Operation control apparatus, processing apparatus, and computer program

Abstract

To improve the convenience of an input device which is mounted an operation control apparatus gripped by a hand of a user and receives an operation input using the hand to control operation of a device to be controlled.SOLUTION: An axial section 111 can be rotatable around a rotation axis A extending in a reference direction. A grip section 112 can be gripped by a hand 40 of a user and is moved along a moving path for executing first controlled operation, thereby rotating the axial section 111 around the rotation axis A. Each of first and second input devices 121, 122 is arranged between the axial section 111 and the grip section 112 in the reference direction, and configured to receive operation of the hand 40 for executing second controlled operation which is different from the first controlled operation. A detection unit 14 outputs a detection signal corresponding to the position of the hand 40 on the grip section 112. A processing apparatus disables the first or second input device 121, 122 to receive the operation, based on the detection signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a motion control device including a gripper to be held by a user's hand and an input device that accepts operations by the hand to control the motion of a controlled device. The present disclosure also relates to a processing device that can cooperate with the motion control device and a computer program that can be executed by a processor installed in the processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a steering device that changes the direction of travel of a vehicle as a controlled operation. The steering device includes a shaft portion that can rotate around a rotation axis, and a ring-shaped grip portion that can be held by the driver's hand and has the rotation axis as its center. The steering device is equipped with an input device that accepts operation input from the driver to realize a controlled operation other than steering of the vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-206692 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is a demand for improving the convenience of input devices that are mounted on motion control devices held by a user's hand and that accept operation inputs for controlling the motion of controlled devices by the hand. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A first example aspect provided by the present disclosure is a motion control device, a shaft portion configured to be rotatable about an axis extending in a reference direction; a gripping portion that can be held by a user's hand and that rotates the shaft portion about the axis by being moved along a movement path to perform a first controlled action; an input device that is disposed between the shaft portion and the grip portion when viewed from the reference direction and that is capable of receiving an operation by the hand to perform a second controlled operation that is different from the first controlled action; a detection device that outputs a detection signal corresponding to the position of the hand on the gripping portion; a processing device that disables the input device from accepting the operation based on the detection signal; It is equipped with:

[0006] A second example embodiment provided by the present disclosure comprises: a shaft portion configured to be rotatable about an axis extending in a reference direction; a gripping portion that can be held by a user's hand and that rotates the shaft portion about the axis by being moved along a movement path to perform a first controlled action; an input device that is disposed between the shaft portion and the grip portion when viewed from the reference direction and that is capable of receiving an operation by the hand to perform a second controlled operation that is different from the first controlled action; A processing device capable of cooperating with an operation control device comprising: an interface that receives a detection signal corresponding to the position of the hand on the gripping unit; a processor that disables the input device from accepting the operation based on the detection signal; It is equipped with:

[0007] A third example embodiment provided by the present disclosure comprises: a shaft portion configured to be rotatable about an axis extending in a reference direction; a gripping portion that can be held by a user's hand and that rotates the shaft portion about the axis by being moved along a movement path to perform a first controlled action; an input device that is disposed between the shaft portion and the grip portion when viewed from the reference direction and that is capable of receiving an operation by the hand to perform a second controlled operation that is different from the first controlled action; A computer program executable by a processor installed in a processing device capable of cooperating with an operation control device comprising: When executed, the processing device: receiving a detection signal corresponding to the position of the hand on the gripping portion; Based on the detection signal, the input device is disabled from accepting the operation.

[0008] According to the configurations of the first to third examples, for example, it is possible to disable the acceptance of operation inputs by an input device that is unlikely to be operated by the driver's hand holding the grip portion. In this case, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation in which an unwanted operation input is made when a body part of the driver other than the hand unintentionally touches the input device. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience of an input device that is mounted on a steering device held by a user's hand and accepts operation inputs to control the operation of a controlled device by the hand.

