Source: https://patents.google.com/patent/JP6342453B2/en
Timestamp: 2019-10-19 23:02:20
Document Index: 378686293

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 60', 'art 62', 'art 60', 'art 60', 'art 60', 'art 60', 'art 60', 'art 60', 'art 60', 'art 60', 'art 60']

JP6342453B2 - Operation input device - Google Patents
JP6342453B2
JP6342453B2 JP2016134976A JP2016134976A JP6342453B2 JP 6342453 B2 JP6342453 B2 JP 6342453B2 JP 2016134976 A JP2016134976 A JP 2016134976A JP 2016134976 A JP2016134976 A JP 2016134976A JP 6342453 B2 JP6342453 B2 JP 6342453B2
JP2016134976A
JP2018005763A (en
展子 三入
吾郎 浅沼
アルト マッティ イッモネン
2016-07-07 Application filed by 本田技研工業株式会社 filed Critical 本田技研工業株式会社
2016-07-07 Priority to JP2016134976A priority Critical patent/JP6342453B2/en
2018-01-11 Publication of JP2018005763A publication Critical patent/JP2018005763A/en
2018-06-13 Publication of JP6342453B2 publication Critical patent/JP6342453B2/en
The present invention relates to an operation input device having an operation element that a user operates with a plurality of fingers and a computer that processes an operation input to the operation element and controls at least one operation target device.
Patent Document 1 aims to provide a device operating device capable of quickly operating an electronic device ([0005], summary). In order to achieve the object, in Patent Document 1 (summary, FIGS. 2 to 6, etc.), the operation unit 11 includes a touch pad 23 and an operation input unit 25. The operation unit 11 outputs a control signal corresponding to an input operation to the dial 41 of the touch pad 23 and the operation input unit 25 to the electronic device 3. The dial 41 is disposed in a region on the back side of the input surface (upper surface) of the touch pad 23. Thereby, it is supposed that the input operation to the touch pad 23 and the input operation to the dial 41 can be executed simultaneously with one hand.
Patent Document 1 ([0044]) shows an example of the following control. That is, when the passenger of the vehicle only operates the dial 41, the music volume is changed. When the dial 41 is operated while touching the touch pad 23 with one finger, the AM radio broadcast channel can be switched. When the dial 41 is operated while touching the touch pad 23 with two fingers, the FM radio broadcast channel can be switched. Furthermore, the set temperature of the air conditioner can be operated by the passenger operating the dial while touching the touch pad 23 with three fingers.
Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-176286
As described above, in Patent Document 1, the touch pad 23 and the dial 41 are configured as physically separate bodies. For this reason, there is room for improvement in operability and design freedom.
The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide an operation input device capable of improving one or both of operability and design freedom.
The operation input device according to the present invention includes:
An operator that the user operates with multiple fingers;
A computer that processes an operation input to the operation element and controls at least one device to be operated;
The operation element includes a finger sensor that detects each of the plurality of fingers that hold the operation element,
Based on the detection result of the finger sensor, specify the number of gripping fingers that is the number of fingers that grip the operation element,
The type of operation command corresponding to the operation input is switched according to the number of gripping fingers.
According to the present invention, the number of fingers (the number of gripping fingers) that grips the operating element is specified based on the detection result of the finger sensor, and the type of operation command corresponding to the operation input to the operating element is set to the number of gripping fingers. Switch accordingly. As a result, the user can immediately switch the type of operation command corresponding to the operation input to the operator only by changing the number of gripping fingers. In other words, the type of operation command can be switched and the content of the operation command can be input without a display device such as a touch panel (however, such a display device may be used). Therefore, the operability of the operation target device can be improved.
Further, according to the present invention, the finger sensor for detecting each of the plurality of fingers holding the operation element is included in the operation element. In other words, the finger sensor is physically integrated with the operation element. For this reason, it becomes possible to raise the freedom degree of design compared with the structure of the patent document 1 (structure which makes the touchpad 23 and the dial 41 physically separate).
The operation element may be a dial switch, for example. Since the dial switch is easy to operate even if the number of gripping fingers changes, the user can easily switch the type of operation command by changing the number of gripping fingers.
The computer may select the type of the operation command according to the number of gripping fingers, and then switch the content of the operation command according to the operation amount of the operator. Accordingly, it is possible to select the type of operation command and switch the content of the operation command in a series of flows of contact with the operation element with a finger and operation of the operation element. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.
The operation input device may include a reaction force generator that applies a reaction force to the operation element. Further, the computer may change the magnitude of the reaction force according to the number of gripping fingers. Accordingly, the user can know how many fingers are currently recognized by the operation input device by recognizing the difference in reaction force. Moreover, it becomes easy to remain in a user's memory by using the reaction force. Further, as the reaction force is increased, the operation amount of the operation element can be finely adjusted. Therefore, if the reaction force is appropriately set, the operability of the operation element is improved. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.
The computer may change the number of notches indicating the numerical value or the number of states to be switched by the operation element according to the number of gripping fingers. Thereby, user convenience can be improved by switching the number of notches flexibly according to the type of operation command specified by the number of gripping fingers.
The computer may increase the number of notches as the number of gripping fingers increases. Generally, the greater the number of gripping fingers, the finer the operator can be operated. According to the present invention, the greater the number of fingers (number of gripping fingers) in contact with the operation element, the more the number of notches is increased, thereby associating the finger operation ability and the number of notches associated with the number of gripping fingers. Convenience can be improved.
