the steering column portion 24 of the steering device 12, and is set at the rightmost end of the right display unit 30R. In addition, information on vehicle-mounted devices related to other than the driving of the vehicle V is displayed in the display area 32R.

[0069] In the present embodiment, as an example, operation items related to entertainment-related in-vehicle devices are displayed in the display area 32R. The entertainment-related in-vehicle devices include music, television, radio, and video delivery services.

[0070] Here, the operation items displayed in the display area 32R can be operated by the passenger using the finger (thumb) of the right hand to slide in the up and down direction while holding the right display unit 30R. Specifically, the passenger slides the finger from top to bottom to move the selected item. Similarly, the passenger slides the finger from bottom to top to move the selected item in the opposite direction.

[0071] On the left side of the display area 32R, a display area 33R and a display area 35R are set adjacent to the display area 32R. The display area 33R is located at the upper part, and displays the operation items related to the air conditioner. For example, the air volume and temperature blown out from the air supply hole of each seat can be changed. In addition, the display area 35R is located at the lower part, and displays the information of the vehicle V. In addition, other displays can also be implemented in the display areas 32R, 33R, and 35R. In addition, the display areas 33R and 35R can also be extended to the left side compared with the right grip 42R of the steering device 12. In this case, the right display part 30R becomes a situation where it is configured from the outside to the inside of the steering device 12 when viewed from the rear side of the vehicle. In addition, it is preferred that in the area outside the steering device 12 in the right display part 30R, the operation items with higher operation frequency are displayed, and in the area inside the steering device 12 in the right display part 30R, the operation items with lower operation frequency are displayed.

[0072] A display area 36R is set on the left side of the vehicle (steering column portion 24 side) compared to the display area 33R and the display area 35R. In the display area 36R, as operation items with a lower operation frequency, items that do not need to be operated can also be displayed. For example, in the display area 36R, items that the occupant does not need to operate, such as warning displays and SNS (Social Networking Service) messages, can be displayed, and items that are not operated while driving but only operated when parking can also be displayed. Thus, in this embodiment, as an example, the display areas 32R, 33R, and 35R are set on the outside of the steering device 12, and the display area 36R is set on the inside of the steering device 12. In addition, it is also possible to have a structure that only has a display area on the outside of the steering device 12.

[0073] On the other hand, the display area 32L of the left display unit 30L is an area on the outer side (the left side of the vehicle) in the vehicle width direction relative to the steering device 12, and is set at the leftmost end of the left display unit 30L. In addition, information on vehicle-mounted devices related to the travel of the vehicle V is displayed in the display area 32L.

[0074] In the present embodiment, as an example, operation items related to the shift position are displayed in the display area 32L. Specifically, operation items that can switch the shift position between drive (forward) and reverse (R) are displayed.

[0075] Here, the operation items displayed in the display area 32L can be operated by the passenger holding the left display unit 30L and sliding the finger (thumb) of the left hand in the up-down direction. Specifically, the passenger slides the finger from the top to the bottom from the driving position, so that the selection item moves to the rear. Similarly, the passenger slides the finger from the bottom to the top from the rear position, so that the selection item moves to the driving. In addition, in the present embodiment, as an example, when the vehicle V is traveling, the display is faded compared to when the vehicle V is stopped.

[0076] On the right side of the display area 32L, a display area 33L and a display area 35L are set adjacent to the display area 32L. The display area 33L is located at the upper part and displays the operation items for switching the driving mode. For example, the display area 33L is configured so that the driving mode can be switched from an eco-mode with low fuel consumption (low power consumption) to a sports mode with improved acceleration operability by operating the display area 33L.

[0077] The display area 35L is located at the lower part, and displays the operation items of the doors. Specifically, the display area 35L is configured so that the occupant can lock and unlock the doors provided in the vehicle V by operating the display area 35L.

