Control method for shift operation device and shift operation device

Abstract

A control method for a shift operation device and a shift operation device are provided that can quickly and reliably notify a user of operable switch sections, among switch sections provided for each shift position used in driving a vehicle. [Solution] The control method for a shift operation device 1 and the shift operation device 1 have multiple switch units 11-14 for selecting a shift position, a determination unit 32, and an illumination control unit 33. The determination unit 32 determines whether each of the multiple switch units 11-14 can be selected to change the shift position based on the shift position currently selected in the vehicle and the vehicle's operating state. The illumination control unit 33 illuminates, with different illumination patterns, a selected switch unit, which is the switch unit for the currently selected shift position, and a selectable switch unit, which is a switch unit determined to be selectable.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control method for a shift operation device and a shift operation device. [Background technology]

[0002] Vehicles equipped with switch-type shift operation devices are becoming more common, and some of these vehicles have a function to lock the switch of a shift position that prevents subsequent shift changes from the currently selected shift position.

[0003] For example, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, when the shift position "D (driver)" is selected and the vehicle is traveling at a speed above a predetermined speed, the switch sections of the shift positions "P (parking)" and "R (reverse)", which do not allow shift changes from this state, are locked by preventing them from moving in the direction of depression.

[0004] By providing such a function, the shift operation device can prevent operation of the switch portion of a shift position that does not allow a shift change. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-214163 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] As described above, when any switch in the shift operation device is locked, the user recognizes that the switch is locked because the switch cannot be moved in the downward direction when the user applies force to operate the locked switch. Therefore, there is a problem that the user cannot recognize whether the operation of the switch is valid until the user applies force to operate the switch, resulting in an invalid operation. Furthermore, if the user is wearing thick gloves, the user may not realize that the locked switch cannot be moved in the downward direction even when the user applies force, and may not recognize that the switch is locked.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a control method for a shift operation device and a shift operation device that can quickly and reliably notify a user of switch sections that can be operated, among switch sections provided for each shift position used in driving a vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One aspect of the present invention relates to a control method for a shift operation device having a plurality of switch units, each provided for a respective shift position used in driving a vehicle, for selecting a shift position. The control method for a shift operation device determines whether each of the plurality of switch units can be selected to change the shift position based on the currently selected shift position in the vehicle and the vehicle's operating state, and illuminates, with different illumination patterns, a selected switch unit, which is the switch unit for the currently selected shift position, and a selectable switch unit, which is the switch unit determined to be selectable. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to quickly and reliably notify a user of operable switch units among switch units provided for each shift position used in driving a vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an overall view showing the configuration of a vehicle system using a shift operation device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the shift operation device according to one embodiment while the vehicle is being driven. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which the P range SW, which is a selection switch section in the shift operation device, is illuminated. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which the P range SW, which is a selected switch section in the shift operation device, and the R range SW, N range SW, and D range SW, which are selectable switch sections, are illuminated. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which the D-range SW, which is a selected switch section in the shift operation device, and the P-range SW, R-range SW, and N-range SW, which are selectable switch sections, are illuminated. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state in which the D range SW, which is a selected switch section in the shift operation device, and the N range SW, which is a selectable switch section, are illuminated. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which the D-range SW, which is the selected switch section in the shift operation device, and the P-range SW, R-range SW, and N-range SW, which are selectable switch sections, are illuminated. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state in which the P range SW, which is the selected switch section in the shift operation device, and the R range SW, N range SW, and D range SW, which are selectable switch sections, are illuminated. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a state in which the P range SW, which is a selection switch section in the shift operation device, is illuminated. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which all switch sections in the soft selector are turned off. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A vehicle system using a shift operation device and a control method for the shift operation device according to one embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that common parts in the drawings are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0012] <Configuration of a vehicle system using a shift operation device according to one embodiment> FIG. 1 is an overall view showing the configuration of a vehicle system ST using a shift operation device 1 according to one embodiment. The vehicle system ST includes the shift operation device 1 and a vehicle device 2 mounted on a vehicle. The vehicle device 2 is a variety of devices mounted on the vehicle, including a shift position change mechanism (hereinafter referred to as a "shift change mechanism"). Although only one vehicle device 2 is shown in FIG. 1, multiple vehicle devices 2 may be provided in the vehicle.

