In-vehicle equipment control system

Abstract

To provide an on-vehicle device operation apparatus and an on-vehicle device control system capable of taking actions for avoiding competition in a common on-vehicle device in operation of any portable terminal when the plurality of on-vehicle device operation apparatuses that enable the common on-vehicle device to be operation targets, are in a normal state.SOLUTION: A portable terminal 20A (20B) outputs an operation signal and makes a seat ECU130 control an on-vehicle device such as a seat slide part 18a. The seat ECU130 transmits an operation suppression signal to a portable terminal 20B (20A) while the portable terminal 20A (20B) operates the on-vehicle device such as the seat slide part 18a. The portable terminal 20B (20A) performs both of operation restriction warning to the on-vehicle device on an operation screen and manual operation restriction to an operator.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to ,car an on-vehicle device control system.

Background Art

[0002] In the vehicle communication system of Patent Document 1, when changing a vehicle state from a two-way remote controller to a battery ECU, a telematics control unit (TCU) suspends or invalidates a change command to the battery from a mobile communication terminal. In this way, Patent Document 1 prevents in advance the conflict of vehicle state change commands for a common operation target between the two-way remote controller and the mobile communication terminal.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In Patent Document 1, when vehicle state change commands for a common operation target conflict as described above, priority is given to vehicle state change by the two-way remote controller. By the way, in many vehicles, for example, left and right independent captain seats are provided as second-row rear seats, and various in-vehicle devices are similarly incorporated in the left and right independent captain seats. For example, the incorporated in-vehicle devices are an electric seat back, an electric ottoman, etc. For the operation of these in-vehicle devices, individual portable terminal devices are prepared for the left and right independent captain seats, respectively.

[0005] Furthermore, it is preferable that the other mobile terminal be configured to allow operation of the in-vehicle devices of both captain's seats, so that if one of the individually provided mobile terminals malfunctions, the other mobile terminal can be used to operate the in-vehicle devices of both captain's seats.

[0006] However, if both of the individually provided mobile terminals are functioning correctly, there is a risk of conflict in their operation if both terminals use the same in-vehicle device built into one of the captain's seats as their common target.

[0007] Thus, when multiple in-vehicle device control devices, which are capable of controlling common in-vehicle equipment, are functioning correctly, it is desirable that measures to avoid conflicts be taken when operating any of the mobile terminals.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to enable, when multiple in-vehicle device operating devices capable of controlling a common in-vehicle device are functioning correctly, to enable countermeasures to avoid conflicts in the common in-vehicle device when operating any of the mobile terminals. Car The objective is to provide an onboard equipment control system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To solve the above problems, the in-vehicle device operating device of the present invention includes a display unit that displays an operation screen having an operator for assigning operations to an in-vehicle device that can be operated by its own in-vehicle device operating device and other in-vehicle device operating devices different from its own; an operation unit that accepts manual operation to the operator; an operation signal generation unit that generates an operation signal to the in-vehicle device based on the manual operation to the operator; and an output unit that outputs the operation signal, wherein the in-vehicle device operating device includes an input unit that can input an operation suppression signal to the in-vehicle device, and a manual operation suppression unit that, when the input unit receives the operation suppression signal, performs at least one of the following: an operation restriction warning for the in-vehicle device on the operation screen, and manual operation restriction to the operator.

[0010] Furthermore, it is preferable that the operation suppression signal is input to the input unit when the in-vehicle equipment is being operated by another in-vehicle equipment operating device. Furthermore, multiple operators may be provided to correspond to multiple types of operation of the in-vehicle equipment.

[0011] The in-vehicle equipment control system of the present invention comprises a plurality of the above-described in-vehicle equipment operating devices, a control unit that enables the operation control of a common in-vehicle equipment based on the operation signals individually output by the plurality of in-vehicle equipment operating devices, and an operation suppression signal generation unit that, based on the operation signal individually output by one of the plurality of in-vehicle equipment operating devices, generates and outputs the operation suppression signal to the remaining in-vehicle equipment operating devices while the common in-vehicle equipment is being operated by the control unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, when multiple in-vehicle device operating devices capable of controlling a common in-vehicle device are functioning correctly, any operation of any mobile terminal can be made to avoid conflicts in the common in-vehicle device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of an in-vehicle equipment control system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a conceptual diagram of an in-vehicle equipment control system according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This is an electrical block diagram for mobile terminals 20A and 20B. [Figure 4] This is an electrical block diagram of the MM equipment 70. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the outline of a vehicle according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a schematic perspective view of the rear seat of one embodiment. [Figure 7] (a) is a front view of the home screen of one of the mobile devices, and (b) is a front view of the mode guidance screen used when adjusting the in-car environment of one of the mobile devices. [Figure 8] (a) is a front view of a home screen of the other mobile terminal 20B, and (b) is a front view of a mode guidance screen when adjusting the vehicle interior environment of the other mobile terminal 20B. [Figure 9] (a) is an explanatory diagram of an operation screen when displaying on-vehicle equipment on a rear seat of one mobile terminal, and (b) is an explanatory diagram of an operation screen of the other mobile terminal. [Figure 10] This is a control sequence of an on-vehicle equipment control system when an individual operation signal is transmitted from a mobile terminal. [Figure 11] This is a control sequence of an on-vehicle equipment control system when a collective operation signal is transmitted from a mobile terminal.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] (Embodiment) Hereinafter, an embodiment embodied in an on-vehicle equipment control system including the on-vehicle equipment operating device of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. First, an outline of a vehicle equipped with the on-vehicle equipment control system 100 will be described.

[0015] <1. Schematic Configuration of Vehicle> As shown in FIG. 5, an A-pillar 10a, a B-pillar 10b, a C-pillar 10c, and a D-pillar 10d are provided on the left and right sides of the vehicle. Between the B-pillar 10b and the C-pillar 10c corresponding to the second row seat, a pair of left and right right rear door 15R and left rear door 15L are provided.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 5, a driver seat 12 and a passenger seat 14 are arranged at a front portion of a vehicle compartment, and a right rear seat 16 and a left rear seat 18 which serve as a second row seat are arranged behind these seats. Further, a second row console box 37 is provided between the right rear seat 16 and the left rear seat 18. The right rear seat 16 and the left rear seat 18 are independent left and right captain seats.

