Input device

Abstract

Provided is an input device in which a prescribed GUI component that can be operated has good operability even when the situation of a vehicle changes.　The input device comprises: a first touch panel that is provided on a steering wheel of a vehicle, can be operated by a thumb when the operator is gripping the steering wheel, and can display an image; a second touch panel that is provided on the steering wheel at a distance from the first touch panel, can be operated by the thumb when the operator is gripping the steering wheel, and can display an image; and a control device that receives operations performed on the first and second touch panels and controls the image to be displayed. When a first image including the prescribed GUI component that can be operated is displayed on one of the first and second touch panels, the control unit causes the first image to be displayed on the other of the first and second touch panels according to an operation of the steering wheel, an operation performed on the first image, or a change in the travel environment of the vehicle.

Description

Input Devices

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an input device.

[0002] A conventional device includes a grip unit having a guide unit that indicates a specific grip position for an operator when operating an equipment; an operation unit that is installed on the grip unit and utilizes tactile user interface technology; a grip detection unit that is located at the specific grip position on the grip unit and detects whether the operator is gripping the grip unit at the specific grip position; and an operation control device that generates an equipment operation signal in response to an input to the operation unit, whereby input from the operation unit is validated only when the operator is gripping the grip unit at the specific grip position, and the operation control device generates the equipment operation signal. The grip unit is a steering wheel of a vehicle, and the operation unit is a touch panel. One touch panel is provided on each of two spokes on both sides of the steering wheel hub. When the operator traces an arc with their thumb on an information display touch panel while holding the grip unit at the specific grip position, the position of the arc traced with their thumb is analyzed, and the touch panel displays a switch inside the arc (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] JP 2013-163415 A

[0004] However, for example, when the rotation angle of the steering wheel changes, when an operation is performed on a touch panel that displays operating parts such as buttons or symbols / letters (a display image composed of operable GUI parts such as buttons and non-operable GUI parts such as symbols / letters is called a GUI (Graphical User Interface)), or when the vehicle's conditions change, such as when the driving environment of the vehicle changes, the operability of certain operable GUI parts of the GUI may be reduced.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an input device that provides good operability of predetermined GUI components that can be operated even when the vehicle situation changes.

[0006] An input device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first touch panel that is provided on a steering wheel of a vehicle, can be operated with the thumb of an operator holding the steering wheel, and is capable of displaying images; a second touch panel that is provided on the steering wheel at a distance from the first touch panel, can be operated with the thumb of an operator holding the steering wheel, and is capable of displaying images; and a control device that accepts operations on the first touch panel and the second touch panel and controls the images displayed on the first touch panel and the second touch panel, and when a first image including a predetermined operable GUI component is displayed on either the first touch panel or the second touch panel, the control device displays the first image on the other of the first touch panel or the second touch panel in response to operation of the steering wheel, operation on the first image, or a change in the driving environment of the vehicle.

[0007] It is possible to provide an input device that provides good operability of predetermined operable GUI components even when the vehicle situation changes.

[0008] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of touch panels 110L, 110R of an input device 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the input device 100. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an operation when the input device 100 switches images displayed on the touch panels 110L, 110R. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by a control unit 121 of the input device 100. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a modified example of a first image. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an operation on the first image. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a change in the first image after an operation on the first image. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a modified example of the first image. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an operation on the first image. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a change in the first image. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of the first image. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a modified example of the first image. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a modified example of the first image.

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment to which the input device of the present disclosure is applied will be described.

[0010] <Embodiment> Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of touch panels 110L, 110R of an input device 100 according to an embodiment. Fig. 1 shows only the touch panels 110L, 110R of the input device 100, and shows, as an example, a state in which the touch panels 110L, 110R are mounted on a steering wheel 10 of a vehicle. Fig. 1 also shows the steering wheel 10 in a neutral state. The neutral state is a state in which the rotation angle of the steering wheel 10 is 0 degrees.

[0011] As an example, the rotation angle of the steering wheel 10 is a positive value when the steering wheel 10 is turned rightward from the 0 degree state, and a negative value when the steering wheel 10 is turned leftward from the 0 degree state. In addition, when the steering wheel 10 is turned rightward by one or more revolutions, the rotation angle is a value of 360 degrees or more, and when the steering wheel is turned left by one or more revolutions, the rotation angle is a value of -360 degrees or less.

[0012] In the following description, the relationship between the up, down, left and right of the steering wheel 10 as seen by the operator will be used. In the following description, the driver of the vehicle will be referred to as the operator of the input device 100.

[0013] The steering wheel 10 is mounted on a vehicle and has a rim 11, a hub 12, and spokes 13L and 13R. The rim 11 is, for example, circular, but may be rectangular or otherwise, or may be non-circular with at least a portion interrupted like an aircraft control stick. The hub 12 is located at the center of the steering wheel 10 and is fixed to a steering shaft (not shown). When the steering wheel 10 is operated, the steering wheel 10 rotates around the steering shaft (hub) as a rotation fulcrum, changing the rotation angle. When the steering wheel 10 is operated, the spokes 13L and 13R also rotate, changing the rotation angle.