The computer may allow the type of operation command to be switched by the operator when it is determined that the operator is stopped or a predetermined period has elapsed since the operator stopped. Further, the computer prohibits switching of the type of the operation command by the operator when it is determined that the operator is moving or the predetermined period has not elapsed since the operator stopped. May be. Thereby, when the number of gripping fingers changes without the intention of the user, the convenience of the user can be improved by maintaining the type of operation command (or not switching).
The operation input device may include a vibration generating device that applies vibration to the operation element. The computer may cause the vibration generating device to generate the vibration corresponding to the number of gripping fingers. As a result, the user can know how many fingers are currently recognized by recognizing the difference in vibration. Moreover, it becomes easy to remain in a user's memory by using vibration. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.
The operation element may include an indicator that notifies the number of gripping fingers by light emission or display. Accordingly, the user can know how many fingers are currently recognized through the light emission or display of the indicator. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.
According to the present invention, it is possible to improve one or both of the operability and the degree of design freedom related to the operation input device.
1 is an overall block diagram of a vehicle equipped with an operation input device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2A to 2C are diagrams illustrating first to third states of the operation switch of the embodiment. FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating a state in which the operation switch of the embodiment is operated with two fingers of the user, and FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating the operation switch of the embodiment with the three fingers of the user. It is a figure which shows a mode that it operates. It is a flowchart which controls an operation target apparatus using the operation input device of the embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating operation of the said operation switch in the said embodiment.
A. One Embodiment <A-1. Configuration>
FIG. 1 is an overall block diagram of a vehicle 10 equipped with an operation input device 20 (hereinafter also referred to as “input device 20”) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 10 includes an audio device 22, a navigation device 24, and an air conditioner 26 in addition to the input device 20. The audio device 22, the navigation device 24, and the air conditioner 26 are positioned as operation target devices Otar (or in-vehicle devices) controlled by the input device 20.
[A-1-2. Operation input device 20]
(A-1-2-1. Overview of operation input device 20)
The operation input device 20 receives an operation input from a user (particularly a driver), and outputs an operation command corresponding to the operation input to the corresponding operation target device Otar. As shown in FIG. 1, the input device 20 includes an operation switch 30, a reaction force generation device 32, a vibration generation device 34, and an electronic control device 36 (hereinafter referred to as “ECU 36”). In FIG. 1, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, “switch” is abbreviated as “SW”.
(A-1-2-2. Operation switch 30)
(A-1-2-2-1. Overview of operation switch 30)
2A to 2C are diagrams illustrating first to third states of the operation switch 30 of the present embodiment. The first state shown in FIG. 2A is a state in which a part of the operation switch 30 (a part of a main body 50 described later) is housed in a peripheral member 40 (for example, an instrument panel). The second state illustrated in FIG. 2B is a state in which a part of the operation switch 30 (a part of the main body 50) is protruding from the peripheral member 40. The third state shown in FIG. 2C is a state in which a part of the operation switch 30 (a part of the main body 50) protrudes from the peripheral member 40 (normal use state).
FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating a state in which the operation switch 30 according to the present embodiment is operated with the user's two fingers 300. FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating a state in which the operation switch 30 according to the present embodiment is operated with the user's three fingers 300.
The operation switch 30 (operation element) is an input unit that receives an operation input of a user (particularly a driver) in order to operate a specific function of the operation target device Otar. The operation target device Otar of the present embodiment includes an audio device 22, a navigation device 24, and an air conditioner 26. In other words, the operation switch 30 functions as an audio switch, a navigation switch, and an air conditioner switch. However, other operation target devices Otar may be set. The operation target device Otar is switched, for example, via the touch panel 120 (FIG. 1) of the navigation device 24. The operation of the operation target device Otar using the operation switch 30 will be described later with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3A and the like, the operation switch 30 is a dial switch (or a rotary switch). As shown in FIG. 1 and the like, the operation switch 30 includes a main body 50, an elevating mechanism 52, a contact sensor 54, and a light emitting unit 56.
(A-1-2-2. Main body 50)
The main body 50 includes a dial movable part 60 (FIG. 1 and the like) operated by a plurality of fingers 300 of the user, and a support part 62 (FIG. 1) that rotatably supports the movable part 60. In FIGS. 2A to 3B, the support portion 62 is not shown because it is disposed inside the peripheral member 40.
As shown in FIG. 2C, the dial movable portion 60 (hereinafter also referred to as “movable portion 60”) of the present embodiment is a cylindrical member and is open to the user side. Alternatively, the movable part 60 may be closed without opening to the user side. The movable part 60 is transparent except for the part where the contact sensor 54 is formed. Alternatively, the movable part 60 may be translucent or light transmissive except for the part where the contact sensor 54 is formed. Or the movable part 60 does not need to have light transmittance as a whole. Alternatively, the contact sensor 54 may be transparent.
(A-1-2-2-3. Elevating mechanism 52)
The elevating mechanism 52 includes an elevating motor (not shown) and the like, and elevates and lowers the main body 50 (that is, the movable portion 60 and the support portion 62). In the present embodiment, when the drive source (not shown) of the vehicle 10 is in the off state, the lifting mechanism 52 is lowered and stored in the peripheral member 40 based on a command from the ECU 36. (FIG. 2A). Further, when the drive source is in the ON state, the lifting mechanism 52 raises the main body 50 to project from the peripheral member 40 based on a command from the ECU 36 (FIGS. 2B and 2C).
(A-1-2-2-4. Contact sensor 54)
The contact sensor 54 (finger sensor) is configured as a part of the movable unit 60 (only on the upper side of the movable unit 60). Alternatively, the contact sensor 54 may be formed on the entire side surface of the movable part 60. The contact sensor 54 detects the contact position of each of the plurality of fingers 300 that hold the movable part 60. In FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the contact sensor 54 detects a state where the finger 300 is gripping the upper outer side of the movable unit 60, but the state where the finger 300 is in contact with the inner surface of the movable unit 60 is detected. 54 may detect. The contact sensor 54 can be configured by, for example, a pressure sensor, a capacitance sensor, or the like.
