JP2014061753A - On-vehicle equipment operating device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a malfunction and enable input of accurate operation information, even when a driver unconsciously touches operation means by a steering operation during vehicle travel.SOLUTION: An on-vehicle equipment operating device includes a main operation unit 110 that is provided on a surface of a steering wheel 100 of a vehicle to operate a wide variety of pieces of equipment mounted on the vehicle, and an auxiliary operation unit 120 that is provided on the surface of the steering wheel 100 of the vehicle to permit input into the main operation unit 110. The main operation unit 110 is a touch pad which is internally equipped with a dead band and in which a plurality of electrodes are arrayed as a center point of the dead band on the periphery of it.

Description

  The present invention relates to an in-vehicle device operating device that operates various devices mounted on a vehicle.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a technique for operating a variety of devices mounted on a vehicle by providing a switch or the like on a steering wheel is known. This is because, for example, a matrix switch having a plurality of switches for detecting an area when pressed by an operating finger, a touch tracer, and a touch panel are arranged on the spokes of the steering wheel, and further, the operation and operation state of the on-vehicle equipment are determined. A monitor or a head-up display is used as the display device to be shown (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  In addition, in order to prevent the driver from losing aesthetics by providing an operation unit on the steering wheel of the vehicle that allows operation input of a large number of in-vehicle device functions, the steering of the arranged vehicle is prevented. A counter electrode is provided in the ring portion of the wheel, an operation signal is output to one of both electrodes constituting the counter electrode, a signal reflecting the inter-electrode impedance Z of the counter electrode is detected based on the operation signal, Based on the detection signal, a technique is disclosed in which if the control unit determines whether or not a predetermined operation has been performed on the counter electrode and determines that there has been a predetermined operation, a predetermined control content is executed ( For example, see Patent Document 2.)

JP 2000-71809 A JP 2009-248687 A

  However, in the conventional technology as described above, since a switch or the like as an operation unit is provided on the steering wheel, a malfunction occurs when the driver unintentionally touches the operation unit due to a steering operation during traveling. There was a problem that it would occur. In particular, when an erroneous operation is performed as a result of the driver's conscious operation, the erroneous operation may be noticed by display on the display device as in Patent Document 1, but the driver may When the operation means is unconsciously touched, the driver does not have the consciousness of the operation. Therefore, even if there is a display device as in Patent Document 1, an incorrect operation is performed without paying attention to the display contents. There is a high possibility of being.

  Further, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2, since an operation is performed by contacting an operation unit provided on the steering wheel, the driver unintentionally touches the operation unit by a steering operation during traveling. If this happens, there is a risk that the possibility of malfunction will increase further.

  In addition, particularly when the operation input unit is configured by a touch panel or the like, there is a problem in operability when the operation input unit is a plane and considering safe traveling of the vehicle.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and even if the driver unintentionally touches the operation means by the steering operation while traveling, the malfunction is prevented and the accurate operation is prevented. It is an object of the present invention to provide an in-vehicle device operation device that enables input of various operation information.

  The present invention proposes the following matters in order to solve the above problems. In addition, in order to make an understanding easy, although the code | symbol corresponding to embodiment of this invention is attached | subjected and demonstrated, it is not limited to this.

  (1) The present invention is provided on the surface of a vehicle steering wheel (e.g., corresponding to the steering wheel 100 in FIG. 1), and operates a main operation unit (e.g., main unit in FIG. 10) for operating various devices mounted on the vehicle. An operation unit 110) and a sub operation unit (for example, FIG. 10) provided on the surface of a vehicle steering wheel (for example, the steering wheel 100 in FIG. 1) and permitting input to the main operation unit. The main operation unit is a touch pad having a dead zone inside and a plurality of electrodes arranged around the dead zone as a central point. An in-vehicle device operating device is proposed.

