Information notification device

Abstract

The present invention provides an information notification device that clarifies and makes easily recognizable information that should be communicated to the driver. [Solution] The information notification devices 1 and 1a are information notification devices 1 and 1a that notify the driver of information via the steering wheel 10, and include a first vibrator 21 positioned on the right side of the steering wheel 10 when the steering wheel 10 is in the neutral position, a second vibrator 22 positioned on the left side of the steering wheel 10 when the steering wheel 10 is in the neutral position, and a control unit 33 that controls the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22, wherein the control unit 33 vibrates the second vibrator 22 to suppress vibration on the left side of the steering wheel 10 when the first vibrator 21 is vibrated, and vibrates the first vibrator 21 to suppress vibration on the right side of the steering wheel 10 when the second vibrator 22 is vibrated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information notification device that can notify information by giving a stimulus to a driver riding in a vehicle, for example.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a warning device that detects a dangerous object approaching a vehicle driven by a driver and notifies the driver of the detected dangerous object.

[0003] For example, in Patent Document 1, in an information presentation device that presents information indicating the direction around a living body, a tactile stimulus means on the starting point side and a tactile stimulus means on the ending point side when indicating the direction are used, and control means for controlling so as to stimulate the living body by emphasizing the starting point side more than the ending point side is provided, and a plurality of physical vibrators are provided as the tactile stimulus means, and when indicating the direction, an information presentation device that vibrates a plurality of vibrators at the starting point side and the ending point side respectively is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the technique of Patent Document 1 described above, when vibrators are arranged on each of the left side and the right side of the steering wheel, when one vibrator is driven, the entire steering wheel vibrates. For this reason, even if the information to be notified to the driver includes the direction of the right side or the left side of the vehicle, it becomes difficult for the driver to recognize the intention of the vibration, and it becomes difficult to accurately convey the intention of the vibration to the driver.

[0006] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide an information notification device that can clarify and make easily recognizable the information that should be notified to the driver. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An information notification device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an information notification device that notifies a driver of information via a steering wheel, comprising: a first vibrator positioned to the right of the steering wheel when the steering wheel is in a neutral position; a second vibrator positioned to the left of the steering wheel when the steering wheel is in a neutral position; and a control unit that controls the first vibrator and the second vibrator, wherein the control unit vibrates the second vibrator to suppress vibration on the left side of the steering wheel when the first vibrator is vibrated, and vibrates the first vibrator to suppress vibration on the right side of the steering wheel when the second vibrator is vibrated. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of the information notification device of this disclosure, it is possible to clarify and make it easier for drivers to recognize the information that should be notified to them. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vehicle having a steering wheel on which an information notification device according to the embodiment is located. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an information notification device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the waveform of the steering wheel vibration. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vehicle having a steering wheel equipped with an information notification device that further includes a grip position detection unit. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an information notification device further equipped with a gripping position detection unit. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the information notification device related to Operation Example 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the information notification device related to Operation Example 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] The embodiments described below are all general or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement and connection configurations of components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Furthermore, any components in the following embodiments that are not described in an independent claim will be described as optional components.

[0012] Please note that each figure is a schematic diagram and not necessarily a strictly accurate representation. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0013] Furthermore, in the following embodiments, expressions such as "T-shaped" and "circumferential" are used. For example, "T-shaped" and "circumferential" mean not only that they are completely T-shaped and circumferential, but also that they are substantially T-shaped and circumferential, i.e., that they include an error of a few percent. Also, "T-shaped" and "circumferential" means that they are T-shaped and circumferential to the extent that the effects of this disclosure can be achieved. The same applies to other expressions using "shape" and "direction".

[0014] (Embodiment) <Configuration and Function> First, referring to Figures 1 to 5, we will explain the configuration of the steering wheel 10 of vehicle 2 and the information notification device 1 mounted on the steering wheel 10.

[0015] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vehicle 2 having a steering wheel 10 on which an information notification device 1 according to an embodiment is arranged. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the information notification device 1 according to an embodiment. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the waveform of vibration of the steering wheel 10. Figure 3(a) is a predetermined input waveform for vibrating the first transducer 21 or the second transducer 22. Figure 3(a) illustrates input waveforms for three periods. Figure 3(b) shows the vibration waveform of the vibration propagated to the other side (left or right) of the steering wheel 10 when the transducer on one side of the steering wheel 10 (the first transducer 21 on the right or the second transducer 22 on the left) is vibrated with the predetermined input waveform shown in Figure 3(a). Figure 3(c) shows a waveform (first waveform or second waveform) that is in opposite phase to the vibration waveform of the vibration propagated to the other side (left or right) of the steering wheel 10. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vehicle 2 having a steering wheel 10 on which an information notification device 1 further equipped with a gripping position detection unit 35 is located. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the information notification device 1 further equipped with a gripping position detection unit 35.

[0016] As shown in Figure 1, the steering wheel 10 can provide a steering angle to the steering wheels of the vehicle 2. The steering wheel 10 has a rim, spokes, and a hub.