(A-1-2-2-5. Light emitting unit 56)
The light emitting unit 56 (indicator) is configured as a part of the movable unit 60 and emits light corresponding to the contact positions of the plurality of fingers 300 that hold the movable unit 60. 3A and 3B, reference numeral 302 indicates a region (light emitting region 302) where the light emitting unit 56 emits light when the finger 300 is touched. The light emitting unit 56 can be composed of a self light emitting element such as organic electroluminescence (organic EL). Alternatively, the light emitting unit 56 may be configured by a member that emits light by entering a light emitting element arranged around the movable unit 60.
(A-1-2-3. Reaction force generator 32)
The reaction force generator 32 applies a reaction force Fr [Nm] to the operation switch 30 (particularly the movable portion 60) based on a command from the ECU 36. In the present embodiment, the reaction force Fr is switched according to the number of fingers 300 that hold the movable part 60. The reaction force generator 32 includes, for example, a motor (reaction force motor) that generates a reaction force.
(A-1-2-4. Vibration generator 34)
When the user's finger 300 grips the movable part 60, the vibration generating device 34 generates a vibration V having a pattern corresponding to the number Ngf of the fingers 300 based on a command from the ECU 36, and operates the operation switch 30 (particularly the movable part). 60). The vibration generator 34 includes, for example, a motor (vibration motor) that generates vibration V.
(A-1-2-5. ECU 36)
The ECU 36 is a computer that controls the entire operation input device 20 and controls each operation target device Otar. As shown in FIG. 1, the ECU 36 includes an input / output unit 80, a calculation unit 82, and a storage unit 84. The input / output unit 80 inputs and outputs signals between the ECU 36 and other parts (for example, the operation switch 30).
The calculation unit 82 controls the entire input device 20 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 84, and includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU). The computing unit 82 includes a plurality of device control units 90 corresponding to the audio device 22, the navigation device 24, and the air conditioner 26, respectively. In FIG. 1, only one device control unit 90 is shown, and the other device control units 90 are not shown.
The device control unit 90 (audio control unit) for the audio device 22 controls the audio device 22 based on an operation input from the user to the operation switch 30 when the audio device 22 is selected as the operation target device Otar. . The device control unit 90 (NAV control unit) for the navigation device 24 controls the navigation device 24 based on an operation input from the user to the operation switch 30 when the navigation device 24 is selected as the operation target device Otar. . The apparatus control unit 90 (air conditioner control unit) for the air conditioner 26 is based on an operation input from the user to the operation switch 30 when the air conditioner 26 is selected as the operation target device Otar. To control.
As shown in FIG. 1, each device control unit 90 includes an input detection unit 100, a device command unit 102, a reaction force control unit 104, a vibration control unit 106, and a light emission control unit 108. The input detection unit 100 detects a user operation input to the operation switch 30. For example, the device control unit 90 (audio control unit) for the audio device 22 detects a user operation input to the operation switch 30.
The device command unit 102 controls the operation target device Otar by transmitting a control command to the operation target device Otar based on the operation input detected by the input detection unit 100. The reaction force control unit 104 controls the reaction force Fr generated by the reaction force generator 32. The vibration control unit 106 controls the vibration V generated by the vibration generator 34. The light emission control unit 108 controls light emission in the light emitting unit 56. Details of these will be described later with reference to FIGS.
The storage unit 84 (FIG. 1) stores programs and data used by the calculation unit 82. The storage unit 84 includes, for example, a random access memory (hereinafter referred to as “RAM”). As the RAM, a volatile memory such as a register and a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory can be used. The storage unit 84 may include a read only memory (hereinafter referred to as “ROM”) in addition to the RAM.
In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the operation input device 20 is mounted on the vehicle 10 (or is always fixed). However, for example, the operation input device 20 can be carried outside the vehicle 10 like a smartphone. May be.
<A-2. Control>
[A-2-1. Common flow]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart for controlling the operation target device Otar using the operation input device 20 of the present embodiment. Prior to the start of the control in FIG. 4, the operation target device Otar (the audio device 22, the navigation device 24, or the air conditioner 26) is selected via the touch panel 120. The steps S11 to S19 in FIG. 4 are executed by the calculation unit 82 of the input device 20. Steps S11 to S19 in FIG. 4 are commonly used for the audio device 22, the navigation device 24, and the air conditioner 26 as the operation target devices Otar. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the operation switch 30 in the present embodiment.
In step S <b> 11 of FIG. 4, the input device 20 determines whether or not the operation switch 30 is held by a plurality of user's fingers 300. This determination is performed using the output of the contact sensor 54. Specifically, the input detection unit 100 (FIG. 1) receives an input signal from the operation switch 30 and detects the position of whether or not the finger 300 is in contact (or gripping) with the contact sensor 54.
Here, the contact of the finger 300 with the contact sensor 54 is determined as “gripping”. In other words, the determination is made on the assumption that there is no contact at only one location. Alternatively, gripping may be determined on the condition that there are two or more contact positions (in other words, after confirming the number of contact positions in step S12 described later). When the operation switch 30 is gripped (S11: YES), the process proceeds to step S12. When the operation switch 30 is not gripped (S11: NO), step S11 is repeated.