[0013] The shift operation device 1 includes an operation unit 10, an output device 20, and a controller 30. The operation unit 10 is configured as a switch type, and has a plurality of switch units provided for each shift position used in driving the vehicle. Specifically, the plurality of switch units include a switch unit 11 (hereinafter referred to as "P range SW11") for selecting parking (P) as a shift position, a switch unit 12 (hereinafter referred to as "R range SW12") for selecting reverse travel (R), a switch unit 13 (hereinafter referred to as "N range SW13") for selecting neutral (N), and a switch unit 14 (hereinafter referred to as "D range SW14") for selecting forward travel (D).

[0014] The P-range switch 11 has a built-in LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting device 11L (hereinafter referred to as "LED 11L") that serves as a lighting unit. Similarly, the R-range switch 12 has a built-in LED 12, the N-range switch 13 has a built-in LED 13, and the D-range switch 14 has a built-in LED 14. The LEDs 11L, LED 12L, LED 13L, and LED 14L each independently illuminate the switch unit in which they are installed.

[0015] The output device 20 is configured by, for example, a speaker device.

[0016] The controller 30 is, for example, a VCU (Vehicle Control Unit), and includes a device information processing unit 31, a determination unit 32, an illumination control unit 33, and an output control unit .

[0017] The device information processing unit 31 acquires device information from the vehicle device 2, such as information on the vehicle speed and braking status, which are the driving status of the vehicle, information on the currently selected shift position, and abnormality occurrence information. Based on the acquired device information, the device information processing unit 31 also generates an operation request for the vehicle device 2, such as a request to change to a specified shift position, and transmits it to the vehicle device 2.

[0018] The determination unit 32 determines whether each of the switch units 11 to 14 can be selected as a shift position change target based on the information on the currently selected shift position acquired by the device information processing unit 31 and the driving state of the vehicle.

[0019] Based on the information acquired by the device information processing unit 31 and the determination result by the determination unit 32, the illumination control unit 33 generates an instruction to illuminate the switch unit of the currently selected shift position among the switch units 11 to 14 (hereinafter referred to as the "selected switch unit") and the switch units determined to be selectable (hereinafter referred to as the "selectable switch units"), and transmits the instruction to the operation unit 10. At this time, the illumination control unit 33 generates an instruction to illuminate the selected switch unit and the selectable switch units with different light emission patterns.

[0020] In addition, when the lighting control unit 33 detects an abnormality related to the shift change mechanism based on the information acquired by the device information processing unit 31, it generates an instruction to change all switch units 11 to 14 in the operation unit 10 to an illumination state different from that of the selected switch units and selectable switch units when no abnormality is detected, and sends the instruction to the operation unit 10.

[0021] When an unselectable switch section is operated, the output control section 34 notifies the driver by sounding a buzzer from the output device 20 or outputting audio information informing the driver that the operation is invalid.

[0022] Operation of the Vehicle System According to an Embodiment 2 is a flowchart showing the process executed by the controller 30 while the vehicle is being driven. The device information processing unit 31 of the controller 30 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the shift change mechanism based on the device information acquired from the vehicle device 2 (S1).

[0023] When the device information processing unit 31 determines that there is no abnormality in the shift change mechanism ("NO" in S1), the judgment unit 32 determines whether each of the switch units 11 to 14 can be selected as a target for changing the shift position, i.e., whether it is a selectable switch unit, based on the information on the currently selected shift position acquired by the device information processing unit 31 and the driving state of the vehicle.

[0024] If the determination unit 32 determines that there is a selectable switch unit among the switch units 11 to 14 ("YES" in S2), the illumination control unit 33 generates an instruction to illuminate the selected switch unit and the selectable switch units among the switch units 11 to 14, and transmits the instruction to the operation unit 10 (S3). At this time, the illumination control unit 33 generates an instruction to illuminate the selected switch unit and the selectable switch units with different light emission patterns.

[0025] If the determination unit 32 determines in step S2 that there is no selectable switch unit ("NO" in S2), the illumination control unit 33 generates an instruction to illuminate the selected switch unit among the switch units and transmits it to the operation unit 10 (S4).

