Vehicle operation input device, vehicle operation input method, and program

Abstract

To provide a vehicle operation input device, a vehicle operation input method and a program that make an occupant looking at a display unit less likely to feel troublesome.SOLUTION: A vehicle operation input device includes: an input unit 33R, 33L on which an input operation is performed, the input operation being an operation in which a part of a body of an occupant of a vehicle 10 comes into contact with the input unit; a state switching unit 33R, 33L that is operated by the occupant; and a processor. When the occupant performs a specific operation, which is an operation different from the input operation, on the state switching unit while information is not displayed on a display unit HA capable of displaying information about the input unit, the processor causes a display unit to display the information and causes the input unit to allow an input state in which the input operation can be received; and when the occupant does not perform the specific operation on the state switching unit while the information is not displayed on the display unit, the processor does not cause the display unit to display the information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0004] ,

[0006] , , , , ,

[0005] , , Push operation , , When the information related to the input unit is not displayed on the display unit capable of displaying such information, and the occupant does not perform a pressing operation to move the input unit to the pressing position, the information will not be displayed on the display unit. , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle operation input device, a vehicle operation input method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses an invention in which when a finger of a passenger's hand touches or approaches a part of a steering switch provided on a steering wheel of a vehicle, an image representing a function assigned to the part is highlighted on a display unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the invention of Patent Document 1, a passenger may inadvertently touch or approach a part of the steering switch with a finger. In this case, since the display unit highlights an image representing a function assigned to the part, the invention of Patent Document 1 is likely to cause annoyance to the passenger who views the display unit.

[0005] In consideration of the above facts, an object of the present invention is to obtain a vehicle operation input device, a vehicle operation input method, and a program that are less likely to cause annoyance to a passenger who views a display unit.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The vehicle operation input device according to claim 1 includes An input unit is used for an input operation in which a part of the vehicle occupant's body makes contact, and is movable between an initial position and a pressed position, and a processor is also provided. and, the processor When the information related to the input unit is not displayed on the display unit capable of displaying such information, and the occupant does not perform a pressing operation to move the input unit to the pressing position, the information will not be displayed on the display unit. In a state where the information regarding the input unit is not displayed on a display unit capable of displaying the information, when the passenger Input section with respect to the Push operationWhen this is done, the information is displayed on the display unit, and the input unit is set to an input-enabled state where it can accept the input operation. I'll make it .

[0007] In the vehicle operation input device according to claim 1, when no information regarding the input unit is displayed on the display unit, the occupant Press operation on the input section When this is done, information regarding the input unit is displayed on the display unit, and the input unit becomes ready to accept input operations from the crew. On the other hand, when information regarding the input unit is not displayed on the display unit, the crew Press operation on the input section If this is not done, information regarding the input unit will not be displayed on the display unit. Input section against Push operation The input section will not become usable unless this is done.

[0008] Such Push operation For an occupant to perform this action, they typically need to have the intention to display information related to the input unit on the display unit. Therefore, if the occupant does not intend to display information related to the input unit on the display unit, there is little risk of information related to the input unit being displayed on the display unit. For this reason, the vehicle operation input device described in claim 1 is unlikely to cause annoyance to the occupant when they look at the display unit.

[0009] The vehicle operation input device according to claim 2 is, in the invention described in claim 1, The system comprises multiple input units, and the information includes a functional image indicating the function assigned to the input unit on which the input operation was performed. .

[0017] Claim 3 The vehicle operation input device according to the invention described above is Claim 1 or Claim 2 In the invention described above, the processor, when the information is not displayed on the display unit, the occupant Input section The above Push operation When this is not performed, the input unit enters an input-disabled state where it cannot accept the input operation. I'll make it . Claim 4 The vehicle operation input device according to the invention described above is Claim 3 In the invention described above, If the occupant does not perform the input operation within a predetermined threshold period after the information is displayed on the display unit, the processor erases the information from the display unit and switches the input unit to the input-disabled state.

[0018] Claim 4 In the invention described in, when the information regarding the input unit is displayed on the display unit and no input operation is performed by the occupant until predetermined threshold elapses, the information regarding the input unit is erased from the display unit and the input unit is switched to an input-disabled state. That is, when the occupant does not intend to keep the information regarding the input unit displayed on the display unit, the information regarding the input unit is erased from the display unit. Therefore, Claim 4 the vehicle operation input device described in is unlikely to bother the occupant who views the display unit.

[0019] Claim 5 The vehicle operation input device according to the invention described in Claims 1 to 4 in any one of the items of The input unit is provided on the steering wheel of the vehicle.

[0020] Claim 5 In the invention described in, it is provided on the steering wheel of the vehicle. Therefore, Claim 5 in the vehicle operation input device described in, it is easy for the occupant (driver) to Input section operate.

