Motion control device and input device

Abstract

Provided are an operation control device and an input device. The convenience of an operation control device having a movable member for controlling a plurality of operations of a controlled device is improved. The operation control device includes a shaft portion that is rotatable about a rotational axis and has a rotational relationship with a first controlled operation, and a grip portion that is rotatable along a rotational path centered on the rotational axis and is grippable by a user's hand. The movable member has a first operation acceptance region and a second operation acceptance region. The first operation acceptance region has a relationship with a second controlled operation. The first operation acceptance region is disposed between the shaft portion and the second operation acceptance region when viewed in a direction along the rotational axis, and has a relationship with a third controlled operation. If the movable member is displaced in a state in which no contact of a user's finger is detected at both the first operation acceptance region and the second operation acceptance region, a processing device validates selection of the second controlled operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a motion control device, which includes an input device for controlling the motion of a controlled device. This disclosure also relates to such an input device. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a power window switch as a motion control device mounted on a vehicle, which is an example of a moving body. The power window device includes a movable member capable of mechanical displacement. This movable member has multiple operation receiving areas. Each of the multiple operation receiving areas is associated with a different window. Each of the multiple operation receiving areas is configured to detect changes in electrostatic capacitance resulting from contact with the driver's finger. If mechanical displacement of the movable member occurs when a change in electrostatic capacitance exceeding a threshold is detected in a specific operation receiving area, an opening or closing action of the window associated with that operation receiving area is performed.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-108625 Summary of the Invention

[0004] Seeking to improve the convenience of motion control devices that have movable components for controlling multiple actions of the controlled device.

[0005] One embodiment provided by this disclosure is a motion control device comprising: a shaft portion capable of rotating about a rotation axis, the rotation being associated with a first controlled motion; a grip portion capable of rotating along a rotation path centered on the rotation axis and capable of being gripped by a user's hand; a movable member; and a processing device, the movable member comprising: a first operation receiving area associated with a second controlled motion; and a second operation receiving area, which, when viewed from a direction along the rotation axis, is disposed between the shaft portion and the first operation receiving area, and is associated with a third controlled motion. The control actions are associated. For the processing device, when the user's finger is detected to be in contact with the first operation receiving area, if the movable member is displaced, the selection of the second controlled action is activated. When the finger is detected to be in contact with the second operation receiving area, if the movable member is displaced, the selection of the third controlled action is activated. When no finger contact is detected at either the first or second operation receiving area, if the movable member is displaced, the selection of the second controlled action is activated.

[0006] One embodiment provided by this disclosure is a processing device mounted on a motion control device, the motion control device comprising: a shaft portion rotatable about a rotation axis, the rotation corresponding to a first controlled action; a grip portion rotatable along a rotation path centered on the rotation axis, and grippable by a user's hand; and a movable member. The processing device comprises: an interface receiving a signal corresponding to the displacement of the movable member; and a processor. The movable member comprises: a first operation receiving area associated with a second controlled action; and a second operation receiving area, which, when viewed from a direction along the rotation axis, [is associated with the second controlled action]. The second operation receiving area is disposed between the shaft portion and the first operation receiving area, and is associated with the third controlled action. For the processor, when the user's finger is detected to be in contact with the first operation receiving area, if the above signal is received, the selection of the second controlled action is activated. When the finger is detected to be in contact with the second operation receiving area, if the above signal is received, the selection of the third controlled action is activated. When no finger contact is detected at either the first or the second operation receiving area, if the above signal is received, the selection of the second controlled action is activated.

[0007] One embodiment provided by this disclosure is a computer program executable by a processor of a processing device mounted on a motion control device, the motion control device comprising: a shaft portion rotatable about a rotation axis and the rotation corresponding to a first controlled action; a grip portion rotatable along a rotation path centered on the rotation axis and gripped by a user's hand; and a movable member comprising: a first operation receiving area associated with a second controlled action; and a second operation receiving area, which, when viewed from a direction along the rotation axis, is disposed between the shaft portion and the first operation receiving area, and is associated with a third... The controlled actions are associated. By executing the above computer program, for the processing device, when it detects that the user's finger is in contact with the first operation receiving area, if the processing device receives a signal corresponding to the displacement of the movable member, the selection of the second controlled action is activated. When it detects that the finger is in contact with the second operation receiving area, if the processing device receives the signal, the selection of the third controlled action is activated. When no contact of the finger is detected at either the first or the second operation receiving area, if the processing device receives the signal, the selection of the second controlled action is activated.

