JP2011164723A - Remote input device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a remote input device with superior ease of operation, capable of facilitating a pointer to be moved from a selection icon on a menu screen to another selection icon, without needing complicated processing and control. <P>SOLUTION: The remote input device 1 is roughly configured to include: a display unit 300 on which a display menu is displayed; a remote operation unit 100 having an input switch 190, an X-axis encoder 170 and a Y-axis encoder 175 as a position detection unit, and an X-axis motor 150 and a Y-axis motor 155 as a two-dimensional drive unit, displaying the pointer 320 on the display unit 300, and performing remote input operation; and a control ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 200 as an operation control unit having a drive unit 201 applying an inner force sense pattern 203 corresponding to coordinates of the display menu, a viscous friction coefficient pattern 204, and an inner force sense based on position coordinates of the pointer 320 to the remote operation unit 100. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a remote input device.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a remote input device, there is a force sense imparting type remote input device that gives an operational feeling to an operation unit operated by an operator (for example, see Patent Document 1). The remote input device is output from an operation unit operated by an operator, a stroke detection unit that detects an operation state, a force generation unit that applies a force sense to the operation unit, an external device, and a stroke detection unit. And a control unit that controls driving of the force generation unit based on the stroke information and the component data transmitted from the external device, and applies a predetermined force sense corresponding to the operation state to the operation unit. ing.

  According to this remote input device, when the operator operates the operation unit, a reaction force acts on the operation unit from the force sense generating unit, and thus an operational feeling corresponding to the operation state can be obtained. And it is set as the structure which improves operativity by switching and adjusting in several steps the force sense pattern for providing reaction force to an operation part.

JP 2004-319173 A

  However, the remote input device shown in Patent Document 1 is easy to overshoot when moving to the target selection button even if the selection button corresponding to the function of the device to be remotely input is arranged on the display screen. There is a need for the operator to carefully stop by the pointer operation, and there is something that should be improved in operability.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a remote input device that is easy to move a pointer from a selection button on a menu screen to another selection button and does not require complicated processing and control, and has excellent operability.

  One embodiment of the present invention includes an input switch, a position detection unit, and a two-dimensional drive unit, and displays a pointer on a display screen on which a display menu is displayed and performs a remote input operation, and selection by the pointer Alternatively, a force sense pattern for giving a force sense in a specific range on a display menu for executing a specific function by decision, an operation direction of the remote control unit as the pointer approaches a position where the pointer in the specific range is stopped An operation control unit having a drive unit for applying a force sensation based on a viscous friction coefficient pattern for imitating a viscous friction force in a direction opposite to the direction and a position coordinate of the pointer to the remote operation unit; A remote input device is provided.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a remote input device that is easy to move a pointer from a selection button on a menu screen to another selection button and does not require complicated processing and control and has excellent operability.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view when a remote operation unit constituting a remote input device according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a center console of a vehicle. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a remote operation unit constituting the remote input device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a configuration block diagram of the remote input device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4A is an example of a display menu displayed on the display unit of the remote input device according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating the first and the icons set on the display menu. It is the schematic which shows a 2nd area | region, (c) is an example of the force sense pattern which shows the relationship between the X position corresponding to a display menu screen, and the drawing-in force level F of a X direction. FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between icons and pointers displayed on the display unit in the remote input device according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5B is an X corresponding to the display menu screen. It is an example of the force sense pattern which shows the relationship between a position and the drawing force level F of a X direction, (c) is a viscous friction coefficient pattern which shows the relationship between the X position corresponding to a display menu screen, and the viscous friction coefficient (mu) of a X direction. It is an example. FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between icons and pointers displayed on the display unit in the remote input device according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6B is an X corresponding to the display menu screen. It is an example of the force sense pattern which shows the relationship between a position and the drawing force level F of a X direction, (c) is a viscous friction coefficient pattern which shows the relationship between the X position corresponding to a display menu screen, and the viscous friction coefficient (mu) of a X direction. It is an example. FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between icons and pointers displayed on the display unit in the remote input device according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7B is an X corresponding to the display menu screen. It is an example of the force sense pattern which shows the relationship between a position and the drawing force level F of a X direction, (c) is a viscous friction coefficient pattern which shows the relationship between the X position corresponding to a display menu screen, and the viscous friction coefficient (mu) of a X direction. It is an example. FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram showing a positional relationship between icons and pointers displayed on the display unit in the remote input device according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8B is an X corresponding to the display menu screen. It is an example of the force sense pattern which shows the relationship between a position and the drawing force level F of a X direction, (c) is a viscous friction coefficient pattern which shows the relationship between the X position corresponding to a display menu screen, and the viscous friction coefficient (mu) of a X direction. It is an example. FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram showing a positional relationship between icons and pointers displayed on the display unit in the remote input device according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9B is an X corresponding to the display menu screen. It is an example of the force sense pattern which shows the relationship between a position and the drawing force level F of a X direction, (c) is a viscous friction coefficient pattern which shows the relationship between the X position corresponding to a display menu screen, and the viscous friction coefficient (mu) of a X direction. It is an example.

