Vehicle operation input device, vehicle operation input method and program

Abstract

To provide a vehicle operation input device, a vehicle operation input method and a program that make an occupant looking at a display unit less likely to feel troublesome.SOLUTION: A vehicle operation input device includes: an input unit 33R, 33L on which an input operation is performed, the input operation being an operation in which a part of a body of an occupant of a vehicle 10 comes into contact with the input unit; a state switching unit 33R, 33L that is operated by the occupant; and a processor. When the occupant performs a specific operation, which is an operation different from the input operation, on the state switching unit while information is not displayed on a display unit HA capable of displaying information about the input unit, the processor causes a display unit to display the information and causes the input unit to allow an input state in which the input operation can be received; and when the occupant does not perform the specific operation on the state switching unit while the information is not displayed on the display unit, the processor does not cause the display unit to display the information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle operation input device, a vehicle operation input method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses an invention in which, when a passenger's fingers touch or approach a part of a steering switch provided on a steering wheel of a vehicle, a display unit highlights an image representing a function assigned to that part. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-290562 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the invention of Patent Document 1, a passenger may unintentionally touch or approach a part of the steering switch with his / her fingers. In this case, the display unit highlights an image representing a function assigned to the part, so the invention of Patent Document 1 is likely to cause annoyance to the passenger who sees the display unit.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE In consideration of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle operation input device, a vehicle operation input method, and a program that are unlikely to cause an occupant to feel annoyed when looking at a display unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The vehicle operation input device described in claim 1 includes an input unit where an input operation is performed, which is an operation where a part of the body of a vehicle occupant comes into contact with the input operation, a state switching unit operated by the occupant, and a processor, and the processor causes the display unit to display the information when the occupant performs a specific operation on the state switching unit that is an operation different from the input operation, in a state where the information related to the input unit is not displayed on a display unit capable of displaying the information, and causes the input unit to an input-enabled state where the input operation can be accepted, and does not cause the display unit to display the information when the occupant does not perform the specific operation on the state switching unit in a state where the information is not displayed on the display unit.

[0007] In the vehicle operation input device according to claim 1, when the occupant performs a specific operation on the state switching unit in a state where information about the input unit is not displayed on the display unit, information about the input unit is displayed on the display unit, and the input unit is in an input-enabled state in which it can accept an input operation by the occupant. On the other hand, when the occupant does not perform a specific operation on the state switching unit in a state where information about the input unit is not displayed on the display unit, information about the input unit is not displayed on the display unit. In this way, the input unit does not enter an input-enabled state unless the occupant performs a specific operation on the state switching unit that is different from the input operation.

[0008] In order for an occupant to perform such a specific operation, the occupant usually needs to have the intention to have the display unit display information related to the input unit. Therefore, if the occupant does not have the intention to have the display unit display information related to the input unit, there is little risk that the display unit will display information related to the input unit. Therefore, the vehicle operation input device described in claim 1 is unlikely to cause an occupant to feel annoyed when looking at the display unit.

[0009] The invention recited in claim 2 provides the vehicle operation input device recited in claim 1, wherein the state switching unit is the input unit.

[0010] In the invention described in claim 2, when the occupant performs a specific operation and an input operation on the input unit, information about the input unit is displayed on the display unit. Therefore, compared to a case where the input unit and the state switching unit are different, the occupant can easily have information about the input unit displayed on the display unit.

[0011] The vehicle operation input device of the invention described in claim 3 is the invention described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the state switching unit, which is the input unit, is movable between an initial position, which is a position when no external force is applied, and a pressed position, and the specific operation is an operation of maintaining the input unit in the pressed position for a time exceeding a first threshold value.

[0012] In the invention described in claim 3, the specific operation is an operation of keeping the state switching unit, which is the input unit, in the pressed position for a time exceeding the first threshold. Therefore, there is little risk that the occupant will erroneously perform the specific operation. Therefore, the invention described in claim 3 can reduce the risk that the occupant will erroneously cause information related to the input unit to be displayed on the display unit.

[0013] The vehicle operation input device of the invention described in claim 4 is the invention described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the state switching unit is the input unit, and the specific operation is an operation in which a part of the occupant's body continues to contact the input unit for a time exceeding a second threshold value.

[0014] In the invention described in claim 4, the specific operation is an operation in which a part of the occupant's body continues to contact the input unit for a time exceeding the second threshold. Therefore, the risk that the occupant will mistakenly perform the specific operation is low. Therefore, the invention described in claim 4 can reduce the risk that the occupant will mistakenly cause information related to the input unit to be displayed on the display unit.

[0015] The invention recited in claim 5 provides a vehicle operation input device according to the invention recited in claim 1, wherein the input unit and the state switching unit are different from each other.

[0016] In the invention described in claim 5, the input unit and the state switching unit are different from each other. Therefore, in order to display information about the input unit on the display unit that does not display information about the input unit, the occupant needs to perform a specific operation on the state switching unit that is different from the input unit. In order for the occupant to perform such a specific operation, the occupant usually needs to have the intention to display information about the input unit on the display unit. Therefore, when the occupant does not have the intention to display information about the input unit on the display unit, there is little risk that information about the input unit will be displayed on the display unit. Therefore, the vehicle operation input device described in claim 5 is unlikely to cause an occupant to feel annoyed when looking at the display unit.