[0008] The second operation receiving area, located relatively far from the axis of the motion control device, is positioned relatively close to the base of the user's finger. Therefore, in the case where the movable member is displaced even though no finger contact is detected in either the first or second operation receiving areas, it is highly likely that the user intends to select an action of the controlled device that is associated with the second operation receiving area, but directly operates the movable member without the finger touching the second operation receiving area.

[0009] According to the structures described in the above examples, in such a situation, the selection of the action associated with the controlled device and the second operation receiving area is activated, thereby suppressing the occurrence of situations where the controlled device fails to perform the action corresponding to the operation of the movable member against the user's intention. Therefore, the convenience of such an action control device having a movable member for controlling multiple actions of the controlled device can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 An example of a steering control device according to one embodiment is shown.

[0011] Figure 2 Example of mounted on Figure 1 The appearance of the input device for the steering control system.

[0012] Figure 3 exemplify along Figure 2 The section of line III-III as observed from the direction of the arrow.

[0013] Figure 4 exemplified by Figure 3 The processing flow executed by the processing device.

[0014] Figure 5 It is used for Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the operation of the processing device.

[0015] Figure 6 It is used for Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the operation of the processing device.

[0016] Figure 7 It is used for Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the operation of the processing device.

[0017] Figure 8 It is used for Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the operation of the processing device.

[0018] Figure 9 It is used for Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the operation of the processing device.

[0019] Figure 10 It is used for Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the operation of the processing device.

[0020] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0021] 10...Steering control device; 111...Shaft; 112...Holding part; 12...Input device; 120...Modible member; 121...First operation receiving area; 122...Second operation receiving area; 13...Processing device; 131...Input interface; 132...Processor; 21...Finger; A...Rotation axis; DP...Displacement signal; P...Rotation path; R...Rotation radius. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings used in the following description, the scale has been appropriately changed in order to make the illustrated elements recognizable.

[0023] Figure 1 The appearance of a steering control device 10 according to one embodiment is illustrated. The steering control device 10 is a device installed in the passenger compartment of a vehicle and used to cause the vehicle to change its direction of travel. The steering control device 10 is an example of a motion control device. Changing the direction of travel is an example of a first controlled motion. The vehicle is an example of a moving body.

[0024] The steering control device 10 includes a steering control member 11. The steering control member 11 has a shaft portion 111 and a grip portion 112. The shaft portion 111 is configured to rotate about a rotation axis A. The grip portion 112 is configured to be gripped by the driver's hand 20. The driver is an example of a user. The grip portion 112 is configured to rotate along a rotation path P centered on the rotation axis A. If the driver's hand 20 rotates the grip portion 112, the shaft portion 111 rotates in the same direction. The direction of rotation corresponds to the changed direction of travel of the vehicle.

[0025] The steering control device 10 includes an input device 12. When viewed along the rotation axis A, the input device 12 is positioned between the shaft portion 111 and the grip portion 112.

[0026] Figure 2 The appearance of the input device 12 as viewed from the direction along the rotation axis A is shown. The input device 12 includes a movable member 120. The movable member 120 is positioned at a location accessible to the driver's fingers when gripping the steering control member 11's grip portion 112.

[0027] The movable member 120 is configured to be displaceable along the vertical direction of the vehicle via the finger. The movable member 120 is configured to return to its initial position when the operating force generated by the finger is released. The permitted direction of displacement from the initial position can be at least one of a direction corresponding to the top of the vehicle and a direction corresponding to the bottom of the vehicle.

[0028] The movable component 120 includes a first operation receiving area 121 and a second operation receiving area 122. The first operation receiving area 121 is associated with an action of a controlled device mounted on the vehicle. The second operation receiving area 122 is associated with other actions of the controlled device mounted on the vehicle.

[0029] Examples of controlled devices include in-vehicle equipment (seats, steering mechanisms, windows, rearview mirrors, etc.) such as position adjustment devices, lighting devices, air conditioning devices, and audio-visual equipment. The actions associated with the first operation receiving area 121 and the second operation receiving area 122 can be different actions of the same controlled device, or actions of different controlled devices. An action associated with the first operation receiving area 121 is an example of a second controlled action. An action associated with the second operation receiving area 122 is an example of a third controlled action.

[0030] The first operation receiving area 121 and the second operation receiving area 122 are configured such that, when viewed from the direction along the rotation axis A, they are along... Figure 1 The radii R of the gripping portion 112 of the exemplified steering control member 11 are arranged. When viewed from the direction along the rotation axis A, the first operation receiving area 121 is disposed between the shaft portion 111 and the second operation receiving area 122.

