Vehicle input device and vehicle input method

Abstract

A vehicular input device 100 comprises: a button 3 that is disposed in the interior of a vehicle; an electrostatic sensor 10 that is disposed below the back surface of the button 3; a detection unit that detects vibrations of the vehicle; and an operation recognition device 40 that recognizes, on the basis of output from the electrostatic sensor 10, a touch operation which is performed on the front surface of the button 3 and which is within a prescribed operation recognition range. The operation recognition device 40 increases the area of the operation recognition range, if the vibration width and / or vibration frequency of the vibrations detected by the detection unit is at least a prescribed value.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle input device and a vehicle input method. [Background technology]

[0002] Vehicle input devices that are attached to vehicles and used have been known for some time. For example, a vehicle input device described in Patent Document 1 includes an interior panel, which is an opaque plate-like member that provides part of the vehicle's interior, and a fixing unit for fixing the interior panel to the vehicle. The interior panel includes an operation area portion on which a plurality of designs indicating control operations that can be performed by an occupant are arranged, and a non-operation area portion that is the portion other than the operation area portion. On the back side of the operation area portion, a press sensor is arranged to detect a user's press operation on a switch portion, which is the portion on the surface of the operation area portion on which the designs are arranged, and a vibration device is arranged to vibrate the operation area portion in a direction perpendicular to the operation surface, which is a direction perpendicular to the surface of the operation area portion. The vehicle input device is also provided with a control unit that identifies the operation performed by the occupant based on the detection result of the press sensor and vibrates the vibration device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020-003792 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-described vehicle input device, when the operation area vibrates due to vibrations of the vehicle, it becomes difficult for the user to touch the operation area, making it difficult to recognize the user's operation.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle input device and a vehicle input method that make it easy to recognize button operations when the vehicle is vibrating. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention solves the above problem by recognizing touch operations within a predetermined operation recognition range on the surface of a button based on the output of an electrostatic sensor, detecting vehicle vibrations, and increasing the area of ​​the operation recognition range if the amplitude and / or vibration frequency of the detected vehicle vibrations is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The present invention can make it easier to recognize a touch operation when the vehicle is vibrating. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a vehicle input device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the dashboard. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the board, the electrostatic sensor, the vibration sensor, and the vibration element. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the board shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control flow of the operation recognition device shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the board. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the board. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a vehicle input device and a vehicle input method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a vehicle input device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle input device includes an electrostatic sensor 10, a vibration sensor 20, a vibration element 30, and an operation recognition device 40. The vehicle input device 100 is provided in a vehicle, and when a user touches a button provided in the vehicle interior, the vehicle input device 100 detects the input to the button and transmits an operation command corresponding to the touch operation to an ECU.

[0010] The vehicle input device 100 is installed in the vehicle cabin. As shown in FIG. 2 , an instrument panel located at the front of the vehicle cabin is provided with a touch panel display 1 for operating in-vehicle systems such as a navigation system and an audio system, and a board 2 is provided below the display 1. The board 2 also has a plurality of buttons 3 for receiving input via touch operation. The plurality of buttons 3 are buttons for operating the air conditioning system, such as an on / off button for the automatic air conditioner, up / down buttons for setting the temperature, plus / minus buttons for setting the air volume, an on / off button for the defroster, and an on / off button for the defogger. When a main switch 4 installed on the board 2 is turned on, an icon included in the button 3 lights up, making the icon easier for the user to see. The main switch 4 is a switch for controlling the on / off of the power supply for the entire vehicle and corresponds to a power switch or ignition switch. The main switch 4 is a mechanical switch. On the other hand, the button 3 is not a mechanical switch but is integrated with the board 2 and is a capacitive touch switch (contactless switch). For example, after turning on the main switch 4, if the user wants to operate the air conditioning system in automatic air conditioning mode, the user only needs to touch the button with the "AUTO" icon with his / her finger. A steering wheel at the front of the vehicle is provided with a steering switch 5. In the following description, an example in which the vehicle input device 100 is applied to the button 3 will be described, but the vehicle input device 100 may also be applied to the steering switch 5. The vehicle input device 100 is not limited to buttons for operating the air conditioning system, and may also be applied to buttons for operating systems such as a navigation system or an audio system.

