Control device

Abstract

To provide a control device capable of suppressing erroneous operations.SOLUTION: A control device 1 is roughly configured to include a display unit 3 that displays a controlled object display 31 corresponding to a controllable object in a controlled device and a control content display 32 corresponding to control content of the controlled object; a detection unit 4 that detects operations on the controlled object display 31 and the control content display 32 displayed on the display unit 3; and a control unit 6 that displays the controlled object display 31 and displays the control content display 32 at a brightness different from that of the controlled object display 31 until a first operation on the controlled object display 31 is detected by the detection unit 4, and that, after the first operation on the controlled object display 31 is detected, displays the control content display 32 and accepts a second operation on the control content display 32.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device. [Background technology]

[0002] A known prior art technology is a switching device that switches the drive of a motor that displaces a vehicle seat between a standard position in which the backrest surface faces approximately forward and a relaxed position in which the backrest surface faces upward compared to the standard position (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] This switching device includes a relax switch and a return switch provided on the door trim of the door. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-073110 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the conventional switching device, the relax switch and the return switch are located on the door trim, so there is a possibility that the occupant may unintentionally touch them and operate them erroneously. Similarly, if the relax switch and the return switch of the conventional switching device are located on the side of the vehicle seat, there is a similar possibility that the occupant may unintentionally touch them and operate them erroneously.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a control device that can suppress erroneous operations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention provides a control device that includes a display unit that displays a control object display corresponding to a control object that can be controlled in a controlled device, and a control content display corresponding to the control content of the control object; a detection unit that detects operations on the control object display and the control content display displayed on the display unit; and a control unit that displays the control object display and displays the control content display with a different brightness from the control object display, and when a first operation on the control object display is detected in a first state in which no operation on the control content display is accepted, controls the display unit and the detection unit to switch from the first state to a second state in which a second operation on the control content display is accepted. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress erroneous operations. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1(a) is a diagram showing an example of the interior of a vehicle, and FIG. 1(b) is an example of a block diagram of a control device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a drivable portion of the electric seat device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3(a) is a diagram showing an example of the display of the control device in the first state, and FIG. 3(b) is a diagram showing an example of the control content display, etc., which is not displayed in the first state, shown by dotted lines. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an example of a block diagram of the electric seat device. [Figure 5] Figure 5(a) is a diagram showing an example of a second state after a first touch operation on a third display of the control object display, and Figure 5(b) is a diagram showing an example of a third state after a second touch operation on a right direction display of the control content display. [Figure 6]FIG. 6(a) is a diagram showing an example of a heater sheet display after a touch operation, FIG. 6(b) is a diagram showing an example of a heater sheet display after an additional touch operation, and FIG. 6(c) is a diagram showing an example of a control content display after a touch operation on a heater sheet display relating to a modified example. [Figure 7] FIG. 7(a) is a diagram showing an example of a memory display after a touch operation, and FIG. 7(b) is a diagram showing an example of a memory display after a long press operation. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (Summary of the embodiment) The control device of the embodiment is generally configured to include a display unit that displays a control object display corresponding to a control object that can be controlled in the controlled device, and a control content display corresponding to the control content of the control object, a detection unit that detects operations on the control object display and control content display displayed on the display unit, and a control unit that displays the control object display and displays the control content display with a different brightness from the control object display, and when a first operation on the control object display is detected in a first state in which no operation on the control content display is accepted, controls the display unit and the detection unit to switch from the first state to a second state in which a second operation on the control content display is accepted.

[0011] This control device requires two steps, a first operation and a second operation, to execute the control content of the control object, which reduces unintentional erroneous operations by the user compared to when the control content is executed with a single operation.

[0012] [Embodiment Mode] (Overview of control device 1) FIG. 1(a) is a diagram showing an example of the interior of a vehicle in which a control device according to an embodiment is disposed, and FIG. 1(b) is an example of a block diagram of the control device. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of a drivable portion of an electric seat device that is a controlled device according to an embodiment. FIG. 3(a) is a diagram showing an example of a display in a first state of the control device according to an embodiment, and FIG. 3(b) is a diagram showing an example in which control content displays that are not displayed in the first state are indicated by dotted lines. FIG. 4 is an example of a block diagram of an electric seat device according to an embodiment. FIG. 5(a) is a diagram showing an example of a second state after a first touch operation on a third display of a control target display on a display unit according to an embodiment, and FIG. 5(b) is a diagram showing an example of a third state after a second touch operation on a forward display of the control content display.

[0013] In the drawings relating to the embodiments described below, the ratios and shapes of the figures may differ from the actual ratios and shapes. Also, in Figures 1(b) and 4, arrows indicate the flow of main signals and information. An overview of the control device 1 will be described below.