[0027] Claim 6 The vehicle operation input method according to the invention described in is such that when the information regarding the input unit, which can be input-operated by the occupant of the vehicle, is not displayed on the display unit capable of displaying the information, and the occupant performs the When no pressing operation is performed on the input unit, the information will not be displayed on the display unit. When the information regarding the input unit is not displayed on the display unit capable of displaying the information, and the occupant performs the Input section with respect to the Push operation the information is displayed on the display unit, and the input unit is switched to an input-enabled state capable of receiving the input operation I'll make it .

[0028] Claim 7 The program according to the invention described in is such that when the information regarding the input unit, which can be input-operated by the occupant of the vehicle, is not displayed on the display unit capable of displaying the information, and the occupant performs the When no pressing operation is performed on the input unit, the information will not be displayed on the display unit.In a state where the information regarding the input unit is not displayed on the display unit capable of displaying the information, when the occupant performs the Input section with respect to the Push operation the information is displayed on the display unit, and the input unit is brought into an input-enabled state capable of receiving the input operation I'll make it and the processor is made to execute the process.

Advantages of the Invention

[0029] As described above, the vehicle operation input device, the vehicle operation input method, and the program according to the present invention have an excellent effect of making it difficult for the occupant who views the display unit to feel annoyance.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing the interior of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle operation input device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the vehicle shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a functional block diagram of the vehicle display control ECU. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing a meter display on which a predetermined message is displayed. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing a display area of a head-up display on which a predetermined message is displayed. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing a display area of a head-up display when the driver performs a first operation. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing a display area of a head-up display when the driver performs a function switching operation. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart showing the process executed by the display control ECU.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the vehicle operation input device, the vehicle operation input method, and the program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0032] The vehicle 10 of this embodiment includes a front windshield 14 and an instrument panel 16, as shown in Figure 1. The instrument panel 16 is equipped with a meter display (MET) 18. A sensor group 20 is provided on the upper part of the interior side of the front windshield 14. The sensor group 20 includes at least one of a camera, a lidar (Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging) sensor, a locator camera, and a millimeter-wave radar sensor.

[0033] The meter display 18, located on the instrument panel 16, is controlled by a display control ECU 26, which will be described later. The display control ECU 26 is connected to various meter devices mounted on the vehicle 10. Therefore, as shown in Figure 4, for example, the meter display 18 displays information regarding the vehicle speed of the vehicle 10.

[0034] A display area (display section) HA is formed in the front windshield 14. The display area HA is located above the meter display 18. Images generated by the projection device of the head-up display (hereinafter referred to as HUD) 28 (see Figure 2) installed in the vehicle 10 are projected onto the display area HA. ​​As shown in Figure 2, the HUD 28 is connected to the display control ECU 26. Therefore, as shown in Figure 5, information regarding the vehicle speed of the vehicle 10 is displayed in the display area HA.

[0035] As shown in Figure 1, the steering wheel 22 is rotatably supported on the instrument panel 16. The steering wheel 22 comprises a rim portion 22A, a hub portion 22B, and spoke portions 22C1, 22C2, and 22C3. The hub portion 22B is provided on the inner circumference side of the substantially annular rim portion 22A. The inner circumference of the rim portion 22A and the hub portion 22B are connected by three spoke portions 22C1, 22C2, and 22C3. A steering switch (first operation portion) (input portion) (state switching portion) 33R is provided on the right spoke portion 22C1, and a steering switch (second operation portion) (input portion) (state switching portion) 33L is provided on the left spoke portion 22C2. The steering switch 33R includes a right first switch 34R, a right second switch 36R, and a right function selector switch 38R, all of which are independent of each other. The steering wheel switches 33L include a left first switch 34L, a left second switch 36L, and a left function selector switch 38L, all of which are independent of each other. In this embodiment, the display control ECU 26, the steering wheel switches 33R, and the steering wheel switches 33L are components of the vehicle operation input device 100. The right first switch 34R, the right second switch 36R, the right function selector switch 38R, the left first switch 34L, the left second switch 36L, and the left function selector switch 38L are equipped with electrostatic sensors (not shown).

[0036] The roughly rectangular right first switch 34R is pivotable around a pivot center (not shown) located in its center. The right first switch 34R includes a first input section 34R1, a second input section 34R2, a third input section 34R3, and a fourth input section 34R4 located on the outer circumference of the pivot center. The first input section 34R1, the second input section 34R2, the third input section 34R3, and the fourth input section 34R4 have different functions. As the right first switch 34R pivots, the first input section 34R1, the second input section 34R2, the third input section 34R3, and the fourth input section 34R4 move a small distance between their initial position and their pressed position in a direction approximately parallel to the front-back direction. When no external force is applied to the right first switch 34R, or when a part of the occupant's body comes into contact with the first input section 34R1, the second input section 34R2, the third input section 34R3, or the fourth input section 34R4, the first input section 34R1, the second input section 34R2, the third input section 34R3, and the fourth input section 34R4 are positioned in their initial positions. In this specification, the occupant is, for example, the driver.

