JP7047657B2 - Vehicle operation device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a vehicle operating device.

Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle operation device including a display device having a touch panel and a switch having a mechanical intermittent contact such as a push button switch. According to such a vehicle operating device, the occupant can directly touch the touch panel of the display device with a finger to perform, for example, a car navigation operation or an audio operation.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2018-60388

By the way, in the operation device described in Patent Document 1, when the occupant directly touches the touch panel with his / her fingers, fingerprints or the like may adhere to the surface of the touch panel and become dirty. In order to eliminate such inconvenience, the touch panel is touched by a push button switch described in Patent Document 1 and a switch having a mechanical intermittent contact (hereinafter referred to as a physical switch) such as a rotary switch. It is possible to reduce the frequency. However, in this case, it becomes necessary to operate the physical switch in order to display the operation menu image on the display device or to select the selection item included in the operation menu image. In this case, if the physical switch is provided at a position away from the display device, the physical switch must be operated while visually observing the display device, leaving room for improvement in improving operability. It has become.

An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle operating device capable of improving operability.

The vehicle operating device for achieving the above object is a device mounted on the vehicle and operating the device, and is provided in the vehicle interior and through a housing having an opening in the front and the opening of the housing. A display unit that is visually recognized, a control unit that controls an image displayed on the display unit by outputting an image signal to the display unit, and a proximity operation that detects the proximity operation of the occupant's fingers to the housing. The display unit includes a detection unit and a contact detection unit provided on the side portion of the housing or the peripheral edge portion of the opening and detecting the contact of the occupant's fingers with the side portion or the peripheral edge portion. When the proximity motion of the occupant's finger is detected by the proximity motion detection unit, an operation menu image including a selection item selected based on the detection result of the contact detection unit is displayed.

According to the same configuration, when the proximity motion of the occupant's finger to the housing is detected by the proximity motion detection unit, the operation menu image is displayed on the display unit through the control of the control unit. Therefore, the occupant can display the operation menu image on the display unit by simply bringing his or her fingers close to the housing without touching the housing or the display unit. Further, until the operation menu image is displayed, another image such as a map image for car navigation can be displayed on the display unit. Then, in this state, by touching the side portion of the housing provided with the contact detection unit or the peripheral edge portion of the opening with a finger, it is possible to select the selection item included in the operation menu image. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the frequency with which the fingers touch the display unit for operation.

In the vehicle operation device, when the operation menu image is used as the first operation menu image, the proximity motion detection unit and the contact detection unit are provided on both sides of the housing in the width direction, respectively. When the proximity motion of the occupant's finger is detected by the proximity motion detection unit, the display unit is a region of the display unit on the side of the proximity motion detection unit that detects the proximity motion of the occupant's finger. It is preferable to display the first operation menu image.

According to the same configuration, when the proximity motion of the occupant's fingers is detected by the proximity motion detection unit, the first area of the display unit is the area on the side of the proximity motion detection unit that detects the proximity motion of the occupant's fingers. The operation menu image is displayed. In this way, since the first operation menu image is displayed in the area of the display unit close to the finger of the occupant to be operated, the occupant can easily visually recognize the selection items included in the first operation menu image. .. Then, intuitive operation can be performed by touching the side portion of the housing on the side close to the region or the peripheral edge portion of the opening. Therefore, the operability can be further improved.

In the vehicle operation device, the proximity motion detection unit and the contact detection unit are configured by the same capacitance type sensor, and the occupant's fingers are close to the sensor within a predetermined distance. When not, the detection sensitivity of the sensor is set to the first detection sensitivity, while when the occupant's fingers are close to the sensor within the predetermined distance, the detection sensitivity of the sensor is set to the first detection sensitivity. It is preferable to set the second detection sensitivity to be lower than that.

According to the same configuration, by switching the setting of the detection sensitivity of the capacitance type sensor in the above embodiment, the proximity motion detection unit and the contact detection unit can be configured by the same sensor. Therefore, it is not necessary to separately provide a proximity motion detection unit and a contact detection unit. Therefore, the vehicle operating device can be configured in a simple manner.

In the vehicle operation device, when the operation menu image is used as the first operation menu image, a plurality of the selection items are arranged side by side in the first operation menu image, and the contact detection unit is used. , It is provided corresponding to the position of the plurality of selection items, and is provided in the portion of the housing where the contact detection unit is provided, and the degree of pressing to detect the degree of pressing of the occupant's finger with respect to the portion. The display unit includes a detection unit, and the display unit is in contact with the occupant's fingers when the contact detection unit detects the contact of the occupant's fingers when the first operation menu image is displayed. When the display mode of one selection item corresponding to the portion is changed, while the degree of pressing of the finger detected by the degree of pressing detection unit is equal to or higher than a predetermined degree, it is assumed that the selection item is selected. It is preferable to display the second operation menu image corresponding to the selected item.