[0014] As an example, the two spokes 13L, 13R extend horizontally from the left and right sides of the hub 12 and are connected to the rim 11, but the angle of the spokes 13L, 13R does not have to be horizontal, and the angles of the spokes 13L, 13R may be different from each other. Also, the spokes 13L, 13R do not have to be connected to the rim 11, and there may be a third or fourth rim in addition to the spokes 13L, 13R.

[0015] <Input Device 100> The configuration of the input device 100 will be described using Fig. 2 in addition to Fig. 1. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the input device 100. In Fig. 2, touch panels 110L and 110R are shown collectively as one.

[0016] The input device 100 includes touch panels 110L and 110R, a touch operation determination unit 111A, a press operation determination unit 112A, an image generation unit 113A, an amplifier 114A, and an MCU (Micro Controller Unit) 120. The touch operation determination unit 111A, the press operation determination unit 112A, the image generation unit 113A, the amplifier 114A, and the MCU 120 are examples of a control device.

[0017] One of the touch panels 110L and 110R is an example of a first touch panel, and the other is an example of a second touch panel. The touch panels 110L and 110R are provided on the spokes 13L and 13R, respectively. The touch panels 110L and 110R have the same configuration, for example.

[0018] The touch panels 110L and 110R each have an operation surface 110A. The touch panels 110L and 110R are provided on the spokes 13L and 13R, respectively, with the assumption that the operator will operate them with their thumbs while gripping the rim of the steering wheel 10. The operation surface 110A is a display surface on which the operator can view images on the display, and also an input surface on which the operator can perform touch operations on operable GUI components displayed on the display surface with their thumbs. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the touch panels 110L and 110R, they will simply be referred to as the touch panels 110. Providing the touch panel 110L on the spoke 13L is an example of the touch panel 110L being provided on a first side of the hub of the steering wheel 10. Providing the touch panel 110R on the spoke 13R is an example of the touch panel 110R being provided on a second side of the hub of the steering wheel 10.

[0019] Also connected to the MCU 120 are a steering angle detection unit 10A, an image processing unit 20A, a map DB (Data Base) 30, and a communication device 40. A camera 20 is connected to the image processing unit 20A.

[0020] The steering angle detection unit 10A is connected to the MCU 120, detects the rotation angle of the steering shaft of the vehicle, and outputs the detected angle to the MCU 120. The rotation angle of the steering shaft is equal to the rotation angle of the steering wheel 10.

[0021] The image processing unit 20 A is provided between the camera 20 and the MCU 120 , and performs image processing on the image data acquired by the camera 20 and outputs the processed image data to the MCU 120 .

[0022] The map DB 30 is a database that stores map data and outputs the map data to the MCU 120. The vehicle is equipped with a GPS (Global Positioning System) (not shown), and the vehicle position can be displayed on the touch panel 110L or 110R.

[0023] The communication device 40 collectively represents various communication devices that perform wireless communication with various devices outside the vehicle, and is connected to the MCU 120. The communication device 40 can be connected to the Internet and can receive road traffic information from VICS (registered trademark) (Vehicle Information and Communication System) and JARTIC (Japan Road Traffic Information Center), etc. The touch panels 110L and 110R can be connected to the Internet via the communication device 40 and can display road traffic information from VICS (registered trademark) and JARTIC.

[0024] <Touch Panel 110> The touch panel 110 has an electrostatic sensor 111, a pressure-sensitive sensor 112, a display 113, and a vibrator 114. The vibrator 114 is an example of a force feedback unit. The vibrator 114 may be omitted if force feedback is not required. The electrostatic sensor 111, the pressure-sensitive sensor 112, the display 113, and the vibrator 114 are connected to the MCU 120 via a touch operation determination unit 111A, a press-down operation determination unit 112A, an image generation unit 113A, and an amplifier 114A, respectively.

[0025] The electrostatic sensor 111 is provided on the front side of the display 113 behind the operation surface 110A of the touch panel 110. The electrostatic sensor 111 has, as an example, a plurality of linear electrodes extending in two axial directions along the operation surface 110A. The electrostatic sensor 111 is connected to the touch operation determination unit 111A, and the capacitance of each linear electrode is measured by the touch operation determination unit 111A.

[0026] As an example, four pressure sensors 112 are provided on the back side of the display 113. The pressure sensors are connected to the pressing operation determination unit 112A. When viewing the operation surface 110A from the front (hereinafter referred to as the front view), the pressure sensors 112 are provided at the four corners of the operation surface 110A. The pressure sensors 112 are provided to detect pressing on the operation surface 110A. As an example, the pressure sensors 112 may be photosensors that have light receiving and emitting units and detect the amount of movement of the operation surface due to pressing on the operation surface. The pressure sensors 112 may be omitted if it is not necessary to detect pressing on the operation surface 110A.

[0027] A liquid crystal display or an OLED (organic light emitting diode) can be used as the display 113. The display 113 is connected to the MCU 120 via an image generation unit 113A. When a video signal generated by the control unit 121 is input via the image generation unit 113A, the display 113 displays an image based on the video signal.

[0028] As an example, an LRA (Linear Resonant Actuator) can be used as the vibrator 114. The vibrator 114 is connected to the MCU 120 via an amplifier unit 114A. The vibrator 114 generates vibrations when a drive signal generated by the control unit 121 is amplified by the amplifier unit 114A and then input. The vibrator 114 only needs to be able to vibrate the operation surface 110A, and may be provided on the back surface of a cover that has the operation surface 110A, a housing that holds the cover, or the like. The vibrator 114 is provided to tactilely notify the operator that an input to the operation surface 110A has been accepted.

