Vehicle input device

Abstract

To provide an input device for a vehicle, which can inhibit incorrect input when an operation is performed without a great shift of a driver's gaze during driving in the case where a plurality of operation parts are arranged in vicinity to one another.SOLUTION: An input device 10 for a vehicle includes: an operation detection part 82 that detects input into on-board equipment allocated to an operation part, when one of the plurality of operation parts provided on the periphery of a driver seat is operated; a preparatory operation detection part 84 that detects a preparatory operation immediately before the operation part is operated; and a notification part 90 that notifies an occupant of information on the on-board equipment allocated to the operation part, when the preparatory operation is detected by the preparatory operation detection part 84.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an input device for a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an in-vehicle input device with multiple switches on the steering wheel. In this in-vehicle input device, the layout of options on a virtual image screen displayed on the front windshield by a head-up display corresponds to the layout of the switches. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-315562 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] By positionally associating the virtual image screen with the switches (operating units) as in the in-vehicle input device described in Patent Document 1, it becomes easier for the occupant to operate any switch while keeping their eyes facing forward. However, arranging multiple switches close to each other increases the possibility of incorrect input.

[0005] In consideration of the above, the present invention provides a method for operating a vehicle without moving one's eyes significantly when driving, in a case where a plurality of operating units are arranged close to each other. Recognize possible functions The object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle input device that can [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The vehicle input device according to claim 1 displays information about an in-vehicle device assigned to an operation unit on a display unit that can be switched to a plurality of hierarchical levels and that has different functions assigned to each hierarchical level when an operation unit provided around a driver's seat is operated, and when a predetermined condition is met, an image of a frame corresponding to the operation unit is displayed on the display unit, and an icon corresponding to the in-vehicle device is displayed within the frame, while when the predetermined condition is not met, only the image of the frame is displayed on the display unit, and the icon is not displayed, and when the operated operation unit is in a position where the icon is not displayed in the hierarchical level displayed on the display unit, the operation position of the frame corresponding to the operation unit is displayed. Highlight by brightening display death If the icon is displayed, the operation position is highlighted and the contents of the in-vehicle device are notified.

[0007] In the vehicle input device according to claim 1, When the operation unit is operated, the notification unit notifies the occupant by displaying information about the in-vehicle device assigned to the operation unit on the display unit.

[0008] Also, When a predetermined condition is met, the notification unit displays an image of a frame corresponding to the operation unit on the display unit and an icon corresponding to the in-vehicle device within the frame. On the other hand, when the predetermined condition is not met, the notification unit displays only the image of the frame on the display unit and does not display the icon, so that the occupant can easily recognize that the function is not operable. The term "operation" as used herein includes, for example, pressing an operation unit, touching an operation unit, etc. The term "in-vehicle equipment" as used herein includes, for example, air conditioners, audio equipment, car navigation systems, and voice input devices, as well as driving support equipment such as ACC (active cruise control) and LTA (lane tracing assist).

[0009] The vehicle input device according to claim 2 is the same as claim 1, The image of the frame portion has a shape that imitates the operation portion.

[0010] In the vehicle input device according to claim 2, It can be seen at a glance that the image of the frame indicates the operation section.

[0011] The vehicle input device according to claim 3 is 1 In The operation unit includes a plurality of operation areas, each of which is assigned to a different in-vehicle device.

[0012] In the vehicle input device according to claim 3, By operating different operation areas, different functions of in-vehicle devices can be performed.

[0013] The vehicle input device according to claim 4 is the vehicle input device according to claim 3, The icons are images that indicate functions of the in-vehicle devices, and the notification unit displays a plurality of the icons in a manner that corresponds to the arrangement of the plurality of operation areas.

[0014] In the vehicle input device according to claim 4, You can check the functions assigned to the operation area without looking at your hand.

[0017] Claim 5 In the vehicle input device described in claim 1, the predetermined condition is a condition that a function of the in-vehicle device indicated by the icon is executable.

[0018] Claim 5 In the vehicle input device described in the item (1), an occupant can know at a glance whether or not a function of an in-vehicle device is executable.

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[0024] delete [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] As described above, according to the vehicle input device of claim 1, when a plurality of operation units are arranged close to each other, it is possible to operate the operation unit without moving the line of sight significantly while driving. Recognize possible functions It is possible.