[0037] The right second switch 36R, which is roughly rectangular in shape and located to the left of the right first switch 34R, is pivotable around a pivot center (not shown) located in its center. The right second switch 36R is equipped with a first input section 36R1 and a second input section 36R2, located above and below the pivot center, respectively. The first input section 36R1 and the second input section 36R2 have different functions. As the right second switch 36R pivots, the first input section 36R1 and the second input section 36R2 move a small distance between their initial position and their pressed position in a direction approximately parallel to the front-rear direction. When no external force is applied to the right second switch 36R, or when a part of the occupant's body comes into contact with the first input section 36R1 or the second input section 36R2, the first input section 36R1 and the second input section 36R2 return to their initial positions.

[0038] The right function selector switch 38R, located below the right first switch 34R and the right second switch 36R, is a switch for switching the functions assigned to the right first switch 34R and the right second switch 36R. The right function selector switch 38R can move a small distance between its initial position and its pressed position in a direction approximately parallel to the front-to-back direction. When no external force is applied to the right function selector switch 38R, or when a part of the occupant's body comes into contact with the right function selector switch 38R, the right function selector switch 38R returns to its initial position. As will be described later, when a second operation is performed on the right function selector switch 38R while it is in an input-ready state, the functions assigned to the right first switch 34R and the right second switch 36R are switched. In this embodiment, as an example, two functions are assigned to the first input section 34R1, second input section 34R2, third input section 34R3, and fourth input section 34R4 of the right first switch 34R, and to the first input section 36R1 and second input section 36R2 of the right second switch 36R.

[0039] The left first switch 34L has the same configuration as the right first switch 34R, except that it is symmetrical. That is, the left first switch 34L is pivotable around a pivot center and has a first input section 34L1, a second input section 34L2, a third input section 34L3, and a fourth input section 34L4 that are movable between an initial position and a pressed position. The first input section 34L1, the second input section 34L2, the third input section 34L3, and the fourth input section 34L4 have different functions from each other.

[0040] The left second switch 36L has the same configuration as the right second switch 36R, except that it is symmetrical. That is, the left second switch 36L is pivotable around a pivot center and includes a first input section 36L1 and a second input section 36L2. The first input section 36L1 and the second input section 36L2 have different functions.

[0041] The left function selector switch 38L has the same configuration as the right function selector switch 38R, except that it is symmetrical. That is, the left function selector switch 38L is a switch for switching the functions assigned to the first input section 34L1, second input section 34L2, third input section 34L3 and fourth input section 34L4 of the left first switch 34L, as well as the first input section 36L1 and second input section 36L2 of the left second switch 36L.

[0042] In this specification, when a part of the occupant's body contacts the first input section 34R1 of the right first switch 34R, it means that a part of the occupant's body contacts the first input section 34R1 and the first input section 34R1 is in its initial position. The same applies to the second input section 34R2, the third input section 34R3, the fourth input section 34R4, the right second switch 36R (first input section 36R1, second input section 36R2), the right function changeover switch 38R, the left first switch 34L (first input section 34L1, second input section 34L2, third input section 34L3, fourth input section 34L4), the left second switch 36L (first input section 36L1, second input section 36L2), and the left function changeover switch 38L.

[0043] Furthermore, in this specification, "part of the body" refers to a part of the body that the electrostatic sensor reacts to. For example, the hand is a part of the body. In addition, an operation in which a part of the occupant's body comes into contact with at least one of the right first switch 34R, right second switch 36R, right function selector switch 38R, left first switch 34L, left second switch 36L, and left function selector switch 38L may be referred to as the "first operation (input operation)".

[0044] Furthermore, in this specification, the operation of moving the first input section 34R1, second input section 34R2, third input section 34R3, or fourth input section 34R4 of the steering switch 33R to the pressed position using a part of the occupant's body may be referred to as the "second operation." The operation of moving the right second switch 36R (first input section 36R1, second input section 36R2), the right function selector switch 38R, the left first switch 34L (first input section 34L1, second input section 34L2, third input section 34L3, fourth input section 34L4), the left second switch 36L (first input section 36L1, second input section 36L2), and the left function selector switch 38L to the pressed position may also be referred to as the "second operation."

[0045] Furthermore, if a second operation is performed on steering switch 33R, the first operation will be considered to have been performed on steering switch 33R during the initial stage of the second operation. Similarly, if a second operation is performed on steering switch 33L, the first operation will be considered to have been performed on steering switch 33L during the initial stage of the second operation.