[0031] A sign 121a is provided near the first operation receiving area 121 so that the driver can identify the operation of the associated controlled device. The sign 121a is composed of at least one of the following: words, numbers, symbols, graphics, patterns, and colors.

[0032] Similarly, a sign 122a is provided near the second operation receiving area 122 so that the driver can identify the operation of the associated controlled device. The sign 122a uses at least one of text, numbers, symbols, graphics, patterns, and colors and is configured to be distinguishable from the sign 121a.

[0033] Figure 3 exemplify along Figure 2 The cross-section of line III-III as seen from the direction of the arrow. The input device 12 includes a first electrode 123 and a second electrode 124.

[0034] The first electrode 123 is built into the movable member 120. The first electrode 123 is provided to detect the change in electrostatic capacitance formed when the driver's finger 21 contacts the first operation receiving area 121.

[0035] The second electrode 124 is also built into the movable member 120. The second electrode 124 is provided to detect the change in electrostatic capacitance formed when the driver's finger 21 comes into contact with the second operation receiving area 122.

[0036] Therefore, the first electrode 123 and the second electrode 124 are configured such that when viewed from the direction along the rotation axis A, they are aligned along... Figure 1 The rotation radius R of the grip portion 112 of the illustrated steering control member 11 is arranged. When viewed from the direction along the rotation axis A, the first electrode 123 is disposed between the shaft portion 111 and the second electrode 124.

[0037] The steering control device 10 includes a processing unit 13. The processing unit 13 includes an input interface 131. The input interface 131 is a hardware interface electrically connected to the first electrode 123 and the second electrode 124. Changes in the electrostatic capacitance of the first electrode 123 and the second electrode 124 are reflected in the electrical state at the input interface 131.

[0038] Input interface 131 is configured to receive a displacement signal DP corresponding to the displacement of movable member 120. The displacement signal DP is output from a sensor (not shown) that detects the displacement of movable member 120. The displacement of movable member 120 can be detected by known methods such as mechanical, optical, or magnetic methods.

[0039] The displacement signal DP varies depending on the specifications of the sensor described above; it can be either an analog signal or a digital signal. Similarly, the electrical state corresponding to the change in electrostatic capacitance at the first electrode 123 and the second electrode 124 can also be processed as an analog signal or as a digital signal. When using an analog signal, the input interface 131 includes appropriate conversion circuitry with an A / D converter.

[0040] The processing device 13 includes a processor 132 and an output interface 133. The processor 132 outputs a control signal CT from the output interface 133 to control the operation of the controlled device based on the displacement of the movable member 120 and the electrical states of the first electrode 123 and the second electrode 124. The control signal CT varies depending on the specifications of the controlled device and can be either an analog signal or a digital signal.

[0041] Output interface 133 is a hardware interface capable of outputting control signal CT. When the control signal CT is an analog signal, output interface 133 has appropriate conversion circuitry including a D / A converter.

[0042] Figure 4 The following is an example of the processing flow executed by the processor 132 of the processing device 13 configured as described above. Furthermore, the order in which the processing elements are executed is merely an example and may be modified as appropriate.

[0043] First, the processor 132 determines whether the movable member 120 has been displaced due to the driver's operation (STEP1). Specifically, it determines whether a displacement signal DP corresponding to the displacement is received by the input interface 131. This process is repeated until it is determined that the movable member 120 has been displaced ("No" in STEP1).

[0044] Next, as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As illustrated, the processor 132 determines whether the driver's finger 21 is in contact with the first operation receiving area 121 of the movable member 120 based on the electrical state of the first electrode 123 (STEP2).

[0045] If it is determined that the driver's finger 21 has made contact with the first operation receiving area 121 of the movable member 120 ("Yes" in STEP2), the processor 132 activates the operation on the first operation receiving area 121 and outputs a control signal CT (STEP3) from the output interface 133 to cause the controlled device to perform an action associated with the operation.

[0046] That is, when the finger 21 is detected to be in contact with the first operation receiving area 121, if the movable member 120 is displaced, the processing device 13 enables the selection of the action of the controlled device associated with the first operation receiving area 121 to take effect.

[0047] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As illustrated, if it is determined that the driver's finger 21 is not in contact with the first operation receiving area 121 of the movable member 120 ("No" in STEP2), the processor 132 determines whether the driver's finger 21 is in contact with the second operation receiving area 122 of the movable member 120 based on the electrical state of the second electrode 124 (STEP4).