In step S <b> 12, the input device 20 specifies the number Ngf of fingers 300 holding the operation switch 30 (hereinafter also referred to as “number of gripping fingers Ngf”). Specifically, the input detection unit 100 determines whether the number of contact positions determined based on an input signal from the operation switch 30 is two or more.
In step S <b> 13, the vibration control unit 106 of the input device 20 applies a vibration V having a pattern corresponding to the number of gripping fingers Ngf. As a result, the user can recognize the number of gripping fingers Ngf recognized by the input device 20 (and the type of operation command corresponding thereto (described later)).
In step S14, the device command unit 102 (FIG. 1) of the input device 20 selects the type of operation command according to the number of gripping fingers Ngf, and sets the notch range Rn according to the type of operation command. For example, the types of operation commands of the audio device 22 include audio source switching, album selection, music selection, volume adjustment, and the like (details will be described later with reference to FIG. 5).
The notch range Rn is a range [deg] of the operation amount Dd of the operation switch 30 corresponding to the content of the same operation command. In other words, the notch range Rn indicates a notch interval. The notch range Rn is related to the number of notches Nn indicating the numerical value or the number of states to be switched by the operation switch 30 (operator) (details will be described later with reference to FIG. 5).
For example, when the number of gripping fingers Ngf is 2, the notch range Rn is 90 °, and the content of the operation command is switched every 90 °. For example, in the case of the audio device 22, the audio source is switched every time the operation switch 30 is turned 90 °. In the present embodiment, the notch range Rn becomes narrower as the number of gripping fingers Ngf increases.
In step S15 of FIG. 4, the light emission control unit 108 (FIG. 1) of the input device 20 causes the light emitting unit 56 to emit light corresponding to the contact position Pc of the finger 300 being held. For example, when the number of gripping fingers Ngf is 2, light is emitted at two locations of the light emitting unit 56 in correspondence with the positions of the two fingers 300 that are gripping the operation switch 30 (the two locations of light emission in FIG. 3A). (See region 302). In addition, when the number of gripping fingers Ngf is 3, light is emitted from the three light emitting portions 56 corresponding to the positions of the three fingers 300 that are gripping the operation switch 30 (the three light emitting portions in FIG. 3B). (See region 302). The same applies when the number of gripping fingers Ngf is 4 or 5.
In step S16, the reaction force control unit 104 (FIG. 1) of the input device 20 generates a reaction force Fr according to the number of gripping fingers Ngf. Specifically, as shown in the upper side of FIG. 5, the reaction force control unit 104 increases the reaction force Fr acting on the operation switch 30 as the number of gripping fingers Ngf increases.
In step S <b> 17, the device command unit 102 (FIG. 1) of the input device 20 outputs an operation command corresponding to the switch operation amount Dd. In step S <b> 18, the input device 20 determines whether or not the operation switch 30 that is the operation target is stopped. If the operation switch 30 is not stopped (S18: NO), the process returns to step S15. At this time, since step S14 is not newly performed, it should be noted that the type of operation command and the notch range Rn are maintained. When the operation switch 30 is stopped (S18: YES), the process proceeds to step S19.
In step S <b> 19, the input device 20 determines whether or not the gripping of the operation switch 30 that is the operation target is finished. If the gripping of the operation switch 30 has not ended (S19: NO), the process returns to step S12. At this time, since steps S12 to S14 are newly performed, it should be noted that the type of operation command and the notch range Rn can be switched. When the gripping of the operation switch 30 to be operated is finished (S19: YES), the current control in FIG. 4 is finished, and the control is started from step S11 after a predetermined period.
[A-2-2. Selection of operation command type according to the number of gripping fingers Ngf and setting of the notch range Rn]
(A-2-2-1. When the operation target device Otar is the audio device 22)
As shown in FIG. 5, when the operation target device Otar is the audio device 22 and the number of gripping fingers Ngf of the operation switch 30 is two, the input device 20 determines the audio source according to the operation amount Dd of the operation switch 30. Switch. The audio source here includes, for example, a music data recording medium and a radio. As the music data recording medium, for example, a compact disk (CD), a universal serial bus (USB) memory, or the like can be included. The radio can include AM broadcast and FM broadcast.
As shown in FIG. 5, when the number of gripping fingers Ngf is 2, the audio source is switched every time the operation amount Dd is 90 °, for example. In other words, the notch range Rn is set every 90 °. When the number of audio sources is relatively large, the notch range Rn may be set to be narrower than 90 ° to increase the options.
When the specific music data recording medium is selected as the audio source and the number of gripping fingers Ngf of the operation switch 30 is 3, the input device 20 selects an album according to the operation amount Dd of the operation switch 30. Do. When the radio is selected as the audio source and the number of gripping fingers Ngf of the operation switch 30 is 3, the input device 20 selects a channel.
As shown in FIG. 5, when the number of gripping fingers Ngf is 3, the audio source is switched every time the operation amount Dd is 45 °, for example. In other words, the notch range Rn is set every 45 °. The notch range Rn when the number of gripping fingers Ngf is 3 is narrower than the notch range Rn when the number of gripping fingers Ngf is 2. When the number of selectable broadcast stations (channels) (the number of channels) is relatively large, the notch range Rn may be set to be narrower than 45 ° to increase the options. A fixed value (default value) can be used for the number of channels. Alternatively, the navigation device 24 or the input device 20 may determine the number of channels based on the position information acquired by the navigation device 24, and the input device 20 may increase or decrease the notch range Rn according to the number of channels.
When the specific music data recording medium is selected as the audio source and the number of gripping fingers Ngf of the operation switch 30 is 4, the input device 20 selects music according to the operation amount Dd of the operation switch 30. The music selection here is performed from the selected album. When the radio is selected as the audio source and the number of gripping fingers Ngf of the operation switch 30 is 4, the input device 20 adjusts the reception frequency.