[Embodiment]
The remote input device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes an input switch 190, an X-axis encoder 170 and a Y-axis encoder 175 as position detection units, and an X-axis motor 150 and a Y-axis motor 155 as two-dimensional drive units. A remote operation unit 100 that displays a pointer 320 on a display unit 300 as a display screen on which a display menu is displayed and performs a remote input operation, a force sense pattern 203 corresponding to the coordinates of the display menu, and a viscous friction coefficient pattern 204, and a control ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 200 as an operation control unit having a drive unit 201 that applies a force sense based on the position coordinates of the pointer 320 to the remote operation unit 100.

  Here, the force sense pattern 203 according to the present embodiment is a pattern for giving a force sense within an icon as a specific range on a display menu for executing a specific function by selection or determination by the pointer 320.

  The force sense is to give the user a feeling of operation of the operated object by adding a reaction force against the operated direction of the operated object to the operated object.

  In addition, the viscous friction coefficient pattern 204 according to the present embodiment is a force sense simulating a viscous friction force in a direction opposite to the operation direction of the remote operation unit 100 as the pointer 320 approaches the position where the pointer 320 in the icon is stopped. It is a pattern for giving. The viscous friction coefficient pattern 204 is a pattern in which the maximum value of the viscous friction coefficient is increased based on the distance from the pointer 320 in a plurality of icons on the display menu 310. The viscous friction coefficient pattern 204 includes a plurality of patterns, and a suitable viscous friction coefficient pattern is selected by the control ECU 200 according to the position of the pointer 320.

  The force sense given to the operation knob 120 is determined based on the force sense pattern 203 and the viscous friction coefficient pattern 204.

  The specific range is, for example, an area occupied by an icon that performs a specific function. The haptic pattern 203 and the viscous friction coefficient pattern 204 are two-dimensional data profiles formed corresponding to the display menu in this specific range. Specifically, corresponding to the display menu, the relationship between the X-direction and Y-direction distance S and the pull-in force level F (FS characteristic), and the relationship between the X-direction and Y-direction distance S and the viscous friction coefficient μ. (Μ-S characteristic) is defined, and is defined as a force sense pattern 203 and a viscous friction coefficient pattern 204. The FS characteristic and the μ-S characteristic are stored as numerical data and a table in a storage unit to be described later, and are appropriately referred to by the control ECU 200 during predetermined processing, for example.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view when a remote operation unit constituting a remote input device according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a center console of a vehicle. A center console 6 provided with a remote control unit 100 is arranged on the left side of the driver's seat 5 near the center of the vehicle, and a display unit 300 is provided on the instrument panel 8 on the left side of the steering wheel 7 and at a position visible to the user. It has been. The installation location of the remote control unit 100 is not limited to the center console 6, but is within a range where the steering 7 and the user's hand can reach without difficulty.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a remote operation unit constituting the remote input device according to the embodiment of the present invention. The remote operation unit 100 is provided with a base 110, a cover 111 that covers the base 110, and an operation knob 120 that protrudes from the cover 111 and can be operated by the user. The operation knob 120 is attached to a knob shaft 125 supported at one end by an XY spherical bearing 124 attached to the base 110.

  An X carriage 140 that abuts the knob shaft 125 in the X direction and slides in the X direction in the Y direction and is slidable in the X direction, and is orthogonal to the X carriage 140 and abuts the knob shaft 125 in the Y direction X A two-dimensional slide mechanism is constituted by a Y carriage 145 that is slidable in the Y direction sliding with the knob shaft 125 in the direction. By the XY operation of the operation knob 120, the knob shaft 125 moves the two-dimensional slide mechanism in the X direction and the Y direction.

  On the other hand, both ends of the X carriage 140 and the Y carriage 145 are supported by the X axis slide guide 180 and the Y axis slide guide 185, respectively. An X-axis rack gear 130 and a Y-axis rack gear 135 are attached to one end side of each, and these rack gears are coupled to an X-axis motor 150 and a Y-axis motor 155 mounted on the base 110 side, and force sense from each motor. A reaction force based on the pattern 203 is received.