[0014] As shown in Figures 1(b), 3(a), 3(b) and 5(a), the control device 1 is generally configured to include a display unit 3 that displays a control object display 31 corresponding to a control object that can be controlled in the controlled device, and a control content display 32 corresponding to the control content of the control object; a detection unit 4 that detects operations on the control object display 31 and the control content display 32 displayed on the display unit 3; and a control unit 6 that displays the control object display 31 and displays the control content display 32 with a different brightness from the control object display 31, and when a first operation on the control object display 31 is detected in a first state 11 in which no operation on the control content display 32 is accepted, controls the display unit 3 and the detection unit 4 to switch from the first state 11 to a second state 12 in which the control content display 32 is displayed and a second operation on the control content display 32 is accepted.

[0015] As an example, the controlled device in this embodiment is an electric seat device 2 of a vehicle 8, as shown in Figs. 1(a) and 2. The controlled object is a driveable part of the electric seat device 2. The control content is the drive direction of the driveable part. Note that the controlled device is not limited to the electric seat device 2, and may be other in-vehicle devices.

[0016] In addition, the detection unit 4 of the present embodiment is configured as, for example, a capacitive touch sensor that detects touch operations. Therefore, the first operation and the second operation are a first touch operation 71 and a second touch operation 72.

[0017] As shown in Figures 2 and 5(a), when the electric seat device 2 has multiple control objects and at least one control content for each of the multiple control objects, the control unit 6, in a first state 11, displays multiple control object displays 31 corresponding to the multiple control objects and hides the control content display 32 as a display with a different brightness from the control object display 31, and in a second state 12, displays at least one control content display 32 among the multiple control object displays 31 that corresponds to the detected control object display 31a on which the first touch operation 71 was detected and accepts a second touch operation 72 on the at least one control content display 32.

[0018] Note that the display with a different brightness from the control target display 31 is not limited to being hidden. The display with a different brightness from the control target display 31 may be, for example, a display with a different brightness from the control target display 31, a display with a different color from the control target display 31, or a display with a different light emission pattern from the control target display 31, and is not limited to these.

[0019] The control unit 6 controls the display unit 3 so that the detected control target display 31a on which the first touch operation 71 has been detected is displayed brighter than the other control target displays 31, as shown in FIG. 5(a).

[0020] Furthermore, the control unit 6 controls the display unit 3 to display the detected control content display 32a, in which the second touch operation 72 is detected, brighter than the other displayed control content displays 32, as shown in FIG. 5(b).

[0021] The display unit 3 is disposed on a door trim close to the power seat device 2. As an example, the power seat device 2 of this embodiment is the right seat, i.e., the driver's seat, as shown in FIG. 1(a), and therefore the display unit 3 is disposed on a door trim 810 of the right door 81. If the power seat device 2 is the left seat 80, the display unit 3 is disposed on a door trim 820 of the left door 82. If both the left and right seats are power seat devices 2, the display unit 3 may be disposed on the door trim 810 of the right door 81 and the door trim 820 of the left door 82. If the power seat device 2 is disposed in a position other than the above, the display unit 3 may be disposed on the door trim of the door close to each of the power seat devices 2.

[0022] Furthermore, the display unit 3 may be arranged on an instrument panel 83, a floor console 84, an armrest 811, an armrest 821, or the like, as shown in FIG. 1(a).

[0023] (Configuration of electric seat device 2) As shown in FIG. 2, the electric seat device 2 includes a seat cushion 20 on which an occupant sits, a seat back 21 connected to the seat cushion 20 so as to be tiltable, and a headrest 22 arranged on the seat back 21.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 4, the electric seat device 2 includes a setting memory unit 200, a slide mechanism 202, a lifter mechanism 204, a front vertical mechanism 206, a cushion length mechanism 208, a reclining mechanism 210, a lumbar support mechanism 212, a speaker unit 213, a seat heater unit 214, a seat cooler unit 215, a communication unit 216, and a seat control unit 217.

[0025] 2, the seat cushion 20 has a seat surface 20a on which an occupant sits that has a shallow recessed shape and is configured to support the lower body of the occupant. The seat cushion 20 also has a support portion 20c that surrounds the side of the seat surface 20a. The support portion 20c supports the seat cushion 20.

[0026] 2, the seat cushion 20 is movable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 8 (the directions of arrows A and B) along seat rails 24. The movement of the electric seat device 2 along the seat rails 24 is achieved by driving a slide mechanism 202 using a drive motor 201.

[0027] The slide mechanism 202 is disposed below the seat cushion 20. The drive motor 201 is configured so that an output shaft thereof rotates forward and backward in response to a drive signal S4 output from the seat control unit 217. The output shaft is connected to the slide mechanism 202.

[0028] The seat cushion 20 is configured to move in its entirety in the up and down directions (the directions of arrows C and D). The up and down movement of the seat cushion 20 is performed by driving a lifter mechanism 204 by a drive motor 203.

[0029] The lifter mechanism 204 is disposed inside the seat cushion 20. The lifter mechanism 204 is configured to be driven by a drive motor 203 to move the seat cushion 20 in the up and down direction. The drive motor 203 is configured so that an output shaft thereof rotates forward and backward in response to a drive signal S5 output from the seat control unit 217. The output shaft is connected to the lifter mechanism 204.