[0017] <2. Shade Related> As shown in Figure 5, the right rear door 15R and the left rear door 15L have door window glass 51 and 61. Additionally, there are window glass 52 and 62 between the left and right C-pillars 10c and D-pillars 10d. The right rear door 15R and the left rear door 15L are provided with side shades 17R and 17L corresponding to the inner surfaces of the door window glass 51 and 61, for sun protection and heat / light blocking. Furthermore, the vehicle is provided with side shades 19R and 19L corresponding to the inner surfaces of the window glass 52 and 62 located between the left and right C-pillars 10c and D-pillars 10d, for sun protection and heat / light blocking.

[0018] As shown in Figure 1, the side shades 17R, 17L, 19R, and 19L are each operationally connected to the shade unit 210, which is an in-vehicle device. The shade unit 210 consists of multiple operating mechanisms and multiple electric motors, each operationally connected to the side shades 17R, 17L, 19R, and 19L.

[0019] The shade section 210 is controlled by the body's electronic control unit (hereinafter referred to as the body ECU 120) via the operating mechanism, and is capable of vertical movement between a fully closed position and a fully open position that covers the door window glass 51, 52, 61, and 62.

[0020] Each electric motor in the shade section 210 is equipped with an encoder (not shown) that detects the current open / closed position of each side shade. The control unit 122 (see Figure 2) of the body ECU 120 stores the current open / closed positions of the side shades 17R, 17L, 19R, and 19L based on the open / closed position detection signals from each encoder in a memory unit (not shown). The control unit 122 also transmits the current open / closed positions (including, for example, fully open position, fully closed position, etc.) to the mobile terminals 20A and 20B via the MM (multimedia equipment) 70 (see Figure 2). The mobile terminals 20A and 20B correspond to in-vehicle equipment operating devices.

[0021] <3. Rear Seat Related> <3.1. Left rear seat 18> The left rear seat 18 shown in Figure 6 will now be described. As shown in Figure 6, the left rear seat 18 has a seat portion 32, a seat back 33, and a seat body 34, and an ottoman 35 that is operably connected to the seat portion 32.

[0022] (3.1.1. Sheet body 34) As shown in Figure 1, the seat body 34 has a seat slide section 18a as an in-vehicle device. The seat slide section 18a includes a slide drive motor and a slide mechanism (neither of which are shown). The seat slide section 18a is rotated by the control unit 138 (see Figure 2) of the seat electronic control unit (hereinafter referred to as seat ECU 130), thereby adjusting the front-to-rear position of the seat body 34 in the vehicle compartment via the slide mechanism. The control unit 138 corresponds to the operation suppression signal generation unit.

[0023] In other words, the seat body 34 is movable between the furthest forward position and the furthest rear position by the sliding mechanism. The sliding drive motor or the sliding mechanism is equipped with an encoder (not shown) that detects the current position of the seat body 34. The control unit 138 (see Figure 2) of the seat ECU 130 stores the current position of the seat body 34 based on the position detection signal from the encoder in a storage unit (not shown). The control unit 138 also transmits the current position to the mobile terminals 20A and 20B via the MM device 70. The seat body 34 corresponds to the movable part of the in-vehicle equipment.

[0024] (3.1.2. Seatback 33) The seat back 33 has a seat back section 18b (see Figure 1) which is an in-vehicle device that changes the seat back angle relative to the seat 32. The seat back section 18b includes a seat back drive motor and a seat back angle operating mechanism (neither of which are shown). The seat back section 18b is rotated by the seat back drive motor controlled by the control unit 138 of the seat ECU 130, and the seat back angle is changed via the seat back angle operating mechanism within the range of the maximum and minimum tilt angles.

[0025] The seatback drive motor has an angle sensor (not shown) that detects the current tilt angle of the seatback 33. The control unit 138 of the seat ECU 130 stores the current tilt angle of the seatback 33 based on the angle detection signal from the angle sensor in a storage unit (not shown). The control unit 138 also transmits the current tilt angle to the mobile terminals 20A and 20B via the MM device 70. The seatback 33 corresponds to the movable part of the in-vehicle equipment.

[0026] (3.1.3. Seat 32) The seat portion 32 contains a seat surface portion 18c (see Figure 1) which is an in-vehicle device for changing the vertical position of the seat surface. The seat surface portion 18c includes a seat surface drive motor and a seat surface operating mechanism (neither of which are shown). The seat surface portion 18c can change the vertical position of the seat surface via the seat surface operating mechanism by controlling the rotation of the seat surface drive motor by the control unit 138 of the seat ECU 130.

[0027] In other words, the seat surface 18c is movable up and down between the uppermost and lowermost positions by a seat surface operating mechanism. The seat surface drive motor or the seat surface operating mechanism is equipped with an encoder (not shown) that detects the current position of the seat surface 18c. The control unit 138 of the seat ECU 130 stores the current position of the seat surface 18c based on the position detection signal from the encoder in a storage unit (not shown). The control unit 138 also transmits the current position to the mobile terminals 20A and 20B via the MM device 70. The seat 32 corresponds to the movable part of the in-vehicle equipment.

[0028] (3.1.4. Ottoman 35) The ottoman 35 includes an ottoman section 18d as an in-vehicle device. The ottoman section 18d includes a first drive motor and a first operating mechanism (neither shown), and a second drive motor and a second operating mechanism (neither shown). The ottoman 35 is configured such that the first drive motor is rotationally controlled by the control unit 138 of the seat ECU 130. As a result, the ottoman 35 can be angle-adjusted between an angle that is nearly horizontal and an angle that is stowed via the first operating mechanism.

[0029] Furthermore, the ottoman 35 is configured such that the second drive motor is rotated by the control unit 138 of the seat ECU 130. This allows the ottoman 35 to be adjusted between the furthest forward position and the furthest rear position via the second operating mechanism.

[0030] The first operating mechanism includes an angle sensor (not shown) for detecting the current angle of the ottoman 35. The second operating mechanism also includes a position sensor (not shown) for detecting the current position between the furthest forward position and the furthest rear position.

[0031] The control unit 138 of the seat ECU 130 stores the current angle and position of the ottoman 35, based on the detection signals from the angle sensor and position sensor, in a memory unit (not shown). The control unit 138 also transmits the current angle and position to the mobile terminals 20A and 20B via the MM device 70. The ottoman 35 corresponds to the movable part of the in-vehicle equipment.