  The reaction force presents a reaction force by applying forces from the X-axis motor 150 and the Y-axis motor 155 to the operation knob 120 via the two-dimensional slide mechanism and the knob shaft 125. That is, force control is performed on the remote operation unit 100, and an appropriate operation feeling is imparted when the user operates the operation knob 120.

  FIG. 3 is a configuration block diagram of the remote input device according to the embodiment of the present invention. The remote operation unit 100 includes an input switch 190, an X-axis encoder 170 and a Y-axis encoder 175 as position detection units, and an X-axis motor 150 and a Y-axis motor 155 as two-dimensional drive units. The input switch 190, the X-axis encoder 170, the Y-axis encoder 175, the X-axis motor 150, and the Y-axis motor 155 are all connected to the control ECU 200.

  The input switch 190 is turned on when the operation knob 120 is pressed, and outputs a switch signal to the control ECU 200. Further, the X-axis encoder 170 and the Y-axis encoder 175 output to the control ECU 200 an X-direction movement signal and a Y-direction movement signal due to the XY operation of the operation knob 120. On the other hand, a drive current for force sense control is supplied from the control ECU 200 to the X-axis motor 150 and the Y-axis motor 155.

  The control ECU 200 is schematically configured, for example, including a microcomputer (CPU: Central Processing Unit) that performs determination processing and a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a work area for arithmetic processing. The control ECU 200 also includes a drive unit 201 for driving the X-axis motor 150 and the Y-axis motor 155, a processing calculation program, menu screen position data, a force sense pattern 203 for giving a force sense, and a viscous friction coefficient pattern 204. And the like. The control ECU 200 is connected to the display unit 300 via the vehicle communication bus 400, displays a menu on the display unit 300 based on the position data of the menu screen, and also displays a pointer by the XY operation of the operation knob 120 on the display unit 300. indicate.

  Further, the control ECU 200 is connected to control target devices such as a car navigation device 401 and an air conditioner device 402 via a vehicle communication bus 400 of an in-vehicle LAN (Local Area Network) such as CAN (Controller Area Network) communication. Thereby, based on the operation of the remote operation unit 100 with respect to the menu display displayed on the display unit 300, the control target devices such as the car navigation device 401 and the air conditioner device 402 are remotely controlled via the vehicle communication bus 400.

(Viscous friction coefficient pattern 204 when the pointer 320 is positioned on the left side of the icon 311)
FIG. 4A is an example of a display menu displayed on the display unit of the remote input device according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating the first and the icons set on the display menu. It is the schematic which shows a 2nd area | region, (c) is an example of the force sense pattern which shows the relationship between the X position corresponding to a display menu screen, and the pulling force level F of a X direction, (d) is a display. It is an example of the viscous friction coefficient pattern which shows the relationship between the X position corresponding to a menu screen, and the viscous friction coefficient (mu) of an X direction.

The pull-in force level in FIG. 4C is a force sense that pulls the pointer 320 to the right, which is given to the operation knob 120 of the remote operation unit 100 in FIGS. 5B to 9B described later. F _{1 to} F ₃ , and force sensation to be pulled to the left side are F _{−1 to} F ₋₃ .

In addition, the viscous friction coefficient in FIG. 4D is obtained by applying a force sense in a direction opposite to the operation direction, which is given to the operation knob 120 in FIGS. 5C to 9C described later, to μ ₁ to μ. _Three . Hereinafter, first, the haptic pattern 203 when the pointer 320 is positioned on the left side of the icon 311 will be described.

  In FIG. 4A, the origin O is at the upper left, the X axis is in the right direction, and the Y axis is in the lower direction. Near the center of the display menu 310, icons 311 to 313 as specific ranges of the air conditioner 402 are displayed. The icons 311 to 313 have, for example, the same shape. The specific range in the present embodiment is arranged in the direction parallel to the X axis as the icons 311 to 313 having a rectangular shape, but is not limited thereto, and the number of icons, the shape of the icons, the arrangement of the icons, and the like are free. is there.

  The icons 311 to 313 are for switching the operation of the air conditioner 402 by selection or determination with the pointer 320, for example. By selection or determination by the pointer 320, for example, the icon 311 is switched to a low speed operation of the fan of the air conditioner 402, the icon 312 is switched to a medium speed operation, and the icon 313 is switched to a high speed operation.