As shown in FIG. 5, when the number of gripping fingers Ngf is 4, the audio source is switched every time the operation amount Dd is, for example, 15 °. In other words, the notch range Rn is set every 15 °. The notch range Rn when the number of gripping fingers Ngf is four is narrower than the notch range Rn when the number of gripping fingers Ngf is three. If the number of selectable songs (the number of songs) is relatively large, the number of choices may be increased by setting the notch range to be narrower than 15 °.
When the number of fingers Ngf of the operation switch 30 is 5, the input device 20 adjusts the volume according to the operation amount Dd of the operation switch 30 regardless of the contents of the audio source. That is, when the operation switch 30 is rotated clockwise as viewed from the user, the volume is increased, and when the operation switch 30 is rotated counterclockwise, the volume is decreased. At this time, the notch range Rn of the operation switch 30 is adjusted to the angular resolution of the operation switch 30. For example, when the operation amount Dd of the operation switch 30 can be detected every 1 °, the notch range Rn is 1 °.
(A-2-2-2. When the operation target device Otar is the navigation device 24)
As shown in FIG. 5, when the operation target device Otar is the navigation device 24 and the number of gripping fingers Ngf of the operation switch 30 is two, the input device 20 turns ON / OFF the setting of the home as the target point. Do. That is, when the user turns the operation switch 30 in a state where the number of gripping fingers Ngf of the operation switch 30 is 2, the home setting is switched ON and OFF, for example, every 90 °. The home setting is set in advance using the touch panel 120 of the navigation device 24.
When the number of gripping fingers Ngf of the operation switch 30 is 3, the input device 20 selects a route guidance item according to the operation amount Dd of the operation switch 30 (every 45 °). As the route guidance item, for example, display or guidance of a gas station, a convenience store, or the like can be included.
When the number of gripping fingers Ngf of the operation switch 30 is 4, the input device 20 displays a target point history list, and selects a target point according to the operation amount Dd of the operation switch 30 (every 15 °). . The target point history list is a list in which target points set in the past are listed and displayed on the touch panel 120. In the target point history list on the touch panel 120, a single target point is selected (active state). The input device 20 instructs the navigation device 24 to set the target point that has been selected when the operation switch 30 has been gripped as a new target point. In the target location history list, in addition to a plurality of target locations, options for cancellation are also displayed.
When the number of gripping fingers Ngf of the operation switch 30 is 5, the input device 20 enlarges or reduces the map displayed on the touch panel 120. For example, when the operation switch 30 is turned clockwise as viewed from the user, the map is enlarged, and when the operation switch 30 is turned counterclockwise, the map is reduced. At this time, the notch range Rn of the operation switch 30 is adjusted to the angular resolution of the operation switch 30. For example, when the operation amount Dd of the operation switch 30 can be detected every 1 °, the notch range Rn is 1 °.
As in the case of the operation switch 30, the notch range Rn can be changed as necessary in any case where the number of fingers Ngf of the operation switch 30 is 2 to 5. Even if the number of gripping fingers Ngf is the same, the notch range Rn may be different between the case where the operation target device Otar is the audio device 22 and the case where it is the navigation device 24.
(A-2-2-3. When the operation target device Otar is the air conditioner 26)
As shown in FIG. 5, when the operation target device Otar is the air conditioner 26 and the number of gripping fingers Ngf of the operation switch 30 is two, the input device 20 uses the outside air / inside air as the air intake of the air conditioner 26. Switch. That is, when the user turns the operation switch 30 with the number of gripping fingers Ngf of the operation switch 30 being two, outside air and inside air are switched, for example, every 90 °.
When the number of gripping fingers Ngf of the operation switch 30 is 3, the input device 20 adjusts the target sheet heater temperature according to the operation amount Dd of the operation switch 30 (every 45 °). In this embodiment, the target seat heater temperature is divided into four stages. For example, when the operation switch 30 is rotated clockwise as viewed from the user, the target seat heater temperature is increased. Even if it is further rotated clockwise with the maximum heating temperature set, it remains at the maximum heating temperature. When the operation switch 30 is turned counterclockwise, the target seat heater temperature is decreased. Even if it is further rotated counterclockwise in the state where the minimum heating temperature is set, the minimum heating temperature remains unchanged.
When the number of gripping fingers Ngf of the operation switch 30 is 4, the input device 20 adjusts the target indoor temperature. In this embodiment, the target room temperature is divided into 12 stages. For example, when the operation switch 30 is rotated clockwise as viewed from the user, the target indoor temperature is increased. Even if it is further rotated clockwise with the maximum room temperature set, the maximum room temperature remains the same. When the operation switch 30 is turned counterclockwise, the target indoor temperature is decreased. Even if it is further rotated counterclockwise with the minimum room temperature set, the minimum room temperature remains the same.
When the number of gripping fingers Ngf of the operation switch 30 is 5, the input device 20 adjusts the target air volume. For example, when the operation switch 30 is rotated clockwise as viewed from the user, the target air volume is increased, and when the operation switch 30 is rotated counterclockwise, the target air volume is decreased. At this time, the notch range Rn of the operation switch 30 is adjusted to the angular resolution of the operation switch 30. For example, when the operation amount Dd of the operation switch 30 can be detected every 1 °, the notch range Rn is 1 °.
When the number of gripping fingers Ngf of the operation switch 30 is 2 to 5, the notch range Rn can be changed as necessary when the operation target device Otar is the audio device 22 or the navigation device 24. It is the same. Note that even if the number of gripping fingers Ngf is the same, the notch range Rn may be different when the operation target device Otar is the audio device 22 and / or the navigation device 24.
