Input Devices

Abstract

To provide an input device capable of easily performing input operation to a slide table.SOLUTION: An input device 1 includes: a slide table 14 arranged below a steering wheel 6 of a vehicle 2 and including a touch panel; a first motor 21 for moving the slide table 14 in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle 2; and a control unit 25 for controlling driving of the first motor 21. The control unit 25 acquires position information ip in a front-rear direction of a driver's seat 4, and changes the position of the slide table 14 in the front-rear direction by driving the first motor 21 on the basis of the position information ip.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an input device provided in a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a switch unit that includes a touch panel and a sliding mechanism for sliding the touch panel. This switch unit has a structure in which, when a large load is applied to the operating surface of the touch panel, the touch panel rotates downward or is pulled into the sliding mechanism. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4466623 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a conventional input device, for example, when performing an input operation on a pulled-out touch panel, the user may be forced to lose his balance to perform the input operation.

[0005] The present disclosure provides an input device that allows easy input operations to be performed on a slide table including a touch panel. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An input device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is arranged below the steering wheel of a vehicle and comprises a slide table including a touch panel, a first motor for moving the slide table in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, and a control unit for controlling the driving of the first motor, wherein the control unit acquires position information of the driver's seat of the vehicle in the fore-and-aft direction and drives the first motor based on the position information to change the fore-and-aft position of the slide table. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The input device of the present disclosure allows easy input operations to be performed on a slide table including a touch panel. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a view of the steering wheel and its surroundings of the vehicle as seen from the driver's seat side. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the steering wheel and the driver's seat during manual driving. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the area around the steering wheel and the driver's seat during autonomous driving. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the slide table of the input device is stored. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the slide table of the input device is pulled out. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the slide table of the input device is disposed at an angle. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a vehicle system including an input device. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating another example of a vehicle system including an input device. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a table unit of the input device as viewed from above. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen for a slide table. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the input screen for the slide table. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the input screen for the slide table. [Figure 13A] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a part of the operation of the input device. [Figure 13B] 10 is a flowchart illustrating another part of the operation of the input device. [Figure 13C] 10 is a flowchart showing still another part of the operation of the input device. [Figure 14]FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the backrest. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An input device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is arranged below the steering wheel of a vehicle and comprises a slide table including a touch panel, a first motor for moving the slide table in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, and a control unit for controlling the driving of the first motor, wherein the control unit acquires position information of the driver's seat of the vehicle in the fore-and-aft direction and drives the first motor based on the position information to change the fore-and-aft position of the slide table.

[0010] With this configuration, the position of the slide table can be changed depending on the seat position, which makes it easy to perform input operations to the slide table.

[0011] The input device may further include a second motor for rotating the slide table around an axis along the width direction of the vehicle, and the control unit may acquire position information indicating the angle of the seat backrest and drive the second motor based on the position information indicating the angle, thereby changing the tilt angle of the slide table.

[0012] With this configuration, the tilt angle of the slide table can be changed according to the angle of the backrest, which simplifies input operations to the slide table.

[0013] The input device may further include an insertion / removal switch that receives input for inserting or removing the slide table from a storage area under the steering wheel of the vehicle, and the control unit may drive the first motor based on the input received by the insertion / removal switch to extract the slide table from the storage area toward the seat, and when the slide table is extracted toward the seat, drive the first motor based on position information of the driver's seat in the fore-and-aft direction to change the fore-and-aft direction position of the slide table, and drive the second motor based on position information indicating the angle to change the tilt angle of the slide table.

[0014] According to this configuration, the slide table can be moved in and out of the storage area using the move in and out switch, which simplifies the input operation for moving the slide table in and out.

[0015] In addition, the control unit may drive the first motor so that the slide table slides toward the seat when the vehicle is in an autonomous driving state and an input from the insertion / removal switch is received.

[0016] According to this configuration, the slide table can be pulled out using the pull-out switch, which makes it easy to perform input operations related to pulling out the slide table.

[0017] The input device may further include a weight sensor that detects the weight of an object placed on the slide table, and the control unit may control the first motor to maintain the position of the slide table without changing it when the weight is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0018] This configuration can prevent objects placed on the slide table from falling, thereby enabling safe input operations to be performed on the slide table.

[0019] Furthermore, the control unit may drive the first motor so that, when the seat is moved in a forward or backward direction, the slide table moves in the same direction as the movement of the seat.

[0020] In this way, by moving the slide table in the same direction as the seat, the slide table can be brought closer to the driver, allowing the driver to easily perform input operations to the slide table.

[0021] The control unit may also drive the second motor so that, when the backrest of the seat is tilted backward, the tilt angle of the slide table increases with respect to an axis along the front-rear direction.

[0022] In this way, by increasing the tilt angle of the slide table when the seatback is tilted backward, the slide table can be brought closer to the driver, which makes it easier for the driver to input data to the slide table.

[0023] In addition, the control unit may drive the second motor so that the inclination angle of the slide table based on an axis along the fore-and-aft direction becomes smaller when the backrest of the seat is moved forward and the backrest after being moved forward is located further rearward than the backrest before the vehicle begins automatic driving.

[0024] This allows the tilt angle of the slide table to be adjusted according to the position of the backrest.