  According to the present invention, since the sub operation unit for permitting the input to the main operation unit is provided, it is possible to prevent erroneous input of the operation input. Further, the main operation unit includes a dead zone inside, and a plurality of electrodes are arranged around the dead zone as a central point. Therefore, in a form without such an insensitive body, when the circular arc input is performed near the center of the main operation unit, a plurality of electrodes are gathered in a narrow area, and thus the circular arc input cannot be accurately recognized from the signals from the electrodes. If there is a dead zone inside and a plurality of electrodes are arranged around the dead zone as described above, if you operate without touching the dead zone, The circular arc input can be clearly recognized by the signal. Also, because the number of electrodes that generate signals differs between horizontal slide input, vertical slide input, and arc input, it is possible to distinguish horizontal slide input, vertical slide input, and arc input from this point. It is. Also, when touching the dead zone, when performing a contact operation using horizontal slide input, vertical slide input, arc input, etc., not only detecting the contact area, but also when performing horizontal slide input and vertical slide input. Because the dead zone is provided in the center, the input signal is interrupted when trying to pass through all the electrodes in a straight line, whereas in the case of arc input, contact is made so that all the electrodes are traced around the dead zone. The operation is performed. Therefore, since the input signal is continuous, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection due to the rough input by the operator.

  (2) According to the present invention, in the in-vehicle device operation device of (1), the main operation unit (e.g., corresponding to the main operation unit 110 in FIG. 1) has a triangular shape divided into a diagonal line centered on the dead zone. A vehicle-mounted device operating device is proposed, which is a touch pad (for example, see FIG. 3) formed by combining electrodes.

  According to this invention, the touch pad is configured by combining triangular electrodes divided diagonally with the dead zone as the center. Therefore, in a form without such an insensitive body, when the circular arc input is performed near the center of the main operation unit, a plurality of electrodes are gathered in a narrow area, and thus the circular arc input cannot be accurately recognized from the signals from the electrodes. If there is a dead zone inside and a plurality of electrodes are arranged around the dead zone as described above, if you operate without touching the dead zone, The circular arc input can be clearly recognized by the signal. Also, because the number of electrodes that generate signals differs between horizontal slide input, vertical slide input, and arc input, it is possible to distinguish horizontal slide input, vertical slide input, and arc input from this point. It is. Also, when touching the dead zone, when performing a contact operation using horizontal slide input, vertical slide input, arc input, etc., not only detecting the contact area, but also when performing horizontal slide input and vertical slide input. Because the dead zone is provided in the center, the input signal is interrupted when trying to pass through all the electrodes in a straight line, whereas in the case of arc input, contact is made so that all the electrodes are traced around the dead zone. The operation is performed. Therefore, since the input signal is continuous, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection due to the rough input by the operator.

  (3) The present invention proposes an in-vehicle device operation device according to (1), wherein the dead zone is formed in a concave shape or a convex shape (see, for example, FIGS. 4 and 5). doing.

  According to the present invention, since the dead zone is formed in a concave shape, when an operation is performed without touching the dead zone, an operation error can be made by touching the concave dead zone during horizontal slide input and vertical slide input. In the case of performing an operation by touching the dead zone, the correctness of the operation can be recognized by touching the concave dead zone. On the other hand, in the case of arc input, accurate input can be guided without being conscious so as not to touch the concave dead zone. In addition, the dead zone is formed in a convex shape, and when operating without touching the dead zone, do not be aware of the operation that avoids the convex dead zone when performing horizontal slide input and vertical slide input. Therefore, even in the case of circular arc input, the operation can be performed without being aware of the periphery of the convex dead zone, so that accurate input can be guided without being aware of it.

  (4) According to the present invention, in the in-vehicle device operating device according to (1), the sub-operator can move the thumb of the driver that can be operated on the steering wheel while holding the grip portion of the steering wheel. An in-vehicle device operating device is proposed which is arranged in a fulcrum area (see, for example, FIG. 2).

  According to this invention, since the sub-operation part is arranged in the movable fulcrum area of the driver's thumb that can be operated on the steering wheel while holding the grip part of the steering wheel, the steering wheel is gripped. In this state, the sub-operation unit can be operated smoothly.

