Control device for an autonomous vehicle

Abstract

Control device for an autonomous vehicle (10), comprising a screen keypad (28) configured to display at least one start button (50a) and / or one deceleration button (50b), one notification button (52), and one tab switch (54) on the same screen, wherein the autonomous vehicle is capable of autonomous driving, the start button is a button for starting the autonomous vehicle to drive in an autonomous driving mode, the deceleration button is a button for decelerating the autonomous vehicle during autonomous driving mode, the notification button is a button for sending a notification to an outside of the autonomous vehicle, and the tab switch is a switch for displaying or expanding an equipment control button group (64) for controlling equipment attached to the autonomous vehicle, wherein the tab switch corresponds to the equipment fitted to the autonomous vehicle; and When the tab switch is activated, the equipment control button group for controlling the equipment corresponding to the tab switch is displayed or enlarged. characterized by the fact that a plurality of tab switches, including the tab switch, is configured, and a plurality of equipment control button groups corresponding to the plurality of tab switches can be displayed or enlarged simultaneously.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the invention

[0001] This invention relates to an operating device for an autonomous vehicle. 2. Description of the state of the art

[0002] Autonomous vehicles capable of driving autonomously are known in the prior art. Autonomous driving means that a computer performs the drive control, including acceleration and deceleration control, braking control, and steering control, without human intervention.

[0003] The autonomous vehicles are equipped with a control device through which the operator can input various commands. For example, Japanese patent application JP 2019-6277A discloses an autonomous vehicle equipped with mechanical switches and an on / off switch for autonomous driving. The mechanical switches are for operating equipment (such as air conditioning) attached to the autonomous vehicle and are located near the dashboard. The on / off switch for autonomous driving is for activating and deactivating an autonomous driving mode and is located on the side of the driver's seat. Japanese patent application JP 2017-24521A discloses an autonomous vehicle with a screen keypad or touchscreen. In this autonomous vehicle, the driving mode is changed via the screen keypad or touchscreen.An operating device for an autonomous vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1 is the subject of US 2017 / 0282717 A1. Further prior art can be found in JP 2019-103422A and JP 2018-156A. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] It is possible to control devices or equipment installed in an autonomous vehicle via a touchscreen keypad. In this case, buttons for controlling the equipment are displayed on the touchscreen, and an operator uses these buttons to control the equipment.

[0005] If multiple buttons are required to control a single piece of equipment installed in an autonomous vehicle, or if the autonomous vehicle has multiple pieces of equipment, the number of equipment control buttons displayed on the touchscreen increases. When a large number of equipment control buttons are displayed on the touchscreen, the screen becomes cluttered, and it takes time for the operator to locate the desired button. Therefore, the touchscreen's usability may be limited.

[0006] In particular, if, in addition to the equipment control buttons, a vehicle speed control button for controlling the speed of the autonomous vehicle, including start, stop, acceleration, and deceleration control, or a notification button for sending a notification to the outside of the vehicle, e.g., activating turn signals, hazard lights, or a horn, is displayed on the touch panel, it is assumed that both the vehicle speed control button and the notification button will be frequently used, or that the operator will sometimes need to quickly activate the vehicle speed control button or the notification button.It is therefore particularly undesirable that the touchscreen on which the vehicle speed control button and the notification button are displayed has limited usability due to the majority of equipment control buttons displayed on it.

[0007] An operating device for an autonomous vehicle according to the present invention limits the operability of a touchscreen for carrying out the speed control of the autonomous vehicle, for carrying out notification to the outside of the vehicle and for controlling the equipment attached to the autonomous vehicle.

[0008] One aspect of the invention provides an operating device for an autonomous vehicle. The operating device for an autonomous vehicle according to this aspect comprises a screen keypad or touchscreen or touch panel configured to display at least one start button and / or a delay button, a notification button, and a tab switch on the same screen or touch panel.The same screen view is displayed, where the autonomous vehicle is capable of autonomous driving. The Start button is a button to initiate driving of the autonomous vehicle in autonomous driving mode, the Deceleration button is a button to decelerate the autonomous vehicle while in autonomous driving mode, the Notification button is a button to send a notification to an external surface of the autonomous vehicle, and the Tab switch is a switch to display or expand an equipment control button group for controlling equipment mounted on the autonomous vehicle. The Tab switch corresponds to the equipment mounted on the autonomous vehicle, and when the Tab switch is activated, the equipment control button group for controlling the equipment corresponding to the Tab switch will be displayed or expanded.According to the invention, a plurality of tab switches, including the tab switch itself, are provided, and a plurality of equipment control button groups corresponding to the plurality of tab switches can be displayed or enlarged simultaneously.