[0017] The rim and spokes are wrapped in an exterior cover. The rim is the grip portion for the driver's hand. The rim has a right rim 11b located on the right side and a left rim 12b located on the left side when the steering wheel 10 is in the neutral position. The right rim 11b and the left rim 12b are integrally formed and form a ring shape. The rim in Figure 1 is ring-shaped, but is not limited to a ring shape. The rim may also be of an irregular shape such as a yoke shape, D shape, or elliptical shape. Note that the right side is the right side when viewed along the front of the vehicle 2 when the steering wheel 10 is in the neutral position. The left side is the left side when viewed along the front of the vehicle 2 when the steering wheel 10 is in the neutral position.

[0018] The rim has a core metal and a foam covering the core metal. The foam is provided on the core metal along the shape of the core metal. The foam is made of a resin material such as urethane resin like polyurethane.

[0019] The spoke is a support member for connecting the rim and the hub. The spoke also has a core metal and a foam covering the core metal. The spoke is disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the rim. When the steering wheel 10 is in the neutral position, the spoke has a right spoke 11a located on the right side with respect to the hub, a left spoke 12a located on the left side with respect to the hub, and a lower spoke located on the lower side with respect to the hub. The right spoke 11a, the left spoke 12a, and the lower spoke are integrally formed with the rim and form a T shape.

[0020] The hub is a member for transmitting a rotational force corresponding to an operation on the rim to the steering shaft and is located at the central portion of the steering wheel 10.

[0021] The information notification device 1 can notify information to the driver via the steering wheel 10. Specifically, the information notification device 1 can notify information to the driver by vibrating the steering wheel 10, so that the driver can perceive the information through the driver's sense of touch (the feeling of vibration). The information to be notified to the driver is, for example, information indicating that the vehicle 2 is deviating and driving into the right or left lane, information indicating that the vehicle 2 driven by the driver turns right or left according to the driving route of the navigation system, information indicating the presence of a following vehicle approaching from the right rear or left rear of the vehicle 2 when the vehicle turns right or left, and the like.

[0022] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the information notification device 1 includes a first vibrator 21, a second vibrator 22, a first drive unit 31, a second drive unit 32, a control unit 33, and a storage unit 34.

[0023] The first transducer 21 is located on the right side of the steering wheel 10 when the steering wheel 10 is in the neutral position. The first transducer 21 is located on the right spoke 11a or the right rim 11b of the steering wheel 10. In this embodiment, the first transducer 21 is located on the right spoke 11a together with the steering switch. In this embodiment, "the right side of the steering wheel 10 when the steering wheel 10 is in the neutral position" is sometimes simply referred to as "the right side of the steering wheel 10".

[0024] The first vibrator 21 is, for example, a vibration motor. The first vibrator 21 is driven by a first drive unit 31 controlled by a control unit 33, so that when the driver is gripping the steering wheel 10, the right side of the steering wheel 10 can be vibrated so that the driver can perceive the vibration.

[0025] The second transducer 22 is located on the left side of the steering wheel 10 when the steering wheel 10 is in the neutral position. The second transducer 22 is located on the left spoke 12a or the left rim 12b of the steering wheel 10. In this embodiment, the second transducer 22 is located on the left spoke 12a together with the steering switch. In this embodiment, "the left side of the steering wheel 10 when the steering wheel 10 is in the neutral position" is sometimes simply referred to as "the left side of the steering wheel 10".

[0026] The second vibrator 22 is, for example, a vibration motor. The second vibrator 22 is driven by a second drive unit 32 controlled by the control unit 33, so that when the driver is gripping the steering wheel 10, the left side of the steering wheel 10 can be vibrated so that the driver can perceive the vibration.

[0027] The first drive unit 31 is a function generator for vibrating the first oscillator 21. The first drive unit 31 is controlled by the control unit 33 and outputs a predetermined input waveform to the first oscillator 21, thereby causing the first oscillator 21 to vibrate with a predetermined input waveform.

[0028] The second drive unit 32 is a function generator for vibrating the second oscillator 22. The second drive unit 32 is controlled by the control unit 33 and outputs a predetermined input waveform to the second oscillator 22, thereby causing the second oscillator 22 to vibrate with the predetermined input waveform.

[0029] The predetermined input waveform is, for example, a sinusoidal signal waveform as shown in Figure 3(a), but it is not limited to a sinusoidal waveform and may be any arbitrarily set signal waveform.

[0030] The signal waveform output by the first drive unit 31 to the first vibrator 21 and the signal waveform output by the second drive unit 32 to the second vibrator 22 may each be amplified via an amplifier.

[0031] The memory unit 34 is a memory that stores predetermined input waveforms for the control unit 33 to vibrate the first oscillator 21 and the second oscillator 22, respectively.

[0032] The control unit 33 can individually control the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22. Specifically, the control unit 33 can control the vibration of the first vibrator 21 by controlling the first drive unit 31, and control the vibration of the second vibrator 22 by controlling the second drive unit 32.

[0033] Next, the functions of the information notification device 1 mounted on the steering wheel 10 of vehicle 2 will be described.