According to the same configuration, when the first operation menu image is displayed on the display unit, the occupant selects from the side portion of the housing provided with the contact detection unit or the peripheral portion of the opening. When a finger touches the portion corresponding to the position of the item, the display mode of the selected item is changed as if the selected item was tentatively selected. This allows the occupant to confirm the selection item to be selected. Further, when the finger is pushed in the state where the selected item is temporarily selected, the second operation menu image is displayed assuming that the selected item is finally selected. In this way, by selecting the selection item in two stages of provisional selection and final selection, it is possible to prevent the selection item from being erroneously selected.

In the vehicle operating device, the push-in degree detection unit outputs a voltage signal when it is pressed, while the piezoelectric element that vibrates when a voltage is applied to itself and the piezoelectric element press it. If this is the case, it is preferable to include a vibration control unit that controls the vibration of the piezoelectric element by applying a voltage to the piezoelectric element.

According to the same configuration, when the side portion of the housing provided with the piezoelectric element or the peripheral edge of the opening is pressed by a finger, the piezoelectric element vibrates by applying a voltage to the piezoelectric element. Therefore, tactile feedback can be presented to the occupant's fingers that have been pressed.

According to the present invention, the operability of the vehicle operating device can be improved.

A front view showing the operation device as the center for one embodiment of the operation device for a vehicle. The schematic diagram which shows the relationship with the operation apparatus and various devices of the same embodiment. The perspective view of the operation apparatus of the same embodiment. The cross-sectional view which shows the structure of the proximity motion detection part and the push degree detection part. The front view which shows the display part which displayed the 1st operation menu image and the radio menu image. The front view which shows the display part which displayed the volume bar image and the radio information image. The front view which shows the display part which displayed the 1st operation menu image and the air conditioning menu image. The front view which shows the display part which displayed the temperature bar image and the air volume bar image. The flowchart which shows the operation procedure of the operation device for a vehicle. The flowchart which shows the operation procedure of the operation device for a vehicle. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a vehicle operating device in a state where the first operation menu image is displayed by the proximity operation of the occupant's fingers. A perspective view showing a vehicle operating device in a state where a radio menu image is displayed. The perspective view which shows the operation device for a vehicle in the state which the selection position of the selection item of a radio menu image is changed by a slide operation. The perspective view which shows the operation device for a vehicle in the state which the volume bar image and the radio information image are displayed from the peripheral part of the display part. The perspective view which shows the operation device for a vehicle in the state which the volume of a radio is adjusted by a slide operation. The perspective view which shows the operation device for a vehicle in the state which the air-conditioning menu image is displayed. The perspective view which shows the operation device for a vehicle in the state which the selection position of the selection item of the air-conditioning menu image is changed by a slide operation. The perspective view which shows the operation device for a vehicle in the state which the air volume of an air conditioner is adjusted by a slide operation. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a vehicle operating device in a state where a first operation menu image is displayed by a close movement of fingers from the passenger seat side.

Hereinafter, one embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 19.
As shown in FIG. 1, an instrument panel 101 extending along the vehicle width direction W is provided in the vehicle interior of the vehicle. The central part of the instrument panel 101 in the vehicle width direction W, more specifically, between the driver's seat side (right side in the figure) and the passenger seat side (left side in the figure) where the steering wheel 102 is provided. A vehicle operating device (hereinafter referred to as an operating device 10) is provided in the portion.

As shown in FIG. 2, the operation device 10 is electrically connected to various devices 110 such as an audio device, an air conditioner, and a car navigation device mounted on a vehicle. The operating device 10 outputs a signal for operating the various devices 110 to the various devices 110 based on the input operation of the occupant.

As shown in FIG. 3, the operating device 10 includes a housing 11 having an opening 11a on the front surface, and a display unit 20 visually recognizable through the opening 11a of the housing 11. The housing 11 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape including a rectangular front surface having a pair of short sides along the vertical direction and a pair of long sides along the vehicle width direction W.

As shown in FIG. 2, the display unit 20 is composed of a liquid crystal panel or the like. A control unit 21 that controls an image displayed on the display unit 20 by outputting an image signal to the display unit 20 is electrically connected to the display unit 20.

<Proximity motion detection unit 30>
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the operation device 10 includes a proximity motion detection unit that detects the proximity motion of the occupant's finger (hereinafter, finger F) and a contact detection unit that detects the contact motion of the finger F. It is provided with a capacitance type proximity motion detection unit 30 that constitutes both.