[0025] The input device may further include a weight sensor that detects the weight of an object placed on the slide table, and when the slide table is extended toward the seat and an input from the insertion / removal switch is received, the control unit may output a signal indicating that the object is placed on the slide table if the weight is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and may drive the second motor so that the inclination angle of the slide table becomes 0° and drive the first motor so that the slide table is stored in the storage area if the weight is less than the predetermined threshold.

[0026] According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent objects placed on the slide table from falling, and to store the slide table safely in the storage area.

[0027] An icon that accepts a touch input may be displayed on the slide table, and the control unit may change the position of the icon on the slide table by accepting a predetermined change input.

[0028] According to this configuration, the position of the icon can be easily changed, which makes it easy to perform input operations on the slide table.

[0029] Furthermore, when the seat is moved rearward, the control unit may display the icon at a rearward position on the slide table.

[0030] This configuration allows the icon to be positioned closer to the driver, which makes it easier for the driver to input information into the slide table.

[0031] The input device may further include a pressure sensor that measures a pressure distribution on the surface of the slide table, and the control unit may change the position of the icon based on the pressure distribution obtained from the pressure sensor.

[0032] With this configuration, for example, the icon can be placed in a position on the slide table where pressure is low. Therefore, the icon can be placed in a position where no objects are placed and where the driver can see it. This makes it easier for the driver to input information into the slide table.

[0033] Furthermore, when a specific icon is selected on the slide table, the control unit may move the position of the specific icon to an area on the slide table where the pressure distribution is smaller than a specific threshold value.

[0034] This configuration allows the icon to be placed in a location where no objects are placed and where the driver can see it, making it easier for the driver to input information into the slide table.

[0035] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below represents a specific example of the present disclosure. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components not recited in independent claims will be described as optional components.

[0036] Furthermore, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily a precise illustration. In each drawing, substantially the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted or simplified.

[0037] In each figure, the axis along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is designated as the X-axis, the axis along the width direction of the vehicle is designated as the Y-axis, and the axis along the vertical direction is designated as the Z-axis. The vehicle is, for example, an automobile. The movement described below refers to the movement of a slide table, etc. within the vehicle, and does not include the movement of the slide table, etc., as the vehicle moves.

[0038] (Embodiment) [Outline of input device configuration] The general configuration of an input device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0039] Fig. 1 is a view of the area around the steering wheel of a vehicle 2 as seen from the driver's seat side. Fig. 2 is a side view of the area around the steering wheel and the driver's seat during manual driving. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the area around the steering wheel and the driver's seat during automatic driving. The driver's seat is the seat where the driver sits.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the input device 1 is provided on the driver's seat side of the vehicle 2. As shown in FIG. 2, during manual driving, a steering wheel 6 is placed in a position within reach of the driver. The input device 1 is located in a storage area 7 below the steering wheel 6, for example, below the steering column. The storage area 7 is the area surrounded by a dashed line in FIG. 1.

[0041] As shown in Figure 3, during automatic driving, the shaft portion of the steering wheel 6 is stored forward, creating a large space in front of the driver. During automatic driving, the driver does not directly drive the vehicle 2, but in this embodiment, the person who sits in the driver's seat during manual driving and who also sits in the driver's seat during automatic driving will be called the driver.

[0042] The input device 1 is a user interface that receives input operations from a driver, mainly during autonomous driving. The input device 1 has a slide table 14 that includes a touch panel. The slide table 14 has a rectangular shape when viewed in a plan view from a direction perpendicular to the input screen 14a.

[0043] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which the slide table 14 of the input device 1 is stored. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which the slide table 14 of the input device 1 is pulled out. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a state in which the slide table 14 of the input device 1 is arranged at an angle.

[0044] The state during automatic driving is shown in Figures 4 to 6. Figure 5, like Figure 3, shows the state in which the slide table 14 is pulled out to the seat 4 side, that is, the driver's side.

[0045] The sliding table 14 is a table that receives input operations from the driver to operate electrical devices such as lighting devices, air conditioning devices, seat heaters, video devices, and audio devices inside the vehicle 2. The sliding table 14 may also be used as a work table for eating, reading, working on a PC (personal computer), etc.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 6, the input device 1 changes the position of the slide table 14 in the front-rear direction based on position information of the driver's seat 4 in the front-rear direction. The input device 1 also changes the tilt angle θ of the slide table 14 based on position information indicating the angle of the backrest 5 of the seat 4. By moving the slide table 14 in this way, the driver can easily perform input operations on the input device 1.

[0047] [Configuration of input device and vehicle system] The configuration of the input device 1 and the vehicle system 9 including the input device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0048] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a vehicle system 9 including the input device 1. As shown in FIG.

[0049] The vehicle system 9 includes a seat drive device 60 and an input device 1 .

[0050] The seat drive device 60 includes a seat moving unit 61, a backrest moving unit 62, a seat adjustment switch 63, and a seat control unit 65.

[0051] The seat moving unit 61 is an actuator for moving the seat 4 in the forward and backward direction. The backrest moving unit 62 is an actuator for rotating the backrest and tilting it forward or backward. These actuators are, for example, servo motors or stepping motors.

