JP3551034B2 - Car navigation system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an in-vehicle navigation device, and more particularly to an in-vehicle navigation device having a function of prohibiting a traveling driver from performing navigation operations such as setting a destination.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known an in-vehicle navigation device having a function of prohibiting a driver from performing a navigation operation such as setting a destination while traveling in order to ensure safety during traveling. However, if the operation during traveling is uniformly prohibited, not only the driver but also the passenger (passenger passenger) who is not directly involved in driving the vehicle cannot perform the navigation operation, and when setting the destination, Had to stop the vehicle each time.
[0003]
Therefore, conventionally, a navigation device has been proposed in which a prohibition function is released so that a passenger can perform a navigation operation even while traveling. For example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-292261, two sensors for sensing pressure are provided on a steering wheel, and a driver operates the steering wheel to perform a navigation operation only under a condition in which both the two sensors are on. Acceptable devices are described. According to this, the two sensors indicate that the driver can hold the steering wheel with both hands and cannot perform navigation operation. Therefore, if the navigation operation is permitted under these conditions, the destination setting by the fellow passengers while traveling is possible. It becomes possible.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in a configuration in which the navigation operation is simply permitted while the two sensors are turned on, for example, when the two pressure sensors are always turned on due to a sensor failure, or the vehicle driver intentionally operates the pressure sensor. (For example, the pressure sensor is always kept on by an adhesive tape or the like), there is a problem that the navigation operation by the vehicle driver is allowed even during traveling.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the related art, and has as its object the failure of a sensor or a switch provided in a steering or the intentional on operation (that is, the on operation due to a cause other than a normal steering operation). It is an object of the present invention to provide an in-vehicle navigation device that prevents a navigation operation prohibition function from being erroneously released by a driver and allows a passenger to more reliably perform a navigation operation.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an in-vehicle navigation device having a prohibition function for prohibiting a navigation operation by a driver, comprising: an operation means operable while the driver holds a steering wheel; Is characterized by having control means for canceling the prohibition function when sequentially operated from an off state, a first on state, an off state, and a second on state .
[0007]
Here, the first ON state may be based on a short press operation of the operation unit, and the second ON state may be based on a long press operation of the operation unit. Further, the first ON state and the second ON state can be caused by a short push or a long push operation of the operation means.
[0008]
Further, the present invention is an in-vehicle navigation device having a prohibition function for prohibiting a navigation operation by a driver, wherein a plurality of operation means that can be operated while the driver is holding the steering wheel, and the operation means are both in an off state And control means for canceling the prohibition function when at least one of the operation means is sequentially operated from the on state to the off state within a predetermined time from the on state. It is characterized by.
[0009]
Further, the present invention is an in-vehicle navigation device having a prohibition function for prohibiting a navigation operation by a driver, wherein a plurality of operation means that can be operated while the driver is holding the steering wheel, and the operation means are both in an off state And control means for releasing the prohibition function when at least one of the operation means is sequentially operated from the on state to the off state within a predetermined travel distance from the on state within a predetermined time difference from the on state. It is characterized by the following.
[0010]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0011]
<First embodiment>
FIG. 1 shows a configuration block diagram of the present embodiment. A push switch 12 for triggering voice operation is provided on a column portion of the steering 10 (a left column portion of the steering in the case of a right-hand drive vehicle). The switch 12 is connected to a multimedia ECU (electronic control device) 14, and an on / off signal from the switch 12 is supplied to the multimedia ECU 14. On the other hand, a display ECU 16 for controlling a navigation function is provided, and a control signal from the display ECU 16, that is, an operation control signal output when an operator operates a touch switch on the display is supplied to the multimedia ECU 14. . The operation functions of the display ECU 16 include known navigation operation functions, such as setting a destination, scrolling the map screen, changing the scale of the map, and executing a route search. Further, the multimedia ECU 14 is an ECU that controls not only a so-called navigation function but also an Internet function using an in-vehicle telephone or transmitting / receiving information to / from an information center outside the vehicle. Accordingly, it is determined whether to permit or prohibit the control signal from the display ECU 16, and functions as a control means for controlling the navigation operation during traveling. Both the multimedia ECU 14 and the display ECU 16 can be constituted by microcomputers.
[0012]
The switch 12 is basically a push switch for triggering a voice operation, and is a switch attached to a column of the steering wheel 10. When the switch 12 is pressed for a short time, the multimedia ECU 14 permits a voice operation by the vehicle driver. In this mode, the navigation operation instructed is executed by recognizing the voice from the vehicle driver. On the other hand, if the vehicle driver presses the switch 12 for a short time and then presses the switch for a long time, the multimedia ECU 14 permits the control signal from the display ECU 16, that is, the navigation manual operation by the passenger, and executes the navigation function. I do.