The proximity motion detection unit 30 is arranged on both sides of the housing 11 in the vehicle width direction W, and has a pair of first proximity motion detection units 31 extending along the vertical direction and an opening 11a of the housing 11. It is provided with a second proximity motion detecting unit 32 arranged in the central portion of the lower peripheral edge portion. Further, the proximity motion detection unit 30 is provided on both sides of the lower peripheral edge portion of the same lower peripheral portion in the vehicle width direction W, and includes a pair of third proximity motion detection units 33 extending along the vehicle width direction W. ..

Since the structures of the proximity motion detection units 31, 32, 33 are basically the same, the first proximity motion detection unit 31 will be described below, and the other proximity motion detection units 32, 33 will be duplicated. The explanation is omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the first proximity motion detection unit 31 is made of an insulating material such as glass, and is arranged on the surface panel 34 constituting the side surface of the housing 11 and the back side of the surface panel 34. It is provided with a capacitance type proximity sensor 35 and a sensor circuit unit 36 electrically connected to the proximity sensor 35.

The proximity sensor 35 has an electrode plate (not shown) that constitutes a capacitor. When the finger F is close to the proximity sensor 35, a new capacitor is formed between the electrode plate and the finger F via the surface panel 34.

The proximity sensor 35 outputs a voltage signal corresponding to the capacitance C of the capacitor, which changes according to the distance D between the electrode plate and the finger F, to the sensor circuit unit 36. As the distance D between the electrode plate and the finger F increases, the capacitance C of the capacitor becomes smaller, and the voltage output from the proximity sensor 35 becomes smaller.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the sensor circuit unit 36 sets the voltage signal E corresponding to the capacitance C1 of the capacitor when the distance between the electrode plate and the finger F becomes a predetermined distance D1 as the first threshold value E1. ing. Further, the sensor circuit unit 36 determines that the distance between the electrode plate and the finger F is close to within the predetermined distance D1 when the voltage signal E changes from a state smaller than the first threshold value E1 to the first threshold value E1 or more. ..

Further, in the present embodiment, the voltage signal E corresponding to the capacitance C2 of the capacitor when the distance between the electrode plate and the finger F becomes a predetermined distance D2 smaller than the predetermined distance D1 is set as the second threshold value E2. It is set as. This predetermined distance D2 is the distance between the electrode plate and the finger F when the finger F is in contact with the surface panel 34. Further, the second threshold value E2 is an order of magnitude larger than the first threshold value E1 (E2 >> E1). The sensor circuit unit 36 determines that the finger F has come into contact with the surface panel 34 when the voltage signal E changes from a state smaller than the second threshold value E2 to a second threshold value E2 or more.

As described above, the first threshold value E1 for determining that the finger F is close to the predetermined distance D1 is much smaller than the second threshold value E2. Therefore, in the sensor circuit unit 36 of the present embodiment, when the finger F is not close to the electrode plate within a predetermined distance D1, the detection sensitivity of the proximity sensor 35 is set to the first detection sensitivity, while the electrode. When the finger F is close to the plate within a predetermined distance D1, the detection sensitivity of the proximity sensor 35 is set to the second detection sensitivity lower than the first detection sensitivity. That is, when the finger F is not close to the electrode plate within the predetermined distance D1, the minimum measurement of the voltage signal E output from the proximity sensor 35 is compared with the case where the finger F is close to the predetermined distance D1. The unit is made smaller. As a result, a slight change in the voltage signal E when the voltage signal E rises beyond the first threshold value E1 is accurately determined.

Further, the sensor circuit unit 36 detects an operation of sliding the finger F on the surface panel 34 (hereinafter referred to as a slide operation).
<Pushing degree detection unit 40>
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the operating device 10 has a pushing degree detecting unit that detects the pushing degree of the finger F with respect to the portion of the housing 11 provided with the proximity motion detecting units 31, 32, 33. 40 is provided. The push-in degree detection unit 40 outputs a voltage signal when it is pressed, and is electrically connected to a plurality of piezoelectric elements 41 that vibrate when a voltage is applied to itself and each piezoelectric element 41. It is provided with a vibration control unit 42 that controls the vibration of the piezoelectric element 41 by applying a voltage to the piezoelectric element 41 when the piezoelectric element 41 is pressed.