[0052] The seat adjustment switch 63 is a switch for adjusting the positions of the seat 4 and the backrest 5. The seat adjustment switch 63 receives an adjustment input from the driver to adjust the positions of the seat 4 and the backrest 5, and outputs an adjustment signal s1 based on the adjustment input to the seat control unit 65.

[0053] The seat control unit 65 controls the operation of the seat moving unit 61 and the backrest moving unit 62 based on the adjustment signal s1.

[0054] The seat control unit 65 is provided with a memory unit 65a that stores the positions of the seat 4 and the backrest 5. The seat control unit 65 outputs position information i p relating to the fore-and-aft position of the seat 4 and the angular position of the backrest 5 to the memory unit 65a based on the adjustment signal s1 output from the seat adjustment switch 63. During automatic driving, the seat control unit 65 outputs the respective position information i p to the memory unit 65a every time the positions of the seat 4 and the backrest 5 change. The position information i p is similarly output from the seat control unit 65 to the memory unit 65a during manual driving. The memory unit 65a saves the position information i p output from the seat control unit 65 in chronological order.

[0055] During automatic driving, the seat control unit 65 outputs position information i p of the seat 4 and the backrest 5 to the input device 1. The input device 1 moves the slide table 14 based on the position information i p output from the seat control unit 65.

[0056] The position information iP may not be output directly from the seat control unit 65 to the input device 1, but may be output to the input device 1 via another device. For example, the position information iP of the seat 4 and the backrest 5 may be output from the seat control unit 65 to the vehicle control unit 80, and then output to the input device 1 via the vehicle control unit 80. The vehicle control unit 80 is, for example, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit).

[0057] Furthermore, the seat drive device 60 does not necessarily have to include the seat adjustment switch 63, the seat moving unit 61, and the backrest moving unit 62.

[0058] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing another example of the vehicle system 9 including the input device 1. As shown in FIG.

[0059] The figure shows a seat drive device 60A that manually moves the seat 4 and the backrest 5. This seat drive device 60A is equipped with a seat position detection sensor 66 that detects the front-to-rear position of the seat 4, and a backrest position detection sensor 67 that detects the angle of the backrest 5. A seat control unit 65 outputs position information ip detected by the seat position detection sensor 66 and the backrest position detection sensor 67 to the input device 1.

[0060] The input device 1 has the following configuration to operate the slide table 14 and the like based on the position information ip output from the seat driving device 60 or 60A.

[0061] The input device 1 includes a table unit 10 including a slide table 14, a first motor 21, a second motor 22, and a control unit 25. The input device 1 also includes a switch 31 for insertion / removal and a weight sensor 32.

[0062] The first motor 21 is an actuator for sliding the slide table 14 in the front-rear direction. The second motor 22 is an actuator for changing the tilt angle θ of the slide table 14.

[0063] The tilt angle θ of the slide table 14 is an angle based on an axis a1 that runs along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 2. The axis a1 that runs along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 2 is parallel to a horizontal plane. In this embodiment, the tilt angle θ is an angle in a direction rising clockwise with the axis a1 as the reference when viewed from the negative side to the positive side of the Y-axis direction. The slide table 14 rotates around an axis a2 that runs along the width direction of the vehicle 2 by being driven by the second motor 22. The axis a2 that runs along the width direction of the vehicle 2 intersects both the axis a1 that runs along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 2 and the axis that runs vertically. The axis a2 that runs along the width direction of the vehicle 2 is also parallel to a horizontal plane.

[0064] The control unit 25 controls the driving of the first motor 21 and the second motor 22. For example, the control unit 25 acquires position information i p of the seat 4 in the fore-and-aft direction from the seat control unit 65, and drives the first motor 21 based on this position information i p to change the position of the slide table 14 in the fore-and-aft direction. The control unit 25 also acquires position information i p indicating the angle of the backrest 5 from the seat control unit 65, and drives the second motor 22 based on this position information i p to change the tilt angle θ of the slide table 14.

[0065] 6 includes a base portion 11, a linear motion portion 12, a rotating portion 13, and a slide table 14. The base portion 11 is located in the storage area 7 and is fixed to, for example, the cover of a steering column.

[0066] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of the table unit 10 of the input device 1 as seen from above. Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of some components such as the slide table 14.

[0067] A first motor 21 is fixed to the base portion 11. The linear motion portion 12 is attached to the base portion 11 via a slide bearing or the like and is slidable relative to the base portion 11. The power of the first motor 21 is transmitted to the linear motion portion 12 via a gear mechanism 15. The rotating portion 13 and the slide table 14 are placed on the linear motion portion 12 and slide together with the movement of the linear motion portion 12. The rotating portion 13 has a shaft 16 extending in the width direction of the vehicle 2 and a rotary bearing (not shown) that supports the shaft 16. One end of the long side of the slide table 14 is connected to the shaft 16. The power of the second motor 22 is transmitted to the shaft 16 of the rotating portion 13 via a gear mechanism 17. The slide table 14 is rotatable together with the shaft 16 by the power of the second motor 22.