[0009] A fourth example aspect provided by the present disclosure is a motion control device, a shaft portion configured to be rotatable about an axis extending in a reference direction; a gripping portion that can be held by a user's hand and that rotates the shaft portion about the axis by being moved along a movement path to perform a first controlled action; a first input device that is disposed at a first position between the shaft portion and the grip portion when viewed from the reference direction and that is capable of receiving an operation by the hand to perform a second controlled operation that is different from the first controlled action; a second input device that is disposed at a second position between the shaft portion and the grip portion when viewed from the reference direction and that is capable of receiving an operation by the hand; a detection device that outputs a detection signal corresponding to the position of the hand on the gripping portion; a processing device that enables the second input device to accept an operation for executing the second controlled operation based on the detection signal; It is equipped with:

[0010] A fifth example embodiment provided by the present disclosure comprises: a shaft portion configured to be rotatable about an axis extending in a reference direction; a gripping portion that can be held by a user's hand and that rotates the shaft portion about the axis by being moved along a movement path to perform a first controlled action; a first input device that is disposed at a first position between the shaft portion and the grip portion when viewed from the reference direction and that is capable of receiving an operation by the hand to perform a second controlled operation that is different from the first controlled action; a second input device that is disposed at a second position between the shaft portion and the grip portion when viewed from the reference direction and that is capable of receiving an operation by the hand; A processing device capable of cooperating with an operation control device comprising: an interface that receives a detection signal corresponding to the position of the hand on the gripping unit; a processor that enables the second input device to accept an operation for executing the second controlled operation based on the detection signal; It is equipped with:

[0011] A sixth example embodiment provided by the present disclosure comprises: a shaft portion configured to be rotatable about an axis extending in a reference direction; a gripping portion that can be held by a user's hand and that rotates the shaft portion about the axis by being moved along a movement path to perform a first controlled action; a first input device that is disposed at a first position between the shaft portion and the grip portion when viewed from the reference direction and that is capable of receiving an operation by the hand to perform a second controlled operation that is different from the first controlled action; a second input device that is disposed at a second position between the shaft portion and the grip portion when viewed from the reference direction and that is capable of receiving an operation by the hand; A computer program executable by a processor installed in a processing device capable of cooperating with an operation control device comprising: When executed, the processing device: receiving a detection signal corresponding to the position of the hand on the gripping portion; Based on the detection signal, an operation for executing the second controlled operation by the second input device is accepted.

[0012] According to the configurations of the fourth to sixth examples, for example, the operation reception function assigned to one of the input devices can be reassigned to another input device that is more likely to receive an operation input from the user's hand holding the grip, thereby reducing the amount of hand movement required for operation input. Therefore, the convenience of the input device that is mounted on a steering device held by the user's hand and receives operation input to control the operation of a controlled device by the user's hand can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a vehicle equipped with a steering device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 illustrates an example of a functional configuration of the steering device of FIG. 1; [Figure 3] 2 shows an example of a driver's hand gripping the steering member of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 shows an example of the operation of the steering device of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] 3 illustrates an example of a process flow executed by the processing device of FIG. 2. [Figure 6] 2 shows another example of the operation of the steering device of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 2 shows another example of the operation of the steering device of FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The following detailed description of exemplary embodiments will be given with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings used in the following description, the scale has been appropriately changed so that the illustrated elements can be clearly seen.

[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a cabin of a vehicle 20 equipped with a steering device 10 according to an embodiment. The steering device 10 is a device for causing the vehicle 20 to perform an operation (steering operation) to change the direction of travel. The steering device 10 is an example of a motion control device. The steering operation is an example of a first controlled operation. The vehicle 20 is an example of a moving body.

[0016] The steering device 10 includes a steering member 11. The steering member 11 has a shaft portion 111 and a grip portion 112.

[0017] The shaft portion 111 is configured to be able to rotate about a rotation axis A. The rotation axis A extends along the front-rear direction of the vehicle 20. The front-rear direction is an example of a reference direction.

[0018] The grip portion 112 is configured to be able to be held by the driver's hand. The driver is an example of a user. The grip portion 112 is configured to be able to turn along a turning path P centered on a turning axis A. When the grip portion 112 is turned by the driver's hand, the shaft portion 111 turns in the same direction. The direction of the turning corresponds to the changed traveling direction of the vehicle 20.

[0019] The steering device 10 is equipped with a first input device 121. The first input device 121 is disposed between the shaft portion 111 and the grip portion 112 when viewed from the direction along the rotation axis A. Specifically, the first input device 121 is disposed to the right of the shaft portion 111 of the steering member 11 in a non-steered state. This position is an example of a first position.

[0020] The steering device 10 is equipped with a second input device 122. The second input device 122 is disposed between the shaft portion 111 and the grip portion 112 when viewed from the direction along the rotation axis A. Specifically, the second input device 122 is disposed below the shaft portion 111 of the steering member 11 in the non-steered state. This position is an example of the second position.

