JP2019053387A - Operation input system, operation input control method, and operation input control program - Google Patents

Abstract

To improve operability of operation input.SOLUTION: An operation input device 30 includes a projection mechanism 44. In the projection mechanism 44, first to fourth selection operation areas 42A1 to 42A4 of an operation surface 42A are projected to the operation surface 42A with an amount of projection different according to priorities (adaptive degrees) of first to fourth button images 12A to 12D. Further, the projection heights of the first to fourth selection operation areas 42A1 to 42A4 from the operation surface 42A are made respectively different height according to the priorities (adaptive degrees) of recommendation information. Consequently a user can intuitively recognize the first to fourth selection operation areas 42A1 to 42A4 corresponding to the priorities (adaptive degrees) by touching the first to fourth selection operation areas 42A1 to 42A4 having different heights. Therefore, the operability of the user can be enhanced with the operation input device 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to an operation input system, an operation input control method, and an operation input control program.

  In the input device described in Patent Literature 1 described below, the sheet-like operation surface is disposed so as to face the upper surfaces of a plurality of rectangular parallelepiped block-like input units. In addition, the input unit is moved by the drive unit in a direction perpendicular to the operation surface, and the operation surface is protruded (hereinafter, the protruding region on the operation surface is referred to as a protruding region). And an input to an input device is performed because a user operates the protrusion area | region in an operation surface. Thereby, the user can input to the input device while intuitively recognizing the position to input on the operation surface.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-60268

  However, in the above input device, when a plurality of projecting regions are projected by the input unit, the projecting height of the projecting regions is the same, so it is not easy for the user to determine the desired projecting region. . Therefore, in the above input device, a problem that the convenience of operation input is reduced is an example.

  The present invention has been made in view of the problems such as the above-described example, and mainly provides an operation input system, an operation input control method, and an operation input control program capable of improving the convenience of operation input. With a purpose.

  The invention according to claim 1 includes a display device that displays a plurality of selectable objects in different display modes according to priority, and an operation surface configured to be capable of pressing operation. An operation input device in which a plurality of selection operation regions associated with each of the objects is set, and the operation input device projects the plurality of selection operation regions according to the priority. It is the operation input system comprised including the protrusion drive part made to protrude with respect to the said operation surface by quantity.

  The invention according to claim 10 includes a display device that displays a plurality of selectable objects and an operation surface configured to be able to be pressed, and the operation surface is associated with each of the plurality of objects. An operation input control method executed by an operation input system having a plurality of selected operation areas, wherein the display device displays the objects in different display modes according to priority. An operation input control comprising: a step of displaying; and a step of causing the protrusion drive unit of the operation input device to project the plurality of selected operation regions with respect to the operation surface with different protrusion amounts according to the priority. Is the method.

  The invention according to claim 11 includes a display device that displays a plurality of selectable objects and an operation surface configured to be capable of pressing operation, and the operation surface is associated with each of the plurality of objects. A step of displaying the object in a different display mode according to priority on a computer of an operation input system having an operation input device in which a plurality of selected operation areas are set; and the operation input A projecting drive unit of the apparatus is an operation input control program for causing a plurality of the selected operation areas to project with respect to the operation surface with different projecting amounts according to the priority.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a state in which the operation input system according to the present embodiment is mounted on a vehicle. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the operation input system shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the operation input device of the operation input system shown in FIG. 4A is a front view of the operation input device shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the operation input device shown in FIG. It is a 4B-4B line sectional view of A). FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the operation input device shown in FIG. FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the operation state of the operation input system according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 6B illustrates that the selection operation region is pressed from the state of FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the operation state of the operation input system when operated. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the operation input system according to the present embodiment.

  One aspect of the operation input system of the present embodiment includes a display device that displays a plurality of selectable objects in different display modes according to priority, and an operation surface configured to be capable of pressing operation. An operation input device in which a plurality of selection operation areas associated with each of the plurality of objects are set, and the operation input device assigns the plurality of selection operation areas according to the priority. A projecting drive unit that projects from the operation surface with different projecting amounts is included.

  According to the operation input system having the above configuration, a plurality of selectable objects are displayed on the display device in different display modes according to the priority. The operation input device is configured to include an operation surface configured to be capable of pressing operation, and the operation surface has a plurality of selection operation areas associated with each of the objects.

  Here, the operation input device has a projecting drive unit, and the projecting drive unit causes the plurality of selection operation regions to project with respect to the operation surface with different projecting amounts according to priority. That is, a plurality of selection operation areas for selecting any one of the plurality of objects are projected at different heights corresponding to the priorities. Thereby, the user can intuitively recognize the selection operation area corresponding to the priority by touching the selection operation area having a different height. Therefore, according to the operation input system of this embodiment, the convenience of operation input can be improved.

  In another aspect of the operation input system of the present embodiment, the object is displayed based on recommendation information corresponding to the user.

  According to the operation input system having the above configuration, the object is displayed based on the recommendation information corresponding to the user, so that information corresponding to the user's favorite tendency can be provided.

  In another aspect of the operation input system of the present embodiment, the protrusion amount is set to be larger as the priority becomes higher.

  According to the operation input system having the above configuration, when the user touches the protruding selection operation area, the selection operation area to be operated can be recognized in descending order of priority. For this reason, the convenience of operation input can be further improved.

  Further, according to another aspect of the operation input system of the present embodiment, when a portion other than the protruding selection operation area on the operation surface is pressed, the protruded selection operation area is placed on the operation surface and the surface. While returning to the position which becomes one by the said protrusion drive part, the display of the said several object in the said display apparatus is complete | finished.

  According to the operation input system having the above configuration, when the user does not want to select an object displayed on the display device, the user presses a portion other than the protruding selection operation area, so that the operation input is performed. The device can be returned to the initial state, and the display of the object on the display device can be terminated.

  According to another aspect of the operation input system of the present embodiment, the operation input device includes a detection unit that detects a contact position on the operation surface and a pressure on the operation surface, and the operation by the detection unit. And a specifying unit that specifies an area including the contact position as an operated area when pressing on the surface is detected.

  According to the operation input system having the above configuration, for example, when the user touches the operation surface with a load less than a predetermined load, the specifying unit does not specify the operated region. For this reason, for example, it can suppress that an operation input device act | operates in the middle of a user searching for a desired selection operation area | region. Thereby, the operation input device can be operated according to the user's operation intention.

  In another aspect of the operation input system according to the present embodiment, the detection unit includes a capacitance detection unit that detects a change in capacitance caused by pressing on the operation surface. As the protruding amount of the selection operation area increases, the sensitivity of the capacitance detection unit corresponding to the selection operation area is set higher.

  According to the operation input system having the above configuration, even when the selection operation region is configured to protrude from the operation surface, the pressing operation on the selection operation region can be detected well by the detection unit.

  Further, according to another aspect of the operation input system of the present embodiment, the display device has an output unit for notifying the contents of the object by voice, and when contact with the selection operation area is detected, The contents of the object corresponding to the selection operation area are notified by the output unit.

  According to the operation input system having the above-described configuration, the content of the object is notified by voice when the user touches the selected operation area. For this reason, the user can determine whether or not the pressing operation can be performed on the selection operation area while confirming the contents of the object corresponding to the selection operation area by voice. Thereby, the convenience of operation input can be improved effectively.

  Further, according to another aspect of the operation input system of the present embodiment, the projecting drive unit is movable along a projecting member for projecting the selected operation area and a surface parallel to the operation surface. A moving member configured to move and move the selected operation region with respect to the operation surface via the protruding member; and a drive unit connected to the moving member to move the moving member when operated. , Including.

  According to the operation input system having the above configuration, when the drive unit of the projecting drive unit operates, the moving member connected to the drive unit moves along a plane that is parallel to the operation surface. At this time, the selection operation region is protruded with respect to the operation surface by the protruding member. Therefore, it is possible to make the projecting drive part simple with the projecting operation area projecting from the operation surface.

  According to another aspect of the operation input system of the present embodiment, the moving member has a plurality of engaging surfaces that engage with the protruding member, and a plurality of moving surfaces in a direction perpendicular to the operating surface. The positions of the engaging surfaces are set to different positions.

  According to the operation input system having the above-described configuration, since the moving member has a plurality of engagement surfaces, the protrusion amount of each of the selection operation regions can be varied by the protrusion driving unit.

  In another embodiment of the present invention, a display device that displays a plurality of selectable objects and an operation surface configured to be capable of pressing operation are provided, and each of the plurality of objects corresponds to the operation surface. An operation input control method executed by an operation input system having a plurality of attached selection operation areas set, wherein the display device displays the objects differently according to priority And a step of causing the projecting drive unit of the operation input device to project a plurality of the selected operation areas with respect to the operation surface with different projecting amounts according to the priority. . By executing this operation input control method, the operation input system projects a plurality of selection operation areas for selecting any of the plurality of objects at different heights. Thereby, the user can intuitively recognize the selection operation area corresponding to the priority by touching the selection operation area having a different height. Therefore, the convenience of operation input can be improved.