As shown in FIG. 4, the piezoelectric element 41 includes, for example, a thin plate-shaped piezoelectric ceramic and a pair of electrodes sandwiching the piezoelectric ceramic (both are not shown). Further, a plurality of piezoelectric elements 41 are arranged on the back side of the proximity sensor 35 at intervals in the extending direction of the proximity sensor 35. When the finger F is pushed against the surface panel 34, the surface panel 34 is slightly bent and the piezoelectric element 41 is pressed. At this time, the piezoelectric element 41 outputs a voltage signal according to the degree to which it is pressed to the vibration control unit 42. Then, the vibration control unit 42 intermittently applies a voltage to the piezoelectric element 41 according to the voltage signal output by the piezoelectric element 41. As a result, the piezoelectric element 41 vibrates with a magnitude corresponding to the degree to which it is pressed. The vibration of the piezoelectric element 41 is transmitted to the finger F via the surface panel 34.

The vibration control unit 42 determines whether or not the degree of pressing of the finger F with respect to the surface panel 34 is equal to or greater than a predetermined degree according to the magnitude of the voltage signal output from the piezoelectric element 41.
Next, the configuration of the image displayed on the display unit 20 based on the input operation by the finger F will be described.

As shown in FIG. 5, the first operation menu image 60 is displayed at the end of the display unit 20 in the vehicle width direction W. The second operation menu image 70 is displayed adjacent to the inside of the vehicle width direction W of the first operation menu image 60.

The first operation menu image 60 includes a plurality of (five in this embodiment) selection items, that is, a selection item 61 for selecting a car navigation function, a selection item 62 for selecting an air conditioning function, and a television function. It includes a selection item 63 for selecting, a selection item 64 for selecting a radio function, and a selection item 65 for selecting a telephone function. These five selection items 61 to 65 are arranged side by side along the vertical direction.

The second operation menu image 70 displayed when the selection item 64 is selected is the radio menu image 80, and has a plurality of selection items 81 to 85 for selecting a radio station.

As shown in FIG. 6, when any one of the plurality of selection items 81 to 85 of the radio menu image 80 is selected, the first operation menu image 60 and the radio menu image 80 are not displayed, but are displayed. The volume bar image 86 is displayed in the area where the first operation menu image 60 is displayed in the unit 20. Further, a radio information image 87 relating to information on the selected radio station or the like is displayed on the upper part of the display unit 20.

The volume bar image 86 displays the volume of the radio, and divides the lower limit value (MIN) and the upper limit value (MAX) of the volume into a plurality of stages (11 stages in this embodiment) in the vertical direction. It has multiple scales arranged in. Each scale has a long rod shape in the vehicle width direction W. Of the plurality of scales, the scale located at the center in the vertical direction has a shape longer in the vehicle width direction W than the other scales. This makes it easier to visually recognize the intermediate value of the volume.

The radio information image 87 displays radio station information such as the name and frequency of the radio station, numerical information of the set radio volume, and the like.
Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the second operation menu image 70 displayed when the selection item 62 is selected is the air conditioning menu image 90, and the plurality of selection items 91 to select the air conditioning mode. Has 94.

As shown in FIG. 8, when any one of the plurality of selection items 91 to 94 of the air conditioning menu image 90 is selected, the first operation menu image 60 and the air conditioning menu image 90 are not displayed, but are displayed. A pair of temperature bar images 95 are displayed on both sides of the unit 20 in the vehicle width direction W. Further, an air volume bar image 96 displaying the air volume of the conditioned air is displayed at the lower part of the display unit 20. The temperature bar image 95 includes an operation key image for changing the temperature in the vehicle interior and a selected air conditioning mode image.

Next, a processing procedure executed by the operating device 10 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. It should be noted that this series of processes is repeatedly executed when the accessory switch of the automobile is in the ON state.

As shown in FIG. 9, in this series of processes, first, the control unit 21 causes the display unit 20 to display the car navigation image 50 (step S1). At this time, the detection sensitivities of the proximity motion detection units 31 to 33 are set to the first detection sensitivity (step S2).

Next, the sensor circuit unit 36 determines whether or not the voltage signal E output from the proximity sensor 35 is equal to or greater than the first threshold value E1. That is, it is determined whether or not the finger F is close to the electrode plate within a predetermined distance D1.

Here, when it is determined that the voltage signal E is not equal to or higher than the first threshold value E1 (step S3: NO), the determination process of step S2 is repeatedly executed.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the voltage signal E is smaller than the first threshold value E1 (step S3: YES), it is assumed that the finger F is close to the electrode plate within the predetermined distance D1, and then the control is performed. The unit 21 displays the first operation menu image 60 on the display unit 20 (step S4), and proceeds to step S5.

At this time, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, when the finger F is brought close to the first proximity motion detection unit 31 from one side (right side in the figure) of the vehicle width direction W, the right end side of the display unit 20 is obtained. The first operation menu image 60 is displayed.