[0021] Each of the first input device 121 and the second input device 122 is a device for causing the controlled device 30 mounted on the vehicle 20 to perform an operation other than a steering operation.

[0022] Examples of controlled devices 30 include audiovisual equipment, air conditioning equipment, lighting devices (headlights, turn signals, fog lights, interior lights, etc.), visibility improvement devices (wipers, cleaners, etc.), devices for adjusting the position of steering members or seats, power window devices, locking / unlocking devices, etc. The operation executed by controlled device 30 is an example of a second controlled operation.

[0023] 2 illustrates an example of the functional configuration of the steering device 10. The first input device 121 has a first detection surface. The second input device 122 has a second detection surface. Each of the first detection surface and the second detection surface is configured to receive an operation for causing the controlled device 30 to perform a predetermined operation. The operation is performed by the driver's fingers holding the grip portion 112.

[0024] The first input device 121 may be configured to detect contact or approach of a driver's finger with the first detection surface. As an example, the first input device 121 may be configured to detect a change in capacitance on the first detection surface due to contact or approach of the driver's finger, and to output a first detection signal DS1 indicating that the driver's finger has contacted or approached the detection surface based on the change.

[0025] As another example, the first input device 121 may be configured to detect a pressure change or displacement on the first detection surface due to contact with the driver's finger, and based on the change or displacement, output a first detection signal DS1 indicating that the driver's finger has contacted the first detection surface.

[0026] The first detection signal DS1 is configured to include information indicating the position on the first detection surface that the driver's finger touches or approaches. The first detection signal DS1 may be an analog signal or a digital signal depending on the specifications of the first input device 121.

[0027] The second input device 122 may be configured to detect contact or approach of a driver's finger with the second detection surface. As an example, the second input device 122 may be configured to detect a change in capacitance on the second detection surface due to contact or approach of a driver's finger, and to output a second detection signal DS2 indicating that the driver's finger has contacted or approached the detection surface based on the change.

[0028] As another example, the second input device 122 may be configured to detect a pressure change or displacement on the second detection surface due to contact with the driver's finger, and output a second detection signal DS2 indicating that the driver's finger has contacted the second detection surface based on the change or displacement.

[0029] The second detection signal DS2 is configured to include information indicating the position on the second detection surface that the driver's finger touches or approaches. The second detection signal DS2 may be an analog signal or a digital signal depending on the specifications of the second input device 122.

[0030] The steering device 10 is equipped with a processing device 13. The processing device 13 may be built into the first input device 121 or the second input device 122, or may be provided in an appropriate position independent of the first input device 121 and the second input device 122.

[0031] The processing device 13 includes an input interface 131. The input interface 131 is configured as a hardware interface that receives the first detection signal DS1 and the second detection signal DS2. When at least one of the first detection signal DS1 and the second detection signal DS2 is an analog signal, the input interface 131 includes an appropriate conversion circuit including an A / D converter that converts the analog signal into a digital signal. This description similarly applies to other signals that can be received by the input interface 131, which will be described later.

[0032] The processing device 13 includes a processor 132 and an output interface 133. The processor 132 is configured to output a first control signal CS1 from the output interface 133 in response to the first detection signal DS1. The first control signal CS1 is configured to cause the controlled device 30 to perform an operation corresponding to the operation input to the first detection surface.

[0033] Similarly, the processor 132 is configured to output a second control signal CS2 from the output interface 133 in response to the second detection signal DS2. The second control signal CS2 is configured to cause the controlled device 30 to perform an operation corresponding to the operation input to the second detection surface.

[0034] The action of controlled device 30 corresponding to the operation input to the first detection surface is different from the action of controlled device 30 corresponding to the operation input to the second detection surface. The two actions may be different actions performed by different controlled devices or different actions performed by the same controlled device.

[0035] That is, the output interface 133 is configured as a hardware interface capable of outputting the first control signal CS1 and the second control signal CS2. Each of the first control signal CS1 and the second control signal CS2 may be an analog signal or a digital signal depending on the specifications of the controlled device 30. When the first control signal CS1 is an analog signal, the output interface 133 includes an appropriate conversion circuit including a D / A converter. This description similarly applies to other signals that can be output by the output interface 133, which will be described later.