[0032] (3.1.5. Lumbar Support 36) Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, a lumbar support 36 is built into the seat back 33. The lumbar support 36 is operationally connected to the lumbar support section 18e shown in Figure 1. The lumbar support section 18e includes an up-and-down drive motor and an up-and-down operating mechanism, which are not shown.

[0033] Furthermore, the lumbar support section 18e includes a front-to-rear drive motor and a front-to-rear operating mechanism (not shown). The lumbar support section 18e adjusts the vertical position of the lumbar support 36 via the front-to-rear operating mechanism by controlling the rotation of the up-and-down drive motor by the control unit 138 of the seat ECU 130. The lumbar support section 18e also adjusts the front-to-rear position of the lumbar support 36 via the front-to-rear operating mechanism by controlling the rotation of the front-to-rear drive motor by the control unit 138 of the seat ECU 130.

[0034] In other words, the lumbar support 36 is movable between its highest and lowest positions by the vertical movement mechanism. Furthermore, the lumbar support 36 is movable between its furthest forward position and its furthest rear position by the forward / backward movement mechanism.

[0035] The vertical movement mechanism includes a vertical position sensor (not shown) that detects the current vertical position of the lumbar support 36. The horizontal movement mechanism also includes a horizontal position sensor (not shown) that detects the current horizontal position of the lumbar support 36. The control unit 138 of the seat ECU 130 stores the current vertical and horizontal positions of the lumbar support 36 based on the detection signals from each position sensor in a storage unit (not shown). The control unit 138 also transmits these current positions to the mobile terminals 20A and 20B via the MM device 70.

[0036] The lumbar support section 18e corresponds to an in-vehicle device. The lumbar support 36 corresponds to a movable part of the in-vehicle device. <3.2. Right rear seat 16> The right rear seat 16 shown in Figure 5 will now be described. The configuration of the right rear seat 16 is the same as that of the left rear seat 18. Therefore, the seat body, which has the seat portion, seat back, and a pair of left and right armrests, and the ottoman will be described using the same reference numerals as those used for the left rear seat 18, and their detailed descriptions will be omitted. In addition, the right rear seat 16 has various parts that are in-vehicle equipment controlled by the control unit 138 of the seat ECU 130, just like the left rear seat 18. Therefore, instead of the reference numerals 18a to 18e used for the parts of the left rear seat 18, the parts of the right rear seat 16 will be given the numerals 16a to 16e as shown in Figure 1, and their detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0037] <4.1. In-vehicle equipment control system 100> As shown in Figure 1, the in-vehicle equipment control system 100 includes a mobile terminal 20A, a mobile terminal 20B, an MM device 70, a body ECU 120, a seat ECU 130, an RSE 150, and the like. The in-vehicle equipment control system 100 also includes parts 16a to 16e, 18a to 18e, etc. of the right rear seat 16 and the left rear seat 18, which are controlled by the control unit 138 of the seat ECU 130. The in-vehicle equipment control system 100 also includes the shade part 210, which is controlled by the body ECU 120. The parts 16a to 16e and 18a to 18e correspond to common in-vehicle equipment that can be operated by the mobile terminals 20A and 20B.

[0038] <4.2. Mobile terminals 20A, 20B> As shown in Figure 5, the second-row console box 37 is designed to allow the mobile devices 20A and 20B to be detachably installed in it.

[0039] As shown in Figure 3, the mobile terminals 20A and 20B are equipped with a controller 22 consisting of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM 23 for storing control programs and the like, and RAM 24 for working memory. The mobile terminals 20A and 20B are also equipped with storage 25, a display 26 consisting of a touch display, an operation unit 27, and a communication module 29. The display 26 corresponds to the display unit. The communication module 29 corresponds to the input unit and output unit.

[0040] Storage 25 stores the display program, operation data, and display data, etc. The display program is a program that displays images such as an image of a device having an object to be operated on the operation screen of the display 26, an image of the movable part of the in-vehicle equipment, an image of the operating direction of the movable part, an image of the operating range of the movable part, an operation identification image, and a selection button on the operation screen of the display 26 based on the display data.

[0041] The image of the device having the object to be operated on includes images of the entire seat, the entire side shade, etc. Furthermore, the controller 22 displays various images on the display 26 on the operation screen based on the display data.

[0042] The operation data includes individual operation data used when operating each in-vehicle device individually, and mode selection information that identifies the mode used when operating multiple in-vehicle devices simultaneously in the various modes described later. The modes will be described later.

[0043] The operation data during individual operation includes the identification code for "left" of the left seat selection button 94a or "right" of the right seat selection button 94b, the identification code of the in-vehicle equipment, the control amount of the in-vehicle equipment based on the amount of operation of the operator, and the identification code of the ECU that controls the in-vehicle equipment which is the destination.

[0044] During individual operations, the operation data is read by the controller 22 based on the results detected by the operation unit 27 when various buttons and controls displayed on the operation screen are operated. The controller 22 then generates various operation signals in accordance with the control amount corresponding to the amount of operation of the control element detected by the operation unit 27. These operation signals will be referred to as individual operation signals below.

[0045] The operation data used when selecting a mode includes the "left" or "right" identification code when the left seat selection button 94a or the right seat selection button 94b is pressed, the identification codes for various modes, and the identification code for the destination body ECU 120.

[0046] The operation data for mode selection is read out based on the result (in this case, the mode) detected by the operation unit 27 when the mode selection button displayed on the operation screen described later is operated. The controller 22 then generates various operation signals based on the read operation data. These operation signals will be referred to as batch operation signals below. The controller 22 corresponds to the operation signal generation unit and the manual operation suppression unit.

[0047] The operation unit 27 is comprised of a transparent touch sensor panel provided on the display surface of the display 26. During individual operations, the operation unit 27 detects the touch position and the amount of operation based on the change in the touch position on the operation screen described later. This amount of operation also includes the direction in which the touch position changes.

[0048] For example, on a straight line, if one direction is designated as the + direction and the opposite direction as the - direction, when the touch position changes in the + direction, the amount of operation in the + direction is detected relative to the previous position, and when the touch position changes in the - direction, the amount of operation in the - direction is detected relative to the previous position.

[0049] Furthermore, when using arrows that indicate direction, such as forward arrows, backward arrows, upward arrows, and downward arrows, as the control element, the amount of movement based on the touch operation time or change in touch position for that arrow is defined as the operation amount.