[0026] Furthermore, in step S1, if the device information processing unit 31 determines that there is an abnormality related to the shift change mechanism ("YES" in S1), in order to notify the occurrence of the abnormality, the lighting control unit 33 generates an instruction to change all switch units 11 to 14 in the operation unit 10 to an illumination state different from that of the selected switch units and selectable switch units when no abnormality is detected, and transmits the instruction to the operation unit 10. Furthermore, if the device information processing unit 31 determines that there is an abnormality related to the shift change mechanism, the output control unit 34 generates an instruction to sound a buzzer, output audio information notifying that the operation is invalid, present a tactile stimulus using a vibrator or by energizing, or the like, in order to notify the abnormality, and transmits the instruction to the output device 20 (S5).

[0027] 3 to 10 are diagrams showing an example of the transition of the illumination states of the switch units 11 to 14 while the vehicle is being driven. The illumination states of the switch units 11 to 14 that change based on the driving state of the vehicle will be specifically described using FIGS. 3 to 10.

[0028] When the vehicle is stopped and parking (P) is selected as the shift position, the driver depresses the brake pedal (brake ON state) and presses a start button (not shown) to start driving, which puts the vehicle into a state where it can run. After pressing the start button, the driver releases the brake pedal to put the brake OFF state. This information on the shift position and information indicating the driving situation is transmitted from each vehicle device 2 to the controller 30 as device information, and is acquired by the device information processing unit 31.

[0029] The determination unit 32 does not detect any abnormality in the shift change mechanism ("NO" in S1) based on the device information acquired by the device information processing unit 31, and recognizes that parking (P) is selected as the shift position and that the brake is in the OFF state. Based on the recognized content, the determination unit 32 determines that there is no switch unit that can be selected and operated as a target for changing the shift position ("NO" in S2).

[0030] As a result, the illumination control unit 33 generates an instruction to illuminate only the P range SW11, which is the currently selected switch unit, and transmits the instruction to the operation unit 10 (S4). The operation unit 10 causes the LED 11L to emit light based on the instruction transmitted from the controller 30, thereby illuminating the P range SW11 as shown in Fig. 3. This notifies the driver that the currently selected shift position is parking (P).

[0031] Next, the driver steps on the brake to turn on the brake in order to change the shift position. At this time, the determination unit 32 recognizes, based on the device information acquired by the device information processing unit 31, that parking (P) has been selected as the shift position, the vehicle speed is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and the brake is on. Based on the recognized content, the determination unit 32 determines that reverse driving (R), neutral (N), and forward driving (D) are selectable as targets for changing the shift position. As a result, the determination unit 32 determines that there are switch units that can be selected as targets for changing the shift position, and that these switch units are the R range SW12, the N range SW13, and the D range SW14 ("YES" in S2).

[0032] When the determination unit 32 determines that there is a switch unit that can be selected as a target for changing the shift position, the illumination control unit 33 generates an instruction to illuminate the P range SW11, which is the selected switch unit, and the R range SW12, N range SW13, and D range SW14, which are selectable switch units, and transmits the instruction to the operation unit 10 (S3). At that time, the illumination control unit 33 generates and transmits an instruction to illuminate the selected switch unit and the selectable switch units with different light emission patterns.

[0033] For example, the illumination control unit 33 generates an instruction to illuminate the selected switch unit and the selectable switch unit by changing the illumination pattern by changing the way, color, or brightness of the LEDs. As specific examples of the illumination patterns of the selected switch unit and the selectable switch unit, illumination patterns (1) to (3) will be described.

[0034] [Lighting pattern (1)] In the illumination pattern (1), the illumination control unit 33 controls each LED so that the brightness of the illumination of the currently selected switch section is higher than the brightness of the illumination of the selectable switch section. The brightness of the illumination is controlled by the user's settings, such as the luminous flux (lm), luminous intensity (cd), and brightness (cd / m 2 ) or illuminance (lx).