[0013]
FIG. 2 shows a timing chart when the switch 12 is short-pressed and then long-pressed. In the figure, (a) shows the on / off timing of the switch 12, and (b) shows the timing at which the multimedia ECU 14 permits the signal from the display ECU 16 and permits the passenger to perform the navigation operation. During the time t1, the vehicle driver turns on the switch 12, then releases the switch 12 to turn off the switch 12 during the time t2. Thereafter, the switch 12 is turned on again, and the switch 12 is kept pressed for the time t3. As described above, when the long press operation is performed after the short press operation and the duration of the next ON operation continues for the predetermined time t0 or more (long press operation), the multimedia ECU 14 presses the switch 12 for a long time. During this period, the signal from the display ECU 16 is permitted, and the navigation operation is permitted.
[0014]
In this way, the navigation operation by the fellow passenger is not permitted when the switch 12 is simply operated, but only when the predetermined operation pattern, that is, the operation pattern of the long press operation after the short press operation, is performed. By allowing the navigation operation by the user, the navigation operation is not allowed and remains in the prohibited state even if the switch 12 is turned on (for example, the switch 12 is fixed with an adhesive tape) due to a failure of the switch 12 or a cause other than the normal steering operation. Further, the navigation operation by the vehicle driver during traveling is prohibited, so that further safety of the vehicle traveling can be ensured.
[0015]
The display operation unit (display ECU 16) is normally provided on the instrument panel between the driver's seat and the passenger's seat. In the case of a right-hand drive, the vehicle driver operates the switch 12 with the left hand (short press and long press). It is considered that it is extremely difficult to operate the display operation unit with the right hand at the same time (the operation by the driver while traveling is prohibited).
[0016]
FIG. 3 shows a processing flowchart of the multimedia ECU 14 in the present embodiment. In the figure, times t0, t1, t2, and t3 are the same as the times in the timing chart shown in FIG. 2, and α is a constant. In the figure, the multimedia ECU 14 first compares a pressing time (on time) t1 of the switch 12 with a predetermined reference time t0 (S101). The predetermined reference time t0 can be set to, for example, 2 seconds, and can be appropriately adjusted. When the pressing time t1 is shorter than the reference time t0 and it is determined that the operation is a short pressing operation, the off-state time t2 is compared with α · t0 (S102). When the OFF time t2 is longer than α · t0 (including a case where the time interval between two ON operations is long and a case where only one short press operation is performed), the multimedia ECU 14 shifts to the voice operation permission mode. (S106).
[0017]
On the other hand, if the off time t2 is shorter than α · t0, the next pressing time (on time) t3 is compared with a predetermined reference time t0 (S103). When the pressing time t3 is longer than the predetermined reference time t0 and it is determined that the operation is the long pressing operation, the multimedia ECU 14 shifts to the display operation permission mode as described above, and permits the control signal from the display ECU 16. Then, the navigation operation by the passenger is permitted (S104). The permission time is a time during which a long press operation is performed. When the pressing time t3 does not reach the predetermined reference time t0, that is, when the short pressing is performed twice, the multimedia ECU 14 simply shifts to the voice operation permission mode without permitting the navigation operation by the fellow passenger. (S106).
[0018]
If the first press time t1 exceeds a predetermined reference time t0, that is, if the press operation is not a short press but a long press, the multimedia ECU 14 cancels the voice operation (S107). In this state, the voice of the vehicle driver is not recognized, and the navigation operation is prohibited by either the voice or the display operation. Therefore, in the ON state due to the failure of the switch 12 or the intentional ON state (the fixed ON state using an adhesive tape or the like), the navigation operation is uniformly prohibited.
[0019]
In this embodiment, a long-press operation after a short-press operation is used as a predetermined operation pattern. For example, when the short-press operation is performed twice consecutively, a manual navigation operation during traveling is permitted. It is also possible to allow a manual navigation operation in the case of two long press operations. In short, a pattern different from the pattern in which the switch 12 is always on due to a failure or the like may be adopted as the predetermined pattern, and the navigation operation may be prohibited in an on operation other than the predetermined pattern.
[0020]
In this embodiment, the voice operation trigger switch is used. However, it is also possible to use another switch provided near the steering wheel, for example, a hook switch of a vehicle-mounted telephone.
[0021]
<Second embodiment>
FIG. 4 shows a configuration block diagram in the present embodiment. The steering is provided with two switches, a left switch 20 and a right switch 22. Note that the form and arrangement of these switches may be the same as in the related art. For example, when a driver selects a specific shift mode such as a sports mode or a manual mode, a switch that enables a shift by a driver's shift instruction while holding the steering wheel is used. . This switch is generally a momentary switch that performs an upshift or downshift with a single operation, and is provided on the front (driver side), back (side facing the instrument panel side) or both sides of the steering. Have been. FIG. 6 shows an example of the arrangement of the switches, in which a-switch, which is a downshift switch, is provided on the front, and a + switch, which is an upshift switch, is shown on the back (in FIG. (In actuality, the switch is provided at substantially the same position as the-switch.) When the + switch is operated during manual mode selection, an upshift is executed, and when the-switch is operated, a downshift is executed. .