[0009] In the configuration described above, the equipment control button group is either not displayed or appears in a reduced size on the touchscreen before the tab switch is activated. This simplifies the screen, providing a vehicle speed control button (at least one of the Start and Deceleration buttons) and a notification button. In addition to controlling the autonomous vehicle and sending notifications to the vehicle's exterior, the touchscreen can also be used to control equipment mounted on the autonomous vehicle, while simultaneously minimizing the screen's usability.Because the vehicle speed control button, the notification button, and the tab switch are displayed on the same screen, the operator using the vehicle speed control button and the notification button can immediately activate the tab switch to display the equipment control button group on the screen.

[0010] Regarding the aspect mentioned above, the tab switch can be displayed at any of the top, bottom, right, and left ends of a screen, and the equipment control button group can be displayed or enlarged when an operator moves the tab switch towards the center of the screen.

[0011] Regarding the aspect mentioned above, the status of the autonomous vehicle can be displayed on the same screen of the touchscreen keypad.

[0012] Regarding the aspect mentioned above, at least part of the equipment control button group can be displayed or enlarged in such a way that it overlays at least part of a status display that shows the state of the autonomous vehicle.

[0013] Regarding the aspect mentioned above, at least the start button and / or the delay button or the notification button can be operated when the equipment control button group is displayed or enlarged.

[0014] The aforementioned touchscreen may also display a permanent equipment control button on the same screen of the touch panel for controlling permanent equipment mounted on the autonomous vehicle that differs from the equipment corresponding to the tab switch.

[0015] The operating device for the autonomous vehicle specified in this application prevents a reduction in the operability of the touchscreen for carrying out the speed control of the autonomous vehicle, for notification of the outside of the vehicle and for controlling the equipment attached to the autonomous vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The features and advantages as well as the technical and economic significance of exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote similar elements, showing: Fig. 1 an exterior view of an autonomous vehicle according to one embodiment; Fig. 2 a first perspective view showing the interior of a passenger compartment of the autonomous vehicle of the embodiment; Fig. 3 a second perspective view showing the interior of the passenger compartment of the autonomous vehicle embodiment; Fig. 4 a functional block diagram of the autonomous vehicle according to the embodiment; Fig. 5 a screen view that is displayed on a touchscreen when the autonomous vehicle is stopped in an autonomous driving mode; Fig. 6. A screen view of the touchscreen during autonomous driving; Fig. 7 how an operator moves a tab switch; Fig. 8 a screen view of the touchscreen with an equipment control window displayed on it; and Fig. 9 a screen view of the touchscreen with a plurality of equipment control windows displayed on it. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXECUTION FORMS

[0017] Fig. Figure 1 is an exterior view of an autonomous vehicle 10 according to an embodiment. In the drawings of this application, front (FR) and rear mean front and rear in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, right and left (LH) mean right and left when looking forward, and top (UP) and bottom mean top and bottom in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0018] The autonomous vehicle 10 generally has the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The autonomous vehicle 10 has a longitudinally symmetrical shape. The external design of the autonomous vehicle 10 is also longitudinally symmetrical. In plan view, the autonomous vehicle 10 has vertical columns 12 at its four corners and wheels 14 below the columns 12. Large portions of the front, rear, right, and left side walls of the autonomous vehicle 10 are transparent panels 16. The panels 16 can be display boards, and signs, etc., can be displayed on the panels 16.

[0019] Part of the panel 16 on the left side of the autonomous vehicle 10 is a sliding door 18, and an occupant can enter and exit the autonomous vehicle 10 when the door 18 is slid open. Although in Fig. Not shown in Figure 1, a retractable ramp is located under door 18. The ramp allows a wheelchair user to enter and exit the autonomous vehicle 10, etc.

[0020] The autonomous vehicle 10 is a vehicle capable of driving autonomously. Specifically, the autonomous vehicle 10 can operate in several driving modes, including an autonomous driving mode, a semi-autonomous driving mode, and a manual driving mode.