[0011] The electrostatic sensor 10 is provided below the back surface of the button 3 and detects a user's touch operation on the button 3. When the user's finger touches the button 3 or approaches the button 3, a current flows between the finger and an electrode included in the electrostatic sensor 10, causing a change in capacitance. The electrostatic sensor 10 detects this change in capacitance and outputs a detected value to the operation recognition device 40.

[0012] The vibration sensor 20 detects vehicle vibrations. The vibration sensor 20 is provided on the body (vehicle body). The vibration sensor 20 outputs a detected value to the operation recognition device 40. The vibration sensor 20 is, for example, a G sensor (acceleration sensor) or a gyro sensor. The vibration sensor 20 may be a gyro sensor included in a navigation system, or a sensor used to control a chassis system, an airbag, or the like. Vehicle vibrations may also be detected from, for example, engine speed, engine on / off, steering angle, or map information. For example, the operation recognition device 40 (described later) has a detection unit that detects vehicle vibrations. The detection unit determines that the vehicle is vibrating when any one of the following conditions is met: the engine speed is equal to or greater than a predetermined rotation speed threshold, the engine is on, the steering angle is equal to or greater than a steering threshold, and the map information indicates that the vehicle is traveling on a road prone to vibration. The engine is not limited to a driving engine for the vehicle, but may also be a power generating engine that supplies power to an on-board battery. Furthermore, roads on which the vehicle is likely to vibrate include unpaved roads and roads with small curves (large curvatures).

[0013] The vibration element 30 is provided near the button 3, and vibrates when the operation recognition device 40 recognizes a touch operation. The vibration element 30 has a piezoelectric element or the like. The user can know through the vibration of the vibration element 30 that the touch operation has been recognized correctly.

[0014] The structure surrounding the electrostatic sensor 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the board 2, the electrostatic sensor 10, the vibration sensor 20, and the vibration element 30. The electrostatic sensor 10 has an electrode 11 and a dielectric 12. The surface of the electrostatic sensor 10 is covered with the board 2. The plurality of electrodes 11 are provided on the bottom surface of the dielectric 12 in correspondence with the plurality of buttons 3. The plurality of buttons 3 are embedded in the board 2 on the surface of the dielectric 12. That is, the plurality of buttons 3 and the plurality of electrodes 11 face each other with the dielectric 12 interposed therebetween. Furthermore, the vibration element 30 is provided on the back surface of the electrode 11.

[0015] The operation recognition device 40 recognizes a touch operation within a predetermined operation recognition range on the surface of the button 3 based on the output of the electrostatic sensor 10. Furthermore, the operation recognition device 40 increases the area of ​​the operation recognition range when the amplitude and / or vibration frequency of the vibration detected by the vibration sensor 20 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The operation recognition device 40 is a controller (processor) and includes an operation recognition unit 41 and an operation recognition range control unit 42 as functional blocks for performing the functions of the operation recognition device 40. The operation recognition unit 41 recognizes a touch operation on the button 3 based on the output value of the electrostatic sensor 10. Specifically, the operation recognition unit 41 acquires the capacitance of the electrostatic sensor 10 from the output of the electrostatic sensor 10. When the user performs a touch operation on the button 3, the capacitance of the electrostatic sensor 10 increases. The operation recognition unit 41 compares the acquired capacitance with a predetermined determination threshold, and determines that a touch operation has been performed if the capacitance is equal to or greater than the determination threshold, and determines that a touch operation has not been performed if the output value is less than the determination threshold. In order to avoid determining that a change in capacitance in a short period of time, such as noise, is present as a touch operation, the operation recognition unit 41 may determine that a touch operation has occurred when the capacitance for a predetermined period of time is equal to or greater than a determination threshold. In the case where the capacitive sensor 10 is configured to reduce the capacitance during a touch operation, the operation recognition unit 41 may determine that a touch operation has occurred when the capacitance is less than the determination threshold. In addition, the operation recognition unit 41 may determine whether a touch operation has occurred by comparing the amount of change in capacitance with a change amount threshold.

