Operation apparatus

An operation apparatus detects a finger using a sensor disposed on an operation plane and further determines a movement distance of the finger so as to change an operation of a controlled device, such as an in-vehicle air conditioner. A finger touching or approaching the operation plane is detected by an electrostatic sensor. An air volume of the air conditioner which is the controlled device is changed by a movement of the detected finger in an X1 or X2 direction. When the finger is moved by a first distance from a first detected position, the air volume is changed in a predetermined range. Thereafter, every time the finger is moved by a second distance which is different than the first distance, the air volume is changed in a range equivalent to a range in the case of the movement by the first distance.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application Number 2018-170182, filed Sep. 12, 2018, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an operation apparatus which includes a sensor for detecting a finger or a hand touching or approaching an operation plane and which may change an operation state of a controlled device in a continuous manner or in stages by a movement of the detected finger or the detected hand.

2. Description of the Related Art

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011-48823 discloses an invention relating to an operation apparatus. The operation apparatus includes a sensor operation panel to be operated by a finger and a display device which displays a two-digit number.

When a finger touches a start point displayed on the sensor operation panel and is moved right in a first direction, a number in the ones place displayed on the display device may be successively increased. Furthermore, when the finger is moved upward from the start point in a second direction which is orthogonal to the first direction, a number in the tens digit place displayed on the display device may be successively increased. In this way, by changing the two-digit number, a power stage of a fan may be changed or a luminance setting of a lighting system may be performed.

Furthermore, in the sensor operation panel, a sector boundary is set at an angle of 45 degrees at maximum relative to the first direction with reference to the start point, and an operation may be normally performed even when the finger is obliquely moved relative to the first direction only if the movement is within a range of the angle of the sector boundary. The sector boundary may be similarly set relative to the second direction.

In general, in such a type of operation apparatus, every time the finger touching the start point of the sensor operation panel is moved in the first direction or the second direction by a certain distance, an operation of a controlled device is changed by the same range. In the example of Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011-48823, every time the finger is moved by a certain distance, a number in the display is incremented by one starting from 1.

If a movement distance set for changing an operation of the controlled device in a certain range is too long in such an operation apparatus, a user may feel that a change of the operation of the controlled device is slow when the finger touching the sensor operation panel is moved for the first time. In the example of Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011-48823, when the finger touching the start point is moved in the first direction or the second direction, incrementing of the number displayed in the display is slow, and therefore, a user may feel anxious about whether the operation has been normally performed.

On the other hand, if a movement distance of a finger set for changing an operation of the controlled device in a certain range is too short, the operation of the controlled device is quickly changed when the finger touching the sensor operation panel for the first time is slightly moved. In the example of Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011-48823, a phenomenon occurs in which the number displayed in the display device is accidentally increased in two stages or three stages only by slightly moving the finger touching the start point in the first direction or the second direction.

In in-vehicle operation apparatuses, an operation plane is operated by a hand during driving while the operation plane is not viewed. Therefore, if a movement distance of a finger set for changing an operation of a controlled device is too long or too short, the user feels anxious about an operation performed immediately after a finger is detected on the operation plane, and consequently, an erroneous operation may be performed.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is made in view of the problems described above, and is to provide an operation apparatus capable of changing an operation of a controlled device without an uneasy feeling by a movement of a finger or a hand touching or approaching the operation plane.

Furthermore, the present disclosure is to provide an operation apparatus capable of changing an operation of a controlled device in accordance with an intention of an operation by performing a subsequent operation after an operation state of a finger or a hand touching or approaching the operation plane is reflected.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an operation apparatus includes an operation plane, a sensor configured to detect a finger or a hand touching or approaching the operation plane and further detect a movement of the finger or the hand touching or approaching the operation plane, and a controller configured to control a controlled device based on a detection output of the sensor. The controller determines start of an operation when the sensor detects a finger or a hand touching or approaching the operation plane, changes the operation of the controlled device in a prescribed range when it is determined that the finger or the hand detected by the sensor has been moved by a first distance along the operation plane at a time point after the determination of the start of the operation, and changes the operation of the controlled device in a range equivalent to the prescribed range when it is determined that the finger or the hand moved by the first distance has been moved by a distance which is different from the first distance along the operation plane.

The controller may successively change the operation of the controlled device in a range equivalent to the prescribed range every time it is determined that the finger or the hand moved by the first distance has been moved by a second distance which is longer than the first distance along the operation plane.

The controller may successively change the operation of the controlled device in a range equivalent to the prescribed range every time it is determined that the finger or the hand moved by the first distance has been moved by a distance which is longer than the first distance and which is increased in stages along the operation plane.

The controller may successively change the operation of the controlled device in a range equivalent to the prescribed range every time it is determined that the finger or the hand moved by the first distance has been moved by a second distance which is shorter than the first distance along the operation plane.

The controller may successively change the operation of the controlled device in a range equivalent to the prescribed range every time it is determined that the finger or the hand moved by the first distance has been moved by a distance which is shorter than the first distance and which is reduced in stages along the operation plane.

The controller may measure a speed or an acceleration rate while the finger or the hand is moved by the first distance along the operation plane based on the detection output of the sensor and set a movement distance of the finger or the hand required for a change of the operation of the controlled device in a range equivalent to the prescribed range in accordance with the measured speed or the measured acceleration rate.