[0068] The pull-out switch 31 is an electronic switch that triggers pulling out the slide table 14 from the storage area 7 or storing it in the storage area 7. The pull-out switch 31 is provided on the linear motion part 12 on the front side of the input device 1 as seen from the driver. In other words, the pull-out switch is pulled out toward the driver as the slide table 14 slides.

[0069] The control unit 25 is a processor that controls the operation of the input device 1. The control unit 25 is provided with a memory 25a, which stores a program for operating the input device 1. The memory 25a also stores position information ip of the seat 4 and the backrest 5 output from the seat drive device 60.

[0070] When the control unit 25 receives an input from the insertion / removal switch 31 while the slide table 14 is in the storage area 7 (see FIG. 4 ), it drives the first motor 21 to pull out the slide table 14 from the storage area 7. Specifically, the control unit 25 uses the first motor 21 to slide the slide table 14 and position it on the driver's side. Furthermore, when the control unit 25 receives an input from the insertion / removal switch 31 while the slide table 14 is pulled out, it drives the first motor 21 to store the slide table 14 in the storage area 7.

[0071] The control unit 25 determines whether the slide table 14 can be moved based on whether the vehicle 2 is in an automatic driving state, a manual driving state, or a transition state between automatic driving and manual driving.

[0072] For example, when the vehicle 2 is in a manual driving state and an input is received from the on / off switch 31, the control unit 25 does not move the slide table 14. When the vehicle 2 is in an automatic driving state and an input is received from the on / off switch 31, the control unit 25 drives the first motor 21 so that the slide table 14 slides toward the seat 4.

[0073] Furthermore, when the seat 4 is moved forward or backward by the seat drive device 60 or the like, the control unit 25 drives the first motor 21 so that the slide table 14 moves in the same direction as the movement of the seat 4. In other words, when the seat 4 is moved forward, the control unit 25 moves the slide table 14 forward, and when the seat 4 is moved backward, the control unit 25 moves the slide table 14 backward.

[0074] Furthermore, when the backrest 5 is tilted, the control unit 25 drives the second motor 22 so that the tilt angle θ of the slide table 14 changes in the same direction as the tilt direction of the backrest 5. That is, when the backrest 5 is tilted forward, the control unit 25 rotates the slide table 14 so that the tilt angle θ decreases, and when the backrest 5 is tilted backward, the control unit 25 rotates the slide table 14 so that the tilt angle θ increases. In other words, when the backrest 5 of the seat 4 is tilted backward, the control unit 25 drives the second motor 22 so that the tilt angle θ of the slide table 14 relative to the axis a1 along the front-rear direction of the vehicle 2 increases.

[0075] In this way, the input device 1 of this embodiment is configured to change the position and inclination of the slide table 14 according to the positions of the seat 4 and the backrest 5. This allows the driver to easily perform input operations on the input device 1.

[0076] Furthermore, in the input device 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 25 determines whether or not it is appropriate to move the slide table 14, and then moves the slide table 14. For example, the control unit 25 determines whether or not an object such as a cup, book, or PC is placed on the slide table 14, and moves the slide table 14 based on the result of the determination. Whether or not an object is placed on the slide table 14 is determined using, for example, the weight sensor 32.

[0077] The weight sensor 32 is a sensor that detects the weight of an object placed on the slide table 14. The weight sensor 32 is disposed, for example, on the back side of the input screen 14a of the touch panel. The weight sensor 32 may be built into the touch panel or attached to the back side of the touch panel. A detection signal detected by the weight sensor 32 is output to the control unit 25.

[0078] When the weight detected by the weight sensor 32 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 25 determines that an object is placed on the slide table 14. In this case, the control unit 25 controls the first motor 21 and the second motor 22 so as to maintain the position of the slide table 14 without changing it, even if the insertion / removal switch 31 is input.

[0079] Furthermore, when the control unit 25 receives an input from the extension / retraction switch 31 while the slide table 14 is pulled out toward the seat 4, if the weight detected by the weight sensor 32 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 25 outputs an alarm signal notifying that an object is placed on the slide table 14. If the weight detected by the weight sensor 32 is less than the predetermined threshold, the control unit 25 performs preparations for storing the slide table 14. To prepare for storing the slide table 14, the control unit 25 drives the second motor 22 so that the inclination angle of the slide table 14 becomes 0°. Furthermore, the control unit 25 drives the first motor 21 so that the slide table 14 is stored in the storage area 7.

[0080] Furthermore, the control unit 25 may drive the second motor 22 as follows when the driver returns the backrest 5 to its original position after reclining the backrest 5.

[0081] For example, the control unit 25 may drive the second motor 22 so that the tilt angle θ of the slide table 14 becomes smaller when the backrest 5 is moved forward from a reclined position and the backrest 5 after being moved forward is further rearward than the backrest 5 before the vehicle 2 starts automatic driving.

[0082] For example, when the backrest 5 is moved forward from a reclined position and then the backrest 5 after being moved forward is in the same position as the backrest 5 before the vehicle 2 started driving automatically or is on the forward side, the control unit 25 may drive the second motor 22 so that the tilt angle θ of the slide table becomes 0°.

[0083] [Slide table input screen configuration] Next, the input screen of the slide table 14 will be described.