[0029] The touch operation determination unit 111A is provided between the electrostatic sensor 111 and the MCU 120. The touch operation determination unit 111A is an integrated circuit (IC) that calculates the position (coordinates) at which a touch operation is performed on the operation surface 110A, based on the output of the electrostatic sensor 111. Note that the touch operation determination unit 111A may be integrated with the MCU 120.

[0030] The pressing operation determination unit 112A is provided between the four pressure sensors 112 and the MCU 120. The pressing operation determination unit 112A is an IC that detects the amount of pressing operation to press down the operation surface 110A based on the outputs of the four pressure sensors and determines whether the amount of operation exceeds a threshold. If the pressing operation determination unit 112A determines that the amount of operation exceeds the threshold, it notifies the MCU 120 that a pressing operation has been performed. Note that the pressing operation determination unit 112A may be integrated with the MCU 120.

[0031] Image generation unit 113A is provided between display 113 and MCU 120. Image generation unit 113A generates an image signal based on a video signal generated by control unit 121, and displays an image on display 113. Note that image generation unit 113A may be integrated with MCU 120.

[0032] The amplifier 114A is provided between the vibrator 114 and the MCU 120. The amplifier 114A amplifies a drive signal generated by the control unit 121 and outputs the amplified signal to the vibrator 114, thereby driving the vibrator 114. The amplifier 114A may be integrated with the MCU 120.

[0033] Note that, as an example, a configuration in which the input device 100 includes two touch panels 110L and 110R will be described here, but the input device 100 may be configured to include three or more touch panels 110. In this case, for example, any two of the three or more touch panels 110 may be used as a first touch panel and a second touch panel to display a first image and a second image in the same way as the touch panels 110L and 110R.

[0034] <MCU 120> The MCU 120 is realized by a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), an input / output interface, an internal bus, and the like.

[0035] The MCU 120 has a control unit 121 and a memory 122. The control unit 121 is a functional block showing the functions of a program executed by the MCU 120. The memory 122 is a functional representation of the memory of the MCU 120.

[0036] The control unit 121 receives signals based on operations on the touch panels 110L and 110R, and controls the images displayed by the touch panels 110L and 110R. The control unit 121 identifies a specific GUI component (or coordinates) of the GUI where the touch operation was performed according to the position calculated by the touch operation determination unit 111A, determines that the operation surface 110A has been pressed based on the output of the pressure sensor 112, and receives input via the pressing operation. When the control unit 121 receives input, it vibrates the vibrator 114. This allows the operator to tactilely know that the input has been received.

[0037] In addition, when the control unit 121 is displaying a first image (GUI) including operable GUI components on either the first touch panel (110L, 110R) or the second touch panel (110L, 110R), it causes the first image to be displayed on the other of the first touch panel (110L, 110R) or the second touch panel (110L, 110R) in response to operation of the steering wheel 10, operation on the first image, or changes in the vehicle's driving environment.

[0038] Here, as an example, when the rotation angle of the steering wheel 10 is 0 degrees while the vehicle is traveling, the control unit 121 displays an operation image 1 of the cruise control device (hereinafter, referred to as cruise control operation image 1 (an example of a cruise control operation GUI)) on the touch panel 110R, and an operation image 2 of the audio (hereinafter, referred to as audio operation image 2 (an example of an audio operation GUI)) on the touch panel 110L.

[0039] Cruise control operation image 1 is an image shown enlarged on the right side of Fig. 1 and includes a GUI component 1A for operating the cruise control device. Audio operation image 2 is an image shown enlarged on the left side of Fig. 1 and includes a GUI component 2A for operating the audio. Cruise control operation image 1 is an example of a first image, and audio operation image 2 is an example of a second image.

[0040] <Switching of Images on Touch Panels 110L and 110R> FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the operation when the input device 100 switches the images displayed on the touch panels 110L and 110R.

[0041] 3(1) shows an example of images displayed on the touch panels 110L and 110R when the rotation angle of the steering wheel 10 is 0 degrees while the vehicle is traveling. When the rotation angle of the steering wheel 10 is 0 degrees while the vehicle is traveling, the control unit 121 causes the touch panel 110R to display a cruise control operation image 1 and the touch panel 110L to display an audio operation image 2.

[0042] 3(2) shows an example of images displayed on touch panels 110L and 110R when the operator turns steering wheel 10 rightward while the vehicle is traveling and the rotation angle is 30 degrees. When the steering wheel 10 is rotated 30 degrees while the vehicle is traveling, control unit 121 causes touch panel 110R to display cruise control operation image 1 and touch panel 110L to display audio operation image 2. In other words, the images displayed on touch panels 110L and 110R are the same as when the rotation angle is 0 degrees.

[0043] When the rotation angle of the steering wheel 10 becomes large enough that the cruise control operation image 1 rotates downward, it becomes difficult to see the cruise control operation image 1, making it difficult to operate the GUI component 1A. For example, when driving on a highway using a cruise control device and operating the cruise control operation image 1 to slow down as you approach a junction ramp, operation is difficult if the rotation angle of the steering wheel 10 is large and the cruise control operation image 1 rotates downward. Also, when operating the cruise control operation image 1 to adjust the speed in accordance with changes in the radius of curvature of the ramp, operation is difficult if the rotation angle of the steering wheel 10 is large and the cruise control operation image 1 rotates downward.