  (5) The present invention includes the control unit (for example, equivalent to the control unit 400 of FIG. 10) that controls the sub-operation unit, the main operation unit, and the various devices with respect to the in-vehicle device operation device of (1), The control unit proposes an in-vehicle device operation device characterized in that the operation of the main operation unit is validated when the sub operation unit is operated for a predetermined time.

  According to this invention, the control unit validates the operation of the main operation unit when the sub operation unit is operated for a predetermined time. Therefore, even if the driver accidentally touches the sub operation unit, the operation of the main operation unit can be prevented by invalidating the operation of the main operation unit.

  (6) The present invention includes a control unit that controls the sub-operation unit, the main operation unit, and the various devices with respect to the in-vehicle device operation device of (1), wherein the sub-operation unit has a predetermined period of time. The in-vehicle device operating device is characterized in that, when operated, the operation of the main operation unit is made valid within a predetermined time.

  According to the present invention, the control unit validates the operation of the main operation unit within a predetermined time when the sub operation unit is operated for a predetermined time. Therefore, even if the sub-operation unit and the main operation unit are consciously operated and then the main operation unit is accidentally touched, erroneous operation of the main operation unit can be prevented.

  (7) The present invention provides a display unit (for example, FIG. 10) that displays an operation target menu that can be operated in the main operation unit when the sub-operation unit is operated. The vehicle-mounted device operating device is provided with a display device 300).

  According to the present invention, the display unit displays the operation target menu that can be operated in the main operation unit when the sub operation unit is operated, so that the driver does not look away from the traveling direction. Operations can be performed as intended.

  (8) The present invention proposes an in-vehicle device operation device according to (7), wherein the display unit further displays that the operation effective time of the main operation unit has elapsed. doing.

  According to this invention, since the display unit further displays that the operation effective time of the main operation unit has elapsed, it is possible to notify the driver of the elapse of the operation effective time of the main operation unit.

  According to the present invention, even if the driver accidentally touches the main operation unit 110, if there is no operation of the sub operation unit 120, the input from the main operation unit 110 is invalidated. There is an effect that the malfunction of 110 can be prevented. Even if the driver accidentally touches the main operation unit 110 and the sub operation unit 120 at the same time, if the operation of the sub operation unit 120 does not continue for a predetermined time, the input from the main operation unit is invalidated. Therefore, there is an effect that the malfunction of the main operation unit 110 can be prevented. Furthermore, the main operation unit 110 is a touch pad that has a dead zone inside and is a combination of triangular electrodes formed by connecting the center point of the dead zone and two of the four corner points of the main operation unit. Therefore, there is an effect that the horizontal slide input, the vertical slide input, and the arc input can be accurately identified.

It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the vehicle equipment operation device concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the arrangement | positioning relationship of the main operation part which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and a suboperation part. It is a top view of the main operation part which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the main operation part which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the main operation part which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which illustrated the input form to the main operation part which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which illustrated the input form to the main operation part which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which illustrated the input form to the main operation part which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which illustrated the input form to the main operation part which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which illustrated the input form to the main operation part which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the electrical constitution of the vehicle equipment operation device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the process of the vehicle equipment operation device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the modification of the main operation part which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the modification of the main operation part which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
Note that the constituent elements in the present embodiment can be appropriately replaced with existing constituent elements and the like, and various variations including combinations with other existing constituent elements are possible. Therefore, the description of the present embodiment does not limit the contents of the invention described in the claims.

<Embodiment>
The in-vehicle device operating device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

<Overall configuration of in-vehicle device operation device>
The overall configuration of the vehicle-mounted device operating device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.
As shown in FIG. 1, the in-vehicle device operation device according to the present embodiment includes a steering wheel 100, an in-vehicle device 200, and a display unit 300, and the steering wheel 100 includes a main operation unit 110 and a sub operation. Part 120 is provided.

  Here, the in-vehicle device 200 is, for example, an air conditioner, an audio device, a navigation device, or the like. In this embodiment, the operation of the in-vehicle device 200 by the main operation unit 110 to be described later is illustrated, but for example, rear defogger, AT snow hold, cruise main SW, wiper deisa, fog lamp, traction control, power window Operation of a remote control door mirror, sunroof, etc. may be included.