[0016] If it is determined that a touch operation has been performed, the operation recognition unit 41 outputs an operation command for the button that has been recognized as the touch operation to the ECU that controls the air conditioning. For example, if the ECU receives an operation command from the operation recognition unit 41 indicating that the defroster operation button 3 has been operated while the defroster is off, the ECU switches the defroster from off to on.

[0017] The operation recognition range control unit 42 sets the area of ​​the operation recognition range in response to vehicle vibrations. The operation recognition range indicates the area on the surface of the button 3 where a touch operation can be effectively recognized, and is determined for each of the multiple buttons 3. The operation recognition range of the button 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the board 2. The operation recognition range is defined by a closed space on the surface of the button 3, and as shown in FIG. 4, is a predetermined area centered on the icon of the button 3. The operation recognition device 40 can change the size of the operation recognition range. For example, the electrodes 11 are arranged in an array vertically and horizontally along a plane, and the electrostatic sensor 10 is configured to detect a change in capacitance depending on the position of a touch operation on the button 3. The operation recognition unit 41 determines that a touch operation has occurred when it detects a change in capacitance at a portion of the coordinates of the electrodes 11 arranged in the array that corresponds to the operation recognition range. The operation recognition range control unit 42 increases the area of ​​the operation recognition range by expanding the coordinate range of the electrodes 11 where a change in capacitance can be detected.

[0018] Note that the operation recognition range control unit 42 may set a threshold value according to the position of a touch operation to set the area of ​​the operation recognition range. The operation recognition range control unit 42 sets a threshold value for determining whether or not a touch operation has occurred for each coordinate position of the electrodes 11 arranged in an array. The operation recognition unit 41 determines that a touch operation has occurred when the capacitance of the electrostatic sensor 10 is equal to or greater than the determination threshold value, and determines that a touch operation has not occurred when the capacitance of the electrostatic sensor 10 is less than the determination threshold value. The operation recognition range control unit 42 sets the determination threshold to an initial value so that a touch operation can be detected in a portion of the detectable range of the electrostatic sensor 10 located on the surface of the button 3 that corresponds to the operation recognition range. The detectable range of the electrostatic sensor 10 corresponds to the range in which the electrodes 11 are arranged. On the other hand, the operation recognition range control unit 42 sets the determination threshold value higher than the initial value so as not to detect the presence of a touch operation in a portion of the detectable range of the electrostatic sensor 10 located on the surface of the button 3 that does not correspond to the operation recognition range. At this time, the operation recognition range control unit 42 sets the determination threshold to a value equal to or greater than the upper limit of the capacitance change due to a touch operation so as not to detect the presence of a touch operation. This allows the operation recognition unit 41 to determine that no touch operation has occurred even if the capacitance has changed due to a touch operation on a part that does not fall within the operation recognition range. The operation recognition range control unit 42 can change the size of the operation recognition range by changing the determination threshold for each coordinate position of the electrode 11.

[0019] To set the area of ​​the operation recognition range, the operation recognition range control unit 42 may use, for example, signal processing on the output waveform of the electrostatic sensor 10. The operation recognition device 40 can identify the position of the touch operation from the output waveform of the electrostatic sensor 10. The operation recognition range control unit 42 performs filtering processing on the output waveform of the electrostatic sensor 10 to cut out the signal waveform from the outer periphery of the electrode 11. Then, the operation recognition range control unit 42 narrows the cutout portion, in other words, expands the signal waveform that is passed through the filtering processing, thereby enlarging the area of ​​the operation recognition range.