[0036] The steering device 10 includes a detection device 14. The detection device 14 is configured to output a third detection signal DS3 corresponding to the position of the driver's hand on the grip portion 112 of the steering member 11.

[0037] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the detection device 14 can be realized by a plurality of electrodes arranged on the grip portion 112 so as to detect a change in capacitance accompanying contact or approach of the driver's hand 40.

[0038] Alternatively, the detection device 14 may be realized by a plurality of piezoelectric sensors arranged on the grip portion 112 so as to detect pressure changes or displacements caused by contact with the driver's hand 40 .

[0039] 2, the third detection signal DS3 output from the detection device 14 is received by the input interface 131 of the processing device 13. The processor 132 is configured to output, from the output interface 133, a third control signal CS3 that disables the reception of an operation by either the first input device 121 or the second input device 122, depending on the position of the driver's hand 40 indicated by the third detection signal DS3.

[0040] 4, the first input device 121 according to this embodiment includes a first display device 121a capable of displaying an image. In this embodiment, the first input device 121 provides a graphical user interface (GUI) for controlling the operation of the audiovisual equipment. The first display device 121a displays an image corresponding to the content to be played.

[0041] The first display device 121a has a touch panel function. That is, the surface of the first display device 121a forms a first detection surface. The GUI displayed on the first display device 121a includes a first operation reception area 121b. The first operation reception area 121b is displayed on the first display device 121a as a button image for receiving a touch operation that causes the audiovisual device to perform a predetermined operation (play, stop, skip forward, etc.).

[0042] Similarly, the second input device 122 includes a second display device 122a capable of displaying an image. In this example, the second input device 122 provides a GUI for controlling the operation of the air conditioner.

[0043] The second display device 122a also has a touch panel function. That is, the surface of the second display device 122a forms a second detection surface. The GUI displayed on the second display device 122a includes a second operation reception area 122b. The second operation reception area 122b is displayed on the second display device 122a as a button image for receiving a touch operation to cause the air conditioner to adjust the temperature in the vehicle cabin.

[0044] With reference to FIG. 5, the flow of processing for disabling acceptance of operations from either the first input device 121 or the second input device 122 will be described.

[0045] The processor 132 of the processing device 13 identifies the contact area of ​​the grip portion 112 that is in contact with the driver's hand 40, based on the third detection signal DS3 output from the detection device 14 (STEP 1).

[0046] The position of the hand 40 in the grip portion 112 can be appropriately identified based on a third detection signal DS3 corresponding to the detection result by at least one electrode or piezoelectric sensor arranged in the grip portion 112. When the third detection signal DS3 corresponds to the detection results by a plurality of electrodes or piezoelectric sensors, a reference position of the hand 40 can be identified by applying an appropriate calculation. Examples of the reference position include the center of gravity position, the top end position, and a position corresponding to the base of the thumb.

[0047] Next, the processor 132 determines whether the first input device 121 or the second input device 122 is closer to the identified contact area (STEP 2).

[0048] If it is determined that the first input device 121 is closer to the contact area, the processor 132 outputs a third control signal CS3 from the output interface 133 to disable the second input device 122 from receiving an operation input (STEP 3).

[0049] 6, for example, by hiding the second operation reception area 122b on the second display device 122a, it is possible to disable reception of operation input by the second input device 122. Alternatively, it is also possible to disable output of the second detection signal DS2 while maintaining display of the GUI on the second display device 122a.

[0050] 3, it is determined that the second input device 122 is closer to the contact area. In this case, the processor 132 outputs a third control signal CS3, which disables the first input device 121 from receiving an operation input, from the output interface 133 (STEP 4).

[0051] For example, by hiding the first operation reception area 121b on the first display device 121a, it is possible to disable reception of operation input by the first input device 121. Alternatively, it is also possible to disable output of the first detection signal DS1 while maintaining the display of the GUI on the first display device 121a.

[0052] That is, the processor 132 disables the acceptance of an operation input from one of the first input device 121 and the second input device 122 that is farther away from the contact area.

[0053] 3, if the driver's hand 40 is holding an intermediate position between the first input device 121 and the second input device 122, or if the driver's hand 40 (right hand) is holding an area near the first input device 121 while the left hand 40L is holding an area near the second input device 122, it is not possible to determine which of the first input device 121 and the second input device 122 is closer to the identified contact area. In this case, the processor 132 ends the processing without disabling the reception of operation inputs for either input device.