[0034] For example, as shown in Figure 3(a), when a vibrator located on one side of the steering wheel 10 (for example, the first vibrator 21 on the right side) vibrates with a predetermined input waveform, as shown in Figures 1 and 3(b), the vibration is attenuated on the other side (left side) of the steering wheel 10, and the vibration waveform propagates in such a way that it is weakened at any point P1 on the other side of the steering wheel 10. Therefore, as shown in Figure 3(c), by vibrating the vibrator located on the other side of the steering wheel 10 with a waveform that is in opposite phase to the vibration waveform that has propagated to the other side of the steering wheel 10, the vibration at any point P1 on the other side of the steering wheel 10 can be suppressed. In particular, if the arbitrary point P1 is set to a gripping position that the driver frequently grips on the steering wheel 10, when the driver grips the steering wheel 10, it becomes easier for the driver to perceive the vibration on one side of the steering wheel 10, and less likely to perceive the vibration on the other side of the steering wheel 10.

[0035] Specifically, as shown in Figures 2 and 3(a), the control unit 33 controls the first drive unit 31 so that when the first vibrator 21 is vibrated with a predetermined input waveform, the second vibrator 22 is vibrated in such a way that vibrations on the left side of the steering wheel 10 are suppressed.

[0036] For example, as shown in Figure 3(a), when the first oscillator 21 vibrates with a predetermined input waveform, the vibration of the first oscillator 21 propagates to the second oscillator 22 while being attenuated through the rim and spokes of the steering wheel 10, as shown in Figure 3(b).

[0037] In this embodiment, the control unit 33 vibrates the second vibrator 22 by controlling the second drive unit 32 to suppress vibration on the left side of the steering wheel 10. Specifically, as shown in Figures 2 and 3(c), when the first vibrator 21 is vibrated, the control unit 33 can vibrate the second vibrator 22 with a first waveform that is in opposite phase to the vibration waveform indicating vibration propagated to the left side of the steering wheel 10. As a result, the control unit 33 vibrates the second vibrator 22 in a way that cancels out vibration propagated to the left side of the steering wheel 10, thus suppressing vibration on the left side of the steering wheel 10. Consequently, when the driver's right hand grips the right side of the steering wheel 10 and the driver's left hand grips the left side of the steering wheel 10, the right side of the steering wheel 10 vibrates and the vibration on the left side is suppressed, making it easier for the driver to recognize that the right side of the steering wheel 10 is vibrating.

[0038] Furthermore, the control unit 33 can control the second drive unit 32 to vibrate the second transducer 22 with a predetermined input waveform, thereby causing the first transducer 21 to vibrate in a manner that suppresses vibration on the right side of the steering wheel 10.

[0039] For example, as shown in Figure 3(a), when the second oscillator 22 vibrates with a predetermined input waveform, the vibration of the second oscillator 22 propagates to the first oscillator 21 while being attenuated through the rim and spokes of the steering wheel 10, as shown in Figure 3(b).

[0040] In this embodiment, the control unit 33 vibrates the first vibrator 21 by controlling the first drive unit 31 to suppress vibration on the right side of the steering wheel 10. Specifically, as shown in Figures 2 and 3(c), when the control unit 33 vibrates the second vibrator 22, it can vibrate the first vibrator 21 with a second waveform that is in opposite phase to the vibration waveform indicating vibration propagated to the right side of the steering wheel 10. As a result, the control unit 33 vibrates the first vibrator 21 in a way that cancels out vibration propagated to the right side of the steering wheel 10, thus suppressing vibration on the right side of the steering wheel 10. Consequently, when the driver's left hand grips the left side of the steering wheel 10 and the driver's right hand grips the right side of the steering wheel 10, the left side of the steering wheel 10 vibrates and the vibration on the right side of the steering wheel 10 is suppressed, making it easier for the driver to recognize that the left side of the steering wheel 10 is vibrating.

[0041] In this embodiment, the first and second waveforms are pre-stored in the memory unit 34. This can be achieved by pre-measuring a first waveform that is in the opposite phase to the waveform of vibration propagated to the second transducer 22 located on the left side of the steering wheel 10, so as to cancel out vibrations at gripping positions that the driver frequently grips when the first transducer 21 located on the right side of the steering wheel 10 is vibrated, and then storing the first waveform in the memory unit 34. Similarly, this can be achieved by pre-measuring a second waveform that is in the opposite phase to the waveform of vibration propagated to the first transducer 21 located on the right side of the steering wheel 10, so as to cancel out vibrations at gripping positions that the driver frequently grips when the second transducer 22 located on the left side of the steering wheel 10 is vibrated, and then storing the second waveform in the memory unit 34.

[0042] Therefore, the control unit 33 can vibrate the first oscillator 22 with the first waveform by vibrating the first oscillator 21 with a predetermined input waveform and reading the first waveform stored in the storage unit 34. In addition, the control unit 33 can vibrate the first oscillator 21 with the second waveform by vibrating the second oscillator 22 with a predetermined input waveform and reading the second waveform stored in the storage unit 34.

[0043] Furthermore, the memory unit 34 also stores predetermined input waveforms in advance. The memory unit 34 can be implemented using semiconductor memory or the like.

[0044] As described above, since the first waveform and the second waveform are stored in advance in the memory unit 34, the control unit 33 can control the first oscillator 21 to vibrate with a predetermined input waveform, thereby causing the second oscillator 22 to vibrate with the first waveform, or control the second oscillator 22 to vibrate with a predetermined input waveform, thereby causing the first oscillator 21 to vibrate with the second waveform.