[0020] Furthermore, the operation recognition range control unit 42 increases the area of ​​the operation recognition range when the amplitude and / or vibration frequency of the vibration detected by the vibration sensor 20 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. When the vehicle is vibrating, the board 2 on which the button 3 is located also vibrates, making it difficult for the user to touch the button. For example, while the vehicle is running, a user inside the vehicle may intend to press a defroster icon, but the defroster button 3 vibrates, causing the touch position to shift, resulting in the user missing the defroster button 3 or touching a different button 3 or a location where no button 3 is located. The possibility of such erroneous operation of the button 3 increases as the amplitude and / or vibration frequency of the vehicle vibration increases. Therefore, in this embodiment, the vibration sensor 20 is used to detect vehicle vibration, and the area of ​​the operation recognition range is increased when the amplitude and / or vibration frequency of the vibration is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0021] The operation recognition range control unit 42 is set with an area setting threshold for determining whether to increase the area of ​​the operation recognition range. The area setting threshold is specified by a vibration amplitude threshold and / or a vibration frequency threshold. For example, when the amplitude of the detected vehicle vibration is equal to or greater than the amplitude threshold, the operation recognition range control unit 42 increases the operation recognition range beyond the initial setting (hereinafter also referred to as the initial range). When the vibration frequency of the detected vehicle vibration is equal to or greater than the frequency threshold, the operation recognition range control unit 42 increases the operation recognition range beyond the initial range. When the amplitude of the detected vehicle vibration is less than the amplitude threshold, the operation recognition range control unit 42 sets the operation recognition range to the initial range. When the vibration frequency of the detected vehicle vibration is less than the frequency threshold, the operation recognition range control unit 42 sets the operation recognition range to the initial range. Note that the operation recognition range control unit 42 may increase the operation recognition range by combining a vibration amplitude condition and a vibration frequency condition.

[0022] The operation recognition range control unit 42 may increase the operation recognition range as the amplitude of the detected vehicle vibration increases. Similarly, the operation recognition range control unit 42 may increase the operation recognition range as the detected vibration frequency increases. When increasing the operation recognition range as the amplitude and / or vibration frequency of the detected vibration increases, the operation recognition range control unit 42 may increase the operation recognition range stepwise or continuously as the amplitude and / or vibration frequency of the detected vibration increases.

[0023] Furthermore, the operation recognition range control unit 42 may increase the operation recognition range in accordance with the frequency of the detected vibration and the vehicle's resonance frequency. The vehicle's resonance frequency corresponds to the vehicle's resonance frequency (natural frequency), and the closer the vehicle's vibration frequency is to the resonance frequency, the greater the vehicle vibration. A predetermined frequency band including the vehicle's resonance frequency is set in advance in the operation recognition range control unit 42. The predetermined frequency band is indicated by a range from a lower limit frequency to an upper limit frequency. If the detected frequency of the vehicle's vibration is within the predetermined frequency band, the operation recognition range control unit 42 increases the operation recognition range beyond the initial range. On the other hand, if the detected frequency of the vehicle's vibration is outside the predetermined frequency band, the operation recognition range control unit 42 sets the operation recognition range to the initial range.

[0024] The operation recognition range control unit 42 may also narrow the operation recognition range as the vibration frequency is higher than the upper limit frequency of the frequency band or as the vibration frequency is lower than the lower limit frequency of the frequency band. The operation recognition range control unit 42 may narrow the operation recognition range in stages or continuously. Alternatively, the operation recognition range control unit 42 may narrow the operation recognition range below the initial range.

[0025] When enlarging the recognition operation range, the recognition operation range control unit 42 enlarges the area of ​​the recognition operation range by expanding the periphery of the recognition operation range. In the example of Fig. 4, the area surrounded by a solid line around the button 3 is the recognition operation range before expansion (corresponding to the initial range), and the area surrounded by a dotted line is the recognition operation range after expansion. As shown in Fig. 4, the recognition operation range control unit 42 expands the periphery of the recognition operation range, changing it from the area surrounded by a solid line to the area surrounded by a dotted line.

[0026] Next, the control flow of the operation recognition device 40 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the control flow of the operation recognition device 40. The control flow of FIG. 5 is executed when the main switch 4 is in the on state. In step S1, the operation recognition range control unit 42 acquires the detection value of the vibration sensor 20. In step S2, the operation recognition range control unit 42 determines whether the amplitude of the vibration detected by the vibration sensor 20 is equal to or greater than the amplitude threshold. In step S3, if the amplitude of the vibration is equal to or greater than the amplitude threshold, the operation recognition range control unit 42 increases the area of ​​the operation recognition range (expands the operation recognition range). In step S4, if the amplitude of the vibration is less than the amplitude threshold, the operation recognition range control unit 42 sets the operation recognition range to the initial range.