[0030] The seat cushion 20 is configured so that a front end portion 20b thereof can move up and down (in the directions of arrows E and F). The up and down movement of the front end portion 20b is performed by driving a front vertical mechanism 206 using a drive motor 205.

[0031] The front vertical mechanism 206 is disposed inside the seat cushion 20. The drive motor 205 is configured so that an output shaft thereof rotates forward and backward in response to a drive signal S6 output from the seat control unit 217. The output shaft is connected to the front vertical mechanism 206.

[0032] Furthermore, the seat cushion 20 is configured so that the length of the seat surface 20a can be changed in the front-rear direction (the directions of arrows G and H). The length of the seat cushion 20 in the front-rear direction is adjusted by driving a cushion length mechanism 208 using a drive motor 207.

[0033] The cushion length mechanism 208 is disposed inside the seat cushion 20. The drive motor 207 is configured so that an output shaft thereof rotates forward and backward in response to a drive signal S7 output from the seat control unit 217. The output shaft is connected to the cushion length mechanism 208.

[0034] The electric seat device 2 is configured to be able to adjust the angle (reclining angle) between the seat cushion 20 and the seat back 21 in the front-rear direction (the directions of arrows I and J). The reclining angle is adjusted by driving a reclining mechanism 210 using a drive motor 209.

[0035] The reclining mechanism 210 is disposed in the seat cushion 20. The drive motor 209 is configured so that an output shaft thereof rotates forward and backward in response to a drive signal S8 output from the seat control unit 217. The output shaft is connected to the reclining mechanism 210.

[0036] The seat back 21 has a lumbar support 23 at the position of the occupant's waist, and is configured so that the amount of protrusion of this lumbar support 23 in the front-to-rear direction (the directions of arrows K and L) can be adjusted. The lumbar support 23 is also configured to move in the up-and-down direction (the directions of arrows M and N). The movement of this lumbar support 23 in the front-to-rear and up-and-down directions is achieved by driving a lumbar support mechanism 212 using two drive motors 211.

[0037] The lumbar support mechanism 212 is disposed inside the seat back 21. The two drive motors 211 are configured so that their output shafts rotate forward and backward in response to a drive signal S9 output from the seat control unit 217. Each output shaft is connected to the lumbar support mechanism 212.

[0038] The electric seat device 2 also has speaker units 213 arranged on the left and right sides of the headrest 22. The speaker units 213 are configured to output music, voice, etc. The speaker units 213 receive a control signal S output from the seat control unit 217. 10 The volume is configured to go up and down by

[0039] The seat heater unit 214 is configured to heat the seat cushion 20 and the seat back 21. The seat heater unit 214 is configured to heat the seat cushion 20 and the seat back 21 in response to a control signal S output from the seat control unit 217. 11 The seat heater unit 214 switches the temperature in stages of "0", "3", "2" and "1" depending on the touch operation performed on the heater seat display 330.

[0040] When the seat heater unit 214 is set to "0," the seat cushion 20 and the seat back 21 are not heated, the heater bar display 331 is not displayed, and the heater seat display 330 is brighter than the other displays. As the numbers "1," "2," and "3" indicating the strength increase, the temperature at which the seat cushion 20 and the seat back 21 are heated increases, and the heater bar display 331 increases.

[0041] The seat cooler unit 215 is configured to cool the seat cushion 20 and the seat back 21. The seat cooler unit 215 cools the seat cushion 20 and the seat back 21 in response to a control signal S output from the seat control unit 217. 12The seat cooler unit 215 switches the airflow volume in stages of "0", "3", "2" and "1" according to a touch operation on the cooler seat display 340.

[0042] When the seat cooler unit 215 is set to "0," no conditioned air is sent out, the cooler bar indicator 341 is not displayed, and the cooler seat indicator 340 is brighter than the other indicators. As for the air volume indicators "1," "2," and "3," the larger the number, the stronger the air volume sent out to the seat cushion 20 and seat back 21, and the larger the number of cooler bar indicators 341.

[0043] The controllable objects here are, for example, the seat cushion 20, the seat surface 20a of the seat cushion 20, the front end 20b, the seat back 21, the lumbar support 23, and the speaker unit 213.

[0044] The control contents of the controlled object are the movement of the seat cushion 20 in the front-to-back direction (directions of arrows A and B) and the up-to-down direction (directions of arrows C and D), the movement of the front end 20b in the up-to-down direction (directions of arrows E and F), the length of the seat cushion 20 in the front-to-back direction (directions of arrows G and H), the rotation of the seat back 21 in the front-to-back direction (directions of arrows I and J), the amount of protrusion of the lumbar support 23 in the front-to-back direction (directions of arrows K and L), the up-to-down direction of the lumbar support 23 (directions of arrows M and N), and the volume increase / decrease of the speaker unit 213.

[0045] The electric seat device 2 may further control the angle of the headrest 22, etc. As an example, if the electric seat device 2 has a massage function, the control object may be the massage function, and the control content may be the strength or mode.

[0046] The seat control unit 217 is a microcomputer that is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that performs calculations, processing, etc. on acquired data according to stored programs, and semiconductor memories such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory).