[0045] In this embodiment, the term "out-of-phase vibration waveform" does not only mean that the vibration waveform is completely out of phase, but also includes cases where, for example, the amplitude and phase of the vibration waveform are partially different. The out-of-phase vibration is sufficient as long as it is within the range that allows the effects of this disclosure to be achieved.

[0046] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the information notification device 1a of this embodiment may further include a gripping position detection unit 35.

[0047] The grip position detection unit 35 can detect the grip position of the driver's hand on the steering wheel 10. The grip position detection unit 35 is a sensor electrode located inside the outer cover wrapped around the rim, and detects contact between the driver's hand and the outer cover. The grip position detection unit 35 is arranged along the circumferential direction of the rim. The grip position detection unit 35 may be divided into multiple units and arranged around the entire circumference of the rim. For example, one grip position detection unit 35 may be located on the right side of the rim, and another grip position detection unit 35 may be located on the left side of the rim.

[0048] When the grip position detection unit 35 detects that the driver's hand is gripping the steering wheel 10, it inputs a detection signal to the control unit 33.

[0049] The control unit 33 has the function of detecting whether the driver's hand is gripping the steering wheel 10 based on the respective detection signals output from the grip position detection unit 35. The control unit 33 can detect whether the driver's hand is in contact with the steering wheel 10 by detecting the change in capacitance between the driver's hand and the grip position detection unit 35. In addition, the control unit 33 can also detect the contact position of the driver's hand by using multiple grip position detection units 35.

[0050] When using the gripping position detection unit 35, the storage unit 34 may pre-store a table of multiple first waveforms corresponding one-to-one with multiple gripping positions on the left side of the steering wheel 10, and a table of multiple second waveforms corresponding one-to-one with multiple gripping positions on the right side of the steering wheel 10. The control unit 33 can use these tables to vibrate the second transducer 22 or the first transducer 21 with the first or second waveform corresponding to the gripping position.

[0051] Specifically, if the grip position detection unit 35 can detect multiple grip positions on the left side of the steering wheel 10, for example, in three ranges: the upper left range, the central left range, and the lower left range, then a table of three first waveforms corresponding one-to-one to the three grip positions may be stored in the storage unit 34.

[0052] The three first waveforms are, for example, the upper left first waveform which is in phase with the vibration waveform showing the vibration propagated to the upper left range of the steering wheel 10 when the first oscillator 21 is vibrated, the left center first waveform which is in phase with the vibration waveform showing the vibration propagated to the central left range of the steering wheel 10, and the lower left first waveform which is in phase with the vibration waveform showing the vibration propagated to the lower left range of the steering wheel 10.

[0053] When the control unit 33 vibrates the first vibrator 21, it can vibrate the second vibrator 22 with a first waveform that is in opposite phase to the vibration waveform that indicates the vibration propagated to the left side of the steering wheel 10 according to the gripping position indicated by the detection signal detected by the gripping position detection unit 35, out of the three first waveforms.

[0054] Specifically, when the control unit 33 vibrates the first transducer 21, if the gripping position detection unit 35 detects a point P2 (see Figure 4) included in the upper left range of the steering wheel 10, the control unit 33 can vibrate the second transducer 22 with a left-upper first waveform. Similarly, when the control unit 33 vibrates the first transducer 21, if the gripping position detection unit 35 detects a point P3 included in the central left range of the steering wheel 10, the control unit 33 can vibrate the second transducer 22 with a left-center first waveform. Similarly, when the control unit 33 vibrates the first transducer 21, if the gripping position detection unit 35 detects a point P4 included in the lower left range of the steering wheel 10, the control unit 33 can vibrate the second transducer 22 with a left-down first waveform.

[0055] Similarly, in the case of multiple gripping positions on the right side of the steering wheel 10, if the gripping position detection unit 35 can detect three ranges, for example, the upper range on the right side of the steering wheel 10, the central range on the right side, and the lower range on the right side, then a table of three second waveforms corresponding one-to-one with the three gripping positions may be stored in the storage unit 34. The three second waveforms are, for example, the upper right second waveform which is in opposite phase to the vibration waveform showing the vibration propagated to the upper range on the right side of the steering wheel 10 when the second vibrator 22 is vibrated, the right central second waveform which is in opposite phase to the vibration waveform showing the vibration propagated to the central range on the right side of the steering wheel 10, and the lower right second waveform which is in opposite phase to the vibration waveform showing the vibration propagated to the lower range on the right side of the steering wheel 10.

[0056] In this way, when the control unit 33 vibrates the first vibrator 21, it can vibrate the second vibrator 22 with a first waveform that is in opposite phase to the vibration waveform indicating vibration propagated to the left side of the steering wheel 10, according to the grip position indicated by the detection signal detected by the grip position detection unit 35. As a result, the control unit 33 vibrates the second vibrator 22 in a way that cancels out the vibration propagated to the left side of the steering wheel 10 according to the grip position, thereby suppressing vibration on the left side of the steering wheel 10. Consequently, when the driver's right hand grips the right side of the steering wheel 10 and the driver's left hand grips the left side of the steering wheel 10, vibration in the part of the steering wheel 10 gripped by the left hand is suppressed, making it less likely for the driver to feel vibration on the left side of the steering wheel 10 and easier to recognize that the right side of the steering wheel 10 is vibrating.