  Here, selection or determination by the pointer 320 is performed by, for example, a push operation on the operation knob 120. By this push operation, the input switch 190 is turned on, and the input switch 190 outputs a push operation signal to the control ECU 200. For example, the control ECU 200 switches the operation of the air conditioner 402 based on the acquired push operation signal and the coordinates of the pointer 320.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, the icon 311 is divided into a first area 311a and a second area 311b with the center of the icon 311 as a boundary. Similarly, the icon 312 is divided into a first area 312a and a second area 312b with the center of the icon 312 as a boundary, and the icon 313 is separated from the first area 313a with the center of the icon 313 as a boundary. And the second region 313b. In this embodiment, the boundary between the first area 311a to 313a and the second area 311b to 313b is the center of the icon that is the position where the pointer 320 is stopped. Depending on the situation, it may be shifted from the center, or a plurality may be set.

  Note that the haptic pattern 203 shown in FIG. 4C and the viscous friction coefficient pattern 204 shown in FIG. 4D have a pointer 320 on the left side of the icon 311 as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. The pattern in the case of being located in FIG. Moreover, this force sense pattern 203 is comprised from the same pattern corresponding to each icon 311 to 313, as shown in FIG.4 (c). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4D, the viscous friction coefficient pattern 204 includes a first pattern 314, a second pattern 315, and a third pattern 316.

Here, when the moving speed of the pointer 320 is zero or the change in the moving direction continues for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds), the control ECU 200 changes the pattern to another viscous friction coefficient pattern. The changed viscous friction coefficient pattern will be described later. The force sense pattern 203 is always the same pattern regardless of the position of the pointer 320. First, the haptic pattern 203 will be described. Note that the patterns between the coordinate _X 1 to X _5, the pattern between the patterns and _X 11 _{to X 15} between X 6 _{to X 10,} are the same, in the _following, a pattern between the X 1 to X ₅ Example I will explain to you.

(About the haptic pattern 203)
In the first region 311a of the icon 311, as shown in FIG. 4C, the pulling force level is F ₋₁ between the coordinates X _{1 and} X ₂ , and the pulling force level is zero at the coordinate X ₃ . This indicates that when the pointer 320 enters from the left side of the first region 311a, a force sensation that pulls the pointer 320 toward the center of the icon 311 is generated. It should be noted that the pull-in force level takes a constant value between the coordinates X _{1 to} X ₂ , but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the pull-in force level at the center of the icon is X ₁ pull-in force level> X ₂ pull-in It may be a power level.

In addition, between the coordinates X _{2 to} X ₃ in the first region 311a, the pulling force level F ₋₁ changes from zero to zero. This change in the pull-in force level creates a better operational feeling than when the pull-in force level is constant.

In the second region 311b, a lead-in force level changes from zero to _{F 1} in between the coordinate _X 3 to X _4. This change in the pull-in force level creates a better operational feeling than when the pull-in force level is constant.

The change in the pull-in force levels F _{−1 to} F ₁ of the coordinates X _{2 to} X ₄ in the first and second regions 311 a and 311 _b causes the operation knob 120 to display the icon 311 even if the pointer 320 overshoots the icon 311. By giving a force sense in the center direction, the pointer 320 can be easily stopped at the center of the icon 311.

  In the haptic pattern 203, the pattern in the icon 311 is repeated for the other icons 312 and 313. Note that the haptic pattern 203 in the present embodiment has the same shape, but is not limited to this, and may be a pattern changed for each icon depending on the application, or at the position of the pointer 320. A pattern selected based on the pattern may be used.

(Viscous friction coefficient pattern 204)
As shown in FIG. 4B, when the pointer 320 moves from the left side of the icons 311 to 313 to the right side, the first regions 311a to 313a have a viscous friction force toward the centers of the icons 311 to 313. This is a region where force sensation that works greatly is generated.

The first pattern 314 is a pattern for generating a force sense that the viscous friction coefficient μ acts on the operation knob 120 between the coordinates X _{1 to} X ₃ (for example, the width W), and has a sawtooth shape. and, the viscous friction coefficient becomes a maximum value mu ₁ in the coordinate X _3.

The second pattern 315 is a pattern for generating a force sense that the viscous friction coefficient μ acts on the operation knob 120 between the coordinates X _{6 to} X ₈ (for example, width W), and has a sawtooth shape. and, the viscous friction coefficient becomes a maximum value _μ 2 (> _{μ 1)} in the coordinate _{X 8.}

The third pattern 316, the coordinate _X 11 _{to X 13} (e.g., width W.) between a pattern for generating a force, such as viscous friction coefficient μ is exerted on the operation knob 120, have a saw-tooth and, the viscous friction coefficient becomes a maximum value _μ 3 (> _{μ 2)} in the coordinate _{X 13.}

  The first to third patterns 314 to 316 make the pointer 320 easy to stop at the center of the icon by giving a force sense that the viscous frictional force acts on the operation knob 120.