In step S5, the detection sensitivity of the proximity motion detection units 31 to 33 is set to the second detection sensitivity.
Next, the sensor circuit unit 36 determines whether or not the voltage signal E output from the proximity sensor 35 is equal to or greater than the second threshold value E2 (step S6). That is, it is determined whether or not the finger F is in contact with the surface panel 34 provided with the proximity motion detection units 31 to 33.

Here, when it is determined that the voltage signal E is not equal to or higher than the second threshold value E2 (step S6: NO), it is assumed that the finger F is not in contact with the surface panel 34, and then the control unit 21 steps. The elapsed time t1 after the affirmative judgment is made in S3 is measured (step S7).

Next, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the elapsed time t1 is 2 seconds or more (step S8). Here, when it is determined that the elapsed time t1 is not 2 seconds or more (step S8: NO), the determination process of step S7 is repeatedly executed.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the elapsed time t1 is 2 seconds or more (step S7: YES), it is assumed that the occupant has no intention of input operation, and this series of processing is terminated.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the voltage signal E is equal to or higher than the second threshold value E2 (step S6: YES), the control unit 21 then determines the plurality of selection items 61 included in the first operation menu image 60. Assuming that one of the selection items corresponding to the position of the finger F in contact with the surface panel 34 is tentatively selected, the display mode is changed (step S9). In this embodiment, the selected item is turned on.

Next, the push-in degree detection unit 40 determines whether or not the push-in operation of the finger F with respect to the front panel 34 is detected (step S10).
Here, if it is determined that the pushing operation has not been detected (step S10: NO), the process proceeds to step S6.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the pushing operation is detected (step S10: YES), the control unit 21 assumes that the tentatively selected selection items 61 to 65 are finally selected, and as shown in FIG. The operation menu image 70 of 2 is displayed (step S11), and then the process proceeds to step S12.

At this time, for example, when the selection item 64 for selecting the radio function is finally selected, as shown in FIG. 12, the radio menu image 80 is the first operation menu image 60 as the second operation menu image 70. It is displayed at the position adjacent to. Further, the selection item 81 located at the highest level among the plurality of selection items 81 to 85 included in the radio menu image 80 is lit. This indicates a state in which the selection item 81 is tentatively selected.

Further, for example, when the selection item 62 for selecting the air conditioning function is finally selected, as shown in FIG. 16, the air conditioning menu image 90 becomes the first operation menu image 60 as the second operation menu image 70. Displayed in adjacent positions. Further, the selection item 91 located at the highest level among the plurality of selection items 91 to 94 included in the air conditioning menu image 90 is lit. This indicates a state in which the selection item 91 is tentatively selected.

In step S12, similarly to step S6, the sensor circuit unit 36 determines whether or not the voltage signal E output from the proximity sensor 35 is equal to or higher than the second threshold value E2. That is, it is determined whether or not the finger F is in contact with the surface panel 34.

Here, when it is determined that the voltage signal E is not equal to or higher than the second threshold value E2 (step S12: NO), it is assumed that the finger F is not in contact with the surface panel 34, and then the control unit 21 controls step S10. The elapsed time t2 from the affirmative judgment in is measured (step S13).

Next, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the elapsed time t2 is 2 seconds or more (step S14). When it is determined that the elapsed time t2 is not 2 seconds or more (step S14: NO), the determination process of step S13 is repeatedly executed.

Here, when it is determined that the elapsed time t is 2 seconds or more (step S14: YES), it is assumed that the occupant has no intention of input operation, and this series of processing is terminated.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the voltage signal E is equal to or higher than the second threshold value E2 (step S12: YES), it is assumed that the finger F comes into contact with the surface panel 34, and then the sensor circuit unit 36 slides. It is determined whether or not it has been performed (step S15). Here, if the slide operation is not performed (step S15: NO), the process proceeds to step S17.

On the other hand, when the slide operation is performed (step S15: YES), the control unit 21 is one of the selection items 81 to 85 (91 to 94) corresponding to the position of the finger F moved by the slide operation. The selection item 83 (93) is turned on (see step S16, FIGS. 13 and 17). Then, the process proceeds to step S17. In this case, the slide operation may be detected starting from the portion of the front panel 34 where the pushing operation is performed, or the slide operation may be detected starting from a portion different from the portion. May be good.

In step S17, it is determined whether or not the push-in operation of the finger F with respect to the surface panel 34 is detected by the push-in degree detection unit 40.
Here, if it is determined that the pushing operation has not been detected (step S17: NO), the process proceeds to step S12.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the pushing operation is detected (step S17: YES), it is assumed that the selection item in the temporarily selected state among the selection items 81 to 85 (91 to 94) is finally selected. The function of the device corresponding to the selected item is executed (step S18).