[0048] If it is determined that the driver's finger 21 is in contact with the second operation receiving area 122 of the movable member 120 ("Yes" in STEP4), the processor 132 activates the operation on the second operation receiving area 122 and outputs a control signal CT (STEP5) from the output interface 133 to enable the controlled device to perform an action associated with the operation.

[0049] That is, if the movable member 120 is displaced when the finger 21 is detected to be in contact with the second operation receiving area 122, the processing device 13 enables the selection of the action of the controlled device associated with the second operation receiving area 122 to take effect.

[0050] If it is determined that the driver's finger 21 is not in contact with the second operation receiving area 122 of the movable member 120 ("No" in STEP4), the processor 132 activates the operation on the second operation receiving area 122 and outputs a control signal CT (STEP6) from the output interface 133 to enable the controlled device to perform an action associated with the operation.

[0051] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As illustrated, there may be a situation where the movable member 120 is operated even when the driver's finger 21 is not touching the second operation receiving area 122. If the movable member 120 is displaced in such a state where no contact between the driver's finger 21 and either the first operation receiving area 121 or the second operation receiving area 122 is detected, the processing device 13 activates the selection of the action of the controlled device associated with the second operation receiving area 122.

[0052] The second operation receiving area 122, located relatively far from the shaft portion 111 of the steering control member 11, is positioned relatively close to the base of the driver's finger. Therefore, in the case where the movable member 120 is displaced even when neither the first operation receiving area 121 nor the second operation receiving area 122 detects contact with the finger 21, it is highly likely that the driver intends to select an action associated with the second operation receiving area 122 but directly operates the movable member 120 without the finger 21 touching the second operation receiving area 122.

[0053] According to the structure described in this embodiment, in such a situation, by enabling the selection of an action associated with the controlled device and the second operation receiving area 122 to take effect, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of situations where the controlled device fails to perform the action corresponding to the operation of the movable member 120 against the driver's intention. Therefore, the convenience of the steering control device 10, which is equipped with a movable member 120 for controlling multiple actions of the controlled device, can be improved.

[0054] The processor 132 capable of performing the aforementioned processing can be implemented by at least one application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) having a storage element pre-installed with a computer program for implementing the processing. Examples of ASICs include microcontrollers, ASICs, and FPGAs. In this case, the storage element is an example of a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a computer program.

[0055] Alternatively, processor 132 may be implemented by at least one general-purpose microprocessor that operates in cooperation with at least one general-purpose memory. Examples of general-purpose microprocessors include CPUs, MPUs, GPUs, etc. Examples of general-purpose memory include ROMs and RAMs. In this case, the ROM may store a computer program for implementing the function. ROM is an example of a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a computer program. The general-purpose microprocessor specifies at least a portion of the program stored on the ROM and expands it on the RAM, performing the above-described processing in cooperation with the RAM. The computer program may also be pre-installed in the general-purpose memory or downloaded from an external server device via a communication network and then installed in the general-purpose memory. In this case, the external server device is an example of a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a computer program.

[0056] Alternatively, processor 132 can be implemented using a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and an application-specific integrated circuit.

[0057] The structures referenced so far are merely illustrative examples for ease of understanding this disclosure. Each constituent example may be appropriately modified or combined with other structural examples within the scope of the spirit of this disclosure.

[0058] In the above-described embodiment, the input device 12 is positioned where it can be operated by the driver's left-hand fingers. Alternatively, it may be used in other ways, such as... Figure 1 As illustrated, the input device 12 is positioned where it can be operated by the driver's right-hand fingers. In this case, the first operation receiving area 121 is positioned to the left of the second operation receiving area 122.

[0059] In the above-described embodiment, the contact between the driver's finger 21 and the first operation receiving area 121 and the second operation receiving area 122 is detected based on the change in electrostatic capacitance at the first electrode 123 and the second electrode 124. However, it is also possible to use a pressure sensor or an optical sensor to detect the contact between the driver's finger 21 and the first operation receiving area 121 and the second operation receiving area 122.

[0060] In the above-described embodiment, when viewed from the direction along the rotation axis A of the steering control member 11, the movable member 120, which takes the form of a rocker switch, is disposed between the shaft portion 111 and the grip portion 112. However, if a first operation receiving area 121 and a second operation receiving area 122 are provided, the form and arrangement of the movable member 120 can be locally determined.