  As described above, the viscous friction coefficient pattern 204 when the pointer 320 moves from the left side to the right side of the icon 311 is the first area as the distance from the pointer 320 increases as shown in FIG. The sense of force imitating the viscous friction force applied to the operation knob 120 at 311a to 313a gradually increases.

  In other words, the viscous friction coefficient pattern 204 is a pattern in which the maximum value of the viscous friction coefficient given to the operation knob 120 is increased in a plurality of icons on the display menu 310 based on the distance from the pointer 320.

  This viscous friction coefficient pattern 204 indicates that the viscous friction coefficient in the icons 311 and 312 is made smaller than the viscous friction coefficient in the icon 313 when the user performs an operation indicating the icon 313 with the pointer 320 instead of the icon 311. Thus, an unintended unnatural operation is prevented by a force sense applied to the operation knob 120.

  Hereinafter, the force sense received by the user when the pointer 320 shown in FIG.

Between the coordinates X _{1 to} X ₃ , the user receives a force sense corresponding to the pulling force level based on the force sense pattern 203 and the viscous friction force based on the first pattern 314 of the viscous friction coefficient pattern 204.

Between the coordinates X _{3 to} X ₅ , the user receives a force sense corresponding to the pulling force level based on the force sense pattern 203.

In between the coordinate _X 5 to X _6, the user is not subject to force.

Between the coordinates X _{6 to} X ₈ , the user receives a force sense according to the pulling force level based on the force sense pattern 203 and the viscous friction force based on the second pattern 315 of the viscous friction coefficient pattern 204.

Between the coordinates X _{8 to} X ₁₀ , the user receives a force sense corresponding to the pulling force level based on the force sense pattern 203.

In between the coordinate _X 10 _{to X 11,} the user is not subject to force.

Between the coordinates X _{11 to} X ₁₃ , the user receives a force sense corresponding to the pulling force level based on the force sense pattern 203 and the viscous friction force based on the third pattern 316 of the viscous friction coefficient pattern 204.

Between the coordinates X _{13 to} X ₁₅ , the user receives a force sense corresponding to the pulling force level based on the force sense pattern 203.

The right side coordinate X _15, the user is not subject to force.

(Regarding the viscous friction coefficient pattern 204 when the pointer 320 is positioned in the second area 311b of the icon 311)
FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between icons and pointers displayed on the display unit in the remote input device according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5B is an X corresponding to the display menu screen. It is an example of the force sense pattern which shows the relationship between a position and the drawing force level F of a X direction, (c) is a viscous friction coefficient pattern which shows the relationship between the X position corresponding to a display menu screen, and the viscous friction coefficient (mu) of a X direction. It is an example. Hereinafter, the viscous friction coefficient pattern 204 when the pointer 320 is positioned in the second region 311b of the icon 311 as illustrated in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, the haptic pattern 203 is the same as the haptic pattern 203 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5C, the viscous friction coefficient pattern 204 is roughly configured to include a fourth pattern 317, a first pattern 314, and a second pattern 315.

  The fourth pattern 317 is a mirror image of the first pattern 314. The fourth pattern 317 is formed corresponding to the second region 311 b of the icon 311.

  Hereinafter, a force sense received by the user when the pointer 320 illustrated in FIG. 5A is operated to the right side will be described.

From the position of the pointer 320 shown in FIG. 5 (a) up to the coordinates X _5, the user, depending on the viscous frictional force based on the fourth pattern 317 of the drawing force and the viscous friction coefficient pattern 204 based on the force sense pattern 203 Receive a sense of force.

In between the coordinate _X 5 to X _6, the user is not subject to force.

Between the coordinates X _{6 to} X ₈ , the user receives a force sense corresponding to the pulling force based on the force sense pattern 203 and the viscous friction force based on the first pattern 314 of the viscous friction coefficient pattern 204.

The user receives a force sense corresponding to the pulling force based on the force sense pattern 203 between the coordinates X _{8 to} X ₁₀ .

In between the coordinate _X 10 _{to X 11,} the user is not subject to force.

Between the coordinates X _{11 to} X ₁₃ , the user receives a force sense corresponding to the pulling force based on the force sense pattern 203 and the viscous friction force based on the second pattern 315 of the viscous friction coefficient pattern 204.

The user receives a force sense corresponding to the pulling force based on the force sense pattern 203 between the coordinates X _{13 to} X ₁₅ .