The controller may set a long movement distance of the finger or the hand required for a change of the operation of the controlled device in a range equivalent to the prescribed range when the measured speed or the measured acceleration rate is smaller than a reference value and set a short movement distance of the finger or the hand required for a change of the operation of the controlled device in a range equivalent to the prescribed range when the measured speed or the measured acceleration rate is larger than the reference value.

The first distance may be set using a position of the finger or the hand obtained when the start of the operation is determined as a start point.

The first distance may be set using a position of the finger or the hand which has been moved by a predetermined distance after the start of the operation is determined as a start point.

The controller may change the operation of the controlled device in one of different control modes in accordance with a movement direction of the finger or the hand when it is determined that the finger or the hand has been moved in one of different directions which are orthogonal to each other along the operation plane.

The controller may perform a feedback operation by force or sound when it is determined that the finger or the hand has been moved by the first distance and further perform a feedback operation by force or sound every time it is determined that the finger or the hand has been moved by a distance required for a change of the operation of the controlled device in a range equivalent to the prescribed range.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an operation control method for an operation apparatus including an operation plane, a sensor configured to detect a finger or a hand touching or approaching the operation plane and further detect a movement of the finger or the hand touching or approaching the operation plane, and a controller configured to control a controlled device based on a detection output of the sensor, includes a first step of determining start of an operation when the sensor detects a finger or a hand touching or approaching the operation plane, a second step of changing the operation of the controlled device in a prescribed range when it is determined that the finger or the hand detected by the sensor has been moved by a first distance along the operation plane at a time point after the determination of the start of the operation, and a third step of changing the operation of the controlled device in a range equivalent to the prescribed range when it is determined that the finger or the hand moved by the first distance has been moved by a distance which is different from the first distance along the operation plane.

The operation of the controlled device may be successively changed in a range equivalent to the prescribed range every time it is determined that the finger or the hand moved by the first distance has been moved by a second distance which is longer than the first distance along the operation plane in the third step.

The operation of the controlled device may be successively changed in a range equivalent to the prescribed range every time it is determined that the finger or the hand moved by the first distance has been moved by a distance which is longer than the first distance and which is increased in stages along the operation plane in the third step.

The operation of the controlled device may be successively changed in a range equivalent to the prescribed range every time it is determined that the finger or the hand moved by the first distance has been moved by a second distance which is shorter than the first distance along the operation plane in the third step.

The operation of the controlled device may be successively changed in a range equivalent to the prescribed range every time it is determined that the finger or the hand moved by the first distance has been moved by a distance which is shorter than the first distance and which is reduced in stages along the operation plane in the third step.

A speed or an acceleration rate may be measured while the finger or the hand is moved by the first distance along the operation plane based on a detection output of the sensor in the second step. A movement distance of the finger or the hand required for a change of the operation of the controlled device in a range equivalent to the prescribed range in the third step may be set in accordance with the measured speed or the measured acceleration rate in the third step.

A long movement distance of the finger or the hand required for a change of the operation of the controlled device in a range equivalent to the prescribed range may be set in the third step when the measured speed or the measured acceleration rate is smaller than a reference value in the second step and a short movement distance of the finger or the hand required for a change of the operation of the controlled device in a range equivalent to the prescribed range may be set in the third step when the measured speed or the measured acceleration rate is larger than the reference value in the second step.

The operation of the controlled device may be changed in one of different control modes in accordance with a movement direction of the finger or the hand when it is determined that the finger or the hand has been moved in one of different directions which are orthogonal to each other along the operation plane in the second and third steps.

According to the operation apparatus of the present disclosure, an operation of a controlled device may be changed in a predetermined prescribed range in stages or in a continuous manner when a finger or a hand touching or approaching the operation plane is moved by a first distance. However, thereafter, a movement distance of the finger or the hand for changing the operation of the controlled device in a range which is equivalent to the prescribed range is changed in accordance with an operation state of the finger or the hand or an intention of an operator. Therefore, even an operation in a state in which a vehicle body is vibrated or an operation without viewing the operation plane, for example, may be normally performed as much as possible and occurrence of an erroneous operation may be suppressed.

For example, if the first distance is set shorter than a distance for a subsequent change, an operation of the controlled device may be changed in a prescribed range only by moving a finger or a hand detected on the operation plane by the short distance, and accordingly, a fact that an appropriate operation has been performed may be immediately recognized. In particular, if a feedback operation is performed when a finger or a hand is moved by the first distance, a change of the controlled device which is normally performed by moving the finger or the hand by the short distance may be immediately recognized. After this operation, the operation of the controlled device is changed every time the finger or the hand is moved by a slightly longer distance, and therefore, after the movement by the first distance, fine control of the controlled device may be easily performed by a movement of the finger, for example.

On the other hand, if the first distance is set longer than a distance for a subsequent change, an operation of the controlled device is prevented from being accidentally changed in stages by a movement of a finger or a hand immediately after start of the operation. After the movement by the first distance, the operation of the controlled device may be changed in the prescribed range only by moving the finger or the hand by a short distance, and therefore, a subsequent change operation may be quickly performed.

Furthermore, when a speed or an acceleration rate in the movement of the hand or the finger by the first distance is measured and a movement distance for changing the operation of the controlled device in a range which is equivalent to the prescribed range is set in accordance with the speed or the acceleration rate, an operation in which an intention of the operator is reflected may be performed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1is a perspective view of a structure of a vehicle interior of a vehicle including an in-vehicle operation apparatus10installed therein according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The vehicle interior of a vehicle1includes a steering wheel2in front of a driving seat, an instrument panel3in front of the steering wheel2, and a dashboard4on an upper portion relative to the steering wheel2. An arm rest5is disposed on one side of the driving seat, and a gearshift6is disposed on the arm rest5. The vehicle1illustrated inFIG. 1may have or may not have an automatic driving function.