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[0033] delete [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] 1 is a view of a front compartment of a vehicle to which a vehicle input device according to a first embodiment is applied, viewed from the rear side of the vehicle. [Figure 2] 2 is an enlarged view of a main part of the steering wheel in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a display example of a display unit in the first embodiment, showing the first layer of left switches and the first layer of right switches. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing an example of a display on a head-up display in the first embodiment, in which (A) shows the first layer of left-side switches, and (B) shows the second layer of left-side switches. [Figure 5] 1A and 1B show examples of the display of the head-up display in the first embodiment, where (A) shows the state in which the down button of the first left tact switch is being touched, and (B) shows the state in which the fourth left tact switch is being touched. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing examples of the display of a head-up display in the first embodiment, in which (A) shows the state in which the right third tact switch is being touched, (B) shows the state in which the right third tact switch is pressed and the lower button of the right first tact switch is being touched, and (C) shows the state in which the lower button of the right first tact switch is pressed. [Figure 7]1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a vehicle input device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a vehicle input device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 9] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a display process by the vehicle input device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a vehicle input device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a vehicle input device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a voice notification process by the vehicle input device according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] First Embodiment A vehicle input device 10 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in Fig. 1, an instrument panel 14 is disposed at the front of the passenger compartment of a vehicle 12 to which the vehicle input device 10 of this embodiment is applied. A windshield glass 16 is disposed at the front end of the instrument panel 14, and this windshield glass 16 extends in the vertical direction and the width direction of the vehicle to separate the interior and exterior of the vehicle.

[0036] A display screen 17 serving as a display unit is provided on the windshield glass 16. The display screen 17 is a screen on which an image is projected from a head-up display 19 (see FIG. 7) onto a partial area of ​​the windshield glass 16, and is provided in an area of ​​the windshield glass 16 on the front side of the driver's seat.

[0037] A steering wheel 18 is provided via a steering column (not shown) on the driver's seat side (right side of the vehicle) of the instrument panel 14. The steering wheel 18 has a substantially annular rim portion 18A. A hub portion 18B constituting the center portion is provided on the inner periphery of the rim portion 18A, and the rim portion 18A and the hub portion 18B are connected by a plurality of spokes 18C (three in this embodiment).

[0038] The spokes 18C are provided in three locations: between the right side of the rim 18A and the hub 18B, between the left side of the rim 18A and the hub 18B, and between the underside of the rim 18A and the hub 18B. A right switch 20R is provided on the spoke 18C between the right side of the rim 18A and the hub 18B. A left switch 20L is also provided on the spoke 18C between the left side of the rim 18A and the hub 18B. Details of the right switch 20R and the left switch 20L will be described later.

[0039] (Hardware configuration) Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the vehicle input device 10. As shown in Fig. 7, the vehicle input device 10 includes an ECU (Electrical Control Unit) 24, which is a control unit. The ECU 24 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit: Processor) 26, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 28, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 30, a storage 32, a communication interface 34, and an input / output interface 36. Each component is connected to each other via a bus 38 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0040] The CPU 26 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls each component. That is, the CPU 26 reads programs from the ROM 28 or storage 32 and executes the programs using the RAM 30 as a work area. The CPU 26 controls the above components and performs various arithmetic operations in accordance with the programs recorded in the ROM 28 or storage 32.

[0041] The ROM 28 stores various programs and various data. The RAM 30 temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. The storage 32 is configured with an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) and stores various programs including the operating system and various data.

[0042] The communication interface 34 is an interface for the ECU 24 to communicate with a server and other devices, and uses standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), FDDI, and Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0043] The communication interface 36 is connected to the HUD (head-up display) 19, in-vehicle equipment 39, right switch 20R, and left switch 20L. Specifically, the communication interface 36 is connected to the HUD 19, which projects an image onto the display screen 17, and receives a signal from the ECU 24, causing the image to be projected from the HUD 19 onto the display screen 17. The in-vehicle equipment 39 is a general term that includes devices such as an air conditioner, audio, a car navigation system, and a voice input device, as well as driving support devices such as an ACC (active cruise control) and an LTA (lane tracing assist).

[0044] The right switch 20R includes a first right tact switch 40. The right switch 20R also includes a second right tact switch 42, a third right tact switch 44, and a fourth right tact switch 46 as operating units, each of which is configured as a contact detection switch. The right switch 20R also includes a first right electrostatic sensor 41, a second right electrostatic sensor 43, a third right electrostatic sensor 45, and a fourth right electrostatic sensor 47.

[0045] 2, the right first tact switch 40 is formed in a substantially circular shape and includes an upper button 40A, a lower button 40B, a right button 40C, and a left button 40D as operation units. Therefore, the right first tact switch 40 is configured so that it can be pressed up, down, left, and right. These buttons are mainly used when operating the driving assistance device.

[0046] The right first tact switch 40 is also provided with a right first electrostatic sensor 41, which is configured to detect that an occupant has touched the right first tact switch 40. Specifically, it is configured to detect which button the occupant has touched among the up button 40A, the down button 40B, the right button 40C, and the left button 40D of the right first tact switch 40. Different functions are assigned to the up button 40A, the down button 40B, the right button 40C, and the left button 40D when the image (at least one of an icon and a character) displayed on the display screen 17 is switched.

[0047] The right second tact switch 42 is disposed to the lower right of the right first tact switch 40 when the steering wheel 18 is viewed from the front, and is formed in a generally circular shape with a smaller diameter than the right first tact switch 40. In addition, the right second tact switch 42 in this embodiment is assigned the function of switching the image displayed on the display screen 17 when pressed. In other words, it switches the hierarchical level displayed on the display screen 17. The right second tact switch 42 is provided with a right second electrostatic sensor 43, which is configured to detect when the occupant touches the right second tact switch 42.