[0017] The vehicle operation input device according to the invention described in claim 6 is an invention described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein when the information is not displayed on the display unit and the occupant does not perform the specific operation on the state switching unit, the processor puts the input unit into an input-disabled state in which the input operation cannot be accepted, and when the occupant does not perform the input operation within a third threshold value after the information is displayed on the display unit, the processor erases the information from the display unit and switches the input unit to the input-disabled state.

[0018] In the invention described in claim 6, when the occupant does not perform an input operation until the third threshold has elapsed since the information about the input unit was displayed on the display unit, the information about the input unit is erased from the display unit and the input unit is switched to an input disabled state. That is, when the occupant does not intend to keep the information about the input unit displayed on the display unit, the information about the input unit is erased from the display unit. Therefore, the vehicle operation input device described in claim 6 is unlikely to cause the occupant to feel annoyed when looking at the display unit.

[0019] The invention recited in claim 7 provides the vehicle operation input device recited in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the input section and the state switching section are provided on a steering wheel of the vehicle.

[0020] In the invention recited in claim 7, the input unit and the state switching unit are provided on a steering wheel of the vehicle. Therefore, in the vehicle operation input device recited in claim 7, it is easy for a passenger (driver) to operate the input unit and the state switching unit.

[0021] The vehicle operation input device according to the invention described in claim 8 is the invention described in claim 7, in which a first operation unit having the input unit and the state switching unit, and a second operation unit having the input unit and the state switching unit located to the left or right of the first operation unit are provided on the steering wheel.

[0022] In the invention described in claim 8, a first operation unit having an input unit and a state switching unit, and a second operation unit having an input unit and a state switching unit located to the left or right of the first operation unit are provided on the steering wheel. Therefore, it is easier for a passenger (driver) to operate the input unit and the state switching unit compared to a case in which only one of the first operation unit and the second operation unit is provided on the steering wheel.

[0023] The invention of claim 9 provides a vehicle operation input device according to claim 8, wherein the processor causes the display unit to display information regarding the input unit of the first operation unit when the occupant performs the specific operation on the state switching unit of the first operation unit.

[0024] In the invention described in claim 9, when an occupant performs a specific operation on the state switching unit of the first operation unit, information related to the input unit of the first operation unit is displayed on the display unit. Therefore, in the vehicle operation input device described in claim 9, when an occupant performs a specific operation on the state switching unit of the first operation unit, the occupant is less likely to feel annoyed when looking at the display unit, compared to a case in which information related to the input unit of the second operation unit is displayed on the display unit.

[0025] The invention of claim 10 provides a vehicle operation input device according to the invention of claim 9, wherein when the occupant performs the input operation on the input part of the second operation part while information relating to the input part of the first operation part is displayed on the display part, the processor causes the display part to display information relating to the input part of the second operation part.

[0026] In the invention described in claim 10, when an occupant performs an input operation on the input unit of the second operation unit in a state in which information related to the input unit of the first operation unit is displayed on the display unit, the information related to the input unit of the second operation unit is displayed on the display unit. Therefore, in a state in which information related to the input unit of the first operation unit is displayed on the display unit, the occupant can display information related to the input unit of the second operation unit on the display unit by a simple operation.

[0027] The vehicle operation input method of the invention described in claim 11 comprises a processor that, when an occupant of a vehicle performs a specific operation on a state switching unit that is different from the input operation and the information is not displayed on a display unit capable of displaying information related to an input unit on which an input operation is performed by the occupant, causes the processor to display the information on the display unit and brings the input unit into an input-enabled state in which the input operation can be accepted, and, when the occupant does not perform the specific operation on the state switching unit and the information is not displayed on the display unit, does not cause the processor to display the information on the display unit.

[0028] The program of the invention described in claim 12 causes a processor to execute a process of displaying information on an input unit where an input operation is performed by an occupant of a vehicle when the occupant performs a specific operation on a state switching unit that is different from the input operation, the program causes the processor to display the information on the display unit and puts the input unit into an input-enabled state where the input operation can be accepted, and causes a processor to execute a process of not displaying the information on the display unit when the occupant does not perform the specific operation on the state switching unit when the information is not displayed on the display unit. Effect of the Invention

[0029] As described above, the vehicle operation input device, the vehicle operation input method, and the program according to the present invention have the excellent effect of making it difficult for a passenger to feel annoyed when looking at the display unit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the inside of a vehicle including a vehicle operation input device according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the vehicle shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a display control ECU of the vehicle. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a meter display on which a predetermined message is displayed. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a display area of ​​a head-up display in which a predetermined message is displayed. [Figure 6] 11 is a diagram showing a display area of ​​the head-up display when a driver performs a first operation. FIG. [Figure 7] 11 is a diagram showing a display area of ​​the head-up display when a driver performs a function switching operation. FIG. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart showing a process executed by a display control ECU. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of a vehicle operation input device, a vehicle operation input method, and a program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0032] 1, the vehicle 10 of this embodiment includes a front windshield 14 and an instrument panel 16. The instrument panel 16 is provided with a meter display (MET) 18. A sensor group 20 is provided on an upper portion of the interior surface of the front windshield 14. The sensor group 20 includes at least one of a camera, a Lidar (Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging) sensor, a locator camera, and a millimeter wave radar sensor.