As illustrated inFIG. 17, the in-vehicle operation apparatus10of this embodiment of the present invention includes an operation display unit20and an information display unit30. As illustrated inFIG. 1, the operation display unit20is disposed on the arm rest5, and the information display unit30is disposed on the dashboard4. The information display unit30has an accommodation state in which the information display unit30is accommodated in the dashboard4, a first display state in which the information display unit30partially projects upward from the dashboard4, and a second display state in which the information display unit30totally projects upward from the dashboard4, and may be switched from one state to another.

As illustrated inFIG. 17, the operation display unit20has a display panel21, such as a liquid crystal display panel or an electroluminescence display panel. A transparent panel is disposed on a surface of the operation display unit20illustrated inFIG. 1, and a portion of the panel functions as an operation plane (operation display plane)22. An image generated in the display panel21is displayed in the operation plane22. Furthermore, an electrostatic sensor23disposed on an inner surface of the operation plane22may detect a touch or approach of a finger or a hand to the operation plane22and further detect a movement of the detected finger or the detected hand along the operation plane22.

As illustrated inFIG. 17, a pressure sensor24is included in the operation display unit20. The pressure sensor24is a piezoelectric element or a force sensor element which is disposed on a back portion of the panel of the operation plane22and may detect a press on the panel included in the operation plane22by the finger or the hand.

As illustrated inFIG. 17, a feedback element25is disposed inside of the panel included in the operation plane22. The feedback element25has an electromagnetic solenoid mechanism or a motor mechanism which rotates a weight having an eccentric center of gravity. When the feedback element25is operated, a feedback force is applied to the finger or the hand touching the operation plane22. As illustrated inFIG. 17, the in-vehicle operation apparatus10further includes a sound unit26. The sound unit26is a speaker installed in the vehicle interior. When a so-called hovering operation of detecting a movement of a finger or a hand by the electrostatic sensor23in a state in which the finger or the hand is separated from the operation plane22is performed, feedback of an operation state is supplied to an operator by generating a sound in the sound unit26.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the information display unit30also has a display panel. Examples of the display panel include a liquid crystal display panel and an electroluminescence display panel. The information display unit30includes a transparent panel on a surface facing the vehicle interior. A portion of the panel serves as an information display screen31which displays information images generated by the display panel. As illustrated inFIG. 3, an automatic mode switching image32, a temperature display image33, an air volume display image34, and an air outlet switching image35are displayed in the information display screen31. As illustrated inFIG. 5, a temperature synchronization setting is performed in the driver's seat and a passenger seat by operating a button display52displayed in the operation plane22of the operation display unit20, and a changing state of the synchronization setting is also displayed in the information display screen31. Note that various information may be displayed in a head up display (HUD) positioned in front of the driver's seat instead of the information display unit30.

As illustrated inFIG. 17, a control board41is disposed in the operation display unit20. The control board41includes a central processing unit (CPU), a memory, and an input/output (I/O) port. The control board41controls image display on the display panel21and also receives and processes detection outputs of the electrostatic sensor23and the pressure sensor24. The control board41further controls driving of the feedback element25. As illustrated inFIG. 17, the in-vehicle operation apparatus10includes a main controller42. The main controller42mainly includes a CPU and further includes a memory and an I/O port. The main controller42and the control board41are connected through a BUS43, and transmission and reception of various information are performed between the main controller42and the control board41. A “controller40” is configured by the main controller42and the control board41. Operations of the information display unit30and the sound unit26are individually controlled by the main controller42.

As illustrated inFIG. 17, the main controller42changes an operation of a controlled device45installed in in the vehicle interior. In this embodiment, the controlled device45is an air conditioner, and an air volume and a temperature setting of the air conditioner are changed by operating the operation display unit20, and an air outlet is further changed by operating the operation display unit20. Note that the controlled device45may be a sound device or a car navigation device, or may be a control device associated with a driving function of a vehicle, and an operation of such a controlled device45may be changed by operating the operation display unit20.

FIG. 2is a diagram illustrating the operation plane (the operation display plane)22of the operation display unit20. The operation plane22is disposed obliquely upward on a surface of the arm rest5in the vehicle interior in a state in which the operation plane22faces both of a ceiling and an inside of the vehicle interior. The operation display unit20may operate a plurality of controlled devices45installed in the vehicle1. In this case, when one of the controlled devices45is selected, a corresponding one of different control images for the selected one of the different controlled devices45is displayed on the operation plane22. In this embodiment, an air conditioner is selected as the controlled device45, and a control image for controlling the air conditioner is displayed in the operation plane22.

In the control image displayed in the operation plane22illustrated inFIG. 2, button displays51and52may be displayed as the only two portions, which is the minimum number. Furthermore, the button displays51and52are separately positioned at opposite ends in a lateral direction (a direction of X1to X2) in an upper portion (a Y1direction) of the operation plane22. When the electrostatic sensor23detects a finger touching the button display51or the button display52or when the electrostatic sensor23detects a finger approaching the button display51or the button display52within a predetermined distance, the controller40determines that the button display51or the button display52has been operated.