[0084] The slide table 14 is, for example, a capacitance sensor that receives touch input on an input screen. The slide table 14 outputs a signal corresponding to the touch input to the control unit 25. The control unit 25 outputs a control signal corresponding to the touch input to the vehicle control unit 80 or an electrical device, and operates electrical devices such as lighting devices, air conditioning devices, seat heaters, video devices, or audio devices inside the vehicle 2.

[0085] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the input screen 14a of the slide table 14. As shown in FIG.

[0086] 10(a) is a screen when the input device 1 is powered off, and only the "Power key" is displayed on the input screen 14a. FIG. 10(b) is a screen when the input device 1 is powered on, and function keys such as the "Power key, Menu key, Audio key, HVAC key, memo key, and map lamp key" are displayed as icons ic on the input screen 14a.

[0087] For example, the control unit 25 changes the position of the icon ic displayed on the slide table by accepting a predetermined change input. On this input screen 14a, by touching and holding a space area near the icon ic, the system enters layout-free mode, allowing the icon ic to be moved to any desired position on the top, bottom, left, or right edge. For example, after touching and holding, swipe toward the top, bottom, left, or right edge without releasing your finger, and then release your finger at the desired location to change the position of the icon ic.

[0088] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the input screen 14a of the slide table 14. As shown in FIG.

[0089] FIG. 11(a) shows an example in which a content screen c1 relating to the Audio key is displayed, and FIG. 11(b) shows an example in which the position of the content screen c1 for the Audio key has moved.

[0090] In layout-free mode, the content screens c1 that appear when you operate the "Audio key, HVAC key, memo key, and map lamp key" can also be moved using similar operations. In this layout-free mode, the content screen c1 can be moved anywhere on the input screen 14a. In this way, on this input screen 14a, the layout can be freely changed by touching and holding the icons ic and content screens c1 displayed on the slide table 14.

[0091] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another example of the input screen 14a of the slide table 14. As shown in FIG.

[0092] Fig. 12(a) shows an example in which the function key icon ic is arranged at the lower end of the input screen 14a, and Fig. 12(b) shows an example in which the function key icon ic is arranged at the upper end of the input screen 14a. Fig. 12(c) shows an example in which, by performing a touch-and-hold operation, the icon ic is surrounded by a frame fL, making it visible that the mode is layout-free mode.

[0093] When the seat 4 is moved backward, the control unit 25 displays the icon ic at a rear position within the slide table 14. For example, when the tilt angle θ of the slide table 14 is between 30° and 90° and the seat 4 is moved backward, the control unit 25 automatically moves the icon ic to the lower end of the input screen 14a as shown in (a) of Fig. 12. When the tilt angle θ of the slide table 14 is between 30° and 90° and the seat 4 is moved forward, the control unit 25 automatically moves the icon ic to the upper end of the input screen 14a as shown in (b) of Fig. 12.

[0094] Furthermore, when an object is placed on the slide table 14, the control unit 25 may display the icon ic and each content screen c1 at a position where no object is placed.

[0095] For example, the input device 1 may include a pressure sensor 33 (see FIG. 8) that measures the pressure distribution on the surface of the slide table 14, and the control unit 25 may change the position of the icon ic based on the pressure distribution obtained from the pressure sensor 33. The pressure sensor 33 may be, for example, sheet-shaped, and placed above the input screen 14a of the touch panel.

[0096] Furthermore, when a predetermined icon ic is selected on the slide table 14, the control unit 25 may automatically change the position of the predetermined icon ic to an area on the slide table 14 where the pressure distribution is smaller than a predetermined threshold value.

[0097] With the above configuration, the slide table 14 can also be used as a work table. In addition, when using the slide table 14, the layout of the icons ic can be freely changed, allowing the input device 1 to function as both a work table and an input table.

[0098] [Input device operation] The operation of the input device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 13A to 14. FIG.

[0099] Fig. 13A is a flowchart showing a part of the operation of the input device 1. Fig. 13B is a flowchart showing another part of the operation of the input device 1. Fig. 13C is a flowchart showing still another part of the operation of the input device 1. The overall operation of the input device 1 is executed by the steps shown in Figs. 13A to 13C.

[0100] In this example, an operation will be described that starts when the input device 1 is stored in the storage area 7. Note that this operation may also be started when the ignition of the vehicle 2 is turned on.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 13A, the input device 1 determines whether or not the insertion / removal switch 31 has been operated (step S10).

[0102] If there is no switch operation of the on / off switch 31 (No in S10), the input device 1 returns to step S10 and waits for input from the on / off switch 31. If there is a switch operation of the on / off switch 31 (Yes in S10), the input device 1 determines whether the vehicle 2 is in an autonomous driving state (step S20). The input device 1 determines whether the vehicle 2 is in an autonomous driving state based on a state notification signal s2 (see FIG. 7) output from the vehicle control unit 80 to the input device 1.

[0103] If the input device 1 determines that the vehicle 2 is not in autonomous driving (No in S20), it maintains the stored state of the slide table 14 (step S21), returns to step S10, and waits for input from the insertion / removal switch 31. If the input device 1 determines that the vehicle 2 is in autonomous driving (Yes in S20), it pulls out the slide table 14 to a predetermined position (step S30).