[0044] Therefore, when the steering wheel 10 is rotated to an absolute angle of 45 degrees or more and the cruise control operation image 1 rotates downward while the vehicle is running and the cruise control device is being used, the input device 100 displays the cruise control operation image 1 on the touch panel 110L and the audio operation image 2 on the touch panel 110R, as shown in (3) of Fig. 3. In (3) of Fig. 3, as an example, the operator rotates the steering wheel 10 to the right, the rotation angle is 80 degrees, and the touch panel 110R rotates downward.

[0045] In this way, when the operator operates the steering wheel 10, the rotation angle becomes 45 degrees or more in absolute value, and the cruise control operation image 1 rotates downward, the input device 100 displays the cruise control operation image 1 on the touch panel 110L. When the touch panel 110R rotates downward, the touch panel 110L rotates upward, so by displaying the cruise control operation image 1 on the touch panel 110L, the operator can easily view the cruise control operation image 1 and operate the GUI component 1A. At this time, the audio operation image 2 is displayed on the touch panel 110R located below. When the rotation angle of the steering wheel 10 is large, such as 45 degrees or more in absolute value, the possibility of operating the audio device is considered to be lower than the possibility of operating the cruise control device, so the cruise control operation image 1 is displayed on the touch panel 110L with priority over the audio operation image 2.

[0046] <Flowchart> FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the control unit 121 of the input device 100.

[0047] Here, input device 100 operates under the precondition that, for example, when the rotation angle of steering wheel 10 is 0 degrees while the vehicle is traveling, touch panel 110R displays cruise control operation image 1 and touch panel 110L displays audio operation image 2. Under this precondition, when the rotation angle of steering wheel 10 reaches 45 degrees or more in absolute value and cruise control operation image 1 rotates downward, this corresponds to steering wheel 10 being turned to the right and its rotation angle reaches 45 degrees or more. This is because cruise control operation image 1 is displayed on touch panel 110R and audio operation image 2 is displayed on touch panel 110L. Therefore, to determine whether the rotation angle of steering wheel 10 reaches 45 degrees or more in absolute value and cruise control operation image 1 rotates downward, control unit 121 determines whether the rotation angle of steering wheel 10 is 45 degrees or more.

[0048] The control unit 121 determines whether the cruise control device is in use (step S1).

[0049] When the control unit 121 determines that the cruise control device is being used (S1: YES), it determines whether the rotation angle of the steering wheel 10 is 45 degrees or more (step S2).

[0050] If the control unit 121 determines that the rotation angle of the steering wheel 10 is 45 degrees or more (S2: YES), it switches the cruise control operation image 1 and the second image (step S3). Here, as an example, the second image is the audio operation image 2. In step S3, the cruise control operation image 1 is displayed on the touch panel 110L, and the second image is displayed on the touch panel 110R.

[0051] Here, when the rotation angle of the steering wheel 10 is 0 degrees while the vehicle is traveling, the cruise control operation image 1 is displayed on the touch panel 110R, and the second image is displayed on the touch panel 110L. Therefore, when the rotation angle of the steering wheel 10 is 45 degrees or more and the cruise control operation image 1 is moving downward, this means that the steering wheel 10 has been turned to the right and the rotation angle is 45 degrees or more.

[0052] The control unit 121 determines whether the rotation angle of the steering wheel 10 is less than 45 degrees (step S4).

[0053] When the control unit 121 determines that the rotation angle of the steering wheel 10 is less than 45 degrees (S4: YES), it restores the images swapped in step S3 (step S5). In step S5, the cruise control operation image 1 is displayed on the touch panel 110R, and the second image is displayed on the touch panel 110L. When the control unit 121 completes the process in step S5, it ends the series of processes (END).

[0054] If the control unit 121 determines in step S4 that the rotation angle of the steering wheel 10 is not less than 45 degrees (S4: NO), it repeats the process of step S4.

[0055] In addition, if the control unit 121 determines in step S1 that the cruise control device is not in use (S1: NO), or if it determines in step S2 that the rotation angle of the steering wheel 10 is not 45 degrees or more (S2: NO), it ends the series of processes (END).

[0056] The control unit 121 repeatedly executes the process from start to end while the vehicle ignition is on.

[0057] In the above description, the control unit 121 determines whether the cruise control device is in use in step S1. However, the control unit 121 may execute the process of step S2 without determining whether the cruise control device is in use (without executing the process of step S1). In other words, the input device 100 may be configured to execute the process of step S2 regardless of whether the cruise control device is in use.

[0058] Alternatively, when the rotation angle of the steering wheel 10 is 0 degrees while the vehicle is traveling, the cruise control operation image 1 may be displayed on the touch panel 110L, and the second image may be displayed on the touch panel 110R. In this case, in step S2, the control unit 121 may determine whether the rotation angle of the steering wheel 10 is −45 degrees or less. This is because a rotation angle of the steering wheel 10 of −45 degrees or less corresponds to the absolute value of the rotation angle of the steering wheel 10 being 45 degrees or more, and the cruise control operation image 1 being rotated downward. In this case, in step S4, the control unit 121 may determine whether the rotation angle of the steering wheel 10 is greater than −45 degrees.