[0050] The controller 22 then generates various operation signals based on the detection results and transmits them to the body ECU 120 or seat ECU 130 via the communication module 29, using the MM device 70 as a relay.

[0051] The communication module 29 is capable of short-range wireless communication with the MM device 70. The communication module 29 performs the short-range wireless communication using, for example, BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy), but other communication methods, such as ZigBee®, may also be used.

[0052] <4.3.MM equipment 70> As shown in Figure 5, the MM device 70 is located in the center of the instrument panel 13 in the vehicle width direction. This arrangement allows the operation switch section 79 on the MM device 70, which will be described later, to be operated by the driver or other front-seat passengers.

[0053] The MM device 70 is for providing driving guidance using images and voice, and for outputting video and audio from various parts. As shown in Figure 4, the MM device 70 includes a car navigation unit 72, an MM device control unit 73, a television and radio receiver unit 74, a short-range wireless communication unit 75, a communication interface 85, and an MM device system control unit 78.

[0054] Furthermore, the MM device 70 is connected to semiconductor memory such as SD memory, a hard disk, media drive devices such as DVDs and CDs, and the RSE (Rear Seat Entertainment) 150, although these are not shown in the diagram. The RSE 150 is located on the roof (not shown in the diagram) or elsewhere and is a display that provides television broadcasts (described later) and DVDs played by the media drive devices to occupants seated in the second row of seats.

[0055] The MM equipment control unit 73 is for controlling each part. The short-range wireless communication unit 75 is connected to the antenna 76 mounted on the vehicle and is for wireless communication with the mobile terminals 20A and 20B using BLE or ZigBee.

[0056] Furthermore, the MM equipment system control unit 78 is connected to an operation switch unit 79 for the user to input various commands, a display 80 for displaying images for driving guidance and television broadcast images, a speaker 81, and the like. The MM equipment system control unit 78 operates the above-mentioned units 72, 73, and 74 according to commands input from the operation switch unit 79 and the touch sensor panel of the display 80.

[0057] The MM device 70 is connected to the RSE150, body ECU120, seat ECU130, and RSE150 via a communication interface 85, i.e., via an in-vehicle communication network.

[0058] In-vehicle communication networks include, for example, CAN (Controller Area Network), LIN (Local Interconnect Network), MOST (Media Oriented Systems Transport, registered trademark), and CXPI (Clock Extension Peripheral Interface). For example, the MM device 70 and RSE150 are connected via MOST, while the RSE150, body ECU 120, and seat ECU 130 are connected via CAN.

[0059] Furthermore, the in-vehicle devices built into the RSE150, body ECU120, and seat ECU130 are also connected via the in-vehicle communication network when communication is required. When the MM equipment system control unit 78 receives various operation signals from the mobile terminals 20A and 20B via the short-range wireless communication unit 75, it relays and transmits the operation signals to the body ECU120 or seat ECU130 via the communication interface 85.

[0060] <4.4. Body ECU120> As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the body ECU 120 is composed of a microcomputer. The microcomputer includes a control unit 122, a control storage unit 124 consisting of a ROM (not shown), RAM (not shown), and a non-volatile rewritable storage medium for storing control programs, etc., and input / output interfaces 126 and 128. The control unit 122 is connected to the MM device 70 via the input / output interface 126 to enable communication.

[0061] Furthermore, the control unit 122 is electrically connected to the shade unit 210 via an input / output interface 128. The control storage unit 124 stores a database 125.

[0062] The database 125 records, for each mode and for each of the left rear seat 18 and right rear seat 16, multiple in-vehicle devices that operate in each mode, the control amount of each in-vehicle device, and the ECUs that control each in-vehicle device.

[0063] Based on the "left" or "right" identification code included in the mode operation signal input by the body ECU 120, and the mode selection information, the control unit 122 reads these and generates an individual operation signal for each ECU related to that mode. The control unit 122 then transmits these individual operation signals to the ECU related to that mode as individual operation signals including the control amount of the in-vehicle device.

[0064] Furthermore, when the body ECU 120 receives an input for a batch operation signal, it generates individual operation signals for the ECUs that control each in-vehicle device included in the mode, based on the data such as the mode included in the signal and the database 125.

[0065] This individual operation signal includes an identification code for "left" or "right," an identification code for the in-vehicle device, a control amount for the in-vehicle device, and an identification code for the ECU that controls the in-vehicle device to which it is the destination.

[0066] The body ECU 120 corresponds to a control device that controls the shade section 210 as an in-vehicle device. <4.5. Sheet ECU130> As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the sheet ECU 130 is composed of a microcomputer. The microcomputer has a control unit 138, a control memory unit (not shown) consisting of a ROM (not shown) for storing control programs, RAM (not shown), a non-volatile rewritable storage medium, and an input / output interface (not shown).

[0067] The control unit 138 of the seat ECU 130 is connected to the MM device 70 via an input / output interface (not shown) to enable communication. The control unit 138 is also electrically connected to the respective parts 16a-16e and 18a-18e of the right rear seat 16 and left rear seat 18 via an input / output interface (not shown).

[0068] The control memory unit (not shown) stores a control database (not shown). The control database (not shown) records the input individual operation signals and the control information of the in-vehicle equipment under the jurisdiction of the seat ECU 130 in association with each other.

[0069] The seat ECU130 corresponds to a control device that controls the various parts 16a-16e and 18a-18e as in-vehicle equipment. <5. Operation of the Embodiment> The following describes a case in which an occupant seated in the left rear seat 18 adjusts the movable part of the left rear seat 18 using a mobile device 20A.

[0070] The left rear seat 18 can be adjusted in two ways: <5.1. Individual operation of the left rear seat> and <6.1. Operation by mode including the left rear seat>. <5.1. Individual operation of the left rear seat> Figure 7(a) shows the home screen (operation screen) displayed on the display 26 by the controller 22. As shown in the figure, the home screen includes seat selection buttons: a left seat selection button 94a and a right seat selection button 94b. The home screen also includes an audio button 27a, an air conditioning button 27b, a lamp button 27c, a sunshade button 27d, a seat button 27e, and a mode guidance button 27f.