[0035] This emphasizes the illumination of the selected switch section, allowing the driver to easily recognize the currently selected shift position. Also, by distinguishing between the selected switch section and the selectable switch section by the brightness of the illumination in this way, switch sections 11 to 14 can be configured with fewer parts than if they were distinguished by the color of the illumination.

[0036] [Lighting pattern (2)] In the light emission pattern (1), the illumination control unit 33 controls each LED to illuminate the currently selected switch unit and the selectable switch unit with light of different colors, i.e., different wavelengths. This allows the driver to more quickly recognize the currently selected shift position and the changeable shift positions, and shortens the time spent gazing at the switches 11-14 and the time spent moving their fingers from the steering wheel to the switches 11-14.

[0037] [Lighting pattern (3)] In illumination pattern (3), the illumination control unit 33 causes the LEDs of the selectable switch units to flash. This emphasizes the illumination of the currently selected switch units, allowing the driver to easily recognize the currently selected shift position. Furthermore, by distinguishing between the currently selected switch units and the selectable switch units by lighting / flashing the LEDs in this way, the number of LED colors can be reduced, simplifying the configuration of switch units 11-14, and even drivers with color blindness can easily distinguish and recognize these switch units, which is also preferable from the perspective of barrier-free access. This concludes the explanation of illumination patterns (1)-(3).

[0038] Based on instructions sent from the controller 30, the operation unit 10 causes the LED 11L and the LEDs 12L, 13L, and 14L to emit light in different light emission patterns, illuminating the P-range SW 11, the R-range SW 12, the N-range SW 13, and the D-range SW 14, as shown in Fig. 4. This notifies the driver of the currently selected shift position, the selectable shift positions, and the positions of their switch units.

[0039] Next, when the driver operates the D-range SW 14 while stepping on the brake to drive the vehicle forward, the D-range SW 14 is an operable switch unit at this point, so the operation is validly accepted and operation information of the D-range SW 14 is sent to the device information processing unit 31. The device information processing unit 31 generates an instruction to change the shift position to forward driving (D) based on the operation information acquired from the operation unit 10 and sends it to the vehicle device 2. The vehicle device 2 changes the shift position of the shift change mechanism to forward driving (D) based on the acquired instruction and sends information indicating the change to the device information processing unit 31 as device information.

[0040] When the device information processing unit 31 acquires the shift position change information, the determination unit 32 determines that parking (P), reverse (R), and neutral (N) are selectable as targets for changing the shift position because forward driving (D) has been selected as the shift position, the vehicle speed is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and the brake is ON. As a result, the determination unit 32 determines that there are switch units that can be selected as targets for changing the shift position, and that these switch units are the P range SW11, the R range SW12, and the N range SW13 ("YES" in S2).

[0041] When the determination unit 32 determines that there is a switch unit that can be selected to change the shift position, the illumination control unit 33 generates an instruction to illuminate the selected switch unit, D range SW14, and the selectable switch units, P range SW11, R range SW12, and N range SW13, with different illumination patterns, and transmits the instruction to the operation unit 10 (S3).

[0042] Based on instructions transmitted from controller 30, operation unit 10 causes LED 14L and LEDs 11L, 12L, and 13L to emit light in different emission patterns, illuminating D-range switch 14, P-range switch 11, R-range switch 12, and N-range switch 13, as shown in Fig. 5. In other words, operation unit 10 changes the target of illumination according to the illumination pattern of the currently selected switch unit from LED 11L to LED 14L, and changes LED 11L to emit light according to the illumination pattern of the selectable switch unit. This notifies the driver of the new currently selected shift position, the selectable shift positions, and the positions of their switch units.

[0043] Next, when the driver releases the brake and turns on the accelerator, the vehicle speed increases and exceeds a predetermined value. At this time, the determination unit 32 determines that forward travel (D) is selected as the shift position and that neutral (N) is selectable as a target for changing the shift position, based on the device information acquired by the device information processing unit 31. As a result, the determination unit 32 determines that there is a switch unit that can be selected as a target for changing the shift position, and that this switch unit is the N-range SW 13 ("YES" in S2).

[0044] When the determination unit 32 determines that there is a switch unit that can be selected to change the shift position, the illumination control unit 33 generates an instruction to illuminate the selected switch unit, D range SW14, and the selectable switch unit, N range SW13, and transmits the instruction to the operation unit 10 (S3).