[0059] <Modified Examples of Images> Fig. 5A is a diagram showing a modified example of the first image. Fig. 5B is a diagram showing an example of an operation on the first image. Fig. 5C is a diagram showing an example of a change in the first image after an operation on the first image. Fig. 6A is a diagram showing a modified example of the first image. Fig. 6B is a diagram showing an example of an operation on the first image. Fig. 6C is a diagram showing an example of a change in the first image. Figs. 7A to 7C and 8A to 8C are diagrams showing modified examples of the first image.

[0060] 5A shows an initial state of a cruise control operation image 1. The GUI shown in FIG. 5A is an image of a speedometer, and speeds (30 km / h, 40 km / h, 50 km / h, 60 km / h, 80 km / h, 100 km / h, 110 km / h, 120 km / h, 135 km / h) are displayed along an arc-shaped GUI component 1A. The cruise control operation image 1 in its initial state is an image for inputting the set speed of the cruise control device. Speed ​​zones considered to be frequently used, such as those below 60 km / h corresponding to general roads and those above 80 km / h corresponding to expressways and freeways, are displayed in 10 km / h increments.

[0061] 5B shows a state in which a speed is being input using the cruise control operation image 1. A speed can be selected by touching and tracing the arc, and the selected speed is displayed in the center of the arc. In FIG. 5B, 92 km / h is selected as an example and is displayed in the center of the arc. Also in FIG. 5B, a SET GUI component 1A for setting the speed is displayed at the bottom of the cruise control operation image 1. By pressing the SET GUI component 1A, the input of the set speed is accepted.

[0062] 5C shows the state in which the input of the set speed has been accepted. The set speed is displayed in the center of the arc, and a triangle mark is displayed on the arc. In this state, the lower part of the cruise control operation image 1 displays a - and + GUI component 1A for changing the set speed and a RES GUI component 1A for resetting the speed setting. The - and + GUI component 1A for changing the set speed allows the set speed to be changed in increments of 1 km / h.

[0063] 6A and 6B are diagrams showing modified examples of the cruise control operation image 1. Figures 6A and 6B show modified examples of the cruise control operation image 1 displayed on the touch panel 110R. Figure 6B is a diagram in which the thumb F of the right hand and a range 1B that the thumb F can reach when the rim 11 is gripped with the fingers other than the thumb F are added to Figure 6A.

[0064] The GUI component 1A included in the cruise control operation image 1 shown in Fig. 6A is a V-shaped GUI component with a shape obtained by rotating the V clockwise. The GUI component 1A shown in Fig. 6A has a first operation portion (for example, a portion for 30 km / h to 80 km / h) that follows a linear trajectory caused by extension and contraction of the thumb F, and a second operation portion (for example, a portion for 80 km / h to 135 km / h) that follows an arc-shaped trajectory of the fingertip caused by rotational motion around the base of the thumb F.

[0065] The arc-shaped trajectory of the fingertips caused by the rotational movement of the thumb F around the base of the thumb corresponds to the arc of the quarter-circular range 1B shown in Fig. 6B. Range 1B is a quarter-circular range defined by the thumb F1 extended horizontally while grasping the rim 11 with the fingers other than the thumb F, and the thumb F2 rotated clockwise from the position of the thumb F1 around the base of the thumb F2.

[0066] The first operating unit is an operating unit for selecting a set speed from a first speed range (for example, 30 km / h to 80 km / h) that is lower than a predetermined speed (for example, 80 km / h). The second operating unit is an operating unit for selecting a set speed from a second speed range (for example, 80 km / h to 135 km / h) that is equal to or higher than the predetermined speed (for example, 80 km / h). The first operating unit is an operating unit for use on general roads, and can be operated by extending and retracting the thumb F in the horizontal direction. The second operating unit is an operating unit for use on motorways and expressways, and can be operated by rotating the thumb F along the arc of range 1B. Since the way the thumb F is moved differs between general roads and motorways and expressways, it is easy to use.

[0067] The GUI component 1A shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B is a V-shaped GUI component in which the first and second operation units are bent at a display position for a predetermined speed (e.g., 80 km / h). In the GUI component 1A shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the position of the first operation unit farthest from the display position for the predetermined speed (e.g., 80 km / h) is the display position for the minimum speed (e.g., 30 km / h) in the first speed range (e.g., the range from 30 km / h to 80 km / h). Furthermore, the position of the second operation unit farthest from the display position for the predetermined speed (e.g., 80 km / h) is the display position for the maximum speed (e.g., 135 km / h) in the second speed range (e.g., 80 km / h to 135 km / h). The GUI component 1A may be an L-shaped GUI component instead of a V-shaped GUI component.

[0068] 6C shows an example of a cruise control operation image 1 displayed on the touch panel 110L when the steering wheel 10 is rotated 50 degrees. As shown in FIG. 6C, the speed may be displayed horizontally, which improves visibility.

[0069] 6D, the GUI component 1A may be a linear GUI component extending vertically. Operation is easy because the user only needs to move the thumb vertically, and the thumb movement distance is smaller than when the thumb is moved horizontally. Instead of being linear, the GUI component 1A may be a rectangular or trapezoidal GUI component that is wider horizontally than the GUI component 1A shown in FIG. 6D.