[0047] The seat control unit 217 stores the control content as setting information 200a in the setting storage unit 200, and controls the front-rear position of the electric seat device 2 based on the setting information 200a. The setting storage unit 200 is, for example, a semiconductor memory, but is not limited to this.

[0048] The communication unit 216 is configured to be able to exchange signals and information with the control device 1. The seat control unit 217 controls the drive motor 201 and the like based on control information S3 acquired from the control device 1 via the communication unit 216.

[0049] (Configuration of display unit 3) The display unit 3 uses a transparent decorative panel that transmits illumination light as a display surface to display an overall display 30 including a control target display 31, a control content display 32, etc. The transparent decorative panel in this embodiment is a door trim 810. The display unit 3 is configured, for example, so that illumination light output from a light-emitting element is transmitted to display information, but may also be configured as an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display or the like, and is not limited to this. As a modified example, when the display unit 3 is configured as a display, for example, the first display 311 to the fifth display 315 may change so as to move up and down or back and forth in response to an operation.

[0050] The display unit 3 is connected to the control unit 6, and performs display based on a display control signal S1 output from the control unit 6.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 3(b), the overall display 30 is configured to include a control object display 31, a control content display 32, a heater display 33, a cooler display 34, and a memory display 35. For example, when the vehicle 8 is powered on, the control device 1 displays the control object display 31, the heater display 33, and the cooler display 34 as the first state 11, which is the default display. In other words, the control device 1 does not display the control content display 32 until the control content is determined. In Fig. 3(b), the control content display 32 that is not displayed is shown by a dotted line.

[0052] 3(b), the control object display 31 is configured to include, for example, a first display 311 to a fifth display 315. The first display 311 to the fifth display 315 are displays that imitate the shape of the electric seat device 2.

[0053] The first display 311 and the second display 312 imitate the shape of the seat cushion 20, and the display is divided by the drivable portion of the seat cushion 20. The first display 311 is a display that accepts a first touch operation 71 for sliding or moving the seat cushion 20 up and down. The second display 312 is a display that accepts a first touch operation 71 for moving the front end 20b of the seat cushion 20 up and down or for changing the length of the seat cushion 20 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0054] The third display 313 and the fourth display 314 imitate the shape of the seat back 21, and the display is divided by the drivable portion of the seat back 21. The third display 313 is a display that accepts the first touch operation 71 for reclining the seat back 21. The fourth display 314 is a display that accepts the first touch operation 71 for moving the lumbar support 23 in the up-down direction or changing the amount of protrusion in the front-to-rear direction.

[0055] The fifth display 315 imitates the shape of the headrest 22. The fifth display 315 is a display that accepts a first touch operation 71 for increasing or decreasing the volume of the speaker unit 213.

[0056] As an example, as shown in Fig. 5(a), when the first touch operation is received, the first display 311 to the fifth display 315 enter a second state 12 in which the display brightness becomes brighter than the other displays. In Fig. 5(a), the third display 313 that received the first touch operation is shaded to indicate that it is brighter than the others.

[0057] 3(b) by dotted lines, the control content display 32 is configured to include an upward direction display 320 to a backward direction display 323 that indicate four directions. The upward direction display 320 to the backward direction display 323 are displayed so that the vertices of a triangle indicate the direction of movement, with the upward direction display 320 and the downward direction display 321 facing each other and the forward direction display 322 and the backward direction display 323 facing each other. In other words, the upward direction display 320 to the backward direction display 323 resemble a cross key.

[0058] The upward direction display 320 and the downward direction display 321 are displayed when the drive direction of the drivable part is the up-down direction. The upward direction display 320 and the downward direction display 321 are displayed when the drive direction is the up-down direction after the first touch operation 71 on the control object display 31.

[0059] The forward direction display 322 and the backward direction display 323 are displayed when the drive direction of the drivable part is the forward / backward direction. The forward direction display 322 and the backward direction display 323 are displayed when the drive direction is the forward / backward direction after the first touch operation 71 on the control object display 31.

[0060] Furthermore, as an example, when the drive directions are the upward and forward directions, the control content display 32 displays an upward direction display 320 and a forward direction display 322. In this way, the control content display 32 does not display up, down, and forward and backward as a set, but displays according to the drive direction of the drivable part. Note that the control content display 32 in this embodiment is four-direction, but may also display eight directions or a rotation direction, and is not limited to these.

[0061] As shown in Fig. 3(b), the heater display 33 is configured to include a heater seat display 330 and a heater bar display 331. The heater seat display 330 is a display that simulates heating of the electric seat device 2. The heater bar display 331 indicates the heating strength by displaying three bars.

[0062] This heater display 33 is displayed together with the control target display 31. The heater display 33 is configured so that when a touch operation is performed, the number of lit bars in the heater bar display 331 changes. After receiving a touch operation, the control unit 6 may, for example, display an upward direction display 320 and a downward direction display 321 of the control content display 32 that can increase or decrease the heater strength, or may display the heater bar display 331 together with the upward direction display 320 and the downward direction display 321, but is not limited to these.