  In another embodiment of the present invention, a display device that displays a plurality of selectable objects and an operation surface configured to be capable of pressing operation are provided, and each of the plurality of objects corresponds to the operation surface. A step of displaying the object in a different display mode according to priority on a computer of an operation input system having an operation input device in which a plurality of selected operation areas are attached; and An operation input control program for causing the projecting drive unit of the operation input device to perform a step of projecting the plurality of selected operation areas with respect to the operation surface with different projecting amounts according to the priority. When the computer of the operation input system executes this program, a plurality of selection operation areas for selecting any of the plurality of objects are projected at different heights. Thereby, the user can intuitively recognize the selection operation area corresponding to the priority by touching the selection operation area having a different height. Therefore, the convenience of operation input can be improved.

  Hereinafter, the operation input system S according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the operation input system S includes a navigation device 10 and an operation input device 30. The navigation device 10 is an example of the “display device” in the present invention. The operation input system S is mounted on a vehicle 80 (automobile). Specifically, the navigation device 10 is built in a substantially central portion in the vehicle width direction of the instrument panel 82 of the vehicle 80. Further, the operation input device 30 is built in the pad portion 86 in the steering wheel 84 of the vehicle 80. The user (driver) operates the operation input device 30 to input to the navigation device 10. Hereinafter, each structure of the navigation apparatus 10 and the operation input apparatus 30 is demonstrated.

(About the navigation device 10)
As shown in FIG. 2, the navigation device 10 includes a display unit 12 and a display control unit 14 for controlling the display unit 12. Moreover, the navigation apparatus 10 has the recommendation information acquisition part 16 which acquires the recommendation information (recommended information) with respect to a user. Furthermore, the navigation device 10 has a sound control unit 18 that controls the speaker 20 that outputs sound.

<About the display>
As shown in FIG. 1, the display unit 12 is disposed inside an opening 82 </ b> A formed in the instrument panel 82 of the vehicle 80 and is exposed to the cabin 88 (vehicle compartment) side. The display unit 12 includes a touch panel. That is, the display unit 12 of the navigation device 10 can be operated with respect to the navigation device 10. The display unit 12 displays a map around the vehicle 80 under the control of the display control unit 14 to be described later, and displays the position of the vehicle 80 superimposed on the map. The display unit 12 displays a button image for searching for facilities, a button image for selecting music, and the like. Further, the display unit 12 displays recommendation information acquired by a recommendation information acquisition unit 16 described later under the control of the display control unit 14. The display of the recommendation information on the display unit 12 will be described later.

<Recommendation information acquisition unit>
As shown in FIG. 2, the recommendation information acquisition unit 16 is electrically connected to the display control unit 14. The recommendation information acquisition unit 16 acquires information expected to be desired by the user as recommendation information in accordance with the usage status of the navigation device 10 by the user, and outputs the recommendation information to the display control unit 14. It has become. Hereinafter, an example of acquisition of recommendation information in the recommendation information acquisition unit 16 will be described.

  The recommendation information acquisition unit 16 retrieves information such as facilities and music that have been searched and selected by the user using the navigation device 10 in the past for each user usage status (date and time, driving status of the vehicle 80, ambient environment, etc.). Organized and classified and stored as user attribute information. For example, when the user searches for a restaurant, the recommendation information acquisition unit 16 obtains information on the restaurant (type information of a restaurant such as a pasta store) on the day of the week, the time, and the vehicle 80 Organize and classify according to conditions such as driving conditions and surrounding environment, and store them as attribute information. Further, for example, when the user selects music using the navigation device 10, the recommendation information acquisition unit 16 searches the music information (information on music, genre, artist, etc.) on the day of the week and time at the time of search. Then, the data is organized and classified according to conditions such as the running status of the vehicle 80 and the surrounding environment, and stored as attribute information.

  And the recommendation information acquisition part 16 acquires the recommendation information anticipated that a user desires according to the present utilization condition, and outputs the acquired recommendation information to the display control part 14. FIG. Specifically, the recommendation information acquisition unit 16 refers to the attribute information and detects attribute information having a condition with a high degree of matching (matching degree) with respect to the current usage status. And the recommendation information acquisition part 16 acquires recommendation information, such as a plant | facility and music corresponding to the detected attribute information, as information with high priority (recommended degree with respect to a user) with respect to a user.

  Moreover, the recommendation information acquisition part 16 produces | generates recommendation information below predetermined number in order with a high priority (fitness) with respect to the present usage condition. In the present embodiment, as an example, the predetermined number (maximum number) of recommendation information generated by the recommendation information acquisition unit 16 is set to 4. Then, the recommendation information acquisition unit 16 outputs the acquired recommendation information and the priority (fitness) information for each recommendation information to the display control unit 14. In the recommendation information, the higher the fitness for the current usage status, the higher the priority for the user.

<About the display control unit>
Based on the recommendation information output from the recommendation information acquisition unit 16, the display control unit 14 changes the display screen of the display unit 12 to a screen that prompts the user to select recommendation information. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, a maximum of four first to fourth button images 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D corresponding to each recommendation information include at least a part of the display unit 12 (books). In the embodiment, it is displayed in the right area 12R) of the display unit 12. The first to fourth button images 12A to 12D are examples of the “object” of the present invention.

  The first to fourth button images 12A to 12D each have a substantially rectangular shape and are arranged at a predetermined interval. Specifically, the first button image 12A and the second button image 12B are arranged vertically. Further, the third button image 12C and the fourth button image 12D are arranged side by side on the right side of the first button image 12A and the second button image 12B. Further, the first button image 12A and the second button image 12B, and the third button image 12C and the fourth button image 12D are shifted in the vertical direction.

  Moreover, the display control part 14 displays the 1st-4th button image 12A-12D by a different display mode according to the priority of each recommendation information. More specifically, in the present embodiment, the brightness of the first to fourth button images 12A to 12D is set to increase as the priority increases (in the example shown in FIG. 1, the first button In this example, the recommendation information corresponding to the image 12A has the highest priority, and the recommendation information corresponding to the fourth button image 12D has the lowest priority).

<About voice control unit>
As shown in FIG. 2, the voice control unit 18 is electrically connected to the speaker 20. The voice control unit 18 outputs information such as route guidance in the navigation device 10 to the speaker 20, and the speaker 20 outputs the information by voice. Moreover, the audio | voice control part 18 outputs the music based on music data from the speaker 20 based on the music data memorize | stored in the navigation apparatus 10, for example. The speaker 20 is an example of the “output unit” in the present invention.

(Operation input device)
Next, the operation input device 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that an arrow FR, an arrow UP, and an arrow RH that are appropriately shown in the drawings indicate the front side, the upper side, and the right side (one side in the width direction) of the operation input device 30. In the following description of the operation input device 30, when using the front / rear, top / bottom, and left / right directions, the front / rear, top / bottom, and left / right of the operation input device 30 are indicated unless otherwise specified.

  The operation input device 30 as a whole is formed in a substantially rectangular flat block shape with the front-rear direction as the thickness direction, and is built in the pad portion 86 of the steering wheel 84 described above. A part of the front surface of the operation input device 30 is exposed to be operable from an opening 86A formed in the pad portion 86 (see FIG. 1).

The operation input device 30 includes a frame 32, a panel 40 that constitutes a front portion of the operation input device 30, and a seat 42 that is exposed to be operable from the opening 86A. Further, the operation input device 30 includes a load sensor 34 and a capacitance sensor 36 for detecting an operation (input) to the user's seat 42. Further, the operation input device 30 includes a projection mechanism 44 for projecting a part of the region of the seat 42 forward, and an operation input control unit 64 (see FIG. 2) for operating the projection mechanism 44. doing. Hereinafter, each component of the operation input device 30 will be described.
The capacitance sensor 36 is an example of the “capacitance detection unit” in the present invention, and the load sensor 34 and the capacitance sensor 36 are examples of the “detection unit” in the present invention. Further, the protrusion mechanism 44 is an example of the “protrusion drive unit” in the present invention, and the operation input control unit 64 is an example of the “specific part” in the present invention.

<About the frame>
The frame 32 constitutes the skeleton of the operation input device 30. The frame 32 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape with the front-rear direction being the plate thickness direction. A pair of left and right fixing pieces 32A is formed at the upper end and lower end of the frame 32, respectively, and the pair of left and right fixing pieces 32A protrude from the upper end (lower end) of the frame 32 to the upper side (lower side). ing. A circular fixing hole 32B is formed through the fixing piece 32A. Then, a fastening member such as a bolt (not shown) is inserted into the fixing hole 32B, and the frame 32 (that is, the operation input device 30) is fixed to the frame (not shown) in the pad portion 86 by the fastening member. ing.

  A pair of left and right pins 32 </ b> P is provided at the lower end of the frame 32. The pin 32 </ b> P is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with the front-rear direction as the axial direction, and protrudes forward from the frame 32. Further, bending flanges 32C bent forward are formed at both ends in the width direction of the frame 32, and the bending flanges 32C extend in the vertical direction from the upper end portion to the lower end portion of the frame 32. Yes.