[0045] Based on instructions transmitted from the controller 30, the operation unit 10 causes the LED 14L and the LED 13L to emit light in different light emission patterns, thereby illuminating the D-range switch 14 and the N-range switch 13, as shown in Fig. 6. This notifies the driver of the currently selected shift position, selectable shift positions, and the positions of their switch sections.

[0046] Next, the driver applies the brake to stop the vehicle, and after the vehicle speed drops below a predetermined value, maintains the brake applied state until the vehicle stops. At this time, based on the device information acquired by the device information processing unit 31, the determination unit 32 determines that forward travel (D) is selected as the shift position, the vehicle speed is below a predetermined value, and the brake is ON, so that parking (P), reverse travel (R), and neutral (N) are selectable as targets for changing the shift position. As a result, the determination unit 32 determines that there is a switch unit that can be selected as a target for changing the shift position, and that the switch unit is the P range SW11, the R range SW12, and the N range SW13 ("YES" in S2).

[0047] When the determination unit 32 determines that there is a switch unit that can be selected to change the shift position, the illumination control unit 33 generates an instruction to illuminate the selected switch unit, D range SW14, and the selectable switch units, P range SW11, R range SW12, and N range SW13, and transmits the instruction to the operation unit 10 (S3).

[0048] Based on instructions sent from controller 30, operation unit 10 causes LED 14L and LEDs 11L, 12L, and 13L to emit light in different emission patterns, illuminating D-range SW 14, P-range SW 11, R-range SW 12, and N-range SW 13, as shown in Fig. 7. This notifies the driver of the new currently selected shift position, selectable shift positions, and the positions of their switch units.

[0049] Next, after the vehicle has come to a stop, when the driver operates the P range SW11 while still pressing the brake, the P range SW11 is an operable switch at this point, so the operation is validly accepted and operation information of the P range SW11 is sent to the device information processing unit 31. The device information processing unit 31 generates an instruction to change the shift position to parking (P) based on the operation information acquired from the operation unit 10, and sends the instruction to the vehicle device 2. The vehicle device 2 changes the vehicle's shift position to parking (P) based on the acquired instruction, and sends information indicating the change to the device information processing unit 31 as device information.

[0050] When the device information processing unit 31 acquires the shift position change information, the determination unit 32 determines that reverse (R), neutral (N), and forward (D) are selectable as targets for changing the shift position because parking (P) has been selected as the shift position, the vehicle speed is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and the brake is ON. As a result, the determination unit 32 determines that there are switch units that can be selected as targets for changing the shift position, and that these switch units are the R range SW12, the N range SW13, and the D range SW14 ("YES" in S2).

[0051] When the determination unit 32 determines that there is a switch unit that can be selected to change the shift position, the illumination control unit 33 generates an instruction to illuminate the selected switch unit, P range SW11, and the selectable switch units, R range SW12, N range SW13, and D range SW14, with different illumination patterns and transmits the instruction to the operation unit 10 (S3).

[0052] Based on instructions sent from the controller 30, the operation unit 10 causes the LED 11L and the LEDs 12L, 13L, and 14L to emit light in different light emission patterns, thereby illuminating the P-range SW 11, the R-range SW 12, the N-range SW 13, and the D-range SW 14, as shown in Fig. 8. This notifies the driver of the currently selected shift position, the selectable shift positions, and the positions of their switch units.

[0053] Next, with the shift position changed to the P range, the driver releases the brake to put the brake into the OFF state. At this time, based on the device information acquired by the device information processing unit 31, the determination unit 32 determines that there is no switch unit that can be selected as a target for changing the shift position because parking (P) has been selected and the brake is in the OFF state ("NO" in S2).

[0054] As a result, the illumination control unit 33 generates an instruction to illuminate only the P range SW11, which is the currently selected switch unit, and transmits it to the operation unit 10 (S4). The operation unit 10 causes the LED 11L to emit light based on the instruction transmitted from the controller 30, thereby illuminating the P range SW11, as shown in Fig. 9. This notifies the driver of the currently selected shift position.