At this time, for example, when the radio function is selected, as shown in FIG. 14, the volume bar image 86 is displayed from the right end side of the display unit 20 and from the upper part of the display unit 20. Displays the radio information image 87.

Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the volume of the radio can be adjusted by a slide operation. At this time, the control unit 21 increases the voltage applied to the piezoelectric element 41 so that the vibration of the piezoelectric element 41 increases as the volume of the radio increases. That is, the louder the volume of the radio is set by the slide operation, the louder the vibration transmitted to the finger F.

Further, for example, when the air conditioning function is selected, as shown in FIG. 18, a pair of temperature bar images 95 are displayed from both sides of the display unit 20 in the vehicle width direction W, and from the lower part of the display unit 20. The air volume bar image 96 is displayed.

As shown in the figure, the air volume of the air conditioner can be adjusted by sliding the finger F on the third proximity motion detection unit 33.
Then, this series of processing is terminated.

As shown in FIG. 19, the input operation of the operation device 10 described above can also be performed from the other side (left side in the figure) in the vehicle width direction W. In this case, the first operation menu image 60 and the second operation menu image 70 are displayed from the other side of the display unit 20 in the vehicle width direction W. Therefore, in the operating device 10, the same operation can be performed from both sides in the vehicle width direction W.

In such an operation, it is possible to shift to step S1 by pressing the second proximity motion detection unit 32 even during any of the above-mentioned operations.
The operation and effect of this embodiment will be described.

(1) The operating device 10 outputs an image signal to the housing 11 provided in the vehicle interior and having an opening 11a on the front surface, the display unit 20 visually recognized through the opening 11a of the housing 11, and the display unit 20. A control unit 21 for controlling an image displayed on the display unit 20 is provided. In addition, the proximity movement of the occupant's finger F to the housing 11 is detected, and the contact of the occupant's finger F with respect to the housing 11 is detected on both sides of the housing 11 in the vehicle width direction. The proximity motion detection unit 31 of 1 is provided. When the display unit 20 detects the proximity motion of the occupant's finger F by the first proximity motion detection unit 31, the display unit 20 is the first proximity motion detection unit that detects the proximity motion of the occupant's finger F in the display unit 20. The first operation menu image 60 is displayed in the area on the 31 side.

According to such a configuration, when the proximity motion of the occupant's finger F is detected by the first proximity motion detection unit 31, the first proximity motion detection that detects the proximity motion of the occupant's finger F in the display unit 20 The first operation menu image 60 is displayed in the area on the unit 31 side. Therefore, the occupant simply brings the finger F close to the housing 11 and detects the close movement of the occupant's finger F without touching the housing 11 or the display unit 20. The first operation menu image 60 can be displayed in the area on the side. In this way, since the first operation menu image 60 is displayed in the area of the display unit 20 near the finger F of the occupant to be operated, the occupant can select the selection item 61 included in the first operation menu image 60. It becomes easier to visually recognize ~ 65. Then, intuitive operation can be performed by touching the side portion of the housing 11 on the side close to the region.

Further, until the first operation menu image 60 is displayed, another image such as a car navigation image 50 can be displayed on the display unit 20. Then, in this state, by touching the side portion of the housing 11 provided with the first proximity motion detecting unit 31 with the finger F, the selection items 61 to 65 included in the first operation menu image 60 are touched. Can be selected. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the frequency with which the finger F touches the display unit 20 for operation. Therefore, the operability of the operating device 10 can be improved.

Further, for example, when the display unit 20 is enlarged, there is a possibility that the end portion of the display unit 20 opposite to the occupant cannot be reached when the occupant is seated in the vehicle interior.
In this regard, according to the above configuration, since the first proximity motion detecting unit 31 is provided on both sides of the housing 11 in the vehicle width direction W, the occupant operates the operating device 10 at a position close to itself. be able to. In addition, if the operation device 10 is operated by the side portion of the housing 11, the locations where the operation device 10 is operated can be concentrated on the side portion of the housing 11, so that the display unit 20 is enlarged. can do.

(2) The proximity motion detection unit and the contact detection unit are composed of the same proximity motion detection unit 30 including a capacitance type sensor. The proximity motion detection unit 30 sets the detection sensitivity of the proximity motion detection unit 30 to the first detection sensitivity when the occupant's finger F is not close to the proximity motion detection unit 30 within a predetermined distance, while the proximity motion detection unit 30 is close. When the occupant's finger F is close to the motion detection unit 30 within a predetermined distance, the detection sensitivity of the proximity motion detection unit 30 is set to a second detection sensitivity lower than the first detection sensitivity.

