Vehicle input device

Abstract

To obtain a vehicle input device that allows for comfortable and intuitive control of in-vehicle equipment. [Solution] A vehicle input device comprising 32R, 33R, 35R, 32L, 33L, and 35L positioned between the steering wheel 12 and the instrument panel 16, which, when a sliding motion is detected based on a signal received from a touch sensor, outputs a signal corresponding to the sliding motion to an in-vehicle device and moves the image within the display area according to the sliding motion, wherein the display area is provided in a right-side display section 30R and a left-side display section 30L, and finger rests 31 are provided on the front surfaces of the right-side display section 30R and the left-side display section 30L.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle input device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a structure including a display unit that protrudes from the instrument panel toward the steering side. In particular, Patent Document 1 describes that the functions of a vehicle are controlled by performing touch input while information regarding the functions of the vehicle is displayed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the structure described in Patent Document 1, information changed to a part different from the part touched by the touch operation of an occupant is displayed, so there is room for improvement in intuitively grasping the change status of in-vehicle devices.

[0005] In consideration of the above facts, an object of the present invention is to obtain a vehicle input device that can comfortably and intuitively control in-vehicle devices.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The vehicle input device according to the first embodiment is positioned between the steering wheel and the instrument panel and includes a display area on which a predetermined image is displayed and which is equipped with a touch sensor. When a sliding motion is detected in which the image is slid within the display area based on a signal received from the touch sensor, the device outputs a signal corresponding to the sliding motion to an in-vehicle device and moves the image within the display area in accordance with the sliding motion. The display area is provided in a plate-shaped right-side display section that extends to the right of the steering wheel with the vehicle's front-rear direction as the thickness direction, and a plate-shaped left-side display section that extends to the left of the steering wheel. Finger rests are provided on the front surfaces of the right-side display section and the left-side display section opposite to the display area.

[0007] In the vehicle input device according to the first embodiment, the display area is positioned between the steering wheel and the instrument panel, and when a sliding motion is detected based on a signal received from a touch sensor, a signal corresponding to the sliding motion is output to the in-vehicle equipment. Here, since the image moves within the display area in accordance with the sliding motion, the occupant can intuitively control the in-vehicle equipment while looking at the position of the image. In addition, since the display area can be operated while placing fingers on the finger rests, operability can be improved.

[0008] In the vehicle input device according to the second embodiment, the finger rest portion is composed of recesses formed on the front surface of the right-side display portion and the front surface of the left-side display portion.

[0009] In the third embodiment, the vehicle input device is formed to protrude forward from the front of the right-side display unit and the front of the left-side display unit, respectively, in the first embodiment.

[0010] The vehicle input device according to the fourth embodiment, in any one of the first to third embodiments, displays information regarding the vehicle's current shift position in the area of ​​the display area that is outside the steering wheel in the vehicle width direction, and the display is toned down when the vehicle is in motion compared to when the vehicle is stopped.

[0011] In the vehicle input device according to the fourth embodiment, the annoyance caused by the display can be suppressed by toning down the display while driving. That is, because the display area is closer to the occupant than the instrument panel, it is more likely to catch the occupant's eye than the display on the instrument panel, but on the other hand, it may be annoying if the occupant does not look at the display area. For this reason, by toning down the display while driving, the annoyance felt by the occupant can be suppressed.

[0012] In the fifth embodiment, when driving in a driving assistance mode in which accelerator operation and steering are performed automatically, the vehicle input device displays information regarding the setting of the distance to the preceding vehicle in the area of ​​the display area that is outside the steering wheel in the vehicle width direction.