[0063] 3(b), the cooler display 34 is configured to include a cooler seat display 340 and a cooler bar display 341. The cooler seat display 340 is a display that simulates cooling the electric seat device 2. The cooler bar display 341 indicates the strength of the air volume blown into the electric seat device 2 by displaying three bars.

[0064] This cooler display 34 is displayed together with the control target display 31. The cooler display 34 is configured so that when a touch operation is performed, the number of lit cooler bar displays 341 changes. After receiving a touch operation, the control unit 6 may, for example, display an upward direction display 320 and a downward direction display 321 of the control content display 32 that can increase or decrease the airflow, or may display the cooler bar display 341 together with the upward direction display 320 and the downward direction display 321, but is not limited to these.

[0065] The memory display 35 is configured to include a set display 350, a first setting display 351, a second setting display 352, and a third setting display 353. The memory display 35 is a display for storing settings of drivable parts such as the slide position of the seat cushion 20 of the electric seat device 2.

[0066] The display unit 3 has, for example, display states of a first state 11 to a third state 13. The first state 11 is an initial state, and is a display state in which a control object display 31, a heater display 33, a cooler display 34, and a memory display are displayed. The second state 12 is a display state in which, after a first touch operation 71 on the control object display 31 is received, the control object display 31 on which the first touch operation 71 was performed is brightened and a control content display 32 corresponding to the control object display 31 is displayed. The third state 13 is a display state in which, after a second touch operation 72 on the control content display 32 is received, the control content display 32 on which the second touch operation 72 was performed is brightened.

[0067] (Configuration of detection unit 4) As an example, the detection unit 4 is a capacitance type touch sensor that detects touch operations on the control object display 31, the control content display 32, the heater display 33, the cooler display 34, and the memory display 35, but it may also be a pressure-sensitive type touch sensor, or a sensor with a push switch for each display, and is not limited to this.

[0068] The detector 4 is connected to the controller 6 and outputs to the controller 6 detection information S2 including information relating to the display on which the touch operation is detected.

[0069] (Configuration of communication unit 5) The communication unit 5 is connected to the control unit 6 and is capable of exchanging information and signals with the electric seat device 2.

[0070] (Configuration of control unit 6) The control unit 6 is, for example, a microcomputer composed of a CPU that performs calculations and processing on acquired data according to a stored program, and semiconductor memories such as RAM and ROM. The control unit 6 has a function of measuring time. The control unit 6 controls the display unit 3, the detection unit 4, and the communication unit 5.

[0071] When the control unit 6 determines that a first touch operation 71 has been performed on the display of the control object display 31 based on the detection information S2 acquired from the detection unit 4, it changes the brightness of the detected control object display 31a on which the first touch operation 71 has been detected, and further generates and outputs a display control signal S1 to the display unit 3 for displaying the related control content display 32.

[0072] Next, when the control unit 6 determines that a second touch operation 72 has been performed on the displayed control content display 32 based on the detection information S2 acquired from the detection unit 4, the control unit 6 generates control information S3 instructing to drive in the drive direction assigned to the detected control content display 32a in which the second touch operation 72 has been detected, and outputs the control information S3 to the electric seat device 2 via the communication unit 5. As an example, this control information S3 is output while the touch operation is being performed, and drive continues while the control information S3 is being output.

[0073] The control unit 6 has, as an example, a reception period 60. When a touch operation ends, the control unit 6 starts measuring time, and if the measured time exceeds the predetermined reception period 60 and no next touch operation is detected, the control unit 6 returns the overall display 30 to the state before the touch operation was detected, i.e., the overall display 30, to the first state 11. In other words, if no touch operation is detected within the reception period 60, the control unit 6 determines that a timeout has occurred and returns to the first state 11. Note that the control unit 6 returns to the first state 11 even within the reception period 60 in response to an instruction from the in-vehicle device. This instruction is issued from the in-vehicle device when operation of the electric seat device 2 is not permitted, for example, when the vehicle 8 is traveling.

[0074] (About switching display states using touch operations) Below, we will explain an example of switching the display state by a first touch operation 71 on the control object display 31, a second touch operation 72 on the control content display 32, and a touch operation 73 and a long press operation 74 on the heater display 33, the cooler display 34, and the memory display 35.

[0075] Fig. 5(a) shows the second state 12 after the first touch operation 71 is performed on the third display 313. Therefore, the detection control target display 31a becomes the third display 313. Note that in Fig. 5(a) to Fig. 7(b) described below, the first touch operation 71, the second touch operation 72, the touch operation 73, and the long press operation 74 are indicated by dotted lines, and displays that are brighter than the other displays are indicated by closely spaced diagonal lines.

[0076] The third display 313 is a display that accepts the first touch operation 71 for reclining the seat back 21, and therefore the control content display 32 becomes the forward direction display 322 and the rearward direction display 323. That is, the control unit 6 accepts the second touch operation 72 performed on the forward direction display 322 and the rearward direction display 323.