<About load sensors>
The load sensor 34 as a whole is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape with the front-rear direction being the thickness direction. The load sensor 34 is mounted on the front surface so as to cover the front surface of the frame 32 and is fixed to the frame 32. Further, a circular positioning hole 34A is formed through the right side portion of the lower end portion of the load sensor 34, and the left side portion of the lower end portion of the load sensor 34 has a long hole shape with the left-right direction as the longitudinal direction. A positioning hole 34B is formed through. The pins 32P of the frame 32 are inserted into the positioning holes 34A and the positioning holes 34B. Accordingly, the load sensor 34 is fixed to the frame 32 in a state where the relative position of the load sensor 34 with respect to the frame 32 is determined.

  As an example, the load sensor 34 is configured as a piezoelectric load sensor, and is electrically connected to an operation input control unit 64 described later. The load sensor 34 electrically detects a load applied to the rear side of the load sensor 34 and outputs a detection signal to the operation input control unit 64.

<Capacitance sensor>
The capacitance sensor 36 is generally formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape whose thickness direction is the front-rear direction, and the size of the capacitance sensor 36 is the size of the load sensor 34 when viewed from the front side. It almost matches the size. The capacitance sensor 36 is placed on the front surface of the load sensor 34 and is fixed to the load sensor 34. A circular positioning hole 36A is formed through the right side portion of the lower end portion of the capacitance sensor 36, and the left side portion of the lower end portion of the capacitance sensor 36 has a long length in the left-right direction. A hole-like positioning hole 36B is formed through. The pin 32P of the frame 32 is inserted into the positioning hole 36A and the positioning hole 36B. Thereby, the electrostatic capacity sensor 36 is fixed to the load sensor 34 in a state where the relative position of the electrostatic capacity sensor 36 with respect to the frame 32 and the load sensor 34 is determined.

  The capacitance sensor 36 includes a sensor unit 36C and a detection circuit unit 36D. The sensor unit 36C and the detection circuit unit 36D are electrically connected, and the detection circuit unit 36D is electrically connected to an operation input control unit 64 described later. The sensor unit 36C has a plurality of electrodes extending in the up-down direction and the left-right direction, and these electrodes are arranged in a lattice shape in a front view. A predetermined voltage is applied to each electrode by the detection circuit unit 36D. When the user's finger or the like approaches the sensor unit 36C from the front side, the capacitance around the finger changes, so that the detection circuit unit 36D controls the detection signal based on the change in capacitance. It is configured to output to the unit 64.

<About the panel>
The panel 40 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape in which the front-rear direction is the plate thickness direction, and the size of the panel 40 in a front view substantially matches the size of the capacitance sensor 36. The panel 40 is disposed adjacent to the front side of the capacitance sensor 36 and is fastened and fixed to the capacitance sensor 36 with screws 70 at substantially four corners. In order to prevent the head portion of the screw 70 from projecting from the front surface of the panel 40, stepped surfaces 40A that are stepped down to the rear side are formed on the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the front surface of the panel 40, respectively.

  In addition, a circular positioning hole 40B is formed through the right side portion of the step surface 40A on the lower end side of the panel 40, and the left side portion of the lower step surface 40A has a long length in the left-right direction. A hole-shaped positioning hole 40C is formed through. The pins 32P of the frame 32 are inserted into the positioning holes 40B and the positioning holes 40C. Accordingly, the panel 40 is fixed to the capacitance sensor 36 in a state where the relative position of the panel 40 with respect to the frame 32 and the capacitance sensor 36 is determined.

  A mounting surface 40 </ b> D that is stepped down to the rear side is formed in a portion excluding the left end portion at an intermediate portion in the vertical direction on the front surface of the panel 40 (specifically, a portion between the pair of upper and lower step surfaces 40 </ b> A). The placement surface 40D is configured as a surface on which a later-described sheet 42 is placed, and is disposed on the front side of the step surface 40A. Further, the mounting surface 40D is disposed at a position overlapping the sensor unit 36C of the capacitance sensor 36 described above in a front view.

  A plurality of (four locations corresponding to the maximum number of first to fourth button images 12 </ b> A to 12 </ b> D displayed on the display unit 12 in the present embodiment) are provided in a substantially central portion of the panel 40. 40E1, 40E2, 40E3, and 40E4 are formed through. The first to fourth accommodation holes 40E1 to 40E4 have the same shape and are substantially square when viewed from the front. The first to fourth accommodation holes 40E1 to 40E4 are arranged at positions corresponding to the first to fourth button images 12A to 12D displayed on the display unit 12 of the navigation device 10. Specifically, the first accommodation hole 40E1 and the second accommodation hole 40E2 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. In addition, the third accommodation hole 40E3 and the fourth accommodation hole 40E4 are arranged vertically on the right side of the first accommodation hole 40E1 and the second accommodation hole 40E2. Furthermore, the third accommodation hole 40E3 and the fourth accommodation hole 40E4 are arranged so as to be shifted downward with respect to the first accommodation hole 40E1 and the second accommodation hole 40E2.

  A pair of upper and lower left slide grooves 40F is formed on the left side portion of the rear surface of the panel 40. The upper left slide groove 40F is arranged in a pair with the first accommodation hole 40E1, and the lower left slide groove 40F is arranged in a pair with the second accommodation hole 40E2. .

  The left slide groove 40F is formed in a concave shape opened to the rear side, and extends in the left-right direction so as to intersect the first accommodation hole 40E1 (second accommodation hole 40E2). Thereby, the inside of the left slide groove 40F and the inside of the first accommodation hole 40E1 (the inside of the second accommodation hole 40E2) communicate with each other. Further, the width dimension of the left slide groove 40F is set slightly smaller than the length dimension of one side of the first accommodation hole 40E1 (second accommodation hole 40E2). The left side portion of the left slide groove 40F with respect to the first accommodation hole 40E1 (second accommodation hole 40E2) is an outer slide groove portion 40F1, and the left end portion of the outer slide groove portion 40F1 is opened outward in the width direction of the panel 40. Has been. Moreover, the right side part with respect to the 1st accommodation hole 40E1 (2nd accommodation hole 40E2) in the left slide groove 40F is made into the inner side slide groove part 40F2. And the front-end | tip part of the inner side slide groove part 40F2 is arrange | positioned on the right side rather than the 3rd accommodation hole 40E3 and the 4th accommodation hole 40E4.

  A pair of upper and lower right slide grooves 40G is formed on the right side portion of the rear surface of the panel 40. The upper right slide groove 40G is arranged in a pair with the third accommodation hole 40E3, and the lower right slide groove 40G is arranged in a pair with the fourth accommodation hole 40E4. .

  The right slide groove 40G is configured in a shape obtained by inverting the left slide groove 40F by 180 degrees when viewed from the front. That is, the right slide groove 40G is formed in a concave shape opened to the rear side, and extends in the left-right direction so as to intersect with the third accommodation hole 40E3 (fourth accommodation hole 40E4). Thereby, the inside of the right slide groove 40G communicates with the inside of the third accommodation hole 40E3 (inside the fourth accommodation hole 40E4). Further, the right side portion of the right slide groove 40G with respect to the third accommodation hole 40E3 (fourth accommodation hole 40E4) is an outer slide groove portion 40G1, and the right end portion of the outer slide groove portion 40G1 is opened outward in the width direction of the panel 40. Has been. Moreover, the left side part with respect to the 3rd accommodation hole 40E3 (4th accommodation hole 40E4) in the right side slide groove 40G is made into the inner side slide groove part 40G2. And the front-end | tip part of the inner side slide groove part 40G2 is arrange | positioned on the left side rather than the 1st accommodation hole 40E1 and the 2nd accommodation hole 40E2.

  Moreover, the site | part which comprises the mounting surface 40D of the panel 40 is comprised so that elastic deformation is possible in the front-back direction. Specifically, when a load on the rear side that is equal to or greater than a predetermined load value is input to a portion constituting the mounting surface 40D of the panel 40, the portion is elastically deformed rearward, and the load sensor 34 and the electrostatic capacitance The sensor 36 is pressed.

<About the sheet>
The seat 42 has a substantially rectangular shape with the front-rear direction as the thickness direction, and is made of a sheet material having elasticity and stretchability. The sheet 42 is disposed on the placement surface 40D of the panel 40 and is attached to the placement surface 40D.

The front surface of the sheet 42 is an operation surface 42A. Further, in the operation surface 42A, a region that wraps with the first accommodation hole 40E1 in the front view is a first selection operation region 42A1, and a region that wraps with the second accommodation hole 40E2 is a second selection operation region 42A2, which is a third accommodation. A region that wraps with the hole 40E3 is a third selection operation region 42A3, and a region that wraps with the fourth accommodation hole 40E4 is a fourth selection operation region 42A4. Thereby, the first to fourth selection operation areas 42A1 to 42A4 are arranged corresponding to the first to fourth button images 12A to 12D displayed on the display unit 12 of the navigation device 10. In other words, the first selection operation area 42A1 is configured as a pair with the first button image 12A, and the second selection operation area 42A2 is configured as a pair with the second button image 12B. Further, the third selection operation area 42A3 is configured to make a pair with the third button image 12C, and the fourth selection operation area 42A4 is configured to make a pair with the fourth button image 12D.
The first to fourth selection operation areas 42A1 to 42A4 are examples of the “selection operation area” of the present invention.
In the present embodiment, a region excluding the first to fourth selection operation regions 42A1 to 42A4 on the operation surface 42A is set as a non-projecting region 42A5.