[0057] Furthermore, when the control unit 33 vibrates the second vibrator 22, it can vibrate the first vibrator 21 with a second waveform that is in opposite phase to the vibration waveform indicating vibration propagated to the right side of the steering wheel 10, according to the grip position indicated by the detection signal detected by the grip position detection unit 35. As a result, the control unit 33 vibrates the first vibrator 21 in a way that cancels out the vibration propagated to the right side of the steering wheel 10 according to the grip position, thereby suppressing vibration on the right side of the steering wheel 10. Consequently, when the driver's left hand grips the left side of the steering wheel 10 and the driver's right hand grips the right side of the steering wheel 10, vibration in the part of the steering wheel 10 gripped by the right hand is suppressed, making it less likely for the driver to feel vibration on the right side of the steering wheel 10 and easier to recognize that the left side of the steering wheel 10 is vibrating.

[0058] In this case, the memory unit 34 may pre-store a table of multiple first waveforms corresponding one-to-one with multiple gripping positions on the left side of the steering wheel 10, and a table of multiple second waveforms corresponding one-to-one with multiple gripping positions on the right side of the steering wheel 10. The control unit 33 can use these tables to vibrate the second oscillator 22 or the first oscillator 21 with the first or second waveform corresponding to the gripping position.

[0059] <Operation> (Example of operation 1) Next, we will explain example 1 of the operation of the information notification device 1 with reference to Figure 6.

[0060] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the information notification device 1 related to operation example 1.

[0061] First, the control unit 33 of the information notification device 1 determines whether or not there is information to be notified to the driver via the steering wheel 10 (S11).

[0062] For example, if the lane departure prevention system installed in vehicle 2 detects that vehicle 2 is drifting into the right or left lane, the lane departure prevention system will notify the information notification device 1 that vehicle 2 is drifting into the right or left lane as information to be notified. In another example, if vehicle 2 is turning right or left according to its route, the navigation system installed in vehicle 2 will notify the information notification device 1 that it is turning right or left as information to be notified. In yet another example, if a following vehicle approaches from the right rear or left rear of vehicle 2 as vehicle 2 is attempting to change lanes to the right or left, the rear-side warning support system installed in vehicle 2 will notify the information notification device 1 that there is a following vehicle approaching from the right rear or left rear of vehicle 2 as information to be notified.

[0063] If the control unit 33 determines that there is no information to be notified to the driver via the steering wheel 10 (NO in S11), it returns to step S11 and performs the processing of step S11.

[0064] On the other hand, if the control unit 33 determines that there is information to be notified to the driver via the steering wheel 10 (YES in S11), it determines whether the information to be notified to the driver includes the direction to be notified (S12).

[0065] The direction to be notified is either to the right or to the left of vehicle 2. If the direction to be notified is to the right of vehicle 2, for example, when vehicle 2 is drifting into the right lane, when vehicle 2 is turning right according to its route, or when there is a following vehicle approaching from the right rear of vehicle 2 when vehicle 2 changes lanes to the right. If the direction to be notified is to the left of vehicle 2, for example, when vehicle 2 is drifting into the left lane, when vehicle 2 is turning left according to its route, or when there is a following vehicle approaching from the left rear of vehicle 2 when vehicle 2 changes lanes to the left. As described above, the means of notifying the driver is to vibrate the right or left side of the steering wheel 10 to notify the driver whether the direction is to the right or left.

[0066] If the control unit 33 determines that the information to be notified to the driver includes the direction to be notified (YES in S12), it controls the first drive unit 31 and the second drive unit 32 according to the direction to be notified, causing the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 to vibrate. In other words, the control unit 33 vibrates one vibrator with a predetermined input waveform, and vibrates the other vibrator with a waveform that is in opposite phase to the vibration waveform indicating the vibration propagated to the other vibrator (S13).

[0067] For example, when notifying the driver that vehicle 2 is drifting into the right lane, when notifying the driver to rotate the steering wheel 10 to the right because vehicle 2 is drifting into the left lane, when notifying the driver to turn the steering wheel 10 to the right because the driving route indicates a right turn, or when notifying the driver of a following vehicle approaching from the right rear when changing lanes to the right, the direction to be notified to the driver may be to the right. In this case, the control unit 33 controls the first drive unit 31 and the second drive unit 32 so that when the first vibrator 21 is vibrated with a predetermined input waveform, the second vibrator 22 is vibrated with a first waveform that is in opposite phase to the vibration waveform indicating the vibration propagated to the left side of the steering wheel 10. As a result, when the driver is gripping the steering wheel 10 with both hands, the right side of the steering wheel 10 vibrates and the vibration on the left side of the steering wheel 10 is suppressed, making it easier for the driver to recognize that the direction notified via the steering wheel 10 is to the right of vehicle 2.

[0068] For example, when notifying the driver that vehicle 2 is drifting into the left lane, when prompting the driver to rotate the steering wheel 10 to the left because vehicle 2 is drifting into the right lane, when indicating a left turn on the driving route, or when notifying the driver of a following vehicle approaching from the left rear when changing lanes to the left, the direction to be notified to the driver may be to the left. In this case, the control unit 33 controls the first drive unit 31 and the second drive unit 32 so that when the second vibrator 22 is vibrated with a predetermined input waveform, the first vibrator 21 is vibrated with a second waveform that is in opposite phase to the vibration waveform indicating the vibration propagated to the right side of the steering wheel 10. As a result, when the driver is gripping the steering wheel 10 with both hands, the left side of the steering wheel 10 vibrates and the vibration on the right side of the steering wheel 10 is suppressed, making it easier for the driver to recognize that the direction notified via the steering wheel 10 is to the left of vehicle 2.