[0061] For example, the movable member 120 may be provided as a lever switch disposed behind the grip portion 112 of the steering control member 11 and extending in the direction of the turning radius R of the grip portion 112. In this case, the displacement direction of the movable member 120 is along the turning path P of the grip portion 112. Alternatively, the movable member 120 may be in the form of a paddle switch disposed behind the grip portion 112 of the steering control member 11 and capable of displacement in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0062] The shape of the steering control member 11 does not need to be annular. If the radius of rotation R centered on the rotation axis A and the rotation path P of the grip 112 can be defined, the shape of the steering control member 11 can be arbitrary. The grip 112 can also be shaped with the part held by the driver's left hand and the part held by the driver's right hand being independent.

[0063] The input device 12 can also be mounted on a steering control device for changing the direction of travel of a moving body other than a vehicle. Examples of such moving bodies include railways, ships, and airplanes. Functions other than direction indication and the controlled actions associated with these functions can be appropriately determined according to the specifications of the moving body.

[0064] The input device 12 does not require a steering control device mounted on the moving body. For example, a controller equipped with a shaft portion 111 and a grip portion 112 can be used to control the movement of an object displayed on the display of a simulator device used for training the manipulation of a moving body, or on the display of a game device in an entertainment facility. The user can use the first operation receiving area 121 and the second operation receiving area 122 to select one of several functions that can be performed by the object and execute an action associated with the selected function. In this case, the controller is an example of a motion control device. The movement of the object is an example of a first controlled action. The action associated with each function that can be performed by the object is an example of a second controlled action.

Claims

1. A motion control device, characterized in that, have: The shaft is capable of rotating about a rotation axis, and this rotation is associated with the first controlled action; The grip is capable of rotating along a rotational path centered on the rotation axis and can be held by the user's hand. Movable components; and Processing device, The movable component includes: The first operation receiving area is associated with the second controlled action; and A second operation receiving area, which is positioned between the shaft and the first operation receiving area when viewed from the direction along the rotation axis, and is associated with the third controlled action. For the processing device mentioned above If the movable member is displaced when the user's finger is detected to be in contact with the first operation receiving area, then the selection of the second controlled action is activated. If the movable member is displaced when contact between the finger and the second operation receiving area is detected, the selection of the third controlled action is activated. If no finger contact is detected in either the first or second operation receiving area, and the movable member is displaced, then the selection of the second controlled action is activated.

2. The motion control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When viewed along the axis of rotation, the movable member is positioned between the gripping portion and the shaft portion.

3. The motion control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first controlled action is a change in the direction of travel of the moving body. The second controlled action and the third controlled action are different actions of at least one controlled device mounted on the mobile body.

4. A processing device mounted on a motion control device, the motion control device comprising: a shaft portion rotatable about a rotation axis, the rotation being correlated with a first controlled motion; a grip portion rotatable along a rotation path centered on the rotation axis and gripped by a user's hand; and a movable member. The processing device is characterized in that it comprises: An interface that accepts a signal corresponding to the displacement of the movable member; and processor, The movable component includes: The first operation receiving area is associated with the second controlled action; and The second operation receiving area, when viewed from the direction along the rotation axis, is positioned between the shaft portion and the first operation receiving area, and is associated with the third controlled action. For the processor mentioned above, If the signal is received when the user's finger is detected to be in contact with the first operation receiving area, the selection of the second controlled action is activated. If the signal is received when the finger is detected to be in contact with the second operation receiving area, the selection of the third controlled action is activated. If no finger contact is detected in either the first or second operation receiving area, and the signal is received, the selection of the second controlled action will take effect.

5. A computer program executable by a processor of a processing device mounted on a motion control device, the motion control device comprising: a shaft rotatable about a rotation axis, the rotation corresponding to a first controlled action; a gripping portion rotatable along a rotation path centered on the rotation axis and grippable by a user's hand; and a movable member, the computer program characterized in that... The movable component includes: The first operation receiving area is associated with the second controlled action; and The second operation receiving area, when viewed from the direction along the rotation axis, is positioned between the shaft portion and the first operation receiving area, and is associated with the third controlled action. By executing the computer program, for the processing device, If the processing device receives a signal corresponding to the displacement of the movable member when it detects that the user's finger is in contact with the first operation receiving area, then the selection of the second controlled action is activated. If the processing device receives the signal when it detects that the finger is in contact with the second operation receiving area, it will activate the selection of the third controlled action. If no finger contact is detected in either the first or second operation receiving area, and the processing device receives the signal, then the selection of the second controlled action is activated.

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