  The display unit 300 displays operation menus and operation statuses that can be operated by the main operation unit 110. In addition, as the display part 300, the display content of the display part 300 is visually recognized without using a head-up display (HUD: heads-up display) arrange | positioned at a windshield from a driving | running | working direction. You may make it do. In addition, when an operation target or operation item is instructed so that the operation target or operation status can be instantaneously determined, for example, the icon part is highlighted or the display form of the bar display part is the operation type. It is preferable that the display is changed according to the degree.

  The main operation unit 110 is provided on the surface of the steering wheel 100 and operates various devices (on-vehicle device 200) mounted on the vehicle. As shown in FIG. 3, the main operation unit 110 is preferably disposed within a movable range that can be operated in a state in which the grip portion of the steering wheel is gripped, and is disposed close to the sub operation unit. By disposing at such a position, it is possible to smoothly operate the main operation unit while holding the steering wheel.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the main operation part 110 is comprised with a touch sensor. In particular, when operating a lot of in-vehicle devices 200 or when performing detailed operations on individual in-vehicle devices 200, considering the arrangement on the steering wheel 100, the size of the arrangement area is limited. It is preferable to use a touch sensor.

  As shown in the top view of FIG. 3, the main operation unit 110 according to the present embodiment includes a dead zone inside, and can connect the center point of the dead zone and two of the four corner points of the main operation unit 110. The touch pad is configured by combining four triangular electrodes (a, b, c, d). With this configuration, when performing a contact operation using a horizontal slide input, a vertical slide input, an arc input, etc., not only the detection of the contact area but also the horizontal slide input and the vertical slide input were performed so as to trace the whole. In this case, the input information from the touch pad is interrupted by at least three pieces of input information because it passes through the dead zone. In the case of arc input, the input information from all touch pads is continuous. An erroneous detection of arc input can be prevented.

  The dead zone may be formed in a concave shape or a convex shape as shown in FIGS. With this configuration, in the case of a horizontal slide and a vertical slide, an operation error can be grasped sensuously when a concave or convex dead zone is touched, and in the case of arc input, a concave shape is obtained. Alternatively, since the convex dead zone is not unintentionally touched, it can be recognized that information can be accurately input from the sense of touch. For example, a wall may be provided around the dead zone.

  6 to 9 show examples of information input using the main operation unit 110. In this embodiment, the input format is limited to horizontal slide input, vertical slide input, arc input, etc., and uses a touchpad, so each input format is determined in advance by associating the in-vehicle device, operation items, etc. ing. For example, the first input format corresponds to an in-vehicle device to be operated, and the second and subsequent input formats correspond to operation items and operation amounts.

  For example, in the case of FIGS. 6 and 7, the lateral slide input is associated with an air conditioner as an in-vehicle device to be operated (FIG. 6A). In this case, if an air conditioner is selected as the in-vehicle device to be operated, the next operation input item is set to “Temperature” as the initial setting. If “” is performed, the “temperature” of the air conditioner can be immediately adjusted in accordance with the sliding direction (FIG. 6B).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the slide input is a horizontal slide (touch pad a → b → c, c → d → a), a vertical slide (touch pad d → a → b, b → c → d) that does not pass through the dead zone. ) May be detected. In other words, in this case, the number of electrodes that generate signals is different between horizontal slide input, vertical slide input, and arc input. Therefore, if attention is paid to this point, horizontal slide input, vertical slide input, and arc input are different. Can be distinguished.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 10, it is detected by input of a horizontal slide (touch pad a → x → c → x → a) and a vertical slide (touch pad d → x → b, b → x → d) passing through the dead zone. You may do it. Since the dead zone is provided in the center, input information is interrupted when trying to pass all electrodes in a straight line, whereas in the case of circular arc input, the touch operation is performed to trace all the electrodes around the dead zone. Therefore, since the input information is continuous, it is possible to determine the operation state of the slide. Furthermore, when the operation state is determined by an operation that does not pass through the dead zone with respect to the slide input as shown in FIG. 6, the dead zone may be used to detect an oblique slide or an erroneous input. That is, in the case of an oblique slide input, there is a high possibility of contacting the dead zone. Therefore, depending on the arrangement of the electrodes, an oblique slide input that cannot determine whether the input is a horizontal slide input, a vertical slide input, or an arc input is detected, and the input signal from the electrode is interrupted to invalidate this input. It may be monitored and determined.