[0021] The autonomous driving mode is a driving mode in which a computer (powertrain control unit (described later)) mounted on the autonomous vehicle 10 performs most of the powertrain control. As used here, powertrain control is a concept that includes gearshift control, vehicle speed control, steering control, and notification to the outside of the autonomous vehicle 10 (the vehicle's exterior). Vehicle speed control is a concept that includes start control, stop control, and acceleration / deceleration control of the autonomous vehicle 10. Notification to the outside of the vehicle includes, for example, activation of a turn signal, activation of the hazard warning lights, and sounding of the horn.

[0022] The autonomous vehicle 10 can communicate with a control center that manages and controls multiple autonomous vehicles 10. In autonomous driving mode, the control center steers the autonomous vehicle 10 to follow a predetermined route. In autonomous driving mode, the computer executes the drive control according to the driving commands received from the control center. However, only the initial start-up from a stopped state is performed manually by an operator riding in the autonomous vehicle 10.

[0023] In autonomous driving mode, vehicle speed control and notifications to the vehicle's exterior can be performed not only by the control center but also manually by the operator. In the present embodiment, the deceleration control of the vehicle speed can be performed manually by the operator during autonomous driving. Vehicle speed control, with the exception of deceleration control, can be performed manually by the operator during autonomous driving. From the notifications to the vehicle's exterior, the operator can switch the turn signals and hazard warning lights on and off and activate the horn.

[0024] The semi-autonomous driving mode is a driving mode in which the computer mounted on the autonomous vehicle 10 performs most of the vehicle's drive control, as in fully autonomous driving mode. In semi-autonomous driving mode, the computer controls the drive based on data from various sensors (e.g., a camera and a LiDAR) mounted on the autonomous vehicle 10, rather than on commands from the control center, allowing the autonomous vehicle 10 to follow a predetermined route. Even in semi-autonomous driving mode, only the initial start-up from a stopped state is performed by the operator in the autonomous vehicle 10, and the vehicle speed can also be controlled by the operator, as can external notifications.

[0025] Manual driving mode is a mode in which the autonomous vehicle 10 does not drive autonomously, but the operator driving in the autonomous vehicle 10 performs the drive control of the autonomous vehicle 10.

[0026] The autonomous vehicle 10 is a shared vehicle carrying a large, unspecified number of occupants. In the present embodiment, the autonomous vehicle 10 is used as a bus, transporting passengers while traveling along a prescribed route within a specific location. It is therefore assumed that the autonomous vehicle 10 stops and starts relatively frequently. It is also assumed that the autonomous vehicle 10 travels at relatively low speeds (e.g., 30 km / h or less).

[0027] The way in which the autonomous vehicle 10 described here is used can be changed as needed. For example, the autonomous vehicle 10 can be used as a mobile business space or retail store where various products are displayed and sold, or as a business, such as a restaurant, that prepares and serves food and drinks. Alternatively, the autonomous vehicle 10 can be used as an office for administrative tasks, client meetings, and so on. The autonomous vehicle 10 is not only used for business purposes but can also be used, for example, as a personal means of transportation. The driving pattern and speed of the autonomous vehicle 10 can also be changed as needed.

[0028] The autonomous vehicle 10 is an electric vehicle powered by a drive motor supplied with electricity from a battery. This battery is a rechargeable secondary battery and is periodically charged using external power. The autonomous vehicle 10 is not limited to electric vehicles; it can also be other types of vehicles. For example, it can be a vehicle with an internal combustion engine, or a hybrid vehicle equipped with both an internal combustion engine and a drive motor. The autonomous vehicle 10 can also be a hydrogen-powered vehicle, driving a motor with electrical power generated by a fuel cell.

[0029] The Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows perspective views of the interior of a passenger compartment of the autonomous vehicle 10. As described above, the autonomous vehicle 10 is used as a bus. The central part of the passenger compartment is therefore a floor 20 for standing passengers or passengers in wheelchairs. The autonomous vehicle 10 has seats 22 for passengers along the inner side wall of the passenger compartment.

[0030] The autonomous vehicle 10 has a driver's seat 24 for an operator who performs the drive control of the autonomous vehicle 10, performs the notification to the outside of the vehicle (activation of the turn signals, the hazard warning lights, the horn, etc.) and controls the equipment mounted on the autonomous vehicle 10 (air conditioning, windscreen wipers, headlights, taillights, etc.). Fig. Figure 2 shows that a seat section 24a of the driver's seat 24 is lowered and a seat surface 24b points upwards. However, the seat section 24a can be folded upwards. In the present embodiment, the driver's seat 24 is located on the left inner side surface of the passenger compartment near the front of the door 18. However, the driver's seat 24 can also be arranged on the right inner side surface of the passenger compartment.