[0013] In the vehicle input device according to the fifth embodiment, the distance to the preceding vehicle can be easily changed while driving in driving mode. The term "driving assistance mode" here includes an automated driving mode in which the occupant does not need to pay attention to the surrounding situation. Furthermore, "driving assistance mode" broadly includes driving assistance modes in which the occupant is required to hold the steering wheel. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] As described above, the vehicle input device according to the present invention allows for comfortable and intuitive control of in-vehicle equipment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the area around the driver's seat of a vehicle to which the vehicle input device according to the embodiment is applied, as viewed from the rear of the vehicle. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing the area around the driver's seat, viewed from the rear and slightly above. [Figure 3] This is an enlarged view of the main part of the vehicle input device according to the embodiment, as seen from the rear of the vehicle, and shows the state while driving in manual driving mode. [Figure 4]It is an enlarged view of the main part of the vehicle input device according to the embodiment, as seen from the rear side of the vehicle, and is a view showing the state during traveling in the driving support mode. [Figure 5] It is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the vehicle input device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the vehicle input device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the display process of the vehicle input device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a schematic diagram showing the vehicle input device of the modification example.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] The steering module 10 provided with the vehicle input device 14 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the arrows FR, UP, and LH in each figure indicate the front side, upper side, and left side of the vehicle, respectively. When explaining using the front-back, left-right, and up-down directions of the vehicle, unless otherwise specified, the front and back in the vehicle front-back direction, the left and right in the vehicle width direction, and the up and down in the vehicle up-down direction are shown.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, an instrument panel 16 is provided at the front part of the vehicle interior in the vehicle V. The instrument panel 16 extends in the vehicle width direction, and a steering wheel 12 is provided on the left side of the vehicle of this instrument panel 16. That is, in the present embodiment, as an example, it is a left-hand drive vehicle provided with a steering wheel 12 on the left side, and the driver's seat is set on the left side of the vehicle, but it is not limited to this. For example, it may be applied to a right-hand drive vehicle provided with a steering wheel 12 on the right side of the vehicle.

[0018] A windshield glass 18 is provided at the front end of the instrument panel 16. The windshield glass 18 extends in the vehicle up-down direction and the vehicle width direction and partitions the inside of the vehicle compartment and the outside of the vehicle compartment.

[0019] The left end of the windshield glass 18 is fixed to the front pillar 20 on the left side of the vehicle. The front pillar 20 extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and the windshield glass 18 is fixed to the inner end of the front pillar 20 in the vehicle width direction.

[0020] A vehicle seat 22 is disposed on the rear side of the vehicle with respect to the instrument panel 16. The vehicle seat 22 is a driver's seat on which an occupant sits. The vehicle V according to the present embodiment is a vehicle configured to be able to switch between an automatic driving mode in which the vehicle travels without the occupant performing a driving operation and a manual driving mode, and is configured to allow a transition to the automatic driving mode when predetermined conditions are satisfied in the state of the manual driving mode. Here, a steering module 10 is provided in front of the vehicle seat 22.

[0021] (Steering module 10) FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the vicinity of the driver's seat as viewed obliquely upward from behind. As shown in FIG. 2, the steering module 10 includes a steering wheel 12 that an occupant grips and steers, and a vehicle input device 14 (hereinafter, may be appropriately referred to as the "input device 14"). The input device 14 also functions as a display device for displaying information to the occupant.

[0022] The steering module 10 includes a module base 26 attached to the instrument panel 16. The module base 26 is formed in a shape that becomes narrower as it goes from the rear of the vehicle to the front in plan view, and the front end of the module base 26 is fixed to the upper surface of the instrument panel 16.

[0023] A column portion 24 constituting the steering wheel 12 is provided at the center in the vehicle width direction at the rear end of the module base 26. Input devices 14 are provided at both ends in the vehicle width direction at the rear end of the module base 26. The input device 14 is disposed between the steering wheel 12 and the instrument panel 16 and displays information to the occupant.

[0024] (Steering 12) The steering wheel 12 is composed of a column section 24, a base section 40, a right grip section 42R, a left grip section 42L, a connecting section 44, an upper right side section 46R, and an upper left side section 46L.

[0025] The column section 24 protrudes from the instrument panel 16 toward the rear of the vehicle via the module base 26. Here, the tip of the column section 24 is provided with sensors (not shown) capable of detecting occupants. The sensors include sensors for detecting the occupant's entire face, sensors for detecting the pupils, sensors for detecting the direction of gaze, and sensors for detecting posture.

[0026] Furthermore, the tip of the column section 24 is provided with an air vent (not shown) that can blow air toward the rear of the vehicle. For example, if an air conditioning system is installed in front of the instrument panel 16, the air conditioned by the air conditioning system is configured to pass through the inside of the column section 24 and be blown to the driver's seat through the air vent. By providing an air vent at the tip of the column section 24 in this way, it becomes unnecessary to place a register on the instrument panel 16, improving the design freedom of the vehicle interior. In addition, air can be blown from closer to the occupants than when air is blown from the instrument panel 16.

[0027] In this embodiment, as an example, the column section 24 is configured to swing vertically relative to the module base 26. In other words, the main body section 30 is configured to be able to adjust its vertical position independently of the steering 12.