[0033] The meter display 18 provided on the instrument panel 16 is controlled by a display control ECU 26, which will be described later. The display control ECU 26 is connected to various meter devices mounted on the vehicle 10. Therefore, for example, information related to the vehicle speed of the vehicle 10 is displayed on the meter display 18, as shown in FIG.

[0034] A display area (display unit) HA is formed on the front windshield 14. The display area HA is provided above the vehicle of the meter display 18. An image generated by a projection device of a head-up display (hereinafter, HUD) 28 (see FIG. 2) provided on the vehicle 10 is projected onto the display area HA. ​​As shown in FIG. 2, the HUD 28 is connected to the display control ECU 26. Therefore, information related to the vehicle speed of the vehicle 10 is displayed on the display area HA as shown in FIG. 5.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1, a steering wheel 22 is rotatably supported on the instrument panel 16. The steering wheel 22 includes a rim portion 22A, a hub portion 22B, and spoke portions 22C1, 22C2, and 22C3. The hub portion 22B is provided on the inner periphery of the substantially annular rim portion 22A. The inner periphery of the rim portion 22A and the hub portion 22B are connected by three spoke portions 22C1, 22C2, and 22C3. A steering switch (first operation portion) (input portion) (state switching portion) 33R is provided on the right spoke portion 22C1, and a steering switch (second operation portion) (input portion) (state switching portion) 33L is provided on the left spoke portion 22C2. The steering switch 33R includes a right first switch 34R, a right second switch 36R, and a right function switching switch 38R, which are independent of each other. The steering switch 33L includes a first left switch 34L, a second left switch 36L, and a left function changeover switch 38L, which are independent of each other. In this embodiment, the display control ECU 26, the steering switch 33R, and the steering switch 33L are components of the vehicle operation input device 100. The first right switch 34R, the second right switch 36R, the right function changeover switch 38R, the first left switch 34L, the second left switch 36L, and the left function changeover switch 38L are equipped with electrostatic sensors (not shown).

[0036] The right first switch 34R, which is substantially rectangular, can be swung around a swing center (not shown) provided at the center. The right first switch 34R includes a first input section 34R1, a second input section 34R2, a third input section 34R3, and a fourth input section 34R4, which are located on the outer periphery side of the swing center. The first input section 34R1, the second input section 34R2, the third input section 34R3, and the fourth input section 34R4 have different functions. When the right first switch 34R swings, the first input section 34R1, the second input section 34R2, the third input section 34R3, and the fourth input section 34R4 move by a small distance between the initial position and the pressed position in a direction substantially parallel to the front-rear direction. When no external force is applied to the right first switch 34R, or when a part of the occupant's body touches the first input part 34R1, the second input part 34R2, the third input part 34R3, or the fourth input part 34R4, the first input part 34R1, the second input part 34R2, the third input part 34R3, and the fourth input part 34R4 are located at their initial positions. The occupant in this specification is, for example, the driver.

[0037] The right second switch 36R, which is substantially rectangular and located to the left of the right first switch 34R, can be swung around a swing center (not shown) provided at the center of the switch. The right second switch 36R has a first input section 36R1 and a second input section 36R2 located above and below the swing center, respectively. The first input section 36R1 and the second input section 36R2 have different functions. When the right second switch 36R swings, the first input section 36R1 and the second input section 36R2 move a small distance between the initial position and the pressed position in a direction substantially parallel to the front-rear direction. When no external force is applied to the right second switch 36R, or when a part of the occupant's body contacts the first input section 36R1 or the second input section 36R2, the first input section 36R1 and the second input section 36R2 are located at the initial position.

[0038] The right function changeover switch 38R located below the right first switch 34R and the right second switch 36R is a switch for changing over the functions assigned to the right first switch 34R and the right second switch 36R. The right function changeover switch 38R can move a small distance between an initial position and a pressed-in position in a direction substantially parallel to the front-rear direction. When no external force is applied to the right function changeover switch 38R or when a part of the passenger's body contacts the right function changeover switch 38R, the right function changeover switch 38R is located in the initial position. As described later, when a second operation is performed on the right function changeover switch 38R in the input-enabled state, the functions assigned to the right first switch 34R and the right second switch 36R are changed over. In this embodiment, as an example, two functions are assigned to each of the first input section 34R1, the second input section 34R2, the third input section 34R3, and the fourth input section 34R4 of the right first switch 34R, and the first input section 36R1 and the second input section 36R2 of the right second switch 36R.

[0039] The left first switch 34L has the same configuration as the right first switch 34R, except that it is symmetrical. That is, the left first switch 34L can swing around a swing center, and has a first input part 34L1, a second input part 34L2, a third input part 34L3, and a fourth input part 34L4 that can move between an initial position and a pressed position. The first input part 34L1, the second input part 34L2, the third input part 34L3, and the fourth input part 34L4 have different functions from each other.

[0040] The left second switch 36L has the same configuration as the right second switch 36R, except for being symmetrical. That is, the left second switch 36L is swingable around a swing center, and includes a first input section 36L1 and a second input section 36L2. The first input section 36L1 and the second input section 36L2 have different functions.

[0041] The left function changeover switch 38L has the same configuration as the right function changeover switch 38R, except for being symmetrical. That is, the left function changeover switch 38L is a switch for changing over the functions assigned to the first input section 34L1, the second input section 34L2, the third input section 34L3, and the fourth input section 34L4 of the left first switch 34L, and the first input section 36L1 and the second input section 36L2 of the left second switch 36L.