[0031] An armrest 26 for the operator seated in the driver's seat 24, for resting their arm, is provided at the front of the driver's seat 24. The armrest 26 extends longitudinally along the vehicle. As described above, in the present embodiment the driver's seat 24 is located on the left inner side of the passenger compartment. The armrest 26 is therefore located at the left inner end of the passenger compartment. If the driver's seat 24 is located on the right inner side of the passenger compartment, the armrest 26 is located at the right inner end of the passenger compartment. The armrest 26 is situated above the seat surface 24b of the driver's seat 24 when it is lowered into a seated position.

[0032] A screen keypad or touchscreen or touch panel 28 is attached to the front end of the armrest 26 such that it projects upwards from the top of the armrest 26 (see Fig. 3) The display area (control surface) of the touchscreen 28 is oriented towards the rear (i.e., towards the driver's seat 24). This allows the operator, seated in the driver's seat 24, to rest their arm on the armrest 26 and operate the touchscreen 28 by hand. The operator can use the touchscreen 28 to input commands such as: controlling the vehicle's speed, sending a notification to the outside of the vehicle, controlling the autonomous vehicle's equipment 10, changing the driving mode, etc. The screen or display of the touchscreen 28 will be described in detail later.

[0033] The armrest 26 can be equipped with a mechanical control unit (not shown) for inputting a drive control command to the autonomous vehicle 10. The mechanical control unit can, for example, be in the form of a lever that can be tilted forwards and backwards as well as to the right and left. The mechanical control unit can be operated in any drive mode of the autonomous vehicle 10, but is mainly used in manual driving mode.

[0034] A display 30, which shows information about the autonomous vehicle 10, is located in the front left corner of the passenger compartment (see Fig. 3) Display 30 shows, for example, information such as the vehicle speed of the autonomous vehicle 10, the outside air temperature and the nearest bus stop.

[0035] In the present embodiment, the operating device for the autonomous vehicle 10 comprises the touchscreen 28 and the mechanical control unit. The autonomous vehicle 10 does not have a foot-operated pedal for inputting a speed control command, such as an accelerator or brake pedal, which is present in conventional vehicles, etc.

[0036] Fig. Figure 4 is a functional block diagram of the autonomous vehicle 10. In addition to the touchscreen 28, the autonomous vehicle 10 includes a driving mode selection unit 40, a drive control unit 42, and a display control unit 44. The driving mode selection unit 40, the drive control unit 42, and the display control unit 44 are implemented through the interaction of hardware, such as a processor, and software for operating the hardware.

[0037] The driving mode selection unit 40 selects one of the autonomous driving modes, semi-autonomous driving mode and manual driving mode of the autonomous vehicle 10 based on a driving mode change command entered by the operator via the touchscreen 28.

[0038] In accordance with the driving mode selected by the driving mode selection unit 40, the drive control unit 42 performs the drive control of the autonomous vehicle 10 on the basis of a drive control command received from the touchscreen 28 or the mechanical control unit, a drive control command received from the control center and the detection results received from the various sensors attached to the autonomous vehicle 10.

[0039] The display control unit 44 controls the touchscreen 28 to display various screens or screen views. The different screens or screen views of the touchscreen 28 are described below. These screens are all displayed under the control of the display control unit 44.

[0040] The screens or screen views of the touchscreen 28 are displayed with reference to the Fig. 5 to 9 described.

[0041] Fig. Figure 5 shows a display screen that appears on the touchscreen 28 when the autonomous vehicle 10 is stopped in autonomous driving mode. The display screen of the touchscreen 28 in autonomous driving mode is described below. However, the display screen of the touchscreen 28 is largely the same in all driving modes.