[0028] A base portion 40 is provided on the column portion 24. The base portion 40 extends in the vertical and horizontal directions of the vehicle, and is rotatably attached to the portion between the base end and the tip end of the column portion 24.

[0029] A right gripping section 42R, which can be grasped by an occupant, is positioned to the right of the base section 40, and a left gripping section 42L, which can be grasped by an occupant, is positioned to the left of the base section 40. The right gripping section 42R and the left gripping section 42L each extend along the vertical direction of the vehicle and have a symmetrical shape with respect to the center of the steering wheel 12.

[0030] The lower end of the base portion 40, the lower end of the right grip portion 42R, and the lower end of the left grip portion 42L are connected in the vehicle width direction by a connecting portion 44. The connecting portion 44 is a long member positioned below the column portion 24 and oriented longitudinally in the vehicle width direction. The central part of the connecting portion 44 in the vehicle width direction is wider in the vehicle front-rear direction than both ends in the vehicle width direction.

[0031] On the other hand, the central part of the connecting section 44 in the vehicle width direction is fixed to the lower end of the base section 40. A switch for the horn may be provided at the central part of the connecting section 44 in the vehicle width direction.

[0032] The ends of the connecting portion 44 in the vehicle width direction are gently curved so that they gradually rise upward as they move toward both sides in the vehicle width direction, and are integrally formed with the right gripping portion 42R and the left gripping portion 42L.

[0033] An upper right side portion 46R is provided at the upper end of the right grip portion 42R. The upper right side portion 46R is composed of a steering upper right portion 48R that extends diagonally to the left and forward from the upper end of the right grip portion 42R, and a right eye-tracking portion 50R that extends further forward from the end of the steering upper right portion 48R and is connected to the upper end of the base portion 40.

[0034] Furthermore, a left upper edge portion 46L is provided at the upper end of the left grip portion 42L. The left upper edge portion 46L is composed of a left upper part of the steering wheel 48L that extends diagonally to the right and forward from the upper end of the left grip portion 42L, and a left eye-tracking portion 50L that extends further forward from the end of the left upper part of the steering wheel 48L and is connected to the upper end of the base portion 40.

[0035] Here, a gap is provided between the upper right edge portion 46R and the left display portion 30L, and the base portion of the module base 26 can be seen through this gap. For this reason, a display unit such as a screen may be provided in the area between the upper right edge portion 46R and the left display portion 30L of the module base 26.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, two right steering switches 52R are provided on the upper right edge 46R. The two right steering switches 52R are located side by side on the rear side of the steering wheel on the upper right edge 48R, and each is assigned a different function. For example, the right steering switches 52R may be assigned functions such as right turn signal, switching between low and high beams, and activating the voice input device.

[0037] On the other hand, two left steering switches 52L are provided on the upper left side 46L. The two left steering switches 52L are located side by side on the rear side of the vehicle on the upper left side 48L of the steering wheel, and each is assigned a different function. For example, the left steering switches 52L may be assigned functions such as activating the left turn signal, activating the wipers, or activating the active cruise control.

[0038] The steering module 10 of this embodiment is configured as described above, with the input device 14 and the steering 12 being spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0039] (Vehicle input device 14) Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the steering module 10 as seen from the rear of the vehicle. As shown in Figure 3, the input device 14 includes a main body 30. The main body 30 extends beyond the steering wheel 12 to both the left and right sides (both sides in the vehicle width direction), and is configured to display information on the surface facing the vehicle seat 22.

[0040] Specifically, the main body 30 includes a center section 30C located in the center of the steering module 10 in the vehicle width direction, a right-side display section 30R positioned to the right of the vehicle relative to the center of the steering module 10 in the vehicle width direction, and a left-side display section 30L positioned to the left of the vehicle relative to the center of the steering module 10 in the vehicle width direction.

[0041] The right-side display section 30R is formed in a roughly rectangular plate shape with the vehicle's front-rear direction as its thickness, and is located in the front of the vehicle on the right side of the steering wheel 12. In a plan view, it slopes towards the rear of the vehicle as it moves towards the right side of the vehicle. The left-side display section 30L is symmetrical to the right-side display section 30R. That is, the left-side display section 30L is formed in a roughly rectangular plate shape with the vehicle's front-rear direction as its thickness, and is located in the front of the vehicle on the left side of the steering wheel 12. In a plan view, it slopes towards the rear of the vehicle as it moves towards the left side of the vehicle.