[0042] In this specification, a part of the occupant's body contacts the first input section 34R1 of the right first switch 34R means that a part of the occupant's body contacts the first input section 34R1 and the first input section 34R1 is located at the initial position. The same applies to the second input section 34R2, the third input section 34R3, the fourth input section 34R4, the right second switch 36R (first input section 36R1, second input section 36R2), the right function changeover switch 38R, the left first switch 34L (first input section 34L1, second input section 34L2, third input section 34L3, fourth input section 34L4), the left second switch 36L (first input section 36L1, second input section 36L2), and the left function changeover switch 38L.

[0043] Furthermore, in this specification, a part of the body refers to a part of the body to which the electrostatic sensor reacts. For example, a hand is a part of the body. Furthermore, an operation in which a part of the occupant's body touches at least one of the first right switch 34R, the second right switch 36R, the right function changeover switch 38R, the first left switch 34L, the second left switch 36L, and the left function changeover switch 38L may be referred to as a "first operation (input operation)."

[0044] Furthermore, in this specification, an operation of moving the first input unit 34R1, the second input unit 34R2, the third input unit 34R3, or the fourth input unit 34R4 of the steering switch 33R to a pressed position by a part of the occupant's body may be referred to as a "second operation." An operation of moving the right second switch 36R (first input unit 36R1, second input unit 36R2), the right function changeover switch 38R, the left first switch 34L (first input unit 34L1, second input unit 34L2, third input unit 34L3, fourth input unit 34L4), the left second switch 36L (first input unit 36L1, second input unit 36L2), and the left function changeover switch 38L to a pressed position may also be referred to as a "second operation."

[0045] When the second operation is performed on the steering switch 33R, it means that the first operation is performed on the steering switch 33R at the initial stage of the second operation. Similarly, when the second operation is performed on the steering switch 33L, it means that the first operation is performed on the steering switch 33L at the initial stage of the second operation.

[0046] Furthermore, a part of the occupant's body may keep the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L in the depressed position for a time exceeding a predetermined first threshold. Data on the first threshold is recorded, for example, in the ROM 26B or the storage 26D of the display control ECU 26 described later. The first threshold is, for example, 2 seconds. Such an operation on the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L may be referred to as a "third operation (specific operation)." As described later, when a steering switch image 33RM (information on the input unit) representing the function of the steering switch 33R and a steering switch image (information on the input unit) (not shown) representing the function of the steering switch 33L are not displayed in the display area HA, if a third operation is performed on the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L, the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L on which the third operation is performed becomes an input-enabled state. 6 and 7, the steering switch image 33RM includes a right first switch image 34RM, a right second switch image 36RM, and a right function changeover switch image 38RM, which respectively represent the right first switch 34R, the right second switch 36R, and the right function changeover switch 38R. When the third operation is performed on the steering switch 33R, it means that the first operation and the second operation are performed on the steering switch 33R in the initial stage of the third operation. Similarly, when the third operation is performed on the steering switch 33L, it means that the first operation and the second operation are performed on the steering switch 33L in the initial stage of the third operation.

[0047] On the other hand, when the steering switch images 33RM and 33L that represent the functions of the steering switch image 33RM and the steering switch 33L are not displayed in the display area HA, the steering switch 33R and the steering switch 33L are in an input disabled state.

[0048] The vehicle 10 is provided with a display control ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 26 shown in Fig. 2. The display control ECU 26 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit: Processor) 26A, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 26B, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 26C, a storage 26D, a communication interface (communication I / F) 26E, and an input / output interface (input / output I / F) 26F. Each component is connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via an internal bus 26Z.

[0049] The CPU 26A is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls each part. That is, the CPU 26A reads a program from the ROM 26B or the storage 26D, and executes the program using the RAM 26C as a working area. The CPU 26A also controls each of the above components and performs various arithmetic processing according to the program recorded in the ROM 26B or the storage 26D.

[0050] The ROM 26B stores various programs and various data. The RAM 26C temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. The storage 26D is a non-temporary recording medium configured with an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive) and stores various programs including an operating system and various data. In this embodiment, the ROM 26B or the storage 26D stores programs for performing input control processing and the like.

[0051] The communication interface 26E is an interface for the display control ECU 26 to communicate with an external server and other devices. For the communication interface 26E, standards such as CAN (Controller Area Network), Ethernet (registered trademark), LTE (Long Term Evolution), FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface), and Wi-Fi (registered trademark) are used.

[0052] The first right switch 34R, the second right switch 36R, the right function changeover switch 38R, the first left switch 34L, the second left switch 36L, the left function changeover switch 38L, and the HUD 28 are electrically connected to the input / output I / F 26F.

[0053] The display control ECU 26 is electrically connected to the driving assistance ECU 32. The driving assistance ECU 32 includes a CPU (processor), a ROM, a RAM, a storage, a communication interface (communication I / F), and an input / output interface (input / output I / F). These components are connected to each other via an internal bus so that they can communicate with each other. The driving assistance ECU 32 of this embodiment is connected to various actuators for driving the sensor group 20, the brake device, the steering device, and the internal combustion engine (drive source). The driving assistance ECU 32 may be connected to an electric motor (drive source). The driving assistance ECU 32 has a function of causing the vehicle 10 to execute driving assistance control by controlling the actuator group (and the electric motor). The "driving assistance control" in this specification includes driving assistance control of driving levels 1 to 5 defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). The driving assistance control includes, for example, adaptive cruise control (ACC) and lane tracing assist (LTA).