[0069] Next, the control unit 33, after indicating the direction to be notified to the driver, determines whether the driver has performed an operation on the vehicle 2 according to the notified content (S14).

[0070] In step S14, the control unit 33 may determine whether a predetermined period has elapsed since it presented the direction to be notified to the driver. If the predetermined period has elapsed, the control unit 33 may proceed to step S15. If the predetermined period has not elapsed, the control unit 33 may return to step S14.

[0071] If the control unit 33 determines, after indicating the direction to be notified to the driver, that the driver has not performed any operation on the vehicle 2 according to the notified content (NO in S14), it returns to step S14 and performs the processing of step S14.

[0072] On the other hand, after the control unit 33 has indicated the direction to be notified to the driver, if it determines that the driver has performed an operation on the vehicle 2 according to the notified content (YES in S14), it stops the vibration of the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 (S15).

[0073] Then, the control unit 33 returns to step S11 and repeats the flowchart in Figure 6.

[0074] Now, let's return to the explanation of the process in step S12.

[0075] On the other hand, if the control unit 33 determines that the information to be notified to the driver does not include the direction to be notified (NO in S12), it controls the first drive unit 31 and the second drive unit 32 to vibrate the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22 with a predetermined input waveform (S16).

[0076] For example, when parking vehicle 2 in reverse in a parking lot, the entire steering wheel 10 can be vibrated when vehicle 2 approaches within a predetermined distance of an obstacle. As a result, if the driver is holding the steering wheel 10 with both hands, the vibration of the steering wheel 10 allows the driver to recognize whether the direction notified via the steering wheel 10 is the forward or backward direction of vehicle 2. In this way, the information notification device 1 can notify the driver of information. Then, the control unit 33 performs the processing in step S14, proceeds through step S15, returns to step S11, and repeats the flowchart in Figure 6.

[0077] (Example of operation 2) Next, with reference to Figure 7, we will describe an example of operation 2 of the information notification device 1a equipped with a gripping position detection unit 35.

[0078] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the information notification device 1a related to Operation Example 2. Figure 7 describes the information notification device 1a of the steering wheel 10 equipped with a gripping position detection unit 35.

[0079] In the following explanation, the same reference numerals are used for processes identical to those in Figure 6, and explanations are omitted where appropriate.

[0080] First, after step S11, the control unit 33 determines whether or not the driver is gripping the steering wheel 10 (S11a).

[0081] If the control unit 33 determines that the driver is not gripping the steering wheel 10 (NO in S11a), it returns to step S11a and performs the processing in step S11a.

[0082] On the other hand, if the control unit 33 determines that the driver is gripping the steering wheel 10 (YES in S11a), it determines whether the driver is gripping the steering wheel 10 with both hands based on the grip position relative to the steering wheel 10 indicated by the detection signal output by the grip position detection unit 35 (S11b).

[0083] If the control unit 33 determines from the gripping position of the steering wheel 10 indicated by the detection signal that the steering wheel 10 is being gripped with both hands (YES in S11b (gripped with both hands)), it determines whether the information to be notified to the driver includes the direction to be notified (S12).

[0084] Next, if the control unit 33 is YES in step S12, it proceeds through steps S13 to S15, and in the information notification device 1a, it returns to step S11 and repeats the flowchart in Figure 7. In step S13, as described above, if the gripping position detection unit 35 can detect multiple gripping positions on the steering wheel 10, the first vibrator 21 or the second vibrator 22 can be vibrated with a waveform (first waveform or second waveform) that is in opposite phase to the vibration waveform of the vibration propagated to the other side (left side or right side) of the steering wheel 10, corresponding to the gripping position indicated by the detection signal detected by the gripping position detection unit 35.

[0085] On the other hand, if the control unit 33 determines NO in step S12, it proceeds through steps S16, S14, and S15, returns to step S11, and repeats the flowchart in Figure 7.

[0086] Now, let's return to the explanation of the process in step S11b.

[0087] If the control unit 33 determines from the gripping position of the steering wheel 10 indicated by the detection signal that the steering wheel 10 is being gripped with one hand (NO (grip with one hand) in S11b), it vibrates the vibrator (first vibrator 21 or second vibrator 22) located on the side indicated by the gripping position (right or left side of the steering wheel 10) (S17).

[0088] For example, if the gripping position indicates only the right side of the steering wheel 10, the control unit 33 can control the first drive unit 31 to vibrate only the first vibrator 21 with a predetermined input waveform. Also, if the gripping position indicates only the left side of the steering wheel 10, the control unit 33 can control the second drive unit 32 to vibrate only the second vibrator 22 with a predetermined input waveform.

[0089] Then, the control unit 33 returns to step S11 after going through steps S14 and S15, and repeats the flowchart in Figure 7.

[0090] <Effects and Effects> Next, the operation and effects of the information notification devices 1 and 1a in this embodiment will be described.