[0077] 5(a) and 5(b), when the second touch operation 72 is performed on the forward direction display 322, the control unit 6 changes the display state of the forward direction display 322 as the detection control content display 32a from the second state 12 to the third state 13. Then, the control unit 6 generates control information S3 for rotating the seat back 21 to the right and outputs the control information S3 to the electric seat device 2 via the communication unit 5.

[0078] When the seat control unit 217 of the electric seat device 2 acquires the control information S3 via the communication unit 216, it outputs a drive signal S8 to the drive motor 209 to control the reclining mechanism 210 and recline the seat back 21.

[0079] In the second state 12 after the first touch operation 71 is performed on the fourth display 314, the detection control target display 31a becomes the fourth display 314.

[0080] Since the fourth display 314 is a display that accepts a first touch operation 71 for moving the lumbar support 23 in the up-down direction and the front-back direction, the control content display 32 becomes an upward direction display 320, a downward direction display 321, a forward direction display 322, and a backward direction display 323. In other words, the control unit 6 accepts a second touch operation 72 performed on the downward direction display 321, the forward direction display 322, and the backward direction display 323.

[0081] When the second touch operation 72 is performed on the rearward direction display 323, the control unit 6 changes the display state of the rearward direction display 323 as the detection control content display 32a from the second state 12 to the third state 13. Then, the control unit 6 generates control information S3 for moving the lumbar support 23 rearward and outputs the control information S3 to the electric seat device 2 via the communication unit 5.

[0082] When the seat control unit 217 of the electric seat device 2 acquires the control information S3 via the communication unit 216, it outputs a drive signal S9 to the drive motor 211 to control the lumbar support mechanism 212 and move the lumbar support 23 rearward.

[0083] In the second state 12 after the first touch operation 71 is performed on the first display 311, the detection control target display 31a becomes the first display 311.

[0084] Since the first display 311 is a display that accepts a first touch operation 71 for sliding or moving the seat cushion 20 up and down, the control content display 32 becomes an upward direction display 320, a downward direction display 321, a forward direction display 322, and a backward direction display 323. That is, the control unit 6 accepts a second touch operation 72 performed on the downward direction display 321, the forward direction display 322, and the backward direction display 323.

[0085] When the second touch operation 72 is performed on the upward direction display 320, the control unit 6 changes the display state of the upward direction display 320 as the detection control content display 32a from the second state 12 to the third state 13. Then, the control unit 6 generates control information S3 for moving the seat cushion 20 upward and outputs the control information S3 to the electric seat device 2 via the communication unit 5.

[0086] When the seat control unit 217 of the electric seat device 2 acquires the control information S3 via the communication unit 216, it outputs a drive signal S5 to the drive motor 203 to control the lifter mechanism 204, and moves the seat cushion 20 upward.

[0087] In the second state 12 after the first touch operation 71 is performed on the second display 312, the detection control target display 31a becomes the second display 312.

[0088] Since the second display 312 is a display that accepts a first touch operation 71 for moving the front end 20b of the seat cushion 20 up and down or for changing the length of the seat cushion 20, the control content display 32 becomes an upward direction display 320, a downward direction display 321, a forward direction display 322, and a backward direction display 323. In other words, the control unit 6 accepts a second touch operation 72 performed on the downward direction display 321, the forward direction display 322, and the backward direction display 323.

[0089] When the second touch operation 72 is performed on the downward display 321, the control unit 6 changes the display state of the downward display 321 as the detection control content display 32a from the second state 12 to the third state 13. Then, the control unit 6 generates control information S3 for moving the front end 20b of the seat cushion 20 downward, and outputs the control information S3 to the electric seat device 2 via the communication unit 5.

[0090] When the seat control unit 217 of the electric seat device 2 acquires the control information S3 via the communication unit 216, it outputs a drive signal S6 to the drive motor 205 to control the front vertical mechanism 206 and move the front end 20b of the seat cushion 20 downward.

[0091] In the second state 12 after the first touch operation 71 is performed on the fifth display 315, the detection control target display 31a becomes the fifth display 315.

[0092] The fifth display 315 is a display that accepts a first touch operation for increasing or decreasing the volume of the speaker unit 213, and therefore the control content display 32 becomes an upward direction display 320 and a downward direction display 321. That is, the control unit 6 accepts a second touch operation 72 performed on the upward direction display 320 and the downward direction display 321.

[0093] When the second touch operation 72 is performed on the downward display 321, the control unit 6 changes the display state of the downward display 321 as the detection control content display 32a from the second state 12 to the third state 13. Then, the control unit 6 generates control information S3 for lowering the volume of the speaker unit 213 and outputs the control information S3 to the electric seat device 2 via the communication unit 5.

[0094] When the seat control unit 217 of the electric seat device 2 receives the control information S3 via the communication unit 216, the seat control unit 217 outputs a control signal S 10 is output to the speaker unit 213 to lower the volume.