[0027] In step S5, the operation recognition unit 41 acquires the detection value of the electrostatic sensor 10 within the operation recognition range. That is, the operation recognition unit 41 acquires the detection value of the capacitance of the electrostatic sensor 10, which changes within the operation recognition range. In step S6, the operation recognition unit 41 determines whether the detection value (capacitance) of the electrostatic sensor 10 is equal to or greater than the determination threshold. If the detection value (capacitance) of the electrostatic sensor 10 is equal to or greater than the determination threshold, in step S7, the operation recognition unit 41 recognizes that a touch operation has been performed, and the control flow ends. If the detection value (capacitance) of the electrostatic sensor 10 is less than the determination threshold, the operation recognition unit 41 does not recognize that a touch operation has been performed, and the control flow ends. That is, the operation recognition device 40 recognizes a touch operation within a predetermined operation recognition range on the surface of the button 3 based on the output of the electrostatic sensor by executing the control flow of steps S5 to S7.

[0028] As described above, in this embodiment, the vehicle input device 100 includes the electrostatic sensor 10, the vibration sensor 20, and the operation recognition device 40 that recognizes a touch operation within a predetermined operation recognition range on the surface of the button 3. When the amplitude and / or vibration frequency of the vibration detected by the vibration sensor 20 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the operation recognition device 40 increases the area of ​​the operation recognition range. As a result, when the amplitude and / or vibration frequency of the vibration is large and there is a high possibility that the user will not be able to accurately perform a touch operation on the button 3, the operation recognition range is increased to improve the operability of the button 3. As a result, it is possible to make it easier to recognize a button operation when the vehicle is vibrating.

[0029] In this embodiment, the operation recognition device 40 increases the area of ​​the operation recognition range as the amplitude of the vibration increases, thereby making it easier to recognize button operations when the vehicle is vibrating.

[0030] In this embodiment, the operation recognition device 40 increases the area of ​​the operation recognition range when the vibration frequency is within a predetermined frequency band that includes the vehicle's resonance frequency, thereby making it easier to recognize button operations when the vehicle is vibrating.

[0031] In this embodiment, the operation recognition device 40 reduces the area of ​​the operation recognition range as the vibration frequency is higher than the upper limit frequency of the predetermined frequency band or as the vibration frequency is lower than the lower limit frequency of the predetermined frequency band, thereby making it easier to recognize button operations when the vehicle is vibrating.

[0032] In this embodiment, the operation recognition device 40 increases the area of ​​the operation recognition range by expanding the periphery of the operation recognition range, thereby making it easier to recognize button operations when the vehicle vibrates.

[0033] In the vehicle input device 100 according to a modification of this embodiment, the sensitivity of touch operations within the operation recognition range may be increased as the vibration frequency approaches the vehicle's resonant frequency. To increase the sensitivity of touch operations, the gain may be increased so that the output value of the electrostatic sensor increases relative to the amount of change in capacitance during a touch operation. The closer the vibration frequency is to the vehicle's resonant frequency, the more difficult it becomes for the user to operate the button 3, and there is a risk that the user's finger may not sufficiently contact the button 3, resulting in a small change in capacitance. Therefore, in this modification, the gain is increased to increase the sensitivity of touch operations within the operation recognition range. This makes it easier to recognize button operations even when vibrations with a frequency close to the resonant frequency occur in the vehicle body.

[0034] In the vehicle input device 100 according to a modified example of this embodiment, the operation recognition device 40 may increase the area of ​​the operation recognition range by expanding a portion of the periphery of the operation recognition range that is located on the operator's side of the button 3. Fig. 6 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the board, illustrating the operation recognition range before and after expansion. Note that on the paper surface of Fig. 6, the right side indicates the driver's seat side (the right seat side when looking forward in the forward direction of the vehicle) with respect to the center of the front of the vehicle compartment, and the left side indicates the passenger seat side (the left seat side when looking forward in the forward direction of the vehicle) with respect to the center of the front of the vehicle compartment.