[0091] The information notification devices 1 and 1a of Technology 1 in this embodiment are information notification devices 1 and 1a that notify the driver of information via the steering wheel 10, and include a first vibrator 21 positioned on the right side of the steering wheel 10 when the steering wheel 10 is in the neutral position, a second vibrator 22 positioned on the left side of the steering wheel 10 when the steering wheel 10 is in the neutral position, and a control unit 33 that controls the first vibrator 21 and the second vibrator 22, wherein the control unit 33 vibrates the second vibrator 22 to suppress vibration on the left side of the steering wheel 10 when the first vibrator 21 is vibrated, and vibrates the first vibrator 21 to suppress vibration on the right side of the steering wheel 10 when the second vibrator 22 is vibrated.

[0092] According to this, when the driver is holding the steering wheel 10 with both hands, if the information to be notified to the driver is to the right of the vehicle 2, the right side of the steering wheel 10 can be vibrated more strongly, and if the information to be notified to the driver is to the left of the vehicle 2, the left side of the steering wheel 10 can be vibrated more strongly. As a result, the driver can more easily recognize by touch whether the notified information is to the right or left of the vehicle 2.

[0093] Therefore, this information notification device 1, 1a makes it possible to clarify and easily recognize the information that should be notified to the driver.

[0094] The information notification device 1 in this embodiment of Technology 2 is the information notification device 1 described in Technology 1. In this case, when the first vibrator 21 is vibrated, the control unit 33 vibrates the second vibrator 22 with a first waveform that is in opposite phase to the vibration waveform indicating the vibration propagated to the second vibrator 22 via the steering wheel 10, and when the second vibrator 22 is vibrated, the control unit 33 vibrates the first vibrator 21 with a second waveform that is in opposite phase to the vibration waveform indicating the vibration propagated to the right side of the steering wheel 10.

[0095] According to this, if the right side of the steering wheel 10 is vibrated, the vibration transmitted to the left side of the steering wheel 10 can be suppressed. Also, if the left side of the steering wheel 10 is vibrated, the vibration transmitted to the right side of the steering wheel 10 can be suppressed. As a result, the driver can more easily recognize through vibration whether the notified information is to the right or left of the vehicle 2.

[0096] The information notification device 1 in this embodiment of Technology 3 further includes a storage unit 34, the storage unit 34 stores a first waveform and a second waveform in advance, and the control unit 33 vibrates the second oscillator 22 with the first waveform when vibrating the first oscillator 21, and vibrates the first oscillator 21 with the second waveform when vibrating the second oscillator 22, thus it is the information notification device 1 described in Technology 2.

[0097] According to this, by pre-storing the first and second waveforms in the storage unit 34, it becomes unnecessary to detect the vibrations transmitted to the second vibrator 22 each time the first vibrator 21 is vibrated, or to detect the vibrations transmitted to the right side of the steering wheel 10 each time the second vibrator 22 is vibrated. In other words, it becomes unnecessary to provide a separate sensor to detect the transmitted vibrations, which helps to suppress the complexity of the information notification device 1 and also helps to suppress the increase in the manufacturing cost of the information notification device 1.

[0098] The information notification device 1a in this embodiment of Technology 4 is the information notification device 1a described in Technology 1. In this case, it is equipped with a grip position detection unit 35 that detects the grip position of the driver's hand on the steering wheel 10, and when the control unit 33 vibrates the first vibrator 21, it vibrates the second vibrator 22 with a first waveform that is in opposite phase to the vibration waveform indicating the vibration propagated to the second vibrator 22 via the steering wheel 10, according to the grip position detected by the grip position detection unit 35, and when the control unit 33 vibrates the second vibrator 22, it vibrates the first vibrator 21 with a second waveform that is in opposite phase to the vibration waveform indicating the vibration propagated to the right side of the steering wheel 10, according to the grip position detected by the grip position detection unit 35.

[0099] According to this, when the right side of the steering wheel 10 is vibrated, the vibration transmitted to the part of the steering wheel 10 corresponding to the driver's left hand grip position can be further suppressed. Similarly, when the left side of the steering wheel 10 is vibrated, the vibration transmitted to the part of the steering wheel 10 corresponding to the driver's right hand grip position can be further suppressed. In other words, by vibrating one side of the steering wheel 10 that transmits information, vibrations in the other side corresponding to the grip position can be suppressed. As a result, the driver can more easily recognize through vibration whether the transmitted information is to the right or left of the vehicle 2.

[0100] The information notification device 1a in this embodiment of Technology 5 further includes a storage unit 34, which pre-stores a first waveform corresponding to the gripping position on the steering wheel 10 and a second waveform corresponding to the gripping position on the steering wheel 10, and the control unit 33 vibrates the second transducer 22 with the first waveform when vibrating the first transducer 21, and vibrates the first transducer 21 with the second waveform when vibrating the second transducer 22, as described in Technology 4.

[0101] According to this, by pre-storing a first waveform corresponding to the gripping position on the steering wheel 10 and a second waveform corresponding to the gripping position on the steering wheel 10 in the storage unit 34, it becomes unnecessary to detect the vibrations transmitted to the second transducer 22 each time the first transducer 21 is vibrated, or to detect the vibrations transmitted to the right side of the steering wheel 10 each time the second transducer 22 is vibrated. In other words, it becomes unnecessary to provide a separate sensor to detect the transmitted vibrations, which suppresses the complexity of the information notification device 1a and also suppresses the increase in the manufacturing cost of the information notification device 1.

