INFORMATION NOTIFICATION DEVICE

Abstract

Information notification device (1, 1a) which provides information to a driver via a steering wheel (10), comprising: a first vibration device (21) arranged on a right side of the steering wheel (10) when the steering wheel (10) is in a neutral position; a second vibration device (22) arranged on a left side of the steering wheel (10) when the steering wheel (10) is in the neutral position;and a control (33) that controls the first vibration device (21) and the second vibration device (22), wherein, when the control (33) causes the first vibration device (21) to vibrate, the control (33) causes the second vibration device (22) to vibrate in order to suppress vibrations on the left side of the steering wheel (10), and when the control (33) causes the second vibration device (22) to vibrate, the control (33) causes the first vibration device (21) to vibrate in order to suppress vibrations on the right side of the steering wheel (10).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information notification device that can communicate information, for example by prompting a driver in a vehicle. [State of the art]

[0002] Traditionally, a warning device is known that detects a dangerous object approaching a vehicle driven by a driver and notifies the driver of the detected dangerous object.

[0003] For example, patent literature (PTL) 1 discloses an information display device that displays information indicating a direction around a living body, and the information display device includes a control device that uses a tactile excitation device, serving as a start point side, and a tactile excitation device, serving as an end point side, when the direction is indicated, to perform a control such that the living body is more strongly excited on the start point side than on the end point side, includes a plurality of physical vibration devices as the tactile excitation device, and causes a plurality of vibration devices on each of the start point side and the end point side to vibrate when the direction is indicated. [Citation list][Patent literature]

[0004] [PTL 1] Japanese Disclosure Document No. 2011-48566 [Summary of the invention][Technical problem]

[0005] However, in the technique disclosed in PTL 1, if vibration devices are arranged on the left and right sides of a steering wheel, when one of the vibration devices is caused to vibrate, the entire steering wheel vibrates. Therefore, even if information to be communicated to a driver includes a direction indicating one of the right and left sides of a vehicle, it is difficult for the driver to discern the intention of the vibration, which makes it disadvantageously difficult to accurately communicate the intention of the vibration to the driver.

[0006] It is therefore an objective of the present disclosure to provide an information notification device that can present information to be communicated to a driver so clearly that the driver can easily recognize the information. [Solution to the task]

[0007] An information notification device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an information notification device that communicates information to a driver via a steering wheel, wherein the information notification device comprises: a first vibration device located on the right side of the steering wheel when the steering wheel is in a neutral position; a second vibration device located on the left side of the steering wheel when the steering wheel is in the neutral position;and a control unit that controls the first vibration device and the second vibration device, wherein, when the control unit causes the first vibration device to vibrate, the control unit causes the second vibration device to vibrate in order to suppress vibrations on the left side of the steering wheel, and when the control unit causes the second vibration device to vibrate, the control unit causes the first vibration device to vibrate in order to suppress vibrations on the right side of the steering wheel. [Advantageous effects of the invention]

[0008] With the information notification device according to the aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to present information to be communicated to a driver so clearly that the driver can easily recognize the information. [Brief description of the drawings] [ Fig. 1] Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic view showing an example of a vehicle with a steering wheel in which an information notification device is arranged according to one embodiment. [ Fig. 2] Fig. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the information notification device according to the embodiment. [ Fig. 3] Fig. Figure 3 is a diagram showing vibration patterns when the steering wheel vibrates. [ Fig. 4] Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic view showing an example of a vehicle with a steering wheel in which the information notification device is arranged with a grip position detector. [ Fig. 5] Fig. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the information notification device with the gripping position detector. [ Fig. 6] Fig. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the information notification device in embodiment 1. [ Fig. 7] Fig. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the information notification device in embodiment 2. [Description of the embodiment]

[0009] One embodiment is described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] The embodiment described below provides a general or specific example. Numerical values, shapes, materials, components, the arrangement and connection of the components, steps, the sequence of steps, and the like shown in the following embodiment are examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Among the components in the following embodiment, those not listed in the independent claim are described as optional components.

[0011] The drawings are schematic views and are not shown in detail. Essentially the same configurations are designated with the same reference symbols in the drawings, and repeated descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0012] In the following embodiment, expressions such as "T-shaped" and "a circumferential direction" are used. For example, "T-shaped" and "a circumferential direction" do not only mean "completely T-shaped" and "completely a circumferential direction," but also "essentially T-shaped" and "essentially a circumferential direction." In other words, "essentially T-shaped" and "essentially a circumferential direction" also mean that an error of several percent is included. In a range where effects can be achieved in the present disclosure, "T-shaped" and "a circumferential direction" are provided. The same applies to other expressions that use "shaped" and "direction." (Form of execution)<Ausgestaltungen und Funktionen>

[0013] The designs of the steering wheel 10 in the vehicle 2 and the information notification device 1, which are integrated into the steering wheel 10, are first described with reference to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. 5 described.

[0014] Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic view showing an example of a vehicle 2 with a steering wheel 10 in which an information notification device 1 is arranged according to the embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the information notification device 1 according to the embodiment. Fig. Figure 3 is a diagram showing vibration patterns when the steering wheel vibrates. Part (a) in Fig. 3 is a predetermined input vibration mode to cause the first vibration device 21 or the second vibration device 22 to vibrate. In part (a) in Fig. Figure 3 shows the input waveform for three cycles. Part (b) in Fig. 3 shows when a vibration device on one side of the steering wheel 10 (the first vibration device 21 on the right side or the second vibration device 22 on the left side) is caused to vibrate with the vibration device shown in part (a) in Fig. 3 shows a predetermined input waveform, a vibration waveform indicating vibrations that propagate to the other side (the left side or the right side) of the steering wheel 10. Part (c) in Fig. Figure 3 shows a vibration mode (a first vibration mode or a second vibration mode) which has a phase opposite to the vibration mode which indicates the vibrations which propagate to the other side (the left side or the right side) of the steering wheel 10. Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic view showing an example of a vehicle 2 with a steering wheel 10 in which an information notification device 1 with a grip position detector 35 is arranged. Fig. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the information notification device 1 with a gripping position detector 35.