[0104] When the slide table 14 is pulled out, the driver can use the slide table 14 to perform various input operations and tasks.

[0105] In the next scene, the input device 1 determines whether or not an object is placed on the slide table 14 when the slide table 14 is pulled out to a predetermined position (step S40). For example, the input device 1 determines whether or not an object is placed on the slide table 14 based on whether or not the detection value of the weight sensor 32 is greater than a threshold value. If it is determined that an object is placed on the slide table 14 (Yes in S40), the control unit 25 prohibits movement of the slide table 14 (step S41). For example, the control unit 25 does not move the slide table 14 even if the driver moves the position of the seat 4 (even if a change signal for the position information ip is received from the seat control unit 65). After this, the process proceeds to step S100, where preparations for transition to manual driving begin.

[0106] When the input device 1 determines that no object is placed on the slide table 14 (No in S40), it determines whether or not an operation related to adjusting the front-to-rear position of the seat 4 has been performed (step S50), as shown in Fig. 13B. The input device 1 makes this determination based on the position information i p output from the seat control unit 65.

[0107] When the input device 1 determines that an operation for adjusting the front-rear position has been performed (Yes in S50), it moves the slide table 14 in the direction in which the seat 4 has moved (step S60). At this time, the input device 1 slides the slide table 14 to a length corresponding to the amount of movement of the seat 4. Note that the slide movement is not limited to this, and the slide movement may be in multiple stages, such as three stages. The control unit 25 may select one of the multiple stages according to the position of the seat 4 and determine the position of the slide table 14.

[0108] Next, the input device 1 determines whether the position of the seat 4 is further rearward than before the automatic driving (during manual driving) (step S70). The input device 1 makes this determination based on the position information i p output from the seat control unit 65.

[0109] If the position of the seat 4 is further forward than before the automatic driving (Yes in S70), the input device 1 displays the icon (function key) ic on the input screen 14a at the top end (front side of the vehicle) of the input screen 14a (step S71). In this case, the display position of the icon ic remains the initial display. If the position of the seat 4 is further rearward than before the automatic driving (No in S70), the input device 1 displays the icon ic at the bottom end (rear side of the vehicle) closer to the driver (step S72). After this, the process proceeds to step S100, and preparations for transition to manual driving begin.

[0110] On the other hand, if the input device 1 determines in step S50 that there is no operation related to adjusting the front-to-rear position of the seat 4 (No in S50), it determines whether there is an operation related to adjusting the angle of the backrest 5 (step S51). The input device 1 makes this determination based on the position information ip output from the seat control unit 65.

[0111] If there is no operation related to the angle adjustment of the backrest 5 (No in S51), the process proceeds to step S100, where preparations for transition to manual operation begin. If there is an angle adjustment of the backrest 5 (Yes in S51), the input device 1 determines whether the angle adjustment of the backrest 5 is in the direction of reclining the backrest 5 (step S52). The input device 1 makes this determination based on the position information i p output from the seat control unit 65.

[0112] If the angle adjustment of the backrest 5 is in the direction of reclining the backrest 5 (Yes in S52), the input device 1 rotates the slide table 14 in the direction that increases the tilt angle θ of the slide table 14 (step S53). At this time, the input device 1 tilts the slide table 14 to an angle that corresponds to the amount of reclining of the backrest 5. Note that the rotational movement is not limited to this, and the angle of the rotational movement may be set to multiple levels, such as three levels. The control unit 25 may select one of the multiple levels depending on the position of the backrest 5 and determine the tilt of the slide table 14. After this, the process proceeds to step S100, where preparations for transition to manual operation begin.

[0113] If the angle adjustment of the backrest 5 is not in the direction of tilting the backrest 5 (No in S52), the input device 1 performs the following steps. In the next step, it is determined whether the position of the backrest 5 is further rearward than before automatic driving (during manual driving) (step S54). This determination is a determination that determines the next operation depending on how far the backrest 5 has been returned from the state in which the driver was relaxed and reclined backward.

[0114] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the backrest 5. As shown in FIG.

[0115] Figure 14(a) shows an example in which the position of the backrest 5 is further rearward than before automatic driving (during manual driving), and Figure 14(b) shows an example in which the angle of the backrest 5 is the same as the angle before automatic driving or is angled further forward.

[0116] 14(a), if the position of the backrest 5 is further rearward than before the automatic driving (Yes in S54), the control unit 25 rotates the slide table 14 in a direction that reduces the tilt angle θ of the slide table 14 (step S55). At this time, the input device 1 tilts the slide table 14 to an angle that corresponds to the amount of change in the angle of the backrest 5. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S100.

[0117] 14(b), if the position of the backrest 5 is the same as before the automatic driving or is in a position further forward (No in S54), the input device 1 rotates the slide table 14 so that the tilt angle is 0° (step S56). That is, the position of the backrest 5 before the automatic driving may be used as a reference for setting the tilt angle of the slide table 14 to 0°. Then, the process proceeds to step S100.

[0118] 13C, after step S100, which is the transition period to manual driving, the input device 1 determines whether or not there is a switch notification signal notifying switching to manual driving (step S100). The input device 1 makes this determination based on the switch notification signal output from the vehicle control unit 80 or the like.