[0071] When an occupant touches the seat button 27e, the controller 22 displays the operation screen shown in Figure 9(a) in response to the touch operation. In the operation screen shown in Figure 9(a), the content bar 90 and selection item bar 91 display selection buttons such as "Seat" and adjustment button 92. Below the selection item bar 91, a field 93 is displayed which contains the selection buttons for the left seat 94a and the right seat 94b. Furthermore, in the content area below field 93, an image 118 of the left rear seat of the device to be operated is displayed.

[0072] This left rear seat image 118 is displayed based on the current positions of the seat body, seat surface, and ottoman, the current vertical and horizontal positions of the lumbar support, the current tilt angle of the seat back, and the current angle of the ottoman, all transmitted from the control unit 138.

[0073] Figure 9(a) shows that the brightness or color of the area below the adjustment button 92 has changed to differ from that of the other selection buttons because the adjustment button 92 has already been touched. Also, the left seat selection button 94a has already been touched and is activated, indicated by a solid line, which means it is "enabled". On the other hand, the right seat selection button 94b is in an inactive state, indicated by a dashed line, which means it is "disabled".

[0074] Here, the images of each part of the left rear seat are labeled with the same number as parts 32-37 of the left rear seat in Figure 6, plus "100". Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9(a), designated points for specifying the target of operation are displayed on the images of each part. Specifically, designated points A to E, marked with circles, are displayed on the seat image 132, seat back image 133, seat body image 134, ottoman image 135, and lumbar support image 136, indicating the operation points. These images correspond to images of movable parts. Note that designated points A to E are not limited to circles and may take other shapes.

[0075] Thus, in this embodiment, multiple operators are displayed corresponding to the type of operation. (Select (specify) the target of the operation) With the display as shown above, for example, if an occupant wants to adjust the front-to-back position of the seat body 34, they touch the designated point C. In response to this touch operation, the controller 22 displays a forward arrow 134a and a backward arrow 134b near the seat back image 133, as shown in Figure 9(a). The forward arrow 134a and the backward arrow 134b correspond to the operation direction image and also to the control elements. Thus, in this embodiment, multiple control elements are displayed corresponding to the type of operation.

[0076] In the example shown in Figure 9(a), both the forward arrow 134a and the backward arrow 134b are shown as solid lines. This display indicates that there is no detection signal from the position sensor (not shown) of the sliding mechanism (not shown) indicating that the "limit position of the seat body" has been reached.

[0077] If a detection signal is found indicating the foremost or furthest rear position, the arrow corresponding to the detected signal will be displayed as "inactive," for example, by reducing its brightness or making it semi-transparent compared to when it is "active."

[0078] (Regarding the generation of individual control signals through manual operation) When an occupant touches or slides on the left seat selection button 94a, designated point C, or forward arrow 134a (or rear arrow 134b), the controller 22 generates an individual operation signal based on the detection of the touch operation at the part of the operation unit 27 (see S10 in Figure 10).

[0079] This individual operation signal includes the "left" identification code, the identification code of the in-vehicle device (seat slide unit 18a), and the control amount of the in-vehicle device based on the amount of operation of the operator (forward arrow 134a or backward arrow 134b). The individual operation signal also includes information addressed to the seat ECU 130 that controls the in-vehicle device (seat slide unit 18a). The amount of operation is proportional to the touch operation time for the forward arrow 134a or backward arrow 134b.

[0080] (Send and display) As described above, when the controller 22 generates an operation signal for individual operation, it transmits it to the seat ECU 130 via the MM device 70, as shown in S20 of Figure 10.

[0081] The control unit 138 of the seat ECU 130 controls the rotation of the slide drive motor (not shown) of the seat slide portion 18a of the left rear seat 18 based on the transmitted individual operation signal (see S30 in Figure 10). The individual operation signal transmitted from the mobile terminal 20A corresponds to the operation signal of the present invention.

[0082] This allows for adjustment of the front-to-back position of the seat body 34 via a sliding mechanism (not shown) (see S40 in Figure 10). The control unit 138 of the seat ECU 130 then stores the position (current position) at the time of position adjustment, based on the position detection signal from an encoder (not shown), in a memory unit (not shown). The control unit 138 also transmits a signal including the current position to the mobile terminal 20A via the MM device 70.

[0083] Based on the transmitted current position, when the controller 22 displays the seatback image 133, it displays an image that matches the current angle. Furthermore, while the control unit 138 is controlling the in-vehicle equipment on the left rear seat 18, it generates operation suppression information indicating that the mobile terminal 20A is being operated on the in-vehicle equipment on the left rear seat 18, and an operation suppression signal including the destination of the mobile terminal 20B, and transmits it to the MM device 70 (see S50 in Figure 10).

[0084] As shown in S60 of Figure 10, the MM device 70 relays the operation suppression signal and transmits it to the mobile terminal 20B. When the controller 22 of the mobile terminal 20B receives the operation suppression signal via the communication module 29, it performs the following processing based on the operation suppression information contained in the operation suppression signal. When the left seat selection button 94a on the home screen (operation screen) of the mobile terminal 20B shown in Figure 8(a) is touched, and the seat button 27e is also touched, the controller 22 of the mobile terminal 20B displays the operation screen shown in Figure 9(a).

[0085] As shown in Figure 9(b), the left rear seat image 118 is grayed out, and input via the controls such as the designated points A to E displayed on the operation screen is disabled. This is equivalent to restricting manual operation of the controls.

[0086] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8(b), when the left seat selection button 94a is selected on the mode guidance screen (operation screen) of the mobile terminal 20B, the controller 22 of the mobile terminal 20B displays a warning message such as "Left seat cannot be operated" or "Cannot be operated." The warning message corresponds to an operation restriction warning. The mode display areas 26c to 26g will be described later.

[0087] The above explains that when an operation is performed on the mobile terminal 20A to adjust the seat slide portion 18a of the left rear seat 18, and the seat slide portion 18a is controlled, input from the mobile terminal 20B via the operation of the left rear seat becomes impossible.

[0088] In addition to this, if adjustment operations are performed on each part 18b to 18e of the left rear seat 18 and the in-vehicle equipment is controlled, the left rear seat image 118 will similarly be displayed grayed out on the mobile terminal 20B, as shown in Figure 9(b).

[0089] In other words, as shown in Figure 9(b), the left rear seat image 118 on the mobile terminal 20B is grayed out, and input by operating the designated points A to E etc. displayed on the operation screen is disabled. This is equivalent to restricting manual operation of the controls.