<A-3. Effects of this embodiment>
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the number of fingers 300 that grip the operation switch 30 (operator) based on the contact position (detection result) of the finger 300 detected by the contact sensor 54 (finger sensor) ( The number of gripping fingers Ngf) is specified, and the type of operation command corresponding to the operation input to the operation switch 30 is switched according to the number of gripping fingers Ngf (S12, S14, and FIG. 5 in FIG. 4). Thus, the user can immediately switch the type of operation command corresponding to the operation input to the operation switch 30 only by changing the number of gripping fingers Ngf. In other words, the type of operation command can be switched and the content of the operation command can be input without a display device such as the touch panel 120 (however, such a display device may be used). Therefore, the operability of the operation target device Otar can be improved.
Further, according to the present embodiment, the contact sensor 54 that detects the contact position of each of the plurality of fingers 300 that hold the operation switch 30 is included in the operation switch 30 (FIG. 2C and the like). In other words, the contact sensor 54 is physically integrated with the operation switch 30. For this reason, it becomes possible to raise the freedom degree of design compared with the structure of the patent document 1 (structure which makes the touchpad 23 and the dial 41 physically separate).
In this embodiment, the operation switch 30 (operation element) is a dial switch (FIG. 2C etc.). Since the dial switch is easy to operate even if the number of gripping fingers Ngf changes, the user can easily switch the type of operation command by changing the number of gripping fingers Ngf.
In the present embodiment, the ECU 36 (computer) selects the type of operation command according to the number of gripping fingers Ngf, and then switches the content of the operation command according to the operation amount Dd of the operation switch 30 (S14 in FIG. 4). S17 and FIG. 5). Accordingly, it is possible to select the type of the operation command and switch the content of the operation command in a series of flows of the finger 300 touching the operation switch 30 and the operation of the operation switch 30. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.
In the present embodiment, the operation input device 20 includes a reaction force generator 32 that applies a reaction force Fr to the operation switch 30 (operator) (FIG. 1). Further, the ECU 36 (computer) changes the magnitude of the reaction force Fr in accordance with the number of gripping fingers Ngf (S16 in FIG. 4, FIG. 5). Thus, the user can know how many fingers 300 are currently recognized by recognizing the difference in the reaction force Fr. Moreover, it becomes easy to remain in a user's memory by using the reaction force Fr. Further, as the reaction force Fr is increased, the operation amount Dd of the operation switch 30 can be finely adjusted. Therefore, if the reaction force Fr is appropriately set, the operability of the operation switch 30 is improved. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.
In the present embodiment, the ECU 36 (computer) grasps a notch range Rn (and a notch number Nn associated with the notch range Rn) that defines a notch number Nn indicating the numerical value or the number of states to be switched by the operation switch 30 (operator). It changes according to the number of fingers Ngf (S14 in FIG. 4, FIG. 5). Accordingly, user convenience can be improved by flexibly switching the notch range Rn or the number of notches Nn according to the type of operation command specified by the number of gripping fingers Ngf.
In the present embodiment, the ECU 36 (computer) increases the number of notches Nn by narrowing the notch range Rn as the number of gripping fingers Ngf increases (S14 in FIG. 4, FIG. 5). Generally, as the number of gripping fingers Ngf increases, the operation switch 30 (operator) can be operated more finely. According to the present embodiment, the greater the number of fingers 300 in contact with the operation switch 30 (the number of gripping fingers Ngf), the greater the number of notches Nn, so that the operation capability of the finger 300 and the number of notches Nn associated with the number of gripping fingers Ngf. And the convenience of the user can be improved.
In the present embodiment, when the ECU 36 (computer) determines that the operation switch 30 (operator) is stopped (S18: YES in FIG. 4), the operation command type is allowed to be switched (S19: NO →). S12 → S13). When the ECU 36 determines that the operation switch 30 is moving (S18 in FIG. 4: NO), the ECU 36 prohibits switching of the type of operation command by repeating steps S15 to S18. Thereby, when the number of gripping fingers Ngf changes without the intention of the user, the convenience of the user can be improved by maintaining the type of operation command (or not switching).
In the present embodiment, the operation input device 20 includes a vibration generator 34 that applies a vibration V to the operation switch 30 (operator) (FIG. 1). Further, the ECU 36 (computer) causes the vibration generator 34 to generate a vibration V corresponding to the number of gripping fingers Ngf (S13 in FIG. 4). Accordingly, the user can recognize how many fingers 300 are currently recognized by recognizing the difference in vibration V. Moreover, by using the vibration V, it becomes easy to remain in the user's memory. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.
In the present embodiment, the operation switch 30 (operation element) includes a light emitting unit 56 (indicator) that notifies the number of gripping fingers Ngf by light emission (S15 in FIGS. 3A and 3B and FIG. 4). Thus, the user can know how many fingers 300 are currently recognized through the light emission of the light emitting unit 56. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.
B. Modifications It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is needless to say that various configurations can be adopted based on the description of the present specification. For example, the following configuration can be adopted.
<B-1. Applicable object>
In the above-described embodiment, the operation input device 20 is applied to the vehicle 10. However, the operation input device 20 is not limited thereto, for example, from the viewpoint of switching the type of operation command corresponding to the operation input according to the number of gripping fingers Ngf. For example, the present invention can be applied to a moving object such as a ship or an aircraft using the operation input device 20. Alternatively, the present invention may be applied to other apparatuses as long as the apparatus accepts a plurality of types of operation inputs, not limited to moving objects.