[0015] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the steering wheel 10 can provide a steering angle for the steering wheels of the vehicle 2. The steering wheel 10 has a rim, a spoke, and a hub.

[0016] An outer cover is wrapped around the outside of the rim and spoke. The rim is a gripping part that is held by the hands of a driver. When the steering wheel 10 is in a neutral position, the rim has a right-hand rim 11b, located on the right side, and a left-hand rim 12b, located on the left side. The right-hand rim 11b and the left-hand rim 12b are formed in one piece and are ring-shaped. Although the in Fig. Although the edge shown in Figure 1 is ring-shaped, the shape of the edge is not limited to a ring shape. The edge can have an irregular shape, such as a yoke shape, a D shape, or an oval shape. The right side is a right side when viewed along the front of the vehicle 2 with the steering wheel 10 in the neutral position. The left side is a left side when viewed along the front of the vehicle 2 with the steering wheel 10 in the neutral position.

[0017] The rim consists of a core and a foam covering the core. The foam is applied to the core along its shape. The foam is made of a resin material, such as a urethane resin like polyurethane.

[0018] The spoke is a supporting element for connecting the rim and the hub. The spoke also has a core and a foam covering the core. The spoke is located on the inner circumferential surface of the rim. When the steering wheel 10 is in the neutral position, the spoke has a right-side spoke 11a, located on the right side relative to the hub, a left-side spoke 12a, located on the left side relative to the hub, and a bottom-side spoke, located on the underside relative to the hub. The right-side spoke 11a, the left-side spoke 12a, and the bottom-side spoke are integrally formed with the rim and are T-shaped.

[0019] The hub is an element for transmitting a rotational force, corresponding to an actuation carried out at the edge, to a steering shaft and is located in a central part of the steering wheel 10.

[0020] The information notification device 1 can communicate information to the driver via the steering wheel 10. In particular, the information notification device 1 causes the steering wheel 10 to vibrate in order to communicate information to the driver through the driver's tactile perception (vibration sensation). Examples of information to be communicated to the driver include information indicating that the vehicle 2 is moving in the direction of a right or left lane, information indicating that the vehicle 2 driven by the driver is turning right or left according to the route of a navigation system, information indicating the presence of a following vehicle approaching from the right or left rear of the vehicle 2 when the vehicle is turning right or left, and the like.

[0021] In particular, as in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the information notification device 1 includes a first vibration device 21, a second vibration device 22, a first drive unit 31, a second drive unit 32, a control unit 33 and a memory unit 34.

[0022] When the steering wheel 10 is in the neutral position, the first vibration device 21 is located on the right side of the steering wheel 10. The first vibration device 21 is located on the right-hand spoke 11a or the right-hand edge 11b of the steering wheel 10. In the present embodiment, the first vibration device 21 is located on the right-hand spoke 11a together with a steering switch. In the present embodiment, "on the right side of the steering wheel 10 when the steering wheel 10 is in the neutral position" can simply be referred to as "on the right side of the steering wheel 10".

[0023] The first vibration device 21 is, for example, a vibration motor. The first vibration device 21 is driven by the first drive unit 31, which is controlled by the controller 33, and thus the first vibration device 21 can vibrate on the right side of the steering wheel 10, so that when the driver grips the steering wheel 10, the driver can perceive the vibration.

[0024] When the steering wheel 10 is in the neutral position, the second vibration device 22 is located on the left side of the steering wheel 10. The second vibration device 22 is located on the left-hand spoke 12a or the left-hand rim 12b of the steering wheel 10. In the present embodiment, the second vibration device 22 is located on the left-hand spoke 12a together with a steering switch. In the present embodiment, "on the left side of the steering wheel 10 when the steering wheel 10 is in the neutral position" can simply be referred to as "on the left side of the steering wheel 10".

[0025] The second vibration device 22 is, for example, a vibration motor. The second vibration device 22 is driven by the second drive unit 32, which is controlled by the control unit 33, and thus the second vibration device 22 can vibrate on the left side of the steering wheel 10, so that when the driver grips the steering wheel 10, the driver can perceive the vibration.

[0026] The first drive unit 31 is a function generator designed to cause the first vibration device 21 to vibrate. The first drive unit 31 is controlled by the controller 33 to output a predetermined input waveform to the first vibration device 21, thereby causing the first vibration device 21 to vibrate with the predetermined input waveform.

[0027] The second drive unit 32 is a function generator to cause the second vibration device 22 to vibrate. The second drive unit 32 is controlled by the controller 33 to output a predetermined input waveform to the second vibration device 22, thereby causing the second vibration device 22 to vibrate with the predetermined input waveform.

[0028] Although the predetermined input waveform is, for example, a sinusoidal signal waveform, as described in part (a) in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the predetermined input waveform is not limited to a sinusoidal signal waveform and can be any arbitrarily set signal waveform.

[0029] Both the signal waveform output from the first drive unit 31 to the first vibration device 21 and the signal waveform output from the second drive unit 32 to the second vibration device 22 can be amplified by an amplifier.

[0030] The memory 34 is a memory that stores the predetermined input vibration shapes with which the control 33 causes the first vibration device 21 and the second vibration device 22 to vibrate.

[0031] The controller 33 can control the first vibration device 21 and the second vibration device 22 individually. In particular, the controller 33 controls the first drive unit 31 to be able to control the vibration of the first vibration device 21, and controls the second drive unit 32 to be able to control the vibration of the second vibration device 22.

[0032] The functions of the information notification device 1, which is integrated into the steering wheel 10 of the vehicle 2, are then described.