[0054] According to this configuration, it is impossible to accept an operation input by an input device that is unlikely to be used for an operation input by the driver's hand 40 holding the grip portion 112, and this can prevent an unwanted operation input from being made when a body part of the driver other than the hand 40 unintentionally touches the input device. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience of the first input device 121 and the second input device 122 that are mounted on the steering device 10 held by the driver's hands and accept an operation input for controlling the operation of the controlled device 30 by the hands.

[0055] As described above, when the driver's hand 40 is gripping the position indicated by the two-dot chain line in Fig. 3, a process is performed to disable the first input device 121 from receiving an operational input. At this time, a process may be executed to enable the second input device 122, which is closer to the driver's hand 40, to receive an operational input that should have been made to the first input device 121.

[0056] 5, after the first input device 121 is disabled from accepting operations in STEP 4, the processor 132 of the processing device 13 determines whether it is necessary to switch the operation acceptance area (STEP 5). In this example, it is determined whether it is necessary to enable the second input device 122 to accept operation input that should originally be made to the first input device 121.

[0057] The necessity is determined, for example, based on the priority of the control of the controlled device performed based on the operation input to the first input device 121 and the control of the controlled device performed based on the operation input to the second input device 122 at the time when the first input device 121 is unable to accept operations.

[0058] In this example, if the priority of the control of the controlled device performed based on the operation input to the first input device 121 is higher than the priority of the control of the controlled device performed based on the operation input to the second input device 122, it is determined that the second input device 122 needs to be able to accept the operation input that should originally be made to the first input device 121 (YES in STEP 5).

[0059] The processor 132 outputs a third control signal CS3 from the output interface 133, which enables the second input device 122 to accept an operation input to the first input device 121 (STEP 6). As a result, the GUI for controlling the operation of the audiovisual equipment that was displayed on the first display device 121a is displayed on the second display device 122a, as illustrated in Fig. 7. As a result, the second input device 122 becomes able to control the operation of the audiovisual equipment.

[0060] If the priority of control of the controlled device performed based on an operation input to the first input device 121 is lower than the priority of control of the controlled device performed based on an operation input to the second input device 122, it is determined that there is no need to enable the second input device 122 to accept the operation input that should originally be made to the first input device 121 (NO in STEP 5). In this case, the process ends with the second input device 122 remaining unable to accept operations.

[0061] Even when operation input by the first input device 121 is disabled (STEP 3 in FIG. 5), the processor 132 determines whether switching of the operation reception area is necessary (STEP 5). In this case, it is determined whether it is necessary to enable the first input device 121 to receive operation input that should originally be made to the second input device 122.

[0062] In this example, if the priority of the control of the controlled device performed based on the operation input to the second input device 122 is higher than the priority of the control of the controlled device performed based on the operation input to the first input device 121, it is determined that the first input device 121 needs to be able to accept the operation input that should originally be made to the second input device 122 (YES in STEP 5).

[0063] The processor 132 outputs, from the output interface 133, a third control signal CS3 that enables the first input device 121 to accept an operation input to the second input device 122 (STEP 6).

[0064] If the priority of control of the controlled device performed based on an operation input to second input device 122 is lower than the priority of control of the controlled device performed based on an operation input to first input device 121, it is determined that there is no need to enable first input device 121 to accept operation input that should originally be made to second input device 122 (NO in STEP 5). In this case, the process ends with first input device 121 remaining unable to accept operations.

[0065] According to the above-described configuration, the operation reception function assigned to one of the plurality of input devices can be reassigned to another input device that is more likely to receive an operation input from the driver's hand 40 holding the grip portion 112, thereby reducing the amount of movement of the hand 40 required for an operation input. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience of the first input device 121 and the second input device 122 that are mounted on the steering device 10 held by the driver's hands and receive an operation input for controlling the operation of the controlled device 30 by the hands.

[0066] The processor 132 of the processing device 13 having the various functions described above can be realized by a dedicated integrated circuit such as a microcontroller, ASIC, FPGA, etc., which has a storage element in which a computer program for realizing the functions is pre-installed. The storage element is an example of a non-transitory computer-readable medium on which a computer program is stored.