[0042] Here, on the right-side display unit 30R, display areas 32R, 33R, and 35R are set on the rear-facing side of the vehicle opposite the driver's seat, where predetermined images are displayed. Similarly, on the left-side display unit 30L, display areas 32L, 33L, and 35L are set on the rear-facing side of the vehicle opposite the driver's seat, where predetermined images are displayed. Each display area will be described later.

[0043] As shown in Figure 2, finger rests 31 are provided on the front-facing surface of the right-side display unit 30R and the front-facing surface of the left-side display unit 30L. In this embodiment, as an example of a finger rest 31, a recess for placing a finger is formed, and the operability of the input device 14 is improved by hooking a finger into this recess.

[0044] As shown in Figure 3, a right operation switch 34R and a left operation switch 34L are provided on the upper edge of the main body 30. The right operation switch 34R is provided on the upper edge of the right display unit 30R and is formed in an elongated shape with the vehicle width direction as its longitudinal direction. It is preferable to assign functions to the right operation switch 34R and the left operation switch 34L that can be operated regardless of the information displayed on the input device 14. In this embodiment, as an example, the function of the hazard lamp is assigned to the right operation switch 34R. The function of the high beam is assigned to the left operation switch 34L, but this is not limited to this.

[0045] Next, we will explain the display areas 32R, 33R, and 35R set in the right-side display unit 30R, and the display areas 32L, 33L, and 35L set in the left-side display unit 30L.

[0046] (Display items in manual driving mode) Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the main part of the input device 14 according to the embodiment, as seen from the rear of the vehicle, and shows the state while driving in manual driving mode. As shown in Figure 3, the display area 32R of the right-side display unit 30R is located inward in the vehicle width direction (right side of the vehicle) from the steering column 24 of the steering 12, and is set at the far right end of the right-side display unit 30R. The display area 32R displays information about in-vehicle equipment other than the driving of the vehicle V.

[0047] In this embodiment, as an example, the display area 32R displays operation items related to entertainment-related in-vehicle equipment. Entertainment-related in-vehicle equipment includes music, television, radio, and video streaming services.

[0048] Here, the operation items displayed in the display area 32R can be operated by the occupant holding the right-side display unit 30R and tracing the items up and down with the fingers (thumb) of their right hand. Specifically, the occupant moves the selected item by sliding their finger from top to bottom. Similarly, the occupant moves the selected item in the opposite direction by sliding their finger from bottom to top.

[0049] To the left of display area 32R, adjacent to display area 32R, are display areas 33R and 35R. Display area 33R is located at the top and displays air conditioning-related operation items. For example, it can change the airflow volume and temperature of the air blown from the vents of each seat. Display area 35R is located at the bottom and displays information about the vehicle V. Other displays may be shown in display areas 32R, 33R, and 35R. Display areas 33R and 35R may also extend to the left of the right grip portion 42R of the steering wheel 12. In this case, the right-side display area 30R will be positioned from the outside to the inside of the steering wheel 12 when viewed from the rear of the vehicle. It is preferable to display relatively frequently used operation items in the area of ​​the right-side display area 30R that is outside the steering wheel 12, and relatively less frequently used operation items in the area of ​​the right-side display area 30R that is inside the steering wheel 12.

[0050] To the left of the vehicle (towards the steering column 24) beyond display areas 33R and 35R, a display area 36R is set. In display area 36R, items that do not require operation, such as operation items that are operated infrequently, may be displayed. For example, in display area 36R, items that do not require operation by the occupant, such as warning displays or SNS (Social Networking Service) messages, may be displayed, or items that are not operated while driving but only when the vehicle is stopped may be displayed. Thus, in this embodiment, as an example, display areas 32R, 33R, and 35R are set outside the steering wheel 12, and display area 36R is set inside the steering wheel 12. Note that a configuration with only the display areas outside the steering wheel 12 is also possible.

[0051] On the other hand, the display area 32L of the left-side display unit 30L is located outside the vehicle width direction (left side of the vehicle) of the steering wheel 12, and is set at the leftmost end of the left-side display unit 30L. The display area 32L displays information from the in-vehicle equipment related to the driving of the vehicle V.

[0052] In this embodiment, as an example, the display area 32L displays operation items related to the shift position. Specifically, it displays operation items that allow switching the shift position between drive (forward) and reverse (reverse).