[0078] A display area 36L is set on the right side of the vehicle (steering column portion 24 side) compared to the display area 33L and the display area 35L. In the display area 36L, as operation items with a low operation frequency, items that do not need to be operated can also be displayed. For example, in the display area 36L, the display can also be implemented in the same way as the display area 36R. Thus, in this embodiment, as an example, the display areas 32L, 33L, and 35L are set on the outside of the steering device 12, and the display area 36L is set on the inside of the steering device 12. In addition, it is also possible to set a structure that only has a display area on the outside of the steering device 12.

[0079] (Display items in automatic driving mode)

[0080] Figure 4 1 is an enlarged view of the main part of the input device 14 according to the embodiment when viewed from the rear side of the vehicle, and is a view showing a state in which the vehicle is traveling in the driving assistance mode. Figure 4 As shown, the display areas 32R, 33R, and 35R of the right display unit 30R respectively display Figure 3 The same contents are also displayed in the display areas 33L and 35L of the left display unit 30L. Figure 3 Same content.

[0081] In the display area 32L of the left display unit 30L, contents related to the setting of the inter-vehicle distance between the preceding vehicle and the host vehicle are displayed. In the present embodiment, as an example, an image simulating the preceding vehicle is displayed at the upper portion of the display area 32L, and an image simulating the host vehicle is displayed at the lower portion of the display area 32L. Moreover, the configuration is such that the inter-vehicle distance can be changed by sliding the image simulating the host vehicle up and down while the passenger holds the left display unit 30L.

[0082] (Hardware Structure of Input Device 14)

[0083] like Figure 5 As shown, the input device 14 includes a control unit 60. The control unit 60 is configured to include a CPU 62, a ROM 64, a RAM 66, a storage 68, a communication interface (communication I / F) 70, and an input / output interface (input / output I / F) 72. Each component is connected via an internal bus 64 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0084] The CPU 62 is a central processing unit that executes various programs or controls various parts. That is, the CPU 62 reads the program from the ROM 64 or the storage 68 and executes the program using the RAM 66 as a work area. In addition, the CPU 62 implements the control of the above-mentioned structures and various calculation processes according to the program recorded in the ROM 64 or the storage 68.

[0085] The ROM 64 stores various programs and various data. The RAM 66 temporarily stores programs and data as a work area. The storage 68 is a non-temporary recording medium composed of an HDD or an SSD and stores various programs including an operating system and various data.

[0086] The communication I / F 70 is an interface for communicating with a server and other devices, and for example, standards such as CAN (Controller Area Network), Ethernet (registered trademark), LTE (Long Term Evolution), FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface), and Wi-Fi (registered trademark) may be used.

[0087] The right display unit 30R, the left display unit 30L, the air conditioner 74, and the automatic driving ECU (Electronic control unit) 76 are connected to the input / output I / F 72. In addition, a touch sensor TSR is provided on the right display unit 30R, and a touch sensor TSL is provided on the left display unit 30L. The touch sensor TSR is configured to detect the position of the finger of the passenger touching the right display unit 30R, and the touch sensor TSL is configured to detect the position of the finger of the passenger touching the left display unit 30L.

[0088] The automatic driving ECU 76 is connected to a throttle ACT 78 for changing the throttle opening of the vehicle V, a brake ACT 80 for changing the braking force generated by the brake device of the vehicle V, and a steering ACT 82 for changing the steering amount generated by the steering device of the vehicle V. The automatic driving ECU 76 is an ECU that performs automatic driving processing to make the vehicle V automatically travel without the driving operation performed by the occupant.

[0089] (Functional Structure of Input Device 14)

[0090] The input device 14 uses the above-mentioned hardware resources to realize various functions. Figure 6 , to illustrate the functional structure implemented by the input device 14.

[0091] like Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the input device 14 is configured to include a driving mode acquisition unit 84, a vehicle speed acquisition unit 86, a sliding motion detection unit 88, an image display unit 90, and an output unit 92 as a functional structure. In addition, each functional structure is realized by the CPU 62 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 64 or the storage 68.

[0092] The driving mode acquisition unit 84 acquires the driving mode of the vehicle V. Specifically, the driving mode acquisition unit 84 acquires the driving mode as the manual driving mode when the vehicle V is being driven by a passenger, and acquires the driving mode as the automatic driving mode when the vehicle V is not being driven by a passenger. In addition, when the driving assist mode is in operation, the driving mode is acquired as the automatic driving mode.