[0054] The display control ECU 26 uses the above hardware resources to realize various functions. The functional configuration realized by the display control ECU 26 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0055] 3, the display control ECU 26 has, as functional components, a control mode acquisition unit 261, a function display unit 262, an operation acceptance unit 263, and a function switching acceptance unit 264. The control mode acquisition unit 261, the function display unit 262, the operation acceptance unit 263, and the function switching acceptance unit 264 are realized by the CPU 26A reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 26B or the storage 26D.

[0056] The control mode acquisition unit 261 acquires the details of the driving assistance control being executed by the driving assistance ECU 32 .

[0057] When the steering switch 33R and the steering switch 33L are in an input disabled state and a third operation is performed on the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L, the function display unit 262 controls the HUD 28 to display an image representing a function assigned to the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L on which the third operation is performed, in the display area HA. ​​For example, when the third operation is performed on the steering switch 33R, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the function display unit 262 displays a steering switch image 33RM in the display area HA. ​​That is, in this case, the function display unit 262 switches the steering switch 33R to an input enabled state.

[0058] Furthermore, when a steering switch image representing one of the steering switches 33R and 33L is displayed in the display area HA and a first operation is performed on the other, the function display unit 262 displays a steering switch image representing the other in the display area HA. ​​For example, when a steering switch image representing the steering switch 33L is displayed in the display area HA and a first operation is performed on the steering switch 33R, the function display unit 262 erases the steering switch image representing the steering switch 33L from the display area HA and displays the steering switch image 33RM in the display area HA instead. At this time, the steering switch 33L is switched to an input disabled state and the steering switch 33R is switched to an input enabled state by the function display unit 262. In this way, both the steering switch image 33RM and the steering switch image corresponding to the left function changeover switch 38L are not displayed simultaneously in the display area HA.

[0059] Furthermore, when a part of the occupant's body is in contact with the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L in the input-enabled state, the function display unit 262 continues to display the steering switch image representing the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L in the input-enabled state in the display area HA as shown in Figs. 6 and 7. When a part of the occupant's body is removed from the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L in the input-enabled state, if the first operation is not performed on the steering switch until a predetermined set display time (third threshold value) has elapsed from the time of removal, the function display unit 262 erases the steering switch image representing the steering switch from the display area HA. ​​That is, the steering switch 33R and the steering switch 33L are switched to the input-disabled state by the function display unit 262. This set display time is, for example, 5 seconds.

[0060] Furthermore, when a part of the occupant's body is in contact with the first left switch 34L, the second left switch 36L, or the left function changeover switch 38L in an input-enabled state, the function display unit 262 continues to display a steering switch image representing the steering switch 33L in the display area HA. ​​When a part of the occupant's body is removed from the steering switch 33L, if the first operation is not performed on the steering switch 33L until a predetermined set display time has elapsed from the time of removal, the function display unit 262 erases the steering switch image from the display area HA. ​​This set display time is, for example, five seconds.

[0061] When the steering switch 33R and the steering switch 33L are in an input disabled state, the steering switch image 33RM and the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33L are not displayed in the display area HA as shown in Fig. 5. In this case, only information related to the vehicle speed of the vehicle 10 is displayed in the display area HA.

[0062] In Fig. 6, the right first switch image 34RM includes a third input section image 34R3M representing the third input section 34R3 and a fourth input section image 34R4M representing the fourth input section 34R4. In this case, specific functions are assigned to the third input section 34R3 and the fourth input section 34R4. On the other hand, no function is assigned to the first input section 34R1 and the second input section 34R2. Therefore, in this case, the right first switch image 34RM does not include images representing the first input section 34R1 and the second input section 34R2.

[0063] In this case, the third input unit 34R3 is assigned a function for setting the distance between the vehicle 10 and the preceding vehicle. Therefore, when the steering switch image 33RM is displayed in the display area HA, if the occupant moves the third input unit 34R3 to the pressed position with a part of the body, the set value of the distance between the vehicles changes.

[0064] In this case, a function related to switching of the control mode is assigned to the fourth input unit 34R4. Therefore, when the steering switch image 33RM is displayed in the display area HA, if the occupant moves the fourth input unit 34R4 to the pressed position with a part of the body, the control mode of the vehicle 10 is switched.

[0065] The first input unit 36R1 is assigned a function for switching the radar cruise mode between an ON state and an OFF state, so that when the steering switch image 33RM is displayed in the display area HA, if the occupant moves the first input unit 36R1 to the pressed position with a part of the body, the radar cruise mode is switched between an ON state and an OFF state.

[0066] The second input unit 36R2 is assigned a function for switching the LTA between an ON state and an OFF state, so that when the steering switch image 33RM is displayed in the display area HA, if the occupant moves the second input unit 36R2 to the pressed position with a part of the body, the LTA is switched between an ON state and an OFF state.