In a display mode of this embodiment, the button display51is used to set an automatic mode of the air conditioner. When a finger touching or approaching the button display51is detected, a setting of the automatic mode or cancel of the setting of the automatic mode is performed in a switching manner by a control operation performed by the controller40. In this case, a display state of the automatic mode switching image32displayed in the information display screen31illustrated inFIG. 3is changed. The button display52is used to perform a temperature synchronization setting in the driver's seat and the passenger seat. When a finger touches or approaches the button display52, the synchronization setting or cancel of the synchronization setting is performed.

Since the minimum number of button displays51and52are separately disposed on the operation plane22, a driver may easily operate the button displays51and52without mistake even when the driver does not look at the button displays51and52. Furthermore, when a finger of the driver touches a region of the button display51or the button display52, the feedback element25is driven under control of the controller40, and when a feedback force is applied to the finger from the panel included in the operation plane22, the driver may more easily recognize that an appropriate operation has been performed. Furthermore, when a change operation is performed because a finger of the driver approaching the button display51or the button display52within a predetermined distance is detected, sound may be generated from the sound unit26as a feedback operation so that the driver may easily recognize that an appropriate operation has been performed.

Most of the region of the operation plane22of the operation display unit20illustrated inFIG. 2serves as a slide operation region except for the regions corresponding to the button displays51and52. As illustrated inFIG. 4, if a finger F is linearly moved in the first direction (X1to X2) immediately after the finger F touching the operation plane22or approaching the operation plane22within the predetermined distance is detected in the slide operation region included in the operation plane22, an operation of changing a fan speed, that is, an air volume, may be performed. As illustrated inFIG. 5, if the finger F is linearly moved in the second direction (Y1to Y2) immediately after the finger F touching the operation plane22or approaching the operation plane22within the predetermined distance is detected in the slide operation region included in the operation plane22, an operation of changing a temperature setting of the air conditioner may be performed. The operations illustrated inFIGS. 4 and 5may be started anywhere in the slide operation region of the operation plane22. When the finger F is moved, the controller40performs a change control by counting a relative movement distance. Furthermore, when the air volume is changed by an operation of the finger F, the air volume display image34of the information display screen31displayed inFIG. 3is changed, and when the temperature setting is changed, the temperature display image33is changed.

Furthermore, the air volume or the temperature setting of the air conditioner may be changed by bringing a portion of a hand H other than the finger F (a palm, for example) into contact with the operation plane22or bringing the hand portion close to the operation plane22within the predetermined distance instead of the operation performed by the finger F. However, it is assumed that the air volume and the temperature setting are changed in accordance with a movement of the detected finger F in a description hereinafter.

In the operation display unit20ofFIG. 2, when the operation plane22is pressed by the finger F or the hand H, the pressure sensor24is operated. When the controller40determines that the operation plane22has been pressed in accordance with an output of a detection performed by the pressure sensor24, a position of the air outlet of the air conditioner is changed. Furthermore, when the operation plane22is pressed, the feedback element25is driven and a feedback force is applied to the finger F or the hand H from the panel included in the operation plane22. As illustrated inFIGS. 2, 4, and 5, an air outlet changing image53indicating a change of the air outlet is displayed in a center portion of the operation plane22. When the press of the operation plane22is detected by the pressure sensor24, a position of the air outlet is changed, and a display mode of the air outlet changing image53displayed in the operation plane22is changed. Furthermore, display of the air outlet switching image35displayed in the information display screen31illustrated inFIG. 3is also changed.

FIG. 6is a diagram illustrating the change operation of changing an air volume of the air conditioner by moving the finger F touching or approaching the operation plane22in the first direction (X1to X2) according to the first embodiment.

InFIG. 6, a first position obtained when the electrostatic sensor23has detected the finger F which has touched or approached is indicated by T. The controller40determines that an operation is started when the finger F is detected. When the detected finger F is moved in a plus direction of the first direction (an X1direction) from the detected position T, a fan speed of the air conditioner is gradually increased and an air volume is increased in accordance with a relative movement distance. On the other hand, when the detected finger F is moved in a minus direction of the first direction (an X2direction) from the detected position T, the fan speed of the air conditioner is gradually reduced and the air volume is reduced in accordance with a relative movement distance.

InFIG. 6, when the finger F is moved in the X1direction from the first detected position T, the controller40counts a movement distance of the finger F as the relative movement distance. When the counted distance reaches a first distance L1, it is determined that the finger F has reached a change boundary S1, and the controller40changes an operation of the controlled device45within a predetermined prescribed range. Specifically, the change is performed so that the air volume of the air conditioner is increased in a certain range. The air volume may be changed in a continuous manner or in stages while the finger F is moved by the first distance L1from the detected position T. Alternatively, the air volume may be increased only by one stage by changing the fan speed only by one stage. However, an increase range of the air volume while the finger F is moved in the first distance L1is determined in advance.

InFIG. 6, when the finger F is moved by a distance larger than the first distance L1in the X1direction, a movement distance from the change boundary S1is further counted as the relative movement distance. When a movement distance of the finger F from the change boundary S1reaches a second distance L2which is longer than the first distance L1, it is determined that the finger F has reached the change boundary S2. The air volume of the air conditioner is changed so as to be increased within a prescribed range while the finger F is moved by the second distance L2. The air volume may be changed in a continuous manner or in stages while the finger F is moved by the second distance L2from the change boundary S1. Alternatively, the air volume may be increased only by one stage. However, an increase range of the air volume while the finger F is moved by the second distance L2is the same as the increase range of the air volume while the finger F is moved by the first distance L1. Specifically, the controller40changes the operation of the controlled device45in the same prescribed range in a case where the finger F is moved by the first distance L1and in a case where the finger F is moved by the second distance L2.