The right side coordinate X _15, the user is not subject to force.

  Subsequently, a force sense received by the user when the pointer 320 shown in FIG. 5A is operated to the left side will be described.

From the position of the pointer 320 shown in FIG. 5 (a) up to the coordinates X _3, the user, depending on the viscous frictional force based on the fourth pattern 317 of the drawing force and the viscous friction coefficient pattern 204 based on the force sense pattern 203 Receive a sense of force.

Between the coordinates X _{3 to} X ₁ , the user receives a force sense corresponding to the pulling force based on the force sense pattern 203.

The left side of the coordinates X _1, the user is not subject to force.

(Viscous friction coefficient pattern 204 when the pointer 320 is positioned between the icons 311 and 312)
FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between icons and pointers displayed on the display unit in the remote input device according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6B is an X corresponding to the display menu screen. It is an example of the force sense pattern which shows the relationship between a position and the drawing force level F of a X direction, (c) is a viscous friction coefficient pattern which shows the relationship between the X position corresponding to a display menu screen, and the viscous friction coefficient (mu) of a X direction. It is an example. Hereinafter, as shown in FIG. 6A, the viscous friction coefficient pattern 204 when the pointer 320 is positioned between the icon 311 and the icon 312 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, the haptic pattern 203 is the same as the haptic pattern 203 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6C, the viscous friction coefficient pattern 204 is the same as the viscous friction coefficient pattern 204 shown in FIG.

(Viscous friction coefficient pattern 204 when the pointer 320 is positioned in the second region 312b of the icon 312)
FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between icons and pointers displayed on the display unit in the remote input device according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7B is an X corresponding to the display menu screen. It is an example of the force sense pattern which shows the relationship between a position and the drawing force level F of a X direction, (c) is a viscous friction coefficient pattern which shows the relationship between the X position corresponding to a display menu screen, and the viscous friction coefficient (mu) of a X direction. It is an example. Hereinafter, as shown in FIG. 7A, the viscous friction coefficient pattern 204 when the pointer 320 is positioned in the second region 312 b of the icon 312 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 7B, the haptic pattern 203 is the same as the haptic pattern 203 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7C, the viscous friction coefficient pattern 204 is roughly configured to include a fifth pattern 318, a fourth pattern 317, and a first pattern 314.

  The fifth pattern 318 is a mirror image of the second pattern 315. The fifth pattern 318 is formed corresponding to the second area 312 b of the icon 312.

  Hereinafter, a force sense received by the user when the pointer 320 illustrated in FIG. 7A is operated to the right side will be described.

From the position of the pointer 320 shown in FIG. 7A to the coordinate X ₁₀ , the user can adjust the pull-in force level based on the force sense pattern 203 and the viscous friction force based on the fourth pattern 317 of the viscous friction coefficient pattern 204. Receive a sense of force.

In between the coordinate _X 10 _{to X 11,} the user is not subject to force.

Between the coordinates X _{11 to} X ₁₃ , the user receives a force sense according to the pulling force level based on the force sense pattern 203 and the viscous friction force based on the first pattern 314 of the viscous friction coefficient pattern 204.

Between the coordinates X _{13 to} X ₁₅ , the user receives a force sense corresponding to the pulling force level based on the force sense pattern 203.

  On the right side of the coordinate X15, the user does not receive a sense of force.

  Subsequently, a force sense received by the user when the pointer 320 shown in FIG. 7A is operated to the left side will be described.

From the position of the pointer 320 shown in FIG. 7 (a) up to the coordinates X _8, the user, and the viscous frictional force based on the fourth pattern 317 of the lead-in force levels and the viscous friction coefficient pattern 204 based on the force sense pattern 203 Receive a sense of force.

Between the coordinates X _{8 to} X ₆ , the user receives a force sense corresponding to the pulling force level based on the force sense pattern 203.

In between the coordinate _X 6 to X _5, the user is not subject to force.

Between the coordinates X _{5 to} X ₃ , the user receives a force sense according to the pulling force level based on the force sense pattern 203 and the viscous friction force based on the fifth pattern 318 of the viscous friction coefficient pattern 204.

Between the coordinates X _{3 to} X ₁ , the user receives a force sense corresponding to the pulling force level based on the force sense pattern 203.

The left side of the coordinates X _1, the user is not subject to force.