[0095] Figure 6(a) is a diagram showing an example of a heater sheet display after a touch operation on the heater sheet display displayed on the display unit in the embodiment, Figure 6(b) is a diagram showing an example of a heater sheet display after an additional touch operation, and Figure 6(c) is a diagram showing an example of a control content display after a touch operation on the heater sheet display in the modified example.

[0096] In FIG. 6(a), a touch operation 73 is performed on the heater seat display 330. The heater display 33 is displayed together with the control object display 31 in the first state 11, and therefore always accepts the touch operation 73. The heater seat display 330 is made brighter than the other displays upon accepting the touch operation 73. The seat heater unit 214 then switches the temperature stepwise between "0," "3," "2," and "1" each time it accepts the touch operation 73.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 6(b), when a touch operation 73 is performed on the heater seat display 330, the control unit 6 generates control information S3 for setting the temperature of the seat heater unit 214 to "3" and outputs the control information S3 to the power seat device 2 via the communication unit 5. The control unit 6 also sets the heater bar display 331 to three bars. In this case, as a modified example, when a touch operation 73 is performed on the heater seat display 330, the control unit 6 may, for example, display the upward direction display 320 and the downward direction display 321 of the control content display 32, or may display the heater bar display 331 together with the upward direction display 320 and the downward direction display 321, as shown in FIG. 6(a) and FIG. 6(c), but is not limited to these.

[0098] When the seat control unit 217 of the electric seat device 2 receives the control information S3 via the communication unit 216, the seat control unit 217 outputs a control signal S 11 is output to the seat heater unit 214 to set the temperature to the maximum temperature "3".

[0099] When a touch operation 73 is performed on the cooler seat display 340, the cooler display 34 is displayed together with the control target display 31 in the first state 11, and therefore always accepts the touch operation 73. The cooler seat display 340 is made brighter than the other displays upon accepting the touch operation 73. The seat cooler unit 215 then switches the airflow volume in stages between "0," "3," "2," and "1" each time it accepts the touch operation 73.

[0100] When the touch operation 73 is performed on the cooler seat display 340, the control unit 6 generates control information S3 for setting the airflow rate of the seat cooler unit 215 to "3" and outputs the control information S3 to the power seat device 2 via the communication unit 5. The control unit 6 also sets the cooler bar display 341 to three. In this case, when the touch operation 73 is performed on the cooler seat display 340, the control unit 6 may, for example, display the upward direction display 320 and the downward direction display 321 of the control content display 32, or may display the cooler bar display 341 together with the upward direction display 320 and the downward direction display 321, but is not limited to these.

[0101] When the seat control unit 217 of the electric seat device 2 receives the control information S3 via the communication unit 216, the seat control unit 217 outputs a control signal S 12 is output to the seat cooler unit 215 to set the airflow rate to "3".

[0102] 7(a) is a diagram showing an example of the memory display displayed on the display unit according to the embodiment after a touch operation, and FIG. 7(b) is a diagram showing an example of the memory display after a long press operation. Note that the memory display 35 may be configured to display the setting display 350 and hide the first setting display 351 to the third setting display 353 before accepting the touch operation, for example.

[0103] 7(a), a touch operation 73 is performed on the set display 350. The memory display 35 is displayed together with the control object display 31 in the first state 11, and therefore constantly accepts the touch operation 73 and the long press operation 74. The set display 350 is made brighter than the other displays by accepting the touch operation 73.

[0104] 7(b), when a long press operation 74 is performed on the first setting display 351, the control unit 6 generates control information S3 that causes the seat control unit 217 to store the current setting in association with the first setting display 351, and outputs the control information S3 to the electric seat device 2 via the communication unit 5. Since a long press operation 74 is performed on the first setting display 351, the seat control unit 217 stores the setting information 200a corresponding to the first setting display 351.

[0105] When a touch operation is performed on the first setting display 351, the seat control unit 217 controls the electric seat device 2 with the settings stored in association with the first setting display 351 based on the setting information 200a. Here, as a modified example, the control unit 6, for example, receives a touch operation on the set display 350, and then displays the forward direction display 322 and the rearward direction display 323 of the control content display 32, and determines that one of the first setting display 351 to the third setting display 353 has been selected based on the touch operation on the forward direction display 322 and the rearward direction display 323. Then, when a touch operation on the set display 350 is further received, the control unit 6 outputs control information S3 based on the selected setting display to the electric seat device 2. The seat control unit 217 determines the selected setting display based on the acquired control information S3, and controls the electric seat device 2 based on the setting information 200a stored in association with the determined setting display.

[0106] An example of the operation of the control device 1 of this embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0107] (operation) If "Yes" in Step 1 is established, that is, if an operation is detected based on the detection information S2 acquired from the detection unit 4 (Step 1: Yes) and it is a first touch operation 71 on the control target display 31 (Step 2: Yes), the control unit 6 of the control device 1 outputs a display control signal S1 to the display unit 3 to highlight the control target display 31 on which the first touch operation 71 was detected (Step 3) and display the control content display 32 corresponding to the control target display 31 (Step 4). Note that in Step 3, the control unit 6 highlights the control target display 31 on which the first touch operation 71 was performed as the detected control target display 31a, making it brighter than the other displays.