[0053] Here, the operation items displayed in the display area 32L can be operated by the occupant holding the left-side display unit 30L and tracing their left thumb up and down, provided certain conditions are met. Specifically, by sliding the occupant's finger from top to bottom from the "Drive" position, the selected item moves to "Reverse." Similarly, by sliding the occupant's finger from bottom to top from the "Reverse" position, the selected item moves to "Drive." In this embodiment, as an example, the display is toned down when the vehicle V is in motion compared to when the vehicle V is stopped.

[0054] To the right of display area 32L, adjacent to it, are display areas 33L and 35L. Display area 33L is located at the top and displays the operation items for switching driving modes. For example, by operating display area 33L, the driving mode can be switched from the fuel-efficient (low-electricity) Eco mode to the Sport mode, which offers improved accelerator responsiveness.

[0055] The display area 35L is located at the bottom and displays door operation items. Specifically, the system is configured so that the occupant can lock and unlock each door on the vehicle V by operating the display area 35L.

[0056] To the right of the vehicle (towards the column 24) beyond display areas 33L and 35L, a display area 36L is provided. In display area 36L, items that do not require operation may be displayed as operation items that are operated infrequently. For example, display area 36L may be displayed in the same way as display area 36R. Thus, in this embodiment, as an example, display areas 32L, 33L, and 35L are provided on the outside of the steering wheel 12, and display area 36L is provided on the inside of the steering wheel 12. Note that a configuration with only the display areas on the outside of the steering wheel 12 is also possible.

[0057] (Display items in autonomous driving mode)

[0058] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the main part of the input device 14 according to the embodiment, as seen from the rear of the vehicle, and shows the state while driving in driver assistance mode. As shown in Figure 4, the display areas 32R, 33R, and 35R of the right-side display unit 30R display the same content as in Figure 3. Similarly, the display areas 33L and 35L of the left-side display unit 30L also display the same content as in Figure 3.

[0059] The display area 32L of the left-side display unit 30L displays information related to setting the distance between the preceding vehicle and the current vehicle. In this embodiment, as an example, an image representing the preceding vehicle is displayed at the top of the display area 32L, and an image representing the current vehicle is displayed at the bottom of the display area 32L. The system is configured so that the distance between vehicles can be changed by sliding the image representing the current vehicle up and down while the occupant is holding the left-side display unit 30L.

[0060] (Hardware configuration of input device 14) As shown in Figure 5, the input device 14 includes a control unit 60. The control unit 60 consists of a CPU 62, ROM 64, RAM 66, storage 68, a communication interface (communication I / F) 70, and an input / output interface (input / output I / F) 72. Each component is connected to the others via an internal bus 64 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0061] The CPU 62 is the central processing unit, which executes various programs and controls various components. Specifically, the CPU 62 reads programs from the ROM 64 or storage 68 and executes them using the RAM 66 as a workspace. The CPU 62 also controls the above-mentioned components and performs various calculations according to the programs recorded in the ROM 64 or storage 68.

[0062] ROM64 stores various programs and data. RAM66 temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. Storage68 is a non-temporary recording medium consisting of an HDD or SSD that stores various programs, including the operating system, and various data.

[0063] Communication I / F70 is an interface for communicating with servers and other devices, and standards such as CAN (Controller Area Network), Ethernet (registered trademark), LTE (Long Term Evolution), FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface), and Wi-Fi (registered trademark) are used.

[0064] The input / output interface 72 is connected to the right-side display unit 30R, the left-side display unit 30L, the air conditioning unit 74, and the automatic driving ECU (Electronic control unit) 76. The right-side display unit 30R is equipped with a touch sensor TSR, and the left-side display unit 30L is equipped with a touch sensor TSL. The touch sensor TSR is configured to detect the position of an occupant's finger when it touches the right-side display unit 30R, and the touch sensor TSL is configured to detect the position of an occupant's finger when it touches the left-side display unit 30L.

[0065] The autonomous driving ECU 76 is connected to a throttle ACT 78 that changes the throttle opening of the vehicle V, a brake ACT 80 that changes the braking force generated by the vehicle V's braking system, and a steering ACT 82 that changes the amount of steering by the vehicle V's steering system. The autonomous driving ECU 76 is an ECU that performs autonomous driving processing to automatically drive the vehicle V without driver intervention.