(Viscous friction coefficient pattern 204 when the pointer 320 is positioned between the icons 312 and 313)
FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram showing a positional relationship between icons and pointers displayed on the display unit in the remote input device according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8B is an X corresponding to the display menu screen. It is an example of the force sense pattern which shows the relationship between a position and the drawing force level F of a X direction, (c) is a viscous friction coefficient pattern which shows the relationship between the X position corresponding to a display menu screen, and the viscous friction coefficient (mu) of a X direction. It is an example. Hereinafter, as shown in FIG. 8A, the force sense pattern 203 when the pointer 320 is positioned between the icon 312 and the icon 313 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 8B, the haptic pattern 203 is the same as the haptic pattern 203 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 8C, the viscous friction coefficient pattern 204 is the same as the viscous friction coefficient pattern 204 shown in FIG.

(Viscous friction coefficient pattern 204 when the pointer 320 is positioned on the right side of the icon 313)
FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram showing a positional relationship between icons and pointers displayed on the display unit in the remote input device according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9B is an X corresponding to the display menu screen. It is an example of the force sense pattern which shows the relationship between a position and the drawing force level F of a X direction, (c) is a viscous friction coefficient pattern which shows the relationship between the X position corresponding to a display menu screen, and the viscous friction coefficient (mu) of a X direction. It is an example. Hereinafter, as shown in FIG. 9A, the haptic pattern 203 when the pointer 320 is positioned on the right side of the icon 313 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 9B, the haptic pattern 203 is the same as the haptic pattern 203 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 9C, the viscous friction coefficient pattern 204 is roughly configured to include a sixth pattern 319, a fifth pattern 318, and a fourth pattern 317.

  The sixth pattern 319 is a mirror image of the third pattern 316. The sixth pattern 319 is formed corresponding to the second region 311 b of the icon 311.

  Hereinafter, a force sense received by the user when the pointer 320 illustrated in FIG. 9A is operated to the left side will be described.

Between the coordinates X _{15 to} X ₁₃ , the user receives a force sense according to the pulling force level based on the force sense pattern 203 and the viscous friction force based on the fourth pattern 317 of the viscous friction coefficient pattern 204.

Between the coordinates X _{13 to} X ₁₁ , the user receives a force sense corresponding to the pulling force level based on the force sense pattern 203.

In between the coordinate _X 11 _{to X 10,} the user is not subject to force.

Between the coordinates X _{10 to} X ₈ , the user receives a force sense corresponding to the pulling force level based on the force sense pattern 203 and the viscous friction force based on the fifth pattern 318 of the viscous friction coefficient pattern 204.

Between the coordinates X _{8 to} X ₆ , the user receives a force sense corresponding to the pulling force level based on the force sense pattern 203.

In between the coordinate _X 6 to X _5, the user is not subject to force.

Between the coordinates X _{5 to} X ₃ , the user receives a force sense according to the pulling force level based on the force sense pattern 203 and the viscous friction force based on the sixth pattern 319 of the viscous friction coefficient pattern 204.

Between the coordinates X _{3 to} X ₁ , the user receives a force sense corresponding to the pulling force level based on the force sense pattern 203.

The left side of the coordinates X _1, the user is not subject to force.

  Below, operation | movement of the remote input device 1 is demonstrated, referring each figure.

(Operation)
An operation of selecting the icon 312 using the pointer 320 located on the left side of the icon 311 shown in FIG.

  In order to select the icon 312 of the display menu 310 displayed on the display unit 300, the user operates the operation knob 120 so that the pointer 320 moves to the right side.

  The control ECU 200 controls the display unit 300 by generating a control signal for moving the pointer 320 based on the signals output from the X-axis and Y-axis encoders 170 and 175.

  Further, the control ECU 200 selects the viscous friction coefficient pattern 204 based on the position of the pointer 320 before the user operates. The drive unit 201 of the control ECU 200 controls the X-axis and Y-axis motors 150 and 155 based on the force sense pattern 203 and the selected viscous friction coefficient pattern 204, and based on the force sense pattern 203 and the viscous friction coefficient pattern 204. The sense of force is transmitted to the user via the operation knob 120.

For example, when the user operates the operation knob 120 with an operation force between the pulling force levels F _{1 and} F ₂ , a force that assists the operation knob 120 in the operation direction in the first region 311 a of the icon 311. I feel a sense (F _-1 to zero). This force sensation follows a force sensation pattern 203 and then gradually decreases after maintaining a constant magnitude, and at the same time, a viscous friction force (viscosity coefficient of friction increases from zero to μ in a direction opposite to the operation direction). ₁ )) together.

Subsequently, in the second region 311b, the user feels a force sense (from zero to F ₁ ) in the direction opposite to the operation direction and does not feel a viscous frictional force. This force sense gradually increases according to the force sense pattern 203. The user, in the coordinate X _3, feel the direction of the force is changed.