[0090] <6.1. Operation by mode including left rear seat> The modes that can be operated, including the left rear seat, are: <6.2. My Original Mode>, <6.3. Sleeping Mode>, <6.4. Relax Mode>, <6.5. Focus Mode>, and <6.6. Activity Mode>.

[0091] To explain in more detail, when the mode guidance button 27f is touched on the home screen (operation screen) shown in Figure 7(a), the controller 22 displays the mode guidance screen (operation screen) with the operation menu shown in Figure 7(b) on the display 26.

[0092] The aforementioned operation menu includes seat selection buttons: a left seat selection button 94a and a right seat selection button 94b. Furthermore, the operation menu includes a My Original Mode display area 26c, a Sleeping Mode display area 26d, a Relax Mode display area 26e, a Concentration Mode display area 26f, and an Activity Mode display area 26g.

[0093] <6.2. My Original Mode> My Original Mode allows the occupant to pre-set the position or angle of each part 16a-16e and 18a-18e of the right rear seat 16 and the left rear seat 18. The opening and closing of the shade section 210 is also pre-set to any desired position. Although not shown in the diagram, other in-vehicle equipment can also be set to operate in any desired state.

[0094] When either of the selection buttons 94a or 94b, and the My Original Mode display area 26c are touched, the controller 22 creates an operation signal for My Original Mode operation based on the operation data in the database 125. The controller 22 then transmits this signal to the MM device 70.

[0095] The operation signal for controlling My Original Mode includes an identification code for "left" when the left seat selection button 94a is operated, an identification code for "right" when the right seat selection button 94b is operated, and mode selection information that identifies My Original Mode.

[0096] <6.3. Sleeping Mode> The sleeping mode is a pre-set configuration for the right rear seat 16 and the left rear seat 18, with sections 16a-16e and 18a-18e adjusted to appropriate positions or angles when an occupant wishes to sleep while seated.

[0097] Furthermore, the opening and closing of the shade section 210 is also pre-set to be fully closed. In addition, although not shown in the figures, each section 16a to 16e, 18a to 18e and other in-vehicle equipment other than the shade section 210 are also set to be in a state that does not promote or hinder sleeping.

[0098] When either of the selection buttons 94a or 94b, and the sleeping mode display area 26d are touched, the controller 22 of the mobile terminal 20A creates an operation signal for operating the sleeping mode based on the operation data in the database 125. The controller 22 then transmits this signal to the MM device 70.

[0099] The operation signal for controlling the sleeping mode includes an identification code for "left" when the left seat selection button 94a is operated, an identification code for "right" when the right seat selection button 94b is operated, and mode selection information that identifies the sleeping mode.

[0100] <6.4. Relaxation Mode> Relax mode is a system in which the right rear seat 16 and the left rear seat 18, specifically parts 16a-16e and 18a-18e, are pre-set to an appropriate position or angle when the occupants wish to relax while seated, excluding sleeping.

[0101] Furthermore, the opening and closing positions of the shade section 210 are pre-set to promote relaxation without hindering it. Although not shown in the figures, other in-vehicle equipment besides the sections 16a-16e, 18a-18e, and the shade section 210 are also set to promote relaxation without hindering it.

[0102] When either of the selection buttons 94a or 94b, and the relaxation mode display area 26e are touched, the controller 22 of the mobile terminal 20A creates an operation signal for relaxing mode operation based on the operation data in the database 125. The controller 22 then transmits this signal to the MM device 70.

[0103] The operation signal for controlling the relaxation mode includes an identification code for "left" when the left seat selection button 94a is operated, an identification code for "right" when the right seat selection button 94b is operated, and mode selection information that identifies the relaxation mode.

[0104] <6.5. Focus Mode> The concentration mode is a feature that allows occupants to concentrate on work or other tasks while seated in the vehicle. It pre-sets the parts 16a-16e and 18a-18e of the right rear seat 16 and left rear seat 18 to an appropriate position or angle.

[0105] Furthermore, the opening and closing positions of the shade section 210 are pre-set to positions that do not promote or hinder concentration. Although not shown in the figures, other in-vehicle equipment besides the sections 16a-16e, 18a-18e, and the shade section 210 are also set to a state that does not promote or hinder concentration.

[0106] When either of the selection buttons 94a or 94b, and the centralized mode display area 26f are touched, the controller 22 of the mobile terminal 20A creates an operation signal for centralized mode operation based on the operation data in the database 125. The controller 22 then transmits this signal to the MM device 70.

[0107] The operation signal for controlling the centralized mode includes an identification code for "left" when the left seat selection button 94a is operated, an identification code for "right" when the right seat selection button 94b is operated, and mode selection information that identifies the centralized mode.

[0108] <6.6. Activity Modes> The activity mode is a pre-set configuration for the right rear seat 16 and the left rear seat 18, with parts 16a-16e and 18a-18e positioned or at an appropriate angle for when an occupant wants to be active inside the vehicle while seated.

[0109] Furthermore, the opening and closing positions of the shade section 210 are pre-set to positions that do not promote or hinder activity. Although not shown in the figures, other in-vehicle equipment besides the sections 16a-16e, 18a-18e, and the shade section 210 are also set to a state that does not promote or hinder activity.

[0110] When either of the selection buttons 94a or 94b, and the activity mode display area 26g are touched, the controller 22 of the mobile terminal 20A creates an operation signal for mode operation of the activity mode based on the operation data in the database 125. The controller 22 then transmits this signal to the MM device 70.

[0111] The operation signal for mode control in the activity mode includes an identification code for "left" when the left seat selection button 94a is operated, an identification code for "right" when the right seat selection button 94b is operated, and mode selection information that identifies the activity mode.

[0112] The operation signals for mode operation of each mode transmitted from these mobile terminals 20A correspond to the operation signals of the present invention. (Send and display) For the purposes of the following explanation, it will be assumed that the mode control signal transmitted from the mobile terminal 20A includes the identification code "left" because the left seat selection button 94a has been pressed.

[0113] When the mobile terminal 20A selects one of the above modes (see S100 in Figure 11), the controller 22 generates a mode operation signal and transmits it to the body ECU 120 via the MM device 70 as shown in S110 (see S110).