[0042] The touchscreen 28 displays a vehicle speed control button 50 for entering a command to control the speed of the autonomous vehicle 10 and notification buttons 52 for entering a command to send a notification to the outside of the vehicle. In the present embodiment, when the autonomous vehicle 10 stops, the touchscreen 28 displays a LOS button 50a as the vehicle speed control button 50. The LOS button 50a is a start button for entering a start command to the autonomous vehicle 10. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, when the autonomous vehicle 10 begins autonomous driving, the touchscreen 28 displays a BRAKE button 50b instead of the LOS button 50a as the vehicle speed control button 50. The BRAKE button 50b is a deceleration button for entering a braking command. The autonomous vehicle 10 can be stopped by continuing to press the BRAKE button 50b. Accordingly, it can be said that the BRAKE button 50b is a button for entering a stop command to bring the autonomous vehicle 10 to a halt. In the present embodiment, the touchscreen 28 displays as notification buttons 52 the turn signal buttons 52a for entering a command to turn the turn signals on and off, a hazard warning light button 52b for entering a command to turn the hazard warning lights on and off and a horn button 52c for entering a command to honk the horn.In the present embodiment, the touchscreen 28 displays the plurality of notification buttons 52. However, the touchscreen 28 can display a single notification button 52. Alternatively, the touchscreen 28 can also display other types of notification buttons 52 than those mentioned above.

[0043] The touchscreen 28 also displays the tab switches 54. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the touchscreen 28 in the present embodiment displays two tab switches 54-1, 54-2. The touchscreen 28 can display only one tab switch 54 or three or more tab switches 54. When one of the tab switches 54 is activated by the operator, the touchscreen 28 displays a group of equipment control buttons for operating the equipment mounted on the autonomous vehicle 10.

[0044] The tab switches 54 are displayed on the same screen or screen view as the vehicle speed control button 50 and the notification buttons 52. The phrase "displayed on the same screen" here means that the vehicle speed control button 50, the notification buttons 52, and the tab switches 54 are displayed on the touchscreen 28 so that they can be operated without the operator having to perform a separate operation (e.g., a screen switch). For example, the phrase "displayed on the same screen" refers to the fact that the vehicle speed control button 50, the notification buttons 52, and the tab switches 54 are displayed simultaneously. Accordingly, for example,In the case that the touchscreen 28 can display several split screens on one screen, it can be said that the vehicle speed control button 50, the notification buttons 52 and the tab switches 54 are displayed on the same screen, even if the vehicle speed control button 50, the notification buttons 52 and the tab switches 54 are displayed on the split screens, as long as the vehicle speed control button 50, the notification buttons 52 and the tab switches 54 are displayed in such a way that they are operable without the operator having to perform a separate operation.

[0045] In the present embodiment, the tab switches 54 correspond to the equipment mounted on the autonomous vehicle 10. For example, one tab switch 54 corresponds to a single piece of equipment. In the example of Fig. Tab switch 54-1 corresponds to the air conditioning system, and tab switch 54-2 corresponds to the windshield wipers. It is desirable that each tab switch 54 be clearly labeled with its corresponding equipment. In the example of Fig. 7. The tab switch 54-1 corresponding to the air conditioning is marked with the letters "A / C", indicating air conditioning, and the tab switch 54-2 corresponding to the windscreen wipers is marked with the symbol of a windscreen wiper. The tab switches 54 do not necessarily correspond to the equipment, and several equipment control buttons for controlling a single piece of equipment can be assigned to the multiple tab switches 54.

[0046] The tab switches 54 are preferably displayed at the end of the touchscreen 28. In the present embodiment, the tab switches 54 are displayed at the left end of the screen view. However, the tab switches 54 can also be displayed at the right end, the top end, or the bottom end of the screen or the touchscreen 28 screen view. The majority of the tab switches 54 can be displayed at different ends of the screen, such as tab switch 54-1 at the left end and tab switch 54-2 at the right end of the screen. The tab switches 54 can also be displayed in the middle of the screen instead of at the ends.

[0047] The tab switches 54 are preferably displayed above the vehicle speed control button 50 or the notification buttons 52. As described above, the touchscreen 28 projects upward from the top of the armrest 26, on which the operator rests their arm. When the arm is resting on the armrest 26, it is easier and faster for the operator to operate the lower part of the touchscreen 28 than the upper part. Controlling the vehicle speed of the autonomous vehicle 10 and sending notifications to the outside of the vehicle are performed more frequently than at least controlling the equipment mounted on the autonomous vehicle 10 and often need to be performed more quickly.Accordingly, by displaying the tab switches 54 above the vehicle speed control button 50 or the notification buttons 52, i.e., by displaying the vehicle speed control button 50 or the notification buttons 52 below the tab switches 54, the operator can operate the vehicle speed control button 50 or the notification buttons 52 more easily or quickly than the tab switches 54.

[0048] The operation of the tab switches 54 and the details of the equipment control buttons will be described later.

[0049] The touchscreen 28 also displays driving mode change buttons 56, gear change buttons 58, a P brake button 60 and a status indicator 62.