  On the other hand, when adjusting the “wind speed” of the air conditioner, first, as shown in FIG. 7A, in order to select the air conditioner by lateral slide input and change the operation input item to “wind power”, FIG. As shown in FIG. 7B, vertical slide input is performed. Then, in the next operation input, a horizontal slide input is performed to adjust the wind force. 6 and 7 show the contact input operation of the horizontal slide input and the vertical slide input. However, when there are not many operation input items, each operation input form is assigned to each operation input item. May be. In this example, the operation input item may be changed by repeating vertical slide input.

  In the case of FIGS. 8 and 9, the upward arc input is associated with the audio as the in-vehicle device to be operated (FIG. 8A). In addition, in this case, when audio as an in-vehicle device to be operated is selected, since the next operation input item is set to “volume” as an initial setting, a horizontal slide is again performed by the next operation input. When this is done, the “volume” of the audio can be immediately adjusted in accordance with the sliding direction (FIG. 8B).

  On the other hand, in order to select the audio “song”, first, as shown in FIG. 9A, in order to select the audio by upward arc input and change the operation input item to “song”, As shown in FIG. 9B, vertical slide input is performed. Then, in the next operation input, a horizontal slide input is performed to select a song. 8 and 9 show horizontal slide input and vertical slide input operations. However, if there are not many operation input items, each operation input form may be assigned to each operation input item. Good. In this example, the operation input item may be changed by repeating vertical slide input. Furthermore, when adjusting the “air volume”, “temperature”, “volume”, etc., it may be adjusted by arc input.

  Further, without assigning an operation to the main operation unit 110 to each function, an operation unit for execution is provided in addition to the main operation unit 110 and the sub operation unit 120, and an icon displayed on the display unit is displayed. It may be determined by the operation unit for execution at any time by selecting by the operation of 110, and may be shifted to the next hierarchy display.

  Here, as the sensor structure of the touch pad, for example, a touch pad of an ultrasonic method, a piezoelectric method, or the like is used. Then, “1” and “0” signals corresponding to the contact pressure and the like are output to the control unit described later.

  The sub operation unit 120 is provided on the surface of the steering wheel 100 and has a function for permitting input to the main operation unit 110. As shown in FIG. 2, the sub operation unit 120 is disposed on the steering wheel 100 and in the movable fulcrum area of the driver's thumb that can be operated in a state where the grip portion of the steering wheel 100 is gripped. By disposing at such a position, it is possible to smoothly operate the sub-operation unit 120 while holding the steering wheel.

  Moreover, although the sub operation part 120 may be comprised with a mechanical switch, it may be comprised with a touch sensor similarly to the main operation part 110. FIG. Even when the operation of the sub-operation unit 120 is detected instantaneously, if the input of the main operation unit 110 is validated, the driver unconsciously operates the sub-operation unit 120 when operating the steering wheel. If the sub-operation unit 120 is operated for a predetermined time, it is preferable that the input of the main operation unit 110 is validated.

  As shown in the top view of FIG. 3, the main operation unit 110 according to the present embodiment includes four triangular electrodes formed by connecting the center point of the dead zone and two of the four corner points of the main operation unit 110 ( Although a touch pad formed by combining a, b, c, and d) has been described, it is not limited to such a quadrangular shape, and may be a hexagon or an octagon as shown in FIGS. In this case, since the number of electrodes increases, diagonal slide input, vertical slide input, and horizontal slide input may be determined by detecting the contact area.

  Further, in order to validate the input of the main operation unit 110 without malfunction, the operation of the sub operation unit 120 is a requirement. However, if the sub operation unit 120 is operated, the operation of the main operation unit 110 is actually completed. If this state continues even though it is being performed, there is a possibility of inducing a malfunction of the main operation unit 110. Therefore, it is preferable to limit the operation of the main operation unit 110 within a predetermined time. Further, when the effective operation time of the main operation unit 110 has elapsed, it is preferable to display that fact on the display unit 300.