[0048] The right third tact switch 44 is disposed above and to the left of the right first tact switch 40 when viewed from the front of the steering wheel 18, and is formed in a generally rectangular shape with a recessed bottom right corner. In addition, the right third tact switch 44 in this embodiment is assigned the function of activating the ACC when pressed. The right third tact switch 44 is provided with a right third electrostatic sensor 45, which is configured to detect when the right third tact switch 44 is touched by an occupant.

[0049] The right fourth tact switch 46 is disposed below the right third tact switch 44 and is formed in a generally rectangular shape with a recessed upper right corner. In addition, the right fourth tact switch 46 in this embodiment is assigned the function of activating the LTA when pressed. The right fourth tact switch 46 is provided with a right fourth electrostatic sensor 47, which is configured to detect when the right fourth tact switch 46 is touched by an occupant.

[0050] 7, the left switch 20L includes a first left tactile switch 48. The left switch 20L also includes a second left tactile switch 50, a third left tactile switch 52, and a fourth left tactile switch 54 as operating units, each of which is a contact detection switch. The left switch 20L also includes a first left electrostatic sensor 49, a second left electrostatic sensor 51, a third left electrostatic sensor 53, and a fourth left electrostatic sensor 55.

[0051] 2, the left first tact switch 48 is formed in a substantially circular shape and includes an upper button 48A, a lower button 48B, a right button 48C, and a left button 48D as operation units. Therefore, the left first tact switch 48 is configured to be able to be pressed up, down, left, and right.

[0052] The first left tactile switch 48 is provided with a first left electrostatic sensor 49, which is configured to detect that an occupant has touched the first left tactile switch 48. Specifically, it is configured to detect which button the occupant has touched among the up button 48A, the down button 48B, the right button 48C, and the left button 48D of the first left tactile switch 48. Different operations are assigned to the up button 48A, the down button 48B, the right button 48C, and the left button 48D depending on the level displayed on the display screen 17.

[0053] The left second tact switch 50 is disposed to the lower left of the left first tact switch 48 when the steering wheel 18 is viewed from the front, and is formed in a generally circular shape with a smaller diameter than the left first tact switch 48. In addition, the left second tact switch 50 in this embodiment is assigned the function of changing the layer of the image displayed on the display screen 17 when pressed. The left second tact switch 50 is provided with a left second electrostatic sensor 51, which is configured to be able to detect when the left second tact switch 50 is touched by an occupant.

[0054] The left third tactile switch 52 is disposed to the upper right of the left first tactile switch 48 when viewed from the front of the steering wheel 18, and is formed in a generally rectangular shape with a recessed lower left corner. The left third tactile switch 52 is assigned the function of increasing the volume when pressed. The left third tactile switch 52 is provided with a left third electrostatic sensor 53, which is configured to detect when the occupant touches the left third tactile switch 52.

[0055] The left fourth tactile switch 54 is disposed below the left third tactile switch 52 and is formed in a generally rectangular shape with a recessed upper left corner. The left fourth tactile switch 54 is assigned the function of lowering the tone when pressed. The left fourth tactile switch 54 is provided with a left fourth electrostatic sensor 55, which is configured to detect when the occupant touches the left fourth tactile switch 54.

[0056] (Functional configuration) The vehicle input device realizes various functions using the hardware resources shown in Fig. 7. The functional configuration realized by the vehicle input device will be described with reference to Fig. 8.

[0057] 8, the vehicular input device 10 includes, as functional components, a communication unit 80, an operation detection unit 82, a preparatory movement detection unit 84, an acceptance determination unit 86, a non-display setting unit 88, and a notification unit 90. Each functional component is realized by the CPU 26 of the ECU 24 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 28 or the storage 32.

[0058] The communication unit 80 communicates with a server, devices outside the vehicle, and the like via the communication interface 34. The operation detection unit 82 detects input to the in-vehicle device 39 corresponding to the right switch 20R or the left switch 20L when one of the right switch 20R and the left switch 20L is touched or pressed. Specifically, the right switch 20R detects the input by receiving signals from the first right tact switch 40, the second right tact switch 42, the third right tact switch 44, and the fourth right tact switch 46. The left switch 20L detects the input by receiving signals from the first left tact switch 48, the second left tact switch 50, the third left tact switch 52, and the fourth left tact switch 54.

[0059] The preparatory movement detection unit 84 detects the preparatory movement immediately before the right switch 20R is pressed and the preparatory movement immediately before the left switch 20L is pressed. Specifically, the preparatory movement detection unit 84 detects the state of touching immediately before pressing as the preparatory movement by receiving signals from the first right electrostatic sensor 41, the second right electrostatic sensor 43, the third right electrostatic sensor 45, and the fourth right electrostatic sensor 47. Similarly, the preparatory movement detection unit 84 detects the state of touching immediately before pressing as the preparatory movement by receiving signals from the first left electrostatic sensor 49, the second left electrostatic sensor 51, the third left electrostatic sensor 53, and the fourth left electrostatic sensor 55. For example, when an occupant touches at least one of the right switch 20R and the left switch 20L, these sensors detect this as the preparatory movement immediately before pressing.