[0022]
On / off signals from the left switch 20 and the right switch 22 are supplied to the operation permission control unit 24. An ignition on / off signal from an ignition switch (I / G switch) 26 is also supplied to the operation permission control unit 24.
[0023]
Further, a vehicle speed pulse generator 28, a display 30, a navigation operation unit 32, and a navigation ECU 34 are provided as a navigation function unit. Based on an operation signal from the navigation operation unit 32, the navigation ECU performs a predetermined navigation function, that is, a destination setting. And various functions such as route search and display of map data and recommended route on the display 30. When it is determined that the vehicle is running based on the signal from the vehicle speed pulse generator 28, the operation from the navigation operation unit 32 is prohibited.
[0024]
Further, in the present embodiment, the navigation operation prohibition function of the navigation ECU 34 is also controlled based on a control signal from the operation permission control means 24. That is, when the operation permission signal is output from the operation permission control unit 24, the navigation ECU 34 permits the operation from the navigation operation unit 32 even during traveling. The operation permission control unit 24 is specifically an ECU (electronic control device) configured by a microcomputer, and functions as a control unit in the present embodiment.
[0025]
FIG. 5 shows a processing flowchart of the operation permission control means 24. First, it is detected whether or not the ignition is turned on based on a signal from the I / G switch 26, and it is determined whether or not both the steering left switch 20 and the right switch 22 are off when the ignition is turned on. (S201). This process is performed to determine whether the left switch 20 and the right switch 22 are out of order and whether these switches are intentionally turned on by an operation other than the normal steering operation (fixed to the on state with an adhesive tape or the like). ) Is determined. If both the left steering switch 20 and the right steering switch 22 are off when the ignition is turned on, it is determined that these switches are functioning normally and 1 is set as the permission flag (S202). When the ignition is turned on, the switches 20 and 22 are not turned on because the steering wheel is not normally gripped or the steering wheel is gripped lightly (the operating pressure of the pressure switch may be adjusted so that the switch is not turned on when the steering wheel is gripped lightly). ), If it is off when the ignition is on, it is considered that it functions normally. On the other hand, if either or both of the left switch 20 and the right switch 22 are turned on when the ignition is turned on, it is determined that a failure state or some abnormal state has occurred, and the permission flag is set to 0. (S203). Note that setting the permission flag to 0 means that the navigation operation while the vehicle is running is uniformly prohibited as described later.
[0026]
After the permission flag is set when the ignition is turned on as described above, it is determined whether or not the vehicle speed is 0, that is, whether or not the vehicle is running, based on the vehicle speed signal from the vehicle speed pulse generator 28 (S204). . If the vehicle speed is not 0, that is, if the vehicle is traveling, it is determined whether or not the permission flag is set to 1 (S205). If the permission flag is not set to 1, that is, set to 0, the operation permission control means 24 does not output a permission signal to the navigation ECU 34, and the navigation ECU 34 responds to a signal from the operation permission control means. The navigation operation by the navigation operation unit 32 is prohibited (S210).
[0027]
On the other hand, if the permission flag is set to 1, it is determined whether both the left steering switch 20 and the right switch 22 are turned on (S206). When the vehicle driver is holding the steering wheel with both hands, the left switch 20 and the right switch 22 are turned on. When the vehicle driver is holding the steering wheel with only one hand, only one of the switches is turned on. Become. Therefore, if NO in S206, that is, if the vehicle driver is not holding the steering wheel with both hands, the operation permission control means 24 sends a permission signal to the navigation ECU 34 as in the case where the permission flag is set to 0. No output is performed, and the navigation operation by the navigation operation unit 32 is prohibited, and the navigation operation by the driver is prohibited. On the other hand, when both the steering left switch 20 and the right switch 22 are turned on, it is further determined whether or not the time difference between the turning on of both switches is within a predetermined time T1 second (S207). This determination is a process for determining whether or not the vehicle driver has operated the left switch 20 and the right switch 22 substantially simultaneously, that is, whether or not the vehicle driver has gripped the steering wheel with both hands substantially simultaneously. If the time difference is not within the predetermined time T1 seconds, the navigation operation during traveling is prohibited (S210). In this process, for example, after the ignition is turned on, the vehicle driver fixes the left switch 20 to the on state with an adhesive tape or the like, turns the right switch 22 on with the right hand, and performs the navigation operation while the driver operates the steering with only the right hand. It is for prohibiting doing.