[0055] In the above-described embodiment, the illumination control unit 33 may cause the LEDs of the unselectable switch units, which are switch units other than the selected switch unit and the selectable switch unit, to emit light in a light emission pattern different from that of the LEDs of the selected switch unit and the selectable switch unit. This allows the driver to recognize the unselectable switch units before operating the switch units.

[0056] Furthermore, when an unselectable switch unit is operated, in order to notify the driver that the operation is invalid, the LED of the operated switch unit may be illuminated in a light emission pattern different from any of the light emission pattern of the LED of the selected switch unit, the light emission pattern of the LED of the selectable switch unit, and the light emission pattern of the LED of the unselectable switch unit when not operated. This allows the driver to recognize that the switch unit is an unselectable switch unit when they operate it.

[0057] Furthermore, when an unselectable switch section is operated, the output control section 34 may cause the output device 20 to emit a buzzer sound or output audio information notifying that the operation is invalid. Furthermore, a vibration device (not shown) or an electrotactile device (not shown) may be provided for each of the switches 11 to 14, and when an unselectable switch section is operated, the output control section 34 may present a tactile stimulus by vibrating the vibrator of the vibration device of the operated switch section or by energizing the electrotactile device.

[0058] Here, "when an unselectable switch unit is operated" means, for example, when parking (P) is selected as the shift position and the vehicle is stopped, and the brake is in the OFF state, so it is determined that there is no switch unit that can be selected to change the shift position, but the driver operates D-range SW14, or when forward travel (D) is selected and the R-range SW12 is operated while the vehicle is traveling forward.

[0059] The driver can prevent erroneous operation by visually recognizing the presence of the unselectable switch part. Also, the driver can recognize that the switch part he / she operated is an unselectable switch part by visually, audibly, or tactilely, and can recognize that he / she has operated the switch part erroneously and operate it again.

[0060] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, when an abnormality in the vehicle's shift change mechanism is detected based on the device information acquired by the device information processing unit 31, the illumination control unit 33 may turn off the LEDs 11L to 14L of all of the multiple switch units 11 to 14 in an illumination state different from that of the currently selected switch unit and the selectable switch unit when no abnormality is detected, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, or may light them up in red.

[0061] This allows the driver to recognize that all the switch sections 11 to 14 of the operation section 10 are inoperable due to the occurrence of an abnormality, and that the driver is unable to perform a shift change operation, which can lead to an action to stop the vehicle.

[0062] In the above-described embodiment, the LEDs 11L to 14L are built into the switch sections 11 to 14, respectively, but the LEDs 11L to 14L may be installed separately from the switch sections 11 to 14. This makes it possible to configure a shift operation device using existing switch sections that do not have built-in LEDs.

[0063] Furthermore, as long as the operation unit 10 is of a switch type, the shape, the direction in which the switches are arranged, the order in which the switches are arranged, and the like are not important.

[0064] [Effects of the embodiment] As described above, the control method for a shift operation device according to this embodiment is a control method for a shift operation device that has a plurality of switch units, each of which is provided for each shift position used in driving a vehicle, for performing an operation to select a shift position. Based on the shift position currently selected in the vehicle and the driving state of the vehicle, it is determined whether each of the plurality of switch units can be selected to change the shift position, and among the plurality of switch units, a selected switch unit, which is the switch unit for the currently selected shift position, and a selectable switch unit, which is a switch unit determined to be selectable, are illuminated with different illumination patterns.

[0065] This allows the driver to recognize whether or not each switch section can be operated before operating the switch on the shift operation device.

[0066] The shift operation device may also illuminate the currently selected switch section so that the brightness of the illumination is higher than the brightness of the illumination of the selectable switch section. This emphasizes the illumination of the currently selected switch section, allowing the driver to easily recognize the currently selected shift position. Also, by distinguishing between the currently selected switch section and the selectable switch section by the brightness of the illumination in this way, each switch section can be configured with fewer parts than if the distinction was made by the color of the illumination.

[0067] The shift operation device may also illuminate the selected switch portion and the selectable switch portion in different colors, allowing the driver to more quickly recognize the currently selected shift position and the changeable shift positions, thereby reducing the time spent gazing at the switch portion and the time spent moving the fingers from the steering wheel to the switch portion.