[0102] The information notification devices 1, 1a in this embodiment of Technology 6 are the information notification devices 1, 1a described in any one of Technologies 1 to 5. In this case, when the steering wheel 10 is in the neutral position, the first transducer 21 is located on the right spoke 11a or the right rim 11b located on the right side of the steering wheel 10, and the second transducer 22 is located on the left spoke 12a or the left rim 12b located on the left side of the steering wheel 10.

[0103] According to this, the first transducer 21 and the second transducer 22 can be positioned near where the driver holds the device, making it easier for the driver to recognize by touch whether the notified information is to the right or left of the vehicle 2.

[0104] (Other variations) The information notification device relating to this disclosure has been described above based on the embodiments described above, but this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. Various modifications to the embodiments that a person skilled in the art can conceive of may also be included in the scope of this disclosure, as long as they do not deviate from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0105] For example, the control unit and other components included in the aforementioned information notification device are typically implemented as an integrated circuit (LSI). These may be individually integrated into a single chip, or some or all of them may be integrated into a single chip.

[0106] Furthermore, integrated circuit implementation is not limited to LSIs; it can also be achieved with dedicated circuits or general-purpose processors. Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), which can be programmed after LSI manufacturing, or reconfigurable processors, which allow for the reconfiguration of the connections and settings of circuit cells within the LSI, may also be used.

[0107] In each of the above embodiments, each component may be implemented by dedicated hardware or by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0108] Furthermore, all figures used above are illustrative to illustrate the present disclosure, and the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to the figures exemplified.

[0109] Furthermore, the division of functional blocks in the block diagram is just one example; multiple functional blocks can be implemented as a single functional block, a single functional block can be divided into multiple parts, or some functions can be moved to other functional blocks. In addition, the functions of multiple functional blocks with similar functions can be processed in parallel or time-sharing by a single piece of hardware or software.

[0110] Furthermore, the order in which each step in the flowchart is performed is illustrative for the purpose of specifically illustrating this disclosure, and may be in a different order. Also, some of the above steps may be performed simultaneously (in parallel) with other steps.

[0111] Furthermore, this disclosure also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to the above embodiments that a person skilled in the art could conceive, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of the embodiments without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. [Industrial applicability]

[0112] This disclosure is useful in steering wheels mounted on moving objects such as vehicles, ships, and aircraft. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0113] 1, 1a Information notification device 10 Steering Wheel 11a Right-side spoke 11b Right rim 12a Left spoke 12b Left rim 21 First oscillator 22 Second oscillator 33 Control Unit 34 Storage section 35. Gripping position detection unit

Claims

1. An information notification device that notifies the driver of information via the steering wheel, When the steering wheel is in the neutral position, a first vibrator is positioned to the right of the steering wheel, When the steering wheel is in the neutral position, a second transducer is positioned to the left of the steering wheel, The system comprises a control unit for controlling the first oscillator and the second oscillator, The control unit, When the first vibrator is vibrated, the second vibrator is vibrated in such a way that vibrations on the left side of the steering wheel are suppressed. When the second transducer is vibrated, the first transducer is vibrated in such a way that vibrations on the right side of the steering wheel are suppressed. Information notification device.

2. The control unit, When the first vibrator is vibrated, the second vibrator is vibrated with a first waveform that is in opposite phase to the vibration waveform showing the vibration propagated to the left side of the steering wheel. When the second vibrator is vibrated, the first vibrator is vibrated with a second waveform that is in opposite phase to the vibration waveform showing the vibration propagated to the right side of the steering wheel. The information notification device according to claim 1.

3. Furthermore, it is equipped with a memory unit, The storage unit stores the first waveform and the second waveform in advance. The control unit, When the first oscillator is vibrated, the second oscillator is vibrated with the first waveform, When the second oscillator is vibrated, the first oscillator is vibrated with the second waveform. The information notification device according to claim 2.

4. The system includes a grip position detection unit that detects the grip position of the driver's hand on the steering wheel, The control unit, When the first vibrator is vibrated, the second vibrator is vibrated with a first waveform that is in opposite phase to the vibration waveform indicating the vibration propagated to the second vibrator via the steering wheel, according to the gripping position detected by the gripping position detection unit. When vibrating the second vibrator, the first vibrator is vibrated with a second waveform that is in opposite phase to the vibration waveform indicating the vibration propagated to the first vibrator via the steering wheel, according to the gripping position detected by the gripping position detection unit. The information notification device according to claim 1.

5. Furthermore, it is equipped with a memory unit, The storage unit pre-stores a first waveform corresponding to the gripping position on the steering wheel and a second waveform corresponding to the gripping position on the steering wheel. The control unit, When the first oscillator is vibrated, the second oscillator is vibrated with the first waveform, When the second oscillator is vibrated, the first oscillator is vibrated with the second waveform. The information notification device according to claim 4.

6. When the steering wheel is in the neutral position, The first transducer is positioned on the right spoke or right rim of the steering wheel, The second transducer is positioned on the left spoke or left rim of the steering wheel, which is located on the left side. An information notification device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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