[0093] The vehicle speed acquisition unit 86 acquires the speed of the vehicle V based on a signal from a speed sensor (not shown) mounted on the vehicle V.

[0094] The slide motion detection unit 88 detects that a slide motion has been performed on the right display unit 30R and the left display unit 30L.

[0095] The image display unit 90 displays a predetermined image on the right display unit 30R and the left display unit 30L. In the present embodiment, as an example, the image display unit 90 displays the operation items related to the shift position in the display area 32L when the driving mode is the manual driving mode, and displays the operation items related to the inter-vehicle distance in the display area 32L when the driving mode is the automatic driving mode.

[0096] Furthermore, when a sliding motion is detected, the image display unit 90 moves the image within the display area according to the sliding motion. Figure 3 In the example, the image imitating the vehicle displayed in the display area 32L is moved according to the sliding action. Specifically, the image is moved in the sliding direction according to the distance the passenger slides the finger.

[0097] Furthermore, when the automatic driving mode is switched to the manual driving mode, the image display unit 90 switches the content of the display area to the content related to the shift position. Figure 4 The state of Figure 3 state to convert.

[0098] Furthermore, in the manual driving mode, the image display unit 90 dims the display area 32L when the vehicle speed is greater than 0, that is, when the vehicle is traveling.

[0099] The output unit 92 outputs a signal corresponding to the sliding action. Figure 3 When the image of the vehicle is located at the R position due to the sliding action of the occupant, a signal for switching the shift position backward is output.

[0100] (effect)

[0101] Next, the operation of the input device 14 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0102] use Figure 6 An example of the display process performed by the input device 14 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The display process is performed by the CPU 62 reading a display program from the ROM 64 or the storage 68 , developing the program in the RAM 66 , and executing the program.

[0103] (An example of display processing)

[0104] In step S102 , the CPU 62 acquires the driving mode of the vehicle V. Specifically, the CPU 62 acquires information on whether the driving mode is the manual driving mode or the automatic driving mode through the function of the driving mode acquisition unit 84 .

[0105] In step S104, the CPU 62 determines whether the driving mode is the automatic driving mode. The CPU 62 switches to the process of step S106 when the driving mode of the vehicle V is the automatic driving mode, and switches to the process of step S108 when the driving mode of the vehicle V is the manual driving mode.

[0106] In step S106, the CPU 62 displays the vehicle-to-vehicle distance on the input device 14. Specifically, the CPU 62 uses the function of the image display unit 90 to display the vehicle-to-vehicle distance. Figure 4 The display area 32L of FIG. 32A displays the contents related to the setting of the inter-vehicle distance between the preceding vehicle and the host vehicle. Then, the display processing is terminated.

[0107] On the other hand, when the vehicle V is traveling in the manual driving mode, the CPU 62 determines in step S108 whether the vehicle speed of the vehicle V is 0. Specifically, the CPU 62 obtains the vehicle speed of the vehicle V through the function of the vehicle speed acquisition unit 86, and when the vehicle speed is 0, that is, the vehicle V is stopped, the process switches to step S110. In addition, when the vehicle speed is not 0, that is, the vehicle V is traveling, the process switches to step S112.

[0108] When the vehicle V is stopped, in step S110, the CPU 62 displays information related to the shift position on the input device 14. Specifically, the CPU 62 uses the function of the image display unit 90 to display the image. Figure 3 The content related to the shift position is displayed as in the display area 32L of the display area 32. Then, the display processing is terminated.

[0109] On the other hand, when the vehicle V is running, in step S112, the CPU 62 displays the information related to the shift position on the input device 14 in a faded manner. Specifically, the CPU 62 uses the function of the image display unit 90 to display the information related to the shift position in a manner similar to that displayed on the image display unit 90. Figure 3 The information related to the shift position is displayed in a state where the content in the display area 32L is faded compared to that in the display area 32L. Then, the display processing is terminated.