<Electrical configuration of in-vehicle device operation device>
The electrical configuration of the in-vehicle device operating device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 11, the in-vehicle device operation apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a main operation unit 110, a sub operation unit 120, an in-vehicle device 200, a display unit 300, and a control unit 400. In addition, since it overlaps with the above description about components other than the control part 400, the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The control unit 400 is configured by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and in accordance with a control program stored in a storage element such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory), Control the behavior. The control unit 400 may be provided unique to the in-vehicle device operating device, or may be controlled by a CPU or the like that controls the operation of the entire vehicle.

  Specifically, a horizontal slide input, a vertical slide input, an arc input, or the like is detected based on a signal from each electrode of the main operation unit 110 configured with a touch pad.

  In addition, the operation signal of the sub operation unit 120 is input, the timer is started, the operation signal from the main operation unit 110 before the predetermined time elapses is invalidated, and the predetermined time elapses. Then, an operation signal from the main operation unit 110 is input.

  Based on the operation signal from the main operation unit 110, the control unit 400 outputs a control signal to the in-vehicle device 200 to be operated and outputs a display signal to the display unit 300. On the other hand, after the elapse of a predetermined time, the timer is started again, and the operation signal of the main operation unit 110 after the predetermined operation effective period of the main operation unit 110 is invalidated.

<Processing of in-vehicle device operation device>
The process of the vehicle equipment operation apparatus according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the control unit 400 confirms whether or not the sub operation unit 120 is operated by an input signal (step S101). At this time, when the operation of the sub operation unit 120 cannot be confirmed (“No” in step S101), the process returns to the original.

  On the other hand, when the operation of the sub operation unit 120 is confirmed (“Yes” in step S101), it is confirmed whether the operation of the sub operation unit 120 is continued for a predetermined time (step S102). At this time, if it can be confirmed that the operation of the sub-operation unit 120 has not been continued for a predetermined time (“No” in step S102), the process returns to step S101. During this time, even if an operation signal from the main operation unit 110 is input, processing is performed so as to invalidate it.

  On the other hand, when it can be confirmed that the operation of the sub operation unit 120 has been continued for a predetermined time (“Yes” in step S102), when signals from the respective electrodes of the main operation unit 110 are input, this signal (Step S103), an operation signal is analyzed from the input signal (step S104), and a control signal is output to the in-vehicle device 200 to be operated according to the operation signal (step S106). A display signal is output to the display unit 300 (step S105).

  Then, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the operation signal from the main operation unit 110 was validated (step S107), and when it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed ("No" in step S107). Returns to step S103, and on the other hand, if it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed ("Yes" in step S107), the subsequent operation signal from the main operation unit 110 is invalidated.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the sub-operation unit 120 for permitting input to the main operation unit 110 is provided, erroneous input of operation input can be prevented. In addition, since the main operation unit 110 has a dead zone inside and is a touch pad composed of electrodes divided into four so as to surround the dead zone, the operation is performed by horizontal slide input, vertical slide input, arc input, or the like. In the case of not only the detection of the contact area, but also in the case of horizontal slide input and vertical slide input, if you try to pass all touchpads straightly, the dead zone will pass, so the input information will be interrupted, Since the input information from all the touch pads is continuous, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection of slide input and arc input.

  The processing of the control unit of the in-vehicle device operation device is recorded on a recording medium readable by the computer system, and the program recorded in the recording medium is read into the control unit of the in-vehicle device operation device and executed. Can be realized. The computer system here includes an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices.

  Further, the “computer system” includes a homepage providing environment (or display environment) if a WWW (World Wide Web) system is used. The program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. Here, the “transmission medium” for transmitting the program refers to a medium having a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line.

  The program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above. Furthermore, what can implement | achieve the function mentioned above in combination with the program already recorded on the computer system, what is called a difference file (difference program) may be sufficient.