Thereafter, every time a movement distance of the finger F in the X direction reaches the second distance L2, it is successively determined that switch boundaries S3, S4, and so on have been reached. The air volume of the air conditioner is changed so as to be increased within a prescribed range which is a constant range every time the finger F is moved by the second distance L2. The second distances L2are the same and are longer than the first distance L1. Then, the air volume of the air conditioner is changed so as to be increased within a range which is the same as the range obtained when the finger F is moved by the first distance L1.

InFIG. 6, even when the finger F is moved in the X2direction from the first detected position T, the controller40counts a movement distance of the finger F as the relative movement distance. When the counted distance becomes equal to the first distance L1, it is determined that the finger F has reached the change boundary −S1. Specifically, the change is performed so that the air volume of the air conditioner is reduced in a prescribed range. Thereafter, when the movement distance of the finger F becomes equal to the second distance L2, it is determined that the change boundary −S2has reached and the air volume of the air conditioner is changed to be reduced in the prescribed range. Also in this case, the second distance L2is longer than the first distance L1, and a range of reduction of the air volume of the air conditioner while the finger F is moved by the first distance L1is the same as that while the finger F is moved by the second distance L2.

In the operation illustrated inFIG. 6, since the air volume of the air conditioner is increased in a predetermined range only by moving the finger F which has been first detected from the detected position T by the first distance L1which is a short distance, the air volume may be quickly changed by the finger F, and in addition, it may be recognized that an appropriate operation has been performed at an early stage immediately after the operation is started. In particular, when the finger F is moved by the first distance L1, the feedback force is applied to the finger F by the feedback element25or a feedback is given by sound generated by the sound unit26, and in addition, the air volume display image34displayed in the information display screen31ofFIG. 3is changed in a predetermined range. In this way, the fact that an appropriate operation has been performed may be recognized at an early stage even when the driver performs the operation without viewing the display.

Furthermore, after the finger F is moved by the first distance L1, every time the finger F is moved by the second distance L2which is longer than the first distance L1, the air volume of the air conditioner is changed in a range which is the same as that in the case of the movement by the first distance L1. In this case, a range of the change of the air volume relative to the movement distance of the finger F is small, and therefore, the air volume may be finely controlled by the finger F with ease. Also in this case, every time the finger F is moved by the second distance L2, the feedback element25or the sound unit26gives a feedback to the driver, that is, the operator, and the driver may recognize an operation state by a change of the air volume display image34of the information display screen31ofFIG. 3.

Next, as illustrated inFIG. 5, when the finger F touching or approaching the operation plane22is moved in a plus direction of the second direction (the Y1direction), a temperature setting of the air conditioner is increased in a continuous manner or in stages. On the other hand, when the finger is moved in a minus direction of the second direction (the Y2direction), the temperature setting of the air conditioner is reduced in a continuous manner or in stages. In these cases, every time the finger F is moved by the same distance, the temperature setting is changed by the same range. However, as illustrated inFIG. 7, as with the change of the air volume illustrated inFIG. 6, even in the operation of changing the temperature setting of the air conditioner, a setting for changing the temperature setting in the same prescribed range by the movements by the first distance L1and the second distance L2which are different from each other may be performed.

In the example illustrated inFIG. 7, the temperature setting of the air conditioner is increased in a continuous manner or in stages in a predetermined range (a prescribed range, such as 2° C. or 5° C.) only by moving the finger F from the detected position T where the finger F has been first detected by the electrostatic sensor23in the Y1direction by the first distance L1. Thereafter, every time the finger is moved by the second distance L2which is longer than the first distance L1, the temperature setting of the air conditioner is increased in a continuous manner or in stages in the same range (the prescribed range, such as 2° C. or 5° C.) as the case of the movement by the first distance L1. When the finger F is moved from the detected position T in the Y2direction, the temperature setting of the air conditioner is reduced in a continuous manner or in stages in a predetermined range (a prescribed range, such as 2° C. or 5° C.) by the movement by the first distance L1, and thereafter, every time the finger F is moved by the second distance L2which is longer than the first distance L1, the temperature setting is reduced in the same range.

In the operation ofFIG. 7, the temperature setting of the air conditioner may be finely changed only by moving the finger F from the detected position T by a short distance, and a fact that an appropriate operation has been performed may be recognized at an early stage. Furthermore, when the finger F is moved by the first distance L1, a feedback is given to the driver and the temperature display image33of the information display screen31illustrated inFIG. 3is changed. In this way, the driver may quickly recognize that an appropriate operation has been performed even when the driver performs an operation without looking the display. After the movement by the first distance L1, the temperature setting may be changed in the same range as the case of the movement by the first distance L1by moving the finger F by the second distance L2which is longer than the first distance L1, and therefore, the temperature may be finely controlled.

In the examples illustrated inFIGS. 6 and 7, an operation of the controlled device45is changed in the prescribed range when the finger F is moved from the detected position T by the first distance L1, and thereafter, the operation of the controlled device45is changed in the same prescribed range as the case of the movement by the first distance L1every time the finger F is moved by the second distance L2. Note that, as illustrated in a modification inFIG. 8, the operation of the controlled device45may be changed in the same prescribed range as the case of the movement by the first distance L1every time a movement distance is increased in stages from the second distance L2, a third distance L3, to a fourth distance L4, for example, after the finger F is moved by the first distance L1. Specifically, the following relationship is obtained: (first distance L1)<(second distance L2)<(third distance L3)<(fourth distance L4), and so on. In this way, every time the finger F is moved by the individual distances, the operation of the controlled device45may be changed in the same range.