Then, the user feels a constant force between the coordinates _X 4 to X ₅ of the second region 311b, in between the coordinate _X 5 to X ₆ which force is not applied, does not feel the force.

Subsequently, in the first area 312a of the icon 312, the user feels a force sense that is the same size as the first area 311a and is assisted in the operation direction. This force sensation is gradually reduced after maintaining a certain size according to the force sensation pattern 203, and at the same time, is larger than that felt in the first region 311a, and gradually larger in the direction opposite to the operation direction. The viscous frictional force (viscous friction coefficient is zero to μ ₂ ) is felt together.

Then, the user, coordinate X ₈ Oite, with feel the direction of the force is changed, no longer feel the viscous friction force. When the user feels this force sense, he recognizes that the pointer 320 has reached the center of the icon 312 and stops the operation.

(Effect of embodiment)
According to the remote input device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, an operation for moving the pointer 320 from an icon on the menu screen to another icon is easy without requiring complicated processing and control. In addition, the remote input device 1 creates a force sense using the force sense pattern 203 and the viscous friction coefficient pattern 204 as compared with an input device that creates a force sense from the force sense pattern. Excellent in properties.

  In the remote input device 1, since the viscous friction force based on the viscous friction coefficient pattern 204 increases as the distance from the pointer 320 increases, it is easy for the user to recognize that the pointer 320 has passed the target icon and to quickly change the operation direction. Then, the pointer 320 can be moved to the center of the target icon.

  Since the remote input device 1 gives a force sense to the user via the operation knob 120, the user can operate without moving the line of sight to the operation knob 120 or the like. Moreover, since the remote input device 1 gives an accurate force sense to the user, it is difficult for the pointer 320 to overshoot due to an erroneous operation.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and combinations can be made without departing from or changing the technical idea of the present invention.

  For example, the remote input device 1 may be partially executed on software, for example.

  For example, although the viscous friction coefficient pattern 204 in the X-axis direction has been described in the above embodiment, the viscous friction coefficient pattern in the Y-axis direction may be set similarly to the viscous friction coefficient pattern 204 in the X-axis direction. . Further, for example, the movement direction in the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction may be detected based on the movement direction of the pointer 320, and the viscous friction coefficient pattern 204 may be set based on the result.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Remote input device, 5 ... Driver's seat, 6 ... Center console, 7 ... Steering, 8 ... Instrument panel, 100 ... Remote operation part, 110 ... Base, 111 ... Cover, 120 ... Operation knob, 124 ... XY spherical surface Bearing, 125 ... Knob shaft, 130 ... X axis rack gear, 135 ... Y axis rack gear, 140 ... X carriage, 145 ... Y carriage, 150 ... X axis motor, 155 ... Y axis motor, 170 ... X axis encoder, 175 ... Y Axis encoder, 180 ... X-axis slide guide, 185 ... Y-axis slide guide, 190 ... input switch, 200 ... control ECU, 201 ... drive unit, 202 ... storage unit, 203 ... force sense pattern, 204 ... viscous friction coefficient pattern, 300 ... display unit, 310 ... display menu, 311 ... icon, 311a ... first region, 311b ... first 312 ... icon, 312a ... first region, 312b ... second region, 313 ... icon, 313a ... first region, 313b ... second region, 314 ... first pattern, 315 ... second 316 ... 3rd pattern, 317 ... 4th pattern, 318 ... 5th pattern, 319 ... 6th pattern, 320 ... pointer, 400 ... vehicle communication bus, 401 ... car navigation device, 402 ... air conditioner device

Claims (3)

A remote control unit that has an input switch, a position detection unit, and a two-dimensional drive unit, displays a pointer on a display screen on which a display menu is displayed, and performs a remote input operation;
A force sense pattern for giving a force sense in a specific range on a display menu for executing a specific function by selection or determination with a pointer, and the remote control unit as the pointer approaches a position where the pointer is stopped in the specific range An operation having a drive unit for applying a force sensation based on a viscous friction coefficient pattern imitating a viscous friction force in a direction opposite to the operation direction of the above and a position coordinate of the pointer to the remote operation unit A control unit;
A remote input device comprising:   2. The remote input device according to claim 1, wherein the viscous friction coefficient pattern has a maximum value of the viscous friction coefficient based on a distance from the pointer in a plurality of specific ranges on the display menu. The remote input device according to claim 2, wherein the operation control unit changes the viscous friction coefficient pattern based on a stop of the pointer detected by the position detection unit or a change in a movement direction of the pointer.

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