[0050] The driving mode change buttons 56 are buttons for entering a command to change the driving mode of the autonomous vehicle 10. In the present embodiment, the driving mode can only be changed while the autonomous vehicle 10 is stopped. Accordingly, while the autonomous vehicle 10 is stopped, a button for autonomous driving mode to switch to autonomous driving mode, a button for semi-autonomous driving mode to switch to semi-autonomous driving mode, and a button for manual driving mode to switch to manual driving mode are displayed as the driving mode change buttons 56. While the autonomous vehicle 10 is driving, only the button corresponding to the current driving mode is displayed (the button for autonomous driving mode in the example of Fig. 6), as the driving mode change button 56. The driving mode change buttons 56 are displayed in a way that allows the operator to see the current driving mode. In the example of Fig. 5 is the current driving mode, the autonomous driving mode, and therefore the button for autonomous driving mode is displayed differently (in the example of Fig. 5 (displayed in a different color) than the button for semi-autonomous driving mode and the button for manual driving mode.

[0051] The gear-shift buttons 58 are buttons for changing the gear (shifting) of the autonomous vehicle 10. A plurality of buttons corresponding to the gear positions Park (P), Reverse (R), Neutral (N), and Drive (D) are displayed as buttons 58. The buttons 58 are preferably displayed in such a way that the operator can see the current gear. In the example of Fig. 5 is the current gear D, and therefore the button corresponding to gear D is activated in a different way (in the example of Fig. 5 (displayed in a different color) than the button corresponding to the other gear levels.

[0052] The P-brake button 60 is a button for entering a command to engage and disengage an electric parking brake.

[0053] The status indicator 62 displays the status of the autonomous vehicle 10. In the present embodiment, the status indicator 62 is a diagram showing the state of charge of the autonomous vehicle 10's battery, the open or closed state of the door 18, the state of the ramp, and the detection states of the various sensors attached to the autonomous vehicle 10. The status indicator 62 is not limited to the diagram format but can also be displayed in other forms. The status indicator 62 can display states other than those mentioned above. Since the status indicator 62 is a display and not a button, it cannot be operated by the operator. As described above, the current driving mode can be displayed using the driving mode change buttons 56, and the current gear can be displayed using the gear shift buttons 58.It can therefore be said that the driving mode change buttons 56 and the gear change buttons 58 indicate the state of the autonomous vehicle 10.

[0054] The status indicator 62 is displayed on the side of the tab switches 54 that is closer to the center of the screen. In the present embodiment, the tab switches 54 are displayed at the left end of the touchscreen 28. The status indicator 62 is therefore displayed on the right side of the tab switch 54.

[0055] The driving mode change buttons 56, the gear shift buttons 58, and the P-Brake button 60 are displayed on the same screen as the vehicle speed control button 50, the notification buttons 52, and the tab switches 54. This allows the operator to easily switch between operating the vehicle speed control button 50, the notification buttons 52, and the tab switches 54, and the driving mode change buttons 56, the gear shift buttons 58, and the P-Brake button 60.

[0056] The status indicator 62 is also displayed on the same screen as the vehicle speed control button 50, the notification buttons 52, and the tab switches 54. The status of the autonomous vehicle 10 is therefore displayed by the status indicator 62, or by the driving mode change buttons 56 and the gear shift buttons 58, on the same screen as the vehicle speed control button 50, the notification buttons 52, and the tab switches 54. This allows the operator to use the vehicle speed control button 50, the notification buttons 52, or the tab switches 54 as soon as the operator checks the status of the autonomous vehicle 10.

[0057] The following describes how to operate the tab switch 54 and how the equipment control button group is displayed.

[0058] In the present embodiment, the button group for device control or equipment control is displayed when the operator slides the tab switch 54. "Sliding" is an action in which the operator touches the screen of the touchscreen 28 with a finger or stylus (hereinafter simply referred to as "finger") and moves the finger while maintaining contact between the finger and the screen. In particular, in the present embodiment, the tab switches 54 are displayed at the end of the screen of the touchscreen 28. Accordingly, when the operator slides the tab switch 54 towards the center of the screen (in the example of Fig. 7 to the right), as in Fig. Figure 7 shows the equipment control buttons on the side of tab switch 54 that is closer to the center of the screen. The method for operating tab switch 54 is not limited to sliding. The operator can tap tab switch 54 (touching it once with the finger) or double-tap it (touching it twice with the finger within a short time).