[0046] Furthermore, a part of the occupant's body may keep the steering switch 33R or steering switch 33L in the pressed position for a time exceeding a predetermined first threshold. Data related to this first threshold is recorded, for example, in the ROM 26B or storage 26D of the display control ECU 26, which will be described later. The first threshold is, for example, 2 seconds. Such an operation on the steering switch 33R or steering switch 33L may be referred to as a "third operation (specific operation)". As will be described later, when a third operation is performed on the steering switch 33R or steering switch 33L while the steering switch image 33RM (information related to the input unit) representing the function of the steering switch 33R and the steering switch image (information related to the input unit) (not shown) representing the function of the steering switch 33L are not displayed in the display area HA, the steering switch 33R or steering switch 33L on which the third operation was performed becomes available for input. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the steering switch image 33RM includes the right first switch image 34RM, the right second switch image 36RM, and the right function selector switch image 38RM, which represent the right first switch 34R, the right second switch 36R, and the right function selector switch 38R, respectively. If a third operation is performed on the steering switch 33R, then the first and second operations are performed on the steering switch 33R in the initial stage of the third operation. Similarly, if a third operation is performed on the steering switch 33L, then the first and second operations are performed on the steering switch 33L in the initial stage of the third operation.

[0047] On the other hand, if the steering switch images representing the functions of steering switch images 33RM and steering switch 33L are not displayed in display area HA, steering switch 33R and steering switch 33L will become unresponsive.

[0048] The vehicle 10 is equipped with a display control ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 26 as shown in Figure 2. The display control ECU 26 consists of a CPU (Central Processing Unit: processor) 26A, ROM (Read Only Memory) 26B, RAM (Random Access Memory) 26C, storage 26D, a communication interface (communication I / F) 26E, and an input / output interface (input / output I / F) 26F. Each component is connected to the others so as to be able to communicate with each other via an internal bus 26Z.

[0049] The CPU 26A is the central processing unit, which executes various programs and controls various components. Specifically, the CPU 26A reads programs from ROM 26B or storage 26D and executes them using RAM 26C as the working area. The CPU 26A also controls the above components and performs various calculations according to the programs recorded in ROM 26B or storage 26D.

[0050] ROM26B stores various programs and data. RAM26C temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. Storage26D is a non-temporary recording medium consisting of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) that stores various programs, including the operating system, and various data. In this embodiment, ROM26B or storage26D stores programs for input control processing, etc.

[0051] The communication interface 26E is an interface for the display control ECU 26 to communicate with external servers and other devices. Standards such as CAN (Controller Area Network), Ethernet (registered trademark), LTE (Long Term Evolution), FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface), and Wi-Fi (registered trademark) can be used for the communication interface 26E.

[0052] The input / output interface 26F is electrically connected to the right first switch 34R, the right second switch 36R, the right function selector switch 38R, the left first switch 34L, the left second switch 36L, the left function selector switch 38L, and the HUD28.

[0053] The display control ECU 26 is electrically connected to the driver assistance ECU 32. The driver assistance ECU 32 consists of a CPU (processor), ROM, RAM, storage, a communication interface (communication I / F), and an input / output interface (input / output I / F). These components are connected to each other via an internal bus so as to be able to communicate with one another. In this embodiment, the driver assistance ECU 32 is connected to the sensor group 20, the brake system, the steering system, and various actuators for driving the internal combustion engine (drive source). The driver assistance ECU 32 may also be connected to an electric motor (drive source). The driver assistance ECU 32 has the function of causing the vehicle 10 to perform driver assistance control by controlling the above actuator group (and electric motor). In this specification, "driver assistance control" includes driver assistance control of driving levels 1 to 5 as defined by the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers). Driver assistance control includes, for example, ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) and LTA (Lane Tracing Assist).

[0054] The display control ECU26 implements various functions using the hardware resources described above. The functional configuration implemented by the display control ECU26 will be explained with reference to Figure 3.

[0055] As shown in Figure 3, the display control ECU 26 has a functional configuration that includes a control mode acquisition unit 261, a function display unit 262, an operation reception unit 263, and a function switching reception unit 264. The control mode acquisition unit 261, the function display unit 262, the operation reception unit 263, and the function switching reception unit 264 are realized by the CPU 26A reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 26B or storage 26D.

[0056] The control mode acquisition unit 261 acquires the details of the driver assistance control being performed by the driver assistance ECU 32.

[0057] When steering switches 33R and 33L are in an unresponsive state, the function display unit 262 controls the HUD 28 to display an image in the display area HA representing the function assigned to the steering switch 33R or steering switch 33L that was operated on. For example, when a third operation is performed on the steering switch 33R, the function display unit 262 displays the steering switch image 33RM in the display area HA, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. In this case, the function display unit 262 switches the steering switch 33R to an operable state.