Next, in a case where a movement locus I of the finger F is inclined relative to the direction of Y1to Y2as illustrated inFIG. 7, if an angle θ of the inclination is within a predetermined range (for example, within 45 degrees), the operation of the controlled device45may be changed in the same range every time it is determined that a component of the direction of Y1to Y2of a movement distance along the movement locus I corresponds to the first distance L1or the second distance L2. This is true of a case where the finger F is moved in a locus having an angle relative to the direction of X1to X2.

FIG. 9is a diagram illustrating an operation method according to a second embodiment.

In the second embodiment, when a finger F is moved by a first distance La from a detected position T where an electrostatic sensor23has first detected the finger F in a plus direction of a first direction (an X1direction), an air volume of an air conditioner is increased within a predetermined prescribed range in a continuous manner or in stages. Thereafter, every time the finger F is moved by a constant second distance Lb which is shorter than the first distance La, the air volume of the air conditioner is increased in the same prescribed range as a case where the finger F is moved by the first distance La, and this process is repeatedly performed. This is true of a case where the finger F is moved in a minus direction (an X2direction) from the detected position T. The air volume of the air conditioner is reduced within a predetermined range every time the finger F is moved by the first distance La, and thereafter, the air volume of the air conditioner is reduced in the same range as a case where the finger F is moved by the first distance La every time the finger F is moved by the second distance Lb in the X2direction. Furthermore, the same operation may be performed also in a case where the temperature setting of the air conditioner is changed by moving the finger F in the direction of Y1to Y2.

In the second embodiment illustrated inFIG. 9, an operation of a controlled device45is changed within a predetermined range by moving the finger F which has been detected on an operation plane22from the detected position T by a long distance. Accordingly, the operation of the controlled device45is prevented from being changed in stages due to an undesired movement of the finger F immediately after start of the operation. In an in-vehicle operation apparatus10, the finger F or a hand H which is to perform an operation may be undesirably moved in a large degree due to vehicle body vibration. However, according to the second embodiment, an initial change of the controlled device45may be appropriately performed even if the finger F is moved in a large degree due to the vehicle body vibration immediately after start of the operation. Furthermore, after the movement by the first distance La, the operation of the controlled device45may be changed even if a movement distance of the finger F is short, and accordingly, a change operation performed after the finger F is moved by the first distance may be quickly performed.

FIG. 10is a modification of the second embodiment illustrated inFIG. 9. In the modification illustrated inFIG. 10, an operation of a controlled device45is changed in a predetermined range when a finger F is first moved from a detected position T by a first distance La, and thereafter, the operation of the controlled device45is changed in the same range as the case of the movement by the first distance La every time a movement distance is reduced in stages from a second distance Lb, a third distance Lc, to a fourth distance Ld, for example. Specifically, the following relationship is obtained: (first distance La)>(second distance Lb)>(third distance Lc)>(fourth distance L4), and so on. In this way, every time the finger F is moved by the individual distances, the operation of the controlled device45may be changed in the same range.

The first distance L1is set using the detected position T where the finger F has been detected as a start point in the first embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 6 to 8, and the first distance La also is set using the detected position T as a start point in the second embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 9 and 10. However, the first distance L1or the first distance La may be set after the detected finger F is moved from the detected position T for a predetermined period of time or by a predetermined distance. For example, the first distance L1or the first distance La may be set after the finger F is moved from the detected position T and recognition of the movement is started by the controller40. Alternatively, the first distance L1or the first distance La may be set after the finger F is moved from the detected position T and performs a certain operation.

FIGS. 11 and 12are diagrams illustrating an operation method according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

In the operation method illustrated inFIG. 12, a first distance Lw0is determined in advance using a detected position T as a start point. When a finger F detected in the detected positon T is moved by the first distance Lw0, an operation of a controlled device45is changed in a prescribed range. For example, an air volume of an air conditioner is changed within a predetermined range, or a temperature setting is changed within a predetermined range. Thereafter, an operation of the controlled device45is changed in the same prescribed range when the finger F is moved by a distance Lwx which is different from the first distance Lw0. The prescribed range of the change of the operation of the controlled device45when the finger F is moved by the first distance Lw0is equivalent to a range of a change of the operation of the controlled device45when the finger F is moved by the distance Lwx. However, in this operation method, while the finger F is moved by the first distance Lw0, the controller40measures a speed or an acceleration rate of the finger F based on a detection output from an electrostatic sensor23and sets the distance Lw0to be used in accordance with a measured value. Here, examples of the speed and the acceleration rate include an average value of speeds or acceleration rates obtained when the finger F is moved by the first distance Lw0or a maximum value of the speeds or the acceleration rates.

Also in this case, at a time when a movement distance of the finger F reaches the first distance Lw1and after this time, a feedback operation is performed every time the distance Lwx is reached and the feedback element25or the sound unit26is operated. Furthermore, a state of a change of an operation range of the controlled device45is displayed in an information display screen31.