[0060] The acceptance determination unit 86 determines whether or not an input to the in-vehicle device 39 is operable when the operation detection unit 82 detects the input. That is, the right first tact switch 40 and the left first tact switch 48 are assigned different functions depending on the level displayed on the display screen 17, and therefore are switched to an inoperable state in some levels. Then, the acceptance determination unit 86 determines whether or not the right first tact switch 40 and the left first tact switch 48 are in an inoperable state in which input cannot be accepted, for each of them.

[0061] The non-display setting unit 88 sets some of the information displayed on the display screen 17 as non-display items. Specifically, the content to be hidden according to the layer is set in advance for each switch. The non-display setting unit 88 is configured to be able to determine whether or not an item is to be hidden by referring to this setting value.

[0062] When a preparatory movement is detected by the function of the preparatory movement detection unit 84, the notification unit 90 notifies the occupant of information related to the in-vehicle devices 39 corresponding to the right switch 20R and the left switch 20L that are to be pressed. Specifically, the notification unit 90 visually notifies the occupant by displaying information related to the in-vehicle devices 39 on the display screen 17 provided on the front side of the driver's seat.

[0063] (Explanation of display information) An example of display information displayed on the display screen 17 of this embodiment will now be described with reference to Figures 3 to 6. Figure 3 shows an image of the first layer menu screen corresponding to the right switch 20R and an image of the first layer menu screen corresponding to the left switch 20L.

[0064] A right first frame portion 62 corresponding to the right first tact switch 40 is displayed on the right side of the display screen 17, and this right first frame portion 62 is configured to include an upper arc portion 62A, a lower arc portion 62B, a right arc portion 62C, and a left arc portion 62D. The upper arc portion 62A, the lower arc portion 62B, the right arc portion 62C, and the left arc portion 62D correspond to the upper button 40A, the lower button 40B, the right button 40C, and the left button 40D of the right first tact switch 40, respectively.

[0065] Here, icon M1 is displayed adjacent to upper arc portion 62A, and this icon M1 is shaped to resemble the character string "RES." That is, icon M1 corresponds to the RESUME function. Also, icon M2 is displayed adjacent to lower arc portion 62B, and this icon M2 is shaped to resemble the character string "SET." That is, icon M2 corresponds to the SET function.

[0066] An icon M3 is displayed adjacent to the right arc portion 62C, and this icon M3 is shaped to resemble the character string "CANCEL." That is, the icon M3 corresponds to the CANCEL function. An icon M4 is displayed adjacent to the left arc portion 62D, and this icon M4 is shaped to resemble a vehicle and radar. The icon M4 corresponds to the function of detecting information about the vehicle's surroundings.

[0067] A right second frame 64 corresponding to the right second tact switch 42 is displayed at the bottom right of the right first frame 62, and an icon M5 is displayed within this right second frame 64. The icon M5 resembles a shape of overlapping rectangles, and corresponds to a function for changing the hierarchy displayed on the display screen 17.

[0068] A right third frame 66 corresponding to the right third tact switch 44 is displayed in the upper left of the right first frame 62. An icon M6 is also displayed within the right third frame 66. This icon M6 is shaped to resemble a vehicle and a meter, and corresponds to the function of the ACC.

[0069] A right fourth frame 68 corresponding to the right fourth tactile switch 46 is displayed at the bottom left of the right first frame 62. An icon M7 is displayed within the right fourth frame 68. This icon M7 is shaped like a vehicle and a lane, and corresponds to the function of the LTA. These icons M1 to M7 are icons in the first layer of the display screen 17 corresponding to the right switch 20R.

[0070] On the other hand, a left first frame portion 70 corresponding to the left first tact switch 48 is displayed on the left side of the display screen 17, and this left first frame portion 70 is configured to include an upper arc portion 70A, a lower arc portion 70B, a right arc portion 70C, and a left arc portion 70D. The upper arc portion 70A, the lower arc portion 70B, the right arc portion 70C, and the left arc portion 70D correspond to the upper button 48A, the lower button 48B, the right button 48C, and the left button 48D of the left first tact switch 48, respectively.

[0071] Here, an icon M8 is displayed adjacent to the upper arc portion 70A, and this icon M8 has a shape that imitates a passenger speaking. That is, the icon M8 corresponds to the voice recognition function. Also, an icon M9 is displayed adjacent to the lower arc portion 70B, and this icon M9 has a shape that imitates a telephone. That is, the icon M9 corresponds to the call function.

[0072] An icon M10 is displayed adjacent to the right arc portion 70C and has a triangular shape. This icon M10 corresponds to the skip forward function. An icon M11 is displayed adjacent to the left arc portion 70D and has a shape obtained by mirror-mirroring the icon M10. This icon M11 corresponds to the skip back function.