[0058] Furthermore, when a steering switch image representing one of the steering switches, 33R or 33L, is displayed in the display area HA, the function display unit 262 displays the steering switch image representing the other switch in the display area HA. ​​For example, when a steering switch image representing 33L is displayed in the display area HA, and a first operation is performed on 33R, the function display unit 262 erases the steering switch image representing 33L from the display area HA and instead displays the steering switch image 33RM in the display area HA. ​​At this time, the function display unit 262 switches the steering switch 33L to a non-input state and the steering switch 33R to an input-enabled state. In this way, both the steering switch image 33RM and the steering switch image corresponding to the left function switch 38L are not displayed simultaneously in the display area HA.

[0059] Furthermore, when a part of the occupant's body is in contact with a steering switch 33R or steering switch 33L that is in an input-enabled state, the function display unit 262 continues to display a steering switch image representing the steering switch 33R or steering switch 33L in the input-enabled state in the display area HA, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. When a part of the occupant's body moves away from the steering switch 33R or steering switch 33L that is in an input-enabled state, if the first operation is not performed on the steering switch within a predetermined set display time (third threshold) elapsed from the time of separation, the function display unit 262 erases the steering switch image representing the steering switch from the display area HA. ​​In other words, the steering switches 33R and 33L are switched to an input-disabled state by the function display unit 262. This set display time is, for example, 5 seconds.

[0060] Furthermore, when a part of the occupant's body is in contact with the left first switch 34L, left second switch 36L, or left function selector switch 38L, which are in an input-enabled state, the function display unit 262 continues to display a steering switch image representing the steering switch 33L in the display area HA. ​​When a part of the occupant's body moves away from the steering switch 33L, if the first operation is not performed on the steering switch 33L within a predetermined set display time elapsed from the time of separation, the function display unit 262 erases the steering switch image from the display area HA. ​​This set display time is, for example, 5 seconds.

[0061] If steering switches 33R and 33L are in an unresponsive state, the steering switch images corresponding to steering switch images 33RM and 33L are not displayed in the display area HA, as shown in Figure 5. In this case, only information regarding the vehicle speed of the vehicle 10 is displayed in the display area HA.

[0062] In Figure 6, the right first switch image 34RM includes the third input image 34R3M representing the third input 34R3 and the fourth input image 34R4M representing the fourth input 34R4. In this case, the third input 34R3 and the fourth input 34R4 are each assigned specific functions. On the other hand, the first input 34R1 and the second input 34R2 are not assigned any functions. Therefore, in this case, the right first switch image 34RM does not include images representing the first input 34R1 and the second input 34R2.

[0063] In this case, the third input unit 34R3 is assigned the function of setting the distance between vehicle 10 and the preceding vehicle. Therefore, when the steering switch image 33RM is displayed in the display area HA, if the occupant moves the third input unit 34R3 to the pressed position with a part of their body, the set distance value changes.

[0064] In this case, the fourth input unit 34R4 is assigned a function related to switching the control mode. Therefore, when the steering switch image 33RM is displayed in the display area HA, if the occupant moves the fourth input unit 34R4 to the pressed position with a part of their body, the control mode of the vehicle 10 is switched.

[0065] The first input unit 36R1 is assigned the function of switching the radar cruise mode between the ON and OFF states. Therefore, when the steering switch image 33RM is displayed in the display area HA, if the occupant moves the first input unit 36R1 to the pressed position with a part of their body, the radar cruise mode is switched between the ON and OFF states.

[0066] The second input unit 36R2 is assigned the function of switching the LTA between the ON and OFF states. Therefore, when the steering switch image 33RM is displayed in the display area HA, if the occupant moves the second input unit 36R2 to the pressed position with a part of their body, the LTA is switched between the ON and OFF states.

[0067] The operation reception unit 263 accepts first and second operations for the right first switch 34R, right second switch 36R, left first switch 34L, or left second switch 36L, which are in an input-enabled state. On the other hand, the operation reception unit 263 does not accept first and second operations for the right first switch 34R, right second switch 36R, left first switch 34L, or left second switch 36L, which are in an input-disabled state. For example, when the steering switch image 33RM is displayed in the display area HA, if the first operation is performed on the second input unit 36R2, the operation reception unit 263 selects the function of the second input unit 36R2, and the second input unit image 36R2M representing the second input unit 36R2 is highlighted in the display area HA. For example, when a steering switch image representing steering switch 33L is displayed in the display area HA, and a first operation is performed on the second input unit 36L2, the operation reception unit 263 selects the function of the second input unit 36L2, and the second input unit image (not shown) representing the second input unit 36L2 is highlighted in the display area HA. ​​Also, for example, when a steering switch image 33RM is displayed in the display area HA, and a second operation is performed on the third input unit 34R3, the operation reception unit 263 instructs another ECU (e.g., driver assistance ECU 32) to execute the function of the third input unit 34R3.