[0068] The shift operation device may also make the selectable switch units flash, which allows for a simpler switch configuration with fewer LED colors and allows drivers with color blindness to easily distinguish and recognize these switch units, making it ideal from the perspective of barrier-free access.

[0069] Furthermore, when an unselectable switch other than the selected switch and the selectable switch is operated, the shift operation device may illuminate the unselectable switch with a different illumination pattern from the selected switch and the selectable switch. This allows the driver to recognize that the unselectable switch is an unselectable switch when the driver operates the unselectable switch.

[0070] Furthermore, when an unselectable switch is operated, the shift operation device may at least sound a buzzer, output audio information notifying the driver that the operation is invalid, or provide a tactile stimulus using a vibrator or electricity, thereby enabling the driver to more accurately recognize that the operated switch is an unselectable switch.

[0071] Furthermore, when an abnormality in the vehicle's shift change mechanism is detected, the shift operation device may illuminate all of the multiple switches in a different lighting state than the currently selected switch and selectable switch when no abnormality is detected. This allows the driver to recognize that all switches are inoperable and that shift change operation is not possible, which can lead to taking action to stop the vehicle.

[0072] Although several embodiments have been described, the embodiments can be modified or varied based on the above disclosure. All components of the above embodiments and all features described in the claims may be individually extracted and combined, unless they are mutually inconsistent.

[0073] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the descriptions and drawings that form part of this disclosure should not be understood to limit the present invention. From this disclosure, various alternative embodiments, examples, and operating techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1 Shift operation device 2 Vehicle Devices 10 Control section 11 Switch section (P range SW) 12 Switch section (R range SW) 13 Switch section (N range SW) 14 Switch section (D range SW) 11L, 12L, 13L, 14L LED lighting equipment 20 Output Devices 30 Controllers 31 Device information processing unit 32 Judgment section 33 Lighting control unit 34 Output control section

Claims

1. A control method for a shift operation device having a plurality of switch units provided for each shift position used in driving a vehicle, for performing an operation to select a shift position, comprising: determining whether each of the plurality of switch units can be selected as a shift position change target based on a shift position currently selected in the vehicle and an operating state of the vehicle; A control method for a shift operation device, in which a selected switch unit, which is a switch unit for a currently selected shift position, and a selectable switch unit, which is a switch unit determined to be capable of being selected, are illuminated with different illumination patterns.

2. 2. The method for controlling a shift operation device according to claim 1, wherein the brightness of the illumination of the currently selected switch section is set higher than the brightness of the illumination of the selectable switch section.

3. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the currently selected switch portion and the selectable switch portion are illuminated in different colors.

4. The method for controlling a shift operation device according to claim 1, wherein the selectable switch portion is caused to flash.

5. 2. The control method for a shift operation device according to claim 1, wherein, when an unselectable switch unit other than the selected switch unit and the selectable switch unit is operated among the plurality of switch units, the unselectable switch unit is illuminated with a lighting pattern different from that of the selected switch unit and the selectable switch unit.

6. 6. The control method for a shift operation device according to claim 5, wherein, when the unselectable switch unit is operated, at least one of sounding a buzzer, outputting audio information notifying that the operation is invalid, and presenting a tactile stimulus by a vibrator or by energizing is executed.

7. 2. The control method for a shift operation device according to claim 1, wherein, when an abnormality related to a shift change mechanism of the vehicle is detected, all of the plurality of switch units are illuminated in an illumination state different from that of the selected switch unit and the selectable switch unit when the abnormality is not detected.

8. a plurality of switch units provided for each shift position used in driving the vehicle, for performing an operation to select the shift position; an illumination unit that independently illuminates each of the plurality of switch units; a control device that controls the lighting unit, The control device a determination unit that determines whether each of the plurality of switch units can be selected as a shift position change target based on a shift position currently selected in the vehicle and an operating state of the vehicle; a lighting control unit that illuminates, with different lighting patterns, a selected switch unit, which is a switch unit for a currently selected shift position, and a selectable switch unit, which is a switch unit determined to be capable of being selected, among the plurality of switch units.

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