[0070] Alternatively, the cruise control operation image 1 may be a GUI that displays the speed in 10 km / h increments using a fan-shaped GUI component 1A, as shown in FIG. 7A . The cruise control operation image 1 displays the speeds for ordinary roads, motorways, and expressways in a continuous fan shape, with the set speed displayed in the center. The speed can be selected by touching and tracing the fan-shaped GUI component 1A. The display is clear for both ordinary roads, motorways, and expressways. The set speed can be changed in 1 km / h increments.

[0071] Alternatively, the cruise control operation image 1 may be a GUI that displays the speed in 15 km / h increments using a circular GUI component 1A, as shown in FIG. 7B . The speeds for ordinary roads, motorways, and expressways are displayed in a continuous circle, with the set speed displayed in the center. A user can select a speed by touching and tracing the circular GUI component 1A. The display is clear for both ordinary roads, motorways, and expressways. The set speed can be changed in 1 km / h increments.

[0072] Alternatively, the cruise control operation image 1 may be a GUI that displays the speed horizontally using a trapezoidal GUI component 1A, as shown in FIG. 7C . Speeds for ordinary roads, motorways, and expressways are displayed horizontally, with the set speed displayed at the top. A user can select a speed by touching and tracing horizontally the trapezoidal GUI component 1A. The display clearly shows the speed for ordinary roads, motorways, and expressways. The set speed can be changed in 1 km / h increments.

[0073] In the above description, the input device 100 displays the cruise control operation image 1 on the touch panel 110R, and when the rotation angle of the steering wheel 10 reaches 45 degrees or more in absolute value while the cruise control device is being used while the vehicle is traveling, the input device 100 displays the cruise control operation image 1 on the touch panel 110L and also displays the audio operation image 2 on the touch panel 110R. However, the input device 100 is not limited to this configuration.

[0074] For example, as shown on the left side of Fig. 8A , when the input device 100 is displaying a cruise control operation image 1 on the touch panel 110R and an audio operation image 2 on the touch panel 110L, the input device 100 may do the following: That is, in response to an operation of the steering wheel 10, an operation on the first image, or a change in the vehicle's driving environment, the input device 100 may display the cruise control operation image 1 on the touch panel 110L and the audio operation image 2 on the touch panel 110R, as shown on the right side of Fig. 8A .

[0075] 8A , while the input device 100 is displaying a first image including operable GUI components on the touch panel 110R, the input device 100 may display the first image on the touch panel 110L in response to an operation of the steering wheel 10, an operation on the first image, or a change in the vehicle's driving environment. In this case, the touch panels 110L and 110R may be used in reverse.

[0076] 8B, cruise control operation image 1 may be displayed on touch panel 110R, and speed display image 2B, such as the speed selected in GUI component 1A of touch panel 110R or the set speed, may be displayed on touch panel 110L. Cruise control operation image 1 shown in Fig. 8B is an image obtained by removing the speed display from cruise control operation image 1 shown in Fig. 6A. Speed ​​display image 2B shown in Fig. 8B is an image obtained by separating the speed display from cruise control operation image 1 shown in Fig. 6A.

[0077] In this case, the cruise control operation image 1 displayed on the touch panel 110R is an example of the first image, and the speed display image 2B displayed on the touch panel 110L is an example of the second image. In response to an operation of the steering wheel 10, an operation on the first image, or a change in the vehicle's driving environment, the cruise control operation image 1 may be displayed on the touch panel 110L, and the speed display image 2B may be displayed on the touch panel 110R, as shown on the right side of Fig. 8B.

[0078] 8C , when traveling on a motorway or expressway, the first speed range (e.g., 30 km / h to 80 km / h) of GUI component 1A may be grayed out, leaving only the second speed range (e.g., 80 km / h to 135 km / h) operable. When a vehicle equipped with input device 100 enters a motorway or expressway from a general road, this is an example of the vehicle's driving environment changing to a predetermined environment, and graying out the first speed range of GUI component 1A is an example of changing the first image to content appropriate for the predetermined environment. The vehicle's entry onto a motorway or expressway may be detected, for example, based on GPS location information and map data, or based on communication information received when the vehicle passes through an Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) gate.

[0079] In addition, displaying the first image on the touch panel 110L as shown on the right side of Figure 8A in response to operation of the steering wheel 10, operation on the first image, or changes in the vehicle's driving environment may be performed in combination with what has been described using Figures 1 to 7C.

[0080] <Effects> The input device 100 of the present disclosure includes a first touch panel (110L, 110R) that is provided on the steering wheel 10 of a vehicle and can be operated by the operator's thumb while gripping the steering wheel 10, and that can display images; a second touch panel (110L, 110R) that is provided on the steering wheel 10 at a distance from the first touch panel (110L, 110R), that can be operated by the operator's thumb while gripping the steering wheel 10, and that can display images; and a touch panel that accepts operations on the first touch panel (110L, 110R) and the second touch panel (110L, 110R). The vehicle also includes a control device (such as a control unit 121) that controls images displayed by the first touch panel (110L, 110R) and the second touch panel (110L, 110R), and when a first image including operable GUI components is displayed on one of the first touch panel (110L, 110R) and the second touch panel (110L, 110R), the control device (such as a control unit 121) displays the first image on the other of the first touch panel (110L, 110R) and the second touch panel (110L, 110R) in response to operation of the steering wheel 10, operation on the first image, or a change in the vehicle's driving environment. This makes it possible to prevent the first image from becoming difficult to see in response to operation of the steering wheel 10, operation on the first image, or a change in the vehicle's driving environment, and maintain a state in which the first image is easy to see.