[0068] The function switching reception unit 264 accepts a second operation for the right function switching switch 38R when the steering switch image 33RM is displayed in the display area HA. ​​Furthermore, the function switching reception unit 264 accepts a second operation for the function switching switch 38L when the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33L is displayed in the display area HA. ​​Specifically, when the steering switch image 33RM is displayed in the display area HA and a second operation is performed on the right function switching switch 38R, the function switching reception unit 264 switches the functions of the right first switch 34R and the right second switch 36R. Also, when the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33L is displayed in the display area HA and a second operation is performed on the left function switching switch 38L, the function switching reception unit 264 switches the functions of the left first switch 34L and the left second switch 36L.

[0069] For example, when the second operation is performed on the right function switch 38R in the state shown in Figure 6, the function display unit 262 causes the display area HA to transition to the state shown in Figure 7. That is, as shown in Figure 7, the first input unit image 34R1M, the second input unit image 34R2M, the third input unit image 34R3M, and the fourth input unit image 34R4M are changed from the images shown in Figure 6. Therefore, an occupant who sees the first input unit image 34R1M, the second input unit image 34R2M, the third input unit image 34R3M, and the fourth input unit image 34R4M can recognize that the functions assigned to the first input units 34R1, 34R2, the third input unit 34R3, and the fourth input unit 34R4 have been switched.

[0070] (Mechanism of action and effect) Next, the operation and effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0071] Next, the process executed by the display control ECU 26 of the vehicle 10 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 8. The display control ECU 26 repeatedly executes the process shown in the flowchart in Figure 8 after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed.

[0072] In step S10, the display control ECU 26 determines whether the steering switch 33R and the steering switch 33L are in an unresponsive state.

[0073] If the display control ECU 26 determines "Yes" in step S10, it proceeds to step S11, where it determines whether the occupant performed a third operation on the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L.

[0074] If the display control ECU 26 determines "Yes" in step S11, it proceeds to step S12, where it switches the steering switch 33R or steering switch 33L, which was operated in the third operation, to an input-enabled state.

[0075] After completing the process in step S12, the display control ECU 26 proceeds to step S13 and displays the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33R or steering switch 33L that has become available for input in the display area HA. ​​At this time, the display control ECU 26 starts counting the set display time for the displayed steering switch image.

[0076] After completing the process in step S13, the display control ECU 26 proceeds to step S14, and after the steering switch 33R or steering switch 33L on which the third operation was performed returns to its initial position, it determines whether or not the first operation was performed on the steering switch 33R or steering switch 33L.

[0077] If the display control ECU 26 determines "Yes" in step S14, it proceeds to step S15, where it determines whether the steering switch 33R or steering switch 33L, which was used for the first operation, is in an input-enabled state.

[0078] If the display control ECU 26 determines "Yes" in step S15, the system proceeds to step S16. For example, if the steering switch image 33RM is displayed in step S13 and the first operation is performed on the first input unit 34R1 in step S14, the function of the first input unit 34R1 is selected in step S16.

[0079] On the other hand, if the display control ECU 26 determines "No" in step S15, it proceeds to step S13. For example, if the steering switch 33L is switched to an input-enabled state in step S12 and "No" is determined in step S15, the steering switch image 33RM is displayed in the display area HA in step S13.

[0080] After completing the processing in step S16, the display control ECU 26 proceeds to step S17. Here, we assume that the function of the first input unit 34R1 was selected in step S16. In this case, if the second operation is performed on the first input unit 34R1 in step S17, the display control ECU 26 proceeds to step S18.

[0081] In this case, in step S18, the display control ECU 26 issues instructions to other ECUs. Therefore, if the function of the first input unit 34R1 is selected in step S16, the function assigned to the first input unit 34R1 is executed.

[0082] When No is determined in step S17 or when the processing in step S18 is completed, the display control ECU 26 proceeds to step S19 and determines whether the first operation was performed on the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L between the time the processing in step S13 is performed and the set display time has elapsed.

[0083] If the display control ECU 26 determines "No" in step S19, it proceeds to step S20, where the display control ECU 26 controls the HUD 28 to erase the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33R or steering switch 33L displayed in the display area HA. ​​Furthermore, the display control ECU 26 switches the steering switch 33R and steering switch 33L to an input-disabled state.

[0084] If the display control ECU 26 determines "Yes" in step S19, it proceeds to step S13. For example, if the steering switch 33L is switched to an input-enabled state in step S12 and the first operation is performed on the steering switch 33L before the set display time has elapsed, the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33L continues to be displayed in the display area HA in step S13, and the count of the set display time for this steering switch image is newly started. On the other hand, for example, if the steering switch 33L is switched to an input-enabled state in step S12 and the first operation is performed on the steering switch 33R before the set display time has elapsed, the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33L is erased from the display area HA in step S13. Furthermore, the steering switch image 33RM is displayed in the display area HA, and the display control ECU 26 starts counting the set display time for the steering switch image 33RM.