<B-2. Operation target device Otar>
In the said embodiment, the audio apparatus 22, the navigation apparatus 24, and the air conditioner 26 were mentioned as operation target apparatus Otar (FIG.1 and FIG.5). However, for example, from the viewpoint of switching the type of operation command corresponding to the operation input according to the number of gripping fingers Ngf, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in addition to or instead of the audio device 22, the navigation device 24, and the air conditioner 26, a head-up display (HUD), a hazard lamp, a room light, a defroster, a seat (reclining adjustment, etc.), a door mirror, a rear light, a door A window (driver side, passenger seat side), sunroof, or the like may be used as the operation target device Otar.
Alternatively, an electronic control unit (ECU) that controls the travel mode may be used as the operation target device Otar. In this case, the type of operation command includes the type of travel mode. The travel modes include, for example, modes (energy saving travel mode and sports travel mode) regarding differences due to energy efficiency for the same drive source (engine or the like). Or you may include the mode (for example, engine driving mode, motor driving mode) regarding selection of a plurality of drive sources (an engine, a driving motor, etc.).
Alternatively, the ECU that performs the travel assist control may be the operation target device Otar. In that case, the type of operation command includes the type of travel assist control. The travel assist control includes, for example, automatic cruise control (ACC), lane maintenance assist control, automatic lane change (ALC) control, and the like.
In the above embodiment, there are three operation target devices Otar: the audio device 22, the navigation device 24, and the air conditioner 26 (FIG. 1). However, for example, from the viewpoint of switching the type of operation command corresponding to the operation input according to the number of gripping fingers Ngf, the number of operation target devices Otar may be 1 or more (at least one).
<B-3. Operation switch 30>
In the embodiment described above, the audio device 22, the navigation device 24, and the air conditioner 26 are assigned to one operation switch 30 as the operation target device Otar (FIG. 5). However, for example, from the viewpoint of switching the type of operation command corresponding to the operation input according to the number of gripping fingers Ngf, the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, two or four or more operation target devices Otar may be assigned to one operation switch 30. Alternatively, one operation switch 30 may be associated with each operation target device Otar.
Alternatively, the operation target device Otar may be switched according to the number of gripping fingers Ngf. For example, when the number of gripping fingers Ngf is 2, the operation target device Otar can be the audio device 22, and when the number of gripping fingers Ngf is 3, the operation target device Otar can be the air conditioner 26. At this time, the correspondence relationship between the number of gripping fingers Ngf and the operation target device Otar may be switched by changing the setting via the touch panel 120 or the like. Alternatively, the ECU 36 may switch the operation target device Otar based on sound input through a microphone (not shown).
In the above embodiment, the operation switch 30 is a dial switch (FIG. 2C, etc.). However, for example, from the viewpoint of switching the type of operation command corresponding to the operation input according to the number of gripping fingers Ngf, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a switch such as a slide switch or a lever switch may be used as the operation switch 30.
In the above embodiment, the operation target device Otar corresponding to the operation switch 30 is set by operating the touch panel 120. However, for example, from the viewpoint of switching the type of operation command corresponding to the operation input according to the number of gripping fingers Ngf, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the operation target device Otar may be set by providing a changeover switch (not shown) that switches the operation target device Otar that is the target of the operation switch 30. In this case, the change-over switch may have a diameter (for example, a small diameter) different from that of the operation switch 30 so that the changeover switch can be separately rotated around a rotation axis common to the operation switch 30. Alternatively, one operation switch 30 may be provided for each operation target device Otar.
<B-4. Operation Switch 30 (Operator)>
In the above embodiment, the operation switch 30 is provided with the lifting mechanism 52 (FIG. 1). However, for example, from the viewpoint of the user operating with a plurality of fingers 300, the present invention is not limited to this, and the lifting mechanism 52 may be omitted.
<B-5. Contact sensor 54 (finger sensor)>
In the above-described embodiment, the contact sensor 54 is used as a finger sensor that detects each of the plurality of fingers 300 holding the operation switch 30 (operation element) (FIGS. 3A and 3B). However, for example, from the viewpoint of acquiring information on the finger 300 for specifying the number of gripping fingers Ngf, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an image sensor (not shown) that images the finger 300 may be used as the finger sensor. In this case, the ECU 36 can specify the number Ngf of gripping fingers by performing image processing on the image of the finger 300 acquired by the image sensor (the image in a state of gripping the operation switch 30).
<B-6. Selection of operation command type>
In the above embodiment, when the ECU 36 (computer) determines that the operation switch 30 (operator) is stopped (S18: YES in FIG. 4), it allows switching of the type of operation command (S19: NO → S12 → S13). Further, when the ECU 36 determines that the operation switch 30 is moving (S18 in FIG. 4: NO), the ECU 36 prohibits switching of the type of operation command by repeating steps S15 to S18. However, for example, from the viewpoint of permitting or prohibiting switching of the type of operation command according to the user's intention, the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, when the ECU 36 determines that a predetermined period (for example, any value between 0.2 and 1.0 seconds) has elapsed since the operation switch 30 (operator) stopped, the operation command type is switched. When it is determined that the predetermined period has not elapsed since the operation switch 30 stopped, switching of the operation command type may be prohibited.
In this embodiment, the type of operation command shown in FIG. 5 is used. However, for example, from the viewpoint of switching the type of operation command corresponding to the operation input according to the number of gripping fingers Ngf, the present invention is not limited to this. In addition, the type of operation command may be changed using the touch panel 120 or the like before the driving or during driving.