[0033] For example, if, as in part (a) in Fig. Figure 3 shows a vibration device arranged on one side of the steering wheel 10 (for example, the first vibration device 21 on the right side), vibrating with the predetermined input vibration waveform, as shown in Fig. 1 and part (b) in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, vibrations on the other side (the left side) of the steering wheel 10 are damped, and thus at any point P1 on the other side of the steering wheel 10, the vibration waveform is propagated while being damped. Therefore, as shown in part (c) in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, a vibration device located on the opposite side of the steering wheel 10 vibrates with a waveform having a phase opposite to the waveform indicating the vibrations propagating to the other side of the steering wheel 10. This makes it possible to suppress the vibrations at any point P1 on the opposite side of the steering wheel 10. In particular, if the arbitrary point P1 is positioned at a gripping position where the driver frequently grips the steering wheel 10, it is possible to make the vibrations on one side of the steering wheel 10 more easily perceiving and to make it unlikely that the driver will perceive the vibrations on the other side of the steering wheel 10.

[0034] Especially when, as in Fig. 2 and part (a) in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 33 controls the first drive unit 31 to cause the first vibration device 21 to vibrate with the predetermined input vibration shape. The control unit 33 can also cause the second vibration device 22 to vibrate in order to suppress the vibrations on the left side of the steering wheel 10.

[0035] For example, if, as in part (a) in Fig. As shown in section 3, the first vibration device 21 vibrates with the predetermined input vibration shape, as shown in part (b) in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the vibrations of the first vibration device 21 are spread to the second vibration device 22, while being dampened via the rim and spoke in the steering wheel 10.

[0036] In the present embodiment, the control unit 33 controls the second drive unit 32 to cause the second vibration device 22 to vibrate, thus suppressing the vibrations on the left side of the steering wheel 10. This is particularly relevant when, as in Fig. 2 and part (c) in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 33 causes the first vibration device 21 to vibrate. The control unit 33 can also cause the second vibration device 22 to vibrate with a first vibration waveform that has a phase opposite to the vibration waveform that indicates the vibrations propagating to the left side of the steering wheel 10. In this way, the control unit 33 causes the second vibration device 22 to vibrate in order to cancel out the vibrations propagating to the left side of the steering wheel 10 and can thus suppress the vibrations on the left side of the steering wheel 10.Consequently, it is possible to ensure that the driver easily perceives the vibrations on the right side of the steering wheel 10 when the driver's right hand grips the right side of the steering wheel 10 and the driver's left hand grips the left side of the steering wheel 10, since the right side of the steering wheel 10 vibrates and the vibrations on the left side of the steering wheel 10 are suppressed.

[0037] When the control unit 33 controls the second drive unit 32 to cause the second vibration device 22 to vibrate with the predetermined input vibration shape, the control unit 33 can cause the first vibration device 21 to vibrate in order to suppress the vibrations on the right side of the steering wheel 10.

[0038] For example, if, as in part (a) in Fig. As shown in section 3, the second vibration device 22 vibrates with the predetermined input vibration shape, as shown in part (b) in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the vibrations of the second vibration device 22 are spread to the first vibration device 21, while being dampened via the rim and spoke in the steering wheel 10.

[0039] In the present embodiment, the controller 33 controls the first drive unit 31 to cause the first vibration device 21 to vibrate, thus suppressing the vibrations on the right side of the steering wheel 10. In particular, as shown in Fig. 2 and part (c) in Fig. Figure 3 shows that when the controller 33 causes the second vibration device 22 to vibrate, the controller 33 causes the first vibration device 21 to vibrate with a second vibration mode that has a phase opposite to the vibration mode that indicates the vibrations propagating to the right side of the steering wheel 10. In this way, the controller 33 causes the first vibration device 21 to vibrate in order to cancel out the vibrations propagating to the right side of the steering wheel 10 and can thereby suppress the vibrations on the right side of the steering wheel 10.Consequently, it is possible to ensure that the driver easily detects the vibrations on the left side of the steering wheel 10 when the driver's left hand grips the left side of the steering wheel 10 and the driver's right hand grips the right side of the steering wheel 10, since the left side of the steering wheel 10 vibrates and the vibrations on the right side of the steering wheel 10 are suppressed.

[0040] In the present embodiment, the first and second vibration modes are pre-stored in the memory 34. This can be achieved by the following operation: when the first vibration device 21, which is located on the right side of the steering wheel 10, vibrates, the first vibration mode, which has a phase opposite to the vibration mode that indicates the vibrations propagating to the second vibration device 22, which is located on the left side of the steering wheel 10, is pre-measured in order to cancel out vibrations in the gripping position, in which the driver frequently grips the steering wheel 10, and the first vibration mode is stored in the memory 34.This can also be achieved by the following operation: when the second vibration device 22, which is located on the left side of the steering wheel 10, vibrates, the second vibration waveform, which has the phase opposite to the vibration waveform indicating the vibrations propagating to the first vibration device 21, which is located on the right side of the steering wheel 10, in order to cancel vibrations in the gripping position, in which the driver frequently grips the steering wheel 10, is measured in advance, and the second vibration waveform is stored in the memory 34.

[0041] Thus, the controller 33 reads the first vibration waveform stored in the memory 34, while causing the first vibration device 21 to vibrate with the predetermined input waveform, and can thereby cause the second vibration device 22 to vibrate with the first vibration waveform. The controller 33 also reads the second vibration waveform stored in the memory 34, while causing the second vibration device 22 to vibrate with the predetermined input waveform, and can thereby cause the first vibration device 21 to vibrate with the second vibration waveform.

[0042] Memory 34 also stores the predetermined input waveforms in advance. Memory 34 can be implemented using a semiconductor memory or similar device.