  When the operation input device 30 is fixed to the pad portion 86 of the steering wheel 84, the operation surface 42A can be operated from the opening 86A of the pad portion 86 to the cabin 88 side (specifically, the operator side). Exposed. Specifically, the first to fourth selection operation areas 42A1 to 42A4 are exposed to be operable from the opening 86A to the cabin 88 side (see FIG. 1).

<About the protrusion mechanism>
There are a plurality of (four in the present embodiment corresponding to the maximum number of first to fourth button images 12A to 12D displayed on the display unit 12) first, second, third, and fourth. Buttons 46A, 46B, 46C and 46D are provided. The protrusion mechanism 44 has first, second, third, and fourth moving mechanisms 48A, 48B, 48C, and 48D for moving each of the first to fourth buttons 46A to 46D by operating. ing. And the 1st-4th button 46A-46D is an example of the "protruding member" of this invention.

[About the 1st to 4th buttons]
The first to fourth buttons 46A to 46D have the same structure. Therefore, hereinafter, the configuration of the first button 46A will be described, and description of the configuration of the second to fourth buttons 46B to 46D will be omitted as appropriate. The first button 46A is formed in a substantially rectangular block shape with the front-rear direction being the thickness direction, and is formed in a substantially square shape when viewed from the front. A flange 46a projecting outward from the first button 46A is integrally formed on the outer peripheral portion of the rear end portion of the first button 46A, and the flange 46a extends over the entire circumference of the first button 46A in the circumferential direction. Is formed. Further, the outer shape of the flange 46a in a front view is formed in a substantially square shape and is slightly smaller than the outer shape of the first accommodation hole 40E1 of the panel 40.

  The first button 46A is housed in the first housing hole 40E1 of the panel 40 so as to be relatively movable in the front-rear direction, and is disposed opposite to the first selection operation region 42A1 of the operation surface 42A in the front-rear direction. Further, the second button 46B is accommodated in the second accommodation hole 40E2 so as to be relatively movable in the front-rear direction, and is disposed opposite to the second selection operation region 42A2 of the operation surface 42A in the front-rear direction. Further, the third button 46C is housed in the third housing hole 40E3 of the panel 40 so as to be relatively movable in the front-rear direction, and is disposed opposite to the third selection operation area 42A3 of the operation surface 42A. Furthermore, the fourth button 46D is accommodated in the fourth accommodation hole 40E4 so as to be relatively movable in the front-rear direction, and is disposed opposite to the fourth selection operation region 42A4 of the operation surface 42A in the front-rear direction.

  Further, the thickness of the first to fourth buttons 46 </ b> A to 46 </ b> D substantially matches the plate thickness of the panel 40. That is, when the first to fourth buttons 46A to 46D are accommodated in the first to fourth accommodation holes 40E1 to 40E4, the front surfaces of the first to fourth buttons 46A to 46D are adjacent to the rear side of the seat 42. (The position shown in FIG. 4B. Hereinafter, the positions of the first to fourth buttons 46A to 46D are referred to as “non-projecting positions”). In the non-projecting positions of the first to fourth buttons 46A to 46D, the first to fourth selection operation areas 42A1 to 42A4 on the operation surface 42A are arranged flush with the operation surface 42A (non-projection area 42A5). Yes.

[About the first to fourth moving mechanisms]
The first to fourth moving mechanisms 48A to 48D are provided corresponding to the first to fourth buttons 46A to 46D, respectively. In other words, the first moving mechanism 48A is configured as a pair with the first button 46A, and the second moving mechanism 48B is configured as a pair with the second button 46B. The third moving mechanism 48C is configured to be paired with the third button 46C, and the fourth moving mechanism 48D is configured to be paired with the fourth button 46D. The first to fourth moving mechanisms 48A to 48D have the same structure. Therefore, in the following description, the configuration of the first moving mechanism 48A will be described, and the description of the configurations of the second moving mechanism 48B to the fourth moving mechanism 48D will be omitted as appropriate.

  The first moving mechanism 48 </ b> A includes a slider 50 and a drive mechanism unit 52 for driving the slider 50. The slider 50 is an example of the “moving member” in the present invention, and the drive mechanism unit 52 is an example of the “driving unit” in the present invention.

  The slider 50 has a substantially long plate shape extending in the left-right direction, and is formed in a substantially L shape when viewed from above. Specifically, the slider 50 includes a base portion 50A that forms a base end portion of the slider 50 and has a longitudinal direction in the front-rear direction, and an arm portion that extends rightward from the front end portion of the base portion 50A. 50B. The arm portion 50B is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape in which the front-rear direction is the plate thickness direction and the vertical direction is the width direction.

  The arm portion 50B of the slider 50 is inserted into the upper left slide groove 40F of the panel 40 so as to be slidable in the left-right direction. Further, when the first moving mechanism 48A is in an inoperative state, the arm portion 50B is disposed in the outer slide groove portion 40F1 of the left slide groove 40F. Specifically, the distal end portion of the arm portion 50B is disposed adjacent to the left side of the first button 46A, and the base portion 50A is spaced apart from the left side of the frame 32 (see FIG. 3 and FIG. 3). Hereinafter, the position of the slider 50 in the first moving mechanism 48A is referred to as “initial position”.

  Further, the front surface of the arm portion 50B is a cam surface 50C, and the tip side portion of the arm portion 50B on the cam surface 50C is formed in a stepped shape. Specifically, the cam surface 50C has a first inclined surface 50C1 inclined to the front side from the distal end of the arm portion 50B toward the left side (base end side), as viewed from the width direction of the arm portion 50B, and a first inclined surface. A first push-up surface 50C2 linearly extending from the left end of the surface 50C1 to the left side. Further, the cam surface 50C is seen from the width direction of the arm portion 50B, the second inclined surface 50C3 inclined to the front side from the left end of the first pushing surface 50C2 to the left side, and the left side from the left end of the second inclined surface 50C3. And a second push-up surface 50C4 extending linearly. Further, the cam surface 50C has a third inclined surface 50C5 that is inclined to the front side from the left end of the second push-up surface 50C4 and the left side of the third inclined surface 50C5 when viewed from the width direction of the arm portion 50B. And a third push-up surface 50C6 extending linearly. The first push surface 50C2, the second push surface 50C4, and the third push surface 50C6 are examples of the “engagement surface” in the present invention.

The drive mechanism unit 52 includes a connection plate 54, a nut 56, and a motor 58.
The connecting plate 54 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape with the left-right direction being the plate thickness direction, and is disposed on the left side of the base portion 50 </ b> A of the slider 50. The front end portion of the connecting plate 54 is fixed to the base portion 50 </ b> A of the slider 50 with a screw 72. Further, the rear end portion of the connecting plate 54 protrudes rearward from the base portion 50A.

  The nut 56 is disposed on the right side of the rear end portion of the connection plate 54 with the left-right direction as the axial direction, and is fixed to the connection plate 54. A circular insertion hole 54 </ b> A is formed through the rear end portion of the connecting plate 54, and the insertion hole 54 </ b> A is disposed coaxially with the nut 56.

  As an example, the motor 58 is configured as a stepping motor. The motor 58 is disposed on the rear side of the frame 32, and an output shaft 58A of the motor 58 extends from the motor body 58B to the left side. The motor 58 is fixed to the frame 32 via a motor bracket 60L. The motor bracket 60L is formed in a substantially L-shaped plate shape when viewed from above. Specifically, the motor bracket 60L includes a fixed portion 60L1 disposed in parallel with the frame 32, and a mounting portion 60L2 extending rearward from the left end portion of the fixed portion 60L1. The fixing portion 60L1 is fastened and fixed to the frame 32 with screws 74. Further, the motor main body 58B of the motor 58 is disposed adjacent to the right side with respect to the upper portion of the attachment portion 60L2, and is fastened and fixed to the attachment portion 60L2 by screws 76.

  A male screw is formed on the outer periphery of the output shaft 58A of the motor 58. That is, the output shaft 58A is configured as a feed screw. The output shaft 58A is arranged coaxially with the nut 56 of the connecting plate 54, and the nut 56 is screwed to the output shaft 58A. Thereby, the output shaft 58A of the motor 58 rotates, so that the slider 50 moves from the initial position to the right side. Specifically, the cam surface 50C of the slider 50 moves relative to the first button 46A while sliding on the rear surface of the first button 46A, and the first button 46A is displaced forward by the cam surface 50C ( Pushed up). As a result, the first button 46A pushes up the first selection operation area 42A1 of the seat 42, and the first selection operation area 42A1 protrudes forward with respect to the operation surface 42A (non-projection area 42A5). ing.

  Although details will be described later, when the slider 50 moves, any one of the first pushing surface 50C2, the second pushing surface 50C4, and the third pushing surface 50C6 on the cam surface 50C of the slider 50 is the rear surface of the first button 46A. Is set to engage. Further, when the second push surface 50C4 or the third push surface 50C6 of the slider 50 is engaged with the first button 46A, the tip end portion of the slider 50 is inserted into the inner slide groove portion 40F2 of the left slide groove 40F. ing. Accordingly, the slider 50 is allowed to move by the inner slide groove portion 40F2. Further, a stopper 62 having a substantially cylindrical shape is fixed to the front end portion of the output shaft 58A of the motor 58 by press fitting or the like. Thus, the stopper 56 prevents the nut 56 from coming off the output shaft 58A.