[0067] The processor 132 may be realized by a general-purpose microprocessor operating in cooperation with general-purpose memory. Examples of the general-purpose microprocessor include a CPU, an MPU, and a GPU. Examples of the general-purpose memory include a ROM and a RAM. In this case, a computer program for realizing the function may be stored in the ROM. The general-purpose memory is an example of a non-transitory computer-readable medium on which a computer program is stored. The general-purpose microprocessor specifies at least a portion of the program stored in the ROM, expands it in the RAM, and executes the above-described processing in cooperation with the RAM. The processor 132 may be realized by a combination of a dedicated integrated circuit and a general-purpose microprocessor.

[0068] The configurations referred to above are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the present disclosure. Each configuration example can be appropriately modified or combined with other configuration examples within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0069] In the above embodiment, it is disabled to accept operations from input devices that are farther away from the position of the driver's hand 40 on the grip portion 112. However, in cases where it is desired to more strictly prevent the occurrence of unwanted operation input due to unintentional contact with the input device, it may be disabled to accept operations from input devices that are closer to the position of the driver's hand 40.

[0070] In the above embodiment, each of the first input device 121 and the second input device 122 includes a display device capable of displaying an image, and the operation reception area is provided as part of the image. With such a configuration, not only can GUIs for controlling the operations of various controlled devices 30 be provided through a common display device, but also the position of the operation reception area can be easily changed and made known to the driver. Therefore, the versatility of the first input device 121 and the second input device 122 can be improved.

[0071] However, at least one of the first input device 121 and the second input device 122 may have a configuration such as a touchpad device that does not include a display device. In this case, the input device is configured to detect a change in capacitance on the detection surface caused by contact with or approach of the driver's finger, and to output a detection signal indicating that the driver's finger has contacted or approached the detection surface based on the change.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the detection device 14 is disposed on the steering member 11 and detects the position of the driver's hand 40 on the grip portion 112. However, the detection device 14 does not necessarily have to be disposed on the steering member 11. The detection device 14 may be realized by an imaging device disposed at an appropriate position in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 20. In this case, the processor 132 of the processing device 13 identifies the position of the driver's hand 40 on the grip portion 112 based on the third detection signal DS3 corresponding to the image of the steering member 11 acquired by the imaging device.

[0073] As illustrated in FIG. 3 , the steering device 10 may be provided with a third input device 123 in addition to or instead of the second input device 122. The third input device 123 may be disposed between the shaft portion 111 and the grip portion 112 when viewed from the direction along the rotation axis A. Specifically, the third input device 123 may be disposed to the left of the shaft portion 111 of the steering member 11 in a non-steered state. This position is an example of the second position. In this case, the steering device 10 is provided with a detection device 14A for detecting the position of the driver's left hand 40L on the grip portion 112. The configuration and function of the third input device 123 are similar to those of the second input device 122, so repeated explanations will be omitted.

[0074] The shape of the steering member 11 does not need to be annular. The shape of the steering member 11 can be any shape as long as it is possible to define the turning path P of the grip portion 112 centered on the turning axis A. The grip portion 112 may have a shape in which the portion to be held by the driver's left hand and the portion to be held by the driver's right hand are separate.

[0075] The first input device 121 and the second input device 122 may also be mounted on a steering device for changing the direction of travel of a moving body other than the vehicle 20. Examples of such moving bodies include railways, ships, and aircraft. The operation of the controlled device 30 controlled by the first input device 121 and the second input device 122 may be determined appropriately according to the specifications of the moving body.

[0076] The moving object does not necessarily have to have a physical entity. The steering device 10 may be mounted on a simulator that simulates the movement of the moving object. In this case, the steering member 11 is used to change the direction of travel of the virtual moving object simulated by the simulator. The first input device 121 and the second input device 122 are used to control the movement of the virtual controlled device simulated by the simulator.