[0081] Therefore, it is possible to provide an input device 100 that provides good operability of predetermined operable GUI components even when the vehicle situation changes.

[0082] Furthermore, the control device (control unit 121, etc.) may display a second image on the first touch panel (110L, 110R) or the second touch panel (110L, 110R). A second image different from the first image can be displayed on the first touch panel (110L, 110R) or the second touch panel (110L, 110R), thereby increasing the content that can be displayed as an image.

[0083] Furthermore, the control device (control unit 121, etc.) may display the second image on the other of the first touch panel (110L, 110R) and the second touch panel (110L, 110R) while displaying the first image on either the first touch panel (110L, 110R) or the second touch panel (110L, 110R). The first image and the second image can be displayed separately on the first touch panel (110L, 110R) and the second touch panel (110L, 110R), thereby improving visibility.

[0084] Furthermore, the control device (control unit 121, etc.) may display a first image on either the first touch panel (110L, 110R) or the second touch panel (110L, 110R), and when the control device displays the first image on the other of the first touch panel (110L, 110R) or the second touch panel (110L, 110R) in response to operation of the steering wheel 10, an operation on the first image, or a change in the vehicle's driving environment, the control device may display a second image on either the first touch panel (110L, 110R) or the second touch panel (110L, 110R). By swapping the first image and the second image, it is possible to maintain an easy-to-see state for the first image and ensure the display of the second image.

[0085] The first touch panel (110L, 110R) is provided on a first side of the hub of the steering wheel 10, and the second touch panel (110L, 110R) is provided on a second side of the hub of the steering wheel 10. The control device (control unit 121, etc.) displays a first image on one of the first touch panel (110L, 110R) and the second touch panel (110L, 110R) and a second image on the other of them. When the first image is rotated downward by operating the steering wheel 10 and the rotation angle of the steering wheel 10 reaches 45 degrees or more, the control device (control unit 121, etc.) displays the first image on the other of the first touch panel (110L, 110R) and the second touch panel (110L, 110R) and a second image on one of them. By displaying the first image upward, it is possible to maintain a state where it is easily visible and ensure the display of the second image.

[0086] Furthermore, when the driving environment of the vehicle changes to a predetermined environment, the control device (such as the control unit 121) may change the first image to content that corresponds to the predetermined environment. By displaying content that corresponds to the driving environment of the vehicle as the first image, it is possible to display content that corresponds to the predetermined environment.

[0087] Furthermore, the control device (such as the control unit 121) may display GUI components within the first image within a range that the operator can reach with their thumbs while gripping the steering wheel 10. This allows the operator to operate the GUI components using only their thumbs while holding the steering wheel 10, which leads to improved safety.

[0088] The first touch panel (110L, 110R) and the second touch panel (110L, 110R) may have a force feedback unit that provides force feedback, and the control device (control unit 121, etc.) may activate the force feedback unit of either the first touch panel (110L, 110R) or the second touch panel (110L, 110R) that is displaying the first image in response to an operation on the GUI component of the first image. The fact that the operation on the GUI component of the first image has been accepted can be communicated to the operator through a tactile sensation.

[0089] The control device (such as the control unit 121) may also display an operating section of the vehicle's cruise control device as a GUI component on the first image, as well as a set speed of the cruise control device. The first image allows the user to operate the cruise control device and check the set speed, improving operability and visibility.

[0090] The GUI component may have a first operation unit that follows a linear path caused by extension and retraction of the thumb, and a second operation unit that follows an arc-shaped path caused by a rotational motion of the fingertip about the base of the thumb, wherein the first operation unit is an operation unit that selects a set speed from a first speed range that is lower than a predetermined speed, and the second operation unit is an operation unit that selects a set speed from a second speed range that is equal to or higher than the predetermined speed. The extension and retraction of the thumb relative to the first operation unit and the rotational motion of the thumb relative to the second operation unit about the base of the thumb can be used to selectively operate the cruise control device in the first speed range on the low side and the second speed range on the high side, resulting in good operability.

[0091] The GUI component may be a V-shaped or L-shaped image in which the first operation unit and the second operation unit are bent at a display position for the predetermined speed, and the position of the first operation unit farthest from the display position for the predetermined speed may be a display position for the lowest speed in the first speed range, and the position of the second operation unit farthest from the display position for the predetermined speed may be a display position for the highest speed in the second speed range. By extending and retracting the thumb relative to the first operation unit and rotating the thumb about the base of the thumb relative to the second operation unit along the V-shaped or L-shaped first and second operation units, it is possible to selectively operate the cruise control device in a first speed range on the low side and in a second speed range on the high side, resulting in good operability.