<B-7. Specification of the number of gripping fingers Ngf>
In the above embodiment, the number of gripping fingers Ngf is specified in the input detection unit 100 of the ECU 36 (S12 in FIG. 4). However, for example, from the viewpoint of specifying the number of gripping fingers Ngf, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a computer that specifies the number of gripping fingers Ngf may be provided as a unit together with the operation switch 30, and the number of gripping fingers Ngf may be specified by the computer. In other words, a part of the function of the ECU 36 may be provided separately.
<B-8. Notification of the number of gripping fingers Ngf>
In the above embodiment, in order to notify the user of the number of gripping fingers Ngf, the reaction force Fr by the reaction force generator 32 (S16 in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5) and the vibration V by the vibration generator 34 (in FIG. 4). S13) and light emission by the light emitting unit 56 (S15 in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4) were used. However, for example, from the viewpoint of notifying the user of the number of gripping fingers Ngf, the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, the vibration V may be generated not in the operation switch 30 but in another part (for example, a steering wheel or a driver's seat). In addition, the number of gripping fingers Ngf may be notified by light emission or display in another part (for example, an indicator such as a meter, HUD, or touch panel 120) instead of the operation switch 30. In this case, the number of gripping fingers Ngf may be notified by display of a numerical value indicating the number of gripping fingers Ngf or the number of lighting times or lighting time corresponding to the number of gripping fingers Ngf. Alternatively, any one or more of the reaction force Fr, vibration V, and light emission may be omitted. Alternatively, the ECU 36 may cause the speaker 122 to output a sound that notifies the number of gripping fingers Ngf.
<B-9. Notch range Rn (number of notches Nn)>
In the above embodiment, the greater the number of gripping fingers Ngf, the narrower the notch range Rn. In other words, the greater the number of gripping fingers Ngf, the greater the number of notches Nn (FIG. 5). However, for example, from the viewpoint of switching the type of operation command corresponding to the operation input according to the number of gripping fingers Ngf, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as the number of gripping fingers Ngf increases, the notch range Rn may be increased or the notch number Nn may be decreased. Alternatively, the number of gripping fingers Ngf may not be associated with the notch range Rn or the number of notches Nn.
20 ... Operation input device 22 ... Audio device (operation target device)
24 ... Navigation device (operation target device)
26 ... Air conditioner (operating equipment)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 30 ... Operation switch (operator) 32 ... Reaction force generator 34 ... Vibration generator 36 ... ECU (computer)
54 ... Contact sensor (finger sensor) 56 ... Light emitting part (indicator)
300 ... finger Dd ... dial switch operation amount Fr ... reaction force Ngf ... number of gripping fingers Nn ... number of notches Otar ... operation target device Pc ... contact position V ... vibration
A dial switch that the user operates with multiple fingers;
A computer for processing operation input to the dial switch and controlling at least one device to be operated;
The dial switch includes a finger sensor that detects each of the plurality of fingers that hold the dial switch ;
Based on the detection result of the finger sensor, specify the number of gripping fingers that is the number of fingers that grip the dial switch ,
Switching the type of operation command corresponding to the operation input according to the number of gripping fingers ,
When the dial switch is stopped or when it is determined that a predetermined period has elapsed since the dial switch stopped, allowing the switching of the type of operation command by the dial switch,
When the dial switch is moving or when it is determined that the predetermined period has not elapsed since the dial switch stopped, the operation of the type of the operation command by the dial switch is prohibited. Input device.
A computer that processes an operation input to the dial switch and controls at least one operation target device;
An operation input device having
The dial switch includes a finger sensor that detects each of the plurality of fingers that hold the dial switch;
Based on the detection result of the finger sensor, specify the number of gripping fingers that is the number of fingers that grip the dial switch,
Switching the type of operation command corresponding to the operation input according to the number of gripping fingers,
The operation input device includes a reaction force generator that applies a reaction force to the dial switch,
The computer changes the magnitude of the reaction force according to the number of gripping fingers.
An operation input device characterized by that.
The operation input device according to claim 1 or 2,
Select the type of operation command according to the number of gripping fingers,
Thereafter, the content of the operation command is switched according to the operation amount of the dial switch .
In the operation input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The operation input device, wherein the computer changes a number of notches indicating a numerical value or a number of states to be switched by the dial switch according to the number of gripping fingers.
The operation input device according to claim 4 ,
The operation input device, wherein the computer increases the number of notches as the number of gripping fingers increases.
In the operation input device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
The operation input device includes a vibration generating device that applies vibration to the dial switch ,
The operation input device, wherein the computer causes the vibration generating device to generate the vibration according to the number of gripping fingers.
In the operation input device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ,
The dial switch includes an indicator that notifies the number of gripping fingers by light emission or display.
JP2016134976A 2016-07-07 2016-07-07 Operation input device Active JP6342453B2 (en)
JP2016134976A JP6342453B2 (en) 2016-07-07 2016-07-07 Operation input device
CN201710415101.9A CN107589857A (en) 2016-07-07 2017-06-05 Operation input means
US15/643,927 US10248228B2 (en) 2016-07-07 2017-07-07 Operation input device
JP2018005763A JP2018005763A (en) 2018-01-11
JP6342453B2 true JP6342453B2 (en) 2018-06-13
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JP2016134976A Active JP6342453B2 (en) 2016-07-07 2016-07-07 Operation input device
US (1) US10248228B2 (en)
JP (1) JP6342453B2 (en)
CN (1) CN107589857A (en)
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JP2018005763A (en) 2018-01-11
US10248228B2 (en) 2019-04-02
CN102820875A (en) 2012-12-12 Proximity switch having sensitivity control and method therefor
EP2751646A1 (en) 2014-07-09 Vehicle&#39;s interactive system
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