[0028]
On the other hand, when the permission flag is set to 1, the left switch 20 and the right switch 22 are both turned on, and when the left switch 20 and the right switch 22 are turned on substantially simultaneously, both the switches are further turned on. It is determined whether or not the predetermined time T2 seconds or more is continuous (S208). This determination is made, for example, by the vehicle driver fixing both the left switch 20 and the right switch 22 to an on state with an adhesive tape or the like after the ignition is turned on (or turning on one switch with one hand and turning on the other switch with an adhesive tape or the like). In this case, the navigation operation during running is prohibited (S210). If the ON state of both switches is not continuous for more than T2 seconds (if the switches 20 and 22 function normally, they are temporarily turned off for steering operation on a curved road or the like), the left switch 20 and the right switch The navigation operation by the navigation operation unit 32 is permitted only while both the switches 22 are in the ON state (S209). The time required for the navigation operation for the passenger to input the destination or the like is considered to be about 1 to 2 minutes, and thus the reference time T2 can be set to, for example, 120 seconds. Of course, the value of the reference time T2 can be set as appropriate, such as 60 seconds or 90 seconds.
[0029]
In order to determine whether or not the driver is operating the steering wheel with both hands, the determination based on only S206 in FIG. 5 is sufficient. However, in order to perform more accurate detection, the determination in S206 and S207 is performed. It is preferable to use a combination or a combination of S206, S207, and S208.
[0030]
As described above, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that two switches provided on the steering wheel are operated substantially simultaneously as a predetermined operation pattern, and it is not possible to simultaneously turn on the two switches in a normal steering operation when the ignition is turned on. The function to prohibit navigation operation even if the vehicle is running on the condition that it has not been turned on in the absence of any condition and that both switches have not been turned on continuously for a predetermined time or more. It is possible to further improve the safety by enabling the operation by the fellow passenger while reliably prohibiting the navigation operation by the vehicle driver in the middle.
[0031]
In the present embodiment, it is confirmed that both switches are not turned on when the ignition is turned on, so that both switches are not malfunctioning and are not intentionally fixed to the on state, but the present invention is not limited to this. It can also be confirmed in other ways without being done. For example, it can also be confirmed by determining whether or not both switches are off when the driver operates the side brake. In short, it is checked whether both switches are turned on under the condition that both switches are not turned on in normal steering operation, and if both switches are turned on other than during normal steering operation, navigation operation The prohibition state may be maintained.
[0032]
Further, in this embodiment, when both switches are on for a predetermined time T2 or more, the navigation operation is prohibited assuming that both switches have failed at some point after the ignition is turned on or are intentionally fixed to the on state. However, it may be determined whether or not both switches are on for a predetermined traveling distance or more, not for a predetermined time. The determination based on time or distance is arbitrary and equal.
[0033]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to reliably prevent the navigation operation by the vehicle driver while traveling, and to enable the navigation operation by the fellow passenger, thereby improving the usability and reliability of the navigation system.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a timing chart of the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a processing flowchart according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a configuration block diagram of another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a processing flowchart of another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a switch arrangement according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
Reference Signs List 10 steering, 12 switches, 14 multimedia ECU, 16 display ECU, 20 steering left switch, 22 steering right switch, 24 operation permission control means, 32 navigation operation unit, 34 navigation ECU.

Claims (5)

An in-vehicle navigation device having a prohibition function for prohibiting a navigation operation by a driver,
Operating means that can be operated while the driver holds the steering wheel,
Control means for canceling the prohibition function when the operation means is sequentially operated to an off state, a first on state, an off state, a second on state ;
An on-vehicle navigation device comprising: The device of claim 1,
The in-vehicle navigation device according to claim 1, wherein the first ON state is based on a short press operation of the operation unit, and the second ON state is based on a long press operation of the operation unit. The device of claim 1,
The on- vehicle navigation device is characterized in that the first ON state and the second ON state are caused by a short press or a long press operation of the operation means . An in-vehicle navigation device having a prohibition function for prohibiting a navigation operation by a driver,
A plurality of operating means that can be operated while the driver holds the steering wheel;
The prohibition function is released when both of the operation means are turned on within a predetermined time difference from the off state, and at least one of the operation means is sequentially operated to the off state within a predetermined time from the on state. Control means for performing
An on-vehicle navigation device comprising: An in-vehicle navigation device having a prohibition function for prohibiting a navigation operation by a driver,
  A plurality of operating means that can be operated while the driver holds the steering wheel,
  The prohibition function is activated when both of the operation means are turned on within a predetermined time difference from the off state and at least one of the operation means is sequentially operated from the on state to the off state within a predetermined traveling distance. Control means for canceling,
  An in-vehicle navigation device comprising:

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