[0035] The operation recognition device 40 identifies the seat the driver is sitting in based on the seat belt sign and a weight sensor installed on the seat. For example, if the user is sitting only in the driver's seat, the operation recognition device 40 identifies the user in the driver's seat as the operator of button 3. Then, if the amplitude of vibration detected by the vibration sensor 20 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the area of ​​the operation recognition range is increased by expanding the area around the driver's seat without expanding the area around the passenger seat. In the example of FIG. 6 , the right side of the operation recognition range is expanded as shown by the arrow. This makes it easier to recognize button operations by the operator when the vehicle vibrates. Furthermore, since the operation recognition ranges corresponding to multiple buttons 3 are expanded toward the operator of the button 3, the operability of the button 3 is improved.

[0036] In the vehicle input device 100 according to the modified example of this embodiment, the operation recognition device 40 may increase the sensitivity of touch operations in the operation recognition range in the peripheral part of the button compared to the central part. For example, the operation recognition device 40 may decrease the sensitivity in the icon part of the operation recognition range and increase the sensitivity in the part surrounding the icon. This can improve the operability of the button 3.

[0037] Furthermore, in the vehicle input device 100 according to the modified example of this embodiment, the operation recognition device 40 may detect the angle of the finger touching the button 3 based on the output of the electrostatic sensor 10. The waveform of the capacitance detected by the electrostatic sensor 10 changes depending on the angle of the finger touching the button 3. Therefore, the operation recognition device 40 detects the angle of the finger touching the button 3 from the waveform of the capacitance of the electrostatic sensor 10, and estimates which button 3 the user has touched. This improves the accuracy of recognizing the button 3.

[0038] In the vehicle input device 100 according to a modified example of this embodiment, the operation recognition device 40 may increase the area of ​​the operation recognition range when the direction of vibration detected by the vibration sensor 20 coincides with the arrangement direction of the plurality of buttons 3. Fig. 7 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the board, illustrating the operation recognition range before and after enlargement. Note that the left-right direction on the paper surface of Fig. 7 corresponds to the width direction of the vehicle.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 7 , the buttons 3 are arranged along the vehicle width direction. That is, the arrangement direction of the buttons 3 is the vehicle width direction. When the direction of vibration detected by the vibration sensor 20 matches the arrangement direction of the buttons 3 (vehicle width direction), the operation recognition device 40 expands the operation recognition range in the arrangement direction of the buttons 3. On the other hand, when the direction of vibration does not match the arrangement direction of the buttons 3, the operation recognition device 40 does not need to expand the operation recognition range in the arrangement direction of the buttons 3. When the vibration direction of the vehicle matches the arrangement direction of the buttons 3, there is a high possibility of erroneous operation of the buttons 3. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the vibration direction of the vehicle matches the arrangement direction of the buttons 3, the area of ​​the operation recognition range is increased, making it easier to recognize button operations.

[0040] 7, the buttons 3 are arranged along the width direction of the vehicle, but if the buttons 3 are arranged along the height direction of the vehicle, the operation recognition device 40 may increase the area of ​​the operation recognition range when the direction of vibration detected by the vibration sensor 20 coincides with the height direction of the vehicle. In this case, the operation recognition device 40 may expand the operation recognition range in the arrangement direction of the buttons 3.

[0041] Furthermore, in the vehicle input device 100 according to the modified example of this embodiment, if the button 3 is mounted in the vehicle interior via a component, the area of ​​the operation recognition range may be increased when the vibration frequency is within a predetermined frequency band including the resonant frequency of the component. For example, if the button 3 is mounted on the board 2 via a resin or metal support, the vibration of the support affects the operation of the button 3. Therefore, in the modified example, the area of ​​the operation recognition range is increased when the vibration frequency of the vibration detected by the vibration sensor 20 is within a predetermined frequency band including the resonant frequency of the support. This makes it easier to recognize button operations.