  As described above, the second moving mechanism 48B is configured to be paired with the second button 46B and is assembled to the frame 32. Specifically, the second moving mechanism 48B is arranged in the same direction as the first moving mechanism 48A and below the first moving mechanism 48A. The motor main body 58B of the motor 58 in the second moving mechanism 48B is fixed to the mounting portion 60L2 of the motor bracket 60L with a screw 76. Thus, the first moving mechanism 48A and the second moving mechanism 48B are connected by the motor bracket 60L to form a unit. Further, in the assembled state of the second moving mechanism 48B to the frame 32, the arm portion 50B of the slider 50 in the second moving mechanism 48B is slidably inserted into the lower left slide groove 40F. Further, when the second moving mechanism 48B is in an inoperative state, the distal end portion of the arm portion 50B is disposed adjacent to the left side of the second button 46B, and the base portion 50A is separated to the left side with respect to the bending flange 32C of the frame 32. (The position shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, hereinafter, the position of the slider 50 in the second moving mechanism 48 </ b> B is referred to as “initial position”).

  Then, similarly to the first moving mechanism 48A, the second moving mechanism 48B is operated, so that the slider 50 slides to the right from the initial position, and the second button 46B is moved forward from the non-projecting position by the cam surface 50C. It is designed to be displaced. Accordingly, the second selection operation area 42A2 of the seat 42 is configured to protrude forward with respect to the operation surface 42A.

  As described above, the third moving mechanism 48C is configured to be paired with the third button 46C and is assembled to the frame 32. Specifically, the third moving mechanism 48C is arranged in a state reversed 180 degrees with respect to the first moving mechanism 48A in front view. The third moving mechanism 48C is connected to the frame 32 via the motor bracket 60R. The motor bracket 60R is configured to have a shape obtained by inverting the motor bracket 60L by 180 degrees when viewed from the front. That is, the motor bracket 60R includes a fixed portion 60R1 disposed in parallel with the frame 32 and an attachment portion 60R2 extending from the right end portion of the fixed portion 60R1 to the rear side. The motor main body 58B of the motor 58 in the third moving mechanism 48C is disposed on the left side with respect to the upper portion of the mounting portion 60R2 of the motor bracket 60R, and is fixed to the mounting portion 60R2 by screws 76.

  In the assembled state of the third moving mechanism 48C, the arm portion 50B of the slider 50 in the third moving mechanism 48C is slidably inserted into the upper right slide groove 40G. Further, when the third moving mechanism 48C is in an inoperative state, the tip of the arm portion 50B is disposed adjacent to the right side of the third button 46C, and the base portion 50A is separated to the right side with respect to the bending flange 32C of the frame 32. (The position shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, hereinafter, the position of the slider 50 in the third moving mechanism 48 </ b> C is referred to as “initial position”).

  When the third moving mechanism 48C operates, the slider 50 slides to the left from the initial position, and the third button 46C is displaced from the non-projecting position to the front side by the cam surface 50C. Accordingly, the third selection operation region 42A3 of the seat 42 is configured to protrude forward with respect to the operation surface 42A.

  As described above, the fourth moving mechanism 48D is configured to be paired with the fourth button 46D and is assembled to the frame 32. Specifically, the fourth moving mechanism 48D is disposed in the same direction as the third moving mechanism 48C and below the third moving mechanism 48C. Further, the motor main body 58B of the motor 58 in the fourth moving mechanism 48D is fixed to the mounting portion 60L2 of the motor bracket 60R by screws 76. Thus, the third moving mechanism 48C and the fourth moving mechanism 48D are connected by the motor bracket 60R to form a unit. Further, in the assembled state of the fourth moving mechanism 48D, the arm portion 50B of the slider 50 in the fourth moving mechanism 48D is slidably inserted into the lower right slide groove 40G. Further, when the fourth moving mechanism 48D is in an inoperative state, the distal end portion of the arm portion 50B is disposed adjacent to the right side of the fourth button 46D, and the base portion 50A is separated to the right side with respect to the bending flange 32C of the frame 32. (The position shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, hereinafter, the position of the slider 50 in the fourth moving mechanism 48 </ b> D is referred to as “initial position”).

  When the fourth moving mechanism 48D operates, the slider 50 slides to the left from the initial position, and the fourth button 46D is displaced from the non-projecting position to the front side by the cam surface 50C. Accordingly, the fourth selection operation region 42A4 on the operation surface 42A of the seat 42 is configured to protrude forward with respect to the operation surface 42A.

<Operation input control unit>
As shown in FIG. 2, the load sensor 34, the capacitance sensor 36, and the motors 58 of the first to fourth moving mechanisms 48 </ b> A to 48 </ b> D are electrically connected to the operation input control unit 64. Yes. Further, the operation input control unit 64 is electrically connected to the display control unit 14 described above.

  The operation input control unit 64 operates each motor 58 of the first to fourth movement mechanisms 48A to 48D based on the information acquired from the display control unit 14. Specifically, the operation input control unit 64 displays information indicating which of the first to fourth button images 12A to 12D is assigned the recommendation information and information on the priority of the assigned recommendation information. 14 from. And the operation input control part 64 sets the drive amount (rotation speed of the output shaft 58A) of each motor 58 of 1st-4th moving mechanism 48A-48D from these information, and is 1st-4th movement. Actuate mechanisms 48A-48D. That is, when the button paired with the button image indicating the highest priority recommendation information is moved, the operation input control unit 64 is operated by the motor so that the third pushing surface 50C6 of the slider 50 is engaged with the button. The drive amount 58 is set and the motor 58 is driven. In addition, when the button paired with the button image indicating the second highest priority recommendation information is moved, the operation input control unit 64 causes the second push surface 50C4 of the slider 50 to be engaged with the button. The drive amount of the motor 58 is set and the motor 58 is driven. Further, when the button paired with the button image indicating the third highest recommendation information is moved, the operation input control unit 64 causes the first push surface 50C2 of the slider 50 to be engaged with the button. The drive amount of the motor 58 is set and the motor 58 is driven.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the protrusion amounts of the first to fourth buttons 46A to 46D change in three stages according to the priority of the recommendation information assigned to the first to fourth button images 12A to 12D. It is configured. That is, the amount of protrusion of the first to fourth selection operation areas 42A1 to 42A4 from the operation surface 42A is set to change in three stages.

  Further, the operation input control unit 64 detects a pressing operation on the operation surface 42 </ b> A by the user based on a detection signal from the load sensor 34. Specifically, the operation input control unit 64 determines whether or not the pressing load on the operation surface 42 </ b> A is greater than or equal to a predetermined load based on a detection signal from the load sensor 34. And when the said load is more than predetermined load, the operation input control part 64 will judge that the user pressed operation surface 42A.

  Furthermore, the operation input control unit 64 detects the contact position of the operation surface 42 </ b> A by the user based on the detection signal from the capacitance sensor 36. In the present embodiment, the detection sensitivity for the first to fourth selection operation areas 42A1 to 42A4 in the capacitance sensor 36 is set high. Specifically, in this embodiment, the operation input control unit 64 calculates the contact position with respect to the operation surface 42A based on whether or not the detection signal from the detection circuit unit 36D exceeds a predetermined threshold value. . At this time, the operation input control unit 64 sets the threshold value for the detection signal corresponding to the first to fourth selection operation regions 42A1 to 42A4 from the detection circuit unit 36D as the protrusion amount of the first to fourth selection operation regions 42A1 to 42A4. The value is set lower as the value increases. For this reason, as the protruding amount of the first to fourth selection operation areas 42A1 to 42A4 increases, the detection sensitivity for the first to fourth selection operation areas 42A1 to 42A4 in the capacitance sensor 36 is set higher.

  In addition, the structure which raises the detection sensitivity with respect to the 1st-4th selection operation area | region 42A1-42A4 in the electrostatic capacitance sensor 36 is not restricted to this. For example, the operation input control unit 64 amplifies detection signals corresponding to the first to fourth selection operation regions 42A1 to 42A4 from the detection circuit unit 36D, and detects the detection sensitivity for the first to fourth selection operation regions 42A1 to 42A4. May be set higher. Furthermore, the amount of amplification may be set larger as the protruding amount of the first to fourth selection operation areas 42A1 to 42A4 increases.

  When the operation input control unit 64 detects the pressing of the operation surface 42A, the operation input control unit 64 specifies an area including the contact position on the operation surface 42A as the operated area. Further, the operation input control unit 64 determines whether or not the specified operated region is a selected operation region protruding from the operation surface 42A. Then, the operation input control unit 64 outputs the determination information and information on the specified operated area to the display control unit 14.

  Although the details will be described later, when the operated region specified by the operation input control unit 64 is not the selection operation region protruding from the operation surface 42A, the protruding mechanism 44 is activated and the protruding selection operation is performed. The region is set to return to a position where it is flush with the operation surface 42A. In this case, the button image indicating the recommendation information on the display unit 12 is set to end.