[0073] A left second frame 72 corresponding to the left second tact switch 50 is displayed at the bottom left of the left first frame 70, and an icon M12 is displayed within this left second frame 72. The icon M12 resembles two overlapping rectangles and corresponds to the function of changing the layer.

[0074] A left third frame 74 corresponding to the left third tact switch 52 is displayed in the upper right corner of the left first frame 70. An icon M13 is also displayed within the left third frame 74. This icon M13 is shaped like a speaker and corresponds to the volume up function.

[0075] A left fourth frame 76 corresponding to the left fourth tactile switch 54 is displayed at the bottom right of the left first frame 70. An icon M14 is displayed within the left fourth frame 76. This icon M14 is shaped like a speaker and corresponds to the volume down function. These icons M8 to M14 are icons in the first layer of the display screen 17 corresponding to the left switch 20L.

[0076] Next, Fig. 4(A) shows the first layer of the display screen 17 corresponding to the left switch 20L. When the occupant presses the second left tact switch 50 of the left switch 20L in this state, the display screen 17 switches to the second layer of the display shown in Fig. 4(B).

[0077] As shown in FIG. 4(B), in the second layer, icon M15 is displayed in place of icon M8. Icon M15 is shaped like the character string "TEMP+" and corresponds to the function of increasing the air conditioning temperature. Also, icon M16 is displayed in place of icon M9. Icon M16 is shaped like the character string "TEMP-" and corresponds to the function of decreasing the air conditioning temperature.

[0078] Furthermore, in the second layer, icon M17 is displayed in place of icon M10. Icon M17 has a shape that resembles an occupant and an airflow direction, and corresponds to the function of changing the airflow direction. Furthermore, icon M18 is displayed in place of icon M11. Icon M18 has a shape that resembles a vehicle, and corresponds to the function of recirculating internal air. As described above, in this embodiment, the display related to air conditioning is performed in the second layer of the display screen 17 corresponding to the left switch 20L. Furthermore, the operation detection unit 82 is configured to detect when the left switch 20L is pressed or touched as an input of an operation corresponding to the layer displayed on the display screen 17.

[0079] Next, FIG. 5A shows the display on the display screen 17 when the occupant is touching the down button 48B of the left first tact switch 48. That is, FIG. 5A shows the first layer of the display screen 17 corresponding to the left switch 20L. The lower arc portion 70B of the left first frame 70 is highlighted. Specifically, the lower arc portion 70B of the left first frame 70 and the periphery of the lower arc portion 70B are brightly displayed. Furthermore, an icon M19 is displayed in the area to the right of the left third frame 74 and the left fourth frame 76. This icon M19 is shaped like the word "TELEPHONE" and indicates a call function. These displays are performed by the function of the notification unit 90, which is configured to display content corresponding to the down button 48B being touched by the occupant. The notification unit 90 also displays the position of the left first tact switch 48 being touched by the occupant on the display screen 17.

[0080] FIG. 5(B) shows the display on the display screen 17 when the occupant is touching the left fourth tact switch 54. As shown in FIG. 5(B), the first layer of the display screen 17 corresponding to the left switch 20L is displayed. The left fourth frame 76 is also highlighted. Specifically, the left fourth frame 76 is displayed brightly. Furthermore, an icon M20 is displayed in the area to the right of the left third frame 74 and the left fourth frame 76. This icon M20 is shaped like the letters "VOL25," indicating that the volume level is 25. These displays are performed by the function of the notification unit 90, and are configured to display content corresponding to the left fourth tact switch 54 that the occupant is touching.

[0081] Next, FIG. 6(A) shows the display on the display screen 17 when the occupant is touching the right third tact switch 44. As shown in FIG. 6(A), icons for functions that cannot be selected are hidden. That is, the icons M1 to M4 assigned to the upper arc portion 62A, the lower arc portion 62B, the right arc portion 62C, and the left arc portion 62D of the right first frame portion 62, respectively, are hidden by the function of the non-display setting unit 88. The icon M7 in the right fourth frame portion 68 is also hidden. Furthermore, the right third frame portion 66 is highlighted. Specifically, the right third frame portion 66 is displayed brightly.

[0082] When the occupant presses the right third tact switch 44 in the state shown in FIG. 6(A), the state transitions to the state shown in FIG. 6(B). In FIG. 6(B), the icon M2 assigned to the lower arc portion 62B of the right first frame portion 62 is displayed. Also, in FIG. 6(B), the occupant is touching the lower button 40B of the right first tact switch 40, so the lower arc portion 62B displayed on the display screen 17 is highlighted. Specifically, the lower arc portion 62B and the area around the lower arc portion 62B are displayed brightly.