[0059] Fig. Figure 8 shows a screen of the screen keypad or touchscreen 28, on which an equipment control button group 64 (a plurality of equipment control buttons 64a) is displayed. Since Fig. 8 is a screen or screen view that is displayed when the tab switch 54-1 (see Fig. When the tab switch 54 (corresponding to the air conditioning) is activated, the equipment control button group 64 for controlling the air conditioning is displayed on the screen. In the present embodiment, when the tab switch 54 is activated, an equipment control window 66 containing the equipment control button group 64 is displayed. The equipment control window 66 also contains a window close button 68. When the window close button 68 is activated, the equipment control window 66 is closed and the tab switch 54 is displayed again. The equipment control window 66 does not necessarily have to be displayed. When the tab switch 54 is activated, the equipment control button group 64 can be displayed on the screen without the equipment control window 66 being displayed.

[0060] As described above, in the present embodiment, the equipment control button group 64 is not displayed before the tab switch 54 is actuated, and the equipment control button group 64 is displayed after the tab switch 54 has been actuated. This configuration reduces the number of equipment control buttons 64a displayed on the screen, which includes the vehicle speed control button 50 and the notification buttons 52, before the tab switch 54 is actuated, thus simplifying the screen and the screen view. This mitigates the reduction in the operability of the screen containing the vehicle speed control button 50 and the notification buttons 52 caused by making the equipment controllable via the touchscreen 28.

[0061] Since the vehicle speed control button 50, the notification buttons 52, and the tab switches 54 are displayed on the same screen, the operator can easily switch between the vehicle speed control button 50 or the notification buttons 52 and the tab switches 54. This means that the operator using the vehicle speed control button 50 or the notification button 52 can immediately activate the tab switch 54 to display the equipment control button group 64 on the screen. The operator using the vehicle speed control button 50 or the notification button 52 can thus immediately control the equipment 10 mounted on the autonomous vehicle.

[0062] In the present embodiment, the tab switches 54 correspond to the equipment 10 mounted on the autonomous vehicle. Accordingly, by actuating the tab switch 54, the operator can cause the entire equipment control button group 64 to be displayed on the screen for controlling the equipment corresponding to the tab switch 54. This configuration improves the usability of the touchscreen 28 when controlling the equipment.

[0063] It is desirable that at least part of the equipment control button group 64, which is displayed by actuating the tab switch 54, is superimposed on part of the status indicator 62. In the present embodiment, the status indicator 62 is displayed on the side of the tab switches 54 that is closer to the center of the screen, namely on the right side of the tab switches 54. When the operator moves the tab switch 54 to the center of the screen, the equipment control button group 64 is displayed on the side of the tab switch 54 that is closer to the center of the screen. A part of the equipment control button group 64, namely a part of the equipment control buttons 64a, is thus displayed superimposed on part of the status indicator 62.

[0064] Since at least part of the equipment control button group 64 is displayed overlapping at least part of the status display 62, it is less likely that the equipment control button group 64 will overlap other buttons on the touchscreen 28. Therefore, it is less likely that the operator will be unable to operate the other buttons while the equipment control button group 64 is displayed. In particular, it is desirable that the equipment control button group 64 be displayed in such a way that it does not overlap the vehicle speed control button 50 and the notification buttons 52. This allows the operator to operate the vehicle speed control button 50 and the notification buttons 52 even when the equipment control button group 64 is displayed.

[0065] Several equipment control button groups 64, corresponding to the several tab switches 54, can be displayed simultaneously. Fig. Figure 9 shows a screen on which an equipment control window 66-1 is simultaneously displayed, corresponding to the tab switch 54-1 (see Fig. 5) and an equipment control window 66-2 corresponding to the tab switch 54-2 (see Fig. 5) are displayed. The equipment control window 66-1 contains an equipment control button group 64-1 for controlling the air conditioning, and the equipment control window 66-2 contains an equipment control button group 64-2 for controlling the windshield wipers. The majority of the equipment control button groups 64, which correspond to the majority of the tab switches 54, can thus be displayed simultaneously. This configuration improves the usability of the touchscreen 28 when controlling multiple equipment components.