[0110] As described above, in the input device 14 of the present embodiment, display areas 32R, 33R, 35R, 32L, 33L, and 35L for displaying predetermined images are provided at the front of the vehicle compartment, and touch sensors TSR and TSL are provided in these display areas. In addition, when the vehicle input device 14 detects a sliding action that slides an image in the display area based on signals received from the touch sensors TSR and TSL, it outputs a signal corresponding to the sliding action to the vehicle-mounted device. Here, since the image moves in the display area according to the sliding action, the occupant can intuitively control the vehicle-mounted device while observing the position of the image.

[0111] In particular, in the present embodiment, since the input device 14 is provided between the steering device 12 and the instrument panel 16 , it is easier for the occupant to operate compared to a configuration in which a display area is provided on the instrument panel 16 .

[0112] In addition, in this embodiment, the display area can be operated while hooking the finger on the finger hook portion 31, so the operability can be improved. In addition, in this embodiment, the operation items with high operation frequency are displayed at the position where the occupant can easily operate, so that the comfort can be improved.

[0113] In addition, in this embodiment, by displaying information on vehicle-mounted equipment related to vehicle driving in an area on the left side of the vehicle compared to the steering device 12, that is, on the opposite side of the passenger seat, it is possible to suppress the passenger in the passenger seat from performing erroneous operations.

[0114] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, information on vehicle-mounted equipment related to other than the driving of the vehicle V is displayed in an area on the right side of the vehicle relative to the steering device 12, i.e., on the passenger seat side, so that even a passenger in the passenger seat can easily operate it.

[0115] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, by fading the display while the vehicle V is traveling, it is possible to suppress the degree of annoyance caused by the display.

[0116] Although the input device 14 involved in this embodiment has been described above, it is obvious that it can be implemented in various ways without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , as an example of the finger hook portion 31, a structure is provided in which a concave portion for hooking a finger is formed, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Figure 8 The structure of the modified example shown.

[0117] (Change example)

[0118] Figure 8 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a vehicle input device 14 according to a modified example. Figure 8 As shown, in the present modification, the finger hook portion 31 is formed so as to protrude toward the vehicle front side from the front surface of the right display unit 30R and the front surface of the left display unit 30L.

[0119] In this modification, the passenger can hook his / her finger without reducing the thickness of the right display unit 30R and the left display unit 30L. In addition, the shape of the finger hook 31 is not particularly limited. For example, it can be formed into a substantially semicircular shape when viewed from above, or it can be formed into a polygonal shape.

[0120] also, Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 The display example shown in the figure is just an example, and other images may be displayed.

[0121] The following supplementary notes are disclosed with respect to the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0122] (Note 1)

[0123] A vehicle input device, wherein:

[0124] A display area is provided, the display area being arranged at the front part of the vehicle compartment and displaying a predetermined image and being provided with a touch sensor,

[0125] When a sliding motion that causes the image to slide within the display area is detected based on the signal received from the touch sensor, a signal corresponding to the sliding motion is output to the in-vehicle device, and the image is moved within the display area according to the sliding motion.

[0126] (Note 2)

[0127] The vehicle input device as described in Supplementary Note 1, wherein:

[0128] The display area is arranged at the vehicle rear side of the instrument panel.

[0129] (Note 3)

[0130] The vehicle input device as described in Supplementary Note 2, wherein:

[0131] The display area is respectively provided on the right display portion and the left display portion in a manner that the front-rear direction of the vehicle is set as the thickness direction, the right display portion is plate-shaped and extends to the right side of the vehicle compared to the steering device, and the left display portion is plate-shaped and extends to the left side of the vehicle compared to the steering device,

[0132] A finger hook portion is provided on a surface of the right display portion and the left display portion that is opposite to the display area.

[0133] (Note 4)

[0134] The vehicle input device as described in Supplement 2 or Supplement 3, wherein:

[0135] The display area is arranged to extend from the outer side to the inner side of the steering device when viewed from the rear side of the vehicle.

[0136] In the area outside the steering device in the display area, operation items with a high operation frequency are displayed.

[0137] In the area on the inner side of the steering device in the display area, operation items with a low operation frequency are displayed.