  On the other hand, when the operated region specified by the operation input control unit 64 is a selection operation region protruding from the operation surface 42A, depending on the presence / absence of recommendation information in a lower layer (lower level) of the selected recommendation information, The operation input system S is set to operate.

(Function and effect)
Next, using the example shown in FIG. 6 and the flowchart of FIG. 7, the operation and effect of the present embodiment will be described while explaining the operation of the operation input system S.

  In a state where the button image indicating the recommendation information is not displayed on the display unit 12 of the navigation device 10, the operation input device 30 is in the inoperative state shown in FIG. 3. In this state, each of the sliders 50 of the first to fourth moving mechanisms 48A to 48D is disposed at the initial position, and each of the first to fourth buttons 46A to 46D is disposed at the non-projecting position. . As a result, the entire operation surface 42A is flush (flat).

  And in the operation input system S, the button image which shows recommendation information is displayed on the display part 12 of the navigation apparatus 10 according to a user's utilization condition. That is, based on the recommendation information acquired by the recommendation information acquisition unit 16, the recommendation information is displayed on the display unit 12 as a button image. At this time, the button image displayed on the display unit 12 is displayed in a different form according to the priority (adaptability) of the recommendation information (step ST1).

  In the example shown in FIG. 6A, three pieces of recommendation information are acquired by the recommendation information acquisition unit 16, and three button images corresponding to the recommendation information are displayed on the display unit 12. Specifically, recommendation information of “meal” is assigned to the first button image 12A, recommendation information of “weather forecast” is assigned to the second button image 12B, and recommendation information of “BGM” is assigned to the third button image 12C. Is assigned. In this example, since the three pieces of recommendation information are acquired by the recommendation information acquisition unit 16, the fourth button image 12D is not displayed.

  In this example, the priority for “meal” is the highest, the priority for “BGM” is the second highest, and the priority for “weather forecast” is the third highest. Therefore, in the display unit 12, the brightness of the first button image 12A is set to the highest, the brightness of the third button image 12C is set to the second highest, and the brightness of the second button image 12B is set to the third highest. Then, the first to third button images 12A to 12C are displayed.

  Further, the display control unit 14 outputs information indicating which button image the recommendation information is assigned to and information on the priority of the assigned recommendation information to the operation input control unit 64 of the operation input device 30. When the display control unit 14 outputs these pieces of information to the operation input control unit 64, the process proceeds to step ST2.

  In step ST2, the operation input control unit 64 operates the protrusion mechanism 44 based on the output from the display control unit 14, and operates the first to fourth selection operation areas 42A1 to 42A4 corresponding to the displayed button images. Project from the surface 42A. Specifically, the operation input control unit 64 sets the drive amount of the motor 58 of the first to fourth moving mechanisms 48A to 48D and drives each motor 58.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6A, the priority of the recommendation information assigned to the first button image 12A corresponding to the first button 46A is the highest. For this reason, the operation input control unit 64 drives the motor 58 of the first moving mechanism 48A so that the third pushing surface 50C6 of the slider 50 in the first moving mechanism 48A is engaged with the first button 46A. Accordingly, the first button 46A is displaced from the non-projecting position to the front side. As a result, the first selection operation area 42A1 on the operation surface 42A is projected (raised) from the operation surface 42A to the front side.

  Further, the priority of the recommendation information assigned to the second button image 12B corresponding to the second button 46B is the third highest. For this reason, the operation input control part 64 drives the motor 58 of the 2nd moving mechanism 48B so that the 1st pushing surface 50C2 of the slider 50 in the 2nd moving mechanism 48B may engage with the 2nd button 46B. Accordingly, the second button 46B is displaced from the non-projecting position to the front side. As a result, the second selection operation region 42A2 on the operation surface 42A is projected (raised) from the operation surface 42A to the front side.

  Furthermore, the priority of the recommendation information assigned to the third button image 12C corresponding to the third button 46C is the second highest. Therefore, the operation input control unit 64 drives the motor 58 of the third moving mechanism 48C so that the second pushing surface 50C4 of the slider 50 in the third moving mechanism 48C is engaged with the third button 46C. As a result, the third button 46C is displaced from the non-projecting position to the front side. As a result, the third selection operation area 42A3 on the operation surface 42A is projected (raised) from the operation surface 42A to the front side.

  Note that recommendation information is not assigned to the fourth button image 12D corresponding to the fourth button 46D. For this reason, the operation input control part 64 does not perform the drive process with respect to the motor 58 of 4th moving mechanism 48D. That is, the fourth selection operation region 42A4 on the operation surface 42A is not projected from the operation surface 42A, and is arranged flush with the operation surface 42A (non-projection region 42A5).

  As described above, in the operation input device 30, the first to third selection operation areas 42A1 to 42A3 corresponding to the first to third button images 12A to 12C on the operation surface 42A protrude from the operation surface 42A so as to be selectable by the user. Is done. In addition, the protruding amount of the selection operation area protruding from the operation surface 42A increases in the order of the second selection operation area 42A2, the third selection operation area 42A3, and the first selection operation area 42A1 according to the priority of the recommendation information. ing.

  After the selected operation area protrudes from the operation surface 42A, the process proceeds to step ST3. In step ST <b> 3, the operation input control unit 64 detects a pressing operation on the operation surface 42 </ b> A by the user based on detection signals from the capacitance sensor 36 and the load sensor 34.

  When the operation input control unit 64 detects a pressing operation on the operation surface 42A by the user, the process proceeds to step ST4. In step ST4, the operation input control unit 64 specifies the operated region of the operation surface 42A that has been pressed, and determines whether or not the specified operated region is a selected operation region that protrudes from the operation surface 42A.

  In step ST4, when the specified operated region is not the selected operation region protruding from the operation surface 42A (in the case of “No” in step ST4, in the example shown in FIG. 6A, the non-projecting region 42A5 or If the fourth selection operation area 42A4 is pressed), the process proceeds to step ST5.

  In step ST5, the protrusion mechanism 44 is actuated by the operation input controller 64, and the protruded selected operation area is returned to a position that is flush with the operation surface 42A. Specifically, the operation input control unit 64 drives the motor 58 so as to return each slider 50 of the first to fourth moving mechanisms 48A to 48D to the initial position. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 6A, the motor 58 of the first to third moving mechanisms 48A to 48C is driven to return the slider 50 to the initial position. As a result, the first to third buttons 46A to 46C return to the non-projecting position, and the first to third selection operation areas 42A1 to 42A3 are flush with the operation surface 42A (non-projection area 42A5). Returned to

  In step ST5, the operation input control unit 64 outputs information to the display control unit 14 that the identified operated region is not the selected operation region protruding from the operation surface 42A. And the display control part 14 complete | finishes the display of the button image which shows the recommendation information in the display part 12 based on the said information, and the process of the operation input system S is complete | finished.

  On the other hand, in step ST4, when the specified operated region is a selected operation region protruding from the operation surface 42A (in the case of “Yes” in step ST4), the process proceeds to step ST6. In step ST <b> 6, the operation input control unit 64 outputs information on the specified operated area to the display control unit 14. Then, the display control unit 14 determines whether any one of the button images on the display unit 12 is selected from the information on the operated region from the operation input control unit 64. Further, the display control unit 14 determines whether there is lower layer (lower) recommendation information in the recommendation information corresponding to the selected button image.

  And when there is no recommendation information of a lower layer (in the case of "No" of step ST6), it transfers to step ST8. In step ST8, the display control unit 14 displays the recommendation information corresponding to the selected button image as the recommendation information desired by the user in the area 12R of the display unit 12, and ends the process of the operation input system S.

  On the other hand, when there is lower layer recommendation information (in the case of “Yes” in step ST6), the process proceeds to step ST7. In step ST7, the display control unit 14 displays the lower layer recommendation information as a button image in the area 12R of the display unit 12 based on the selected button image.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6 (A), the user presses the third selection operation area 42A3 of the operation surface 42A. Therefore, the display control unit 14 determines that the third button image 12C corresponding to the third selection operation area 42A3 (that is, the recommendation information “BGM”) has been selected. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6B, a button image indicating recommendation information on the lower layer is displayed in the area 12 </ b> R of the display unit 12 under the control of the display control unit 14.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6B, recommendation information of two lower layers in the recommendation information “BGM” is acquired by the recommendation information acquisition unit 16 and displayed as a button image on the display unit 12. Specifically, recommendation information “Music 1” is assigned to the first button image 12A, and recommendation information “Music 2” is assigned to the second button image 12B. In this example, since the two pieces of recommendation information are acquired by the recommendation information acquisition unit 16, the third button image 12C and the fourth button image 12D are not displayed.

  In this example, the priority for “music 1” is the highest and the priority for “music 2” is the second highest. Therefore, in the display unit 12, the brightness of the first button image 12A is set to be the highest, the brightness of the second button image 12B is set to the second highest brightness, and the first button image 12A and the second button image are set. 12B is displayed.

  Further, as described above, the display control unit 14 sends the information indicating which button image the recommendation information is assigned to and the information on the priority of the assigned recommendation information to the operation input control unit 64 of the operation input device 30. Output. And if the display control part 14 outputs such information to the operation input control part 64, it will return to step ST2 and will repeat the process similar to the above-mentioned.