[0114] Based on the "left" identification code and mode selection information included in the input mode operation signal, the control unit 122 reads from the database 125 multiple in-vehicle devices that operate in that mode, the control quantities of each in-vehicle device, and the ECUs that control each in-vehicle device. The control unit 122 then generates an individual operation signal for each ECU related to that mode, including the control quantity of the in-vehicle device. The control unit 122 then transmits these individual operation signals to the ECUs related to that mode as individual operation signals including the control quantity of the in-vehicle device (see S120 in Figure 11).

[0115] For the sake of explanation, it will be assumed that, in the following explanation, there is an individual operation signal from the body ECU 120 to the seat ECU 130, and that this individual operation signal includes a control amount for the seat back portion 18b of the left rear seat 18.

[0116] The seat ECU 130 controls the seat back drive motor (not shown) of the seat back portion 18b of the left rear seat 18 based on the individual operation signal (see S130 in Figure 11). This adjusts the seat back angle of the seat back 33 via the seat back angle operating mechanism (not shown) (see S140 in Figure 11).

[0117] The control unit 138 of the seat ECU 130 stores the angle at the time of adjustment (current angle) based on the angle detection signal from an encoder (not shown) in a memory unit (not shown). The control unit 138 also transmits a signal including the current angle to the mobile terminal 20A via the MM device 70.

[0118] Based on the transmitted current angle, when displaying the seat back image 133, the controller 22 of the mobile terminal 20A moves and displays the seat back image 133. In this case, the left rear seat image 118, including the seat back image 133, is moved and displayed in synchronization with the change in the tilt angle of the seat back 33 of the left rear seat 18, including the seat body 34.

[0119] Furthermore, while the control unit 138 is controlling the in-vehicle equipment on the left rear seat 18, it generates an operation suppression signal that indicates that the mobile terminal 20A is being operated on the in-vehicle equipment on the left rear seat 18, and the destination of the mobile terminal 20B, and transmits it to the MM device 70 (see S150 in Figure 11). As shown in S160 in Figure 11, the MM device 70 relays the operation suppression signal and transmits it to the mobile terminal 20B.

[0120] When the controller 22 of the mobile terminal 20B receives the operation suppression signal via the communication module 29, it performs the following processing based on the operation suppression information contained in the operation suppression signal. When the mode guidance button 27f on the home screen (operation screen) of the mobile terminal 20B shown in Figure 8(a) is touched, the controller 22 of the mobile terminal 20B displays the mode guidance screen (operation screen) shown in Figure 8(b).

[0121] Then, as shown in Figure 8(b), when the left seat selection button 94a is selected on the mode guidance screen (operation screen) of the mobile terminal 20B, the controller 22 of the mobile terminal 20B displays a warning message such as "Left seat cannot be operated" or "Cannot be operated." The warning message corresponds to an operation restriction warning.

[0122] Furthermore, when the left seat selection button 94a on the home screen (operation screen) of the mobile terminal 20B shown in Figure 8(a) is touched, and the seat button 27e is also touched, the controller 22 of the mobile terminal 20B displays the operation screen shown in Figure 9(b).

[0123] As shown in Figure 9(b), the left rear seat image 118 is grayed out, and input via the controls such as the designated points A to E displayed on the operation screen is disabled. This is equivalent to restricting manual operation of the controls.

[0124] When an occupant seated in the right rear seat 16 is adjusting the movable part of the right rear seat 16 by operating the mobile terminal 20B, and the occupant attempts to adjust the movable part of the right rear seat 16 using the mobile terminal 20A, the in-vehicle equipment control system 100 similarly suppresses the operation of the mobile terminal 20A.

[0125] This embodiment has the following features. (1) The mobile terminals 20A and 20B of this embodiment have a display 26 (display unit) and an operation unit 27 that display an operation screen having an operation element for providing operation to an in-vehicle device that can be operated by itself and other mobile terminals different from itself.

[0126] Furthermore, the mobile terminals 20A and 20B are equipped with a controller 22 (operation signal generation unit) that generates operation signals for in-vehicle equipment (16a to 16e, etc.) based on manual operation of designated points A to E, forward arrow 134a, and reverse arrow 134b (operators). The mobile terminals 20A and 20B are also equipped with a communication module 29 (output unit, input unit) that outputs operation signals and can also receive operation suppression signals for in-vehicle equipment (16a to 16e, etc.). The controller 22, acting as a manual operation suppression unit, performs both an operation restriction warning for in-vehicle equipment (16a to 16e, etc.) on the operation screen and manual operation restrictions for the aforementioned operators when the communication module 29 receives an operation suppression signal.

[0127] Furthermore, the in-vehicle equipment control system 100 includes mobile terminals 20A and 20B as in-vehicle equipment operating devices. The in-vehicle equipment control system 100 also includes a control unit 138 of the seat ECU 130 that enables the operation control of common in-vehicle equipment based on individual operation signals and mode operation signals (operation signals) output individually by the mobile terminals 20A and 20B.

[0128] The control unit 138, acting as an operation suppression signal generation unit, generates and outputs an operation suppression signal to the mobile terminal 20B while it is operating and controlling the common in-vehicle equipment based on the individual operation signals and mode operation signals individually output by the mobile terminal 20A.

[0129] Conversely, the control unit 138, acting as an operation suppression signal generation unit, generates and outputs an operation suppression signal to the mobile terminal 20A while it is operating and controlling the common in-vehicle equipment based on the individual operation signals and mode operation signals individually output by the mobile terminal 20B.

[0130] As a result, when the in-vehicle equipment control system and the mobile terminals 20A and 20B, which enable the operation of a common in-vehicle equipment, are functioning correctly, any operation of any of the mobile terminals can take measures to avoid conflicts with the common in-vehicle equipment.

[0131] (2) In the mobile terminals 20A and 20B and the in-vehicle equipment control system 100, which serve as in-vehicle equipment operating devices, the operation suppression signal is input to the communication module 29 (input unit) when the in-vehicle equipment is being operated by another in-vehicle equipment operating device.

[0132] As a result, when the in-vehicle device is being operated by different in-vehicle device operating devices, and multiple in-vehicle device operating devices capable of controlling the common in-vehicle device are functioning correctly, countermeasures to avoid conflicts with the common in-vehicle device can be taken when operating any of the mobile terminals.

[0133] (3) In this embodiment, when the display 26 (display unit) displays an operation screen having an operator for assigning an operation to an in-vehicle device, it displays multiple operators corresponding to multiple types of operation of the in-vehicle device.