[0043] Since, as described above, the first vibration mode and the second vibration mode are pre-stored in memory 34, the controller 33, when the controller 33 causes the first vibration device 21 to vibrate with the predetermined input vibration mode, can perform a control to cause the second vibration device 22 to vibrate with the first vibration mode, and when the controller 33 causes the second vibration device 22 to vibrate with the predetermined input vibration mode, the controller 33 can perform a control to cause the first vibration device 21 to vibrate with the second vibration mode.

[0044] In the present embodiment, the phase opposite to the vibration waveform does not only mean a case in which the phase of the vibration waveform is completely opposite, but also, for example, a case in which only a portion of the amplitude and the phase of the vibration waveform differ. The opposite phase is not limited as long as the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0045] As in Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the information notification device 1a in the present embodiment can further include the gripping position detector 35.

[0046] The grip position detector 35 can detect the position of the driver's hand gripping the steering wheel 10. The grip position detector 35 is a sensor electrode located within the outer cover, which is wrapped around the rim to detect that the driver's hand is in contact with the outer cover. The grip position detector 35 is arranged along the circumference of the rim. The grip position detector 35 can be divided into several parts arranged around the entire circumference of the rim. For example, one grip position detector 35 can be located on the right side of the rim, and another grip position detector 35 can be located on the left side of the rim.

[0047] When the grip position detector 35 detects that the driver's hand is gripping the steering wheel 10, the grip position detector 35 sends a detection signal to the control unit 33.

[0048] The controller 33 has the function of detecting, based on the detection signal output by the grip position detector 35, that the driver's hand is gripping the steering wheel 10. The controller 33 can detect whether the driver's hand is in contact with the steering wheel 10 by observing a change in the capacitance between the driver's hand and the grip position detector 35. The controller 33 also uses multiple grip position detectors 35 to detect the contact positions of the driver's hands.

[0049] When the grip position detector 35 is used, a table of several first vibration modes corresponding one-to-one to a multitude of grip positions on the left side of the steering wheel 10, and a table of several second vibration modes corresponding one-to-one to a multitude of grip positions on the right side of the steering wheel 10, can be pre-stored in the memory 34. The controller 33 can use the tables to cause the second vibration device 22 or the first vibration device 21 to vibrate with the first vibration mode or the second vibration mode corresponding to the grip position.

[0050] In particular, if the gripping position detector 35 is designed to detect several gripping positions on the left side of the steering wheel 10, for example three areas, an upper side area on the left side of the steering wheel 10, a middle side area on the left side and a lower side area on the left side, a table of three first vibration shapes that correspond one to one to the three gripping positions can be stored in the memory 34.

[0051] The first three vibration modes are, for example, an upper left first vibration mode having a phase opposite to a vibration mode indicating vibrations propagating to the upper side area on the left side of the steering wheel 10, a left middle first vibration mode having a phase opposite to a vibration mode indicating vibrations propagating to the middle side area on the left side of the steering wheel 10, and a lower left first vibration mode having a phase opposite to a vibration mode indicating vibrations propagating to the lower side area on the left side of the steering wheel 10, when the first vibration device 21 is caused to vibrate.

[0052] If the control 33 causes the first vibration device 21 to vibrate, the control 33 can cause the second vibration device 22 to vibrate among the first three vibration modes with a first vibration mode having a phase opposite to a vibration mode indicating vibrations propagating to the left side of the steering wheel 10, corresponding to the gripping position detected by the gripping position detector 35 and indicated by the detection signal.

[0053] In particular, if the control 33 causes the first vibration device 21 to vibrate when the gripping position detected by the gripping position detector 35 reaches point P2 (see Fig. 4) if the control 33 indicates that the grip position is contained in the upper side area on the left side of the steering wheel 10, the control 33 can cause the second vibration device 22 to vibrate with the upper left first vibration mode. Likewise, if the control 33 causes the first vibration device 21 to vibrate when the grip position detected by the grip position detector 35 indicates point P3 contained in the middle side area on the left side of the steering wheel 10, the control 33 can cause the second vibration device 22 to vibrate with the left middle first vibration mode.Likewise, if the control 33 causes the first vibration device 21 to vibrate when the grip position detected by the grip position detector 35 indicates point P4, which is contained in the lower side area on the left side of the steering wheel 10, the control 33 can cause the second vibration device 22 to vibrate with the lower left first vibration mode.

[0054] With regard to multiple gripping positions on the right side of the steering wheel 10, if the gripping position detectors 35 detect, for example, three areas, an upper side area on the right side of the steering wheel 10, a middle side area on the right side and a lower side area on the right side, a table of three second vibration shapes, which correspond one to one to the three gripping positions, can be stored in the memory 34.The three second vibration modes are, for example, an upper right second vibration mode having a phase opposite to a vibration mode indicating vibrations propagating to the upper side area on the right side of the steering wheel 10, a right middle second vibration mode having a phase opposite to a vibration mode indicating vibrations propagating to the middle side area on the right side of the steering wheel 10, and a lower right second vibration mode having a phase opposite to a vibration mode indicating vibrations propagating to the lower side area on the right side of the steering wheel 10, when the second vibration device 22 is caused to vibrate.

[0055] As described above, when the controller 33 causes the first vibration device 21 to vibrate, the controller 33 can cause the second vibration device 22 to vibrate with the first vibration waveform, which has a phase opposite to a vibration waveform indicating vibrations propagating to the left side of the steering wheel 10, according to the grip position detected by the grip position detector 35 and indicated by the detection signal. In this way, the controller 33 causes the second vibration device 22 to vibrate to cancel out the vibrations propagating to the left side of the steering wheel 10 according to the grip position, and thus it is possible to suppress the vibrations on the left side of the steering wheel 10.Consequently, it is possible to make it unlikely that the driver will detect the vibrations on the left side of the steering wheel 10 when the driver's right hand grips the right side of the steering wheel 10 and the driver's left hand grips the left side of the steering wheel 10, since vibrations in a part where the left hand grips the steering wheel 10 are suppressed, and to make it possible for the driver to detect the vibrations on the right side of the steering wheel 10 easily.