[0119] When the input device 1 determines that there is no switch notification (No in S100), it determines whether or not there is a switch operation of the on / off switch 31 (step S101). This determination is made because the driver may voluntarily stop the relaxed state even if there is no switch notification to manual driving from the vehicle control unit 80. When the input device 1 determines that there is no switch operation (No in S101), it returns to step S40 and continues adjusting the sliding movement and rotational movement of the slide table 14.

[0120] When the slide table 14 is pulled out and the insertion / removal switch 31 is operated (Yes in S101), the input device 1 prepares for the retraction operation of the slide table 14. First, the input device 1 determines whether or not an object is placed on the slide table 14 (step S102). The input device 1 determines whether or not an object is placed on the slide table 14 based on whether or not the detection value of the weight sensor 32 is greater than a threshold value.

[0121] When the input device 1 determines that an object is placed on the slide table 14 (Yes in S102), it displays a notification on the slide table 14 requesting that the object be removed. Alternatively, it outputs a removal signal to the vehicle control unit 80 to prompt the driver to remove the object (step S104). In this case, the vehicle control unit 80 may issue a warning or alert to the driver by using light, sound, or the like. The input device 1 returns to the original step S102 and executes steps S102 and S104 until the object on the slide table 14 is removed.

[0122] When the input device 1 determines that no object is placed on the slide table 14 (No in S102), it sets the inclination angle θ of the slide table 14 to 0° and stores the slide table 14 in the storage area 7. The input device 1 returns to step S10 and waits for an input from the insertion / removal switch 31.

[0123] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S100 that there is a switching notification (Yes in S100), the input device 1 determines whether or not the slide table 14 is pulled out (step S110).

[0124] When the input device 1 determines that the slide table 14 is pulled out (Yes in S110), it determines whether or not an object is placed on the slide table 14 (step S120). The input device 1 determines whether or not an object is placed on the slide table 14 based on whether or not the detection value of the weight sensor 32 is greater than a threshold value.

[0125] When the input device 1 determines that an object is placed on the slide table 14 (Yes in S120), it displays a notification on the slide table 14 requesting that the object be removed. Alternatively, it outputs a removal signal to the vehicle control unit 80 to prompt the driver to remove the object (step S121). In this case, the vehicle control unit 80 may issue a warning or alert to the driver using light, sound, or the like. The input device 1 returns to the original step S120 and executes steps S120 and S121 until the object on the slide table 14 is removed.

[0126] When the input device 1 determines that no object is placed on the slide table 14 (No in S120), it sets the tilt angle of the slide table 14 to 0° and stores the slide table 14 in the storage area 7 (step S130).

[0127] In step 130, the slide table 14 is stored and preparations for manual driving are complete, so the input device 1 outputs a switching permission signal to the vehicle control unit 80 to permit switching to manual driving (step S140). After this, the vehicle control unit 80 sets the seat 4, the backrest 5, and the steering wheel 6 to a manual driving state. When the vehicle control unit 80 determines that the driver has gripped the steering wheel 6, it transitions the vehicle 2 to manual driving.

[0128] These steps execute the operation of the input device 1. After completing this flow, the input device 1 may repeat this flow again. Furthermore, when the ignition is turned off in an automatic driving state, if there is no object on the slide table 14, the input device 1 may set the tilt angle θ of the slide table to 0° and store the slide table 14 of the input device 1.

[0129] Furthermore, the interlocking operation between the seat 4, the backrest 5, and the slide table 14 is not limited to the operation in this flow. For example, after these interlocking operations, the slide movement amount and tilt angle θ of the slide table 14 may be fine-tuned using another switch. The slide movement amount and tilt angle θ of the input device 1 may be stored in a seat position memory (for autonomous driving). In this case, when the driver presses the seat position memory switch during autonomous driving, the operation may be prioritized so that the slide table 14 is moved by the slide movement amount and tilt angle θ stored in the memory.

[0130] (Other forms) Although the input device according to one or more aspects has been described based on the above embodiment, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment. As long as it does not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure, various modifications conceivable by those skilled in the art to the above embodiment may also be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0131] For example, in the above embodiment, each component of the processing unit included in the input device 1 may be configured with dedicated hardware, or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0132] Furthermore, the processing unit of the input device 1 may be realized as one processor together with an ECU or the like.

[0133] The following cases are also included in this disclosure:

[0134] (1) The at least one device is specifically a computer system consisting of a microprocessor, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a hard disk unit, a display unit, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. A computer program is stored in the RAM or the hard disk unit. The at least one device achieves its function when the microprocessor operates in accordance with the computer program. Here, the computer program is composed of a combination of multiple instruction codes that indicate instructions to the computer to achieve a predetermined function.

[0135] (2) Some or all of the components constituting at least one of the above devices may be configured as a single system LSI (Large Scale Integration). A system LSI is an ultra-multifunctional LSI manufactured by integrating multiple components on a single chip, and specifically, is a computer system configured to include a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc. A computer program is stored in the RAM. The system LSI achieves its functions when the microprocessor operates in accordance with the computer program.