FIG. 11is a diagram illustrating the relationship between a measured speed Vx of the finger F and the movement distance Lwx of the finger F set in a next interval. Although the speed Vx is illustrated inFIG. 11, the same is true of a case where an acceleration rate is used. The controller40stores reference values V0to V3of the speed Vx as threshold values. The following relationship is obtained: V0<V1<V2<V3. The reference value V0indicates a speed of zero or an extremely low speed obtained at a time of a movement starting at the speed of zero. When the speed Vx obtained while the finger F is moved by the first distance Lw0is a value in a range from V0to V1, the distance Lwx which is to be set next is Lw1. When the speed Vx is a value in a range from V1to V2, the distance Lwx is Lw2, and when the speed Vx is a value in a range from V2to V3, the distance Lwx is Lw3. The following relationship is obtained: Lw1>Lw2>Lw3. The speed Vx and the distance Lwx may be set in a larger number of stages.

In an example ofFIG. 12, the speed Vx of the finger F which is moved by the first distance Lw0is a high speed value in a range from V2to V3, and therefore, the distance Lwx subsequently set is as short as Lw3. InFIG. 12, the finger F is moved at a high speed (a high acceleration rate) by the first distance Lw0, and therefore, the controller40sets a short distance Lw3as the subsequent distance Lwx because the controller40estimates that an operator desires to quickly change an operation of the controlled device45. In this case, after the finger F passes the first distance Lw0, the operation of the controlled device45may be quickly changed in a wide range by only moving the finger F a smaller distance.

In an example ofFIG. 13, the speed Vx of the finger F which is moved by the first distance Lw0is a low speed value in a range from V0to V1, and therefore, the distance Lwx subsequently set is as long as Lw1. InFIG. 13, the finger F is moved at a low speed (a low acceleration rate) in the first distance Lw0, and therefore, the controller40sets a long distance Lw1as the subsequent distance Lwx because the controller40estimates that an operator desires to finely change an operation of the controlled device45. In this case, after the finger passes the first distance Lw0, the operation of the controlled device45is finely controlled with ease by a movement of the finger F.

Although the first distance Lw0is set using the detected position T as a start point inFIGS. 12 and 13, as with the first and second embodiments, the first distance may be set after the finger F is moved from the detected position T by a certain distance in the third embodiment.

In a modification of the third embodiment illustrated inFIG. 14, as with the first embodiment illustrated inFIG. 6, a first distance L1is set using a detected position T as a reference, and thereafter, a predetermined second distance L2which is longer than the first distance L1is set in a subsequent interval or in a plurality of subsequent intervals. Subsequently, a speed (or an acceleration rate) is obtained while a finger F is moved by the distance L1or the distance L2and a subsequent distance Lwx is set in accordance with the measured speed (or the measured acceleration rate) after the movement by the distance L2. Specifically, the distance L1or the distance L2is set as a new first distance, and the subsequent distance Lwx is set in accordance with the speed (or the acceleration rate) of the finger F which is moved by the first distance. Also in this case, a range of a change of an operation of a controlled device45is the same prescribed range among a period of time when the finger F is moved by the distance L1, a period of time when the finger F is moved by the distance L2, and a period of time when the finger F is moved by the distance Lwx.

In a modification of the third embodiment illustrated inFIG. 15, as with the second embodiment illustrated inFIG. 9, a first distance La is set using a detected position T as a start point, and thereafter, a second distance Lb which is shorter than the first distance La is set. Specifically, the distance La or the distance Lb is set as a new first distance, and the subsequent distance Lwx is set in accordance with the speed (or the acceleration rate) of the finger F which is moved by the distance La or the distance Lb. Also in this case, a range of a change of an operation of a controlled device45is the same prescribed range among a period of time when the finger F is moved by the distance La, a period of time when the finger F is moved by the distance Lb, and a period of time when the finger F is moved by the distance Lwx.

FIG. 16is a diagram illustrating a further modification of the third embodiment of the present invention.

In this modification, an interval of one of the distances obtained after a detected position T where an electrostatic sensor23has detected a finger F is determined as a new first distance, a speed (or an acceleration rate) of the finger F which is moved by the new first distance is measured, and a subsequent distance is set in accordance with the measured value. In the example ofFIG. 16, when the finger F is moved by the distance Lw1, the distance Lw1is determined as a new first distance and a speed (an acceleration rate) of the finger F is measured. After it is determined that the speed is in a range from V1to V2, a distance Lw2is set. Thereafter, the distance Lw2is determined as a new first distance, and a speed of the finger F which is moved by the new first distance Lw2is measured. After it is determined that the speed is in a range from V2to V3, a distance Lw3is set. Furthermore, after it is determined that the speed of the finger which is moved by the distance Lw3is in the range from V1to V2, the distance Lw2is set. A range of a change of an operation of a controlled device45is the same prescribed range among periods of time when the finger F is moved by the individual distances.

In the modification illustrated inFIG. 16, when the finger F in a detection state is moved, a subsequent distance is changed in accordance with a change of a movement speed (or an acceleration rate) so that an operation in which an operator's will is reflected may be constantly performed. Note that distances in subsequent intervals are changed in turn for individual intervals in accordance with a speed (or an acceleration rate) of the finger F which is moved in a certain one of the distance intervals inFIG. 16. However, once the distance Lw1is set, for example, a distance may not be changed and may be repeated for a predetermined period of time or a predetermined number of intervals, and thereafter, a new distance may be set in accordance with a measured speed (or a measured acceleration rate) and the new distance may be repeated for a predetermined period of time or a predetermined number of intervals.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, an information display screen31of an information display unit30is positioned in front of a driver's seat so that a driver may more easily view the information display screen31as compared with an operation plane22. An automatic mode switching image32, a temperature display image33, an air volume display image34, and an air outlet switching image35are displayed in the information display screen31. Furthermore, information on a change associated with a synchronization change in temperature in the driver's seat and a passenger seat is also displayed. By changing the display image in the information display screen31which is easily viewed in association with an operation performed on the operation plane22, the driver may easily operate the operation plane22without viewing the operation plane22.

