Input device, setting method of input device, program for input device, and recording medium

Abstract

To provide an input device in which occurrence of an operation not intended by a user is prevented.SOLUTION: An input section 11 that is attached to a steering 30 of a mobile object and receives operation input of a user is set to a hold state in which no operation input is received when the mobile object is in a travelling state. The input section 11 is set to a state in which the operation input is received without going through hold release processing that releases the hold state depending on a fact that a prescribed number or more fingers of the user contact with the input section 11 when an operation object of the operation input is in a specific state while the input section is in the hold state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present application relates to the technical fields of an input device, an input device setting method, an input device program, and a recording medium, and more particularly, to an input device that accepts operation input from a user, an input device setting method, an input device program, and a recording medium. [Background technology]

[0002] An input device has been developed for operating electronic devices mounted on a vehicle, which is an example of a moving body, while driving the vehicle. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses an input device equipped with multiple touch pads provided in positions that allow operation while holding the steering wheel of the vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-157917 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 above takes into consideration operability while driving, and allows the driver to touch the touchpad while holding the steering wheel. However, this can lead to the driver accidentally touching the touchpad while driving, resulting in unintended operation of electronic devices, etc.

[0005] Therefore, the present application has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and one example of the object of the application is to provide an input device, etc. that prevents the occurrence of unintended operations by the user while a moving object is traveling. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the invention described in claim 1 comprises a detection means for detecting an operation input to an input unit arranged on the steering wheel of a moving body, and a control means that can enter a first state in which the operation input is accepted and an operation target is controlled based on the operation input, and a second state in which the operation input is not accepted, wherein when the detection means detects contact of multiple fingers with the input unit during the second state, if a specific device is in a specific state, the control means causes the specific device to execute a predetermined process, and if the specific device is not in a specific state, changes the state to the first state. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an input device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an input device according to an embodiment; [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of mounting of the input device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a hold release operation in the input device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a steering wheel being held by a user. [Figure 6] 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams showing an example of a touch on an input unit by a user's finger; [Figure 7] 4A and 4B are schematic diagrams showing examples of contact shapes of a user's finger on an input unit; [Figure 8] 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams showing an example of a touch on an input unit by a user's finger; [Figure 9] 4A and 4B are schematic diagrams showing examples of contact shapes of a user's finger on an input unit; [Figure 10] 4A and 4B are schematic diagrams showing examples of contact shapes of a user's finger on an input unit; [Figure 11] 4A and 4B are schematic diagrams showing examples of contact shapes of a user's finger on an input unit; [Figure 12] 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display on the input device after a hold is released; FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a first modified example of the attachment of the input device according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a second modified example of the attachment of the input device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] An embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an input device according to an embodiment.

[0009] As shown in Fig. 1, an input device 10 is attached to the front side of the steering wheel of a moving object and is configured to operate an operation object, and includes a position information acquisition means 10a, a separation determination means 10b, and an input unit state setting means 10c. Examples of the moving object include a vehicle, a motorcycle, an airplane, a ship, etc. Examples of the operation object include an air conditioner, an audio device, a car navigation device, a telephone, a browser for browsing the Internet, etc. An operation input for operating the operation object is received.

[0010] In this configuration, the position information acquiring means 10a acquires position information of contact where an input surface of an input unit that accepts input from a user is touched. Examples of the input unit of the input device 10 include a touch panel, a touch pad, and the like. Examples of objects to which the input device 10 is attached include steering wheels of moving bodies such as vehicles, motorcycles, aircraft, and ships. Examples of position information include information on the position of the input unit, such as the contact point where the user's finger touches the input unit, the contact surface, and the trajectory of the user's finger tracing the input unit, and the like.

[0011] The separation determination means 10b determines whether or not the position of the contact on the input surface can be separated into a plurality of positions, based on the position information of the contact acquired by the position information acquisition means 10a.

[0012] When the separation determination means 10b determines that the contact position can be separated into a plurality of positions, the input unit state setting means 10c sets the input unit to a state in which it can accept an operation input for operating an operation target. Examples of the operation input include an input for operating an air conditioner, an audio device, a car navigation device, a telephone, a browser for browsing the Internet, and the like.

[0013] As described above, according to the operation of the input device 10 of the embodiment, in an input device that is attached to the front side of the steering wheel of a moving body and is used to operate an operation target, contact position information of a contact made on an input surface of an input unit that accepts input from a user is obtained, and based on the contact position information, it is determined whether or not the contact position on the input surface can be separated into multiple locations. If the contact position can be separated into multiple locations, the input unit is set to a state in which it accepts operation input for operating an operation target. By doing so, while the user is holding the steering wheel while driving, for example, it is rare for the user's thumb to touch the input surface of the input unit attached to the front side of the steering wheel, but rather two or more fingers to touch it, so that it is possible to prevent unintended operations from occurring while the moving body is driving. EXAMPLES

[0014] [1. Input device configuration and function overview] Next, a specific example corresponding to the above-described embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. Note that the example described below is an example in which the present application is applied to an input device attached to a vehicle, which is an example of a moving body.