[0092] The first touch panel (110L, 110R) and the second touch panel (110L, 110R) may each have a force feedback unit that provides force feedback, and the control device (e.g., control unit 121) may display, on the first image, operation units for a vehicle cruise control device as GUI components and a set speed for the cruise control device. The GUI components may include a first operation unit that follows a linear path formed by extension and contraction of the thumb and a second operation unit that follows a circular path formed by rotation of the fingertip around the base of the thumb. The first operation unit is an operation unit for selecting a set speed from a first speed range lower than a predetermined speed, and the second operation unit is an operation unit for selecting a set speed from a second speed range equal to or higher than the predetermined speed. The control device (e.g., control unit 121) may operate the force feedback unit so that a different force feedback pattern is provided when an operation is being performed on the first operation unit and when an operation is being performed on the second operation unit. The operator may be informed by a tactile sensation that an operation of the GUI component of the first image has been accepted. In addition, the first image allows the cruise control device to be operated and the set speed to be confirmed, improving operability and visibility. Also, by extending and retracting the thumb on the first operating unit and rotating the second operating unit around the base of the thumb, the cruise control device can be operated selectively in the first low-speed range and the second high-speed range, improving operability.

[0093] The above describes an input device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, but the present disclosure is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiment, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0094] This international application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-116128, filed on July 19, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0095] 1 Cruise control operation image (cruise control operation GUI) 1A GUI component 2 Audio operation image (audio operation GUI) 2A GUI component 10 Steering wheel 100 Input device 110, 110L, 110R Touch panel (one of the touch panels 110L and 110R is an example of a first touch panel, and the other is an example of a second touch panel) 110A Operation surface 120 MCU 121 Control unit 122 Memory

Claims

1. An input device comprising: a first touch panel provided on a steering wheel of a vehicle, the first touch panel being operable with the thumb of an operator holding the steering wheel and capable of displaying images; a second touch panel provided on the steering wheel at a distance from the first touch panel, the second touch panel being operable with the thumb of an operator holding the steering wheel and capable of displaying images; and a control device that accepts operations on the first touch panel and the second touch panel and controls the images displayed on the first touch panel and the second touch panel, wherein the control device, when displaying a first image including predetermined operable GUI components on either the first touch panel or the second touch panel, causes the first image to be displayed on the other of the first touch panel or the second touch panel in response to operation of the steering wheel, operation on the first image, or changes in the driving environment of the vehicle.

2. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the control device causes a second image to be displayed on the first touch panel or the second touch panel.

3. An input device as described in claim 2, wherein the control device, when displaying the first image on one of the first touch panel and the second touch panel, displays the second image on the other of the first touch panel and the second touch panel.

4. The input device of claim 3, wherein the control device displays the first image on either the first touch panel or the second touch panel, and when the control device displays the first image on the other of the first touch panel or the second touch panel in response to operation of the steering wheel, operation on the first image, or a change in the vehicle's driving environment, the control device displays the second image on either the first touch panel or the second touch panel.

5. The input device of claim 3, wherein the first touch panel is provided on a first side of the hub of the steering wheel, and the second touch panel is provided on a second side of the hub of the steering wheel, and the control device displays the first image on either the first touch panel or the second touch panel, and the second image on the other, and when the first image is rotated downward by operation of the steering wheel and the rotation angle of the steering wheel becomes 45 degrees or more, the control device displays the first image on the other of the first touch panel or the second touch panel, and the second image on either one of the first touch panel or the second touch panel.

6. An input device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein when the driving environment of the vehicle changes to a predetermined environment, the control device changes the first image to content that corresponds to the predetermined environment.

7. An input device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control device displays the GUI component within the first image within a range that can be reached by the operator's thumb while holding the steering wheel.

8. An input device as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first touch panel and the second touch panel have a force feedback unit that performs force feedback, and the control device activates the force feedback unit of either the first touch panel or the second touch panel that is displaying the first image in response to an operation on the GUI component.

9. An input device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control device displays an operating section of a cruise control device of the vehicle as the GUI component on the first image, and also displays the set speed of the cruise control device.

10. The input device of claim 9, wherein the GUI component has a first operation unit that follows a linear path caused by extension and contraction of the thumb, and a second operation unit that follows an arc-shaped path of the fingertip caused by rotational movement around the base of the thumb, the first operation unit being an operation unit that selects a set speed from a first speed range that is lower than a predetermined speed, and the second operation unit being an operation unit that selects a set speed from a second speed range that is equal to or higher than the predetermined speed.

11. The input device described in claim 10, wherein the GUI component is a V-shaped or L-shaped image in which the first operation unit and the second operation unit are bent at the display position of the predetermined speed, the position of the first operation unit farthest from the display position of the predetermined speed is the display position of the lowest speed in the first speed range, and the position of the second operation unit farthest from the display position of the predetermined speed is the display position of the highest speed in the second speed range.

12. An input device as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first touch panel and the second touch panel have a force feedback unit that performs force feedback, and the control device displays an operation unit of a cruise control device of the vehicle as the GUI component on the first image, and also displays the set speed of the cruise control device, and the GUI component has a first operation unit that follows a linear trajectory caused by extension and contraction of the thumb, and a second operation unit that follows a circular trajectory of the fingertip caused by rotational movement around the base of the thumb, and the first operation unit is an operation unit that selects a set speed from a first speed range lower than a predetermined speed, and the second operation unit is an operation unit that selects a set speed from a second speed range equal to or higher than the predetermined speed, and the control device activates the force feedback unit so that the force feedback pattern differs when an operation is being performed on the first operation unit and when an operation is being performed on the second operation unit.

Images