[0042] The vibration sensor 20 in this embodiment corresponds to the "detection unit" of the present invention. That is, the detection unit of the present invention may include the vibration sensor 20, or may detect vibrations based on at least one of the engine speed, engine on / off, steering angle, and map information.

[0043] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments have been described to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Therefore, the elements disclosed in the above embodiments are intended to include all design modifications and equivalents that fall within the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0044] 1 Display 2 Boards 3 Buttons 4 Main switch 5 Steering switch 10 Electrostatic Sensor 11 electrodes 12 Dielectrics 20 Vibration Sensor 30 vibration elements 40 Operation recognition device 41 Operation recognition section 42 Operation recognition range control section 100 Vehicle input device

Claims

1. a button provided in the interior of the vehicle; an electrostatic sensor provided under the rear surface of the button; a detection unit that detects vibrations of the vehicle; an operation recognition device that recognizes a touch operation within a predetermined operation recognition range on the surface of the button based on an output of the electrostatic sensor; The operation recognition device Identifying the operator of the button; When the amplitude and / or vibration frequency of the vibration detected by the detection unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the vehicle input device increases the area of ​​the operation recognition range by expanding the portion of the periphery of the operation recognition range that is located on the identified operator's side.

2. 2. The vehicle input device according to claim 1, The operation recognition device is a vehicle input device that increases the area of ​​the operation recognition range as the amplitude increases.

3. 3. The vehicle input device according to claim 1, The operation recognition device increases an area of ​​the operation recognition range when the vibration frequency is within a predetermined frequency band including a resonance frequency of the vehicle.

4. 4. The vehicle input device according to claim 3, The operation recognition device reduces the area of ​​the operation recognition range as the vibration frequency is higher than an upper limit frequency of the frequency band or as the vibration frequency is lower than a lower limit frequency of the frequency band.

5. 3. The vehicle input device according to claim 1, The operation recognition device increases the sensitivity of the touch operation within the operation recognition range as the vibration frequency approaches a resonance frequency of the vehicle.

6. 3. The vehicle input device according to claim 1, The operation recognition device is a vehicle input device that increases the area of ​​the operation recognition range by expanding the periphery of the operation recognition range.

7. a button provided in the interior of the vehicle; an electrostatic sensor provided under the rear surface of the button; a detection unit that detects vibrations of the vehicle; an operation recognition device that recognizes a touch operation within a predetermined operation recognition range on the surface of the button based on an output of the electrostatic sensor; The operation recognition device When the amplitude and / or vibration frequency of the vibration detected by the detection unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the area of ​​the operation recognition range is increased, and the sensitivity of the touch operation in the operation recognition range is made higher in the peripheral part of the button than in the center part.

8. 8. The vehicle input device according to claim 1, wherein: The operation recognition device is an input device for a vehicle, and detects an angle of a finger touching the button based on an output of the electrostatic sensor.

9. 8. The vehicle input device according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of buttons are arranged along a predetermined arrangement direction, The operation recognition device increases an area of ​​the operation recognition range when a direction of vibration detected by the detection unit matches the arrangement direction.

10. 3. The vehicle input device according to claim 1, The button is provided in the chamber via a part, The operation recognition device increases an area of ​​the operation recognition range when the vibration frequency is within a predetermined frequency band including a resonance frequency of the component.

11. 8. The vehicle input device according to claim 1, wherein: The detection unit includes a sensor mounted on the vehicle, or is a vehicle input device that detects the vibration based on at least one of engine speed, engine on / off, steering angle, and map information.

12. An input method for a vehicle, executed by a processor, for detecting a touch operation on a button provided in a vehicle interior, comprising: The processor: a touch sensor provided under the rear surface of the button, based on an output of the electrostatic sensor, said touch sensor recognizing a touch operation within a predetermined operation recognition range on the surface of the button; Detecting vibrations of the vehicle; Identifying the operator of the button; When the amplitude and / or vibration frequency of the detected vibration is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the area of ​​the operation recognition range is increased by expanding the portion of the periphery of the operation recognition range that is located on the identified operator's side.

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