[0056] When the controller 33 causes the second vibration device 22 to vibrate, the controller 33 can cause the first vibration device 21 to vibrate with the second vibration mode, which has a phase opposite to a vibration mode that indicates vibrations propagating to the right side of the steering wheel 10, according to the grip position detected by the grip position detector 35 and indicated by the detection signal. In this way, the controller 33 causes the first vibration device 21 to vibrate in order to cancel out the vibrations propagating to the right side of the steering wheel 10 according to the grip position, and thus it is possible to suppress the vibrations on the right side of the steering wheel 10.Consequently, it is possible to make it unlikely that the driver will detect the vibrations on the right side of the steering wheel 10 when the driver's left hand grips the left side of the steering wheel 10 and the driver's right hand grips the right side of the steering wheel 10, since vibrations in a part where the right hand grips the steering wheel 10 are suppressed, and to make it possible for the driver to detect the vibrations on the left side of the steering wheel 10 easily.

[0057] In this case, a table of several first vibration modes, corresponding one-to-one to a multitude of grip positions on the left side of the steering wheel 10, and a table of several second vibration modes, corresponding one-to-one to a multitude of grip positions on the right side of the steering wheel 10, can be pre-stored in memory 34. The controller 33 can use the tables to cause the second vibration device 22 or the first vibration device 21 to vibrate with the first vibration mode or the second vibration mode corresponding to the grip position. <Ausführung> (Example 1)

[0058] The embodiment 1 of the information notification device 1 is then described with reference to Fig. 6 described.

[0059] Fig. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the information notification device 1 in embodiment 1.

[0060] The control unit 33 of the information notification device 1 first determines whether information is to be communicated to the driver via the steering wheel 10 (S11).

[0061] For example, if a lane departure suppression system integrated into vehicle 2 detects that vehicle 2 is traveling toward a right or left lane, the lane departure suppression system notifies information notification device 1 that vehicle 2 is traveling toward the right or left lane, as information to be communicated. In another example, if vehicle 2 turns right or left according to a route, a navigation system integrated into vehicle 2 notifies information notification device 1 that vehicle 2 is turning right or left, as information to be communicated.In yet another example, if vehicle 2 changes lanes in a right-hand or left-hand direction when a following vehicle is approaching from the right rear or left rear of vehicle 2, a rear-side warning support system integrated into vehicle 2 notifies the information notification device 1 of the presence of the following vehicle approaching from the right rear or left rear of vehicle 2 as the information to be communicated.

[0062] If the control unit 33 determines that no information is to be communicated to the driver via the steering wheel 10 (no in S11), the operational processing returns to step S11 and the processing in step S11 is carried out.

[0063] On the other hand, if the control unit 33 determines that information is to be communicated to the driver via the steering wheel 10 (yes in S11), the control unit 33 determines whether the information to be communicated to the driver has a direction to be communicated (S12).

[0064] The direction to be communicated is the direction to the right or the direction to the left of vehicle 2. Examples of a case where the direction to be communicated is the direction to the right of vehicle 2 include a case where vehicle 2 is traveling toward the right lane, a case where vehicle 2 is turning right according to its route, and a case where, when vehicle 2 changes lanes to the right, there is a following vehicle approaching from the right rear of vehicle 2. Examples of a case where the direction to be communicated is the direction to the left of vehicle 2 include a case where vehicle 2 is traveling toward the left lane, a case where vehicle 2 is turning left according to its route, and a case where, when vehicle 2 changes lanes to the left, there is a following vehicle approaching from the left rear of vehicle 2.As described above, the notification means for the driver is a means of vibrating the right side or the left side of the steering wheel 10 to inform the driver whether attention should be directed to the right or the left.

[0065] If the controller 33 determines that the information to be communicated to the driver has the direction to be communicated (yes in S12), the controller 33 controls the first drive unit 31 and the second drive unit 32 in the direction to be communicated in order to cause the first vibration device 21 and the second vibration device 22 to vibrate. In other words, the controller 33 causes the vibration device on one side to vibrate with the predetermined input waveform and causes the vibration device on the other side to vibrate with a waveform having a phase opposite to a waveform indicating vibrations propagating to the vibration device on the other side (S13).

[0066] For example, such as in a case where a notification is provided that vehicle 2 is moving towards the right lane, a case where, as vehicle 2 is moving towards the left lane, a notification is provided that the steering wheel 10 should be turned to the right, a case where the route informs the driver that vehicle 2 will turn right, a case where, when vehicle 2 changes lanes to the right, a notification is provided that a following vehicle is approaching from the right rear, or the like, there is a case where the direction to be communicated to the driver is the right side.Here, when the controller 33 controls the first drive unit 31 and the second drive unit 32 to cause the first vibration device 21 to vibrate with the predetermined input waveform, the controller 33 causes the second vibration device 22 to vibrate with the first waveform, which has a phase opposite to a waveform indicating vibrations propagating to the left side of the steering wheel 10. In this way, when both of the driver's hands are gripping the steering wheel 10 and the right side of the steering wheel 10 is vibrating, vibrations on the left side of the steering wheel 10 are suppressed, and thus it is possible to make it easy for the driver to recognize that the direction communicated via the steering wheel 10 is the direction to the right of the vehicle 2.

[0067] For example, such as in a case where a notification is provided that vehicle 2 is moving towards the left lane, a case where, as vehicle 2 is moving towards the right lane, a notification is provided that the steering wheel 10 should be turned to the left, a case where the route indicates that vehicle 2 will turn left, a case where, when vehicle 2 changes lanes to the left, a notification is provided that a following vehicle is approaching from the left rear, or the like, there is a case where the direction to be communicated to the driver is the left side.Here, when the controller 33 controls the first drive unit 31 and the second drive unit 32 to cause the second vibration device 22 to vibrate with the predetermined input waveform, the controller 33 causes the first vibration device 21 to vibrate with the second waveform, which has a phase opposite to a waveform indicating vibrations propagating to the right side of the steering wheel 10. In this way, when both of the driver's hands are gripping the steering wheel 10 and the left side of the steering wheel 10 is vibrating, vibrations on the right side of the steering wheel 10 are suppressed, and thus it is possible to make it easy for the driver to recognize that the direction communicated via the steering wheel 10 is to the left of the vehicle 2.