[0066] (Functional configuration of input device 14) The input device 14 implements various functions using the hardware resources described above. The functional configuration implemented by the input device 14 will be explained with reference to Figure 6.

[0067] As shown in Figure 6, the input device 14 is configured to include, as a functional unit, a driving mode acquisition unit 84, a vehicle speed acquisition unit 86, a slide motion detection unit 88, an image display unit 90, and an output unit 92. Each functional unit is realized by the CPU 62 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 64 or storage 68.

[0068] The driving mode acquisition unit 84 acquires the driving mode of the vehicle V. Specifically, if the vehicle V is being driven by an occupant, the driving mode acquisition unit 84 acquires the driving mode as manual driving mode, and if the vehicle V is not being driven by an occupant, it acquires the driving mode as automatic driving mode. In addition, if the driver assistance mode is activated, the driving mode is acquired as automatic driving mode.

[0069] The vehicle speed acquisition unit 86 acquires the speed of the vehicle V based on a signal from a speed sensor (not shown) mounted on the vehicle V.

[0070] The slide motion detection unit 88 detects that a slide motion has occurred in the right display unit 30R and the left display unit 30L.

[0071] The image display unit 90 displays predetermined images in the right display unit 30R and the left display unit 30L. In this embodiment, as an example, when the driving mode is manual driving mode, the image display unit 90 displays operation items related to the shift position in the display area 32L, and when the driving mode is automatic driving mode, it displays operation items related to the distance between vehicles in the display area 32L.

[0072] Furthermore, when a sliding motion is detected, the image display unit 90 moves the image within the display area in accordance with the sliding motion. For example, in Figure 3, the image of the vehicle displayed in the display area 32L moves in accordance with the sliding motion. Specifically, the image moves in the direction of the slide by the distance the occupant slides with their finger.

[0073] Furthermore, when the system switches from automatic driving mode to manual driving mode, the image display unit 90 switches the content of its display area to content related to the shift position. In other words, it transitions from the state shown in Figure 4 to the state shown in Figure 3.

[0074] Furthermore, in manual driving mode, the image display unit 90 tones down the display area 32L when the vehicle speed is greater than 0, i.e., when the vehicle is in motion.

[0075] The output unit 92 outputs a signal corresponding to the sliding motion. For example, in Figure 3, when the vehicle image is moved to position R by the occupant's sliding motion, a signal is output to switch the shift position to reverse.

[0076] (action) Next, the operation of the input device 14 according to this embodiment will be explained.

[0077] An example of the display processing by the input device 14 of this embodiment will be explained using the flowchart shown in Figure 6. These display processes are performed by the CPU 62 reading the display program from the ROM 64 or storage 68, loading it into the RAM 66, and executing it.

[0078] (An example of display processing) In step S102, the CPU 62 acquires the driving mode of the vehicle V. Specifically, the CPU 62 acquires information on whether the driving mode is manual driving mode or automatic driving mode through the function of the driving mode acquisition unit 84.

[0079] In step S104, the CPU 62 determines whether the driving mode is automatic driving mode. If the driving mode of vehicle V is automatic driving mode, the CPU 62 proceeds to step S106; if the driving mode of vehicle V is manual driving mode, the CPU 62 proceeds to step S108.

[0080] In step S106, the CPU 62 displays the following distance on the input device 14. Specifically, the CPU 62 uses the function of the image display unit 90 to display information regarding the setting of the following distance between the preceding vehicle and the own vehicle, as shown in the display area 32L of Figure 4. Then, it terminates the display process.

[0081] On the other hand, when vehicle V is running in manual driving mode, the CPU 62 determines in step S108 whether the vehicle speed of vehicle V is 0 or not. Specifically, the CPU 62 obtains the vehicle speed of vehicle V using the function of the vehicle speed acquisition unit 86, and if the vehicle speed is 0, that is, if vehicle V is stopped, it proceeds to the process in step S110. If the vehicle speed is not 0, that is, if vehicle V is moving, it proceeds to the process in step S112.

[0082] If vehicle V is stopped, the CPU 62 displays information regarding the shift position to the input device 14 in step S110. Specifically, the CPU 62 uses the function of the image display unit 90 to display information regarding the shift position, as shown in the display area 32L of Figure 3. Then, it terminates the display process.