[0015] 2, the input device 10 as an example of the input device 10 according to the embodiment includes an input unit 11 that receives an input from a user, an operation signal output unit 12 that outputs an operation signal for operating the operation target 20, a storage unit 13 that stores a program for controlling the input device 10, a communication unit 14 that transmits and receives data to and from the outside of the input device 10, a system control unit 15 that controls the input device 10, and an input / output interface unit 16. The system control unit 15 and the input / output interface unit 16 are connected via a system bus 17.

[0016] The input device 10 is connected to an operation target 20 such as an air conditioner, an audio device, a car navigation device, a telephone, etc., via an operation signal output unit 12. The input device 10 also functions as a computer that processes information related to an input from a user. The input device 10 outputs an operation signal to the operation target 20 based on an operation input received by an input unit 11.

[0017] The input unit 11 is, for example, a touch panel having a display function and a position input function. The display function portion is, for example, configured with a liquid crystal display element or an EL (Electro Luminescence) element. The position input function portion is, for example, configured with an element that realizes a capacitance method, a resistive film method, or the like. The input unit 11 acquires, by the position input function, position information of the surface of the input unit 11 that is in contact with or in close proximity to a user's finger, in pixel units of a predetermined resolution. The input unit 11 may be a touch pad for acquiring position information of the input unit 11 that is in contact with or in close proximity to a user's finger, etc.

[0018] The operation signal output unit 12 has a function of interfacing with each operation target 20. The operation signal output unit 12 is connected to each operation target 20, and outputs an operation signal to each operation target 20.

[0019] The storage unit 13 is, for example, a silicon disk drive. The storage unit 13 stores the setting state of the input unit 11, and stores various programs for controlling the input device 10. The various programs include an operating system and a program for processing position information acquired from the input unit 11. The various programs may be acquired via a network such as a wireless communication network, or may be recorded on a recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc) or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) and read via a drive device.

[0020] The communication unit 14 controls communication with the operation target 20 and devices that measure driving-related information related to driving, such as the vehicle speed, the vehicle's driving position, the vehicle's gear state, etc. The input device 10 is connected to the devices including the operation target via the communication unit 14.

[0021] The system control unit 15 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) 15a, a read only memory (ROM) 15b, and a random access memory (RAM) 15c. In the system control unit 15, the CPU 15a reads out and executes various programs stored in the ROM 15b, the RAM 15c, and the storage unit 13. For example, the system control unit 15 executes a program that determines an input received by the input unit 11.

[0022] The input / output interface unit 16 is an interface between each unit such as the input unit 11 and the system control unit 15 .

[0023] The input device 10 also has an internal clock (not shown) for measuring the time that the input unit 11 is touched by a finger.

[0024] Next, as shown in FIG. 3, the input units 11R(11) and 11L(11) of the input device 10 are attached to the front side of a steering wheel 30 of a vehicle, which is an example of a moving body.

[0025] The steering wheel 30 has a steering body 31 connected to a steering shaft (not shown), and a ring-shaped steering wheel 32 which is gripped by a user who drives the vehicle.

[0026] The input unit 11 is attached from the center to the steering wheel unit 32 side on the front side of the steering wheel main body 31. That is, the input units 11R, 11L are installed at positions where the user's thumbs can touch the input units 11R, 11L when the user grips the steering wheel unit 32. When the rotation position of the steering wheel unit 32 is a position where the vehicle is moving straight ahead, the input unit 11L is attached to the left hand side of the steering wheel main body 31 of the user when the user sits in the driver's seat of the vehicle, and the input unit 11R is attached to the right hand side of the steering wheel main body 31 of the user.

[0027] 3, an air conditioner 21, a car navigation system 22, an audio system 23, and the like are installed in the vehicle as examples of operation targets 20. Also installed as examples of operation targets 20 is a communication device (not shown) that connects to a user's portable wireless telephone using a short-range wireless communication standard so that the user can receive the portable wireless telephone. These operation targets 20 are connected to the operation signal output unit 12 and the communication unit 14 of the input device 10.

[0028] The air conditioner 21 has a compressor (not shown) and a blower (not shown) that blows conditioned air into the vehicle, and controls the temperature and humidity inside the vehicle. An outlet 21a of the air conditioner 21 is installed inside the vehicle.

[0029] The car navigation device 22 includes a display unit 22a including a touch panel and various sensors such as an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, and a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor. The car navigation device 22 includes a processing unit including a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, etc., a storage unit for storing information, a communication unit for communicating with other devices such as the input device 10, and an operation unit for operating the car navigation device 22. The car navigation device 22 may be configured to be connected to the Internet and to enable browsing of the Internet on the display unit 22a.