[0068] Then, after the direction to be communicated to the driver has been displayed, the control unit 33 determines whether the driver has performed an operation on the vehicle 2 in accordance with the details communicated to the driver (S14).

[0069] In step S14, after the direction to be communicated to the driver has been displayed, the controller 33 can determine whether a predetermined period has elapsed. If the predetermined period has elapsed, the controller 33 can cause the operational processing to continue with step S15. If the predetermined period has not elapsed, the controller 33 can return the operational processing to step S14.

[0070] If, after the direction to be communicated to the driver has been displayed, the control 33 determines that the driver has not carried out the operation on the vehicle 2 according to the details communicated to the driver (no in S14), the operational processing is returned to step S14 and the processing in step S14 is carried out.

[0071] On the other hand, if the control unit 33 determines, after the direction to be communicated to the driver has been shown, that the driver has carried out the operation on the vehicle 2 in accordance with the details communicated to the driver (yes in S14), the control unit 33 stops the vibration of the first vibration device 21 and the second vibration device 22 (S15).

[0072] Then, control unit 33 returns the operational processing to step S11 and repeats this in Fig. 6 flowcharts shown.

[0073] Here is another description of the processing in step S12.

[0074] On the other hand, if the control unit 33 determines that the direction to be communicated is not included in the information to be communicated to the driver (no in S12), the control unit 33 controls the first drive unit 31 and the second drive unit 32 to cause the first vibration device 21 and the second vibration device 22 to vibrate with the predetermined input vibration shape (S16).

[0075] For example, if vehicle 2 is parked in a parking space and is being reversed, the entire steering wheel 10 can vibrate when vehicle 2 approaches a predetermined distance to an obstacle. In this way, the driver, with both hands gripping the steering wheel 10, can determine from the vibrations whether the direction indicated by the steering wheel 10 is forward or reverse. The information notification device 1 can then communicate this information to the driver. The controller 33 then performs the processing in step S14, returns the operational processing from step S15 to step S11, and repeats the process in Fig. 6 flowcharts shown. (Example 2)

[0076] The embodiment 2 of the information notification device 1a with the gripping position detector 35 is then described with reference to Fig. 7 described.

[0077] Fig. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the information notification device 1a in embodiment 2. Fig. 7 describes the information notification device 1a of the steering wheel 10 with the grip position detector 35.

[0078] The following description describes the same processing steps as in Fig. 6 are designated with the same reference symbols and their descriptions are omitted where necessary.

[0079] After step S11, the control unit 33 first determines whether the driver grips the steering wheel 10 (S11a).

[0080] If the control 33 determines that the driver is not gripping the steering wheel 10 (no in S11a), the operational processing is returned to step S11a and the processing in step S11a is carried out.

[0081] If, on the other hand, the control unit 33 determines that the driver is gripping the steering wheel 10 (yes in S11a), the control unit 33 determines from grip positions of the steering wheel 10, which are indicated by detection signals issued by the grip position detector 35, whether both hands are gripping the steering wheel 10 (S11b).

[0082] If the control 33 determines from the grip positions of the steering wheel 10, which are indicated by the detection signals, that both hands are gripping the steering wheel 10 (yes in S11b (gripped by both hands)), the control 33 determines whether the direction to be communicated is included in the information to be communicated to the driver (S12).

[0083] If the determination in step S12 is yes, the controller 33 in the information notification device 1a returns the operating process to step S11 after steps S13 to S15 and repeats the process in Fig. 7 Flowchart shown. If, in step S13, as described above, the grip position detector 35 can detect multiple grip positions of the steering wheel 10, the first vibration device 21 or the second vibration device 22 can be caused to vibrate with a vibration waveform (the first waveform or the second waveform) that has a phase opposite to a vibration waveform indicating vibrations propagating to the other side (the left side or the right side) of the steering wheel 10, corresponding to the grip positions detected by the grip position detector 35 and indicated by the detection signals.

[0084] If, on the other hand, the determination in step S12 is no, the controller 33 returns the operating process to step S11 after steps S16, S14 and S15 and repeats the process in Fig. 7 flowcharts shown.

[0085] Here is another description of the processing in step S11b.

[0086] If the controller 33 determines from the gripping positions of the steering wheel 10, which are indicated by the detection signals, that a hand is gripping the steering wheel 10 (no in S11b (gripped by one hand)), the controller 33 causes a vibration device (the first vibration device 21 or the second vibration device 22), which is located on the side (the right side or the left side of the steering wheel 10) indicated by the gripping position, to vibrate (S17).

[0087] For example, if the grip position indicates only the right side of the steering wheel 10, the controller 33 controls the first drive unit 31 to cause only the first vibration device 21 to vibrate with the predetermined input waveform. If the grip position indicates only the left side of the steering wheel 10, the controller 33 controls the second drive unit 32 to cause only the second vibration device 22 to vibrate with the predetermined input waveform.

[0088] Then, after steps S14 and S15, the controller 33 returns the operational processing to step S11 and repeats this in Fig. 7 flowcharts shown. <Effekte des Betriebs>

[0089] The effects of operating the information notification devices 1 and 1a according to the present embodiment will then be described.