[0077] The first input device 121 and the second input device 122 do not need to be mounted on a steering device of a moving object. For example, a controller having a shaft portion 111 and a grip portion 112 may be used to control the movement of an object displayed on a display of a shooting game device in an amusement facility. The first input device 121 and the second input device 122 may be used by a user to select one of a plurality of functions executable by the object and perform an action associated with the selected function. In this case, the controller is an example of an action control device. The movement of the object is an example of a first controlled action. The action associated with each function executable by the object is an example of a second controlled action. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 10: Steering device, 111: Shaft portion, 112: Grip portion, 121: First input device, 122: Second input device, 123: Third input device, 13: Processing device, 131: Input interface, 132: Processor, 14: Detection device, 20: Vehicle, 30: Controlled device, 40: Hand, A: Rotation axis, DS3: Third detection signal, P: Turning path

Claims

1. a shaft portion configured to be rotatable about an axis extending in a reference direction; a gripping portion that can be held by a user's hand and that rotates the shaft portion about the axis by being moved along a movement path to perform a first controlled action; an input device that is disposed between the shaft portion and the grip portion when viewed from the reference direction and that is capable of receiving an operation by the hand to perform a second controlled operation that is different from the first controlled action; a detection device that outputs a detection signal corresponding to the position of the hand on the gripping portion; a processing device that disables the input device from accepting the operation based on the detection signal; Equipped with Motion control device.

2. a shaft portion configured to be rotatable about an axis extending in a reference direction; a gripping portion that can be held by a user's hand and that rotates the shaft portion about the axis by being moved along a movement path to perform a first controlled action; a first input device that is disposed at a first position between the shaft portion and the grip portion when viewed from the reference direction and that is capable of receiving an operation by the hand to perform a second controlled operation that is different from the first controlled action; a second input device that is disposed at a second position between the shaft portion and the grip portion when viewed from the reference direction and that is capable of receiving an operation by the hand; a detection device that outputs a detection signal corresponding to the position of the hand on the gripping portion; a processing device that enables the second input device to accept an operation for executing the second controlled operation based on the detection signal; Equipped with Motion control device.

3. the first controlled action is an action of changing the direction of travel of the moving object; The motion control device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a shaft portion configured to be rotatable about an axis extending in a reference direction; a gripping portion that can be held by a user's hand and that rotates the shaft portion about the axis by being moved along a movement path to perform a first controlled action; an input device that is disposed between the shaft portion and the grip portion when viewed from the reference direction and that is capable of receiving an operation by the hand to perform a second controlled operation that is different from the first controlled action; A processing device capable of cooperating with an operation control device comprising: an interface that receives a detection signal corresponding to the position of the hand on the gripping unit; a processor that disables the input device from accepting the operation based on the detection signal; Equipped with Processing equipment.

5. a shaft portion configured to be rotatable about an axis extending in a reference direction; a gripping portion that can be held by a user's hand and that rotates the shaft portion about the axis by being moved along a movement path to perform a first controlled action; an input device that is disposed between the shaft portion and the grip portion when viewed from the reference direction and that is capable of receiving an operation by the hand to perform a second controlled operation that is different from the first controlled action; A computer program executable by a processor installed in a processing device capable of cooperating with an operation control device comprising: When executed, the processing device: receiving a detection signal corresponding to the position of the hand on the gripping portion; Disabling the input device from accepting the operation based on the detection signal. Computer program.

6. a shaft portion configured to be rotatable about an axis extending in a reference direction; a gripping portion that can be held by a user's hand and that rotates the shaft portion about the axis by being moved along a movement path to perform a first controlled action; a first input device that is disposed at a first position between the shaft portion and the grip portion when viewed from the reference direction and that is capable of receiving an operation by the hand to perform a second controlled operation that is different from the first controlled action; a second input device that is disposed at a second position between the shaft portion and the grip portion when viewed from the reference direction and that is capable of receiving an operation by the hand; A processing device capable of cooperating with an operation control device comprising: an interface that receives a detection signal corresponding to the position of the hand on the gripping unit; a processor that enables the second input device to accept an operation for executing the second controlled operation based on the detection signal; Equipped with Processing equipment.

7. a shaft portion configured to be rotatable about an axis extending in a reference direction; a gripping portion that can be held by a user's hand and that rotates the shaft portion about the axis by being moved along a movement path to perform a first controlled action; a first input device that is disposed at a first position between the shaft portion and the grip portion when viewed from the reference direction and that is capable of receiving an operation by the hand to perform a second controlled operation that is different from the first controlled action; a second input device that is disposed at a second position between the shaft portion and the grip portion when viewed from the reference direction and that is capable of receiving an operation by the hand; A computer program executable by a processor installed in a processing device capable of cooperating with an operation control device comprising: When executed, the processing device: receiving a detection signal corresponding to the position of the hand on the gripping portion; and enabling the second input device to accept an operation for executing the second controlled operation based on the detection signal. Computer program.

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