[0030] The audio device 23 plays CDs, DVDs, etc., receives radio and television radio waves, outputs the sound to a speaker, and outputs the video to the display unit 22 a of the car navigation device 22 .

[0031] [2. Operation of input devices] Next, the operation of the input device according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Fig. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of a hold release operation in the input device according to the embodiment. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a steering wheel being held by a user. Figs. 6, 8 and 11 are schematic diagrams showing an example of a touch on the input unit by a user's finger. Figs. 7, 9 and 10 are schematic diagrams showing an example of a contact shape on the input unit by a user's finger. Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display on the input device after the hold is released.

[0032] The system control unit 15 of the input device 10 acquires driving-related information via the communication unit 14, and when it determines that the vehicle is in a driving state, sets the state of the input units 11R and 11L to a hold state in which no operation input to the operation target 20 is accepted in order to prevent unintended operation by the user to the operation target 20. Note that the car navigation device 22 may be set to a hold state in which no direct operation input is accepted. Examples of the driving state include a case in which the speed of the vehicle reaches or exceeds a predetermined speed, a case in which the gear is in drive, and the like.

[0033] In this way, the system control unit 15 of the input device 10 functions as an example of a hold state setting means for setting the input unit 11 to a hold state in which no operational input is accepted. Also, the system control unit 15 of the input device 10 functions as an example of an input unit state setting means for setting the input unit to a state in which an operational input for operating an operation target is accepted when the contact position can be separated into multiple points.

[0034] 4, the input device 10 determines whether or not the input unit 11 has been touched (step S1). Specifically, the system control unit 15 of the input device 10 determines whether or not an input has been made to the input unit 11R or the input unit 11L.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 5, when the input unit 11 is not touched (step S1; NO), the process returns to step S1.

[0036] When the input unit 11 is touched (step S1; YES), the input device 10 acquires position information of the touch on the input unit 11 (step S2). Specifically, the system control unit 15 of the input device 10 acquires position information of the x coordinate and the y coordinate of each pixel of the contact area of ​​the part of the input units 11R and 11L where the user's fingers are touching. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the user's thumb 5 is touching the input unit 11R and the input unit 11L, the system control unit 15 acquires position information of the x coordinate and the y coordinate of each pixel of the contact area C1, as shown in FIG. 7. Also, as shown in FIG. 8, when the user's two fingers 5, the index finger and the middle finger, are touching the input unit 11L, the system control unit 15 acquires position information of the x coordinate and the y coordinate of each pixel of the contact area C2, as shown in FIG. 9.

[0037] In this manner, the system control unit 15 of the input device 10 functions as an example of a position information acquisition means that acquires contact position information of a contact made on the input surface of the input unit 11 that accepts input from a user.

[0038] Next, the input device 10 calculates a contact shape from the contact position information (step S3). Specifically, the system control unit 15 of the input device 10 performs image processing such as differential processing to extract information on the outline of the contact area.

[0039] Next, the input device 10 judges whether the contact position is separable (step S4). Specifically, the system control unit 15 of the input device 10 judges whether the contact position is separable from the contour of the extracted contact area. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the system control unit 15 judges that the contact position is separable when the contact area C2 is divided into two areas. Also, as shown in FIG. 10, when the input surface is touched by two or more fingers of the user and the contact area C3 is divided into two areas, the system control unit 15 judges that the contact position is separable. On the other hand, in the case of FIG. 7, since the contact area C1 is one area, the system control unit 15 judges that the contact position is not separable. In these cases, the system control unit 15 calculates the topological number by the topology of the graphic of the contour of the contact area, for example, to judge whether the contact position is separable.

[0040] 11, in the case of a contact area C4 having a constriction, the system control unit 15 calculates the radius of curvature for the contour of the contact area C4, and determines that there is a constriction based on whether or not there are multiple peaks or bottoms in the graph of the radius of curvature, and determines that the contact position is separable. The system control unit 15 may also determine whether or not the contact position is separable by various image recognition methods.

[0041] In this way, the system control unit 15 of the input device 10 functions as an example of a separation determination means that determines whether or not the contact position on the input surface can be separated into multiple locations based on the contact position information. Also, the system control unit 15 of the input device 10 functions as an example of a separation determination means that calculates a contact shape from the contact position information and determines whether or not the contact position on the input unit 11 can be separated into multiple locations based on the contact shape.

[0042] If the contact position is not separable (step S4; NO), the input device 10 returns to the process of step S1.