[0090] The information notification device 1 or 1a in the technology 1 according to the present embodiment is an information notification device 1 or 1a that communicates information to a driver via a steering wheel 10, wherein the information notification device 1 or 1a comprises: a first vibration device 21, which is arranged on a right side of the steering wheel 10 when the steering wheel 10 is in a neutral position; a second vibration device 22, which is arranged on a left side of the steering wheel 10 when the steering wheel 10 is in the neutral position;and a control 33 which controls the first vibration device 21 and the second vibration device 22, wherein, when the control 33 causes the first vibration device 21 to vibrate, the control 33 causes the second vibration device 22 to vibrate in order to suppress vibrations on the left side of the steering wheel 10, and when the control 33 causes the second vibration device 22 to vibrate, the control 33 causes the first vibration device 21 to vibrate in order to suppress vibrations on the right side of the steering wheel 10.

[0091] In this way, if both of the driver's hands are gripping the steering wheel 10, and the information to be communicated to the driver is the direction to the right of the vehicle 2, the right side of the steering wheel 10 can be highlighted and vibrated, and if the information to be communicated to the driver is the direction to the left of the vehicle 2, the left side of the steering wheel 10 can be highlighted and vibrated. Therefore, the driver can easily recognize through tactile perception whether the communicated information is the direction to the right or the direction to the left of the vehicle 2.

[0092] Therefore, the information to be communicated to the driver can be clearly displayed and easily recognized in the information notification device 1 or 1a.

[0093] The information notification device 1 in the technology 2 according to the present embodiment is the information notification device 1 in the technology 1. In this case, when the controller 33 causes the first vibration device 21 to vibrate, the controller 33 causes the second vibration device 22 to vibrate with a first vibration mode having a phase opposite to a phase of a vibration mode indicating vibrations propagating to the left side of the steering wheel 10, and when the controller 33 causes the second vibration device 22 to vibrate, the controller 33 causes the first vibration device 21 to vibrate with a second vibration mode having a phase opposite to a phase of a vibration mode indicating vibrations propagating to the right side of the steering wheel 10.

[0094] In this way, vibrations propagating to the left side of the steering wheel 10 can be suppressed when the right side of the steering wheel 10 vibrates. Conversely, vibrations propagating to the right side of the steering wheel 10 can be suppressed when the left side of the steering wheel 10 vibrates. Therefore, the driver can more easily discern from the vibrations whether the information being conveyed is a right or left turn for the vehicle 2.

[0095] The information notification device 1 in the technology 3 according to the present embodiment is the information notification device 1 in the technology 2, which further comprises: a memory 34, and wherein the memory 34 prestores the first vibration mode and the second vibration mode, wherein when the control 33 causes the first vibration device 21 to vibrate, the control 33 causes the second vibration device 22 to vibrate with the first vibration mode, and when the control 33 causes the second vibration device 22 to vibrate, the control 33 causes the first vibration device 21 to vibrate with the second vibration mode.

[0096] In this way, the first and second vibration modes are pre-stored, and thus each time the first vibration device 21 is caused to vibrate, the vibration propagating to the second vibration device 22 does not need to be detected, and each time the second vibration device 22 is caused to vibrate, the vibration propagating to the right side of the steering wheel 10 does not need to be detected. In other words, a sensor for detecting the propagated vibration does not need to be provided additionally, and thus it is possible to reduce the complexity of the information notification device 1 and prevent an increase in its manufacturing costs.

[0097] The information notification device 1a in the technology 4 according to the present embodiment is the information notification device 1a in the technology 1. In this case, the information notification device 1a in the technology 4 according to the present embodiment comprises: a grip position detector 35 which detects the position of a driver's hand, wherein the hand grips the steering wheel 10, wherein when the controller 33 causes the first vibration device 21 to vibrate, the controller 33 causes the second vibration device 22 to vibrate according to the position of the hand detected by the grip position detector 35 with a first vibration mode having a phase opposite to a phase of a vibration mode indicating vibrations propagating to the left side of the steering wheel 10, and when the controller 33 causes the second vibration device 22 to vibrate, the controller 33 causesthat the first vibration device 21 vibrates according to the position of the hand detected by the grip position detector 35 with a second vibration mode which has a phase opposite to a phase of a vibration mode which indicates vibrations which propagate to the right side of the steering wheel 10.

[0098] In this way, when the right side of the steering wheel 10 vibrates, it is possible to more strongly suppress the vibrations that propagate to the part of the steering wheel 10 corresponding to the gripping position of the driver's left hand. Conversely, when the left side of the steering wheel 10 vibrates, it is possible to more strongly suppress the vibrations that propagate to the part of the steering wheel 10 corresponding to the gripping position of the driver's right hand. In other words, one side of the steering wheel 10, to which information is conveyed, can vibrate, while vibrations in the part on the other side corresponding to the gripping position can be suppressed. Therefore, the driver can more easily recognize from the vibrations whether the conveyed information is a right or left turn for the vehicle 2.

[0099] The information notification device 1a in the technology 5 according to the present embodiment is the information notification device 1a in the technology 4, which further comprises: a memory 34, and wherein the memory 34 prestores the first vibration mode and the second vibration mode, wherein the first vibration mode corresponds to the position of the hand gripping the steering wheel 10, the second vibration mode corresponds to the position of the hand gripping the steering wheel 10, and when the controller 33 causes the first vibration device 21 to vibrate, the controller 33 causes the second vibration device 22 to vibrate with the first vibration mode, and when the controller 33 causes the second vibration device 22 to vibrate, the controller 33 causes the first vibration device 21 to vibrate with the second vibration mode.

[0100] In this way, the first vibration waveform corresponding to the grip position of the steering wheel 10 and the second vibration waveform corresponding to the grip position of the steering wheel 10 are pre-stored in memory 34. Therefore, each time the first vibration device 21 is caused to vibrate, the vibration propagating to the second vibration device 22 does not need to be detected, and each time the second vibration device 22 is caused to vibrate, the vibration propagating to the right side of the steering wheel 10 does not need to be detected. In other words, a separate sensor for detecting the propagated vibration is not required, thus reducing the complexity of the information notification device 1 and preventing an increase in its manufacturing costs.