  The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to the embodiments, and includes designs and the like that do not depart from the gist of the present invention. For example, in the present embodiment, an example in which the main operation unit 110 and the sub operation unit 120 are configured by a touch pad has been described, but the sub operation unit 120 may be configured by a mechanical switch such as a push switch, for example.

  Further, in this embodiment, assuming that the driver mainly operates the main operation unit 110 and the sub operation unit 120 with the right hand, the main operation unit 110 and the sub operation unit 120 are arranged on the right side of the surface of the steering wheel 100. However, when the driver mainly operates the main operation unit 110 and the sub operation unit 120 with the left hand, the main operation unit 110 and the sub operation unit 120 are arranged on the left side of the surface of the steering wheel 100. May be arranged. Further, the auxiliary operation unit 120 is disposed on the movable fulcrum area of the right thumb of the driver that can be operated on the steering wheel 100 while holding the grip portion of the steering wheel 100, and the grip portion of the steering wheel 100 is gripped. The main operation unit 110 may be disposed in the vicinity of the sub operation unit 120, or on the steering wheel 100 and the grip of the steering wheel 100. A sub-operation unit 120 is arranged in the movable fulcrum area of the left thumb of the driver that can be operated while gripping the portion, and within the movable range of the right thumb of the driver that can be operated while gripping the grip portion of the steering wheel 100 The main operation unit 110 may be disposed adjacent to the sub operation unit 120. That is, regardless of the arrangement relationship described in the embodiment, the main operation unit 110 and the sub operation unit 120 may be separately arranged on both sides of the surface of the steering wheel 100 as described above.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, an example in which the sub operation unit is disposed on the surface of the steering wheel 100 in consideration of operability has been described. However, the movable fulcrum of the middle finger, ring finger, and little finger of the driver who holds the steering wheel 100 is described. The sub operation unit 120 is disposed on the back surface of the steering wheel 100 corresponding to the area, and is disposed within a movable range that can be operated while the grip unit of the steering wheel 100 is gripped. The operation unit 110 may be arranged, or the sub-operation unit 120 is arranged on the back surface of the steering wheel 100 corresponding to the movable fulcrum area of the middle finger, ring finger, and little finger of the driver holding the steering wheel 100, and the steering wheel 100 It is arranged within a movable range that can be operated while gripping the grip part, and In close proximity to the operation unit 120 may be arranged main operating unit 110.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100; Steering wheel 110; Main operation part 120; Sub-operation part 200; In-vehicle apparatus 300; Display part 400;

Claims (8)

A main operation unit that is provided on a surface of a steering wheel of the vehicle and operates various devices mounted on the vehicle;
It is provided on the surface of the steering wheel of the vehicle, and consists of a sub operation unit for allowing input to the main operation unit,
The in-vehicle apparatus operating device, wherein the main operation unit is a touch pad having a dead zone inside and a plurality of electrodes arranged around the dead zone as a central point.   The in-vehicle device operation device according to claim 1, wherein the main operation unit is a touch pad formed by combining triangular electrodes divided diagonally with the dead zone as a center.   The in-vehicle device operating device according to claim 1, wherein the dead zone is formed in a concave shape or a convex shape.   The said sub operation part is arrange | positioned at the movable fulcrum area of the said driver | operator's thumb which can be operated in the state which hold | gripped the grip part of the said steering wheel on the said steering wheel. In-vehicle equipment operation device. A control unit that controls the sub-operation unit, the main operation unit, and the various devices;
The in-vehicle device operation device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit validates the operation of the main operation unit when the sub operation unit is operated for a predetermined time. A control unit that controls the sub-operation unit, the main operation unit, and the various devices;
The in-vehicle device operation according to claim 1, wherein the control unit validates the operation of the main operation unit within a predetermined time when the sub operation unit is operated for a predetermined time. apparatus.   The in-vehicle device operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a display unit that displays an operation target menu that can be operated in the main operation unit when the sub operation unit is operated.   The in-vehicle device operation device according to claim 7, wherein the display unit further displays that the effective operation time of the main operation unit has elapsed.

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