[0067] The operation reception unit 263 receives the first operation and the second operation for the right first switch 34R, the right second switch 36R, the left first switch 34L, or the left second switch 36L in an input-enabled state. On the other hand, the operation reception unit 263 does not receive the first operation and the second operation for the right first switch 34R, the right second switch 36R, the left first switch 34L, or the left second switch 36L in an input-disabled state. For example, when the steering switch image 33RM is displayed in the display area HA, if the first operation is performed on the second input unit 36R2, the function of the second input unit 36R2 is selected by the operation reception unit 263, and the second input unit image 36R2M representing the second input unit 36R2 is highlighted in the display area HA. For example, when a steering switch image representing the steering switch 33L is displayed in the display area HA, if a first operation is performed on the second input unit 36L2, the operation acceptance unit 263 selects the function of the second input unit 36L2, and a second input unit image (not shown) representing the second input unit 36L2 is highlighted in the display area HA. ​​Also, for example, when a steering switch image 33RM is displayed in the display area HA, the operation acceptance unit 263 issues an instruction to another ECU (for example, the driving assistance ECU 32) to execute the function of the third input unit 34R3 when a second operation is performed on the third input unit 34R3. Also, for example, when a steering switch image representing the steering switch 33L is displayed in the display area HA, the operation acceptance unit 263 issues an instruction to another ECU to execute the function of the third input unit 34L3 when a second operation is performed on the third input unit 34L3.

[0068] The function switching reception unit 264 receives a second operation on the right function switching switch 38R when the steering switch image 33RM is displayed in the display area HA. ​​Furthermore, the function switching reception unit 264 receives a second operation on the function switching switch 38L when a steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33L is displayed in the display area HA. ​​Specifically, the function switching reception unit 264 switches the functions of the right first switch 34R and the right second switch 36R when a second operation is performed on the right function switching switch 38R in a state where the steering switch image 33RM is displayed in the display area HA. ​​Furthermore, the function switching reception unit 264 switches the functions of the left first switch 34L and the left second switch 36L when a second operation is performed on the left function switching switch 38L in a state where a steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33L is displayed in the display area HA.

[0069] For example, when the second operation is performed on the right function changeover switch 38R in the state of Fig. 6, the display area HA is changed to the state of Fig. 7 by the function display unit 262. That is, as shown in Fig. 7, the first input unit image 34R1M, the second input unit image 34R2M, the third input unit image 34R3M, and the fourth input unit image 34R4M are changed from the images shown in Fig. 6. Therefore, an occupant who sees the first input unit image 34R1M, the second input unit image 34R2M, the third input unit image 34R3M, and the fourth input unit image 34R4M can recognize that the functions assigned to the first input units 34R1, 34R2, the third input unit 34R3, and the fourth input unit 34R4 have been switched.

[0070] (Action and Effects) Next, the operation and effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0071] Next, the process executed by the display control ECU 26 of the vehicle 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 8. The display control ECU 26 repeatedly executes the process of the flowchart shown in Fig. 8 every time a predetermined time elapses.

[0072] In step S10, the display control ECU 26 determines whether the steering switch 33R and the steering switch 33L are in an input disabled state.

[0073] If the display control ECU 26 determines "Yes" in step S10, the display control ECU 26 proceeds to step S11 and determines whether or not the occupant has performed a third operation on the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L.

[0074] If the result of the determination in step S11 is Yes, the display control ECU 26 proceeds to step S12, and switches the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L on which the third operation has been performed to an input enabled state.

[0075] After completing the process of step S12, the display control ECU 26 proceeds to step S13, where it displays in the display area HA a steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L that is now in an input-enabled state. At this time, the display control ECU 26 starts counting the set display time of the displayed steering switch image.

[0076] After completing the processing of step S13, the display control ECU 26 proceeds to step S14, where it determines whether or not a first operation was performed on the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L after the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L, on which the third operation was performed, has returned to its initial position.

[0077] If the display control ECU 26 determines "Yes" in step S14, the display control ECU 26 proceeds to step S15 and determines whether the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L on which the first operation has been performed is in an input-enabled state.

[0078] If the display control ECU 26 determines "Yes" in step S15, the process proceeds to step S16. For example, if the steering switch image 33RM is displayed in step S13 and a first operation is performed on the first input unit 34R1 in step S14, the function of the first input unit 34R1 is selected in step S16.

[0079] On the other hand, if the display control ECU 26 determines No in step S15, the process proceeds to step S13. For example, if the steering switch 33L is switched to the input enabled state in step S12 and the determination in step S15 is No, the steering switch image 33RM is displayed in the display area HA in step S13.

[0080] After completing the process of step S16, the display control ECU 26 proceeds to step S17. Assume that a function of the first input unit 34R1 is selected in step S16. In this case, when a second operation is performed on the first input unit 34R1 in step S17, the display control ECU 26 proceeds to step S18.

[0081] In this case, in step S18, the display control ECU 26 issues an instruction to the other ECUs. Therefore, when the function of the first input unit 34R1 is selected in step S16, the function assigned to the first input unit 34R1 is executed.

[0082] When the result of step S17 is No or when the processing of step S18 is completed, the display control ECU 26 proceeds to step S19 and determines whether or not a first operation has been performed on the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L between the time when the processing of step S13 was performed and the time when the set display time has elapsed.

[0083] If the result of the determination in step S19 is No, the display control ECU 26 proceeds to step S20, where the display control ECU 26 controls the HUD 28 to erase the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L displayed in the display area HA. ​​Furthermore, the display control ECU 26 switches the steering switch 33R and the steering switch 33L to an input disabled state.