Next, a series of control operations performed by the controller40will be described with reference to a flowchart inFIG. 18.

FIG. 18is a flowchart of a control operation according to the first embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 6 and 7or the second embodiment illustrated inFIG. 9. Specifically, a control operation ofFIG. 18is performed in the following case. In both of a case where the finger F is moved in the first direction (the direction of X1to X2) along the operation plane22and a case where the finger F is moved in the second direction (the direction of Y1to Y2) along the operation plane22, an operation of the controlled device45is changed in a predetermined range while the finger F is moved by the first distance (L1or La), and thereafter, every time the finger F is moved by the second distance (L2or Lb) which is longer or shorter than the first distance, the operation of the controlled device45is changed in the same range. In the flowchart, individual control steps are denoted by “ST”. A control flow of the third embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 11 to 16is also basically the same as that ofFIG. 18. In the third embodiment, only a process of determining a next distance (a second distance inFIG. 18) in accordance with a measured speed or a measured acceleration rate is added to the flowchart ofFIG. 18.

In ST1ofFIG. 18, the electrostatic sensor23determines whether the finger F has been detected. The finger F is detected when the finger F has touched the operation plane22or approached the operation plane22within a predetermined distance. When the finger F is detected, the controller40recognizes that an operation has been started in ST2.

In ST3, it is determined whether the detected finger F has been moved. Although a movement of the finger F is awaited in ST3, if the finger F is not moved for a predetermined period of time or if the finger F is not moved, and therefore, movement is not detected, the operation is terminated. When it is determined that the finger F in a detected state has been moved in ST3, the process proceeds to ST4where it is determined whether a movement direction of the finger F is the first direction (the X direction) or the second direction (the Y direction). In ST5, when it is determined that the movement direction of the finger F is the first direction (the X direction) illustrated inFIGS. 4 and 6, an air volume control mode is set as a control mode for the air conditioner which is the controlled device45. When it is determined that the movement direction of the finger F is the second direction (the Y direction) illustrated inFIGS. 5 and 7, a temperature control mode is set as the control mode for the air conditioner.

In ST6, it is determined whether the finger F in the detected state has been moved by the first distance (L1or La). In ST7-1, it is determined whether the detection of the finger F is continuously performed until the movement distance of the finger F reaches the first distance. When the finger F enters an undetected state, the process proceeds to ST8-1where the operation is terminated. When it is determined that the movement distance of the finger F has reached the first distance, the process proceeds to ST9where the controller40recognizes a change operation state in a first stage.

In ST10-1, it is determined whether a movement direction of the finger F which has been moved by the first distance is a positive direction or a negative direction. When it is determined that the movement direction of the finger F is the positive direction in ST10-1, the process proceeds to ST11-1and an operation in a plus mode is executed. When the air volume control mode has been set in ST5, an air volume of the air conditioner is increased within a prescribed range in accordance with the movement of the finger F in the X1direction whereas when the temperature control mode has been set in ST5, a setting temperature is increased within a prescribed range in accordance with the movement of the finger F in the Y1direction. In ST11-1, a feedback operation is simultaneously performed, at least one of the feedback element25and the sound unit26is operated, and a notification indicating that the operation change has been completed is transmitted to the operator.

When it is determined that the movement direction of the finger F is the negative direction in ST10-1, the process proceeds to ST12-1and an operation in a minus mode is executed. When the air volume control mode has been set in ST5, an air volume of the air conditioner is reduced within a prescribed range in accordance with the movement of the finger F in the X2direction whereas when the temperature control mode has been set in ST5, a setting temperature is reduced within a prescribed range in accordance with the movement of the finger F in the Y2direction. Also in ST12-1, the feedback operation is simultaneously performed, at least one of the feedback element25and the sound unit26is operated, and a notification indicating that the operation change has been completed is transmitted to the operator.

Thereafter, the process proceeds to ST13where it is determined whether the finger F in the detected state has been moved by the second distance (L2or Lb). It is determined whether the detected state of the finger F has been continued in ST7-2for the movement by the second distance, and when the finger F is no longer detected, the process proceeds to ST8-2where the operation is terminated. When it is determined that the finger F has been moved by the second distance in ST13, the process proceeds to ST14where the controller40recognizes a change operation state in a next stage.

In ST10-2, it is determined whether a movement direction of the finger F which has been moved by the second distance is a positive direction or a negative direction. When it is determined that the finger F has been moved in the positive direction, the process proceeds to ST11-2where the operation in the plus mode which is the same as ST11-1is executed and the feedback operation is performed. When it is determined that the finger F has been moved in the negative direction, the process proceeds to ST12-2where the operation in the minus mode which is the same as ST12-1is executed and the feedback operation is performed.

Note that, even in a case where the controlled device45is a sound apparatus, a car navigation apparatus, or a control device associated with a driving function of a vehicle, an operation of any of the various types of controlled device45is changed within a predetermined range by performing an operation illustrated inFIGS. 6 to 16by a finger or a hand detected on the operation plane22.