That is, similarly to the above, in the operation input device 30, in step ST3, the operation input control unit 64 drives the motors 58 of the first to fourth moving mechanisms 48A to 48D based on the output from the display control unit 14. The amount is set and each motor 58 is driven.
In the example shown in FIG. 6B, the priority of the recommendation information assigned to the first button image 12A corresponding to the first button 46A is the highest. For this reason, the operation input control unit 64 drives the motor 58 of the first moving mechanism 48A so that the third pushing surface 50C6 of the slider 50 in the first moving mechanism 48A is engaged with the first button 46A. Accordingly, the first button 46A is displaced from the non-projecting position to the front side, and the first selection operation area 42A1 is projected (raised) from the operation surface 42A to the front side.

  Further, the priority of the recommendation information assigned to the second button image 12B corresponding to the second button 46B is the second highest. For this reason, the operation input control unit 64 drives the motor 58 of the second moving mechanism 48B so that the second pushing surface 50C4 of the slider 50 in the second moving mechanism 48B is engaged with the second button 46B. Accordingly, the second button 46B is displaced from the non-projecting position to the front side, and the second selection operation region 42A2 is projected (raised) from the operation surface 42A to the front side.

  Note that no recommendation information is assigned to the third button image 12C and the fourth button image 12D corresponding to the third button 46C and the fourth button 46D. For this reason, the operation input control unit 64 drives the motor 58 of the third moving mechanism 48C to return the slider 50 of the third moving mechanism 48C to the initial position. Accordingly, the third and fourth selection operation areas 42A3 and 42A4 on the operation surface 42A are not projected from the operation surface 42A, and are arranged flush with the operation surface 42A (non-projection area 42A5).

  And in the operation input system S, after the process of step ST3, it transfers to step ST4 similarly to the above, and a process is implemented. In the example shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the recommendation information selected by the user is recommendation information “BGM”. For this reason, for example, when the user selects the first button image 12A, the music corresponding to “music 1” is output from the speaker 20 by the audio control unit 18 in step ST8 via step ST6. The That is, according to the recommendation information corresponding to the selected button image, the recommendation information is displayed on the display unit 12 and output from the speaker 20.

  As described above, in the operation input system S of the present embodiment, the plurality of first to fourth button images 12A to 12D that can be selected by the user are navigated in different display modes according to the priorities (fitness). It is displayed on the display unit 12 of the apparatus 10. Further, the operation input device 30 has an operation surface 42A configured to be capable of pressing operation, and the operation surface 42A is associated with each of the first to fourth button images 12A to 12D. 4 selection operation areas 42A1 to 42A4 are provided.

  Here, the operation input device 30 has a protruding mechanism 44. The protrusion mechanism 44 is configured so that the first to fourth selection operation areas 42A1 to 42A4 of the operation surface 42A are operated with different protrusion amounts according to the priority (fitness) of the first to fourth button images 12A to 12D. Project with respect to 42A. That is, the first to fourth selection operation areas 42A1 to 42A4 for selecting the first to fourth button images 12A to 12D protrude forward from the operation surface 42A so as to be selectable by the user. Moreover, the protruding heights from the operation surface 42A in the first to fourth selection operation areas 42A1 to 42A4 are different heights according to the priority (adaptability) of the recommendation information. Therefore, when the user touches the first to fourth selection operation areas 42A1 to 42A4 having different heights, the first to fourth selection operation areas 42A1 to 42A4 corresponding to the priority (fitness) are intuitively set. Can be recognized. Therefore, according to the operation input device 30, the convenience of operation input can be improved.

  In the operation input system S of the present embodiment, recommendation information corresponding to the user is assigned to the first to fourth button images 12A to 12D of the display unit 12 and displayed. For this reason, the information according to a user's favorite tendency can be provided.

  Further, as the priority (relevance) of the recommendation information increases, the protruding amount of the first to fourth selection operation areas 42A1 to 42A4 on the operation surface 42A is set larger. For this reason, when the user touches the first to fourth selection operation areas 42A1 to 42A4, the first to fourth selection operation areas 42A1 to 42A4 to be operated are recognized in descending order of priority (fitness). Can do. Thereby, the convenience of operation input can be further improved.

Further, when a portion other than the projected first to fourth selection operation areas 42A1 to 42A4 is pressed on the operation surface 42A, the first to fourth movement mechanisms 48A to 48D are controlled by the operation input control unit 64. The slider 50 is returned to the initial position. As a result, the first to fourth buttons 46A to 46D are moved to the non-projecting position, and the first to fourth selection operation areas 42A1 to 42A4 are returned to a position flush with the operation surface 42A (non-projection area 42A5). To do. At this time, the display control unit 14 ends the display of the button image indicating the recommendation information on the display unit 12 of the navigation device 10.
Therefore, when the user does not desire to select the button image indicating the recommendation information displayed on the display unit 12, the user presses a portion other than the projected first to fourth selection operation areas 42A1 to 42A4. Thus, the operation input device 30 can be returned to the initial state, and the display of the button image indicating the recommendation information on the navigation device 10 can be terminated.

  In the operation input device 30, the user's contact position on the operation surface 42 </ b> A is detected by the capacitance sensor 36, and the pressure on the operation surface 42 </ b> A is detected by the load sensor 34. And the operation input control part 64 specifies the area | region which the user contacted as an operation area | region based on the detection signal from the electrostatic capacitance sensor 36 and the load sensor 34. FIG. For this reason, for example, when the user touches the operation surface 42A with a load less than a predetermined load, the operation input control unit 64 does not specify the operated region. Thereby, for example, the operation input device 30 can be prevented from operating while the user is searching for a desired selection operation region. Therefore, the operation input device 30 can be operated according to the user's operation intention.

  In the present embodiment, the operation input control unit 64 determines the detection sensitivity of the capacitance sensor 36 for the first to fourth selection operation areas 42A1 to 42A4 by the amount of protrusion of the first to fourth selection operation areas 42A1 to 42A4. The higher the value, the higher. Therefore, even when the first to fourth selection operation areas 42A1 to 42A4 are configured to protrude on the operation surface 42A, the pressing operation to the first to fourth selection operation areas 42A1 to 42A4 is favorably performed by the capacitance sensor 36. Can be detected.

  Further, the protruding mechanism 44 moves the first to fourth buttons 46A to 46D and the first to fourth buttons 46A to 46D that project the first to fourth selection operation areas 42A1 to 42A4 of the operation surface 42A from the non-projecting position. And first to fourth moving mechanisms 48A to 48D that move forward. The first to fourth moving mechanisms 48A to 48D include a slider 50 that moves to move the first to fourth buttons 46A to 46D, and a drive mechanism 52 that operates the slider 50. ing. For this reason, by sliding the slider 50 of the first to fourth moving mechanisms 48A to 48D from the initial position, the first to fourth selection operation areas 42A1 to 42A4 are independently protruded from the operation surface 42A. be able to. Moreover, the protrusion mechanism 44 can be made into a simple structure, and the first to fourth selection operation areas 42A1 to 42A4 can be protruded from the operation surface 42A.

  Further, the slider 50 in the first to fourth moving mechanisms 48A to 48D has a cam surface 50C. The cam surface 50C has first to third push-up surfaces 50C2, 50C4, and 50C6 that engage with the first to fourth buttons 46A to 46D. The first to third push-up surfaces 50C2, 50C4, and 50C6 The front and rear positions are set at different positions. For this reason, by appropriately setting the slide position of the slider 50 (in other words, by appropriately setting the drive amount for the motor 58), the protrusion amount of the first to fourth selection operation areas 42A1 to 42A4 can be varied. it can.

  The operation input system S according to the present embodiment is configured to display a plurality of button images indicating recommendation information on the display unit 12 and to prompt the user to select recommendation information. In addition to this, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of pieces of recommendation information are notified by voice to prompt the user to select the recommendation information.

  For example, when the user touches any of the first to fourth selection operation areas 42A1 to 42A4 on the operation surface 42A before the pressing operation, the content of the recommendation information corresponding to the contacted selection operation area May be notified by voice from the speaker 20. In this case, for example, the operation input control unit 64 detects that the user has touched any of the first to fourth selection operation areas 42A1 to 42A4 on the operation surface 42A. Detect based on Then, the operation input control unit 64 outputs the position information of the touched selection operation region to the voice control unit 18. Based on the output information from the operation input control unit 64, the voice control unit 18 informs recommendation information corresponding to the touched selection operation region from the speaker 20 by voice.

  As a result, the user touches the first to fourth selection operation areas 42A1 to 42A4, thereby confirming the content of the recommendation information corresponding to the contacted selection operation area by voice, and the first to fourth selection operations. Whether or not a pressing operation can be performed on the regions 42A1 to 42A4 can be determined. Therefore, the convenience of operation input can be improved effectively.

  Further, when the recommendation information is notified by voice, the voice notification may be automatically performed as the button image indicating the recommendation information is displayed on the display unit 12. For example, the content of the recommendation information may be automatically notified by voice in order of priority.