[0136] (3) Some or all of the components constituting at least one of the above devices may be configured as an IC card or a standalone module that can be attached to the device. The IC card or module is a computer system composed of a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc. The IC card or module may include the above-mentioned ultra-multifunctional LSI. The IC card or module achieves its functions when the microprocessor operates in accordance with a computer program. This IC card or module may be tamper-resistant.

[0137] (4) The present disclosure may be embodied as the methods described above, a computer program for implementing these methods on a computer, or a digital signal comprising the computer program.

[0138] The present disclosure may also be a computer program or a digital signal recorded on a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium, such as a flexible disk, a hard disk, a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM, a DVD, a DVD-ROM, a DVD-RAM, a BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), a semiconductor memory, etc. Alternatively, the present disclosure may be a digital signal recorded on such a recording medium.

[0139] The present disclosure may also be applied to transmitting a computer program or digital signal via a telecommunications line, a wireless or wired communication line, a network such as the Internet, data broadcasting, or the like.

[0140] Furthermore, the program or digital signal may be recorded on a recording medium and transferred, or the program or digital signal may be transferred via a network or the like, so that the program or digital signal may be implemented by another independent computer system. [Industrial Applicability]

[0141] The present disclosure is useful as an input device for operating electrical equipment in a vehicle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 1. Input Device 2 vehicles 4 seats 5 Backrest 6 Handle 7 Storage Area 9 Vehicle Systems 10 Table Unit 11 Base 12 Linear motion section 13 Rotating part 14 Sliding table 14a Input screen 15, 17 Gear mechanism 16 shaft 21 First motor 22 Second motor 25 Control Unit 25a memory 31 Insertion / Extraction Switch 32 Weight sensor 33 Pressure Sensor 60, 60A seat drive unit 61 Seat moving section 62 Backrest moving part 63 Seat adjustment switch 65 Seat control unit 65a Storage section 66 Seat position detection sensor 67 Backrest position detection sensor 80 Vehicle control unit (ECU) a1 Axis along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle a2 Axis along the width of the vehicle c1 Contents screen fL Border ip location information ic icon s1 adjustment signal s2 Status notification signal θ Tilt angle

Claims

1. a slide table disposed below the steering wheel of the vehicle and including a touch panel; a first motor for moving the slide table in the front-rear direction of the vehicle; a control unit that controls driving of the first motor; Equipped with The control unit acquires position information of a driver's seat of the vehicle in a front-rear direction, and changes the position of the slide table in the front-rear direction by driving the first motor based on the position information. Input device.

2. Further, a second motor is provided for rotating the slide table about an axis along the width direction of the vehicle, The control unit acquires position information indicating an angle of the backrest of the seat, and changes the tilt angle of the slide table by driving the second motor based on the position information indicating the angle. The input device according to claim 1 .

3. further comprising an insertion / removal switch that receives an input for inserting or removing the slide table into or from a storage area under the steering wheel of the vehicle; the control unit drives the first motor based on the input received by the insertion / removal switch to extract the slide table from the storage area toward the seat; When the slide table is pulled out toward the seat, changing a position of the slide table in the front-rear direction by driving the first motor based on position information of the driver's seat in the front-rear direction; The tilt angle of the slide table is changed by driving the second motor based on the position information indicating the angle. The input device according to claim 2 .

4. When the vehicle is in an automatic driving state and an input from the switch for inserting and extracting is received, the control unit drives the first motor so that the slide table slides toward the seat. The input device according to claim 3 .

5. Further, a weight sensor is provided to detect the weight of an object placed on the slide table, The control unit controls the first motor to maintain the position of the slide table without changing it when the weight is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. The input device according to claim 1 .

6. The control unit drives the first motor so that, when the seat is moved in the forward / backward direction, the slide table moves in the same direction as the movement of the seat. The input device according to claim 1 .

7. The control unit drives the second motor so that, when the backrest of the seat is tilted backward, the tilt angle of the slide table based on an axis along a front-rear direction increases. The input device according to claim 2 .

8. The control unit drives the second motor so that an inclination angle of the slide table based on an axis along a front-rear direction becomes smaller when the backrest of the seat is moved forward and the backrest after being moved forward is located rearward of the backrest before the vehicle is automatically driven. The input device according to claim 2 .

9. Further, a weight sensor is provided to detect the weight of an object placed on the slide table, When the slide table is extended toward the seat, and an input from the extension / retraction switch is received, The control unit If the weight is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, a signal is output to indicate that the object is placed on the slide table; When the weight is less than a predetermined threshold, the second motor is driven so that the tilt angle of the slide table becomes 0°, and the first motor is driven so that the slide table is stored in the storage area. The input device according to claim 3 .

10. An icon that accepts touch input is displayed on the slide table, The control unit changes the position of the icon on the slide table by accepting a predetermined change input. The input device according to claim 1 .

11. The control unit displays the icon at a rear position on the slide table when the seat is moved rearward. The input device according to claim 10.

12. Further, a pressure sensor is provided to measure a pressure distribution on the surface of the slide table, The control unit changes the position of the icon based on the pressure distribution obtained from the pressure sensor. The input device according to claim 10.

13. When a predetermined icon is selected on the slide table, The control unit moves the position of a predetermined icon to an area on the slide table where the pressure distribution is smaller than a predetermined threshold.

13. The input device of claim 12.

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