[0101] The information notification device 1 or 1a in technology 6 according to the present embodiment is the information notification device 1 or 1a in one of technologies 1 to 5. In this case, when the steering wheel 10 is in the neutral position, the first vibration device 21 is arranged on the right-hand spoke 11a or the right-hand edge 11b, which is located on the right side of the steering wheel 10, and the second vibration device 22 is arranged on the left-hand spoke 12a or the left-hand edge 12b, which is located on the left side of the steering wheel 10.

[0102] In this way, the driver can position the first vibration device 21 and the second vibration device 22 near the parts grasped by the driver, and thus the driver can more easily recognize through tactile perception whether the communicated information is the direction to the right or the direction to the left of the vehicle 2. (Other variants)

[0103] Although the information notification device described above in the present disclosure is based on the embodiment described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment described above. Embodiments obtained by carrying out various types of variations devised by those skilled in the art in relation to the embodiment may be included in the present disclosure, provided they do not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0104] For example, the control components and the like, contained in the information notification device described above, are typically implemented as an LSI circuit, which is an integrated circuit. They can be individually formed onto separate chips, or some or all of them can be formed onto a single chip.

[0105] The method for fabricating the integrated circuit is not limited to LSI, and the integrated circuit can be implemented using a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. A field-programmable gate array (FPGA), which can be programmed after the fabrication of an LSI circuit, or a configurable processor, which allows the connection and setting of circuit cells within an LSI circuit to be reconfigured, can be used.

[0106] In the embodiment described above, the components can be formed by dedicated hardware or can be realized by executing software programs suitable for the components. A program executor, such as a CPU or processor, can read and execute software programs recorded on a recording medium, such as a hard drive or semiconductor memory, to realize the components.

[0107] All numbers used in the above description are examples to specifically describe the present disclosure, and the embodiment in the present disclosure is not limited to the numbers described above.

[0108] The subdivision of function blocks in block diagrams is one example; several function blocks can be implemented as a single function block, a single function block can be subdivided into multiple function blocks, or some function blocks can be transferred to other function blocks. The functions of several function blocks with similar features can be processed by hardware or software in parallel or in a time-divided manner.

[0109] The order in which the steps in the flowchart are performed is illustrative for the specific description of the present revelation, and a different order than the one described above may be assumed. Some of the steps may be performed simultaneously (in parallel) with other steps.

[0110] Embodiments obtained by carrying out various types of variants devised by those skilled in the art of the embodiment described above, and embodiments realized by combining any of the constituent elements and functions in the embodiment without deviating from the spirit of the present disclosure, are also included in the present disclosure. [Commercial Applicability]

[0111] The present disclosure is useful for steering wheels integrated into moving bodies such as a vehicle, a ship, and an aircraft. [List of reference symbols] 1, 1a Information notification device 10 Steering wheel 11a right-sided spoke 11b right-hand margin 12a left-side spoke 12b left-hand margin 21 first vibration device 22 second vibration device 33 Control 34 storage 35 Gripping Position Detector QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2011-48566

[0004]

Claims

[1] Information notification device that provides information to a driver via a steering wheel, the information notification device comprising: a first vibration device located on the right side of the steering wheel when the steering wheel is in a neutral position; a second vibration device located on the left side of the steering wheel when the steering wheel is in the neutral position; and a controller that controls the first vibration device and the second vibration device, wherein, if the control causes the first vibration device to vibrate, the control causes the second vibration device to vibrate in order to suppress vibrations on the left side of the steering wheel, and If the control system causes the second vibration device to vibrate, the control system causes the first vibration device to vibrate in order to suppress vibrations on the right side of the steering wheel. [2] Information notification device according to claim 1, wherein, if the control causes the first vibration device to vibrate, the control causes the second vibration device to vibrate with a first vibration mode having a phase opposite to a phase of a vibration mode indicating vibrations propagating to the left side of the steering wheel, and If the control causes the second vibration device to vibrate, the control causes the first vibration device to vibrate with a second vibration mode that has a phase opposite to a phase of a vibration mode that indicates vibrations propagating to the right side of the steering wheel. [3] Information notification device according to claim 2, further comprising: a storage the memory stores the first vibration mode and the second vibration mode in advance, If the control system causes the first vibration device to vibrate, the control system causes the second vibration device to vibrate with the first vibration mode, and If the control system causes the second vibration device to vibrate, the control system causes the first vibration device to vibrate with the second vibration mode. [4] Information notification device according to claim 1, further comprising: a grip position detector that detects the position of a driver's hand while the hand is gripping the steering wheel, wherein, if the control causes the first vibration device to vibrate, the control causes the second vibration device to vibrate according to the position of the hand detected by the grip position detector with a first vibration mode having a phase opposite to a phase of a vibration mode indicating vibrations propagating to the left side of the steering wheel, and If the control causes the second vibration device to vibrate, the control causes the first vibration device to vibrate according to the position of the hand detected by the grip position detector with a second vibration mode that has a phase opposite to a phase of a vibration mode indicating vibrations that propagate to the right side of the steering wheel. [5] Information notification device according to claim 4, further comprising: a storage wherein the memory stores the first oscillation mode and the second oscillation mode in advance, the first oscillation mode corresponding to the position of the hand gripping the steering wheel, the second oscillation mode corresponding to the position of the hand gripping the steering wheel, If the control system causes the first vibration device to vibrate, the control system causes the second vibration device to vibrate with the first vibration mode, and If the control system causes the second vibration device to vibrate, the control system causes the first vibration device to vibrate with the second vibration mode. [6] Information notification device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, when the steering wheel is in the neutral position, the first vibration device is arranged on a right-hand spoke or right-hand edge located on the right side of the steering wheel, and the second vibration device is arranged on a left-hand spoke or left-hand edge located on the left side of the steering wheel.

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