According to such a configuration, by switching the setting of the detection sensitivity of the proximity motion detection unit 30 in the above embodiment, the proximity motion detection unit and the contact detection unit can be configured by the same proximity motion detection unit 30. Therefore, it is not necessary to separately provide a proximity motion detection unit and a contact detection unit. Therefore, the operating device 10 can be configured in a simple manner.

(3) A plurality of selection items 61 to 65 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction in the first operation menu image 60, and the first proximity motion detection unit 31 has a plurality of selection items 61 to 65. It is provided along the vertical direction corresponding to the position of. Further, the operation device 10 includes a push-in degree detection unit 40 that detects the push-in degree of the occupant's finger F with respect to the portion of the housing 11 provided with the first proximity motion detection unit 31. When the first operation menu image 60 is displayed, the display unit 20 displays the contact portion of the occupant's finger F when the first proximity motion detection unit 31 detects the contact with the occupant's finger F. The display mode of one corresponding selection item is changed. On the other hand, when the degree of pressing of the finger F detected by the degree of pressing detection unit 40 is equal to or higher than a predetermined degree, the second operation menu image 70 is displayed assuming that the selected item is selected.

According to such a configuration, when the first operation menu image 60 is displayed on the display unit 20, the occupant will select from the side portions of the housing 11 provided with the first proximity motion detection unit 31. When the finger F touches the portion corresponding to the position of the selected item, the display mode of the selected item is changed as if the selected item was tentatively selected. This allows the occupant to confirm the selection item to be selected. Further, when the finger F is pressed while the selected item is temporarily selected, the second operation menu image 70 is displayed assuming that the selected item is finally selected. In this way, by selecting the selection item in two stages of provisional selection and final selection, it is possible to prevent the selection item from being erroneously selected.

(4) The push-in degree detection unit 40 outputs a voltage signal when it is pressed, while the piezoelectric element 41 that vibrates when a voltage is applied to itself and the piezoelectric element 41 are pressed. Also includes a vibration control unit 42 that controls the vibration of the piezoelectric element 41 by applying a voltage to the piezoelectric element 41.

According to such a configuration, when the side portion of the housing 11 provided with the piezoelectric element 41 or the peripheral edge portion of the opening is pressed by the finger F, a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element 41 to cause the piezoelectric element 41 to be pressed. Vibrate. Therefore, it is possible to present tactile feedback to the finger F of the occupant who has been pressed.

(5) The display unit 20 displays the second operation menu image 70 at a position adjacent to the first operation menu image 60.
According to such a configuration, the second operation menu image 70 is displayed at a position adjacent to the first operation menu image 60. That is, the first operation menu image 60 and the second operation menu image 70 are displayed side by side in the area of the display unit 20 near the finger F of the occupant to be operated. Therefore, the occupant can easily visually recognize the selection item selected by himself / herself and the second operation menu image 70 corresponding thereto, and can perform an intuitive operation.

This embodiment can be modified and implemented as follows. The present embodiment and the following modified examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically consistent range.
The push-in degree detection unit 40 includes a piezoelectric element 41 and a vibration control unit 42, but instead of this, a proximity motion detection unit 30 equipped with a capacitance type sensor is applied as a push-in degree detection unit. You can also do it. That is, it is also possible to determine the degree of pressing of the finger F based on the change in the capacitance of the proximity motion detecting unit 30 accompanying the pressing of the surface panel 34 by the finger F.

The push-in degree detection unit 40 may include an actuator different from the piezoelectric element 41 such as an eccentric motor or a solenoid.
-In the above embodiment, as an example of changing the display mode of the selection item of the display unit 20, the mode in which the selection item is lit has been described. Alternatively, for example, other modes such as blinking, magnifying, and swinging the selected item can be adopted. In short, it suffices as long as it is possible to visually recognize that the selection item is selected.

-In the above embodiment, the proximity motion detection unit and the contact detection unit are configured by the proximity motion detection unit 30 having the same capacitance type proximity sensor 35, but the capacitance type sensor is adopted as the contact detection unit. In addition, the contact detection unit and the proximity motion detection unit can be configured separately, such as by adopting an infrared sensor as the proximity motion detection unit.

In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the selection item of the first operation menu image 60 is selected by detecting the pressing operation of the finger F by the pressing degree detecting unit 40 is illustrated. Instead of this, the proximity motion detection unit 30 detects the contact operation of the finger F with the surface panel 34 of the proximity motion detection unit 30, so that the selection item of the first operation menu image 60 is selected. You can also do it.

For example, the second proximity motion detection unit 32 is arranged at the center of the upper peripheral edge portion of the opening 11a of the housing 11, and the pair of third proximity motion detection units 33 are arranged in the vehicle width direction W of the upper peripheral edge portions. It can also be placed on both sides. Further, such a proximity motion detection unit can be arranged on the left and right peripheral portions of the opening 11a.