[0138] (Note 5)

[0139] The vehicle input device as described in any one of Appendix 2 to Appendix 4, wherein:

[0140] Information on vehicle-mounted equipment related to the travel of the vehicle is displayed in a region of the display region that is located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction relative to the grip portion of the steering device.

[0141] (Note 6)

[0142] The vehicle input device as described in any one of Appendix 2 to Appendix 5, wherein:

[0143] Information on vehicle-mounted equipment related to matters other than driving of the vehicle is displayed in a region of the display region located on the inner side in the vehicle width direction relative to the grip portion of the steering device.

[0144] (Note 7)

[0145] The vehicle input device as described in Supplementary Note 5, wherein:

[0146] Contents related to the current shift position of the vehicle are displayed in a region of the display region that is located outside the steering device in the vehicle width direction, and the display is dimmed when the vehicle is running compared to when the vehicle is stopped.

[0147] (Note 8)

[0148] The vehicle input device as described in Supplementary Note 7, wherein:

[0149] When driving in a driving assist mode in which acceleration and steering are automatically performed, content related to setting of the inter-vehicle distance to a preceding vehicle is displayed in an area of ​​the display area that is on the outside in the vehicle width direction relative to the steering device.

[0150] (Note 9)

[0151] The vehicle input device as described in Supplementary Note 8, wherein:

[0152] When the driving assist mode is switched to manual driving, the content of the display area is switched to content related to a shift position.

[0153] (Note 10)

[0154] The vehicle input device as described in Supplementary Note 1, wherein:

[0155] The display area is arranged on the outer side in the vehicle width direction relative to the steering device.

Claims

1. A vehicle input device, wherein: A display area is provided, the display area being arranged at the front part of the vehicle compartment and displaying a predetermined image and being provided with a touch sensor, When a sliding motion that causes the image to slide within the display area is detected based on the signal received from the touch sensor, a signal corresponding to the sliding motion is output to the in-vehicle device, and the image is moved within the display area according to the sliding motion.

2. The vehicle input device according to claim 1, wherein: The display area is arranged at the vehicle rear side of the instrument panel.

3. The vehicle input device according to claim 2, wherein: The display area is respectively provided on the right display portion and the left display portion in a manner that the front-rear direction of the vehicle is set as the thickness direction, the right display portion is plate-shaped and extends to the right side of the vehicle compared to the steering device, and the left display portion is plate-shaped and extends to the left side of the vehicle compared to the steering device, A finger hook portion is provided on a surface of the right display portion and the left display portion that is opposite to the display area.

4. The vehicle input device according to claim 2, wherein: The display area is arranged to extend from the outer side to the inner side of the steering device when viewed from the rear side of the vehicle. In the area outside the steering device in the display area, operation items with a high operation frequency are displayed. In the area on the inner side of the steering device in the display area, operation items with a low operation frequency are displayed.

5. The vehicle input device according to claim 2, wherein: Information on vehicle-mounted equipment related to the travel of the vehicle is displayed in a region of the display region that is located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction relative to the grip portion of the steering device.

6. The vehicle input device according to claim 2, wherein: Information on vehicle-mounted equipment related to matters other than driving of the vehicle is displayed in a region of the display region located on the inner side in the vehicle width direction relative to the grip portion of the steering device.

7. The vehicle input device according to claim 5, wherein: Contents related to the current shift position of the vehicle are displayed in a region of the display region that is located outside the steering device in the vehicle width direction, and the display is dimmed when the vehicle is running compared to when the vehicle is stopped.

8. The vehicle input device according to claim 7, wherein: When the vehicle is traveling in a driving assist mode in which accelerator operation and steering are automatically performed, content related to setting of the inter-vehicle distance to a preceding vehicle is displayed in an area of ​​the display area that is on the outside in the vehicle width direction relative to the steering device.

9. The vehicle input device according to claim 8, wherein: When the driving assist mode is switched to the manual driving mode, the content of the display area is switched to the content related to the shift position.

10. The vehicle input device according to claim 1, wherein: The display area is arranged on the outer side in the vehicle width direction relative to the steering device.

Images