[0134] As a result, the effects described in (1) and (2) above can be easily achieved by operating even one of the multiple controls on the in-vehicle equipment using a different in-vehicle equipment operating device, regardless of the type of operation.

[0135] This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0136] In the above embodiment, the controller 22 (display control unit) moves and displays the movable part image in synchronization with the movement of the movable part controlled by the seat ECU 130 (control device for in-vehicle equipment). Alternatively, the movable part image may be displayed with a delay of several seconds.

[0137] In the above embodiment, the rear seat's in-vehicle equipment consisted of a seat slide section, a seat back section, a seat surface section, an ottoman section, and a lumbar support section. At least one of these in-vehicle equipment components may be omitted. Alternatively, other in-vehicle equipment components may be added.

[0138] • In the above embodiment, a vehicle equipped with captain's seats was described as an example, but the invention is not limited to this, and a vehicle equipped with bench seats may also be used. In the above embodiment, the movable parts of the in-vehicle equipment were specifically shown on the operation screen of the mobile terminal 20 using the rear seat as an example, but this may be applied to other in-vehicle equipment as well.

[0139] In the above embodiment, communication between the in-vehicle equipment operating device and the seat ECU 130 is performed wirelessly, but communication between the operating device and the control device of the in-vehicle equipment may be performed via a wired connection. The control element that provides the operation may be a switch or the like. For example, a switch that operates an in-vehicle device may be used as the control element.

[0140] In the above embodiment, the in-vehicle equipment operating device was a pair of mobile terminals 20A and 20B, but it may be three or more mobile terminals. In this case, when one mobile terminal is operating or controlling the common in-vehicle equipment, the remaining mobile terminals should be given an operation warning or be rendered inoperable, at least one of the following: operation warnings should be issued to the common in-vehicle equipment, or operation should be disabled.

[0141] In the above embodiment, the location for installing the mobile device was the console, but it may also be installed on the armrest of the seat or on the back of the driver's seat or passenger seat, and the installation location is not particularly limited.

[0142] In the above embodiment, both an operation restriction warning and a restriction on manual operation of the control element are provided, but either one or the other may be provided. For example, a warning such as "Another portable device is currently being operated. Please refrain from operating this device." may be displayed on the screen in Figure 9(b). In this case, the portable terminal 20B will remain operational. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0143] 10a... A-pillar 10b...B-pillar 10c...C-pillar 10d...D-pillar 12…Driver's seat 13…Instrument panel 14…Passenger seat 15R...Right rear door 15L…Left rear door 16…Right rear seat 16a...Seat slide section (in-vehicle equipment) 16b...Seat back area (in-car equipment) 16c…Seat bearing surface (vehicle equipment) 16d... Ottoman section (in-car equipment) 16e... Lumbar support section (in-vehicle equipment) 17R, 17L... Side shades (movable parts) 18…Left rear seat 18a...Seat slide section (in-vehicle equipment) 18b...Seat back area (in-car equipment) 18c…Seat bearing surface (vehicle equipment) 18d... Ottoman section (in-car equipment) 18e... Lumbar support section (in-vehicle equipment) 19R, 19L... Side shades (movable parts) 20A, 20B... Mobile terminal (in-vehicle equipment control device) 21... Rear window glass 22…Controller (operation signal generation unit, manual operation suppression unit) 23…ROM 24...RAM 25…Storage 26…Display (display unit) 27...Operation unit 29…Communication module (output section, input section) 32... Seat part (movable part) 33…Seat back (movable part) 34…Seat body (movable part) 35…Ottoman (movable part) 36…Lumbar support (movable part) 37…Second row console box 51... Door window glass 52... Window glass 61... Door window glass 62... Window glass 70…Multimedia equipment 72...Car Navigation Unit 73…Multimedia equipment control unit 74…Digital television receiver 75…Near field communication department 76… Antenna 78…MM Equipment System Control Unit 79...Operation switch section 80…Display 81...Speaker 85…Communication Interface 90... Content bar 91...Selection bar 92... Adjustment button 93... column 94a... Left seat selection button 94b... Right seat selection button 95... Side selection button (selected image) 96...Roof selection button (selected image) 100…In-vehicle equipment control system 118…Image of the left rear seat 120...Body ECU 122... Control Unit 124...Control mode memory unit 130...Seat ECU 132...Image of the seat 133...Seat back image 134...Image of the seat itself 134a... Forward arrow (operator) 134b... Backward arrow (operator) 135... Ottoman image 136... Lumbar support image 137...Image of the second-row console box 138...Control Unit (Operation Suppression Signal Generation Unit) 210... Shade section (in-vehicle equipment) A-E: Designated points

Claims

[Claim 1] Multiple in-vehicle equipment operating devices, A control unit that enables the operation control of a common in-vehicle device based on operation signals output individually by the multiple in-vehicle device operating devices, The system includes an operation suppression signal generation unit that, based on the operation signal individually output by one of the plurality of in-vehicle device operation devices, generates and outputs an operation suppression signal for the in-vehicle device to the remaining other in-vehicle device operation devices while the common in-vehicle device is being operated by the control unit, The aforementioned in-vehicle equipment is a vehicle seat, The aforementioned seat includes at least a seat portion, a seat back portion, and a seat body, The aforementioned seat is configured to be able to move up and down by controlling the rotation of the motor. The aforementioned seat back section is configured to allow the seat back angle relative to the seat section to be changed by controlling the rotation of the motor. The seat body is configured so that its position in the front-rear direction of the vehicle can be adjusted by controlling the rotation of the motor. The in-vehicle device operating device includes a display unit that displays an operation screen having an operator for assigning operations to the in-vehicle device, An operating unit that receives manual operation to the aforementioned control element, An operation signal generation unit that generates the operation signal based on the manual operation on the operator, An output unit that outputs the aforementioned operation signal, An input unit that allows input of the aforementioned operation suppression signal, The system includes a manual operation suppression unit that restricts manual operation of the operator when the input unit receives the operation suppression signal, The operator includes a designated point among the seat, seat back, and seat body that specifies the object to be operated, and an arrow indicating the direction of operation of the designated point. The manual operation restriction includes graying out the image of the in-vehicle device, including the control element, on the operation screen, and not accepting manual operation of the control element. In-vehicle equipment control system.

Images