[0083] When the occupant presses the lower button 40B of the right first tact switch 40 in the state shown in FIG. 6(B), the ACC is activated, resulting in a transition to the state shown in FIG. 6(C). In FIG. 6(C), an icon M3 assigned to the right arc portion 62C of the right first frame portion 62 is displayed. An icon M21 is displayed on the upper arc portion 62A, and an icon M22 is displayed on the lower arc portion 62B. The icon M21 is shaped like the character "+", and the icon M22 is shaped like the character "-". When the upper button 40A of the right first tact switch 40 is pressed, the set speed of the ACC increases, and when the lower button 40B of the right first tact switch 40 is pressed, the set speed of the ACC decreases.

[0084] (Example of display processing) Next, an example of the flow of the display process by the vehicular input device 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 9. This display process is executed, for example, when the ignition (power) of the vehicle 12 is turned on, by the CPU 26 reading a program from the ROM 28 or the storage 32, expanding it in the RAM 30, and executing it.

[0085] 9, in step S102, the CPU 26 determines whether or not it has detected that an occupant has touched at least one of the right switch 20R and the left switch 20L. Specifically, if the preparatory movement detection unit 84 receives signals from the first right electrostatic sensor 41, the second right electrostatic sensor 43, the third right electrostatic sensor 45, and the fourth right electrostatic sensor 47, it determines that it has detected that the right switch 20R has been touched. Similarly, if the preparatory movement detection unit 84 receives signals from the first left electrostatic sensor 49, the second left electrostatic sensor 51, the third left electrostatic sensor 53, and the fourth left electrostatic sensor 55, it determines that it has detected that the left switch 20L has been touched.

[0086] If the CPU 26 determines in step S102 that a touch on at least one of the right switch 20R and the left switch 20L has been detected, the CPU 26 proceeds to processing in step S104. If the CPU 26 does not detect a touch on either the right switch 20R or the left switch 20L in step S102, the CPU 26 ends the display processing.

[0087] In step S104, the CPU 26 displays information on the display screen 17. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 3, the CPU 26 displays the first layer of information corresponding to the right switch 20R and the first layer of information corresponding to the left switch 20L on the display screen 17.

[0088] The CPU 26 determines whether or not the content corresponding to the switch whose touch is detected in step S106 is to be hidden. Specifically, the CPU 26 determines that the content is to be hidden when it is determined by the function of the acceptance determination unit 86 that the input cannot be accepted.

[0089] If the CPU 26 determines in step S106 that the content corresponding to the touched switch is to be hidden, the CPU 26 proceeds to processing in step S110. Then, in step S110, the CPU 26 highlights the touched switch on the display screen 17 using the function of the notification unit 90. For example, in the state shown in FIG. 5(A), the occupant is touching the down button 48B (see FIG. 2) of the left first tact switch 48, so the CPU 26 brightens the lower arc portion 70B of the left first frame portion 70 displayed on the display screen 17, thereby highlighting the image corresponding to the down button 48B being touched by the occupant. Then, the CPU 26 proceeds to processing in step S112.

[0090] On the other hand, if the CPU 26 determines in step S106 that the content corresponding to the touched switch is not to be hidden, i.e., if it determines that the content is to be displayed, the process proceeds to step S108. Then, in step S108, the CPU 26 causes the display screen 17 to display the position and content of the switch touched by the occupant using the function of the notification unit 90. For example, in the state shown in FIG. 5(A), the CPU 26 brightens the lower arc portion 70B of the left first frame portion 70 and displays the icon M19. Then, the CPU 26 proceeds to step S112.

[0091] Next, in step S112, the CPU 26 determines whether the occupant has changed from a state in which they are touching at least one of the right switch 20R and the left switch 20L to a state in which they are not touching. Specifically, when the occupant releases their finger from the switch, the signals from the electrostatic sensors are not received, and the CPU 26 determines that a touch is not detected, i.e., that a touch is not detected. If the CPU 26 determines that a touch is not detected in step S112, the CPU 26 proceeds to processing in step S114. If the CPU 26 determines that a touch is not detected in step S112, the CPU 26 proceeds to processing in step S106 because the touch is still detected.

[0092] In step S114, the CPU 26 changes the position and content of the switch touched by the occupant to hidden. Specifically, the CPU 26 makes the display on the display screen 17 hidden by the function of the hidden display setting unit 88. Then, the CPU 26 ends the display process.

[0093] (action) Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0094] In the vehicular input device of this embodiment, the in-vehicle device 39 is activated when the occupant presses the right switch 20R or the left switch 20L provided on the steering wheel 18. That is, the occupant can input to the in-vehicle device 39 while gripping the steering wheel 18. When the occupant touches the right switch 20R or the left switch 20L, the preparatory movement detection unit 84 detects this. Then, the notification unit 90 displays information about the in-vehicle device 39 corresponding to the switch that the occupant pressed immediately before the right switch 20R or the left switch 20L was pressed, thereby visually notifying the occupant. This allows the occupant to accurately identify the switch that they are about to press without looking at the right switch 20R or the left switch 20L. As a result, erroneous input can be reduced.