[0085] When the result in steps S10 and S11 is determined to be "No," or when the processing in step S20 is completed, the display control ECU26 temporarily terminates the processing shown in the flowchart in Figure 8.

[0086] As explained above, in this embodiment, when the occupant performs a third operation on steering switch 33R or steering switch 33L while the steering switch images corresponding to steering switch 33R and steering switch 33L are not displayed in the display area HA, the steering switch 33R or steering switch 33L on which the third operation was performed becomes an input-enabled state. On the other hand, when the occupant performs a third operation on steering switch 33R or steering switch 33L while the steering switch images corresponding to steering switch 33R and steering switch 33L are not displayed in the display area HA, steering switch 33R and steering switch 33L become an input-disabled state. Thus, unless the occupant performs a third operation on steering switch 33R or steering switch 33L that is different from the first operation, steering switch 33R and steering switch 33L will not become an input-enabled state. In other words, unless a third operation is performed on steering switch 33R or steering switch 33L, the steering switch images corresponding to steering switch 33R or steering switch 33L will not be displayed in the display area HA.

[0087] For an occupant to perform such a third operation, they typically need to intend to display the steering switch image corresponding to steering switch 33R or steering switch 33L in the display area HA. ​​Therefore, if the occupant does not intend to display the steering switch image corresponding to steering switch 33R or steering switch 33L in the display area HA, there is little risk that the steering switch image corresponding to steering switch 33R or steering switch 33L will be displayed in the display area HA. ​​As a result, occupants looking at the display area HA are less likely to feel annoyed.

[0088] Furthermore, when an occupant makes contact with a steering switch 33R or steering switch 33L that is in an input-enabled state, the operation reception unit 263 receives the first operation for the steering switch 33R or steering switch 33L that is in an input-enabled state. Therefore, when a steering switch 33R or steering switch 33L is in an input-enabled state, the occupant can highlight a predetermined switch in the display area HA with a simple operation.

[0089] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the third operation is to keep the steering switch 33R or steering switch 33L in the pressed position for a time exceeding the first threshold. Therefore, there is little risk of the occupant accidentally performing the third operation. Consequently, there is little risk of the occupant accidentally displaying the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33R or steering switch 33L in the display area HA.

[0090] Furthermore, if the occupant does not perform the first operation within the set display time elapsed after the steering switch image corresponding to steering switch 33R or steering switch 33L is displayed in the display area HA, the steering switch images corresponding to steering switch 33R and steering switch 33L are erased from the display area HA, and steering switch 33R and steering switch 33L are switched to an input-disabled state. In other words, if the occupant does not intend to keep the steering switch image corresponding to steering switch 33R or steering switch 33L displayed in the display area HA, the steering switch images corresponding to steering switch 33R and steering switch 33L are erased from the display area HA. ​​Therefore, the occupant viewing the display area HA is less likely to feel annoyed.

[0091] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the steering switch 33R and the steering switch 33L are provided on the steering wheel 22. Therefore, it is easy for the occupant (driver) to operate the steering switch 33R and the steering switch 33L.

[0092] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a steering switch image representing one of the steering switches 33R and 33L is displayed in the display area HA, and the occupant performs a first operation on the other steering switch 33R or 33L, the steering switch image representing one is erased from the display area HA and the steering switch image representing the other is displayed. Therefore, when the steering switch image representing one is displayed in the display area HA, the occupant can easily display the steering switch image representing the other in the display area HA with a simple operation.

[0093] Although the vehicle operation input device, vehicle operation input method, and program according to the embodiment have been described above, the vehicle operation input device, vehicle operation input method, and program can be appropriately modified in design without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0094] For example, the third operation may be an operation in which a part of the occupant's body continues to make contact with the steering switch 33R or steering switch 33L for a time exceeding a predetermined second threshold. In this modified case as well, the risk of the occupant accidentally performing the third operation is small. Therefore, the risk of the occupant accidentally displaying the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33R or steering switch 33L in the display area HA can be reduced.

[0095] Furthermore, the third operation may be an operation in which the occupant intermittently touches the right function selector switch 38R or the left function selector switch 38L multiple times in a short period of time with a part of their body. In this case, "short period of time" is, for example, 1 second, and "multiple times" is, for example, 3 times. In this modified case as well, the risk of the occupant accidentally performing the third operation is small. Therefore, the risk of the occupant accidentally displaying the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33R or the steering switch 33L in the display area HA can be reduced.