[0084] If the display control ECU 26 judges "Yes" in step S19, the process proceeds to step S13. For example, if the steering switch 33L is switched to the input-enabled state in step S12 and a first operation is performed on the steering switch 33L before the set display time has elapsed, the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33L continues to be displayed in the display area HA in step S13, and the counting of the set display time of the steering switch image is newly started. On the other hand, if the steering switch 33L is switched to the input-enabled state in step S12 and a first operation is performed on the steering switch 33R before the set display time has elapsed, the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33L is erased from the display area HA in step S13. Furthermore, the steering switch image 33RM is displayed in the display area HA, and the display control ECU 26 starts counting the set display time of the steering switch image 33RM.

[0085] When the determination in step S10 or S11 is No, or when the process of step S20 is completed, the display control ECU 26 temporarily ends the process of the flowchart in FIG.

[0086] As described above, in this embodiment, when the occupant performs the third operation on the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L in a state where the steering switch images corresponding to the steering switch 33R and the steering switch 33L are not displayed in the display area HA, the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L on which the third operation has been performed becomes an input-enabled state. On the other hand, when the occupant performs the third operation on the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L in a state where the steering switch images corresponding to the steering switch 33R and the steering switch 33L are not displayed in the display area HA, the steering switch 33R and the steering switch 33L become an input-disabled state. As such, unless the occupant performs the third operation different from the first operation on the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L, the steering switch 33R and the steering switch 33L do not become an input-enabled state. That is, unless the third operation is performed on the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L, the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L is not displayed in the display area HA.

[0087] In order for the occupant to perform such a third operation, the occupant usually needs to have the intention to display a steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L in the display area HA. ​​Therefore, when the occupant does not have the intention to display a steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L in the display area HA, there is little possibility that the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L will be displayed in the display area HA. ​​Therefore, the occupant who sees the display area HA is unlikely to feel annoyed.

[0088] Furthermore, when a first operation is performed in which the occupant touches the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L in the input-enabled state with a part of the body, the operation receiving unit 263 receives the first operation for the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L in the input-enabled state. Therefore, when the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L is in the input-enabled state, the occupant can highlight a predetermined switch in the display area HA by a simple operation.

[0089] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the third operation is an operation of keeping the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L in the pressed position for a time exceeding the first threshold. Therefore, there is little possibility that the occupant will erroneously perform the third operation. Therefore, there is little possibility that the occupant will erroneously display a steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L in the display area HA.

[0090] Furthermore, when the occupant does not perform the first operation until the set display time has elapsed after the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L is displayed in the display area HA, the steering switch images corresponding to the steering switch 33R and the steering switch 33L are erased from the display area HA and the steering switch 33R and the steering switch 33L are switched to an input disabled state. That is, when the occupant does not intend to continue displaying the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L in the display area HA, the steering switch images corresponding to the steering switch 33R and the steering switch 33L are erased from the display area HA. ​​Therefore, the occupant who sees the display area HA is unlikely to feel annoyed.

[0091] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the steering switch 33R and the steering switch 33L are provided on the steering wheel 22. Therefore, it is easy for the occupant (driver) to operate the steering switch 33R and the steering switch 33L.

[0092] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in a state where a steering switch image representing one of the steering switches 33R and 33L is displayed in the display area HA, when the occupant performs a first operation on the other of the steering switches 33R and 33L, the steering switch image representing one of them is erased from the display area HA and the steering switch image representing the other is displayed. Therefore, in a state where a steering switch image representing one of them is displayed in the display area HA, the occupant can display the steering switch image representing the other in the display area HA by a simple operation.

[0093] The above describes the vehicle operation input device, the vehicle operation input method, and the program according to the embodiments. However, the design of the vehicle operation input device, the vehicle operation input method, and the program can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0094] For example, the third operation may be an operation in which a part of the occupant's body continues to contact the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L for a time exceeding a predetermined second threshold. In the case of this modified example, the possibility that the occupant will erroneously perform the third operation is small. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the occupant will erroneously cause a steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L to be displayed in the display area HA.

[0095] The third operation may be an operation in which the occupant intermittently touches the right function changeover switch 38R or the left function changeover switch 38L with a part of the body multiple times within a short period of time. In this case, the short period of time is, for example, one second, and the multiple times is, for example, three times. In the case of this modified example, there is also little risk that the occupant will mistakenly perform the third operation. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the risk that the occupant will mistakenly cause a steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L to be displayed in the display area HA.

[0096] As shown by virtual lines in FIG. 1, the steering wheel 22 may be provided with a state changeover switch 60R and a state changeover switch 60L in addition to the steering switch 33R and the steering switch 33L. In this modification, the display control ECU 26, the steering switch 33R, the steering switch 33L, the state changeover switch 60R, and the state changeover switch 60L are components of the vehicle operation input device 100. The state changeover switch 60R and the state changeover switch 60 are movable between an initial position and a pressed position. When no external force is applied to the state changeover switch 60R and the state changeover switch 60, the state changeover switch 60R and the state changeover switch 60 are located at the initial position. In this modification, an operation of moving the state changeover switch 60R and the state changeover switch 60 from the initial position to the pressed position by a part of the occupant's body is the "specific operation". In this case, when the steering switch 33R and the steering switch 33L are in an input-disabled state, the display control ECU 26 switches the steering switch 33R to an input-enabled state when the state changeover switch 60R is moved to a pressed position by a part of the occupant's body. Similarly, when the steering switch 33R and the steering switch 33L are in an input-disabled state, the display control ECU 26 switches the steering switch 33L to an input-enabled state when the state changeover switch 60L is moved to a pressed position by a part of the occupant's body. In this modified example, the steering switches 33R and 33L are different from the state changeover switches 60R and 60L. Therefore, in order to display the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L in the display area HA that does not display the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L, the occupant needs to move the state changeover switch 60R or the state changeover switch 60L to the pressed position. In order for the occupant to perform such an operation, the occupant usually needs to have the intention of displaying the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L in the display area HA.Therefore, when the occupant does not intend to display the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L in the display area HA, there is little possibility that the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L will be displayed in the display area HA. ​​Therefore, the occupant who sees the display area HA is unlikely to feel annoyed.