[0043] If the contact position is separable (step S4; YES), the input device 10 releases the hold state (step S5). Specifically, the system control unit 15 of the input device 10 releases the hold state of the input units 11R and 11L, and sets them in a state in which an operational input can be accepted. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the system control unit 15 displays an image for accepting an operational input on the screen of the input unit 11R. At this time, the input device 10 may transmit a signal for releasing the hold state of the car navigation device 22 via the communication unit 14 so as to release the hold state of the car navigation device 22. Also, the input device 10 may transmit a signal via the communication unit 14 so that the display unit 22a of the car navigation device 22 can display as shown in FIG. 12.

[0044] When the position of contact of the user's finger on input unit 11R is separable, system control unit 15 may release the held state of only input unit 11L without releasing the held state of input unit 11R.

[0045] In this way, the system control unit 15 of the input device 10 functions as an example of an input unit state setting means that releases the hold state and sets the input unit 11 to a state in which it can accept operational input when the contact position can be separated into multiple locations.

[0046] Next, the input device 10 accepts an operation input (step S6). Specifically, the system control unit 15 of the input device 10 accepts an operation input from the input units 11R and 11L to the operation target 20. For example, as shown in Fig. 12, the input unit 11R accepts an operation input for increasing or decreasing the temperature of the air conditioning based on the contact position.

[0047] As described above, according to the operation of the embodiment, in the input device 10 that is attached to the front side of the steering wheel 30 of a moving body and is used to operate an operation target, contact position information is obtained when the input surface of the input unit 11 that accepts input from the user is touched, and based on the contact position information, it is determined whether the contact position on the input surface can be separated into multiple locations. If the contact position can be separated into multiple locations, the input unit 11 is set to a state in which it accepts operation input for operating the operation target 20. By doing so, while the user is holding the steering wheel while driving, for example, it is rare for two or more fingers to touch the input surface of the input unit 11 attached to the front side of the steering wheel compared to the case where one thumb of the user touches it, so that it is possible to prevent unintended operations from occurring while the moving body is driving.

[0048] Furthermore, when the contact shape is calculated from the contact position information of the finger 5 and whether or not the contact position on the input unit 11 can be separated into multiple points is determined based on the contact shape, it becomes easier to handle various contact patterns.

[0049] When the input unit 11 is set to a hold state in which no operational input is accepted, and the contact position can be separated into multiple locations, if the hold state is released and the input unit 11 is set to a state in which operational input is accepted, a single operation to release the hold state is required, which makes it possible to better prevent operations that are not intended by the user.

[0050] Note that the operation input in step S6 may be accepted without going through the hold release process in step S5. For example, when receiving a phone call, which is an example of the operation target 20, if the phone rings and the user's fingers touch the input units 11R and 11L with two or more, the operation input acceptance process in step S6 may be configured to connect to a telephone line without going through the hold release process in step S5. Also, if a confirmation screen for traffic congestion information or the like appears on the display unit 22a of the car navigation device 22 while driving, the confirmation screen may be made to disappear as the operation input acceptance process in step S6 without going through the hold release process in step S5. Also, if the user's fingers touch the input units 11R and 11L with two or more, the set temperature of the air conditioner or the like may be increased or decreased without going through the hold release process.

[0051] [3. Modifications regarding installation of input device] Next, a modified example regarding the attachment of the input device will be described with reference to FIGS. Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a first modified example of the mounting of the input device according to the embodiment, and Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a second modified example of the mounting of the input device according to the embodiment.

[0052] 13, an input section 11U of the input device 10 may be attached to the steering wheel main body 31 from the center to the lower part of the figure. The configuration of the input section 11U is similar to that of the input sections 11R and 11L.

[0053] When the user places a plurality of fingers on this input section 11U, the system control section 15 releases the hold state.

[0054] The input device 10 may set only the input section 11U as the input section that releases the hold state.

[0055] 14, the input device 10 may set the display unit 22a of the car navigation device 22 as an input unit that releases the hold state. In this case, the display unit 22a of the car navigation device 22 is an example of an input unit that accepts input from the user.

[0056] In this case, the user's hands are removed from the steering wheel unit 32 to operate the operation target, which makes it possible to more effectively prevent unintended operations by the user while the mobile object is traveling. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 10: Input device 10a: Location information acquisition means 10b: Partial setting means 10c: Input section state setting means 11, 11R, 11L, 11U: Input section 12: Operation signal output section 13: Storage part 14: Communications Department 15: System control section 20: Operation target 21: Air conditioner (operation target) 22: Car navigation (operation target) 22a: Display section (input section) 23: Audio device (operation target) 30: Steering 31: Steering body 32: Steering wheel section

Claims

[Claim 1] A detection means for detecting an operation input to an input unit disposed on a steering wheel of a moving body; a control means capable of being in a first state in which the operation input is received and an operation target is controlled based on the operation input, and a second state in which the operation input is not received; Equipped with The input device is characterized in that when the detection means detects contact of multiple fingers with the input section during the second state, the control means causes the specific device to execute a predetermined process if the specific device is in a specific state, and changes the state to the first state if the specific device is not in a specific state.

Images