[0083] On the other hand, if vehicle V is in motion, CPU 62 displays information regarding the shift position to the input device 14 in a toned-down format in step S112. Specifically, CPU 62 uses the function of the image display unit 90 to display information regarding the shift position in a toned-down format compared to the content displayed in the display area 32L of Figure 3. Then, it terminates the display process.

[0084] As described above, the input device 14 of this embodiment is equipped with display areas 32R, 33R, 35R, 32L, 33L, and 35L in the front of the vehicle interior where a predetermined image is displayed, and touch sensors TSR and TSL are provided in these display areas. Furthermore, when the vehicle input device 14 detects a sliding motion that causes the image to slide within the display area based on signals received from the touch sensors TSR and TSL, it outputs a signal corresponding to the sliding motion to the in-vehicle equipment. Here, since the image moves within the display area in accordance with the sliding motion, the occupant can intuitively control the in-vehicle equipment while looking at the position of the image.

[0085] In particular, in this embodiment, since the input device 14 is provided between the steering wheel 12 and the instrument panel 16, it is easier for the occupant to operate compared to a configuration in which the instrument panel 16 has a display area.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the display area can be operated while the finger rest 31 is resting on it, thus improving operability. In addition, in this embodiment, the frequently used operation items can be displayed in a position that is easy for the occupant to operate, thereby improving comfort.

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, by displaying information about the vehicle's operation from the in-vehicle equipment in an area to the left of the steering wheel 12, i.e., on the opposite side from the passenger seat, it is possible to prevent the passenger from operating the equipment by mistake.

[0088] Furthermore, in this embodiment, information on in-vehicle equipment unrelated to the driving of the vehicle V is displayed in an area to the right of the steering wheel 12, i.e., on the passenger side, making it easy for passengers to operate.

[0089] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the display can be toned down while the vehicle V is in motion, thereby reducing the annoyance caused by the display.

[0090] Although the input device 14 according to this embodiment has been described above, it goes without saying that it can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the finger rest portion 31 has a structure in which a recess for resting a finger is formed, but it is not limited to this. For example, the modified structure shown in Figure 8 may be adopted.

[0091] (modified version) Figure 8 shows a modified vehicle input device 14. As shown in Figure 8, in this modified example, the finger rest portion 31 is formed to protrude forward from the front of the right-side display portion 30R and the front of the left-side display portion 30L, respectively.

[0092] In this modified example, the occupant can place their fingers on the right-side display section 30R and the left-side display section 30L without reducing their thickness. The shape of the finger rest 31 is not particularly limited. For example, it may be formed in a substantially semi-circular shape in plan view, or in a polygonal shape.

[0093] Furthermore, the display examples shown in Figures 3 and 4 are merely examples, and other images may be displayed. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0094] 12 Steering 14. Vehicle input device 16 Instrument Panel 30R Right side display 30L Left side display 31 Finger rest 32R, 33R, 35R display area 32L, 33L, 35L display area TSR, TSL touch sensors

Claims

1. It is positioned between the steering wheel and the instrument panel and has a display area on which a predetermined image is displayed and which is equipped with a touch sensor. A vehicle input device that, upon detecting a sliding motion in which the image is slid within the display area based on a signal received from the touch sensor, outputs a signal corresponding to the sliding motion to an in-vehicle device and moves the image within the display area in accordance with the sliding motion, The display area is provided in two parts: a plate-shaped right-side display section that extends to the right of the steering wheel, with the vehicle's front-to-rear direction as the thickness direction, and a plate-shaped left-side display section that extends to the left of the steering wheel. A vehicle input device, wherein a finger rest is provided on the front surface opposite to the display area of ​​the right-side display unit and the left-side display unit.

2. The vehicle input device according to claim 1, wherein the finger rest portion is formed by recesses formed on the front surface of the right-side display portion and the front surface of the left-side display portion.

3. The input device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the finger rests are formed to protrude forward from the front surface of the right-side display unit and the front surface of the left-side display unit, respectively.

4. The vehicle input device according to claim 1, wherein the area of ​​the display region that is outside the steering wheel in the vehicle width direction displays information related to the vehicle's current shift position, and the display is toned down when the vehicle is in motion compared to when the vehicle is stopped.

5. The vehicle input device according to claim 4, wherein, when driving in a driving assistance mode in which accelerator operation and steering are performed automatically, the device displays information regarding the setting of the distance to the preceding vehicle in the area of ​​the display area that is outside the steering wheel in the vehicle width direction.

Images