[0108] The control unit 6 measures the time since the first touch operation 71 was detected, and if a second touch operation 72 is performed on the control content display 32 within the reception period 60 (Step 5: Yes), it highlights the control content display 32 on which the second touch operation 72 was performed (Step 6), and outputs control information S3 based on the control content display 32 on which the second touch operation 72 was performed to the electric seat device 2 via the communication unit 5 (Step 7), and proceeds to step 5.

[0109] Here, in Step 2, if the detected operation is not the first touch operation 71 on the control target display 31 (Step 2: No), the control unit 6 outputs the control information S3 corresponding to the display on which the operation was detected to the power seat device 2 via the communication unit 5 (Step 8), and proceeds to Step 1. Note that the control unit 6 may also display the control content display 32 when a touch operation is performed on any of the heater display 33, the cooler display 34, and the memory display 35.

[0110] Also, in step 5, if the control unit 6 does not detect the second touch operation 72 within the reception period 60 (Step 5: No), the control content display 32 is hidden and the brightness of the detection control target display 31a is restored to the first state 11, and the processing proceeds to step 1 (Step 9).

[0111] The control device 1 repeats the above operation until the power is cut off. Furthermore, when instructed by the in-vehicle device, the control device 1 returns the display to the first state 11, that is, the default state.

[0112] (Effects of the embodiment) The control device 1 according to this embodiment can suppress erroneous operations. Specifically, when executing the control content of the control target, the control device 1 requires two-step operations, a first touch operation 71 and a second touch operation 72. Therefore, compared to when the control content is executed by a single operation, it is possible to suppress erroneous operations that are unintentionally executed due to accidental touching, etc.

[0113] Since the control device 1 requires two-stage operation, erroneous operation is suppressed and operability is improved compared to when this configuration is not adopted, even if it is placed on the armrest 811, armrest 821, floor console 84, etc., where passengers are likely to accidentally touch, i.e., are likely to operate easily.

[0114] Compared to cases where switches are arranged according to the control content, the control device 1 has an excellent design and switches the display state by lighting between a first state 11 to a third state 13, making the display that can be operated easy for the occupant to understand and highly operable.

[0115] The control device 1 suppresses erroneous operation, and therefore can be placed in a location where an occupant seated in the electric seat device 2 can operate it without losing their posture, resulting in high operability.

[0116] Although the embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments and modifications are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the invention as claimed. These novel embodiments and modifications may be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, etc. may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, not all combinations of features described in these embodiments and modifications are necessarily essential to the means for solving the problems of the invention. Furthermore, these embodiments and modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 1...control device, 2...electric seat device, 3...display unit, 4...detection unit, 5...communication unit, 6...control unit, 8...vehicle, 11-13...first state to third state, 20...seat cushion, 20a...seating surface portion, 20b...front end portion, 20c...support portion, 21...seat back, 22...headrest, 23...lumbar support, 24...seat rail, 30...general display, 31...control object display, 31a...detected control object display, 32...control content display, 32a...detected control content display, 33...heater display, 34...cooler display , 35...Memory display, 60...Acceptance period, 71...First touch operation, 72...Second touch operation, 73...Touch operation, 74...Long press operation, 311 to 315...First display to fifth display, 320...Upward direction display, 321...Downward direction display, 322...Forward direction display, 323...Rearward direction display, 330...Heater seat display, 331...Heater bar display, 340...Cooler seat display, 341...Cooler bar display, 350...Set display, 351...First setting display, 352...Second setting display, 353...Third setting display

Claims

1. a display unit that displays a control object display corresponding to a control object that can be controlled in the controlled device and a control content display corresponding to the control content of the control object; a detection unit that detects an operation on the control object display and the control content display displayed on the display unit; a control unit that controls the display unit and the detection unit to display the control object display and change the control content display to a display with a different brightness from that of the control object display, and when a first operation on the control object display is detected in a first state in which no operation on the control content display is accepted, to switch from the first state to a second state in which the control content display is displayed and a second operation on the control content display is accepted; A control device comprising:

2. When the controlled device has a plurality of control objects and at least one control content for each of the plurality of control objects, the control unit, in the first state, displays a plurality of control object displays corresponding to the plurality of control objects and hides the control content display by displaying the control object displays with a different brightness, and in the second state, displays at least one control content display corresponding to a detected control object display in which the first operation is detected among the plurality of control object displays and accepts the second operation for the at least one control content display. The control device according to claim 1 .

3. the controlled device is an electric seat device of a vehicle, the control object is a drivable part of the electric seat device, The control content is a drive direction of the drivable part. The control device according to claim 2 .

4. the control unit controls the display unit to display the detected control-target display, on which the first operation is detected, brighter than the other control-target displays. The control device according to claim 3 .

5. the control unit controls the display unit to display the detected control content display in which the second operation is detected brighter than the other displayed control content displays. The control device according to claim 4.

6. The display unit is disposed on a door trim near the electric seat device. The control device according to claim 5 .

Images