[0095] Furthermore, the occupant can grasp information about the in-vehicle device 39 immediately before it is operated simply by touching at least one of the right switch 20R and the left switch 20L, and input to the in-vehicle device 39 is performed by touching and then pressing at least one of the right switch 20R and the left switch 20L. This allows the occupant to grasp information about the in-vehicle device 39 immediately before it is operated without being aware of it, while keeping their eyes fixed on the scenery ahead of the vehicle.

[0096] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an image corresponding to the switch being touched by the occupant is highlighted on the display screen 17. Also, information about the in-vehicle device 39 corresponding to the switch being touched by the occupant is displayed as at least one of an icon and text on the display screen 17. This allows the occupant to understand the function assigned to the switch being touched while looking ahead of the vehicle.

[0097] Furthermore, in this embodiment, different functions are assigned to the right first tactile switch 40 and the left first tactile switch 48 when the level of the display screen 17 is changed. Therefore, even if the same switch is pressed, it will be detected as a different operation if the level of the display screen 17 is different. In other words, multiple functions are assigned to one switch. Furthermore, when at least one of the icons and characters displayed on the display screen 17 becomes invisible, the right switch 20R and the left switch 20L are switched to an inoperable state. This makes it possible to reduce the number of switches while suppressing erroneous inputs.

[0098] Second Embodiment Next, a vehicle input device 120 according to a second embodiment will be described. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0099] Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the vehicle input device 120. As shown in Fig. 10, in this embodiment, a speaker 122 is connected to the input / output interface 36. The speaker 122 is provided in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 12 and is configured to be able to output information to the occupant by voice. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that information related to the in-vehicle device 39 is notified to the occupant by voice from the speaker 122.

[0100] (Functional configuration) The vehicle input device realizes various functions using the hardware resources shown in Fig. 10. The functional configuration realized by the vehicle input device will be described with reference to Fig. 11.

[0101] 11, the vehicular input device 120 includes, as functional components, a communication unit 80, an operation detection unit 82, a preparatory movement detection unit 84, an acceptance determination unit 86, a non-notification setting unit 124, and a voice notification unit 126 as a notification unit. Each functional component is realized by the CPU 26 of the ECU 24 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 28 or the storage 32.

[0102] The non-notification setting unit 124 sets the input as a non-notification item when it is determined by the function of the acceptance determination unit 86 that the input cannot be accepted. Specifically, the audio notification by the speaker 122 is set as non-notification. Note that each switch is preset with a content to be hidden according to the hierarchical level. The non-notification setting unit 124 is configured to be able to determine whether or not the item is a non-notification target by referring to this setting value.

[0103] When a preparatory movement is detected by the function of the preparatory movement detection unit 84, the audio notification unit 126 notifies the occupant by audio of information related to the in-vehicle devices 39 corresponding to the right switch 20R and the left switch 20L to be pressed. Specifically, the notification unit 126 notifies the occupant by audio output of the information related to the in-vehicle devices 39 using the speaker 122.

[0104] (An example of voice notification processing) Next, an example of the flow of display processing by the vehicle input device 120 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 12. This display processing is executed, for example, when the ignition (power) of the vehicle 12 is turned on, by the CPU 26 reading a program from the ROM 28 or the storage 32, expanding it in the RAM 30, and executing it.

[0105] 12, in step S202, the CPU 26 determines whether or not it has detected that an occupant has touched at least one of the right switch 20R and the left switch 20L. Specifically, if the preparatory movement detection unit 84 receives signals from the first right electrostatic sensor 41, the second right electrostatic sensor 43, the third right electrostatic sensor 45, and the fourth right electrostatic sensor 47, it determines that it has detected that the occupant has touched the right switch 20R. Similarly, if the preparatory movement detection unit 84 receives signals from the first left electrostatic sensor 49, the second left electrostatic sensor 51, the third left electrostatic sensor 53, and the fourth left electrostatic sensor 55, it determines that it has detected that the occupant has touched the left switch 20L.

[0106] If the CPU 26 determines in step S202 that a touch on at least one of the right switch 20R and the left switch 20L has been detected, the CPU 26 proceeds to processing in step S204. On the other hand, if the CPU 26 does not detect a touch on either the right switch 20R or the left switch 20L in step S202, the CPU 26 ends the voice notification processing.

[0107] The CPU 26 determines whether the content corresponding to the switch whose touch is detected in step S204 is a non-notification target. Specifically, the CPU 26 determines that the content is a non-notification target when it is determined that the input cannot be accepted by the function of the acceptance / non-acceptance determination unit 86. Then, when the CPU 26 determines that the content is a non-notification target in step S204, it ends the voice notification process.

[0108] On the other hand, if the CPU 26 determines in step S204 that the switch is not a non-notification target, that is, if the CPU 26 determines that the switch is a notification target, the CPU 26 proceeds to the process of step S206. Then, in step S206, the CPU 26 notifies the occupant of the content of the switch touched by the occupant by voice using the function of the voice notification unit 126. Then, the CPU 26 ends the voice notification process.