[0096] As shown by dashed lines in Figure 1, the steering wheel 22 may be provided with state change switches 60R and 60L, separate from the steering switches 33R and 33L. In this modified example, the display control ECU 26, steering switches 33R and 33L, state change switches 60R and 60L are components of the vehicle operation input device 100. The state change switches 60R and 60 are movable between an initial position and a pressed position. When no external force is applied to the state change switches 60R and 60, they are in the initial position. In this modified example, the operation of moving the state change switches 60R and 60 from the initial position to the pressed position using a part of the occupant's body is called a "specific operation". In this case, when steering switches 33R and 33L are in an unresponsive state, the display control ECU 26 switches steering switch 33R to an responsive state when the state change switch 60R is moved to the pressed position by a part of the occupant's body. Similarly, when steering switches 33R and 33L are in an unresponsive state, the display control ECU 26 switches steering switch 33L to an responsive state when the state change switch 60L is moved to the pressed position by a part of the occupant's body. In this modified example, steering switches 33R and 33L and state change switches 60R and 60L are different from each other. Therefore, in order to display the steering switch image corresponding to steering switch 33R or steering switch 33L in the display area HA which does not currently display the steering switch image corresponding to steering switch 33R or steering switch 33L, the occupant needs to move the state change switch 60R or state change switch 60L to the pressed position. For an occupant to perform such an operation, they typically need to intend to display the steering switch image corresponding to steering switch 33R or steering switch 33L in the display area HA.Therefore, if the occupant does not intend to display the steering switch image corresponding to steering switch 33R or steering switch 33L in the display area HA, there is little risk that the steering switch image corresponding to steering switch 33R or steering switch 33L will be displayed in the display area HA. ​​As a result, the occupant who looks at the display area HA is less likely to feel annoyed.

[0097] When a specific operation is performed, the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch image 33RM or the steering switch 33L may be displayed simultaneously on the meter display (display unit) 18 and the display area HA. ​​Alternatively, when a specific operation is performed, the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch image 33RM or the steering switch 33L may be displayed only on the meter display 18.

[0098] When a specific operation is performed, the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33RM and the steering switch image corresponding to the steering switch 33L may be displayed simultaneously on at least one of the meter display 18 and the display area HA.

[0099] The steering wheel 22 may be provided with steering switch 33R and steering switch 33L such that steering switch 33R is located to the left of steering switch 33L.

[0100] The steering wheel 22 may be provided with only one of the steering switch 33R and the steering switch 33L.

[0101] At least one of the components corresponding to the steering switch 33R and the component corresponding to the steering switch 33L may be provided in a location different from the steering wheel 22 of the vehicle 10. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0102] 10 vehicles 18. Meter display (display unit) 26A CPU (Processor) 28. Head-Up Display (HUD) (Display Unit) 33R Steering Switch (First Operation Section) (Input Section) (State Switching Section) 33L Steering switch (second control unit) (input unit) (state switching unit) 60R 60L Status Change Switch (Status Change Unit) 100 Vehicle operation input device HA display area (display part)

Claims

1. An input unit that is movable between an initial position and a pressed position, which is an input operation in which a part of the body of a vehicle occupant is made to make contact with the input unit. Processor and Equipped with, The aforementioned processor, When the information related to the input unit is not displayed on the display unit capable of displaying such information, and the occupant does not perform a pressing operation to move the input unit to the pressing position, the information will not be displayed on the display unit. A vehicle operation input device that, when the occupant performs the pressing operation on the input unit while the information is not displayed on the display unit capable of displaying information related to the input unit, causes the information to be displayed on the display unit and puts the input unit into an input-enabled state capable of accepting the input operation.

2. comprising a plurality of the above input units, The vehicle operation input device according to claim 1, wherein the information includes a functional image showing the function assigned to the input unit on which the input operation was performed.

3. The aforementioned processor, The vehicle operation input device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the information is not displayed on the display unit and the occupant does not perform the pressing operation on the input unit, the input unit is put into an input-disabled state in which it cannot accept the input operation.

4. The processor is The vehicle operation input device according to claim 3, wherein if the occupant does not perform the input operation after the information is displayed on the display unit and a predetermined threshold has elapsed, the information is erased from the display unit and the input unit is switched to the input disabled state.

5. The vehicle operation input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the input unit is provided on the steering wheel of the vehicle.

6. The processor, When the information is not displayed on the display unit capable of displaying information related to an input unit operated by a vehicle occupant, and the occupant does not perform a pressing operation on the input unit, the information will not be displayed on the display unit. A vehicle operation input method that, when the occupant performs the pressing operation on the input unit while the information is not displayed on the display unit capable of displaying information related to the input unit, causes the information to be displayed on the display unit and puts the input unit into an input-enabled state capable of accepting the input operation.

7. When the information is not displayed on the display unit capable of displaying information related to an input unit operated by a vehicle occupant, and the occupant does not perform a pressing operation on the input unit, the information will not be displayed on the display unit. A program that, when the crew member performs the pressing operation on the input unit while the information is not displayed on the display unit capable of displaying information related to the input unit, causes the processor to perform a process to display the information on the display unit and to put the input unit into an input-enabled state that can accept the input operation.

Images