  In this embodiment, recommendation information corresponding to the user is assigned to the first to fourth button images 12A to 12D of the display unit 12 and displayed, but the first to fourth buttons of the display unit 12 are displayed. The information assigned to the images 12A to 12D is not limited to this. For example, the menu information when the shortcut key displayed on the display unit 12 is operated may be assigned to the first to fourth button images 12A to 12D of the display unit 12 and displayed. Examples of menu information in this case include command information such as “map display switching”, “map scale switching”, “point registration”, “route search”, “surrounding facility search”, “map scroll”, and the like. In this case, the priority for each command information may be set according to the usage frequency of each command information of the past user. The “shortcut key” in the present embodiment is a key for displaying menu information that is predicted to be frequently used by the user.

  In the present embodiment, the first to fourth button images 12A to 12D of the display unit 12 are displayed in different display modes according to the priority of the corresponding recommendation information. Specifically, the brightness of the first to fourth button images 12A to 12D is set to increase as the priority of the corresponding recommendation information increases, but the first to fourth button images 12A to 12D. The display mode is not limited to this. For example, the button image corresponding to the recommendation information with high priority may be displayed in color, and the corresponding button image may be displayed in monotone as the priority of the recommendation information becomes lower. Alternatively, the first to fourth button images 12A to 12D are displayed in a three-dimensional design, and the protruding amounts of the first to fourth selection operation areas 42A1 to 42A4 corresponding to these are intuitively transmitted to the user. It is good also as a display mode.

  In the present embodiment, when an area other than the selected operation area protruding on the operation surface 42A is pressed, the operation input device 30 is returned to the initial state, and the button image indicating the recommendation information on the display unit 12 However, the method for terminating the display of the button image is not limited to this. For example, if the operation input control unit 64 does not detect an operation on the operation surface 42A even after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of displaying the button image indicating the recommendation information on the display unit 12, the operation input device 30 is set to the initial state. The display of the button image on the display unit 12 may be terminated by returning.

  In the present embodiment, the protruding amounts of the first to fourth selection operation areas 42A1 to 42A4 on the operation surface 42A are set in three stages. Instead of this, the protruding amounts of the first to fourth selection operation areas 42A1 to 42A4 may be set to four or more levels (that is, more than the maximum number of button images displayed on the display unit 12). In this case, the cam surface 50C of the slider 50 in the first to fourth moving mechanisms 48A to 48D may have four or more pressing surfaces, and the positions of the pressing surfaces in the front-rear direction may be set to different positions. . Alternatively, the protruding amounts of the first to fourth selection operation areas 42A1 to 42A4 may be set in two stages. In this case, the cam surface 50C of the slider 50 in the first to fourth moving mechanisms 48A to 48D may have two pressing surfaces, and the positions of the pressing surfaces in the front-rear direction may be set at different positions.

  In the present embodiment, the protrusion amounts of the first to fourth selection operation areas 42A1 to 42A4 on the operation surface 42A are configured to be variable, but the protrusion amounts of the first to fourth selection operation areas 42A1 to 42A4 are variable. May be fixed. In this case, for example, in the display unit 12, the priority of the recommendation information corresponding to the first button image 12A to the fourth button image 12D is always lower in the order of the first button image 12A to the fourth button image 12D. As described above, recommendation information may be assigned to the first button image 12A to the fourth button image 12D. Further, in the first to fourth moving mechanisms 48A to 48D in this case, it is not necessary to form a plurality of pushing surfaces on the slider 50. For this reason, each slider 50 of the first to fourth moving mechanisms 48A to 48D may be configured to have one pushing surface corresponding to the protruding amount of the first to fourth selection operation areas 42A1 to 42A4.

  Moreover, in the present Example, although the recommendation information acquisition part 16 of the navigation apparatus 10 becomes a structure which acquires recommendation information, the structure which acquires recommendation information is not restricted to this. For example, the navigation device 10 may be connected to an external server by communication, and the recommendation information may be acquired in the external server.

  In this embodiment, the operation input device 30 includes the load sensor 34 and the capacitance sensor 36. However, the load sensor 34 may be omitted from the operation input device 30. In this case, the operation input control unit 64 may determine the pressing operation on the operation surface 42 </ b> A based on the area of the region where the capacitance change in the capacitance sensor 36 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

  In this embodiment, the display unit 12 of the navigation device 10 is configured to display button images indicating up to four pieces of recommendation information. However, the number of the button images displayed on the display unit 12 is arbitrary. Can be set to In this case, the number of moving mechanisms of the protrusion mechanism 44 may be set as appropriate in accordance with the number of button images indicating recommended information to be displayed. In this case, the pushing surface of the cam surface 50C of the slider 50 of the moving mechanism may be appropriately set corresponding to the number of the button images.

  In this embodiment, the operation input device 30 is installed on the pad portion 86 of the steering wheel 84, but the installation location of the operation input device 30 is not limited to this. For example, the operation input device 30 may be installed on a center console of the vehicle 80, an armrest of a vehicle seat on which a user is seated, an inner panel of a side door of the vehicle 80, or the like, or integrated with the navigation device 10. It may be configured. In other words, the operation input device 30 only needs to be installed at a position that can be reached by the user.

  The processing of the operation input system S of the present invention is recorded by recording the processing of the operation input system S on a recording medium readable by the computer system, causing the operation input system S to read and execute the program recorded on the recording medium. Can be realized. The computer system here includes an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices.

  Further, the “computer system” may include 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.

  Although the embodiments and examples of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the embodiments or examples, and the scope of the present invention is not deviated. Design etc. are also included.

10 Navigation device (display device)
12A First button image (object)
12B Second button image (object)
12C Third button image (object)
12D 4th button image (object)
20 Speaker (output unit)
30 Operation input device 34 Load sensor (detection unit)
36 Capacitance sensor (capacitance detection unit, detection unit)
42A Operation surface 42A1 First selection operation area (selection operation area)
42A2 Second selection operation area (selection operation area)
42A3 Third selection operation area (selection operation area)
42A4 Fourth selection operation area (selection operation area)
44 Protrusion mechanism (protrusion drive)
46A 1st button (protruding member)
46B Second button (protruding member)
46C 3rd button (protruding member)
46D 4th button (protruding member)
50 Slider (moving member)
50C2 first push-up surface (engagement surface)
50C4 second push-up surface (engagement surface)
50C6 Third push-up surface (engagement surface)
52 Drive mechanism (drive unit)
64 Operation input control part (specific part)
S Operation input system

Claims (11)

A display device that displays a plurality of selectable objects in different display modes according to priority;
An operation input device having an operation surface configured to be capable of pressing operation, wherein a plurality of selection operation regions associated with each of the plurality of objects are set on the operation surface;
With
An operation input system in which the operation input device includes a projecting drive unit that projects a plurality of the selected operation areas with respect to the operation surface with different projecting amounts according to the priority.   The operation input system according to claim 1, wherein the object is displayed based on recommendation information corresponding to a user.   The operation input system according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion amount is set to be larger as the priority is higher.   When a portion other than the protruding selection operation area on the operation surface is pressed, the protruding selection operation area is returned to a position that is flush with the operation surface by the protrusion driving unit, and The operation input system according to claim 1, wherein display of the plurality of objects on the display device is terminated. The operation input device includes:
A detection unit for detecting a contact position on the operation surface and a pressure on the operation surface;
A specifying unit that specifies a region including the contact position as an operated region when a pressure on the operation surface is detected by the detection unit;
The operation input system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: The detection unit includes a capacitance detection unit that detects a change in capacitance caused by pressing on the operation surface.
The operation input system according to claim 5, wherein the sensitivity of the capacitance detection unit corresponding to the selection operation region is set higher as the protruding amount of the selection operation region increases. The display device has an output unit for notifying the contents of the object by voice,
The operation input system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, when contact with the selection operation area is detected, the output unit notifies the contents of the object corresponding to the selection operation area. The protruding drive unit is
A projecting member for projecting the selection operation area;
A movable member configured to be movable along a surface parallel to the operation surface, and moving the selected operation region with respect to the operation surface via the protrusion member by moving;
A drive unit connected to the moving member to move the moving member by operating;
The operation input system according to claim 1, comprising: The moving member has a plurality of engaging surfaces that engage with the protruding member;
The operation input system according to claim 8, wherein positions of the plurality of engagement surfaces in a direction orthogonal to the operation surface are set to different positions. A display device for displaying a plurality of selectable objects;
An operation input device having an operation surface configured to be capable of pressing operation, wherein a plurality of selection operation regions associated with each of the plurality of objects are set on the operation surface;
An operation input control method executed by an operation input system having:
The display device displaying the object in a different display mode according to priority;
A step of causing the projecting drive unit of the operation input device to project a plurality of the selected operation areas with respect to the operation surface with different projecting amounts according to the priority;
An operation input control method comprising: A display device for displaying a plurality of selectable objects;
An operation input device having an operation surface configured to be capable of pressing operation, wherein a plurality of selection operation regions associated with each of the plurality of objects are set on the operation surface;
In the computer of the operation input system having
The display device displaying the object in a different display mode according to priority;
A step of causing the projecting drive unit of the operation input device to project a plurality of the selected operation areas with respect to the operation surface with different projecting amounts according to the priority;
An operation input control program for executing