[0066] In the embodiment described above, the equipment control button group 64, which is not displayed on the touchscreen 28 before the tab switch 54 is activated, is redisplayed when the tab switch 54 is activated. However, the equipment control button groups 64 can be displayed in a reduced size before the tab switch 54 is activated, and when the tab switch 54 is activated, the equipment control button group 64 corresponding to the activated tab switch 54 can be enlarged. The equipment control button groups 64 displayed in a reduced size before the tab switch 54 is activated can be configured such that they do not accept any equipment control command input, even when the tab switch 54 is activated.This means that the equipment control button groups 64 can be displayed functionally as symbols and not as buttons.

[0067] Even if the equipment control button group 64 is enlarged by actuating the tab switch 54, the equipment control button group 64 is displayed in a reduced size before the tab switch 54 is actuated. This configuration requires less space on the touchscreen 28 to display the equipment control button group 64 and thus simplifies the display on the touchscreen 28. This reduces the reduced usability of the screen with the vehicle speed control button 50 and the notification buttons 52, which is caused by making the equipment controllable via the touchscreen 28.

[0068] In addition to the equipment control button groups 64, which are displayed by actuating the tab switches 54, permanent equipment control buttons 70 for controlling the devices permanently mounted on the autonomous vehicle 10 can be displayed on the same screen as the vehicle speed control button 50 and the notification buttons 52 (and the tab switches 54). The permanent equipment control buttons 70 are buttons for controlling equipment that is different from the equipment controlled by the equipment control button groups 64. In the present embodiment, as shown in Fig. 9 shown, the light buttons for entering a command to control the headlights and taillights are shown as the permanent equipment control buttons 70.

[0069] Since the permanent equipment control buttons 70 are displayed on the same screen as the vehicle speed control button 50 and the notification buttons 52, the operator can easily switch between the vehicle speed control button 50 or the notification buttons 52 and the permanent equipment control buttons 70. If none of the tab switches 54 are pressed and no equipment control window 66 is displayed, the operator can more easily operate the permanent equipment control buttons 70 than the equipment control buttons 64a.Accordingly, it is desirable that of the equipment components mounted on the autonomous vehicle 10, those that are controlled relatively frequently, those that need to be controlled quickly, or those that require a small number of control buttons, correspond to the permanent equipment control buttons 70, and the other equipment components correspond to the equipment control button groups 64, which are displayed by actuating the tab switches 54. In the embodiment described above, the light buttons are displayed as the permanent equipment control buttons 70. However, the permanent equipment control button 70 can also be a wiper button for controlling the windshield wipers.

[0070] Although one embodiment of the control device for the autonomous vehicle of the present invention has been described above, the control device for the autonomous vehicle of the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and various modifications can be made without deviating from the idea and scope of the invention as defined by the claims below.

Claims

[1] Control device for an autonomous vehicle (10) comprising a screen keypad (28) configured to display at least one start button (50a) and / or one deceleration button (50b), one notification button (52) and one tab switch (54) on the same screen, wherein the autonomous vehicle is capable of autonomous driving, the start button is a button for starting the autonomous vehicle to drive in an autonomous driving mode, the deceleration button is a button for decelerating the autonomous vehicle during autonomous driving mode, the notification button is a button for sending a notification to an outside of the autonomous vehicle, and the tab switch is a switch for displaying or expanding an equipment control button group (64) for controlling equipment attached to the autonomous vehicle, wherein the tab switch corresponds to the equipment fitted to the autonomous vehicle; and When the tab switch is activated, the equipment control button group for controlling the equipment corresponding to the tab switch is displayed or enlarged. characterized by , that a plurality of tab switches, including the tab switch, is configured, and a plurality of equipment control button groups corresponding to the plurality of tab switches can be displayed or enlarged simultaneously. [2] Operating device for the autonomous vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the tab switch is displayed at one of the top, bottom, right and left ends of a screen and the equipment control button group is displayed or enlarged when an operator moves the tab switch towards the center of the screen. [3] Operating device for the autonomous vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a state of the autonomous vehicle is also displayed on the same screen of the screen keypad. [4] Operating device for the autonomous vehicle according to claim 3, wherein at least part of the equipment control button group is displayed or enlarged in such a way that it overlays at least part of a status display (62) which indicates the state of the autonomous vehicle. [5] Operating device for the autonomous vehicle according to claim 4, wherein at least the start button and / or the delay button or the notification button is operable when the equipment control button group is displayed or enlarged. [6] Operating device for the autonomous vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a permanent equipment control button (70) for controlling permanent equipment mounted on the autonomous vehicle is displayed on the same screen of the screen keypad, wherein the permanent equipment is different from the equipment corresponding to the tab switch.

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