[0097] When a specific operation is performed, a steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch image 33RM or the steering switch 33L may be simultaneously displayed on the meter display (display unit) 18 and the display area HA. ​​Also, when a specific operation is performed, a steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch image 33RM or the steering switch 33L may be displayed only on the meter display 18.

[0098] When a specific operation is performed, the steering switch image 33RM and a steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33L may be simultaneously displayed on at least one of the meter display 18 and the display area HA.

[0099] The steering switch 33R and the steering switch 33L may be provided on the steering wheel 22 such that the steering switch 33R is located to the left of the steering switch 33L.

[0100] The steering wheel 22 may be provided with only one of the steering switch 33R and the steering switch 33L.

[0101] At least one of a member corresponding to the steering switch 33R and a member corresponding to the steering switch 33L may be provided at a location other than the steering wheel 22 of the vehicle 10. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 10 Vehicles 18 Meter display (display section) 26A CPU (Processor) 28 Head-up display (HUD) (display unit) 33R Steering switch (first operation section) (input section) (state switching section) 33L Steering switch (second operation section) (input section) (state switching section) 60R 60L Status changeover switch (Status changeover section) 100 Vehicle operation input device HA display area (display part)

Claims

1. an input unit to which an input operation is performed, the input operation being an operation in which a part of a body of a vehicle occupant comes into contact; A state switching unit operated by the occupant; A processor; Equipped with The processor, When the occupant performs a specific operation, which is an operation different from the input operation, on the state switching unit in a state in which the information is not displayed on a display unit capable of displaying information related to the input unit, the display unit is caused to display the information, and the input unit is caused to be in an input enabled state in which the input operation can be received; A vehicle operation input device that does not cause the display unit to display the information when the occupant does not perform the specific operation on the state switching unit while the information is not being displayed on the display unit.

2. The vehicle operation input device according to claim 1 , wherein the state switching unit is the input unit.

3. the state switching unit which is the input unit is movable between an initial position which is a position when no external force is applied and a pressed-in position, 3. The vehicle operation input device according to claim 1, wherein the specific operation is an operation of keeping the input portion in the pressed position for a time period exceeding a first threshold value.

4. the state switching unit is the input unit, The vehicle operation input device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the specific operation is an operation in which a part of the body of the occupant continues to contact the input unit for a period of time exceeding a second threshold value.

5. The vehicle operation input device according to claim 1 , wherein the input unit and the state switching unit are different from each other.

6. The processor, When the occupant does not perform the specific operation on the state switching unit in a state in which the information is not displayed on the display unit, the input unit is put into an input disabled state in which the input operation cannot be accepted; A vehicle operation input device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein when the occupant does not perform the input operation until a third threshold value has elapsed since the information was displayed on the display unit, the information is erased from the display unit and the input unit is switched to the input disabled state.

7. 7. The vehicle operation input device according to claim 1, wherein the input unit and the state switching unit are provided on a steering wheel of the vehicle.

8. 8. The vehicle operation input device according to claim 7, wherein a first operation unit having the input unit and the state switching unit, and a second operation unit having the input unit and the state switching unit located to the left or right of the first operation unit are provided on the steering wheel.

9. The processor, The vehicle operation input device according to claim 8 , wherein when the occupant performs the specific operation on the state switching portion of the first operation portion, the display portion displays information regarding the input portion of the first operation portion.

10. The processor, 10. The vehicle operation input device according to claim 9, wherein when the occupant performs the input operation on the input portion of the second operation section while information regarding the input portion of the first operation section is displayed on the display section, information regarding the input portion of the second operation section is displayed on the display section.

11. The processor: When the occupant performs a specific operation on a state switching unit that is different from the input operation in a state in which the information is not displayed on a display unit that is capable of displaying information related to an input unit in which an input operation is performed by an occupant of a vehicle, the information is displayed on the display unit, and the input unit is put into an input enabled state that is capable of receiving the input operation, A vehicle operation input method for preventing the display unit from displaying the information when the occupant does not perform the specific operation on the state switching unit while the information is not being displayed on the display unit.

12. When the occupant performs a specific operation on a state switching unit that is different from the input operation in a state in which the information is not displayed on a display unit that is capable of displaying information related to an input unit in which an input operation is performed by an occupant of a vehicle, the information is displayed on the display unit, and the input unit is put into an input enabled state that is capable of receiving the input operation, A program that causes a processor to execute a process to not display the information on the display unit when the occupant does not perform the specific operation on the state switching unit while the information is not being displayed on the display unit.

Images