[0109] (action) Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0110] In the vehicle input device 120 according to this embodiment, the occupant is notified by voice of the content of the switch that he or she is touching, so that the occupant can understand the content corresponding to the switch without looking at the display screen 17. Other operations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0111] Although the embodiments have been described above, it goes without saying that the present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0112] In the above embodiment, the preparatory movement detection unit 84 detects that the occupant has touched either the right switch 20R or the left switch 20L. Furthermore, the operation detection unit 82 detects an input to the in-vehicle device 39 corresponding to the switch when the occupant presses either the right switch 20R or the left switch 20L. However, this is not limiting. For example, the operation detection unit 82 may detect an input to the in-vehicle device 39 corresponding to the switch when the occupant has touched either the right switch 20R or the left switch 20L. In this case, the preparatory movement detection unit 84 detects a preparatory movement made by the occupant immediately before touching either the right switch 20R or the left switch 20L. For example, a camera or sensors capturing an image of the occupant's hands may be used to detect the state immediately before the occupant's fingers touch the right switch 20R or the left switch 20L.

[0113] In the above embodiment, the right switch 20R and the left switch 20L are configured as contact detection switches, but are not limited to this. For example, the right switch 20R and the left switch 20L may be configured as switches equipped with pressure sensors using diaphragm gauges. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 10 Vehicle input device 16 Windshield glass 17 Display screen (display section) 18 Steering Wheel 39 In-vehicle equipment 40A Upper button (operation part) 40B Down button (operation part) 40C Right button (operation part) 40D Left button (operation part) 42 Right second tactile switch (operation part) 44 Right third tactile switch (operation part) 46 Right 4th tactile switch (operation part) 48A Up button (operation part) 48B Down button (operation part) 48C Right button (operation part) 48D Left button (operation part) 50 Left second tactile switch (operation part) 52 Third left tactile switch (operation part) 54 Left 4th tactile switch (operation part) 82 Operation detection unit 84 Preparation operation detection unit 90 Notification Department 120 Vehicle input device 126 Voice notification section (notification section)

Claims

1. a notification unit that, when an operation unit provided around the driver's seat is operated, notifies an occupant by displaying information about an in-vehicle device assigned to the operation unit on a display unit that can be switched to a plurality of hierarchical levels and to which different functions are assigned for each hierarchical level; when a predetermined condition is met, the notification unit displays an image of a frame portion corresponding to the operation unit on the display unit, and displays an icon corresponding to the in-vehicle device within the frame portion, while when the predetermined condition is not met, the notification unit displays only the image of the frame portion on the display unit, and does not display the icon; When the operated operation unit is a non-display area of ​​the icon in the hierarchy displayed on the display unit, the operation position of the frame portion corresponding to the operation unit is highlighted by being brightened, and when the operation unit is a display area of ​​the icon, the operation position is highlighted and the content of the in-vehicle device is notified. Vehicle input device.

2. The vehicle input device according to claim 1 , wherein the image of the frame portion has a shape that resembles the operation portion.

3. the operation unit includes a plurality of operation areas, The vehicle input device according to claim 1 , wherein each of the operation areas is assigned to a different in-vehicle device.

4. the icon is an image indicating a function of an in-vehicle device, The vehicle input device according to claim 3 , wherein the notification unit displays the plurality of icons in a manner corresponding to an arrangement of the plurality of operation areas.

5. The vehicle input device according to claim 1 , wherein the predetermined condition is that a function of the in-vehicle device indicated by the icon is executable.

6. By operating an operation unit provided around the driver's seat, information about the in-vehicle device assigned to the operation unit is displayed on a display unit that can be switched to a plurality of hierarchical levels and to which different functions are assigned for each hierarchical level; When a predetermined condition is met, an image of a frame portion corresponding to the operation portion is displayed on the display portion, and an icon corresponding to the in-vehicle device is displayed within the frame portion, whereas when the predetermined condition is not met, only the image of the frame portion is displayed on the display portion, and the icon is not displayed; When the operated operation unit is a non-display area of ​​the icon in the hierarchy displayed on the display unit, the operation position of the frame portion corresponding to the operation unit is highlighted by being brightened, and when the operation unit is a display area of ​​the icon, the operation position is highlighted and the content of the in-vehicle device is notified. The way a computer performs a process.

7. By operating an operation unit provided around the driver's seat, information about the in-vehicle device assigned to the operation unit is displayed on a display unit that can be switched to a plurality of hierarchical levels and to which different functions are assigned for each hierarchical level; When a predetermined condition is met, an image of a frame portion corresponding to the operation portion is displayed on the display portion, and an icon corresponding to the in-vehicle device is displayed within the frame portion, whereas when the predetermined condition is not met, only the image of the frame portion is displayed on the display portion, and the icon is not displayed; When the operated operation unit is a non-display area of ​​the icon in the hierarchy displayed on the display unit, the operation position of the frame portion corresponding to the operation unit is highlighted by being brightened, and when the operation unit is a display area of ​​the icon, the operation position is highlighted and the content of the in-vehicle device is notified. A program that causes a computer to execute a process.

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