The second operation menu image 70 may be displayed at a position adjacent to the first operation menu image 60, and may not be displayed from the side on which the first operation menu image 60 is displayed. ..

When displaying the second operation menu image 70, it is possible not to display the first operation menu image 60.
-In the above embodiment, the first operation menu image 60 is displayed on the display unit 20 by detecting the proximity motion of the finger F by the first proximity motion detection unit 31. Instead of, or in addition to this, the second proximity motion detection unit 32 detects the proximity motion of the finger, so that the first operation menu image 60 and the second operation menu image 70 are displayed. It can also be displayed at 20.

The operating device 10 may include a physical switch having a mechanical intermittent contact in addition to the proximity motion detecting unit 30.

10 ... Operating device, 11 ... Housing, 11a ... Opening, 20 ... Display unit, 21 ... Control unit, 30 ... Proximity motion detection unit, 31 ... First proximity motion detection unit, 32 ... Second proximity motion detection unit , 33 ... 3rd proximity motion detection unit, 34 ... surface panel, 35 ... proximity sensor, 36 ... sensor circuit unit, 40 ... push degree detection unit, 41 ... piezoelectric element, 42 ... vibration control unit, 50 ... car navigation image , 60 ... first operation menu image, 61 ... selection item, 62 ... selection item, 63 ... selection item, 64 ... selection item, 65 ... selection item, 70 ... second operation menu image, 80 ... radio menu image, 81 ... selection item, 82 ... selection item, 83 ... selection item, 84 ... selection item, 85 ... selection item, 86 ... volume bar image, 87 ... radio information image, 90 ... air conditioning menu image, 91 ... selection item, 92 ... Selection item, 93 ... Selection item, 94 ... Selection item, 95 ... Temperature bar image, 96 ... Air volume bar image, 101 ... Instrument panel, 102 ... Steering wheel, 110 ... Various devices.

Claims (4)

A device that is mounted on a vehicle and operates equipment.
A housing that is installed in the passenger compartment and has an opening in the front,
A display unit that is visible through the opening of the housing and
A control unit that controls an image displayed on the display unit by outputting an image signal to the display unit.
A proximity motion detection unit that detects the proximity motion of the occupant's fingers to the housing,
A contact detection unit provided on the side of the housing or the peripheral edge of the opening to detect contact of the occupant's fingers with respect to the side surface or the peripheral edge.
The housing is provided with a push-in degree detection unit provided in a portion of the housing in which the contact detection portion is provided and for detecting the push-in degree of the occupant's fingers with respect to the portion .
When the proximity motion of the occupant's finger is detected by the proximity motion detection unit, the display unit displays a first operation menu image including a selection item selected based on the detection result of the contact detection unit.
In the first operation menu image, a plurality of the selection items are arranged side by side.
The contact detection unit is provided corresponding to the position of a plurality of the selection items.
When the first operation menu image is displayed, the display unit may display the first operation menu image.
When the contact detection unit detects the contact of the occupant's fingers, the display mode is changed to the provisional selection for changing the display mode of one of the selection items corresponding to the portion in contact with the fingers. With respect to the portion corresponding to the selection item and in contact with the fingers, the display mode is changed when the degree of pressing of the fingers detected by the degree of pressing detection unit is equal to or higher than a predetermined degree. Based on the main selection assuming that the selection item is selected and the selection of the selection item divided into two stages.
The second operation menu image corresponding to the selection item selected by the main selection is displayed at a position adjacent to the first operation menu image.
Operation device for vehicles. The proximity motion detection unit and the contact detection unit are provided on both sides of the housing in the width direction corresponding to each other.
When the proximity motion of the occupant's finger is detected by the proximity motion detection unit, the display unit is located in the area of the display unit on the side of the proximity motion detection unit where the proximity motion of the occupant's finger is detected. Display the operation menu image of 1.
The vehicle operating device according to claim 1. The proximity motion detection unit and the contact detection unit are composed of the same capacitance type sensor, and the detection sensitivity of the sensor when the occupant's fingers are not close to the sensor within a predetermined distance. Is set to the first detection sensitivity, while the detection sensitivity of the sensor is lower than the first detection sensitivity when the occupant's fingers are close to the sensor within the predetermined distance. Set to sensitivity,
The vehicle operating device according to claim 1 or 2. The push-in degree detection unit outputs a voltage signal when it is pressed, while the piezoelectric element that vibrates when a voltage is applied to itself and the piezoelectric element when the piezoelectric element is pressed. A vibration control unit that controls the vibration of the piezoelectric element by applying a voltage to the element is provided.
The vehicle operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 .

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